“I agree, Jane. Why did I not think as such? In a better situation than she finds here, Kitty’s improvement will be great. I will speak to Fitzwilliam this evening about her studies and training.”
Mr. Bennet sought Darcy’s company on their outing; he would have plenty of time to learn Mr. Bingley’s quirks, but his time with Darcy and Elizabeth drew short. Mr. Bennet felt the pain of losing his favorite daughter. Previously, Elizabeth confided in her father how she was once blinded to Darcy’s goodness; she showed Darcy no regard, but she could not resist his dark appeal. She had told her father, “His distance irritated me at first, but I cannot deny Mr. Darcy fascinated me.” Mr. Bennet knew of Darcy’s reputation as a concerned landlord, and he now had an idea of his strength of character, but Mr. Bennet had difficulty admitting any man would be good enough for his Lizzy. Even though they kept it in check, Mr. Bennet also observed the ardor easily visible between Darcy and Elizabeth; this overwhelming affection for Elizabeth softened Darcy’s intolerant breeding; he released his passion while maintaining his discerning mind, according to all reports of those who knew him well. He was still a bit of an enigma, but Mr. Bennet would allow Darcy to prove himself if he made Lizzy happy.
“Mr. Darcy, your affection for my daughter places you in my family, but I feel I know so little about you. I know yourreputation,but I would like to understand the man to whom my Lizzy gave her heart.”
Darcy lacked an easy answer for his future father. “To evaluate oneself is difficult, Mr. Bennet. I fell in love with a woman whodemands I talk all the time when in the past, I was content to be silent. Most would say I have an independent mind, and, I believe, your sister Mrs. Gardiner once described me as obstinate. I am often cautious with my opinion and guarded with my heart.That is, until I met your daughter Elizabeth,” Darcy chuckled.“Elizabeth has a secret inner strength, a willingness to meet any challenge. I love and cherish two women, Mr. Bennet—Elizabeth and my sister Georgiana.That is the man I have become.”
The earnestness with which Darcy spoke stunned Mr. Bennet. “It appears, Mr. Darcy, you recognize the worth of my dear Lizzy.”
“Elizabeth,” Darcy searched for the words to describe the woman with whom he was consumed, “is a woman who sees my innermost self and accepts my deepest reflections without open flattery. I marvel at her unexpected wit and her devotion to her family.”
“Mr. Darcy, I regret ever thinking you did not deserve Lizzy. You are exactly what she needs; yet, I will miss her. Please tell me I may come to see her at Pemberley.”
“Mr. Bennet, you need no invitation to come to our home to spend time with Elizabeth.You are welcome at any time.”
Mr. Bennet offered sheepishly, “Mr. Bingley tells me the library at Pemberley contains many unusual selections.”
Darcy laughed out loud. “Mr. Bingley graciously suffers my censure of the Netherfield library.You will find at Pemberley one may spend many hours lost in the written word.You will enjoy it, I am sure, Mr. Bennet.”
Mr. Bennet’s estimation of his newsonincreased with Darcy’s willingness to receive him regularly at Pemberley. “Mr. Darcy, thank you for your devotion to Lizzy; she will make you a good wife.”
“She will indeed, Sir.”The image of Elizabeth as the mistress of Pemberley brought him contentment.
Within a few more days, Georgiana Darcy and Mrs. Annesley arrived at Netherfield.When the coach rolled to a stop in front of the estate house, Darcy waited at the coach’s door. His sisterstepped out quickly, delighted in being there at last. She slid into her brother’s embrace and hugged Darcy with much admiration. “Dearest One,” he stroked her hair gently,“I missed you.”
“And I you, Brother,” she bubbled over with pleasure. “Is Miss Elizabeth here?”
“She awaits you on the steps,” he gestured toward the main doorway. Georgiana turned to look where Darcy pointed, and she beamed with excitement at seeing Elizabeth.
Bingley came forward, “Miss Darcy, welcome to Netherfield Park. I am delighted to have you at my home after so often being a Pemberley guest.”
Georgiana curtsied and allowed him to kiss her gloved hand. “Mr. Bingley, thank you for receiving Mrs. Annesley and me.Your generosity is boundless. May I extend my congratulations on your upcoming nuptials to Miss Bennet.”
“Thank you, Miss Darcy. My Jane awaits your acquaintance. May we go into the house and take some refreshments?”
“Nothing sounds more delightful.” Darcy offered his sister his arm, and Mr. Bingley attended to Mrs.Annesley.
When they reached the main entranceway, Elizabeth and Jane waited for Georgiana. Elizabeth’s smile radiated, encompassing her new sister; they gave each other a quick curtsy, and then they were in each other’s arms.“Miss Darcy, I am gladdened to see you again.”
“It must beGeorgiana,”the girl insisted.
“Georgiana,”Elizabeth shifted her attention, “may I present my eldest sister Jane Bennet.”
“Miss Bennet, I am pleased I finally have an opportunity to meet you.” Georgiana offered her a greeting of a bow.
“Miss Darcy,” Jane began, “Charles speaks so highly of your friendship. It is gratifying to have you at Netherfield to share in our joy. Please come in. Charles, she will need to freshen up.” Jane turned to her prospective husband.
“We are not yet married,” Bingley teased Jane as she blushed, “and my future wife gives me orders already.” Everyone laughedatandwithJane and Bingley.
Elizabeth and Georgiana each caught one of Darcy’s arms.“No orders for me, my Love?” he grinned down at Elizabeth.
“You,Mr. Darcy,”she pretended innocence,“are too incorrigible to take orders from me.” How easily her brother accepted Elizabeth’s mocking tone initially surprised Georgiana; Elizabeth drew out his spirited side.
When Georgiana joined the group in the drawing room, everyone talked over each other at first.There was so much to be said, and emotions were high. Darcy, as he did at Pemberley, placed his sister next to Elizabeth and took a chair close by.
“Elizabeth, my brother’s letter brought such happiness to Pemberley. I am sorry, Fitzwilliam,” she turned to him, “but I was too excited not to share the news. I told Mrs. Reynolds and asked her to share it with the staff. Mr. Howard also informed the tenants, and Mrs. Annesley and I shared our delight with the new vicar. Prayers for your happiness have been added to the service.”
Darcy’s eyebrow raised knowing Elizabeth’s apprehension about becoming the mistress of such a large estate. “Georgiana, Elizabeth is feeling a bit overwhelmed, I fear.” Elizabeth colored with his words.
