“I am able most days to get up and dress; the windows are never shut up, and I am never confined to one room. I often tend the garden for an hour and even walk outside if someone supports me. Miss Bennet sees to my comfort and happiness.”
“I am glad to hear it. Let us be certain that your mind is kept engaged and your spirits are kept high, as well.”
His sister was more energetic, but Darcy still worried. “Miss Darcy coughs more at night, a hacking cough?—”
“A cough, even with expectoration streaked with blood, means the first stage of consumption has commenced, which was never in doubt in your sister’s case, sir. I do not think that more laudanum is necessary if Miss Darcy’s pain is not worse and if she can still sleep.”
His sister agreed her pain had not worsened, and she managed to sleep well enough. Mr Lynn made more pleasantries, opining that perhaps the wasting disease had slowed since her spirits were so high, and took his leave. Darcy tried to ask if she was truly feeling better when his sister returned to the subject of his marriage.
“You are so in love with Lizzy that you will get a common licence! You could be married by the beginning of next week. I hope our cousin will return with you and be your witness. And then Lizzy will be here always! When did you first know that you loved her?”
“That is enough talk of Miss Bennet.”
Her sparkling eyes faded, and Darcy silently cursed himself. “I daresay I admired the liveliness of her mind early enough, but it was her love for you that raised her in my esteem. Excuse me, but I must make ready to leave for town.”
He would be laughed out of London once Fitzwilliam learnt what he planned to do.
Longbourn,May 13
My dear aunt,
This news will surprise you, and although it is a great secret, and only known to half the neighbourhood, I must tell you immediately. I am to be married next week to a gentleman named Fitzwilliam Darcy. He has lived here half a year, and I made his acquaintance this spring. He is, I admit, arrogant for a man in his situation; he has little fortune and not a connexion worth mentioning. His reputation here is not as it ought to be, but Mr Darcy does bear a good character. Since I am handsome, accomplished, amiable, and everything but rich, we shall suit well enough. I laugh and tease, but trust me when I say that it will be a comfortable situation. Besides, marriage is a great improver, and since Mr Darcy is a clever man, I suspect he is not too stupid to see the merits in lessening his pride and laughing at himself more. I judge him accurately and need never change my opinion of him, and, of course, I am perfect, and my marriage could not improve me at all.
You would now entreat me to be serious. We shall live near to Longbourn in the most private manner, with only three servants, but I shall want for nothing I have true need of. His sister Georgiana will live with us; she is nearly sixteen and is a shy, modest girl who is, sadly, very poorly. Mr Darcy rents a former gatehouse in the country for the sake of her lungs. I wish to care for her and love her the same as I would Jane. What a prodigious innate love of virtue I must have, to marry under such circumstances, you might say. A man with only a few hundred a year, an ailing sister, and few servants. You can at least expect that I am marrying a tall and handsome man of twenty-eight. I promise he is not dull and heavy and twice my age.
When I next write, it will be with my married name. I shall be impatient to hear from you again, to know your thoughts on Mr Darcy, and when you are to return to England.
With best love, &c., I am affectionately yours,
E. Bennet
After sealing this letter, she was beginning a similar one to Jane when Charlotte Lucas entered.
“Charlotte!” She rose to embrace her friend. “Your mother did not expect you for another fortnight. I am so pleased to see you. Longbourn has been—I have missed you dreadfully.”
“My brother’s wife recovered from the influenza sooner thanexpected, and there was no reason to stay. My father brought me home only this morning”—she gave Elizabeth a sly look—“and thank goodness he did because I would have missed your wedding had I been any later.”
“Yes,” she quietly answered. “I would have written to you next. It might seem a sudden arrangement ...”
“Not at all for someone in your situation. Besides, you have not had the same self-possession since your father died, and having your own home could improve that.” Elizabeth supposed this was true, but before she could agree, Charlotte said, “There is nothing to be said against accepting Mr Darcy from the desire for an establishment of your own.”
This was what her closest friend believed: that she would sacrifice every better feeling to the advantage of escaping from Longbourn. Elizabeth longed to say that it was because it would only be for a few months, that she wanted independence before she died, that caring for Georgiana would give her purpose for her final days. “Undeniably.”
“I have only seen Mr Darcy at church and once at Lucas Lodge. He seemed a severe, silent young man, and no one knows anything of his sister. You must tell me about them.”
“I know it is the fashion to think them both detestable, but they are civil enough, and Miss Darcy’s gown and Mr Darcy’s cravat are so white and nice that I cannot utterly abhor them.”
“Do be serious!”
“Mr Darcy is an unpleasant sort of man, but he is equal to none in intelligence, and his sister is gentle and good-humoured, although quite ill. She has become my particular friend, and I admire her very much.”
“I am surprised that is all you have to say regarding the bridegroom.”
What could she say about someone she was marrying for their mutual convenience? “He is striking, and carries himself with a commanding air, and I have learnt that he fiercely cares for those under his protection. He has compelling dark eyes that frame a handsome face. He is reserved, but I see hints of a wry sense of humour.” Charlotte’s look had grown too soft for her liking. Elizabeth cleared herthroat. “He is gone to town for a common licence and other business, and we will marry on Tuesday.”
“I understand you not wanting to live here, or with Mrs Cuthbert. Spending so many weeks with my brother’s wife assured me of comprehending your feelings.” Charlotte gave her a sly smile. “I wonder, since you are marrying quickly, and at such an expense, that perhaps both of your affections are engaged to a greater degree than you are willing to admit.”
“I do not love him, and he has no love for me.” What a sad truth to admit about the man she would marry in a few days. It was so different from the marriage she had once imagined for herself.At least it would not be for long.
