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They agreed to leave for Longbourn after arranging for the banns to be read in the Pemberley parish. “Georgiana and our families must know our plans, but I would rather keep Lady Catherine’s document between us and those already concerned with it,” Darcy told her. “We can say that I proposed in the spring, but that we have only now agreed to marry.”
“And if there are objections…?” Elizabeth asked hesitantly.
“Then we shall go to Gretna Green!” he declared, and to his immense surprise, she laughed and took him into her arms.
Chapter 10
Once in her room, Elizabeth fell into a deep, undisturbed sleep, despite her wish to relive the wonderful night of her engagement.
The following morning brought such happiness that she could have danced about her bedchamber as she often did with her sisters back home. Rain poured outside, but the gloomy day could not lessen her joy. On the contrary, she remembered the previous night as a blessed moment, when even the sky had seemed to favour them.
She hurried to dress for breakfast, delighted and eager to see Darcy in daylight.
And most of all, she wanted to see her aunt and uncle’s happiness when he announced their news.
Darcy had decided to speak to Georgiana alone before breakfast. They had joked about his future bride, but at that moment, marrying was only a plan. He needed to assure her that his marriage would not lessen his love for her. Elizabeth would become part of their family. Georgiana would gain a sister, not lose a brother, but she had to hear it from him and be the first in the world to have the news.
Elizabeth ran along the passages and down the stairs, remembering her mother’s scolding. “Lizzy, do not come to breakfast in such haste! It is unbecoming of a lady!” But on this first morning of her engagement, she paid no attention to the remembered warning. Smiling, she entered the room to find everybody already at the table. She did not realise how late it was.
Darcy was beside her almost at once, close enough for her to feel his body near hers, and that alone made her blush.
Only Georgiana troubled her. The young lady looked unhappy, her eyes lowered to her plate; Elizabeth gently asked her to come nearer.
The Gardiners watched in surprise as Elizabeth and Darcy drew Georgiana between them; something was happening, but they could not discern what.
Darcy was visibly happy, though he tried hard to keep a serious face; he looked at Elizabeth, who was shining, and they both held Miss Darcy, who remained uneasy, in their arms.
“Dear Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Elizabeth and I…and Georgiana, naturally,” he added with a laugh, kissing his sister’s temple, “have some happy news for you!”
Before he could say more, the Gardiners had guessed and risen to congratulate them.
“It seems we have not surprised you!” Darcy remarked, secretly brushing Elizabeth’s hand with his.
“Dear Mr Darcy,” Mrs Gardiner replied, “allow those of us who are a little older to recognise love when we see it!”
Elizabeth embraced Georgiana and whispered, “You shall still have your brother, and now a sister too, who will love you dearly.”
They could scarcely eat, speaking at once and laughing often. Elizabeth sat beside Darcy, enjoying the closeness that allowed them to exchange affectionate glances and small, unnoticed gestures. Beneath the table, his hand sought hers, and she daringly allowed him to take it.
In the midst of their happiness, a servant entered with two letters for Elizabeth, which she received with delight when she recognised Jane’s handwriting. “They arrived at the inn, Miss Bennet. Mr Wood sent me with them,” the boy explained.
“I am much obliged to you and Mr Wood,” she replied kindly, then turned to the others. “They are from Jane…I do not deny I am waiting for excellent news.”
Elizabeth eagerly examined the letters, impatience visible. “Perhaps Miss Elizabeth would like to read them quietly,” Darcy suggested. Georgiana nodded, and the Gardiners went upstairs elated to discuss what had just happened.
“Thank you. I shall read them and meet you in the music room,” Elizabeth told Georgiana with a smile, casting a grateful glance towards her brother.
She opened the first letter, hoping for that good news and already imagining the happiness of writing her own in return. Jane sounded cheerful as she described their parents and sisters, and she had much to say about Mr Bingley’s frequent visits to Longbourn.
But on the second page, the tone changed abruptly.
Dear Lizzy, since I began this letter yesterday, several most distressing things have happened…
Elizabeth grew cold with apprehension. Mr Bingley did not propose? Was someone ill? She read hurriedly, hoping to find something to ease her fears.
The news gave her none; it was so terrible that her hands began shaking while tears poured uncontrollably. She broke the seal of the second letter and looked for something that might contradict the first, but it had been written a day later, in evident distress, and confirmed the dreadful news.
Lydia had eloped from Brighton with Mr Wickham! At first, Elizabeth could scarcely believe it. Lydia and Wickham? He had never shown her any particular attention.
