20. Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

April 9, 1812 Hunsford, Kent Elizabeth

E lizabeth walked the lane that morning. She did not wish for Mr. Darcy’s company that day, having encountered him on her rambles nearly every day in the last week. Her strolls with him had given her greater understanding of his character, but she stubbornly held on to her beliefs of his superior behavior and arrogance. What did he want with her? Just the other day he had asked probing questions about her desire to leave Longbourn. Fifty miles of good road. Bah. Such ideas confirmed his arrogance. Fifty miles of good road might mean little to a man of means, but it meant that Elizabeth did not often get to see her most beloved sister. Jane, who had tied herself to Mr. Collins for some mysterious reason she had yet to relate—her sister had not fulfilled her promise to tell all yet, and Elizabeth’s visit would end in two days.

She did not regret her time in Kent, having confirmed her sister’s professed contentment for herself and seen a more confident Jane than the one that had left Longbourn. And, she had come to know Colonel Fitzwilliam, too, and admired his cheerful and stalwart personality. The gentleman’s loyalty impressed her; one must have much of that trait and a large helping of tolerance to be long in Mr. Darcy’s company.

“Ho, there!” The same gentleman appeared in the lane ahead of her. “How do you do, Miss Bennet?”

“I am well, Colonel, and you?” She smiled.

“Very well. I am making my yearly rounds of the park. Would you care to accompany me? I shall escort you back to the parsonage afterwards.”

Pleased to accept, she fell into step beside Colonel Fitzwilliam. Unlike Sir Andrew, the colonel’s personality appealed to her. His genuine manner held no disguise, no hint of the arrogance that his cousin–and sometimes the baronet–displayed.

“I make the journey to Rosings every year with Darcy,” he said. “He handles the books, and I see to tenant concerns.”

“Lady Catherine is fortunate to have such dedicated relations.” Elizabeth kept her reply neutral. Her opinions regarding Lady Catherine would not be welcome to the ears of her nephews.

“It is Darcy’s aid she really appreciates. He is being extremely thorough this year, having already delayed our departure twice.” His walking stick hit a rock and he kicked it away.

“You must wait for your cousin to leave?”

“I am at his disposal. Darcy will depart in time to return me to my regiment.” The colonel shrugged.

“Pity he does not marry and secure himself a lasting convenience of that kind.” Her acerbic statement did not phase the colonel.

“He at least can marry where he likes. As a lowly second son, I am required to seek an heiress.”

Her heart fell. His friendly nature had encouraged her to think he might consider courting the penniless daughter of a country gentleman, but he disabused her of that notion. She rallied and replied. “And what does the son of an earl command as a dowry? I would think nothing less than fifty thousand pounds?” She named the amount in jest, but he confirmed it.

“Naturally, if I wish to live in the style to which I have become accustomed, then fifty thousand pounds is a fair aim.” He shrugged. “Darcy has the luxury of choice. He could marry my cousin Anne, or he could marry a milkmaid. Pemberley will not suffer for either.”

The thought of Mr. Darcy marrying a milkmaid caused Elizabeth to chuckle. “He would never,” she said with humor.

“No, he would not. When he does marry, it will be to an exceptional lady who holds his heart. She will be a fortunate woman. Fastidious as my cousin is, he is ever more loyal to those in his care. Why, he recently saved a friend from a most imprudent marriage.”

Elizabeth’s blood ran cold. “Did he?” she choked out. “And did Mr. Darcy give a reason for this interference?”

He did not hear the steel in her voice. “I believe there were very strong objections to the lady.”

Mr. Wickham had been correct. Mr. Darcy had interfered in Jane’s happiness. And now her sister was irrevocably tied to a stupid, sycophantic parson.

“And what arts did he use to separate them?”

He shook his head. “He did not speak to me of his methods. I only know that which I just related to you.” He turned and looked at her. “Are you well, Miss Bennet?”

“I do not think your cousin’s conduct suits my feelings,” she replied. “Who is he to judge?”

He chuckled, not understanding her ire. “You seem rather disposed to think my cousin’s actions were officious.”

“I do not see what right Mr. Darcy had to decide on the acceptability of his friend’s inclination. Why was he so determined to act upon his own judgment and direct his friend in that manner?” She stopped, remembering herself and with whom she spoke. “But then, as we know none of the particulars; it is not fair to condemn him. Perhaps there was not much affection in this case?”

He laughed again. “If there were, then it lessens the honor of my cousin’s actions considerably.”

She stopped walking and he followed suit, turning to truly take in her countenance. “I say, Miss Bennet, is something the matter? You look… well, you do not look well.”

“It is a sudden headache,” she said. “I believe I have walked too far and too long today.”

“Then let us return to the parsonage directly.” He held out his arm and she took it. They walked in silence, and he deposited her outside the garden gate, bowing his farewell and expressing hope for her swift recovery.

Elizabeth took to her chamber for the rest of the afternoon, descending only to inform Jane she would not be accompanying the party to Rosings for supper that evening.

“Are you certain you are well, Lizzy?” Jane’s genuine concern warmed her heart and she wished she could tell her sister everything. She must be silent; Jane’s married state meant there was nothing to be done. Mr. Bingley was lost forever, even if this interference of Mr. Darcy’s could be rectified.

“I am, Jane. It is only a headache. Rest and solitude are all I need.”

“I can stay if it would bring you comfort.” Jane’s offer brought protestations from Mr. Collins.

“No, I assure you, I will be well. Go, enjoy Lady Catherine’s hospitality.” She smiled weakly.

Jane nodded and took Mr. Collins’s arm. Charlotte trailed behind him, casting a glance at Elizabeth that she acknowledged with a nod. The door closed, and she retired to the sitting room. The quiet house soothed her aching head, and she reclined on the settee, contemplating all she had learned that day.

After a half an hour in that attitude, Elizabeth heard the bell and wondered who could possibly be visiting the parsonage at that hour. If it was a parishioner, they would be redirected to Rosings Park. She heard the door open and Martha’s voice greeting whoever stood on the stoop.

She stood when she heard footsteps approaching and brushed the wrinkles from the front of her gown. The door opened and Martha stepped in.

“Mr. Darcy, ma’am,” she said. She curtseyed and left the room.

“Sir.” Her cool greeting might have been attributed to her aching head, but she knew it stemmed from his cruel actions.

“Forgive me for troubling you. I heard you were ill and wished to see for myself how you fared. Are you feeling any better?” His concern did not seem feigned.

How very officious you are, sir. My health is none of your concern. “I am well enough. A little rest and I shall be returned to myself.” She paused and unwillingly said, “Will you not sit down?” Her manners would not fail, even in the face of his unwanted company.

He sat but did not remain in that position long before he stood and began pacing. At last, he turned to her and said passionately, “In vain I have struggled. It will not do. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

She blinked in surprise, examining his countenance for signs he was not in his right mind. Surely, she must be hearing things. Mr. Darcy had said what? Before she could gather her now flustered thoughts, he continued.

“In offering myself to you, I am aware I go against my family’s wishes and indeed, against my own better judgment. Such an alliance will be seen as a degradation to the Darcy name. To connect myself so irrevocably to relations so decidedly beneath my own will doubtlessly earn me the censure of my peers and the derision of my neighbors, but I cannot do without you. You have impressed me from the beginning as a compassionate, caring, confident lady, one with intelligence, wit, and no guile. And so, I come before you, begging you to end my agony and consent to become my wife.”

Elizabeth’s shock and anger grew with each word. She choked down her rage and mentally prepared to politely refuse him. She hoped that in doing so, he would depart, ego bruised but no worse for wear. She opened her mouth to reply, but the door to the room, partially open to maintain propriety, flew open and Charlotte entered.

“Oh, Lizzy! My best wishes. Married to Mr. Darcy; how marvelous!” She threw her arms around Elizabeth, holding her close and then whispering, “ Think,” before pulling away.

She still had hopes of quelling Charlotte’s declaration when she noted Sir Andrew and Martha in the doorway. Sir Andrew looked pleased, and Martha looked smug. The latter would doubtlessly make for Rosings Park as soon as she could.

The pain in Elizabeth’s head flared and she did the only thing she could in the situation she found herself: she swooned.

Charlotte

Charlotte trailed behind Jane and Mr. Collins. She worried for Elizabeth. Something had upset her. A headache could explain her friend’s lack of zeal that evening, but something more must have occurred. Elizabeth seemed disquieted. She had stared at Jane far too hard when ensuring her sister of her wellbeing.

They entered the sitting room at Rosings Park. Lady Catherine immediately commandeered Jane’s company, and Mr. Collins trailed after. Sir Andrew came to join Charlotte, but Lady de Bourgh had not yet appeared.

“My grandmother will be down shortly. She is with Anne; Lady Catherine tries to keep her daughter away from her mother-in-law, but Lady de Bourgh will not be deterred.” He glanced at the door. “Where is Miss Bennet?”

“She claims a headache.” Charlotte shook her head. “She is prevaricating, I know it.”

Mr. Darcy and the colonel entered. One glance about the room and Mr. Darcy’s face creased with concern.

“Miss Bennet’s headache is to be lamented,” Lady Catherine said loudly.

“Mrs. Collins has informed Aunt Catty of her guest’s whereabouts.” Sir Andrew spoke quietly in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. “Darcy will leave within five minutes, I guarantee it. Shall we follow?”

Charlotte bit her lip. She had had much time to consider what to do if Mr. Darcy did propose to Elizabeth. She knew she would need to be present to prevent anything stupid happening. If Mr. Darcy took this time to propose…

“There he goes.” Mr. Darcy strode out the door the moment Lady Catherine had turned away. “Let us follow.”

Sir Andrew took her hand and tugged her out. They kept pace behind Mr. Darcy, walking quietly so as to be undetected. He entered the parsonage first and they waited before following. Immediately upon entering, she could hear him speaking to Elizabeth in the parlor. His words were hardly romantic.

“ … To connect myself so irrevocably to relations so decidedly beneath my own will doubtlessly earn me the censure of my peers and the derision of my neighbors, but I cannot do without you. You have impressed me from the beginning as a compassionate, caring, confident lady, one with intelligence, wit, and no guile. And so, I come before you, begging you to end my agony and consent to become my wife.”

“Now, Charlotte.” Sir Andrew pushed her and she bumped the door, causing it to swiftly open.

She hurried forward and cried, “Oh, Lizzy! My best wishes. Married to Mr. Darcy; how marvelous!” She threw her arms around the younger lady and pulled her as close as she could, whispering, “ Think,” before pulling away. She prayed Elizabeth would stay any reply until they could speak privately.

Elizabeth looked truly pale now, and as she swooned, Charlotte caught her before she hit the ground.

“Elizabeth!” Mr. Darcy hurried forward, assisting Charlotte and scooping the lady into his arms.

“She will be well, sir. Perhaps you might carry her to her chamber to rest? You can call on her tomorrow.”

Mr. Darcy complied, following Charlotte up the stairs and depositing Elizabeth on the bed.

“My congratulations, Darcy,” Sir Andrew said when they returned to the sitting room. “Best prepare for a war. I have locked Martha in a closet, but she will go to Rosings as soon as she is released.”

“Certainly, you have not imprisoned the maid!” Mr. Darcy said, aghast.

“Of course not. Instead, I bribed her to stay silent until tomorrow.” Sir Andrew grinned and winked. “She will go to Lady Catherine as she has in the past.”

“Are you sure she can be bought?” Charlotte doubted it.

“A nosey maid can be turned. I promised her half a crown if she waited until tomorrow. To ensure compliance, I will witness her report to Lady Catherine.” Sir Andrew seemed to have it all sorted out.

“And if my aunt dismisses her for waiting?” Mr. Darcy made a fair point.

“She will claim you proposed tomorrow morning. It will grant us time to ensure all is well with Miss Bennet and to prepare for the assault that is surely coming.”

Mr. Darcy nodded. He glanced at the door. Martha stood there. She nodded, the greed and avarice in her eyes apparent, even to Charlotte. The maid would lose her position if she did not align her loyalties to Jane.

“I shall attend Elizabeth, sir,” Charlotte promised. “Go back to Rosings Park. Tell Mrs. Collins that I fell ill, and you and Sir Andrew were kind enough to see me back to the parsonage.”

Mr. Darcy nodded. “Until later, then. Sir Andrew?” He gestured to the door.

“I will be but a moment.” Mr. Darcy turned and left the room, promising to await him in the entryway.

“Will Miss Elizabeth protest? Will she cry off?” Sir Andrew spoke quietly so as to not be overheard.

Charlotte shrugged. “I cannot be certain. She will view my behavior as the ultimate betrayal of our friendship. I will speak to Mrs. Collins. Together, we will mitigate any damage.”

“I thank you on behalf of my cousin.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. “With Darcy married and Anne turning five-and-twenty tomorrow, there is nothing my aunt can do to stop what has started.”

Charlotte marveled at the warmth of his hand. His touch, even through gloves, thrilled her. She knew there to be no hope with him, but she took pleasure in his attention anyway. Her stubborn, frustrating heart would not allow her to protest.

“I must away. Darcy is waiting. Tomorrow? I asked Martha to come during tea, directly after you all arrive. All the guests will be in the sitting room. Speak to Miss Bennet before then.”

He left and Charlotte sat heavily on the settee. What have I done? She asked herself helplessly. It is for her own good, a serious, superior voice said in her mind. Elizabeth would have thrown him away; the man loves her, will adore her, and secure her future. She does not know what is best. She is too young to realize the pain that comes when one has been passed over so many times. She is too foolish to realize what she would have discarded without a second thought.

She will never forgive me, she told the voice.

So be it, came the reply.

So be it.