This story will be available until Dec. 30th!
Chapter 27
"What do you plan to do, Fitzwilliam? Are you going to kill me? Do it, and you will go to prison for the rest of your life. Now get out of here if you do not want me to tell everyone what I did to your dear cousin," Wickham said defiantly.
Richard wanted to fire the gun, but he knew Wickham too well and understood that he tried to confuse and make him nervous. He would not lose control of the situation and ruin the plan. "Of course, I shall not kill you, Wickham. If I do that, I shall save you from years of a miserable life, and you cannot imagine how much I desire to see you suffering."
"Stop playing games, Fitzwilliam, and please leave me alone if you do not want me to report you to the magistrate. I have much more important things to do than listen to your ridiculous threats." Mr. Wickham lost patience and was unwilling to accept Richard ruining his plans.
"Then I shall get straight to the point, Wickham. You just abandoned your position without permission from your superiors, which makes you a deserter," Richard replied with a triumphant smile.
Wickham realized what he had done and became worried. Then, he tried to open the carriage door to escape but could not because someone prevented him.
"It is rude to leave me talking to myself, Wickham. Besides, I still have not been able to explain what will happen to you, or are you not interested in knowing where you shall spend the rest of your life?"
"You will not be able to abduct me and accuse me of things I have not done, Fitzwilliam. The coachman will report you when he realizes what you are trying to do," Wickham said desperately.
"Logan? Or rather Captain Logan. He will be decorated for helping me capture a deserter. By the by, the lady you were waiting for will never arrive, and if someone asks her about you, she will say that she has no idea where you are because you were just distant friends. At this moment, I am taking you to the dungeons; you will be tried tomorrow by a court-martial, and the day after tomorrow, you will be sent to Australia. Needless to say, very few have survived the trip, and those who do would prefer to have died. As you can see, I have taken care of every detail of your future life; you should be grateful."
"You are lying! You are telling me this because you want to intimidate me, but you will not succeed. I shall tell everyone that Georgiana Darcy is a…"
"Do whatever you want. Wherever you go, no one will want to listen to you. One of your big problems is that you have always believed yourself to be more important than you are. You received the education of a gentleman, but you are not one. And just in case you have forgotten, I am Earl's son, and I have a lot of important friends. Do you think anyone will listen to a rat like you? Someone who has never done anything productive in his life? I am sorry, Wickham, this is the end of your miserable life."
"How can you do something like that? What kind of human being are you?" Wickham asked.
"I am certainly not perfect, but I have never betrayed the people who have loved and supported me, and I have never abused the trust of girls to get what I want. Uncle George gave you everything. How did you repay him? You are a despicable person, Wickham, and you deserve nothing, not even compassion," Richard replied.
Wickham could not reply because Richard's assertions were undeniable. For the first time, he realized that he had spent his life blaming others and abusing those who tried to help him.
Two men got into the carriage and Logan set off towards London. Mr. Wickham attempted to flee again but was quickly subdued. Although he tried to call for help, no one listened or paid attention to him. And as Richard explained, two days after arriving in London, he was court-martialed and sentenced to life in prison in Australia.
P&P
"Will you accompany us to the Franklin' this evening, Caroline?" Aunt Amanda asked.
"No, I would rather stay home," Caroline replied dryly.
"You will miss an evening of excellent music and interesting conversation. Not to mention that my dear friend Dorothy has a French cook who prepares delicious food."
"You know very well that I am not used to dealing with people of your social class, Aunt," Caroline replied contemptuously.
"And what is my social class? The same as your father's, dear niece. Also, Dorothy Franklin is the niece of Lord Franklin, so you are right about that; she is not from your social class. Caroline, I think you better correct your thinking. Farming is not the only form of wealth and people mix more every day, whether out of love or necessity."
"I should not be here, Aunt. I am sorry if I sound ungrateful, but my life should have been very different than it is today," Caroline said, unable to stop herself from shedding a few tears.
"And what should your life have been like? What happened to your plans?"
"A woman, a damn woman, stole everything that should be mine, and that is why I am here, and Charles is about to ruin his life forever." Caroline had been living with her aunt for almost a month, and although she had managed to reflect on many things, she was still not ready to accept her new life.
"Caroline, how long have you known Mr. Darcy?"
"More than five years… I was the ideal woman for a gentleman like him, not that impertinent chit."
"And how long has Mr. Darcy known his wife?"
"He met her last fall, and since then, she took it upon herself to get his attention using all kinds of tricks."
"Indeed? Could you tell me what kind of tricks Mrs. Darcy used to trap her husband?"
"Well… She always contradicted and challenged him. She even dared to imply to his face that Mr. Darcy was vain and proud."
"And what did you do to get Mr. Darcy's attention? Because if you were that interested in him, I imagine you tried to win his love."
"Of course, Aunt. In fact, when I agreed to accompany Charles to that place full of savages, I did so with the hope of spending more time with Mr. Darcy so that he could appreciate my qualities as a hostess. Aunt, I always agreed with what he thought; I always praised him for his intelligence, honorability, and… I cannot understand why he could not appreciate my efforts..."
"Caroline, Mr. Darcy is intelligent, and he realized that you were not interested in him but rather in what he represented. You thought he was the perfect man for you because he is wealthy, handsome, and well-connected. But if you had looked at him for who he really is, you would have realized that he is human, like all of us, and therefore with many flaws. Evidently, Mrs. Darcy was able to see the man with his strengths and weaknesses, and therefore, winning her affection must have been something important for Mr. Darcy."
Caroline sat beside her aunt and asked dejectedly, "Aunt, how did you learn to know so much about life?"
Amanda took her niece's hand and replied, "Dear, one gains a lot of wisdom over the years. Caroline, you should learn from your mistakes and not insist on doing things to please people who do not care about you while you estrange your family."
"My head hurts; I shall rest," Caroline said, leaving the room.
Amanda knew it would take time to reeducate her niece, but for the sake of her family, she was willing to do it. At least she was pleased knowing that Louisa was trying to start a family with her husband and that Charles would soon marry a woman who sincerely loved him.
P&P
After a week, all Meryton learned was the deserter's fate. In addition, all the debts that Mr. Wickham had left in the town and a series of other scandals came to light. Everyone learned that he had had affairs with some married women and that he was also a heavy drinker. But it was not only the inhabitants of Maryton who spoke ill of him but also all the officers. Therefore, Lydia had no inconvenience in keeping the secret of her failed elopement with everyone's number one enemy.
Mr. Bingley was in charge of speaking to Mrs. Bennet about the behavior of her youngest daughter. At first, Mrs. Bennet tried to defend Lydia, but when Mr. Bingley told her that if Lydia did not learn to behave, both he and his friend Darcy would do everything possible to keep their families as far away from the Bennets as possible. That was enough to persuade Mrs. Bennet to accept all the conditions her two sons-in-law set.
After Jane and Mr. Bingley's wedding, Lydia would study at a girls' school until she came of age or proved that she was mature enough to enter society. Considering that Mr. and Mrs. Bennet had proven to be lousy parents, Jane and Elizabeth decided their sisters would be better off living with them. The Darcys hired Mrs. Annesley to accompany and guide Georgiana and Kitty who would live in Pemberley for most of the year. Mary would continue to live in Longbourn, but Jane would guide and help her so that she could spend her time doing something other than reading sermons and playing the piano.
The Carter brothers decided to stay in Meryton with Colonel Forster's troops. John was particularly interested in getting to know a certain young lady better and Robert preferred to be close to his brother. Two days after Lydia and Wickham failed to elope, Mr. Bennet visited Captain Carter to apologize and thank him for his timely intervention. He never learned the details of the affair and that Colonel Fitzwilliam had planned everything.
John did not care much for Mr. Bennet, but he accepted his invitation to play chess because he could spend more time with Mary.
In London things calmed down after a few weeks, just as the Countess had planned. Once everyone realized that the family supported the new Mrs. Darcy and that her husband seemed content with his new life, no one was interested inthem. They entertained themselves by talking about other juicy new gossip.
Lady Catherine spent almost three weeks in London trying to find a solicitor to help her force her nephew to annul his marriage and marry her daughter. Once convinced that none of that would be possible, she decided to return to Rosings with her daughter. But little did she know that those weeks considerably changed Anne and that the Rosings heiress's life would soon take a very different turn.
P&P
"Oh, Jane, you look so beautiful," said Mrs. Bennet excitedly.
"Thank you, mama, and thank you, my dear Lizzy for giving me such a beautiful gown for my wedding day."
"You look very pretty in that elegant dress too, Lizzy, but of course, I imagine you know that you will never look as beautiful as my Jane," said Mrs. Bennet. She was trying to be nice to Elizabeth because now she was a very important lady.
"Thank you, mama," Elizabeth replied, smiling. She noticed that her mother was trying to be pleasant in her own way.
"I think it is time for us to go to the church where all the guests are waiting," said Mrs. Gardiner to prevent her sister-in-law from continuing to speak nonsense.
Elizabeth kissed her sister on the cheek and went to the church with her aunt and Mrs. Bennet.
Mr. Bingley was nervous but happy. His beloved aunt Amanda and uncle Benedict accompanied him for the last week and had been in charge of receiving and entertaining the guests. Louisa and Mr. Hurst attended the wedding but would return to London after the ceremony. Caroline preferred not to participate in the wedding, but Aunt Amanda advised her to write a letter to her brother in which she apologized in her own way and wished him happiness.
When Elizabeth arrived at the church, Mr. Darcy offered her his arm, and they entered it. They sat in the front row next to Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam to wait for the bride to arrive.
"My dear, you do not know how sad it makes me to see this church so beautifully decorated... My love, you deserved a wedding like this; I am so sorry I did not propose to you when I should..." Mr. Darcy murmured to his wife.
"That does not matter anymore, William. Besides, if you had proposed when you were haughty and vain, you know very well that I would have rejected you," Elizabeth replied with a mischievous smile.
"No one told you, Mrs. Darcy, that you must not tease your husband in the house of the Lord?" Mr. Darcy asked and kissed his wife's cheek as Mrs. Bennet and other gossiping ladies looked stunned.
Mr. Darcy's standing in Meryton changed diametrically from his first visit to the area. No one thought he was proud and disagreeable anymore, but rather, he was good and generous. He had paid all of Mr. Wickham's debts and married one of the most beloved young ladies in the community.
Jane and Mr. Bingley's religious ceremony was beautiful. When the priest proclaimed the vows, Mr. Darcy took his wife's hand and repeated his words of love, protection, and loyalty to his beloved Elizabeth. She could not help but get excited and kissed her husband on her cheek. Of course, only Georgiana noticed this time. The rest of the guests were paying attention to the newly married couple.
Aunt Amanda organized a fabulous breakfast wedding at Netherfield and took it upon herself to keep Mrs. Bennet in check so that Jane would enjoy it. Everyone enjoyed it except Lydia, who knew that she would leave for the girls' school in a few days. Furthermore, she was furious when she saw that the handsome Captain Carter payed so much attention to the silly Mary while his brother Robert did not even talk to her.
"The wedding ceremony was certainly very inspirational, do you not think, Miss Mary?"
"Yes, and the parson's sermon was educational," Mary replied. She felt uncomfortable because she wore a new dress and hairstyle.
"I suppose, although I must confess that I was not paying much attention. My mind was occupied with other matters."
"Are you not devoted to our Lord, Captain Carter?" Mary asked, alarmed.
"I am, but I must confess that since I am a man of action, I am more concerned that my actions reflect my Christian soul than learning or repeating sermons."
Mary looked at the Captain for a few seconds and thought he was a curious person. He wore his dress uniform and looked very handsome, so she did not understand why he was wasting his time talking to her. "Well, I suppose you are right about that, Captain. If what we believe does not correspond to our actions, it is because, deep down, we do not believe what we say. I am sorry if what I said makes no sense," Mary said, trying to excuse herself. Her father always mocked her when she tried to explain her feelings or thoughts.
"Do not worry, Miss Mary. What you said makes a lot of sense and is full of truth," John Carter replied. Then he told Mary about his plans for the next few months and that he would soon be promoted to Colonel.
"Carter, what is wrong with your brother? He has spent all his time conversing with Miss Bennet and has never been a man of many words," Richard said, smiling.
"I believe when he is around Miss Bennet, he becomes very articulate, Colonel," Robert replied. He was happy for his brother. Mary Bennet was a good girl, unlike her unpleasant younger sister.
"Mrs. Lewis, I want to thank you for everything you have done for us," Jane said excitedly.
"Do not call me Mrs. Lewis. Now, I am Aunt Amanda to you. Besides, you have nothing to be grateful for, Jane. Seeing my nephew so happy is the best way to repay my efforts to support him."
"Aunt, I do not know what I would have done without your aid and advice. I was lost, and you helped me to realize that my happiness depended only on me," Mr. Bingley said emotionally. Then he kissed his wife's hand and said with great emotion, "Today is the happiest day of my life, my beloved Jane."
"Charles, I am very happy too," Jane replied, unable to stop smiling.
Jane and Mr. Bingley were seated at a table enjoying a delicious meal with Aunt Amanda, Mr. Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, the Gardiners, and the Darcys.
"My dear daughter, I doubt there is a more beautiful woman in all of England, do you not all think?" Mrs. Bennet asked everyone around.
Mr. Darcy was furious. His mother-in-law kept talking about her eldest daughter's virtues, ignoring the fact that her other daughter was sitting very close to her. Every compliment to Jane seemed like a veiled criticism of Elizabeth.
"Pardon me, Mrs. Bennet, but I do not share your opinion. In my eyes, my wife is the most beautiful woman, and she always will be," replied Mr. Darcy very seriously.
"Very well said, that is as it should be, Mr. Darcy," added Aunt Amanda.
"Well, I also think my wife is the most beautiful in England," Mr. Gardiner added to lighten the mood.
"Lizzy, we are fortunate to have such gallant husbands," Mrs. Gardiner added.
Mrs. Bennet saw how Mr. Darcy looked at her and preferred to remain silent while eating. The fact that Mr. Darcy silenced his wife earned Mr. Darcy the appreciation of his father-in-law, at least for a few hours.
After the wedding breakfast, Jane and Mr. Bingley left for their honeymoon at the beach, and many guests returned home. Richard traveled to London with the Gardiners, and the following day, Georgiana and Kitty left for Pemberley with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Aunt Amanda stayed a few more days in Netherfield to organize everything and prepare the house for when Jane and Charles returned.
That night, the Darcys spent the night in Hertfordshire. Mr. Darcy stared vacantly out of the window of his room at Netherfield. That place brought back so many sweet and sad memories simultaneously that he did not really know how to deal with them.
"William, it is dark; what are you looking at or thinking about?" Elizabeth asked.
"Nothing, in particular, my dear wife. You know, this is the same room I stayed in last autumn. I sat in that chair by the fireplace thinking about you," said Mr. Darcy, hugging his wife.
"I hope you thought I was intelligent and lovely and not impertinent," Elizabeth replied.
"Yes, I thought about how witty and charming you were and in your beautiful eyes," Mr. Darcy replied, kissing the tip of his wife's nose. "Dear, I want to tell you that I am very proud of you. I know that reuniting with your parents must not have been easy. However, you remained calm and composed at all times."
"William, I cannot lie to you. Since I had to leave Longbourn, my relationship with my parents changed forever. They, with their flaws and virtues, made me the person I am today, and for that, I owe them respect and gratitude. But I prefer to stay away from them, and of course, if they need my help I shall do what I can to assist them."
"That is why I admire you so much, my love; you are not only the most beautiful woman in this world but also have a good heart."
"William, you do not have to exaggerate my virtues."
"No, dear, I am not overstating your virtues. You accepted and protected my sister when others would have despised her. That is irrefutable proof of your goodness… and as for your beauty, well, I think I have an idea of how I can show you that I truly admire it," said Mr. Darcy and kissed his wife.
"William… you are so…" Elizabeth tried to say, but her husband sat her on his lap and continued kissing her while the fire in the fireplace burned down.
P&P
A few months later…
Elizabeth walked along the path bordering the small lake, fascinated by everything she saw around her. When she came to live in Pemberley, the days were short and cold, and nature seemed asleep. Also, she was uncertain about what to do, and the future seemed bleak.
But at that moment, the sun shone, the birds sang, and everything was harmonious and happy in her house. She had returned from her honeymoon the day before, and Georgiana and Kitty would return at the end of the following week. They had become excellent friends, and the Countess invited them to spend a few weeks with her to allow Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy some time alone. Furthermore, Lady Matlock enjoyed the company of the two girls and taught them how high society operated.
Elizabeth had read the correspondence and decided to go for a walk when she learned that her husband was occupied talking with the steward. She knew Mr. Darcy was responsible and preferred not to interrupt him.
She had many things to share with her husband, and she was thinking about them when Mr. Darcy found her.
"William, I am happy your meeting did not take long. The day is wonderful, and I would love you to accompany me to the park's eastern region. I love walking in the middle of the forest and hearing the sound of the river."
"I like that part of our property, too. Plus, we can remove our shoes and cool our feet in the cold water."
"It sounds very tempting," Elizabeth said. "But while we walk let me tell you some good news. My aunt wrote to me to confirm that they will travel to spend part of the summer with us."
"Excellent news, the Gardiner children will have much to do, and I know Georgiana and Kitty will keep them very busy."
"But they are not the only ones who will visit us. Charles and Jane will also come, stay with us for two weeks, and then continue to Scarborough."
"Thank goodness we have a big house."
"I am not done yet, William. Anne, Arthur, and the children are also visiting us, and Anne said she would give me a signed copy of her first book."
"I cannot deny, Elizabeth, that I am more surprised by Anne every day. She dared to escape Rosings and get married, and now that she has published a book... A year ago, my cousin barely dared to speak, and now she is a happily married woman."
"She deserves to be happy. And she not only has a husband who adores her, but also two children who needed a sweet and loving mother like her."
"We shall have a very hectic summer. Elizabeth, if you prefer to cancel the summer ball, we were planning to offer…"
"No, William, now more than ever, I want to offer that ball so we can present our beautiful family to the entire community."
"As always, you are correct, my dear."
"But I have two more pieces of news to give you."
"More guests?"
"No, in fact we shall have to ask the Bingleys for accommodation at the end of the summer. We shall have to travel to Hertfordshire. Colonel Carter has asked for Mary's hand, and she has accepted him."
"I must confess, my dear, that I would never have imagined that your sister Mary would get married so soon. Fitzwilliam is a good friend of Carter and has always spoken highly of him."
"My father is very fond of him, too."
Elizabeth first told her husband how Jane shared the news with her and then how her mother had done it. Mr. Darcy could not help laughing heartily at Mrs. Bennet's absurd story.
"We shall have a busy summer, Mrs. Darcy. We shall have to organize the best ball of the season, receive many visitors, have a house full of children, and travel to Hertfordshire."
"William, do you like children?"
"Yes of course. I like fishing and intend to teach Matthew and Luke how to fish."
"They will be happy… but, I do not know… William, I…"
"Is something wrong with you, Elizabeth? Why are you so nervous?"
"William… I believe, well I am not sure yet, but I think…"
"What?"
"I think I am with child."
Mr. Darcy was speechless for several seconds, but when he spoke, he did so with such emotion that Elizabeth could not help but feel immensely happy.
"Elizabeth, my dear Elizabeth. I love you."
Mr. Darcy took his wife in his arms and kissed her. They stayed in the middle of the forest for a long time, surrounded by nature, laughing and talking about the future while walking hand in hand.
FIN
Many thanks to everyone who followed the story and left supportive comments. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it.
See you in a future adventure!
Saludos,
Yo