It had been impossible to sleep and now, after many long hours, Elizabeth looked past the shadows on the wall to where the first rays of dawn flickered through the curtains.If only I was at Longbourn and could take an early morning walk to Oakham Mount, it would be just the thing to clear my head.Not that she could walk, by any means. For that matter, Elizabeth could barely hobble from her bed as she made her way to the window seat, where she pulled back the curtains and looked below. The street was beginning to come alive with workers who were out and about the district, taking their wares to market on this misty morning. Gingerly massaging her foot and ankle, she watched the traces of a light drizzle trickle down the window pane.
“William,” she sighed. He was no longer Mr. Darcy in her mind after all they had shared and it troubled her to think how badly things had turned out at the ball. Closing her eyes,Elizabeth could not forget the pained expression she saw on his beloved face when he said goodbye and her uncle carried her out of the garden and to his carriage.
Shaking her head in dismay she murmured, “‘Tis all too much.” When she first entered the season, she had been looking for a simple marriage of convenience, just as he had. Now, however, they were both faced with the inevitability of a marriage that would be forced upon them because of the rumours, not one of their own choosing.
In retrospect, Elizabeth had no idea how her mother happened to be standing on the portico, witness to all that had taken place. It made no sense, that is, unless it was planned. “Heaven forbid! What if William came to the same conclusion?” she said aloud.Between my mother’s hysterics and learning that Eliza was instrumental in spreading the rumour of compromise, the thought of having to do the honourable thing must be abhorrent to him.
Earlier in the week William had told Elizabeth that he would call the day after the Charity Ball to discuss their situation. At the time she was hopeful he would ask for a courtship. Notwithstanding their rough beginning at the bookshop, the more she knew him, the more she thought they would be well-suited. She had come to care deeply for him, yet tragically, in one short evening her hopes had turned to despair.
Silent tears slipped down Elizabeth’s cheeks while pressing her forehead against the cool glass. She prayed that William would not come to hate her for the predicament they now found themselves in, and that somehow they could make their way. Closing her eyes again, she visualised his face: not the one who was angered by what had happened, but the face of a man who showed caring and tenderness as he spoke of his precious daughter and beloved sister. When he looked at her, she could see that same love in his eyes and she did not want to loseit. Fitzwilliam Darcy was a private man, but with her he had revealed much. She knew what was important in his life and more than anything she wanted to be included in his dreams and aspirations for the future. “If only,” she murmured.
“Lizzy,” Aunt Gardiner spoke softly, tapping on the door. “Are you awake?”
“Yes, Aunt,” she answered, quickly wiping the evidence of her tears with the palms of her hands. “Please come in.”
Mrs. Gardiner entered, carrying a basin and some dry towels. “May I see your ankle, my dear? I have a fresh poultice which should help some with the swelling.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said, raising the hem of her night clothes and exposing her ankle.
“Oh my, there is quite a bit of discolouration, and the swelling looks to be very painful. We should elevate your foot. Do you wish to sit in a chair or return to your bed?”
“I would prefer the bed for now. My foot feels better when I have it propped up on several pillows.”
Mrs. Gardiner helped Elizabeth back to the bed and began her ministrations. “Lizzy, I have some disturbing news.”
“You do?” Her voice trembled, not knowing what to expect.
“A note came for your uncle while we were abed.”
“A note?”
“Yes, apparently Mr. Darcy received an express from Kent informing him that his daughter is quite ill. He will not be calling today as was planned and left early this morning for Rosings Park.”
“Oh, no,” Elizabeth gasped, her hands momentarily covering her mouth. “On Tuesday, Mr. Darcy mentioned Anna had a bit of a cold when he last saw her. His aunt’s express must have been terribly distressing. I pray his travels have been safe and that she will soon recover.”
“I hope so, too,” Mrs. Gardiner said finishing up with the poultice and wrapping Elizabeth’s foot and ankle with the dry strips of cloth. “I should think having her father to comfort her would help the little one’s spirits.”
“He is very devoted to his daughter and I know will do his best to see her properly cared for. Aunt….” Elizabeth hesitated. “I … I feel so dreadful. This is not how I wished to marry. I wanted to experience a courtship and to make my own decision as to whether or not we would suit. Is there no way to quell the aftermath of the rumours?
“At this point, I am afraid there is little we can do. In some instances, a wealthy man such as Mr. Darcy has been known to pay a large monetary stipend to the lady’s family in lieu of marriage.” She momentarily frowned. “Somehow I doubt that is his way.”
“I agree. He is an honourable man, to be sure. It is just….” she paused, not able to finish.
“Go on, my dear.”
“Because of our forced circumstances, I fear he will come to hate me, and that we will never be able to make each other happy.”
“My dear, you must not think such thoughts. Unfortunately, these things happen in all circles of life. Lizzy, I have seen the way he looks at you, and I do not believe he could ever come to hate you. If anything, part of the problem will be how he responds to his peers. In general, the members of thetonare not very forgiving. They are a product of material wealth and status, controlled by decorum and traditions. I am afraid your marrying Mr. Darcy under these circumstances will be talked about for some time. Not to mention, it may not go well for his sister when she is ready to come out. To preserve some semblance of respectability, Mr. Darcy may refuse to associate with your immediate family, your uncle and I included.”
“Oh, Aunt, I pray it will not come to that,” Elizabeth sobbed as Mrs. Gardiner reached out to comfort her.
“Lizzy, Lizzy, it is your mother!” Mrs. Bennet happily exclaimed as she rushed into the bedroom, oblivious to what was taking place between her daughter and Mrs. Gardiner. “I could not sleep for thinking of all you and your sisters shall have once you and Mr. Darcy are wed. Gracious! He is as good as a lord! To think that I shall not be thrown into the hedgerows after all is indeed a blessing! You clever girl; I never dreamed YOU would be the one to save our family.”
“Mama, how can you carry on so?!” Elizabeth exclaimed doing her best to compose herself. “Mr. Darcy has been dealt a great injustice.”
“Oh, pish, posh. The man needs a wife and a mother for his daughter. You are as capable as any woman of theton, perhaps more so. Do not underestimate your abilities, my dear. And providing for me and your sisters will be nothing to a man of his ilk. Ah,” she sighed dreamily. “After your father passes, I should think a house in Town would be very much to my liking; that is, unless Mr. Bingley chooses to take a house in the neighbourhood for Jane’s sake. Moreover, it will be far easier for Kitty and Lydia to make a good match having Mr. Darcy for a brother-in-law. I am sure he will see to it.”
“Mama!”
