Imperative: Volume 1, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice, page 27
“I can, but I do not appreciate your methods, nor your timing. I hope that you can appreciate the incredible burden you have placed upon yourself, sir. Because now it is you who must prove yourself to me, along with whoever charged you with this assignment as you call it.” Elizabeth noted his surprise and looked up when she heard Darcy’s soft laugh. “Fitzwilliam?”
He lifted her hand and kissed it. “I said before that you know how to make me feel better, and once again you have. Come, let us join the others.”
“Will you not defend me?” Richard demanded as they walked.
“From a woman who barely reaches your shoulder?” Darcy raised his brows. “I think not. She has you.” Letting go of her arm, he watched as Elizabeth greeted the rest of the party. “You sent your opinion to Uncle.”
Richard watched him watching her. “Yes, I was complimentary of Elizabeth, but honest. Would you expect less?”
“No, but it resulted in a rather lacklustre response.” Darcy removed the letter from his coat and handed it to him.
29 November 1811
Berkeley Street
Dear Darcy,
I have heard from the colonel and he has pronounced Miss Elizabeth Bennet to be acceptable and sincere. I fear that he has measured his words. He was most careful in his choices when describing her family, but for the lady herself, he was hopeful, and certainly glowing in his assessment of your attachment. He saw no artifice on her part, which was good to know. We certainly see enough of that amongst society, but he appreciated that her presentation to you was genuine.
I cannot help but take this last, undoubtedly useless opportunity, to point out the importance of our family name. Bringing a woman of such low standing into the family is an insult to all the Darcys have built over these past centuries. Yes, I will support your right to be a fool over a woman, but I pray that it does not bring about your demise. Forgive me for sounding so ominous nephew. I am very fond of you, and I am attempting to fill my brother’s shoes in his absence. I am sure that you can appreciate that.
As the colonel does report genuine feeling between you and Miss Bennet, I believe that this marriage may have occurred regardless of your sister’s situation. I beg of you one last time to please reconsider your decision to make Wickham’s chanceling your heir. Darcy blood it will have, but not from a man, it is not the same! Do not pollute Pemberley with this product of a criminal act. Marry your choice if you must, but reconsider this plan!
No news of Wickham to report, the bastard remains as slippery as an eel, but the search continues. Mrs. Younge was discovered murdered in her boarding house several days ago. I have heard of no connection to our situation, but a woman who would help in the absolute ruin of my dear niece has surely met the end she deserves. I would certainly let off the person who performed the duty should he appear before me.
Despite my misgivings, please believe my sincere wishes of joy on your wedding day. Bring her around when you come to Town. I promise to treat her with the respect that the Mistress of Pemberley deserves, and always will.
Your uncle,
Harding Darcy
Richard cleared his throat and folding the letter handed it back to Darcy. They exchanged glances. “I believe that he read more into my letter than I wrote, Darcy. I was quite complimentary of Elizabeth.”
“I cannot wait to hear from your parents after you write to them.” Darcy said dryly and put the letter away. “Mrs. Younge murdered.”
“Fascinating, that.” Richard happily latched onto the subject.
“Well, if Uncle says there is no connection, than I am sure that there is not. But it leaves us no closer to Wickham. I hope we have something before I take Elizabeth home. Something I can tell to Georgiana.”
“Will you at least listen to your uncle’s request to give up the notion of pretending to have fathered this child with Elizabeth?” Richard whispered.
Darcy said nothing, watching Elizabeth appreciating some nonsense that Bingley was spouting. She had her hand to her mouth, and was failing utterly in containing her laughter, and even picked up a pillow to embrace. He imagined a baby in her arms, their baby. A boy possessing her bright, intelligent eyes. “How can I forsake you, Son?” He whispered.
Richard nudged him. “Darcy?”
“You seem a little lost, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth turned to Samuel.
“We will be family tomorrow; I think that you might start calling me by name now.” He tilted his head. “Samuel or Sam?”
“Sam!” Elizabeth laughed and from across the room, Darcy woke from his contemplation. “Oh no, I could not! Samuel is a proper name for a gentleman, and you most certainly are one of the best examples I have ever met.” Samuel’s face lit up. “You must call me Elizabeth or Lizzy.”
“Elizabeth, an honour.” He beamed.
“Now … are you lost?”
“I suppose I am, a bit.” He watched a maid entering with a tray of tea things. “I am rather uncomfortable in people’s homes.”
“Why is that?” She smiled as she took in the pleasantly talking group and turned back to him. “Do not tell me that you resemble your cousin in more than looks, now?”
“Ah, William.” He sent a quick look across the room to where Darcy remained with Richard. “He is uncomfortable because he is an object of interest.”
“William.” Elizabeth said thoughtfully, and returned her gaze to Samuel. “He claims that he is not so interesting because he is not so great.”
Laughing, he shook his head. “In comparison to the nobility, certainly, but in comparison to most of the rest of this country, he is hardly of the poor. I, however, am much closer to you than he.” Looking around the parlour, he smiled. “Netherfield, while half the size, or probably less, than Pemberley, is still overwhelmingly great to me.”
“So that is why you are uncomfortable?”
“Oh, well I am used to Pemberley itself, but … no it is the family dynamic that overwhelms me.”
“Have you siblings?”
“Not anymore.” He spoke softly. “My elder brothers, and three younger sisters, died within the same week when I was almost five years old.”
“Oh my!” Elizabeth took his hand in hers. “I am so very sorry!”
Samuel smiled. “It was long ago, and I do not remember them at all. It is my parents who suffered. My father changed after that, became harder. And Mother was never able to bear another child, even though she did not become ill. Heartbroken, the doctors said.”
“Were you sick?”
“Mildly, but for some reason I did not become deathly ill. Of course William did not become sick at all, being safe in the manor house. Mother told me once that Father was angry his brother did not seem to appreciate enough the loss of his family, but she said that he forgets how many miscarriages my aunt Anne had suffered.” He shrugged and looked up to find Darcy staring at their clasped hands. He let hers go and saw her blush when she caught Darcy’s expression. “Father expects a great deal from me as a result.”
“To be like him?”
“I suppose.” Samuel sighed. “Adulthood has awakened a bit of a rebellious streak in me that he does not like.”
“Too bad.” Elizabeth whispered and nudged him. “I have one, too. I say we rebels make the world much more interesting.”
“I have found a friend in you!”
“Have you? I am pleased to hear that.” Darcy at last joined them and possessively took Elizabeth’s hand. “I thought that you came here to visit me.”
“I did, but you were busy whispering to that blue-coated interloper you call Cousin.” She lifted her shoulders. “I am not responsible for my actions when I am left to my own devices. After all, I am a mere empty-headed woman; one Darcy is very likely as interesting as another.” Elizabeth winked at Samuel.
He grinned and bowed his head. “Interchangeable, I suppose.”
“I will have to distinguish myself then.” Darcy looked between them. “Empty-headed, my foot.”
“Well as of tomorrow, I am not to have another independent thought, am I?” She looked down at their hands and spotting a ring on his left, knitted her brow as she tried to read the engraving. Darcy noticed and cleared his throat. Elizabeth looked up.
“I hope that you know how foolish that statement is.”
“I am glad that you think so.” She smiled and looked back down to his hand, but the ring was gone. “Fitzwilliam …”
“Lizzy, Lizzy …” Jane called and tried again. “Lizzy!”
“Oh!” She startled from her contemplation of Darcy’s suddenly rosy cheeks. “Yes?”
“I asked your sister to describe your mother’s plans for your wedding breakfast, Miss Eliza.” Caroline spoke and exchanged looks with Louisa. “I am certain that it will be a display unlike any other that we have ever experienced. Will we have the opportunity to meet more of your family? Will your relatives from Cheapside be in attendance?” She shot a look at Darcy who stiffened noticeably. “They are from your mother’s side, I believe? What a fine addition to the festivities!”
“My aunt and uncle cannot attend, Miss Bingley.” Elizabeth spoke steadily. “But I hope to visit them while in London.”
“Oh!” Caroline beamed and smiled at Louisa. “Will that not be wonderful!”
Richard watched Darcy and stared at him pointedly, then looked at Bingley. “I meant to ask you earlier, Bingley, you are still off to London tomorrow as well?”
“Yes!” He smiled and looked to Jane. “Business calls, but I will be back in a week or so.”
“Oh.” Jane saw Elizabeth urging her to speak and shook her head.
“Could Samuel and I beg a ride with you, then?” Richard looked to Darcy. “Unless you will offer us room in the wedding coach, Cousin?”
“No.”
“I thought not.”
“Is your sister in Town, Mr. Darcy?” Louisa asked. Everyone turned to her and she continued on. “We just enjoyed seeing her so much in the summer … Charles especially, did you not, Brother?”
“Oh, yes of course, and I certainly anticipate meeting her again sometime.” He smiled. “But she is still at Pemberley, correct, Darcy? I have not heard you mention her moving to Town.”
“Yes, she is at home, otherwise she would be here for the wedding.”
“I do so hope to see her again very soon.” Caroline smiled. “All of us friends gathering at Pemberley, just like last year!” She looked to Jane, “Oh, but I suppose that you would not be able to make such a journey, dear Jane.”
Jane noticed Bingley’s frown and noticed Elizabeth glaring at Caroline. “I … I will be glad to see my sister and her husband whenever I have the opportunity.”
“And we will make sure that you have that opportunity.” Darcy said quietly.
“Yes, however, I intend to spend the next months enjoying the intimate company of my new husband and sister. I am sure that you understand my disinterest in entertaining people outside of the family for some time, Miss Bingley?” Elizabeth smiled sweetly and entwined her fingers with Darcy’s. He looked at her proudly and his cousins nodded their appreciation. Hurst chuckled.
“Oh. Of course.” Caroline coloured.
“Lizzy.” Jane turned to her. “We promised Mama that we would not be late for supper.”
“You are not leaving!” Bingley cried.
“You only just arrived!” Darcy held Elizabeth’s hand tighter. “You must stay!”
“But the sun is setting.” She pointed to the window. “This was just a whim of mine to come. Jane is correct, we should start back.”
“I will come with you.”
“And leave me to worry about you returning in the dark? No, sir.” Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled at him. “I will see you at the church in the morning.”
“And then you will never have to be separated when the sun sets again.” Bingley grinned.
“Unless they argue.” Samuel noted.
“These two ever disagree?” Hurst laughed. “Why, I cannot imagine a cross word ever leaving either of their mouths.”
“You have witnessed far too much of our courtship, Hurst.” Darcy rose to his feet and offered Elizabeth his hand. “I believe that I will have to begin it anew, starting tomorrow.”
“Is not your wedding day a bit late to begin courting your wife, Darcy?” Richard chuckled as he watched them linking arms and smiling at each other.
“No, not at all.”
“At least this time I will know that you are doing it.” She whispered.
“And I will know that it is welcome.” He nudged her as they walked to the door, and waited for the coats to be delivered. “Thank you so much for coming today. I hoped you would.”
“After reading your aunt’s letter, I needed to see you.” Elizabeth watched his thumb stroking over her fingers, and whispered so softly that he had to bend to catch her words. “I am so afraid of failing. I will treasure your letter; it made me feel so special.” She turned her hand so that their thumbs caressed together. “You are the only one who seems to believe that I will do well.”
“And my opinion is the only one that matters, dearest.” Darcy kissed her hand, and letting go, he watched her don her coat and bonnet, then linked their arms and followed Bingley and Jane out to the carriage. Bingley handed Jane in and stepped back. Darcy held both of Elizabeth’s hands in his and looked into her eyes. “Sleep well, my Elizabeth. Try.”
“I will.” Darcy leaned forward and she stood on her toes to receive the softest of kisses. Elizabeth slowly sank back down to the ground. “Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow.” She opened her eyes to see his little smile and taking his hand, climbed into the coach. Darcy closed the door and signalled the driver to walk on, and spoke softly to the face that watched him through the window, “Trust me.”
“THEY ARE MARRYING NOW.” Georgiana listened to the clock striking ten.
“If not now, then very soon. Imagine all the activity as her family fusses over her and brings her to the church, and how very handsome your brother is, standing at the front and watching the woman he loves coming to him.” Susan smiled with the memory of her wedding day. “I am so happy that he has chosen with his heart, and was not pressed to accept one of his cousins. A girl from the country, somehow that seems to be so much more appropriate for him.” She noticed Georgiana’s confusion. “Be happy for your brother, this is the most important day of his life. Today anything seems possible to him. Say a prayer for his and your sister’s happiness and health.”
“I will pray for him.”
“And your sister, she will love him, and he deserves that.” Georgiana remained silent, twisting her hands and moving to stand by the window.
“Miss Georgiana?” Mrs. Reynolds appeared with a letter in her hand and a wide smile. “A note from your brother! And one for you as well, Mrs. Darcy.” She distributed the letters and clapped her hands. “Ah, it is a joyous day for Pemberley! The staff is raising their cups in toasts to the happy couple and anticipate their homecoming. I hope that it will not be long before we see Pemberley filled with little ones! Imagine Mr. Darcy as a father! And just wait until you marry a fine man someday, Miss Georgiana, and your babies will come to play with their cousins!” Georgiana burst into tears and ran from the room. “What did I say?” Mrs. Reynolds asked Susan worriedly.
Susan sighed but did not chase after her. “She is worried about her new sister. I pray that letter is more comforting than not.”
“How can Miss Darcy doubt her brother’s choice?” Mrs. Reynolds shook her head sadly. “He had the good judgment the Lord gave him to pick a sensible country girl, did he not?”
“How do you know she is sensible, Mrs. Reynolds?” Susan asked with a smile. “She might be a flighty thing, more worried about fashion than running a household.”
“Oh, Mrs. Darcy!” Mrs. Reynolds laughed and waved her hand at her. “I do not for a moment believe that our good Mr. Darcy could have been drawn in by one of those women.”
“I seem to remember a conversation we had recently where you were.” She broke the seal on her letter and looked back up to her. “No?”
“Well … blame my nerves. But I did receive a letter from Mrs. Gaston at Darcy House, and Parker, Mr. Darcy’s valet, has informed them that our new mistress makes the master smile!” She raised her chin. “Well, that is good enough for me.”
“I hope it is good enough for Georgiana.” Susan sighed.
“Shall I send up some punch for you both?”
“Wait until noon, when we know they are married.”
“Ah, I had not thought of that.” Mrs. Reynolds checked the clock. “Oh I would love to have seen this wedding!”
“DEARLY BELOVED, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony…” Darcy looked down at Elizabeth, wishing her hand was in his, and started when Mr. Pierson’s voice reached him again. “… and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men’s carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.”
Mr. Bennet cleared his throat and a round of titters were heard from the members of the congregation. Darcy caught Richard’s eye, and inwardly shared the distaste he was displaying with his grim expression.
“First, it was ordained for the procreation of children…” Darcy heard a soft sound and looked back down to see Elizabeth’s eyes were bright. She felt his body shift closer to her, and looked up to see his expression was just as sober. Tears began to track down her cheeks and Darcy was hard pressed not to wipe them away and give in to them himself. They had to be prompted to respond to the reverend’s questions.
“Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man?” Mr. Bennet, hesitantly, looked between the emotional couple, and with a sigh, gave Elizabeth’s hand to Mr. Pierson.
