Mr. Darcy arrived as scheduled at Gracechurch St. The stone houses were fashionable and well kept, and he admired their simple appearance. He briefly wondered if he would have thought the same before meeting Elizabeth. Because of her, he wished to think well of this place and the people inside, and he remembered from his last visit that he need not exert himself to like the Gardiners. They were intelligent, respectful, and engaging. Shrugging his thoughts aside, he knocked on the door to be let in. The butler ushered him into the sitting room swiftly, where Mrs. Gardiner and Jane were ready with coffee and a few muffins.
The sly grins on their faces made Mr. Darcy grin slightly as well. "I hope your family are all in good health." he said as he claimed the seat across from the ladies.
"We are all quite well. I was so happy to have a letter from my sister so soon after her last." Jane's excitement could not be contained as her smile grew wider with each word. "It would appear there have been many happenings at Rosings. My sister's spirits had been low since the fire, but this most recent letter was filled with such charm and ease that clearly showed how happy you had made her. I congratulate you on securing her hand."
"I am glad that she is happy. I must speak to Mr. Bennet before I can accept your congratulations. I ride to meet him today."
"Oh, he ought to be as delighted as I am, though he will be loath to part with Lizzy, for she is his favorite."
Mrs. Gardiner interrupted, "Jane, dear, Mr. Bennet is a sensible man, and he will welcome such an intelligent, well-mannered prospective son-in-law. You must forgive me, Mr. Darcy, for making such assumptions but as you have earned the respect of Lizzy, I have no doubt you are a gentleman of the highest caliber. If Lizzy has written to him, your task will not be as arduous in Hertfordshire as Lizzy hinted at in her letter."
Mr. Darcy did not know what to think. What had Elizabeth written? His confusion clearly showed, for Jane quickly offered to show him the letter, if that would put him at ease.
"I should not like to read an account not meant for me." He responded, though he was dearly tempted to agree forthwith.
"Nonsense. In our family, all our correspondence is shared. You ought to get used to it before you say something private in a letter to someone other than Mr. Bennet." Jane smiled as she pulled the letter out of a book on the side table. "There is nothing Lizzy would not wish you to hear. It would do you good to know how favorably she looks upon your betrothal."
Mr. Darcy took the letter and opened it carefully. Smiling as he sensed a hint of her scent rise from the pages.
"Dearest Jane,
"I hope Bingley is as good a suitor as my dear Darcy, for you deserve the best. I watched you suffer in agony after his desertion, and for no better reason than a misunderstanding. At least, that is my current view of the situation. I could be angry at those who deliberately acted to make Bingley think you indifferent, but I have let the matter drop. Your letters show me you are happy now, and that is all that matters. Anger cannot change the past, only hamper our current joy, and my joy is so overflowing at the moment that I shall not think about that anger for another moment. All is forgiven by me as I am sure you have forgiven all parties.
"I hope my aunt makes Darcy comfortable, for he has a couple of arduous tasks ahead of him. His first, a visit to Hertfordshire, will test his patience considerably. Perhaps Henry can help distract him from his troubles while he visits.
"Now I must impart some advice you will perhaps not like to hear. I must make a request of you. I need you to share your heart with Bingley and show him you desire his love. He was convinced of your indifference. Do not make him doubt your affection now. I should love nothing more than to make such worthy men brothers by marriage. I have done my part, now you must do yours. Miss Bingley always wished to be sister to Miss Darcy, and you can make this happen."
Mr. Darcy stopped reading as he choked on his coffee reading about Miss Bingley. He blushed as he apologized and continued reading.
"You must convince Bingley to propose. Have faith and flirt with him. What would Lydia do? No, that is too drastic, and I would not recommend that. Be yourself but believe that his ardor matches yours. I hope you will be as happy as I am, secure in the affections of my betrothed.
"Yours, etc. Lizzy"
Mr. Darcy handed the letter back, feeling a bit sheepish having read about Bingley, but he was relieved to see that Elizabeth's affection for him seemed genuine. "Mr. Bennet will have already received Elizabeth's letter about our understanding. I will call again on my return so that you may have the earliest tidings of our betrothal."
He would have risen and excused himself, suddenly eager to get to Hertfordshire, but young Henry barged into the room and hurried to Mr. Darcy's side, leaning over Mr. Darcy's legs to get as close as he could. "Mr. Darcy! Mr. Darcy! You will play with me. I am ever so much better now."
Mrs. Gardiner attempted to pull her son away, explaining that Mr. Darcy had a long ride ahead of him, but Mr. Darcy waved her off. "There is time for a few rounds of chucks. Do you have your blocks?"
Jane and Mr. Darcy settled on the floor to play with Henry, who quickly fetched his game. Mrs. Gardiner watched them play, satisfied that Elizabeth had chosen very well for herself.
When the time came for Mr. Darcy to set off for Hertfordshire, Henry led his mother and cousin to the stables to see him go. Mr. Darcy quickly taught Henry the proper bows to make, for he at first was curtseying like his mother, and bade him well. "My sister will visit while I am away, for I am eager for her to meet your family. She was not as good at chucks, so I hope you will teach her the finer points. Then we may have a proper tournament when I return." Mr. Darcy lifted himself into the saddle, tipped his hat, and rode off.
Henry refused to return to the house until Mr. Darcy turned a corner and was out of sight. "A proper tournament. I must practice every day!" Henry yelled as he ran back into the house. Jane and Mrs. Gardiner returned at a more sedate pace, laughing at such delight.
Mr. Darcy arrived in Hertfordshire early enough to pause at the inn in Meryton to refresh both him and his horse. He could not have such an important discussion caked in mud from the road. Thankfully, the servants were efficient enough that he was made presentable directly.
As he left the inn, he noticed a group of young ladies speaking with a few officers near the millinery shop. He recognized the voice of the youngest Miss Bennet. Wondering if he should stop to greet the Bennets as Bingley undoubtably would, he paused. The decision was taken from him when Lydia Bennet recognized him and shouted for all to hear. "There is Mr. Darcy. Perhaps he can help. Mr. Darcy!"
Concerned for her, Mr. Darcy dismounted, handed his horse to the servant who had barely just given him the reins back, and made his way to Miss Lydia's side.
"There is such a to do!" Miss Lydia began. "Mr. Wickham has been arrested. How can this be?"
Mr. Darcy's look of surprise told everyone this was news to him. Miss Kitty took Lydia's arm and declared, "Ha! See, he is just learning of this, so it cannot be his fault. I was right!" At his look of confusion, Miss Kitty explained, "Mr. Wickham has been arrested for failing to pay his creditors. Sir William, our magistrate, was the first to notice that he was dressed in better finery than the others. Worried Mr. Wickham might be overspending at the shops, Sir William began making enquiries. With the militia planning to depart in a month, the store owners called in their debts, worried they would not be paid."
Mr. Darcy was quiet for some time. The news was a shock, though not because Wickham had debts. The shock was that he had not scampered before getting caught. He looked at the crowd gathered. These were the people he had disdained. His task was to return to their good graces "I have known Mr. Wickham for most of my life. Though it saddens me that a childhood friend has been imprisoned, I am not surprised. I have bailed him out far too often."
"You must bail him out again. He is too handsome to be imprisoned. He had asked me to dance the first set at our next assembly." Miss Lydia swished her skirt with pride as she said this.
"I do not see why his debts are in any way related to me." Mr. Darcy coldly replied.
"You are the reason he had to join the militia, for he was to be a clergyman and set for life. He is too handsome for this treatment." Miss Lydia pouted.
Mr. Darcy was silent as everyone looked to see how he responded. He hated having to lay out his private affairs. A thought struck him, and he looked to the officers and asked how much Wickham owed them.
The officers looked between themselves a few times before Mr. Denny spoke up. "Close to 100 pounds. The shop keepers were owed more, though they did not realize it until they spoke to each other and added the sums."
"The living at Kympton would have earned him barely 50 pounds per annum after the cost of servants. He has not been here for half a year, and his debt is more than that. Do you really believe such a man fit to be a clergyman?"
This logic was undeniably sound, and the officers nodded in agreement. The other ladies in the group announced that they needed to return home, so the officers offered their escort. This left just the Misses Bennet for Mr. Darcy to offer to escort home.
Lydia was silent for the walk. She was not satisfied with the outcome, but she could not deny Mr. Darcy's statement.
Instead, Mr. Darcy spoke with Miss Kitty about his horse. She had always been fascinated by horses, but their own horse was too busy and too plain to entertain her. Mr. Darcy felt at ease with her simple questions.
Mr. Darcy was so engrossed with his conversation with Kitty that he forgot to be nervous about the task ahead of him until they entered the gate and Longbourn came into view. He sighed, bringing Lydia out of her reverie.
"Mr. Darcy, are you calling at Longbourn?" Lydia asked bluntly.
"Yes, I have business with your father." Mr. Darcy replied, his stomach filling with nerves all at once. Elizabeth was happy and her father wished for her happiness, he reminded himself.
Lydia giggled, causing Mr. Darcy to wonder if he had spoken aloud, but Lydia would not elaborate, and Kitty seemed to be as confused as he. He sighed in relief that he had not exposed himself.
At the door, the ladies ushered him to Mr. Bennet's door, knocked twice and opened it before Mr. Bennet could respond before hurrying down the hall and out of sight. Mr. Darcy stood awkwardly in the doorway wondering if he should enter without Mr. Bennet's consent or stare in from the door until he was bidden to enter.
Mr. Bennet was sitting at his desk with a polishing rag in one hand and the hilt of a sword in another. He did not appear pleased as he said, "Ah, you plan to barge into my sanctuary. I suppose you had better come in."
Mr. Darcy slowly entered, noticing a box of dueling pistols were sitting on the table, already polished and cleaned. He gulped, his thoughts escaping him as he tried to remember his purpose.
"I have a question for you, Mr. Darcy."
"I should be happy to answer any questions." He said, though he thought that he would prefer to ask his question instead.
"You have a younger sister, so you are used to the care of vibrant young charges." Mr. Darcy thought Mr. Bennet knew more about vibrant young charges, but he listened attentively as Mr. Bennet continued, "Tell me, Mr. Darcy, how you would react to learning someone had compromised your sister."
Mr. Darcy swallowed. Where was this conversation going? "I might be inclined to run him through." He stated, staring at the sword in Mr. Bennet's hand. What had Elizabeth said of him?
"Precisely my thoughts, Mr. Darcy." He put the sword down in its case and turned towards Mr. Darcy, clasping his hands together on top of his desk. "With that said, what is your purpose here?"
Mr. Darcy stared at Mr. Bennet, wondering if he should be blunt or attempt to lighten his mood first. "I have no intention of dueling you today or any other day."
"Of course not! Why should you duel with me? I have never wronged your sister. I have never even met her. Besides, such is not in my nature." He chuckled as Mr. Darcy shifted uncomfortably. "It is your nature that is in question at the moment."
"My nature?" Mr. Darcy repeated.
"Yes, your nature. Have you wronged me, Mr. Darcy?" Mr. Bennet leaned forward for emphasis. "I have heard such differing accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly, even from the same person. Your character is baffling. What should I make of the reports from Kent?"
"My intentions are honorable. I have come to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."
"I wish you had done so before compromising her." Mr. Bennet sighed dramatically. "She is my favorite daughter. Should I doom her to a life of misery to protect the reputation of the rest of my daughters? Or should I simply call you out?"
Mr. Darcy's heart was racing frantically. "I did not mean to…"
"Most compromises begin with not meaning to. Funny how our hearts stray when our minds stop thinking."
"The compromise was not of the usual sort. My intention was to propose to her. The fire..."
"The fire very conveniently threw you together." Mr. Bennet finished for Mr. Darcy, who was beginning to stutter.
"No, I have behaved properly."
"So, you swear there is no foundation to the rumors that are spreading here and in Kent!"
"The majority of the rumors are false. I never touched her until she accepted my hand." Unbidden, the memory of her passionate kiss caused him to blush. "She had fallen out the window and I came to her aid."
"Spare me the details of how you ruined Elizabeth. I have no choice but to give my consent now." He rose and moved towards the door. "I shall have my challenge. Follow me." Without waiting for a reply, he opened the door and disappeared.
Bewildered, Mr. Darcy followed Mr. Bennet across the hall, where a billiard table stood proudly in the center of the room. Before he could sigh in relief, Mr. Bennet handed him a cue stick. "If I win, you have to present Lydia for a season in town. If you are going to take the most sensible daughter, you must also take the silliest." He chuckled. "You look absolutely terrified, young man. If you are to marry Elizabeth, you had better get used to being teased. Here, read what she planned." He pushed a letter into Mr. Darcy's hand and moved to the decanter. "I suppose we ought to drink to your future felicity. With a wife like Elizabeth, you will need some fortitude." He handed Mr. Darcy a drink. "Do you promise to protect her and keep her in health?"
"Yes." he said, dumbfounded and not quite ready to laugh at his experience.
Mr. Bennet laughed again. "You are taking the jewel of Hertfordshire. I cannot think you deserve her, but she clearly has chosen you. Had she not, my pistols would have been useful. I was quite a good shot in my youth." Without waiting for Darcy, who was still standing there holding his drink and Elizabeth's letter, he began his first shot. "Read your letter while I score more points. You shall have your turn in a bit."
Mr. Darcy took a deep breath before sipping the brandy. Slowly, Mr. Bennet's words sank in. He had the man's consent to marry Elizabeth. There was never going to be a duel. Curious, he unfolded the letter.
"Dear Papa,
"I have sent you a diversion in the form of a suitor. When you invite him into your presence, you shall hate him for he wishes to make a deal for your most prized possession: me. He might even say that you cannot refuse his suit for there is a compromise. You could also take the approach that he is not worthy for the scandal marring his family, for his cousin eloped this week.
"You may do all of this and be as merry and mischievous as you wish, but the one thing you cannot do is deny his suit. If you do, I shall never forgive you, and I will never grant you access to our library at Pemberley, which I hear is extensive and filled with first editions.
"I love him more than you can imagine, especially since you will recall my feelings when I left Hertfordshire. I will reach my majority this year, so refusal would only raise my ire and give me time to think of many ways to torture you for your delay of the inevitable. I will be Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley.
"Your dearest daughter, Elizabeth
"p.s. Challenge him to a game of billiards. You will not be disappointed."
Feeling more himself, Mr. Darcy folded the letter and returned it to Mr. Bennet's keeping. "My life with her will never be dull, I imagine."
Mr. Bennet chuckled. "I have dreaded this day for some time. I knew someday someone would come for her hand. Someone would recognize her worth." His tone turned sad. "I had hoped for at least a few more years." He missed his next shot.
Mr. Darcy set his drink down and took his first aim. "I have not the patience to wait years. I believe Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth intend to marry in a joint ceremony this summer."
"I was not aware Jane was inclined to marry. Her suitor had disappeared."
"Bingley has reappeared. After listening to poor advice, he realized he has been miserable without her. I suppose he will be the next to hurry to your door. Hopefully, he will not need to see your pistols for your amusement."
As they continued to play, Mr. Darcy explained what had happened in Kent and London. Mr. Bennet asked probing questions when Mr. Darcy attempted to be brief and was soon in possession of the most pertinent facts.
"From the sound of the letter from Kent, Mr. Collins and your aunt wish to make some mischief. My cousin encouraged me to refuse your suit on the grounds of there being another match more desirable for you. You cannot read that letter, for it was burned to preserve my sanity for it contained many poor phrases aimed at Elizabeth. My cousin has no notion of what a spine is for. He resents that Elizabeth refused him and will now marry into a very fine family."
Mr. Darcy nodded, unsure how to respond. "When my cousin marries, there will be no speculation on my potential union with any other. As nothing untoward happened, we will not rush with a special license. The banns could be read as soon as possible." The two shook hands in agreement, the chest of one rising with hope for the future. The chest of the other deflating with resignation that his favorite daughter would wed and move away.
AN: If you wish to follow me, I post on facebook as Lorraine Hetschel, Author and on post . news as lorihetschel. Best to all, and I look forward to your opinions on this chapter.