Memory: Volume 1, Lasting Impressions, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice) (66 page)

“Is that why you have continued to court Miss Bennet?”  She asked and took a sip of her tea.

“How long have you been waiting to say something?”  He grew silent as he watched a servant bring him his plate and depart, leaving the siblings alone.  “So I was a fool to try?”

“Not at all.  Miss Bennet is a sweet girl, of course she was burdened with the horrendous behaviour of her parents so I am sure that I hardly saw her at her best, but I have heard enough descriptions from you to have a fairly good picture of her in my mind.”  She put down her cup and reached to take her brother’s hand.  “Jeffrey, if you are not deeply in love with this girl, I think that the time to end this courtship has arrived.”

“I never wanted to love her.”  Harwick looked to the ring he wore in Ellen’s memory, so similar to Darcy’s symbol of love that he wore for Elizabeth, and thought once again about their conversation at Darcy House.

Evangeline broke into his thoughts.  “All right then, I have watched you mourn Ellen for two years, and supported your plan to marry without feeling, as much as I hated it.”  Harwick looked up at her sharply and she smiled, “You are a warm and passionate man, and you need to be loved, and give it in return.  Miss Bennet has no feelings for you in that way.  Perhaps with time they would grow, but honestly she is too young to marry.  Her mother has done a very poor job of preparing her for what is required.  I want you to be happy, and what Miss Bennet would receive from you is a father figure to replace the one she has not had.  You want a wife, not another child.”

“But Miss Elizabeth is younger and seems very capable . . .”

“Miss Elizabeth is an entirely different woman.  She is young, but I sense that she is destined to be a very capable wife and mistress for Pemberley.  Mr. Darcy is very young as well, and so burdened.  I see these two leaning very heavily on each other as they grow and learn their roles, neither one has had enough time with their parents.  You did not see Miss Elizabeth when you left to speak to Mr. Bennet.  Her mother began complaining about where you all had gone, and how dare you speak to her that way.  Miss Elizabeth let loose her tongue, which I rather imagined she had been barely holding in check that entire time.  When she realized that Colonel Fitzwilliam was still in the room she was mortified, but he told me he was dying to do the same.”  She sighed and saw the wistful expression in his eyes.  “Yes, I see shades of Ellen in her, too.”

“I miss her so much.”

“Miss Bennet will never replace her in your heart.”

“I do not wish to replace her!”  He declared and worked to control his emotion.

She smiled and spoke firmly “No, but you do not want to live a stoic existence either.  I want you to marry again, but I want you to marry a woman, not a young girl who has much growing to do.  You deserve to be happy, and your girls deserve a strong role model as their mother.  I think that you know what you must do.”

He sighed.  “I had good intentions, and she seems to be less jealous of her sister now, and if her family had been . . . at all different . . .”

“I know.”  Evangeline squeezed his hand.  “I believe that she does as well.”

“Well, I told her that I would take some time to think it over, and I meant that.    I told her last night that I would see her tomorrow since I was certain the house would be in an uproar today with Darcy’s departure.  We both made a great effort to talk last night before everything fell apart, it was apologies at first but we were beginning to talk a little about how amusingly love struck Darcy and Miss Elizabeth were.  I believe that we might have had a pleasant evening.”  He looked up to see his sister’s smile.  “I do not love her, but that does not make me unfeeling, Eva.”

“I know that.”  She smiled. “Take your day to think it through one more time, Brother.”

“HOW ARE YOU, LIZZY?”

She looked up from her untouched breakfast when Mr. Bennet entered the empty dining room.  “I am well.”

“You cannot fool me.”  He took a seat and accepted the tea she poured for him.  “You came in very late.”

“There was much to discuss.”  She said shortly.  “Mr. Darcy’s family all had thoughts to contribute, and . . . he needed me.”

“I imagine that he did.  I have never seen a family rise together and support each other in that manner.  I hardly knew what to do with myself.”  Mr. Bennet saw her look back down at her meal.  “I imagine they are on their way by now?”  Elizabeth nodded and touched the locket.  “Is that a gift from him?”

Startling she dropped her hand.  “Yes, he gave me a token.”

“I see.”  Mr. Bennet sighed.  “I apologize again, Lizzy.  He is an exceptional man and his family overwhelms me.  I have not followed through with his recommendation that I educate your sisters.  He offered to pay, but I believe that in order to redeem myself in his and your eyes, I should at least make that effort.  I cannot really supplement their dowries, but at least I can try to give them some accomplishments and hopefully a chance to attract a suitor with their wit, as you did.”

“Thank you, Papa.”  Elizabeth said softly.  “I hope that they do not give you any trouble for the effort.”

“No, I imagine that will come from Lydia, but Kitty and Mary may welcome the chance.”  He smiled.  “And then your mother will count on you to put them in the way of rich men when they are properly out.”

“I have no doubt.”  Elizabeth said dryly and Mr. Bennet was glad to see the restoration of her humour.

“I spoke with your uncle while we waited for you to return last night.  Jane will remain in town after you marry.  I observed Mr. Harwick with her, I fear that his offer will not come, and I do not wish for her to suffer your mother’s petulance as you did.  I endured enough of it the last two nights, first following her lecture by Marianne, then last night in her worry that Mr. Darcy may never return to marry you.”

Elizabeth sighed; she had heard it all through the walls.  “Thank you, Papa.” 

“I apologize for making sport of you for so long.”  He said softly.  “I do not expect to be invited to your homes, but perhaps Mr. Darcy will allow you to visit on your own, or maybe the two of you may visit on your way to and from London.” 

Elizabeth looked up to see absolute contrition in his eyes.  “I will speak to him about that.”

“Thank you, Daughter.”  He patted her hand.  “You will be deeply missed, but Mr. Darcy deserves you, and you deserve the life he will provide.  Now, your mother and I will return to Longbourn this afternoon.  Whenever you have your wedding plans prepared, please tell us, and no matter what happens with Jane, do not fear me impeding your marriage.  I hope that I will still have the honour of giving you away to Mr. Darcy.  My brother has served in my stead for too long.”

“I will, Papa.  I hoped that you would give me to him.”  Elizabeth stood and embraced him, and they held each other until Mrs. Bennet’s voice announced the ladies’ approach.  She resumed her seat.  “Perhaps while I wait for his return, I could visit Longbourn and pack up my belongings.” 

“You are welcome to travel with us today.”  He offered.

She hesitated when she saw the hope in his expression then shook her head.  “No, I . . . I promised to help him with his letters and I do not wish to leave before I have word of his plans.  Perhaps next week?”

“Very well then.”  Mr. Bennet smiled.  “But be assured that your mother will wish to show you off to the neighbourhood.  It is well that Mr. Darcy will be occupied, eh?”

“Lizzy!”  Mrs. Bennet spotted her and immediately took the chair by her side, while Jane and Mrs. Gardiner took their places.  “What are you doing to keep Mr. Darcy interested?”

Her eyes grew wide and she saw her aunt’s close.  “Interested?  I . . . I do not understand, Mama.”

“He has left you, he may not ever return!  He has gone back to his estate and he might get lost in his sport or find a new girl while he is there!”

“Fanny, do not be ridiculous, his home suffered a fire.  Mr. Darcy will not be standing in his stream fishing!”  Mrs. Gardiner sighed.  “He is not going to break his engagement to Lizzy!  He is a man of honour.  He will be back as soon as he can, and is undoubtedly very anxious to return!  Why, he will not even arrive at Pemberley for days!”

“Oh Lizzy!  He is so far away!  He may die in a carriage accident!”

“Mama!”  Elizabeth cried.  “How can you say such things?”

“Mrs. Bennet, wailing over these ideas does nothing for our daughter.  She misses him enough already, there is no need to make her fear for his safety or constancy.”  Mr. Bennet spoke decisively.  The three women looked at him in surprise. 

Mrs. Bennet closed her mouth then turned back to Elizabeth.  “Have you written to him?”

“No, not yet . . .”

“You must tell him things that will keep him attracted.”  She rolled her eyes when Elizabeth looked confused.  “Encourage him!  Tell him that you find him handsome!  Tell him of the night dress you have purchased . . . you
have
purchased something special have you not?  OH!  I must speak to you of your duties!”

“I believe I will depart now before I become ill.”  Mr. Bennet stood and rapidly left.

“Mama, please . . .”

“Jane, leave the room.”   Mrs. Bennet said determinedly then turned to Elizabeth.  “Now, on your wedding night, Mr. Darcy . . .”

THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Lady Matlock arrived with Alicia to take Elizabeth to Darcy House.  The ladies came into the Gardiner home to pay their respects, and when they prepared to depart, Elizabeth paused to hold Jane’s hands.  “Are you sure that Mr. Harwick will come today?”

“I am certain of it.”  Jane said quietly.  “I am grateful that Mama and Papa departed yesterday.  I do not believe that I could abide Mama’s reaction when he ends it.”

“You do not know that he will!”  Elizabeth said reassuringly. 

Jane smiled and shook her head. “Go Lizzy.  Take care of your Mr. Darcy.”  Reluctantly Elizabeth left and Mrs. Gardiner whispered on her way out that she would take care of Jane whatever came.  She climbed into the carriage with her future family and they set off.

“Is anything wrong, Elizabeth?”  Alicia asked as they rode. “Or do you miss Darcy?”

“Of course she misses him.”  Lady Matlock observed.  “But I suspect this mood has more to do with her sister than Darcy.”

Elizabeth looked at her hands.  “Your suspicions are correct, Aunt Helen.”  Knowing when to drop a topic the other ladies filled the carriage with conversation until they reached their destination.

“This way My Lady.”  Mrs. Mercer led them into Darcy’s study.  “He left several stacks here.  These are letters he has read and had agreed to the meetings proposed within, so they are the ones that need to be cancelled.  A great many of these are invitations, he said that he did not much care if they were answered or not since none were from friends, and this is the post that came this morning.  He said that if you wished, Miss Elizabeth, you may read the letters and forward anything that looked important to Pemberley, but if it was not, just leave it be and he would look at it when he returns.”  She glanced around the room.  “The girls have not been in to clean here yet, madam, please excuse . . .”

“No, that is fine Mrs. Mercer, I am certain that it was quite chaotic here when you sent him on his way.”  Lady Matlock nodded and the housekeeper closed the door to the spotless room on her way out.  “Now then, let us see what we have here.”  She took a chair near the desk and looked at Elizabeth, who stood quietly, taking in the room and feeling Darcy’s presence all around her.  “Elizabeth?”

“Oh, forgive me, I . . . I have never had the opportunity to really look at the decoration in here. Fitzwilliam . . .” She blushed as the memory of his warm caressing hands and his deep kisses washed over her.

“I imagine that he was distracting.”  She smiled at Alicia who laughed, and pointed to Darcy’s chair.  “Take a seat.”

“His chair?” 

“Of course!”  She laughed.  “And definitely make a point of telling him that you sat there when you write.”  Seeing another blush she smiled and picked up the first letter.

“When should he arrive?”  Elizabeth asked and looked to the landscape of Pemberley, and hoped that this would be the view she would soon enjoy.

“Well, he should probably arrive at about this time the day after tomorrow.”  She glanced at the clock.  “Although knowing Darcy, he is probably pressing his driver to make as much progress as possible.  I am actually surprised that he did not go on horseback, but it is a long journey.” 

Elizabeth sank down in the enormous chair, running her fingers over the worn leather, and laid her hands in the depressions made over long years of occupation.  Again she felt herself enclosed within his arms, in his lap, his hand sliding under her skirt . . . shaking off the overwhelming feeling, she tried to focus.  “Was this Mr. Darcy’s chair?” 

“I believe so, Darcy changed very little when he came to be master.  I think this chair makes him feel that his father is with him.”  She watched as Elizabeth settled in and became lost in thought.  “Elizabeth.”

“Oh.”  She sat up and blinked, the smooth feel of the solid leather warming under hand brought to mind the sensation of caressing Fitzwilliam’s rigid length and the pleasure she gave him.  Blushing she whispered.  “I am being silly.”

“No dear, not at all.  It makes me very happy to see how preoccupied you are with him.”  She looked down at the letter to give Elizabeth a moment to compose herself and nodded.  “Very well then, as mistress you will spend a great deal of time with correspondence, of course yours will be of a social nature, but declining invitations will certainly be part of it.  I will dictate the response and you will write it out.  I will sign the letters on Darcy’s behalf.”  She saw Elizabeth’s confusion and smiled.  “You my dear; are only his betrothed.  I am his aunt, and I can cancel an appointment where you . . .”

“Oh.”  Elizabeth smiled.  “Next month I could but not yet.”

“Precisely.”  Lady Matlock nodded.  “I suppose we could have had Henry’s secretary do this, but I did not want Darcy’s affairs exposed to anyone but family, not that there should be anything scandalous in these letters.”