“You must go to the north,” said Elizabeth.
There was a general intake of breath, at least from those of Elizabeth’s family, barring Mr. Bennet, who appeared to have suspected as much. Mrs. Bennet’s eyes were round, her facefilled with utter horror, while the rest of Elizabeth’s family appeared taken aback.
“Yes, Elizabeth, that is correct,” replied William. “I have arranged to leave tomorrow for Pemberley. Though I loathe the necessity, I am afraid we must delay our wedding.”
“Delay the wedding?” echoed Mrs. Bennet, though in truth it was near a screech.
“I apologize, Mrs. Bennet,” said William with genuine regret. “Little inclined though I am to wait to grasp my happiness, there is nothing else to be done.”
“But—” tried Mrs. Bennet.
“Margaret, this is necessary,” said Mr. Bennet. “A man has just died, and Darcy is his heir. The timing is unfortunate, but this is estate business and, given the situation, must take precedence over all other concerns. When Darcy returns, likely in a few months, Elizabeth will be waiting here for him, impatiently, if I know anything of my daughter.”
Mr. Bennet smiled at Elizabeth, who returned it, albeit ruefully. Then he turned to his wife and squeezed her hand, imparting to her that all would be well.
“The wedding must be delayed, not canceled. When we know the date of Darcy’s return, we can set the new date for the wedding. Trust me—when that happens, you will not be the only one eager to see them married as soon as may be.”
“Well, then I suppose it must be so,” muttered Mrs. Bennet. She turned a severe glare upon William. “You will inform us, and return at the first available opportunity, will you not?”
“Of course, I shall, Mrs. Bennet.”
A thought came to Darcy, and he looked at his mother. “It occurs to me it might be advisable for Elizabeth to view her new home before the wedding. Perhaps after I have time to settle into Pemberley, Elizabeth could come to the north? We have alreadyspoken of the possibility of my mother visiting; if you wish it, I should be happy to welcome you as well.”
Mrs. Bennet considered that for a long moment. “I seem to remember you speaking of this estate of your cousin’s. It is a grand estate, is it not?”
“I have never visited, myself,” confessed William. “From what my father told me, however, there are few properties to compare with Pemberley.”
A slow nod was Mrs. Bennet’s response. “Yes, I can see that Elizabeth would wish to see her new home, and I should be happy if your mother would escort her. It may be better if I were to stay here and see to the altered wedding preparations; one of the girls may go in my stead. There will be plenty of time to visit once you are married.”
“Excellent!” said Mr. Bennet. “Then we shall call it settled. Now, since you are to depart on the morrow, and so must Mr. Bingley, I suppose, I believe Margaret will join me in hoping you will stay for dinner.”
“Oh, yes, of course, you must!” seconded Mrs. Bennet. “We have no notion of how long it will be before we shall have your company again.”
“I believe, Margaret,” said Mrs. Darcy, “we shall be happy to stay.”
Mrs. Bennet eyed Mr. Bingley, regretting his necessary departure, clear in the unhappy look she fixed on him, though tempered with the satisfaction of his continued interest in Jane. Announcing she must speak to the housekeeper, Mrs. Bennet left the room, and Elizabeth turned her attention back to her fiancé, for fiancé he must remain a little longer.
“What a fortunate escape for you, William,” said Elizabeth a little pertly. “I trust you will enjoy this extra bit of freedom fate has granted you.”
“I would just as soon marry you tonight and spirit you to the north tomorrow.”
Elizabeth eyed him, tempted to insist he back up his tease with action. Sanity reasserted itself, and she shook her head.
“Though I would not be opposed, I suspect my mother would object. Shehasplanned our wedding breakfast to the tiniest detail, you know; would you ruin all her hard work and rob her of the chance to display her first married daughter before all our neighbors?”
“I would by no means suspend any pleasure of your mother’s, Elizabeth,” replied William. “Yet, I must own that I consider it to be a bother, for the important point to me is that I shall have you for a wife. Nothing else signifies.”
“I cannot but agree. As you suggested, the timing is ill, but there is little choice.” Elizabeth regarded him for several moments. “What do you suppose you will find in Derbyshire?”
“Nothing good for the moment,” said Darcy, shaking his head. “I must take the management of the estate, of course, but I must also consider my younger cousin, and she has just lost her brother.”
“The poor dear,” said Elizabeth, her heart going out in sympathy for the unknown girl. “What can you tell me about her?”
What William knew was not much, but Elizabeth listened intently, and while she did so, she planned what she might do to ease the girl’s suffering. It was all perhaps more than a little hubris, for Elizabeth had no notion what would become of the girl, whether she would remove to her relations, or some other establishment be formed for her. Should the proposed visit to Pemberley occur, Elizabeth wished to do everything in her power to improve the girl’s spirits and help her overcome her loss.
“Tell me, William,” said Elizabeth after they had spoken of Miss Darcy for a time, “do you anticipate joining the highest circles society offers?”
“I believe, my dear Elizabeth, that you know enough of me to understand that such a notion is not welcome to me. Family duty, however, comes before personal desires.”
