Elizabeth was awash in confusion.“Are you suggesting I not marry Mr.Darcy?Only a few days ago you were saying what a fine thing it was to be courted by him!”
Mrs.Gardiner sighed.“I did indeed say that, when I believed Mr.Darcy had his family’s approval and would not stand for any disparagement if he did not.But if last night was indicative of how his family would behave in the future, and how Mr.Darcy will react to it, I do not want to think about how society at large will treat you.If his family does not support the match, it may cause a great many difficulties for you as his wife as well as a rift in his family.I would not want him to come to resent you for that.”
“What are you saying, Aunt?”
“I’m saying that you must consider very carefully what you want your life to look like going forward.Could you live with a husband who stood idly by while his family insulted your sisters and interrogated you?Do you want to have relations who suffer your presence with ill-concealed disdain and expect you to be grateful for it?
“Mr.Darcy lives in a very different world from that which you have grown up in.There will be many advantages to your elevation in society, but there will also be complications and troubles, and this is one of those.In Hertfordshire, you were a daughter of one of the most prominent families.Your name and rank protected you and gave you respect wherever you were known.If you move into Mr.Darcy’s sphere, you will join his world, and while the Darcy name is respected, it is not titled and there are wealthier and certainly more self-important people who inhabit it.You must prepare yourself for what you may face.”
“Surely not all of the ton is like Lord and Lady Hopewell!”
“They are not, but enough of them are that you will likely face a difficult road, especially if Mr.Darcy’s family does not support your union.It will be particularly hard if Mr.Darcy allows what happened last night to continue.I would not be acting in your best interests if I did not caution you to consider very carefully what you would be committing yourself to if you were to accept Mr.Darcy.”
“Would there not be a great scandal if I were to break with Mr.Darcy?It is well enough known that we are courting.”
“I cannot lie to you, there may be a scandal.Some would say you were mad to let such a wonderful catch get away, others would believe he found you wanting and escaped while he could.There may be no scandal at all.But you know you are always welcome with us, and if you would like, your uncle might introduce you to some eligible business acquaintances of his.Some of them are quite genteel, and you might like the busy life of the wife of a tradesman.”
Elizabeth was reeling.Give up Mr.Darcy!She had thought about it the night before, when he was so distant, but now that she was faced with the thought in the cold light of day, discussing it with her aunt as if it were as clear cut a decision as which gown to wear to dinner, she felt as if there was not enough air in the room.
“Breathe, my dear.Shh.”
Her aunt’s voice came from her side where Mrs.Gardiner stood rubbing her back in slow, soothing circles.She felt a strange sensation on her cheek and reached up only to find her fingers came away wet.She was crying.When had that happened?
“Lizzy,” said Mrs.Gardiner carefully, “are you in love with Mr.Darcy?”
Elizabeth looked at her with a lost expression.“I do not know, Aunt.Can one go from hating a man to loving him in a fortnight?It is not logical!”
“Love seldom is, my dear.”
An hour later, they were seated at a late breakfast when a footman brought in a large bouquet of flowers, all light shades of pink and blue and white.It was very delicate and sweet looking, and Jane smiled happily when it was announced that they were for her.She plucked the card from the top and frowned.
“They are from Mr.Darcy.”
“Mr.Darcy?Are they not for Lizzy?”asked Mrs.Gardiner.
“He is apologizing for his relations.”
Jane passed the card to Elizabeth, who read it aloud.
Dear Miss Bennet,
I cannot apologize enough for the behavior of my uncle and then my cousin last evening.Their actions were unacceptable and I will do my utmost to see that you are never put in such a situation again.
You were graciousness itself last evening, and I know you only endured them in the hope of your sister’s acceptance by my family.I thank you for bearing such rudeness for our sake, but please believe me when I say it is not necessary that you do so, now or in the future.If someone had treated Georgiana in such a way, I would have been appalled.
I know you have no brother of your own, so I offer myself humbly to that position.Should you ever have need of a champion, I would be honored to assist you in whatever way I may.
Yours with gratitude,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
“Well!”cried Mrs.Gardiner.“The man can certainly apologize!”
The footman entered with a potted purple hyacinth for Mrs.Gardiner.
Her brows immediately raised, knowing the flower to be a symbol of contrition and a request for forgiveness.The note for her was more succinct, but the apology was sincere, and Mrs.Gardiner felt a trifle guilty for encouraging her niece away from such a suitor.
Elizabeth received a smaller bouquet of pink roses, signaling gentle, hopeful love, and appreciation for the recipient, or so her aunt explained, in addition to a larger wrapped parcel.Everyone looked to Elizabeth with expectant eyes when it was set before her.
