Page 28 of Winter of Passion (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
“This is exactly what my cousin spoke of a few days ago. The tendency to enter into arranged marriages for monetary benefit only,” Darcy concluded.
“I knew the colonel was right, but I did not expect it would turn into such a horrible experience for my family,” Bingley responded. “I cannot imagine how Louisa will bear the public disgrace and how she will ever talk to her husband again.”
“Bingley, I know it is embarrassing, but it is no tragedy,” the colonel interjected.
“People may gossip about it for a while until something more important catches their attention, but I can give you several examples from illustrious families who were in similar circumstances and by the next Season were out in public.”
“I thank God we are not an important family and our name is of little importance to most people,” Bingley replied.
The colonel began to laugh suddenly. “I apologise if I sound disrespectful, but Langley’s stupidity in being caught is more laughable than the fact itself. What an idiot!”
Bingley had no time to reply as a servant informed them that dinner was served.
∞∞∞
Unlike other evenings, the conversation began with difficulty, and the main subject was the bad weather and the obstacles involved in travelling back to London.
“Mr Darcy, have you fixed your plans yet?” Miss Cecilia enquired.
“Will you travel together with us tomorrow? Considering the circumstances, we would certainly appreciate the additional space in your carriage. With all the servants and luggage, we shall be forced to squeeze in wherever we are able. I anticipate a very unpleasant journey, and your company would certainly improve it.”
Darcy cast a quick look at Elizabeth.
“I would gladly loan you my carriage and coachmen to take you home safely, Miss Parsons, Miss Cecilia. I shall share the carriage with my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
“I wonder whether you are trying to avoid our company, Mr Darcy,” the lady said teasingly. “What about Miss Darcy?”
“My sister will remain at Netherfield. I shall return in less than a week.”
“I loathe travelling in the winter!” Miss Banfield interjected. “The roads are so poor, especially in the country. I look forward to being back home in London.”
“I heard Bingley say he intended to spend the rest of the winter in London too,” Mr Banfield uttered. “I assume he cannot do that if you return to Netherfield.”
“I hope my plans will not ruin Bingley’s,” Darcy responded.
“You keep talking about your plans in a very mysterious way, Mr Darcy,” Miss Parsons interjected.
“I apologise if it sounds that way. I should have informed you all earlier today, but the circumstances were not favourable to such a discussion.”
He paused for a moment, looking at Elizabeth, then continued. “I am engaged to be married soon…to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I travel to London in regard to our upcoming wedding.”
The effect of his words was as powerful as he had expected. A deep, awkward, heavy silence fell over the dining room, and bewildered glances were shared around the table.
“Excuse me? Surely you are joking!” Miss Bingley was the first to burst out.
“I assure you I am as serious as I could be, Miss Bingley.”
“Marry Eliza Bennet? This is absurd! This cannot be! Surely you are joking!” she repeated several times.
“This is quite a shock, I admit,” Mrs Fitzroy interjected. “Apparently, it is a local habit to shock your guests,” she said sharply.
“While I understand your surprise, rest assured that I did not think of shocking any of you during my proposal,” Darcy added.
“Mr Darcy, are you serious? What happened that prompted this shocking marriage proposal? Something must be wrong!” Miss Bingley continued with despair.
“Caroline, please mind your words! You have no right to question Darcy in such a manner!” Bingley scolded her. “He shared the news with us earlier, and I heartily congratulated him. He is not obliged to explain his actions.”
“I must agree with Miss Bingley — it is as unexpected as it is puzzling,” Miss Banfield said.
“Quite,” Miss Cecilia added. “A sudden engagement without a courtship, and a hasty wedding, will make people wonder.”
Darcy was caught between amusement and vexation. He glanced at Elizabeth, who was smiling calmly.
“To put people’s wonder at rest, I shall mention that I have admired Miss Bennet for a long while.
At first she rejected my courtship as she was displeased with some of my actions and manners.
I had to improve myself in more than one way before I succeeded in securing her good opinion and her affection.
Since it took me a long time to convince her to marry me, we agreed that a long engagement was not needed. ”
His statement left the entire party in disbelief and bewilderment.
To admit that he had courted Elizabeth before and she had rejected him, in front of several women who had struggled to gain his attention for years, was impolite and offensive.
But there was no other way to dismiss potential gossip and harmful speculation that might affect Elizabeth’s reputation.
To his delight, she spoke, granting him a tender gaze.
“While Mr Darcy’s manners have improved in amiability and friendliness, I am glad that in essentials he has remained the same, for he has always been a most excellent gentleman.”
“Allow me to congratulate both of you on this wonderful news,” Lady Laura said. “I can see why Mr Darcy admires Miss Bennet, and I applaud his efforts to win her heart. I had not expected such romantic behaviour from the severe and haughty Mr Darcy, but I find it exceedingly charming.”
“There are times when romance is at the edge of imprudence and impulse defeats wisdom even in wiser men,” Miss Parsons declared with apparent resentment.
“I shall not argue with your reasonable statement, Miss Parsons. However, it could not be further from the truth in my present situation,” Darcy answered, keeping his smile.
“You must excuse me — I am tired and have lost my appetite,” the lady uttered. “I would rather rest for the long journey tomorrow. We shall do well enough without Mr Darcy’s carriage, after all.”
With that, she left the table, followed immediately by her sister. Moments later, Miss Bingley excused herself too.
The others stayed at the table till the last course, then the gentlemen went to the library, and most of the ladies retired to their chambers. Only Lady Laura remained and continued the conversation with Elizabeth, Jane, and Georgiana.
Darcy smiled in contentment, and so did Colonel Fitzwilliam.