33. Chapter 33

June 30, 2014 - We're at the end of June and there is about a weeks worth of chapters to post before this story is complete here. Thanks for all to all for all of the reviews: the enthusiastic ones, the whigning ones, the pouting ones, the laughing ones - I've enjoyed them all. Trust me, I have learned not to take myself too seriously.

I know most of you are not bothered by the artistic license I took when I wrote this. I'm putting them in the Author's Notes so you know what is incorrect in case you ever aspire to write a regency story of your own. I don't claim to be an expert, but I do have a pretty decent working knowledge after all of these years.

Enjoy!

Chapter 33

Elizabeth called on Anne whenever the opportunity afforded itself. Both found solace in each other away from their intendeds. Around Elizabeth, Anne was at last able to completely let down her mask and Elizabeth anticipated many years of delightful friendship with her soon-to-be cousin. When Elizabeth finally received her letter from Georgiana and Darcy, she wasted no time in delivering the news to Anne.

"It seems as though you should expect a visit from Lord Matlock and my Fitzwilliam next week, Anne. Unfortunately, I believe Lady Catherine will not take too kindly to this news." Elizabeth paused, "I will miss your mother, Anne. She certainly has a way with people!"

Anne was amused by Elizabeth's choice of words. "I am very sorry my situation took up most of the space in your first letter from your intended, Elizabeth."

"Under the circumstances, I understand. However, I shall soon see Fitzwilliam and I am sure he will be most diligent in atoning for this offense." Elizabeth said with a twinkle in her eye. "Again, I must tell you that Fitzwilliam and I are willing to assist you in any manner we may. You will always be welcome in our home. And considering the size of Pemberley, I dare say you could get lost and no one would realize you were missing!"

"Thank you, Elizabeth. Your friendship has come to mean a great deal to me."

When Elizabeth finally returned to the Parsonage, Anne at last was able to read her letter.

Dearest Anne,

No doubt Darcy has related the particulars of our conversation this evening with my parents. I must say mother and father were quite pleased with my announcement. It was a shock then when my father related the contents of the new, previously unknown will of Sir Lewis. I was a boy when he died but I do remember him doting on you. I am very relieved he had the foresight to protect you from your mother from beyond the grave.

After Darcy left, my father and I had a long discussion…

… I do need to ask you this though, my love. Do you have a strong desire to be married from Rosings? We could be married from Matlock, London, or even Hertfordshire if you wish to be married with Darcy. It matters not to me as long as you are my bride.

I also do not know of your feelings regarding the presence of your mother if she does not approve of the match. I, and my father, am very concerned that she would attempt to disrupt the wedding if she knew we were to wed without her consent. This is indeed an argument for marrying with Darcy, since the rest of the family is sure to be in attendance.

Please tell me of your thoughts. Send a note back with Elizabeth. Once she is gone, I do not know how we will safely communicate but be assure that I will not rest until a solution is reached. I will come for you!

We will tell no one of our engagement until my father deems it best. It grieves me that this is so, but we are doing this all for you.

With all my heart,

Richard

Anne took the note and placed it in the one secure place she had, her diary.

Bingley was pleased finally to get another moment alone with Jane. After all of the excitement of their engagement announcement, they scarcely had any moments alone. Curiously to him, it was Mary that had provided this opportunity. He would not waste it.

"Jane, darling. I have something for you."

"What is it?"

"Come here beside me and see." Bingley waited for Jane to seat herself. "When I was in London I went looking for a memento of our engagement. I hope you like it."

Bingley then handed Jane a velvet box. Jane gasped as she opened the lid to reveal the exquisite pearl necklace.

"Charles… I am speechless."

"I have long imagined you wearing a string of pearls. I purposed to find just the right necklace for you. Will you put it on for me?"

Jane nodded and lifted the necklace out of the box. She ran her fingers over the luscious orbs, feeling their unmistakable texture. Turning slightly, she motioned for Bingley to assist her in fastening the clasp. Jane trembled slightly as Bingley's fingers brushed along her neck. When she turned to face him his eyes were full of admiration and he slipped off the settee and onto his knee in front over her.

"My God, they look more beautiful on you than I imagined. Promise me you will wear this on our wedding day."

Jane tenderly stroked his face with her hand. "As you wish."

Finally, the day had come for Elizabeth to depart from Kent. Maria would remain for another month, so Elizabeth would not have to bear the discomfort of meeting with the Darcys in London in Maria's presence.

Charlotte was already in the room when Elizabeth came down for breakfast. Charlotte had noticed a change in her friend since she had come to Hunsford. She had her suspicions but would never ask unless Elizabeth brought the subject up.

"Thank you, Charlotte, for inviting me to be your guest so soon after your marriage. I must admit that I did not know what to expect, but you have surprised me."

"I am perfectly content in my situation, Elizabeth. This may not have been the situation of your choice, but it is a good one for me."

"I have always realized that, Charlotte. I am only relieved that you have not found it to be disappointing. You will be well taken care of, Charlotte, whether you wish it or not!"

"Thank you, Elizabeth. You are certainly welcome to come again any time, though perhaps next time you will be stay at Rosings?"

"Why do you say that?" Elizabeth managed to say without betraying any unease at the question.

"Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh both seem quite taken with you-perhaps one of them will be the one extending the invitation," Charlotte answered.

Elizabeth chuckled, "I sincerely doubt Lady Catherine would ever lower herself to invite someone of such low social standing as me to stay at Rosings. Anne might be permitted to invite me, but we shall see." Once again Elizabeth was very pleased with the way she had been able to skirt the truth in such a manner as to not lie directly to Charlotte. She still wished to unburden her heart to her old friend but that was impossible at present. Too much was at stake!

Charlotte was disappointed Elizabeth did not provide an opening for further questioning on her relationship with the Darcys, or Anne de Bourgh for that matter. She sighed to herself, knowing that, because of her marriage to Mr. Collins, Elizabeth was unable to confide in her as she once did. It was just another of the many small things she had to forsake when she wed. Charlotte had anticipated many changes but this was the one that saddened her the most. At least her relationship with Maria had not suffered as much. Sisterly bonds were another matter altogether!

Elizabeth knew she could not escape Hunsford without being subjected to the pompous effusions of her cousin, Mr. Collins. When her things were all stored on her uncle's coach that would take her back to London, Mr. Collins chose that moment to offer her his solemn compliments. He thanked her for providing companionship to his 'Dear Charlotte' the last four weeks. He was equally magnanimous in wishing her equal felicity in marriage and he would not let her depart without soliciting words of thanks for his honored Patroness. When he finally allowed the door to be closed, Elizabeth sat back, gave the servant girl she was traveling with a wry smile, and began counting the hours before she would see her beloved Darcy again.

Elizabeth was not surprised to see the Darcy carriage in front of the Gardiners' home when she arrived. Propriety demanded that they show no overt displays of affection, but Darcy and Elizabeth could not help but gaze lovingly at each other. Mrs. Gardiner was very quick to pick up on such things and looked upon Elizabeth with the question upon her face. Elizabeth noticed her Aunt's visage and gave Darcy a look the conveyed the unspoken question. When he smiled and nodded his head Elizabeth addressed her Uncle and Aunt.

"Aunt, you were very astute in your comments last Christmas. Neither Jane nor I will call Longbourn home for very much longer. Mr. Darcy asked for my hand in marriage in Kent and I have accepted him. His main purpose for removing to Netherfield is to gain Papa's consent."

Mrs. Gardiner moved to embrace her niece. "I am so very happy for you, Lizzy. You are positively radiant in your joy." She turned to Darcy, who was receiving his congratulations from her husband. "Mr. Darcy, I wish you the same joy you have so obviously given to my niece. May you live long and happily together."

"Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner, and you, Mr. Gardiner. I believe I speak for Elizabeth in saying that you will always be welcome in our home. I could think of no better people to be privileged to call my family."

Much later, after all had had their share of the delightful conversation, Darcy left for home promising to come for Elizabeth at ten o'clock the following morning. If all went well, by that time the next evening they would officially be engaged!

Georgiana was just as excited to see Elizabeth that next morning as Darcy. She was very put out that her brother had gone to the Gardiners the day before and had not invited her. "I did not wish to share Elizabeth with you, for once!" Darcy teased.

Georgiana was slightly mollified but that was soon forgotten as they were led inside the house to wait whilst Elizabeth's things were added to their luggage.

"I cannot believe it has only been one week, Elizabeth! I have missed your company, as has my brother," Georgiana added playfully.

"Which of you missed me more?" Elizabeth challenged.

"I have!" Darcy said leaving no room for discussion. Elizabeth looked upon him in amusement. It was gratifying to see him so at ease in the home of her relatives. At least here he could be free to be himself.

When they were ready to leave, Darcy allowed the others to precede him as he led Elizabeth to the coach. He took advantage of the moment and gave her a quick kiss when everyone had their backs turned. Smiling contentedly, he handed Elizabeth, then Georgiana into the coach. At last the coach pulled into the street and Darcy was finally alone again with the two women he loved more than anything.

"Do you recall the last time we left the Gardiners together in this carriage?" Georgiana asked. Both Elizabeth and Darcy smiled shyly. "Neither of you would look at each other. I noticed your discomfort then. If you, brother, had acted on your feelings then we would be returning to Hertfordshire with you two already married!"

"Georgiana!" Darcy and Elizabeth cried in unison. Surprised by this, they both gave into a laugh.

"Georgiana, dear, you are right. But it was not yet time for us. For everything there is a season." Darcy continued.

"You certainly had a long season for being a proud man too encumbered by an overdeveloped sense of duty to acknowledge the woman before you who would make you the perfect wife." Both Darcy and Elizabeth blushed at this bold pronouncement. "But I shall take pity on you both. Once we are out of town, you must switch places with me, Fitzwilliam." Both blushed again but did not offer any protestations to her suggestion, each delighted at the turn in her playful impertinence.

Georgiana smiled as she watched her brother and Elizabeth dozing across from her. She had seen the sheepish looks on their faces when she had first switched places with her brother. It was actually quite amusing watching them try to not appear to be touching on purpose. Eventually Darcy gave up when Elizabeth yawned and reach around her with his arm to pull her against his side to relax. Now they were both asleep, and with innocent little smiles of contentment upon their faces.

When the driver informed Georgiana that they were approaching Meryton, Georgiana reluctantly awakened the pair and again switched places with her brother. They deserved better than to have the whispers started before Elizabeth had even set foot across the threshold of her home.

It had been decided to stop at Longbourn first. Elizabeth was anxious to see her family again, especially her father. Elizabeth also knew that the best way to see Darcy and Georgiana again quickly was to have her mother offer the dinner invitation that was sure to come if the Darcys were there when she came home. Elizabeth was pleased to be proven correct when Mrs. Bennet did, indeed, offer an invitation to dine that night in gratitude for bringing Elizabeth home from London. Bingley had already been asked to dine at Longbourn that evening. Darcy was very pleased with these developments. After dinner he would then have the perfect opportunity to speak with Mr. Bennet. However, first he must acquaint Bingley with his news. He owed much to his friend and he did not deserve to be kept in the dark any longer. Especially since he might be involved in the intrigue with Anne and Fitzwilliam that was sure to follow.

When they arrived at Netherfield, Darcy escorted Georgiana to her rooms and sought out his host. Darcy found him in the library, a most appropriate location for his discussion.

"Bingley, do you remember the last time we met in this room?"

"Yes, I do Darcy. It was the night of the Ball. In some ways it was the best and the worst night of my life."

"I, too, have very vivid memories of that night." Bingley was intrigued by this comment. "Charles, do you remember the question that you asked me that night. I never answered it."

"I am not sure that I do, would you like to refresh my memory?" Bingley lied. He knew exactly what Darcy was talking about, but wanted to know what his answer was. The use of his Christian name made him know that it was something very important.

"You asked me if I would have wanted my father to reject my mother if she had not been Lady Anne Fitzwilliam? What if she had been the daughter of some lower born gentleman like Mr. Bennet? Would I have had him walk away from the love of his life over money or an overbearing sister-in-law? You also said that you would not let any of that stand in the way of spending the rest of your life with the woman you love! You were prepared to follow your heart. I was not."

Bingley debated whether or not to remain silent. Finally he said, "Do you have an answer for me now? Have you changed your opinion?"

"Yes, Charles, I have. I was forced to take a long, hard look at myself and the convictions I was taught. I concluded that you were right, and I was envious of you."

"What do you plan to do about it William?"

Darcy smiled, "Nothing!"

"But you just said."

"Do not distress yourself, Charles! I answered in such a manner because I have already made my choice. We are to be brothers, Charles!"

Now Bingley was very distressed. "When did you have the opportunity to speak with Caro…"

Bingley was unable to finish the word before Darcy slapped him on the back and said, "No, no, no Charles, wrong sister. I am engaged to Elizabeth!"

After digesting the import of his words, Bingley broke into a huge grin. "Do not ever do that to me again, Darcy! Congratulations, I wondered if you would ever realize how perfect Miss Elizabeth is for you."

"Unfortunately, it took me long enough. Will you be able to tolerate me as a brother?"

"Most assuredly!"

Darcy then told the story of his time in London and Kent. Bingley was fascinated by the journey his friend had undertaken. When Darcy reached the point of his cousins' engagement, Bingley was intrigued. He knew Darcy must have a very good reason for relating this if the engagement was, for now, a secret one.

"Charles, Elizabeth expressed a desire to be wed with her sister. I have no objections to such a plan and would be honored if you would consider allowing us to do so."

"I would be honored as well my friend, but I must speak to Jane before I would consent, though I doubt she would object."

"Before you do, I must also bring up the subject of my two cousins again. We have offered to share our wedding day with them as well, if that is the best course of action to see them wed with the minimum of strife. I am of the opinion that it will, indeed, be the situation. It would allow all of our family the opportunity to be at their wedding, save Lady Catherine. I will know more after my Uncle and I travel to Kent."

"Again, I must speak to Jane first, but I have no objections. All families have their sources of regret Darcy. Mine just does not possess a title."

"Thank you Bingley. Now, please tell me about Caroline. It is clear to me that she has greatly offended you." Darcy asked, voice full of compassion.

"You do not know the half of it."

Bingley then told Darcy of his dealings with Caroline. Darcy realized that his friend was greatly distressed over the entire matter and did his best to offer words of consolation. At last Darcy left to ready himself for dinner. Soon Darcy, Georgiana and Bingley were back at Longbourn.

Back at Longbourn, Elizabeth had asked Jane to visit her in her room after she greeted the rest of the family. Mary, as much as she wanted to be included, knew that her two eldest held a very special bond and needed their time alone. Elizabeth, sensing Mary's disappointment, put her hand on Mary's shoulder and told her she would find her for a walk as soon as she was finished. Mary nodded her head appreciatively and smiled as Jane and Elizabeth walked up the stairs.

"Tell me everything, Jane!" Elizabeth said as she closed her door. The two sat on the bed, as they had done for many years, as Jane told Elizabeth all that had happened since Bingley had returned.

"Has Mary been a helpful chaperone, Jane?"

"Lizzy, what did you tell Mary? She has been, well, I would have never thought she would give us so much privacy."

"I gave Mary a few suggestions, and told her we would repay the favor when her time came," Elizabeth admitted.

"Then I do not wish to know what you told her, but thank you. Now, tell me about Hunsford."

Elizabeth had been debating how to tell her sister her news. She would not be able to hide such a thing from her once Darcy was there.

"Jane, do you remember when you asked me if I would be willing to accept the attentions of Mr. Darcy if he offered them?" Jane nodded, wondering where this was headed. "I knew the night of the Netherfield Ball that I would welcome them. In many ways my time in London was very taxing, knowing I was below the notice of such a man." Jane patted her sister's hand in comfort and support. "He and I made the effort to not be left alone together. What I did not know was that he was just as attracted to me as I was to him."

"And you know this now, Lizzy?" Jane smiled. There was only one way her sister could be in possession of such knowledge.

"I can see you have found me out, Jane. He made me an offer of marriage in Kent and I have, most joyfully, accepted! Are you satisfied with such a brother-in-law, Jane?" By this time Jane had thrown her arms around Elizabeth, tears of happiness running down her cheeks.

"Oh, Lizzy, I knew you two would suit. I am so happy for your both. He is Charles' best friend after all. Charles will be as pleased as I am. Now then, sister, you have much to tell." So Elizabeth began to tell the story. When she related how Darcy had quoted the sonnet to her Jane could not help sigh, "How romantic!" before Elizabeth continued. Like Darcy, Elizabeth also told her sister about Darcy's cousins. Jane was full of compassion for the two.

"Jane, I would like to ask you to consider something. Would you be willing to share a wedding day with Fitzwilliam and me? Before you answer there is more to the matter to consider. We have offered to share the event with Anne and Richard as well. It would be very convenient to do so since their family would all be gathered for our wedding as well. So, would you be content with a double, or even triple wedding?"

"I would be honored to share my wedding day with you, and Miss de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam if necessary. I must first speak with Charles, though I doubt he would have any objections."

"You truly are the best of sisters, Jane! Not many women would be content to share their wedding day with an impertinent younger sister and a total stranger!"

They continued their conversation until Elizabeth told Jane she needed to find Mary. Elizabeth went downstairs and found Mary practicing on the pianoforte. Elizabeth waited patiently for her to finish and then startled her by saying, "That was beautifully done, Mary."

"Thank you, Elizabeth, I did not hear you approach."

"I did not wish to interrupt you, Mary. You appeared lost in the music. Would you care for a walk in the gardens?"

"Of course! Let us go now."

Elizabeth led Mary into the more secluded part of the garden before beginning to talk of more substantial subjects.

"Mary, I wanted you to know that I am to be married."

"To Mr. Darcy?"

"Most observant as always! That is why I am telling you this now. Yes, Fitzwilliam will speak to Papa this evening."

"Oh, Elizabeth, I am so very happy for you. Miss Darcy must be thrilled as well."

"That is putting it mildly. The only thing, which I will regret, is being so far removed from you and Jane. You must promise to come and visit me in Derbyshire!"

"You may count on it. Now, tell me everything!" Mary asked full of excitement.

Elizabeth told her the story of their courtship, if that was what it could be called. When she finished, Mary had a dreamy look on her face.

"How so very romantic. Shakespeare, the bench his father had made for his mother, you will be one happy woman, Elizabeth. Have you discussed a date?"

"We have discussed being married with Jane and Mr. Bingley in July. It is only two and a half months away, but this way Jane and I will be able to combine forces against Mama! But we await their decision."

"That seems to me to be a wise course of action. I will help in whatever means that I can. I have turned into a very accomplished chaperone!" Mary added mischievously.

"And for that Jane is most thankful. I would appreciate your extending the same courtesy to me!"

"For all that you have done for me, Elizabeth, you may count on that as well. Just remember to have pity on me when it is my turn."

"Never fear! And anticipate an invitation to you and your intended to Pemberley if ever the need should arise!"

The two spent an enjoyable time talking until it was time to return to the house to prepare for their dinner guests.

The spectre of Lady Catherine is looming...