“Of course not, child. Men have no need to plan weddings. They merely arrive before the vows are spoken, then retreat with their wives back to their estate. No,” she said clucking her tongue, “we do not expect Mr. Hamilton here until the date itself. By the way, child, when is the exact date? We need to tell the vicar.”
Lizzy met her mother’s gaze and was grateful for the sympathetic looks from her sisters as her father’s were all amusement.
“There is no date, Mama.
“Then we need to pick one. I cannot wait on you forever, girl!” She harrumphed and took a bite of her muffin. “January 28 will do well enough. Such a good, solid number. Never fear, Lizzy, your Mama will make it all right in the end.”
A silence came over the breakfast room, before Lizzy spoke. “I thank you for the favor, Mama, but I do not particularly…need your help at the moment. Maybe another time?”
The words hung in the air for only a moment before Mrs. Bennet replied, “How you vex me! What could she mean by this?” she asked, turning to address Mr. Bennet.
“Only she knows the answer to the question.” Mr. Bennet hid his mirth behind the paper.
Lizzy took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, awaiting the attack she was sure would come. “It means, Mama, that Mr. Hamilton and I no longer have an understanding.”
The shocked silence of Mrs. Bennet lasted for only a moment. “What, what?”
“Mr. Hamilton and I no longer have an understanding, Mama.” She picked up her fork and continued her breakfast with vigor.
“Elizabeth Anne Bennet. Is this a joke? Are you trying my nerves for sport?”
“No, Mama, I am entirely serious.”
“What was the matter? What occurred? What did you do?” She slapped her hands on the table. “Now, Lizzy, you had better explain yourself with an outcome more to my liking.”
Lizzy finished her tea and cleared her throat. “I am sorry to upset you, Mama, but that is not possible. Mr. Hamilton and I have agreed that we no longer suit. He has withdrawn his offer of courtship, and I thoroughly agree with him.”
The stunned silence was enough for Lizzy to encourage her to stand and excuse herself from the table. However, Mrs. Bennet was too quick. “You will remain where you are, Lizzy! You will immediately send a note to Mr. Hamilton, requesting an audience with him here at Longbourn. You will then make him come to realize you were holy mistaken in your judgment of the situation. All will be well.”
“I will not.”
“You will go to your room and will not come down until the letter is written to my satisfaction. Or I will never speak to you again.”
“Mama, I…” She looked to her father for help but saw only the top of his head behind the newspaper.
“Go, now!” Mrs. Bennet’s feelings seemed more tranquil on the occasion to her frustration and Lizzy huffed, then marched up the stairs.
* * *
December 28, 1810
She had beenawake for hours, only forgoing her morning walk for fear her mother would be informed by the servants she was out.I am not yet ready to face her unsound hopes. She had finished dressing herself and pinning her hair up in a simple twist, when she heard the creak of the floorboards outside her door.
“Lizzy? Lizzy, are you awake?”
“Yes, Papa, I am awake. It is well past sun up. You know I am awake.” She opened the door and allowed him entrance, before closing it behind him. “What brings you to the tower to see the prisoner?”
He chuckled before sitting on the edge of her bed. “You are not a prisoner, my girl. Since you did not come down last night for supper, I have come to check the progress of your letter to Mr. Hamilton.”
“It is as you see,” she said pointing to the blank paper on her writing desk. “I am not writing the letter, Papa. I will not be coerced into marrying someone I do not love.”
“You have sense and I expect you to use it.” Mr. Bennet grunted, nodding his head. “Well if this is the case, my love, you should know, I have settled it all with your mother. This gives you a sort of distinction. It is a comfort to think, whatever may befall you, you have an affectionate mother who will always make the most of it.”
* * *
Wastingno time upon his sister’s arrival at Rosings the next day, Darcy immediately turned the carriage around and they returned to London. Georgiana was overjoyed at the revelations for his cousins and hopeful for her brother’s prospects.
“Wills, you must leave me with Mrs. Annesley and rush to Hertfordshire. Elizabeth will not refuse you!”
