Without Wickham

7/27/2019 Without Wickham

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Without Wickham

By Julie H.

Jump to new as of March 25, 2002Jump to new as of June 9, 2002

Chapter 1

In pompous nothings on his side, and civil assents on that of his cousins, their timepassed till they entered Meryton. The attention of the younger ones was then no longerto be gained by him. Their eyes were immediately wandering up in the street in questof the officers and nothing less than a very smart bonnet indeed, or a really newmuslin in a shop window could recall them.

Soon their attention was caught by the very Mr Denny, concerning whose return fromLondon Lydia came to inquire, and he bowed as they passed. Kitty and Lydia led theway across the street, under pretense of wanting something in an opposite shop, andfortunately had just gained the pavement when the gentleman turning back hadreached the same spot. They entered into conversation and the whole party were stillstanding and talking together very agreeably, when the sound of horses drew theirnotice, and Darcy and Bingley were seen riding down the street. On distinguishing the

ladies of the group, the two gentlemen came directly towards then, and began theusual civilities. Bingley was the principle spokesman and Miss Bennet the principleobject. He was then, he said, on his way to inquire after her. Mr Darcy corroborated itwith a bow, and determined not to fix his eyes on Elizabeth. He was not successful forlong and was soon staring at her as intently as ever. This drew Elizabeth's notice andangered her. She was growing tired of Mr Darcy's intense scrutiny of her and it was

beginning to make her uncomfortable. She decided to punish him by introducing himto Mr. Collins.

This turned out to be more of a punishment then she expected. Apparently Mr.Collins's patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, was also Mr. Darcy's aunt. As soon as

this fact had been established, Mr. Collins went into a panegyric in praise of LadyCatherine. Elizabeth was surprised to see that Mr. Darcy was rather annoyed at MrCollins's obsequious behavior. This was something to think about. She would havethought that his pride would have been gratified by such praise of his aunt. She wasrather impressed with the way he handled Mr Collins. She now wished to apologizefor exposing him to such obsequiousness but Mr. Collins never gave her a chance

before the gentlemen departed.

Elizabeth was confused. Mr. Darcy's behaviour had been so different from what sheexpected. Perhaps she had misjudged him, but she wasn't sure. She found herselfwishing to enter into conversation with him to find out.
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A few days later, Mr. Bingley and his sisters as well as Mr. Darcy came to give theirpersonal invitation for the long expected ball at Netherfield, which was fixed for thefollowing Tuesday. Elizabeth was surprised that Mr. Darcy would come. She was evenmore surprised when he voluntarily entered into conversation with her. She was ableto apologize for introducing him to Mr. Collins's notice. The apology was most

graciously accepted and at the same time declared unnecessary.

When the visitors departed, Elizabeth was surprised to find that not only had she satfor a quarter of an hour with Mr. Darcy without falling into an argument but that theyhad actually had a pleasant conversation. They had of course spoken of nothingconsequential but she had enjoyed herself and she thought Mr. Darcy had also.

Elizabeth was not more confused than ever. She found herself liking Mr. Darcy andshe began to think that perhaps he looked at her not because he found somethingwrong with her but because he liked her. Was it possible that Charlotte was right, thatMr. Darcy admired her?

She had much to think about in the five days before the ball. As she reflected on heracquaintance with Mr. Darcy, especially the time they spent together at Netherfield, itseem as though he might admire her. But he had certainly not admired her at theassembly. Why would his opinion have changed. And then they always argued. Shedidn't know what to think. She hoped that he might ask her to dance at the ball that shemight have a chance to figure him out. She would not expect it thought. She hadalready refused to dance with him twice and it was unlikely that he would ask again.

Finally the day of the ball arrived. Soon after Elizabeth entered the room, Mr. Darcyapproached and politely inquired after her. He did not however, ask her to dance andshe was disappointed and at the same time annoyed with herself for being so.

The first dances were mortifying for she had been engaged for those by Mr. Collins.he was awkward and solemn, apologizing instead of attending, and often movingwrong without being aware of it. She had all the shame and misery which adisagreeable partner for a couple of dances can give. To make matters worse she couldsee Mr. Darcy observing them. The moment of her release was ecstasy.

When those dances were over, Elizabeth went to Charlotte Lucas, and was in

conversation with her, when she found herself suddenly addressed by Mr. Darcy. Shewas pleased and gratified by his application for her hand and with some confusion sheaccepted him. He walked away again immediately and she was left to fret over how to

best illustrate his character.

When the dancing recommenced. Darcy approached to claim her hand and led her tothe dance. Elizabeth took her place int he set, amazed at the dignity to which she wasarrived in being allowed to stand opposite to Mr. Darcy, and reading in her neighborslooks their equal amazement in beholding it. They stood for sometime withoutspeaking a work; and she began to imagine that their silence was to last through thetwo dances, as she could think of nothing to say. This would not do; she had rather

argue than be silent. Finally she made some slight observation on the dance. Hereplied, and was again silent. After a pause of some minutes she addressed him with,


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"It is your turn to say something, now, Mr Darcy.--I talked about the dance, and youought to make some kind of remark on the size of the room, or the number ofcouples."

He smiled, and assured her that whatever she wished him to say should be said.

She returned the smile, and repled, "Very well.--That reply will do for the present.--Perhaps by and bye I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than publicones.--but now we may be silent."

"Do you talk by rule then, while you are dancing?"

"Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd to be entirely silentfor half an hour together, and yet for the advantage of some, conversation ought to beso arranged as that they may have the trouble of saying as little as possible."

"Are you consulting your own feelings int he present case, or do you imagine that youare gratifying mine?"

"Both," replied Elizabeth, blushing.

He made no answer, and they were again silent till they had gone down the dance,when he asked her if she and her sisters did not very often walk to Meryton. Sheanswered in the affirmative, and added, "You must allow me to apologize again forintroducing you to Mr. Collins's notice."

"Miss Bennet, may I ask why you feel it necessary to keep apologizing for that. Youhave nothing to apologize for. Admittedly, Mr. Collins is a very silly, very annoyingman, but really, under the circumstances, it was the only polite thing to do."

Elizabeth blushed and felt she must tell him the truth. "Mr. Darcy, I must apologizebecause my motives were not what you suppose them to be. You may not be aware ofit but you have a tendency to stare at me. You were doing it that day, I became angryand introduced Mr. Collins to you as a sort of punishment. I had no idea LadyCatherine was your aunt.

Darcy paled slightly then blushed deeply. "Miss Bennet," he said, "It appears that I am

the one who must apologize. I am aware that I look at you a great deal. There is noexcuse for my behaviour and I am sorry if I have caused you any discomfort."

"It is alright, Mr. Darcy, but may I ask why you look at me all the time. I had thoughtit was because you found something wrong with me but my ideas on that have beenchanging somewhat recently."

"Oh no, Miss Bennet. I have never found anything wrong with you. What ever gaveyou such an idea?"

"Do you not remember, Mr. Darcy, the assembly where we met?"


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Darcy paled when she mentioned the assembly, but Elizabeth continued, "I believeyou said I was not handsome enough to dance with. But it seems you have changedyour mind since then." She gave him an arch look and laughed but he could not.

"I am so sorry, Miss Bennet, I was afraid that you had overheard that and I should

have apologized long ago. I do not know what I was thinking. I had barely looked atyou. I only wanted Bingley to leave me alone for I did not want to dance. I shouldnever have said it and I assure you I very soon regretted it. Will you please do me thehonour of accepting my sincerest apologies?

"Of course, Mr. Darcy, but only if you answer my question.

Darcy coloured. He did not want to tell her, but he could be nothing less than honest.After a moment's hesitation, he said, "I look at you, Miss Bennet, simply because Ifind you fascinating."

Elizabeth blushed deeply. She could see in his eyes that he was telling her the absolutetruth and she knew not what to say. At this moment, Sir William Lucas appeared closeto them, meaning to pass through the set to the other side of the room; but on

perceiving Mr. Darcy, he stopt with a bow of superior curtesy to compliment him onhis dancing and his partner.

"I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear Sir. Such very superior dancing isnot often seen. It is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say,however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this

pleasure often repeated, especially whena certain desirable event, my dear Miss Eliza,(glancing at her sister and Bingley,) shall take place. What congratulations will thenflow in! I appeal to Mr. Darcy: but let me not interrupt you, Sir--You will not thankme for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young lady, whose brighteyes are also upbraiding me."

This interruption was fortunate to Elizabeth for it gave her an opportunity to composeherself after Mr. Darcy's declaration and to form a response without an awkward

pause.

"Mr. Darcy," she said, as soon as Sir William had gone, "I am afraid I havemisunderstood all your past behaviour towards me. I have always thought you disliked

me and were despising me."

"I think, Miss Bennet," he replied, "that that is partly my fault. Even disregarding thatunfortunate comment at Meryton my behaviour has been, at the very least,contradictory."

"Nevertheless, I must apologize for I am sure my own behavior has been veryimpertinent."

"Please don't apologize for that. It is one reason you are so fascinating."


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That was a very intriguing statement but before Elizabeth could inquire into hismeaning, the dance ended. She was disappointed and hated to have the conversationend.

Mr. Darcy apparently felt the same for as he escorted her off the floor, he said,"Miss

Bennet, I believe we still have much to talk about, would you care to take a turn withme in the conservatory?"

"Yes, Mr. Darcy, I would like that very much."

It was a lovely spot for private conversation: there was a feeling of being out of doorsfor the glass room was beautifully lit by moonlight, the scent of the flowers washeavenly, music from the ball drifted in, and, best of all, no one else was there.

They walked in silence for a few minutes enjoying the atmosphere and Elizabeth wassurprised to find that she was comfortable with him alone and in silence. But they had

come to talk and there was much to say.

"Mr. Darcy," she said, "may I ask what you meant by saying that you find myimpertinence fascinating?"

Darcy thought a moment before replying, "First, let me remind you that it was youwho termed it impertinence, not I. I was merely referring to your liveliness. Now letme see if I can explain it to you. I imagine you have probably noticed how MissBingley behaves towards me."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and nodded.

"Well, ever sine I came of age, all the eligible young ladies of my acquaintance andeven some who are not behave towards me in that way. Every thing they do is for my

benefit. The conversation is very dull. All their opinions coincide with mine. And it isall because of my money and position in society. But you, you re not like that. Iknow what I see is the real, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, not some artful disguise meant toimpress me. You are not afraid to state your own opinion and even argue with me. Imust tell you, Miss Bennet, how much I have enjoyed ourarguments."

"I have enjoyed them also." After a short pause, she added, "Mr Darcy, I am most

heartily ashamed of myself. I have always prided myself on my discernment and here Ihave been blinded by prejudice. Till this moment I never knew myself. Might we . . . Iwould very much like to start over."

"I should like that as well."

There was a pause of some minutes as neither of them knew what to say. After a fewminutes, Darcy halted the progress of their walk, disengaged Elizabeth from his armand turned to face her. He bowed and said, "Madam, please allow me to introducemyself. I am Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy."

Elizabeth smiled, curtseyed, and said, "I am very pleased to meet you Mr. Darcy. I amMiss Elizabeth Bennet." She extended her hand and he bent to kiss it.


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"Miss Bennet," Darcy said, "if you are not otherwise engaged would you do me thehonour of dancing the next two with me?"

"I would be honoured, sir." Elizabeth took his proffered arm and they returned to theball. During the dance they played at becoming acquainted. Darcy told Elizabeth about

his sister and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and she told him of her Aunt and UncleGardiner. They talked of the things that interested them and he told her of Pemberley.

When they parted, both were satisfied with the new acquaintance. Darcy wished to askElizabeth to dance again but it was improper for a gentleman and a lady who are notengaged to dance more than twice in one evening. He contented himself instead withwatching her. Now instead of looking away when he caught her eye he would hold hisgaze and she would smile at him. He wondered if he was falling in love with her.

Elizabeth did not dance any more that evening either. Mr. Collins made it impossibleby attaching himself most perseveringly by her side. This was excessively annoying.

She had, however, two comforts. First, Charlotte also stayed with her and very oftenengaged his conversation to herself. For this, Elizabeth was highly grateful toCharlotte and knew not how to thank her. The second was Mr. Darcy's continuedobservation of her. She no longer found this disconcerting and found she rather liked itnow. She even returned his gaze occasionally and smiled. The first time he smiled

back she was startled realizing she had rarely seen him smile before. This smile madehim even more handsome and she determined to make him smile more.

Mr. Bennet said nothing at all but was enjoying the scene. Mr. Bingley and Jane werestanding together, a little detached from the rest, and talked only to each other.Elizabeth and Darcy preserved as steady a silence as either Mrs. Hurst or Miss Bingley

but they were lost in each other's gaze.

When at length they arose to take leave, Mrs. Bennet was most pressing civil in herhope of seeing the whole family soon at Longbourn; and addressed herself particularlyto Mr. Bingley, to assure him how happy he would make them, by eating a familydinner with them at any time, without the ceremony of a formal invitation. Bingleywas all grateful pleasure, and he readily engaged for taking the earliest opportunity ofwaiting on her, after his return from London, whither he was obliged to go the nextday for a short time.

That evening Elizabeth confided in Jane her changed opinion of Mr. Darcy and theirnew found friendship. Jane was surprised but pleased. What she did not confide wasDarcy's longstanding admiration of her and her own feeling that very littleencouragement would lead her to more than friendship with Mr. Darcy. What she didnot admit even to herself was that she was already past that point.

The morning after the Netherfield ball, Darcy arose early in order to see Bingley offon his trip to town. Despite the late evening the night before, Darcy felt invigorateddue in large part to his new understanding with Elizabeth. During the ball he hadthought that he was falling in love with her, but now, after a whole night of

contemplating it, he was certain. He wanted to marry her but he needed to moveslowly. Certainly, if he were to propose today he would scare Elizabeth away. But


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slow had its enticements. Darcy was certain that a slow courtship, getting to knowElizabeth entirely, would be thoroughly enjoyable.

When Darcy entered the breakfast room, he found Bingley in equally high spirits.

"Darcy," Bingley cried, "I was hoping to see you before I left. There is something Iwish to ask you."

"What is that, Bingley?" Darcy replied as he sat down with his breakfast.

"It is about Miss Bennet. I think I am going to ask her to marry me but I want youropinion first."

Darcy considered while Bingley watched him anxiously. He had never seen anysymptom of peculiar regard in Miss Bennet. She received Bingley's attentions with

pleasure but she did not invite them by any participation of sentiment. Perhaps he

should caution Bingley against proposing. No, he had been mistaken about Elizabeth,he might also be mistaken about her sister. It would be better to let Bingley take hischances.

"If you love her, Bingley, I think you should," he finally answered.

"Do you really, Darcy?"

"Yes, Bingley, I do."

"Splendid. I shall propose as soon as I return. But what about you, Darcy?"

"What about me?"

"You and Miss Elizabeth. You were quite attentive to her last night and she was theonly lady you danced with. You seem to have changed your mind about her."

Darcy coloured, surprised that Bingley had had enough attention left over from MissBennet to notice. "We have come to an understanding, of sorts. I apologized for my

past behavior and we agreed to be friends. I hope to come to a further understandingeventually but it is too soon."

"Good luck, man," Bingley replied enthusiastically. "Just think, we shall be brothers."

Later that day, Darcy was just on his way out to call at Longbourn and see Elizabethwhen the butler handed him the post. Darcy flipped through the letters intending toread them later when one caught his eye. It was from his sister, Georgiana, and hedecided to read just this one before he left.

24 November

Ramsgate

Dearest Fitzwilliam,


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Mrs. Younge and I are having a wonderful time here in Ramsgate. The

seaside is lovely. Thank you so much for sending me. I miss you

dreadfully though. I had a wonderful surprise after I had been here

only a day. Mr. Wickham is also spending a few weeks here. It has

been so long since we have seen him. It is too bad that you are not here

also as he expressed a wish to see you again. Perhaps if Mr. Bingleycan do without you, you might join us. I hope you are having as

pleasant a time as we are.

Your loving sister,

Georgiana

Darcy crumpled the letter in anger and terror. Wickham's presence in Ramsgate couldnot be a coincidence, he must be there by design. And Georgiana had not the slightestidea what danger she was in. Why had he never told her about Wickham? He had toget to Ramsgate immediately.

Darcy called for his valet to pack a small bag and for his horse to be readiedimmediately. He then dashed off a quick note of explanation for Bingley asking thatthe rest of his things be sent to town. Within five minutes he was on the road.

As he passed Longbourn, Darcy regretted that he could not inform Elizabeth of hisdeparture. But it could not be helped and surely Bingley would inform her when hereturned.

The day at Longbourn was eventful. Mr. Collins proposed and was refused. Elizabethwas then so busy avoiding her mother's displeasure that it was not until she had retiredthat she had an opportunity to think of Darcy.

She was a little surprised he had not come to call. She had rather expected that hewould. But the previous evening she had detected that he might be shy and perhaps hewas too nervous to come alone. Mr. Bingley would return in a few days and he wouldsurely call then.

The next day, a letter was delivered to Jane; it came from Netherfield, and was opened

immediately. The envelope contained a sheet of elegant, little, hot-pressed paper, wellcovered with a lady's fair, flowing hand; and Elizabeth saw her sister's countenancechange as she read it, and saw her dwelling intently on some particular passages.

"This is from Caroline Bingley; what it contains, has surprised me a good deal. Thewhole party have left Netherfield by this time, and are on their way to town, exceptingMr. Darcy who left unexpectedly yesterday, they know not where; and without anyintention of coming back again. You shall hear what she says." She then read the firstsentence aloud, which comprised the information of their having just resolved tofollow their brother to town directly, and of their meaning to dine that day inGrosvenor street, where Mr. Hurst had a house, and Mr Darcy's absence from the

party. The next was in these words.


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I do not pretend to regret any thing I shall leave in Hertfordshire,

except your society, my dearest friend; but we will hope at some future

period, to enjoy many returns of the delightful intercourse we have

known, and in the mean while may lessen the pain of separation by a

very frequent and most unreserved correspondence. I depend on you

for that.

To these high flown expressions, Elizabeth listened with all the insensibility ofdistrust; and though the suddenness of their removal surprised her, she saw nothing init really to lament; it was not to be supposed that their absence from Netherfield would

prevent Mr. Bingley's being there; and as to the loss of their society, she waspersuaded that Jane must soon cease to regard it, in the enjoyment of his. Mr. Darcy'sstrange absence was distressing but she resolved to think of it til she was alone infavour of comforting Jane.

"It is unlucky," said she, after a short pause, "that you should not be able to see your

friends before they leave the country. But may we not hope that the period of futurehappiness to which Miss Bingley looks forward, may arrive earlier than she is aware,and that the delightful intercourse you have known as friends, will be renewed withyet greater satisfaction as sisters? Mr. Bingley will not be detained in London bythem."

"Caroline decidedly says that none of the party will return into Hertfordshire thiswinter. I will read it to you,

When my brother left us yesterday, he imagined that the business which

took him to London, might be concluded in three or four days, but as

we are certain it cannot be so, and at the same time convinced that

when Charles gets to town he will be in no hurry to leave it again, we

have determined on following him thither, that he may not be obliged

to spend his vacant hours in a comfortless hotel. Many of my

acquaintance are already there for the winter; I wish I could hear that

you, my dearest friend, had any intention of making one in the crowd,

but of that I despair. I sincerely hope your Christmas in Hertfordshire

may abound in the gaieties which that season generally brings, and

that your beaux will be so numerous as to prevent your feeling the loss

of the three of whom we shall deprive you.

"It is evident by this," added Jane, "that he comes back no more this winter."

"It is only evident that Miss Bingley does not mean he should."

"Why will you think so? It must be his own doing. He is his own master. But you donot know all. I will read you the passage which particularly hurts me. I will have noreserves from you."

We are eager to meet Mr. Darcy's sister again. I really do not think

Georgiana Darcy has her equal for beauty, elegance, and

accomplishments; and the affection she inspires in Louisa and myself isheightened into something still more interesting, from the hope we dare


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to entertain of her being hereafter our sister. I do not know whether I

ever before mentioned to you my feelings on this subject, but I will not

leave the country without confiding them, and I trust you will not

esteem them unreasonable. My brother admires her greatly already, he

will have frequent opportunity now of seeing her on the most intimate

footing, her relations all wish the connection as much as his own, anda sister's partiality is not misleading me, I think, when I call Charles

most capable of engaging any woman's heart. With all these

circumstances to favour an attachment and nothing to prevent it, am I

wrong, my dearest Jane, in indulging the hope of an event which will

secure the happiness of so many?

"What think you of this sentence, my dear Lizzy?" said Jane as she finished it. "Is itnot clear enough--Does it not expressly declare that Caroline neither expects norwishes me to be her sister; that she is perfectly convinced of her brother's indifference,and that if she suspects the nature of my feelings for him, she means (most kindly!) to

put me on my guard? Can there be any other opinion on the subject?"

"But Miss Darcy is not even in town."

"How do you know that, Lizzy?" asked Jane in surprise.

"Mr. Darcy told me all about her and she is presently in Ramsgate. He did not evenhint at an attachment between his sister and Mr Bingley. Besides, Georgiana Darcy isonly fifteen and Mr. Darcy does not even intend to bring her out in society for anotherfew years at least. I got the impression that he is rather protective of her and would beopposed to any match at this time, even with his best friend."

"Are you certain, Lizzy?"

"Yes, Jane, I'm positive."

"But what motive could Caroline possibly have to deceive me?"

"I believe it wishful thinking on Miss Bingley's part. She sees that her brother is inlove with you, and wants him to marry Miss Darcy. She follows him to town in thehope of keeping him there, and tries to persuade you that he does not care about you."

Jane shook her head.

"Indeed, Jane, you ought to believe me.--No one who has ever seen you together, candoubt his affection. Miss Bingley I am sure cannot. She is not such a simpleton. But,my dearest Jane, you cannot seriously imagine that because Miss Bingley tells you her

brother greatly admires Miss Darcy, he is in the smallest degree less sensible of yourmerit than when he took leave of you on Tuesday, or that it will be in her power to

persuade him that instead of being in love with you, he is very much in love with herfriend."

"If we thought alike of Miss Bingley," replied Jane, "your representation of all this,might make me quite easy. But I know the foundation is unjust. Caroline is incapable


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of wilfully deceiving any one; and all that I can hope in this case is, that she isdeceived herself."

"That is right.--You could not have started a more happy idea, since you will not takecomfort in mine. Believe her to be deceived by all means. You have now done your

duty by her, and must fret no longer."

Jane's temper was not desponding, and she was gradually led to hope, though thediffidence of affection sometimes overcame the hope, that Bingley would return to

Netherfield and answer every wish of her heart.

Once Jane had been reasonably reassured, Elizabeth went for a walk in the garden toponder on Darcy's disappearance. Where could he have gone? Miss Bingley had saidthat his departure was entirely unexpected and they had no idea where he had gone.Try as she might, Elizabeth could not find a way that Miss Bingley could be deceptive

on this point. There was nothing in it that was advantageous to her plans for Mr. Darcyand his sister. It must be true. Something urgent must have occurred. He had notmentioned that he would be going away. On the contrary, he had expressed pleasure inthe prospect of seeing much of her in the coming weeks.

Elizabeth finally resolved not to dwell on it. There was nothing she could do. But shedearly hoped Mr Darcy would return soon.

Chapter 2Posted on Wednesday, 20 March 2002

After riding hard all day, Darcy arrived at Ramsgate in the late evening. He wentdirectly to the house he had hired for Georgiana and Mrs. Younge. He was informedthat they had just finished supper and was shown into the drawing room. The firstthing he saw was Mr. Wickham and his sister sitting much too close together on asmall sofa. Mrs. Younge was not even in the room.

Georgiana, overjoyed to see her brother and not noticing his dark look, jumped up and

ran into his arms.

"Oh, Fitzwilliam!" she cried, "I am so happy you have come. I have such news to tellyou."

Darcy could not answer right away. He kept his eyes riveted to Wickham who wastrying to sidle out of the room. Controlling his voice so not to alarm his sister, Darcysaid,

"In a moment, Georgie. You are not thinking of leaving, Mr. Wickham." It was not aquestion.

"Err . . . no, Darcy."


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"Good, I should like to speak with you but first I need a moment alone with my sister."

"Of course. Let me just step out into the hall."

"Oh no, sit down. Have a glass of port." He was not going to get away that easily. "We

shall go into another sitting room."

He escorted Georgiana out of the room and whispered to the footman stationedoutside.

"Go into the drawing room and make sure the gentleman does not leave." The footmannodded and went in and Darcy locked the door behind him.

"You have come so quickly, Fitzwilliam," said Georgiana as soon as they were seatedin another room. "You must have come the instant you received my letter."

"Yes, I received it just this morning."

"I did not mean for you to cut your visit with Mr. Bingley so short. I would have beensatisfied had you come in a few weeks."

"I know, dearest. It was your news about Mr. Wickham that brought me."

"Oh, I knew you would want to see him. I knew there was no reason to be so secretivebut Mr. Wickham insisted."

Darcy was instantly alarmed. Was he too late? "Secretive about what?" he cried.

"Oh Fitzwilliam, I am so happy. Mr. Wickham and I are to be married in two days."Relief coursed through Darcy. He was not too late. But he was not been a moment toosoon.

"You were going to elope? Why did you not tell me?"

Georgiana began to cry and Darcy instantly regretted the anger that had been in hisvoice. He took his sister in his arms and whispered soothingly, "I am not angry withyou, darling. I am sorry I sounded so. Please tell me all about it."

"I'm sorry, Fitzwilliam. I wanted to tell you. I begged George to write you asking yourpermission. But he would not and forbade me to do so. He said you would neverapprove. But you do approve, don't you?"

Darcy had to tread carefully. There was no way he could allow this to happen but hehad to be careful not to wound his sister more than would be necessary.

"No dearest, I do not. You are much too young."

"But I love him and he loves me. He said that you would think me too young but if I

truly loved him I would not make him wait by asking permission. I was so afraid oflosing him."


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Darcy fumed at they way Wickham had manipulated his precious little sister butremained calm for her sake. "But think, Georgie, if he truly loved you he would havewaited for you."

"But he told me he would not. He . . . he does not love me?"

"No, dearest, I am sorry, he does not."

Georgiana began to cry even harder. "But why?" she sobbed, "why does he want tomarry me if he does not love me?"

"I am sorry to have to tell you this, Georgie, but you deserve the truth. Mr. Wickhamwants to marry you for your fortune."

Georgiana recoiled in horror but when she looked at her brother she knew he wastelling the truth and that he had known all along. "How did you know?" she

whispered.

Darcy proceeded to tell her of all his dealings with George Wickham from the timethey were boys. By the time he was finished, Georgiana had gone silent and pale. "Iam sorry I did not tell you sooner. Then this could never have happened. But it neveroccurred to me that you would need to know. I'm just glad I got here in time." She

barely nodded in response. "Georgie?" Darcy questioned growing concerned.

"I'm so sorry, Fitzwilliam," she whimpered.

Darcy took her in his arms again and kissed the top of her head. "It is not your fault,darling. You have nothing to apologize for. Now you go to bed and we will talk in themorning."

Georgiana departed and Darcy returned to the drawing room to deal with Wickham.

When Darcy reentered the drawing room, Wickham was pacing about like a cagedanimal. When he caught sight of Darcy he spat bitterly,

"I suppose that little %$*@# ruined everything by telling you I was here."

Somehow, miraculously, Darcy remained calm. But his voice was menacingly low ashe said, "Don't you dare refer to my sister again or I will give you cause to regret it."There could be no mistaking Darcy's seriousness and Wickham settled down. "Isuppose you have gambled away your three thousand pounds," continued Darcy. "Didyou spend even one day studying the law?" Wickham said nothing. "No, I neverexpected anything would come of that. And now after you have wasted yourinheritance you try to gain your fortune by preying on the innocent daughter of yourgenerous benefactor."

"He was a fool," muttered Wickham under his breath. But Darcy heard.

"My father loved you," he shouted. "Almost like a son. When I told him of yourbehaviour at Cambridge, he gave you the benefit of the doubt and laid it down to


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youthful indiscretion. I thank heaven that he cannot see how you have betrayed him.Now get out and don't you ever come near my sister again."

"I believe I shall need some encouragement not to do that, Darcy. Another threethousands pounds will do nicely."

"You shall not get another farthing from me. If you ever come anywhere near heragain one word from me will ruin your reputation and you will never be able to passyourself off as an honourable gentleman again."

"Ah, but Darcy, that would ruin her as well."

"I think not, Wickham. She is but fifteen and that will be her excuse. No one couldpossibly blame her for it. Now get out before I have you thrown out."

"D*** you, Darcy," shouted Wickham as he stalked from the room and then the house

slamming the doors behind him.

Darcy collapsed onto the sofa, shaking. How he had managed to not beat Wickhaminto a bloody pulp he knew not, but it had taken all of his strength.

A moment later. Mrs. Younge burst into the room. "Mr. Wickham, Miss Georgiana,"she cried, "whatever is the matter? I heard shouting and . . ."she trailed off as she saw only her employer in the room.

Darcy glowered at her. "Where have you been Mrs. Younge? I arrived to find myyoung sister all alone with a man. Can you explain that to me?"

"I . . . Well . . . They are engaged, sir. I thought it would be alright to give them a littleprivacy."

"They are not engaged. How could they be engaged without having obtained mypermission? I see young ladies are not to be trusted to your care." Darcy went to atable and wrote out a cheque. "Here are your wages, Mrs. Younge. You are dismissed.You will pack your things and be gone in the morning."

"I see Mr. Wickham was right about you," she muttered as she left the room and

Darcy realized that Mrs. Younge had not merely failed in her duty but had conspiredwith Wickham to ruin them. He fell back on the sofa and sobbed in relief that hediscovered the plot in time.

The next day, Darcy hired a carriage and took Georgiana home to Pemberley.

The day after departing from Netherfield, Mr. Bingley received a note at his hotel.

Charles,


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Louisa, Mr. Hurst, and I have arrived in town. I know you cannot be

comfortable in a hotel and therefore beg you to join us at Mr. Hurst's

townhouse. When are you going to purchase a townhouse of your own?

Caroline

Bingley was puzzled. Why had they followed him to town? He was to return toHertfordshire in just a few days. Well, whatever the reason he would be morecomfortable at the Hursts and set off immediately. He had not been there more thanfive minutes before he regretted it.

"Charles," said Miss Bingley before she had even greeted her brother, "surely you donot wish to return to Hertfordshire."

"Of course I do. Why would you think otherwise, Caroline?"

"It was so tedious there and the society so savage and unrefined."

"Whatever can you mean? Everyone was delightful. I intend to spend most of my timethere from now on. I wasn't going to tell you until everything was concluded but as Isoon as I return I am going to ask Miss Jane Bennet to marry me."

"Oh, Charles, do be serious," replied Miss Bingley, laughing.

"I am serious, Caroline."

Miss Bingley instantly sobered. "Have you consulted Mr. Darcy? Surely he does notapprove. Though she is a lovely girl, Miss Bennet and her family are far beneath you. Iimagine you would lose his friendship if you were to marry her."

"Actually, I spoke with him of my plans just before I left. He wished me luck and gaveme not one word of discouragement. I am certain he is quite pleased with my choice ofwife."

Miss Bingley had no reply to that and Bingley started to leave the room. But before hecould do so, Miss Bingley cried,

"Charles, I cannot let you do this. She does not love you and will break your heart."

"How can you be so sure Caroline? If she does not love me she will refuse. I would beheartbroken if that were to happen but I would rather take that chance than never knowfor certain."

"I am sure, Charles, because she told me."

"What?!"

"You know Miss Bennet and I have become quite good friends. She confided in me

that she has only received your attentions because her mother forced her to and thatshe will refuse when you propose."


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Bingley was stunned. He had been so certain. He suddenly found his legs could notsupport him and he sank into a chair in shock and grief.

"You will not return to Netherfield then?"

"I must," he replied quietly, "Darcy is waiting for me." It would be difficult but he hadto go back for Darcy's sake. Darcy would never stay at Netherfield without his host.And though his own hopes were dashed, Bingley would not jeopardize Darcy'scourtship of Miss Elizabeth by forcing him away.

"Mr. Darcy left Netherfield yesterday."

"What?! Where did he go? Is he in town?"

"We do not know. He left quite suddenly, only a few hours after you did. He said not aword of where he was going."

This was too much. Bingley could not comprehend it and was too dejected to even try.

A few days later, a letter arrived at Longbourn for Jane from Miss Bingley. Itconfirmed that the Bingleys and Hursts were settled in town for the winter. Elizabethdid not understand it. That Bingley was really fond of Jane, she doubted no more thanshe had ever done; and much as she had always been disposed to like him, she couldnot think without anger, hardly without contempt, on that easiness of temper, that wantof proper resolution which now made him the slave of his designing sisters, and led

him to sacrifice his own happiness to the caprice of their inclinations. Had his ownhappiness, however, been the only sacrifice, he might have been allowed to sport withit in what ever manner he thought best; but her sister's was involved in it, as, shethought, he must be sensible himself. And yet whether Bingley's regard had really diedaway, or were suppressed by his sisters' interference; whether he had been aware ofJane's attachment, or whether it had escaped his observation; whichever were the case,though her opinion of him must be materially affected by the difference, her sister'ssituation remained the same, her peace equally wounded.

Elizabeth was also disappointed that no mention of Mr. Darcy was made in the letter.She knew that any information from Miss Bingley in that quarter would be unreliable

but she might at least have gotten some hint of where he had gone and when he mightbe back.

Christmas soon came though it was not very joyous that year.

Jane and Bingley each pined for the other, grieving that their love, so they thought,was unrequited.

Elizabeth had still heard nothing of Mr. Darcy. She tried to convince herself that Mr.Bingley's absence from Netherfield prevented him from returning himself. But at the

back of her mind she knew if he really wanted to see her that would not stop him.


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Perhaps he had been trifling with her at the Netherfield Ball. Yet her heart told her thatwas not so.

Darcy was busy helping his sister withdraw from the shell she had retreated into afterWickham's treachery. He thought often of Elizabeth and wished he could write her but

propriety forbade him to do so. He had sent Bingley a missive at Netherfieldinforming him that he would be at Pemberley indefinitely and requesting that hisapologies be expressed to Elizabeth. Darcy was surprised that Bingley had neverresponded but Bingley had always been a careless correspondent and he was probablytoo wrapped up in his engagement to Miss Bennet to attend to such matters.

Chapter 3

Posted on Friday, 31 May 2002

After Christmas, Jane went to stay with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in town. Shehoped to see Miss Bingley and perhaps (though this hope was unacknowledged) evenMr. Bingley. Miss Bingley never responded to her letters and finally concluding thatthey or the responses had been lost in the post she called in Grosvenor Street herself.Miss Bingley confirmed that the letters had never been received. When Miss Bingleyreturned the call three weeks later, she behaved rather coldly, forcing Jane into theunhappy conclusion that Elizabeth had been right. However, Jane did not doubt MissBingley's information that Mr. Bingley was aware of her being in town and was too

busy to call. That night Jane cried herself to sleep as her last hopes vanished.

All this information was relayed by post to an incredulous Elizabeth. One tiny bit ofgood came from Jane's letter. For one half-hour Elizabeth was enough wrapped up inJane's heartbreak to forget her own. Elizabeth had still not heard of Darcy. As eachday lengthened his absence she became more certain that he had abandoned her. Shelooked forward to March when she would visit her friend Charlotte who had marriedMr. Collins. Elizabeth knew she would derive little pleasure from the visit but shewould not be reminded of Darcy in Kent.

By spring, Georgiana was much improved and Darcy began to prepare his return toHertfordshire and Elizabeth. But first, he had to make his annual journey to Kent to

visit his Aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh for Easter. It was never a pleasant visit butperhaps this year anticipation of soon seeing Elizabeth would help the time pass moreswiftly.

Elizabeth travelled to Kent with Sir William Lucas and his daughter, Maria. Withthese two as companions there was no lack of conversation but Elizabeth had heard alltheir conversation before and found the journey quite tedious. She was thereforerelieved when they arrived at Gracechurch-street where they were to break their

journey for the night. She was also glad of the opportunity to see Jane. They stayed uplate discussing the last few months they had been separated. Each could detect a

sadness in the other but neither Mr. Bingley or Mr. Darcy was mentioned.


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The next day the party continued on to Kent. Elizabeth was happy to see Charlotte andto see her in a pleasant situation though she did not regret her own decision not tomarry Mr. Collins. The Parsonage was comfortable and pleasant and Elizabeth foundthe surrounding countryside and the grounds of Lady Catherine de Bourgh'sneighboring estate of Rosings lovely and well suited to her frequent rambles. Their

frequent visits to Lady Catherine were trying and tedious but on the whole Elizabethwas enjoying herself and did manage to think of Darcy less. Until a fateful morningjust before Easter.

Darcy arrived at Rosings with his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, in the evening a fewdays before Easter. The next morning, he arose early due to the discomfort of hisaunt's beds and decided to go for a ride before breakfast. He had been galloping acrossthe fields and was now admiring the spring blossoms and letting the horse rest as theytook a more sedate pace through the woods. He took a turning and almost fell off thehorse for there walking towards him was Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was so shocked she was afraid she might faint. But she didn't. She just stoodstock-still and stared. Darcy was no better. They stared at each other in silence forseveral minutes. Finally, Elizabeth found her tongue and managed to say in a slightlystrangled voice,

"Wh . . . what are you doing here?"

"I . . . Lady Catherine is my . . . my aunt. I . . . I thought you knew that," stammeredDarcy.

"I . . . I forgot," replied Elizabeth instantly remembering.

As Elizabeth's shock wore away she began to remember the pain Darcy had put herthrough in the last few months and she could no longer bear to be in his presence."Excuse me," she murmured and hiking up her skirts she turned and ran.

Darcy had no idea what had happened but suddenly Elizabeth was running from him."Miss Bennet, wait!" he cried as he leapt from the horse and ran after her. Elizabethhad a head start but Darcy's legs were longer and he soon caught up with her. "Pleasewait," he cried again as he took hold of her arm to stop her flight.

"Unhand me, sir," Elizabeth cried as she struggled in his grasp.

"Will you stay?"

"Why should I? You didn't?"

"What?!"

"I thought you cared for me."

"I do. I do care for you. Very much. I love you Elizabeth."


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If it were possible, Elizabeth was even more shocked than she had been a fewmoments before. How could he love her after the way he had treated her?

"You have a strange way of showing it, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth spat at him.

Darcy was thoroughly confused. "What do you mean, Elizabeth? What have I done tooffend you?"

Elizabeth stared at him. "You have to ask?"

"Yes, I do, for I can think of nothing."

Elizabeth laughed bitterly. "I find it hard to believe, Mr. Darcy, that a man truly inlove would leave the object of his affections for four months without a word."

"But it was an emergency. I wrote to Bingley and asked him to explain it to you."

"Well, Mr. Bingley never came back either."

"What?! Mr. Bingley is not at Netherfield?"

"No," said Elizabeth beginning to realize that there had been a big mistake. "Didn'tyou know that?"

"No. He never answered my letters but he is a negligent correspondent and it neveroccurred to me that he might not be there. I don't understand. He was going to proposeto your sister. What happened?"

Elizabeth told him of Miss Bingley's letters and Jane's meeting with her in town.

"Jane is completely heartbroken. She was not at all herself when last I saw her. Areyou certain Mr. Bingley was going to propose?"

"Yes. It was the last thing we spoke of before he departed. He asked my advice on thematter and I encouraged him in it."

"But if he meant to propose, why did he never come back?"

"His sisters must have convinced him not to. I know it will pain you to hear, butneither of them was sincere in their regard for Miss Bennet. I would not be surprised ifhe is actually unaware of your sister's being in town."

"Oh," cried Elizabeth, "if it is as you think, Mr. Bingley must be as miserable as Jane.Whatever can we do?"

"Is Miss Bennet still in love with Bingley? Has her regard been damaged by hisabandonment."

"Not materially. I am certain once she learns of the mistake, any blame she has placedon him will be forgotten."


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"Then as soon as I can get away from my aunt, I will call on him in town and see if Ican straighten everything out."

"Oh will you, Mr. Darcy?"

"Of course I will, Miss Bennet. Mr. Bingley is my best friend and I want to see himhappy. I believe that your sister is the key to his happiness. Now, would you be sokind as to allow me to escort you back to . . . What are you doing here, Miss Bennet?"

Elizabeth blushed as she replied, "Surely you remember my cousin, Mr. Collins, whois the rector at Hunsford."

"Of course I remember him. It would be difficult to forget. But I cannot imagine yourvisiting him." Suddenly Darcy had a horrific thought. "I knew he had an interest inyou, surely you are not . . ."

"Oh no," cried Elizabeth equally horrified, "that could never be. He did propose to mebut nothing could have induced me to accept him. He is now married to my goodfriend Charlotte, the former Miss Lucas. It is really she that I am visiting."

"I am glad to hear it," replied Darcy much relieved. "Will you allow me to escort youto the parsonage then?"

"I have only just begun my walk but I would be happy if you would accompany me.You must be quite familiar with Rosings as it is your aunt's estate. Perhaps you canshow me some of the best spots."

"It would be my pleasure, Miss Bennet."

"Oh," exclaimed Elizabeth, suddenly noticing something, "what has happened to yourhorse, Mr. Darcy?"

"What?"

"You were on horseback when I met you but the horse has disappeared."

"Oh," cried Darcy looking round, "I forgot all about him. You need not worry about

him, Miss Bennet, he is quite reliable and has most likely returned to the stables on hisown. We will keep an eye out for him on our walk, just in case. Shall we?" he asked,offering Elizabeth his arm which she gladly took.

They walked in silence for some time though the silence was not uncomfortable foreach was lost in their own thoughts. Darcy was contemplating how lucky it was thatElizabeth was here in Kent and that their misunderstanding had been resolved soeasily. And Elizabeth was considering all that had happened in the last half hour. Shekept returning to one detail and finally worked up the courage to ask Darcy about it.

"Mr. Darcy," she queried tentatively, "might I ask you something?"

"Of course, Miss Bennet."


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"Did you mean it?"

"Did I mean what?"

"Do you really . . . love me?"

Darcy was startled. With all that had occurred he had completely forgotten that he hadadmitted that. It was true of course but he had never meant to blurt it out like that. Butit couldn't be helped now.

"Yes," he replied simply, "I do."

He then led Elizabeth to a fallen log and sat down with her. "Miss Bennet, this is nothow I had intended to do this but I would like to court you if I may."

Elizabeth could hardly believe her ears. Just this morning she had believed that Darcy

had completely forgotten her and here he was admitting that he loved her and formallyasking her permission to court her. Blushing, she looked into his eyes and replied,

"I would like that very much, Mr. Darcy."

"Thank you, Miss Bennet," said Darcy smiling broadly.

"Perhaps," said Elizabeth nervously, "as we are officially courting, you might like tocall me Elizabeth."

"I would like that very much, Elizabeth. And will you call me Fitzwilliam?"

"Fitzwilliam?" Elizabeth replied wrinkling her nose slightly.

"Yes. I know it is unusual. It is my mother's maiden name. You may call mesomething else if you like."

Elizabeth thought for a moment, then asked, "May I call you Will?"

"Of course. Anything you like. Shall we continue our walk?"

They did so and after a few minutes Elizabeth asked, "Will, is everything all right?"

"Of course," he replied confused, "Why do you ask?"

"You said you were called away by an emergency. I don't want to pry or anything butis everything all right."

"Yes. It was about my sister. I was able to prevent anything serious occurring but shewas quite shaken. I did not feel that I could leave her. I am sorry that I was not able totell you. I would have written if it had been proper."

"It is all right, Will. I understand. I missed you dreadfully though."


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"I missed you as well."

"I am sorry about your sister."

"Thank you. She is much better now. I hope you can meet her soon."

"I would like that very much."

They continued walking and getting reacquainted for sometime. By the time Darcyfinally escorted Elizabeth to the parsonage and returned to Rosings, he had missed

breakfast and it was almost time for luncheon. He did not mind in the least.

Without Wickham

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