Page 47 of I Thee Wed (Pride And Prejudice Variation #2)
Mr. Warwick and his mother arrived at the parsonage on time and ready both to be pleased and to please.
Kitty’s intended was a wealthy man of a prosperous estate.
Because of this, Mary believed his mother might think herself above her company, but Mrs. Warwick was careful to help the young hostess feel at ease, and Mr. Warwick and Elizabeth kept the conversation at the dinner table flowing amicably.
Mrs. Warwick turned to Elizabeth, who was sitting at her right. “I am grateful that my son is to be settled at last. Now my only prayer is that I may live long enough to meet my grandchildren.”
Mr. Warwick took her hand. “Mother, your prayer will be granted because Miss Kitty and I will take good care of you.” He turned to Kitty and placed his hand on hers. “My betrothed is everything that I hoped for in a wife, but I never thought to find a woman with so generous a heart as hers.”
After dinner, the two men remained at the table drinking their port, while the three women moved to the best parlor. Elizabeth sat beside Mrs. Warwick and said, “If my question is impertinent, ma’am, pray forgive me, but I heard you say you are not well. What is the nature of your illness?”
The elderly lady replied, “It is my heart, dearie.”
Elizabeth patted the lady’s hand. “What does the doctor say?”
“I am to stay away from salty, rich foods, for they strain my heart. There is some truth in what he says. I do feel better when I eat simple, hearty fare. Stephen dismissed our French chef, and the new cook serves plain dishes, and I do feel better on account of that.”
When the men joined the ladies, the conversation turned to wedding plans, for Mr. Warwick was anxious to set a date according to the wishes of his mother, who desired to see him settled while she still lived.
That night, seeking to turn her thoughts from the pain of disappointed hopes, Elizabeth sat at her little desk and composed letters to the editors of three ladies’ journals.
She wrote out a different poem for each of the journals and hoped one of them would publish her work.
As she toiled, she dabbed at the tears that ran down her cheeks.
He had declared his love for her and had asked for her hand, and she had refused him.
She loved him. She had loved him for weeks before realizing the nature of her feelings. But they were at an impasse. Her connections in trade weighed upon him. He would be judged for lowering himself. If she accepted him now, she felt sure he would come to regret the marriage.
Elizabeth pressed her hands to her brow. If I accepted him under these conditions, I would become my mother.
Elizabeth shrank away from those thoughts.
The promise she had made to Mr. Darcy was both a comfort and a burden.
She had given her word, and she would keep it.
But she was afraid of the life she would lead with Mr. Darcy.
Her thoughts turned to Sir Lawrence Pembroke, who had demonstrated his admiration every time they were in each other's company.
He was in every respect a suitable match.
Should she wait for him instead? He already thought well of her, and her family did not matter a jot to him.
Should she turn entirely away from Mr. Darcy and wait to see if anything developed between her and Sir Lawrence?
Elizabeth finished her letters, then crawled into her bed, praying for sleep. But sleep did not come. Mr. Darcy’s voice followed her into the night. I love you, and I respect you. And though she fought against it, she wept.
The next morning, when Elizabeth returned from her walk, she was surprised to find Kitty already dressed and sitting at the breakfast table.
But her sister was unable to sit still. “Lizzy, I am to be married! I can hardly believe this is really happening to me. And what a surprise for mamma.” She turned to her sister. “Do you think there will be any problem? Do you think Papa will refuse Mr. Warwick?”
Elizabeth sat down next to her sister. “Kitty, whatever do you mean? Why would Papa refuse Mr. Warwick? Do you know something of the man that the rest of us have not yet heard?”
Kitty blinked. “Why, no, Lizzy. Everything I know of Mr. Warwick is good. I was just wondering if Papa would make a fuss and refuse him.”
Elizabeth frowned. “My dear, you are making trouble where none exists. Our father is not capricious. I admit he is a tease and he likes to toy with people, but he would never turn away an eligible bachelor who asked for the hand of one of his five daughters. Now, stop worrying and eat your breakfast, my dear.”
Mr. Collins and Mary joined them. Mary was matter-of-fact.
“I will write to Jane this morning. It would be most convenient if the Warwicks could stay at Netherfield until the wedding takes place. I imagine Charles and Jane will be glad to host them. If that can be arranged, then perhaps Mr. Warwick and his mother would escort you and Elizabeth into Hertfordshire.”
Mr. Collins agreed. “That would be convenient for the Warwicks, but is not your sister still in the north?” He turned to Kitty.
“I shall write to your father and assure him of our complete support. I have spoken with two other men who own property in this parish, and they both spoke well of the Warwicks. They say Stephen is a good man, debt-free, and with no vices of which they have ever heard.”
Kitty relaxed in her chair, finally at ease. “Thank you, brother. That is very kind of you, and I appreciate your care. It could not have been pleasant to investigate a man’s character and situation. I am very fortunate in Mr. Warwick.”
Mr. Collins smiled at his young sister. “And so you are. Mr. Warwick is an honorable man, devoted to his mother and very attentive to you. You could not have a more promising start to married life. My only advice is to remember that harmony in a household grows from mutual respect.”
Mr. Collins added, “I shall ask Lady Catherine for a week’s leave to attend the wedding. The curate will cover the pulpit in my absence.”
Elizabeth said, “Lady Catherine and her daughter will travel to Bath this morning on account of Miss Anne’s poor health.”
“Then I shall send a note at once.” He turned to Mary. “I will be back directly.”
Later that morning, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy called at the parsonage to take their leave. The household gathered in the small drawing room.
Richard said, “Mr. Darcy is conveying Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh to Bath for medical treatment. I shall remain in Kent for a few more days, but then I will depart as well. I will send a message from Rosings upon my return, and if there are any problems in the parish, you may bring them to me in Lady Catherine’s absence. ”
Mr. Collins expressed his regret. “I am sorry to hear that Miss Anne is ill. Colonel, I sent a note earlier this morning to advise Lady Catherine that we will be traveling to Hertfordshire for my sister’s wedding. The curate will cover the pulpit.”
While the two men discussed the travel plans, Mr. Darcy watched Elizabeth, who had seated herself on her sister’s other side. She did not speak, and she kept her eyes downcast. He had no opportunity to address her, and when Richard stood, Darcy knew his chance to speak had passed.
The whole party accompanied them out to the front entrance, where the grooms held their horses ready. Darcy bowed to Mary and to Kitty, then turned to Elizabeth.
“Miss Elizabeth, I wish you health and every happiness until we meet again.”
She curtsied, but did not meet his eyes. “And I wish you a safe journey, sir.”
The men mounted their horses and rode away. Elizabeth raised her eyes and watched Mr. Darcy until he was out of sight. She knew that this parting had not been final, and she was glad of it.