Defending Elizabeth Read online

  "We are unsure, as of yet. Mr. Wickham has been stationed in the north, and Lydia did not know if they would be able to travel."

  "How is your sister enjoying her marriage, Miss Eliza?" Caroline Bingley said. Unlike Darcy, her question dripped with malice.

  "My sister Kitty is very pleased with her situation in Kent."

  "And what of your other sister? Did I not hear she wed recently, and with a special license?"

  "Lydia also seems to be taking to married life quite well," Elizabeth said, maintaining a serenity in her voice she did not feel in the slightest. "As Mr. Wickham was being transferred, the special license was required so they could be wed prior to traveling."

  "Indeed," said Mrs. Hurst. "Your sister would not want any intimation of scandal."

  Mr. Bingley could see the course of the conversation and he was not going to tolerate it. "And indeed there was no intimation, Louisa. Miss Bennet explained the need for the special license."

  Mrs. Hurst suddenly became very interested in her soup, and abandoned her previous line of questioning.

  "And your sister, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked. "Is she well?"

  He smiled. "Georgiana is quite well indeed. I just received a letter from her. She left town and returned to Pemberley, and she reports the estate is as serene as ever."

  "Oh, I do so miss Miss Darcy!" Caroline Bingley exclaimed. "What an accomplished young woman, and so gracious. I had at one time hoped--" she cut off her statement, glancing down the table at Bingley and Jane. "That is, I hope to see her again soon."

  "I am not certain when that time may be, but I shall send her your regards," Darcy said coolly.

  Miss Bingley smiled winningly at him, as if he had responded effusively.

  "Oh, that shall be wonderful. I do so wish to see her again."

  "Yes, you mentioned."

  Once again the table fell silent.

  Mr. Darcy spoke quietly, so only Elizabeth heard him. "Perhaps we ought to resurrect the conversation on the suitability of wit in the modern young lady. That was a spirited one, if I recall correctly."

  Elizabeth smiled at him, thinking of the night when he had defended the importance of wit to Lady Catherine.

  "What are the two of you discussing? Come, you must share with the rest of the table," Miss Bingley demanded.

  Elizabeth and Darcy caught each other's eyes. Miss Bingley had echoed almost exactly the words Lady Catherine spoke. Elizabeth hid her smile behind her hand, and Darcy raised the right side of his mouth in a small smile.

  "We were only discussing the quality of this dinner. Bingley, your cook does fine work," Darcy said.

  "Does he not? I have been nothing if not pleased."

  Mr. Hurst spoke for what Elizabeth believed was the first time since dinner had been served. "He makes an excellent ragout. I always say you should judge a cook based on his ability to master the basics."

  Mr. Hurst gave a nod as if to indicate he was finished speaking, and he launched once again into devouring every speck of food on his plate.

  The diners looked at one another for a moment, wondering how to follow that particular outburst.

  Eventually, Mrs. Hurst spoke.

  "Jane, dear, I do not know how you plan to attire yourself, but I brought the bonnet I wore for my own wedding, if you would like to wear it. It was crafted by one of the finest milliners in London."

  Miss Bingley's mouth twisted. "Yes, it was--two years ago. Honestly, Louisa, that bonnet is so out of fash--" She stopped abruptly and glanced around the table, not least at the cross look her brother sent her way. "That is to say a high quality bonnet is timeless. Jane, you shall look lovely in it."

  "Thank you," Jane said softly, nodding to include both of Mr. Bingley's sisters. "But I have already chosen my bonnet, and it has special value to my mother. She would be quite upset if I did not wear it."

  "Well, we cannot upset your mother" Mrs. Hurst said.

  "No, indeed. We should not ever hear the end of it!" added Miss Bingley.

  Elizabeth stared at Jane with a mixture of admiration and shock. She was privy to every detail of the wedding planning, and she knew full well Jane had not yet made plans for her bonnet. Jane had just told a flat lie to Mr. Bingley's sisters. Elizabeth was, frankly, proud of her.

  The conversation turned to the plans for the wedding. Elizabeth could tell Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst found some of the decisions to be unfashionable, and she could also tell Mr. Bingley cared not a single whit. He was happy as long as Jane was happy, and Jane was happy to be wedding Mr. Bingley, regardless of the minor details.

  "I would suggest we throw a ball for the benefit of the young Miss Bennets, but it seems that the youngest of you are already wed. I do not suppose Miss Mary would welcome a ball?"

  "Indeed not," Elizabeth laughed at the idea, and Jane smiled.

  "Perhaps just a luncheon, then, but one to which we can invite our neighbors," Mr. Bingley said.

  "That would be lovely. It is decided, then."

  Chapter 23

  Jane and Bingley's wedding day was as simple as they planned, and as beautiful as they hoped. They were surrounded by friends and family as they said their vows, and afterwards, everyone attended a lovely luncheon.

  Elizabeth was in high spirits. There were times when she imagined this day would never arrive, but now her sister and Mr. Bingley were wed, and all felt right in the world. She was not the only Bennet who enjoyed the day. Lydia, Kitty, and their husbands sat talking, and the only one who appeared bored was Mr. Wickham. Elizabeth did not feel a bit of sorrow for him. Mrs. Bennet clutched her husband's arm, and he looked down at her lovingly. Even Mary had a fine time. She had been speaking to a young man with glasses for quite some time, and, based on the smile on her face, Elizabeth thought the conversation was going well.

  Mr. Darcy stood in the corner, a glass of something potent in his hand and a relaxed look on his face. Elizabeth did not recall ever seeing him look so much at peace, and it warmed her heart. It seemed so long ago she had been angry with him. Enough time passed that she was fairly certain he had not spoken of Lydia's impropriety, and she was relieved for his discretion in the matter. The more she thought about it, the more she realized his behavior towards her in Kent had been gracious, and he had, at the risk of revealing his sister's secret, done what he could to warn her away from a bad situation. How might this man be reconciled with the man who declared her to be "not handsome enough?”

  Darcy, for his part, was satisfied just to watch the joy around him. Bingley was clearly besotted with his new wife, and Darcy saw just how much she loved him in return. It was a lovely day to spend honoring the newly-wed couple.

  "What a miserable day," a voice hissed in his ear. He turned to find Caroline Bingley standing next to him. "I do not know how he could shackle himself to someone like her."

  "Perhaps you should be more generous towards your new sister," Darcy responded coolly.

  "She is no sister of mine. Just because she married my brother does not mean I must accept it."

  "No, it certainly does not. However, it might behoove you to consider who finances your lifestyle."

  She smiled. "Are you making me an offer, Mr. Darcy?"

  "I am afraid not, Miss Bingley. What I meant is you may want to consider being a bit more civil towards Mrs. Bingley."

  The smile slid off Miss Bingley's face, and she suddenly seemed to hear her sister calling for her. Mr. Darcy had not heard a thing, but perhaps it was the case Miss Bingley's ears were sharper than his.

  Darcy glanced across the room and saw Elizabeth Bennet looking at him. She gave him a small smile and he raised his glass just a bit in her direction. She nodded at the gesture, and then her attention was drawn away by her mother.

  He smiled to himself. The fact Bingley and Jane were wed meant he would have many more opportunities to see the delightful Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Perhaps someday he could finally atone for the harsh words she overheard when they first met. Darcy allowed h
imself to engage in a daydream where it was not Bingley's wedding luncheon, but his own. Elizabeth was dressed in a light colored dress that would befit a bride. He watched her, thinking of how much he wanted her, and how unlikely it was that what he dreamed of would ever come to pass.

  * * *

  Elizabeth had no idea the thoughts that went through Darcy's head. She was preoccupied with observing Mary and the young man to whom she spoke. He was a pleasant looking fellow, with a shock of blond hair that did not seem receptive to behaving itself. Several times during the conversation, he ran a hand through it somewhat self-consciously, hoping to tame it. He was not successful, but Mary did not seem to mind.

  Elizabeth had never seen her sister so interested in a conversation with anyone. She dearly hoped they were not discussing Fordyce's Sermons, although Mary would probably very much enjoy such a conversation. As Elizabeth looked on, Mary laughed at something the young man said.

  Jane walked over and stood next to Elizabeth. "That is Bingley's cousin, John Davis. Although he does not look old enough, he already has his own parish in Bedfordshire."

  "He is not married, I hope?"

  "Indeed not, although Bingley mentioned Mr. Davis had spoken recently of his desire to enter into the institution."

  Elizabeth raised her eyes at her sister. "Who might have thought Mary would be the one to find love today?"

  Jane glanced at Mr. Darcy. "Perhaps not just Mary."

  "Oh, Jane, do not tease me so! I should never have confessed my tolerance of Mr. Darcy had I thought it would lead to such a thing."

  Jane hugged her. "I am sorry, my darling Lizzy. I only wish you to be as happy as I am."

  "I do not believe anyone could be as happy as you, nor half as lovely. If I could aspire to even a fraction of your joy, it might make me reconsider my stance on marriage."

  "They are not all unworthy, Lizzy," said Jane, looking towards Mr. Wickham. "Do not let your experiences make you bitter."

  "Oh, why are we talking of such things on this glorious day? Go, be with your husband, who is the worthiest man I know."

  Elizabeth smiled as she watched Jane return to Bingley's side. Clearly there was true love in the world, and the newly married couple was an exquisite example.

  * * *

  After luncheon was served, some of the guests left, but many stayed to spend a pleasant afternoon conversing, playing cards, and listening to music. Mary offered to play, which made Elizabeth quite nervous. However, Mary performed quite well, and Mr. Davis did not take his eyes off her. When she had finished, he applauded louder than anyone, and praised her effusively. Mary flushed a shade of pink Elizabeth thought looked quite fetching on her.

  Elizabeth found a settee that was somewhat secluded, hoping for a few moments to collect her thoughts. However, she had not been sitting for more than a few moments before someone stepped in front of her.

  "Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy said. "Might I sit and converse with you for a moment?"

  "You are very welcome to, Mr. Darcy. I only hoped to catch my breath. I have been speaking with people since I arrived."

  "Shall I leave you, then? I do not wish to intrude.

  "No, please do stay. We have not had a chance to speak in so long."

  He was pleased she seemed to want to talk with him. He perched on the opposite end of the settee, making certain to leave a proper distance between them.

  "How have you been since we last spoke in Kent?"

  Elizabeth blushed, remembering that conversation. "I am well. As you are no doubt aware, the issue with my sister resolved to everyone's satisfaction--well, nearly everyone."

  Wickham was still stuck in conversation with Lydia, Kitty, and Mr. Collins.

  "I am glad to hear that. It pained me to see how upset you were."

  She glanced at his face, trying to determine whether he spoke the truth or whether he was just voicing appropriate niceties.

  "Thank you, sir. And how have you been? It was a shame we did not get to bid one another farewell."

  Darcy looked at his hands. "My apologies. I had an urgent note awaiting me when I returned to Rosings, and it required my immediate departure."

  "All is well, I hope?"

  "Yes, the issue has been satisfactorily resolved."

  "I am glad to hear it. Do you plan to stay long at Netherfield?"

  "I have not yet decided. There is something compelling about Hertfordshire that makes me want to stay."

  "Well, that is a change," she said with a laugh. "I do believe the first night I met you, you wished to leave the county at once and never return."

  "I was too hasty in my judgments, and far too harsh."

  She smiled. She knew how difficult these words must be for him to speak.

  "I am glad your feelings have thawed."

  "Indeed," he replied. "So am I.”

  They sat in companionable silence, listening to the pianoforte. Elizabeth recalled Georgiana Darcy played the instrument, as well.

  "How is your sister?"

  "She is well, thank you." He broke into a broad smile that lit up his features. "She is a delightful young woman. I wish you could meet her."

  Elizabeth was startled. "I would very much like to do so. It is unfortunate our paths are unlikely to cross socially."

  "That may no longer be entirely true. I have a house in London where Georgiana enjoys staying, so perhaps if you visit your sister at their townhouse, the opportunity might arise."

  Elizabeth agreed such an opportunity might well present itself. She was still surprised at the thought that Mr. Darcy wished for her to meet his sister.

  Bingley called to Darcy from across the room.

  "You will excuse me, Miss Bennet," he said with a bow. "I very much enjoyed the opportunity to converse with you."

  Almost as soon as Mr. Darcy left, Lydia hurried over and sat down next to Elizabeth.

  "I saw you speaking with Mr. Darcy."

  "Yes, we had a lovely conversation."

  "I have long thought you are too harsh on him. Why, when he visited Wickham and me in London, he--"

  Lydia darted her eyes, making sure Elizabeth had heard her "misstatement.”

  "Well, never you mind. But I find him to be a most agreeable man."

  "What do you mean, when he found you and Wickham in London?"

  Lydia sighed dramatically. "Well, if you are going to keep pestering me about it, I suppose I have no choice other than to tell you. Mr. Darcy was the witness at our wedding."

  Elizabeth felt faint. "How is that possible?"

  "He and Wickham are childhood friends. I suppose Mr. Darcy just wanted to support Wickham and help with our wedding."

  "When did he arrive?"

  "Goodness, I do not know. What an odd question to ask, Lizzy! No, wait--it was the Friday before we wed."

  Elizabeth did a quick calculation in her head and determined Darcy must have gone directly to London from Kent. That was why he had left so quickly! It was not to escape the embarrassment of what Lydia had done, but rather to see if he could assist in making the best of it. Then another thought occurred to her, and she blanched. Elizabeth remembered her conversation with her father after Lydia and Wickham married: "dear Heavens, no one would marry Lydia for less than five thousand pounds.”

  "Did Uncle Gardiner find you, as well?"

  "You are asking the strangest questions. No, he was not there."

  "Lydia, who financed your wedding?"

  "That is a rather impertinent question, Lizzy. I know you were raised better than to ask such things. However, if you must know, Mr. Darcy handled everything, and gave us a very generous wedding gift of one thousand pounds as well!"

  Elizabeth suspected the gift had been sizably larger than Lydia was aware.

  "Mr. Darcy…” Elizabeth whispered.

  "Are you quite well, Lizzy? Are you tired? You are acting in a very strange way. I am going to fetch Mama."

  "No! That is, there is no need to trouble her. I think I just need so
me air."

  "Perhaps so. Now, if you will excuse me, I must return to my husband."

  Lydia flounced off, and Elizabeth took a walk around the grounds in an attempt to clear her head.

  Chapter 24

  Elizabeth did not even have the benefit of discussing what she learned with Jane. The sisters would usually spend time together before bed, laughing and gossiping, but Longbourn felt quiet and alone that night. Elizabeth was happy for Jane, but she was just a little sad she lost her full-time confidante, especially when she had so much to puzzle out.

  The idea that Mr. Darcy rushed away from Rosings to resolve Lydia's situation changed Elizabeth's thinking in so many ways. First, it meant he had not been scared away by what happened with Lydia and Wickham; rather, he resolved to help almost immediately, and then put that plan into action. What reason might he have for formulating such a bold plan? Could it really just be guilt over the fact Darcy had not exposed Wickham's scheme after what happened with Georgiana?

  Or was there another reason for his willingness to help? Starting with their conversations in Kent, Mr. Darcy had been warm and engaging in a way Elizabeth had never imagined possible. Was it possible there was more than kindness behind his actions?

  She could no longer deny her attraction to him. She was scared to think of it in such bald terms, but it was true. She knew his initial haughtiness hid a surprisingly sweet and passionate man, and she could not help herself. What good did it do, though, for her to come to this realization?

  There is no way you can honestly think Mr. Darcy would want a wife like you. Has he not made this clear?

  He had made it clear, but then he changed. She remembered bits of their conversation where he seemed almost flirtatious, and she did not suspect he was a man who often behaved in such a manner. He contributed to the prevention of Lydia's situation turning into a scandal, and Elizabeth suspected he also interceded with Mr. Bingley on Jane's behalf. He indicated, in ways big and small, that he was interested in the well-being of the Bennet family.