Chapter 19

M r Bennet had several more drinks that day, before and after the engagement was revealed at Longbourn. Mrs Bennet’s response was so strong that Elizabeth feared her mother would faint. From disbelief to wonder, from denial to prayer, Mrs Bennet was beside herself.

“I saved Mr Darcy when I disliked him and found him proud and disagreeable, but I never imagined he would become my son-in-law! Mr Darcy! So tall and handsome! Ten thousand a year — perhaps more! It is as good as an earl! It cannot be! Lizzy, but are you sure, absolutely sure? Was he dizzy from the medicine, perhaps?”

“It is absolutely certain, Mama! He might have been dizzy,” Elizabeth said, blushing at her own memories, “but there is no doubt about the engagement.”

Mrs Bennet needed a few more days until she truly believed it. The return of Mr Bingley and the colonel was a great help. The former had purchased a licence and offered Elizabeth his heartfelt congratulations, which was the final proof Mrs Bennet needed. Also, Mr Darcy kindly asked Mrs Bennet to visit him one day, together with Mr Bennet and Elizabeth, and on that occasion, he dissipated all her concerns.

“Well, Mr Darcy, when you said you wanted to repay me for saving your life, I certainly did not imagine that you would marry Lizzy,” Mrs Bennet declared.

“Mrs Bennet, I heartily admit that, at that time, I did not imagine it either.”

“And to think you did not even want to dance with her! This is amazing, truly.”

“I assure you, there are few things I wish for more than to dance with Elizabeth, madam, and I shall do so as soon as I am fully healed.”

“Well, sir, once you marry her, dancing will be of no importance. But you may do whatever you please. I shall not oppose it,” she concluded, causing both Elizabeth and Mr Darcy to smile and blush.

Having two sons of such extraordinary value was beyond Mrs Bennet’s wildest dreams. Sadly, she had few opportunities to brag about it, as Meryton was alive with all sorts of distressing reports that captured everyone’s attention.

Colonel Forster returned to discover the shocking truth that he had been a victim of his wife, who had been friends with Mr Wickham and Mr Denny for a long time. Apparently, Mr Denny — who had already been an officer in the regiment — had introduced Harriet to the colonel in London, then she had charmed him and placed him in a situation that ended with a hasty marriage. A month later, Denny had been the one to introduce Wickham to the colonel.

The story of the failed elopement and the three villains’ connection with Georgiana Darcy was known only by Elizabeth and partially by her father and Mr Bingley. To the rest of the neighbourhood, the reports only spoke of Mr Darcy’s generous support of Mr Wickham, the latter’s betrayal, and the plot between the three accomplices.

Mr Denny was discharged from the regiment, but there was not enough proof for him to be lawfully condemned. Mrs Forster was banished by her husband and sent away from Meryton. Mr Darcy later discovered that she had been involved with Mrs Younge in questionable affairs.

By Christmas, Mr Wickham’s superficial wound had healed almost entirely, while Mr Darcy’s ribs were still tender and painful. Mr Darcy kept his word to throw Mr Wickham in jail once he was certain his life was in no danger, and he left him there from January to April. It was Mr Darcy’s men who also discovered other illegal activities related to Mr Denny, who ended up keeping Wickham company in prison for two of those months.

∞∞∞

December was blissful at Longbourn and Netherfield — for almost everyone. Still forced to rest most of the time, Darcy missed all sorts of little things, such as small parties hosted by Bingley for the family, which he would have liked to attend. From his window, he watched Georgiana playing with Elizabeth and her sisters in the first snow of the year and hoped he would be able to join them the following winter at Pemberley.

Bingley’s sisters were so shocked and angry at the news of the new engagement — which was even more distasteful to them than their own brother’s — that they refused to spend much time with the Bennets, especially with Elizabeth.

The Gardiners arrived, and they were introduced to Darcy while he was still in his room. Also, Elizabeth was a daily visitor, and they spent several hours together. Even though there was also a chaperon, they could steal little private moments, share kisses and caresses, and make plans for their future life.

With Darcy on the path to a full recovery, Bingley suggested a double wedding. Much to Elizabeth’s disappointment, Darcy declined.

“My love, I cannot marry you until I am completely recovered,” he confessed to her during their first moment of privacy. “I yearn to begin our life together and to prove to you my ardent love — on our wedding night and every night after — but I cannot allow pain to interfere. I cannot be cautious with my movements while I am loving you.”

The statement was not just an explanation but also a profession and a promise that stirred Elizabeth’s senses and kept her eager and restless for many weeks, turning the wait into a sweet torture that both shared.

Before Christmas, Darcy and Elizabeth had to overcome quite a few obstacles.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh — upon receiving a full report from Mr Collins — demanded that Darcy be brought to London, where he would receive better care. Darcy wrote back, sending his refusal and informing his aunt about his engagement to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Lady Catherine’s response was something that Darcy would never show Elizabeth, so he threw it directly into the fire. In the following weeks, Lady Catherine continued to write poisonous letters to Darcy, to Lord and Lady Matlock to request their support in breaking the engagement, and even to Mr Bennet, declaring Darcy was already engaged to her daughter. The gentleman, exceedingly amused, showed the letter to both Elizabeth and Darcy, as well as his answer, which said:

Lady Catherine,

I can see your ladyship is determined to have Mr Darcy marry your daughter by any means; even by professing an engagement Mr Darcy does not recognise.

Since he is such an excellent man, you certainly cannot expect me to separate him from my daughter, breaking an engagement that he does recognise and very much desires.

I am sorry to disappoint you, but I trust my cousin Mr Collins will use his inclination for flattery to provide you some comfort.

Surprisingly but fortunately, that letter put an end to Lady Catherine’s correspondence.

Lord and Lady Matlock and their eldest son expressed their surprise and reservations and hesitated to approve of the engagement. Colonel Fitzwilliam, once he had come to know Elizabeth better and had witnessed her affection for Darcy, became her friend and supporter.

Meeting each other daily, Elizabeth and Georgiana’s bond grew under Darcy’s watch. The girl came to trust Elizabeth so deeply that she shared the story of the failed elopement with her. She had feared censure and harsh words, but instead, Georgiana received a sisterly embrace and praise for her strength and wisdom.

Bingley married Jane Bennet two days before Christmas, surrounded by family and friends. His sisters and Mr Hurst attended the wedding but departed for London immediately afterwards. Darcy could not stand at his friend’s side in church, but he made the effort to join the guests at the breakfast that followed, and he congratulated Mr and Mrs Bingley, rejoicing in their happiness.

Christmas dinner — the first one hosted by Mrs Bingley — brought together the Bennets, the Gardiners, the Lucases — including Charlotte Lucas, who was not yet married — Mr and Mrs Phillips, and the Longs, as well as Darcy, Georgiana, Mrs Annesley, and Colonel Fitzwilliam. It was generally agreed that marriage suited the Bingleys very much, as Mrs Bingley was more beautiful than ever before and Mr Bingley more joyful and talkative than usual.

At that party, Georgiana agreed to play for the guests, which was something that very rarely happened.

After a few songs that amazed and enchanted the audience, Mary joined her, and they continued to play, amusing themselves and the others with joyful music. To everyone’s astonishment, Darcy gave an awkward bow to his betrothed, asking, “Miss Bennet, would you do me the honour of dancing with me? At least a few steps, until I need to rest.”

Everyone stared at them, and Elizabeth laughed.

“Now, Mr Darcy? You wish to dance?”

“Why not? It is an opportunity that I do not wish to miss.”

“Then I shall be happy to oblige,” she teased him, placing her hand in his.

“Mr Darcy,” Sir William interjected, “do you remember, sir, when you told me that you avoid dancing even at St James’s Palace and that every savage can dance?”

Although the question was asked with a hint of malicious intent, Darcy smiled at his betrothed and replied, “I certainly do remember, sir. My opinion on this matter has changed only when I have Miss Bennet as my partner. Every savage can dance, and every man — even those who loathe such an activity — once he has found his perfect match.”

At this, Mrs Bennet gasped with pleasure, Sir William was silenced, and Darcy led Elizabeth to the middle of the room, exposing himself to everyone’s scrutiny. He had been wrong when he had refused to dance with her at the assembly, and his offence when he had called her tolerable was widely known. Therefore, he wished to prove to everyone how much he regretted those foolish words. The offence had been public, and so must the remedy be.

He had to stop soon enough and rest, but Elizabeth’s little smile and her sparkling eyes locked with his were a sweet reward deserving of the effort.

∞∞∞

At the end of January, on a cold yet sunny day with a light covering of snow, Miss Elizabeth Bennet finally married Mr Darcy in a ceremony that gathered the entire neighbourhood. The only significant absence was Charlotte Lucas, who had married Mr Collins and moved to Kent.

The large crowd satisfied all Mrs Bennet’s maternal feelings. Even Colonel Fitzwilliam returned for the event, accompanied by his eldest brother, the viscount, as proof of the Matlocks’ acceptance of Elizabeth.

The long engagement allowed Darcy and Elizabeth time to get to know each other better and make plans, and the others time to become accustomed to the unexpected union between two people who had moved from dislike to love within a month.

It was established that the couple would return to London immediately after the wedding ceremony. The long wait had been trying for their patience and self-control, so being finally alone was their greatest desire.

Georgiana decided to stay another month in Hertfordshire, allowing her brother and sister privacy while she spent more time with her friends — the Bennet girls. It was also agreed that Lydia, Kitty, and Mary would come to London in April, then spend the summer at Pemberley, where the entire family was expected.

Emotional farewells were taken, and just before they were ready to leave, Mr Bennet approached them, embracing his daughter.

“Please do not be sad, Papa. We shall meet again soon.”

“I am not sad at all, Lizzy. In fact, I am grateful and content to see the improvement in your sisters and to be able to carry on reasonable conversations with them. Miss Darcy has certainly been a great help.”

“My sister has benefited from the friendship just as much,” Darcy replied. “I can hardly believe how much she has grown in self-confidence, and in joyfulness, in the two and a half months she has spent in Hertfordshire. I have another reason to be grateful to your family, Mr Bennet. Forgive me — our family.”

“You know, Darcy, when you first came to talk to me, I could not understand why others declared you were proud and arrogant. I mean, you probably were, but it did not bother me,” he said, causing Darcy to laugh.

“I found nothing wanting in you,” Mr Bennet continued, “and for a moment, it crossed my mind that you were the sort of man whom I would choose for my dear Lizzy. Of course, considering your situation in life and ours, such a thought was quickly dismissed. I now wonder whether we should not be grateful to that poor wretch Wickham for this turn of events.”

Darcy laughed again. “Elizabeth and I were just talking about that a few days ago. It is probably true, to some degree. That is why I shall leave him in prison for a while, then make arrangements to send him abroad. I am willing to pay for the other two miscreants if they wish to join him.”

“You are a very generous man, Darcy.”

“Not at all, sir. I am quite selfish. I prefer to know they are as far away as possible and to be sure my father would approve of my actions.”

“Very well then. Lizzy, I shall miss you, but I am sure you will be happy. I could not have parted with you to anyone less worthy.”

With that, the farewell was complete, and the Darcys entered their carriage and left. As soon as they were alone, Darcy gently pulled his wife to him, then placed her on his lap, his arms closing around her. He captured her lips in a kiss that demonstrated their yearning and lasted till they were breathless. When they separated, Elizabeth glanced towards the window and gasped in surprise. He smiled.

“I felt the need to see these places again before we left, as they marked the beginning of our happiness,” he explained, gently caressing her face. It was the road along the west side of Oakham Mount. “A little bit farther is the place where you stopped my carriage.”

“Yes, I know,” she said, her fingers touching his jaw. “And here is the place where I began climbing. And there is the place where I came down,” she showed him, amused by his expression. “And here,” she said, brushing her lips gently against the corner of his, “is where I first kissed you.”

“That, I shall never forget, Mrs Darcy, no matter how many other kisses followed afterwards and how many more there are to come.”

Their whispers turned into moans of delight with another passionate kiss, while the carriage rolled along, taking them towards their long-deserved — though unexpected by many — happily ever after.