After the celebration died down, Mr Darcy and Mr Bennet stated their intentions to those assembled to discuss some private matters. As they made their way to Mr Gardiner’s library, Lord Colton took his friend aside.
“Is Richard at your house or his parent’s?”
“He is at Darcy House. When his parents are at Elderton, and I am in town… he resides with me.”
Lord Colton also had a look of glee on his countenance as he asked his questions, “Do you believe I would be able to find him there now?”
“Yes, I remember him telling me yesterday he was not required at headquarters today.” Darcy chuckled as he said, “He is even more indolent than you are when he has no obligations. He was not yet downstairs when I left for Blessing House. What are you planning Jon?”
“His presence would be helpful when I talk to Wickham.”
Darcy looked concerned at their mission. “Are you certain you do not want me to accompany you?”
“No, go have your meeting. Persuade Mr Bennet of the need for a double wedding. Just so you know, the agreement I concluded with him was that the wedding would take place in a fortnight… here in London. Will that be satisfactory for your needs?”
“Needs… now let me think… no, my needs would have preferred today. Of course, my bride is missing and has not yet been consulted as to my plans.” Once again, the usually solemn Darcy laughed nervously at his thoughts. “And Mr Bennet would surely be suspicious of my desire for such a speedy wedding.”
After shaking the hand of Lord Colton and wishing him great success with Wickham, Darcy joined the older man in the library. Mr Bennet locked the door and the two sat in the comfortable reading chairs flanking the fireplace. Darcy sighed as he thought of the task ahead. Determining he should amend his confession before he broached the subject of a double wedding, he decided the best way to begin this touchy topic was to open his mouth and just let his words fall where they may. “Sir, I believe Lord Colton told you of his aunt’s establishment.”
“He did. You have been a patron since when?”
“My father took me there shortly after my sixteenth birthday. My last visit as a customer was a little over a year ago—before I met your daughter.”
“You say your last visit as a customer. What is the meaning of that phrase?”
“Mrs Teasedale—ummmm, Lord Colton’s aunt—Lady Sarah is the acquaintance who helped me find Lydia. Wickham’s accomplice was in the business of selling young women she met in church to brothels in the city. One of Mrs T’s business acquaintances recognized Mrs Younge’s name and gave me the address of her boarding house. It shames me to say, I was fooled into hiring this woman as a companion for my sister. It was she who gave Wickham access to Georgiana. Mrs Younge obviously went into the procurement business, once I dismissed her without references. I hope Lord Colton made it clear that his aunt did not engage in such practices as buying women.”
Mr Bennet nodded, and Darcy continued his confession. “It is important to me that you be assured that once I became enamoured of your daughter, I resolved I would never be a patron again. It seemed to defeat the purpose of why my father took me there in the first place.”
Mr Bennet’s eyes sparkled with something akin to mischief. “Tell me his reasons. I am intrigued. Of course, not having sons, I was not required to deal with a young man’s desire for female companionship. My own initiation was totally unplanned and unprepared.”
“His reasons I believe were three-fold. At the time, he spoke to me of the importance of a wife’s enjoyment of her physical obligations to a successful marriage. Consequently, he stressed how important it was for me to be educated in the ways of pleasing a woman. His views on marriage were quite modern… he believed love… not money, status, bloodlines or connections… to be the basis for a satisfying union. His message was mixed by the realities of his own marriage. He did indeed marry an earl’s daughter with a hefty dowry. Nonetheless, his goal was to make me capable of sustaining a partnership based on love. You will probably think my words disingenuous, and perhaps a bit self-serving; but I believe he took me to Mrs Teasewell’s as a way to honour the deep feelings and passion he felt for my mother. Over and over, he stressed his desire for me to be as happy as he had been.”
Darcy noticed not scepticism, but what he judged to be remorse on Mr Bennet’s countenance. He hoped the man beside him would be able to accept his words in the spirit he was giving them, and not take his confession to be an indictment of his own failure as a husband. “Another reason to which he alluded—but never said outright—was to give me a respectable outlet for my physical needs. From the time I was very young, he had given me good principles and lectured me on his expectations for my conduct toward others. In everything I was to be honourable. Dallying with some young woman—whether she be a gentleman or a shop keeper’s daughter or a servant—was deemed to be immoral and unethical.”
Darcy coloured as he imagined dallying with Elizabeth. Luckily, Mr Bennet was not focussing on him, but on anything else, in what appeared to be avoidance. “His final reason was never even hinted, but I have deduced it over the years. Protecting me from the pressures of youthful ardour that might precipitate a marriage in haste… a marriage that was less than ideal… was I believe his unspoken goal.”
Mr Bennet stared into the first fire of autumn, necessitated by the day’s nip. Darcy wondered whether it was the heat emanating from the grate that caused him to perspire. Maybe, it was listening to a son’s loving explanation of his parent’s devotion that fuelled mortification
“When I met your daughter I was immediately drawn to her, but my pride prevented me from admitting she was the one. I fell back on the time-honoured prejudices of my class… and thoughts about marriage that had a great deal more in common with buying a horse than I care to admit. Once I was back at Pemberley, constantly reminded of the love my parents shared, I realized what a fool I had been.”
Thomas Bennet responded thoughtfully, “Mr Darcy, I appreciate your candour. Not only are many marriages much like buying a horse, but also so many have money or property at their root that they share much in common with transactions in a brothel. I admire you and your father’s sentiments about marriage. I believe Lord Colton’s parents gave him a similar legacy.”
“Yes, I learned that this morning.” Darcy cleared his throat in preparation for his final request. “The other reason I wanted to meet with you involves Lord Colton and Miss Lydia’s wedding. I would like your permission to wed Elizabeth at the same time they marry. While there is no dire need to wed Elizabeth speedily to kill any grapes of gossip on the vine, but as you know our path to matrimony has been marred by many misunderstandings… mostly mine. To be entirely candid, I am tired of waiting, and would like to encourage you to bring your entire family to London and have a joyous celebration for two of your daughters. My hope is that once you are back in Hertfordshire the talk will be of your daughters’ weddings, and not Miss Lydia’s folly.”
“Have you talked of this with Elizabeth?”
“No, of course not. After I proposed at Pemberley, our plan was for me to travel to Hertfordshire immediately after her trip with the Gardiner’s ended. I was to ask your permission, and our hope was to be married within a month. A double wedding in a fortnight… Lord Colton told me of your agreement… would fit in with our original plans.”
Mr Bennet adopted his usual sardonic countenance, looking as though he meant to probe for improprieties. But then he slipped back into a neutral gaze. “I thought perhaps you might have written her… but no, Lydia’s proposal was only today. Your thoughts on stemming the tide of malicious gossip in Meryton, are probably well advised. Mrs Bennet will most likely dislike not being allowed to flaunt you and the viscount as the prodigious bridegrooms her daughters have acquired.” With those words Darcy let out a barely perceptible sigh. “Perhaps you and Lord Colton could travel into Hertfordshire after the wedding, to allow her to show off a bit.”
Darcy’s mouth took a tilt upward as he nodded his assent. His real goal was to get back to Pemberley with Elizabeth, but a slight detour to Hertfordshire could be survived. At this moment, it seemed to him that with Lizzy at his side he could survive most anything. “Your plan sounds a good compromise. Of course, Elizabeth is the true determining factor with regards a double wedding.”
“I will write to my family immediately to encourage them to travel to London as soon as possible. Perhaps you would like to enclose some words of preparation for Elizabeth. Could you be ready in an hour?”
Darcy had passed his first hurdle. His smile was broad and genuine when he replied. “I most certainly could.”
George Wickham was told he had two visitors, and brought to a windowless room with a table and benches. Colonel Fitzwilliam was sitting on one of the benches with a supercilious grin on his face. The other man looked vaguely familiar, but Wickham could not recall his name. The man was huge… as tall as Darcy, but his frame was much larger. The bulge of muscles as he stood with his arms crossed in front, seemed about to burst out of his coat. Wickham, who was not a small man, felt insignificant in the presence of this tree trunk of a man. All in all, Wickham believed he was there to intimidate.
The man was smiling broadly as he spoke for the first time. His voice was a rich deep baritone. “Mr Wickham, I am the Viscount Colton. I am here to make a settlement with you with regard Miss Lydia Bennet. You will not be required to marry her, but you will be required to leave the country.”
Upon hearing the man’s name he realized he was the eldest son and heir of the Earl of Blessing. He had once observed the man and his brother in the ring at Cambridge. Both had been expert pugilists. The brother had defeated Lord Colton after ten minutes. He wondered why a viscount had become involved in solving the problem of the Bennet chit’s ruination. He decided to chat before they laid out their proposal and he countered with his requirements. “Sir, I saw you and your brother box when I was at school. How is your brother? I had several classes with him. His name, I believe, was Lawrence… yes, Mr Lawrence Holmes. Does he still box?”
“My brother is the vicar who replaced my grandfather for the livings at both Blessing and Colton. He is now a fighter of a different kind. No more boxing, but instead he fights against sin. Were you not studying with the hopes of joining the clergy?” He removed his gloves and placed them atop his hat on the table. “But we have digressed from my mission. As I said, you must leave the country.”
“How do you propose to force me to do that?” Wickham felt it necessary to put forward a challenge.
Lord Colton continued to smile cheerfully. “Well, I thought you would prefer that to Marshalsea. Colonel Fitzwilliam said your debts of honour combined with what you owe tradesmen all over the country total in excess of three thousand pounds. That amount means you will most definitely die in Southwark.”
“But I owe you nothing. The courts will not listen to you. Besides Colonel Fitzwilliam said Darcy would pay them when I married Miss Lydia.”
“Oh please! Do you not think I could find someone to press your case? I believe the only reason no one has done so is because you have been wise enough to keep moving. Darcy is no longer interested in you. He has handed his share of your punishment to me. Now, do you really want to tangle with someone who will soon be a peer, and is already by your own admission an expert pugilist?” Lord Colton crossed his arms across his chest. Once again, the muscles in his arms bulged ominously as he looked with disdain at the lieutenant. “My word would be much more honoured by the courts than yours.”
Wickham looked thoroughly confused. In an attempt to keep his fear at bay, he kept his gaze at a steady smile. Lord Colton chuckled ominously. “What is your interest in Miss Lydia Bennet?”
This time the viscount narrowed his eyes and his smile seemed slightly more sinister to Wickham. “Less than two hours ago she agreed to marry me.”
Wickham unwisely settled on replying with the intent of engaging in some braggadocio and extortion. “Why you would want to marry the chit is beyond me. She is uncommonly silly. Besides, I was bored with her after only one time. Is your reason for ridding yourself of me—because I had her first? Do you fear losing face and your bride being gossiped about as used goods among the ton. Perhaps some hush money could keep everything a secret.”
Lord Colton met his opponent’s sneer with one of his own. “No, Mr Wickham, you do not understand. Where I would have preferred to be her first and only lover, loss of face has nothing to do with my desire to have you gone. I do not want her, and the colonel does not want his cousin, Miss Darcy, to ever have to see you again. You traumatized them both.”
“So, pay me ten thousand pounds and I will gladly leave.”
“I do not think you understand my animosity toward you, Mr Wickham. The real difficulty for me as Lydia’s future husband is repairing the damage you have wrought with your incredibly poor skills as a lover. I must now spend days dispensing kisses and caresses in order to persuade my beloved that attentions from me will not be as abhorrent as yours were. From what she has told me, you know nothing about how to please a woman. Luckily most times you climbed on top, you spilled your seed rather quickly… otherwise she probably would never let me come near her. She was particularly traumatized by those times when you were drunk. Her account of you pumping and pumping and pumping was so very descriptive. Poor man, you never seemed to find the right balance. You either released much too early or you took way too long… and your technique was atrocious.”
Lord Colton laughed with abandon at the vision he painted of Wickham in the throes of his poor performance. “I imagine you do not have to fight off the ladies looking for a repeat performance. When Lydia told me of you sweating atop her while she was wishing you dead, I must say the image struck me as quite humorous. I got another chuckle when she told me she did her best to ruin your ability to ever perform again. Yes, we had a good laugh at your expense when she told me about kneeing you.”
George Wickham sputtered but nothing articulate came from his mouth.
Lord Colton exhibited a broad smile that displayed many of his beautiful white teeth. He said, “I will give you fifty pounds and a ticket on a ship to Jamaica. Your other alternative, as I said earlier, is Marshalsea. You have twenty-four hours to decide.” With that he motioned to Richard and they left the room.
Once outside, Richard asked, “Did Miss Lydia truly describe what he was like?”
Lord Colton’s lip curled with contempt, and he practically spat out his reply. “No, she told me nothing. All I know is she revealed to Darcy it was uncomfortable. This cur is no mystery. He is like many men. They care nothing for the woman they are with. They climb on top and care only for their needs. I just had a tremendous desire to humiliate him. I believe I was successful. What say you?”
Richard laughed and agreed, “You did, indeed. You were so successful that I am unsure why you wanted me along.”
“One, you were needed to allow me access; and second, I needed someone to restrain me if I decided to beat him to death.”
“You chose poorly in me as your safeguard against violence. I believe had you chosen that path, I would have offered to hold him. We could have shared a gallows.”
Lord Colton laughed at his companion, “It is, indeed, fortuitous for both of us that I was able to restrain myself. Otherwise, I would not have been available to share a wedding day with your cousin. Besides, the sexual humiliation was much more pleasurable. I will, however, allow you the pleasure of receiving his agreement, and delivering the fifty pounds and ticket to Jamaica. My aunt has contacts that will be able to watch him and ensure he stays put.”
During the carriage ride back to Darcy House, Richard broached a topic he had been desirous to raise for some time with the viscount. “I met your sister Lady Eleanor last year at a ball. We had a very enjoyable conversation while we danced. I had hoped to call on her, but my duties pulled me away. Has she every mentioned meeting me?”
“Yes, I believe she did last spring. She thought you charming. She did not think your looks were your strong suit, but she appreciated that you were slightly taller than she and were… oh what was the phrase she used? It was quite descriptive. Now I remember… she said you were a lean, mean but humorous fighting machine.”
Richard laughed, “So, am I able to surmise from your answer that I made an impression on her? She is correct. I am not as handsome as Darcy, but I am often thought of as more charming, and I often make people laugh whether intentionally or not.
“What thought you of her?”
“She is quite beautiful, and very tall… taller than most men, and delightfully witty. Her features and hair remind me of those ubiquitous portraits one is inevitably stumbling across of Lady Hamilton by George Romney. Much can be said against Emma Hamilton, but no one is able to disparage her beauty… and your sister favours her greatly.”
Lord Colton was very curious about where Colonel Fitzwilliam was going with his interest in Lady Eleanor. Would he soon inquire as to her dowry? “What else did you perceive of her?”
“I enjoyed dancing with her, and there was much we found humorous that evening. Your entire family seems to enjoy laughter. I once attended a most enjoyable dinner party seated near your brother, the parson. I fail to recall what we both found so comical, but it is the laughter I remember from that evening, as well as my time with your sister. In addition, Lady Eleanor very favourably impressed me with her knowledge of military history. She had read Sun Tzu’s Art of War. I have thought of her often in the past year. Has she married, or has she become betrothed?”
“She has not. She is self-conscious about her height. All of the men that came calling last year were shorter than she. One, in particular, seemed to find great enjoyment in the notion of marrying; and I believe dominating a much larger woman. It was Lord Littleton who had that plan. I remember his name because it seemed so appropriate. He did not last long as a suitor, and she always referred to him as the ‘banty rooster’ when he was expected to call. Once, she told me she would rather join a convent than to have someone ‘crowing’ after each joining.”
Richard’s laughter came from deep within his belly. Once he had calmed himself, he said, “So is it your opinion, I might have a chance, if I renew my acquaintance at your wedding?”
“I believe you might. She will be attending events in town during the Little Season and staying at Blessing House.”
Elizabeth arose before dawn and walked to Oakham Mount. Before leaving she performed her ritual with the painting, the shawl and a prayer. She had added holding her locket and rubbing it during her prayer to the routine. Her words this morning had not been about the ruination of her family, but for help with making a decision about her own future. The necessity to be alone with her deliberation… away from all distractions had prompted her early morning sojourn.
Yesterday afternoon an express rider had arrived from London. He had delivered three letters. One was for Mrs Bennet, another for Lizzy from her father, and a third was written by Aunt Gardiner for Jane. Mrs Bennet had initially been quite loud in her response to the news of her daughter’s wedding. Her gleeful hysterics had continued as she prepared for a visit to her sister’s in Meryton. However, by suppertime she was oddly subdued. Lizzy’s sisters made a great deal of commotion both before and after the evening meal. Kitty seemed alternately jealous and euphoric. She walked around the house repeating, “Lydia is to be a countess” to everyone she encountered. Lizzy observed her telling her father’s Irish wolfhound, Beowulf, and Jane’s cats, Puss and Boots, of Lydia’s luck. Mary had diverted her feelings into playing one of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata’s. Lizzy believed it was the one dedicated to some countess he had loved, and surmised Kitty’s oft-repeated refrain had given impetus to Mary’s choice. Jane would look up often from her embroidery, and talk about the impending trip to London and her aunt’s request she stay and help with her cousins. Even more, she wanted to discuss the extraordinary news that Mr Bingley had entered into business with their uncle.
As usual with her walks at dawn, Beowulf accompanied her for protection. She had packed a basket with a crockery jug of tea, a couple of day-old buns, a mug, and a blanket. A blanket was spread, the jug uncorked and her mug filled. The dog was given one of the buns. As she watched the ball of butter sun rise above the misty pink horizon—the exact colour of Lady Anne’s shawl—she sipped the hot sweet tea, munched on the other bun and pondered her future. Once the spectacle was over, she took both of his letters out of her pocket to read, once again. Yesterday, Lizzy’s surprise had been great when she opened her father’s letter to find only a few short lines saying that Lydia was to be married in a fortnight and that the family must travel to London immediately to prepare. Inside her father’s letter was another letter from Will.
My Dearest Lizzy,
Your father has agreed to allow me to write a few lines. By now, you know your sister is to marry a long time acquaintance of mine—Jonathon Holmes—the Viscount Colton. This is not a marriage of convenience. Lord Colton is a good and amiable gentleman. I believe your sister will experience great joy as his wife. When I observe them together, they appear formed for each other—much as I feel we are perfectly suited. Their attraction was, indeed, sudden; but it does not in my mind diminish the inescapable certainty of their happiness. Better I had acted as quickly on my immediate enthrallment as Lord Colton did. We would be married. I am tired of waiting.
Your sister and Lord Colton are to be married in a fortnight at Saint James, here in London. I am writing to implore you to consider a double wedding with them. The timing of our nuptials would be very close to the month we promised as our goal that day in the cottage. Please, say yes. It is time we put all our misgivings behind us and seize the joy.
Your father has acquiesced to my request for a joining at the altar of the two couples, provided you agree. In preparation for the momentous event, he is requesting your entire family come to London for the ceremony and celebration. When Lydia returns to Meryton married to a viscount, I believe the gossip of her indiscretion will die, and be replaced by envious talk of her good fortune. As much as I dislike being the object of discussion, our marriage would further fuel that talk, and greatly change your family’s place in society.
As I wrote in my previous letter; I miss you, I need you, I dream of you, I want you. The most important truth is that I love you forever and all times. Please answer my prayer. Agree to meet me at the altar of Saint James in a fortnight.
Love,
Will
Elizabeth reread the previous letter that had been hidden in the painting. One paragraph in particular caused her to conclude that she would indeed meet him at Saint James.
We will speak of your letter when I arrive in Hertfordshire. The only thing, on which I will comment now, is to tell you I will never marry anyone but you. I said vows to you that day in the curricle. As far as I am concerned, we are married. We have formalities we must endure for propriety’s sake, but my commitment is forever. I distinctly remember saying to you that nothing but death would ever part us—that includes Wickham and a fifteen-year-old’s thoughtless folly.
The ruination wrought by Wickham was no more. Her fears of Will being loath to connect himself with her family had been unfounded, and it was time to ‘answer his prayer.’ As he said, they were already married, so their intimacy was not wrong. Only the formality of the service remained to be accomplished. Lizzy sighed with contentment, and the sound prompted Beowulf to lift and cock his head in response. She kissed his muzzle and said, “I will be meeting Mr Darcy in a fortnight at Saint James. What do you think about that?” The dog replied with a bark of approval.
Elizabeth made her way home. She needed to pack. Her sisters, her mother, and Mr and Mrs Phillips were to travel to town in two carriages the following day. As she walked, she contemplated the plans her father and Mr Darcy had arranged to accommodate the large party coming for the weddings. Mr and Mrs Bennet and Mr and Mrs Phillips would be housed at the Gardiners.’ The Bennet daughters would stay at Darcy House, with Georgiana and Mrs Annesley. There were plenty of maids available to take care of all the young women’s needs right through to the big day. In two days time, Lord Colton’s sister, Lady Eleanor, would join them. Most of the young ladies’ time would be spent visiting modistes to secure wedding clothes. Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, in the interest of propriety, would move across Grosvenor Square to Blessing House. Lord Colton’s father, his doctor and his brother were expected to arrive with Lady Eleanor. Elizabeth laughed at the thought of so many young women residing together, while a similar number of men would be situated across a small park.
Elizabeth joined her sisters and mother for breakfast. Her mother was animated again. “Lizzy, I must know whether there is to be a double wedding? If you are to wait, and marry here in Hertfordshire, I need to begin planning immediately.”
“Yes, Mama I have decided to agree to Mr Darcy’s request. Had he not left to rescue Lydia, we would have been marrying here in a fortnight… at least, that is what we agreed to when he proposed in Derbyshire.”
“I wish you had told me he had proposed, when you returned from Derbyshire. Reading your father’s letter was such a shock. I learned that two of my daughters would be marrying men of such prominence without any prior hint of either being a possibility. I assumed the best that could result from Lydia’s folly was a quick wedding to Mr Wickham—and lo and behold, I read that Lydia is marrying a viscount; and you have accepted, and your father has agreed, to a marriage with Mr Darcy. Until that moment, I believed you thought him arrogant and never looked at you except to find fault—at least you said that often enough.”
“Mama, I am so very sorry to have withheld the information of my acceptance, but I was fearful we would never be able to marry because of our family’s disgrace. I had freed him from any obligation before I left Derbyshire. He refused to accept my release. Instead, he became determined to save Lydia. His love seems to be more steadfast that I thought.”
“Your father writes that his love for you is stronger than he believed possible.” Mrs Bennet’s face was wreathed with such a peculiar look that Elizabeth knew not whether to believe her ears. “I am very proud Lizzy that you have won such a man. Ten thousand a year is nothing compared to constancy in the face of adversity. You are a lucky woman.”
On hearing her words, she determined that her mother’s reaction was very odd indeed, but Lizzy was not in a mood to probe her change in attitude toward marriage.
After breakfast everyone retired to their rooms to prepare for their journey the following morning. Elizabeth returned downstairs to gather some recently dried lavender from the cold room. She wanted to layer the sprigs between her gowns in her box. As she was passing through the front hall she observed a hired carriage pull up outside. She was dismayed to see that Mr Collins had arrived unannounced. Certain his visit would not be pleasant, she waited apprehensively for his entrance.
Elizabeth decided she would determine the reason for his arrival at their home. If he had come to see her father, she could send him on his way without having to disturb her mother’s or sisters’ preparation for their journey.
She showed him into the parlour, and asked him to be seated. “Mr Collins, what has brought you from Kent? Are you and Charlotte visiting her parents?”
“Yes. Well, no, I truly came to speak with your father on a matter of some gravity.”
“My father is in London. The entire family leaves tomorrow to join him.”
“My dear Cousin, I felt compelled as both your relation and a clergyman to condole with you on the grievous affliction under which the Bennet family now suffers. A letter from Hertfordshire informed me only a few days ago of the actions of Miss Lydia. Be assured, Miss Elizabeth, that Mrs Collins and myself sincerely sympathise with you and all your respectable family, in your present distress. Your humiliation must be of the bitterest kind, because it is a stain of a type that no time can remove. No arguments am I able to offer could alleviate so severe a misfortune… or that may comfort you under the circumstances.”
Elizabeth decided it would be humorous to hear her cousin out before sending him packing. She did not want to deprive herself the pleasure of allowing him to gloat over her family’s ruination, and watching his face as she told him of Lydia’s upcoming marriage to the Viscount Colton and her own to Mr Darcy. She smiled sympathetically at his words and he was encouraged to continue.
“The death of your sister would have been a blessing in comparison to this. And it is the more lamented, because there is reason to suppose, as my dear Charlotte informs me, that this licentiousness of behaviour in Miss Lydia has proceeded from a faulty degree of indulgence. However, I prefer to think that her own disposition must be naturally bad, or she could not be guilty of such a grievous indiscretion at so early an age.”
Elizabeth had almost allowed a smile to dispel the look of contrition on her face when he spoke of Lydia’s death being a blessing. How delightful it would be to tell this sanctimonious toad eater that Lydia was to one day be Lady Blessing, and would not be in any need of his or Charlotte’s sympathy for her plight. She was only half listening to his degrading words, when she saw her mother enter the parlour. Mr Collins was turned in such a way that he could not observe that part of room. Mrs Bennet put her finger to her lips to signal her daughter to not acknowledge her presence.
“Your family is to be grievously pitied. Lady Catherine and her daughter join me in this opinion. I have related the entire affair to both of them and they agree with me that this false step by Miss Lydia will be injurious to the fortunes of you and your other sisters. For who, as Lady Catherine herself condescendingly says, will connect themselves with such a family? This consideration leads me to reflect, with augmented satisfaction, on a certain event of last November. Had you accepted me, I would have been involved in all your sorrow and disgrace. If your father were here, I would advise him to throw off his unworthy child from his affections forever, and leave her to reap the fruits of her own heinous offence.”
For the first time his words caused her some apprehension. Lady Catherine should learn of their marriage from her nephew and not from her parson. Her realization was unfortunately too late, as her mother replied to the reverend.
Mrs Bennet stepped into Mr Collins line of vision as she spoke, “Sir, I am appalled that a member of the clergy would speak such unchristian words. My daughter is but fifteen, and you would have my husband abandon her with no protection to the vagaries of a harsh world. Before you dispensed your cruel advice, I had determined to tell you civilly that you need not concern yourself with my family’s sorrow and disgrace. However, I am now compelled to advise you to leave immediately. As long as my husband lives, this is not your property. I am the Mistress of Longbourn and insist you remove yourself from my house. However, before you go I would like to inform you, your wife, her parents, your patroness, Lady Catherine and her daughter, that my youngest child, Miss Lydia Bennet, will wed the Viscount Colton; and my second oldest daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, will marry Mr Darcy of Pemberley in less than a fortnight at Saint James in London.
Mrs Bennet took Elizabeth by the arm, and they left the startled parson alone in her parlour.
That evening Elizabeth was mulling over Mr Collins visit as she prepared for bed. Someone knocked and she was surprised to see her mother when she opened the door.
They sat together on her bed and Mrs Bennet took her daughter’s hand, “I am concerned there might not be another chance to speak to you about certain things before you marry. May I tell you of a husband’s expectations of a wife?”
Elizabeth nodded her agreement for her to continue. All day she had been thinking of her mother’s words at breakfast about constancy in the face of adversity and welcomed the chance to probe her as to their meaning.
“Among a wife’s duties is to be available for her husband’s pleasure. Mr Darcy will want to lie with you and you must submit. The act of joining may or may not be enjoyable for you. Even if it is not, your primary duty as a wife is to produce an heir. I was unsuccessful, and my fondest wish is that none of my daughters will face the disgrace of that particular failure.”
Elizabeth was distressed by her mother’s sense of inadequacy. She squeezed her hand in sympathy.
Her mother smiled in appreciation of her daughter’s compassion, “Mr Darcy is an important man who is used to being given his way by his acquaintances, tenants and staff. His expectations of you will be the same. Do you fear the physical relationship you will be required to have with your husband?”
Elizabeth was apprehensive of saying too much and making her mother suspicious of prior indulgences. She simply said, “No, Mama.”
“He is a very large person and you are petite, and that makes me concerned for your comfort. However, your father is impressed with the depth of his love for you, and he thinks him a compassionate man. I trust he will treat you gently.”
Elizabeth was glad for the chance to question her mother, “Mama, was it painful for you?”
Mrs Bennet blushed with the pointed question—then a smile stole across her visage and allowed her to answer. “No, your father was considerate of my needs. However, I have heard stories that not all men are. I am hopeful your Mr Darcy will not treat you as some of the married ladies of my acquaintance have described their husbands.”
While her mother was still warmed by pleasant memories, she asked her question. “Why did you and Papa wed? Did you fall in love?”
Her mother’s normal flustered demeanour returned, “We did… or at least I thought we loved each other… yes, he loved me. At the time, your father seemed not to be able to wait to wed.”
Mrs Bennet’s countenance softened with images of a happy time. “At seventeen, I was beautiful and comely and admired by most of the men in the neighbourhood. Your father was but two and twenty. His father had recently died, and he was in possession of Longbourn. To me he was a fine catch; and my heart fluttered when in his presence. His eyes followed me with such a look of longing. Marrying him just seemed the right thing to do.”
Strains of darker recollections stole across her face. “I believe his father had thought he should wait to marry until he was older, and he had always advised your father to marry a gentlemen’s daughter. When I think of the way we were, I realize we were not well suited. I have always enjoyed being in company, and your father prefers a solitary existence with his books. Like Lydia, I loved to dance. Courting me, required him to indulge, but once we were wed your father no longer felt the need.
A resigned look came to the fore. “Despite our different outlooks, had I been able to give him an heir, I do believe he would not have totally abandoned me in spirit. We could have continued to at least enjoy a satisfying physical relationship—but there had been too many times without passion in the hope of a male child.”
Elizabeth treasured the gift of truth her mother had bestowed. She hugged her and said, “Oh, Mama, please know that Mr Darcy and I share many interests in common. We have both thought a great deal about why we desire to marry. His proposal at Pemberley was his second. I refused his first in Kent, and that was his impetus to regulate his pride and make himself worthy of my affection. During the time we were apart, I also learned I had misjudged him and shed my prejudices with regards to his character. We are not marrying in haste.”
Both carriages stopped at the Gardiners’ house. Mr Darcy was waiting her arrival. He helped her out of the carriage, and she took his hand while bestowing a smile ripe with the answer to his prayers. She took his arm, as they walked inside to greet the gathered family and friends. The warmth of his body caused her to shiver, and her reaction elicited the trace of a seductive smirk from him.
Lydia ran to her when she entered the parlour with a hug so powerful it threatened her ability to breathe. While she had Elizabeth trapped in her embrace, she whispered in her ear, “Lizzy please tell me you have agreed to join me at Saint James. I must know even before you give Mr Darcy your answer.”
Elizabeth realized her sister’s ordeal had not curbed her exuberance. She replied, “I will be with you, dearest.”
Lydia’s sisters and mother were introduced to Lord Colton. Elizabeth felt in awe of such a powerful presence, and noticed that he laughed almost as often as Lydia giggled. Kitty was rendered speechless in the presence of this giant of a viscount. Mary’s reaction was the most peculiar. She smiled flirtatiously at her soon-to-be brother.
After about thirty minutes of greeting and congratulations, Will whispered to her. “Your father has given me permission to be alone with you for ten minutes, in order to receive your answer to my question about a double wedding.”
They walked to Mr Gardiner’s library casually speaking of her journey. Will locked the door behind them and they fell into each other’s arms. His mouth found hers, and their tongues became reacquainted with startling enthusiasm. This kiss was an urgent one, and it prompted him to grasp her bottom and pull her close. Elizabeth soon felt his arousal and moved her body in such a way as to rub against it. Her hands found their way inside his waistcoat in a desperate attempt to touch bare skin. When she felt him lift her gown, she smiled with the knowledge of the surprise waiting for him. As it dawned on him she was wearing nothing restrictive beneath, he laughed at the possibilities.
His urgency was evident as he bent her over her uncle’s desk. His lips began kissing her bare bottom. She mewed her enjoyment but wanted her part in dispensing caresses to prove the truth of her decision. She turned and sat on the edge of the desk. She pulled him close into the vee her legs made when she opened them. The fall of his trousers was before her. Quickly releasing his arousal, it presented itself at the perfect height. She began licking and kissing him until she heard moans of pleasure and tasted the salty anticipation that oozed out. Once again, she revelled in her power over this man she adored. Laying back, she pulled her skirt and chemise to her waist. “Take me quickly, Will, before my father comes to tell us we must return. Oh, and if you have not figured it out, I am saying yes.”
“You have made me very happy.” He stroked her opening until she was panting. He blew on her sex as though it was too hot to taste, sniffed his wet fingers before popping them into his mouth. Yum, yum, you taste and smell marvellous, Lizzy. Grasping her bottom with ferocity, he impaled her with one quick thrust. For the next several minutes they were lost in the rhythm of love. Her hands fought for stability using her uncle’s desk, backside lifting with each retreat in a plea for him to return. His thumb passed over her nub as a harbinger of each of his advances. The tightness of her release brought him near his own. She watched in amazement as he did something he had not done in the cottage. He pulled his handkerchief from his pocket and though convulsing with the beginnings of his climax, he withdrew from her, emptying his seed into the cloth.
Once calmed, they adjusted their clothes and appearance to hide the evidence of their activity. As they prepared to return to the parlour, she said, “Mr Darcy, I love how you poke me.”