April 11, 1997, Friday (continued)
The Collins's and Maria had gone off to Rosings and when they arrived, told the party of Elizabeth's illness. Darcy and Richard were saddened by the news as they both were waiting for her.
Meanwhile, an anxious Darcy stayed long enough at Rosings for the party to suspect nothing. He then claimed he wanted to ride about the grounds before sundown and left. Yesterday, Darcy had decided to leave for D.C. the next day, but Elizabeth's sudden illness shook him and he found himself at the Collins's front door. He remembered the last time she got sick. That was the last time she spoke to me with any kind of civility. Oh God! What if this is a precursor to her being angry with me again. I must do this before I screw something else up! He rang the doorbell.
Since she was alone, Elizabeth chose to re-read all of Jane's letters. But her mind was elsewhere; it was on Darcy and his despicable act upon her sister. Her only relief was that she would only be in Kent for less than 2 more weeks. Finally calming down, she was aroused by the sound of the doorbell. She half-expected it to be Richard coming to inquire after her. But to her surprise and dismay, it was Darcy as she opened the door.
Darcy hurriedly came in. "I hope you're feeling better," he said as she stood back to let him in.
"I am," she answered him coldly and followed him into the living room.
He sat down for a few moments and then getting up, paced around the room, rather agitated. He wanted to say something to her. But what?
She just stood there with those beautiful eyes, looking intently at him. He tried to come up with a reason for his visit, but couldn't. Elizabeth said not a word, though she could see that he struggled mightily with some matter on his mind.
At length, Darcy walked over to her, peered down at her face, grabbed it and began to kiss her. Elizabeth was shocked, to say the least. It took her a few moments to realize what was happening and as he pressed harder, she struggled to break free. He wouldn't let her go and she surprisingly succumbed to his kisses and started to kiss him back, passionately; tongue and all. His hands moved from her face to her waist and back, stroking softly, and her arms wrapped around his neck, stroking his curls softly; they swayed and swerved to a soft slow beat. At length, he whispered, "I have struggled with this for so long, Lizzy." He paused and began kissing her cheek and down her neck, "It has come to be boiling point... I love you," he whispered. Elizabeth was astonished beyond expression, but continued to accept his hot kisses and declarations and returned his with kisses and soft moans of her own. "I'm fully aware that I will be going against the wishes of my family, my friends, and I hardly need add, my own better judgement," Elizabeth stiffened and pushed back. "The situation of my family is one that would consider any relationship between us as extremely objectionable, wrong side of the tracks and all, they may even think that I've gone mad. As a rational man, I believe I have gone mad, but, it can't be helped." Elizabeth still astonished, became angry; yet she didn't utter a word or change her expression. He continued. "Almost from the moment I first saw you, I felt for a deep, dark, burning, passion for you... and despite all my struggles along with every rational objection to you and your family. I beg you to relieve my suffering and marry me."
It was now Elizabeth's turn to reply; she wrestled herself out of his arms and with the utmost composure, she said. "I know it's customary, that when a rich young man proposes to a poor, wrong side of the tracks, trailer trash girl, the girl is to say Yes... But I cannot." Darcy turned pale as she spoke and it looked as though he had shrunk about a foot from his original height, but said nothing. She went on, "I have never wanted anything from you, especially not your love! But since I am so unworthy, so beneath you, you'll get over it soon enough."
Darcy walked to the fireplace to collect himself. He was struggling for the appearance of composure, and would not open his mouth until he was sure he had attained it. At length, he said "Are you telling me No?!" She glared at him but said nothing. "You might at least tell me why I'm being rejected, and try being a little less cruel in your explanation."
"Cruel?! Cruel?! You tell me to be less cruel when you come in here and tell me that you love me, against all reason! I have every right to be cruel!" She said archly, "And I have every reason in the world to hate you! Do you think I would marry a man who's been the sole reason for destroying the hopes and dreams of my sister?! Can you deny that you took Charles away from Jane?!"
Darcy changed color as he heard her words, but he was hurt and now he only wanted to hurt her back. Pulling himself up to his full height again; "You're damn right I did! I did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister and I'm glad I did it! Humph, I've been kinder towards him than I've been to myself!"
"I knew it! I had you figured from the start! Ha, I only went out with you, to get back at you and Caroline." He looked at her questioningly. "Caroline wants you more than anything else in this world and I planned to take you from her and then later trample on your ego in the process. I guess my plan worked better than I hoped, huh? You want to marry me, despite your opinions! My plan was juvenile and petty, I'll admit it, but I heard what you and Caroline said about my family when we were at Netherfield and you thought I was upstairs taking care of Jane!" Darcy collapsed into a nearby chair.
"I can't believe this!" Darcy sat in horror and shock. "Why you little..."
"You can't call me anything worse than you already have! But those are not the only reasons I hate you! A few days before you decided to breakup Jane and Charles, my hatred of you was decided when I heard George Wickham's story of your dealings with him! How can you defend yourself on that subject?!"
He stood up and sneered, "Why... Why are so interested in George Wickham's life?!"
"Anyone that knows his misfortunes can't help but feel an interest in him!"
"His misfortunes!" Darcy strode across the room contemptuously. "Yes, his misfortunes have been great indeed!"
"And by your hand!" cried Elizabeth. "You have reduced him to his present state of poverty and yet you can treat his misfortunes with contempt and ridicule!"
"And this," said Darcy as he walked across the room toward the door, "is your opinion of me?!" He paused, "My faults, by this calculation, are heavy indeed." Then he walked towards her, "But perhaps these faults might have been overlooked, if your ego wasn't bruised by the honest confession of the doubts and opinions that had long prevented my forming any serious relationship with you... Had I hid my struggles and flattered you, maybe if I brought your flowers and wrote you poetry. Or perhaps, if I had kissed you like I did earlier, we wouldn't even be having this discussion and you would be in my bed as we speak." She reached out her hand and smacked him square across the face. He reeled from the impact, but went on. "Could you really expect me to be happy about the inferiority of your family?!" He spat, "To congratulate myself on the hope of relations whose condition in life is so categorically below mine?!"
Elizabeth felt herself trembling and becoming angrier every moment; she almost slapped him again. "You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy, the mode of your declaration merely spared me any concern I might've felt in refusing you, had you behaved more like a man and less like an animal." She saw him startle at this, but he said nothing, and she continued. "You couldn't have proposed in any possible way that would have even tempted me to accept you," she said vehemently. Again his astonishment was obvious as he felt the welt rise on his cheek. She went on, "From the very beginning, you impressed me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your contempt for the feelings of other people. I hadn't known you 2 months before I felt you were the last man in the world that I could ever marry!"
"I believe you've said enough!" he interrupted, disbelieving how far this had gone. "We both have," steadying himself. "I understand your feelings perfectly, and ashamed of... I'm sorry for having taken up so much of your time... I hope that your future holds everything you wish for." And with these words, he left the room and quit the house in the next moment.
Darcy stalked back to Rosings like a madman as he remembered the conversation just passed. She accused him of a lot of things; he must be able to defend himself. But how? I can't do it in person. I'm not ready to see her again, at least not yet. He decided that he would write her a letter and stayed up all night doing so.
Elizabeth was both ashamed and angry. Ashamed that she let him kiss her like that, even more so that she reacted with such passion in return, and angry over his proposal. The chaos of her mind was now painfully great. She didn't know how to support herself, and from actual weakness sat down and cried for a half-hour as she reflected on what had just happened. When she heard a car approaching, she ran up to her room, so that she would not have to explain her agony to Charlotte.
April 12, 1997, Saturday
Elizabeth woke up the next morning to the same thoughts that had closed her eyes. She could not yet recover from the surprise of what had happened; it was impossible to think of anything else. So anxious was she for peace and tranquility that she resolved, soon after breakfast, to indulge herself in air and exercise.
After jogging two or three miles, she stumbled upon Darcy. His back was turned to her, and as she turned around to leave, he turned around and walked after her, calling "Miss Bennet!"
She turned to face him and coldly replied, "Mr. Darcy."
"I've been walking around here for some time, hoping to see you." Elizabeth was amazed; she thought that he was going to attempt to propose to her again and she blushed bright red. Instead, he said, "Would you please read this letter?" She nodded; he handed it to her and walked away.
She found a tree stump, not far away, sat down and began to read his letter. It read as such:
To Miss Elizabeth Bennet,
Don't be alarmed on receiving this letter. It does not contain any repetition of those feelings or renewal of any proposals that were, last evening, so disgusting to you. But I must be allowed to defend myself against the charges laid at my door.
I write without any intention of causing you pain, or humbling myself again, by dwelling on those things that should be soon forgotten. But had not my character required it to be written and read, I would have spared you the trouble of reading it. Therefore, you must pardon the freedom with which I demand your attention; I know that you will read it, unwillingly.
However, if in this explanation of my actions, I relate any feelings that may be offensive to you, I can only say that I am sorry.
The first charge levelled at me; is that regardless of the affections of either party, I took Charles away from your sister. I lied to you; I told you that I did, but in truth, I didn't have anything to do with it. Although I wanted to hurt you as much as you hurt me.
We hadn't been long in Charlottesville, before I saw that Charles liked your sister and preferred her to all the other young women in the neighborhood. But it wasn't until the party at Lucas Lodge that I suspected a serious attachment. From that moment on, I observed that his partiality toward your sister was beyond what I had ever seen in him, although I had often seen him in love before. Your sister I also watched.
As you know, I had major objections to your family. As to my objections, there was nothing in comparison to the display put on by them at the housewarming party. Pardon me, it pains me to offend you. But anyway, none of that means anything to Charles. And after getting to know Jane myself, I found she was everything she portrayed. I liked Jane, I still do and I thought she and Charles would make a nice couple. I even thought it would go further. It's just that, Jane rarely shows how she feels and Charles might have had reason to doubt her.
After the housewarming party, Charles and I had to leave Charlottesville suddenly. I went home to Pemberley, because I thought my sister was in danger (I'll explain this later) and Charles and his family went home to D.C. From what Charles told me, his first 10 days back, he was in and out of surgery. He had 2 heart transplants waiting for his return and couldn't call Jane. By the time he was able to call her, he was only able to leave messages. He said that Jane never returned his calls. Georgiana and I only returned to D.C. for Jimmy and Louisa's going away party, then we went back to Pemberley. Right before Christmas, Charles came down; he was so low, so distraught. I tried to help him and that's when he told me about Jane. Charles had only come down to say good-bye; he is now in Europe teaching at different hospitals. I wish I could contact him for your sister, but he only calls me to tell me where he is next and those calls are few and far between.
However, there is one part of my conduct on which I do not reflect on with satisfaction. That is that I concealed from him your sister's being in town while he was away. Caroline happened to tell me about it when she was begging me to come to her birthday party in March. When I talked to Charles later that month, I didn't tell him. He was trying to put his life back together and I didn't want to upset him. Perhaps this concealment was beneath me, but it was done, however, and it was done for the best. On this subject, I have nothing more to say and no other apology to offer.
The second charge levelled at me; in particular, relating to Wickham, which if true, would indeed be heinous. But is entirely without foundation and which I can only dispute by telling you his connection with my family.
Wickham is my father's godson; his father even named him after my father. And my father loved him almost as much as he loved his own children. We played together as boys. After his father's early death, my father supported him at school, and afterwards at Duke, and hoped that he would make something of himself. He even put it in his will that if George graduated from college; he was to receive a large sum of money. But by then George Wickham's habits were as despicable as his manners were likeable.
My father died right after I turned 21. I had already graduated from Duke and Wickham had been kicked out more than 2 years earlier. I never wanted my father to know that Wickham was finished at Duke and any other school, especially on his deathbed. I feared that this would speed up his already imminent death and Wickham took full advantage of that fact. He had me paying his rent, food and etc.; blackmail for not telling my father the truth. The truth was that Wickham, who is always trying to make a fast buck, decided to sell drugs on the side. He stashed the stuff in our room and I was unaware until I found it. I immediately called the police, they called the President of Duke and a sting was set up. I didn't want to have anything to do with it, so I moved out. Within a few days, several students came up to the room, including undercover officers and bought drugs from Wickham and he was arrested on the spot. He was given 2 years probation and kicked out of school.
Within a month of my father's death, I stopped paying his blackmail, and two months later, Wickham called me and requested the money from the will. Initially, I had refused him but after repeated calls to the house and my dorm at Harvard, I gave in. I wrote him a check for $1,000,000.00 and hoped that he would leave us alone forever.
For about 3 years I heard no news of him, but when his money was gone, he called me again. His circumstances, he assured me, were very bad and he was in a bit of trouble. I hope you don't blame me for refusing him, or for resisting further attempts. I had no idea that he was in the D.C. metropolitan area, but I soon found out.
One night the police called me to say that there was a disturbance at the Mt. Vernon House and I needed to come and pick up Wickham at the station. I told the officer that Wickham would rot in that jail before I came too bail him out. I went straight to the house and questioned the staff. They told me that Wickham had moved in a month before. Of course they saw nothing amiss, since he travelled with my family when we were younger and most of the staff remembered him. They told me that since he moved in, there had been wild parties almost every night and the cleanup was horrible. That day I had the locks and the security codes changed. He was released two days later on his own recognisance. A few days later, I was awakened in the middle of the night; the police had called to say there was a break-in at the Mt. Vernon House. It was 4th of July, so most of the staff had the weekend off and none of them lived there anyway. By the time the police got there, they found many items missing. I came down and did inventory; the missing items were priceless furniture and paintings. The police assured me that these items were easily traceable, they would put out an APB on Wickham and the case would soon be wrapped up. They were true to their word, as Wickham was trying to pawn some of the goods, the shop owner called the police and he was caught red-handed. He and some of his friends, who had been caught later, were tried and sentenced. Wickham got 3 years.
His resentment towards me was in proportion to the distress of his circumstances-and he was no doubt, as violent in his abuse of me to others as he was to me in his phone calls and letters. After this period, every appearance of acquaintance was dropped. How he lived, I don't know. But 5 years ago, our paths crossed again under the most painful circumstances that I would dearly like to forget. And nothing other than your question of my character would make me unfold this story. I ask you to promise, never to disclose this, to anyone.
My sister, Georgiana then age 16, went to Myrtle Beach for a gifted program and was placed in the care of a Mrs. Younge, in whose character I was most unhappily deceived. Coincidentally, Wickham went there also, undoubtedly planned. Mrs. Younge, we found out later, was Wickham's landlord at the halfway house he was released to, after his time in prison. And with her connivance and aid, he pursued Georgiana, who only remembered his kindness to her as a child. He took her out almost every night and then persuaded her that he was in love and to consent to an elopement. She knew right from wrong and told him that she would need my permission. He tried everything he could to dissuade her from calling me, but she did manage to call and leave me a message. A day later, I joined them unexpectedly. I knocked on her room door and got no answer and as I was about to walk away, I heard a muffled scream. I called out and heard her crying, so I burst through the door and found him standing over her. Her nose was bloodied, her face was bruised and her clothes torn; he found out that she called me. You can't even imagine how I felt and how I acted. I won't go into it now, but Wickham was taken to the hospital, then later thrown in jail and Mrs. Younge was discharged of her duties.
Every day I thank God that he brought me there to save her, even if it was a little late. As I have told you before, Georgiana is my life, if anything would've happened to her beyond that, I would have killed him and then myself. Had he succeeded, his revenge against me would have been complete.
Wickham, again, was tried and convicted, and has spent the last 4 years in jail. I had him transferred to Lorton to keep and eye on him; apparently I failed because he was released 2 years earlier than expected. My sister went through a slight breakdown during the trial, but has since recovered after a few years of therapy. That is why I left the morning after the party, Mr. Lucas told me that Wickham left town suddenly and my heart just dropped to think that he would go after Georgiana again.
This is a truthful narrative of all of my dealings with Wickham and for its truth, you can ask Richard, he knows every detail of these transactions. I don't know what lies Wickham told you, but I hope you will absolve me of cruelty towards him. He is the lowest of lowlifes and a dangerous man, if he is still in Charlottesville, please do not make him angry or let on that you know about his past. Maybe he has changed; I hope for your sake and those you love, that he has.
Finally, regarding the fact that you only went out with me for revenge, that really hurt. I thought we had a good time and I was hoping that at least you'd look on that with fond memories. I know I will.
God Bless You.
Fitzwilliam Darcy
P.S. I also want to apologize to you for something I said yesterday (the kiss and my bed). I have never talked like that in my life and I am truly sorry for what I said. My parents are probably turning over in their graves. My only defense is that you hurt me and I wanted to hurt you back. I know that this in no way relieves me of what I said, but again, I am truly, very sorry.
When Elizabeth first read the letter she had great difficulty in believing it, she had read it so fast that the words hadn't had a chance to soak in. Lies! Lies! All lies! But, as she read it again, she was at first amazed that he apologized.
She then reread his account of Wickham and every good opinion that remained of him, disappeared. Astonishment, apprehension, and even horror oppressed her. She wished to discredit it entirely. But she recollected that she knew nothing of Wickham until he came to Charlottesville. Plus the fact that he told her his story of Darcy at their first meeting; the fact that when she questioned him about his past he started dating someone else; and the fact that after the 'crew' left town, he told everyone his story, even though he said he wouldn't. She concluded that that part of the letter must be true.
She then thought of his account of the housewarming, her family's embarrassing moments, and what Charlotte had said at Lucas Lodge about Jane's securing Bingley. Elizabeth then realized that no one knew of Jane's heart or disposition, except herself. But what about the phone calls?! We never received any messages from Charles. She concluded that the entire letter or most of it anyway, was, in fact, true and correct.
She grew absolutely ashamed of herself. Of neither Darcy nor Wickham could she think without feeling that she had been blind, partial, prejudiced, and absurd. I blew it! I really did it this time! That man loves me and I spit in his face! I'll never be able to apologize to him.
After wandering along the lane for two more hours, giving way to every variety of thought and conjecture. She reconsidered events, determined probabilities, and reconciled herself, as well as she could, to a change so sudden and so important, fatigue, tears, and a recollection of her long absence, made her return to the Collins's.
Maria immediately told her that Darcy and Richard had both come, during her absence.
"Mr. Darcy came here?!" Elizabeth almost leapt off the ground. He still wanted to see me?!
"Yeah, but he only stayed for a few minutes to say good-bye, but Richard waited at least an hour. They are leaving early tomorrow."
Elizabeth's heart dropped. Good-bye?! Good-bye?! He didn't even stay past a few minutes! Well, there's my answer. She ran up to her room and cried until Charlotte knocked on her door.
April 12, 1997, Saturday (continued)
Charlotte heard Elizabeth crying and went into her room. "Lizzy, what's wrong?"
"Oh Charlotte, I've had the most confusing and dreadful 24 hours of my life!" she cried. Then she cried even harder and all Charlotte heard in between sobs was 'William Darcy and George Wickham'.
"What happened?!"
"Charlotte, I accused him of breaking up Jane and Charles and destroying George's life!"
"Oh my God Lizzy! I forgot to tell you what I found out about George Wickham!"
"What?! About George Wickham?! What did you find out?!"
"That he's a liar, a fraud and a cheat. That's what!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, before the party, William came to me and started asking questions about him. Like his prior experience as an instructor, you know stuff like that. And I couldn't tell him anything."
"Of course not, employers aren't supposed to give out that kind of information, unless it's been waived or the police need it."
"No, that's not what I meant. I meant that Dad hired him on the spot, without references or a background check. He had some lame excuse why he couldn't give us his social security number, so Dad was paying him out of the petty cash. When I tried to look him up on some government databases, he had no past. And he was screwing Caroline in the sauna."
"W-h-a-t?!"
"Yes! When I couldn't find out anything about him, I started following him around. Of course, he didn't see me. But I would see him go into the sauna and lock the door. I would wait and after a while Caroline would come out and he would come out a few minutes later."
"You're kidding me?!"
"No! But the kicker is, that morning after the party, I opened one of my desk drawers and found a ziploc baggie with an earring, a puff of hair and a note from George to Caroline. The note said something like 'here's your earring back, I had to cut some of my chest hairs out to get it'."
Elizabeth stood up at the shock of what she had heard and began to chuckle, then laugh, and then to a crying, coughing laugh. I've been so stupid!
Charlotte laughed with her and puzzled at the change in her, before reminding her of dinner. Elizabeth said she needed to freshen up and would be right down. Elizabeth put on a good face at dinner and then went back to her room to think about Darcy. She remembered part of the proposal, but mostly she remembered her slap and his kiss. Her heart ached and lips tingled. How will I ever get him to forgive me?!
Darcy stayed in his rooms all that afternoon and evening, Richard knocked to check on him, but Darcy only told him they were leaving in the morning and never unlocked the door not even for food. The shock of all that passed finally hit him and it hit him like a ton of bricks. The previous night he agonized over the letter, but now that he had nothing to do and nothing to think of but Elizabeth, he broke down and cried. He was so sure of her acceptance that to even think of her refusal was incomprehensible. But when he felt his lowest, he remembered her giving in to his kisses. His heart ached, his lips and his left cheek tingled. Will I ever be able to forget her?!
At Rosings
That morning, Collins was waiting near the gate to see the men off and to make them his parting best wishes. Then off he went to Rosings to console Lady Catherine and her daughter.
On the road
As Darcy drove by the Collins's, he almost slammed on the breaks; he wanted to leap out, run into the house, take Elizabeth in his arms and kiss away all her hatred of him. But he steadied himself and drove on, after an hour or so, Darcy felt the deprivation of sleep come upon him, so he pulled over.
"Rick, could you drive? I haven't gotten much sleep lately and I'm starting to see things."
"Sure," said Richard as he and Darcy switched places. "Maybe now you'll tell me what happened."
"What? What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean. What happened between you and Lizzy?"
Darcy said nothing and turned over in the seat to look out the window or go to sleep, if it ever came. After a while, he slept and by the time they reached his penthouse in D.C., he was wide-awake.
At Rosings
Lady Catherine felt so sad about her nephews leaving that she invited the Collins's, Maria and Elizabeth to dinner that evening. During dinner, Lady Catherine asked Maria and Elizabeth to stay for another month, but Elizabeth declined. She couldn't imagine spending her birthday at Rosings.
Lady Catherine had many questions to ask regarding their journey, and as she did not answer them all herself, attention was necessary, which Elizabeth believed to be lucky for her; or, with a mind so occupied, she might have forgotten where she was and cried out loud.
In D.C.
Richard called a few friends and after talking for about an hour, he walked into the living room and found Darcy with a drink in his hand and tears running down his face.
Richard was about to walk away to give Darcy some more time alone, when Darcy spoke up. "Don't leave," he wiped his tear-stained face. "I need you to talk to me."
Richard walked over to the bar, poured a brandy and sat down. "I think you need to talk to me."
"No, I'm not ready yet... What did Sam and Bobby have to say?"
Richard, realizing that his cousin was not ready to talk about Elizabeth, told him what his friends were up to. They talked for 2 hours and then Richard went to bed. Darcy typed emails to his private investigator, the Annesley's and the Virginia Department of Corrections; he couldn't possibly go to bed now, because he would only think of Elizabeth. He had to stay busy, no matter what.
April 14, 1997, Monday
Elizabeth soon knew Darcy's letter by heart; she studied every sentence; and her feelings towards its writer were at times widely different. When she remembered the way he proposed, she was still full of indignation; but when she considered how unjustly she had condemned him, her anger was turned against herself; and his disappointed feelings became the object of compassion; his profession of love excited her and she couldn't forget his kisses.
Finally, Darcy arrived at Pemberley and Richard went on to Ft. Bragg. Darcy went straight to his bedroom, only stopping to grab several bottles of brandy and advised the staff that he did not want to be disturbed, not until he called for one of them.
Darcy gulped down several glasses of brandy within a few minutes and several more as he pulled off some of his clothes. Now that he was alone, he tried to drown out all memory of her, but he couldn't. Finally, he fell to sleep in a drunken stupor, and he did not stir for two days.
April 16 through 23, 1997
At Pemberley
After the two-day stupor, Darcy would, every so often, call for food or more brandy, but other than that, no one had seen much of him.
Georgiana had been in Florida for a few days and had just arrived at Pemberley. She asked of her brother's whereabouts and Mrs. Reynolds told her that he stayed up in his room, drinking, and that she was afraid for his well being. On hearing this, Georgiana ran upstairs to her brother's room and tried the knob; the door wasn't locked, so she went in. She was shocked at the smell that permeated from the room; it was wrought with the stench of alcohol and vomit. She had to hold herself up by the door from the smell, but the shock of her brother's screams brought her back to reality.
"No, wait! I'm sorry!" he screamed over and over, in between moans, shaking and gasps for air.
Georgiana closed the door and ran to him and cried, "William! William! What's wrong?! What's happening?!" He didn't answer; he just tossed and turned in his haze. She ran to his bathroom and got a towel, dipped it in water and brought the cold compress to him.
As she applied the compress to his head, he reached up and grabbed her arm and said, "I knew you would come." He smiled and so did she. "I love you Elizabeth." He fell into a deep sleep as Georgiana sat there in total and complete shock.
April 16 through 23, 1997 (continued)
At Pemberley
When she felt it was safe, Georgiana began cleaning up her brother's room. She opened windows, though only slightly pulling the drapes, she asked Mrs. Reynolds for some assistance to mop up the mess. After a while, the butler knocked and told her lunch was ready. Georgiana went downstairs, ate in a hurry, and ran back upstairs. Soon afterwards, the butler brought up a tray of food for Darcy.
After 14 hours of sleep, Darcy woke. He saw Georgiana asleep in a chair beside his bed. "Georgiana. Georgie," he called roughly, his throat dry as a bone.
Georgiana woke up, immediately jumped out of her chair and embraced her brother. She cried furiously, "You had me so worried! Don't you ever do that to me again! Oh William, I thought I had lost you."
He held her close, tears streaming down his face, and cried. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," over and over again.
At length, after she regained her composure, Georgiana looked at brother with so much worry in her face. "What's troubling you, William? I want to help."
Darcy didn't want to tell her his problems, he was supposed to be the one that she ran to in time of need. But he saw the look in her eyes, like their mother's, and felt compelled to release his woes. "Georgie... I am..." He paused for a long time trying to formulate in his mind what he would say. "I find myself in the position of unrequited love." He saw her confusion and continued, "I am in love with a young woman who despises me."
"Elizabeth?"
"H, H, How did you... How did you know that?"
"You called her name during your... incapacity."
"Oh." He paused again, "Georgie, I confessed my love to her and proposed. She refused me in no uncertain terms!" he exclaimed and grabbed his head to stop it from throbbing.
"But why?! Why would anyone refuse you? She must not be worthy of your love."
"She is worthy of only the deepest kind of love... No, Georgie, if you knew her, you would see that I'm right. She is lovely, beautiful in fact, smart, witty, beautiful, fun, and beautiful! She sings and plays with life!" Darcy's thoughts were jumbled and he was speaking at mach speed. "No, she doesn't just play the notes; she lives the music. Excepting you, of course, I've never enjoyed music more. Oh yes, she is everything that a man would want in a wife. I am unworthy of her love!"
"How are you unworthy?"
"It's just that... When I proposed to her, I... I insulted her. I told that although her family was beneath mine in every way conceivable, I would marry her anyway."
"Oh my!"
"Oh Georgie," he sighed, "we are argued over several other things. I said some mean and hateful things to her. Things that our parents would be ashamed of." Georgiana shook her head in astonishment. "She told me that I was arrogant and conceited and... and that I would be the last man on earth she would ever marry. I said a few more ugly things to her and she... she slapped me." Georgiana gasped. "I deserved it, believe me when I tell you, I did." He paused, "It seems that I've treated many people, or those that I thought beneath me, in the very same way," he said reflectively.
"Oh William, I always hoped that you would marry someone you loved and respected. You've tried the socialites and you haven't' found anyone that pleases you. And even the women that you do hang around with, can be very... offensive, like Caroline."
Darcy flinched. "Don't worry about Caroline. I may be stupid, but I'm not desperate."
Georgiana smiled. "But what about Elizabeth?"
"I don't know Georgie, I don't know... I don't know how I can change her mind about me, if we ever meet again. I don't know how I'll ever be able to live without her... How can I undo the things I've said and done? I may never have that chance and will regret it the rest of my life!"
"If it's meant to be, then it will happen." Darcy hung his head and Georgiana hugged him. "You are a good, kind, Christian man, and if He can't help you, no one can. But until then, if you truly believe that you have treated her badly and others, then perhaps you should start treating everyone else, the way you want to be treated."
"I understand," he nodded. "But it may be too late for Lizzy and me... I really wish you had the opportunity to meet her, she is absolutely the most fascinating woman that I've ever met in my life!"
"Maybe someday I will. Let's hope." She walked to the door, "Good night William," and left the room while Darcy went to shower and shave.
Finally, after two more days, Darcy felt well enough to leave the house. His dreams could still not be controlled; he saw her face and heard her chastisement every second of every night. He had then decided to get on with his life, to bury himself in his work, and in any other things he encountered or thought of. I will conquer this! I will!
Meanwhile, each day, Elizabeth thought about Darcy, Jane, Bingley and Wickham. Her mind was still in such turmoil that she even went to Rosings everyday and played on the piano in Mrs. Jenkinson's room, the use of which was offered to her by Lady Catherine.
Dinner at Rosings had been as frequent as they had been before. In fact, Elizabeth and Maria's very last evening was also spent at Rosings Park. When they parted, Lady Catherine wished them a good journey, and invited them to come back at the same time, next year.
April 24, 1997, Thursday
In the morning, Elizabeth and Maria were ready to leave. Collins was able to corner Elizabeth and remind her of his comforts and the condescension of Lady Catherine. He was still gloating, but she expected as much. They finally drove off with Maria at the wheel.
"Oh, Lizzy!" cried Maria, after a few minutes of silence, "it seems but a day or two since we first came to Kent. And yet how many things have happened!"
"Plenty," Elizabeth sighed.
"We dined nine times at Rosings, besides drinking tea there twice! Lord, I have so much to tell when we get home!"
Elizabeth privately added. And I have so much to conceal. As they drove to D.C., Elizabeth thought and thought about Darcy's proposal and Wickham's true character.
Elizabeth drove the last 3 hours and she and Maria arrived at the Gardiners, where they were staying for a few more days.
Jane looked well, but Elizabeth had little opportunity of studying her mood, with all the various engagements that her aunt had reserved for them. But Jane was to go home with her, and at Longbourn there would be time enough for observation.
It took all she had, meanwhile, for her to wait for them to reach Longbourn, before Elizabeth told her sister of Darcy's proposals. She realized this piece of information would astonish and amaze Jane, yet she had not determined how much of his letter she should tell her about. She feared, if she repeated something about Bingley, it might throw Jane into a deep depression.
Mrs. Gardiner noticed how quickly Elizabeth changed the subject, almost every time she inquired of Darcy's visit to Rosings; but she wouldn't press her for answers. Mrs. Gardiner already had plans and they would all take place this summer.
April 27, 1997, Sunday
Jane, Elizabeth and Maria drove back to Charlottesville. First they stopped at Lucas Lodge to drop off Maria, where Lydia and Kitty were waiting for them. After welcoming them home, Mrs. Lucas set out a nice lunch for them.
On the drive home, Lydia and Kitty had plenty of news to tell them.
"George Wickham is not going to marry Mary King! Her uncle has taken her away and our sweet George is safe!" exclaimed Lydia.
"Maybe Mary King is safe," said Elizabeth with a look of disgust.
"What are you talking about Lizzy?!" cried Kitty.
"She's an ugly and undeserving little thing," said Lydia, as she and Kitty giggled. "He deserves better and now I believe he'll get what he wants."
"Yeah! We heard that he's accepted an instructors position at the D.C. Tennis and Racquet Club and he's leaving next month!" chimed in Kitty.
"And they host the D.C. Tennis Championship. And Andre Agassi will be there and Pete Samprass and Jim Courier and all the other top tennis players in the world!" exclaimed Lydia.
Elizabeth didn't have much to say on the subject. Great! He'll be out of the way soon and I can relax!
"And I have a chance to go to summer camp at the Racquet and Tennis Club!" continued Lydia. "Mrs. Forster, my tennis teacher, told me that if she goes then all I need is permission. She'll let me know by the end of the school year, which is in a few weeks and then I'll ask Mom and Dad and they'll say yes and..." Lydia talked on and on at the speed of light.
Elizabeth, again, didn't have anything to say. Lydia will just lose her mind if she's away from home! But Dad will never give her permission to go.
Jane and Elizabeth's arrival at home was very nice and pleasant. Mrs. Bennet was glad to see Jane in all her undiminished beauty and Mr. Bennet was just glad to see both his eldest daughters, especially Elizabeth.
That evening, Mr. Bennet took Elizabeth aside to tell her how much he missed her. They talked and laughed over the Longbourn and Charlottesville goings-on. Elizabeth was clearly his favorite among all his daughters, they shared the same wit, sarcasm and humor.
April 28, 1997, Monday
Elizabeth didn't have time to tell Jane about what happened in Kent last night. And when Elizabeth got up this morning, Jane had already gone to the office. So, she dressed, grabbed something quick to eat and ran to Jane's office.
"Jane, I have so much to tell you! You won't believe some of it, well, maybe you will, but you'll be surprised all the same."
"Lizzy, slow down! Breathe, now exhale. Are you alright now?" Elizabeth nodded. "Okay, now tell me whatever it is that you have to tell me."
"William Darcy proposed to me!"
"What?! William Darcy proposed?! What did you do?! What did you say?!"
"Now I think it's your turn to calm down," she tried to laugh. "Breathe, now ex..."
"Lizzy, get on with it!" Jane interrupted.
"Well, as I said before, he proposed to me. Oh Jane, it was awful! He came in and kissed me," Jane gasped. "I mean kissed me hard, passionately, and... I gave in and kissed him back. Then he told me that he loved me despite our family, despite how it would look to his family, his friends and even despite his own struggles."
Jane full-knowing what her sister's reaction would be, said slowly, "And what did you say?"
"I told him where to go and how to get there. I told him that I could never love him. I told him that I only went out with him for revenge. I accused him of breaking up you and Charles and destroying Wickham's life."
"And how did he react? What did he say?"
"He was livid! I can't repeat some of the things he said to me, but I slapped him."
"Oh my Lord! Lizzy what happened then?!"
"We argued, I don't know how long, but it wasn't pretty." Elizabeth paused and put her head in her hands. "He left, I cried and I thought that was all over. But the next morning, he gave me a letter that explained almost everything. I have it if you want to read it."
Jane went over to Elizabeth, sat down beside her and put her arms around her. "I'll read it later, but why don't you tell me what it says."
"Oh Jane," she shook her head in her hands. Elizabeth would have preferred Jane read the letter, but now she had to try to tell it without the pain. "I was wrong, wrong about everything! Wickham, you, Charles, William, everybody!" Tears began to roll down Elizabeth's face. "He wrote all about Wickham and their connection and that all the stuff he told us were lies. Charlotte even agreed with that!" she sniffed. "I even understand his misgivings about our family, I've had them myself. But Jane, Charles is heartbroken about you. He thought you didn't care because you never returned his messages and I don't know what happened, but that's what he said. And Charles is in Europe pining for you." Elizabeth started crying harder and Jane, although shocked at what she just heard, hugged her sister tighter. "Oh Jane, it's just that... It's just that I blew it! I don't know how I'll be able to apologize to him. He's been in love with me for a long while and I threw it back in his face and laughed! He'll never forgive me now!"
"Is that what you want?"
"Yes," Elizabeth sniffed. "I think so... But what are you going to do?"
"I don't know."
Jane and Elizabeth sat and hugged and cried for a long time after that. Jane crying for her lost love and wondering about the mysteriously missing messages. Elizabeth crying because she wanted to see Darcy, but was struggling with her feelings for him.
Later that evening, Jane read Elizabeth's letter from Darcy, she was shocked and surprised at some of it and angered at other parts. She was afraid of what Wickham might do, especially to Elizabeth, if he ever found out that she knew all about him. "You mentioned earlier that Charlotte knew something..."
"Oh yes. Charlotte had plenty of info about Wickham that she conveniently forgot to tell me. But she was too busy trying to get married, I guess. Well anyway, Mr. Lucas hired Wickham on the spot without references, nothing. And when Charlotte asked him for his social security number, he had some lame excuse and so Mr. Lucas was paying him out of petty cash. Charlotte started following him around the club because he was always avoiding her questions on his previous employment, etc. And, you'll never guess... she found out that he and Caroline were, you know..." Elizabeth made hand motions and Jane's mouth gaped open. "Charles found out and that's why they left the day after the party!"
Jane sat for several minutes without uttering a word. At length, she got up, walked towards her bedroom and shaking her head. "This day has been too much for me! I'm exhausted!"
"Me too. Good night."
April 29 through May 8, 1997
At Longbourn
In the next few days, neither Jane nor Elizabeth was happy. Jane put on a good front for her family, but was still pining for Charles. Elizabeth, on the other hand, was morose and distant, Mrs. Bennet paid no attention to her mood and constantly questioned her about the Collins's happiness and their designs on Longbourn, and Jane's stay with the Gardiners. To remove herself from all the anguish and anxiety she felt, Elizabeth played on the piano in the basement, daily. Subconsciously, she chose Billie Holiday.
On May 1st, Elizabeth tried to put on a happy face for her birthday. It took the greatest effort though, because she hadn't gotten much sleep since Darcy's proposal. But, at breakfast the family sang 'Happy Birthday' to her and gave her their presents. She thanked them all, kissed them and went to the office.
The days passed slowly for Darcy, Bingley, Jane and Elizabeth. All were lost in memories and depressed by their situations.
At Pemberley
On May 8th, the phone rang and Darcy answered it.
"Happy Birthday, old friend!"
"Charles, is that you?!"
"Of course, it is! Who else would call you so early in the morning to wish you a happy birthday?!"
"Thanks. Where are you?"
"I'm in Madrid."
"Madrid, huh? Have you run with the bulls yet?"
"Been there, done that. Did it yesterday." Bingley laughed and so did Darcy.
"You seem to be in a good mood, Charles. Is there any reason for it?"
"No reason, I just haven't talked to you in more than a month. What's up?"
"Nothing, nothing at all... Charles, are you sitting down."
"Yes. Why?"
"I talked to Lizzy, um, Elizabeth Bennet last month and..."
"What?" Bingley leapt from the bed. "Is Jane alright?!?!"
"She's fine. She's fine. She's... Charles are you sure you called Jane last winter?"
"Yes!" replied Bingley angrily. "What are you trying to say?"
"Elizabeth said they never received your messages... She says that Jane has been..."
"I called! I swear I called!"
"I told her that! She told me that Jane is miserable and I told her that you were too. I think you should call her."
"I can't call her, she'll never believe me! But, I swear I called her."
"Did you keep any records? Do you have any of your old bills?"
"I think I do. But, I'm not sure. Is she really miserable?"
"That's what I've been told."
"Uh, um. I'll call Caroline and have her look for them and if she finds them to send them to you. But what if she can't find them?! I'll never be able to convince her!"
"Calm down, man! If Caroline can't find them, then we'll go to the phone company."
"Okay, okay. But, how did you meet up with Lizzy?"
"She was visiting Charlotte. Charlotte and Billy Collins got married the end of last year, can you believe it?!"
"I had no idea!" Bingley laughed. "Billy lives near your aunt, right?"
"Yes. And that's where I saw Elizabeth."
"So, did you and Lizzy...?"
"Nope," Darcy interrupted.
"William, you're a fool! I let Jane get away, but I'll fix that. But you, you have the perfect opportunity to tell her how you feel..."
"What do you know of my feelings? I never..."
"You didn't have to tell me. Anyone with eyes could see that you really, really liked her, even Caroline could see it and she has blinders on when it comes to you."
"I, I didn't know that I was that obvious."
"Well, you were. If you get another opportunity, I hope you don't blow it!"
"Too late!"
"What happened?"
"I really don't want to get into it right now. Maybe someday I'll tell you about it."
"If that's what you want." A long pause ensued. "Look, I'm going to call Caroline and get the ball rolling. I wish I could be there, but I extended my tour until July and I can't get out of it."
"Okay, I'll handle it from here. Give me your number."
Bingley gave Darcy his current number, told him how long he would be there, and they hung up. Bingley tried calling Caroline, he didn't know that she was in Los Angeles, so he left a message.
Darcy spent the rest of the day in the company of his sister. Georgiana made him a picnic lunch and they went sailing. When they returned, there were several birthday wishes from family, friends, and partners.
At Longbourn
Meanwhile, Mrs. Forster advised Lydia of her trip to D.C. and Lydia was excited beyond all reason; Kitty, however, was distraught. Elizabeth tried to talk her father out of letting Lydia go; she was sure that Lydia would embarrass the family in some way; thinking of what Darcy had written. But her father rejected her opinions and gave Lydia permission.
May 9 through June 7, 1997
These days were very long for Elizabeth, Jane, Darcy and Bingley; they had nothing to do but think about each other. Wickham came by Longbourn, often, but Elizabeth always managed to escape his company after a few minutes, using business as her excuse.
June 8, 1997, Saturday
The Bennets gave a graduation, farewell and early birthday party for Lydia. All of Lydia's high school friends came, most of Charlottesville, and Wickham. It was a raucous party and lasted until dawn.
Elizabeth was as civil as possible when Wickham came up to her to inquire of her visit to Kent. "William Darcy and his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam came up and they stayed for 3 weeks. Do you know Rick?"
He looked surprised, displeased, and alarmed; but within a moment he answered calmly and with a smile, "Yes. He visited Pemberley with his brother Michael every summer. How did you like him?"
"He's a nice guy. I liked him."
"He's very different from his cousin," Wickham said, wanting to have another opportunity to bash Darcy and impress Elizabeth. Yeah, this'll work out fine, she'll be in my arms sooner or later. Too bad I'm going to D.C. But, absence makes the heart grow fonder. I'll call her in about a month, tell her what a fool I was, tell her how much I miss her and love her and then ask her to marry me.
"Yes he is different. But I think William improves once you get to know him."
"What?!" cringed Wickham, with a look that didn't escape her notice. "How? Has he all of a sudden acquired some politeness and courtesy?! I can't even imagine that he could have gotten any richer."
"As far as money is concerned, I guess he has as much as he ever had."
"Ah!"
"I don't mean to imply, that he's made any drastic changes to his personality. It's just that, knowing him better, improved my opinion of him."
Wickham's alarm now appeared in a heightened complexion and agitated look; for a few minutes he was silent. Finally, he walked away. Oh well, I'll have to try somebody else.
Elizabeth smirked to herself. Let the doorknob hit ya where the good Lord split ya! She walked to kitchen to help clean up some of the mess, humming happily. Hit the road, Jack, and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more. Hit the road Jack, and don't you come back no more.
June 9 through July 14, 1997
Bingley wasn't able to reach Caroline for more than a month, so Darcy had Bingley fax authorization, went to D.C. with power of attorney, and asked the phone company for his records; they printed them out and handed them to him.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth worried about Lydia in D.C. all alone and without supervision. The Bennet family received a few phone calls from Lydia, but her calls were short, because she was always running off somewhere. Elizabeth also worried about Jane and hoped that Bingley would return soon and set everything right. She also thought about Darcy, her feelings began to change with each passing day. She thought about their dates and the fun they had together; his proposal, without the insults, and saw that he really took a chance pouring his heart out to her. But mostly, she thought about that kiss and how it made her feel; she had never been kissed like that before and her lips still tingled every time she thought of it.
Finally on July 14th, all of the Gardiners came to Longbourn. They advised Elizabeth that Mr. Gardiner couldn't be away from the business for any extended length of time and they would have to cut down the trip to those houses on the coastline, or easily reachable from I-95.
Initially, Elizabeth was disappointed, but Mrs. Gardiner mapped out all the places where they would go: Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Williamsburg, Nags Head/Kitty Hawk, and possibly Charleston.
Elizabeth was pleased until she heard Nags Head. That's where William lives! Please, please, please, don't let him be home. I'm not ready to see him yet! But she told her aunt how happy she was and went to her room to finish packing. The mere mention of Nags Head almost sent her over the edge. It was impossible for her to even see the word without thinking of Pemberley and its owner. Now I'm losing my mind! Of course, we should be able to go through his hometown without him finding out that I was there. She hadn't really convinced herself, so before she went to bed that night, she prayed.
The Gardiners stayed for only one night at Longbourn and left Jane as guardian of their children.
July 15 through July 20, 1997
The next morning the Gardiners and Elizabeth were off on their trip. First stop, north to Alexandria, Virginia to see George Washington's Mt. Vernon House. Elizabeth was excited and a little bit apprehensive; Darcy owned this house also. Although he didn't live there anymore, she feared running into him, plus the fact that Wickham had been here and nearly robbed it of its history and beauty.
As they walked through the house, Elizabeth realized what she had missed when it had to be closed down. It was absolutely beautiful, the furniture was in excellent shape, the house and grounds well maintained and it contained portraits of the late President and his family. Still, it was just another reminder of Darcy and Wickham.
On July 16th, they traveled less than 2 hours down the highway to Fredericksburg, Virginia, which boasts the homes of 3 presidents: Washington, Madison and Monroe.
On July 17th, they traveled another 2 hours down the highway to Williamsburg, Virginia, where they visited the colonial days in full bloom. It took 2 days to visit all of the sites.
On July 19th, they traveled more than 6 hours down the highway to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina to see the famous first flight museum.
On July 20th, they traveled a few more miles. As they travelled, Elizabeth could see how beautiful the coastline was, she mentioned, "I could live my whole life in the Outer Banks, auntie!" Mrs. Gardiner was pleased because this was the area that she grew up in.
During dinner at the Lambton Inn, Mrs. Gardiner mentioned that they were only five miles from Pemberley. "Wouldn't you like to see the place that you've heard so much about?"
Elizabeth was distressed; she felt she had no business at Pemberley. "Not really." The possibility of meeting Darcy, while viewing the place, instantly occurred. That would be dreadful! What would I say to him?!
"Don't worry Lizzy, no one's at home. We can go through it quickly and leave."
Elizabeth just shrugged her shoulders and her aunt didn't push her further. When Elizabeth went to her room that night, she asked one of the housekeepers in the hotel, "Excuse me, are you familiar with Pemberley?"
"Yes ma'am. My brother works there as a landscaper."
"I, I was wondering whether the Darcy's were at home for the summer?"
"I'm not sure if Mr. Darcy is there, but Miss Darcy lives there. But, that part of the house is quartered off. You see, the Darcy's occupy one-half, or the back of the house, while the tourists view the other side. There is absolutely no way, you could disturb them."
Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief; her anguish now removed, she felt a great deal of curiosity to see the house.
July 21, 1997, Monday
During breakfast, Elizabeth told her aunt and uncle, after they asked her again. "I've changed my mind. I think we should visit Pemberley after all!"
As they drove down the coast in their open-air jeep, Elizabeth noticed a single hang glider, whoever it was would dip down into the water, and then rise back up into the air, with such grace and beauty; it left her in awe. Wow!!! Within a few minutes, they reached the house. Elizabeth gasped when she saw it. It was a huge, handsome stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills. Elizabeth was delighted. I don't think I've ever seen a place so breathtaking! They were all stunned into silence in their admiration, and at that moment Elizabeth felt how wonderful it might have been to live there.
"I think one would be willing to put up with a good deal to be Lady of Pemberley," whispered her aunt.
"The Lady of Pemberley will have to put up with a good deal, from what I hear," replied her uncle.
"She's not likely to be anyone we know," said her aunt pointedly looking at her niece. "How do you like the house, Lizzy?"
"Very much," Elizabeth sighed. "I don't think I've ever seen such a place ... I like it very much."
"Pity, that the owner should be such a proud and arrogant man," smiled Mr. Gardiner to his wife, but Elizabeth didn't see this exchange.
"Yeah, a great pity," smiled Elizabeth.
"Perhaps the beauty of the house makes its owner a little less repulsive, Lizzy?" implied her aunt.
"Well, maybe..." said Elizabeth trying not to give away her confusion about Darcy.
"Should we go inside the house?" asked her uncle.
Elizabeth nodded in agreement and they applied to the housekeeper and tour guide, Mrs. Reynolds; she obliged them.
The inside of the house was just as impressive and beautiful as the outside. With each room they were permitted to enter, Elizabeth just sighed; the view from every window was to be admired. Ooh, this is a magnificent house!
As they walked on through Pemberley, Mrs. Reynolds told them that Darcy was expected there at Pemberley the very next day. Elizabeth was surprised to hear of his coming and relieved that she would escape his notice; she feared that he wouldn't be too happy to see her there.
As they continued through the estate, Mrs. Gardiner noticed a small picture of Wickham. "Lizzy, look at this picture! It looks like someone we know!"
Mrs. Reynolds inserted, "This one ma'am. That young man is the late Mr. Darcy's godson, Mr. Wickham. That was taken more than 12 years ago. I don't know where he is now, but from what I hear, he's turned out very bad. Very, very bad!" Mrs. Gardiner immediately looked at Elizabeth, though she averted her eyes. "And this one is Mr. Darcy. William George Darcy!" said Mrs. Reynolds as she pointed to a picture next to Wickham's.
"He's very handsome," inserted Mrs. Gardiner. "But, I've never seen him... Does this do him justice, Lizzy?"
"Oh! Does this young lady know Mr. Darcy?!"
"Yes, a little," stammered Elizabeth.
"And isn't he a handsome man?!" beamed Mrs. Reynolds.
"Yes! Very handsome," said Elizabeth as she looked away.
"I'm sure I don't know anyone as handsome, or as kind."
"Really?!" cried Mrs. Gardiner.
"Yes ma'am. I've been here since he was four years old and he's never said anything that would make me think him unkind or impolite. But I've always observed, that good-natured children remain good-natured when they grow up."
"His father was an excellent man, wasn't he?" implied Mrs. Gardiner.
"Yes he was. And his son is just like him. Ask any of his neighbors, friends, or his staff." Elizabeth was at first amazed at such a report, since she still considered him to be arrogant, but then considered that his own staff should have a high opinion of their employer. "Some people call him proud, but that's because he doesn't hang around the clubs till all hours of the night or go out with a lot of women, like the other young men do. Actually he's pretty shy, and sometimes hides behind a mask, but I guess you noticed that," she looked at Elizabeth, but Elizabeth could only nod her head.
Mrs. Gardiner noticed Elizabeth's facial expressions at every turn and noticed that she seemed very interested in what was being said.
Mrs. Reynolds took them upstairs to the picture gallery where there was a large portrait of Darcy; in it he was smiling broadly. Elizabeth had remembered him smiling so in the restaurant and at the cottage and she stood there admiring his picture for a very long while. Everything Mrs. Reynolds said was favorable to his character, and as she stood before the painting and fixed his eyes upon herself, while she thought of his professions of love and his kisses; she felt all warm inside.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to almost everyone, Darcy was on Pemberley grounds. He had just gotten back from the beach.
After Elizabeth and the Gardiners toured the house, they then decided to take a turn on the grounds.
"Since you are friends with Mr. Darcy, I'm sure he won't mind if you walk over to the conservatory. We have some very rare flowers there," smiled Mrs. Reynolds, who then turned around and winked at Mrs. Gardiner.
Elizabeth was admiring the grounds and had been walking a good deal ahead of the Gardiners toward the beach side of the house where the conservatory was located; when suddenly out of the trees...
"Mr. Darcy!"
He stopped dead in his tracks, "E... Miss Bennet!"
They both were astonished, embarrassed, and immovable, as her relations looked on from a distance.
At length, she stumblingly said, "I, I, we, didn't expect to see you! We understood you were away from home or we would've never...
Confused by her presence, Darcy interrupted. "I, I... Excuse me, your parents are well I hope?"
"They are very well, thank you," she mumbled. Elizabeth noticed his beautiful build since all he was wearing was a towel wrapped around his Speedo's and her face flushed bright red. She, however, could not meet his eyes; she tried not to look at those big broad shoulders, those rippling muscles, and those strong masculine thighs, so she looked at the ground. She blushed at the thought. Have mercy!
"I'm glad to hear it." After a few moments, he inquired, "How long have you been in this part of the country?"
"Um, uh, two days."
"And where are you staying?" he said barely opening his mouth.
"At the, uh, the Lambton Inn."
"Yes, of course... And your parents are well... and all your sisters?"
"Y, Yes," she stuttered, still not looking directly at him; "they are all in excellent health."
"Um, well, I'm, I'm just getting back from the..." Darcy suddenly remembered what he was wearing and turned an even brighter shade of red than Elizabeth. "Excuse me," he said and walked briskly to the house.
She breathed a deep trembling sigh, as her aunt and uncle approached her.
"The man himself, I presume?" said her uncle. Elizabeth nodded; that was all she could muster.
"And just as handsome as in his portrait, though perhaps a little less formally dressed," ventured Mrs. Gardiner as she bit her lip to keep from laughing at Elizabeth's discomfort.
Elizabeth gasped, "Oh my God! We have to leave here at once!" She turned suddenly, walking, matter of fact, almost running towards the house, arms flailing and flapping in the wind.
"Why, of course, if that's what you want," followed her aunt, hoping that Darcy would come back out.
"Oh, I wish we'd never come here! What must he think of me?!" cried Elizabeth.
"Was he displeased that we were here?! What did he say?!" inquired her aunt chasing after her.
"Oh, nothing," cried Elizabeth, still running and flailing. "He asked about my parents and..."
Elizabeth was overpowered by shame and uneasiness and was tortured as to what he might think. This will go down as one the most unfortunate, the most foolish and ill-timed things I've ever done! How strange it must look to him! It looks as though I had purposely thrown myself into his path again! Oh, why did I come?! And why was he here when he wasn't supposed to be?! She blushed again and again over the perverseness of the meeting. At least he spoke to me and he was so nice about it too. But what could it mean?! Never in my life would I have thought that he could be so kind after what I said and did to him!
She finally reached the jeep, but it took more than 15 minutes, because it was parked in front of the estate and they had been near the beach (almost one-mile from the front gate). But this gave Darcy time to run into the house and change into a blue shirt and blue shorts, something more appropriate than Speedo's, to greet his guests. He was painfully aware of how he must have looked to Elizabeth and he so much wanted to impress her.
"Miss Bennet," Darcy called as he strode through the courtyard, catching up to her before she got into the jeep. "Please allow me to apologize for not receiving you properly, just now... You aren't leaving are you?"
"We were. I think we should," she whispered as she glanced downward.
"I hope you were pleased with Pemberley?"
"Yes, it's absolutely beautiful," again looking downward.
"Then you approve of it?"
"Very much," she said shyly. "But, I think there are very few people who wouldn't approve of it."
He smiled, "But, your good opinion is rarely given, and therefore is more valuable?"
"Thank you." I think. Elizabeth puzzled at his comment as she looked towards her aunt and uncle who were purposely walking slowly.
"Would you introduce me to your friends?"
"Sure," she puzzled again and waited for them to approach. "Mr. Darcy, this is Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, my aunt and uncle. Jane stayed at their home in the Southeast when she was in D.C." Elizabeth half-expected him to run from their presence as fast as he could, but he didn't.
"Pleased to meet you, Sir, Ma'am. I understand you're staying in the Lambton section of Kill Devil Hills?"
"Yes, I grew up there as a girl," smiled Mrs. Gardiner.
"Wonderful village... Nice places to eat and relax... There's a very nice little park, I seem to remember..."
"Willowgreen, by the old blacksmith's shop!" interrupted Mrs. Gardiner.
"The very one!" he smiled at Mrs. Gardiner, then he turned to her husband. Darcy studied Mr. Gardiner carefully. "Don't I know you from somewhere, Sir?" Mr. Gardiner feigned ignorance. "Gardiner, let me think." He paused, smiled and exclaimed. "Professor Gardiner?!?!"
