Chapter 18b~ Schemes of Felicity
Mr. Wickham had begun to wonder about Mr. Bennet's motives for putting Miss Mary so frequently before him. The brief friendly commeraderie that had begun to develop with Miss Elizabeth became awkward and uncomfortable after the ball. She did not admire him and he was wise enough to attempt to think no more of her. Miss Mary, with her narrow opions and her adamant determination to adhere to them, was a very poor substitute if Mr. Bennet had any thoughts of that kind. He could not believe that she did; Miss Mary disapproved of him exceedingly, though he was troubled that her eyes were frequently fixed on his face.
During one visit in March he learned of Mr. Darcy's presence at Rosings and heard all of the hopes Mrs. Bennet had built from it. Wickham discomfort revealed that he was very little recovered from his recent infatuation and in consequence decided that he should not be present when The eldest Miss Bennets returned for the celebration. He would spend that fortnight in London looking into his business affairs and then visit his Aunt Susan in Kent. Miss Elizabeth, he learned, would travel with the Bingleys soon after the wedding – a circumstance that brought him comfort. He would have two months more before he must meet her as a common, indifferent acquaintance.
Bingley escorted Jane and Elizabeth to Longbourn with only a week remaining before the wedding day. Darcy had indeed spoken to his friend and was forgiven as easily as he had expected to be. He would arrive in Hertfordshire soon afterwards. Elizabeth chose to listen to Jane on the question of Mr. Darcy. If she could rely on the testimony of one distant friend with some unpleasant stories from his youth, she could likewise rely on the testimony of two close friends who spoke well of him. With her concerns now cleared away she looked at their previous interactions and gave herself permission to feel the full compliment of them. Mr. Darcy was not a perfect man, he was vain and thoughtless but he wished to improve. That was a very admirable trait and it made her wish to improve as well. It was decided; she desired the courtship, and she was very much anticipating his return.
They had not been in the house for an hour before their mother demanded that Jane's trunks be opened. Their sisters all gathered in the room to examine and admire the garments Jane had selected for her trousseau. Lydia, disappointed that all the attention was on someone else and envious of her sister's stylish garments, soon expressed her discontent.
"It is most unfair that Jane has so many pretty clothes when I shall have only one new muslin. And she is marrying Mr. Bingley who can buy her an hundred new gowns!"
"Lydia, my love, when you are married you shall have as many pretty dresses as Jane! You must not fret now, to be sure it will not be very long before it is your turn."
This was some consolation, but as Carter and Denny now danced attendance on that spare and freckled Miss King her hopes of being married before the officers all went away to Brighton were withering. She resented Mary, for it appeared to Lydia that she had been proposed to by one gentleman already and now that dull curate seemed to be courting her. It would be too humiliating to have her plainest sister married before she was. Since her come out she had secretly dreamed of the triumph it would be to marry before all her sisters. Jane was to have that honour, just as everyone could have expected and there was no fun in doing anything so ordinary. A handsome wealthy gentleman in their very own neighbourhood, banns read – everything humdrum and uninteresting.
When Darcy arrived and dined at Longbourn he made an effort to be civil – depending neither on excessive charm or false flattery – to all of the bennets. Mrs. Bennet would have wondered at this alteration had she not been too distracted by her favourite daughter and Mr. Bingley to take any notice of it. Elizabeth felt the new respect in his manner and was very pleased by the change; encouraged that her trust in him was well placed. A few days later she went with Jane to Netherfield to welcome Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst back to Hertfordshire. The ladies said all that was affectionate and charming. They attempted to make amends for every previous appearance of incivility by claiming that they were 'exceedingly happy' and 'nothing could be more charming' almost ruining any semblance to sincerity by adding that 'they had never been so fond of anyone before.' Jane would not believe the last sentiment but she was far from moved by their efforts to make her feel welcome and attributed it all to their affection for their brother. When they left, Jane confessed as much to Elizabeth who answered her:
"If you are satisfied, dearest, I will be too. Time alone will teach us how they mean to go on and I do believe they are fond of you. Indeed who would not be?"
When they returned Mr. Bennet informed his second daughter that he had had a visitor.
"He seems an extraordinarily foolish gentleman, Lizzy. And our friend Wickham is not very fond of him."
Half in hopes that he had misread his daughter before, he scrutinised her face for any hint of discomfort. There was no sign of it Elizabeth lightly lifted her shoulders smiling a bemused smile as she returned to her natural stance and meeting her father's eye explained her reasons.
"Mr. Wickham has proven himself in his conversation and behaviour to be a principled man.
Nevertheless as he has admitted that his information is second hand and because I have now two other gentlemen, whose character I have no reason to doubt, each from their own experience speak of Mr. Darcy in very complimentary terms. I feel confident that there has been some exaggeration, a man very strict in his opinions may consider a light offence of many years ago evidence of a greater villiany than is deserved. Mr. Darcy has proven to have a most flattering devotion and tries to please me. I can only admire him for it. I have no dowry, no connexions that could tempt him to deceive me. I find him amusing and he is certainly eligible. I consent very willingly to a courtship." No longer believing it possible she teased her father by adding, "It is possible that he simply insists that every lady he chooses to distinguish must be charmed by him. Time alone will prove his sincerity."
Her father's doubtful smile brightened when she laughed and said, "He is very good you will like him."
"He simpers and smirks and flatters us all prodigiously, what is there to complain of."
The gentlemen arrived in the afternoon and Bingley eagerly suggested they all take a walk.
"I have spent my morning in the offices and although Darcy has been riding, as it is a very fineday, I think we must all benefit from some sunshine."
Jane and Elizabeth were entreated to join them but Lydia insisted that she make one of the party. Mrs. Bennet, though she had not yet been informed, had suspicions and demaned aloud that she take Kitty along. Drawing Lydia aside she explained,.
"Now, my girl, you and Kitty must walk very slowly, for Mr. Darcy called on Mr. Bennet this morning and you know Mr. Darcy did dance with Lizzy at the ball and asked particularly to walk with her. I think he wants only an opportunity to propose to her and you mustn't get in the way."
This left Lydia very put out, for now three of her sisters would likely marry before her. She decided she would rather not walk after all.
Kitty was then forced to walk with Mary. Mrs. Bennet made no effort to warn them to stay behind for Mary was so careful of dirt that there would be no need for any hint.
The walkers set forth, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth outstripping them all. Having witnessed her bright smile when he arrived that day Darcy was confident of his reception and was eager to find some recess in the garden where he might speak to her. The moment they arrived at a shady retreat in the Bennet's little wilderness he hesitated, reminded of his behaviour the last time he drew her apart in this way.
"I fear I've bungled things already, I will not hide you away but I must speak to you. You have spoken with your father?" She smiled but did not answer he needed certainty and pressed, "And are you pleased? Do you welcome my attentions?"
"I do. You have been so much more - - " uncertain of the word she paused.
Heady with success he ventured to tease her, "As I have hardly grown more handsome and have not attempted to charm, I can scarce imagine what has improved."
"Respectable was the word but I feared I might offend you. I see now that a peacock cannot be shamed and I will not attempt to protect you."
"Well I suppose there is always room for another feather or two. I am called respectable and I am valued, perhaps trusted, by a worthy woman. It is to be hoped that my vanity is being transformed into pride."
"That is hardly better sir."
"Pride is not always a vice. Pride under good regulation becomes a virtue."
"Sir, do you really suppose yourself capable of keeping it under good regulation?"
"Not at all, but if I marry prudently my wife will manage it well enough." She blushed at this, and he added with a more sober expression. "As promised, I did acquire the license and" producing it from his coat he offered it to her. "I am happy to give it into your keeping."
Surprised at the confidence this very regal document – with the impressive seal and signature of a bishop – inspired in her. The power it gave her over the gentleman before her was thereby changed from empty words to a very tangible and precious thing. She gazed at it for a few moments, Darcy, supposing only that she was confirming its validity remained silent. After she placed it into her reticule she looked up at him with "I love you" shining from her eyes and glowing in her rosy cheeks. Fearful of breaking the spell Darcy's only response was in his warm smile. The charm was not allowed to linger long, for Jane and Bingley had by that time caught them up – Jane as conspicuously red as Elizabeth.
The foursome walked to the folly together. It was an unimpressive Greek temple, overgrown with vines giving it more the appearance of a fairy palace. There Bingley discussed his plans for the wedding trip. They would go first to Yorkshire to meet family and continue North, perhaps visiting Scotland. Darcy invited them to stop at Pemberley. Jane hesitated to accept, worried her sister would not be comfortable, but Lizzy gave her hand a simple squeeze and she was immediately reassured and answered that it would be delightful. They would remain a week on their journey North and a fortnight on their return. Darcy had one offer more to make:
"I will be honoured if, when you travel to Scotland, you will stay at my estate there and treat it as your own."
"I would not want to impose, will you not join us?"
"It is no imposition I assure you. I will remain quietly at home ready to welcome you when you return." He had addressed his friend quite naturally at the beginning but just as naturally his eyes met Elizabeth's when he said 'home' making her catch her breath and quickly withdraw her gaze lest they noticed which, of course, they were not for their chaperone were far more interested in one another.
As no one else was listening, Darcy added, "I will leave immediately after the wedding Breakfast. I wish to greet you when you arrive."
As it happened the lover's had all tarried quite long enough for even Mary to catch them up and Kitty's complaints about the warmth of the sun and the number of bugs soon made them all eager to return to the house.