Page 65 of Grief and Grievances
Elizabeth gasped, her eyes opening wide. “A plot? Wickham and Miss Bingley... surely not!”
“Indeed, that a woman could instigate such violence against another of her sex is beyond my comprehension,” Darcy agreed, “but I am afraid it is true. Caroline Bingley has got exactly what she deserves. And despite the dowry she brings to the marriage, I must say that I think Wickham has too. They will live far away in Newcastle, and under constant scrutiny, as my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam has sent a letter to his friend commanding the regiment there. Wickham will find himself on a tight leash and with a harridan for a wife.” Darcy allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction.
Elizabeth’s eyes softened at his words. “It sounds like justice has been served, in a sense.”
Darcy nodded. “Indeed. But I must also apologise to you, Elizabeth. I had no idea that Miss Bingley was capable of such deceit, and I fear that I allowed my own feelings for you to blind me to the danger she posed.”
Elizabeth reached out to touch his arm, her eyes meeting his. “You have nothing to apologise for, Mr. Darcy. I believe that your love for me has only made you more aware of the world around you, and more willing to fight for what is right. I have no doubt that you will always be there to protect me, and those you care about.”
Darcy felt a warmth spread through his chest at her words. “Thank you, Elizabeth. That means a great deal to me.”
They stood there for a moment in silence, simply enjoying each other’s company. Darcy couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief that the danger Caroline posed had been resolved, and that he and Elizabeth could now begin building a life together, free from the interference of manipulative people.
As they walked back towards the house, Darcy’s mind wandered to thoughts of the future. He knew that there would be challenges ahead, but he also knew that he was ready to face them, so long as Elizabeth was by his side. He would do anything to protect her, and to ensure that she was always safe and happy.
And so, as they reached the door of Longbourn, Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and squeezed it tightly. “I promise you, Elizabeth, that I will always be here for you. No matter what challenges we may face, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and to make you happy.”
Elizabeth smiled at him, her eyes shining with love. “I know you will, Mr. Darcy. And I promise to do the same for you.”
With that, they entered the house to join the company, now swelled by an extra number with the arrival of Colonel Fitzwilliam. Kitty and Lydia may have been swooning just a little over his handsome face and red coat, but Darcy pretended not to see. They were, after all, still very young, and Lydia had just learned a harsh lesson about a handsome face being no good guide to a man’s character. He had no fear that they would corrupt Georgiana, who was actually blossoming and beginning to join in their liveliness. It was truly a pleasure to see his shy sister smile and laugh along with the younger girls. She had never had friends her own age, and he thought that he must ensure Kitty and Lydia had the opportunity to come to Pemberley often.
Extricating himself from the group with some little difficulty, Colonel Fitzwilliam came over to greet Elizabeth and bow over her hand. “And has my cousin yet come to the point?” he asked teasingly.
Darcy made a slight growling noise in his throat.
Elizabeth laughed, unperturbed. “He did indeed, Colonel, and very handsomely too; I was quite affected. So much so that inexplicably, I found myself agreeing to accept him.”
The colonel let out a crack of laughter, drowning out Mrs. Bennet’s despairing shriek of “Lizzy!”
“She will challenge you, Darcy, and I shall be delighted to observe it. But, Miss Bennet, you must prepare yourself soon to address me by another name, as the plans to sell my commission are well advanced. I dare say, by the time you and Darcy are wed, I will have reverted to being a civilian again.”
“And yet you shall not be plain Mister Fitzwilliam, shall you?” Elizabeth teased, “for even the second son of an earl is better than that. Come, tell me, by what name will we know you?”
“The Honourable Henry Fitzwilliam,” said he, with a slightly foolish smile, “and by Christmas, I too shall be married, for I went to Rosings before coming here and Lucinda has accepted me.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened in surprise. “Congratulations, Colonel! I am so happy for you.”
Darcy offered his own congratulations, feeling a sense of relief that his cousin had found someone to share his life with. “Lucinda is a wonderful woman, and I am sure you will be very happy together.”
The colonel beamed at them both. “Thank you, Darcy. I have never been happier. But enough about me, let us talk of your own wedding plans. Have you set a date yet?”
Darcy glanced at Elizabeth, feeling a sense of nervous anticipation. “It is for Elizabeth to decide.”
“Well.” She looked back up at him, that smile he adored so much curving her lips. “I had thought, if you would not mind sharing your wedding day—it would make me very happy to share mine with my sister.”
Darcy was more than happy with that idea, since Bingley and Jane’s wedding day was less than six weeks away.
“Nothing could please me more,” he said, quite sincerely.
Colonel Fitzwilliam raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Two weddings on one day? You are quite brave, Darcy.”
Darcy grinned. “I am more than willing to share the day with Bingley and Jane. And it will save us the trouble of planning two separate events.”
Elizabeth nodded in agreement. “Besides, it will be a joyous occasion, and I cannot think of anyone else I would rather share it with than my sister.”
The colonel chuckled. “Very well, then. I shall inform my parents of the news. They will be thrilled, I am sure. You made quite an impression upon both of them, Miss Elizabeth, as well as on my aunt, of course.”
As they all made their way back into the drawing room, Darcy felt a sense of contentment wash over him. He had come so far from the proud and arrogant man he once was, and he knew that he had Elizabeth to thank for it. She had opened his eyes to the true value of love and compassion with her loving care of Anne in her last days, and he would forever be grateful to her for it.
