Elizabeth smiled, grateful for her father’s scrupulous opinion in this matter, but wondering how William would fare under it.
The household was in turmoil the rest of the day as Collins refused to be mollified and Mrs. Bennet blamed Elizabeth for ruining everything.
Elizabeth consoled herself with the fact that this would soon be all forgotten once her mother was informed of her marriage to a man of £10,000 a year!
***
While Elizabeth was suffering from the unsettling events of this day, Darcy endured, impatiently and fretfully, the long carriage ride back to Pemberley. His heart was tossed about thinking with joy on Elizabeth, but with trepidation on Georgiana. He did not trust Wickham one bit and would not put it past him to still harbour a grudge and resort to some revenge upon him, his home, or, as much as he did not want to think upon it, his sister.
Darcy rested his arm against the window of the carriage and let his head fall into his hand. Georgiana seemed so young then, and he wondered if her willingness to go with that charlatan had to do with the fact that Wickham had treated her like a grown lady, whereas he did not. She was his younger sister, and he zealously wanted keep her young and innocent. Darcy took in a long, deep breath.
If he arrived too late and Wickham did anything to Georgiana, he would never forgive himself.
Darcy watched the passing scenery, anxiously anticipating the first glimpse of the familiar landscape of Derbyshire. He knew it would be an all-day journey and he would be subject to every thought of apprehension for his sister. He allowed himself to smile as he thought of Elizabeth, his wife. His anticipation of bringing her back to Pemberley with him instilled in him great joy.
Needing a respite from his anxiety, he thought upon Elizabeth having walked the grounds of Pemberley, and it gave him a great sense of contentment. To know she had graced some of the rooms with her presence and even talked to his sister pleased him immensely. How he looked forward to returning with her in his arms. He knew Georgiana would think well of her.
His eyes narrowed as he considered what the rest of his family would say about her. His aunt… Darcy closed his eyes. She still clung tenaciously to that foolish notion that he would marry her daughter. She was fiercely protective of her name and her circle, and that sense of protection extended to Darcy and Pemberley. He could only imagine what might happen the first time he introduced Elizabeth to her as his wife. He was quite sure there would be enough sparks between them to start a fire in all of her fireplaces without any kindling.
Darcy determined that it would be best to inform his aunt of his marriage when Elizabeth was not in their presence. He had no idea if he would ever be able to sway her opinion of his wife, but he would make a gallant effort.
He allowed himself to ponder Elizabeth’s family. On the three occasions that he had been in their presence, there had been some markedly objectionable behaviour displayed.
Darcy sighed. Perhaps all Elizabeth’s family needed was a little exposure to genteel living. He absently shook his head. Her mother was probably too set in her ways to change, and the two youngest sisters, particularly the youngest, would need some sharp discipline! He held out hope for her father, however.
He consoled himself with the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were a decent, respectable couple. He regarded them highly from his visit and felt he could befriend them easily; in fact, he greatly desired to deepen his friendship with them. He believed them to have been one very positive influence in Elizabeth’s life.
He knew he would have to make a determined effort to view Elizabeth’s family with a little more tolerance.
Darcy arrived at Pemberley at dusk and immediately sought out Georgiana. He greeted his surprised sister warmly. It was too late to do any investigation into Wickham’s presence, although he did check discreetly with the household staff to see if anyone knew who wrote the note or if any had seen Wickham. None had.
***
The following day at Longbourn, Elizabeth was sitting outdoors with Jane and enjoying the cool, crisp day. It was good to be outdoors and far from the continuing outbursts of Mrs. Bennet over Elizabeth’s refusal. Jane felt the extent of her mother’s disapprobation toward her sister as much as Elizabeth did. They were both grateful that Mr. Collins had excused himself and was spending the day with the Lucases.
“Did you enjoy your visit with Mr. Bingley yesterday, Jane?”
“I had a most enjoyable time at Netherfield.”
Elizabeth smiled, knowing that Miss Bingley would have to have been on her best behaviour in front of her brother. “Yes, and it is good you were there when Mr. Collins was here humiliating me as well as himself!” Elizabeth looked at Jane and rolled her eyes. “I have never been so uncomfortable in my whole life!”
“I am so sorry that happened!”
“Well, Jane, I believe there are just some things in life that are meant to happen that you cannot avoid.”
Jane took her hand. “You miss Mr. Darcy. I can tell.”
Elizabeth sighed. “Sometimes I feel that just knowing he loves me gives me strength to endure anything. But, yes, Jane, I do miss him.”
“I enjoyed watching the two of you at the ball. It was also interesting to hear the thread of gossip that began to circulate after your first dance, and then increased greatly after your second.”
“And just what were they saying?”
“That the esteemed Mr. Darcy certainly has good taste, and wherever he goes, he can have the best pick of dance partners.”
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. “And?”
Jane looked down. “And… that you better not hold to any expectations about his having danced two with you.”
“I shall remember that, as Miss Bingley gave me the same warning.”
Both sisters laughed.
Elizabeth reached over and put her hand on Jane’s. “Have you told Mr. Bingley… about William and me?”
Jane shook her head. “I do not feel as though I should; at least, not until he makes an offer of marriage to me. I do not feel it right to mention that his best friend is secretly married to my sister.”
“That is probably very wise, Jane.”
“I know that he shall be greatly pleased, Elizabeth; do not fret about that. I would not want him to think that I am telling him solely to encourage him to make me an offer of marriage.”
As the two began talking of other things, they saw the object of their conversation approach them on horseback, surprising Jane with a visit. He joined the two sisters as they visited, and at length, Charles and Jane departed to go for a walk.
Elizabeth turned her attention back to her sisters and the officers and continued to watch in concern as one of the officers, George Wickham, seemed to concentrate his attentions on Lydia. Her youngest sister responded in what seemed, to Elizabeth, to be an overly flirtatious and even provocative way. He had a charming personality, but Elizabeth wondered about his intentions. Certainly a man in his position would not bother with someone with as little fortune as Lydia. She was surprised, then, when he walked over to her.
“Good day,” he said, seating himself next to her. “You have a very pleasant family, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, Mr. Wickham.” For some unknown reason, Elizabeth felt his words were a little too coated in sweetness.
“And your sister and Mr. Bingley seem very happy.”
“Yes, they are.”
Wickham smiled and paused, as if searching for a way to say something.