Page 9 of Suddenly Married

Mr. Darcy was in his office, arranging the last documents he needed to sign for his solicitor.

He wanted to leave for Hertfordshire to visit Elizabeth and speak with her about their future wedding.

During the week that he had not seen her, he had missed her so much that he wondered how he could ever live a life without her.

Whenever he remembered how she cried in his arms, seeking his protection, he wanted to be with her.

But he also knew they should have an earnest and uncomfortable conversation about their future.

After visiting Mr. Bennet, Dr. Coleman told Mr. Darcy that the death of his future father-in-law was imminent and that he believed he would die within ten days.

If Mr. Bennet passed away, Elizabeth would be in mourning for a few months, which would not allow them to marry, and he did not want to wait any longer.

He was aware that he would be responsible for Elizabeth's mother and sisters, which was another unpleasant matter.

Money was not a problem; his fortune was double what everyone believed.

He could provide economic support to Elizabeth's family, but he did not wish to have any relationship with them.

Ideally, Elizabeth would understand that they were an obstacle to her future.

If she maintained close contact with them, it would make it harder for people in his social circles to accept her.

A vulgar mother and a tradesman uncle who lived near Cheapside were not relations he wanted to become acquainted with.

But he knew that Elizabeth was compassionate and loved her family, so he had decided not to forbid her to maintain contact through letters and visit them occasionally.

She was intelligent and would understand that she could not invite them to Darcy House in London or Pemberley; he would not expose Georgiana to the improprieties of the younger sisters or Elizabeth's mother.

She must understand that that could threaten his sister's chances of an advantageous marriage.

He recognized that Jane Bennet was a well-behaved young lady, and when his friend Bingley was married, he might allow her to visit them.

His friend had significantly suffered trying to forget a woman who had never loved him.

Mr. Darcy had already purchased the license, and his solicitor was finalizing the details of the marriage settlement.

Once everything was ready, he would visit Mr. Gardiner and talk to Elizabeth.

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Elizabeth was astonished. She could scarcely comprehend why that lady had come to Longbourn.

Upon hearing Lady Catherine's scornful words, she was struck dumb.

Weary in both body and spirit, she found herself unable to react.

"Cousin Elizabeth, I am greatly disappointed," added Mr. Collins in an accusatory tone.

"You have abused my hospitality and used my humble abode for clandestine meetings with Mr. Darcy, knowing full well that he is engaged to my dear Miss de Bourgh.

" Elizabeth wished only for the intruders to depart, and so she replied with composure, seeking to avoid a quarrel.

"Lady Catherine, my family is at present enduring a most trying situation.

I have neither the time nor the inclination to dispute with you.

I suggest that you speak with your nephew and request his account of the matter.

I am sorry, but I cannot waste another moment on this discussion.

Mr. Hill will attend to you." As Elizabeth finished speaking and turned to leave, Mr. Collins seized her by the arm.

"Insolent girl! How dare you address your superiors in such a tone?

As soon as this house is mine, I shall cast you all out into the street, for I—" He could say no more, for a firm voice interrupted him.

"Release my niece, Collins! How dare you enter this house with this lady to insult Elizabeth, knowing the family's circumstances?

What manner of clergyman are you?" Mr. Phillips stood before them, his countenance stern.

"This house will be yours only upon my brother Bennet's death.

You have no right to be here now. Leave at once, and take this lady with you.

" Lady Catherine ignored him and continued her tirade.

"Miss Bennet, I demand your promise never to approach my nephew again, nor attempt to employ your charms to make him forget his duty to his family and his heritage.

" "Cousin Elizabeth, you would do well to heed Lady Catherine's counsel.

If you do not, I—" "Cease your threats, Collins.

" "And who is this impertinent man?" Lady Catherine demanded with disdain.

"My name is Arthur Phillips, madam. I am not only Miss Elizabeth's uncle but also the magistrate of this town.

Neither of you has been invited into this house.

If you do not depart, I shall have no choice but to charge you with trespassing.

" Upon hearing that Mr. Phillips was the town magistrate, Lady Catherine decided to withdraw, though not without delivering one last threat.

"This is not over, Miss Bennet. You shall not succeed in your scheme to entrap my nephew into marriage.

And you, sir, as a magistrate, ought to counsel your niece and make her understand that she cannot aspire to a union so far above her rank.

" "We shall go, but do not forget, Cousin Elizabeth, what Lady Catherine has advised.

I recommend you follow it for your own sake," said Mr. Collins with contempt.

"Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins, allow me to show you to the door," said Mr. Phillips firmly, eager to end their unwelcome visit.

When they had gone, Elizabeth began to weep.

Mr. Phillips returned to the house and, seeing her distress, embraced her and assured her that they would not dare trouble her again.

"Go to your room, my dear, and try to rest awhile.

It will do you good." "Thank you, Uncle.

I do not know how I should have managed without you.

" "Do not concern yourself. I shall come every day to assist in whatever is needed.

" At that moment, Jane entered the room.

She had heard part of the raised voices but had remained with her mother to ensure she did not awaken and hear the commotion.

Mrs. Bennet's health concerned her greatly; she scarcely ate and roused herself only to weep anew.

"Are you well, Lizzy?" "I am, Jane. Uncle Phillips dealt with the unpleasant visitors.

Do not worry; I merely need some rest." Elizabeth thanked her uncle once more and retired to her room, while Mr. Phillips seized the opportunity to speak with his other niece.

"Jane, I am deeply concerned. All of Meryton is speaking of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

Your uncle Gardiner informed me that he had asked for Lizzy's hand, yet that lady claimed he was engaged to her daughter.

With your father's condition, I do not know if the family could withstand a scandal of this nature.

I must travel to London next week, but I shall advance my journey to tomorrow so that I may inform Edward personally of what occurred here today.

" "Thank you, Uncle. I, too, am anxious for Elizabeth, and my Uncle Gardiner must indeed be apprised of what has happened with Mr. Darcy's aunt.

" After speaking with Jane, Mr. Phillips went to visit his great friend, Thomas Bennet.

Each afternoon, he read aloud from one of his favourite books, hoping to rouse him from his insensibility.

Jane remained in the parlour, troubled. Her family's position was exceedingly precarious.

Her father was not expected to live beyond a few days, and her mother was sunk in a grief made heavier by the certainty that she would soon be homeless and left to provide for five unmarried daughters.

If Mr. Darcy were merely amusing himself with Elizabeth, the ruin of them all would be inevitable.

Nevertheless, as the eldest, she knew she must act, and act she would.

After two hours of reading, Mr. Phillips took his leave of Mr. Bennet with a heavy heart, for it was evident that his condition worsened daily.

He bade farewell to the household, and Jane approached him as he was about to depart.

"Uncle, would you permit me to accompany you to London tomorrow?

I must speak with aunt Gardiner without delay.

" Somewhat surprised, Mr. Phillips nevertheless agreed.

"Of course, Jane. I shall call for you first thing in the morning.

" Once her uncle had gone, Jane drew a deep breath, wiped her tears, and felt a quiet satisfaction in her resolution. 'It is what I must do.'

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