October - November 1814
Many times, the best plans fail due to situations occurring which are completely out of our control. A few days before leaving for Scotland, Mr. Gardiner was coming home from his warehouse later than usual when a thief pushed him down, intending to rob him. Unfortunately, when he lost his balance and fell, he also sprained his ankle. As quickly as he could, he managed to get home, and immediately, a very worried Mrs. Gardiner sent for a doctor.
After examining Mr. Gardiner's ankle, the doctor ordered him to rest for at least 15 days. Unfortunately, this meant the trip to Scotland had to be delayed for at least two weeks. The doctor assured her uncle that, if he followed instructions, he would be fine. Sadly, they probably wouldn't be able to arrive to Scotland before Lydia's child was born.
She knew it was dangerous for a young woman to travel that far alone. She wrote an urgent letter to Darcy and another to Mary, explaining the changes in their plans. Finally, with a heavy heart she wrote a letter to Lydia to update her on the situation.
A week later, to Elizabeth's surprise, an elegant carriage pulled up outside the Gardiners' house. In the carriage were the housekeeper and butler of Darcy's London house, who were also a married couple. They told Mr. Gardiner that at Mr. Darcy's request they were coming for Miss Bennet; they had urgent orders to escort her to Pemberley. They also had two letters, one for Mr. Gardiner and one for Elizabeth, wherein Darcy explained the plans he had put in place so that Elizabeth could reach Scotland on time.
Very grateful and amazed at what Darcy was doing for her family and for her, she immediately set off to pack and an hour later – with her uncle's consent - she was on her way to Derbyshire.
The trip to Pemberley passed without incident. Her traveling companions were very kind to her and ensured her comfort at all times. When they arrived at Pemberley, Darcy and Georgiana were waiting for her at the entrance. When she saw Darcy in the doorway with a look of genuine concern, she realized that what she wanted most at that moment was for him to hold her and tell her that everything was going to be alright.
Even though Elizabeth had previously been to Pemberley, she was so focused on Lydia's predicament that she paid no attention to the mansion. She curiously looked around the luxurious main hall, noting that it was tastefully decorated in light colors, with stunning wallpapers and modern and elegant furniture. There were beautiful flower arrangements and exquisitely-designed porcelain ornaments on the tables.
Darcy and Georgiana invited her to the family dining room for refreshments. Subsequently, Georgiana accompanied her to an elegant bedchamber in the family wing so she could freshen up and rest in comfort.
An hour later, Elizabeth met with the siblings in the grand hall again. Then, they went to Darcy's office to discuss the arrangements he had already made for the trip to Scotland. They would leave early the following morning.
Afterwards, Georgiana and Darcy gave her a special tour of the most beautiful rooms of the mansion. Elizabeth was in awe when they entered the great library. There were hundreds of books and even some manuscripts from the Early Middle Ages. Amazed, she exclaimed, "You have an impressive collection, Mr. Darcy! It is the first time I have seen so many books together in a private collection!"
Darcy smiled broadly and proudly replied, "This library is the work of many generations of Darcys. As you know, Georgiana and I are avid readers and enjoy adding new titles to our collection." He pointed to a book on a small table, and added, "Including the novels of a talented young writer we have the privilege of knowing."
Elizabeth picked up her second novel, and at that moment, she spotted a stunning glass cabinet with five old books – Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, Romeo and Juliet and Henry V. Quite surprised, she asked, "Are those first editions of the books?"
Darcy and Georgiana nodded, and Darcy replied, "Yes, I have several first editions of various books, including Milton's books." With a warm smile, he added, "Of course, you can choose any of the books that you would like to bring with you to Scotland."
Elizabeth smiled warmly, "Thank you, Mr. Darcy…"
The three continued talking about some of the rarest books in the library, and Darcy showed her an inventory of the titles. Despite the vast and impressive collection of books, the library was well organized and it was very easy to find a specific book.
Half an hour later, they made their way to the familiar dinner room and Mrs. Annesley joined them. A few minutes later, a footman served the first of three courses. During dinner, they talked about lighter topics, like books and music, to avoid talking about Lydia's situation. After dinner, they retired to their respective bedchambers. They would have to wake up very early the following morning and leave for Scotland.
PPP
Due to the bad weather, it took them seven days to reach their destination. During those days, Elizabeth had the opportunity to get to know Darcy and Georgiana even better. Mrs. Annesley was an excellent companion and conversationalist, and Elizabeth liked her very much.
With each passing day, she was more impressed with Georgiana and Darcy.
Elizabeth discovered she had to add to all of Darcy's good qualities that he always looked after the comfort of the people in his care. He made reservations for the best rooms in the best inns along the route, and even made sure that his servants had adequate accommodation and enough food, to ensure everyone had a comfortable trip.
He was a man used to acting and looking for solutions to problems, that was clear. Georgiana was one of the sweetest, most intelligent young women she had ever met, and if Elizabeth married Darcy, she would be glad to have her as a sister. Darcy was undoubtedly an excellent brother, and, from what Elizabeth perceived, he was surely going to be a very good father and husband. He had a strong sense of family, and was always willing to put others before himself.
On the other hand, with each passing day, Darcy was finding it more difficult to control his emotions, but he knew this was not the right time to propose to her again. He believed he should at least wait until Lydia had her child, and preferably until they returned from Scotland and Lydia was returned to her relatives.
PPP
As soon as they arrived at Darcy's estate, the siblings accompanied Elizabeth to the cabin where Lydia was living. When they arrived, they found that the child had been born three days ago, and Lydia was pale and delirious with a high fever. There was a young woman they didn't know nursing the baby, a boy, in a corner. While a visibly tired young maid tried with cold clothes to bring down Lydia's fever. The nurse was not there, and according to the maid, the last time she had seen her was before Lydia gave birth.
Darcy immediately sent for the most renowned doctor in Edinburgh. He arrived within two hours, and after thoroughly checking over Lydia, he had a serious conversation with the Darcys and Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was quite nervous and was the first to ask the doctor about her sister's condition. The doctor sadly replied, "Mrs. Smith is currently in critical condition. Due to childbirth, she had a bad infection and high fever. I gave her some laudanum to help her sleep since she is in pain and needs to rest."
Elizabeth's face blanched. She knew that some women died due to infections after childbirth. With a trembling voice, she asked, "What can I do to help Mrs. Smith get better?"
The doctor sighed and sincerely replied, "There is little you can do. You can apply cold cloths to her body to prevent the fever from rising, and feed her liquids. Besides, try to get her to eat some broth." He looked her in the eye and added, "But I warn you, you should prepare for the worst."
Elizabeth took a deep breath to keep from crying as she clenched and unclenched her fists several times. She was determined not to let her emotions get the best of her. Georgiana hugged her tightly, and Darcy walked the doctor to the door in order to speak with him for a few more minutes.
Shortly after Darcy and Georgiana returned to Darcy's estate, Elizabeth decided to stay at the cabin with Lydia. Elizabeth personally took charge of following the doctor's orders, and with very little rest, she dedicated herself body and soul to caring for her sister.
They were some of the worst days of Elizabeth's life, and she would never forget them. Lydia was often feverish, and her breathing was labored. In her delirious state, Lydia called for George Wilks, begging him to come back and take her to Lambton. She called for her mother several times and even for Kitty. It was a heartbreaking situation for Elizabeth, and she tried her best to soothe Lydia's pain and desperation.
The maid took turns with Elizabeth to care for Lydia. Darcy and Georgiana visited Elizabeth and Lydia twice a day, bringing food, laudanum, and a special tea that Darcy's housekeeper said had healing properties. Even Georgiana offered to help her take turns taking care of Lydia.
On the second day, Elizabeth was at the cabin when the Morrisons came to fetch the baby. They were very sad for Lydia, since they had become fond of her in the last few months. Elizabeth knew she couldn't keep the child, but she was heartbroken when the Morrisons took him away with them.
The following day, Darcy visited the Morrisons and took it upon himself to pay the wet nurse's salary for the year. Besides, he gave the Morrisons £50 for the additional expenses of the child. Mr. Gardiner would later take it upon himself to open an account in the Morrison's name with £1,000 to go towards child support.
On the third day, Elizabeth's efforts were finally rewarded, and Lydia's fever dropped dramatically. Darcy sent for the doctor again, and this time, the doctor announced that the worst was over. Lydia would survive.
PPP
Lydia's recovery was much slower than expected because she was very weak and depressed from everything that had happened. She never even met her child, as the couple who adopted him came to claim him while she was still insensible. She knew it was best for everyone involved, but she had in the last few months - and especially during the days when she was on the verge of death - dreamed that Wilks would come looking for her, they would marry and raise their child together.
Lydia would spend several hours without speaking, lost in her thoughts and barely answering Elizabeth's questions. To Elizabeth's concern, she found Lydia crying uncontrollably several times. In was clear that Lydia had changed a lot in the past months; she was nothing like the lively and brazen young woman she had been; now she was sullen and withdrawn.
Even though it wasn't necessary, as soon as Lydia was able, Darcy sent a carriage to transport her the short distance to the estate. Lydia stayed in one of the guest bedrooms. Elizabeth, Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley spent several hours a day with her, and even Mr. Darcy cared for her well-being; he frequently tried to get the cook to make her favorite meals.
Lydia became aware of the difference between Mr. Darcy's relationship with Elizabeth and Mr. Wilks' relationship with her. Mr. Wilks had never looked at her with the love that he saw in Darcy's eyes when he looked at Elizabeth. Mr. Wilks never listened to her with the attention that Mr. Darcy listened to her sister, or felt for her the respect that Mr. Darcy felt for her sister. She knew that it would not be easy for a gentleman to love her with that level of devotion, but in the future, she would be wiser, and she would not make the same mistakes of believing pretty words.
With each passing day, Elizabeth fell more and more in love with Darcy. Every day they walked alone in the gardens before breakfast and found excuses to see each other at all times of the day. On one such morning, Elizabeth excitedly told Darcy that she had received a letter with the happy news that her uncle had sold her third novel for £200. Darcy, very pleased with her new success, and entranced by the expression of happiness in her eyes at that moment - despite the fact that he had promised to wait until he returned to London – he told her again that he loved her.
"I am very happy, but l am not surprised. I read the draft of your novel and it was a very good story." Darcy took both of her hands and, looking into the eyes that had so long bewitched him, added, "Please, tell me Miss Bennet if It's presumptuous of me to assume that we will have the same happy ending that Mr. Fitz and Miss Beth Bendon have in your novel?"
Elizabeth, very flushed, and with a big smile, simply replied, "Mr. Darcy, you are not being presumptuous. I wish for a happily-ever-after for us."
Darcy knelt down, kissed both her hands and said, "My beloved Elizabeth, I know that since we met, I have made many mistakes, for which you have kindly forgiven me. I know that I do not deserve you, but I appeal again to your generosity and ask that you give me the opportunity to prove for the rest of my life that I love you. I will always do my best to be worthy of you, and I humbly ask you to do me the great honor of accepting my marriage proposal, to let me love you, and care for you for the rest of our lives."
Elizabeth impulsively leaned down, hugged Darcy, and responded with a tender kiss.
PPP
Neither Lydia nor Georgiana were in the least surprised when Darcy and Elizabeth told them they were engaged. They had seen the two of them together for several days, and it was clear that they were in love. They were a perfect match. They both congratulated the couple warmly, especially Georgiana, who had wanted Elizabeth to be her sister for several months.
That day, at Darcy's request, the Cook took extra time to prepare a special meal to celebrate the occasion.
Two days later, the doctor gave Lydia permission to make the long journey back to Lambton.
Seven days later, they arrived in Lambton.