Page 14 of Suddenly Married
Georgiana had just finished reading a letter from her brother and was most pleasantly surprised.
He informed her that he was to be married and that the ceremony must take place without delay, owing to the circumstances of his betrothed’s family.
Georgiana was deeply grieved to learn of the accident and Mr. Bennet’s precarious health, and she fervently hoped that all might yet turn out well.
To Georgiana, her brother was the most honourable gentleman in the world.
He had cared for her from childhood, and despite her significant error the previous summer, he had forgiven and continued to support her.
She was overjoyed to know that her dear William had at last fallen in love, and that he had chosen a worthy woman who both admired and esteemed him.
She had always longed for a sister and was eager to make the acquaintance of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Her only fear was that Miss Bennet might one day learn of her past folly.
She had nearly eloped with Mr. Wickham, and could not help but believe that so admirable a woman as Miss Bennet would never wish to be sister to one who had so nearly fallen.
For many months, Georgiana had secluded herself at Pemberley, unwilling to socialise with anyone.
Naturally timid and inclined to fear, she had been rendered still more so by her brother’s affectionate, if overprotective, care.
The first and only person she had ever trusted beyond her family was the very man who had betrayed her trust, leaving her heart wounded.
From that time forward, she had preferred the solitude of Pemberley, where no one might harm her.
Having finished reading the letter, she hastened to her room to write to her brother, expressing her delight at his news and her impatience to meet her new sister.
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Elizabeth wished to explain her plans to Mr. Darcy, but she could not complete her statement, for Lydia and Mary entered the drawing room.
Knowing the delicacy of the subject, she proposed that they walk in the garden.
He offered her his arm, and together they left the house.
They proceeded in silence until they reached the most secluded part of the grounds, shaded by a great tree, where they might speak without fear of interruption.
“Do not concern yourself, Miss Bennet. If everything is prepared, I have no objection to marrying immediately. Were the circumstances different, I should have wished you to have a wedding befitting your worth. In the future, I shall endeavour to compensate you for the haste,” Mr. Darcy said, kissing her hand.
“Before you arrived, my uncle Phillips visited my father, and I asked him to speak with our parson, Mr. Williams. They are close friends, and I believe he will have no objection to marrying us tomorrow.” She turned away, unwilling to meet his gaze, and continued, “But there is a matter of the utmost importance I wish to discuss: my family. You were frank with me yesterday, and I wish us to reach an understanding. I accept that you have offered to provide for my mother and sisters, though you do not wish to have contact with them. I cannot deny I would have preferred more direct communication, yet I understand your motives and respect them.” “Thank you, Elizabeth. I am glad you can comprehend and support my decision.” Elizabeth was about to tell him she did not support it, only that she accepted it for her family’s protection.
But she knew he would not change his mind and preferred to avoid an argument.
“Like I informed you, Mr. Darcy, I have but one request, and I hope we may come to an agreement.” He was curious to hear what she would ask—perhaps some particular wedding gift or the amount of her pin money.
“If it is within my power to fulfil your wishes, I shall gladly do so.” Turning to meet his eyes, she said, “I wish to marry you tomorrow, but I do not wish to leave Longbourn until my father’s death.
When that happens, I would remain with my family for a week; after that, I will travel with you, assume all the duties of your wife, and do my best to be a good mistress of your estate.
I hope you understand.” “Of course, I understand. You must remain with your father and support your family. I know the situation well, for I experienced something similar when my own excellent father passed away.” He again took her hand and kissed it.
“I thank you for your consideration,” Elizabeth replied, a few tears escaping despite her resolve.
Remembering there was one more matter to address, she drew a handkerchief from her pelisse, dried her eyes, and continued, “Mr. Darcy, whatever your opinion of my family, I must ask that you never speak ill of them again. They are not perfect, but they are my family, and I love them.” “I understand, but it is difficult not to speak ill of relations who give cause for censure.” “I wish you could understand how deeply it wounds me when you criticise them. They will always hold a place in my heart.” She could not comprehend how he could censure her family so freely when he had needed to apologise for his aunt’s conduct.
“I remind you, you will soon be a Darcy,” he said with pride.
He knew she loved her family, but he remembered too well the mortification in her expression when her mother and sisters had behaved improperly in public.
“I suppose I can refrain from criticism if I have no cause.” “Precisely so. I propose we make an agreement. I shall never trouble you with my family’s affairs; my relationship with them will be mine alone.
As you have requested, they will never visit any of your properties.
When possible, I shall see them privately.
I wish to maintain a regular correspondence, but I will keep to myself whatever occurs in their lives.
For you, it shall be as though they do not exist. You have my word, they will never endanger your position in society or your sister’s prospects.
If you can do this for me, I shall accept your conditions and strive to be a good wife.
” Mr. Darcy was pleased. He recognised the sacrifice she was making, and though he believed her family unsuited to her new station, he appreciated her willingness to meet his terms. “What you propose seems entirely reasonable, and I promise I shall never speak a word against your family and will respect your connection with them.” Elizabeth felt spent.
She had scarcely slept the night before, weighed down by the decision she must make.
Mrs. Carter had confirmed her father’s end was near, and Elizabeth knew she would do anything to secure her family’s welfare.
She imagined her mother’s joy in learning that she was to marry a wealthy gentleman who would protect them; perhaps it might revive her spirits.
Mr. Darcy had secured Longbourn for six months, allowing her mother to complete her mourning there.
Rumours had already compromised the family’s reputation, and after much reflection, she knew she had no other choice.
She tried to think hopefully of her future: she had once resolved to marry for love, but that was when she had the security of a home.
Now, she wished only that Mr. Darcy would treat her with respect and honour his promise to protect her family.
“We had better return to the house, Mr. Darcy. My uncle Phillips must be back from speaking with Mr. Williams.” “Yes, but before we go in, I must do something.” He stepped closer and met her gaze, then kissed her softly on the lips.
It was a brief, gentle kiss, yet full of feeling, and it left him content.
Elizabeth did not draw away. It was her first kiss, and though slightly mortified, she was forced to admit she did not find it unpleasant.
“Let us return to the house to await your uncle, my future Mrs. Darcy,” he said, gratified that all seemed well between them.
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