It had been two days since Georgiana and Elizabeth’s safe return, and the party from Longbourn was preparing to depart the next morning. Elizabeth had tried numerous times over the past two days to convince her father that she and her sisters should be allowed to return to Oxford Cottage.
“No, Elizabeth,” said Mr. Bennet. “I cannot allow you to return to the cottage.” He came to sit beside his daughter in Netherfield’s library.
“But, I have not completed the challenge. To quit now would be to fail,” Elizabeth pleaded.
“You have proven you can run a household with a minimum of staff for more than a month. Although the time frame has altered, the challenge has been successfully met — more than met for you also took in guests which was not part of the original plan.”
“But the gardens. What shall become of the gardens? Who shall tend to them? Shall they just fall into neglect?”
“I shall allow you, with proper accompaniment, to return daily to tend to them, but you will not be residing at the cottage. Jeremiah’s recovery is still tenuous, and I cannot spare another servant–no, two servants as Millie is currently caring for her brother.” Mr. Bennet gave his daughter’s hand a pat and smiled at her with a twinkle in his eye. “You, my dear, will have another challenge to complete over the next three weeks. Is there not a wedding to plan? I am sure your mother will be requiring your assistance with those preparations.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “The wedding has been planned since the day before you allowed me to attend my first assembly.”
Mr. Bennet’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “You have planned your wedding?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “No, Papa, I have not planned my wedding. My mother has planned my wedding, Jane’s wedding, Mary’s wedding, and Kitty’s wedding. In fact, each year when we are taken to select our new gowns, she makes sure Madame Claire records our measurements as well as our selections for bridal clothes and our trousseau. She sent a note round to Madame’s before the assembly and work has already begun on my clothing.”
The twinkle in Mr. Bennet’s eye fairly danced as it always did when he was pleased with the cleverness of his wife. “But there is more than clothing required for a wedding.”
“Indeed, there is,” agreed Elizabeth. “Mama has given cook the receipts for the cake and the various food items for the wedding breakfast. The vicar has been made aware of the need for his services. Cleaning and decorating have already begun, and my trunks will be partially packed before we leave Netherfield for Longbourn on the morrow. While you were here worrying over my safety, my mother had the staff at Longbourn busy with preparations. My wedding shall require no more effort from me than to be present for fittings and to call on our neighbours.”
Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. “There is not a person in all of Hertfordshire that can plan a fete better than your mother.”
“Nay, in all of England, she has no equal.” Elizabeth laughed.
“True, true,” said her father. He eyed her for a moment before leaning forward once again and taking her hand. “You are prepared, Lizzy. A small cottage or a grand estate, you have all the skills necessary to succeed as the mistress of your own home. To own the truth, you will have a time of adjustment as is to be expected, but you are prepared and will succeed.”
“Do you really believe I am prepared?”
“Yes, my dear, I do. I could not have asked for a better student. And, Mr. Darcy has requested the use of Oxford Cottage as a home for the two of you while he is helping Mr. Bingley, so you shall have additional time to test your skills before you leave for Derbyshire.”
“Thank you, Papa.” Elizabeth kissed the hand that held hers.
Mr. Bennet cleared his throat and rose from his chair. “Shall we go see what the others are about? I have enjoyed the use of Mr. Bingley’s library, but I shall be glad to get back to my own.
“I might need to instruct the young man on the importance of a library, though I dare say it will do no good. Not keen to read, that one. But, I must try so I might have a tolerable place of refuge when I visit Jane; although, I expect she and her young man will soon find themselves following you and your Mr. Darcy to Derbyshire.”
Elizabeth linked her arm through her father’s. “Well, father, should you be unsuccessful in your attempt to build a proper library for Mr. Bingley, you may always find a comfortable chair and a glass of port at Pemberley. You have seen the library there, have you not? It alone would be inducement enough to marry Mr. Darcy.”
“What would be inducement enough to marry me?” Darcy, who stood in the doorway, raised an eyebrow in question and tried to affect a stern tone.
Mr. Bennet chuckled. “I shall leave you to explain yourself to the man, Elizabeth, but sir, the papers are signed, there shall be no crying off.” Mr. Bennet slapped the gentleman on the shoulder as he left the room.
“Elizabeth?” Darcy crossed his arms and glared at her. A look that would have been to better effect had there not been a slight smile to his mouth.
Elizabeth attempted to sound nonchalant in her reply. “We were speaking of libraries and how my father finds Mr. Bingley’s library to be in some need of attention.”
Darcy looked about the room. The walls were lined with shelves, but most sat empty. “I have said as much to Charles. It is a sorry excuse for a library.” He looked expectantly at Elizabeth, waiting for her to continue.
Elizabeth strolled over to one of the shelves which contained books and absently ran her finger along the spine of each one. “I promised my father there would always be a comfortable chair and a glass of port for him at Pemberley.”
“And?” Darcy took a step closer to her.
Elizabeth pulled out a book and began to open it. “And I asked if he had seen the library there.”
“And?” He took another step towards her.
“And I said it alone would be an inducement to marry you.” Elizabeth closed the book and tucked it back into place on the shelf.
Darcy now stood only an arm’s length behind her. He lowered his voice and said, “So you are marrying me for my books? All those wonderful things you said to me upon your acceptance of my offer were merely words to hide the true reason for your acceptance–my books? I did not know you had seen my library. But, there seem to be many things I have failed to learn of you, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth spun to face him, her eyes round with concern until she saw the upward curve of his lips and the twinkle in his eye. Playfully, she stepped to the next shelf to survey its occupants. “And what pray tell do you wish to know of me?”
“You will not deny the reason you wish to marry me is for my library?” Darcy chuckled.
Elizabeth turned from the shelf to face him. “It is a fine library, sir, but you did not properly attend to my comment. I said it would be an inducement to marry you. Would be not was. Would be implies a possibility — one of many. Pemberley itself would be an inducement for some to marry you. Your fortune would be an inducement. The fact that your uncle is the Earl of Matlock would be an inducement. Your fine looks would be an inducement. There are many possibilities of why one might choose to marry you.” Elizabeth raised an eyebrow.
Darcy laughed and led her to a chair. “You have made your point, Elizabeth. I trust none of those other inducements are a hidden reason for your acceptance?”
A faint rosy hue coloured Elizabeth’s cheeks, and she looked down before answering. “Perhaps your fine looks did play a small role.” She laughed at the look of shock upon his face. “I remember a very handsome young man entering Mr. Allen’s shop many years ago. I did not know who he was, but I did see him being ill-used because I was so occupied in watching him.
“Had I not been so captivated by his looks, I would have never seen the first glimpses of his fine character when he took the blame for destroying property when it appeared it was his fault. To have argued the point without proof or a witness would have only damaged his reputation and that of his father. I only learned who he — you — were after that. I then started listening to people speak of you whenever I would travel to Lambton with my aunt and uncle.
“And, once I learned that your uncle was Lord Matlock, I began to listen to him as well as Richard and Lawrence. When I told you that you were a man of great character, that you were the best of men, I knew it not only from my own observation of your actions but from the words I have heard spoken about you.”
Elizabeth smiled at Darcy, who had been stunned into silence by her declaration. “Imagine my delight when you introduced yourself to me that first day at Oxford Cottage.” Elizabeth’s face grew rosier, and she had to look away for a bit before being able to continue. “It was delightful to learn the young man, with whom I had been so smitten, had grown into the tolerably good looking gentleman who startled me and allowed me to tend his horse.”
“Tolerable?”
Elizabeth looked up at him through her lashes. “Did I not choose the correct word to describe you, sir? Would your pride be better assuaged had I used the word tempting?”
Darcy grabbed her by the arm before she could scoot away. She giggled as he pulled her close. “You, my dear,” he said tapping her on the nose, “are a minx — a beautiful, intelligent, minx.” Then he bent and kissed the tip of her nose before releasing her from his grip. “Now that my mind had been relieved of the worry that you merely accepted me for my books, I would like to speak to you of the reason I sought you here.” He took a seat on a settee and waited for her to join him.
“I have just spoken to Georgiana about returning to town with my aunt and uncle,” he began. “She was not best pleased. I blush to admit there was some whining and begging involved — not the behaviour I wish for her to display, but she is young and will learn.”
Elizabeth looked down at her hands which were clasped firmly in her lap. “I must admit there was some pleading involved when my father told me I was not going to be allowed to return to the cottage.” She glanced at him trying to gauge his reaction to such an admission. “I promise I did not whine. I merely presented my case for completion of the challenge,” she added quickly as she saw his eyebrows pull together.
Darcy sat silently mulling over this information in his mind.
Elizabeth felt the silence pressing down upon her until she finally felt she must fill it with some explanation. Perhaps if she were to explain the importance of the challenge, his displeasure would be lessened. “I thought to leave the cottage before the end of the time period set for the challenge would be to admit failure, and failure is not something I willingly accept.”
She saw his eyebrow raise and a smile tug at one corner of his mouth. “I was concerned the effort we had put into the gardens would be for naught. We — Mary, Jane, and I — had thought to distribute the proceeds of our gardens to those among the tenants who might benefit from it. I could not just walk away from those people.” Both of his eyebrows were raised now.
“And,” she hastened to continue, “Georgiana was just beginning to learn the routines of the cottage when we were so suddenly taken from it. I believe with a few more weeks of instruction, she would be quite capable of running a small household — she has a keen mind, and she was eager to assist, although that attitude may have been due to the novelty of the situation and may not have endured for the entirety of her stay. She may never need to complete any of the tasks she was learning for hers is a privileged life, but it was helping her to understand the full extent of the blessing she has in her status. It would give her a greater compassion for those who are less fortunate than herself and for those who she employs.”
Elizabeth drew a breath and made to continue speaking, but Darcy laid a finger on her lips. “You astound me. Other than the admission to being unwilling to admit defeat easily.,” a smile graced his face, ” your reasons for returning to the cottage are admirable. Pemberley is fortunate to be gaining such a mistress, and I am fortunate to be gaining such a lady for my wife.” He removed his finger from her lips.
“Now, to continue why I wished to speak with you. Georgiana will be returning to town, but I wish for her maid, Hannah, to remain here as your maid. I have instructed my housekeeper in London to select a new maid for Georgiana. I told her it made more sense to keep Hannah here and select a new maid for Georgiana rather than sending Hannah back and then sending another maid to Hertfordshire to attend my new wife.”
Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed slightly. “But that is not your only reason for assigning Hannah to me?”
Darcy’s face became quite serious. “No, it is not the only reason, but the real reason is not a topic which I wish to have shared with many people. I must ask you to forgive me should any of what I am about to share with you offend.” Darcy paused a moment, and Elizabeth reached over and squeezed his hand encouraging him to continue. “Hannah may be with child — Wickham’s child.”
Elizabeth gasped.
Darcy grabbed her hand and held it as he told her of Hannah being tricked into considering an offer of employment with Mrs. Younge’s sister and of the arranged meeting between Hannah and Wickham. “You can see why I wish for Hannah to remain in your care. I could not possibly expose Georgiana, at her tender age, to such information.”
“Poor, Hannah,” said Elizabeth. Tears had gathered at the edges of her eyes and threatened to spill down her cheeks. “To be so alone and deceived. I will gladly care for her, Fitzwilliam.”
“Your mother arranged for her to be seen discretely by the midwife, who, I have been assured, is not just skilled in caring for women who are increasing but is also knowledgeable in the signs of diseases related to such intimacies.”
Elizabeth’s mouth hung open. “You spoke to my mother…about… intimacies?” She stammered, her cheeks growing rosy.
Darcy nodded. “The midwife has not noted anything that should be of concern, but she would like to speak with you so you are best prepared to help Hannah. She says it is still too early to tell what damage might have been done.”
“You spoke to my mother and the midwife?”
Darcy nodded once again. Elizabeth’s face was pale, and she sank back in her chair. “Are you well? Can I get anything for your relief? Perhaps your mother’s salts?”
Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide and her cheeks flushed. Sitting up straight she said, “I am perfectly well. I just cannot imagine the conversation you must have had with my mother.”
Darcy chuckled softly. “You may not believe this, Elizabeth, but while we were here together at Netherfield, I have come to appreciate the woman that is your mother. You are, in some ways, very much like her.”
“You did not just say I am like my mother.” Elizabeth flew to her feet in indignation.
Darcy sank back in his chair enjoying watching Elizabeth grow agitated. He loved the way her cheeks grew rosy and her eyes flashed. “Once again, I find I am understanding your father and mother’s relationship better and better. There is something quite captivating about you when you are annoyed.”
Elizabeth placed her hands on her hips. “I am about to become exceedingly beautiful then if you do not explain how you feel I am like my mother.”
Darcy smiled at her. He was sure that she did not realize how her shoulders dropped back and other things came forward when she took such a stance, and he was not about to tell her. “You are always exceedingly beautiful, my dear.”
She cocked her head to one side and raised both brows.
“Allow me to explain. You and your mother share a sense of determination and a compassion of heart. You are both extremely loyal to and protective of those you love.”
Elizabeth relaxed her stance. “I will accept that comparison, Mr. Darcy,” she said curtly.
Darcy rose and pulled an unwilling Elizabeth into his embrace. “I will dare one more comparison. You and she are both as wise as you are kind.” He felt her relax against his chest.
Elizabeth peered up at him. “You are fortunate I am able to see reason more quickly than my mother, or I would not be so soon in forgiving you.” She pressed her ear against him as he chuckled. She loved how it rumbled through his chest and tickled her ear. She was also enjoying the soothing circles he was rubbing on her upper back and the small kisses he was pressing against her hair. She was sure she could endure a great deal of agitation if this was the end result.
The library door squeaked softly on its hinges and Elizabeth quickly stepped away from Darcy.
“Pardon me, sir. I was told you wished to see me.” Hannah trembled slightly as she stood before Mr. Darcy.
“Yes, Hannah, I did wish to see you. Please, come in and have a seat.”
Elizabeth moved forward and placed an arm around the frightened girl as she led her to a settee and sat beside her. “All will be well,” she whispered to Hannah.
“Miss Darcy will be returning to town with Lord and Lady Matlock on the morrow, but you will not be travelling with her.” He heard a small gasp from Hannah and noted the colour drain from her face. He hurried to continue his explanation. “You shall not be travelling with her for you will be needed here. Miss Elizabeth will be in need of a maid when she becomes Mrs. Darcy, and I wish for you to fill that role starting now.”
“Yes, sir,” said Hannah. “Sir?” Hannah waited until she received a nod to indicate she should continue. “Have you told Miss Elizabeth about Mr. Wickham?” Her colour had flooded back into her face with a fierce intensity.
“Yes, I have. I think being in her care is for the best. I can think of no one I would trust more to deal with any eventuality in a discreet fashion. No one else ever need know what has happened to you here in Meryton unless you choose to tell them.”
“What of Mr. Wickham?” asked Hannah. “Will he tell anyone? Would not he like to spread about that he had his way with one of your maids? Would that not bring shame to your house?”
“Neither Mr. Wickham nor Mrs. Younge will be spreading rumours — at least not in England. I do not know the full details, but they as well as the other two men who took part in the abduction of Miss Elizabeth and Miss Darcy will be setting sail soon to Van Diemen’s Land. They shall not be allowed to return to England — one of the men for whom Colonel Fitzwilliam works has guaranteed it. Although many would prefer the hangman’s noose for them, there are other concerns to which we are not privy which must be considered, and so they all must be disposed of carefully. I have asked Mr. Wickham be given a thorough examination and the doctors report that, at present, he bears no marking of disease. The midwife will still be attending you on a regular basis until we know for certain you are neither increasing nor in danger of falling ill.” Once again he knelt beside her as he had on that first day they had spoken of Mr. Wickham. “Whatever the outcome, you shall not want for care or position, but you must promise me that you will tell Miss Elizabeth if you should notice anything which worries you. Will you promise me this, Hannah?”
Hannah looked first to Mr. Darcy and then to Miss Elizabeth. Tears pricked her eyes. Never had she felt so loved, and to have that love coming from her betters, from those for whom she worked was most overwhelming. She knew she would do whatever she was asked to maintain a position within such a household. “Yes, Mr. Darcy, I promise to speak to Miss Elizabeth should anything worry me.”
Darcy stood and straightened his coat. “Very good, Hannah. I believe since you will be in charge of Miss Elizabeth’s things, you may wish to see to their packing?”
Hannah stood and gave a quick curtsey. She took two steps toward the door before turning to face her employers once more. “I must ask your forgiveness for listening to Mrs. Younge.” Tears slid down her cheeks.
“She deceived us all,” said Darcy. “If anyone should be seeking forgiveness, it is I. Had I not hired her, you would not have been deceived, Jeremiah would not have been injured, and Miss Darcy and Miss Elizabeth would not have abducted.” His shoulders sank a little further with each consequence he listed.
“No,” said Elizabeth. “Neither of you are responsible for that woman’s actions. The only one who needs to plead forgiveness is Mrs. Younge.” Elizabeth pressed a handkerchief into Hannah’s hand. “What is done, is done. What is not done is my packing.” She gave Hannah a smile and received a curtsey in reply. “I shall come to assist you in a few minutes,” she called after Hannah.
“You, sir, must not take the whole weight of the world upon your shoulders. Neither I nor my sisters found any reason to doubt Mrs. Younge. She was well-practiced in deceit.” Elizabeth twined her arms about Darcy’s neck. “I believe the one person, who had any idea of her true character, has justly felt the weight of his decision. I am sure the ordeal we have all been through was not easy for Richard.”
“How did you know that Richard knew about Mrs. Younge?” asked Darcy.
“Have you not learned by now, Mr Darcy, that you cannot hide information from me?” Elizabeth laughed. “I am sure if you put your mind to our conversation, you will realize where you told me.” She gave him a quick kiss and headed off to help Hannah with her packing.