Formed for Each Other
A walk that morning had seemed like just the thing to Elizabeth, though those she counted her friends would roll their eyes and remind her that walks were always “just the thing.” Elizabeth could not argue, for it was nothing less than the truth. Be that as it may, it was too cold to venture further from the house than the formal gardens. Lady Catherine, it seemed, preferred to direct nature to her whim, as she had left for little to chance. It was still beautiful even if Elizabeth preferred the true wonders of life, and even if the blooms were absent and a thin layer of frost and snow covered the whole of it.
What she had not expected to see was Mr. Darcy, striding toward her like some god of Greek antiquity made flesh. The way he regarded her, the passion washing over her as his eyes caressed her form, weakened her knees with love for him. The gentleman did not stop his advance, his long stride taking him within the circle of her love and sweeping her up in his arms. There, cherished as she had never felt before, Elizabeth hoped he would never let go, that they would never again be parted.
“Oh, how I have missed you, my Elizabeth,” the husky words echoed in her ears as she returned his embrace with an equal measure of need. Then the gentleman lowered his lips to hers and kissed her.
The passion between them flared with the touch and burned out a moment later, so intense had it been. Elizabeth had never been kissed before, had never experienced this bliss with a man. And she never would with another man, she realized, for Mr. Darcy would always hold her love, her passion, her heart in the palm of his hand.
“Perhaps we should not be so hasty, sir,” murmured Elizabeth when the gentleman pulled back a little. “If this is the form our reunion shall take, perhaps we should arrange for a few from time to time.”
Mr. Darcy’s smoldering gaze found her, and he gave her a roguish grin. “I believe this is just the beginning, Miss Bennet.”
“If there be more, I do not know how I can survive it.”
“Then we shall perish together. I cannot think of a better way to end than to be with you when the inevitable moment arrives.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I believe we have become a little macabre, Mr. Darcy. We should not be speaking of such things for many years to come!”
“If my mother were to see you, that end might come more quickly than you think.”
Like a pair of guilty children caught in the molasses, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy sprang apart at the sound of the voice. It was Anne, who stood not far distant, watching them, diverted with what she was seeing, though Elizabeth could also see a hint of satisfaction.
“You are fortunate it was I who found you,” continued she, her conversational tone belying the grin with which she regarded them. “If I might make a suggestion, should you not take your reunion to a more private location?”
“You are taking far too much enjoyment in this, Anne,” said Mr. Darcy, though Elizabeth knew he was not displeased. “I might almost accuse you of spending too much time in Fitzwilliam’s company.”
Anne raised her hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle. “If Fitzwilliam were here, you know this would be a pale echo of the teasing to which he would subject you, for he is so much more accomplished at it than I.
“Now, I believe the little parlor is empty. Perhaps if you go there, you will remain undisturbed, though I shall insist you leave the door ajar.” Anne regarded them imperiously, her voice imitating Lady Catherine as she added: “I am excessively attentive to all such things!”
Though they laughed at her jest, Elizabeth noted Mr. Darcy did not hesitate to grasp her hand and pull her toward the house. The sound of Anne’s laughter followed them as they entered and quickly found the room to which she had referred. Such wonderful people with whom she had fallen in, mused Elizabeth—Anne had become an excellent friend, a confidante the likes she would not have expected to find. There were depths to Anne de Bourgh that Elizabeth was certain even her mother did not know existed!
“I had not known when to expect you, sir,” said Elizabeth when they reached the room. “Either you did not inform your aunt of your plans or she kept the details from me for some mischievous reason of her own.”
Mr. Darcy chuckled and shook his head. “Until yesterday, I had not known my plans for certain myself. When I settled on what I was to do, it seemed a little late to send word.”
“Your aunt will not protest,” said Elizabeth. “And Mr. Collins would not object to the nephew of his great patroness gracing his humble home at any time convenient!”
The gentleman’s response was a grimace as Elizabeth had known it would be. Mr. Collins, she had decided, was a good enough sort of man; he was also a sycophant from his head to his toes and was, at times, difficult to bear. Elizabeth knew that Mr. Darcy, when he was in Kent, spent as little time at the parsonage as he could manage, and she was not the only reason for his preference for Rosings.
“There are a few things of which I must inform you,” said Mr. Darcy as they sat on a sofa close together.
Nodding, Elizabeth ventured: “Did you happen to see Mr. Bingley in town? Jane has written several times, and she can speak of little other than the ardency of her suitor.”
“Yes, I saw Bingley only yesterday,” replied Mr. Darcy. “It appears the courtship has been proceeding well, at least to hear Bingley speak of it. Other than myself, I have never seen another man so deep in the waters of love.”
Elizabeth grinned at his admission. “Then he is a match for Jane, as I am a match for you. Jane is impatient for a proposal, and I have never known my sister to be impatient for anything!”
“I suspect she will not wait long.” Mr. Darcy paused and ventured: “Related to Mr. Bingley is the subject of the man’s sister.”
“Is she still bedeviling the Hursts?” asked Elizabeth with distaste, aware of how Miss Bingley had refused to leave London.
It was the one concern she had about Mr. Bingley, for the man did not seem capable of controlling his sister. If they should marry, would Miss Bingley forever rule over them? Much as Elizabeth esteemed Mr. Bingley, she did not wish Jane to end in a situation where she must forever contend with her husband’s sister for supremacy over her own home.
“Then the news I bring will ease your concerns,” said Mr. Darcy. “Miss Bingley has left London; I doubt she will return for some time.”
Interested in this intelligence, Elizabeth listened to Mr. Darcy’s account of his conversation with Mr. Bingley and the consequences for the man’s sister. When Mr. Darcy finished speaking, Elizabeth nodded and sighed in relief.
“Do you suppose Mr. Bingley will follow through with his threat of betrothing her to this man of whom he spoke?”
“I suspect he will. Bingley has changed these past months, his continued trouble with his sister being the catalyst for his transformation. Hurst was also a part of these dealings, I believe, for it was his house that Miss Bingley disrupted. Though I am certain you understand Hurst is a weak-willed man, one who focuses on his vices to the exclusion of all else, I suspect Miss Bingley’s behavior has changed him as well.”
“And will Miss Bingley be browbeaten into accepting her brother’s ultimatum?”
Mr. Darcy shrugged. “She may refuse. If she does, Bingley will wash his hands of her and release her dowry, and without my patronage in town, she will quickly become a persona non grata. Even with twenty-thousand pounds, she will not have the resources to live in any style in London, which circumstance will force her to remain in the north. At that point, whatever she does is none of my concern, and Bingley has vowed that she will make her own way in life.”
“Then I applaud him for his fortitude. His lack of action with respect to his sister has concerned me.”
“I have been worried too,” replied Mr. Darcy. “As your sister will become my sister, her concerns also become mine. Bingley’s emerging fortitude bodes well for her future happiness.”
Smiling with affection, Elizabeth raised her hand and cupped the gentleman’s cheek. “That you have taken my family’s concerns upon yourself is a balm to my soul, Mr. Darcy; I thank you for it.”
“I could do nothing less,” replied he, catching her hand in his and kissing it.
Then his demeanor turned serious again. “Our efforts to uncover the source of the rumors in Hertfordshire have been, I am sad to say, a failure.”
Elizabeth shook her head and said: “Do not concern yourself on that score, Mr. Darcy. I have become quite reconciled to it. My father has informed me that the most salacious of the talk has ceased. It is nothing to me, however; I do not think we should waste any further time on the subject.”
“I cannot agree more.” Mr. Darcy raised her hand to his lips again and said: “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I find I cannot live without you. Will you marry me and make me the happiest of men?”
Unable to help the laughter that burst forth from her breast, Elizabeth attempted a mock glare and said: “That is a rather succinct proposal, is it not? Should I not expect to receive a prepared speech, illuminating my virtues and extolling my faults as more virtues?”
“Do you require that? I am a succinct sort of man, Miss Bennet, and not one given to flowery speeches. My feelings, which are overflowing with love for you, are more important than some ritualistic creed or need to flatter you.”
“No, Mr. Darcy,” replied Elizabeth happily. “I do not require more. I am honored to receive your assurances and pledge myself to you, though I will note that I would have said yes months ago if you had only come to the point then.”
“Thank you, Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy, eyes misty with emotion. “You have made me the happiest of men today. We shall face the world together, trusting in our love and devotion, rendering any naysayers silly by the force of our dedication to each other.”
It was, Elizabeth decided, an auspicious beginning to the next phase of their journey together. Things had seemed at their worst when she left Hertfordshire, but it truly was darkest before the dawn. The day to come promised to be bright and cheery, full of love and devotion for the rest of their lives.
At length, Darcy guided Elizabeth from the room to the main sitting-room where his aunt preferred to hold court, his heart bursting with love for this woman. He was an engaged man! A part of Darcy had wondered if it would ever happen, given their trials of the previous weeks. What bliss was this, now to be assured of her love forever!
As soon as they entered the room, the eyes of his relations fell upon them and their quiet conversation ceased. Anne already suspected what had occurred since they had left her in the garden, and whether she had shared her suspicions with her mother, Lady Catherine appeared equally well informed. Thus, knowing there was no need to obfuscate, and wishing to shout his joy so that all could hear, Darcy lost no time in proving their suspicions.
“I should like to announce that Miss Bennet has done me the singular honor of accepting my offer of marriage.”
Anne squealed, a sound Darcy had never heard from his reserved cousin, and while Lady Catherine appeared a little wistful, she nodded as if she had expected it. “I should not have called it a secret, Darcy, especially when you came to Rosings unexpectedly and did not bother to greet your aunt. I discovered your presence from my daughter, who, I have no doubt, is engaged in covering up some measure of impropriety.”
The way she regarded them suggested that Lady Catherine was not ignorant of their greeting in the garden, though the lady’s apparent jollity surprised Darcy. He had never known Lady Catherine to behave in such a manner.
With this bit of levity, the lady and her daughter offered their congratulations, and they sat down to discuss the situation. A large part of their discussions consisted of recent events and their plans for the future.
“Though perhaps it is a little precipitous, considering your recent engagement,” said Lady Catherine, “it would be prudent to consider your wishes for the future. I am interested to know about your opinion concerning the wedding, and more specifically, the venue.”
Miss Bennet—Elizabeth, as he was now at liberty to call her—frowned. “It is not a matter I have given much thought.”
“Unsurprising, considering you accepted a proposal less than thirty minutes ago,” was Lady Catherine’s gentle reply. “You need not answer now if you are not ready, but it is something you should consider.”
Though distracted, Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, I can see that. At present, I do not know what I should do, though I do not believe I wish to marry in Meryton.” She paused and glanced at them, a blush staining her cheeks. “Given the behavior of my former friends, I do not wish to dignify my wedding day by marrying where they may witness.”
With a sigh, Lady Catherine nodded and said: “That is not a surprise; I suspected you might feel that way.”
“Pemberley is an option,” said Darcy. “As is Mr. Gardiner’s parish in London, if Elizabeth were to establish residence there.”
“As would Hunsford,” noted Lady Catherine. “You have already been here long enough to be considered a resident of this parish, and Mr. Collins would be pleased to officiate.”
No doubt he would, thought Darcy with some exasperated amusement. Going to the parsonage again when he was required to leave Elizabeth’s side was not exactly palatable, though he knew there was no choice if he wished to remain near her.
“It would likely be best if I purchased a common license,” said Darcy. “Then we may marry at a time and place of our choosing.”
“That would be for the best,” agreed Lady Catherine.
Darcy nodded and turned to Elizabeth. “There is time yet to decide. I am happy with whatever arrangements you prefer, for as long as we are joined together, it will be sufficient for me.”
With a nod and a smile, Elizabeth indicated her indifference concerning the exact nature of their nuptials and they moved on to another topic. They sat for some time, speaking of other matters, from the subject of the rumors and their continued ignorance of their genesis to more recent events. Lady Catherine was particularly satisfied with the news of Miss Bingley’s departure for the north.
“It is nothing less than she deserves,” said the lady, disdain dripping from her tone. “I have rarely met such an objectionable young woman as Miss Bingley, for she is quite high in the instep, far more so than many other ladies I have known who have more reason to be so. And she the daughter of a tradesman!”
Darcy exchanged a glance with Elizabeth, noting from her grin that her thoughts mirrored Darcy’s. While Lady Catherine had been no less than gracious toward Elizabeth and, to a lesser extent, her family, she was, at heart, the same lady she had always been. If they allowed it, Darcy was certain she would control the arrangements for their wedding breakfast, make plans for their wedding trip, and personally see them before the altar!
“I hope that divested of his sister Mr. Bingley will be a worthy addition to the family. Though his background is unfortunate, his current position and future as a landowner will render him acceptable. His connection to our family will also assist him in society, I should say; it would have assisted his sister too, had she possessed any sense.”
“Bingley is an excellent fellow,” replied Darcy. “As a man, separate from his background, I cannot imagine how anyone would disapprove of him.”
Lady Catherine nodded. “Then perhaps we should give some thought to assisting Miss Bennet as I have Elizabeth. Though it is clear she is capable, she too will enter waters she has never experienced.”
As Lady Catherine had directed the comment toward Elizabeth, Darcy turned to look at her to determine her feelings on the subject. As he had expected, she was ambivalent to the matter, for though she wished to be in her sister’s company again, she did not doubt as to her sister’s ability to make herself agreeable in London. Together they indicated to Lady Catherine that the notion was acceptable and changed the subject.
After a time of speaking, Darcy noted it was mid-afternoon and thought he had better see to his quarters for his stay. “I shall return for dinner, but for now, I suppose I must go to the parsonage, for Mr. Collins was not expecting me any more than you did.”
“Please pass on a note to Mr. Collins that he is welcome to join us for dinner tonight,” said Lady Catherine. “As he is family to Elizabeth, he will wish to celebrate with us.”
Though Darcy could do without the parson’s company, he readily promised to inform Mr. Collins, after which he rose to depart. Elizabeth needed no persuasion to see him to the door, much to the continued delight of his relations.
“You have been comfortable here at Rosings?” asked Darcy as they made their way toward the entrance.
“I have,” replied Elizabeth, smiling at the fact that Darcy had asked this question every time he had seen her since her arrival. “Your aunt and cousin have been unstinting in their welcome. Though your uncle still opposes us, I am gratified your aunt and cousin have accepted me with such warmth.”
“And do not forget Fitzwilliam and Charity,” added Darcy. “When I last spoke to Charity, she was eager to continue your acquaintance. It will not surprise me if she makes her way here at some time or another, whether or not Lady Catherine extends an invitation!”
“And I should dearly love to see Charity too.”
The quiet voice with which she responded told Darcy she was thinking of those members who had not accepted her yet. Though certain facets of that situation still annoyed Darcy, he could not leave her thinking she would see nothing but opposition from the rest of his relations.
“Do not concern yourself, Elizabeth. The earl, while he may not be warm, will at least be civil, for he will not wish for a split in the family. And though I have no direct confirmation, I suspect Lady Susan is already supportive of you.”
“What of Rachel and the viscount?”
Darcy paused and thought for a moment. “Rachel has always been slower to warm to others; in that respect, she is much like me. In the end, though I suspect she will not be as warm as her sister, she will not protest. As for the viscount, he is much like his brother in temperament, though not as open. He too is cognizant of his status and jealous of protecting it, but I do not suppose he will object. You will see when you have made his acquaintance.”
While she did not voice a response, she nodded to show her understanding. A moment later they reached the front door and Darcy turned to regard her.
“I shall settle into my room at the parsonage and return as soon as may be.” Then he paused, and a thought rendered that intention inadvisable. “Then again, I suppose I cannot simply show myself at the parsonage and depart immediately after. I must offer some civility to my host.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Do you not recall? Lady Catherine has invited Mr. Collins to dinner tonight. Should you mention it, I am certain Mr. Collins will hasten to Rosings as early as you like, if only to bask in your aunt’s presence.”
“Yes, I suppose you are correct,” replied Darcy, joining in her merriment. “Then I shall see you, hopefully soon.”
Hunsford was across the lane and down the road a short distance from Rosings, a distance Darcy could walk in less than ten minutes. As he had sent his carriage along with Snell to the parsonage, Darcy hastened along the road himself, eager to divest himself of his dusty clothes and suggest to Mr. Collins that they join his aunt early. As he had expected, Mr. Collins was waiting to greet him when he arrived.
“Mr. Darcy,” said he in his usually ingratiating tone, “how wonderful it is to have your presence again. I see you returned to Rosings first to see my fair cousin; do not suppose I am offended, for I understand how superior her company must be to mine. She is a veritable jewel among women.”
Though Darcy could not dispute any part of the parson’s words, he decided it may be best to avoid provoking him to additional raptures. Unfortunately, his next words did exactly that.
“Yes, I was all anticipation for seeing Miss Elizabeth again. In fact, I am pleased to inform you that I have proposed to your cousin and she has accepted me.”
An expression of delight came over the parson and he exclaimed: “That is excellent news, Mr. Darcy! I offer my felicitations and congratulations, for I do not think you could find a better partner in life than my fair cousin. She is more particularly suited to you, and I cannot imagine you ending anything other than deliriously happy when you return to your home with her on your arm. Well done, sir!”
“I could not agree more,” was Darcy’s quiet reply.
“In fact,” continued Mr. Collins, “I would ask for the same felicitations, as I am engaged to be married to Cousin Elizabeth’s close friend, Miss Lucas.”
“Yes, I was aware,” said Darcy, reflecting that Mr. Collins had told him several times, and he had heard the news from Elizabeth. “She appears to be an excellent woman, Mr. Collins. I am certain you shall be very happy.”
“Oh, indeed, I shall!” effused Mr. Collins.
Treated as he was to several minutes of Mr. Collins’s expressions of delight, Darcy allowed his mind to wander a little. Though Collins was not, of himself, an objectionable man, of his company a little went a long way. Elizabeth’s family was not all welcome as connections, Mr. Collins less so than several others, but Darcy knew the price of being connected to him was one he would pay one hundred times over to have Elizabeth as his wife.
“I shall change out of my traveling clothes,” said Darcy when Mr. Collins wound his exclamations down. “Lady Catherine has invited us both for dinner tonight. I hope you are at liberty to attend.”
“Of course!” cried Mr. Collins. “I should be delighted.”
And so, after Darcy changed, the two gentlemen returned to Rosings. For as Elizabeth had said, Mr. Collins was eager to be in Lady Catherine’s company as soon as may be. As this played into Darcy’s desires neatly, he had no objection whatsoever.