Page 13 of Suddenly Married

Elizabeth had gone to bed late the previous evening and awoke early.

Without Jane in the house, most of the responsibilities had fallen upon Mary and herself.

Kitty and Lydia spent much of the day in their room or walking in the garden.

The unfortunate circumstances had matured them suddenly, for both were conscious that they were about to lose Longbourn and dreaded a future without the protection of a father and a home.

Elizabeth was troubled not only for her father but also for her mother.

Mrs. Carter had observed that, if Mrs. Bennet persisted in starving herself from grief, she might soon become dangerously ill.

Her daughters took turns attending to her, yet no one could console or cheer her.

It seemed as though she would rather die than face life without a home.

Elizabeth felt alone and helpless. Her father, who had always been her protector, was no longer able to defend her, and though she possessed a resolute spirit, she knew the world could be cruel to six women without a home or fortune.

She was seated on a bench in the garden, wholly dejected, when she saw Mr. Darcy's carriage approach.

Within minutes, he alighted, and, without knowing why, she ran to meet him.

When Mr. Darcy beheld Elizabeth, he was concerned; she was pale, as though she had not rested for many nights.

He could not help but feel anguish at seeing the woman he loved in distress.

"My dear Elizabeth, I am here to accompany you and assist in all that you require.

" For the first time in many days, Elizabeth felt loved upon hearing such words of support, and she instinctively threw herself into his arms in search of comfort.

He embraced her closely, as he had done at the parsonage, and she wept for several minutes in his arms. She was deeply grateful for such tenderness, which made her feel less alone.

He was her only support, and she clung to him to forget her present misfortune.

"I am so sorry, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said, releasing herself from the embrace.

"I fear I have ruined your coat with my foolish tears," she added, attempting to sound light-hearted.

She wished to recover from the awkward moment and compose herself.

She felt she had acted foolishly in throwing herself into the arms of a man with whom there existed so many misunderstandings, the resolution of which she could not foresee.

"Do not trouble yourself about my coat, Miss Bennet.

It is my least favourite," he said with a touch of humour.

He was gratified to see her smile in response.

After a brief silence, he continued, "Miss Bennet, I must apologise for Lady Catherine's behaviour.

She had no right to intrude upon your home, particularly in the midst of all you are suffering.

I wish to inform you that I have spoken with her and give you my word, she shall never disturb you again.

" "Thank you, Mr. Darcy. Yet I sincerely hope that none of this will harm Miss de Bourgh.

You are aware we have not yet had time to discuss our…

situation. Since that day in the parsonage, many unexpected events have occurred, not to mention all that Mr. Collins has said.

Now everyone assumes that we—Mr. Darcy, how are we to resolve this?

" "My dear Miss Bennet, my cousin and I have always had a great affection for each other, but as cousins; neither she nor I have ever wished to marry.

Those are only my aunt's designs." Taking a breath, he added, "I know we must speak further, but I question whether this is the proper time, given your father's condition.

Nevertheless, I wish you to know that I already possess the marriage settlement and the licence, and we may be wed whenever you are ready.

As I told your uncle, should the worst occur to your father, as my wife, you and your family will be under my protection.

" "Are you truly willing to assist my family, Mr. Darcy?

" Elizabeth asked, uneasy. "Of course. I would do it for you," he replied with conviction.

Elizabeth was anxious to return to her father's side, yet she knew she must conclude the conversation.

She was conscious that he assumed her acceptance of his proposal; yet, though her reputation was now in question, she had always been brave enough to meet difficulties openly.

"Mr. Darcy, you must know that all this has been most unexpected; I cannot return your feelings as you wish.

I never imagined you would propose, and then came my father's accident, and I did not know how to act…

" Mr. Darcy was certain that Elizabeth had grown to love him as he loved her.

He had seen the proofs: their spirited conversations at Netherfield, the nervous glances she cast when she found his eyes upon her, and their encounters at Rosings.

Yet he knew her doubts were of his own making, for he had long concealed his feelings to avoid raising hopes he feared he might not fulfil.

He, therefore, could not blame her for believing he would never offer for her.

He understood, too, her meaning when she said she could not return his feelings.

He had no wish to compel her to fulfil all the duties of a wife while in mourning; he would wait and respect her grief.

Taking her hand, he said, "Do not concern yourself, Miss Bennet; I understand.

Even when we are married, I can wait until you are ready to be my wife…

" He turned away, colouring, for the subject was too intimate to meet her gaze.

Elizabeth was more perplexed than ever. She had never imagined Mr. Darcy could be so patient, nor that he would marry a woman who did not love him, or support a family he professed to disdain.

Yet she had begun the conversation and must finish it.

"Mr. Darcy, how would my life be if I married you?

What must I know to be certain I could be the wife you expect?

" She wished to be honest; if he were willing to aid her family, the least she could do was strive to be a good wife—though she feared it would be difficult to love him.

"I expect my wife to be the compassionate, charming woman I fell in love with," he replied, taking her hand and beginning to describe Pemberley and the duties she would assume—overseeing the house, attending to the tenants' families, sponsoring charitable works, and supporting Georgiana in her presentation to society.

He assured her that the countess would see she was well received in the circles she must enter as his wife.

"You need not concern yourself with anything; I shall guide you and will not allow anyone to censure you for your origins.

Once you are my wife, you will be a Darcy.

" "I see," Elizabeth said. Though he spoke with his accustomed pride, she felt she could discharge those duties.

Nevertheless, what Mr. Wickham had told her of Miss Darcy made her hesitant to spend much time with her; and if Miss Darcy were indeed a friend of Caroline Bingley, they would likely have little in common.

Still, nothing seemed unreasonable until he spoke again.

"When I was at my aunt's, I spoke with Mr. Collins.

He has signed a contract to lease Longbourn to your family for six months in the event of your father's passing.

" He paused before adding, "During that time, my solicitor will secure a house for your mother and sisters; I shall pay all household expenses and a monthly allowance for their personal needs.

You may visit them when we are in London and perhaps spend a few days with them.

Of course, you may correspond with your mother, sisters, and your aunts and uncles, but you may not invite them to any of our homes.

I cannot allow them to jeopardise your position in society or my sister's prospects.

I trust you understand." "Sir, you ask something very difficult of me," Elizabeth replied as calmly as she could, longing to end the conversation and return to her father.

"I know, which is why I wished to be frank with you.

" Seeing her look of reproof, he began enumerating her mother's and younger sisters' faults, along with her uncle's profession and residence near his warehouse, believing his words to be indisputable truths she must acknowledge.

"They are your family, and I understand you love them.

That is why I mean to provide for them and will never forbid you to visit them.

" "You are very generous, sir," Elizabeth said, her voice edged with irony.

She was stunned; that was the Mr. Darcy she had known—the one who had separated her sister from the man she loved, and had condemned a good man like Mr. Wickham to penury.

She would not allow him to speak of her family in such a manner.

"Mr. Darcy, if you believe that I—" At that moment, Mary came running into the garden, pale with alarm.

"Lizzy, please come—Papa is having a crisis!

" "Oh, no—my father!" Elizabeth cried, forgetting all else and hurrying into the house, Mr. Darcy close behind.

When they reached the room, Mr. Bennet was convulsing.

Mrs. Carter, assisted by Mr. Darcy, managed to steady him, and after several minutes, he began to relax.

Lydia and Kitty, having witnessed the scene, fled to their room in tears, unwilling to remain in Mr. Darcy's presence.

Mary went to reassure her mother, who, upon hearing the commotion, began to weep with fresh despair.

An hour later, calm was restored. Mr. Darcy informed Elizabeth that he would remain at the Meryton Inn and urged her not to hesitate to summon him should she require his assistance.

"I shall be available at any hour. Pray, do not hesitate to send a servant to the inn if you have need of me.

" "Thank you, sir, for your support," she replied.

Though sincerely grateful, her tone was cool; she still recalled his words about her family earlier that day.

Mr. Darcy attributed her reserve to the emotional strain of her father's illness, never suspecting that the unfeeling nature of his request prompted it.

◆◆◆

Mr. Phillips was a good man who cherished his Bennet nieces, particularly the three eldest. For that reason, he was incensed with Mr. Bingley.

Jane wept the entire journey back to Hertfordshire, and he felt powerless, unable to comprehend how he could behave so cruelly towards her.

Jane was, in his opinion, the kindest and sweetest young lady he knew, and it was difficult to believe that anyone could wound her so deeply without cause.

Not wishing to be indiscreet or ask questions that might add to her distress, he confined himself to offering her the comfort of his embrace and the support of his shoulder.

Jane, for her part, felt foolish and ashamed that she had once again permitted that gentleman and his sister to trifle with her feelings.

She had gone to London with the purpose of addressing her family's difficulties and, if possible, of securing a husband who might protect her and her loved ones.

Yet she had paid no heed to Mr. Clark, though she was aware that he looked at her with admiration and sought her conversation.

After the events of that day, she resolved to banish Mr. Bingley from her thoughts forever.

Upon Jane's arrival at Longbourn, she found Mary, Kitty, and Lydia in the parlour.

Their countenances at once told her that something had occurred, and Mary quickly related the crisis their father had suffered.

Jane went immediately to Mr. Bennet's room, where Mrs. Carter informed her that his condition was grave and that they must prepare for the worst. Elizabeth was at her mother's side, and Mrs. Bennet, having at last fallen asleep, lay pale and much reduced.

Upon waking, she stared blankly at the ceiling, as though no tears remained to her.

When Mrs. Hill entered the room, Elizabeth kissed her mother's forehead and withdrew, seeking a moment's rest and reflection.

Later, Elizabeth conversed with Jane, who recounted all that had occurred in London with Mr. Bingley.

"Oh, Lizzy, I cannot comprehend why I allowed that gentleman to wound me once more.

I ought to have forgotten him when he departed without a thought for me or my feelings.

" "Do not blame yourself, Jane. It was he who acted the scoundrel," Elizabeth replied, taking her sister's hands.

After nearly an hour of tears, Jane at last fell asleep in Elizabeth's arms. Yet Elizabeth remained troubled—not only for her parents' health, but for all her sisters.

Mary endeavoured to appear strong, but Elizabeth had seen her weeping when she thought herself unobserved.

Kitty and Lydia, once so full of life and cheer, now seemed but shadows of their former selves.

It was for that reason that Elizabeth felt that she alone must protect her family, and she was prepared to make any sacrifice to do so.

'Do not fear, my dear Jane,'she thought, watching her sister's exhausted slumber.

'One day, you will meet a gentleman worthy of you, and you will love him.

You deserve happiness, and I shall do whatever is necessary to protect you and the rest of our family. '

◆◆◆

When Mr. Darcy arrived early the next morning, Elizabeth had already formed her resolution and was prepared to acquaint him with the result of her reflections.

"Mr. Darcy, if it is agreeable to you, I should wish for our marriage to take place tomorrow morning.

" "I am pleased that we may be married without delay.

In light of your father's condition, it is undoubtedly the most prudent course.

" "I must beg that the ceremony be as private as possible.

I do not wish for a grand display, nor for the attention of the neighbourhood.

Only our immediate family and a few close friends should be present.

In these circumstances, a quiet union will be most suitable.

" Mr. Darcy inclined his head with solemnity.

"It shall be exactly as you wish. I shall speak to the clergyman and arrange everything for tomorrow morning.

" Elizabeth felt a strange calm as she met his gaze.

The decision had been made; there was no longer room for hesitation.

"Sir, I have but one request." He looked at her with surprise, scarcely daring to believe he had heard her correctly.

"Name it, Miss Bennet, and, if it lies within my power, it shall be granted. "