Chapter 5
The day after he met with Elizabeth in the little park near the business district, Mr. Darcy returned to his elegant mansion. He felt tremendously confused. He had never kissed anyone like that, with so much emotion and tenderness at the same time.
He initially intended to pretend he was George Thompson's nephew to learn more about his father's double life. Still, he was soon trapped by this new life in which he found friendly people, and for the first time since he was the Master of Pemberley, he could feel free without the burden and weight of being a Darcy.
He had been trying to write a letter to Mr. Stone for almost an hour, thanking him for everything and notifying him that he would sell the Thompson House and that he would return north to take care of his affairs.
But how could he leave like that after what he had done the day before? Indeed, Miss Bennet did not deserve that kind of treatment. He had acted like a scoundrel with her and planned to leave without saying farewell.
But what could he do? How did he apologize for what he had done? Elizabeth and all the neighbors who welcomed him so kindly deserved that he said goodbye to them personally. For that, he would have to return once more and face what he had done, apologize profusely to Miss Bennet, and finally disappear from their lives and return to his life as Fitzwilliam Darcy, the reserved and lonely man. He was responsible for his name and family and would do what was expected.
Fortunately, his friend Charles Bingley visited him, which would help him distract his mind. But his joy did not last long because as soon as he entered the drawing room to talk with him, he realized that Caroline was also there. He desired to tell Bingley everything happening to him, and he knew he could unquestioningly trust his friend, but Caroline's presence hindered his plans.
"Darcy, you do not know how pleased I am to see you. I have so many things to tell you, but you were never home, old friend. Where have you been?" Mr. Bingley greeted his friend with a firm handshake and the cheerfulness that always characterized him.
"I have been quite busy with family matters and have not had time to participate in London social life. So I had rejected many invitations because I have been too busy solving these problems," Mr. Darcy explained without saying anything else.
Meanwhile, Caroline observed him. She wanted to see if something in his appearance, his eyes, or how he behaved could reveal if something new were happening in his life. But as always, Mr. Darcy remained in total control, and she could not detect anything in the expressions on his always stern face.
"Well, then, I feel fortunate to have found you today and be able to tell you my recent good news." Mr. Bingley made himself comfortable in one of the armchairs and began to tell his friend with great enthusiasm that he had leased a beautiful estate in Hertfordshire.
Mr. Darcy listened carefully but thought his friend was making hasty decisions again, so he provided his honest opinion. "Bingley, from what you have told me, Netherfield sounds like a good place for you to learn how to manage an estate. However, before you sign any contract, you should research the neighborhood and the productivity of the land."
"Do not worry about it, Darcy. I have done all the research and am sure everything is in order. Besides, I already signed the lease for two years. I came to invite you to spend a few months with me and teach me everything I need to learn to be a good landowner," replied Mr. Bingley excitedly.
Caroline had to bite her tongue to keep from crying out in exasperation. Her stupid brother had signed a two-year contract without waiting for Mr. Darcy's advice, who undoubtedly understood much more about the matter than he did.
"Bingley, I would love to help you, but as I told you, I am busy right now. Besides, I must travel to Kent soon and later to Pemberley to handle many pending matters there." Mr. Darcy noticed Miss Bingley's surprised face, so he assumed his friend had not consulted anyone about Netherfield before leasing it.
"Do not worry, Darcy. I shall be moving to Hertfordshire in a few more months. The manor house and estate gardens are being repaired at the moment. Also, we have to travel north for the summer because Aunt Henrietta has not been well and is in poor health. I want to spend a few weeks with her," explained Mr. Bingley to his friend.
"If so, Bingley, I shall help you. By the summer's end, I shall have enough time to spend a month or two with you at your new estate." Mr. Darcy thought that it would not be such a bad idea to get away from London and all the temptations it offered him.
Caroline listened for several minutes as both friends talked and thought that her silly brother had finally done something useful after all. Without a doubt, having Mr. Darcy for a few months herself was the best news she had received in a long time.
However, as expected, Caroline did not resist another minute without saying something and intervened in the conversation. "Mr. Darcy, I came with my brother today to invite you to dine with us. I am hosting a small gathering with close friends, and we would be truly honored if you would spend the evening with us."
Mr. Darcy did not want to accept but needed to keep himself busy to avoid thinking about what ailed him so much. "Thank you, Miss Bingley, for your invitation. Of course, I am glad to have a nice evening with friends."
Caroline was happy and satisfied that, once and for all, things were turning out as she had planned. She felt that the dream of being the future Mrs. Darcy was getting closer every day.
P&P
Elizabeth was in the house of the Cooper family at an entertaining gathering. Mr. Cooper was one of Uncle Archibald's close friends and a frequent participant in literary meetings.
But as pleasant as the company was, her mind was far from there. It had been over a week since Mr. Thompson kissed her, and he had not come to call on her uncle's house or the neighborhood.
She did not know what to think; maybe he felt guilty for what he had done, or perhaps he was disappointed in her for allowing that kiss, and he did not want to see her anymore.
She did not want her first kiss to turn into a sad memory, and she wanted to see him again and explain that they could forget about that incident and still be good friends if he wanted.
"Lizzy, please, can you sing for us," Mrs. Cooper requested kindly. "You know how much we love your beautiful voice."
"Thank you, Mrs. Cooper, for your compliments. I like to sing, but I do not play the piano as well as I should; if you do not mind, I shall be happy to sing for you and your guests."
"You are too modest, my dear Lizzy. You play the piano better than any of us, and your voice is wonderful. I am certain everyone will be delighted to hear you." Mrs. Cooper was very fond of Elizabeth, and as soon as her son returned from a business trip to the British West Indies, she would do her best to introduce them. Her son Robert was already twenty-seven, and it was time for him to start thinking seriously about starting his own family and not just dedicating his life to earning money and expanding the family business.
Elizabeth inadvertently began to sing a song that told the story of an impossible love. The lyrics were melancholic and somehow reflected how she felt at the time. Everyone present noticed the hint of sadness in Elizabeth's voice, a girl who was always cheerful and smiling. Although Uncle Archibald and Aunt Agatha had some suspicions of the reason, they preferred not to bother their niece with tactless questions.
P&P
Mr. Darcy had Mr. Cooper's invitation in his hands. He had asked one of his servants in the Thompson's house to send the mail to Darcy House. In the note, his friend said that evening, the friends from the literary club would meet to converse and have dinner at his house. He knew the Stones and their niece would probably attend but did not know what to do.
The previous evening, Mr. Darcy had gone to Bingley's house. Except for the pleasant company of his friend, the rest of the evening was tedious. To his dismay, Caroline had invited the Evanses, and his uncle's friend's wife had given him an unseemly and challenging look all night. But as if that had not been enough, he had to endure Caroline and one of her superfluous friends talking to him about other persons' lives and flattering him at every turn for everything he said.
He could not help but think about Elizabeth Bennet. She was so different from all those women that he did not see beyond his appearance or fortune. From what she knew about him, Elizabeth must have believed that he was socially inferior to her, and despite that, she wanted to spend time with him. Also, they were good friends, and she was not afraid to put him in his place if she thought he deserved it.
"I must do the right thing and stop avoiding my responsibilities. I shall go to the Coopers' house, apologize for stealing a kiss from you, my dear Elizabeth, and say a proper goodbye to you, your family, and all my new friends. After that, I shall stay away from your life forever..." thought Mr. Darcy, determined to redirect his life. Discovering what his father had done caused him great pain, but he recognized that it helped him mature and value people beyond the prejudices he believed in until recently.
A few hours later, he arrived at Mr. Cooper's house, and as he went to the drawing room where the guests were, he heard a beautiful voice that he immediately recognized. Upon entering the room and seeing Elizabeth so beautiful, he could hardly breathe with emotion.
When Elizabeth finished singing, Mr. Cooper welcomed him, and the rest of the guests greeted him warmly. Elizabeth had noticed his arrival and greeted him as casually as she could. Fortunately for her, another lady sang and played the piano for several minutes, allowing her to cool down a bit before they could talk.
The first moment Mr. Darcy saw Elizabeth alone pouring herself a cup of tea, he went over to her. "Miss Elizabeth, please, I need a minute of your time."
"Of course, Mr. Thompson," Elizabeth said, avoiding his gaze. She blushed, and she did not want him to notice.
"I do not know how to tell you this without offending you, but I want you to know that I am very remorseful and feel so sorry for how I... My behavior the last time we met was unpardonable. I do not know what happened to me that day… I want you to understand how sorry I am, and I cannot understand how I could do something like that. That is why I want to offer you my sincere apologies, and I hope you will accept them and one day forgive me for my reprehensible conduct." Mr. Darcy did not know what else to say to make Elizabeth understand how sorry he was for disrespecting her and putting her reputation at risk.
"I comprehend; please do not worry about it, Mr. Thompson. I have always thought that bad memory is sincerely welcome in cases like this," Elizabeth replied, smiling. She did not want to talk about that subject anymore. It hurt her to think he regretted kissing her. "Tell me how everything is going in your life. Do you already have buyers for your uncle's house?"
Mr. Darcy understood that Elizabeth was giving him a second chance by pretending that nothing had happened between them, and he was deeply grateful. "No, I have not heard anything about that case yet. But other than that, I think I shall head back north soon, and my solicitor will have to solve the matter."
"I understand; you have your own business, and you cannot be forever in this place wasting your time," Elizabeth said with a smile that failed to meet her eyes.
Mr. Darcy felt very sad. He did not want to stop seeing the fascinating Elizabeth. She made him laugh and feel optimistic. Next to her, he felt alive and full of hope. "But I still have two more months in the city before I return north; although I shall have to travel for a week out of London, I intend to spend the rest of the time in the surrounding area. I hope to use this time to share with all my dear new friends I have met in the last few months." Mr. Darcy intended to go to Kent for just a week. The less time he spent with Lady Catherine, the better for him.
"Glad to know we shall have you with us for a while longer," Elizabeth replied cheerfully.
"And I am glad to know that my company is welcome," replied Mr. Darcy with enjoyment that flooded all his senses. The fact that Elizabeth enjoyed his company as much as he enjoyed hers filled him with emotion.
One of the guests began to play some lively chords on the piano, and some of the couples started to dance, so Mr. Darcy used the opportunity and asked, "Miss Bennet, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"
"Of course, Mr. Thompson. It is a pleasure to dance with you," Elizabeth replied immediately.
That evening, Mr. Darcy danced and talked with Elizabeth for several hours. For the next few weeks, he stayed in the neighborhood, enjoying the happiness of being with her and forgetting about everyone else.
P&P
After spending a week of terror in Kent and enduring her Aunt's daily complaints about the shortness of his visit, Mr. Darcy practically fled Rosings for London. Unfortunately, Fitzwilliam was still up north, so he could not accompany him, making his stay even more intolerable. But as soon as he returned to London, he resolved the situation regarding Georgiana's new companion.
"Thank you, Mrs. Younge, for answering all my questions. I hope you understand that it is important for me to make sure that my sister's future companion has all the necessary qualifications for the position," Mr. Darcy said to the woman before him. Of all the interviewees, it was the one that seemed most suitable, not only because of her excellent letters of recommendation but also because she seemed to understand the characteristics of her future employment perfectly. "Mrs. Younge, when can you start working for us? My sister is arriving tomorrow. She was in Matlock in our Aunt's house."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy, for the opportunity, and I look forward to meeting Miss Darcy," Martha Younge replied with a fake smile. She was in that house with a purpose, hoping to fulfill it so she would not have to work another day of her life to serve others.
"Once Georgiana arrives, I shall be on a short two-day trip, and when I get back, we shall all travel to Pemberley," Mr. Darcy explained.
"Sir, may I make a small suggestion," Martha asked tentatively. She did not want to waste time and intended to start weaving her web of intrigues as soon as possible.
"Of course, Mrs. Younge. Please, tell me," said Mr. Darcy curiously.
"From what you have told me about Miss Darcy, I think she needs to be able to live a more independent life. So maybe we can spend some time in a place where she can meet girls her age, make new friends, and learn how to run her own household. But, of course, all under my supervision."
"It sounds like a good idea, Mrs. Younge. But Georgiana is timid, and I do not know if she wants to spend time in a new place and practically alone," Mr. Darcy explained.
"Of course, she must get to know and trust me first. But I hope you can consider the idea. I know you have a fine estate in the north, but Miss Darcy spends much of her time alone there, and that does not help her build her confidence, nor does it support her being ready for her debut in society in a few more years." Martha could be very convincing when she put her mind to it.
"You are right. I shall seriously consider everything you have told me." Mr. Darcy had to spend the summer months at Pemberley working and preparing for all that he would have to face very soon, and he was aware that his sister urgently needed to be able to relate to other people.
After the interview, Mr. Darcy asked his solicitor to prepare Mrs. Younge's contract and welcomed her to Darcy House. When Georgiana met her, she initially reacted as she did to most strangers, but after several days, she began to relax and feel more comfortable with her.
Mrs. Younge appealed to all the knowledge she had about the behavior of an adolescent girl and managed to win the esteem and trust of the naive Georgiana in a short time. Mr. Darcy, seeing his sister happy, returned to the Thompson house, but this time, he decided to take a crucial step in his life. He could no longer deny it; he was in love with Elizabeth Bennet and did not want to live another minute of his life without her. Moreover, he did not want a life like his father's, who had to seek happiness outside his home and his family.
P&P
Elizabeth was in the small park near the river, looking at some birds enjoying the magnificent spring sun and the sound of the water. The day before, she received a letter from her father asking her to return to Longbourn and promising to see that Mrs. Bennet never bothered her regarding Mr. Collins again. In addition, Dr. James said that Aunt Agatha was fully recovered, and now she could walk, albeit with a cane. Without a doubt, her life with the Stones had been a great adventure, and she would remember them with the greatest affection. But she knew her place was with her family and that she had to return to Hertfordshire.
But what afflicted her most was the thought that she would never see Mr. Thompson again. She knew she was in love with him but was unsure if he felt the same way about her. Once she left the Stone house, she was aware that she would never see him again, making her feel heartbreaking.
"Miss Bennet, how are you?" Mr. Darcy said a little nervously. He had gone to that park with the hope of meeting Elizabeth and being able to tell her everything he felt for her.
"Mr. Thompson, it is good to see you. How are you? We were not expecting you until several more days," Elizabeth replied nervously.
"I am well, and I was able to fix everything sooner than expected. That is why you have me back here," he smiled.
"You have never told me what your business is, Mr. Thompson. I am inquisitive, and I would love to know a little more about that part of your life, of course, if you want to talk about it," Elizabeth said, looking at Mr. Thompson a little uncomfortable.
"Well, there is not much to tell. I have to travel north because that is where my main source of income is," said Mr. Darcy to avoid going into detail or lying.
"I understand your clients are in the north, and I imagine you must travel there to sell your products as your Uncle did," added Elizabeth.
"Something like that," Mr. Darcy said and changed the subject. He told her he had finished reading the book Mr. Stone suggested, and they began exchanging opinions on their favorite passages.
Also, Elizabeth told him that she would soon be back with her family and how happy she was to know that she would be able to see them. Afterward, Elizabeth asked him a little more about the north, and he told her about the landscapes and how beautiful the abundant nature was, especially in spring. Until he finally dared and told her everything he had planned.
"Miss Bennet, I know that, in some ways, I am not worthy of your friendship and that there are many things you do not yet know about me. But I want you to know that from the moment I met you, I have felt a passionate affection and admiration for you. I do not want to repress my feelings anymore, and I wish you to know that I love you dearly and hope that one day, you can reciprocate my feelings."
Elizabeth could not believe what she was hearing. The man she dreamed of every night was in love with her, but at the same time, he felt he was not worthy of her. There was sadness and concern in his voice. "Mr. Thompson, I do not care who you are because, in my eyes, you are a wonderful man whom I admire and love."
Mr. Darcy felt joyful, and he took Elizabeth's hand and kissed her with great affection; this time, he did not try anything else. He felt happy but sad at the same time. For the moment, he could not reveal to Elizabeth who he really was. He did not want her to think he was playing with her feelings.
He had to return to Pemberley to resolve urgent matters there. Several people depend on him, and he could not fail them. Once he had completed all the work there, he planned to go to Longbourn to ask Mr. Bennet's permission to court his daughter and tell Elizabeth all that had happened in his life since he discovered his father's double life. That way, Elizabeth could be sure that his love was true and that he wanted her to be the future Mrs. Darcy, the new Mistress of Pemberley.
"Elizabeth, my dear Elizabeth, I do not know what I did to deserve your love, but I want you to know that you will always be present in my heart and mind. Unfortunately, I need you to give me three months, just three months, to return to you and be able to tell you everything about my life and what I plan for our future. Then, when I have put all my affairs in order, I shall travel to your father's estate to ask him permission to court you, and if you still love me, I want you to be my wife."
"Mr. Thompson, how do you think I can forget you? I shall wait my whole life for you if I have to," Elizabeth replied excitedly. So they sat holding hands on that bench, looking at the river for almost three hours, making plans for the future.
The following day, Mr. Darcy went to Mr. Stone's house to say goodbye to him and his wife and to thank them for their friendship. He told them that the Thompson house was ready for sale and that he would be traveling north and staying there for a while, but as soon as he returned to London, he would visit them without fail.
After visiting the Stones, he went straight to the park, where he knew Elizabeth would be waiting for him. He wanted to say goodbye and give her some small gifts as a token of his love and devotion. "My sweet love, you do not know how hard it is for me to say goodbye to you. So that is why I have brought you these little presents so that when you look at them, you will remember me," Mr. Darcy said excitedly.
"William, I shall miss you so much, too," Elizabeth said as she opened the box Mr. Darcy handed her. Inside was an old book and a small case with something that looked like a jewel. When she opened it, she realized it was a gold brooch with beautiful diamonds. Without a doubt, that jewel must have cost a fortune.
"William, you do not need to give me such expensive gifts. I am not materialistic, and I understand that a merchant starting his business must save money before he can buy things like this. So please return it to the jewelry where you bought it. We can save that money for the future, our future, and our family."
"Elizabeth, I do not need to return it. Please let me give you something beautiful to show you my love and devotion." Mr. Darcy had to suppress his desire to buy all the jewelry he wanted to give Elizabeth, and he would have liked to explain that he had enough money to buy her everything she could dream of to make her happy.
"William, please..." When he saw Elizabeth's serious face, he realized it was better not to continue insisting.
Elizabeth noted that William was disappointed, but his mother had always spent more than necessary, causing her father never to be able to save. But, to lift his spirits, she added, "But I accept the book. I assume it is important for you, so I value it more than any jewel." Elizabeth opened the book and saw that it included a dedication. "My beloved Elizabeth, this has always been my favorite book, and I want you to have it as a token of my love and devotion, William."
Elizabeth wiped away a few tears and said emotionally, "This is the best gift anyone has ever given me. Thank you, my love."
Mr. Darcy kissed her hand, sincerely moved, thinking that no one in the world could be happier than him at that moment.
"But I also have a gift for you, my dear William." Elizabeth handed him something wrapped in a handkerchief.
Mr. Darcy received the handkerchief, thinking it was his gift. For him to have a handkerchief with his beloved's initials and the lavender scent from her perfume was more than enough, but when he saw what was wrapped inside, he was pleasantly surprised.
"Aunt Agatha's friend likes painting very much and made me this miniature portrait. I hope you like it. I think she did an excellent job." Elizabeth was very nervous because William looked at the miniature painting and said nothing for several seconds.
"Although no one can capture the beauty of your eyes and the beauty of your face, without a doubt, it is very similar to you. I know it will be a comfort to look at it when I do not have the fortune to see you in person, my dear Elizabeth. Thank you for such a beautiful gift. But, I shall keep the handkerchief too," added Mr. Darcy with a smile.
They walked for almost two hours around the park, chatting and making the most of the last few minutes together with a mixture of joy and sadness. Then, finally, it was time to say goodbye; the sun was already going down, and very soon, it would be dark.
"I love you, Elizabeth Bennet; please swear to me that no matter what happens, you will never, but never doubt the strength and sincerity of my love," Mr. Darcy said almost desperately.
Elizabeth approached him, caressed his face, and answered in a voice full of emotion, "I shall never doubt your love, William, I promise."
Then they hugged and were like that in silence, enjoying their proximity. No one was in the park, and it was time for the last goodbye. Elizabeth could not help shedding a few tears, which Mr. Darcy wiped away with the handkerchief she had given him only a few hours ago. Finally, without planning or thinking about it, they kissed passionately for several minutes.
"I love you and will always love you, Elizabeth," said Mr. Darcy with a broken voice full of emotion.
"I shall be waiting for you, William," replied Mr. Darcy.
Finally, Mr. Darcy escorted Elizabeth to the Stone House and walked almost ten blocks to where his carriage awaited him. Then, he went to Darcy House, thinking about Elizabeth.
That night, he had dinner in his room. Mr. Darcy excused himself, saying that he had a headache when, in truth, he felt a pain in his soul. He knew the next three months would be torture without seeing his beloved Elizabeth.
P&P
Thanks to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story.
In the next chapter, the events that cause the story to turn around will be revealed, and in the following one, Elizabeth and (Fitz)William will meet again.
I will be on vacation so I see you in two weeks!
Saludos,
Yo