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When the door closed behind Bingley, Elizabeth turned to look at her sisters. “There is an important issue we must discuss. I have included Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley for a particular reason, one that I believe will benefit all my sisters.”
The expressions on the faces reflected back at Elizabeth ranged from confused to embarrassed.
“I know this will be difficult in many ways, but it is important we talk about it. Lydia, I would like you and Georgiana to come and sit here on the sofa with me. The rest of you may choose any seat, but you may wish to draw it close to us so that we may speak in quiet tones.”
Elizabeth sat on one end of the sofa, placing Lydia between herself and Georgiana.
“Lydia, I feel it is crucial for you to share with your sisters what happened with Mr. Wickham and what you learned from the experience.”
Lydia’s face paled, but Elizabeth took her sister’s hand and nodded at her encouragingly. On her other side, Georgiana did the same. She leaned in and whispered something in Lydia’s ear.
“I am not sure you should say anything. Kitty and Mama are not good at keeping secrets and Mary will judge you harshly,” Lydia whispered back.
“When William and Lizzy marry, we are to become family. If I cannot trust my new sisters, whom can I trust?”
“If you feel you must, I will not stop you, but perhaps you should not give too many details.”
Fortunately, they spoke quietly enough that only Elizabeth could hear them. Georgiana turned to look at her new friends. Her face flushed and her hands trembled, so this time Lydia gave Georgiana’s hand an encouraging squeeze.
Taking a deep breath, Georgiana began to speak. “I do hope that you will not be too hard on Lydia, for she is not the only one Mr. Wickham has deceived. He managed to fool my father into believing that he was as good a man as his father, but it was all pretense. Last summer, shortly before my brother arrived at Netherfield, Mr. Wickham, with the help of my former companion, tried to convince me that he loved me. I thought he and William were still friends, and George had been kind to me when I was a child. Mr. Wickham pushed me to elope with him. When I raised concerns, he said all the right words and had a reasonable response to everything. Fortunately, before he required an answer, William arrived for a surprise visit. I confessed everything to him, and when Wickham came to visit that afternoon, William confronted him. He told Mr. Wickham that according to my father’s will I would not receive my dowry if I eloped. Wickham was angry with me and said he had wasted time and money for nothing. I was worth taking only because I had a large dowry. He spoke many words of love, but he did not mean any of them.” Tears glistened in Georgiana’s eyes as she completed her tale. Georgiana could not look at her future sisters, as she waited for the words of condemnation she expected to hear.
Jane, Mary, and Kitty sat spellbound as they listened. Jane’s eyes also held tears as she thought of the hurt and heartbreak Miss Darcy must have felt at hearing Mr. Wickham's words. “Oh, Miss Darcy, how dreadful for you!”
Mary was astounded. How could Mr. Wickham deceive a young woman as intelligent and proper as Miss Darcy? Perhaps it was not strange that someone like Lydia, who lacked appropriate guidance, could act as she had. “It would appear Mr. Wickham was a practiced deceiver. It seems no young woman would be safe from him.”
Kitty wondered what she would have done if a handsome young officer had spoken to her of love. Would she have fallen prey to a Mr. Wickham? “What an awful man! No wonder he was so quick to change his affections from you, Lizzy, to Mary King when she inherited her ten thousand pounds.”
“That is a good observation, Kitty, for Mr. Wickham managed to fool even me. Everything he said about the living was a lie as well. He told Mr. Darcy he did not wish to be a cleric and demanded money to study the law. Mr. Wickham received over four thousand pounds and lost it all through drinking, gaming, and, well, other means, in less than two years.”
A gasp escaped all the sisters.
Turning to Lydia, Elizabeth said, “I think it is time you tell our sisters of your experience.”
Nodding, Lydia recounted for her sisters everything that had happened from the moment she left Brighton until they had found her and Mr. Wickham.
“Oh, Lydia,” cried Kitty. “I am so sorry. I would never have thought that Mr. Wickham could have been so mean!”
With earnest intensity, Lydia turned to look at Kitty. “Kitty, we must change our ways. What Jane and Lizzy have tried to tell us is correct. We must act more like them and listen less to Mama.”
Mrs. Annesley decided it was time for her to intervene. “I am sure your mother did not intend for you to experience such treatment, Miss Lydia. You must remember that she was not born a gentlewoman and could not be expected to know all that is proper in dealing with society. She is also concerned for your welfare should something happen to Mr. Bennet. She thought you would be protected by marriage as she was when she married your father.”
“That is true, sisters,” added Jane in her usual caring manner. “You cannot doubt that Mama loves each of you.”
Mrs. Annesley continued. “I would be happy to have Miss Mary, Miss Kitty, and Miss Lydia join Miss Georgiana and myself for lessons over the course of our stay here. I believe I could help each of you learn what is necessary to be a proper young lady and to know how to handle the various situations you will encounter as you enter society. Would you like to join us? I am sure Mr. Darcy would send his carriage to pick you up, and we could have the lessons in the Netherfield library.”
Mary felt somewhat indignant at her inclusion with her unruly younger sisters. “Why do you feel that I should participate, Mrs. Annesley?” she asked in a slightly aggrieved tone.
“I am aware you dislike social situations, Miss Mary, but it is a requirement for the daughter of a gentleman. I could help you learn to be more comfortable in such settings, to speak about issues of general interest, and to display your talents and yourself to best advantage.”
Mary considered her answer and realized that if Miss Darcy still took instruction in proper behavior, Mrs. Annesley’s offer would perhaps benefit her. “I thank you for including me, Mrs. Annesley, and will be happy to participate.”
Before further discussion could take place, Mrs. Hill announced that luncheon was ready. Mrs. Bennet was still sleeping, and Mr. Hill offered to sit with Mr. Bennet so the gentlemen could join the ladies for the meal.
After everyone had their cup, Elizabeth asked, “How is my father, William?”
“I am sorry to tell you there is no change. However, Mr. Jones did not expect any improvement until he sees the doctor and surgeon.”
Mrs. Annesley sat in Mrs. Bennet’s place at the table, with the young ladies on either side of her. After observing their behavior for several minutes, Mrs. Annesley began instructing them on proper table manners, conversation partners, and topics as well as the volume one should use indoors. It was one of the quietest meals Elizabeth and Jane had ever observed at the Bennets’ table.
The couples sat across from one another at the other end of the table. They spoke about their engagements and wedding plans. “I do not know if we should be making plans, William. What if Father’s opinion does not change after they have dealt with this head injury?”
“You know that I shall accede to whatever you wish regarding this matter, my dear. Your father has never denied you in the past, has he?”
“No, William, he has always been concerned for my happiness and well-being.”
“In his absence, we could obtain permission from your uncle or your mother. Or I could simply purchase a special license, and we can marry as planned.”
“What do you think, Jane?”
“I expect that Papa will give his approval for you to wed, Lizzy, especially if he knows your feelings on the matter. They will not read the banns for two more days. When Papa awakens, you may still have an opportunity to gain his permission before Sunday.”
“I hope that will be the case.”
“Darcy, it sounds as though you and Miss Elizabeth have already set a date.”
“We did, Bingley. We plan to marry on September sixth, which is just three days after Miss Elizabeth gains her majority.”
“Jane, what would you think of sharing that date with your sister and Darcy?”
Both sisters spoke at the same time. “That is a fantastic idea!”
“With your father’s health and your mother’s nerves,” Darcy paused with a smile, “do you think you mother can prepare an event by that time? Might her activities interfere with your father’s recovery?”
“I could always offer her the use of Netherfield and its staff for the wedding breakfast. She would need to be there to plan, leaving Longbourn quiet and peaceful for your father.” Bingley’s smile was infectious, as the sisters could imagine their mother’s delight at such a prospect. They continue to discuss the matter for some time.
Just before the meal ended, Mrs. Annesley directed a question to Mr. Darcy. “Sir, Miss Elizabeth asked if I would be willing to include her younger sisters in Miss Darcy’s lessons while in the area. I believe it would help keep them from worrying about their father’s condition, and they have expressed an interest in participating. Would it be acceptable if we took your carriage to Netherfield for the afternoon to begin? I will ensure we return in time for the ladies to change for dinner.”
Darcy smiled broadly at Elizabeth, showing his pleasure with the plan. “I believe that would be an excellent idea, Mrs. Annesley. Perhaps you could have Fletcher and Mr. Bingley’s valet pack items for us so that we, too, might change for dinner.”
“Certainly, sir. Young ladies, why do you not take a moment to refresh yourselves and gather your bonnets and gloves. Then we shall journey to Netherfield.”
Georgiana, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia left the dining room amidst a murmur of conversation and the rustle of skirts. Elizabeth went to the kitchens to request that Mr. Darcy’s carriage be made ready. Darcy was preparing to return to Mr. Bennet’s room when a knock came at the front door. Mrs. Hill admitted Mr. Jones, who immediately asked about Mr. Bennet. “I will sit with him for a while. My housekeeper knows where I am should an emergency arise. Before mounting the stairs, Mr. Jones offered, “I hope the physician and surgeon will arrive before dinner. I do not like leaving him in this condition for much longer.” The crease in his brow and look of worry created a feeling of dread in the pit of Elizabeth’s stomach.
The two engaged couples decided to walk in the gardens. They strolled arm in arm some distance apart to enjoy a little private conversation.
“William, what shall we do if Father does not recover? We will be forced to wait at least six months to marry.”
“Because of your concerns about your father’s behavior, I wrote to my solicitor last evening and requested that he obtain special licenses for us as well as for Bingley and Miss Bennet. I included a letter to the Bishop of London, who was a good friend of my father’s. I explained the situation with your father’s precarious health and said that we wished to marry quickly should the need arise.”
“That was good thinking, though I hope it will not be necessary. Perhaps if all goes well, we can go to London to shop for a few days next week. There is not time for me to obtain much of a trousseau, but I will have at least my wedding dress and the three new gowns already ordered. I doubt Jane has even had time to do that much. Now with the doctors’ fees, I do not know if I will be able to afford more than the three dresses.”
“I intend to pay for the physician and surgeon for your father, as I am the one who called for them. I am also happy to purchase your entire trousseau. I am sure Bingley feels the same about Jane’s.”
“I just would not wish that to become known. I am confident there will be many who will think me no more than a fortune hunter for marrying so far above my current circle. If they knew that you purchased my trousseau, they would be sure of it.”
“We can have all the bills sent to your uncle, and I can arrange matters with him. No one need know.”
“That is very kind of you, William, but it distresses me that I bring so little to this marriage.”
“You bring that which is most important to me, and that is you. I have more than enough money and more connections than I would like, but you, my Lizzy, are priceless. It has taken us a while to get to this point. You deserve all that any other society bride would have and more because you are irreplaceable.”
Elizabeth leaned her head on his shoulder. “I love you, too, William. You are the best man I know and the most perfect husband I could ever imagine.” He placed a quick kiss on her temple as he hugged her arm more tightly to his side.
As teatime neared, the couples returned to the parlor and continued discussing plans for their wedding and wedding breakfast. Darcy informed them of the requests for special licenses in case the worst were to happen. It was not long after they had each received their tea cups that they heard Mrs. Bennet’s voice calling for Mrs. Hill.
“Please, excuse me,” said Jane. “I had best check on Mama.” Jane bustled out of the room. Soon they heard her footsteps on the stairs. As Mrs. Bennet’s door opened, everyone in the house could hear her wails.
“Mama, please be calm. You shall make yourself ill if you continue in this way. If you are unwell, how shall you ever plan our weddings? Mr. Bingley and I have decided to have a joint marriage with Lizzy and Mr. Darcy on September sixth.”
“Whatever are you talking about, Jane? Lizzy and Mr. Darcy?”
“Yes, Mama. Mr. Darcy was trying to obtain Father’s permission this morning when he fell ill.”
“Oh, this is all that awful man’s fault,” Mrs. Bennet screeched.
“Shh, Mama, or he will hear you. Mr. Darcy has been everything kind since father fell ill. He sent for his personal physician and surgeon, and sent for special licenses so that we might marry in a hurry if Papa’s prognosis is not good.”
Mrs. Bennet’s eyes grew wide at the mention of special licenses. “Oh, Jane, dear, you will be the first young lady in the area to marry by special license. I suppose I will have to thank him for that, but he is just so disagreeable.”
“That is most unkind of you, Mama. Mr. Darcy is a bit shy and does not put himself forward in company.”
“Do not be ridiculous, Jane. Men are never shy. Lydia said Mr. Darcy saved her, but how can that be if she returned home unmarried? Marriage is the only thing that can save her reputation.”
“Mama, you know that is not true. Mr. Darcy worked with Colonel Forster to protect Lydia’s reputation. No one but us knows she ran away. Everyone believes she was ill. You must remember never to speak of it to anyone, or you will be responsible for the ruin of all your daughters.”
“But I do not have any daughters married, and Lydia so wished to be the first. I am sure it is Mr. Darcy’s fault that Wickham did not marry Lydia. If only Darcy had given Wickham the living, then Wickham could have afforded to marry my sweet daughter.”
“That is not true, either, Mama. He did what Lydia wished and helped save her reputation at the same time.” Jane repeated Lydia’s tale to her mother. “You should know, Mama, that Mr. Wickham’s harsh words have left Lydia very confused about your instructions.”
“Nonsense, Jane. I told her everything I did to catch your father. It worked for me, so I cannot see why it did not work for Lydia. I am sure you must have the information wrong.”
Jane tried to hide the disgust she felt at knowing her mother had behaved in such a fashion to entrap their father. She shook her head sadly. “Perhaps, Mama, but I would suggest that you discuss the matter with Lydia. You should also be aware that Miss Darcy’s companion has taken Mary, Kitty, and Lydia under her wing and is instructing them in comportment and other subjects to help them improve themselves and to keep them from worrying over Father.”
“My goodness, my daughters are the first in the area to have a companion. I cannot wait to tell my sister and Lady Lucas.”
“Hill will be up with your tea in a moment, Mama. Will you be joining us for dinner or shall you take a tray in your room?”
“I do not believe I am well enough to come downstairs just yet. Please let Mrs. Hill know to bring me a tray.”
Mrs. Hill entered with Mrs. Bennet’s tea things, allowing Jane an opportunity to escape and return to her betrothed.
When Jane reentered the parlor, she could see the look of embarrassment on her sister’s face. Obviously, her mother’s words had carried to the others. Jane caught Elizabeth’s eye and rolled hers as she shrugged her shoulders.
“Mr. Darcy, I apologize for my mother’s words. She is even less cautious in her speech when her nerves beset her.”
“Do not worry, Miss Bennet. I know that I did not leave a good impression upon the residents of Meryton during my visit last fall. I shall endeavor to change her opinion of me in the coming days.
