April – May 1812

Mr. Thompson arrived at the appointed time to fetch his dear granddaughter. During the drive to Derbyshire, Elizabeth told her grandfather about Darcy's marriage proposal, her many doubts, and her response.

Elizabeth didn't know that two weeks ago, her grandfather – who had sensed Mr. Darcy's interest in his granddaughter - had hired an investigator to find out as much as possible about Mr. Darcy. So far, what he had learned was encouraging. He was considered by most people to be an honorable, fair man and a good master. There was no indication he had anything to do with Diana Stevens's undoing, and it was also known he had fallen out with the late George Wickham years ago. He had no known mistress or lovers, no gambling debts, and no illegitimate children.

Mr. Thompson encouraged Elizabeth to take her time getting to know Mr. Darcy better before making a permanent commitment. The other complex subject they discussed was her friendship with Jane and the possible repercussions if she accepted Mr. Darcy's proposal.

After listening carefully to Elizabeth's concerns about Jane, he replied, "I understand your doubts, but I disagree with you. You are not betraying Jane since Mr. Darcy is not interested in her but in you."

"But he was interested in her first!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

Mr. Thompson shook his head. "No, Lizzy. He never had any real interest in Jane. If Mr. Darcy doesn't marry you, he will not marry her. Do you agree with me?"

Elizabeth nodded slightly. "Yes; but…"

Mr. Thompson interrupted her and added, "Have you ever done or said anything to separate Mr. Darcy from Jane?"

"No!" She exclaimed vehemently.

"So, you are not betraying her, Lizzy. It is not your fault Mr. Darcy isn't interested in her." He looked into her eyes. "Regardless of whether or not you marry Mr. Darcy, your relationship with Jane is no longer the same as it was a year ago…"

Elizabeth felt more relieved after the long conversation with her grandfather, although she still felt a trace of guilt that would take a long time to get over.

During the first days spent at Sandstone - her grandfather's estate - Elizabeth spent her time decorating her rooms, walking the different paths of the estate, and talking with her grandfather. To her delight, the house had a large library, as her grandfather - like her - was an avid reader. In addition, her grandfather had recently bought a new piano for her.

On the fifth day after her arrival, Darcy came for the first time to visit her there and he had an honest conversation about his wishes and intentions with her grandfather.

Mr. Thompson expressed some concern, mainly due to Elizabeth's doubts about him and her feelings, and asked him some questions. After several minutes of discussion, Darcy finally said, "Mr. Thompson, I understand your concerns. I know your granddaughter has many doubts, and I assure you that I am willing to give her all the time she needs to get to know me better."

Mr. Thompson nodded slightly, and Darcy added, "I want to court her properly. May I have your consent to visit her at Sandstone?"

"What would happen if my granddaughter decides she doesn't want to continue the courtship?"

Darcy sighed. "I hope that doesn't happen, but I would respect her wishes. I promise I would never force her to do something she doesn't want."

After a few seconds, Mr. Thompson looked him in the eye and nodded. "You have my consent, Mr. Darcy."

The gentlemen shook hands and returned to the music room, where Elizabeth was playing the piano. Darcy looked at her, enthralled. The first time he heard her play at Sir William's house came to mind; that was the first time he paid attention to her, and from then on, he inadvertently fell in love with her. It was hard for him to realize his feelings, but now he saw everything much clearer: he loved her irrevocably. When she finished playing, he applauded her heartily.

Darcy stayed with them for lunch, then strolled and talked with Elizabeth for nearly an hour. Unfortunately, he had to leave early because he had a ride of almost three hours back to Pemberley. He was happy and optimistic that he could win Elizabeth's heart with patience and show her how much she meant to him.

PPP

During the second week at Sandstone, to Elizabeth's surprise, she received a letter from Jane. It had been over a month since she had heard from her. Unfortunately, the relationship between them was no longer the same.

1st May 1812

Longbourn, Hertfordshire

Dear Lizzy,

I hope you and your grandfather are in good health. Fortunately, we are all well at Longbourn. The only news is that the Bingleys recently returned to Netherfield Park. But apparently, Mr. Darcy isn't coming back this year. Georgiana also told me they do not intend to renew the lease on the estate since they want to live in the north of the country.

I also wanted to tell you in July I am going with the Gardiners on a trip to Derbyshire. I don't know if you remember that my aunt hails from Lambton. From what I understand, the village is less than five miles from Pemberley. I would like to see you during my stay there, or perhaps I might impose on you to stay with you and your grandfather for a few days.

My parents and sisters miss you very much and want you to come back to Longbourn. My mother is very sorry for what she said to you a few months ago, and she has earnestly asked me to convince you to come back home.

I also want you to come back. I miss our conversations very much, and I feel very lonely in Longbourn.

With love,

Jane Bennet.

Elizabeth didn't know exactly what to think and feel about Jane's letter and visit. On the one hand, she was happy she had written to her, but on the other hand, she was afraid of Jane's reaction and feelings if she found out that Mr. Darcy had proposed to her. She was not sure if Jane was over her infatuation with Mr. Darcy. Despite her grandmother constantly reassuring her that it was not her fault that Mr. Darcy was interested in her and not Jane, she still felt a bit guilty.

She thought about telling Jane that Mr. Darcy had proposed to her some weeks ago, but finally decided against it. At the moment, Mr. Darcy was simply courting her, and nothing had been settled between the two of them. Jane would be in Derbyshire for a few days, and she would speak to her personally about her relationship with Mr. Darcy only if Mr. Darcy was still courting her by then.

After several failed attempts, she finished writing the response to Jane's letter.

8th May 1812

Sandstone, Derbyshire

Dear Jane,

Thankfully, my grandfather and I are very well. I am glad everyone is well at Longbourn. The first days in Sandstone were very busy, but I am already adjusting to my new life. I recently received a letter from Georgiana in which she mentioned they are looking to buy an estate in Derbyshire.

I am glad you are coming to Lambton for a holiday, and we will certainly see each other during your stay. We would be happy to invite you to spend a few days with us at Sandstone. You have to confirm the date you will arrive so we can make all the preparations.

Tell your parents and sisters. I remember them fondly, but I am currently very happy living with my grandfather and have no wish to return to Longbourn.

With love,

Elizabeth Bennet