Page 17 of Sketching Mr. Darcy
“As soon as I can obtain a special license.
Miss Bennet, I understand your restraint.
In a normal situation, even in the case of an arranged marriage, a time of engagement would make it easier to become accustomed to each other.
Sadly, this cannot be the case. This would be a marriage arranged in particular circumstances.
The causes that generated this situation are of a difficult and hasty nature.
Postponing things will not put an end to them.
“Is the gossip truly so malicious? Would you please tell me what is said? I cannot imagine. Really, I cannot,” she dared say, her cheeks coloured with embarrassment.
“It is very malicious. It is said that we had been involved in a secret attachment and that we intentionally met in the wood…that we were seen in a compromising position…and that I left you and sent a doctor because the reasons for your illness were of a different nature…”
With each word, Elizabeth became increasingly pale from the pain gripping her chest. She felt herself trembling, and her eyes burned with tears, unable to hold his gaze.
“How could anyone say such things? And why, for what purpose? Does your family know about it? I will never be able to face them… Oh, dear Lord… ”
“My aunt, uncle, and cousins do know—Georgiana does not—but you must not worry. They do not believe it in the slightest, as the colonel’s presence proves.”
“I cannot comprehend… Why would anyone spread such dreadful information? What can be the purpose of doing it? What would anyone have to gain?” she repeated as she fought back tears, her turmoil increasing.
“I do not believe it was intended in such a way. But someone spoke carelessly, other persons took the words and twisted them further, and so on. And the gossip prevailed because I have always been careful not to expose myself to any kind of compromising rumours. I believe that excites some people. You must see now why I feel guilty and why I insist on a marriage proposal. It is my responsibility. Since I did nothing to prevent the gossip, I must shelter you from its effects.”
“But will a hasty marriage not confirm the gossip?”
“It may or may not. But marriage will certainly give them no other option than to accept it, and at least your family will be protected from harmful consequences.”
“I must confess I am shocked and cannot think properly. However, I can see you are correct. And…may I ask—you said you have conditions and requirements and… Can you tell me what they are? I believe I must know them before I give you a definite answer.”
“Do not worry. We can speak of the details tomorrow before we leave. There is no need to trouble you further today. There are still details of the arrangement that I need to establish with Mr Bennet and that will be added by my lawyers to the final settlement. As for the requirements of you personally, they will not be difficult to accomplish. I asked Georgiana what qualities she would like to see in a woman who is to be my wife. And she said—I can quote quite precisely—‘I would like her to be bright and to enjoy reading and spending time outdoors and to play the piano.’ I believe that is a rather accurate portrait of yourself. ”
She released a nervous laugh. “Thank you, sir, you are very kind. Though I am afraid Miss Darcy will be vastly disappointed by my skill at the pianoforte.”
“I dare contradict you, Miss Bennet. But, on a more serious note, there will be many things you will probably need to learn to fulfil your position, as I am certain you understand not only the advantages but also the responsibilities that come with marrying me. However, the most important is that I need your commitment that you wish this marriage to become genuine. I need a true family, a mistress of my estates, a sister for Georgiana, and a mother for my children. I need to know that, despite the unfortunate circumstances that forced this marriage, my wife and I will share respect and trust and confidence at the very least.”
She daringly held his eyes while she spoke decidedly, her voice slightly trembling. “Mr Darcy, rest assured that, if I decide to enter into this marriage, I will do it with good will and commitment. I too wish to have a true family, sir.”
“I am glad to hear that. And now I have to ask—forgive my preposterous assumptions, but I must know—besides the objections you have raised, are there other impediments that might prevent your accepting my proposal, impediments of a more personal nature?”
He was uneasy in the asking, but she replied without hesitation. “No, there are not.”
“Thank you for your honesty, Miss Bennet, and please allow me to put you at ease about a delicate matter. As I said, there is no time for a period of courtship or engagement in this situation, but I am not insensitive to your concerns. Even if we are to marry in a few days, I do not expect to…I mean…I agree that we will need time to become accustomed to each other, and I am willing to allow you all the time you need. The marriage will be made in haste, in fact, but will not be hastened in spirit, if you understand my meaning…”
“Thank you, sir,” she said, blushing and averting her eyes. Does he really mean what I imagine he does ?
“I believe we should speak to Mr Bennet now. That is, if you are decided…Are you?”
“Yes, I believe we should,” she whispered. “I am decided… I doubt there are many choices, considering the nature of the gossip and the other arguments… I think it is the only thing to do…” she whispered as she left to inform her father.
Elizabeth entered Mr Bennet’s small office, which was connected to the library, and met her father’s eyes—and she finally ceased her fighting, allowing tears to run over her pale cheeks. Mr Bennet embraced her, puzzled about what to do next. He had never seen his beloved daughter in such a state.
“Forgive me, Papa,” she said with trembling voice.
“All is well. Do not worry. Mr Darcy and I agreed to marry as soon as he procures a special license.
He said he will return tomorrow to establish all the details.
Now I beg you and Mr Darcy to excuse me.
I shall retire to my room. Please tell the others that I have a terrible headache and need to sleep a little.
The gentlemen’s visit at Longbourn lasted more than three hours, and Mrs Bennet could not have been more thrilled.
She insistently invited them to return for dinner, declaring that a meal at the inn was not what they deserved.
But Darcy rejected the invitation with decided politeness, promising to call again the next day before their return to London.
Mrs Bennet dared not argue with Mr Darcy.
As soon as the gentlemen retired, Mr Bennet returned to his library, and Jane hurried to see how Elizabeth was feeling.
Only then, did Mrs Bennet notice that her second daughter was absent and wonder how she could be so rude as to abandon such important guests as Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Inside the carriage, the colonel declared he had been entertained and highly enchanted by the Miss Bennets—each charming in her own way
“So, how did it go? And why on earth did you refuse Mrs Bennet’s dinner invitation? Surely, the food and company would have been ten times better than at the inn! ”
“You may go if you wish, but I must give Miss Elizabeth a little time to recover. I need time to recover myself. She rejected my proposal, Robert. Miss Elizabeth Bennet refused me, and I had to plead for her acceptance. Can you imagine that?”
***
Elizabeth spied the gentlemen’s departure from her window, and while she followed them with her eyes, her mind still could not comprehend what had happened.
Her eyes burned and her head was so painful that she needed to press her fingers against her temples, but with little relief.
She lay on the bed and buried her head in the pillows.