Chapter 5
Mr. Darcy was in his office arranging the last documents he needed to sign for his solicitor. He wanted to leave for Hertfordshire to visit Elizabeth and speak with her about their future wedding. During the week that he had not seen her, he had missed her so much that he wondered how he could ever live a life without her. Whenever he remembered how she cried in his arms, seeking his protection, he wanted to be with her. But he also knew they should have an earnest and uncomfortable conversation about their future.
After visiting Mr. Bennet, Dr. Coleman told Mr. Darcy that the death of his future father-in-law was imminent and that he believed he would die within ten days. If Mr. Bennet passed away, Elizabeth would be in mourning for a few months, which would not allow them to marry, and he did not want to wait any longer. He was aware that he would be responsible for Elizabeth's mother and sisters, which was another unpleasant matter.
Money was not a problem; his fortune was double what everyone believed. He could provide economic support to Elizabeth's family, but he did not wish to have any relationship with them. Ideally, Elizabeth would understand that they were an obstacle to her future. If she maintained close contact with them, it would make it harder for people in his social circles to accept her. A vulgar mother and a tradesman uncle who lived near Cheapside were not relations he wanted to become acquainted with.
But he knew that Elizabeth was compassionate and loved her family, so he had decided not to forbid her to maintain contact through letters and visit them occasionally. She was intelligent and would understand that she could not invite them to Darcy House in London or Pemberley; he would not expose Georgiana to the improprieties of the younger sisters or Elizabeth's mother. She must understand that this could threaten his sister's chances of an advantageous marriage.
He recognized that Jane Bennet was a well-behaved young lady, and when his friend Bingley was married, he might allow her to visit them. His friend had significantly suffered trying to forget a woman who had never loved him.
Mr. Darcy had already purchased the license, and his solicitor was finalizing the final details of the marriage settlement. Once everything was ready, he would visit Mr. Gardiner and talk to Elizabeth.
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Elizabeth was surprised. She did not quite understand why that woman was in Longbourn. When she heard Lady Catherine's scorns, she was speechless. She was physically and emotionally exhausted and could not react.
"Cousin Elizabeth, I am very disappointed. You abused my hospitality and used my humble abode to have secret encounters with Mr. Darcy, knowing that he was engaged to my dear Miss de Bourgh," added Mr. Collins accusingly.
Elizabeth just wanted the intruders to leave, so she replied serenely to avoid conflicts.
"Lady Catherine, at this moment, my family is going through a difficult situation. I have neither the time nor the energy to argue with you. Instead, I suggest you speak to your nephew about this and ask him to clarify the matter. I am sorry, but I do not want to waste another minute of my time with any of you. Mr. Hill will help you."
When Elizabeth finished speaking and began to leave, Mr. Collins took her by the arm and retorted. "Insolent girl! How dare you talk to your superiors in that tone? As soon as this house is mine, I shall throw you all out on the street because I ..."
He could not finish speaking because a strong voice interrupted him. "Let go of my niece, Collins; how dare you come to this house with this lady to insult Elizabeth, knowing the family's situation. What kind of clergyman are you?" Mr. Phillips was infuriated. "This house will only be yours when my brother Bennet passes away. You have no right to be here now, so leave immediately and take the lady with you."
At first, Lady Catherine ignored Mr. Phillips's words and continued insulting Elizabeth. "Miss Bennet, I want you to promise that you will never approach my nephew again, much less try to use your charms to make him forget his duty to his family and legacy."
"Cousin Elizabeth, you better listen to Lady Catherine. If you do not, I..."
"Cease threatening my niece, Collins."
"And who is this impudent man?" asked Lady Catherine scornfully.
"My name is Arthur Phillips, madam. I am not only Miss Elizabeth's Uncle but also the town magistrate. None of you have been invited into this house, and if you do not leave, I am afraid I shall have to charge you with trespassing."
When Lady Catherine heard that Mr. Phillips was the town's magistrate, she decided to leave, not before threatening Elizabeth and her entire family for the last time. "This is not over, Miss Bennet; you will not get away with your ploy to cajole my nephew into forcing him to marry you. And you, sir, as the town's magistrate, should advise your niece and make her understand that she cannot aspire to a union so far above her rank."
"We will go but do not forget, Cousin Elizabeth, what Lady Catherine has suggested to you. I advise you to do so for your own good," said Mr. Collins with contempt.
"Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins, allow me to show you to the door," said Mr. Phillips firmly. He wanted to get that annoying visit over with as quickly as possible.
When the intruders finally left, Elizabeth began to cry. After making sure the intruders left, Mr. Phillips returned to the house. When he saw Elizabeth crying, he hugged her and told her not to worry, saying he knew they would not dare to bother her again.
"Go to your room, my dear, and try to rest for a while. It would do you good."
"Thank you, Uncle. I do not know how I would have dealt with those people had you not arrived."
"Do not worry; I shall come every day to help with whatever is needed."
At that moment, Jane entered the room. She had heard part of the loud argument but had stayed in her mother's room to ensure she did not wake up and notice the commotion. Jane was also very concerned about her mother's health; she hardly ate and only awoke to continue crying.
"Are you alright, Lizzy?"
"I am, Jane. Uncle Phillips dealt with the unpleasant visitors. Do not worry; I just need some rest, and I shall feel better."
Elizabeth thanked her Uncle Phillips again for helping her and retired to her room, and Mr. Phillips took the opportunity to chat with Jane.
"Jane, I am very concerned. Everyone in Meryton is talking about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Your Uncle Gardiner informed me that he had asked for Lizzy's hand, but the lady said he was engaged to her daughter. With everything that is going on with your father, I do not know if the family can endure a scandal like this. I have to travel to London the following week, but I shall advance my trip for tomorrow to inform Edward personally what happened here today."
"Thank you, Uncle. I am worried about Elizabeth too, and Uncle Gardiner must be notified of what happened today with Mr. Darcy's aunt."
After talking to Jane, Mr. Phillips went to his great friend Thomas Bennet's room. Every afternoon, he read sections from his favorite books, hoping he would react and open his eyes.
Jane stayed in the parlor, uneasy; her family's situation was extremely precarious. Her father would likely die within the next few days, and her mother was plunged into a terrible sadness, knowing she would soon be homeless and in charge of five unmarried daughters. If Mr. Darcy were only toying with Elizabeth, it would ruin all of them. Nevertheless, she knew that as the older sister, she had to do something, and so she would.
After two hours of reading, Mr. Phillips said goodbye to his friend with great sadness; it was evident that he was getting worse every day. After that, he said goodbye to everyone in the house, and Jane approached him when he was about to leave.
"Uncle, I would like to know if you will allow me to travel to London tomorrow. I need to speak to my Aunt Gardiner urgently."
Mr. Philips was a bit surprised but said there was no problem. "Of course, Jane. I shall fetch you first thing in the morning."
Once her Uncle left, Jane took a deep breath, wiped away her tears, and was satisfied with her decision. "It is what I must do."
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Mrs. Clark had noticed her son crestfallen and decided to visit her friend Mrs. Gardiner. Madeline was a refined and sophisticated woman who had always treated her with affection and respect despite their significant differences. She was a straightforward woman with almost no education, and her husband had become a rich man, but he had never had the education and class of Mr. Gardiner.
"Thank you very much for visiting me, my dear Rose. We are going through a challenging time in the family, and your company helps me to distract myself."
"It is a pleasure to spend time in your company, my dear. Also, I want you to know that you can count on my support whenever needed."
Mrs. Gardiner informed Mrs. Clark that her niece Jane had returned home because her father had a severe accident. "The doctors are not optimistic and say we should be prepared for the worst."
"What a horrible tragedy. Poor Miss Bennet and all her family." At that moment, Rose understood the change in her son's mood and felt very sorry; she did not like seeing her son suffer for love.
They continued talking amiably for a few more minutes until it was time to leave. As she said goodbye to Mrs. Gardiner, Jane and Mr. Phillips arrived.
Mrs. Gardiner was surprised but did not want to be intrusive and preferred not to ask any questions at the moment. Instead, she introduced Mrs. Clark to Mr. Phillips, and Jane, who had already met her, greeted her warmly.
"Miss Bennet, I have heard about your father's situation, and please let me tell you that I shall pray every day for his prompt recovery." Mrs. Clark felt compassion when she saw Jane so pale and sad.
"Thank you very much, Mrs. Clark. You are very kind," Jane replied in a voice full of emotion as tears rolled down her cheek.
When Mrs. Clark saw the beautiful and kind Miss Bennet, she understood well why her son had fallen in love with her. However, she did not wish to continue interrupting the family meeting, so she said goodbye to everyone and left for her house.
Mr. Phillips informed Mrs. Gardiner of the reason for his visit and recounted everything that had occurred in Longbourn the day before with Lady Catherine. Mrs. Gardiner sent a message to her husband explaining that she needed him home immediately.
When Mr. Gardiner arrived half an hour later, he and Mr. Phillips went to his study to discuss how to resolve the matter. In addition, Mr. Phillips told his brother-in-law that Mr. Collins had taken it upon himself to tell whoever would listen about Mr. Darcy's engagement to Miss de Bourgh and how Elizabeth had attempted to force him to marry her.
"I do not know how that man could be a clergyman with such a lack of understanding and compassion. Trying to ruin the reputation of his dying cousin's daughter is despicable," Mr. Gardiner said with disgust.
"I agree with you, Gardiner. That is why it is urgent to clarify all this with Mr. Darcy."
Mr. Gardiner wrote a message to Mr. Darcy. He included all the details Mr. Phillips provided and sent them to Darcy House immediately.
In the parlor, Jane spoke with Mrs. Gardiner and explained the reason for her visit. "Aunt, if everything Lady Catherine said about Mr. Darcy is true and my father dies, what will become of us?" Then, lowering her head a little embarrassed, she added, "You told me that Mr. Clark was interested in me, that he was a good person, and ..."
"Jane, do not be too quick to make decisions that you later can regret. Mr. Clark is an excellent, hardworking, and honorable gentleman who deserves a woman who loves him."
Mrs. Gardiner hugged her niece and dried her tears. "Do not cry, my dear. Now, it is impossible to think clearly, but you will see how everything will be resolved. Tomorrow, we will go shopping; I want to send gifts to all my nieces to give them some joy amidst so much tragedy".
"Thank you, Aunt; I do not know what would become of us without you," Jane said more calmly.
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"Sir, a messenger brought this letter expressing your need to read it as soon as possible," the butler explained to Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy was in a terrible mood. He had been unable to solve some problems, which kept him in London when he only wanted to be with Elizabeth. He had written her a letter the previous day, wishing she had the chance to read it. He knew she was very busy with her father, but he hoped she would respond so he could at least know something about her.
Every year, Pemberley grew more prosperous, and his responsibilities increased. His estate had doubled its production since he took control of it, so he started exploring the possibility of exporting the surpluses. He found out that the best way was to partner with a good company like Lawrence Clark's. That is why he was locked in his office for hours analyzing business plans and future contracts.
"Ford, do you know who sent it? I am busy now, and if it is an invitation to a social gathering or something like that, I am not interested in reading it."
"The messenger said it was from a Mr. Gardiner," the butler responded.
"Thank you, Ford. You might retire now."
As soon as he was alone, he immediately opened the message and began to read it. When he finished, he was grateful that the butler had left and had not heard what he said. Once again, his aunt was intriguing and creating problems. If it had not been for Anne, long ago, he would have cut all ties with Lady Catherine. Unfortunately, it was too late to call on Mr. Gardiner, but he would go to Cheapside first thing in the morning. He must talk to him and explain that nothing his aunt said was true and that his intentions with Elizabeth were serious and honorable.
'Elizabeth, my love, I promise you that this will be the first and last time my aunt denigrates you. I shall not allow anyone to disrespect Mrs. Darcy,' Mr. Darcy said aloud, worried about the damage his aunt's words had caused.
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Lawrence arrived very late the night before and had not seen his mother. He worked late in his office as he explored new business offers and profitable ventures. At least work kept him busy and made him forget his impossible dream, the beautiful Miss Bennet.
"Good morning, son," his mother said as she served him a cup of coffee.
"Good morning, Mother; I shall have a quick breakfast today because I have a meeting in an hour with the solicitor of a wealthy and important gentleman who wants to do business with our company," explained Lawrence while taking a sip of coffee.
"I understand; I just wanted to tell you I visited Mrs. Gardiner yesterday, and her niece, Miss Bennet, came with her uncle to spend a few days with them." Mrs. Clark watched her son's face light up, and she could not help but smile. "Miss Bennet is going through a challenging time; she will do very well to know that she has the support of a friend."
"Thank you for the information, my dear mother," Lawrence said, smiling. He kissed her forehead and left for his meeting, full of joy. That afternoon, he would visit the Gardiners. This time, he decided to show his interest in Jane more openly.
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Elizabeth was in her father's room talking with Mrs. Carter, his father's nurse. She wanted to learn how Mr. Bennet had passed the night. Sadly, the news was the same as the previous day and the day before. Her father was still unconscious and without symptoms of improvement.
Mrs. Hill knocked on the door and handed her the letter Mr. Darcy had sent the day before; she received it and went out to the garden to read it and have some fresh air.
At first, she was concerned that he would take the liberty of writing to her, but that was minimal given everything that had transpired. Moreover, she was aware that she had been in many situations much more compromising with him than receiving a letter. Besides, he believed they were engaged, and Elizabeth thought it was becoming increasingly impossible to escape from a marriage with him.
She opened the letter and began to read it. It was a very long letter, and she smiled at the thought of what Miss Bingley had once said about Mr. Darcy's handwriting. He informed her a little about everything: his business affairs, the family visits he had made to notify them of their engagement, and that he had already bought the marriage license. Also, he told her not to worry about anything because he would aid her if Mr. Bennet could not recover. His words were tender and had nothing to do with the image of the severe and implacable gentleman she knew. She could not help but acknowledge that his support had been vital and was grateful for that. But she still had many doubts; it seemed Mr. Darcy had two faces, and she was unsure if she could live with a gentleman like that. But she also knew that her family now depended on her, and she would never abandon them.
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Mr. Darcy went to Cheapside to speak with Mr. Gardiner. Since he did not have his home address, he went directly to his business office. When he entered Mr. Gardiner's office, he began apologizing for everything that had happened at Longbourn and assured him that nothing his aunt had said was true.
"Mr. Gardiner, here you have the marriage settlement my solicitor had prepared and the license I purchased. I hope these two documents prove my honorable intentions with your niece."
"They are, Mr. Darcy. I thank you sincerely for coming to my office immediately to dispel all my doubts. However, I am afraid to inform you that there are other serious concerns." He told Mr. Darcy what Mr. Phillips had said about the rumors that Mr. Collins circulated about Elizabeth and her relationship with him.
"Do not worry, Mr. Gardiner; after talking to you, I shall go to Kent to clarify everything with my aunt. Believe me when I tell you that neither she nor the coward Collins will ever dare to say something improper about my betrothed."
"I am glad to hear that because Lizzy does not deserve to be treated like your aunt did. Had it not been for the intervention of my brother Phillips, your aunt and Collins would have continued to trouble Elizabeth." Mr. Gardiner told him verbatim what Lady Catherine had yelled at Elizabeth and how she had slighted her.
When Mr. Darcy heard what Mr. Gardiner said, he was ashamed and offered a sincere apology.
"Unfortunately, my aunt cannot control her temper, and she dishonors our family's good name with her horrible behavior."
"Well, now that that is all clarified, I think we had better put this matter behind us," said Mr. Gardiner, seeing Mr. Darcy so mortified.
"I think that is for the best," Mr. Darcy concluded.
After talking for several more minutes, Mr. Darcy said goodbye and stormed off to Kent, swearing that his aunt would regret meddling in his affairs.
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Mrs. Gardiner had bought gifts for everyone; they were minor items but bought with love. She wanted to cheer her nieces a little during the tragedy and sadness they were enduring. Jane had accompanied her because Mrs. Gardiner knew it would be good for them to spend a few hours shopping to distract themselves.
Jane was looking at some bonnets in a store while Mrs. Gardiner was looking at some gloves when suddenly she heard someone talking to her.
"Miss Bennet, how nice to see you."
When she turned around, she saw it was Mr. Bingley, and she could not help but blush from so much emotion.
"Mr. Bingley," Jane replied sheepishly.
Caroline could not believe such a bad fortune. They had to find that woman when her brother had forgotten her, or at least she thought that. The truth was that Mr. Bingley was still very much in love with Jane.
They talked about trivial things for a few minutes until Caroline, pretending concern, added. "Dear Jane, it was nice to see you, but we have to go; we have a date with some friends in less than an hour."
"Yes, right," replied Mr. Bingley. He hesitated, then added, "I can visit you one of these days, Miss Bennet, if it would not bother you." He was very nervous and happy to be in front of the most beautiful angel he had ever known.
Jane told him she was leaving the next day before noon and could not stay any longer due to her father's delicate health. "I am sorry, Mr. Bingley. I hope you understand."
"Of course, Miss Bennet. I am so sorry, and I wish with all my heart that your father recovers soon." The news surprised Mr. Bingley, but he did not want to miss the opportunity. "May I visit you tomorrow before you leave for Longbourn? I would like to talk a little more with you… but if you cannot receive me, I understand."
"Yes, I can receive you tomorrow morning," Jane said impulsively and blushed again.
Mrs. Gardiner gave Mr. Bingley her address and said they would be waiting for him. "We shall have breakfast early, you can arrive around ten in the morning so you have time to converse."
"Thank you very much; I will be there without fail."
Jane and Mr. Bingley could not stop looking at each other, and Caroline no longer desired to see the ridiculous scene. "My dear Jane, I sincerely hope your father recovers soon," Caroline said without much interest. It was a pleasure to see you."
"Thank you, Caroline," replied Jane.
"I shall see you tomorrow," said Mr. Bingley. Then, he and his sister left the shop.
Jane was content. After so long, she had seen Mr. Bingley, the man she loved. He was as nervous as she was, and he had looked at her with the same tender eyes with which he had looked at her in Hertfordshire.
Seeing her niece so excited, Mrs. Gardiner prayed that Mr. Bingley would not play with Jane's feelings again.
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Mr. Darcy arrived almost at dusk at his aunt's house. He had spent the whole day locked in his carriage, thinking about everything he would say to her. When he got to Rosings, he immediately went to the drawing room, where he knew his aunt would go after dinner.
As soon as Mr. Darcy walked in and Lady Catherine saw him, she began to speak.
"I am glad you are here; I hope we shall arrange your engagement with Anne today so those horrible rumors about you and that impertinent woman will end immediately."
"Lady Catherine, I have told you on numerous occasions, and I have come to tell you for the last time that Anne and I have never been engaged and will never be. I shall marry Miss Bennet, and neither you nor anyone else can prevent it."
"I shall never allow it ..."
"I do not have to ask your permission for anything; I just came to tell you not to come near my betrothed again and that I forbid you to say anything about her. Very early tomorrow, you will call that fool that is your clergyman, and we shall both talk to him… and do not look at me with that. You know very well that I am the one who pays the two mortgages that Rosings has, and I am the one who pays for all your expenses. If you refuse to do what I say, starting tomorrow, you will lose all my financial support."
"You would not dare..."
"To defend my future wife, I am capable of that and more." After saying that, Mr. Darcy left the room and went to his bedroom, leaving his aunt speechless.
The following day, he got up early, and, as he had asked his aunt, Mr. Collins was present and waiting for him.
"Mr. Collins, if I ever know again that you have said anything against my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I shall personally ensure that the bishop knows what kind of man you are. But there is also another thing that I want to discuss with you."
"Mr. Darcy, I am very sorry for the misunderstanding... Please tell me how I can assist you." Mr. Collins revered Lady Catherine, but not even for her would he dare confront a gentleman of Mr. Darcy's honorable and social importance.
Mr. Darcy explained that Mr. Bennet's situation was very delicate and that if he died, he expected Mr. Collins to give the Bennet family six months to find a place to live.
"I shall pay you a lease during that time. If we come to an agreement, this will benefit not only the Bennet family but also Lady Catherine. She would have the opportunity to find another clergyman during those six months, and you can support her finding the correct candidate."
"I had not thought of that... But, of course, I cannot abandon my esteemed patroness so suddenly. I shall be more than happy to help her in whatever she might need."
Mr. Collins looked at Lady Catherine, and she waved her consent. Mr. Darcy had brought a contract that his solicitor prepared, and Mr. Collins signed it.
Having resolved that and without having breakfast, he left Rosings, heading to Longbourn to apologize to Elizabeth for his aunt's behavior and to give her the good news that everything was set for them to be married. He also wanted to give her a beautiful and expensive engagement ring that he bought especially for her.
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Lawrence was in his company office reading some contracts and thinking about his visit to Miss Bennet the day before. Mrs. Gardiner invited him to dinner so he could spend a few hours in her company. She was even more beautiful than he remembered but with a different smile. Her face was illuminated, and usually, when he looked at her, she was lost in her thoughts. Like always, she had been very kind to him but distant.
After dinner, when the men went to Mr. Gardiner's office for brandy, he understood what was happening. Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Phillips talked about Mr. Bingley; they were concerned about the whole situation because no one trusted him. They remembered how he had shown an open interest in their niece and then promptly abandoned her.
Although they did not say much because they did not want to be indiscreet, they talked enough so that Lawrence could figure out the whole situation. Miss Bennet was in love with another man.
Neither gentleman knew the effect of their words on him. Once they went to accompany the ladies, Lawrence stayed for only a brief moment and said goodbye.
'It was a pleasure to see you again, Miss Bennet; I hope your father can recover soon... I wish you the best.' With those words, he looked at her for the last time and returned to reality; the dream was over.
He had slept very little but resolved that the Jane Bennet matter was closed. He would go on with his life as usual, working, and perhaps, with some fortune in the not-so-distant future, he would be able to forget her.
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"What time is it, Aunt?" Jane asked Mrs. Gardiner.
"It is almost noon," Mrs. Gardiner replied.
Mr. Bingley had arranged to visit her at ten in the morning but had not arrived. Jane was to leave with her Uncle back in Longbourn in minutes.
"Aunt, maybe Mr. Bingley had an accident or an emergency. Then, when he comes, tell him that I was waiting for him, but I had to go," said Jane, her voice cracking with sadness.
"Do not worry, Jane; I shall tell him." Mrs. Gardiner was furious with Mr. Bingley. Jane had been staring out the window since nine, waiting for him to arrive. She was hurt to see her niece once again disappointed.
In his office, Mr. Bingley sat with his head in his hands, desperately not knowing if he had been correct to listen to Caroline. Once again, she had managed to convince him that Jane Bennet had no feelings for him and that she would accept him to solve the problem that Mr. Bennet's imminent death would cause to her family.
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Thanks to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story.
I didn't remember how dramatic this story was in the first chapters. I warn you, it's even worse in the many to come!
In the next chapter, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy meet again.
See you soon!
Saludos,
YO