Only Mr. Darcy Will Do

In the darkness, Elizabeth pondered whether she had as much confidence as her sister. Yet it was something she desired more than anything.

When she dwelt on the fact that for the past two days Mr. Darcy had been in the midst of the chaos and cacophony her family produced, had been reacquainted with all their idiosyncrasies, and would be irrevocably tied to his worst enemy by aligning himself with her, she marvelled that he still loved her. She was overcome with love and a greater appreciation for this man.

Chapter 25

With their favourite men away, Elizabeth and Jane helped with the preparations for Lydia’s wedding. There was much to do, including several visits to the linen drapers, millinery, and final fittings for dresses and the trousseau. Lydia could not be satisfied; she continually wanted more satin, more lace, more ribbon, more of anything that she did not already have. If there was boisterous excitement about the upcoming nuptials, it could all be attributed to their mother and youngest sister.

Mrs. Bennet’s sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, arrived in town the day after the men departed for Pemberley, thus removing the burden from the Gardiners of housing Elizabeth’s family. Mrs. Bennet, Mary, and Kitty stayed with them in their modest London home. It was arranged that the wedding would take place in a church in the Phillips’s neighbourhood.

Mr. Gardiner insisted, however, that Lydia remain in his household—under his excessive domination, as Lydia claimed—so that he could keep her under his guard until the wedding. In the same manner, Elizabeth began to wonder whether Mr. Wickham was actually under lock and key in Mr. Darcy’s town home. He appeared promptly at six o’clock each evening and departed by eleven, always accompanied by one of Mr. Darcy’s manservants.

It was just after noon three days later that Elizabeth, Jane, and Mrs. Gardiner were visiting in the drawing room. A fervent smile crept across Jane’s face as the servant stepped in and announced Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth felt an immediate surge of disappointment when Mr. Darcy did not step in with him, but she was still as eager as Jane was to hear about the manor that might become theirs.

After their initial greeting, he was invited to sit down and join them. A few pleasantries were exchanged, and then Jane asked the question that was foremost in her thoughts. She wished to know what he thought about the estate.

“Braedenthorn Manor is everything I could want!” Bingley cried out and then, looking at Jane, corrected himself. “That we could want! I do not believe I have ever seen anything more suitable. The view of the peaks in the distance is magnificent, and there is abundant space and more rooms than I can even try to recall!” He looked at Jane and exclaimed, “I know we shall be most happy there.”

“Is everything settled then?” Jane asked softly.

“Both Darcy and my solicitor are looking over the papers. Once everything is negotiated in a way they deem prudent, I will sign!” He turned to Jane and grasped her hand fervently. “Braedenthorn will then be ours! I cannot wait for you to see it! I know you will be delighted!”

Jane could not contain her joy. “If you are delighted with it, I shall be, as well!”

After allowing Mr. Bingley sufficient time to convince Jane of the manor’s suitability and splendour, Elizabeth asked Mr. Bingley if he had travelled back to London with his friend.

“Oh! Yes! Darcy! I mean, no! He remained back for a few days! But I do have a letter for you, Miss Elizabeth!”

“From Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth tentatively asked, knowing it would not be construed as the most prudent thing for him to do.

“Oh, no,” Bingley laughed. “The letter is from Miss Darcy. Darcy will be travelling back with her in a few days.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew the letter, handing it to her.

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said, looking down at the letter, eagerness prompting her to excuse herself to read it. She was able to slip away easily, as Mr. Bingley and Jane had begun another discussion on the favourite subject of theirs—Braedenthorn.

She pulled out several pieces of fine linen paper and slowly unfolded them. Her eyes looked down onto a letter written in a decidedly feminine style. She smiled as she began reading.

Dear Miss Bennet,

It is with great pleasure that I write to express my appreciation and gratitude to you for all you did during your recent stay at Pemberley. There were times when I needed a reassuring smile or someone to talk to, and I found that person in you. You may not even be aware of the encouragement I received from you, but I truly consider it a privilege to count you as a friend.

I do regret your sudden departure and that I did not have the opportunity to properly see you off when you left Pemberley.

Needless to say, the gaiety we had at Pemberley was much diminished with your departure. I have it on good authority that there was one at Pemberley, in addition to my brother and me, who grieved your loss. Emily did not understand the reason for your leaving, and unfortunately, I am quite certain she will not fully comprehend it as the Willstones relay to her their opinion on the matter.

I would have you know that I did all I could to reassure Emily that you still love her and care for her deeply. She asked that I send you a letter from her. She dictated it to me, and it is enclosed.

Miss Bennet, I so look forward to renewing and deepening our acquaintance. This brings me to the purpose of my letter. My brother and I will be travelling to London in a few days, and I would like to invite you to join me at our town home on Sunday. If you have no other plans, I would enjoy having you for tea after services. Would one o’clock be suitable?

I will arrange a carriage for you if one is needed. My brother will be in contact with you to ensure you have directions to the home if you are conveyed in your family’s own carriage.

I do hope I will see you in town on Sunday. When my brother and I arrive, I will be spending the first few days at the de Bourgh home. My cousin, Anne, whom I believe you met in Kent, is in town for a short while and I look forward to seeing her. Please give word to my brother when you see him on Saturday whether you will be able to visit and if you require a carriage.

Sincerely,

Miss Georgiana Darcy

Elizabeth smiled as she read Miss Darcy’s words. She was surprised by the words of appreciation she expressed. While Elizabeth enjoyed their brief and infrequent conversations, she had little idea Miss Darcy took them so to heart.

She placed the letter Miss Darcy had written behind the others and noticed the same handwriting on the next letter. She saw that this was the letter Emily had dictated to her.

Dear Miss Bennet,

I want you to know how much I miss you. We will be leaving here soon, and Miss Darcy kindly wrote down what I wanted to say to you. I love you and hope you can come back and be my governess again. I hope that what happened is not terribly bad. I hope you can find your way back to our country home or that when we come back to London you will visit me. I will always remember you.

Love,

Emily

Elizabeth’s heart tightened within her as she read Emily’s words. She missed her too, but was certain that if she wrote her back, Emily would not receive her letter. Most likely, her family would not allow her letter to be read to her.

She slowly moved Emily’s letter to the back and found another letter tucked behind it. Her heart leapt as she