Chapter 22
Elizabeth was at last in the soft comfort of her own chamber at Longbourn. She felt as if she had been absent for a year, although only ten days had passed since Cassandra’s accident.
She was equal parts joyful and somber, uneasy and contented and – most of all – exhausted! The latter was not so much from lack of sleep or the long hours spent watching Cassandra but from the storm of revelations and feelings she had experienced. Cassandra’s devastating past, tormenting present and uncertain future with the Colonel; the danger Darcy endured dueling with Markham; Georgiana, Jane, Mr. Bingley and his relatives had combined to entangle her thoughts. Not even the prospect of her wedding could engage Elizabeth’s besieged mind. She knew she was happy that both Cassandra and Darcy were safe, and she knew she was happy that she would soon marry – but she was too exhausted to feel that happiness!
She had departed from Netherfield with a warm, sisterly farewell from both Cassandra and Georgiana. In answer to her hopes, Elizabeth was pleased to discover that Cassandra had gained enough strength and courage to speak to Georgiana personally and explain everything to her. The details of their conversation and how much Cassandra chose to reveal remained their secret, and Elizabeth did not attempt to inquire further. What mattered to Elizabeth was that Georgiana – despite her shock at discovering Cassandra’s past – appeared to be as loving as ever toward Cassandra and inclined to accept her decisions.
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley accompanied them to Longbourn. Elizabeth felt equal parts pride and gratitude for her betrothed’s skill in talking to Mrs. Bennet and accepting her effusions of motherly love and deep admiration for everything Darcy said or did. Elizabeth’s eyes kept turning to Darcy, seeking his own – which were constantly cast toward her. When they met at the coffee table or sat near each other, their fingers brushed briefly as their smiles spoke wordlessly to each other.
They were barely aware of Mr. Bennet’s amused grin, Mrs. Bennet’s inquiries about the season in London, or Kitty and Mary’s shy attempts to enter the conversation. In truth, they barely noticed anything except each other’s presence.
“I shall miss you,” Darcy whispered when they found a moment of privacy in the corner of the drawing room. She blushed, wondering at his ability to voice her own thoughts.
“I shall miss you, too…but Netherfield is only three miles away.”
“I will call every day.”
“And I will visit Cassandra and Georgiana.”
“We will be married in less than four weeks.”
“Yes,” she whispered while her cheeks colored.
“Lizzy why are you so flushed?” asked Mrs. Bennet with obvious concern, and Elizabeth felt her face and neck burn even more. “You must take care of yourself, child. It would not do for you to fall ill before your wedding!” Then she suddenly stopped and turned to her soon-to-be son-in-law.
“Mr. Darcy, you must not worry – Elizabeth has a very strong constitution. I am sure she is not ill at all. It is just that she is very careless; she is always walking out among the fields… Oh, no, no, no, I did not mean to say careless! She is a very good girl, and I am sure you will be pleased with her… I will talk to her, be sure of that; you must not worry…”
Mrs. Bennet seemed more and more distressed and agitated; Darcy struggled to hide a smile as he bowed to her politely.
“Mrs. Bennet, ‘pleased’ is a word which does not do justice to Miss Elizabeth. I confess I am happy and truly honored that she agreed to be my wife,” he replied, casting a quick, amused glance toward Elizabeth who was still embarrassed and clearly not comfortable with the discussion.
“Oh, Mr. Darcy, you are a true gentleman! I cannot tell you how happy I am that you decided to marry Lizzy, though you did not want to dance with her in the beginning! On the other hand, thank God she accepted you, as she was very angry with you and she had already refused poor Mr. Collins…”
She stopped again, struck by her own words, covering her open mouth with her hands, looking around desperately to seek her husband’s support. Yet, Mr. Bennet did nothing but smile, watching each of them with mocking interest; he was pleased to see his future son-in-law hiding a grin instead of appearing offended. Clearly, Mr. Darcy had undergone a vast improvement in temper since last autumn. Elizabeth, however, seemed in low spirits, and Mr. Bennet wondered, with even greater amusement, whether his daughter had exchanged her usual playfulness for her betrothed’s formerly bad humor.
After a long moment, Mrs. Bennet moved to pour herself another cup of tea, and Mr. Bennet took pity on all involved in that silly conversation, inviting the gentlemen to join him in the library for a drink.
Darcy exited the room with a passing glance toward Elizabeth, who seemed unable to recover from her mortification. In that room full of people, he wished nothing more than to kiss away the distress and embarrassment from her beguiling face. He would have to teach her never again to feel embarrassed because of him, no matter what occurred or was said. Thank God they would be married and away from everyone and everything in less than four weeks.
*** A moment after the gentlemen’s departure, Elizabeth claimed a sudden headache and expressed her wish for some fresh air. Before Mrs. Bennet could stop her, she grabbed her pelisse and bonnet, and escaped to the rear garden, greedily inhaling the cold breeze of the autumn evening.
She gazed at the stars for a while and then closed her eyes, breathing deeply to calm herself. As much as she loved her mother, Elizabeth could not think without anger of her complete lack of decorum and constant insensitive and improper remarks; her behavior continued to be as distressing as it was at the Netherfield Ball almost one year earlier.
Fortunately, unlike Mrs. Bennet, both Mr. Bingley and especially Mr. Darcy had improved significantly in their humor and tolerance. Elizabeth thought with tender gratitude of her betrothed’s civility in handling Mrs. Bennet and ignoring all the liberties in her long and unrestrained praise of her favorite son-in-law!
“This is the best proof of his love,” she pondered, a little calmer.
“May I share this beautiful evening with you?” Darcy’s soft voice startled Elizabeth, and she turned to meet his adoring gaze caressing her face.
He stepped closer and took her hand. “Are you trying to hide in the night?” he asked teasingly. “You should know by now that there is no escape for you, Miss Bennet.”
“And you should know by now that I have no intention of escaping you, Mr. Darcy,” she replied with a sweet smile. Darcy was certain that no star ever shimmered as brightly as her eyes.
“Am I to understand my father’s brandy was not to your liking, sir?”
“It was very much to my liking, indeed; however, no liquor is as intoxicating as your presence.”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks burning once more. “How did you know I was here?”
“I saw you from the library window and asked your father’s permission to join you.”
“Gazing from windows is one of your more interesting habits, sir.” She smiled teasingly and took his arm as she started to walk along the lane.
“So you are pleased with at least one of my habits?” he teased her back.
“I am sure I will be pleased with many of your habits once I become accustomed to them, sir.”
“I sincerely hope so. But I would be more than willing to change those habits of which you do not approve.” He was obviously speaking in jest, but she could sense the hidden promise behind his words. His palm covered her hand as it rested on his arm, and their fingers entwined; she leaned against him, their bodies touching as they walked.
“Elizabeth, these moments alone with you – this is bliss!”
Her only response was the touch of her fingers gently caressing his.
“This evening was quite difficult to bear, was it not?” she inquired shyly a few minutes later.
“This evening? What do you mean by difficult? Did anything happen?” Darcy seemed equally puzzled and worried.
“No, nothing happened… I mean… I know my mother can be very insistent sometimes... I imagine how tiresome it must be for you, all those…”
“Elizabeth, please do not continue.” He interrupted her as he stopped and turned her to face him. “I do not deserve any credit in this matter. I was unfairly cruel and rude in expressing my opinion of your family that dreadful day at the Parsonage. Believe me, there is not a single day that I do not feel intense shame for what I said then. Everything seems so different now. Perhaps I have gained some wisdom and maturity or allowed myself to see more clearly… Or perhaps it is because they are your family… But please believe me when I say there is nothing ‘tiresome’ for me now about anyone in your family.”
In the soft glow of the stars and moonlight, he could see her tearful eyes sparkling; he smiled, lifted her hand, and pressed it against his lips.
Elizabeth fought her impending tears with an open smile. “William, I am very pleased to know you are not bothered by my mother’s constant inquiries about your income.”
“I am not.” He placed another kiss in her palm, and then his eyes locked with hers. “However, I am a little bothered that I am constantly compared to Mr. Collins. Are there many similarities between us?”
Elizabeth’s face frowned for a moment; and then, as she saw his genuinely worried expression, she started to laugh loudly. “No sir, not so many – except the fact that both of you are closely acquainted with Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
Heedless that, despite the darkness, they were in full view of the house, she rose onto her toes and kissed him passionately. Darcy seemed to resist for a moment; but, when her tongue traced and tasted his lips, he groaned and surrendered with equal fervor.
After a time, determined to maintain a modicum of control, he gently broke the embrace. “And the fact that we both made you an offer of marriage and you refused us…!” His tone was light as he attempted to speak in jest, but his countenance was dour. “I will never again dare make sport of Mr. Collins, but I cannot but laugh at myself. How ridiculous I must have appeared that day in Hunsford… I remember approaching you with no doubt of my reception. And you showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased. I thought I was granting you a favor by asking for your hand, and I was certain you were wishing for and expecting my addresses. Instead, you taught me about honor, respect and proper humility.”
“William, why are you speaking of this now? I cannot be held blameless for what happened.”
He looked at her again, his countenance showing he was in earnest. “Indeed, I am the only one at fault for that day. I still cannot believe you forgave me.”
“Nor can I believe you forgave me, sir! After abusing you so abominably to your face, I never expected to meet you again. But let us put everything behind us…at least for now. We have endured too much pain, sadness and distress of late, even without these recollections.”
“You are right, of course. Please forgive my selfishness; I should not have broached that conversation. In fact, we should return; it has turned very cold.”
“I rather enjoy the freshness of the cold air…especially if you are here to keep me warm,” Elizabeth replied sweetly as they turned toward the house.
“I enjoy any moment in your company, Elizabeth. If I could act on my own desires, I would stay here with you the entire night – and I would make certain you were kept quite warm,” he said, then he suddenly stopped and continued somewhat uneasily, “I did not mean to suggest that…what I mean is, I eagerly await returning home with you…for it to be only the two of us…”
“I do understand what you mean, William,” she interrupted him daringly, her teasing tone attempting to hide her own uneasiness.
“I am glad you do, my love. I cannot wait to show you the beautiful grounds of Pemberley in winter...”
“I have already seen Pemberley, remember?”
“I most certainly do, but there is so much more of it to see. I will share all of its secrets with you.”
“Are there many secrets to share? Are these Pemberley’s secrets or your own?”
“Well…you will see, my dearest.”
“Are you trying to appear mysterious, Mr. Darcy?”
“I confess I am. I must keep your interest alive by every possible method, or else I fear you will become bored and tired with only my company.”
“Sir, I truly do not think you should trouble yourself with this thought. I doubt I will ever be bored by your presence! As for being tired – I already am very much so, but it has nothing to do with your company, I assure you.”
Their entire conversation was gentle and engaging, as a chat between lovers should be, but Darcy’s voice suddenly became solemn and anxious.
“My love, how inconsiderate of me! Of course, you are tired – you must be completely exhausted! You had such a trying, difficult time all these weeks, that I wonder whether you slept one entire night through in the last fortnight.”
“I am exhausted,” she admitted. “But you are wrong – I did sleep a few nights, quite soundly and restfully; you must remember that,” she added blushing, with a quick playful glance.
“I do remember, but it was not enough by far. You must promise me you will try to rest as much as you can; in the meantime, I will call on you every day, but will retire early.”
“I promise I shall try to rest as much as possible. However, I am not sure if I will succeed, as I have been quite spoiled of late and discovered I sleep much better when I am being held…” she answered boldly, though she dare not meet his eyes. “So, if I am unable to keep my promise, I am sure I shall recover all the sleep I have lost after we marry.”
Elizabeth could hardly believe she was flirting with him so shamelessly.
“Well, Miss Bennet,” he replied as he opened the door for her, “I strongly advise you not to depend upon that too much. I mean, I will do everything in my power to hold you in my arms every night – but I cannot guarantee anything regarding sleep. This is why I must insist and advise you to be perfectly rested before our wedding.”
When they entered the drawing room, Elizabeth was still flustered and her hands were trembling; she was the one who had started the teasing and flirting, but she could not believe he replied in such a manner, mere feet from her family. Of course, nobody heard them, but still…
A few minutes passed and everyone in the room was enjoying animated conversation – except Elizabeth. She knew she must look a sight with her cheeks burning, staring at her hands and casting repeated glimpses at Darcy, who was speaking with her father. But what else could she do? How could she possibly carry on an intelligent conversation, when all she could think of was the picture of them, intimately embraced in an enormous bed, his strong arms holding her tightly – and not sleeping at all?!
~/~/~/~ Both Georgiana and the Colonel had been invited to Longbourn, and both declined, as neither wanted to disturb the engaged couples more than necessary. They each had personal reasons for remaining at Netherfield, reasons closely related to a certain individual confined to bed in one of the guest apartments in the west wing.
As soon as the Miss Bennets together with Darcy and Bingley left, Netherfield’s inhabitants parted. Miss Bingley retired to her room with only a cold excuse to Georgiana and the Colonel, and Mrs. Hurst followed her.
“They did not seem very pleased to have us here,” Georgiana whispered with an open smile. “Now that William is engaged, Miss Bingley does not seem as friendly as she used to be.”
The Colonel laughed. “I am pleased to see you are not affected by their incivility, dearest. You have changed,” he said affectionately.
“If I have, I certainly hope you are not displeased with this change.”
“No indeed – quite the contrary. I am quite happy to see you so much more confident and daring.”
“You are very kind, David. I do feel I am somehow changed. I think it is the benefit of Elizabeth’s presence…and Cassandra’s.” She laughed and then blushed. “I hope I will become more like them. I certainly practice very diligently: I argued with Elizabeth when we returned to Hertfordshire and last night with Cassandra…”
“Hmm…you have also improved in being able to laugh at yourself. Better and better, Miss Darcy! Just be careful to behave in the presence of Lady Catherine. She might not approve of these changes.”
“I will; thank you. But David, seriously, did any of you announce the news of William’s engagement to Lady Catherine?”
“Not quite. Darcy only informed my parents when we were in London.”
“I see. Were they displeased with the news?”
“Well…” He hesitated a moment and Georgiana understood.
“I am sorry. I did not mean to intrude. I understand it is a delicate subject. Perhaps I should ask William directly.”
“Oh, do not be so serious, dearest; there is nothing to worry about. I will not conceal from you that my parents were surprised and not entirely happy with the news. You must know by now that they had some expectations for Darcy’s choice of wife – as for mine.”
“Yes, I do know. But Elizabeth is…”
“She is the perfect choice for Darcy; I am well aware of that. Fortunately, my parents met Miss Bennet at Cassandra’s ball and expressed a favorable opinion about her. Of course, at that time, they did not suspect she would become a family member,” he laughed.
“I hope and pray that my aunt will like Elizabeth.”
“She will; I am sure of that.”
“I know that Aunt is very fond of Cassandra,” Georgiana said meaningfully.
The Colonel looked at her with reproach mixed with tenderness. “Dearest, let us remain on Darcy’s betrothed, shall we?”
“I spoke to Cassandra early this morning, David. She told me everything…”
He blinked in obvious surprise; and, to Georgiana’s shock, she saw him blushing for the first time in her life.
He turned his back to her while replying gravely, “I am sorry – I truly am. But at least now you are able to understand things better.”
“Why should you be sorry? I am not a little girl any longer, David.”
“No indeed. You are a remarkable young lady.”
“And I do understand things better. I understand why she refused you, but I also understand that she needs you.”
“It is for her to decide what she needs and desires. Let us not insist upon this subject, dearest,” the Colonel concluded gently, but decidedly.
Georgiana remained silent a few moments, watching him intently. Then she averted her eyes and whispered, “She might be with child after…you know…”
The Colonel stared at her in utter shock and then hurried to pour himself a glass of wine which he swallowed in a few violent gulps.
“Georgiana, I will not have this kind of conversation with any young lady – and surely not with my little cousin!”
“I did not presume you would…and I did not attempt to start a conversation. It was only a thought of mine.”
“I see. Very well then – let us change the topic. Or even better, would you be so kind as to play something for me?”
“Of course.”
No other words were spoken between them. They remained in the music room for another hour with Georgiana at the piano-forte and the Colonel listening and turning the pages for her. However, despite the beauty of the music masterfully performed, the tension of their unfinished conversation endured.
It was late afternoon when they were interrupted by Mrs. Spencer’s entrance; the Colonel invited the lady to join them, and she responded with a polite smile and a kind refusal. She approached, though, and handed the Colonel a folded sheet of paper which he took with a puzzled expression. Before he had a chance to inquire about its contents, Mrs. Spencer was gone. He could do nothing but open it, watched closely by Georgiana’s intent gaze.
A quick look at the page was enough to startle him and make him move toward the window, leaving a very intrigued Georgiana staring at him from the instrument.
He read and re-read the short note – less than half a page long – and then finally met Georgiana’s eyes.
“It is a note from Cassandra. She wishes to speak to me.”
“I will remain here to practice a little more. Please tell Cassandra I shall meet her later.”
It was a brief reply, as she was forced to say something but could not find the proper words. With hesitant fingers, Georgiana searched through the music sheets but was unable to find anything to her liking. When the door closed behind the Colonel, she put all the music down and remained still, lost in her thoughts, unable to decide what she should do next.
*** David barely knocked when the door opened and Mrs. Spencer – with her warm and kind smile – appeared in the frame and invited him in.
“Thank you for coming so soon, sir.”
“Is everything well?” he inquired with obvious worry.
“Yes…I dare say everything is fine. Let us enter the bedchamber. Lady Cassandra is expecting you.”
Despite Mrs. Spencer’s encouragement, David remained close to the door that separated the bedchamber from the dressing room, uncertain how to proceed.
“David,” said Cassandra with a gentle, pleading voice, “thank you for coming.”
“I…you said you wished to speak to me. Are you well?”
“I am perfectly well, thank you. Please take a seat close to me. I cannot see you properly from there.” She was lying against the pillows, still unable to rise or move by herself. Her voice was so tender, so soft, that David hesitated before obliging her. Something must be wrong, he thought.
Finally he took a seat on the armchair near her bed – and waited. Unseen, Mrs. Spencer exited the room, but David was too preoccupied by Cassandra’s pale countenance to notice her exit.
“David, thank you for coming,” she repeated
“Please do not thank me. I am more than willing to help you if there is something you need. Are you sure you are feeling well? You do look much better.”
“No, no – I do not need anything; indeed, I am much better. I only wish to apologize for my unfair and cruel outburst yesterday…and to thank you for your care and devotion. Allow me to express my gratitude for…”
“Cassandra, please, stop this. No thanks or gratitude are needed. I accept your apologies, though most of your reproaches were deserved: I should not have stayed in your room without your consent.”
“You were here only to help me.”
“No, I was not. I was here for a very selfish reason: I could not bear from afar the worry and uncertainty of knowing you were unconscious. That is the truth – and I deserve your anger. I should have respected your privacy.”
“I thank you, nevertheless. And you are right,” she admitted, “I would be uncomfortable with anyone seeing me in such a state. I can only imagine how horrible I must have appeared.”
“I truly hope you are speaking in jest, Cassandra. Do you truly believe that Miss Bennet or Georgiana or I spent any time considering your looks?” He was puzzled and obviously displeased with her assumption.
“Surely you understand what I mean, David.”
“I most assuredly do not. Am I to presume that appearance is more important to you than health or life itself?”
She startled and stared at him, turning even more pale. “I do not deserve that…”
He frowned and, not knowing what to do with his hands, brought his fists together. “No, you do not deserve that…forgive me… Is there anything else you want to discuss or should I let you rest now before I manage to completely ruin your spirits?”
“I…that is all I wanted to tell you – to thank you.”
“Then I shall retire now.”
“David?”
“Yes?”
“I was wondering…” He waited for her to continue – hopeful and fearful at the same time – but she remained silent. She appeared distressed and inhibited as never before.
“Cassandra, what is the matter?”
“You did nothing to stop the duel,” she suddenly burst out furiously. “After everything I told you, it was still not enough for you to consider it.”
David remained calm, as he was expecting the reproach. “Cassandra, I am well aware that both you and Miss Bennet are angry with me for this incident. Yet, I have nothing to reproach myself about. I do not wish to argue with you nor do I want to distress you – I am only being honest. Nothing will change my opinion that Darcy behaved like any honorable man should in his situation – of course, I supported him.”
“He – or you – could have been hurt, maybe murdered.”
“No, indeed. We knew Markham to be a dishonorable, cowardly excuse for a man, so we were prepared to confront him.”
She remained angry and pale, and could no longer tolerate his gaze. She averted her eyes and turned to the fire in an attempt to dismiss him.
“Cassandra, I told you some time ago that it is a gentleman’s duty to protect those he loves; this is simply how it is. No matter what occurs in the future – if you refuse to ever speak to me again – I will still watch over you and do everything in my power to protect you.”
Their eyes locked again and battled silently for a time – David, grave and unmovable in his determination; Cassandra, pale and powerless, lying against the pillows, biting her lower lip to conceal her turmoil. “You are right; I should rest now. I am very tired,” she finally said.
He rose to obey but barely took a few steps before she called his name. He stopped.
“David, thank your for your care.”
He nodded, walked further and then stopped again, looking down at her. To her surprise, he sat close to her bed.
“Cassandra, may I speak honestly? I do not wish to upset or distress you even more, so please tell me if I should leave.”
“We have always spoken honestly to each other – so please do,” she whispered.
“Very well, then. I understand you must be uncomfortable with my presence here. However, I must stay for Darcy’s wedding – I promised him as much.”
“I understand; please do not consider leaving because of me. You have more right to be here than I. You are Darcy’s cousin.”
“And you are his lifetime friend. He surely needs you as much. However, it is not a matter of rights – we both know that. For me, your wishes are more important, so I would like you to put aside our differences and tell me what you want me to do.”
She looked at him, turned her eyes to the fire, and then returned her gaze to him.
“I cannot offer you an answer now…”
“No, no; you misunderstood me! I am not insisting upon that subject any longer. In fact, this is precisely what I wanted to speak to you about: my insistence. I know everything happened very unexpectedly – my confession, my proposal and everything that happened afterwards – and now your accident. I have been selfish and considered only my feelings and desires – but this will change from now on.”
He paused a moment. His eyes still looked into hers, carefully searching her astonished expression.
“I shall not insist upon this matter any further. My feelings and wishes are not a secret to you and will never change – I am certain of that. As for your own feelings – they are for you to determine and become certain of. It is your decision whether I ever raise this subject between us again. I will not require an immediate answer; your health is all that matters for the moment. I can wait as long as necessary! Unless…unless you tell me this instant there is nothing to wait for…”
David stopped and looked at Cassandra hesitantly, fearing another harsh reply. She had told him frequently to not hope or wait. She would likely repeat her declaration – and then how would he dare continue?
“Thank you for your kindness and patience. I promise I shall give you an answer as soon as I am certain of one.”
He was shocked; his burning stare was the evidence. For a few moments, he could not find the words to respond. Her forced smile seemed to finally break his silence.
“Good…good…” was all he could say and she smiled again. He rose halfway and then sat again. At this, she laughed lightly.
He seemed disconcerted for a moment and then smiled back at her. “Cassandra, I…I shall leave you now; you must rest. Georgiana said she would visit you later.”
“Very well…”
This time, he rose and hurried to the door. From there, he turned to look at her once more – and then was gone.
In the empty chamber, Cassandra’s eyes remained fixed upon the door; she did not notice the tears rolling over her cheeks.
Mrs. Spencer returned and resumed her seat near Cassandra, but neither spoke a word. Sometime later, Cassandra fell asleep. For a few minutes, her sleep seemed dream-filled and agitated, as she winced in pain at every move. However, after half an hour, she was breathing steadily and peacefully; and, when Mrs. Spencer leaned toward her to gently touch her forehead, Cassandra smiled – an unrestrained smile of contentment.
~/~/~/~ Caroline Bingley did not leave her room that morning. She was in the worst mood ever and could not abide the happy faces around her. Fortunately, Jane and Eliza Bennet had left the house the previous day, or Caroline did not know what she would have done. She simply could not tolerate them any longer! As for Lady Cassandra – although Caroline was not pleased to see her or any other person hurt, she was indeed relieved that her ladyship was confined to her room and would most likely remain so until the wedding. What a torture to have Lady Cassandra around the house, day after day!
On her little desk were spread the letters she had received from her friends, Miss Cardington and Lady Sophia. She finished her own missive to the latter and looked at it with great satisfaction. Yes, that was the best solution: she would accompany Lady Sophia on her tour! What better way to put behind her everything that had happened than an extended tour with a well-known member of the ton?
There would certainly be many opportunities to meet truly desirable and worthy gentlemen – single gentlemen, to be sure!
Caroline smiled mischievously at her reflection in the mirror. She had not said anything to Charles and did not plan on telling him yet. He simply did not deserve that much consideration after he had supported Eliza Bennet against his own sister!
*** Mr. Bennet was content at last! Following weeks of difficulties – the frightening incidents with his beloved Lizzy and later with Lady Cassandra, and day after day of complaints and cries from his wife – he was relaxing in the perfect solitude of his library with one of his favorite books.
Mrs. Bennet – together with Mary and Kitty – was calling on Lady Lucas, while Elizabeth and Jane were visiting at Netherfield. Mr. Bennet smiled to himself, feeling gratitude and affection. His elder daughters had been indeed very fortunate in their choice of husbands. He knew for certain they would both be happy – though in very different ways. Yes, Mr. Bennet was enormously content.
As he read, enjoying his favorite port, he could not but wonder at how blissful silence was. The day could not be more perfect.
Unfortunately, as with other happy moments in the past, the silence was short-lived. Less than two hours later, thunder fell upon the house in the form of a most annoying female voice. It took Mr. Bennet only an instant to determine that it was not his wife’s voice; Mrs. Bennet’s tone – though frequently loud and tiresome – was ten times more agreeable, he thought.
Who dared to come near his library in a manner that nearly made the windows tremble? He could hear “the voice” approaching and Hill’s unsuccessful attempt to stop her with pleading requests to wait until she was announced to the master of the house.
“I shall not wait! Do not dare ask me to wait! I demand to speak with the master of the house this very instant! Where is he?” That was the last thing Mr. Bennet heard before his library door was unceremoniously thrown open, and a lady whose stature was as imposing as her voice barged in.
She entered the room with an air more than usually ungracious and, for a moment, remained close to the door, peering around with unconcealed disdain and apparent concern for her own safety.
“I suppose you are Mr. Bennet!” she exclaimed. “What a small, uncomfortable library you have here.”
Mr. Bennet laid his book on the table and politely rose to meet his guest, an enormous smile of satisfaction spreading over his face. What an incredible moment, worthy to be noted down and kept among the most treasured family mementos – close to Mr. Collins’s memorable visit from last autumn. Yes, the day had enormous potential and would certainly prove more diverting than any humorous book.
“Yes, madam. I am Mr. Bennet and very honored to receive your ladyship in my humble abode. Without any doubt, you must be Lady Catherine de Bourgh – the noble patroness of my cousin, Mr. Collins!”
“I am indeed, sir, but I have no time for civilities. I wish to speak to your daughter, Elizabeth.”
“I am afraid that would be impossible, as none of my daughters are home at the moment. But may I take the liberty of asking your ladyship whether you left Mr. and Mrs. Collins in good health?"
“They were perfectly well.”
“Does Mr. Collins still visit your ladyship daily? It is my understanding that the parsonage is quite close to Rosings.”
“It is indeed, but that is not the purpose of my visit.”
“Oh, I am very sorry. May I ask what the purpose of this visit is, then?”
“To speak to your daughter. Where exactly is she?”
“Lady Catherine, I am afraid that, before answering your question, I will have to inquire about the nature of your business with my daughter.”
“Oh, you can be at no loss to understand the reason for my journey hither. A report of a most alarming nature reached me two days ago, and I came to insist that rumor be universally contradicted!”
“To what is your ladyship referring? I do not have the pleasure of understanding you.”
“I am talking of the rumor that your daughter is engaged to my own nephew, Mr. Darcy! Though I know it must be a scandalous falsehood, I instantly resolved on setting off for this place, that I might make my sentiments known to you all.”
“Lady Catherine, thank your for making your sentiments so well and clearly known, but I am still at a loss as to what I can do to help you. This rumor might be scandalous, but it is not at all a falsehood – the engagement was made public in front of a hundred people, and Mr. Darcy himself seemed unusually pleased with it.”
“Of course he seemed pleased, as your daughter – by her arts and allurements – has made him forget his duties! But I will tell you what you can do – what an honorable father should do – you should ask your daughter to be reasonable and not to aspire to quit the sphere in which she has been brought up. "
“Sphere? What sphere?” Mr. Bennet asked genuinely. In truth, he had not been so diverted in years.
“Your family’s sphere!”
“I am afraid we do not have a sphere, Lady Catherine. Longbourn is nothing to Rosings, I know that…”
Lady Catherine stared at him, her mouth gaping in shock.
"Mr. Bennet," replied her ladyship, in an angry tone, "you ought to know that I am not to be trifled with. Do you know who I am? I am Darcy’s closest relative!!!”
“I do know that; you are also Mr. Collins’s noble patroness, as I had the honor to be informed last autumn. I can see your ladyship is somehow displeased with my obtuseness, but I still do not understand how I may help you, as we now agree that we do not possess a sphere at Longbourn!”
“Mr. Bennet, I can see this marriage to be profitable for you all. You desire it because Mr. Collins will inherit the estate, should your demise occur, and your wife and daughters will be homeless.
“Well, let us hope I survive a little longer…”
“This marriage will never take place, as Mr. Darcy is engaged to my daughter! What do you have to say now?”
“Oh, I am truly shocked, your ladyship! So Mr. Darcy is engaged to your daughter, too? When exactly did the event occur?”
“Their engagement is of a very peculiar nature – it was the dearest wish of his mother and myself since they were infants.”
“Well – now I am truly puzzled, your ladyship. Mr. Darcy’s engagement to my daughter is of a very common nature, and it appeared to be his dearest wish – and hers. This seems a hopeless situation to me, and I see no satisfactory resolution to it. But let us sit and have some refreshments. Mr. Darcy himself will arrive soon, as he spends most of his time here. That would be a very good time to demand an explanation from him.”
“I will certainly not stay and have refreshments with you, sir! I am very displeased with you, as I can see you are as unreasonable and inconsiderate as I remember your daughter to be last spring. But you must understand that I came here with the determined resolution of carrying out my purpose and will not be dissuaded from it.”
“I am sorry to ask once more, but what is your purpose again? I am still not clear on that aspect…”
“Mr. Bennet!!!!! I want this engagement to be broken and any understanding annulled! That is my purpose! Are you clear now?”
“I am indeed. I thank you for your kind explanation. Should I call for those refreshments now? And perhaps a glass of wine? It does miracles to a lady’s nerves – I can testify to that…"
“I will leave this instant – and now I know what I have to do! Netherfield is close by; and, once I find my nephew, I will make him see reason!”
“Netherfield is only three miles away, Lady Catherine – you may walk if you wish. It is a very pleasurable path, and your chances of meeting Mr. Darcy will increase, as he seems very fond of walking lately.”
“Walking? Preposterous!” she yelled as she exited the room like a whirlwind, unable to breathe from rage.
“Lady Catherine!” called Mr. Bennet with such a determination that she had to turn to him.
“Yes?!!”
“I truly hope the windows at Rosings are well – all of them. And please send my best wishes to Mr. Collins when you next happen upon him.”
Lady Catherine slammed the door behind her so violently that the windows indeed trembled this time.
Mr. Bennet poured himself another glass of port and resumed his place in his favorite chair with his favorite book. He was suddenly almost content with his wife. He could have chosen much worse when he married –he could see that now very clearly.
However, for only a ten-minute meeting, Lady Catherine was certainly the most amusing woman he had ever met – but only for ten minutes. “I pray Darcy inherited his character from his father’s line.”
In her carriage, Lady Catherine could barely breathe. Rage was suffocating her, and her mind still refused to accept what that ridiculous country gentleman had told her! Darcy could not be engaged to his daughter – he could not!!!
A few minutes later, when the carriage stopped in front of Netherfield, she almost jumped out and pushed the doorman away, demanding to be told where her nephew was. The poor man remained frozen in shock, staring at her, not understanding who she was or who her nephew might be. When she repeated, “Where is Darcy?” a few times, a maid, who arrived in a hurry, managed to articulate that she had seen Mr. Darcy walking in the direction of the library.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh had no difficulty discovering the location of the library, or in thrusting its door open until it pounded against the wall. However, she had great difficulty in remaining on her feet when she observed her nephew, Mr. Darcy, intimately occupied with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. And it was clearly his own will – as well as hers.