Chapter 17
"Excuse me, sir, but I do not understand," Elizabeth replied. She did not understand what was occurring and wanted to end that conversation immediately.
"I know it must be hard for you to understand. I am aware that my attitude towards you has led you to believe I shall never declare my admiration for you. During the months we have lived together, my affection for you has transformed into a passionate love. I have always admired your optimism and intelligence, but seeing how you have protected and guided my sister, I have appreciated even more those beautiful qualities that you possess." Mr. Darcy paused to collect his thoughts and continued with the second part of his declaration. He wanted Elizabeth to realize all he was willing to do for her.
"Believe me, it has not been easy to make this decision. I imagine you know very well that, given the enormous social differences, a union between us is somewhat forbidden for a gentleman of my rank. But despite all that, I am willing to put aside all my fears and ask you to be my wife." Mr. Darcy was happy; he had managed to say everything he wanted and awaited Elizabeth's response.
"In such cases as these, I believe the established mode is to express a sense of obligation. But I cannot. The love you have professed must not be as strong as you think if it took you so long to make the decision to propose. Furthermore, looking for a good companion and guide for your sister should not be one of the reasons to choose a wife." Elizabeth gave the most direct answer she could because she did not want to continue another second in that man's presence.
Mr. Darcy was confused but also angry. He never thought Elizabeth would reject him, especially not in that contemptuous manner. "Do you not think, Miss Bennet, that you should at least explain why you reject me with so little consideration?"
"And what do you expect me to say, Mr. Darcy? That I could never love the man who considers me inferior, so inferior that he must tell me that marrying me is a sacrifice. Or would you rather hear, sir, that I could never accept a man who considers my sister unworthy of his friend's love?" Elizabeth said, unable to contain her anger. "From the first moment I met you, Mr. Darcy, I was shocked to see how you treated everyone you considered inferior to yourself. And all my doubts concerning your character, sir, were confirmed when Mr. Wickham told me of the cruel manner you treated him..."
"Wickham? Miss Bennet, I shall demand you never to speak to me about that scoundrel again. That man does not deserve anything." Mr. Darcy was furious and could not believe that Elizabeth had believed that evil man's lies. I had good reasons for keeping my friend away from your sister, but I doubt you can comprehend them. But I understand she has married, so that should not be important now."
"You are right, sir. My sister is fortunate to have a husband who respects and appreciates her. The truth is that I do not want to continue talking to you about my sister or my family because I know very well what you think about all of them."
"I did not know, Miss Bennet, that you had the talent to read my mind," Mr. Darcy replied bitterly.
"Will you deny that you believe my mother and sisters are not worthy of your consideration? Or that you consider my Uncle Gardiner inferior to you because of his profession. You know very well that you hate everything I represent and have made it very clear in your declaration. I am sorry, sir, but I believe it is best to stop wasting our time discussing this matter."
"You are right, Miss Bennet. Thank you for clearly explaining what you think of me; do not worry; I shall not bother you again. Now, if you will excuse me, I must return to Rosings to have dinner with my family." Mr. Darcy said and continued walking.
Elizabeth stood in the middle of the road, wondering what to do. Although she did not want to, she couldn't help but cry. Then he started running towards the meadow. She did not wish to return to the parsonage until she was calm. Unfortunately for her, the sky darkened, and within minutes, it began to rain profusely. Elizabeth tried to take shelter among the trees but could not avoid getting wet.
For his part, Mr. Darcy wandered for several minutes thinking. He blamed himself for confessing his admiration to a woman who did not deserve it. Furthermore, the fact that she had believed Wickham's lies hurt him deeply. He had been so sure that Elizabeth loved him that discovering that she despised him had been a considerable blow to his ego. Unfortunately, he was so blinded by anger that he could not reflect on his actions since he had met Elizabeth.
When he finally arrived at the mansion, Mr. Darcy was utterly soaked. Unfortunately, his aunt was looking out the window when she saw her nephew enter the Rosings and went in search of him to tell him everything she thought of his irresponsible action.
"Darcy, I cannot believe what you have done. Suddenly, you disappear and arrive an hour later, soaked, and who knows where you were. It is time you come to your senses, start acting like a Darcy, and assume your duty to your family."
"Assume my duty to my family? I hope you do not mean that, Lady Catherine. Since I assumed control of the Darcy family estate, I have done nothing but work and collaborate as much as I can with you and Lord Matlock." Mr. Darcy felt emotionally exhausted and did not want to have to listen to his aunt's unfair reproaches.
"You know very well what I mean, Darcy," cried Lady Catherine.
"Well, no, aunt, I do not know what you mean."
"Then I shall tell you, and I hope I do not have to repeat it. Before you return to London, we will set your wedding date. This time, I shall not allow you to leave without resolving that matter."
"I thought we had already discussed this on more than one occasion and that you knew my opinion on the matter. But since I see that you have not understood what I have explained on countless occasions, then I shall tell you bluntly. I SHALL NEVER MARRY ANNE…Neither she nor I desire this union, and there is nothing you or anyone else can do to force me..."
"DARCY, I SHALL NOT ALLOW YOU…"
At this point, the conversation was so agitated that Georgiana, Richard, and Anne heard the screams from the drawing room. Fortunately, the Collinses had already returned home.
"I am sorry, Lady Catherine, but I shall go to my room... Do not wait for me for dinner; I shall ask my valet to bring me something to my room."
"I AM NOT FINISHED TALKING TO YOU, YOUNG MAN."
"But I do; I have nothing more to say."
Fortunately for Mr. Darcy, Richard and Georgiana arrived at that moment. They were in charge of distracting Lady Catherine so Mr. Darcy could go to his room. For her part, Anne could not help but smile, thinking that her plan had worked.
When Mr. Darcy arrived at his room, he took off his wet clothes and threw himself on the bed, completely defeated. A few hours ago, he thought he had finally achieved the peace, love, and tranquility he had desired for so long. Yet, at that moment, he felt more alone and miserable than ever.
Meanwhile, at the parsonage, Mr. Collins could not stop talking about how excellent and generous Lady Catherine was, while Charlotte could not stop looking out the window. One of the maids had informed her that Elizabeth had gone out for a walk, but it was almost dark, the rain had not stopped, and she had not yet returned.
After almost two hours, Elizabeth finally managed to find her way back. She was soaked and shivering from the cold. Fortunately, when she arrived at her friend's house, Mr. Collins was locked in his office writing the Sunday sermon following his esteemed patroness' instructions.
"Elizabeth, where were you?" Charlotte asked worriedly.
"I am sorry, I went out for a walk and got lost in the rain," Elizabeth responded, shivering.
"Let us go to your room so my husband does not realize what is happening. Take off your wet clothes, and come to my room so you can dry your hair by the fireplace. In the meantime, I shall ask the cook to heat a bowl of soup for you."
"Thank you, Charlotte," Elizabeth replied.
"You have nothing to be grateful for, dear. Go to your room," Charlotte replied. She suspected that something had happened to her friend and that it was somehow related to Mr. Darcy. She had seen him leave as soon as they reached Rosings, and on the way home, she saw him from the carriage as he crossed the Rosings garden, also soaked.
'Eliza, I hope you were practical this time and did not waste an excellent opportunity.'
P&P
"Is this man your husband, Miss Bennet? When did you marry him? Why?" Mr. Bingley asked, bewildered. "Miss Bennet, allow me to offer my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father; the truth is that I found out very recently and…"
Jane noticed that Andrew was angry and looked at him to let him know that she would resolve the inconvenience. So, he decided to control his jealousy as best he could and give his wife a chance to clarify the matter.
"Mr. Bingley, I got married almost two months ago, and thanks to my husband, it has been much easier to cope with the pain of losing my father and my home. I thank you for your sincere condolences, and I shall extend them to my family."
Louisa, Mr. Hurst, and Caroline finally reacted and came over to greet Jane. She tried to stay calm and be as polite as she could, introducing them to her husband and hoping she would not have to spend more time with them.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Norton. My family and I had the opportunity to meet Jane a few months ago when our brother leased an estate in Hertfordshire. Unfortunately, the area where Netherfield was located did not meet the requirements of elegance and sophistication to which we are accustomed. So we left that place and will probably buy an estate in another county," Caroline said dismissively. She was furious and would not allow Jane to feel triumphant, much less think she was above her.
"Buying an estate is an important investment; it makes perfect sense that when you decide to buy one, you do it in a place where you feel content and comfortable," Andrew replied seriously. Jane had never told him about those people, and he did not like to think badly of people he did not know, but he assumed Miss Bingley was very unpleasant.
"Of course, my Lord, although money is not that important to us. Oh, Jane, that gown is very pretty, much nicer than any gown I have seen on you before. You are no longer mourning, as far as I can tell," Caroline remarked, looking at Jane with contempt.
"I am in half-mourning, Miss Bingley," Jane clarified. In fact, her dress was a very pretty but discreet dark blue.
"So I see… Well, it has been a pleasure to see you. Needless to say, if you need assistance in society or choosing your wardrobe, Louisa and I can help you, of course, if we have time. My sister and I are always busy because we have many friends, all important people. But if you let us know in advance, we can dedicate a few hours to you and show you the most exclusive shops in the city that you should not know."
Caroline said this with such contempt that Louisa became very nervous. She noticed Lord Norton's face very disturbed, and she wanted to avoid problems, so she wanted to divert the course of the conversation.
"Are you living in London, Jane?"
"Yes, Mrs. Hurst. We shall be in London for a few weeks and then travel to Somerset. My husband's estate is located there."
"Our estate, my dear," Andrew added and kissed Jane's hand. He was on the verge of losing patience but did not want to create an awkward situation for Jane.
Mr. Bingley was speechless. He felt a mixture of confusion and sadness when he saw Jane with the man who was her husband. For his part, Mr. Hurst realized that Caroline was trying to humiliate Jane and to help Louisa ease the tension, he engaged in small talk with Andrew.
"My cousin, Mr. Walker, has an estate in Somerset. I always spent summers with him as a child, and I have fond memories of that area," Mr Hurst said. "I believe my uncle was a friend of the late Baron Norton, and the balls your mother offered were famous. Everyone always prayed to be fortunate and receive an invitation."
"So they say, undoubtedly, Agnes was always very popular in society. That lady is not my mother, just my father's wife," Andrew corrected.
Caroline was unhappy. She did not want the conversation to take another course and insisted on attacking the new Baroness. "Jane, I imagine you are no longer living in Cheapside. Surely, your husband's house is located in another part of the city."
Jane took a deep breath and responded forcefully to Caroline. A few months ago, she would have remained silent and ignored her, but she was a new person who had learned to defend herself and those she loved. "I lived in Cheapside at my uncle's house for less than a month when I first arrived in London. It was in those days when I visited you and your sister before I met my husband."
"Miss Bennet, did you visit my sisters months ago? I did not know…" said Mr. Bingley. Then, looking at his sisters, he added, Why did you not tell me? How could you hide something like that from me?"
Louisa and Mr. Hurst were growing increasingly nervous. Mr. Bingley was very tense, and Caroline had a defiant attitude toward Lord and Lady Norton.
"Mr. Bingley, I do not think that matters anymore, at least not to me. It is best that you have this conversation with your family later," Jane said to calm Mr. Bingley.
"Charles, Jane is correct. At home, we can talk about this more calmly," said Mr. Hurst, patting his brother-in-law on the shoulder.
Lady Margaret noticed Andrew was very uncomfortable, and Jane was upset. She thought that, indeed, those social climbers were trying to monopolize her attention at all costs, so she decided to go over to help the young couple.
When Caroline saw the Countess next to Jane, she knew it was her chance to put that woman in her place. It did not matter if Jane Bennet had married a Baron; she was still a poor woman with relatives in trade and a vulgar mother and sisters.
"Jane, forgive me for not asking before. How is Eliza? I hope she is well and has gotten used to working as a companion to my dear friend Georgiana. I must tell you that she has been very fortunate to find employment with a family that must pay her an excellent salary and does not ask her to eat in the kitchen with the rest of the servants" Caroline said with a triumphant smile.
Jane could not believe how venomous and ill-intentioned Caroline could be, and Andrew did not want to continue listening to that woman's impertinence without saying anything. But before they could intervene, the Countess came to Elizabeth's defense.
"Excuse me, Miss Bingley, but where did you get that information?"
"My Lady, I do not know if you are aware, but Georgiana and I are excellent friends. She told me that Eliza was accompanying her at Pemberley," Caroline said, believing she had gotten the Countess's attention.
"Yes, Miss Bingley. Lizzy was accompanying my niece in Pemberley. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to meet Lady Norton's sister and introduced her to Georgiana. They became good friends, and Georgie, seeing Elizabeth so sad about the loss of her father, decided to invite her to spend a few months with her in Pemberley. In fact, Lizzy is in Kent now because she accompanied my niece in a family emergency."
"I understood that Eliza was working to help her family. If you do not know, my Lady, with the death of Mr. Bennet, Jane, and her family lost the family estate."
"Excuse me, Miss Bingley, are you implying I am lying? I just explained the situation to you, and you insist on contradicting me," Lady Margaret replied angrily. She had lost patience with Caroline.
"No, of course not. I just wanted to make sure you received the correct information," Caroline said, trying to defend herself.
"I understand, but I hope, Miss Bingley, now that you know how the events occurred, do not discuss this matter anymore. Please, do not dare disagree with me in society. I would not like to have to contradict you in public."
"Of course, my Lady, do not worry. My sister understood perfectly. I do not think we should continue with this conversation," said Louisa, supported by her husband.
"My Lady, my sister understood your explanation perfectly. She will no longer discuss Miss Elizabeth Bennet's private affairs in public," added Mr Bingley. He was furious with Caroline for continuing to expose his family to other people's scorn.
"I agree with Mr. Bingley and Lady Margaret; we shouldn't discuss this matter further. Tonight is special for us because I am introducing my wife to society. Therefore, I do not want to waste my time on things that do not matter. But before speaking to our hosts, I would like to clarify a few things." Andrew stared at the Bingleys and Hursts and continued.
"Until this day, I have never heard of any of you, so I assume you are not close friends of my wife. In fact, she has spoken to you in a rather formal manner and has courtesyly listened to your impertinent questions and remarks. On the contrary, you, Miss Bingley, and your sister have always referred to my wife by her name, forgetting protocol. Only her closest friends and family can do that; from now on, I demand that you speak to her respectfully and call her by her name in society, Lady Norton… I hope you do not forget it. Finally, Miss Bingley, I want to tell you that I am neither as kind nor as good as my wife. I want to warn you that I do not wish to hear again that you have been talking about the private affairs of the life of my wife, my sister-in-law Elizabeth, or anyone else in her family, which is now my family, too. Mr. Bingley, I trust you can convince your sister to stop her hostile attitude toward my family, or I shall feel personally attacked."
"Do not worry, my Lord, I assure you that none of this will happen again," Mr. Bingley replied, defeated.
"Jane, dear, some good friends of mine are dying to meet you. Lord Norton, you had better talk to my husband, who wants to ask you some questions. If you will excuse us," Lady Margaret said and escorted Jane and Andrew to the other side of the room.
The rest of the evening was unbearable for Mr. Bingley and his two sisters. The only one who managed to enjoy the rest of the hours there was Mr. Hurst. The food and drink were some of the best he had had in a long time.
P&P
"William, I hope you do not mind if we stay a few more days. I cannot go back to London knowing that Lizzy is so ill," Georgiana said, almost on the verge of tears.
"Of course, we cannot leave, my dear. We will stay here as long as necessary," Mr. Darcy replied, concerned. He was heartbroken and felt remorseful. Everything was his fault.
Mr. Darcy knew that Elizabeth, after his dreadful proposal, had been lost in the woods and returned home late, soaked. The following day, she awoke with a very high fever, and as the day went on, her health did not improve. For that reason, that morning, Mr. Darcy had asked the town doctor to examine her.
"I want to go to the parsonage to know what the doctor said," Georgiana explained.
"I shall accompany you... I also need to know how Miss Bennet is."
Mr. Darcy and Georgiana decided to walk because the morning was clear. Plus, exercise would help them relax a bit. As they headed to the parsonage, Georgiana prayed for her friend's health. For his part, Mr. Darcy just wanted to see Elizabeth, make sure she was alright, and tell her that despite everything, he still loved her and wanted the best for her.
P&P
Many thanks to everyone who follows the story with enthusiasm and leaves supportive comments.
This story has 25 chapters, so we are nearing the final. Please remember to check the site for updates. Once I have completed it, I will leave it for a couple of days and then remove it. And for the haters, I have no plans to publish it anywhere else; I just don't want it to be stolen like it happened before.
In the next chapter, Jane will tell her husband about the Bingley family, and Elizabeth will learn something that will make her feel guilty.
See you soon!
Saludos,
Yo