Chapter 2
Jane was concerned. She did not know anything about her dear sister's whereabouts. Unlike Mrs. Bennet, she did not blame Elizabeth for choosing to work as a companion rather than marrying Mr. Collins. That gentleman had very little to admire with his arrogant and pretentious nature. Her dear sister Elizabeth was intelligent and kind and needed a man who could genuinely appreciate her.
Jane wanted to support and help her sister. She had spent many nights thinking and had a plan. She would need to speak to her uncle and aunt Gardiner when they arrived to spend the holidays with the family.
Mr. Collins was locked in the study with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, and Jane sensed nothing good would happen after that conversation. Elizabeth was reluctant to tell her where she was working and would be even more so if she knew that her mother had sworn she would never forgive her for not fulfilling her duty.
"My esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has advised me to discuss the details of my engagement with your daughter. She is eager to know the wedding date and wishes to engage in correspondence with my future wife. This is to ensure that she comprehends the expectations for the behavior and conduct befitting the wife of the parson of Hunsford."
"Oh, my dear Mr. Collins, my daughter Elizabeth is not here at the moment, but between us, we can decide the date of the wedding. We promise that she will be here that day to fulfill her duty," said Mrs. Bennet nervously.
"I am sorry, Mrs. Bennet, but Lady Catherine de Bourgh told me that it is obvious that your daughter has no intention of marrying me. Miss Elizabeth has not shown interest in me, much less gratitude for my generous offer. Hence, I want to speak with her and hear from her lips how happy she is to be my wife and future mistress of my humble home."
"Mr. Collins, Elizabeth is not at home now, but…"
"Do not worry, Mrs. Bennet, I can wait. In fact, my esteemed patroness advised me to take as much time as necessary to elucidate everything regarding my engagement." Mr. Collins was talking to Mrs. Bennet but was staring at his cousin, who seemed very thoughtful.
"Mr. Collins, my dear Lizzy is spending some time with my family in town and will not return until..." Mrs. Bennet did not know what else to say to reassure Mr. Collins that Elizabeth was pleased to marry him.
"And what do you have to say, cousin Bennet? If you can tell me about Miss Elizabeth's whereabouts, I could travel to talk to her."
Mr. Bennet stood, took a deep breath, and said bluntly. "My daughter is unavailable at this time."
"What? Why?" Mr. Collins asked, confused.
"Mr. Collins, Elizabeth…" Mrs. Bennet tried to say, but her husband interrupted her.
"My wife and I asked Elizabeth to accept your proposal, but she refused and preferred to look for employment rather than continue living in this house under our constant pressure to marry you. She has only informed us that she is well but has not told us where she is. That is the truth, and I have nothing more to add or explain." Mr. Bennet finished speaking and sat again.
"MR. BENNET…" Mrs. Bennet shouted, completely out of control.
"I have no choice but to end this charade here and now. As always, Lady Catherine de Bourgh was correct, and there was something peculiar about this supposed engagement. Needless to say, I have nothing else to do in this place. I shall only return on the day Longbourn is mine and with a wife who can appreciate everything I can offer her; good afternoon."
Mr. Collins left the study, followed by Mrs. Bennet, who was trying in any way possible to change his mind and explain that Elizabeth would come to her senses and accept his marriage proposal. But all her pleas were in vain because the Hunsford parson left Longbourn offended and accepted Sir William Lucas's invitation to stay in his home before returning to Kent.
"Mr. Bennet, do you not realize what you just did? You have ruined the last hope your daughters and I to have a home when you die," Mrs. Bennet said, sobbing.
"It offends me deeply, Mrs. Bennet, that you always assume I shall die before you," replied Mr. Bennet while he continued reading a book.
"MR. BENNET, I am not jesting!" cried Mrs. Bennet, furious.
"And you, Mrs. Bennet, do you not realize what we have done?" asked Mr. Bennet seriously. He put the book on the desk, removed his glasses, and stared at his wife.
Mrs. Bennet, who was not used to her husband speaking to her in such a severe manner, wiped away her tears and asked. "What have we done?"
"Mrs. Bennet, do you know where our daughter is?" Mr. Bennet asked.
"I do not know where she is because she would not tell us," Mrs. Bennet replied with a trembling voice.
"Indeed, you are not concerned about what might occur to Lizzy? We do not know where or who she is with or if she is secure," Mr. Bennet said disgustedly.
"Well, I think Lizzy is alright. She knows how to care for herself…" Mrs. Bennet tried to explain, not very convinced.
"In our efforts to protect ourselves and our other daughters, we failed Elizabeth and earned her disdain. Whatever happens to her will be your fault and mine, Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Bennet said emphatically. He took his book and ignored his wife by pretending that he was reading.
Mrs. Bennet did not have the energy to continue arguing with her husband, so she left the study as quickly as she could. Then, she locked herself in her bedroom, feeling remorseful and worried about her most rebellious daughter. Despite everything, she loved and missed her.
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Mr. Darcy was speechless. Elizabeth Bennet looked at him with puzzled eyes and waited for an explanation.
"Miss Bennet, believe me when I tell you I am as surprised as you are. I suppose you want to know why you are here, a matter that I intend to explain. But first, I would like to know why you decided to accept a position of this nature. Although I cannot presume to know all the details about your family, I had the impression that your situation is relatively comfortable, which is why I do not understand your presence here."
Elizabeth hesitated a little before speaking. She felt trapped and did not know if she should trust that gentleman.
"Mr. Darcy, the reason I had to look for employment is because my parents wanted to force me to accept as a husband a man I could never come to respect, much less admire."
Mr. Darcy felt sad about Elizabeth's situation but was not surprised. He knew that her mother wanted to marry off her daughters at all costs. "I understand, and I am very sorry to hear that. Could you please provide a little more details about your current relationship with your family? I have no intention of intruding into your life. Still, if you finally decide to accept this position, I need to know your actual family situation."
"Certainly, Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Reynolds explained that this position requires total dedication. Regarding my relationship with my family, I must say that it is not good at all."
"I comprehend, Miss Bennet. But my question was more about whether you can return to your house in case my proposal does not seem convenient to you," explained Mr. Darcy, trying to hide his nervousness. Although he knew there was a strong attraction between him and Elizabeth, he was not sure she would accept his marriage proposal under the current circumstances. He did not intend to discuss his sister's situation if it was not strictly necessary.
"I understand your concerns, Mr. Darcy. Please sit down and let me explain everything that has happened in my life in the last few weeks."
Elizabeth knew that she did not have many alternatives. She told Mr. Darcy about her parents' plans and how much she hated the idea of even thinking about marrying Mr. Collins. But she was unsure if returning to Longbourn was an option for her and if her parents were willing to receive her back and forget everything that had happened.
However, Elizabeth did not know if she could trust Mr. Darcy, a cold and arrogant gentleman who could be cruel and vindictive. She remembered how he had treated Mr. Wickham, a childhood friend, out of jealousy.
However, she had to admit that Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Reynolds spoke of Mr. Darcy with much admiration and esteem, and they had known him since he was a child. Even Mr. Bingley openly admitted that his friend was among the most honorable gentlemen he had ever met.
"Mr. Darcy, I have been honest with you. I want to ask you to be honest with me in return." Elizabeth wanted to know once and for all what this man wanted from her. Elizabeth had little choice but to believe that his behavior toward Mr. Wickham was an isolated event and not representative of his true character.
"Miss Bennet, I am very sorry for the difficult situation your parents have put you in, and I completely comprehend why you decided to look for employment. But I am not certain you are the person I require for this significant role," said Mr. Darcy. Then he stood up and began walking around the small room.
"Why do you think that?" Elizabeth asked, a little perplexed.
"Because what I can offer you is for someone in a desperate situation and without other alternatives, for someone in hopeless circumstances like me."
"Mr. Darcy, you have managed to arouse my curiosity, so I ask you to let me decide if I may be the proper person for the position you were planning to offer me."
"Alright, Miss Bennet, but you must promise me everything we discuss here must remain between us. Even though we have not known each other for long, I know I can trust you."
"Mr. Darcy, you have my word that I shall never tell anyone what you reveal to me. Furthermore, I trust you will do the same regarding my situation."
"Of course, Miss Bennet, you can count on my discretion."
After saying that, Mr. Darcy began to explain to Elizabeth that someone very close to him was in a delicate situation, that he felt guilty, and that he was the only one who could find a reasonable solution.
Elizabeth was confused because she could not understand the gentleman's explanation. He looked nervous and tense and could not find the proper words to express what he wanted. When he finally stopped walking, he approached the window, and while he stared blankly at the small garden, he said with a broken voice.
"A person whom I love unconditionally is with child and is not married, nor can she marry the man who… The matter is that I want to acknowledge that child as mine, and I need a wife who is willing to accept that child as her own."
Elizabeth was stunned. She never thought Mr. Darcy would be in a situation like that. The child was probably from someone close to him, and he wanted to protect the babe and the mother. Perhaps Mr. Darcy had a mistress he could not marry.
"Do you have any questions, Miss Bennet?" said Mr. Darcy, looking at Elizabeth.
"Yes, Mr. Darcy. I would like to know why you cannot marry the mother of that child. What prevents you from doing so?"
Mr. Darcy took a deep breath and answered directly. "The woman who is with child is my dear sister. Miss Bennet, a scoundrel, took advantage of her innocence and forced her... I cannot allow her to marry someone who would condemn her to a life of pain and suffering."
Elizabeth was so astonished that she did not know how to react to that revelation. "I am so sorry, Mr. Darcy. What you have told me is horrible; I do not know how there can be someone so wretched who can do that to such a young lady."
"My sister and now her child are my only family, and this is the only form I can protect them both. I need a wife, and I would be in your debt for the rest of my life if you were willing to help me. But, of course, I do not want you to sacrifice your life in vain. As my wife, I promise you will have security and a generous marriage settlement. If you help me protect my sister and her child, I shall protect you in return."
"And that is all you want from me as a potential wife?" Elizabeth asked, unable to help but blush.
"Well, Miss Bennet, you will not have to fulfill all the duties of a wife… it is not something I expect or demand from you. Besides, I shall not be able to have children until my sister's child is at least a year old. Otherwise, it would be very suspicious," Mr. Darcy responded nervously.
"I see... Of course, we have to know each other before..." Elizabeth lowered her head so Mr. Darcy would not notice her embarrassment.
"There are indeed too many problems to resolved before we can think of... The future will tell how our relationship develops, Miss Bennet." Mr. Darcy noticed Elizabeth was distraught and even thought she was angry with him. Without a doubt, if he had shown his interest more openly and had asked Mr. Bennet for permission to court her, the fool Collins would not have dared to propose.
They talked for a few more minutes, and Mr. Darcy provided more details about what he planned to stipulate in the marriage settlement, including a generous pin money.
"Miss Bennet, you do not have to give me an answer today. I must travel to London to settle everything with my solicitor and buy a license. I want you to know that you have a week to think about it and that if you decline my offer, I shall be responsible for taking you back to your parents' or uncle's house."
"I appreciate your generosity, Mr. Darcy, and for giving me time to think. But I must inform you that I am not of age yet and require my father's permission to get married."
"Do you want me to talk to your father?" Mr. Darcy asked worriedly.
"No, if I accept your proposal, I want us to get married in Scotland. I do not want my family to learn about any of this."
"I Understand. I believe the license will not be necessary if you accept my proposal. Do you have any other questions, Miss Bennet?"
"No, Mr. Darcy, I have all the necessary information to reflect and decide."
"Then we shall see each other in another week."
"I promise I shall give you a definitive answer when we see each other again."
"Good afternoon, Miss Bennet. I very much appreciate your time and consideration. Needless to say, if you decide to help me, you will have my eternal gratitude, and I shall do my best to compensate your generous support."
"Good afternoon, Mr. Darcy. I hope everything goes well until I see you in a week."
Mr. Darcy bowed and left the room without fully understanding what had happened there. For her part, Elizabeth was just as confused as him, and she did not know how she would get out of the chaos in which she found herself.
P&P
Mr. Darcy had hardly been able to sleep the last few days, thinking about everything transpiring in his life. First, his poor sister was consumed in pain and tragedy, and now Elizabeth Bennet had returned to his life in such an unexpected form.
On the one hand, he was pleased to know that she could be the woman to help him protect Georgiana, but on the other hand, he disliked the idea of having a woman he could admire as his wife. He remembered those days he spent with her in Netherfield and how he could not stop looking and thinking about her. If she accepted him, he would have to live with and constantly spend time with her. In addition, she would be his wife. The only positive aspect was that she wanted to be as far away from her family as possible. He did not want to have anything to do with anyone from that ill-mannered and vulgar family.
Mr. Darcy always thought that he would make a marriage of convenience with some wealthy heiress with whom he could have a fair and friendly relationship. But if Elizabeth accepted him, he was unsure what kind of relationship would exist between them and preferred not to dwell on the matter. For the moment, the only thing he should worry about was his dear sister and nothing else.
At noon, Mr. Darcy felt exhausted and decided to rest in his bedroom. The following day, he would leave for Yorkshire very early. If Elizabeth accepted the deal he had proposed, they would have to travel to Scotland immediately.
But his plans to rest were interrupted because Mr. Bingley and Caroline arrived at Darcy House.
"Darcy, where have you been? I have tried to find you several times, but no one could tell me where you were. You know, dear friend, I need your wise advice."
"I am sorry, Bingley, but I have had to resolve important matters related to Pemberley." Mr. Darcy greeted his friend and Caroline and hoped they would leave soon. He had neither the time nor the patience to chat with callers and pretend that nothing was happening in his life.
"Mr Darcy, how is my dear Georgiana? I guess you are planning to spend Christmas in Pemberley. It must be wonderful to see the beautiful gardens of your beautiful estate covered in snow," Caroline said. She wanted at all costs to receive an invitation to Derbyshire to get her brother as far away from Hertfordshire as possible. Caroline also wanted the opportunity to be close to Mr. Darcy.
"Georgiana is very well, Miss Bingley, and very busy with her piano, French, and painting lessons," Mr. Darcy replied seriously and without adding anything else.
Caroline suspected something strange was transpiring because she could see Mr. Darcy's tired and pale appearance. She thought it would be a good idea to write to Georgiana to discover if her brother had any significant problems.
"Darcy, when can you return with me to Hertfordshire? Remember that I did not have time to learn everything I need to know to be able to manage an estate."
"I am sorry, Bingley, but I shall be busy for the next few months. Please excuse me, but I cannot help you this time."
"Charles, I thought you had already given up on that ridiculous idea of returning to that horrible place. Furthermore, I think you should buy an estate in Derbyshire; that way, Mr. Darcy can help you without having to suffer the inconvenience of dealing with those savages from that dreadful town."
"Caroline, it is absurd to buy an estate in Derbyshire when I am currently leasing Netherfield. Also, I would like to return to Hertfordshire because I miss… all the friends I made there."
"I hope you are not trying to say that you want to return there to continue making a fool of yourself in front of Jane Bennet. Louisa and I have explained and discussed endlessly that matter with you," Caroline said, visibly displeased.
"Caroline, I do not want you to interfere in my private matters. I know your opinion very well, and you gain nothing by repeating the same thing over and over. Darcy, do you also think I should not return to Netherfield?"
Mr. Darcy was exhausted and did not want to discuss the subject further, so he responded directly. "No, I believe you should stay in London and forget about Hertfordshire."
"Why?" asked Mr. Bingley.
"Because if you return there and continue paying so much attention to Miss Bennet, you will have no choice but to make her an offer."
"I do not dislike the idea, Darcy," Mr. Bingley said tentatively.
"If you are willing to marry a woman who has no feelings for you and will be forced to accept you, you can ignore my advice. I am convinced her parents will not give up a chance to make a favorable match. Also, Miss Bennet does not seem to have the fortitude to oppose her parents' intentions. I am sorry, Bingley, but I have nothing more to add regarding this matter." Mr. Darcy knew that although his words were harsh, he had done the right thing. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet had not hesitated to force Elizabeth to marry his aunt's ridiculous parson. Without a doubt, they would do the same with Miss Bennet.
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy, for telling my brother what Louisa and I have advised him since we left Hertfordshire," Caroline said triumphantly.
Mr. Bingley did not add anything and remained silent. It hurt him to think that Jane had no feelings for him. He felt he was in love and could not forget her.
Since Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were not in the mood to socialize, Caroline monopolized the conversation for the rest of the visit. After half an hour of listening to gossip and banalities, the guests finally left, and Mr. Darcy could rest. He needed to save all his energy to face all the challenges ahead.
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Mr. Darcy arrived before sunset at the small house where Elizabeth was waiting to give him a definitive answer. His sister's future depended on it, and he hoped everything could be resolved for the well-being of all.
"Miss Bennet, as agreed, I am back with all documents and matters resolved. Now, I need to know your response to my proposal." Mr. Darcy had never felt as nervous as he did at that moment, and the seconds it took Elizabeth to respond seemed like hours.
"I accept your proposal, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth replied, blushing. "You have offered me a deal I cannot afford to refuse in my precarious situation."
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The Deal by Miranda Flan is available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.