12. Chapter 12

The morning after the Netherfield ball, Darcy and Bingley rode out early to Meryton to take care of Wickham’s debts. Bingley was along for company, Darcy having trusted him with the entire tale. Bingley had been eager to help, but Darcy refused his offer. They parted once everything was settled, Bingley riding on to London, where he was to stay a number of days to see to some business, and Darcy returning to Netherfield.

He retreated to the library immediately and attempted to attend to some correspondence. He had not been in the room more than half an hour when he was interrupted by Miss Bingley.

“Mr Darcy, how fortunate I have found you alone,” she said, striding into the room.

Darcy inwardly disagreed with that sentiment, but did not betray those thoughts. It was difficult enough to focus given the events of the previous evening without the added distraction of Miss Bingley’s presence.

“I am concerned about Charles,” Miss Bingley said, crossing the room to take a seat near his desk.

“Indeed?” Darcy replied, curiously. “For what reason?”

“Miss Bennet!” Miss Bingley cried. “Surely you heard the talk last night. If he is not careful, he will be forced to marry her.”

“I do not think your brother sees that as quite the fate you do,” Darcy observed.

Miss Bingley spluttered. “Mr Darcy, surely you cannot be serious. You must see the disadvantages of such a match. I was counting on your help to make Charles see sense.”

Darcy remained calm, but inside, he was greatly offended. “I shall do no such thing. Your brother is perfectly capable of choosing his own bride.”

“But - Jane Bennet!” Miss Bingley cried in horror.

By some miracle, he was able to retain his composure as he stated firmly, “Is a gentleman’s daughter.”

“Yes, but without fortune or connections!” Miss Bingley replied, dismissively.

“True, it would be ideal if Bingley’s wife were well-connected,” he conceded. He did not mention that if all went to plan, Jane’s connections would soon include his family. “But as I have said, Miss Bennet is a gentleman’s daughter. And I believe their temperaments are well suited. He is clearly very fond of her.”

Miss Bingley shook her head dismissively. “Oh, this is Charles we are speaking of! He falls in love every week!”

“I think this is different,” Darcy mused. “I do believe your brother is very fond of her. And she would suit him very well.”

“This is preposterous,” Miss Bingley insisted. “You must come with us; we plan to close up the house and join Charles in London this very day. If we can keep him from Hertfordshire, he will surely forget about her-”

“Do what you will,” Darcy interrupted coldly, “but I will have no part in it. And I certainly do not intend leaving Hertfordshire before the appointed time.”

Miss Bingley stared at him for some moments. He was aware that he had aroused her suspicions. “Your opinion of the Bennet family has certainly improved,” she remarked, her tone decidedly frosty.

“Yes,” he said evenly, “it has. On closer acquaintance, they have proven valuable companions for both myself and Georgiana.”

Miss Bingley’s lips pressed together into a thin line, and she got to her feet. “Well, this as been a most interesting conversation, Mr Darcy.”

“Indeed,” he replied. He turned back towards the desk. “If you will excuse me, I have business to attend to.”

“Of course. Good day,” she said curtly, and exited the room.

Darcy breathed a sigh of relief. He turned to his letters, deciding that as soon as he had attended to them all, he would propose a visit to Longbourn. Georgiana would surely agree with such a scheme, and he wished to give her the opportunity to speak some more with Elizabeth.

*****

Elizabeth hurried out of the house, tying her bonnet as she walked. It had certainly been an eventful morning. Mr Collins had proposed. She supposed she should have seen it coming from the rather marked attentions he had been paying her, but she had been so occupied with thoughts of Mr Darcy and the events of the previous evening that it had all taken her by surprise. She had never given him the slightest encouragement, she was sure of it. And yet he had proposed, and would not acknowledge her refusal.

She was thankful for her father’s interference. Lydia’s behaviour the past few weeks had brought to her attention how lacking parental authority had been in their house, but she was comforted that she would not be forced to marry Mr Collins against her wishes.

She had barely made it to the lawn when she saw a carriage approach. It was recognisable instantly as Mr Darcy’s, and it held the man himself and his sister. Georgiana looked tired, but well - much the same as Lydia.

“Miss Bennet,” Darcy greeted, tipping his hat at her.

“Mr Darcy, Miss Darcy,” she greeted. She smiled, though it was somewhat forced. She did not relish the idea of returning to the house, or of exposing the guests to the disruption that existed within.

“Are you well, Elizabeth?” Miss Darcy asked, concerned.

“I am well,” she said. “It is somewhat hectic this morning at Longbourn,” she added carefully.

Mr Darcy looked concerned. “Is everyone well?”

“Yes,” she said, assuring him with a look that it was nothing to do with Lydia.

“Lizzy!” her mother called from inside the house. She felt her cheeks flush, and looked away from the carriage. Lydia hurried out.

“Lizzy, you had better run, for she is-” She paused, paling when she saw the carriage. “Mr Darcy! Miss Darcy!” she cried.

Mr Darcy nodded to her. “Miss Lydia,” he greeted. “We had come this way to invite you and your sister to Netherfield,” he said. “Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley insisted.”

Elizabeth arched a brow. She knew him to be lying, she was surely the last person Miss Bingley would wish to see, and the sisters would certainly never invite Lydia. But the impropriety of Mr Darcy’s invitation aside, an escape from Longbourn was immensely tempting.

“Oh, how wonderful!” Lydia said. “I shall just go inform Papa. You get into the carriage Lizzy, I shall be but a moment.”

Elizabeth climbed into the carriage, sending Mr Darcy a grateful smile. He returned it, but his eyes were concerned.

Before Elizabeth could reply, Lydia had hurried out of the house and joined them in the carriage, which moved away. Elizabeth felt herself letting out a sigh of relief.

Once at Netherfield, they greeted Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley, who looked about as pleased with Elizabeth and Lydia’s presence as could be expected. Before long, however, Mr Darcy suggested a walk. All but the Bingley sisters agreed, and so they set out.

Once in the gardens, the group divided somewhat naturally. Lydia and Georgiana set off in one direction. Darcy watched them go, concern flitting over his features.

“Let them be,” Elizabeth said. “I spent many hours early this morning speaking to Lydia. She knows exactly how wrong her behaviour was. I would think they shall need to lean on each other during this time.”

Darcy nodded. “Yes, of course. Bingley and I visited town today, to take care of some… matters.” He seemed to collect himself, and smiled at her. “Enough talk of Wickham. I have had quite enough of the man. I do not wish to press you for details of the reason behind our swift escape from Longbourn, but I admit I am curious.”

Elizabeth smiled, shaking her head slightly. “It is truly ridiculous,” she said, “and I imagine some day I shall laugh heartily at it. I am not sure I can quite yet.” Noticing Mr Darcy’s concerned look, she quickly set about assuring him she was well. “Today, after breakfast, Mr Collins proposed,” she announced.

Mr Darcy paled. “He what?” he asked, his voice rising in volume.

“Indeed, it was - it was almost farcical,” she said. She paused. “Perhaps I am closer to being ready to laugh at it than I thought. I refused, of course,” she added. “Several times.” He looked so relieved she could not help but laugh. “Surely you could not think I would answer in any other way?”

He paused. “No, of course - but his situation is-”

“Indeed, he spoke at great lengths on that subject. And as tempting as it was to be in a position to enjoy he condescension of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, I never entertained for a moment the idea of marrying him.”

“Your mother was not pleased,” he remarked. It was not a question.

“She was not,” Elizabeth confirmed. “She appealed to my father, but he refused to capitulate. He would never force any of us to marry.”

“I am thankful,” he said quietly. Elizabeth could not think of a response to such a statement - at least not one that would not betray more than she was willing to reveal.

“Oh, but he shall be excessively diverted by the full tale of the proposal, which I shall share with him when I am better able to laugh at it all,” she said, smiling.

“You do not feel able to recount it now?” he asked.

She paused. “Very well, I shall do my best,” she said, and launched into a recital of Mr Collins’ words. Before long, Darcy was laughing, and so was she. They had wandered some way away from the others.

“My, my,” Darcy said, regaining his composure. “What an odious, ridiculous little man. And the arrogance!” He paused. “Though, I do not know if I am one to talk. My only attempt at proposing was not much better, I am ashamed to admit.”

Elizabeth was stunned by this mention of his wife. He had never spoken of her before. She felt almost nervous, somehow. But she kept her tone deliberately light. “Surely not,” she teased, “you could never be as ridiculous as Mr Collins.”

“No, I did not mean it ridiculous - but arrogant it almost certainly was,” he admitted. “You, who know my character, can surely believe that.”

“Perhaps,” she said, “but as she accepted, it cannot have been so very terrible.”

Darcy tilted his head, as if considering this. “Perhaps not, but I believe that had more to do with her character than my proposal.”

“Ah, it is all clear now,” Elizabeth said, with a teasing smile. “The reason you have not remarried is not because of Miss Julia, or any other reason - it is because you are afraid to attempt another proposal.”

He ducked his head, lips twitching as if threatening to smile. “A fine theory,” he said. “But the reason is no mystery. I have not remarried as I have not needed to. I had become so accustomed to thinking of marriage in practical terms. I never thought my position would allow me any chance at happiness in marriage. Indeed, I thought it quite unattainable.”

Elizabeth shook her head sadly. “What a melancholy point of view.”

He stopped walking, and stared right at her. “It was. But I am happy to say I no longer hold such an opinion.”

Elizabeth’s heart beat faster, she felt almost lightheaded. Was this truly happening?

“Elizabeth,” Darcy said, reaching out to take her hand. “I- I had not prepared for this - I had not intended to speak thus today-”

She managed a smile. “Does it comfort you to know you are at least off to a better beginning than the first man to make me an offer this morning?”

He gave her a look that was half-amusement, half-exasperation. “Dearest Elizabeth, you cannot tease me now.”

“I cannot?” she replied, disappointed. “Well, perhaps I shall need to teach you better how to be teased.”

His lips twitched again, his thumb stroking the back of her hand almost absently. “You would need to spend a great deal of time with me to accomplish such a feat, would you not?” he asked, his tone serious, but his eyes betraying his mirth.

“Oh, yes. Certainly,” she replied, her eyes sparkling.

He nodded thoughtfully. “In that case, I should ask you to be my wife, so that you may educate me fully in this area.”

“You should,” she agreed. There was a pause, and she arched a brow. “Well, Sir, are you going to ask, or shall I be forced to remain in perpetual suspense?”

He gave a sigh, but he was grinning widely. “Miss Elizabeth, you must allow me to express how ardently I admire and love you. I beg you, relieve my sufferings and consent to be my wife.”

“That was very well done, Mr Darcy,” she congratulated, smiling widely. “I will gladly relieve your sufferings. I can think of nothing that would make me happier than being your wife.”

He beamed, raising her hands to his lips and kissing them eagerly.

*****

Bingley arrived home on the third day following the Netherfield ball. Darcy was very glad to see him. Even the elation he had been enjoying since his engagement had not been enough to make three days in the same house as Bingley’s sisters bearable. Adding to his discomfort was the decision they had made to keep their engagement secret for a short time. Between Mrs Bennet, her sister Philips and Lady Lucas, the tale of Mr Collins’ proposal had spread through Meryton quickly. They had agreed it would be best to wait a short time for the gossip to die down before they made their engagement known.

Not that they had been able to conceal it from their younger sisters. Georgiana and Miss Lydia had known the moment the two groups had met again in the garden. Both had been ecstatic, naturally. Their experience seemed to have bonded them together quite securely. Darcy would have been concerned days earlier, but Miss Lydia Bennet was already changed. She was a great deal more subdued than before. Elizabeth clearly had great hopes for some improvement in her sister’s character, though she wished it had not come at such a price.

Mr Bennet had been informed of the events of the ball, of course. He had been highly amused at Lydia’s role in formulating the plan for revenge. He had expressed some regret that he had not been more involved in the upbringing of his youngest daughters. Elizabeth assured him all was now well, and reminded him it was not yet too late to show some interest in her sisters. Darcy hoped that he, too, would learn from the incident.

Also informed had been Colonel Forster, the morning following the ball. Wickham had removed without delay once it became clear to him Darcy was following through on his threat to buy up his debts. Colonel Forster was relieved, once Wickham’s true character was exposed, to be rid of the man with such little effort on his own behalf. It emerged that Wickham had not only made himself popular amongst the maids of the area, but also several of the merchant’s daughters. Colonel Forster vowed to keep a close eye on Lieutenant Denny, given his close association with Wickham. He also made a point of accompanying his men while they made social calls, or had a trusted officer go in his place. All in all, the outcome was most fortunate.

He smiled. More than fortunate, in his case.

“I say, Darcy, I have not seen you this cheerful in an age,” Bingley announced.

“I have not felt this cheerful in some time,” Darcy replied, with a smile.

“What has got into you, old chap?” Bingley demanded.

He knew he could trust his friend with the information. Elizabeth had told him she planned on telling Jane, so it seemed only fair that Bingley know. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet and I are engaged,” he announced, his smile growing even wider.

Bingley gaped. “What? SInce when? It is a wonder my sister did not mention it.”

“She does not know,” Darcy replied. “Only Georgiana, Miss Bennet and Miss Lydia Bennet know. There have been… other matters to see to. We shall make it more widely known soon though, I should think.”

Bingley nodded, then sighed. Darcy raised an eyebrow. “You are not happy for us?”

“What - no, of course I am!” Bingley said. “You know I am, you two are perfectly matched. It is just - that you seemed to be taking it all so slowly, I had rather expected-”

Darcy smirked. “That you would be engaged before I was?” he prompted. Bingley looked uncomfortable, and Darcy chuckled. “Well, then, get to it,” he said, grinning at his friend.

Bingley looked stunned for a second, and then grinned, jumping out of his seat and dashing towards the door. “Yes. I shall. We shall leave for Longbourn at once. Have the horses brought around!”