Only Mr. Darcy Will Do (25 page)

With their favourite men away, Elizabeth and Jane helped with the preparations for Lydia’s wedding. There was much to do, including several visits to the linen drapers, millinery, and final fittings for dresses and the trousseau. Lydia could not be satisfied; she continually wanted more satin, more lace, more ribbon, more of anything that she did not already have. If there was boisterous excitement about the upcoming nuptials, it could all be attributed to their mother and youngest sister.

Mrs. Bennet’s sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, arrived in town the day after the men departed for Pemberley, thus removing the burden from the Gardiners of housing Elizabeth’s family. Mrs. Bennet, Mary, and Kitty stayed with them in their modest London home. It was arranged that the wedding would take place in a church in the Phillips’s neighbourhood.

Mr. Gardiner insisted, however, that Lydia remain in his household—
under his excessive domination
, as Lydia claimed—so that he could keep her under his guard until the wedding. In the same manner, Elizabeth began to wonder whether Mr. Wickham was actually under lock and key in Mr. Darcy’s town home. He appeared promptly at six o’clock each evening and departed by eleven, always accompanied by one of Mr. Darcy’s manservants.

It was just after noon three days later that Elizabeth, Jane, and Mrs. Gardiner were visiting in the drawing room. A fervent smile crept across Jane’s face as the servant stepped in and announced Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth felt an immediate surge of disappointment when Mr. Darcy did not step in with him, but she was still as eager as Jane was to hear about the manor that might become theirs.

After their initial greeting, he was invited to sit down and join them. A few pleasantries were exchanged, and then Jane asked the question that was foremost in her thoughts. She wished to know what he thought about the estate.

“Braedenthorn Manor is everything I could want!” Bingley cried out and then, looking at Jane, corrected himself. “That
we
could want! I do not believe I have ever seen anything more suitable. The view of the peaks in the distance is magnificent, and there is abundant space and more rooms than I can even try to recall!” He looked at Jane and exclaimed, “I know we shall be most happy there.”

“Is everything settled then?” Jane asked softly.

“Both Darcy and my solicitor are looking over the papers. Once everything is negotiated in a way they deem prudent, I will sign!” He turned to Jane and grasped her hand fervently. “Braedenthorn will then be ours! I cannot wait for you to see it! I know you will be delighted!”

Jane could not contain her joy. “If you are delighted with it, I shall be, as well!”

After allowing Mr. Bingley sufficient time to convince Jane of the manor’s suitability and splendour, Elizabeth asked Mr. Bingley if he had travelled back to London with his friend.

“Oh! Yes! Darcy! I mean, no! He remained back for a few days! But I do have a letter for you, Miss Elizabeth!”

“From Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth tentatively asked, knowing it would not be construed as the most prudent thing for him to do.

“Oh, no,” Bingley laughed. “The letter is from Miss Darcy. Darcy will be travelling back with her in a few days.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew the letter, handing it to her.

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said, looking down at the letter, eagerness prompting her to excuse herself to read it. She was able to slip away easily, as Mr. Bingley and Jane had begun another discussion on the favourite subject of theirs—Braedenthorn.

She pulled out several pieces of fine linen paper and slowly unfolded them. Her eyes looked down onto a letter written in a decidedly feminine style. She smiled as she began reading.

Dear Miss Bennet,

It is with great pleasure that I write to express my appreciation and gratitude to you for all you did during your recent stay at Pemberley. There were times when I needed a reassuring smile or someone to talk to, and I found that person in you. You may not even be aware of the encouragement I received from you, but I truly consider it a privilege to count you as a friend.

I do regret your sudden departure and that I did not have the opportunity to properly see you off when you left Pemberley.

Needless to say, the gaiety we had at Pemberley was much diminished with your departure. I have it on good authority that there was one at Pemberley, in addition to my brother and me, who grieved your loss. Emily did not understand the reason for your leaving, and unfortunately, I am quite certain she will not fully comprehend it as the Willstones relay to her their opinion on the matter.

I would have you know that I did all I could to reassure Emily that you still love her and care for her deeply. She asked that I send you a letter from her. She dictated it to me, and it is enclosed.

Miss Bennet, I so look forward to renewing and deepening our acquaintance. This brings me to the purpose of my letter. My brother and I will be travelling to London in a few days, and I would like to invite you to join me at our town home on Sunday. If you have no other plans, I would enjoy having you for tea after services. Would one o’clock be suitable?

I will arrange a carriage for you if one is needed. My brother will be in contact with you to ensure you have directions to the home if you are conveyed in your family’s own carriage.

I do hope I will see you in town on Sunday. When my brother and I arrive, I will be spending the first few days at the de Bourgh home. My cousin, Anne, whom I believe you met in Kent, is in town for a short while and I look forward to seeing her. Please give word to my brother when you see him on Saturday whether you will be able to visit and if you require a carriage.

Sincerely,

Miss Georgiana Darcy

Elizabeth smiled as she read Miss Darcy’s words. She was surprised by the words of appreciation she expressed. While Elizabeth enjoyed their brief and infrequent conversations, she had little idea Miss Darcy took them so to heart.

She placed the letter Miss Darcy had written behind the others and noticed the same handwriting on the next letter. She saw that this was the letter Emily had dictated to her.

Dear Miss Bennet,

I want you to know how much I miss you. We will be leaving here soon, and Miss Darcy kindly wrote down what I wanted to say to you. I love you and hope you can come back and be my governess again. I hope that what happened is not terribly bad. I hope you can find your way back to our country home or that when we come back to London you will visit me. I will always remember you.

Love,

Emily

Elizabeth’s heart tightened within her as she read Emily’s words. She missed her too, but was certain that if she wrote her back, Emily would not receive her letter. Most likely, her family would not allow her letter to be read to her.

She slowly moved Emily’s letter to the back and found another letter tucked behind it. Her heart leapt as she recognized Mr. Darcy’s meticulous handwriting, and she smiled as she recollected Mr. Bingley’s words. Mr. Darcy
had
written to her! Her eyes feasted on his words, not able to devour them as quickly as she would have liked.

Miss Bennet,

I do hope you will forgive me a second time for presenting you with a letter, this time even more surreptitiously than the first. My intentions when I left London were to return promptly. Those plans have changed, and my sister and I will depart in a day or two. When I first arrive, unfortunately another pressing matter will occupy my time. I will, of course, attend the wedding of your sister and Wickham, if only to make sure he is there and to stand up for him. As well as to see you.

When we first arrive, Georgiana will not, as you would likely surmise, be in residence at our home while Wickham remains. She will stay with our cousin, Anne, who only just recently arrived in town. My sister much prefers Anne’s company without her mother’s overbearing presence, and it is not often that Anne finds herself without our aunt. It is all very convenient.

I have every hope that you will be able to visit my sister on Sunday. She looks forward very much to your company and seeing you again. As do I.

There is much I would like to say to you, but I shall wait until I can speak those things face-to-face. I hope that an opportunity to do so will be forthcoming.

Until then, I remain yours,

Fitzwilliam Darcy

Elizabeth reread his words, running her fingers over them. Her eyes continually returned to his words,
As well as to see you, As do I,
and
Until then, I remain yours
. She pressed his letter over her heart, and even through the fine stationery, she could easily feel the fluttering deep from within. While she would have to wait longer to see him, his words to her would ease the waiting.

***

On the day of Wickham and Lydia’s wedding, Elizabeth had rather expected the skies to be grey and cloudy, with a heavy drizzle leaving everything cold and wet. But the day dawned bright and beautiful; a warm, sunny day with a deep blue sky dotted with puffs of white clouds.

Elizabeth could not be more anxious for it to be over. As the day had grown closer, her mother displayed more agitation, Lydia became more demanding, and Mr. Wickham grew more silent. Elizabeth wondered with increased concern whether he would truly go through with it.

In addition to the apprehension she felt about the upcoming nuptials, Elizabeth fought a swelling tide of impatience to see Mr. Darcy again. It was apparent that she would not see him until the day of the ceremony. She understood that he was going to accompany Mr. Wickham to the church.

It was to be a small ceremony with only their family in attendance. Despite her protestations against the strict treatment by the Gardiners, Lydia requested that Mr. Gardiner give her away. They arrived at the church, and Elizabeth sat beside Jane in one of the front pews in the church. Mr. Bingley sat on the other side of Jane.

As the ceremony began, the reverend stepped out to the front. Elizabeth watched as Wickham followed him. Her heart leapt as she finally caught sight of Mr. Darcy. He strode in rigid and erect, not looking in the least bit as though he was enjoying himself. He rather looked like he would wish to be anywhere but here. As his eyes swept the church, they settled on Elizabeth’s face. His countenance relaxed somewhat as she gave him a smile. A slight smile was returned.

As Lydia strolled toward Wickham, she seemed to thoroughly enjoy being the centre of attention. All eyes were on her, except Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s. It appeared he forbade himself from looking at either the bride or the groom. As long as he kept his eyes on Elizabeth, he managed well.

After the ceremony, as Elizabeth’s family walked toward the carriages to proceed to the Phillips’s home for the wedding breakfast, Mr. Darcy approached Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, do you not think it is very fine walking weather? Would you care to walk with me?”

A genuine smile lit Elizabeth’s face. If Darcy had been at all in doubt of her feelings for him, this was all the assurance he needed.

“I would like that very much.”

Elizabeth told Jane she would meet them at the house and joined Mr. Darcy. He extended his arm as they began walking, and he said, “I shall make only a brief appearance at the wedding breakfast.”

She certainly understood his wish to distance himself from Wickham; she wished she could do the same. She was still disappointed, however. “There is no need to explain,” she reassured him.

Darcy shook his head. “It is not just Wickham. My cousin is in town and requires my assistance.”

“Mr. Hamilton?” Elizabeth asked.

“No,” Darcy let out a soft laugh. “Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

“Ahh,” Elizabeth smiled. “How is the Colonel?”

“Doing well.” He reached over with his free hand and placed it over Elizabeth’s fingers, which were closed around his arm. “He hopes to see you again. Will you visit my sister on the morrow?”

“Yes, indeed I will. Please inform Miss Darcy that my uncle is providing me with his carriage, and I shall be there promptly at one o’clock.”

“He and I will likely stop by after you and Georgiana have had some time together.” Darcy let out a deep sigh of contentment. He gave Elizabeth’s fingers a gentle squeeze.

She looked up at him appreciatively. “You have done so much. How can I ever thank you?”

Darcy shook his head. “You have no need to thank me. I did nothing out of the ordinary.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Nothing out of the ordinary?” Elizabeth shook her head. “You managed to convince Mr. Wickham to marry my sister when he truly had no inclination to do so. I saw him over the course of this past week, and I can most assuredly tell you there is no love on his part. She has no fortune… nothing to offer him.” She cast a sideways glance at him. “I was actually convinced you truly did have him under lock and key.” She let out a soft laugh. “How is it that he agreed?”

“He was,” Darcy spoke with forcefulness, “and still is convinced that this marriage will grant him permission to return to Pemberley. But it will not!”

“I see,” she said softly, realizing the import of his words.

Darcy saw at once the regret that shaded her features. “It is only Wickham I will prohibit. I shall amend my decision only if he alters his dissolute ways.”

Elizabeth extended to him a nod of her approval and smiled. “Here is the Phillips’s home. Let us talk no more of Mr. Wickham and my sister.”

They stepped into the Phillips’s home to a celebration that was truly not a celebration at all. Darcy stayed only briefly, taking his leave within the first half an hour.

Before leaving, Mr. Darcy gave Mr. Gardiner directions to his town home, and to Elizabeth he gave all the assurances that he would see her at his home when she came to visit his sister. For that, Elizabeth was grateful.

After sending the newly married couple off to their new life together—which Elizabeth hoped would not end in a terribly disastrous way for her sister—Elizabeth and Jane returned home with the Gardiners. Now she could look with joyous anticipation toward a new day tomorrow.

After returning from church services the following day, Elizabeth visited briefly with her family until it was time for her to take her leave. She had not felt such nervous anticipation since that day she first arrived at Pemberley. Her heart beat vigorously, and her smile never left her face.

The carriage ride to Mr. Darcy’s home took her from the unfashionable Cheapside neighbourhood into a more fashionable district. The duration of the journey took approximately twenty minutes, providing her with ample time to calm her heart and collect her nerves. When the carriage came to a stop in front of a fairly large, stately home, any success she previously had vanished, for her heart quickly returned to its fervent pulsing.

While the house itself was not as large as some of the others in the neighbourhood, its grounds covered a greater expanse. Several large trees were interspersed about the lawn with small flower gardens surrounding their bases and bordering the house. When the carriage door opened, Elizabeth stepped out, smoothing out her dress with one hand and nervously fingering her necklace with the other.

She walked to the house slowly, her eyes taking in everything about her. When she knocked on the massive wooden door, it was opened directly. She introduced herself to the gentleman who stood before her and informed him that she had come to see Miss Darcy.

“Come in, Miss Bennet. We are expecting you. I am Mr. Harrington. Unfortunately, Miss Darcy has been delayed, but she should return directly.” He looked down the main hall, a trace of agitation on his face, as a woman hurried toward him. “This is Miss Bennet,” he told her as she approached. Turning back to Elizabeth, he said, “This is my wife, Mrs. Harrington, who is the housekeeper.”

Elizabeth readily noticed the same harried look on her face, but dismissed it when she saw the striking resemblance to Anna, the young servant girl who had ridden with her to London. Of course! She said her mother was the housekeeper and her father the butler!

“I am so pleased to make both your acquaintances. I met Anna, who I understand is your daughter, on my journey from Pemberley. I truly enjoyed her company.”

They both expressed their appreciation for her kind words, and then Mrs. Harrington gently took Elizabeth’s arm, guiding her down the hall.

“I know Anna will be delighted to see you. Unfortunately, we have had an unexpected guest arrive who has thrown everyone into fits. I shall inform Anna you are here. Come, you can wait for Miss Darcy in the parlour.”

Elizabeth put out her hand to bring her to a halt. “Mrs. Harrington, if this is an inconvenient time, I can certainly make arrangements to visit another day.”

The housekeeper shook her head. “I would not think of sending you away without hearing first from Miss Darcy. It is only a minor difficulty.”

The look on her face told Elizabeth otherwise, but she dutifully followed her through the house to the back parlour. She heard a commotion coming down one of the halls and saw two maids rushing toward her, their faces pinched with exasperation. This was not like anything she witnessed at Pemberley, and she wondered
who
caused such turmoil.

As Mrs. Harrington walked out, Elizabeth leaned back in the chair and cast her eyes about the parlour. In addition to the few pieces of furniture that dotted the room, several large paintings were hung on the wall, and a cabinet with wood and glass doors housed a myriad of crystal, china, marble, and wooden accessories. Curiosity prompted Elizabeth to walk over and take a closer look at them.

As she eyed figurines and vases, hand-painted plates, and framed miniature portraits, she again heard the sound of hushed but troubled voices and hurried footsteps. When she looked toward the door, she saw Anna carrying a tray with her tea.

“Oh, Anna! It is good to see you again!”

“Miss Bennet, I am pleased you were able to come.” She walked toward Elizabeth and set the tray down on a table. She poured the tea and handed the teacup to her. A worried glance cast unwittingly toward the door alerted Elizabeth to her distress.

“Anna, tell me, has something happened? I feel as though this is the most inopportune time for me to be here.”

Anna took in a sharp breath but shook her head fervently. “I know Miss Darcy would not want you to leave before seeing her. Unfortunately, she is not here, and neither is Mr. Darcy. That is why everyone is in an uproar.” Her eyes turned to the door. “She will just
not
see reason.”

Elizabeth looked confused. “Miss Darcy?”

“Oh, no! Not Miss Darcy!” Her nervous laugh was accompanied by a creased brow.

The sound of strident footsteps approaching grew louder, and Anna’s eyes widened. A singular pounding of one foot signalled that someone had stopped. Elizabeth turned to see who had prompted such a look of fear on Anna’s face.

Elizabeth’s jaw dropped as she beheld the woman before her. A look of anger mixed with great suspicion swept across her features as she noticed Elizabeth. In a loud voice directed at no one in particular, she exclaimed, “What, may I ask, is
she
doing here?”

Elizabeth politely curtseyed, and when she lifted her head, she pursed her lips and swallowed to moisten her suddenly dry mouth. “Good afternoon, Lady Catherine. It is an honour to see you again.”

Lady Catherine threw her shoulders back and stood erect, her eyes narrowed, and her lips puckered tightly together before saying, “You are Miss Elizabeth Bennet!”

“Yes, madam, you are correct.”

Lady Catherine’s grey eyes almost appeared closed save for the glint that peered through. She took several steps forward, bringing her into the room. Looking at Anna, she told her, “You may go. We have no need for you here.”

Anna looked at Elizabeth as if waiting to be excused. Elizabeth gave her a resigned nod.

Lady Catherine turned back to Elizabeth with a stern look etched on her face. “I come expecting to find my nephew or my niece, and instead I find
you
!”

“I have also come to see Miss Darcy.” Elizabeth tried to smile, but knew it was a futile attempt. “I understand she has not yet returned from an unexpected errand.”

“What business have
you
with my niece?”

With a start, Elizabeth readily recollected the insolence this woman exhibited when she met her at Rosings. “This is a social call. She invited me for tea.”

Lady Catherine let out a disgusted huff. “This is insupportable!” The cane Lady Catherine held tightly in her fist pounded to the floor. “My niece has no reason to take notice of a mere governess! Yes, I know that is what you are. Why would she invite
you
to tea?”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened, appalled at her words. “I beg your pardon, Lady Catherine, but my current vocation as a governess was only prompted by my good father’s death, and…”

“That does not signify!” Her words were unleashed in fury, a frown settling across her features. “I am well aware who you are… and who you are
not
! The Darcy family is esteemed well above your insignificant family. The associations of my niece and nephew must be kept to those of distinction of rank or fortune! Your family has not even the slightest connections worthy of anyone’s notice.”

“Perhaps Miss Darcy should be allowed to make her own choice of associations.”

Lady Catherine shook her head for emphasis. “Headstrong girl! I cannot believe that my niece, for no other purpose than a social call, invited someone so far beneath her to her home for tea!”

“I am aware of no other purpose that Miss Darcy may have had in inviting me,” Elizabeth replied.

Lady Catherine studied Elizabeth with an unwavering gaze for a brief moment, and then began wagging her finger at her. “Do not think that I do not know what you are about, Miss Bennet! I am not unaware of your recent stay at Pemberley.” In a severe tone, she voiced her dreaded suspicion, “Was it your design to use your arts to draw my nephew in whilst you were there?”

Elizabeth coloured as she listened with increasing astonishment. “I had no part in the decision to go to Pemberley. The family for whom I worked was invited. I knew nothing of it until it was a settled matter!”

“You expect me to believe that you journeyed to Pemberley without any thought of how you might secure my nephew’s notice?”

Elizabeth let out a breath, almost a chuckle, and shook her head. “When I departed for Pemberley, I had no reason to believe, no designs or even
hopes
, that he would harbour even the slightest regard for me. I went dutifully and solely as Miss Emily Willstone’s governess.”

“Then you must know that any aspirations you may have to secure his regard, any arts you employ, would be futile.”

“You assume that I intended to use feminine wiles to secure Mr. Darcy’s regard. You cannot be further from the truth.”

“Do not trifle with me, Miss Bennet! You know you can never marry him!”

While the sound of muffled footsteps and hushed voices outside the door suggested to Elizabeth that some of the servants were perhaps listening, she steeled herself to reply, “Lady Catherine, whether or not I marry your nephew will solely be determined by whether or not he asks me, not by your empty threats!”

“You are an insolent girl!” she cried out. “Have you no respect for our family? He has been promised in marriage to my daughter since their birth! Both his mother and I wished it!” Lady Catherine’s body shook with the fervency of her words.

“I came to know of that even before my visit to Rosings,” she answered, her voice steady. “If Mr. Darcy chooses to honour that wish, then you ought to have nothing to worry about.” Elizabeth paused. “If his understanding is compatible with yours, I wonder why you feel so inclined to caution me.”

Lady Catherine again pounded her cane sharply against the floor. “Tell me, Miss Bennet, whether or not
you
harbour any designs on my nephew! Do you seek to become engaged to him?”

Elizabeth felt her ire rise, but made a concerted effort to suppress it. “You claim that to be an impossibility. If he is engaged to your daughter, how can he become engaged to someone else?”

Lady Catherine threw her shoulders back and lifted her chin in the air. “You must promise me this, Miss Bennet! If my nephew asks for your hand, you must not accept him!”

The pounding of footsteps coming toward the room abruptly stopped. Elizabeth hoped it was someone coming to rescue her from Lady Catherine’s abuse. But no one stepped in.

Elizabeth swallowed and straightened her shoulders. She lifted her head and looked directly into Lady Catherine’s eyes. “I may be insupportable and headstrong, but one thing I am definitely not is easily intimidated. You insist that I refuse an offer of marriage from your nephew. I cannot promise anything of the sort. I will only reply that I would be more than delighted to accept an offer if he were ever to make one.”

“This is not to be borne! I have never met with one so devoid of propriety! Do you not know…?”

“That is enough!”

The voice boomed across the room with such force that even Lady Catherine started. They both turned to see Mr. Darcy stride with determined steps toward them. He came to a halt at Elizabeth’s side, his breathing ragged, his eyes glaring.

“I will hear no more of your tirade against Miss Bennet. What right have you to treat her—a guest in my household—in such a rude, disparaging manner?”

Without waiting for his aunt to answer, he turned to Elizabeth. “Pray, forgive me for the reception you received here.”

His aunt seemed momentarily stunned by his unexpected appearance, and her nose flared as her upper lip curled under. She directed an accusatory glare toward Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet is a pretentious woman with no connections, rank, or fortune. Stay as far away from her as possible. She has aspirations that would ruin you and dishonour your family name.”

Darcy’s eyes narrowed and he took a moment to compose himself. Elizabeth readily saw the turmoil in his face, the tension in his body. Suddenly his features softened, and he seemed to relax slightly.

“I fear that is impossible,” he said slowly.

“Impossible?” his aunt asked. “Why?”

Darcy turned to Elizabeth. “It is very simple. She made a promise to me and has yet to keep it.”

Both Lady Catherine’s and Elizabeth’s eyes widened, and their brows were raised in surprise at his statement. Lady Catherine boldly asked, “What promise? Whatever do you mean?”

He smiled softly, reassuringly, at Elizabeth. “She promised to watch the sunrise with me from the ridge behind Pemberley.” He cast his eyes down and shook his head. “I fear that I must hold her to it.”

Elizabeth’s heart beat relentlessly as she tried to conceal a smile, much like she believed Mr. Darcy was doing, while Lady Catherine did not make any attempt to conceal her anger. “I have never heard anything more disgraceful! You are to marry my Anne, and this sort of behaviour…”

“I fear
that
will be impossible,” another strong voice interjected.

Lady Catherine and Elizabeth turned toward the door to see Colonel Fitzwilliam walk in, followed by Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh.

As he walked in, he greeted his aunt with a brief kiss and turned to Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, it is a delight to see you again.”

Elizabeth nodded and softly replied, “It is good to see you, as well.”

“Whatever do you mean?” his aunt insisted upon knowing. “Why is his marrying my Anne impossible?” She turned to look at Anne and asked, “Where have you been? You know how much I dislike not knowing where you are!”

Elizabeth watched as Anne slightly shielded herself behind Colonel Fitzwilliam. “She has been with me!” the Colonel announced. He drew in a breath and took a rigid soldier’s stance. “And the reason my good cousin cannot marry Anne is because…
I
intend to marry her!”