26. Chapter 26

June 23, 2014 – I think you will all be very pleased by the end of this chapter.

Chapter 26

The long-awaited letter from Jane arrived with the rest of the post Tuesday morning. Elizabeth was surprised and pleased to find a second letter from Mary. She decided to read Mary's first, saving Jane's for last.

Longbourn, Hertfordshire

Dear Elizabeth,

If you have not first read Jane's letter, please stop now and finish this after you have read what our dearest sister has to relay.

Mary

Elizabeth again was surprised by her sister but did as she was requested and picked up Jane's letter to peruse.

Longbourn, Hertfordshire

Dearest sister,

Papa received another letter from Mr. Bingley yesterday. I know, we all expected him to be back at Netherfield by now but his business has delayed him yet again. He did say that he would come to Netherfield from London on Monday. By the time you receive this he will be back in Hertfordshire! Oh Lizzy, I am so pleased he is finally to come. I must confess that I am anticipating meeting him again. I hardly know what to expect. I so wish you were here but Mary has proven herself a most pleasing companion in your absence. She has matured much since last November; she hardly seems to be the same person at all! She has promised to do her best to protect me from Mama at this time. Mama means well, but sometimes I wish she would just let things take their course naturally.

I do hope your time in Kent has been enjoyable. Georgiana will have been very anxious to see you again. How did you find Colonel Fitzwilliam? Is he what you expected? And what of Miss de Bourgh and Lady Catherine? You must write and tell me all!

Give my compliments to Charlotte and our cousin.

Your loving sister,

Jane

'Dearest Jane, how much have your spirits improved today when Mr. Bingley called this morning?'Elizabeth replaced Jane's letter to resume Mary's.

I felt it best that you read Jane's version of the events as they stand before I gave you the true situation at Longbourn. I love my dear eldest sister very much but her inability to see anything but the good in people can become annoying at times.

Elizabeth smiled as she read this comment from Mary. She was showing more and more of a biting sense of humor. Their father could not help but be overjoyed to gain such a companion.

I believe Jane must have told you Mr. Bingley is expected in Hertfordshire Monday. Indeed, by the time you are reading this I am convinced that he should have called at least once by now. Jane tries to hide behind a placid countenance but she cannot hide her excitement from me. Actually, up until last December I doubt I would have even extended the effort to look. But that is another subject entirely.

Jane is absolutely glowing with happiness. I find myself of the same opinion as you; I do not think Mr. Bingley will tarry long before declaring himself. Therefore, I have been practicing my choice of words to get the two of them out of the house and away from Mama. How does this sound? 'It is a lovely day. Would you care for a walk toward Meryton with me Jane? Mr. Bingley? Walking is such healthy exercise and after all the time you must have spent in a carriage lately Mr. Bingley I am sure it will do you some good.'And this, 'Have you seen the new bulbs in our garden Mr. Bingley? They are quite beautiful this spring. Jane and I would love to show them to you.'I am working on others but hopefully it will not take many of these lovely machinations before Mr. Bingley takes the situation into his own hands.

Papa asked to speak to me in his study after he spoke to Jane. He told me of the contents of Mr. Bingley's letter and asked for my help chaperoning the happy couple. Many of his thoughts on the subject run suspiciously akin to yours. I begin to suspect that you two have discussed the subject before!

Papa and I have begun reading Tom Jones* together. You are probably shocked that your once constantly moralizing younger sister should read such a scandalous book. I find myself surprised as well. Monday after you left Papa welcomed me into his study. He then told me that he suspected that I might be ready to read more unconventional literature and felt it his duty to ensure I did not read anything totally unsuitable for a young woman. He then surprised me by proposing to read Tom Jones ALOUD to me each day. I think he enjoyed seeing the shocked look on my face. I must confess that I was reluctant at first to agree but I soon warmed to the idea. I am very pleased that our father trusts me enough to share such a book with me and I am enjoying it immensely.

I have also begun to re-read Milton's Paradise Lost** . Before you start to worry, let me explain. I am NOT relapsing back into old, immature mindsets. I may have discarded my moralizing but I have not discarded my faith. I wish to read Milton again from a more ascetic approach. I am fascinated with the picture the poet draws of the Fall. I am attempting to feel the writer's passion through his choice of words and I am trying desperately to allow the text to paint a mental picture for me. When I am satisfied with developing such an image I want to compare it to my previous assumptions on the subject. I find this all to be a thrilling mental and spiritual exercise. When I finish Paradise Lost, I will attempt to do the same with Paradise Regained. Papa knows of this and is very encouraging. He wants to hear my conclusions when I am finished!

I will close now and plan my morning escape! Perhaps I can convince Kitty to come with me. Separating her from Lydia seems to calm her down some. Still, she has a long way to go. Just listen to me! As if I am suddenly an authority on proper behavior!

Your Loving Sister,

Mary

Elizabeth was delighted with her letters and purposed to reply at her first opportunity. If what she had learned from her two letters was true, she expected another letter very soon.

Elizabeth was not the only person to receive a letter that morning. Darcy was the recipient of a rather surprising letter himself. A letter from his Uncle, Lord Matlock, came with the rest of the day's post. Darcy excused himself to go and read it in private. As he left, he noticed his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, giving him a rather odd look. Perhaps he knew what his parents had written him. Darcy was all the more apprehensive as he entered his room. He sat down in a chair next to the window, unsealed the letter and was startled to see that it was written in the hand of both his uncle AND his aunt.

Afton House, London

Dear William,

No doubt that you will be astonished upon opening this to perceive the handwriting of both your Uncle and Aunt. This is extraordinary for us as well but after receiving Richard's letter we felt it best to proceed this way. Before I go any further, please do not be angry with Richard. He loves you as his own brother and nothing but his concern for you could prompt him to ask for our help. He asked that we give you the "Fitzwilliam Family Talk" since your mother was born one. That was an unnecessary plea because we were considering giving it to you before he wrote. I will let your Aunt continue from here.

William,

I wish to tell you the story of my courtship. It is a necessary component in what we have to say to you.

When your Uncle Hugh first began courting me, it was hailed as a splendid match. I was the well-dowered daughter of an Earl; he was a future Earl. Indeed in the beginning that was the motivation for trying to make the match. I had been raised to expect such a marriage of convenience. I was told that was the way people of our circle met and married. I was resigned to such a life but then something very unexpected happened. Hugh and I formed a real attachment. Before either of us knew what was occurring, we realized we were in love! Most of the ton never suspected our true affections. Even now some of our acquaintance scoff at our domestic felicity, supposing it is a well-engrained act, but it is not. I love your Uncle now more than I did when we were first married and I am ever thankful that I was given a husband who would love and respect me for all of our lives together. I believe you are seeking the same thing, William. Your Uncle and I truly hope you find it. I will turn the page over to Hugh and let him continue.

Now I will continue on with our story. Even though we made a love match in the end, neither of us had changed our views on marriage for our circle. We felt that we were fortunate to have love in a marriage of convenience, but soon our opinions began to change. This change came about as the result of witnessing the unions of my two sisters. Anne and Catherine were always so very different. Anne was determined to marry for love or not marry at all. Our parents were not very happy with her repeated declarations of her determinations. Thus when your father asked permission to court Ann, my parents consented. The Darcy fortune was acceptable enough for them, though they lamented the lack of title. Your mother and father fell in love and were soon married. Within a year came the news that you would be born. Your parents were ecstatic and so very content. We watched as you came into this world and Pemberley was filled with joy. You had a very happy childhood because of your parents' love for each other, and for you.

When you were two years old, your Aunt Catherine began to be courted by Sir Lewis. Catherine was indifferent to him personally but was intrigued by Rosings. This led her to accept his attentions, no matter how little she cared for him. Anne tried to reason with her. She told her she should look at more than Sir Lewis' fortune in choosing a husband. But Catherine was determined to have her way and when Sir Lewis proposed, she accepted. Helen and I had our misgivings as well and voiced these to your Aunt. But none of us could move her. She would have Sir Lewis and his estate!

It was not surprising that several years passed before Catherine became with child. What you do not know is that she lost that first one. The loss of the babe seemed to alter her even more. She became colder, more domineering, and many times unpleasant to be near. We could tell she was miserable but she was too proud to admit it. Within a year she became with child again. This time the child survived and Anne was born. Catherine later told Helen that she had thereafter refused Sir Lewis in her bed. It did not matter because by the time Anne was two, he was dead. Catherine was left with his estate, which Anne will inherit control over upon her mother's death.

Helen and I watched my two sisters and the lives they made for themselves. We came to the conclusion that we did not wish any of our children to suffer in marriage as Catherine did if we could help it. Therefore, as each child reached the marriageable age we told them the story of our courtship, and the contrasting marriages of their two Aunts. We then urged them to not follow the dictates of society and marry for wealth alone. We told them to follow their hearts and in the end all would turn out well. James and Amelia have chosen their partners with their hearts. Richard and Helena have yet to meet their soul mates, but they too seek a love match and know we will support them whomever their choice may be.

And now, nephew, we extend this to you. Follow your heart. Do not be afraid to go against the dictates of society. When you find your match, do not let her go, no matter what you believe society may think. As long as you love her, and she loves you in return, you will have our blessing. Your mother and father would have told you the same thing if they had survived. Your father never wanted you to sacrifice yourself if happiness was within your grasp. When you find a woman worthy, marry her!

Your loving Aunt and Uncle.

Darcy was, justifiably, stunned. He sat for many minutes in his chair and then re-read his letter. When he finished, he stood and began pacing. The implications were staggering! His uncle had just given him his leave to follow his heart! Darcy felt a great weight begin to lift from his entire being. Could it be possible! Was Elizabeth truly within his reach now? She was a gentlewoman. He a gentleman. She was…everything! He did not need her fortune, or her connections. He had enough for both. Besides, he knew his entire family liked her and the Earl's acceptance would pave the way for the acceptance of society in general!

He then began to examine his conduct toward her. The more he pondered it, the more ashamed he became. He knew she could sense his emotional withdrawal from her. She did her best not to be alone with him and have to suffer from his polite civility when their companionship had once been more amiable. He began to despair of her ever forgiving him for his cold manner. But Darcy was not a man easily defeated. There were very few things in life denied to him and he was not used to giving up when faced with a challenge. Today he would begin meeting that challenge, the challenge of winning Elizabeth's heart. If he could show her he was a man worthy of her affection and trust he was sure she would accept his attentions. She once had told him he was one of the best men she knew, and there was the look she gave him Easter morning. He would see if she still held him in the same regard. If she did, nothing would stop him from making her love him.

Yet, did he love her? Darcy pondered on this. He was amazed to realize he had loved her for a long time, perhaps even as early as the first time they met! He was predisposed to like her, so many had sung her praises. Still, he was skeptical that any woman could be so perfect. Then when they were introduced, the vibrancy of her personality overwhelmed him and he responded rudely to her. Thank God Georgiana made him apologize! How much would he have ruined if she had not insisted he ask Elizabeth to dance? He could not, thereafter, resist the opportunity to be near her. Even against his better judgment, he allowed Georgiana to ask her to stay with them in London. Yes, he had loved her all this time. The sense of loss was the loss of her love for him! He would win that love if it was the last thing he did!

That afternoon, Darcy arranged for Anne's phaeton to be readied. He would ask Georgiana to ride to the parsonage with Anne so that he could have a word with Richard.

As the two gentlemen walked toward Hunsford Parsonage, Darcy spoke to his wary cousin.

"Fitzwilliam, I am not angry with you." Darcy began.

"That is a relief Darcy, I was unsure of how you would take your letter from my parents. Did they give you the Fitzwilliam Family Talk?" The Colonel asked.

Darcy momentarily considered toying with his cousin but decided time was of the essence. "Yes they did. Both of your parents wrote to me. I must say I was very surprised!"

"Undoubtedly!"

"But it was appropriate. I needed to hear from Aunt Helen as well as Uncle Hugh. The strength of their unity reinforced their message." Darcy admitted.

"What do you plan to do now?" The Colonel asked.

Darcy looked closely at his cousin, trying to determine if he knew about his love for Elizabeth. He decided that if he wanted his cousin's help, he needed to be honest and up front with him. "Beginning today, I will attempt to win Miss Elizabeth's good opinion of me. If I believe she harbors any tender feelings toward me I will make her an offer of marriage."

The Colonel beamed at Darcy. "That is the most reasonable thing I have heard you say in a very long time, Darcy. Miss Bennet is worthy of you, and you of her. How can I help?"

"I am not exactly sure, I have not long been accustomed to the idea of pursuing Miss Elizabeth. For today, however, if you could keep Anne company I would greatly appreciate it. Georgiana has already told me she plans to engage Miss Lucas in conversation. My sister is trying to play matchmaker with me, Fitzwilliam."

The Colonel chuckled, "She asked me to help her with you, though she will never admit it. Very well Darcy, if you can engage Miss Bennet, I shall engage Anne in your stead."

They found themselves at the front gate of the parsonage. Georgiana and Anne were just arriving as well. Together the four of them entered into the house. When the entire party had gathered into the parlor Elizabeth informed them of their destination.

"Oh Fitzwilliam, it has been ages since we were last there" Georgiana cried in delight.

"Colonel Fitzwilliam, would you please ride out with Anne to the path to the glade and we will meet you there. I am sure Maria will enjoy the walk. Georgiana, Mr. Darcy and I shall keep her company. Well then, shall we?" Elizabeth inquired.

The party set out down the path toward the turning to the glade. Maria was in awe of the beauty of the park. She had not explored it as had Elizabeth, until now preferring the company of her sister. Charlotte had stayed behind in order to tend to her many duties. Soon Georgiana drew ahead with Maria, eminently pleased with the division of the party. She could not have planned it better had she tried! Elizabeth was amused by the smug expression on her friend's face as she looked back at her. She was enjoying her walk with Darcy. The cold distance seemed to be gone again. It appeared he took real pleasure in her company.

"Have you heard from your family, Miss Bennet?" Darcy asked.

"This morning I received letters from Jane and Mary. I must say I never anticipated deriving so much pleasure from my younger sister's correspondence."

"How so, Miss Bennet?"

"Mary has changed much since you were in Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy. I am not sure what caused such a change to occur but it is as though she woke up a new person the day after the Ball at Netherfield. She is becoming a mature young woman and it is a pleasure to see. Much the same as it has been a great joy to see Georgiana blossom since I first met her at Pemberley."

"Miss Bennet, you may beg to differ but I see many similarities in our sisters. The main point they have in common though, is you."

Elizabeth blushed at such a compliment and stole a glance at Darcy's face. He was staring intently down at her. She thought she recognized the look in his eyes. Was it truly admiration? And what kind of admiration could it be? Elizabeth tuned her gaze once more to the path ahead.

"I also learned Mr. Bingley was due to arrive at Netherfield yesterday."

"I dare say Miss Bennet will be most pleased with his company." Darcy replied. Elizabeth detected no disapprobation in his voice. He appeared reconciled to his friend's choice.

They were nearing the junction of the path to the glade. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne had already arrived and the Colonel was tending to the horses as they prepared to join the others on foot.

"Anne, Richard, you made good time." Georgiana said in greeting.

"I am well accustomed to handling horses, Georgiana!" The Colonel answered

A little over ten minutes later, the party had made their way into the glade. Maria was delighted. The Colonel led Anne to the bench to rest while Darcy and Elizabeth laid out the blanket and food Darcy and the Colonel had brought with them. They reclined on the blanket consuming the contents of the hampers whilst Elizabeth read to them. She had brought along a copy of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night*** and proceeded to entertain them with her different rendering of the voices of each character. Darcy was charmed by her playfulness and begged to be given at least one character to read.

"Very well, you may read the part of the fool if you like. For he is the wisest of them all!"

When Elizabeth and Darcy had finished to the applause of the company it was time to pack up and return. Darcy once again secured a place next to Elizabeth and the two continued on in amiable conversation all the way back to the parsonage. Before they left, Georgiana and Anne prevailed upon Elizabeth and Maria to call the next afternoon at Rosings. It was agreed and Georgiana once again returned with Anne to the great house. Darcy and the Colonel soon followed.

"You seemed to do well today, Darcy. I dare say Miss Bennet enjoyed being in your company." The Colonel began.

"It was only one day, Fitzwilliam. Let us see what tomorrow brings. Did you enjoy your time with Anne?"

"I do not believe I have ever spent that amount of time with her before. I must confess that she has continued to surprise me on this visit. I think she might finally be ready to emerge from beneath the shadow of Aunt Catherine."

Darcy saw what the Colonel could not. The Colonel was beaming when he spoke of Anne. "I believe you may be correct, Fitzwilliam, and I must say, it is about time!"

In the phaeton Georgiana quizzed Anne. "Did you enjoy your time with Richard, Anne?"

"Do I need to answer you? Yes, I enjoyed it very much. But then, I have always enjoyed any attention he has given me."

"Then I am glad Elizabeth suggested he drive you."

"Did you put that idea in her head?" Anne asked.

"No," Georgiana laughed, "I cannot claim any brilliance in that matter, it was all Elizabeth's doing. She did seem to enjoy her time with Fitzwilliam, though. He seemed pleased with her as well."

"I agree. I was observing them too. There may be hope for your scatterbrained schemes after all!"

'If you only knew how right you are, Anne!'Georgiana mused.

* The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling by Henry Fielding

** Paradise Lost by John Milton

*** Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare