Page 36 of Suddenly Married

After Elizabeth departed with her family, Mr. Darcy decided to go to his club to distract himself.

If he remained shut in his study, he knew his thoughts would not be collected.

As a rational man, he understood the absurdity of his own imaginings: Elizabeth was his wife, and he trusted her.

One of the reasons he loved her was her frankness.

Yet he could not dismiss the image of another young man taking the liberty of embracing her so warmly—even if that man were a relative.

Reason could not fully master the unease, especially since he had no notion who the gentleman was.

At the club, he exchanged conversation with a few acquaintances, and after half an hour, he had nearly forgotten his troubles. He planned to practise fencing later, filling his day with activity to keep his mind from wandering.

Once his thoughts had settled, he allowed himself to examine the matter with greater clarity.

He had never aspired to marry for love, and before meeting Elizabeth, his view of marriage had been entirely different.

His own parents had been so unlike one another—always respectful, yet each living apart, their time together scarce and formal.

Signs of affection between them were rare.

He had once intended to find a suitable wife with whom he might enjoy cordial relations, and to secure the heir and spare the estate required.

But upon meeting Elizabeth, he had discovered he wanted far more.

After nearly four months of marriage, he knew he had not been mistaken.

She made him feel alive, content, and stirred emotions he had never believed possible.

For that reason, guilt pricked him when he reflected upon his conduct the previous night.

They should have spent it together; he should have told her how much he loved her.

When next he saw her, he would apologise for his foolishness.

Whether she preferred jewels or a stray dog found by the roadside, it mattered little—she was different, and that was why he loved her.

With his resolve firm, he was about to go fencing when he noticed his friend Charles Bingley approaching.

"Darcy, long time no see," Bingley said coldly. "I suppose I must congratulate you on your marriage to Miss Elizabeth. I confess I was astonished when I heard the news, considering your opinion of the Bennet family."

Mr. Darcy did not care for the sardonic tone, but wishing to avoid an argument, he replied at once, "My opinion has not changed. I did not marry the Bennet family—only Elizabeth."

"I see. As always, you have thought everything through. I must also confess I was surprised that you admired Miss Elizabeth. Not that there was anything amiss with her, but because it is you. I always thought her a most charming young lady."

Mr. Bingley took a seat opposite him, trying to keep his composure, though his voice betrayed agitation when he asked, "Why did you hide from me that Miss Bennet came to London and called upon my sisters? Why did you do such a dishonourable thing, Darcy?"

Mr. Darcy had not expected such a conversation in a public place, but preferred to be frank.

"I admit it was wrong to withhold the information, Bingley.

I have reflected upon it, and I am far from satisfied with my conduct.

At the time, I thought it most suitable, but I now see I was mistaken.

I apologise, if that will ease your mind. If I may add—"

"Yes, pray, say all you wish."

"In the future, I believe you should decide such matters for yourself. I shall always be ready to offer my advice, but the final decision must rest with you."

Mr. Bingley understood his friend's meaning; he was speaking of his sisters.

He admitted inwardly that they wielded too much influence over his affairs, but he was pleasantly surprised by Darcy's candour.

He had not expected him to admit so readily to being in the wrong.

Apparently, Mrs. Darcy had been a good influence.

"I suppose you are right. I have been a doormat, blaming you and my sisters for my own lack of decision. Did you know I saw my Angel a few days before Mr. Bennet died?"

"No." Mr. Darcy had no desire to speak of the Bennet ladies. In truth, he was not proud that his wife never mentioned them, though he believed it best. He did not wish to discuss such personal matters with anyone—least of all in a public setting.

"She was with her aunt. They told me of Mr. Bennet's condition, and I promised to visit before she returned to Longbourn. I never did. You cannot imagine how hard it is to accept that nothing between us is possible. What should I do, Darcy?"

Mr. Darcy found the question almost ironic.

A short time ago, he had said he would no longer involve himself in his private affairs.

"Bingley, my wife's relations are not a subject I discuss with anyone.

I promised Mrs. Darcy I would not interfere or pass comment on any member of her family.

Please do not speak to me about them again.

What you choose to do now is entirely your decision. "

"I understand."

Though slightly disappointed by the response, Mr. Bingley let the matter drop and changed the subject.

"What are your plans for the summer, Darcy?"

"As you know, my wife is in mourning, and we prefer the country.

We shall spend the summer in Derbyshire with Georgiana alone.

Next season, I intend to present her in society with the Countess's assistance.

And you, Bingley?" Darcy suspected his friend was hoping to learn whether Miss Bennet would visit Pemberley.

"I am going to Scarborough to spend time with my family. I do not care to be in London during the summer."

"You know you are always welcome at Pemberley, should you wish to stay a week or two on your way north."

"Thank you. It will be a pleasure to see Miss Elizabeth again, and to offer my condolences in person."

"Do not forget that Elizabeth is now Mrs. Darcy."

"You are right. I shall not forget it."

They parted amicably, having agreed that Mr. Bingley would visit Pemberley in several weeks. Yet he could not shake the feeling that his friend was concealing something—that his marriage was far more complicated than he cared to admit.

◆◆◆

When Elizabeth left the house and saw her uncle, she ran to greet him.

"Uncle, thank you for coming," she said, kissing him on the cheek.

"It is so good to see you again, Lizzy; you cannot imagine how much we have missed you," Mr. Gardiner replied cheerfully.

At that moment, without Elizabeth noticing, Lawrence stepped down from the carriage. Mr. Gardiner immediately made the introductions.

"Lizzy, I did not come alone. Someone who has long wished to meet you begged to accompany us."

Elizabeth turned and saw a tall man with piercing blue eyes smiling at her. She returned the smile at once, already guessing who this stranger must be.

"At last, we meet, dear Lizzy. It is a pleasure to put a face to the heroine of so many stories," said Lawrence with a laugh.

"Lawrence Clark, it is an honour to meet at last the man who has done so much for my mother and sisters. Although we met briefly some years ago, I believe we shall have time to speak of that later," Elizabeth replied as Lawrence embraced her warmly.

"I think we should be on our way; all the ladies are gathered at the Clark house waiting for us. Of course, they have no idea that we bring them such a delightful surprise," added Mr. Gardiner.

They entered the carriage and set off to meet the rest of the family, only a few streets from Darcy House. Along the way, Elizabeth and Lawrence conversed without pause, each delighted to spend time together and to have, at last, the opportunity to know the other better.

At the Clark house, the four Bennet sisters, Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Gardiner, and Lawrence's mother discussed the final preparations for Mary's wedding, which was to take place the following day.

Although there was much happiness, they all felt Elizabeth's absence, yet none wished to mention it for fear of reviving painful memories.

"Mary, imagine how handsome your husband will look tomorrow in his uniform. You will be the envy of many women," said Mrs. Bennet, pleased to know that three of her five daughters would soon be married.

"Yes, Mama," Mary replied shyly. She felt uncomfortable whenever her future husband's appearance was discussed. To her, his integrity and devotion far outweighed any consideration of his looks.

Lydia and Kitty began speaking eagerly about the church decorations and the fine gowns they would wear. Just then, Mr. Gardiner and Lawrence entered the drawing room.

"Dear family, we have a surprise for you—someone who would not miss your wedding for the world, dear Mary."

At that moment, Elizabeth stepped into the room. "I hope you have room for one more in the church and at the wedding breakfast."

Her sisters rushed to embrace her. Even Mary, usually so reserved, could not help but throw her arms around her.

"My dear Lizzy, we have missed you so much," Jane said, kissing her warmly.

"Lizzy, you cannot imagine how happy I am to see you. Now my wedding will be the most important event of my life, for all my sisters will be with me."

Mrs. Bennet began to cry and was so overcome she could not stand. Elizabeth ran to her side. "Mama, you look so well—just as pretty as ever," she said, kissing her cheek. Elizabeth was delighted to see her mother's recovery, though traces of the apoplexy remained.

"Oh, Lizzy, to surprise me like this! You have never had mercy on my poor nerves, you stubborn girl," Mrs. Bennet said, taking her daughter's face in her hands and kissing her fondly.

"Lizzy, we have so much to tell you," Kitty said excitedly.

"We have learned many new things," Lydia added, wiping her tears.