Chapter 11

T he following morning, Mr. Darcy sat at the desk in his room. The events of the previous day weighed heavily on his mind, and he felt a pressing need to communicate them to his sister. He found some ink and a quill with which he began to compose a letter to Georgiana, detailing the circumstances that had led him to his unexpected decision—a decision that he was certain would undoubtedly surprise her.

As he started writing, Darcy paused, contemplating whether to pen a similar letter to his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. However, the thought of her inevitable disapproval, her sure-to-be lengthy diatribe against such a match, and her attempts to thwart his decision led him to delay the communication. He decided to inform her only when the event was inevitable, trusting that a few days' notice would minimize the uproar that was sure to follow.

With measured strokes, he began to write to his sister:

" My dearest Georgiana,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I should have written sooner, but unforeseen circumstances prevented me. It is with some urgency that I must acquaint you with news of a rather unexpected nature. I have resolved, perhaps more hastily than is my wont, to enter into matrimony with a young lady by the name of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, here in Meryton.

I am well aware that this may come as a surprise to you, particularly as my time in this town has been brief. However, I am confident that, upon your acquaintance with Miss Bennet, you shall find her to be a lady of considerable wit, intelligence, and vivacity—qualities which, I believe, shall commend her to your favour. The circumstances necessitate that our union be arranged with some dispatch, and I shall, of course, provide you with further particulars as our plans take shape.

I must entreat you, my dear sister, to keep this news in the strictest confidence, particularly from our aunt. You are well aware of her cherished hopes regarding my union with our cousin Anne, and I would prefer to delay any discord that might arise from her objections. Rest assured, I shall write to you again shortly with more information.

Yours ever,

Fitzwilliam Darcy "

Satisfied with his missive, Darcy sealed the letter and placed it on his desk for later dispatch. His mind still burdened with thoughts, he descended to the breakfast room, where Mr. Bingley awaited him with a kind expression.

"Good morning, Darcy," Bingley greeted him warmly. "I trust you slept well after the tumult of yesterday?"

Darcy gave a slight nod, his demeanour composed. "I did, Bingley. The events of the previous day are behind me."

Miss Bingley, her eyes roaming as if waiting for Darcy for an opportunity to speak, interjected with a knowing glance. "Indeed, Mr. Darcy. We have heard whispers from the servants about the talk in Meryton. They say you and Miss Elizabeth Bennet were found in a rather... compromising position."

"One can only imagine how such rumours could spread, Mr. Darcy." Mrs. Hurst, her voice tinged with false concern, added.

Darcy's expression remained inscrutable, though his thoughts drifted to Mr. Bennet's words from the previous night, hinting that either the coachman or the militia officer might have been the source of the rumors. After a moment's consideration, Darcy concluded that the militia officer was the more likely culprit. "It appears Mr. Bennet was correct in his assessment," Darcy began, his tone measured. "If there are already rumours circulating, then I believe it is only proper that I clarify the matter. I happened upon Miss Bennet's carriage by chance while I left the assembly yesterday. I heard her scream while I investigated the wreck of the carriage, and intervened when I discovered a snake near her. In the process of aiding her, I accidentally fell upon her. Unfortunately, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins, and two others witnessed the latter end of these events, and naturally, they assumed the worst. Given the circumstances, it is only right that I protect Miss Bennet's honour."

Bingley's face softened as he placed a comforting hand on Darcy's shoulder. "You are indeed a good man, Darcy, to step forward in this manner. Given the circumstance, Miss Bennet's honour is of utmost importance."

"But Mr. Darcy, have you considered that Miss Elizabeth might have orchestrated this entire situation? She is, after all, as you've made clear, a clever girl." Miss Bingley scoffed delicately.

Darcy's eyes narrowed slightly as he met her gaze. "Miss Bingley, if such a scheme were in place, how could Miss Bennet have compelled me to follow her? The suggestion is absurd."

Realizing the futility of her argument, Miss Bingley pressed on in a different vein. "But the Bennets are clearly taking advantage of your good nature, Mr. Darcy. Why could they not simply express their gratitude and leave it at that, instead of forcing a marriage upon you?"

Darcy's voice, though calm, carried a note of finality. "It is not a matter of taking advantage, Miss Bingley. Any family would wish to protect their daughter's reputation under such circumstances. And, if I may say so, Miss Elizabeth is far from the average woman. She possesses an intelligence and spirit that are rare, and a beauty that is distinctly her own. Forced or not, a marriage to her will not be unpleasant."

A silence fell upon the room as Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst exchanged bewildered glances. The notion that Mr. Darcy could speak so highly of Miss Elizabeth Bennet was beyond their comprehension.

Darcy, sensing the conversation had reached its natural conclusion, stood. "I must make my way to Longbourn this morning."

Bingley, eager to be of assistance, quickly rose as well. "Allow me to accompany you, Darcy. I should very much like to see Miss Bennet for myself and ensure her well-being."

"One wonders if it is truly Miss Elizabeth you wish to see, Charles, or perhaps her elder sister, Miss Jane, who seemed to have captured your attention last evening." Mrs. Hurst, with a sly smile, interjected.

Bingley, unabashed, responded with a light-hearted grin, "If I end up killing two birds with one stone, then so be it."

The Bingley sisters exchanged knowing glances and scoffed lightly, clearly unimpressed by his candour and feeling no need to show disguise their displeasure.

Darcy gave brief nod of agreement towards all at the table, then he made his way to the door, while Bingley followed after him.

****

The morning sun had scarcely risen above the horizon when Charlotte Lucas arrived at Longbourn. Concern etched across her features, she inquired immediately after Elizabeth, her friend's well-being foremost in her mind.

"Lizzy, I heard about the accident. I had stepped away when you left and wish I had been there," Charlotte began, her voice trembling, a blend of worry and curiosity evident as she sat beside Elizabeth. "The entire town is abuzz with rumors. I could hardly wait to see for myself that you were well."

"Thank you, Charlotte. I am well, merely a sprain in my leg, but it is better now. The coach overturned, and Mr. Darcy…well, he happened upon me and offered his assistance." Elizabeth replied.

Charlotte's brow furrowed as she leaned closer and spoke in hushed tones. "Lizzy, I must tell you, there are more than just whispers in Meryton. I hear talk of you and Mr. Darcy being found in a compromising position."

Elizabeth sighed, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "It was a matter of mistake. As I said, Mr. Darcy was helping me when we slipped, but those who happened upon us assume the worst. And because of it, I have agreed to marry Mr. Darcy. It is not for love, Charlotte, but to protect my family's honour and prevent the ruin of my sisters."

Charlotte gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Marry Mr. Darcy? But Lizzy, is there no other way?"

"It is the only way. I could not bear to see my family's name dragged through the mud, or to see Jane's prospects with Mr. Bingley ruined because of a scandal." Elizabeth shook her head, a resigned look settling on her face.

As they conversed, the sound of hooves approaching Longbourn caught their attention. Moments later, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley were announced, and the gentlemen were shown into the drawing-room. Elizabeth rose, her composure polite but distant, as the gentlemen entered. Charlotte Lucas left for her house immediately.

Darcy, his countenance calm yet observant, inquired after Elizabeth's well-being. "Miss Bennet, I trust you are recovering from yesterday's ordeal?"

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. My leg feels much improved, just a tinge of discomfort remains." Elizabeth, though calm, did not meet his gaze directly.

After being intimated of his presence, Mr. Bennet emerged from his study and shook the men's hand. "Thank you for your help yesterday, Mr. Darcy. You decision was most honourable."

Darcy only smiled and shook his head in return. Mr. Bennet also shook hands with Mr. Bingley who after inquiring about Elizabeth's health soon asked about the whereabout of Jane. Mrs. Bennet and the other girls were summoned and they too exchanged pleasantries with their guest.

"Mr. Darcy, I must ask—how soon do you propose for this marriage to take place? Rumours are already circulating in Meryton, and the longer we delay, the more harm they may cause." Mr. Bennet asked after everyone was settled.

Darcy inclined his head thoughtfully. "Given the urgency, Mr. Bennet, I believe we may require a special license for the wedding. This would necessitate I journey to London."

Mr. Bennet nodded in understanding. "I am aware of the process. The sooner, the better."

Mrs. Bennet, whose attention had been focused on watching the smiles shared by Jane and Mr. Bingley until now, let out a small sigh. "I cannot say I am pleased that Lizzy's wedding must be so hurried, but at least her honour is preserved."

While they spoke, Mr. Bingley spent the better part of the visit engaged in quiet conversation with Jane, his attentions focused solely on her.

During a lull in the conversation, Mr. Bennet inquired about Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bennet replied, saying, "It seems Mr. Collins took it upon himself to go for a walk this morning. He has not yet returned."

After further inquiries and assurances regarding Elizabeth's health, Darcy rose to take his leave. "I must return Sir William's horse," he explained. "He may have urgent use for the stallion."

With a courteous bow, he excused himself, urging Bingley to remain behind and not to alter his plans on his account.

As Darcy rode on, his thoughts returned to Elizabeth's demeanor during their visit. She had scarcely met his gaze, and though her tone remained calm and respectful, there was a reluctance in her words that he could not ignore. What sort of marriage could this be if such an attitude persisted? Whatever her feelings towards him, Darcy was certain that she had not yet softened her opinion. He found himself once more lamenting the harsh words he had spoken about her at the assembly. Though he had now acted to protect her when necessity demanded it, he realized now that he had not truly apologized for his conduct. He had offered assistance in her moment of need and proposed marriage out of a sense of duty, yet he had never addressed the injury his words had caused. Perhaps, if he were to express genuine contrition, she might no longer regard him with such disdain. Darcy resolved that, upon his return to Netherfield before departing for London, he would seek her forgiveness.

Upon arriving at Lucas Lodge, Darcy dismounted and returned the horse to Sir William, thanking him for lending him the animal.

The older man greeted him with a knowing smile. Charlotte Lucas, having arrived earlier from Longbourn had told him all about the latest gossip at the Bennets. "I have heard the news, Mr. Darcy—Meryton is abuzz with it. How you saved Miss Bennet, and of course, the unfortunate rumours that followed. But you must know, I admire your decision to marry Miss Elizabeth. It is the honourable course."

Darcy inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you, Sir William. I am determined to protect Miss Bennet's honour, and to that end, I must travel to London to secure a special license, so that the marriage may take place without delay. It is for this reason that I wished to return your horse promptly before I take my leave."

Sir William's face brightened with an idea. "As it happens, I am well acquainted with the Archbishop in London. If you wish, I can pen a letter to him on your behalf. I am certain he will expedite the process, and this will save you from making such a journey."

Darcy considered this offer for a moment, then nodded in appreciation. "That is most generous of you, Sir William. I would be grateful for your assistance."

With arrangements made, Darcy expressed his thanks once more and departed. Now, he only had to send the letter he wrote to Georgiana, write one to Elizabeth and allow fate take its course.