Page 39 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Well done, Darce.” Fitzwilliam picked up his coffee, moved to kiss both Anne and Ana on the tops of their heads, then announced the need to send a letter to his commanding officer regarding the comeuppance of a scoundrel.
Mr. Bennet Witnesses the Future Revealing Itself
“Lizzy, I have this great, tall fellow in my study speaking of wanting a future with you. I recall your assuring us, butyesterday, that you had no suitor. Please come with me so we might ascertain the whole of the matter,” Bennet said from the doorway.
“Lizzy?” the ladies in the room chorused.
“I did not dissemble yesterday, and I wished to keep perspective. A man worth ten thousand a year who belongs to the first circles could have any wife he chooses. His selecting me? Too impossible to believe,” Elizabeth said while folding her book closed. “Wait, itisMr. Darcy who has come to discuss my having a future with him, yes?”
“Let me just check his card,” Bennet said, winking at his wife while patting his pockets. “Come, we shall verify his identity together.” He stepped from the door so Elizabeth could precede him.
“Thank you, Father,” Elizabeth whispered.
“Your Mr. Darcy was so jubilant when requesting my blessing, he stumbled twice over his words. I never could have imagined your quiet, if affable, suitor could be so animated. He explained how his sister had charged him to find a wife, and a wife who had sisters for her to befriend made all the happier a circumstance.”
“He can be rather excitable.”
“It was a trifle reminiscent of Mr. Collins’s explaining how his patroness had sent him to make amends for inheriting. Your young man’s list of intentions regarding your care and access to accounts was so numerous that I lost count. Before allowing him to go on and on, I thought we might first learn your opinion on the matter.”
Bennet saw Mr. Darcy’s consternation at the suggestion that Elizabeth might not accept him. Once the young man saw her happiness for the seeing of him, his grim mien changed, causing his daughter’s countenance to brighten.
“Yes, Father, this is just the man I hoped would come to claim my hand.”
“I am glad all is in order on that score,” Bennet said, walking to his desk.
Elizabeth slipped her hand into Mr. Darcy’s, and he calmed at her touch.
“I shall not press you on how you have become so intimate in your acquaintance, given that you have both assured me you are decided on one another.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bennet. I swear I will never give your daughter cause to repine.”
“I will miss you exceedingly, Lizzy, but I would never deny you your happiness,” Bennet said to his daughter. “Have you considered when you will marry? I suspect you hope to avoid traveling north during the harsher months of winter.”
“I intend to discuss it with Mother. I am sad to leave Longbourn so soon, but I am anxious to begin my life with my husband.”
“I surmised as much.” Bennet looked at their laced fingers.
“I was charged by Georgiana to request your daughters, Kitty and Lydia, to join her at the seminary so she will have the company of friends who are also family. She also hopes their friend Miss Maria might attend with them. I intend no slight, sir, but with your agreement, this is of greater aid to my sister. Do allow me to cover the cost of tuition. It will be only with their company that Ana will find the courage she requires to see it through. I do intend to make the same offer to Sir William.”
“I see no reason to deny the request. Courage is one thing my daughters display too readily at times. Now, I must send you to Town for your trousseau, Lizzy.”
“My aunt is in residence at Netherfield Park. I am certain she would enjoy aiding you in the purchase of your trousseau,Elizabeth. She will know all you will require. I rather think she will leave Bingley and me at Netherfield with Richard and my uncle in favor of taking Anne, Ana, your sister Jane, and you to Town.”
“Oh,” Elizabeth hesitated.
“As I intend to whisk you away after the third time the banns are read, I prepared a draft to give what is your due in this quarter’s pin money. I must insist you accept it, Elizabeth. Bingley assures me he intends the same for your sister. I would look the ogre if I do not follow his example. You may do with it as you choose. Use it to purchase your trousseau, though I prefer you send all bills to me and spend it on anything else you like.”
“Ha.” Bennet snorted. “You are an intelligent man. I look forward to debating literary works in the coming years.”
“As do I, sir,” Mr. Darcy said, then turned to Elizabeth. “My dear, I must also ask you not to argue with Aunt Rebecca about what she says you will need to purchase. It is only what is your due as my wife and necessary for our obligations in society.”
Once Mrs. Bennet was again reassured that Mr. Darcy was not obligated to another, she found the news of their betrothal thrilling. When Elizabeth was surrounded by her sisters expressing their congratulations, Mr. Darcy and Bennet stepped back.
“Well done, son. Welcome to the family.”
“I think a wait of five days to follow them to Town to review the settlement seems wise.”
“Ha, you already navigate the intricacies of marriage well.”
