The Engagement Page 3

  The following day around midday, she felt that no longer could she sit by the window, looking out for him. The weather was much improved, and even though it was not sunny, it was not raining either, and the wind had calmed down. She could safely risk a longer walk. She strolled to the Oakham Mount where she had been with Darcy only two days ago. On her way back, she purposely walked the main road hoping to encounter Darcy, but she had no such luck. Tired and cold after a long walk, with her spirits considerably dampened and her petticoats covered in mud, she walked into the warm house with the intention of going to her bedroom first to change and rest by the warm fire.

  “Lizzy, child, where have you been?” Her mother’s voice made her stop on the first steps of the staircase.

  Turning her head, she answered, “On a walk as usual.”

  Mrs. Bennet’s eyes swept her from the tips of her muddy boots to the top of her messy head. “You look a fright. Go change yourself this instant. Put on that new green dress and repin your hair. If Mr. Darcy sees you like this, he may very well change his mind about marrying you.”

  Elizabeth leaned over the railing. “He is here?”

  “Naturally that he is here. He has been waiting for you for a good hour now. We have barely stopped him from stepping out to look for you.”

  Not listening anymore, Elizabeth ran up the stairs, taking two steps at a time. Once in her room, she tore off her bonnet and the coat, and kicked off her shoes. Her mother was right. She could hardly show herself to him in such a state. He had seen her worse before, the day she walked three miles to see Jane at Netherfield, but at the time she had not had a care in the world what he had thought about her and her outer appearance. Now the situation was quite different.

  A light knock on the door did not divert her attention from the task at hand, which was the hasty removal of her soiled dress. “Come in,” she called, being certain that it was Jane willing to help her.

  The door opened, but instead of Jane, a tall male figure entered. Elizabeth gasped quietly, instinctively reaching to pick up her dress, which was now pooled around her feet, in order to cover herself. She had her stays and petticoats on, being as much covered as in any summer or ball dress that he had seen her in before, but it felt wrong to allow him to see her only in her undergarments.

  “Forgive me,” Darcy murmured, looking away from her, taking a step back.

  “Please wait,” Elizabeth cried out, not wishing for him to leave. “Do not go. Allow me a moment.”

  Still keeping his eyes away from her form, he nodded, stepping back inside and closing the door. He stood silently, facing the wall, as Elizabeth hastily cleaned the mess of her strewn clothing and put on a fresh dressing gown. It was light blue and shapeless, covering her from her neck to the tips of her feet.

  Smoothing her hair, she cleared her throat. “I am decent.”

  Darcy turned around, his dark eyes sweeping over her form, before setting on her face. “Miss Jane showed me which bedroom was yours,” he explained, still visibly embarrassed. “I knocked.”

  “I thought that it was Jane, offering to help me.”

  With slight hesitation, Darcy made his way across the room until he stood directly in front of her. Bowing deeply, he took her hand, lifting it to his lips. Elizabeth had the impulse to wrap her arms around his neck, but she fought it. She remembered his resistance last time when she had attempted it.

  “Let us sit down,” she proposed. Her hand still in his, she led him to the upholstered bench that stood at the end of her bed, which was the only furniture in her room which could fit them both apart from the bed itself. “I was concerned when you did not return yesterday.”

  “Some complications arose while in London.”

  “Your business with the solicitor took a longer time than you predicted?”

  “No, it was not the case. The meeting went according to the initial plan. I did not predict, though, Georgiana’s reaction to the news of our understanding.”

  Elizabeth sent him a questioning gaze. She remembered Darcy’s sister as a sweet girl, shy but eager to befriend her. She could not imagine that Georgiana’s reaction to their union might be disapproving.

  “Was she not pleased with the news?” she asked.

  “Most pleased, to the degree that she insisted on coming with me, which delayed my departure yesterday.”

  “Your sister is here?” Elizabeth exclaimed.

  “She is at Netherfield with her companion, Mrs. Annesley. I though it to be a sound idea not to bring her here with me today yet, which is why I came alone with Bingley. Georgiana is still rather shy, and I do believe that it is wiser to introduce her gradually into the company. I hope to bring her to Longbourn tomorrow, or perhaps you and Jane could visit her at Netherfield first.”

  “Georgiana is a lovely young lady,” Elizabeth spoke with sincerity. “I look forward to spending more time with her.”

  “She is overjoyed to be gaining a sister in you, as well as being introduced to your family. Somehow she finds the idea of a large family consisting of only sisters very appealing.”

  “What about Wickham? Even though he and Lydia are in Newcastle, not coming back in the nearest future, he is often mentioned here, especially by my mother.”

  “Georgiana knows about Lydia’s elopement and marriage to Wickham. She will never have to suffer being in Wickham’s presence again, I promised it to her. However, she cannot pretend that he does not exist.”

  Elizabeth looked down at her hand, encompassed in Darcy’s much larger one. Wickham would always be persona non grata in their home, the same as Lydia. Elizabeth understood it, and had no intention to ask Darcy to change his mind about this matter. Lydia was a married woman with at least some respectability regained only due to Darcy’s actions, his sacrifice, and goodness. Their entire family owed Darcy so much.

  “I could ask Papa to speak with my mother about it. He could ask her not to mention Wickham in Georgiana’s presence.”

  “Absolutely not,” Darcy said firmly. “Georgiana’s failed elopement is a forgotten matter, it is in the past. I do not wish for anyone to have even a shadow of a doubt that something like that might have happened in my sister’s past. The only people who know about it are Colonel Fitzwilliam, you, and I, and it must remain like this.”

  Elizabeth did not think it necessary to tell him that Jane was also a person who knew about Georgiana’s past history with Wickham. Her eldest sister was the soul of discretion, and she would never betray her knowledge to anyone, even Bingley.

  “Let us not speak about Wickham, though,” Darcy proposed in a lighter tone. Like once before when they had been alone in Mr. Bennet’s library, he put his arm around her, allowing her to lean into his side. “How have you been for the last two days, my love?”

  She blushed instantly at the endearment, her insides warming up. “I have waited for you,” she explained. “I worried that something bad might have happened to you when you did not arrive yesterday, although Jane kept assuring me that you were surely well and that your business in town took longer than you initially planned. I also spoke with Mama about our understanding.” She cringed inwardly, remembering her mother’s reaction. She could only hope that Mrs. Bennet would not start murmuring to herself ‘ten thousand pounds or more’ in Darcy’s presence. “She is very happy with the news that I am spoken for.”

  “I noticed that as soon as I entered the house today,” Darcy said. “She barely paid any attention to Bingley. All her focus was concentrated solely on me.”

  Elizabeth examined his handsome face, searching for impatience or even disgust at her mother’s antics, but she found nothing of the sort there. He looked a little pained, but calm, and above all resigned.

  “I am sorry that you have to suffer through this. We can hope that in a few days she will settle down with the news enough to leave you in peace.”

  “Yes, let us hope for this,” he said, sounding rather unconvinced.

  With a quiet sigh, she closed
her eyes and supported her head on his broad shoulder. She felt him kissing her forehead, as well as gathering her closer to him. “I wish that we could spend this evening all alone, only you and me.”

  “My sentiments exactly,” he responded. “I am afraid that we will have to wait several months before it can happen. Bingley mentioned to me earlier today that Miss Jane wished for a double wedding at Christmas time.”

  “Yes, Jane and I talked about it. What is your view on that?”

  “Our wedding in three months’ time, together with your sister and Bingley?” he asked, receiving a nod from her. “I must say that I initially had a shorter betrothal in mind, but I can understand that you wish to be married on the same day as Jane.”

  Impulsively, Elizabeth wrapped her hands around his lean waist, hiding her face into his neck, whispering, “Thank you.”

  Grunting shortly as if she had hurt him with the force of her embrace, he kissed the top of her head before pulling away from her. “We should go downstairs before someone begins to look for us,” he announced. “I will wait for you outside in the corridor.”

  “Please stay,” she insisted. “I only have to change my dress and smooth my hair.” His eyes were wide open and alert when she walked to the closet, opened it, and took out the freshly pressed light green dress. Then, when she turned to walk behind the painted screen in the corner of the room, she caught the expression of both relief and slight disappointment crossing his face. He did not expect her to undress right in front of him, did he?

  “Will you come to Netherfield tomorrow together with Jane?” he asked as she was finishing her toilette behind the screen. “Georgiana will feel more at ease if she sees Jane and you first before meeting the rest of the family here at Longbourn.”

  “I think that is a sound idea,” Elizabeth agreed, stepping from behind the screen. She hoped that Darcy would appreciate the effort that she had put into her looks. The dress brought out the green in her eyes and slimmed down her figure. The hairstyle was simple, as she had no help from Jane or the maid to make it more elaborate. However, her eyes were shining, and she did not need to put blush on her cheeks, as they were naturally flushed, especially in Darcy’s presence.

  “You look lovely,” Darcy said, rushing to her side.

  “Lovely enough to tempt you?” she teased.

  He opened his mouth to respond but then closed it, a slight frown marking his forehead. “You overheard,” he said slowly. “That night when we first met, you heard what I spoke to Bingley about you.”

  “I did.”

  “I hoped...” He swallowed visibly, looking very ill at ease. “I hoped that you had not overheard me, although I guessed that you had, especially when I remember the words of your initial refusal of my suit.”

  Elizabeth placed her hand on his chest, resting it there with reassurance she hoped that he could hear. “I was only teasing you, Fitzwilliam.”

  “You must know that for a very long time I have considered you the handsomest woman of my acquaintance,” he spoke ardently, with a note of desperation in his voice.

  She laughed joyfully, amused by his seriousness. “Let us put it to rest. In many years we will be telling this story of the false first impressions to our grandchildren, laughing at it.”

  “I cannot laugh at it now, and I doubt that I will even in many years to come,” he spoke seriously, tension written all over his features. “Due to my own stupidity and pride I nearly lost you.”

  Elizabeth began to understand that in their future dealings she would have to be more careful with her teasing, as Darcy did not take certain matters as lightly as she did. It would require some time and patience to make his manner less rigid and austere.

  “I am yours, and we shall not be separated. We were both fortunate enough to find our way to each other and put the misunderstandings and prejudice in the past.” As she was saying her assurances with their eyes locked, she noticed both his body and expression gradually relaxing.

  She sent him a bright smile, and soon he returned it shyly.

  “Shall we?” he asked, offering her his arm.

  They walked together side by side out of Elizabeth’s bedroom, but as the staircase was too narrow to comfortably fit two people, Elizabeth went first, with Darcy stepping beside her. It was most pleasant, as he placed his hand on her back again, and even if it was a small and innocent touch, she enjoyed it very much.

  “Mr. Darcy, here you are!” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed as soon as they entered the drawing room. “I have been wondering where you were, but no one could guess where you went.”

  Darcy looked uncomfortable for a moment, not ready to admit in front of his mother-in-law-to-be that he had been alone with her daughter in her bedroom upstairs. He did not have to explain himself, though, as Mrs. Bennet continued, not waiting for him to speak.

  “Oh, I see that you found Lizzy. I apologize to you, Mr. Darcy, that she was not here when you came earlier today. I told her not to go for a walk, to stay and wait for you, but that girl never listens to me.”

  Elizabeth sat down next to Jane on a sofa while Darcy occupied a chair next to Bingley.

  “It is quite all right, madam,” Darcy said. “Miss Elizabeth and I both share a mutual love for nature and long walks. I can understand her perfectly in that respect.”

  Mrs. Bennet gaped at him for a moment, clearly not certain how to answer. At last she spoke, changing the subject, “I hope that you like lamb and white soup, Mr. Darcy. I personally supervised the dinner preparations. Good cuisine is something I take great pride in, and I can assure you that I passed all my talents in that respect on my daughters. Elizabeth is perfectly capable of running a household even as large and great as yours.”

  “I have never doubted Miss Elizabeth’s abilities in that respect, or any other, for that matter,” Darcy assured. “However, I am afraid that I will not be able to stay for dinner tonight. I must return to Netherfield soon.”

  “Return to Netherfield?!” she screeched, making Darcy wince slightly. “Are you of opinion that the cook there is better than ours?”

  “I simply promised my sister that we would dine together.”

  Mrs. Bennet’s blue eyes nearly popped out of her face. “Your sister?”

  “My sister Georgiana insisted on accompanying me once she learned of my understanding with Elizabeth. She is resting now at Netherfield with her companion.”

  “Why did you not bring her here today?”

  “She was quite tired today after the sudden journey from London. Georgiana is young and shy, not yet out in the company. I feared that meeting so many new people at once might prove taxing for her. That is why I hoped that Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth might pay her a visit tomorrow at Netherfield before she is introduced into larger company.”

  “How old is she?” Mrs. Bennet wished to know.

  “Sixteen.”

  “Sixteen is not that young at all! I am very surprised to hear that she is not yet out. But as you are raising her yourself, I can understand that you did not have proper advice on that matter. My youngest daughter, Lydia, who also turned sixteen not a long time ago, is already married. You must have heard. She is Mrs. George Wickham now. You know Mr. Wickham, I believe; he is from Derbyshire as well.”

  As Darcy answered nothing, she continued, not deterred by his silence, “They are residing in Newcastle now. However, I am certain that they will come to attend Elizabeth’s wedding.”

  Elizabeth glanced worriedly at Darcy, who sat with a grim face, his hands fisted on his thighs. “I am afraid that will not be possible, madam,” he said.

  “Oh, I am certain that dear Wickham will be allowed a few days of leave from his duties to celebrate Elizabeth’s wedding. You must know that she was quite a favourite of his last autumn and winter. They made a striking couple on the dance floor, and for a short time I even thought that—”

  Mrs. Bennet did not finish because Elizabeth interrupted her, exclaiming, “Mama! I beg you to stop this nonsens
e.”

  The older woman looked at her, as if not comprehending why she was being scolded by her own daughter. Only after a minute or so the understanding of the possible implication of her words seemed to dawn on her.

  “But Elizabeth never treated dear Wickham seriously!” Mrs. Bennet claimed fiercely. “I had no idea at the time that she had set her sights on you, Mr. Darcy. I should have guessed something when she refused her hand to poor Mr. Collins. I must say that I was quite vexed with her back then. I should have trusted her judgement, I admit it now, as she proved to be such a clever girl, and sneaky too. She had never said a word of your interest in her, Mr. Darcy, and she had her eyes on you all that time. If only she had trusted me and confessed her intentions, I would have advised her admirably. In the end, though, everything has turned so very well, would you not agree? My daughters made fabulous matches so far. I could not be happier for them. Three daughters married in a year! Who would have thought that?”

  Elizabeth felt herself growing hot from inside, her finger digging into the smooth material of her skirts. It was certainly not the first time she had felt deeply ashamed with her mother’s foolishness; however, she had never felt it so acutely as now.

  Darcy stood up quite abruptly. “Bingley, it is time to go,” he announced.

  “So soon, Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Bennet cried out.

  Darcy bowed to her but did not respond to her plea. Then he stepped to Elizabeth, who did not dare to look at him, still too mortified to even glimpse at him.

  “Miss Elizabeth,” he spoke quietly, offering his hand to her. She looked up at him at last, tears of humiliation and anger brimming in her eyes. She placed her trembling hand in his. “I will see you tomorrow morning at Netherfield. Will ten o’clock be too early?” he asked, kissing her hand.

  She shook her head, not trusting her voice to utter a single word.

  “We shall be at Netherfield around ten in the morning, Mr. Darcy,” Jane spoke in a calm tone, smiling politely at him.

  Darcy placed Elizabeth’s hand gently at her knee before marching out of the room, not even waiting for Bingley, who was still saying his goodbyes to Jane.