YEAR 1810
Chapter 11
March 1810
“JANE! JANE BENNET!” Mrs. Bennet shouted, “How is it possible that you are not yet married? Why do you insist on declining every eligible man who comes to call on you?”
Lizzy answered defensively on her sister’s behalf, “You know all those men were not worthy of my sister’s affections, mama! They were only after a pretty face and did not have a substantial thought in their minds. You do not have to worry for your future, mama, and when the right man comes along, when the time is right, Jane will find her heart and all will be well.” She hugged her mother, “Cousin William completed his studies and I was able to convince Lord Matlock and Colonel Fitzwilliam that he might be a good fit for the vacancy in Kent. Hunsford is a pleasant vicarage and he and Charlotte will be very happy there if he is offered the position. Cousin William has been a part of our family and you never need to worry about being tossed in the hedgerows now.”
Mrs. Bennet smiled now, “My dear, dear Lizzy. Yes, I know we will be kept comfortable I know Jane will find her husband soon enough.” She kissed her daughters’ heads. “I will be patient. I only wish for your happiness but I have learned that marriage is not everyone’s goal in life. I am comforted in knowing that you will take care of us, Lizzy. Whether you or Jane’s son inherits Longbourn, our family has learned much over the years and I am very pleased with you.”
Lizzy kissed her mother’s cheek, “You are the most wonderful mother I ever had!”
The ladies smiled and planned their trip to London once again. It had become a tradition to travel for Easter and spend the season with the Fitzwilliam and Gardiners.
~*~
“Happy birthday, Lizzy.” William softly sighed wistfully as they sat under their favourite tree at Oakham Mount. “I cannot believe you are seventeen now. Where has the little girl gone?”
Lizzy laughed, “She changed in size but not in impertinence. I am the same girl, Will. I still feel as if I am ten years old and am only pretending to be a grown up.”
William smiled, “I know, Lizzy. I see the joy of life and such wonders in your eyes whenever look at you and I wish we were young again. Remember when we first met? I adored you then and I adore you now.” He stood and looked at the tree trunk where their named were carved. He noted the addition that Lizzy had made and commented, “When did you do this?”
LIZZY B.
+
W. DARCY
“Yesterday. I added the plus sign because we will be together always, Will.” Lizzy answered. “I wish to never leave my blood-brother.”
“Lizzy... I...” William let out a deep breath. “You will always be with me and I will not ask for more than your friendship but I want... The past months have been pleasant and I am always eager to spend time with you and I only wish I had the strength to continue as we are forever. I cannot fathom life without you by my side, Lizzy.” He turned around and looked at her sadly. He continued a moment later, “I have a birthday gift for you. How arrogant I was when I believed a year ago that you would be my wife today. I had everything planned; a betrothal for your sixteenth birthday, and a wedding to take place as soon as you turned seventeen, yet we stand here now and I am no closer to marrying you than when I was rejected a year ago.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Could you not see me as more than... Have I no hope?”
Lizzy wiped her tears seeing his distress, “Will, I... I do not... how can I be a wife to you? You need someone who could... a lady who...”
“I NEED YOU!” William shouted. “I need nothing else, Lizzy.” He took a deep breath to compose himself and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her eyes. “I love you but I will not propose to you again. I would do anything to win you but if I cannot marry you, I must consider our future. I do not know how I could keep you with me without risking your reputation but I will find a way. I am sorry that I could not keep my feelings to myself. I can only dream of holding you in my arms, Lizzy. Hold you and love you and have my love returned.”
Lizzy wiped her face and looked at the handkerchief while he spoke. “I do love you. I have so much doubt about myself that I cannot be what you need as a wife. I could not bear to disappoint you.” She saw the neat sewing on the cloth. “Like the lovely embroidery here. Your initials are perfectly done and I could never do this. Your mother is very skilled and I am so lacking.”
William huffed in laughter while turned away from her, “My mother did not do that for me, Lizzy.” He faced her and commented, “I did it myself. I made one for you, too.” He handed her a beautiful handkerchief with ‘E.B’ with a flower pattern below. “I took up embroidery last autumn in order to find out what it is to be accomplished. I have learned the topics of common conversations as well as playing a song on the
