Page 14 of Sketching Mr. Darcy

“No, let us hope that at least that has come and gone. Darcy seemed to be very worried that the rumours started by James and Wickham might affect that young lady’s reputation.

You know, I spoke to Dr. Taylor… His report about that Miss Elizabeth Bennet was quite impressive.

He found her to be a courageous, spirited, bright young woman.

And he was also impressed by the eldest Miss Bennet—who seemed to be a true beauty. ”

“Yes, you told me, husband. You also told me that you investigated the girl’s relatives in Town—Mr Gardiner, I believe? I wondered why you did that.”

“When I heard all those rumours, and I found that Darcy sent Dr. Taylor from London to Longbourn, I felt that there must be more behind it. The references about Mr Gardiner and his wife were exceedingly good. He is a well-respected tradesman and quite wealthy. But Darcy has not said anything more since then, so I believe I worried for no reason. ”

Moments of silence followed. Lord Matlock filled a glass with brandy while his wife enjoyed a cup of tea. Finally, he spoke hesitantly, glancing at his wife.

“You know, you may disagree with me, but…I almost regret that the stories about Miss Elizabeth Bennet were not more malicious. Darcy will surely never marry Anne, but he might do his duty towards a beautiful, spirited, bright young woman he admires—though she is the daughter of a country gentleman—who had been compromised by the gossip arising from his own behaviour…What better protection could there be against the mischievous schemes of a woman like Lady Stafford, who uses her charms to deceive men, than the presence of a beautiful wife with strength and dignity, who will likely require little time to give him a child? And what better way for our family to regain peace and comfort? That Miss Elizabeth might have been the best weapon to put an end to this war.”

“Lord Matlock, what are you saying? You cannot use a young girl to protect our comfort! And surely you cannot have Darcy marry a woman who is so far beneath him when he could easily have any young heiress in Town! The situation with this Annabelle woman has come, and it will go. We cannot change our lives because of it! I truly believe you should have no more brandy, husband!”

***

Darcy put aside his paper and glanced towards the window. It was snowing gently. Bingley had left the previous day to visit his friend Mr Bertram and spend the Christmas with him and Darcy hoped he had arrived at his destination safely.

He remained locked in his library, as earlier that day Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst called on Georgiana, and he had no inclination to meet them.

To his sister he had barely spoken since they met Annabelle at the theatre three days earlier.

Darcy could not remember another time when he had been so embarrassed: Annabelle impertinently flirted with him in front of his sister and his cousins.

The memories of the times when he had been smitten by Annabelle’s beauty and charms were not enough to temper his anger and disgust at the changes in her behaviour and character.

It could also be true that she had always been so, but he lacked the wisdom to see it, and she lacked sufficient money to display it.

Darcy startled when the door opened and his cousin Robert appeared in the doorway.

“In my regiment, the officers speak of you and Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” the colonel said angrily.

“In a very nasty manner! There are rumours accusing you of merely pretending to be an honourable man all these years—that you are dividing your attention between Miss Bennet and Lady Stafford. And that in the end you will marry Anne de Bourgh. Now, can you imagine who would say such things?”

“Robert, how is it you spoke of such matters with your officers?” Darcy asked sternly. He found it hard to breathe, so he opened the window.

“I was told because, fortunately, I have the respect of my men. So you have to choose whom you want to kill—James or Wickham? I will take the one left.”

“Be serious, Robert. Thank you for your concern, but you do not have to kill anyone for me. I beg you to not repeat this to anyone, including your parents. I must find a way to put an end to these rumours immediately.”

“Very well, but—”

“Please do not be upset, but I must ask you to leave now, Robert. I need to think.”

The colonel attempted to say more, but he found himself unable to reply properly. From the door, he turned to Darcy once more, but he was staring out the window, his shoulders straight, his arms crossed, oblivious to his presence. The colonel closed the door slowly.

***

London, 21 Decembe r

Lord and Lady Matlock, together with the colonel, were having a peaceful dinner when the servant announced their nephew Darcy. Their surprise quickly turned to worry, which increased when he refused to sit.

He briefly paced the room then said coldly, “I considered it my duty to inform you of my intentions, as you have been as close to me as my own parents. Tomorrow at dawn, I travel to Hertfordshire to ask for Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s hand in marriage.

I imagine you will be angry and will oppose my decision, but nothing can change my mind.

I know that, for you, the prospect of connection with a family so beneath our own is a great shock, and I expect you to put distance between us.

I only hope that, in time, you will be able to forgive me and allow my future wife to be part of the family. ”

Silence followed, all three Fitzwilliams unable to speak. Darcy bowed briefly and turned to the door, but the earl rose from his chair and held his arm.

“Darcy, please, take a seat, son, and let us speak calmly. Nobody will distance themselves from you, and we are surely not angry with you. But we are deeply shocked.”

“But what happened?” Lady Matlock inquired. “I believed the gossiping had ended and—”

“It has not ended,” the colonel said. “Not at all…”

“Aunt, believe me that I have thought of little else for the last two weeks. At first, the mere idea of this resolution was impossible for me to consider. But the more I think of it, the more I am convinced that it is best for everyone—though I imagine it is hard for you to admit it at the moment.”

“It is surely the best solution for Miss Elizabeth and for her family. But how will it be for you? And for Georgiana? Being Mrs Darcy will not be an easy task for a country girl,” said Lady Matlock, and Darcy tried to reply, though he felt bewildered by his relatives’ attitudes.

Was it possible that they were accepting of the entire situation?

“Miss Bennet is an exceptionally smart young woman. I have no doubt that everything she does not know, she will learn quickly. She is also a kind and generous person. I feel confident that she will be an affectionate sister for Georgiana.”

“What about you? How will this marriage be for you, Darcy? Are you certain about it?”

“It will be as good as can be expected under these circumstances. And yes, I am certain.”

“So you seem to have made up your mind. Have you announced your arrival to the Bennets? Are they expecting you?”

“No, I only decided this afternoon myself. I plan to speak to Mr Bennet when I arrive there. I have great hopes that he will approve my resolution to this difficult situation and that he will help me have a private meeting with Miss Elizabeth to present my proposal to her.”

“It seems you have thought of everything. Please bring us news as soon as possible.”

“I will leave at dawn, and I plan to return the day after tomorrow. I will call on you then.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” the colonel asked. “I can be spared from the regiment for a couple of days if you believe my presence may be helpful.”

“Thank you, I appreciate your offer, Robert. Your presence at Longbourn might be very useful indeed. I want to keep the matter private from Mrs Bennet and the other daughters until Miss Elizabeth decides. And that will not be an easy task, as you will discover.”

“Very well, come and collect me at dawn,” the colonel said.

***

The sun had not yet risen, and Darcy and the colonel had been on the road for hours.

After sleepless weeks, once he made the final decision, Darcy felt an enormous relief. He would do it: he would propose to her, and she would be his wife. It had been so ridiculous to fight against the obvious and against fate, as there could be no one better for him.

Mile after mile and hour after hour, his heart became lighter, and his concern turned into joy.

He wondered what she would say when he proposed.

Surely, she could not expect such a thing.

Marrying him was certainly never considered by her or her family.

Nor my family nor me , he laughed to himself.

He remembered her smiling at him, teasing him, glancing at him.

Now all those things would happen in the solitude of his home—of their home.

They finally reached Meryton and stopped at the inn. He asked for the best rooms, food, and drink, and for a servant to be sent to Longbourn immediately. He was less than two miles away from her.

Longbourn, 22 December

At Longbourn, two days before Christmas Eve, there was constant commotion. In addition, the Gardiners were expected late in the afternoon. Around eleven o’clock, Mr Bennet left the library to give the ladies some most unexpected news.

“I just received a note from Mr Darcy. He has some business in the neighbourhood, and he wishes to call on us. He is staying at the Meryton Inn for the night. He is travelling with his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lord Matlock’s younger son.

I will send John to tell Mr Darcy that we will be honoured by his visit. ”

Jane turned pale in a moment, and Elizabeth felt her cheeks colouring for no reason. Mrs Bennet stared at her husband in shock for a long moment then finally burst out.

“Mr Darcy? And the son of an earl—in my house? And he is a colonel? Oh Lord, what is happening? Jane, Lizzy, Hill! What time will they arrive? Mr Bennet! You cannot bring such news and then leave! Oh, just imagine what Lady Lucas will say. Charlotte marrying Mr Collins is nothing to this! Oh, they are staying at the inn? Girl, go and change your clothes. you look nothing like you should in the presence of an earl’s son! ”

The din became insupportable, and Elizabeth and Jane moved to a corner of the room.

Mr Darcy’s visit three days before Christmas was the most shocking event.

Surely, it must be related in some way to Mr Bingley.

Otherwise, why would he stop at the inn and come to visit them?

Was it possible that he was announcing the wedding of his sister to his friend?

Such news would certainly be intolerable for poor Jane.

But why would he come to inform them personally?

Something was strange and certainly not in a good way.

An hour past noon, the guests arrived. The gentlemen were received in the drawing room, and Mr Darcy performed the introductions.

More shocking than the visit was the revelation that the colonel was completely opposite in temper and manners from his cousin. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s voluble amiability conquered the ladies in moments.

Mr Darcy behaved as his usual self. He took a seat in a corner, close to Mr Bennet, and intruded rarely in the conversation. Several times, Elizabeth met his glance and attempted to smile in a friendly manner, but his countenance remained serious.

“So, Mr Darcy, is Mr Bingley in good health? He will not return to Netherfield soon, I understand,” Mrs Bennet inquired bluntly, and Elizabeth saw Jane turn as pale as the wall.

“Yes, he is in good health,” Mr Darcy replied. “Unfortunately, we have not seen him much lately as we both have been very busy. I am not certain of any of his future plans—”

“Oh well, he may do as he likes. Please tell him that the entire neighbourhood awaits his return soon—maybe for the summer?”

“I will tell him as soon as I see him, ma’am,” Mr Darcy said.

Elizabeth was relieved: once again, Miss Bingley’s words were nothing but mischievous deceptions.

Mr Bingley seemed not to have been engaged with Mr Darcy and his sister at all.

And had he been in a sort of understanding with Miss Darcy, he would surely not leave to spend Christmas with other friends.

Jane’s face turned from pale to crimson, and for the next minutes, she suddenly became more animated and involved in the conversation.

Mr Bennet declared that he and Mr Darcy would retire to the library as they had some business to discuss.

Their departure brought little discomfort to the ladies as neither gentleman participated much in the conversation.

Elizabeth was the only one who wondered about the nature of her father’s private business with Mr Darcy, but she found no satisfactory answer.

Her curiosity turned to astonishment when Hill returned some minutes later and whispered in great secrecy that her father was waiting for her in the library.

Glancing around with puzzlement, she met the colonel’s look for an instant.

Then he averted his eyes. She had no time to wonder further, so she silently rose from her seat and left the room while the others remained captivated by the colonel’s entertaining tales.