Page 59 of To Go Against Her Heart (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

Lady Matlock’s words echoed in his mind, and he knew he had to inform Jane of the truth.

Mrs. Hurst and Mr. Bingley never left the library until morning, each reliving the horror of what had transpired in their lives due to their own failing.

In the same house, Lady Matlock retired to her room with considerable satisfaction.

Yet, in all her years of experience, she had never encountered a woman like Miss Bingley—so full of vengeance and deceit, especially at such a young age.

She knew perfectly well that even in agreeing to leave the house, Miss Bingley had done so only to buy time; at that very moment, she was likely plotting a scheme for revenge.

Having navigated a world filled with thirst for wealth and greed, Lady Matlock understood that Miss Bingley’s greed could never be quenched, nor would she change, and nothing would deter her from seeking revenge.

Thus, she was convinced that she had done right in her decision— Miss Bingley would never return to the country, and no one could alter that.

***

The next morning, Elizabeth and Jane immediately understood from the countenances of their future husbands that they had ridden to discuss something of importance, and the previous evening had been perfect, according to all who attended the party.

The couples appeared joyous, and their families even more so, delighted by the union.

Nobody had cared about Miss Bingley’s absence, though when Jane questioned Mr. Bingley, he had replied that she was unwell.

Now, as he stood before her, Mr. Bingley felt a sense of guilt as he knew Jane would be devastated to know what Miss Bingley had planned against her beloved sister’s future and happiness.

“I had imagined that Georgiana would accompany you. I do hope she is not too fatigued after last evening’s festivities,” Elizabeth exclaimed to Darcy.

“She is well. I hope you had a restful night,” Darcy said, uncertain how to approach the subject.

Elizabeth immediately sensed that something troubled him and suggested a walk in the gardens.

He readily agreed while Mr. Bingley motioned for Jane to remain inside with him.

The weather was growing warmer, yet Darcy still insisted she put on her coat and helped her with the same.

Elizabeth suggested they walk along the path visible from the house.

They walked in silence for a few minutes, and Darcy took a deep breath of the fresh countryside air.

“Elizabeth, I stand before you guilty of an action I wish I could claim I performed unwillingly. But I knew full well what I was doing, and I did it solely with the intention of protecting you. Pray, do not think that I doubted your resolve to marry me,” he said.

At that moment, Elizabeth realized that something of serious consequence had occurred.

Darcy went on to explain the nature of the letter he had received, without divulging its full contents, and how he had immediately recognized it as Miss Bingley’s work.

He observed Elizabeth’s delicate features grow pale with distress.

Quickly, he recounted how Lady Matlock had orchestrated matters to convince Miss Bingley that her letter had achieved its intended effect, and how later she was caught.

“I cannot believe you chose to hide this from me,” she cried with despair.

“Please do not be angry with me. I wanted to protect…”

“You misunderstand the nature of my anger. As I told you before, I am no longer frightened by my past, and you have given me that strength. I cannot bear to think what you endured, remaining under the same roof with her. I was entirely oblivious to the trials you faced, and I enjoyed my time yesterday evening, when I should have proposed to aid you and Lady Matlock in some way. It grieves me that you should hide this from me, fearing I lacked the courage to face my past, which is by no means true at present,” she said.

At that moment, Darcy realized that even should she encounter Mr. Harrington by chance in the future, she would never again succumb to the fears that once haunted her.

“You must understand, had we chosen to confront her before the engagement party, matters would have quickly spiraled beyond our control and affected everyone around us. Yes, I was anxious, but the moment I saw you at Netherfield last evening, all my worries vanished. All I could focus on were your eyes, your smile, and the joy I witnessed when I held your hand before everyone. It was a truly memorable evening for me as well.”

When Darcy related how cleverly his aunt had tricked Miss Bingley, Elizabeth smiled.

“I do not think she will ever change. What she did to Jane, I still cannot forgive, yet I pity poor Mr. Bingley. It must have devastated him to understand the truth. So, she was not sent away to her relative?”

“No! She ought to be imprisoned for life, yet the trial, even though it would surely end in our favor, would prove an unnecessary torment for us. So…”

“So?”

“I do not know the particulars. Aunt Margaret does not want us to know the details; she will be removed and confined somewhere, and all I know is it would not be in the same soil as us. But my aunt assures Bingley that she would be cared for better than she deserves.”

“Good Lord! I cannot imagine what Mr. Bingley and Mrs. Hurst are going through. I somehow feel guilty that I am the cause of their pain.”

“Don’t you dare blame yourself. If you read that letter, you would…” His voice trailed off.

“Can I read it? I surely would like to know what she accused me of.”

“You shall not,” he replied firmly.

“I am truly grateful for your aunt’s interference in this matter, and to understand that she has known the Kingston family for a long time, and has forsaken her friendship with them because of me, is beyond my imagination.”

“She regards you no differently than Georgiana and has often expressed her admiration for the strength with which you carried yourself with grace during the ball, even after encountering him.”

Elizabeth remained silent, and Darcy immediately stopped walking.

“Elizabeth, look at me. None of this is your fault, and whatever has befallen Miss Bingley is entirely of her own making. I cannot understand why you feel guilty for something you had no connection to. But, as I have promised, I shall never disparage your feelings, should you ever think fit to speak of your past,” he said, and Elizabeth looked at him with unwavering love and respect.

“You are truly a wonderful man, Mr. Darcy, I cannot tell you how much I love you”, she whispered, even though she addressed him formally at that moment, Darcy found himself drawn to her like never before.

***

That night, Jane and Elizabeth sat tired and weary from their long conversation, as they had spent over two hours deliberating on Miss Bingley’s misdeeds.

“Whatever you say, Lizzy, had I known before the party, I would have never been in the temperament to stand next to Charles, fully aware of her evil schemes, and I still cannot believe she shares the same blood as him.”

“He does not deserve this, nor does Mrs. Hurst.”

“He feels deeply guilty for allowing his sister even to imagine harming you. Please trust me; he feels nothing but shame to have let matters go out of his hands.”

“I did not expect her to be sent away,” Elizabeth said.

“She deserves it; she could have gone to prison instead. I am certain she would have done anything to harm you had she known that Mr. Darcy and his aunt did not believe in those letters. I do not doubt that she is a woman incapable of change and that she will persist in hurting others to obtain whatever she desires.”

“I am sorry, Jane, as this may forever haunt your relationship with Mr. Bingley. I cannot imagine how long it would take for him to get past it.”

“You are not wrong, but he understands how wicked she was. He knows, better than anyone, the seriousness of her actions and how you and Mr. Darcy could have been impacted. He assured me that he would never permit the past to disturb our happiness,” Jane reassured.

Elizabeth perceived, at last, how all around her had contrived to shield her from her past. Though what she had feared had indeed come to pass, the trust she placed in the man she loved prevented it from breaking her, and she was ever so grateful for the same.

That same night in town, Mrs. Harrington summoned her husband to her chamber.

Though their relationship had grown strained, Mr. Harrington eagerly entered, assuming she had finally abandoned her probation into his past. To his confusion, she was still dressed, and it seemed that she had just returned from a call.

Mr. Harrington walked in and tried to sit on the settee, but she stopped him.

“Do not presume that I have summoned you here to spend the night with you as your wife—the woman whom you married for her fortune,” she said.

“Cynthia, I …”

“No, I do not wish you to speak, but merely listen, and I shall make my conversation brief. I have just returned from speaking with your sister, and unfortunately, she is not as resolute as you. One threat—when I warned her that I would reveal your character to my brother—startled her. She confessed to me whom you loved and still do: Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Mr. Harrington’s face turned white.

“I do not wish to argue or quarrel over what you have done, or why you broke your engagement, and yes, your sister confessed everything,” she said, advancing toward him.

“I admired her that evening at the ball—for her beauty, the grace with which she carried herself, and for winning the affections of Mr. Darcy, the most eligible bachelor in town. But now I know it is not only Mr. Darcy, but my very husband, who favors her above me. Only my wealth has compelled you to forsake her and marry me; it has forced you to share my bed and to convince me of every lie you spoke about your devotion. You must understand, Daniel, that I am not one of those thoughtless women who would remain with a man merely for society’s sake; above all, I cannot allow you or anyone to wound my pride. ”

“I care little for how I live my life in the future, but I cannot continue as your wife, knowing I was your second choice. Your falsehoods shall deceive me no longer. I have already spoken with my father; I desire a separation. He is now apprised of your past, and you may be assured you shall receive none of my fortune, yet you should be grateful that my dowry has at least cleared all your debts. Trust me—should you even think to oppose this decision or to weave a tale against me, I will expose you to the world, which may well ruin your sister’s life, for my brother would never forgive you for what you have done to me.

Be sensible and obey my wishes, and this will be the last time you enter my chamber.

I suggest you return to your room, start packing, and prepare to leave this house tomorrow.

You have not only lost Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a woman whom you deem far superior to me, but now you have lost me as well.

You may indulge your desires among women in taverns, yet be assured that you shall never marry, nor shall any woman of proper character regard you as a gentleman—I shall see to that myself.

And I am certain from now on I will haunt your thoughts for the rest of your life, as much as she does,” she cried and held the door for her husband to walk out, and Mr. Harrington had no choice but to leave her room, ultimately facing the consequences of all his selfish actions.

As Mrs. Harrington shut the door, she finally felt something in her heart that gave her peace—a sense of closure.