Page 8 of Suddenly Married

"Well, Mr. Darcy, pray explain what you said a few minutes ago.

You will understand that I am greatly astonished, and that, given my brother Bennet's condition, it is my duty to protect the welfare of my nieces.

" "Of course, and I fully comprehend your position.

That is precisely why I wished to clarify everything without delay.

" Mr. Darcy then informed Mr. Gardiner that Elizabeth had accepted his marriage proposal the previous afternoon.

He went on to explain that, after she told him of Mr. Bennet's illness, he had offered to bring her immediately to Longbourn so she might be with her family and see her father.

"Mr. Gardiner, I understand that you and I must leave shortly for London.

As Miss Elizabeth's guardian in her father's absence, I request your permission to marry her.

I wish to begin preparing all the legal details with my solicitor.

Of course, once the marriage settlement is ready, you will have every opportunity to review it and make suggestions.

" "I understand, Mr. Darcy, and I have no objection to granting my permission—if Elizabeth has indeed accepted your proposal.

However, given the present circumstances, your plans may need to be postponed," Mr. Gardiner replied, still uncertain about the supposed engagement.

Mr. Darcy acknowledged the difficult position the family would face if Mr. Bennet were to die.

"I am aware that Longbourn is entailed upon Mr. Collins, and of the delicate financial circumstances your sister and her daughters would face in such an event.

I regret speaking of such matters at this time, but I believe it would be best for the marriage to take place as soon as possible, for as Elizabeth's husband, I could provide for her mother and sisters if the worst were to happen.

" Mr. Gardiner recognised the reasonableness of the proposal.

Should his brother-in-law die, his sister and nieces would indeed require security.

Though he could assist them, he could not guarantee the comforts to which they were accustomed.

"I promise I shall consider carefully what you have told me, and I will discuss the matter with my niece," he said.

"I thank you for your consideration, sir, and I hope we may resolve this soon," Mr. Darcy replied with his usual gravity.

Their discussion concluded, and the two gentlemen agreed to meet again in London within a few days.

Mr. Gardiner went to find his wife and Dr. Miller, informing them that they must be on their way.

When Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Darcy emerged from the study, both declared themselves ready to depart.

Although Mrs. Gardiner and Jane attempted to speak with Mr. Darcy, he ignored their overtures, appearing very uncomfortable in the house.

Jane, therefore, accompanied the Gardiners and the doctor to their carriage, choosing not to trouble him further.

Elizabeth, having no choice, escorted Mr. Darcy to his carriage.

Though she longed to have a serious conversation with him, her desire to see her father prevailed.

She resolved to follow her aunt's advice and wait.

"Mr. Darcy, I wish to thank you again for bringing me home.

I know we must speak about our situation, but I wish to see my father first. I hope you understand that I am not yet ready to—" Mr. Darcy took her hands.

"Of course, I understand, Elizabeth. Pray, do not trouble yourself; we shall have time enough to speak of us.

" He kissed her hand, requested that she convey his farewells to the rest of the family, and departed.

Elizabeth immediately ran to her father's side, striving to put aside all that had happened and praying for his swift recovery.

◆◆◆

"I do not know, Edward. I am not at all certain that Elizabeth wishes to accept Mr. Darcy.

I believe everything that has transpired between them is nothing more than a succession of misunderstandings," Mrs. Gardiner observed.

"I do not blame Lizzy for not receiving his proposal with delight, my dear.

He appears to be an honourable gentleman, yet there is something about him that does not please me.

I find him too proud and distant for someone like Lizzy.

However, I have spoken with him but once, and I may be mistaken," replied Mr. Gardiner.

"I understand you perfectly. From the little time I had to observe him, I thought he seemed ill at ease, as though he wished to be anywhere but in our company.

" Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were conversing in the parlour of their house when the butler announced a visitor.

Having returned only the day before, they had not ceased thinking of, and praying for, their family in Hertfordshire.

"Lawrence, I am glad to see you," said Mr. Gardiner.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Gardiner. Thank you for receiving me," Lawrence replied, somewhat nervously.

"You are always welcome," said Mrs. Gardiner warmly.

Lawrence took a seat, and Mrs. Gardiner served him tea while he conversed amiably with her husband.

She knew perfectly well the reason for his visit, and thus she explained the necessity of their recent journey, as well as Jane's return to Hertfordshire.

"I am deeply sorry. I can imagine how Miss Bennet must feel," he said, glancing at his friend.

"Mr. Gardiner, please do not hesitate to ask for my assistance if your family should require it.

" "Thank you for your kindness and consideration," Mr. Gardiner replied.

Mrs. Gardiner knew Mr. Clark to be a prosperous and honourable man.

She had first met him upon her marriage to Mr. Gardiner, when Lawrence was but an adolescent.

His father, though a successful merchant, had barely been able to read or write, and thus placed little value upon education, refusing to permit his son to study formally.

Yet young Lawrence had frequently visited her husband's office to borrow books and discuss them.

He had educated himself through tireless reading and the study of whatever his intellectual curiosity could reach.

Despite his wealth, he maintained a simple life.

Mrs. Gardiner would have been pleased had Jane fallen in love with such a man rather than with Mr. Bingley.

Lawrence would never have trifled with her affections or abandoned her without the slightest consideration for her feelings.

Although Jane had told her she would accept Mr. Clark, Mrs. Gardiner had resolved to wait before mentioning it to him.

It was clear that he loved Jane, but Jane remained in love with Mr. Bingley.

Lawrence deserved a wife who returned his affection.

◆◆◆

It had been five days since Elizabeth's return to Longbourn.

Her father's health grew more fragile with each passing day, and the whole family had nearly lost hope of his recovery.

Mr. Darcy had sent his personal physician, whose diagnosis concurred with Dr. Miller's.

The patient's chances of recovery were minimal, and there was little to be done.

Furthermore, Mr. Darcy had engaged a nurse to assist in Mr. Bennet's care.

Elizabeth was profoundly grateful, yet with every day that passed, she became more uncertain.

When her uncle Gardiner told her that Mr. Darcy had offered to protect the family in the event of her father's death, she realised she must think seriously about her course of action.

She was not certain she could accept Mr. Darcy, yet if she did, she knew she must make a sincere effort to be a good wife.

At least he was aware that she did not love him, and he did not seem to mind.

Meanwhile, rumours had begun to circulate in Meryton.

Lady Lucas informed her acquaintances that Elizabeth had grown very close to Mr. Darcy, and that they appeared to be the best of friends since the incident at the assembly.

Matters worsened when Lydia, with her customary thoughtlessness, told Mr. Wickham that her sister had travelled with Mr. Darcy in his carriage from Rosings to Longbourn.

Mr. Wickham seized the opportunity to injure his nemesis's reputation.

He declared to all who would listen that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet had travelled for hours together in a carriage without a chaperone.

He professed to know that Mr. Darcy admired the lovely Miss Elizabeth, yet asserted he would never marry a penniless young woman with such unsuitable family connections.

However, he also knew Mr. Darcy to be an honourable gentleman and was certain he would have no choice but to marry her.

He took great pleasure in reflecting upon the injury he was inflicting upon the man whom he believed to be the author of all his misfortunes.

◆◆◆

Elizabeth brought tea to Mrs. Carter, her father's nurse, and remained in his room, conversing with her while keeping him company.

He had been unconscious for more than a week and appeared exceedingly pale and thin.

Suddenly, she heard a commotion and raised voices; supposing that her mother had at last risen, she went to see if she was well.

Upon entering the parlour, she was astonished to behold Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine de Bourgh imperiously issuing orders to Mr. Hill.

The moment Lady Catherine caught sight of Elizabeth, she exclaimed with disdain, "Miss Bennet, I have come to tell you not to presume to force my nephew into marrying you!

He is engaged to my daughter, and I shall never permit a woman of inferior station such as yourself to come between them! "