Falling for Elizabeth Bennet Page 20
Elizabeth stands and kisses her uncle and says, “Thank you for your help, Uncle Edward. Please kiss Aunt Maggie and the children for me. If you gentlemen will excuse me, I have an appointment to have my ball gown finished.”
Darcy watches Elizabeth leave. Darcy turns back to Mr. Gardiner and says, “Sir, are you sure I cannot get you a drink?”
Mr. Gardiner replies, “I thank you, but I have business that I must tend to. Please send us a note letting us know how Lizzy does at the ball. I bet she will cause a stir.”
Darcy grins and says, “I will be happy to do so. We will see you soon.”
With that, Mr. Gardiner departs, and Darcy resumes his correspondence.
A few hours later, Darcy is still finishing up business when Richard enters his study. “Good afternoon, Richard. Is everything well?”
Richard replies, “Hello, Darcy. Yes, everything is well. How is Lizzy?”
Darcy responds, “Elizabeth is doing well. She is getting stronger every day, and so far, the only problem she seems to suffer is the occasional night terror.”
Richard sighs and says, “I guess that is not a surprise. I am glad that is the only thing that Lizzy is suffering from.”
Darcy stands and turns to Richard and inquires, “Richard, would you please check into the possibility of purchasing a commission in the regulars for Wickham.”
Richard replies, “Darcy, that should not be a problem. Let me check this afternoon. I will have an answer for you later this afternoon. Oh, and my mother has asked me to tell you that you and your lovely new wife are invited to tea tomorrow. My mother has also asked that you bring Georgie and little Fitz too.”
In the days that follow, Darcy takes Elizabeth and Georgiana to a couple of social functions and a trip to the theater. Darcy introduces Elizabeth as a friend of Georgiana’s, and Elizabeth causes quite a sensation. Elizabeth is admired for her lively wit and genuine smile. Darcy is proud of his sister who is coming out of her shy shell, and he is happy to see Elizabeth bloom as well. Darcy had to fight with Aunt Eleanor to keep Elizabeth at Darcy House, but in the end his aunt agreed that as long as they did not act like husband and wife in public there was no reason why Elizabeth could not stay with her husband. Darcy was pleased that Richard’s parents both liked Elizabeth. The only member of Richard’s family that Elizabeth had not yet met was Richard’s older brother, James. Elizabeth would be meeting James at the ball. Elizabeth had mentioned to Darcy her fear of having to dance at the ball. When she mentioned this at the tea that Darcy had attended with Elizabeth, his aunt had calmly stepped in and said that Elizabeth’s dance card was already filled with all the members of her new family.
Finally, the day of the ball arrives. Darcy encourages Elizabeth and Georgiana to eat and rest as much as they can as it will be a long evening. Darcy knocks on Elizabeth’s bedchamber door and enters. Darcy is stunned when he sees Elizabeth in her ball gown. The gown is a deep forest green with a modest cut that hugs her tiny frame, and Elizabeth has flowers and diamond pins studded throughout her dark chestnut curls. Darcy gasps and says, “Elizabeth, you look stunning, love. I do not want to share you with others.”
Elizabeth blushes. “Thank you, Fitzwilliam. You look very handsome yourself.”
Darcy replies, “I will be right back. I forgot something.”
He reenters Elizabeth’s room. Darcy walks up behind Elizabeth and says, “I believe that these will complete your gown.”
He fastens an emerald-and-diamond necklace around Elizabeth’s neck and hands her the earrings. Darcy explains, “This set belonged to my mother. Most of my mother’s jewelry is for Georgiana, but she did leave this set for me to give to my wife. I know she would be happy to see you wearing it.”
Elizabeth places her hand on his arm and says, “It is an honor to wear them.”
Darcy sighs. “I just wish that you did not have to say that Georgiana lent them to you.”
Elizabeth shrugs. “Come, Fitzwilliam, let us attend the ball.”
Chapter 21
The day after the ball, the Darcys are all resting. The ball had been a success. The Darcys, along with Richard and Wickham, are planning to depart to stay with Bingley at Netherfield Park, where Darcy plans to tell Bingley what his sister has done. Darcy had sent Bingley an express the day before to confirm that Darcy could bring a rather large party with him. Darcy has just received Bingley’s reply. As he finishes reading Bingley’s letter, he looks up to see Elizabeth curled up on the chaise lounge, reading a book with Fitz at her feet. Darcy sighs at the picture they make. The noise causes Elizabeth to ask, “Fitzwilliam, is something wrong?”
Darcy replies, “No, love. I was just enjoying the lovely picture you and Fitz make. I wish that I had a picture of you like that.”
Darcy watches as Elizabeth smiles at him. “Elizabeth, I forgot to tell you, Richard was able to find a commission for Wickham in the regulars. Richard and Wickham will be travelling with us tomorrow so that we have extra protection for you and Georgie. I am also working on having your father and sisters come over for a visit, but I want to wait until after we have dealt with Miss Bingley.”
Elizabeth stands and crosses over to Darcy, puts her small hand on his arm, and says, “Fitzwilliam, I would prefer to visit my family at Longbourn. There will be enough tension at Netherfield Park without adding my family. Please do not worry. Everything will be fine. Fitzwilliam, why do you not come with me when I go to visit my family so that you can see for yourself?”
Darcy suddenly stands concerned and wraps Elizabeth in his arms. “I have just realized that both Netherfield Park and Longbourn are going to be stressful environments for you. Are you sure you will be able to handle this stress? I will not be able to comfort you. Perhaps you should stay in Town.”
Elizabeth laughs lightly, kissing him, “Husband, I will be well. You will be with me. You should finish up your work, and when you are done, perhaps you and I and Georgie can take Fitz for a walk.”
Darcy replies, “Very well, sweetheart. Oh, did I mention that Bingley is going to be hosting a ball in two months’ time to celebrate his marriage to your sister? We have been asked to attend. Bingley has asked me to stand up for him, and I believe that Jane will be asking you to stand up with her. By that time, we should be able to announce that you and I are married.”
Elizabeth replies, “That is wonderful, Fitzwilliam. Let me know when you are ready for our walk.” With that Elizabeth kisses Darcy again and departs the study.
The next day, Darcy’s party travels in two carriages to Netherfield Park. Darcy, Richard, and Wickham are in one carriage, and Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Mrs. Annesley are in the other. Darcy takes his time travelling. Darcy’s party arrives at Netherfield Park around sunset. Richard and Wickham help Darcy distract Miss Bingley so that Mrs. Annesley can smuggle Elizabeth into Netherfield Park through the servants’ entrance. Once everyone is inside, Bingley says, “Welcome, Darcy. I hope you had a pleasant trip.”
Darcy replies, “Thank you, Bingley. Our trip was fine. I hope that my large party is not an inconvenience to you or Miss Bingley.”
Miss Bingley cuts, “Mr. Darcy, there was no inconvenience at all. It is our pleasure to have your guests here. Dinner will be served in an hour if that gives you enough time to refresh yourselves.”
Darcy replies, “Thank you, Miss Bingley. We will see you then.”
Miss Bingley fawningly says, “Perhaps after dinner your lovely sister, dear Georgiana, could play for us on the pianoforte.”
Darcy watches with pride as Georgiana steps forward and speaks in a clear, firm tone and replies, “Miss Bingley, I appreciate your hospitality. However, I must decline dinner and request a tray in my room. I am quite fatigued from traveling and find that I have a headache. I fear I am not up to playing the pianoforte this evening. Perhaps another time.”
Miss Bingley condescendingly replies, “Of course, dear Georgiana. I hope you headache is better. I will see you tomorrow.”
Dar
cy wraps an arm around Georgiana’s shoulders and says, “If you will excuse us, Miss Bingley, Bingley. We will see you at dinner.”
Once Darcy is upstairs and has changed his clothing for dinner, he knocks on Georgiana’s bedchamber door. Darcy smiles when Georgiana opens the door and says, “Brother, forgive me for not joining for dinner. I do not think I could handle being in company with Miss Bingley tonight.”
Darcy laughs. “I understand, Georgie. If I could plead a headache to miss dinner, I would as well. I assume that you will be eating with Elizabeth. Where is her room?”
Georgiana grins at Darcy. “Brother, your lovely wife is sharing a room with Mrs. Annesley. We thought it would be a better way to hide Lizzy.”
Darcy harshly says, “Georgie! Please be careful. We do not want others to report to Miss Bingley that Elizabeth is here. I know that the servants who helped smuggled her in can be trusted as Bingley and Mr. Bennet arranged for their help, but others may not be trusted.”
Georgiana sucks in her breath and in a whisper says, “Forgive me, Brother. I have forgotten myself.”
Darcy watches in horror as his sister hangs her head and starts to softly cry. Darcy wraps his arms around Georgiana. “Forgive me, Georgie. I did not mean to be so harsh. I fear I am very concerned about Elizabeth and, it is making me anxious.”
Georgiana sighs. “I understand, Brother. I will enjoy my dinner with Lizzy, and I will see you in the morning.” With that, Georgiana kisses Darcy on the cheek and returns to her room.
Dinner for Darcy is a long-drawn-out affair. Poor Bingley keeps trying to have a conversation with one of the gentlemen at the table, and whoever Bingley is trying to speak with, Miss Bingley cuts in and takes over the conversation. Finally, when dinner is over, the gentlemen retire to Bingley’s study for port. Once there, Darcy turns to Bingley and says, “Bingley, is there some way that you can arrange for Miss Bingley to be out of the house tomorrow morning for a while? I need to have a discussion with you, and I need to be sure that Miss Bingley is not around.”
Bingley looks at Darcy in surprise and confusion and says, “Darcy, I can send Jane a note asking her to take Caroline around and hand-deliver the wedding ball invitations.”
Darcy sighs in relief. “Thank you, Bingley. That would be an excellent idea. If you do not mind, I would write Mr. Bennet a note as well. I would like to give him a quick update on Elizabeth.”
Bingley grins at Darcy. “Darcy, how is the lovely Mrs. Darcy?”
Darcy hisses at Bingley, “Bingley, quiet! Remember, people do not yet know.”
Bingley sheepishly replies, “I am sorry, Darcy. I had forgotten.”
Darcy contritely says, “I am sorry, Bingley. I fear I am a little tired, and I have to admit that I do not like being parted from Elizabeth. To answer your question, she is doing well. You will be able to see her tomorrow when your sister is out. If you do not mind, I believe I will retire for the evening.”
Darcy returns to his bedchambers and, once again, goes to Georgiana’s bedchamber door and knocks.
Georgiana answers the door and asks, “Are you well, brother?”
Darcy replies, “Yes, I am well. Dinner was a little trying. I am sorry to bother you. I just wanted to know how Elizabeth is doing.”
Georgiana grins at her brother and says, “William, Lizzy and I had a happy dinner with Mrs. Annesley. After eating as much as she could, Lizzy retired to the room she is sharing with Mrs. Annesley. Lizzy admitted to feeling tired and decided to retire for the night.”
Darcy watches as his sister stops, hesitates, then blushes and says, “William, Lizzy asked me to tell you that she loves you very much and that she will see you in the morning.” Darcy offers his sister a small smile. Georgiana says, “I am happy for you, William. Lizzy makes you happy, and it is clear that you make her happy too. Good night Brother. I will see you in the morning.”
Early the next morning, Darcy smuggles Elizabeth down the servants’ stairs and out into the garden where Mr. Bennet and Jane are waiting for them. Elizabeth spins around, hugging Darcy, saying, “Fitzwilliam, what a wonderful surprise. Thank you!”
Darcy watches as Elizabeth greets her father and oldest sister, giving them hugs and kisses. Darcy sees Mr. Bennet coming over, “Sir, I apologize for the early hour. I thought it best to meet when no one would notice us missing.”
Darcy watches as Jane and Elizabeth join them as Mr. Bennet says, “William, I wanted to thank you for the note inviting us to see Lizzy. I am glad to see my girl is safe once again, but I can still see shadows in her eyes. Please tell me that you caught the person who did this to my Lizzy.”
Darcy replies, “Sir, we know who did it, and I must beg for your patience. I am confronting the person today. I am asking that you and Jane be patient and understanding.”
Jane looks from Darcy to Elizabeth and asks, “William, why would we need to be understanding? Not that we would not be, but you sound rather desperate about it.”
Darcy sighs. “Jane, you are as astute as your sister. I have told you and your father the same story that we told to Georgiana. That is we told you everything but that person’s name. If I tell you who is responsible, I need for you to promise not to betray in any way that you are aware of this.”
Mr. Bennet clasps Darcy on the shoulder and says, “Son, we agree that we will do anything to protect Elizabeth. We know that you want no more harm to come to her.”
Darcy looks to Elizabeth, who gives him a nod, and turns back to them giving the horrible truth, “Sir, Jane, the person responsible was Miss Bingley.” Darcy watches as Mr. Bennet turns white and then red and Jane gasps in shock and horror. Darcy turns to Jane and says, “Jane, you have the biggest role to play today. As you know, Bingley has asked you to go with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst to hand-deliver the invitations to the wedding ball. This is a diversion to get Miss Bingley out of the house so that I can tell Bingley. Bingley has no idea, and he is going to need your reassurance that you do not hold him responsible for his sister’s actions against your sister. I have a plan in place, and Elizabeth will be guarded at all times.”
Darcy watches as his wife hugs her father and sister. “Papa, Jane, I want to do this. I am not afraid of Miss Bingley, and I am not going to let her think that she has won. If you will excuse me, I am going to return to my room before I am discovered. I hope to see you and the rest of my sisters tomorrow, if that is convenient.”
Darcy watches with pride, and Elizabeth sneaks back upstairs. Darcy turns back to Mr. Bennet and Jane and says, “I will send you a note once everything has been settled. Jane, I believe that Bingley is going to need a long walk with you tomorrow if your father will allow Elizabeth and I to be your chaperones.”
Darcy and Mr. Bennet laugh as Jane blushes and says, “William, I would be happy to have you and Lizzy there. Please let us know when everything is over. I promise to be strong for Lizzy. Thank you for finding her.”
Darcy bows to them. “Sir, Jane, you never have to thank me for caring for Elizabeth. I love her, and it is a pleasure to care for her. I must beg your leave. I also need to return before I am missed.” With that, Darcy returns inside, and the Bennets depart.
A few hours later, Darcy watches as Bingley sees his sisters and Jane off as they go to deliver the invitations to the ball. Bingley turns to Darcy. “Gentlemen, shall we retire to my study?” Darcy and the others follow Bingley to his study. Bingley turns to the group and offers, “Please, have a seat. Can I offer you anything?”
Darcy crosses the room and opens the door and has a brief conversation before closing the door and locking it. Darcy looks at Bingley and says, “Forgive me, Bingley. My valet, Perkins, is guarding the door. I do not want what is to be discussed in this room to become gossip.” Darcy watches as Bingley chuckles at his words at first but watches as Bingley’s face changes as he glances from gentleman to gentleman. Bingley stops laughing and sits forward. Darcy sighs. “Charles, we need to have a serious discussion. But I am not sure how
to tell you this. As you are aware from Jane, Elizabeth has been recovered. You helped arrange the servants to smuggle Elizabeth into Nether field Park.”
Bingley looks at Darcy and says, “Yes, Jane told me that Miss Elizabeth had been found. I would think that you would be happy about this, Darcy. Why are you so grim?”
Darcy replies, “Charles, Elizabeth was found in Bedlam. She was put there by your sister, Miss Bingley. Elizabeth told us how Fitz tore a piece of lace on Miss Bingley’s dress, and when Elizabeth tried to protect the puppy, you sister started to attack Elizabeth, and eventually Elizabeth lost her footing and hit her head. She was knocked out. Elizabeth came around long enough to hear Miss Bingley tell her that your sister was sending Elizabeth where I would never be able to find her and that I would marry Miss Bingley. Somehow Miss Bingley became aware of Elizabeth’s health condition—which is what I have never told you. Elizabeth has falling sickness, and Miss Bingley used this as a reason to admit Elizabeth to Bedlam. It took Richard, Wickham, my aunt and uncle as well as off-duty soldiers to find Elizabeth, and it was pure chance that Wickham found her.”
Bingley is speechless. Hurst turns to Bingley and says, “Charles, I have been trying to tell you that your sister was dangerous. I will be honest I did not expect her to go to these lengths.” Bingley looks to Darcy and Hurst and asks, “What should I do with Caroline? I cannot commit her to an institution. She is my sister.”
Darcy crosses the room and opens the door and says something to Perkins.
A few minutes later, there is a knock on the study door, and Darcy opens it to admit Elizabeth. Darcy watches as Bingley and Hurst take in Elizabeth’s altered appearance. Elizabeth has gained some weight back, but she is still thinner than before and somewhat pale with a haunted look in her eyes that was not there before. Darcy pulls Elizabeth into his arms and gently runs his hands up and down her arms in a soothing motion.