“For what?” He wrinkled his brow in confusion.
“For loving me even in the most uncertain of circumstances. For refusing to be driven away by all that remains unknown.” She beamed and reached up to caress his face. “I love you very much.”
“And I love you, dearest Elizabeth.” The kiss they shared exceeded anything Elizabeth had ever experienced. She knew without a doubt that whatever was to come, everything would turn out right in the end.
We can face anything together,she told herself.Even an uncertain future.
Mr. Bennet
Thomas Bennet sank into his chair once the door to his study had closed behind the three young people. His worst fears were coming to pass, and he could do little but yield to the unforeseen turn of events. Who could have imagined that the new tenant of Netherfield Park would carry the past in his wake?
He and Fanny had often discussed what they might do, should anyone come forward to claim Elizabeth. He knew that she would be devastated to learn that their adopted child’s true identity had at last been discovered. From the very beginning, she had taken Elizabeth under her wing, coaxing her into good humor when shadows disturbed her peace, instructing her carefully in all that a young woman ought to know to become a well-respected woman, a good wife and mother, and more besides.
Fanny had taken it almost as a personal affront that anyone could so mistreat a helpless little girl, and she had made it her duty to ensure Elizabeth never felt deprived of love again. None of the other children suffered from the addition of one more to the nursery. They had welcomed her with open arms, readily accepting their new sister and the account their parents had given of her origins. Elizabeth herself had never bothered to challenge the tale. Even Jane knew nothing of the truth. Thomas had long believed it was because dwelling on the past brought Elizabeth only distress.
And now I must tell Fanny that, after Christmas, Elizabeth’s grandmother may take her away. And if the lady forbids the marriage, we may never see our girl again.He did not believe Lady Montrose would object to Mr. Darcy. Indeed, who could? Though he bore no title, he was, by every account, a wealthy man of excellent character and connections. Someone had once remarked he was the grandson of an earl. That would make him equal to Elizabeth in station.
Sighing, he rose slowly and left his study. He walked to the parlor and paused in the doorway, taking a moment to admire the familiar scene of domestic contentment. Kitty and Lydia sat bent over a game of spillikins, both focused intently. His youngest daughter had ever possessed a competitive spirit and was not above bending the rules in pursuit of victory. By the window, Mary and Collins conversed earnestly over Wordsworth. Jane and her betrothed were nowhere to be seen, and he hoped that his son had accompanied the happy couple as chaperone.
“Mrs. Bennet,” he said quietly, “will you come with me? There is something I must tell you.” His wife looked up from her needlework, blinking owlishly.
“Very well,” she murmured.
He saw the worry settle on her features, and, not for the first time, marveled that he had married a woman who understood him so well. Of course, more than twenty years of marriage had afforded her ample opportunity. She set her work aside and went directly to him.
He took her hand tenderly, lifted it to his lips, and kissed it. Without letting go, he led her down the hall and into his study. Holding her hand was such a simple gesture, yet the light brush of their ungloved fingers still sent a thrill through him, even after all these years.
Closing the door, he crossed to a large armchair by the fire. Sinking into its deep cushions, he drew his wife into his lap. She nestled against his chest, pulled his arms securely around her.
“What is wrong, Thomas?” she asked at length, after they sat in silence for a time.
He drew in a deep breath and let it out in a long exhale. “We have had an…interesting turn of events.” Waiting for a moment to delay the true subject, he added, “Mr. Darcy has proposed to our Lizzy. She has accepted.”
“Oh, that is wonderful!” She turned to face him, her face alight with joy. “I knew she would do well.”
He smiled, though there was sadness in it, and patted the hand resting on his chest. “Yes, she is as beautiful as Jane and twice as clever as Thomas. But there is more. It seems Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy have discovered her identity.”
Mrs. Bennet stilled. “You mean her true identity, do you not?” she asked, her voice suddenly subdued. “Oh, Mr. Bennet! What will happen now?”
He felt her begin to tremble and held her more tightly, pressing a kiss on her cheek. Fanny had always been excitable, but over the years she had learned to temper her natural boisterousness. Having the security of a settled home had done much to soothe her nerves. Her father had not been a wealthy man, and money had too often been a source of worry in her youth.
“It will be well, my love,” he murmured. “We have formed a plan. You see, she has relations who have missed her.” Quickly, he related all that he, the gentlemen—and Elizabeth—had discussed.
“But what if we never see her again?” Mrs. Bennet’s lips trembled, and tears gathered in her eyes. “This relation did not want her then. Why must they take her now?”
“Dearest, we do not yet know what is to come. Bingley says that Lady Montrose has been seeking information about her for some time. Is it right to withhold the truth from someone who may love Elizabeth as dearly as we do?” He kissed her once more, hoping it might calm her rising distress.
It did, and after a moment, she grew quieter. “You are right, of course,” she said sadly. “It is a comfort to know that she was loved before the tragedy. I have often been haunted by thoughts of what might have caused Lizzy to be wandering the road that day. It is a sad tale, but at least she knew love before she came to us.”
“You have raised her beautifully, my dearest Fanny. Her grandmother can have no cause to repine. I am certain she will offer her gratitude rather than grief, and instead of depriving Elizabeth of the family she has known—and depriving us ofher—she will wish to preserve the connection. Besides, our Lizzy would be leaving us soon in any case, even without this revelation.”
Fanny groaned. “Yes, and Derbyshire is so far away! I can console myself knowing that Jane will be nearby—for the nonce.” Shifting into a more comfortable position, she turned a stubborn gaze upon her husband. “I shall be going to London,” she declared. “And I shall be part of whatever scheme is afoot to reunite Elizabeth with Lady Montrose.”
“I never once considered leaving you behind. As it stands, you must assist Jane with her wedding clothes. I would be quite useless surrounded by lace, bits, and baubles.” They chuckled and held one another a little closer.
Content to take comfort in each other’s presence, they remained in the study until Elizabeth came in search of them. The gentlemen had taken their leave, promising to return the next morning. Mr. Bingley had intended to go to town on business but resolved to delay his departure until they were all removed to town at the end of December.
Later that same day, Mr. Collins knocked lightly at his cousin’s door. At Mr. Bennet’s call, he entered, shifting from foot to foot with nervous energy. “Cousin,” he began, “the time draws near for my return to Kent. I should like to speak with you regarding the Longbourn living before I depart. I do apologize for the delay.”
