Pride, Prejudice & Secrets (3 page)

“It can wait until you are feeling better, Miss Bennet.”

“Nonsense, sir. I feel perfectly fine. As I mentioned, I am never unwell. Of what did you desire to speak? Of fifty miles of good road? Of the unvarying society in the country?”

Darcy winced at this reminder of his frequent losses when verbally jousting with Elizabeth, but it was clear that, if her light-headedness had affected any of her, it had not affected her memory or her spirit.

“Sir?” she said. “Of what did you wish to speak?”

The room appeared to be resuming its spinning motion, though more slowly; however, she wished to hear what Darcy had to say. She hoped that it might refer to Mr. Bingley’s sudden departure from Hertfordshire or perhaps his presence in town. She could think of nothing else that might occasion a private interview.

Darcy was struck dumb as he looked down at the pale girl who sat and sipped her lemonade. Despite the flush on her cheeks and the slight sheen of perspiration on her forehead, he thought she looked even more beautiful and desirable than when she was not ill. Perhaps it was the fact that she needed assistance, when she was normally so self-reliant.

“Sir?” she said again, more faintly this time, and it was perhaps this clear evidence of illness that caused Darcy to fall to one knee before her chair and take her feverish hand in his own.

Elizabeth was disconcerted by Darcy taking her hand, especially since neither wore gloves, but she did not protest the undue familiarity. She simply felt too weak and distracted.

“I cannot tell you of the extent of my admiration for you, Miss Bennet,” he said finally. “In fact, it is more than admiration that I feel; it is love.”

Elizabeth seemed to accept these statements in an unsurprised manner, which confirmed Darcy’s estimate that she had recognized his attentions and expected his addresses. In actuality, the surprise was overwhelming in her weakened state, and she failed to comprehend the concept he was imparting. Everything felt like a dream…just a dream…

Darcy considered how to ask his question, but he decided that Elizabeth’s illness precluded any other explanatory items. So, in light of her understanding of his intentions, his words were simple.

“In view of my attachment, Miss Bennet, you would make me the happiest man in the world if you would accept my hand in marriage.”

In her defence, Elizabeth later wondered whether she had been hallucinating, weaving the conscious events with her unconscious thoughts, imagining that the man offering marriage was one of those who occasionally populated her dreams. In her light-headed state, she nodded politely — a common occurrence in her dreams — but Darcy’s response caught her by surprise. His eyes darkened and seemed to stare into her soul, and then he leaned forward and kissed her fingers tenderly.

“Thank you, Elizabeth.” His words were low and husky, and even in her illness, Elizabeth suddenly recognized the implications of his use of her Christian name.

As she was galvanized to struggle against her surreal state and comprehend what had just occurred, the door opened as Charlotte returned to the room. Darcy realized instantly that she must have been waiting outside the door and likely listened to the conversation. Elizabeth, of course, did not have a similar realization until some days later, and she had not even started to realize the necessity of informing this man that he had jumped to an unwarranted conclusion before Charlotte returned to find Darcy standing by Elizabeth’s side and holding her hand in a manner that was unmistakably indicative of solicitousness — and assurance.

Darcy, realizing the secret could not be kept, not after having the wife of his aunt’s parson find him holding Elizabeth’s hand, simply stated the matter plainly. “Mrs. Collins, I would like to inform you that I have made your friend an offer of marriage and she has done me the honour of accepting.”

“That is wonderful news, Mr. Darcy.” Charlotte’s response was enthusiastic, and she had to smile as Darcy beamed, looking down at Elizabeth proudly, still maintaining his grip on her hand. She had never seen him exhibit such unrestrained cheer, and there was no trace of his normally reserved demeanour. His voice was unusually light and merry, matching his countenance, as he expressed himself as warmly as a man violently in love ought to do.

Charlotte glanced at her friend, who still looked rather confused, and she recognized that Elizabeth had no comprehension of the heartfelt delight upon Darcy’s visage. She was sorry that Elizabeth was missing the insight into this more than slightly inscrutable man she had just agreed to marry, but she felt certain her friend would have sufficient opportunity in the future to realize such matters. At the present, it was clear that Elizabeth was light-headed and completely oblivious to all that was happening. But Charlotte did not care; sometimes it was necessary to take care of one’s friends for their own good, and she was overjoyed at Eliza’s good fortune. She immediately went to her and embraced her warmly, offering her effusive congratulations.

Elizabeth’s thoughts at the time were less joyful.

What is this?
In some confusion, she tried to think clearly despite her dizziness.
What have I done?

Now, for the first time, she looked up and perceived the significant change in Darcy’s demeanour. Despite her light-headedness, she was stunned at the absence of his usual reserve and distant demeanour. Gone was the stiff, wooden expression that she associated with him. Instead, his face was suffused with obvious joy and warmth, especially when he looked at her. Despite herself, she could not completely resist the gratification of being examined in such a manner. In that state of mixed emotions and befuddled thoughts, she closed her eyes against the bright light and thus was unaware of Darcy leaping to catch her as she swooned. She was equally unaware of being gathered into his arms and carefully carried upstairs, closely attended by Charlotte.

Chapter 2

“Talk six times with the same single lady, and you may get the wedding dress ready.”

— George Gordon, Lord Byron, British Poet

Thursday, April 9, 1812: Hunsford Parsonage, Kent

D
r. Ian Douglas indeed arrived before evening to find Darcy waiting at the Parsonage gate, so anxious that he opened the door to the carriage himself.

“Hullo, Darcy,” the tall man said, stepping down and accepting Darcy’s firm handclasp. “I understand a friend of yours is rather ill.”

“Actually, she is more than a friend since we are engaged to be married.” Douglas looked at his friend sharply. Darcy was not a man to make jests of that sort, but news of such significance was quite unexpected.

“My congratulations, naturally, but I am surprised, very surprised. After seeing you evade so many eligible young ladies, Susan and I worried you might never marry.”

“And I might not have, to be honest, since I was unaware I sought her until I unexpectedly found her.” Darcy spoke with unwonted openness, for Douglas and his wife were friends of long standing.

“It often is.” Douglas said, nodding agreement. “Now, what ails the young lady?”

After Darcy described Elizabeth’s symptoms, Douglas nodded sombrely. “I shall need to examine her, of course…”

“Which is another mark against you in the eyes of your profession,” Darcy said dryly, for most physicians thought it beneath themselves to actually touch the patients to whom they supposedly ministered.

“No doubt,” Douglas said with equal dryness. “But your young lady’s ailment sounds much like others I have seen lately. If so, there is not much to be done for her, at least by me, other than applying cool cloths to relieve the fever, making sure she drinks cool liquids, and keeping her chambers well ventilated. You know my views on this practice of shutting up the sick in those stuffy rooms.”

“I do indeed. Another mark, you know, but your arguments make sense.”

“That said, I would not worry overmuch. Assuming her health is good, I expect this to pass in a few days. Those most at risk seem to be the very old and the very young.”

“Miss Bennet’s health is excellent,” Darcy said, smiling rather proudly. “She is unlike most young ladies in that she enjoys exploring the countryside. She could likely walk either of us into the ground.”

Douglas nodded, somewhat surprised at Darcy’s selection of such an unorthodox young lady as he described, but only a little. Darcy was rather traditionally minded in many areas, but considering his evasion of so many fashionable young ladies cut from the traditional mould, perhaps it made perfect sense. After Darcy showed him into the house and introduced him to the wife of the parson, Douglas ascended the stairs with Mrs. Collins, returning in less than fifteen minutes.

“Your young lady is rather ill and will need several days to recover,” he reported encouragingly, “but I do not anticipate any problems. I gave Mrs. Collins several sleeping draughts for Miss Bennet if they are needed and reviewed the steps I mentioned to you: cool cloths and wet sponges and plenty to drink.”

“I shall make sure to follow your instructions, doctor,” Charlotte said, noting the relief on Darcy’s face with interest. She was worried about Eliza and excited for her at the same time, not to mention being pleased and vindicated at her earlier conjectures about Darcy’s attraction. It was all turning out so marvellously!

Darcy thanked Douglas profusely, promising to dine with his family when he returned, then watched the coach disappear down the road just as the sun was dipping below the horizon. He was whistling as he started off briskly towards Rosings; Richard was going to be completely surprised!

However, hardly had he begun the journey before he saw his cousin approaching him at a speed equal to his own. In the fading light, he did not see the worry on Richard’s face until they were quite close.

“Well, the fat is well and truly in the fire this time, Cousin!” Richard said. “Our aunt appears to have wrought herself into a fine fury, and that fury is aimed in your direction!”

Darcy waited until they met and stopped on the path before responding. “Suppose you tell me about it. I have an idea but would prefer to hear the details from you.”

“Our aunt’s foolish parson hastened to Rosings about two hours ago and delivered the
scandalous
news of your engagement to the bewitching Miss Bennet, for which you have my heartiest congratulations by the way. But, as you might imagine, Lady Catherine is not disposed to the same point of view.”

“I had not even noticed Collins’s absence,” Darcy said ruefully as the two began to walk toward Rosings. “I talked with his wife for several hours, waiting for the arrival of my physician from London, but I thought her husband had gone to summon an apothecary. Obviously, his wife spoke to him, and he took the news to his patroness instead. That explains the apothecary’s absence, which I also failed to notice.”

“It appears you have been exhibiting all the symptoms of a young man in love, Darce, and I must have all the details!” Richard clearly found the situation one of high merriment, but a sudden thought made him stop dead in his tracks and regard Darcy closely. “You are being serious about this, are you not? I would hope this is not an exhibition of your misguided sense of humour.”

“I have never been more serious in my life. Nor have I been happier. But what are you talking of? I have a good sense of humour.”

“If you do, there has been precious little evidence of it since your father passed on.”

“Well, perhaps you might be right about my father.” Darcy conceded the point as they resumed walking. “But that will be at an end now. Miss Bennet will see to that.”

“But when…how did it come about? I am happy for you, to be sure, and I can more easily comprehend some of your untoward behaviour these past weeks, such as delaying our departure from our aunt’s happy home. But I never suspected the explanation might be
this!
”

“It has been coming on rather gradually since we arrived, but my attraction actually dates to our first acquaintance in Hertfordshire, though I did nothing at the time. Indeed, I admit I fled the county to escape the lure, telling myself her connections and fortune were too trifling to meet the standards my parents set for me.”

“Well, that might be an impediment to
me
, Darcy, but why should it be of any consequence to
you?
You have money and connections enough to need no more.”

“Which is what finally penetrated my thick skull. And when we arrived to find Miss Bennet visiting her friend, I quickly discovered I could no longer deny the attraction. Nor could I stay away from her. Every meeting made me long for another, and quite without realizing it, I could not imagine a life without her, no matter what others, be they family or friends, might think. Those who disagree with my choice will have to accept it, for I am determined to marry as I think best.”

“I know one of those ‘others’ who is most exceedingly displeased.”

“I know,” Darcy said sadly. “She clings to this delusion about Anne being intended for me. Since my father passed on, her suggestions have been louder and less subtle. But I expect Anne herself will be relieved to hear those suggestions end; she has concerns more pressing than this fanciful engagement.”

“Such as surviving the coming winter,” Richard said, with equal sadness. “Not to be callous, but I am actually relieved it is your Miss Bennet who is ill rather than Anne. Miss Bennet is hardy enough to weather the affliction, but it might take our cousin away for good.”

“Too true.” Darcy unhappily considered what awaited him at Rosings. His aunt’s reaction had been an issue during his deliberations, but he had no answer to her expected displeasure and hoped it might at least be somewhat restrained. It appeared his hopes had been too optimistic, and now the beginning of his engagement likely would involve a quarrel with his mother’s sister.

The cousins were almost at Rosings before Darcy spoke again. “I suppose I might as well take the bull by the horns and formally announce the news, though it appears Aunt Catherine is quite well informed already.”

“I do not envy you this interview, Darce. I would rather have another go with that blasted Frog cavalry than to confront her ladyship in full righteous fury. Have you considered simply leaving quietly and sending her a letter? She is going to castigate you unmercifully, you know, and it might be better to allow her to do so at a distance. Otherwise, things might be said that cannot be taken back.”

“While I admit the thought is tempting, I think not, Richard. She has to face the situation at some point. I am her sister’s son, and she cannot continue this delusion about Anne and me.”

“I wish I could argue otherwise,” Fitzwilliam said with a glum sigh. “But I cannot. Since you are determined, I shall accompany you.”

“I thought you said…”

“I said I would
prefer
to fight the French rather than confront Aunt Catherine,” Fitzwilliam said dryly. “I did not say I would do neither. And I cannot let you do this alone; you are my favourite cousin and my good friend as well. Perhaps my presence will exercise a restraining influence on her ladyship.”

“Or perhaps not,” Darcy said, giving his cousin a crooked smile.

“Or perhaps not.” Richard returned the grin then began to quote from the Bible. “‘Yea, though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…’”

“Richard, she is only our aunt!” Darcy slapped his cousin on the back. “How bad can it be?”

“
That
we are about to discover, Darce!” Richard responded piously, putting his palms together in an attitude of prayer. “That we are about to discover.”

“Of what were you thinking, Darcy?” Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s voice was shrill as her claw-like fingers clutched the arms of her chair. She leaned forward to confront her nephew. “What insane drivel is this news my parson brings me?”

“It is no drivel, Aunt.” Darcy’s voice was calm, though he struggled with his temper in the face of his aunt’s raw fury. “I have made Miss Bennet an offer of marriage, and she has accepted it.”

“Accepted? Nonsense! You are engaged to Anne! Every member of our family knows this!”

“Please, Aunt, that is simply not true. I have never spoken to Anne of marriage. We love each other but only as cousins, and — ”

“You are formed for each other! Your mother and I planned the union when the two of you were in your cradles; it was her favourite wish! Are our plans to be thwarted by this…this upstart girl from the country?”

“Aunt, for the last time, Anne and I are
not
engaged! And Elizabeth is thwarting no one’s plans, neither yours nor my mother’s. In fact, she may well have been caught somewhat by surprise by my proposal.”

“Or completely so.” At Darcy’s side, Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke so softly only his cousin heard him. Her ladyship, totally focussed on Darcy, seemed completely unaware the colonel had spoken.

Despite his apprehensions of the interview, Richard was surprised to find himself enjoying it. The sight of Darcy standing up to Lady Catherine, who was used to having her own way in everything she did, was proving to be a highly entertaining yet gruesome spectacle. And he also hoped for the chance to throw some oil on troubled waters before the conversation degenerated much further.

However, Fitzwilliam’s hopes were dashed by his aunt’s next words.

“What do you mean, ‘not engaged’? Of course you are engaged! Did you not hear what I just said? The two of you are meant for each other! It will be a splendid match! And is it to be prevented by the upstart pretensions of a young woman of inferior birth, of no importance in the world? She is wholly unallied to our family and is completely without family, connections, or fortune! Are the shades of Pemberley to be polluted by such an interloper?”

Richard rolled his eyes in dismay as Darcy’s face paled at these insults. He had anticipated his aunt’s bad temper, but the conversation was worsening more rapidly than even he had feared it might.

“This is quite enough of such nonsense, Nephew.” Lady Catherine’s tone suddenly became more moderate. “In fact, I think it is time that your engagement to Anne be regularized. I shall have a note announcing it sent to all our relatives as well as our friends, and — ”

“Are you not listening to me, Aunt?” Darcy was hard put to maintain his control. “Miss Bennet has accepted my proposals. We
will
be married.”

“And, I repeat, you are engaged to Anne! You will be married as soon as her health improves. Why, on his last visit, Dr. Palmer said she was improving marvellously and — ”

“And Anne told me that charlatan had the surgeon bleed her of a quart of blood!” Darcy shot back furiously. “Anne said she thought she was going to die, and — ”

“The letting of blood is necessary to allow the bad humours to escape from the body. Everyone knows this, and — ”

“Everyone does
not
know this, Aunt! Forward-looking physicians said as much more than a century ago, and the persistence of this and other fallacies causes many people die for no reason.”

“Who are
you
to question as eminent a physician as Dr. Palmer?”

“I am a well-read individual who chooses to place my trust in those physicians who endeavour to transform medical affairs to a more scientific basis rather than to continue in the same superstitious vein as in the past! In any case, I suggest we have wandered afield from the subject of my engagement to Miss Bennet. I must stress that this matter is a private affair and is my prerogative. I will be the judge of whom I choose to marry, and it is your duty to accept my decision.”

“I am your aunt, Darcy! I am your closest relation, the sister of your mother — ”

“Then I suggest you remember the loving nature of my mother, Aunt.” Darcy’s words were icy and clipped. “Had she hoped for a union between Anne and me, she would not persist when it was clear that, firstly, Anne will likely never be strong enough to marry, and secondly, I have chosen another.”

“Nonsense! You do not even know or understand my sister — ”

“It is you who do not understand my mother! Yes, she counselled that I should choose a young lady of consequence and fortune, for such is the nature of our times. But times are changing, and we must — ”

“Silence! I will not be interrupted! In this matter, I must speak for my sister since she can no longer speak for herself. She would be saying what I am saying, that this attraction of yours is a mere superficial thing, occasioned by a selfish, young fortune hunter’s success in ensnaring you in her web of allurement.”

“Aunt Catherine, please listen to Darcy,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said in a soothing tone. “He is quite serious in this matter, and you — ”

“Do not interrupt me, Fitzwilliam! This is between Darcy and I, and I shall not allow him to be entrapped by this little piece of baggage.”

This insult was too much and far too much for Darcy; his rigid self-control snapped. Fitzwilliam’s mouth was open to counsel both parties to temper their language and step back from the brink of irreconcilable breach when Darcy leaned forward to confront his aunt. “That is quite enough, madam!”

Lady Catherine’s mouth opened, but Darcy stepped up to her in the extremity of his fury, his angry face inches from hers and his shaking finger in front of her nose. “Not another word! Not! One! Word!”

Lady Catherine’s lips were compressed by her anger into a white gash, and she ignored Richard’s attempts to step between them.

“I said — ” Lady Catherine was interrupted by her nephew, who was at the end of his control.

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet is a perfectly acceptable and completely honourable young lady of respectable birth, and you will not malign her further! Do you understand me, Aunt? She is the woman I will marry. She is the woman who will bear my children. She is the woman who will share my life as long as we live. She is a fine and most honourable young lady, and I will not have her further insulted!”

“Darcy, you
will
listen to me, and — ”

“You have said quite enough, madam! I will tolerate no further insults to Miss Bennet, not a single one, though you be my aunt and sister to my mother. This conversation is at an end! I hereby inform you I will depart this house at dawn; I would leave earlier if it was not already dark and the roads dangerous. I have nothing further to say.”

Darcy turned on his heel and strode angrily from the room in the wake of his aunt’s baleful stare.

Colonel Fitzwilliam only shrugged and gave a mirthless grin as his aunt turned the same stare on him.

“I did try to stop you, Aunt,” he said simply. “You have mistaken Darcy’s temper if you think his previous silence meant he accepted your fixation on an engagement with Anne. That silence was a desire to avoid an argument with a respected relative.”

Fitzwilliam smiled ruefully at his glowering aunt. “But you should remember that Darcy is also his father’s son, and like his father, when he makes a decision, he will resolutely stay the course. I would recommend you consider an…ah, amelioration…of your comments to him. In fact, I really recommend an apology — an immediate apology — or else you may not see him for some time. Family disputes all too often tend to be among the fiercest, you know.”

“Should I wish for your advice, Fitzwilliam, I shall ask for it,” his aunt said coldly. “Hold your tongue, or your welcome will also be at an end.”

“It is of no matter, Aunt.” Colonel Fitzwilliam’s voice was sad as he regarded his father’s sister. He was stung by her dismissive and arrogant attitude and disappointed at his complete failure to lessen the dispute. “You see, I stand with my cousin Darcy in this matter. I believe Miss Bennet will make him an excellent wife. In consequence, I shall depart with him in the morning. Good night, your ladyship.”