Mr. Darcy's Decision: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Page 3

  Pemberley, Derbyshire

  My Dearest Jane,

  I am sure this letter finds you as happy with life as ever, though I cannot conceive that there is anyone alive in the world who can lay claim to being happier than I am. Oh, you must think back to my often contrary nature and wonder how I have made this transformation, but you will believe me, I know, when I tell you it is all down to my husband. Jane, I am sure you cannot accept that there is any man more obliging, more handsome or loving than your own dear Charles, but here we must consent to disagree, for my own Fitzwilliam is such a man in my eyes. He is so attentive, so supportive of me in ways I could never have imagined.We have had many tranquil weeks alone here at Pemberley during which time I have come to love it. I find myself quite at home here.

  But, it was not long before social commitments had to be honored. You know me well, Jane, that my character is not easily frightened. But allow me to confess my nervousness when Fitzwilliam announced that a large party of more than a dozen of his highly esteemed associates was to be received at Pemberley. Oh Jane, you must have endured feelings of hesitation when first arranging events of such importance at Netherfield. I know I can count on your empathy and your praise when you learn that I have now succeeded in entertaining at this height myself.The arrival of my husband’s fifteen guests was to constitute my first endeavor to exhibit my competence as mistress of Pemberley. Amongst the party were dignitaries of every kind imaginable, including a close acquaintance of Fitzwilliam’s, described to me as the second Earl of Liverpool. Only now do I regret my refusal to educate myself better in matters concerning our country. But I have always struggled to immerse myself fully in the weightier subjects, usually finding folly and amusement where others see only serious things.Any history of England, as penned by me, would show me to be little more than partial, prejudiced, and ignorant. I would include few dates and could probably cover Henry IV to Charles I in a very few pages. On political matters, I am sure I would do no better. Have I perhaps had a propensity to see the world as too light, bright, and sparkling?

  You have conscientiously labored at the improvement of your mind, Jane, and will have noticed the joke already. I am sure I do not need to tell you that the Earl of Liverpool is Robert Jenkinson. How could I have been so naive?You may worry that I have shown myself to be ignorant. Pray, do not concern yourself, Jane. Fitzwilliam seemed only to take delight in my innocence. Thankfully, he would not have me appear a simpleton in company. He is clever to be sure; for he informed me of his guest’s identity just hours before we were due to receive him. I am glad of this, my sister. Imagine the consequences, had I dwelt too long in advance on the idea of entertaining our own Prime Minister! I think I should have generated a great deal of nervousness about the matter.As it was, I had little time to think even of an appropriate gown to wear. I had even less time for strategy and could therefore hope only to rely on my inherent ability to commune with all people. I prayed that I would not be the cause of disappointment or the subject of derision.

  Jenkinson is a man of influence and prominence responsible for a great many portentous issues.You would have laughed to hear him engage in lively discourse with me about popular dances and, above all things, the fashion for long sleeves. Do not fear that I spoke only of frivolities such as these! All nervousness was lost, I cannot explain it but I was relaxed in the company, not too opinionated as to show disregard for my place, but assured enough to display “the mind of an accomplished and intelligent woman who has the added advantage of attracting attention to her laudable observations by her exquisite beauty.”Those are my husband’s words. I shall never forget them, and know they can never be lost as I have committed them to paper in this letter to you in order that you may share my delight at my small measure of success.Astounding, is it not, that a simple girl can talk on a great number of subjects without appearing too much of a bluestocking.

  Please write to me with all your news, Jane, I long to hear of your days at Netherfield, you must tell me how Charles is and I insist upon your next correspondence being longer than your last.You must oblige me in this, there is no excuse, send me a novel if you wish, I can bear the charge at this end.

  I leave you now and pray you will write soon only not so neatly as to cause me too much disgrace at the abominable state of this letter. I would blame the pen if I thought you would believe it to be at fault, but, sister, you know me only too well and will see I am sure that my words run across the page just as my feet are inclined to race through woodland.

  Your loving sister Elizabeth

  It was impossible for those around Darcy and Elizabeth to be blind to their ardor and its influence seemed to have a wholesome and curative effect on almost everyone. Although Darcy had always enjoyed the advantage of being well liked by his staff and those who knew him well, he had, on numerous other occasions, caused offense elsewhere with his aloof manner. From the very first he had not been liked in Hertfordshire, his pride and arrogance and others’ misinterpretation had painted a very dim portrait of him. But he was a man so secure, so well-set, and so very assured that he had done little to attempt to brighten the picture and had gone about the world, Hertfordshire proving eventually to be an important part of it, without employing any means to disguise the faults he had then viewed as his virtues. So it was noted that with his love for Elizabeth came a softer, more tolerant aspect to his character.

  One afternoon, Caroline Bingley, who had taken to assisting Georgiana at the pianoforte regularly, felt the need to raise the subject of Darcy’s transformation to his sister.

  “It is not totally unbecoming, this unveiling, but it is astounding I suppose because in the past he was a man who revealed so little. But then dearest Elizabeth is graced with her own peculiar charm and this seems to have the effect of unleashing your brother’s feelings most publicly.The pair of them are rarely in the same room without some hand-holding or other sentimental contact being apparently necessary.They gaze at each other an awful lot.”

  Georgiana puzzled over her companion’s comments but attempted to ignore the scornful tones, replying thoughtfully, “They are very much in love. I am sure it is no less than my dear brother deserves.”

  Miss Caroline Bingley had a unique way of cloaking derision in sweetness and this allowed her the exorcism of her own misgivings whilst saving her from contempt. She went on, “Their feelings are in no doubt.With such obvious displays how could anyone question them? You mistake my meaning, Miss Georgiana. I have no questions about the authenticity of their affection. Though I confess, it has occurred to me that the manifestation of their passions, being so liberal in style, may be judged imprudent in society.That is merely my opinion. Perhaps I am too correct, their warm glances and tender performances may be viewed as quite charming in polite society after all. It may indeed be the new way of fashionable conduct. After all,” she concluded, “many an ugly fashion, with little more than the advantage of repeated exposure, becomes de rigueur and not because we like it, but because we convince ourselves that we do. It becomes habitual.”

  Georgiana, who adored the new sister she had in Elizabeth, was pained to detect Miss Bingley’s resentful inflection, though it was reasonably well disguised. She dearly wished the conversation over and rather subtly contrived to have difficulty reading a passage of music that she had long since mastered. Miss Bingley said no more of Elizabeth and Darcy’s passion. She pondered on it a while longer then triumphed in aiding Georgiana with the difficult passage, for she was very accomplished herself and made no secret of it.

  CHAPTER 3

  “She has nothing, in short, to recommend her, but being an excellent walker. I shall never forget her appearance this morning. She really looked almost wild.”

  Elizabeth would often walk the grounds at Pemberley for although she had reached one and twenty she still had the instincts of a country girl. Her manner when out of doors was as it always had been, quite different from the composed restraint she consented to display in comp
any. She had no fear of the criticism her frolics may incite for she relished her freedom. She spoke of her delight in the outdoors to her husband when he joined her one afternoon in her beloved pursuit. He was inclined to accompany her when matters of business did not detain him.

  “I think I would be quite beside myself with grief if I could not walk, nay, run even, through these woods,” said Elizabeth looking about her to take in the scene. “Before I came here I had heard so much of Pemberley’s grandeur and rich furnishings, and indeed it is exquisite, but I think I shall always profess that its true beauty is exterior.”

  Darcy delighted in finding the opportunity to compliment his young wife.“Then in some way our Pemberley mirrors your own state, my lovely Elizabeth, for your beauty is in my eyes equal both inside and out.” On his face was the merest smile of satisfaction, he was only newly accustomed to emotional liberation and though it pleased him to express it, a certain level of restraint was always exercised.

  His lady laughed and mocked him a little.“Yes beautiful indeed I am sure, a woman scampering about the woods, though on this occasion my petticoat is not six inches deep in mud.” Darcy laughed too; the couple quite often amused each other about past times though neither could bear to think of their former discourteousness to each other.

  What things lovers talk of in the early days of their lives together. It seems that questions must be answered and curiosity succumbed to. Even in the throes of love and in the absorbent environment of a new and happy marriage there are those trifling little questions that demand answers. Elizabeth’s curiosity was never more piqued than when she considered her husband’s relating of his reaction to Lady Catherine’s fury.

  “It taught me to hope as I had scarcely ever allowed myself to hope before. I knew enough of your disposition to be certain that, had you been absolutely, irrevocably decided against me, you would have acknowledged it to Lady Catherine, frankly and openly.”

  Oh, to have been party to that conversation! Had not Elizabeth’s own refusal to oblige Lady Catherine been insult enough? With what little tolerance his aunt must have heard her nephew’s declarations and with what bitter sentiments toward herself. But curiosity had never yet been entirely satisfied, and much as Elizabeth truly desired details, she found that, for a moment at least, memories of her walk with Mr. Darcy and the renewal of his proposal of marriage were diversion enough to quiet even her inquisitive mind.What ensued that day is universally known.Their marriage and their wishes to avoid recollection of previous mutual misunderstanding were viewed with equal admiration by those who truly loved them. Prejudices and misplaced pride must all be forgot; sharp comments, aloof behavior and insults rarely dwelt upon. How perfect it would be to achieve such refrain yet how little inclined Elizabeth was to such severe repression.

  Her spirit seemed to have grown evermore playful since matrimony. Knowing Darcy the better brought about a tendency to tease him a great deal more than she would have imagined herself capable of and the reward of his reactions did not induce her to resist the temptation. She was inexplicably fond of his reluctant smiles, endeared more by these than his readier ones. To tease him, to make him laugh at life and human folly, as she was disposed to do, was her great delight. Being naturally enquiring she could not wait long before asking her husband to give particulars of Lady Catherine’s attempts to prevent their union. He is fond of faithful narratives! I imagine he could, if coaxed, give a detailed account of the meeting. Oh, I seem meddlesome, but if amusement were my only design I should not trouble him with it. It would be entertaining to hear without doubt, but moreover I think I desire to know in what manner he defended me, thought she. Elizabeth was at once surprised by her own character.What trickery is love that it induces such longing to hear of my husband’s gallantry, of his declarations of love for me? Are not his hand and his attentions enough?

  But gallantry and defense by a man on behalf of a woman are potent and favored forms of flattery and Elizabeth, like any young woman, might be forgiven for seeking such compliments.

  Recognizing his wife to be in a pensive mood Darcy questioned, she replied and it was all decided upon in moments.To narrate the tale of his aunt’s adamant opposition to their union could hardly be pleasurable to him, but his wife’s insistence, her guileless yet persuasive ways soon had him relaying the tale as if the idea of doing so had been his own.

  “Lady Catherine was so determined to influence me and so disgusted with my impertinence in refusing to oblige her that I need not ask what tone she adopted when approaching you,” said Elizabeth.

  Darcy smiled.“You need not ask, Elizabeth, but you are desirous to know it all the same. My aunt was hardly about to flatter the woman who was to be the means of destroying her hopes for her own daughter’s future.”

  “Oh yes, the engagement, the one ‘of a peculiar kind’! It seems to me that only a very peculiar kind of engagement indeed would rely so little on the approval of the proposed husband.”

  “My approval was of little consequence, my aunt and, I confess, my mother to some degree were set upon the idea when Anne and I were in our infancy. I daresay their whims were conjured even before then.”

  “With so little thought given to their children’s happiness? It seems an extraordinary style of mothering.”

  “The securing of fortune, the marrying of wealth to wealth is happiness enough for Lady Catherine. For my own mother’s sensibilities I cannot vouch entirely but I believe her to have been less likely to have frowned upon you than my aunt is.”

  “You told Lady Catherine you loved me? I hope with less reference to the emotion being against your better judgment than your first proposal to me contained!”

  “Oh Elizabeth!” cried Darcy.“Agreements must be adhered to. I shall refuse to recount the tale if you persist in reminding me of my former misconduct.”

  “Fitzwilliam,” said Elizabeth softly, “you do not frighten me, you know how little offended I am by that memory, do not be troubled by the recollection, it was meant in jest.”

  “And it was very funny indeed, Elizabeth, as a recollection only. The reality, in contrast, was the cause of great pain to both of us. It is best forgot. The distraction has led me from straight thinking.” He paused to regain his composure, the color that had risen about his face receded and he went on,“You wish to know in what way I convinced my aunt that I was determined to make you my wife? Then know this; I am a determined character. A man used to my own way. I was decided upon you. My love and admiration for you were unconquerable. It is now quite inconceivable to me that I ever attempted to triumph over my feelings when to endeavor to suppress or deny them was entirely useless. Lady Catherine, even if she could not concede that my love was genuine, was forced to admit that my willfulness, at least, was to be respected. I believe on that point alone she resolved not to pursue me.”

  “It was a wise decision on her part but did you really appear so resolute to her? I know enough of your stubborn nature, but Lady Catherine seems to be a woman little disposed to accept defeat.”

  “She began defeated, Elizabeth, she knew you would not oblige her in refusing me and I made it clear that I would not oblige her by refraining from pursuing you. There was of course the advantage of my excellent cousin’s interest in you. Colonel Fitzwilliam had praised you very highly to our aunt, more perhaps than she could bear.”

  “Colonel Fitzwilliam?” asked Elizabeth, astonished.

  “You blush, Elizabeth, yes, Colonel Fitzwilliam holds you in high esteem as you must be fully aware, I think his admiration for you can, in part at least, be held responsible for reawakening my own determination to marry you.The prize is never more highly valued than when the likelihood of losing it to another becomes apparent.”

  “I certainly will blush now, Fitzwilliam. I am astounded. I had thus far believed your decision to propose to me again to be attributed to Lady Catherine’s revelation that I would not refuse you. But wait, for a man without fault, jealousy seems to me to be a ver
y particular type of flaw.”

  “I consider it a most advantageous imperfection, I could not suffer the indignity of your having a preference for my cousin.The idea of his admiring you I fully comprehend. I do not resent it, but the very notion that you could be lost to another was never so emphatically brought to my attention than when I recalled the expression of his countenance at the sight or mention of you, Elizabeth,” he said, grasping her hand in his. “If two of our family were to fall so easily in love with you then I was not safe, my position in your heart, if I had one at all, was by no means undefended. The world is full of men, I could not stand the thought of another loving you, moreover I could not contemplate living in the world knowing you loved another.”