Chapter 4
Lady Catherine was speechless when the butler informed her Mr. Darcy had left Rosings at dawn. When she heard the news, she immediately went to speak with Colonel Fitzwilliam to demand an explanation. He was hidden in the music room to avoid his aunt, but she found him.
"Fitzwilliam, where is Darcy?" she asked imperatively.
"I am sorry, Aunt, but he had an emergency and left Rosings very early. Apparently, there is a problem with one of his properties, and he must personally resolve the matter. But please do not worry; he gave me detailed instructions for your steward, and I shall supervise that he follows his instructions." Colonel Fitzwilliam explained, praying she would not ask questions he could not answer.
"And when does he plan to return?" Lady Catherine asked, trying to control her rage.
Fitzwilliam cursed his bad fortune. After answering that question, he knew that his aunt would lose control, which meant Anne, Mrs. Jenkinson, and he would not have a second of peace for the rest of the day. He took a deep breath and answered. "I do not think he plans to return to Rosings until next year. I am certain he will surely send you a letter explaining his plans better."
"This is inconceivable! I cannot believe Darcy would be so inconsiderate to Anne and me and leave without even saying goodbye. Are you sure there is nothing else behind all this sudden departure, Fitzwilliam?"
Richard knew the best thing he could do to divert Lady Catherine's attention was not to contradict her. "I agree with you, aunt. Darcy was wrong; he should have explained to you personally why he left so suddenly."
"Of course, he is irresponsible, and he will have to explain to me and your father why..." Lady Catherine began to complain, and everyone had to endure her laments for the rest of the day.
Richard could not stop thinking about how his aunt would react the moment she discovered the real reason why Mr. Darcy had traveled so hastily. He was grateful that in two more days, he would be leaving Rosings so he would not have to endure his aunt's rage. He only pitied Anne because she had no choice but to tolerate her insufferable mother.
When Lady Catherine retired to her room, Richard sought out Anne to tell her what was happening and prepare her for what was to come. He knocked on his cousin's room door, and Mrs. Jenkinson ushered him in.
Anne was sitting in a chair, covered with a blanket, near the fireplace. She looked so pale that he could not help but feel sorry for her. "Anne, as you know, I am leaving the day after tomorrow, and I do not know if we shall have the opportunity to talk privately. I shall be busy with your mother's steward. So, I want to take this opportunity to converse with you."
He explained to Anne that Mr. Darcy had proposed to Elizabeth Bennet, and about her family crisis, which had forced them to leave at dawn for Hertfordshire. Anne did not look surprised, and she could not help but smile.
"I must confess I am a bit disappointed, Anne. I thought I would surprise you with my story of Darcy's romantic matters," explained the colonel.
Anne always enjoyed Richard's company. For her, he was like a brother and one of the people she loved the most. He had always cared for her, and no matter where he was, he always wrote her letters full of adventures that made her laugh. She also loved her cousin Darcy; he was also very attentive, but they had distanced themselves in recent years due to her mother's insistence on their supposed engagement.
"I am not like my mother, Richard, who does not see or hear anyone but herself. You do not know how entertaining it was to see how Darcy could not stop staring at Miss Bennet", added Anne laughing
After a few more moments of giggling at Mr. Darcy's expense, Anne got serious and shared something of great importance with Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"Thank you for coming to see me, Richard; there is something that I want to talk to you about before you return to London." Anne fell silent and looked at Mrs. Jenkinson, who pulled out a letter from a desk and handed it to Anne. "I need you to read this letter today, to think well about its content, and to come tomorrow to give me an answer."
Richard wanted Anne to explain the letter's content, but seeing her so tired, he decided not to disturb his cousin. "Alright, my dear. I shall read it tonight."
"Thank you, Fitzwilliam, for everything you have always done for me." Anne took her cousin's hand and kissed it lovingly.
"You are my little princess, and you know it," replied Richard, kissing her forehead.
After that, Richard helped Mrs. Jenkinson carry Anne to her bed so she could rest, and he left her room.
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Mr. Gardiner hesitated before answering Mr. Darcy's petition. He was unsure if he had heard him correctly, so he looked at Elizabeth, who seemed as surprised as he was.
"Well, Mr. Darcy, we were about to leave for London, but I can give you about fifteen minutes of my time if you think that is enough. Please accompany me to my brother-in-law's study."
"It is enough for now, sir. Later, when we both have more time, we can finish this conversation. I also must leave soon for London." Mr. Darcy wanted Mr. Gardiner's permission to marry Elizabeth before leaving Longbourn. He was an honorable gentleman and always did what a man of his class and rank should do.
As soon as the men left the room, everyone looked at Elizabeth, waiting for an explanation. Mrs. Gardiner asked Mary to tell Dr. Miller that the trip would be delayed for a few minutes. She also told Kitty and Lydia to accompany Mrs. Bennet but not to tell her anything about what had happened with Mr. Darcy. She wanted to be sure that there was no misunderstanding between Elizabeth and the gentleman. If Fanny learned that Mr. Darcy had proposed to Elizabeth, she would press her daughter to accept him.
Kitty and Lydia knew how their mother would react, and in the last few days, it had been so challenging to deal with her that for nothing in the world, they wanted to be exposed to her nervous breakdowns and lamenting.
"Lizzy, I know you must be desperate to see your father, but please explain to us why Mr. Darcy said you are engaged," said Mrs. Gardiner to her niece while Jane served tea.
Elizabeth answered honestly, "I do not know, Aunt; since I received the message from my uncle yesterday, several things have happened to me that I cannot find words to explain." Elizabeth gave Jane and her aunt an account of what had transpired between Mr. Darcy and her since the previous afternoon.
Mrs. Gardiner could see what Elizabeth could not. "Lizzy, I hope you realize why Mr. Darcy thinks you are engaged." She explained that by allowing him to embrace and comfort her and traveling alone in his carriage, Elizabeth had suggested that she had accepted his proposal. However, the most worrying aspect was that she had been exposed to compromising situations and that if rumors began to spread, her reputation and that of her family would be affected.
"Do you think, Aunt, that he misunderstood my actions?" Elizabeth asked, alarmed.
"Without a doubt, Elizabeth, that gentleman thinks that you accepted his proposal and is explaining his plans for your future to your uncle."
"Aunt, what should I do?" Elizabeth asked, very concerned.
"There is no easy answer to that, dear Lizzy. You should wait a few days; if you rush and make a decision now, you may regret it later. Then, when you feel calmer, you should have an honest conversation with Mr. Darcy and decide if you want to continue engaged and potentially marry."
Jane looked at her dear sister and preferred to keep silent. If Mr. Darcy had proposed to her, she would have accepted without hesitation. A man like him could protect her family should the worst happen to her father.
"I do not have to wait, Aunt. I know very well that I do not want to marry that proud, disagreeable man," Elizabeth said emphatically.
Mrs. Gardiner continued to advise Elizabeth while Jane stroked her hands to comfort her. Elizabeth was confused, and although her opinion of Mr. Darcy was still unfavorable, she could not deny that he had been very kind to her in the last few hours.
Mrs. Gardiner realized Elizabeth did not understand the situation's gravity and wanted to advise her. "Lizzy, please do not make any hasty decisions. Wait a few days, and if no one has found out what happened between you and Mr. Darcy in the last hours, you can speak with him and clarify the misunderstanding. Otherwise, I do not think you will have a choice."
Jane knew her sister very well and comprehended how impulsive she could be. For that reason, she decided to support Mrs. Gardiner. "Lizzy, you know very well that our aunt is a wise and thoughtful lady. Please listen to her and do nothing for now."
"I understand. Please do not worry," said Elizabeth, looking at Jane. She began to ponder what her aunt had explained, and she could not help but feel even more lost.
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"Well, Mr. Darcy, please explain what you said a few minutes ago. You will understand that I am stunned and that, given my brother Bennet's situation, it is my duty to protect the welfare of my nieces."
"Of course, and I fully understand your position. That is why I wanted to clarify everything at once."
Mr. Darcy explained to Mr. Gardiner that Elizabeth had accepted his marriage proposal the previous afternoon. Then, she told him what had occurred with Mr. Bennet, and he offered to bring her immediately so she could accompany her family and see her father.
"Mr. Gardiner, I understand that you and I must leave for London soon. As Miss Elizabeth's guardian, I request your permission to marry her. I want to begin to prepare all the legal details with my solicitor. Of course, when the marriage settlement is ready, you will have the opportunity to review it and make suggestions."
"I understand, Mr. Darcy, and I have no problem giving my permission if Elizabeth has accepted your proposal. However, given the current circumstances, your plans may have to be postponed." Mr. Gardiner said, still doubtful about the presumed engagement.
Mr. Darcy told Mr. Gardiner that he was aware of the difficult situation the family would face if Mr. Bennet passed away. "I know that Longbourn is entailed and that the heir is Mr. Collins, as well as the delicate financial situation that the Bennet family would face upon losing Longbourn. I apologize for having to speak about a delicate matter like this at such a difficult moment. Nevertheless, I believe it would be best if the marriage were as soon as possible because I, as Elizabeth's husband, could financially assist her mother and sisters if the worst happened, sir."
Mr. Gardiner knew Mr. Darcy's proposal was reasonable. If Mr. Bennet died, his sister and nieces would need security. He could help them but not give them all the comforts they were used to.
"I promise I shall carefully consider what you have told me and discuss it with my niece," Mr. Gardiner explained.
"I thank you for your consideration and hope we can resolve this matter soon," Mr. Darcy replied with his usual seriousness.
The discussion ended, and the two men agreed to meet again in a few more days in London. Mr. Gardiner searched for his wife and Dr. Miller to tell them they must leave.
When his uncle and Mr. Darcy left the study, they both said they were ready to travel to London. Although Mrs. Gardiner and Jane tried to speak to Mr. Darcy, he ignored them, showing that he felt very uncomfortable in that place. So Jane accompanied the Gardiners and the doctor to their carriage and preferred not to bother him any further.
Elizabeth had no choice but to accompany Mr. Darcy to his carriage. Although she wanted to have a serious conversation with him, she also wanted to see her father. So she decided to follow her aunt's advice and wait.
"Mr. Darcy, I want to thank you again for bringing me home. I know we must discuss our situation, but I want to see my father. I hope you understand that I am not ready to..."
Mr. Darcy took Elizabeth's hands and replied. "Of course, I understand, Elizabeth. Please do not trouble yourself; we shall have time to talk about us." He kissed her hand, asked Elizabeth to say goodbye to the rest of the family, and left.
After that, Elizabeth immediately ran to her father's side, trying to forget everything that had happened and praying for his prompt recovery.
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"I do not know, Edward. I am not so sure Elizabeth wants to accept Mr. Darcy. I believe everything that has happened between them is nothing more than a series of misunderstandings," Mrs. Gardiner explained.
"I do not blame Lizzy for not accepting his proposal happily, my dear. He seems an honorable gentleman, but there is something about him that I do not like. I find him too proud and distant for someone like Lizzy. But I have only spoken with him once, and I might be wrong," replied Mr. Gardiner.
"I understand you perfectly, my dear. The little time I could observe him, I thought he was uncomfortable. He seemed to want to be anywhere but there."
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were talking in the parlor of their house when the butler announced a visit. They had returned the day before and did not stop thinking and praying for their family in Hertfordshire.
"Lawrence, I am glad to see you," said Mr. Gardiner.
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Gardiner. Thank you for receiving me," replied Lawrence nervously.
"You are always welcome," replied Mrs. Bennet.
Lawrence sat, and Mrs. Gardiner served him tea while he chatted amiably with her husband. She knew very well why he was visiting them. So she explained why they had to travel, and Jane returned to Hertfordshire.
"I am so sorry; I can imagine how Miss Bennet must feel," and looking at his friend, he added. "Mr. Gardiner, please do not hesitate to ask me for help if your family needs it."
"Thank you for your kindness and consideration," Mr. Gardiner replied.
Mrs. Gardiner knew that Mr. Clark was a prosperous and honorable man. She met him when she married Mr. Gardiner, and he was an adolescent. Lawrence's father had been a successful merchant but barely knew how to read and write, so he never attached importance to education and did not allow his son to study. Young Lawrence always stopped by her husband's office to ask for books and discuss them. He had educated himself by reading and researching everything his intellectual curiosity allowed him.
Despite being wealthy, he maintained a simple lifestyle. Mrs. Gardiner would have loved that Jane had fallen in love with a man like him and not with Mr. Bingley. Lawrence would never have played with her feelings and abandoned her without any consideration for her feelings.
Although Jane told her that she would accept Mr. Clark, she had decided to wait and not tell him anything. It was clear that he was in love with Jane, but Jane was still in love with Mr. Bingley. Lawrence deserved to have a wife who loved him.
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It was five days since Elizabeth had returned to Longbourn. Her father's health was more delicate every day, and the whole family had lost hope that he would recover.
Mr. Darcy had sent his personal physician, and his diagnosis was consistent with Dr. Miller's. Therefore, the patient's chances of recovery were minimal, and there was not much to do. Furthermore, Mr. Darcy also sent a nurse to help with Mr. Bennet's care.
Elizabeth was very grateful, but every day, she became more confused. When his uncle Gardiner told her that Mr. Darcy had offered to protect them in case Mr. Bennet passed away, Elizabeth knew she had to think seriously about what to do. She was unsure she would accept Mr. Darcy, but if she did, she knew she would have to make an effort to be a good wife. He, at least, knew that she did not love him and did not seem to care.
Meanwhile, rumors had begun to circulate in Meryton. Lady Lucas informed her friends that Elizabeth was very close to Mr. Darcy, and it seemed that they had become perfect friends after the incident in the assembly. Furthermore, Lydia carelessly told Mr. Wickham that his sister had traveled with Mr. Darcy in his carriage from Rosings to Longbourn.
Mr. Wickham took the opportunity to damage his nemesis's reputation and spread the rumor. He told all who would listen that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet had traveled for hours alone in a carriage without a chaperone. He knew Mr. Darcy liked the lovely Elizabeth, but he would never marry a poor woman with such an inappropriate family and connections. But he also knew that Mr. Darcy was an honorable gentleman and that he would have no choice but to marry her.
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Elizabeth brought tea to Mrs. Carter, her father's nurse, and stayed in his room, chatting with her and accompanying her father. He had been unconscious for more than a week and was extremely pale and thin. She suddenly heard a noise and yells, and thinking that her mother had finally gotten up, she went to see if she was well.
When she got to the parlor, she was stunned to see Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourgh shouting orders to Mr. Hill.
The moment Lady Catherine saw Elizabeth, she exclaimed disgustedly, "Miss Bennet, I have come to tell you not to dare to try to force my nephew to marry you! He is engaged to my daughter, and I shall never allow a woman of inferior condition like you to come between them!"
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Thanks to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story.
In the next chapter, Lady Catherine will tell Elizabeth everything she thinks about her!
See you soon!
Saludos,
Yo