Page 20 of Sketching Mr. Darcy
“That may be so, but if half of what they said is true, you have many things to repair, Darcy. Upon my word, your wealth and the threat of a scandal might not be enough for Miss Elizabeth to accept you if she is anything like you described. Your only chance is to win Mrs Bennet to your side. She would surely force her daughter to have you.”
“Robert, are you finally going to sleep?” Darcy inquired sternly, gazing at the fire.
“I might… Or I may go and ask for another bottle of brandy. It is your choice, Cousin.”
“Well, the night is still young…and yes, I did call Elizabeth ‘tolerable,’ but it was Bingley’s fault. He is so annoying sometimes that I will say anything to silence him.”
“I can surely sympathise with that, but he is nothing compared to his sisters. Wait just a moment. I will bring the brandy, and you may tell me the whole story. By the way, did I mention that I spotted Wickham? My offer to kill him is still open if you change your mind.”
They passed the chief of the night talking and enjoying the brandy until the colonel declared himself defeated and barely found the way to his room.
Hours later, alone in his room, Darcy stared at the fire, considering whether he should add another log, but he did not.
As the night progressed, silence fell upon the small town, and the darkness seemed even blacker.
It was a painfully long time until morning and even longer until he would be able to call at Longbourn.
His patience had never been tried as sorely, and the brandy was no help until it plunged him at last into a deep sleep.
***
Although she slept but little the entire night, Elizabeth felt rested the next morning.
Her aunt helped her to see the entire perspective of their difficult situation.
If she and Mr Darcy decided to enter into this marriage and she made her vow to him in church, she would do it with an open heart and commitment.
She would not allow anger and bitterness to poison her marriage, no matter how painful or awkward the circumstances that had led to it.
She thought ceaselessly of the implications of marriage. Her cheeks coloured with shame as her mind briefly considered that her main duty would be towards her husband. He seemed a demanding man, accustomed to having his way. What would he demand of her?
He said he would allow her time to become accustomed to their marriage. What would that mean? She had read enough to know of men’s lack of patience in such situations. Could he be different? Could he be patient with her because he had no interest in intimacy?
He said he admired her wit and her brightness and that he considered her suited to fill the role of Mrs Darcy. He only mentioned that he expected to have children someday. He acted quickly to end the gossip through their marriage, but showed no interest or eagerness beyond that.
To pass the time more pleasantly, Elizabeth went out into the yard with Lucky. Nothing could make her feel better than frolicking with her dog in the fresh air and sunshine.
An hour later, Lucky suddenly abandoned her and ran to the gate, barking.
A large carriage stopped, and Mr Darcy, together with Colonel Fitzwilliam, joined her in the yard.
Lucky jumped to greet Darcy, and he was rewarded with a pat on his head.
His muddy paws left visible traces on the gentleman’s coat, and Elizabeth called the dog in embarrassment.
“Mr Darcy, I heartily apologise for Lucky. I do not know what came over him. He is usually very restrained with strangers and avoids anyone outside the family. It appears he is suddenly so friendly that he has ruined your coat. Please allow me to take it in to—”
“Miss Bennet, please do not make yourself uneasy. My coat will be fine. As for Lucky—he might be restrained with strangers, but we have met several times, so we are practically friends now.” Darcy smiled, his light voice leaving Elizabeth speechless.
She suddenly realised that her hair and clothes must be in great disorder from her spirited play. She felt her cheeks blushing as she answered the colonel’s polite inquiry about her family.
Elizabeth guided them to the living room where the family was waiting then excused herself and ran upstairs to change into something more proper, wondering why she felt in such high spirits.
Several minutes later, when she returned to the parlour, Elizabeth was surprised to see Mr Darcy speaking amiably with her aunt and uncle. He glanced to her, and she responded with a polite smile, but he quickly returned his attention to his companions.
While the colonel was surrounded by Lydia, Kitty, Mrs Bennet, Mary and even Jane, and enjoyed the ladies’ attention, Mr Darcy seemed to have a more quiet but no less pleasant time in the company of Mr and Mrs Gardiner. Mr Bennet stood in a corner, watching in silence.
Drinks and refreshments were served, and Mrs Gardiner asked Elizabeth to join them.
“Lizzy, I was just talking to Mr Darcy about Derbyshire. There is no more beautiful place in England, and no more beautiful place than Pemberley in the whole of Derbyshire.”
“I will not attempt to contradict you, ma’am. It is such a wonderful surprise to discover that we have been practically neighbours for so many years,” Darcy said with warm politeness.
Elizabeth stared at him, wondering whether he was aware that these were her relatives from Cheapside, of whom Miss Bingley commented with so little civility.
“You know, sir, I remember your coming into my father’s shop with Lady Anne. You were about nine or ten years old. You were riding a tall, dark horse, and I recollect our surprise that you could master such a strong, large stallion.”
“That was Black Knight. I still have him at Pemberley,” Darcy replied, and a smile warmed his countenance. “He was strong and impressive but very gentle. He was easy to ride.”
Elizabeth watched her relatives’ interaction with Darcy, mesmerised, as if she were seeing each of them for the first time. She never saw him so friendly before, nor had she seen him smile so frequently. She briefly considered that smiling suited him very well.
She was obliged to depart from their group when her mother called her. A few minutes later, she noticed her father and Darcy walking outside the room. Her heart skipped a beat.
Another half an hour passed before Elizabeth saw Hill in the doorway and noticed the small sign meant only for her. She slowly left her seat, glancing at her aunt, and exited the room as the colonel was asking Mrs Bennet how frequently balls were held in Meryton.
When Elizabeth entered the library, she was not surprised to meet only Mr Darcy.
“Miss Bennet, Mr Bennet will join us shortly to conclude our discussion. But before going any further, I need to ask whether you have made a final decision. Have you changed your mind since yesterday?” he inquired, and their eyes held briefly .
“No…I have not changed my mind if we can agree upon the requirements you spoke of.”
“Ah, the requirements… Most of them were expressed yesterday. There is nothing more important to me than my family, and I expect my wife to feel the same. Other than that, I do wish and hope to have children someday. You are fond of children? I hope we could…”
He seemed deeply embarrassed, and she decided to help him, her cheeks burning.
“I am very fond of children, and I hope to have children of my own…someday…”
“Excellent…I am glad to hear that. Is there any particular requirement that you have?”
“No, not a requirement, but there is something I must ask you, and I hope you will answer me with the same honesty as yesterday. Sir, what do you expect from me regarding my family? You said your family is the most important thing for you. What about mine?”
He looked at her in puzzlement.
“I am afraid I do not understand your meaning.”
“We both know your opinion of my family—of my sisters’ and my mother’s behaviour.
I do not expect them to change dramatically, but I love them dearly.
So my question is: How will our marriage alter my relationship with them?
How often will I be allowed to see them?
Will I have your permission to visit them—or to invite them ever to visit me? ”
Her voice carried a trace of her emotions, and her heart now became heavy. She startled when she felt his fingers taking hold of her hands, and both withdrew them.
“Miss Bennet, I am sorry that my previous behaviour led you to such painful concerns. Please allow me to express myself clearly. I expect my wife to be dedicated to my family but not to the exclusion of her own. How often you will be allowed to see your family—that will be your decision. Naturally, if we speak of your leaving our home and visiting your family, I would wish to be informed of such plans. As for inviting your family to visit you—such a decision is entirely yours.”
“Thank you, sir. That is all I needed to know.”
“But Miss Bennet—forgive me for inquiring—what made you believe that I would forbid you to see your family? Was my behaviour so ill as to make you believe me a cruel man?”
“No—it is just that… Forgive me if I offended you. It was not my intention.”
“Do not trouble yourself. You did not offend me. Please know that I will always prefer you to ask me directly and to tell me of anything that worries you.”
“Thank you—you are very kind.”
“If there is nothing else, we should ask Mr Bennet to join us. I wrote down my offering for the settlement, and I wish you both to read it before—”
“Mr Darcy, I really do not believe that is necessary,” Elizabeth said, but Darcy had gone to invite Mr Bennet who was waiting in his study. He entered and sat near his daughter while Darcy hastened to read the settlement.
Elizabeth heard Mr Darcy’s words, but she barely comprehended his meaning, as she was more preoccupied in watching his face than in hearing the arrangements he was offering.