Chapter 6: Of Unexpected Guests and Impressive Carriages
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner had their supper in their room. Because of this, dinner was a less formal affair in a parlor with a smaller dining table. After dinner, Georgiana played for them for a while until she said that she was tired and decided to retire. Miss Elizabeth followed soon enough. Mr. Darcy walked her to her door and went to his room. A maid who was instructed to help her was waiting for her. Soon enough, she was ready for bed with her hair in a long, voluminous braid. She donned a house robe, and once the maid retired, she grabbed some of her perfume and applied the tiniest bit. She took a deep breath and went to the parlor door, unlocking it.
She expected to find him there, but he wasn't. She walked to his door and hesitated. She could hear voices. She knew she shouldn't have, but her curiosity got the better of her.
"Everything has been completed, sir. The room for Miss Bennet has been cleaned and aired. All the bedclothes were changed. We added all your sister's favorites to the bathing room as well. The writing desk has been stocked. The carriage is ready to depart at a moment's notice. The modiste will be coming by the end of the week. She couldn't come any sooner."
"Thank you, Mr. Reynolds. Please pass my gratitude on to the whole staff. You have outdone yourselves."
"It's our pleasure, sir. Should I wake you at the usual time, Mr. Darcy?"
"Yes, please. Is Miss Anton doing well? Her baby?"
"Yes, sir. She is healing well. The midwife ordered a few more herb balms to help with her recovery, and we have been giving her bone broth and plentiful fruit to help with her nursing."
"Is that going… well?" he asked a bit lamely.
"Not really, sir. Do you want me to proceed and get a nursemaid to help her?"
"Yes, please… Her delivery was harrowing. She needs to recover."
"God bless you, sir."
"And you… To whom much is given, much is expected of…"
"Indeed, but not all people who are as blessed share those blessings. If I may, sir… Your parents would be extremely proud."
There was a pregnant pause. "Th-Thank you. That means a lot to me."
Elizabeth went to the sofa and sat to wait. She shouldn't have listened to that conversation, but she really wanted more information, more knowledge about him. She waited for a while, and he didn't come. She sighed. Of course, he wouldn't. What was she thinking, even suggesting this encounter? They were secretly engaged. She stood up to leave and froze when his door to the parlor opened. He stepped in wearing pants and his shirt. His sleeves had been rolled up. She felt herself blush. He wore no cravat, no coat. He was barefoot again. His eyes were red, and he didn't look particularly happy. He looked apprehensive and concerned. He walked toward her slowly as if expecting her to attack him or something.
He stayed a few steps away and bowed. "Miss Elizabeth."
"Mr. Darcy," she curtseyed clumsily.
"You wanted to talk to me?"
"I… I apologize. I shouldn't have proposed this."
He sighed sadly. "I see… Do… Do you want me to leave?"
"No!" She exclaimed, scaring herself. "Sorry. I just… Are you alright, sir?"
"Yes, of course," he took a deep breath to calm himself. "I just… I miss my parents," his eyes were on the unlit fireplace.
"Oh…"
He moved toward the logs and started the fireplace quite efficiently. She realized she had been rubbing her arms because she was chilly. It unnerved her how much he noticed all her needs and did anything he could to make her feel better without her even asking.
"It must be really difficult not to have your parents' support."
"It's been… a lot," he whispered as he poked the logs to make sure the fire would remain on for hours.
She impulsively took his free hand with both of hers. "Won't you sit with me, sir?"
He froze the moment she touched him, "D-Do you want me to?"
"Yes."
He walked with her and sat near her. His free hand rested on his knee, but she tried not to move his other arm in any way because he didn't want her to let go.
"Mr. Darcy… I need to apologize for last night. You must be thinking the worst of me."
"What? Why?"
She let go of his hand and covered her face with her smaller, softer, cold hands, "Coming to you for help… I… It was most inappropriate, sir. I even made you braid my hair. My mother would be appalled… And she is not easy to appall, sir," she shook her head.
He stared at his hand, which she had dropped and was now resting on the seat next to her. His fingers spasmed as he missed her fingers between his.
"Miss Elizabeth, I could never think the worst of you. I… I just… I must be honest… with you, but also with myself. There's something I need to ask of you before I implode," he sighed. His heart and his brain were in a fierce battle. "I beg you… Please don't… Please don't allow me to glimpse into a life that I cannot ever have."
She was stunned into silence.
"I… L-Last night was a reality that went beyond any d-dream I ever had."
"You must think me a har-"
"Don't finish that word. I would never allow anyone to speak of you in that way, not even yourself."
"But I… I kissed you, sir!" she jumped up and paced. "I can't even look at you when I remember what I did… I really thought I was dreaming… But then I woke up, and I remembered what I had done, and I was so mortified. I could have ruined you if anyone had seen…"
He sighed and looked away, "Do not trouble yourself. No one saw what happened."
"That doesn't change the fact that I did something very improper."
"It was the best moment of my life. Please forgive me if I don't regret it."
"Mr. Darcy?" she turned to him, incredulous.
"Last night… Last night was torturous in the best way... I do not want you to think p-poorly of me again, but it is…" He took a deep breath to try to control his feelings. "It is a great struggle to remain gentlemanly in your presence to no fault of your own. It's just me…"
"You, sir?
He stood and went to her. She was facing away from him. He could smell her hair, and his fingers were itching to touch her. He whispered, "You say you feared ruining me. It is much too late for that concern."
She turned to him with wide eyes, "What?"
"You have already ruined me, Miss Elizabeth…"
She looked like she was about to start crying, "I don't understand."
"I could never, would never be able to see anyone else as Mrs. Darcy… You have taken over my heart, my mind, my hopes… I will not marry at all if I don't get to marry you. I had told you in my letter that I wouldn't repeat my sentiments again, but I need you to know. I… Please Elizabeth… Please, release me. Either tell me to abandon all hope or-"
"I love you," she whispered.
His heart stopped. "What?"
"I am in love with you, sir."
He lifted her chin so she would look at him. His eyes searching. His heart now racing, "You what?"
"I am in love with you, Mr. Darcy…" She took a step back, and his hand fell. "But now that I have seen your home, your life, your responsibilities, your work ethic, and the way you treat your sister… Your staff… I understand that the degradation it would entail to be with me is far too much. I cannot in good conscience welcome your attention when I know it is pointless to hope… You could never marry me, sir."
He stepped closer to her, his face full of emotion. His hands took hers. "I can, and if you accept me, despite my many flaws, and your father grants me his permission, I will marry you as soon as can be arranged."
"You… You'd still…?"
He nodded, "I love you more with each passing hour."
Her heart squeezed. She jumped and wrapped her arms around his neck. He held her tightly and then twirled her around. "Mr. Darcy! Put me down lest we fall!" she laughed.
"Elizabeth… Please say you will have me. I need you to say it."
She took his hand and brought it to her lips. "I'd be honored, sir." She kissed the back of his hands. "But I mean what I said. You really shouldn't. It would affect Georgiana's prospects. I couldn't forgive myself for that."
"I must confess something important, Elizabeth… I… I do not make ten thousand a year."
"You don't?" she blinked, puzzled.
"My true earnings are nearing fifty thousand a year… I can marry whomever I want, and it will not affect Georgiana's prospects much, if at all."
Lizzie paled. That sum was absurd. "Sir, are you sure? I don't want you to lose family members over this. Lady Catherine-"
"Will never speak ill of you again. I promise. Otherwise, I will stop helping her with Rosings, and she will go bankrupt soon enough."
She smiled with tears in her eyes, "You are determined to have me?"
"Now that I know you love me? There is no one, nothing that can stop me… Only you. And I beg you, say you will marry me, dearest. Please…"
"I will marry you, Mr. Darcy."
He held her against him tightly. Tears left his eyes, but he couldn't stop smiling.
"My dearest, loveliest Elizabeth… You are making me the happiest man on Earth."
"That is all I want."
He kissed the top of her head. She stepped away. He looked to be in physical pain.
"We shouldn't be alone, and you really shouldn't call me by my Christian name," Elizabeth sighed and took another step back.
"Please, don't run away from me, love," he stepped forward.
"I don't want to… But us being engaged… I fear my uncle will have me sent away… I don't want to leave you or my aunt."
"Perhaps we should keep this to ourselves…"
"Again, sir, I thought you abhorred deceit."
He blushed, "Not as much as I abhor being away from you."
"Mr. Darcy…" she blushed.
"Won't you call me by my name when we are alone?"
"Fitzwilliam?"
"William. Only my sister and you get to call me that. I prefer it."
"William…" she savored the word. "I like it…"
"May I hold you?"
"You may. I would like to continue our conversation from last night… I should have apologized for falling asleep."
"Not at all. Watching you sleep was lovely. It had me wishing I could paint you…"
She blushed. "Come sit with me."
They sat next to each other, and she immediately sought his warmth. She folded her legs to the side and leaned into his open arms. He pulled her snugly against his side. She sighed. He smelled incredible, and his hands made her feel loved. She found it endearing that his hands never went exploring. They talked until at least one in the morning, and when she dozed off, he brought her to her bed and kissed her forehead. He went to his bedroom and quickly started to write. He had a lot of things to organize for the coming days. He was now determined. Nothing would make him back away.
Mr. Darcy woke with the happiest smile on his face —so much so that his valet noticed and commented on it. He simply said it was a beautiful day, and it was. After the rains, they had a clear sky and sunny morning.
"Is everything ready for Mrs. Gardiner?"
"Yes, sir. We have a crew working on the roads to make sure there's a way to get help quickly if necessary."
"Good. Are the tenants doing well in their temporary lodgings?"
"Yes, sir. Everyone is happily situated."
"Wonderful. Has anyone checked on the Gardiners this morning?"
"Absolutely, Mrs. Reynolds did. Mrs. Gardiner's nausea is improving with the ginger tea."
"Thank the Lord."
"Indeed. Your horse is saddled, sir. In case you want to ride around to see the repairs."
"Absolutely."
After a couple of hours of making sure all tasks were well underway, Mr. Darcy returned to break his fast. Georgiana welcomed him at the door.
"Morning, brother," Georgiana smiled.
"Georgiana," he kissed her forehead.
"I was waiting for you to eat."
"Oh?"
"The Gardiners and Lizzie are eating in their room."
They ate in companionable silence until Mr. Gardiner came in and requested a moment to talk to Mr. Darcy. They moved to the study.
"Mr. Darcy, I am concerned."
"About what, sir?"
"I see the way you look at my niece, sir."
Mr. Darcy colored a bit but said nothing.
"Like I said yesterday, I am a very direct person. While I am very grateful for your hospitality and generosity, I will make different arrangements regardless of the cost unless I am completely satisfied that there will be no… issues."
"Mr. Gardiner, I understand your concern. If you feel there is anything untoward in the way I look at her, I apologize, but you are mistaken."
"Am I? Mr. Darcy… My main concern in leaving my niece in your home and why I think there needs to be another chaperone is precisely the way you look at her. I don't think a man of your stature would be tempted to marry Lizzie. I know you are a gentleman, but seeing what I heard about Miss Anton's situation-"
"Mr. Gardiner, please. There is nothing lewd in my stare. Only admiration and affection… Allow me to clear something up. I would marry your niece in a heartbeat. As a matter of fact, I already proposed to Miss Elizabeth… She turned me down."
"What?!" Mr. Gardiner had to sit down.
"Let me explain. When your niece visited Mrs. Collins, formerly Miss Charlotte Lucas, in Rosings… I was visiting my aunt, Mr. Collins's patron, Lady Catherine de Bourgh."
"And?"
"I would rather you speak to her about it. She was right to refuse me. My approach wasn't the best."
"Mr. Darcy… This changes everything."
"It doesn't have to. Miss Elizabeth and I… We are friends now, I think."
"I know my niece, sir. She is not indifferent to you."
Mr. Darcy sighed with a small smile, "Mr. Gardiner, would you want me to leave Pemberley while they are here?"
Edward straightened his back against the chair. He looked shocked, "You would do that? You would leave your home for my peace of mind?"
"Absolutely, Mr. Gardiner. I told you about what happened to my sister. I understand better than anyone why you are concerned. I can move to London and travel back and forth for estate management. I would rather be closer in case of emergencies, but-"
"Let me speak with my niece. I would not turn you away from your own home, sir. I may bring Elizabeth to London with me instead, depending on what she tells me."
"I will do as you wish, sir. I was hoping once your other niece gets here, you would be more at ease with the situation."
"Mr. Darcy… This is a big estate. Jane cannot be everywhere."
Mr. Darcy nodded. "I understand your concerns. However, there is a party of friends coming to stay here for about a fortnight."
"Do we know them?"
"Some of them. My friend Charles Bingley, his sisters and brother-in-law, and my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam will arrive the day you plan to leave."
"The plot thickens."
"Beg your pardon?"
"You want two of my nieces in a house with men who are interested in them."
Mr. Darcy spluttered. He hadn't even considered that at all. "Mr. Gardiner, please forgive me. I had not thought about that. My apologies. I still have time to change all my plans. I can send an express to Mr. Bingley and stop him from coming here. I will tell him I will be residing in London instead."
"Hmm."
"Another scenario would be that I can have two of Miss Elizabeth's sisters come stay here."
"Bring Mrs. Bennet along, and then I will believe your intentions are completely honorable," Mr. Gardiner smirked. That was the biggest test there could be. Mr. Darcy knew he was being challenged.
Mr. Darcy was silent for a while as he thought about it. He had made his peace with the fact that Mrs. Bennet would be a permanent part of his life. Lizzie had agreed to marry him. That was all that mattered. He would gain Mrs. Bennet's favor. "If that will make you feel more comfortable, I will travel to Longbourn myself to escort them here."
Mr. Gardiner looked surprised at his suggestion but also pleased, "Good. That sounds like a reasonable solution."
Mr. Darcy blinked. "I can leave on horseback in four days. That way, they can spend one day with you before you take off for London. Would that be agreeable?"
"Most agreeable."
"Wonderful. I'll make arrangements."
"Mr. Darcy, wait."
"Yes?"
"I need to ask you an important question. Do you have intentions of formally courting my niece despite her rejection of your proposal?"
"I would like your permission, or I guess I should say Mr. Bennet's permission."
"Did she say she is open to this?"
"Yes… She did."
"I will talk to her and write a note for you to bring to Thomas. He will likely not believe it from your lips."
"Oh?"
"I should not say this, but I am sure you have noticed that Lizzie is his favorite."
"I suspected it."
"Good. So you know that he will not be easily persuaded," Mr. Gardiner smiled.
"I am a persistent and patient man, Mr. Gardiner."
"That will serve you well. May I write the note, here?"
"Of course. I will go make arrangements for my trip."
"You refused Mr. Darcy's proposal?"
"Yes."
"You regret that now, do you not?"
"Yes, wholeheartedly."
"I should take you away immediately."
"No! Uncle, please! I… I love him."
Mr. Gardiner blinked repeatedly, "You love him?"
"I do. If you make me leave, I will lose the only second chance I have ever wanted."
Mr. Gardiner sighed, "Have you ever heard the expression 'be careful what you wish for,' my dear?"
"Why do you say that?"
"I talked to him. He will bring two of your sisters here… and your mother. You may live to regret wanting to stay."
"My mo-" Lizzie's jaw fell. "Uncle! You didn't!"
"I most certainly did. He agreed. I gave him a note to give to your father."
"A note?"
"Yes. About him wanting to court you. I told Thomas that I had agreed but that he had the final word."
"Oh…"
The remaining days until his trip went on similarly. He broke his fast with his sister and guests, save for Mrs. Gardiner, of course. Then, after his usual work, he would dine with them, spend time talking to his guests, and listen to his sister play. They would retire to sleep. Then, he would spend half an hour with his fiancé. They would talk or just stay in silence together, holding hands, and basking in each other's presence. He arrived at Longbourne and was coldly received by Mrs. Bennet. Her husband had asked not to be disturbed for one hour. He was sent into their sunroom where Miss Lydia and Miss Catherine were, to his surprise, not wreaking havoc. Miss Bennet, who greeted him warmly with her characteristic serene smile, was overseeing their progress. Miss Lydia was painting. He got a glimpse as he walked around the room to stretch his legs. She was painting a vase full of white roses. Miss Catherine was embroidering a handkerchief with what he now knew were her father's initials. Miss Mary was studying sheet music.
Sitting in their parlor, he tried not to focus on the negatives. The property was located in a nice neighborhood, and some of the tenants seemed happy. The house was warm and inviting. He was brought some tea and cookies. Both were delicious. Miss Jane engaged him in polite conversation for the rest of the hour. She was very concerned for her aunt, but she was glad to know Lizzie was with her.
Back in Pemberley, Mrs. Gardiner was already tired of being in bed. Her husband moved her to a recliner Mr. Darcy had his staff move to their room. She had five options for books on a side table next to her and ginger tea on the other side table. Madeline never thought she would ever be treated like royalty. She couldn't even mention anything to Lizzie within earshot of the staff because it would be brought to her so quickly that she would feel dizzy. A knock on the door distracted her from her reading.
"Come in," Lizzie said from her armchair.
Mrs. Reynolds stepped in with an elegantly dressed woman, "Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Elizabeth, this is Mrs. Beaumont, Miss Darcy's modiste. Mr. Darcy requested for her to come and fit you with some maternity dresses so you can be comfortable for the duration of your stay. It's his gift to you."
Mrs. Gardiner was shocked. Lizzie was touched. Her fiancé was really the most wonderful man.
"That is most generous of him, but I can't accept that. I am sure Mrs. Beaumont is an excellent modiste, but-"
"Miss Elizabeth, Mrs. Beaumont, can you please give me the room to talk to Mrs. Gardiner?"
"Of course," Lizzie nodded and left with the modiste.
"Mrs. Gardiner, I am too old to pretend. I realize this may seem untoward from the housekeeper, but Mr. Darcy is very interested in your well-being. I am sure you have noticed that Mr. Darcy is very interested in your niece."
"Yes, I know. I need you to know that I have worked here since before he was born, and he has never been interested in anyone as much as he is in your niece."
"I am aware of his interest, yes."
"Then, you know how important it is to him that you are happy and well taken care of…"
"I do… But Mrs. Reynolds… Mr. Darcy is already taking on significant expenses housing us. My husband told me that he will bring two other nieces and Mrs. Bennet here."
"Mrs. Gardiner, Mr. Darcy wouldn't offer you anything he couldn't afford."
"I am aware he is rich. I don't want my niece to feel indebted to his generosity and have that impact her decision-making."
"That is most responsible of you. However, if I may, I heard something about your husband sending a note relaying to Mr. Bennet that Mr. Darcy asked for permission to court Miss Elizabeth."
Mrs. Gardiner's eyes widened, "I wasn't aware of that."
"I know men seem to think women are too delicate to hear about things like this when pregnant, but I think not knowing is worse."
"You are correct. I appreciate you being forthcoming. Husbands do tend to be too overprotective. I am already being treated like I am made of glass."
"Oh, no, Mrs. Gardiner, pregnant women are made of diamonds. Glass is easily replaceable," Mrs. Reynolds patted her hand. "May I send Mrs. Beaumont in?"
"You may. Please tell Lizzie to go for a walk in the meantime. She has yet to leave this room today."
"Of course."
"Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bennet will see you now," Mrs. Bennet announced.
He decided to keep his 'Finally!' comment to himself. It was three hours instead of one. Instead, he simply smiled, "Thank you, Mrs. Bennet."
Mrs. Bennet looked so surprised at his simple civility that he felt embarrassed about the way he had treated her. He made a vow to himself to do much better. After pleasantries, Mr. Bennet told him to sit, so he could read the note. Mr. Bennet's expression was one of shock and disbelief.
"Mr. Darcy, what is the meaning of this?" he waved the note. "I know this is a real note that my Lizzie's uncle wrote. It is his hand, signature, and seal…"
"Yes, sir."
"And you… You want my permission to court my Lizzie? A girl you called not handsome enough to tempt you?"
Mr. Darcy blushed and looked down. "Mr. Bennet, you have my most sincere apologies. I already apologized to your daughter. I… I had just come back from… I was having a bad day, and I was not even looking at your daughter when I said that."
"You wish to marry my Lizzie?" Mr. Bennet frowned.
"I do, sir."
"And you are aware of her situation?"
"Sir?"
"She is the second eldest daughter of a small estate entailed away to a distant cousin because Mrs. Bennet and I had no sons. The money for my daughters' dowry would not tempt a man such as yourself."
Mr. Darcy sighed, "Mr. Bennet, it has always been my wish to marry out of affection. I have no need to marry for monetary gain."
"How convenient for you that my daughter is to be in your home for months, then," Thomas frowned.
"Sir, please. I came here to escort two of your daughters and Mrs. Bennet to Pemberley. Did you not get that letter?"
"I did."
"Oh… Pardon me, it just seemed like neither your daughters nor your wife knew what I was doing here," Mr. Darcy tried not to change his expression.
Mr. Bennet scoffed, "Of course, they do not. How do you think my days would have sounded like if Mrs. Bennet knew she was going to Pemberley?"
"I see… But they are coming, yes?"
"Yes. They are coming, and so am I."
"Pardon?" Mr. Darcy blinked.
"Do you have any objections?"
"None. I would be glad to host you as well."
"Good. I need to speak to my daughter in person and see that there are no issues with this intended courtship. Once I am satisfied, I may even leave your home."
"And your other daughters, sir?"
"They will stay with Mr. and Mrs. Phillips."
"Are you sure you wouldn't rather they come to Pemberley, too, considering what Mr. Gardiner said about George Wickham?"
"Did you read the letter before it was sealed?"
"No, sir. We talked about it because Miss Anton is under my care," Mr. Darcy kept her tone even.
"I see. I will give you the honor of telling Mrs. Bennet that she is going to Pemberley. My staff has undoubtedly already put our things in your carriage as per my instructions. I am not entirely irresponsible as a master. Very impressive transportation, Mr. Darcy," Mr. Bennet stood to leave.
"Mr. Bennet, wait. Does she know Mrs. Gardiner is pregnant?"
"Yes. She knows that and that she is on strict bed rest. Now, if you don't mind, I would like to choose the most comfortable seat in your impressive carriage."
"How much should I tell her, sir?"
"That is up to you. If you get your wish, she will be your Mama soon. You have to learn how to talk to her. My advice is to flatter her, tell her good news, and then if you feel the need to insult her, do it in an elevated sarcastic manner that will evade her notice," Mr. Bennet shrugged and left his study with a book.
Mr. Darcy pinched the bridge of his nose to stop himself from replying. What an awful thing to say about one's wife. And to someone he considers a stranger… Worse, to someone he clearly does not like. Fitzwilliam sighed. This visit was going to be… a lot.