Page 45 of Suddenly Married

"It appears Mrs. Darcy is late once again… What a pity, for we would not wish to depart without bidding her farewell," Caroline observed with feigned concern.

"My wife requires rest, but she will come to take her leave before you depart," Mr. Darcy replied, without looking at Caroline.

Elizabeth slept later than usual. She did not know why, but she felt more fatigued each day. Even after many hours of rest, she remained exhausted; on some days, she was compelled to take a nap to recover.

She called Claire to help her dress and prepare for the day. Knowing that the Bingleys would depart after breakfast, she felt obliged, out of the most basic courtesy, to join them at the table and bid them farewell.

Unfortunately, she was somewhat late, and as she approached the dining room, she realised everyone was already seated. She also overheard a conversation that troubled her, and so she waited for it to conclude before entering, intending to feign ignorance of what had been said.

Mr. Darcy was at the table with his guests, drinking coffee, while Mr. Bingley conversed pleasantly. Caroline, having observed some strain between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, was waiting for the opportunity to strike one last blow before leaving, determined to wound Elizabeth in some way.

Mr. Darcy was hurt, disappointed, and disgusted by Elizabeth's rejection the previous night.

He could not comprehend how she could be so unfeeling, nor how she failed to understand the pain she caused when she denied him.

He had wished only to hold her and be near her.

Observing her fatigue, he was convinced she was unwell and had not wished to impose his attentions when she appeared so fragile.

Yet as soon as the Bingleys departed, he intended to have an earnest conversation with her and summon the physician.

"Brother," Georgiana said, pulling him from his thoughts, "I have been considering inviting Elizabeth's sisters, mother, and other relatives to spend some time with us.

It would be such a pleasant surprise for her.

" Looking towards Mr. Bingley and his sisters, she added, "I do not know much about Lizzy's family, but you do, and you could advise me in all I wish to do to make them feel welcome. "

"Miss Darcy, I think—" Mr. Bingley began, intending to praise them, but Caroline interrupted.

"Dear Georgiana, all those women are vulgar and unrefined. They are not proper company for a young lady like you. Every one of Mrs. Darcy's relatives I have met is engaged in trade and equally unsophisticated." Caroline was delighted to say all she thought.

Georgiana, stammering, replied, "Miss Bingley, how can you say such a thing?"

"She says it because it is true," Mr. Darcy interjected in a firm voice. "I do not wish you, Georgiana, to have any acquaintance with that family. Furthermore, I will not discuss the matter again. Those people do not exist for us."

"Darcy, for God's sake! They are your wife's family!" Mr. Bingley exclaimed in disgust. "Miss Darcy, my sister has greatly exaggerated. Mrs. Darcy's sisters and mother are affectionate and kind; they are not perfect, but no one is."

Caroline's delight grew as Elizabeth entered the dining room, pale and evidently having overheard every word her husband had spoken.

"Thank you, Mr. Bingley, for your kind words," Elizabeth said, and, unable to prevent a few tears from falling, she turned to her husband.

"I suppose this is the end of our agreement; you have just broken our pact.

Mr. Bingley, I wish you and your family a safe journey.

Now, if you will excuse me." She left the room at once in search of Dante.

"Elizabeth—" Mr. Darcy called firmly, but she ignored him.

Georgiana, unable to contain her own tears, rose and said to her brother, "Fitzwilliam, I never thought you could be so cruel to your wife.

" Turning to Caroline, she added, "Miss Bingley, you are not my friend, but my brother's acquaintance.

You and I have nothing in common; please do not call me your friend again, nor call upon me, for I shall not receive you.

" She then ran from the dining room, not knowing what else to do.

Mr. Darcy sat frozen for several minutes before finally rising.

"I hope you have a comfortable and safe journey," he said, and then withdrew to his study, where he remained for several hours.

When Mrs. Reynolds informed him that Elizabeth had not returned for luncheon, he resolved to face the matter.

As he had expected, he found her on the bench by the small lake, holding her dog in her arms.

"Elizabeth, I think we need to talk," was all he said.

She rose, her eyes still red from weeping.

"Of course, what shall we speak of? My vulgar family, or the way your guests humiliate my relatives in my own home?

Oh, I am sorry—I forgot this is not my home, for I have no home.

If I wish to see my family, I must do so in the street, for I have no place in which to receive them. "

"Why did you marry me, Elizabeth?" Mr. Darcy asked, on the verge of losing his temper.

"Do you truly not know? I married you because I was lonely and desperate, and you offered me your support.

You told everyone we were engaged without even troubling to ask my opinion.

I explained it to you perfectly well the day we made our agreement, and it seemed of no importance to you then.

I agreed not to invite my family to any of your houses, and I have never spoken of them to you.

I promised to be a good wife and have done my utmost to keep that promise, but no more… "

Mr. Darcy looked at her coldly and managed only to ask, "Did you love me when you married me?"

"No, but—"

"Thank you for your belated honesty. Good day, madam." Mr. Darcy bowed and walked away without another word.