Page 21 of Sketching Mr. Darcy
“I thank you, Mr Darcy,” she heard her father saying. “I believe this is a more than generous arrangement. I see nothing that needs to be added to it.”
“Very well, sir. I will ask my attorney to put everything in an official form. Also, I will try to obtain a license as soon as possible, but it will likely be after Christmas—I mean, if that is acceptable to you, Miss Bennet. Would you rather wed here or in London?” As he spoke, his countenance changed continuously, proving that he was at least as uncomfortable as she was in discussing these necessary practical arrangements for their future lives.
“I believe it would be better here at Longbourn. My mother and my sisters would like to participate. The time is very short. I hope I can manage—”
“If there is anything I may do to help you…”
“No, I believe I will be fine, but there is something very important that I wish to ask you. In fact, I have a special request.” Both gentlemen looked at her in surprise, waiting for her to continue.
“I imagine this requirement might appear unreasonable, and you will probably refuse it, but it is truly important to me…”
“Please do not worry, Miss Bennet. If it is possible, I shall not refuse it.”
“I would like to take Lucky with me. I have had him since he was born, and he has rarely been away from me. I cannot abandon him…”
Darcy looked at her in surprise, blinking repeatedly, his mouth half open in disbelief.
“That is your request? Forgive me. I did not expect it. I thought you wanted…but of course… Surely, you cannot believe that I would refuse it. Of course you may take Lucky.”
“Thank you, sir. I truly appreciate it. Now, if you will excuse me, I shall return to the others. I trust you will both decide on the best course of action from now on.”
She gave them a forced smile and quickly exited the library. In the hall, she leant against the wall and attempted to regain her breathing and subdue the headache that threatened once again.
It was all settled—her future life was settled. She would marry Mr Darcy, and she did not even know his given name.
Inside the library, Darcy remained still, gazing at the closed door.
Mr Bennet broke the silence. “You seem surprised by Lizzy’s request.”
“I confess I am…”
“Mr Darcy, you clearly do not know my Lizzy, but I hope you will endeavour to remedy this. I know I might appear arrogant to you, considering the differences in our families and the advantages we will receive from this marriage, but I do not hesitate to say that you could not find a better wife than Lizzy if you will get to know her and allow her to better know you in exchange. I supported you in this arrangement, but I am not at peace with it, and as time passes, I am more worried that I might have made a mistake. I allowed myself to be convinced by my hasty impression that you could be a good husband for Lizzy. If I was wrong, I will never forgive myself, and I will do everything in my power to repair my error.”
“Mr Bennet, I understand your concern, and I thank you for your trust. You may have no doubt that I shall do everything in my power to be a good husband to Miss Elizabeth and give her as happy a marriage as possible. That was my goal when I proposed to her, and I have discussed this with Miss Elizabeth. Please be assured that I am entirely aware of her qualities, and I truly value them. I know I could not find a better wife.”
“I am glad to hear that, sir. I have to warn you, though. If Lizzy becomes unhappy and wants to return home, I will always open my arms to her. I was not a good father by way of providing my daughters with tempting dowries, but I did make sure that each of them was as happy as possible—and I will continue to do that for as long as I live.”
“I understand. I am confident that sooner rather than later your worries will be dispelled. And for that, you will always be welcome to visit your daughter whenever you desire without announcement or invitation.”
“That is good to know. I might be tempted to take advantage of your words when the weather improves. Now let us return to the others. Everything is settled for now.”
***
Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam remained at Longbourn for another hour.
They enjoyed drinks and refreshments, and Mr Darcy even engaged himself in conversation, mostly with Mr and Mrs Gardiner. Quite often, his gaze travelled towards Elizabeth and met hers. Once or twice, they even smiled at each other.
Mr Bennet was more restrained and silent, but nobody noticed except Elizabeth—who asked him several times whether he wished something to drink—and Darcy, who glanced at him almost as often as at Elizabeth.
When the time for departure arrived, Mrs Bennet asked Mr Darcy—twice—to convey to Mr Bingley her best regards and wishes to see him again soon then complimented him on his large and most elegant carriage.
When they were almost outside, Lucky demanded attention, and Darcy leant down to pet him.
He was surprised when he heard Elizabeth whispering to him.
“There is something else I forgot to ask you, sir. I do not even know your given name…”
He answered with a smile twisting his lips and a low voice so no one else could hear him.
“It is Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam Darcy. And yes, I know it is a little strange, but it is a family custom. My sister calls me William.”
Elizabeth had no time to answer but returned his smile.
Soon the carriage disappeared from their sight, and Mrs Bennet, as well as her younger daughters, could not find enough words to express their excitement about the unexpected visit.
Mrs Gardiner and Jane said little, and Mr Gardiner joined Mr Bennet in the library.
Elizabeth ran back to her room then threw herself on the bed, closing her eyes without allowing her mind to think of anything. She did not know how much time passed before she rose from the bed and slowly opened the drawer of her small cabinet.
She found the diary she received as a gift when she was ten years old and in which she only wrote once—about the day she almost drowned in the sea and a young man saved her life. She caressed the diary’s cover, opened it slowly, then turned the first pages and put down a few words :
“Today is the day which changed my life forever. Today I accepted the offer of marriage from Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy—my future husband.”