A Companion For Miss Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 28

  ‘I think my Aunt Gardiner will be pleased to see how well Lydia behaves,’ said Elizabeth to Jane one evening, as they arrived at Netherfield Park. Lydia was stepping out of the carriage in a ladylike fashion, instead of bounding out in a riot of petticoats and gossip.

  ‘I am sure she will,’ said Jane. She added, ‘I am longing to see my aunt and uncle again.’

  ‘As am I,’ said Elizabeth.

  She valued Mr and Mrs Gardiner for their guidance and their common sense, but she had another reason for looking forward to seeing them this time. She wanted to hear all about Mr Darcy’s visit to Gracechurch Street, and his help in finding Lydia. She had heard something of it from her aunt’s letter, and Lydia had mentioned it, but Elizabeth was longing to know every detail. She did not want to ask Mr Darcy. They had said all they needed to say on the subject and, between them, it was now closed.

  ‘I am looking forward to seeing my cousins again, too,’ said Jane, as they walked across the drive to the front door. ‘They grow so quickly, they will have changed since the last time we saw them.’

  There was time for no more. They had now reached the front door. They were welcomed by the butler and shown into the drawing-room, where the Netherfield party awaited them, and they shortly went into dinner.

  They talked of generalities whilst they ate but afterwards, when the gentlemen had joined the ladies in the drawing-room, the conversation turned to Jane’s wedding.

  It had been decided that she and Mr Bingley would be married in the Meryton church. Jane was to be attended by her four sisters, and Mr Darcy was to stand up with Mr Bingley. Afterwards, there was to be a reception at Longbourn, which would be the last Bennet festivity held there, and then the new Mr and Mrs Bingley would travel to Pemberley for the start of their wedding tour. Elizabeth would go with them, as it was customary for the bride to take her sister with her for female companionship.

  ‘I am looking forward to showing you both my home,’ said Georgiana.

  Elizabeth caught sight of Mr Darcy’s smouldering glance, and knew he was looking forward to showing it to her, too.

  ‘Pemberley is a very splendid place,’ said Mr Bingley. ‘We can never make Netherfield like Pemberley, but we are hoping to carry out some improvements here. The library needs re-stocking and many of the rooms need re-decorating. Netherfield Park will be our home for generations and we want to create a house we can be proud of. Mrs Gardiner has kindly offered to bring us some samples of the latest wallpapers from London. I am glad the Gardiners are coming to Longbourn for Christmas. You will like them, Darcy.’

  Mr Darcy did not say he had already met them. The fewer people who knew about that meeting, the better. Lydia looked as if she were about to speak, and Elizabeth held her breath, but then Lydia changed her mind and Elizabeth relaxed again.

  ‘Do the Gardiners always come to Longbourn for Christmas?’ asked Georgiana.

  ‘Yes,’ said Elizabeth. ‘They come to us every year.’

  ‘When do they arrive?’ asked Georgiana.

  ‘Tomorrow,’ said Jane. ‘They will be staying in Hertfordshire for the wedding. My Uncle Gardiner will be giving me away, before they have to return to London.’

  ‘I have never been an attendant at a wedding before,’ said Georgiana. ‘I am looking forward to it.’

  Gradually, the party began to split up into smaller groups. Georgiana and Mary went over to the pianoforte and started playing duets. Mary’s touch had improved since playing with Georgiana, and the sweet music made a pleasing background to the conversations which sprang up. Kitty and Lydia were talking about the latest fashions, Mrs Philips was talking about the final wedding arrangements with Jane and Mr Bingley, leaving Elizabeth and Mr Darcy to talk together.

  He started to tell her about Pemberley, and she listened to him speaking about his home with pride and affection. Everything he told her made her all the more eager to see it. The time passed quickly as they continued to talk and Elizabeth was both surprised and sorry when Mrs Philips announced it was time for them to leave.

  ‘You seemed to be getting on very well with Mr Darcy,’ said Jane, as, back at Longbourn, the two sisters prepared themselves for bed.

  ‘I must confess I find him the most exciting man of my acquaintance,’ said Elizabeth.

  She unpinned her hair and let it cascade about her shoulders. It fell across her white pegnoire in a tousle of glossy brown locks.

  Jane gave her a knowing look as she unpinned her own blonde hair.

  ‘I cannot hide it,’ said Elizabeth, turning to Jane. ‘He is without doubt the most interesting man I have ever met. And the most attractive,’ she added dreamily.

  ‘Be careful, Lizzy. It sounds as if you are falling in love,’ Jane teased her.

  ‘And if I am, would it be such a bad thing?’ asked Elizabeth.

  ‘It would be a very good thing,’ said Jane. ‘Nothing would please me more. If I can only see you as happy as I am, then I will have nothing else to wish for.’ She braided her hair and then sat down on her bed. ‘Oh, Lizzy, how have I been so lucky? To be marrying the man of my dreams. In a little over a week I will be Mrs Bingley. I only hope you can be so lucky, too.’

  ‘Perhaps I will be, in my dreams.’

  ‘So you do dream about him?’ asked Jane.

  ‘My dear sister, there are some things I do not share, even with you!’ said Elizabeth with bright eyes.

  The door opened and Mrs Philips looked in.

  ‘Good night, girls,’ she said.

  ‘Good night, Aunt.’

  ‘Good night, Aunt.’

  ‘Do not let the candles gutter,’ said Mrs Philips.

  Elizabeth looked at the candles, which were burning low in their holders.

  ‘It is time for bed,’ said Mrs Philips.

  Elizabeth and Jane climbed into their beds as Mrs Philips closed the door behind her.

  The bed springs creaked. The mattresses sagged, then moulded themselves around the yawning ladies.

  They wished each other good night, then blew out the candles, each eager to sleep, and to dream.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  The following day, it was the turn of the Netherfield party to visit Longbourn. The weather was inclement, with wintry showers interspersed with gusts of wind that howled down the chimney. There was no chance of a walk and they gathered instead in the drawing-room, where a fire leaped in the grate. Georgiana was soon chattering happily to Mary, Kitty and Lydia. Jane and Mr Bingley were sitting on the sofa next to them, talking, and Mrs Philips was sitting nearby with some plain sewing in her lap. Elizabeth, however, was restless and after joining in with the general conversation she took a turn around the room. She stopped by the mantelpiece. She could no longer hear the conversation from the other end of the room, which suited her, as she was in contemplative mood.

  Mr Darcy joined her.

  ‘You look pensive,’ he said.

  ‘I was just thinking it is a shame there is not more greenery in the room. The house is usually festive at this time of year. We decorate the rooms with holly and ivy, and have festoons adorning the mantelpiece. But this year we will have to leave our home before Twelfth Night, and there will not be time to take it all down again before we go. We decided therefore we must make do with one or two sprigs of holly behind the mirrors, instead of the usual garlands around the house. We used to cut the greenery from the gardens.’

  She walked over to the window at the farthest end of the room and looked out over the grounds. He walked with her. In the distance, they could see the chimneys of Netherfield Park.

  ‘To think, I will soon be living there,’ she said.

  ‘Are you ready for the move?’

  ‘Are you asking about the state of the packing or the state of my feelings?’ asked Elizabeth.

  ‘Both,’ he replied.

  ‘The packing is almost finished. There are just a few things which cannot be done until the day of the move. So as far as that is concerned, then yes, I
am ready. As for my feelings . . .I am lucky to have somewhere to go, I know, and Netherfield Park is a fine house, but I think I will find it difficult to see Longbourn every day, knowing I cannot come and go as I please.’

  ‘There is an alternative,’ he said. ‘I have been meaning to speak to you, but I have not found the right words or the right time . . . until now. Come to Pemberley, not just for a visit, but for ever. Then you will not have to see Longbourn every day.’

  She looked at him in some confusion.

  ‘Live at Pemberley? Are you asking me to be Georgiana’s companion?’

  ‘No,’ he said in a melting voice, taking her hand. ‘I am not asking you to be Georgiana’s companion, I am asking you to be my wife. I am in love with you, Elizabeth, and I believe you are not indifferent to me?’

  ‘You are right,’ she said, as her heart began to flutter in her chest. A flush stole over her face and her eyes dropped to the floor. ‘I am not indifferent to you.’

  ‘Are you in love with me?’ he asked.

  She raised her eyes to his.

  ‘Yes, I am,’ she confessed.

  ‘Then will you marry me?’

  She looked into his deep brown, smouldering eyes and said, ‘Yes.’

  He raised her hands to his lips and kissed them, holding them to his lips as if he would never let go.

  They stood there, lost in a haze of bliss, until the sound of a carriage brought them back to reality. They looked out of the window and saw that the Gardiners were arriving.

  ‘Your uncle is here just in time,’ Mr Darcy said, smiling at Elizabeth. ‘Now I will be able to ask him for your hand in marriage. As soon as he has given his consent, we can tell the rest of your family.’

  ‘Are you so certain he will give it?’ Elizabeth asked.

  ‘I mean to marry you, with or without it,’ said Mr Darcy.

  ‘That is just as well, for I mean to marry you, with or without it, as well,’ she replied with a smile.

  The carriage rolled to a halt. Through the window, Elizabeth saw her aunt and uncle alighting, followed by their four children. As if feeling Elizabeth’s eyes on the party, Mrs Gardiner looked towards the window and her hand flew to her chest. It was only when she saw her aunt’s gesture that Elizabeth realised Mr Darcy was still holding her hands.

  He realised it, too, and reluctantly relinquished them.

  ‘I will go to your uncle at once,’ he said.

  ‘Will you not give him a minute to recover from his journey?’ asked Elizabeth.

  ‘I will give him all the time in the world . . . after he has said yes,’ he said with a smile.

  He then bowed and left her, just as the Gardiners entered the house. Mrs Gardiner was shown into the drawing-room with the children. Behind them in the hall, Elizabeth saw Mr Darcy bow to Mr Gardiner. The two gentlemen then went through a door on the other side of the hall, into the library.

  ‘Do you have something to tell me?’ asked Mrs Gardiner, going over to Elizabeth as everyone else fussed over the children.

  ‘Not yet, Aunt, but I believe that in a few minutes I may,’ said Elizabeth, her eyes shining. ‘Mr Darcy has gone to speak to my uncle.’

  ‘I could not be more pleased,’ said Mrs Gardiner with genuine warmth. ‘I had suspected there was more to his rescue of Lydia than he admitted. Now everything is explained. I have met him only once but I liked him very much. All my Derbyshire acquaintance speak well of him. You will be a very happy woman. But I will say no more. We will observe the proprieties and make no announcement until it is all settled. We should join the others, or they will begin to suspect something is amiss.’

  Elizabeth agreed. She was soon in the midst of her cousins, two girls of six and eight years old, and two younger boys. The children were being fussed over by Lydia and Kitty, and they were giving an account of all the tales of the journey, including the stone that got into the horse’s shoe. They told of all the other little mishaps of the carriage ride.

  Elizabeth would usually have paid full attention to their charming conversation but she was too full of her own thoughts and feelings to listen. Instead, she watched the door. It seemed an age until it opened and Mr Darcy walked through. He looked at her, and such a look! It was full profound love and adoration.

  The others scarcely noticed him entering, but Elizabeth went over to him at once.

  ‘I have your uncle’s permission,’ he said in a low voice.

  ‘Then let me take Jane aside and tell her before an announcement is made,’ said Elizabeth impulsively.

  ‘Very well,’ he said. ‘Have your time with Jane, and Mr Gardiner will announce it just before dinner. It is sure to bring pleasure to everyone.’ Then he became more earnest. ‘Will you grant me one favour?’

  ‘Name it,’ she said.

  ‘Will you agree to marry me in the chapel at Pemberley? It is a tradition for the master of Pemberley to marry there. We can be married by special licence when we reach Derbyshire.’

  ‘I would like that of all things,’ said Elizabeth in heartfelt tones. ‘You have told me so much about Pemberley, and I am eager to see it. To celebrate our marriage in the chapel will be special indeed.’

  ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘Now I have a suggestion to make. What do you say to making a large party of it? Mrs Gardiner, I know, is originally from the neighbourhood and I hope she and her husband will come to Pemberley to celebrate with us. Your sisters and the Philipses will also, of course, be welcome. We can all travel together, taking in the sights along the way.’

  ‘That sounds very inviting. But is it possible to arrange it for so many people?’ she asked doubtfully.

  ‘We have plenty of carriages between us and we can hire another for the luggage if necessary. Pemberley itself is spacious. It can easily accommodate everyone.’

  ‘Then I think it a wonderful idea,’ said Elizabeth. Her excitement bubbled up inside her and she said, ‘But now I must go to Jane. I see her looking at me and I am eager to give her the news.’

  ‘Go, then,’ he said, smiling.

  Elizabeth crossed the room with a light step.

  ‘Jane, will you help me?’ she asked. ‘I need your assistance for a few minutes.’

  Jane said, ‘Certainly. What is it you need?’

  ‘Come with me.’

  She led Jane out of the drawing-room and closed the door behind them. She wanted to share the news in private, for she did not everyone else to know just yet.

  Once in the hall, she took Jane’s hand and led her upstairs. All the time she was brimming over with excitement and happiness. As soon as they were in their room, she said, ‘Mr Darcy has proposed and I have said yes!’

  ‘Oh, Lizzy, this is wonderful!’ said Jane. ‘I am so happy for you. I thought I could never be happier than I was half an hour ago, but you have proved me wrong. This is the best possible news.’

  The two sisters embraced.

  Elizabeth’s eyes were sparkling when they parted.

  ‘Mr Darcy would like the wedding to take place in the Pemberley chapel and I have agreed. You will be there anyway, and the rest of our family are to be invited as well. Pemberley is large enough to accommodate everyone. We will travel at leisure and take in the sights along the way, and, oh! Jane, is it not wonderful.’

  ‘It sounds perfect,’ said Jane. ‘When are you going to tell everyone?’

  ‘Just before dinner. My Uncle Gardiner will make the announcement.’

  ‘Have I your permission to tell Charles before then?’ asked Jane. ‘I do so want him to know. He will guess that something has happened, in any case, as soon as he sees my face. I know he will be delighted.’

  ‘Then tell him, by all means,’ said Elizabeth.

  They went downstairs. Jane went over to Mr Bingley and spoke to him in a low voice. Mr Bingley looked up happily, and gave Mr Darcy a knowing glance, then he smiled at Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth and Jane could hardly disguise their joy, so it was fortunate that the children were attr
acting everyone’s attention with their charming prattle. The drawing-room was soon a scene of festive cheer, and not even the wintry weather as snow showers pelted the windows could dampen the spirits of those within.

  At last the dressing gong rang for dinner.

  Mr Gardiner stood up and cleared his throat.

  ‘Before we all retire to dress, I have a very happy announcement to make. As you all know, my niece, Jane, is soon to marry Mr Bingley. However, there will be another wedding in the near future. My dear niece, Elizabeth, is to marry Mr Darcy.’

  At this there were exclamations of surprise and joy. Elizabeth and Mr Darcy were the centre of attention as they were showered with congratulations. Mary had a quotation ready for the occasion, Kitty and Lydia were both excited and Georgiana expressed her happiness more moderately, but with greater sincerity. The Philipses added their congratulations.

  ‘And now, I believe we all need to retire to dress,’ said Mr Philips, finally restoring order.

  Mrs Gardiner took the children up to the nursery. They were tired after their journey and were ready for bed. The other guests returned to their rooms and changed for dinner.

  It was a merry party that convened downstairs later, and the conversation over dinner was of weddings and wedding tours.

  ‘Where would you like to go on our wedding tour?’ Mr Darcy asked Elizabeth, as they sat together after dinner.

  ‘I think I would like to stay at Pemberley,’ said Elizabeth. ‘I have yet to see it, and I would like some time to accustom myself to it. Is it very grand?’

  ‘It is grand, but also a home,’ he said. ‘I hope you will soon come to love it, as I do. I want you to be happy there, Elizabeth. You may make any changes you wish, so that it becomes exactly the home you want it to be.’

  Chapter Thirty

  Christmas Day saw an improvement in the weather. The church service was followed by a country walk, and a traditional dinner of roast goose. It was served early, at three o’clock, so that the children could join in the celebration.

  Elizabeth looked around the room, impressing the scene on her mind. It was the last Christmas they would celebrate at Longbourn, and she wanted to remember it. The soft winter light came in through the square-paned windows and illuminated the patterned wallpaper. Beneath it was the familiar panelling, painting in mellow tones of green. Candlesticks stood at either end of the fireplace and between them was the old clock, with the gold-framed landscape hanging above it. In the centre of the room was the dining table, covered in a snowy white cloth. The leaf had been put into the table to extend it and every seat around it was full. Elizabeth was glad that this last Christmas was being shared by all her family.