Mr. Darcy's Proposal (9 page)

“So Mr. Darcy was up early, too?”

“I suspect he was out walking in hopes of seeing me. I wanted to be alone to think, but as it turns out, it was a most advantageous meeting. He shared some very interesting information with me about a certain militia officer of our mutual acquaintance.”

Elizabeth related all she had learned about the character and ungentlemanly behavior of Mr. Wickham as it related to Mr. Darcy. Jane was truly shocked at these revelations.

“How could we have been so taken in by Mr. Wickham?” Jane said with astonishment.

Elizabeth loved that Jane always believed the best of people. “His past actions show he is very skilled at this kind of deception. His good manners and handsome demeanor make it hard to believe any ill of him, but I think we must. I am certain what Mr. Darcy shared with me is true.”

“How bold Mr. Wickham was in telling those terrible stories!” said Jane.

“If you think about it, he waited until Mr. Darcy was no longer in the county before spreading his version of the truth very widely. He knew just how to take advantage of the fact that most people, including me, were already predisposed to dislike Mr. Darcy because of the way he had acted here. Nevertheless, I am ashamed of myself for being so quick to believe the worst of him. You know I have always prided myself a good judge of character. I do not understand how I could have made such a grievous mistake in judgment!”

“Do not be too hard on yourself, Lizzy,” Jane told her sister. “We were all taken in by Wickham’s charms.”

“It still does not make it easier for me to bear. I should have been more discerning.”

Jane turned her attention back to cutting flowers and asked casually, “So, Lizzy, have you decided what your answer will be to Mr. Darcy? Has this new information made any change in your disposition regarding his proposal?”

Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, biting her lip. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I have made up my mind. I told Mr. Darcy just a few minutes ago that I would marry him.”

Jane looked up at her with wide eyes.

“But I felt obliged to tell him that I am uncertain as to my feelings for him. As long as he was willing to accept me on those terms, then I could agree.”

“Oh, Lizzy, I hope you did not wound him too much with your honesty. At times, your manner can be a little too direct.”

“I think in some ways he appreciated that I did not try to flatter him as some women might, but I do believe he is hoping that with time my opinion of him will improve.”

“And do you think it will?”

“I cannot say what will happen although I do have more respect for his character after what I learned this morning.”

Jane hugged her. “Let me be the first to wish you joy. You certainly deserve all the very best. When will you be married?”

“Mr. Darcy will have to obtain Father’s permission, but I do not think that will be an obstacle. I am planning to inform Papa so he will not be too shocked when Mr. Darcy calls on him. Then, we will be married once he has obtained the special license.”

“Oh, Lizzy, so soon!”

“Yes, we thought it best to be married immediately in a small private ceremony.”

“Have you thought about what might happen if Father recovers? Would that make you regret your choice?”

“I cannot think about that. The fact remains that someday—be it now or in the future—our family will need the kind of support and protection he has offered. I believe I must be practical. One of us has to marry well to ensure security for rest.”

Jane looked at her sister sadly. “Oh, Lizzy, it should have been me as the eldest. I wish you would not make this sacrifice for all of us.”

“Dearest Jane, do not say that,” she reassured her. “I have made my decision, and we will speak of it no more. Now, I have some news that I hope you will find more pleasing.”

“News for me?”

“Your Mr. Bingley returns to Netherfield this very day, and I have it on the best authority he plans to call at Longbourn this afternoon.”

Jane’s eyes grew wide. Though she tried to contain her excitement, Elizabeth knew her well enough to be sure this unexpected news cheered her greatly.

“He is not ‘my’ Mr. Bingley,” said Jane casting her eyes down.

“Yes, but I think that will change very soon,” Elizabeth reassured her.

Jane blushed, but quickly regained her composure. “It is very kind of him to think of paying his respects to our family under the circumstances.”

“I am sure he is concerned about Father, but Jane, he is coming expressly to see you.”

Jane put her hand to her heart and drew in a sharp breath as her bright blue eyes widened. “How did you discover he is coming today?”

“Mr. Darcy told me that Mr. Bingley is escorting Miss Darcy and her companion here from London. I am to go to Netherfield this afternoon to meet my future sister, and Mr. Bingley is planning to call on you here at Longbourn.”

Suddenly, Jane threw her arms around her sister and hugged her tightly. “I hardly know what to think. I cannot believe that after all these months of silence he still thinks enough of me to call.”

Elizabeth placed her hands on her sister’s shoulders. “It is true, Jane. He is coming to see you.”

“In that case, I think I should cut more flowers.”

***

Elizabeth found her father propped up on pillows dozing a little while Mary read from her ever-present book of sermons. After opening the window a little bit to let some fresh air into the sick room, she sat down by the bed.

“Mary, I must to speak to Papa alone. Would you mind?”

Mary picked up her books and retreated from the room with a sour look on her face. As soon as she was gone, her father opened his eyes.

“You promised to ask Mary to stop reading to me, Lizzy, but still she goes on and on. I am so tired of hearing sermons that I am forced to fall asleep to stave off boredom.”

Elizabeth patted her father on the hand. “Well, I guess you are feeling well enough for a little chat,” she said with a laugh.

“Just a short one.”

As she helped him sit more upright against his pillows, she tried to plan what she would say. She took a deep breath to begin but found that no words would come.

“Are you feeling well, my dear child?” asked Mr. Bennet looking at his favorite daughter with concern.

“I am fine, Papa, but I do not know quite where to begin.”

“This must be very serious indeed. You rarely have trouble expressing yourself.”

“Do not worry. What I have to tell is good news I think.”

“I am in need of some cheering up.”

“Papa, I have just received a proposal of marriage, and I have accepted on condition of your blessing, of course.”

“A proposal?” asked her father looking surprised. Then he recovered himself. “I do not mean to imply I am surprised that someone would want to marry you, only that I was unaware anyone in the neighborhood has been courting you.”

“It is not someone from the neighborhood. I fear when you hear from whom the proposal has come you may not be pleased at first. Promise me you will reserve judgment until I have told you the entire story.”

“I am now in such suspense that you had better get on with it,” he told her.

Before she spoke, she put her hand on her father’s arm. “I have received a proposal of marriage from Mr. Darcy.”

“Mr. Darcy?” Mr. Bennet made a face. “Lizzy, dear, please enlighten me on exactly how this came about.”

Elizabeth calmly went on to explain how they had met again in Kent and how Darcy had been a great help to her in returning to Longbourn expeditiously when she learned of his illness. She also told him about Wickham’s deceptive behavior and how they had all misjudged some elements of Mr. Darcy’s character. Most importantly, she told her father of Mr. Darcy’s offer of help for the family and how it would ensure the security of her mother and sisters should that become necessary.

“But he is still a very proud, unpleasant fellow, Lizzy. How can you be happy with such a man?”

“I have come to know him a little better, and I am convinced he is a good man,” she said.

Mr. Bennet looked at his second oldest daughter with a frown. “That is not what I asked.”

“I believe I shall be content as his wife,” she told him hoping that she sounded more convinced than she actually felt.

“I do not want you to go through life with a partner you cannot respect, Lizzy. We have all seen the sorry results of that sort of marriage. I want more for you, my dear.”

“Papa, we must be practical in this matter. Mr. Darcy’s offer would provide security for everyone, and you could rest easy knowing all of us would be taken care of most comfortably.”

“Is this truly your wish, Lizzy?” he asked, his eyes searching her face.

“Yes, it is,” she said calmly. “I have discovered in the past few days that he has more kindness and compassion than I had imagined. No one can deny that he loves his sister very much. He has been a good friend to Mr. Bingley, too, and at times, he has even displayed a sense of humor.” She grinned. “Surely, that must count for something.”

Her father took her hand. “Very well. You may bring Mr. Darcy to me this afternoon. Although I still have reservations, if it is truly your desire, I will give my consent. I certainly know better than to oppose you when you have made up your mind about something.”

“Thank you, Papa.”

“Now who is going to tell your mother? My illness has been hard enough on her nerves. I fear that news such as this may send her over the edge.” He raised an eyebrow and Elizabeth heard an unmistakable note of mischief in his voice. They looked at each other and began to laugh.

Ten

After leaving her father, Elizabeth enlisted Jane’s help, so she would not have to face their mother alone. They found Mrs. Bennet just where they expected—in her room sitting with her feet up. Kitty was nearby doing some needlework. When they reached the doorway, their mother waved in their direction.

“Girls, girls, come here. I have been telling Kitty I am not feeling well enough to go downstairs to eat. She was just leaving to get me a tray.” When Kitty did not jump up to do her bidding, Mrs. Bennet gave her a disapproving look and motioned toward the door with her head. “Off you go now, Kitty. Tell Cook not to forget that orange marmalade I like.”

Kitty reluctantly set aside her sewing and went off with a frown on her face. Jane settled down in a chair next to her mother’s and took her hand to comfort her. Elizabeth decided she preferred to remain standing to deliver her news.

“Mama, I have something I must speak to you about.”

“I hope it is something entertaining. My poor nerves could not survive any more bad news.”

“It may not be entertaining but I pray you will find it cheers you.” Elizabeth noticed her mother’s attentions waning.

“Well, out with it, Lizzy. Has Mr. Collins decided to let us stay on here after your father is dead? Now, I would find that good news indeed.”

“No, this is not about Mr. Collins. It is about Mr. Darcy.”

“Mr. Darcy, that disagreeable friend of Mr. Bingley’s?”

“He came to call yesterday morning to inquire about Father’s health. I believe you were resting at the time.” Putting her hand in her pocket, Elizabeth nervously fingered Darcy’s handkerchief.

“He called? That is a surprise. Well, I suppose it is only right that he pay his respects to our family, but I would not have believed him to be so courteous. I am sorry that you had to entertain him. He did not stay too long, did he?”

“No, it was just a short visit. He was very solicitous and asked that I convey his regards to you for your health. I believe I told you how kind he was in assisting my return home from Kent to be with all of you.”

“Yes, yes. I was a little surprised to hear he put himself out for you. Perhaps he is more of a gentleman than we first believed him to be.” Mrs. Bennet absentmindedly plucked at some lace on her dress as she spoke.

“I have come to know a little more of Mr. Darcy’s character and find that he is much more agreeable than we first thought. In fact, my respect for him has grown significantly.”

“Oh, if only his friend, Mr. Bingley would return. Now that would truly lighten my heart for our dear Jane,” said Mrs. Bennet patting Jane’s hand. The sisters exchanged a look.

“Mama, you may be surprised by what I have to say. I only hope it will not be too overtaxing for your nerves.” Elizabeth stalled for a few more moments while she braced herself for her mother’s inevitable reaction.

Mrs. Bennet fanned herself with her handkerchief and looked a little more interested now that the conversation was coming around again to the subject of her nerves. “Well, out with it, child,” she urged her daughter.

Unable to delay any longer, Elizabeth plunged in. “Mr. Darcy has made an offer of marriage to me, and I have accepted him. He will speak with Papa this afternoon.”

Mrs. Bennet’s eyes grew wide and her mouth froze in a perfect “O” but no sound came out. For a few moments she was completely silent as if she could not comprehend what her second daughter had just told her. Then she erupted calling out in her high shrill voice. Elizabeth secretly prayed that they would not be able to hear her all the way to Netherfield. “Mr. Darcy has offered for you? Oh, but this is indeed good news. One of my girls married to a man of such wealth and status! But Lizzy you did not like him—no one liked him. He is always so unpleasant.” Mrs. Bennet wrinkled up her nose.