Guiding & Protecting, page 27
Darcy only chuckled and said, “Maybe the express rider was detained because of other pressing business.”
Mr. Collins only frowned at the comment questioning what the man could possibly mean. He had determined he would only remain at Longbourn a few more days before he would find a conveyance to transport him back to Hunsford. If the man had failed in his duty, he would demand a refund of the money he spent on trying to send his important information.
Mrs. Bennet tried to ignore Mr. Collins’ threats about Lady Catherine arriving and setting her nephew straight about his duty to his family. She feared, however, either Mr. Collins or Lady Catherine would find someway to stop the marriage of her daughter and Mr. Darcy. She could not allow the loss of a prospective husband who had ten thousand a year to his name. Even though Mr. Bingley had yet to propose to Jane and only had five thousand a year to offer, she declared him a good match for her eldest daughter. Still, in her mind, he would not be as fine a future son-in-law as Mr. Darcy. Her laments were short-lived, however, because she could still brag about having two daughters engaged to respectable and, even more importantly to her, wealthy young men.
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One week after Darcy sent the first express, a number of events occurred, some pleasant, some extremely pleasant, and some reprehensible. The first pleasurable one occurred early in the morning when Mr. Collins informed the family he would depart for home on the following day. Everyone in the house breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing his news, but he failed to understand they looked forward to his departure.
Later, the same day, information was received from Sir Lucas about Mr. Wickham. He and Colonel Forester had discovered a number of men who were owed money by Wickham, some officers, some merchants. It seemed rumors had begun spreading around the area, prior to Wickham’s death, about the man intending to decamp from the area without fulfilling his obligations. This lead to any number of Wickham’s victims wishing him harm. In addition, three of the merchant’s daughters and one servant from the Goulding estate claimed Mr. Wickham had promised them marriage in order to receive certain favors from them. Although it was too early to discover if any of the young girls where with child, it was a possibility, and it was possible an irate relative caused Wickham’s death. The final piece of information concerned the Darcy siblings. Among Mr. Wickham’s possessions were discovered some jewelry believed to belong to either Mr. Darcy or his sister. One item was a necklace Georgiana believed she had lost while in Ramsgate. Mr. Darcy identified the other three items as belonging to his parents. In his possession, Wickham had a pin and a watch once owned by Darcy’s father, and a ring belonging to his mother. Since the last three items had to have been stolen from Pemberley, Darcy was easily able to claim Georgiana’s necklace was stolen at the same time. Colonel Fitzwilliam, however, who was also present, knew the truth of the matter.
Colonel Forester informed Mr. Darcy Wickham’s pay would be used to cover his debts with the tradesmen, but added it would not be enough for all of them. His gambling debts, however, would never be repaid.
“Anyone foolish enough to gamble with a man who does not have the money on hand to cover his debts deserves to be left empty-handed,” Colonel Fitzwilliam declared when he heard the news.
“Sir William, assure the tradesmen in Meryton I will cover the rest of Mr. Wickham’s debts. I will not, however, cover any of the man’s gambling debts,” Darcy offered. It would not be the first time he had settled what Wickham owed honest tradesmen, but it would be the last time. He felt pleased to knowing this would be the last time, although he found Wickham’s waste of all the advantages given to him by Darcy’s father a blight on his father’s memory. Even old Mr. Wickham would have felt ashamed of his only child.
After the colonel and Sir William left, the engaged couple, Georgiana, Mr. Bingley, and Jane took another stroll through Longbourn’s gardens while Colonel Fitzwilliam chose to remain indoors much to Kitty and Lydia’s delight. Despite the day’s chill, William and Elizabeth enjoyed one another’s company, and as per usual, Jane and Mr. Bingley wandered away leaving only Georgiana to act as chaperone, but she would always allow her brother and Miss Elizabeth sometime alone. It was no different than their previous walks.
The couple’s major topic of discussion was their wedding date. Elizabeth had pondered the idea and finally confessed her desired date.
“I would like to marry a few days before Christmas, if you are willing to agree,” she informed him, pleased to see a bright smile cross his handsome features.
“I have no objections, but might I inquire why you chose that date.”
“It is the custom for my uncle and aunt Gardiner to come to Longbourn for Christmas. If we have the wedding during their visit, it will save them from making an extra trip.” She felt it was a good reason but still watched for his reaction. When he did not provide her with the broad smile she was hoping for, she added. “Beside, I do not believe I could wait until the spring to marry you.”
She received the hoped for smile with those words.
“William,” she had stopped walking, turned and faced him, and placed her hands on either side of his face. “I have no desire for a long engagement, nor do I wish to allow mama months to plan an elaborate wedding. I want a simple ceremony, and the sooner it takes place, the happier I will be.”
Darcy relished the feel of her hands lovingly cupping his face and was more than happy to concede to her request.
“I have no desire to suspend any wish of yours,” he placed his hands over hers, “and I must confess, I too wish for a simple ceremony. I do not enjoy being the focus of everyone’s attentions.”
Elizabeth laughed at his comment before replying. “My dear sir. The groom is seldom the focus of a wedding. The bride is usually awarded the honor of being the primary focus.”
“You should be so honored, my dearest Elizabeth, as you will be my primary concern for the rest of our lives. I wish to do everything possible to make you happy. I never want you to regret choosing me as your husband. Besides, I can only be happy if I know you are happy.”
“Then we just might have a problem.” Elizabeth removed her hands from his face and his grasp, while applying her most serious expression. She watched as Alex chuckled, for he had seen just such an expression many times before and knew what to expect from her. She almost chuckled realizing she would never be able to hide anything from her guardian for he knew her better than even Jane did.
Darcy frowned in response to her look and words wondering what problem she might be referring to. Had he done something to upset her?
“Mr. Darcy,” she worked to keep her voice formal and serious. “I do not believe it will be possible to always be happy in our married lives.”
“Why?” Her comment shocked him. What could she mean by it, he thought.
“Whether we want to or not, there will be times when we will disagree with each other, and disagreements generally lead to arguments, and arguments lead to hurt feelings for one of us will have to eventually concede we were wrong. I do not believe you will enjoy telling me you were wrong.”
Darcy carefully took in her words wondering why she would say such a thing and finally saw a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. As quick as the brief glimpse was, it revealed to him she was teasing him.
He quickly turned the tease back on her by saying, “Yes, I agree. You might find it very humbling to admit you were in error for I know how much you pride yourself on always being correct.” He tried to keep a haughty tone, but the moment her expression began to cloud – he was not sure if it was anger or hurt – he stepped closer to her and wrapped his arms around her. He then murmured, “Even when I am wrong, I will still love you, and I hope I can find someway to bring happiness back into your life.”
Elizabeth had at first felt shocked, then angered, and then hurt, but when he hugged her, she realized he was teasing. Being safe within his arm, she laughed into his chest enjoying the sensation of his embrace and enjoying his ability to tease her in return. Yes, she decided, we will have a very happy marriage.
“So, a wedding date just before Christmas will be acceptable to you?” She finally asked.
“I will be very please to marry you just before Christmas,” he whispered into her ear.
The couple had been so focused on each other they had forgotten about Georgiana until she giggled.
“Are you going to kiss her?”
Darcy rounded on her saying, “You have become extremely bold and slightly saucy of late, young lady. I believe I will have to discuss your behavior with your other guardian to decide upon a course of correction.”
Even though his words sounded severe, Georgiana noted a less than serious glint in his eyes and ended up laughing at his attempt to reprimand her. Seeing Georgiana’s broad smile as she laughed, Elizabeth also began to chuckle.
“Do you defend her lack of proper behavior?” Darcy challenged his fiancée.
“No, I agree with her,” Elizabeth retorted still smiling. “I think it is time for you to kiss me.”
Darcy scowled at his sister. “Maybe, miss, you should turn your back. I would prefer to kiss my intended in privacy.”
Georgiana believed he was teasing her, but she did turn her back and then peeked over her shoulder to see if they were kissing. She hastily turned back around and covered her mouth to stop anyone from hearing her gleeful laugh at the picture of the two people in the world she loved best kissing each other.
Georgiana desired the same relationship she saw between her brother and Elizabeth, and she hoped, when she was finally with the gentleman she would marry, her chaperone would be just as lenient as she was for her brother.
As soon as the couple finished sharing their private moment, the trio walked in the direction Jane and Mr. Bingley had taken. What Elizabeth discovered filled her with immense joy for Mr. Bingley was quickly stepping away from her sister. The smile on Jane’s face led Elizabeth to believe the couple had shared their own private moment. Elizabeth watched as Mr. Bingley hastily whispered something to Jane, and then turned and departed the area headed back toward the house.
“Jane,” Elizabeth rushed up to her. “Tell me now.”
“I am the happiest woman in the world,” Jane declared.
“Did he?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes. He declared himself and asked for my hand.”
“What was your answer?”
Elizabeth looked at Georgiana as she spoke and chuckled before telling her soon to be sister, “How can you even doubt what her answer was? Look at how radiant she looks.” Elizabeth then turned to Jane. “You will make the most beautiful bride.”
“I disagree,” William said and all three ladies looked at him, but before Elizabeth could comment, he clarified. “Elizabeth will be the most beautiful bride, but I will conceded, Jane, you will be the most beautiful in Bingley’s eyes.”
All three ladies laughed at his observation, and Elizabeth caught a glimpse of Alex standing off to the side laughing as well. Knowing Mr. Bingley would be with their father, both Jane and Elizabeth suggested returning to the house. They were only in the parlor a short time when Mr. Bennet and Mr. Bingley joined the family and guests.
“I have an announcement to make,” Mr. Bennet stated as soon as he entered the room. “It is my great pleasure to inform you Mr. Bingley has just asked for Jane’s hand in marriage, and I have given the young man my blessing.”
Of course, Mrs. Bennet’s squeals of delight drowned out the sounds of congratulations offered by the others present. She then invited the Netherfield party to dine with them. She extended the invitation to Mr. Bingley’s sisters, Mr. Hurst, and Colonel Fitzwilliam but expected only the colonel to accept. The colonel looked forward to the evening because he still had much he wished to discuss with Miss Elizabeth. He found her company easy, pleasing, and refreshing, especially in comparison to Miss Bingley who seemed to faun over his cousin in a manner he found embarrassing. Georgiana was always pleased to be among the Bennet family, and although she would admit the youngest two Bennet daughters were silly, she still found them enjoyable. She even found Miss Mary’s company pleasing, and the two young ladies found much in common when they talked about music. As for Darcy and Bingley, they found it more enjoyable to remain in the company of the ladies of their choice. The Netherfield party did finally depart so they could freshen up and change before the evening meal. It also allowed Mr. Bingley to relay the invitation to his sisters and Mr. Hurst, but as expected, his sisters declined causing Mr. Hurst to remain at Netherfield as well.
The meal became a time of celebration and wedding planning. While Jane and Elizabeth had been in their room changing for dinner, they had talked about Elizabeth’s plans for her wedding, and the two agreed it would be nice to share a wedding date. As soon as Mr. Bingley and Darcy returned, the two sisters quietly discussed their idea with the gentlemen and both were willing to accept it. ‘How could a man in love refuse the request of the lady of his choice?’ So Darcy said, and Bingley quickly agreed.
Jane and Elizabeth happily shared their news with everyone around the table, and the only ones displeased with the plans were their mother who felt it was not enough time to plan the large elaborate wedding of her dreams and Mr. Collins who still believed Mr. Darcy was obligated to marry his cousin Anne.
“Mrs. Bennet. This might not be the wedding of your dreams, but I believe it is the wedding of our daughters’ dreams, and their opinion is what counts,” Mr. Bennet declared smiling brightly at his two eldest daughters.
“Thank you, Papa,” Elizabeth leaned toward him so he might easily hear her over the rest of the family, and especially her mother who still felt it would not be a grand enough wedding to impress all of her friends.
"Very improper. Very improper indeed," muttered Mr. Collins. "He is engaged to his cousin and this travesty must be stopped." Even muttering under his normal tone, everyone was able to hear him.
Lydia finally silenced him. "Mr. Darcy is too upright a gentleman to engage himself to two ladies at one time, so this cousin can have no rightful claim on Mr. Darcy. Besides, legal papers exist for his marriage to my sister. I wonder if any legal papers exist for the supposed marriage to his cousin."
Mr. Collins had no rebuttal to the comment, so he kept silent but avowed to himself he would leave early in the morning and reach Rosings Park before evening and inform his patroness of everything he knew.
The rest of the evening, although not quiet, was enjoyable, for the two couples settled themselves in opposite corners of the room so they could speak quietly to each other. Georgiana and the colonel spoke more with Miss Mary than they did with the other Bennet daughters. The colonel even spent some time speaking to Mr. Bennet who he found extremely knowledge about political events, the war, and any other topic he chose to present. It was not until much later in the evening when the colonel was finally able to spend a little time becoming better acquainted with his cousin’s fiancée. He discovered she was everything Darcy had claimed. In fact, the colonel, from his observations, knew his cousin had finally found the perfect lady who would bring joy and happiness to Pemberley. She would brighten the lives of his Darcy cousins, and she would make an excellent mistress to all Darcy’s homes.
When the Netherfield party finally departed, it was much later than normal. During the carriage ride back, the colonel shared his insights into Darcy’s future.
“I am going to foretell your future, cousin.”
His comment produced a chuckle from everyone but Georgiana who had fallen asleep as soon as the carriage began the return trip.
“This should prove entertaining,” Bingley finally said through his laughter.
“I doubt it will be surprising, however,” the colonel declared.
“Tell me, cousin. Just what do you foresee for my future?” He had his own vision of the future, and in his vision, Elizabeth played a major role bringing him much happiness, contentment, and love.
“It will be no surprise. I see Pemberley becoming a real home, once again. It will be a place blessed with laughter and love all thanks to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I foresee you and Georgiana as happy, if not happier, as you were before the death of your parents. I see your home filled with, at least,” he paused as if in deep thought before quickly resuming, “a dozen children who will be cherished and loved by their parents.”
Darcy laughed loudly causing Georgiana to stir but not wake. Toning down his loudness, he said, “I believe Elizabeth will have something to say about having a dozen children. I will be happy to have four – two boys and two girls. The girls will be as lovely and lively as their mother.”
Both Bingley and the colonel chuckled, but made sure they did not disrupt Georgiana’s sleep.
“I fear with two girls just as lively as their mother, you will be kept on constant alert for trouble,” the colonel finally declared.
“And when they come of age, you will find yourself swamped with suitors for their hands,” Bingley added when he stopped laughing.
“I have a solution,” Darcy declared. “No girl of mine will be allowed into society until she is at least thirty years old.”
The colonel’s chuckle intensified before he finally said, “I will enjoy watching you try to keep your lively, outspoken daughters out of society. I believe Miss Elizabeth will have something to say about your plan. I also do not foresee any daughters of hers agreeing with such a plan. No, cousin, let us face the fact you will have to deal with suitors by the time your daughters reach the tender age of six and ten.”
“Too young for any daughter to be presented to society. Georgiana is not ready for her presentation, and she has just reached six and ten. Miss Katherine and Miss Lydia were presented by the age of five and ten, and they both prove the point about someone so young not being mature enough to behave properly around gentlemen. I saw them earlier this evening. Both of them were flirting with you; although, I have notice Miss Lydia is more flirtatious especially around the other militia officers. Fortunately, they were wise enough not to allow Wickham to charm them with his smooth talk.”
