Page 49 of Wickham Likes 'Em Young
“I come now to the night of the ball. There was talk of your elder sister arguing with Bingley. I was very busy watching over you, as you may recall, so I did not worry much about the rumours; I certainly did not see them nor attempt to find them. But Bingley’s first letter referenced the night of the ball, so I assume that she performed one more seduction in an attempt to achieve safety with another if Goulding’s parents made that union impossible.”
Elizabeth felt as if a wall of surmise had been built before her eyes, brick by brick. Darcy’s best guess at what had happened was less appalling in some ways and more appalling in others. But it did make her feel even more anger against Mr Wickham and at least a bit more sympathy for Mr Bingley, Mr Goulding, and Jane.
Poor Jane! If Darcy’s theory was true, how frightened she must have been. How—horrified at the actions of someone she had admired! How desperate she must have felt after Mr Bingley learnt of her nighttime conference with Mr Wickham, and he bowed out of the picture.
She felt sorry for the two men who had allowed themselves to be seduced, although she had to admit that Mr Bingley would likely recover well enough. Mr Goulding would likely unknowingly raise and name as heir a child that was not his—and that quite upset her.
But still…she did feel better. To a small degree, at least.
She opened her eyes and saw Darcy’s intense eyes. He looked sympathetic and hopeful at the same time; he looked the most protective, the most tender he had ever been.
“Thank you. I hate that theory, but I do feel that it makes everyone more comprehensible and less despicable. Except for Mr Wickham, of course—heis irredeemable.”
He nodded. After consulting his watch, he said, “We should return.” He reached to open the carriage door.
But Elizabeth put her hand out, staying the motion. She asked, “Do you think that Mr Bingley is…well? I very much hope he is not feeling terribly guilty or angry.”
“I think that he is as well as can be expected, and that he will recover entirely, and quite quickly. I think it is a good thing that their relationship did not result in marriage. Not because I do not think that your sister is good enough for him—you will recall that I once speculated that he was not yet good enough for her! But he is a genuinely happy and friendly man, and I believe he would do better with someone who can be genuine with him, even if that genuine person is someone more like me.” He chuckled a little.
“Someone very severe, very dour, and quite, quite arrogant?”
“Oh, dear, is that how you describe your betrothed?” His wide smile indicated that he was teasing.
“No, it is not. But you have to admit that there are moments when your face indicates that you are severe, dour, and arrogant. I have to say, even when you attempt to portray an unpleasantness that is the opposite of your true self, I always saw the truth in your eyes.”
“I dearly love you. But we should return.” After gaining her approval, Darcy signalled to his driver and footman, and they returned to Meryton to pick up the last dress and then start back towards Longbourn.
“Go slowly, if you please,” Darcy instructed the driver for this last leg of their errand. And he proceeded to cheer up both him and Elizabeth with many agreeable proofs that he was not, in fact, dour.
CHAPTER 21
2 December 1811
Asuccession of quiet, rainy days of reading before a fireplace and chess games in the bookroom, plus the steady work of embroidering gowns to be worn at the wedding, pressing napkins, writing place cards—were followed by several more active and sunny days. It was on such a pleasant day that Darcy’s closest relatives, other than his sister, were due to arrive.
Mr Bingley joked, “Yes, I have ordered my housekeeper to air out anything from three to six principal rooms, plus of course quarters for the earl’s servants. I am not certain that Mrs Nicholls appreciated my lack of foreknowledge.”
Elizabeth laughed. “That is quite a disparity, sir. But Mrs Nicholls is a treasure, so I imagine she bore up well.”
“Of course you are correct. I am certain you will love Darcy’s cousin Richard, the colonel.”
“Love, Bingley?” Darcy queried. “Is that not a bit of a strong emotion that my betrothed ‘must’ feel for another man?”
They all chuckled, although Elizabeth felt Darcy’s hand squeeze hers a bit harder than she expected. She decided that he might, in fact, feel jealous, and she hoped to be able to relieve it in any way she could.
At the expected time, almost to the minute, the Fitzwilliam family arrived. Georgiana joined Elizabeth and watched the three carriages rolling up the drive with a smile on her face. Elizabeth asked, “Does three carriages mean the entire family?”
“Well, one carriage will be the servants. But there being two family carriages indicates that there will be more than just my uncle, aunt, and one cousin.
The bustle on the front steps of Netherfield was heartwarming. Georgiana was much exclaimed over, in the vein of “You look so happy!”
Darcy said, “I know that introductions in the parlour would be more dignified, but Georgiana was eager to welcome you as soon as may be. That said, Uncle, Aunt, cousins, allow me to introduce my bride, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth, may I present the Earl and Countess of Matlock, the Viscount and Viscountess Hodgestone, and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.”
“Catherine was not able to come, nephew, but she sends her regards,” the Countess said to Darcy. Then she turned to Elizabeth, claiming both of her hands, and said, “I am delighted to meet the woman who could put that smile onto my favourite nephew’s face. You must call me Aunt Helen.”
Elizabeth’s smile went from friendly to dazzling; she curtseyed and said, “Thank you, Aunt Helen. I hope you call me Elizabeth.”
“Speaking of Catherine,” the colonel said, slapping Darcy on the back, “Our Aunt Cat seemed extremely upset to receive your invitation. What could you have been thinking to invite her?”
