Only Mr. Darcy Will Do (6 page)

It was difficult to fall asleep, even after voices became subdued and guests began to depart. She found herself waiting for Rosalyn to come bursting into the room to give her an account of the evening. While she dreaded it, she was surprised to realize that a small part of her hoped to hear all that transpired over the course of the evening.

In the early hours of the morning the house was dark and quiet. Rosalyn never came to Elizabeth’s room, and Elizabeth lay in bed wide awake. Images of Mr. Darcy’s face, his nod, and his tall, handsome demeanour flooded her thoughts. She knew that even if she were spared these thoughts by sleep coming upon her, he would invade her dreams. And when she did fall asleep just before dawn, he was there just as she had expected.

***

A spattering of raindrops against the window woke Elizabeth. Pulling her coverlet up over her shoulders, she curled up, grateful that it was Sunday. She could sleep in a little longer before setting out for her aunt and uncle’s.

Her mind swirled with thoughts of last night and the dream that had been so vivid. It did not surprise her that Mr. Darcy was prominent in her dream, but the nature of it came as a surprise to her. She was at his wedding. He was standing up front waiting for his bride to come down the aisle. Rosalyn sat next to Elizabeth, crying inconsolably.

Suddenly the doors to the back of the church opened wide, and everyone turned to see the bride come down the aisle. Elizabeth did not know who the bride was, and was just as anxious as everyone to see who would step out and walk down the aisle to him.

For several moments everyone waited, but no one came. Turning toward the people in the church, Mr. Darcy demanded, “Where is my bride?”

His eyes searched the crowded church as young ladies called out asking, “Is it me? Is it me?”

He grew impatient, and finally turned and noticed Elizabeth; his eyes glared out at her. “What are you doing over there, Elizabeth?” he demanded to know.

She looked down, and to her dismay, saw that she was wearing a wedding gown.

She awoke suddenly, her heart beating wildly. His gaze, looking out at her in her dream, was just as real to her as his gaze last evening. She shook her head as she tried to rid her mind of thoughts of him. Her hand went up and covered her mouth as she realized with a start that in truth she had begun to think differently about him. Her eyes widened as she contemplated this.

Elizabeth wondered why Rosalyn had not come to her last evening to enlighten her about all the events from the previous night. Perhaps Rosalyn’s hopes were dashed? Perhaps there was something she discovered about him that made her realize he was not her ideal? Could she have realized that her belief—her hope—that he had formed an attachment to her was erroneous?

Elizabeth took her time getting ready, and just as she was about to leave her room to go downstairs, there was a knock at the door.

“Elizabeth, it is Rosalyn. May I come in?”

Just anticipating the purpose of the visit prompted Elizabeth to feel somewhat anxious, but she cheerfully answered, “Do come in, Rosalyn.”

A sombre-faced young lady walked in. She lacked all the cheerfulness and sparkle that her other visits had. Elizabeth could only imagine what prompted this and hoped that whatever it was, Rosalyn would soon recover from it.

Rosalyn walked away from Elizabeth toward the window, and then abruptly turned back toward her. “You did not tell me of all your dealings with Mr. Darcy. I cannot believe you kept it from me.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened, and her mouth went dry. Before she was able to answer, Rosalyn continued, “He told us everything. How could you not have told me?”

Feeling her hands begin to shake, Elizabeth clasped them together tightly. She could not imagine Mr. Darcy informing them of his proposal and her refusal, and did not know what to say. “Rosalyn, I am sorry that I did not tell you. I am truly surprised that Mr. Darcy did. You must think me completely devoid of reason and a fool!”

Rosalyn stepped forward and reached out to Elizabeth. “Certainly not,” she said as she smiled softly. “It is not your fault that Mr. Bingley prefers your sister to Miss Darcy. Poor Miss Darcy. I hope she does not take this too hard.”

Trying to comprehend all that Rosalyn was saying, Elizabeth simply asked, “What? What about Miss Darcy and Mr. Bingley?”

“Oh, I am sorry. I jumped ahead of myself. Mr. Darcy confidentially informed us that he was here last night in Mr. Bingley’s place, as there was no longer any attachment between Mr. Bingley and his sister. He went on to say that Mr. Bingley had realized that he still had strong feelings for a young lady he knew previously… and that young lady was your sister, Jane!”

Great relief flooded Elizabeth, mingled with a profusion of joy! She leaned over and hugged Rosalyn. “You do not know how happy this makes me! I must confess that I was surprised when I saw Mr. Bingley with Miss Darcy when they came to the house, and was so disheartened when I heard that an engagement between them was expected by all. I felt that all hope was gone for my sister. I was so in despair for Jane that I did not have the heart to even tell her that I had seen him, and I still have not.”

“Then you and your sister shall have much to talk about today, shall you not?” Rosalyn asked.

“Oh, yes, especially if Mr. Bingley has already called.” Elizabeth suddenly thought of Miss Darcy. “But how did Miss Darcy appear? Do you think she is very upset?”

Rosalyn shrugged her shoulders. “She is a very quiet girl; perhaps she was a bit more subdued last night than on the few other times I saw her. When we first inquired about Mr. Bingley, she merely replied that he could not attend due to other plans that arose. It was only when we mentioned him to Mr. Darcy that he informed us what had truly happened.”

Elizabeth tilted her head, wondering whether Mr. Bingley’s decision to return to Jane was sanctioned by Mr. Darcy or not. “And how did Mr. Darcy seem with this development? Did it appear that he harboured any anger or resentment toward Mr. Bingley for his actions regarding his sister?”

“He seemed only to have concern for her. He acted a bit protective of her throughout the evening. But he definitely made a point of informing us that it was your sister for whom Mr. Bingley still harboured an attachment.”

This surprised Elizabeth, for certainly Bingley’s actions most likely cost him Mr. Darcy’s friendship. “I am certain that Mr. Darcy must be gravely concerned for his sister,” Elizabeth answered, convinced that now, with his sister’s loss, he would have more reason to think ill of her—and her family.

“It is sad for her,” Rosalyn let out a sympathetic sigh. “But I only think that this means she is not to marry and therefore Mr. Darcy will not be so inclined to find a wife for himself directly. It gives me a little more time.”

Elizabeth let out a resigned chuckle. “Yes, Rosalyn. It may just do that.”

After the Willstones departed for church, Elizabeth hurried to get herself ready for her weekly visit to see Jane and the Gardiners. While she had earlier felt great sorrow anticipating this day—it being their last visit for several months—she could now look forward to it with great joy. Knowing that Mr. Bingley may have already paid Jane a call and that there was every hope of their love and attachment being restored brought her much elation. The mere hope of that would carry her through those months in the North Country far away from her family.

When Elizabeth arrived, the vibrant smiles with which her aunt and sister welcomed her caused her to hope that Mr. Bingley had indeed paid a call. Jane’s first words out of her mouth confirmed it.

“He came, Lizzy! He came!”

Elizabeth immediately went up to Jane and wrapped her arms about her. “Just by seeing your rapturous face, dear Jane, I have no need to ask of whom you speak. Mr. Bingley paid a call.” It was more of an affirmation than a question.

Jane nodded as tears of joy pooled in her eyes. “Just yesterday. I was so anxious for you to come today to tell you.”

“I am so pleased, Jane.” Elizabeth drew back and tilted her head at her sister. “And did you find him well? Is he just as you remember him to be?”

“Yes.” Jane laughed softly. “He has been in good health. He told me that he saw you at the Willstones’. How could you not have told me? He was so grieved to hear about Father. He expressed tremendous regret for our loss and offered heartfelt consolation. He also assured us how sorry he was that he never returned to Netherfield.”

Elizabeth felt great joy as she watched Jane speak in such a lively manner, quite unlike she normally did. “And did he make plans to call on you again?”

Jane let out a contented sigh. “Yes. He is meeting us at church this morning and will be returning to spend the afternoon here. I hope you do not mind, Elizabeth. I know this is your last visit for several months and…”

“You must know that I will heartily welcome Mr. Bingley’s company,” she fervently assured her sister. “Nothing could make me happier!”

As they ate breakfast together before leaving for services, Jane and Mrs. Gardiner related all that happened during Mr. Bingley’s visit: how he stayed for more than an hour, how it appeared he could not take his eyes off Jane, and how he repeatedly told them how good it was to see her again and to make the Gardiners’ acquaintance.

Elizabeth enlightened them about how surprised she had been when she had seen Mr. Bingley at the Willstones’. She confessed to Jane that she had not told her of it because she did not want to raise Jane’s hopes that anything would come of it. She did not mention Miss Darcy, and knew not whether he mentioned her during his visit the day before. Most likely he had not.

***

Elizabeth sat in the services that morning next to Jane. She knew from Jane’s serene countenance that the elation she felt permeated the very depths of her being. Mr. Bingley, seated on the other side of Jane, exhibited his feelings of abundant joy in the expression on his face and the enthusiasm with which he sang the hymns. Elizabeth could see by the manner in which both Jane and Mr. Bingley looked at each other that their feelings were still very much the same.

She knew not whether he had been forced to sever his friendship with Mr. Darcy in reuniting with her, but she knew there would likely be ill will between the two men if only due to his abandoning Miss Darcy. The young girl must feel the loss greatly, and her brother was likely never to forgive his friend. But she also knew that the smile Mr. Bingley wore now was not such a one as she had seen at all when he had been with Miss Darcy.

When they returned to the house, Elizabeth was grateful to see that neither Jane nor Bingley displayed any signs of awkwardness. It almost appeared to Elizabeth as if it had only been a few days since they had last met at Netherfield, instead of more than a year, and that no uncertainty had ever arisen about his regard. He was content to be with her, and she returned the sentiment.

Elizabeth could not help but wonder what this decision had actually cost Bingley. Several times during the course of the afternoon she had to purse her lips tightly together to prevent from asking him, “What does Mr. Darcy think of this?” or “Is Miss Darcy terribly hurt?” She had never divulged information to Jane about Mr. Darcy’s actions in convincing his friend to doubt her affections. No, she would do nothing to lessen the joy that Jane felt now having been reunited with the man she had continued to love since he departed Netherfield.

Elizabeth prolonged her stay as long as possible, knowing that when she said good-bye to Jane, it would be for several months. As they hugged one last time, Elizabeth whispered into her sister’s ear, being able to honestly say, “I leave you in good hands, my dearest sister. If not for this most pleasant circumstance, I would be distraught, knowing we are to be separated by so many miles and so many months. But I leave content, knowing that you are truly happy again.”

Elizabeth felt a shudder course through Jane, knowing her parting words had wrought mixed feelings in her sister and evoked some tears. But she knew that while there were a few tears shed for her departure, they were mingled with many more tears of joy for Mr. Bingley’s return.

After saying their final, lengthy, and very emotional good-byes, Elizabeth left, knowing that the only thing that might bring her back sooner would be a wedding. Elizabeth’s heart filled with joyous anticipation of that thought.

She smiled almost the whole way back, her mind and heart more at ease than they had been in a long time. She was not only leaving her sister in a good situation, but she was returning to the country, where the fresh air and miles of good walking would leave her refreshed. Now that Jane was happy, she could look forward to leaving London and all that had transpired here the past several weeks.

She had greatly missed Longbourn and life in the country since coming to London. While she had enjoyed it at first, she had come to long for her lengthy walks across fields and up Oakham Mount. She knew not what the Willstones’ manor or surrounding area would be like, but she looked forward to having some time to explore it.

***

When Elizabeth returned to the Willstones’, she was met with about as much joy as she had left at her aunt and uncle’s home. Rosalyn and Mr. and Mrs. Willstone were in a very animated conversation in the sitting room when she walked in.

Not wishing to disturb them, Elizabeth peeked her head in and wished them a good evening, then proceeded toward the stairs to go up to her room. Rosalyn rushed out and asked Elizabeth to join them for a moment.

With eyes as bright as her smile was wide, she said, “Come, we have some very exciting news.”

Elizabeth knew that whatever the news was, it could not surpass in excellence all that had come to pass this day. She walked in and joined them, eager nevertheless to hear what it was that had Rosalyn so vibrant.

Mr. Willstone greeted Elizabeth and then nodded at Rosalyn with a teasing twinkle in his eye. “So are you going to tell her or should I?”

The way Rosalyn clasped her hands and looked at her with such joy on her face, Elizabeth was quite sure what… or at least
who
… this was all about. “You will not believe what happened today. I am sure you will be just as amazed as we all were.”

“I cannot imagine, Rosalyn. What happened?”

Looking first to her sister, then to Mr. Willstone, Rosalyn finally turned to Elizabeth. “The Darcys were at services this morning. Mr. Darcy and his sister joined us directly afterward, and we talked about our journey to the country in a few days and their departure on the morrow.”

Elizabeth nodded, feeling somewhat apprehensive, but encouraged her to continue.

“You will not believe this!
I
cannot believe this!” Her face grew flushed and she fanned herself demurely with her hand. “Mr. Darcy and his sister have invited us to come to Pemberley!”

Elizabeth was stunned into silence. “Your family will be going to Pemberley?” she finally asked.

“All of us! For a fortnight! You included, of course.”

“No!” Elizabeth exclaimed abruptly, her brows furrowing in astonishment as she attempted to make out what this meant. “I mean, surely you are jesting, are you not?”

“She is not jesting. It is true,” Mrs. Willstone answered as she looked at her sister and smiled. “Rosalyn could not be happier.”

Rosalyn leaned toward Elizabeth with a conspiratorial glint in her eyes. “They know the regard I have for him. They had guessed all along.” She let out a slight giggle as she said, “And here we thought we were keeping such a good secret between ourselves!”

“Hmmm,” Elizabeth said with a compulsory grin, still wondering how all this transpired and why.

“Mr. Darcy has invited some men to join him for several days of hunting,” Mr. Willstone explained. “Miss Darcy is going to entertain the ladies. I dare say I have always wanted to see Pemberley. I have heard so much about it over the years from Lorraine’s family.”

Rosalyn reached over and touched Elizabeth’s arm. “Is this not the most exciting news?”

“I cannot find the words to express my feelings,” Elizabeth said honestly. “It is all quite… astonishing.”

Mr. Willstone leaned back in his chair, planting both arms firmly on the armrests. “I do not believe Mr. Darcy customarily invites people to Pemberley that he does not know intimately. This comes as quite a surprise—and an honour—to us!”

“And Miss Darcy,” chimed in Mrs. Willstone, “is so quiet and shy. We were quite pleasantly surprised by her wish to entertain the ladies while the men are out. This may perhaps be her introduction to hosting a small party.”

Mr. Willstone nodded. “Now, we have cautioned our Rosalyn not to look upon this with too much expectation.” He looked over at her and winked. “But with the attention Mr. Darcy has paid her recently, we cannot help but hope that he has formed an attachment to her and wishes to further their acquaintance.”

Elizabeth looked over at Rosalyn, studying her features. She was indeed very pretty. Her manners were pleasing, and she had a very engaging personality. Pushing down a myriad of feelings that were beginning to rise, she answered, “I know of no reason why he should not.”

Elizabeth’s words could not have made Rosalyn more happy and herself feel more confused.

After allowing Rosalyn sufficient time to express how this might just be the opportunity for all her hopes and dreams to be fulfilled, Elizabeth looked at Mrs. Willstone. “Under the circumstances, I feel somewhat awkward trespassing upon Pemberley. After all, Mr. Bingley forsook Miss Darcy for my very own sister. I cannot believe that she or her brother would wish me there. Do you suppose they are under the misapprehension that I will not be accompanying you?”

The Willstones looked at each other. “We had not thought of that, dear,” began Mrs. Willstone.

With her hands folded in her lap, Elizabeth began to nervously intertwine her fingers together and suggested, “Perhaps it would be best if Emily and I went on directly to your country home, instead.”

“If I recall correctly, Miss Darcy seemed most pleased to extend the invitation, and Mr. Darcy assured us that we were all invited,” Mrs. Willstone continued. “I believe he may have even mentioned your name. I would not fret, my dear, as you will most likely be tending to Emily most of the time. Why, you may hardly see Miss Darcy or her brother at all!”

For some reason, those words of assurance left Elizabeth even more unsettled. She knew, and rightfully so, that her position of governess would prevent her from socializing with the family at Pemberley as she had recently become accustomed to doing here.

“I understand your meaning, Mrs. Willstone.”

“Elizabeth,” Mrs. Willstone looked at her with compassion. “You know we dearly love you and have been thoroughly elated at the friendship you and Rosalyn have developed, but… taking into consideration the stature of the Darcys and Pemberley… well, we must act in a way that is deemed appropriate.”

“Certainly.” The smile that formed on Elizabeth’s face was forced and not one that came from her heart.

The subject of conversation then turned to the logistics of their travels. They would depart in two days for Northamptonshire, where Rosalyn and Lorraine’s brother now resided. After spending two weeks there, they would take their greatly anticipated detour to Derbyshire and Pemberley, where they would stay an additional two weeks. Finally, and for Rosalyn most likely reluctantly, they would depart Mr. Darcy and Pemberley and travel to the Willstones’ manor in Nottinghamshire.

Later that evening, after discussing the details—and all the possibilities—of their stay at Pemberley, Elizabeth went to bed with her head in a whirl. She truly wondered why Mr. Darcy would have extended this invitation to the Willstones, knowing it would likely include her.

Miss Darcy would certainly not want her there as a constant reminder of Mr. Bingley forsaking her for Jane. This scheme that everyone in this household looked upon with great anticipation was for Elizabeth a most disconcerting prospect.

A stray thought played around Elizabeth’s mind that perhaps Mr. Darcy had some vengeful plan to punish her. Perhaps he did wish to pursue Rosalyn, and he would do it all before Elizabeth’s eyes. He would make sure she knew exactly all that she had turned down. He would ensure that she would come to regret the very words she uttered against him.

“No,” she said aloud softly. “I do not believe him to be that sort of man.” She did not know why, but she felt with a certainty that it was not in his nature to resort to that manner of behaviour. At least she hoped that it was not.

***

The last two days in Town provided continued speculation and every expressed hope and dream that Rosalyn had ever hidden in her heart. What greater opportunity could there be for him to get to know her, and her to get to know him, his sister, and Pemberley, than a stay of a fortnight? To Rosalyn, it was most apparent.

To Elizabeth, however, things did not seem as clear. She often found herself reflecting on his character and what she thought she knew of him. Again and again she came to the conclusion that Rosalyn did not seem to be the type of woman with whom he would have formed an attachment. Yet just as often she chided herself, for what did she really know of his character? She had been blind, so completely mistaken, when it came to realizing he had such a strong affection for her that he wanted to ask for her hand. When he came to her to make her an offer, it had been the last thing she had ever expected from him.