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Darcy refreshed himself and changed for the day before he and Elizabeth took off for an early morning walk. By the time they returned, Bingley and Georgiana were sitting with Jane and her younger sisters in the parlor. When Darcy and Elizabeth entered, Jane was quick to ask, “How is Father this morning?”
“He is awake and spoke to us. We have his permission to marry on September sixth.”
Jane and Bingley shared a smile at the radiant expressions the newest arrivals wore. Everyone offered their congratulations.
“We are grateful for your good wishes, but perhaps we should speak more softly. Dr. Monroe has requested at least a week of rest and quiet to aid in Mr. Bennet’s recovery,” Darcy said.
“I am so happy for you both!” exclaimed Georgiana. “I will finally have a sister!”
“You shall have five sisters,” said Lydia with a smile at her new friend. “I know just how we can ensure the house is quiet enough for Papa’s recovery.” The expression on Lydia’s face was a mixture of her usual forward behavior and a touch of mischief.
“And how is that?” Elizabeth’s look and tone were stern as she addressed her youngest sister.
“We can all return to town and shop for trousseaus for you and Jane.”
“I do not think it is necessary for all of us to go.”
“But, Lizzy, if we are to continue our lessons with Mrs. Annesley, we must be where Georgiana is, and I doubt Mr. Darcy would wish to leave her behind. I am sure he does not know all the best places to shop as Miss Darcy does.” Lydia’s expression was both earnest and playful, causing everyone to laugh.
“Perhaps we could discuss the merits of this idea over breakfast,” suggested Darcy.
The group trooped to the dining room and did continue to debate Lydia’s suggestion. The biggest concern was leaving only Mrs. Bennet to care for her husband, as her manner was neither quiet nor restful.
“I would be happy to hire a pair of nurses to watch over Mr. Bennet and attend to his needs and medications. That way, your mother will be able to focus on the preparations for the wedding and wedding breakfast. In fact, I will offer to send any special items she needs from town.”
Elizabeth smiled at her betrothed. “That is very kind of you William. It will also mean, Jane, that we do not have to battle with Mama over the amount of lace on our gowns.” Elizabeth chuckled at her words. The others soon joined her.
When the meal ended, Jane ascended the stairs to give Mrs. Bennet the news about her father’s recovery and the second engagement, as well as the date they had determined for the wedding. Elizabeth’s job was to speak to her father about the group returning to London.
Elizabeth had barely entered her father’s room when a loud screech came from Mrs. Bennet’s room.
“Two daughters engaged. Oh, I shall go distracted. I must go visit my sister immediately.”
Shaking her head at the expected reaction, Elizabeth glanced at her father to see if the noise had awoken him. Her gaze took in her father’s usual sardonic grin.
“I take it someone has given your mother the good news?” Mr. Bennet raised his left brow in a question, very much like the expression his favorite daughter often assumed.
“Yes, Papa. Jane was to speak to Mother about recent events. It is my job to ask if you would allow us to return to London and shop for our trousseaus. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley will accompany us, and we shall all stay at Mr. Darcy’s townhouse. With all of my sisters and Mrs. Annesley for chaperones, there should be no concern for our reputations. Mr. Darcy has also offered to arrange for nurses to tend to you so that you shall be spared Mama’s raptures and plans as she prepares for the upcoming events.”
“I would like to talk to both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley before I make that decision. Would you be so kind as to ask the gentlemen to visit me, Lizzy?”
“Certainly, Papa.”
A few minutes later, Mr. Bennet heard a knock on his bedchamber door. While the family dined, Dr. Lennox had examined him, helping his patient take both broth and tea. At Mr. Bennet's insistence, Dr. Lennox had helped him into a sitting position. The doctor had been hesitant to jostle Mr. Bennet about so soon after surgery, but he could well understand the disadvantage Mr. Bennet felt at speaking to his future sons from his bedchamber. Consequently, he assisted Mr. Bennet into a seated position, surrounding him with a mound of pillows for support.
Dr. Lennox had just settled Mr. Bennet when a knock sounded at the door.
“Come in.”
Darcy opened the door with Bingley at his shoulder. The two men bowed to the older gentleman and inquired after his health.
“Other than a headache, I suppose I am as well as can be expected. Not having any memory of how I felt after my initial injury, nor of my behavior over the last few days and weeks, it is hard for me to say.” Having learned that laughter caused his head to ache worse, Mr. Bennet grinned at the gentlemen.
Bingley chuckled at Mr. Bennet’s words, and a smile turned up the corners of Darcy’s lips. “I must say, you were a bit more serious recently than I remembered you being,” said Bingley. “I am glad to know you are out of danger and have returned to your usual good humor.”
Mr. Bennet noticed the tightness around Darcy’s eyes as Bingley began speaking. This made him wonder more about their disagreement.
“You asked to see us, sir. How may we be of help to you?” Darcy asked.
“Elizabeth has spoken to me about your desire to go to town. I am sure Jane and Elizabeth would both enjoy shopping without their mother, but are you sure you wish to be responsible for my entire gaggle of daughters?”
“As they will soon be my sisters, I am not opposed to their joining us. They should each have a new dress for the wedding as well. Also, they have joined with my sister, Georgiana, in her daily lessons with her companion. Since Miss Lydia’s encounter with Wickham, she is desperate to learn to behave better. Mrs. Annesley is an excellent example for them, and they have all shown a desire to improve themselves.”
Mr. Bennet looked shocked at Mr. Darcy’s words. “Lydia is voluntarily taking lessons?”
Darcy nodded.
“I could not have imagined what I am about to say, but thank goodness for Mr. Wickham if it has wrought such a change in Lydia.”
Darcy could not help but laugh. “It is, indeed, not something I would ever expect to hear someone say. Nor would I ever have expected his poor behavior to provide a positive outcome for anyone. Unfortunately, it cannot make up for the damage he has caused to so many other young ladies.”
“When would you like to depart for town?” asked Mr. Bennet.
“I believe it would be best to leave on Monday. I am sure we would all wish to be here for the first reading of the banns. That would allow us a week or two in London, and we could return for the third reading. Then there would be only a few days before the wedding.”
“That sounds like a good plan. I will give Elizabeth a draft so that my brother, Gardiner, can obtain the funds they will need. I know what a bill from the dressmaker here in Meryton can run for so many young ladies. I hope they will be able to purchase a sufficient trousseau for one hundred and twenty–five pounds apiece.”
Glancing quickly at Bingley, Darcy nodded.
“I will send an extra twenty-five pounds for the other girls to use. Now, how do you plan to keep Mrs. Bennet from joining you?” Mr. Bennet’s look and tone were teasing as he gazed at the gentlemen.
Both of the younger men blushed slightly, but Darcy stared at his future father-in-law as he replied, “I plan to offer to bring things from London for the wedding that she cannot obtain in Meryton.”
Try as he might, Mr. Bennet could not contain the chuckle that escaped him. “I see you are learning how best to handle my wife, Mr. Darcy. Now, if you do not mind I will rest until Reverend Carter arrives.” The gentlemen both stood and bowed to Mr. Bennet before taking their leave.
Once in the hallway, Bingley turned to Darcy. I do not know what the dressmaker here charges, but I know from the bills I see for Caroline that the amount Mr. Bennet has set aside will not buy near enough for Jane or Elizabeth. Caroline can spend that much on just seven gowns.”
“That is because she does not care how much she spends and because you frequently allow her to overspend her allowance. You will need to be more careful now that you will have a wife,” Darcy advised. “However, I thought I would tell Georgiana to have Madame LaRue bill them exactly what they have and to send the balance for Elizabeth’s items to me at Darcy House. She could do the same for you and Jane.”
“That is an excellent idea, Darcy. Please be sure to ask her to do that for me as well.”
Darcy and Bingley found Elizabeth and Jane working on their needlework in the parlor. Elizabeth examined Darcy as the men entered the room. She was relieved to note no trace of discomfort on his face.
Taking a seat near Jane, Bingley asked, “How did your mother take the news?”
“She was overjoyed that she has two daughters engaged. I am surprised you did not hear her response for yourself.”
“Your father has agreed to our trip to London. I suggested we leave on Monday. I for one would wish to hear the first calling of the banns.” Darcy gave Elizabeth his dimpled smile as he spoke.
“I, too, would very much like to hear those words.” Elizabeth returned his smile with one of her own. It was the soft and loving one she reserved just for him.
“I quite agree,” Jane added. “Perhaps, Lizzy, you should write to Aunt Helen to let her know of our upcoming visit. It would be wonderful to visit Uncle’s warehouse for some fabric before meeting with Aunt’s dressmaker.”
“That is a good idea, but I believe we should use Miss Darcy’s modiste. She has already begun work on four gowns for me.”
Jane looked at her sister, and Elizabeth could easily read the question in Jane’s eyes. Could they afford to acquire all they would need from someone like Madame LaRue?
Reading Elizabeth’s concern, Darcy spoke. “Your father has set aside one hundred twenty-five pounds for each of you. Based on the bills for Georgiana, I am sure you will be able to get all that you need.” Elizabeth looked doubtful, but Jane looked relieved. Darcy just smiled and changed the subject. “Would you ladies care to take a turn in the gardens or perhaps play cards?”
“I believe a walk in the gardens would be wonderful, William,” Elizabeth said. She and Jane put away their needlework and went upstairs to get their bonnets and shawls. A short time later, the two couples were wandering through the garden. They were in sight of each other, but far enough apart to ensure that they could speak privately.
“Would you like to take a wedding trip after we marry, or would you prefer to go straight to Pemberley?”
“I look forward to returning to Pemberley, but I have not given any thought to a trip. Where did you think we could go?”
“I would take you anywhere you wish.”
“And I would be happy to see anything, but as I have not been farther than London and Hunsford, I would not begin to know where to choose.”
“Do you wish to view the sea or perhaps go to Bath?”
“I might like to visit the seaside next summer, but I believe I would most like to go home to Pemberley and spend a few weeks with just the two of us alone.”
Darcy pulled Elizabeth from the path and behind the trunk of a large oak, trapping her body between himself and the tree. His swift movement startled Elizabeth, but when she met his eyes and saw the look of passion, her face flushed. “I cannot think of anything I would like more.” Darcy leaned in, intending to steal a quick kiss, but when Elizabeth’s arms snaked around his waist and up his back, he could not bring himself to let her go.
When they finally broke apart, each was gasping for breath. Darcy rested his forehead against Elizabeth’s as his breathing calmed. “We shall need to be on our guard when you stay at Darcy House. You deserve all the respect I can give you, but the more time I spend with you, the greater my desire for you grows. I waited a long time for you to accept my proposal and I am afraid these next few weeks will feel longer still.”
“Though I did not come to recognize my feelings as early as you, I am sure my desire is as great.” Elizabeth blushed and looked away as she whispered these words.
Darcy took one of his hands and lifted her chin until Elizabeth had no choice but to meet his gaze. “Never be ashamed of your feelings for me. Certainly, the ardent feelings we share bode well for our marriage. I do not care if it is unfashionable. No one will doubt the fact that I am deeply in love with the remarkable woman I married.” Darcy kissed her forehead before stepping away. He offered Elizabeth his arm, and they returned to their stroll.
“I will speak with Lord and Lady Matlock while we are in town and ask them to keep Georgiana for a time. Perhaps we could return to town for a few weeks of the little season and then enjoy a family Christmas at Pemberley.”
“That sounds like an excellent plan, William.”
The remainder of the week passed with everyone spending their days in a similar fashion. The younger ladies enjoyed lessons at Netherfield with Mrs. Annesley. They even planned a dinner party for Saturday evening, giving the girls the opportunity to put some of their learning to use.
The two engaged couples found themselves spending a portion of their time reviewing wedding plans with Mrs. Bennet. The woman bemoaned the fact that she had only four weeks to plan and suggested postponing the event to allow her at least three months. Mrs. Bennet’s suggestion met with four decided “nos.” It took some flattery from Bingley about her abilities as a hostess and the promise of using Netherfield Park for the wedding breakfast, as well as Darcy’s offer to obtain from town any items she could not find in Meryton to quiet Mrs. Bennet’s concerns. She also spoke forcefully about what her daughters would need for their trousseaus as well as the best places to shop. Elizabeth and Jane were quick to conclude those conversations and whisk their betrotheds out-of-doors.
Mr. Darcy spoke to Dr. Munroe about the nurses for Mr. Bennet and sent an express the same day. Once the nurses were in place, Dr. Munroe and Dr. Lennox returned to town, though they promised to call weekly until Mr. Bennet's complete recovery. With the care of his nurses, Mr. Bennet steadily improved.
Finally, Sunday arrived. The carriage from Netherfield pulled up to the chapel just as the Bennet party approached. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley stepped down, each offering an arm to his particular lady. Mrs. Bennet and her young daughters entered first and took a seat in the Bennet pew. The two engaged couples followed them inside and sat directly across the aisle in the pew designated for the Netherfield party. Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley joined them.
News of the gentlemen’s return to Netherfield had spread throughout the small village. However, they had not been at home to receive callers, nor had anyone seen them about Meryton. Because no engagement had resulted from their first stay in the area, the mothers were all eager to reintroduce to the gentlemen their unmarried daughters. When Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy entered the church with the two eldest Bennet sisters, the whispers and moans began. It was evident from the looks the couples shared that the gentlemen were no longer available.
Darcy enjoyed the church service very much. It was a pleasure to have Elizabeth at his side. He could hear her beautiful voice as she sang the hymns, and their hands occasionally brushed against each other as they shared her prayer book. The minister gave a short sermon, but his meaning was clear and scriptural references backed it up. Just before the end of the service, Reverend Carter stood before the congregation, clearing his voice to gain their attention. He was a pleasant gentleman with a shock of white hair, bright blue eyes, and rosy cheeks. Having known the Bennet sisters since their births, he was delighted with the announcement he was about to make.
"I publish the banns of marriage between Jane Bennet of Longbourn and Charles Bingley of Netherfield Park and between Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn and Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire.
“This is the first time of asking. If any of you know cause or just impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it.”(2)
As the party departed the church, many people stopped the two couples, wishing to offer their congratulations. In spite of his discomfort with strangers, Darcy made a great effort to be more receptive of those with whom he came in contact. It was some twenty minutes before they were able to depart the church. With their ladies on their arms, the two men followed the other Bennets to Longbourn, where they would pass the remainder of the day.
After the mid-day meal, Mr. Bennet had a private interview with each of his three youngest daughters. In each case, he told them that he loved them and apologized for not taking a greater interest in their upbringing and well-being.
For Mary, it was the first time she had heard words of love from either of her parents. Realizing this nearly caused her to break down in tears. When Mr. Bennet added that he was proud of her efforts at the pianoforte and in her extensive reading, the tears flowed.
“You have great potential, Dear Mary, but you must relax a bit and not be quite so judgmental. You must take to heart the old adage to treat others as you wish to be treated. Feelings of warmth and compassion will improve not only your music but also the way others interact with you.”
Kitty was speechless when her father called her for a visit. After expressing his love for her and his regret for his neglect, Mr. Bennet attempted to boost the young girl’s self-esteem. “Kitty dear, you are almost two years older than Lydia, but you have always followed her lead, no matter the trouble it brought you. You must learn to stand up for yourself. You have a kind heart and a real talent for drawing. You must not let others dissuade you from developing that talent. It is also more important for you to learn from your elder sisters and follow their example so that you can set a better example for Lydia. I have confidence in you; now it is time to have faith in yourself and your choices rather than following blindly.”
When Lydia entered her father’s room, she was visibly trembling. She, too, heard words of love and regret and was surprised when her father apologized for allowing the mishap with Wickham. “Had I taken a firmer hand with your mother and you younger girls, you might have been better prepared to deal with the words of a practiced seducer. I was pleased to hear that you stood up for yourself upon hearing him disparage you. I was also proud that you could discern the need to change your behavior. Continue your efforts to grow and improve and look to your elder sisters as an example. I will try to work on improving the family situation so that your mother will not feel such a great need to rush each of you to the altar.”
“I am sorry for being so discourteous to my family and for failing to think of anyone but myself. I have learned my lesson and will try very hard to make you proud of me in the future, Papa.”
“I know, my child, I know. I shall try to give you reason to be proud of me as well. Now run along and enjoy your time with your sisters.”
Most of the ladies’ belongings were packed and ready for the following morning. Only the outfits for the morrow and the few personal items they would need to prepare for the day remained. When the gentlemen departed for Netherfield after dinner, everyone but Mrs. Bennet was in high spirits. Mrs. Bennet continued to lament being left behind and the lack of time she would have to prepare a wedding breakfast worthy of two such rich and eligible gentlemen.
Because of their excitement, the Bennet sisters found it difficult to settle for the night. They gathered for a while in the bedroom that Elizabeth and Jane shared.
“I believe Father’s recent ill health has made him look at things a bit differently,” said Elizabeth. “He is feeling guilty for his lack of attention to the family.”
“Indeed,” added Jane. “He apologized for allowing the family’s behavior to scare away Mr. Bingley and his family and the pain that caused me.”
Mary spoke next. “I have certainly never been more surprised in my life than I was at what he said to me earlier today.”
Her feelings on the matter were evident on her face and induced Elizabeth to ask, “Do you wish to tell us about it?”
Mary did so, followed by Kitty and Lydia. Jane and Elizabeth were each impressed with the fact that her sisters could take their father’s words to heart and desire to live up to the expectations he had spoken about with them. Finally, after they had each talked of their experience, they were able to find a peaceful night’s sleep.
