A Father's Sins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (24 page)

“Elizabeth,
I do not want to cause you pain, but I feel that we should discuss what both
our fathers have done in an effort to control our futures, and how we shall
respond.” Darcy then told her about the letter that he had read from his father
on that day. The memory of it caused severe distress in Darcy so that she laid
her head on his chest, listening to the steady pounding of his heart. Putting
his arm across her shoulders, he pulled her into him and rested his chin on her
curls. “I still cannot believe that he would ask me to both marry my cousin,
Anne, and care for Wickham. Anne is a lovely young woman, but she could never
be a proper wife or mistress of any home. Her health is not as bad as she would
have Aunt Catherine believe, but she is still frail and there is much that she
feels her health would not allow her to do.”

“And,
neither would her mother,” Elizabeth’s bitter chuckle at the incongruity of
Lady Catherine willingly remaining out of her daughter’s life, was echoed by
Darcy’s agreement.

“Since
the day that Wickham approached us with the purpose of kidnapping Georgiana and
causing harm to her and to us, I have not allowed myself to feel remorse at his
death. With the words of my father, thinking of the high esteem that he held
his firstborn son in and his expectation that I, too, should hold him in the
same elevated regard, has made me wonder if events could have been dealt with
in a manner that would have had a different outcome. It is eating at me and I
do not think that I can let it go.”

“William,
please listen to me carefully,” she spoke in a soft tone, though her mind and
heart screamed to blurt out her reproach on a man she had never met, that had
been in the grave all these years, and who would be unaffected by her outburst.
Taking several deep breaths before she spoke, she then asked, “As long as
George Wickham was alive, would there ever have been a time when Georgiana’s
safety would be secure?”

“No,
she would never be safe.”

“So,
then, it really comes down to a choice. If your father had been with us in that
carriage instead of you, William, would he have sacrificed his only daughter,
his youngest child, to further his firstborn’s rakish behavior?”

“No!
My father adored Georgie.” William could see where her questions were leading.
“You are right, Elizabeth. If I had it to do over, I would have wanted the outcome
to be the same; that my sister would be unharmed. Georgiana’s future is bright
and full of promise, while Wickham’s future would have only ever been one
trouble after another.”

He
thought for a moment. “Elizabeth, we cannot undo what our fathers have done in
either of our lives. We can, though, see where self-interest and blindness to
the faults and motives of others can lead. This unhappiness that we have both
experienced from the decisions that your father and mine made earlier in our
lives, can be a valuable lesson to us and to our children. I do not want my
sons or daughters, should we be fit to have such, to resent us for burdening
them unnecessarily by inflated expectations or by interfering in their lives to
the extent that we have had to live with.”

“Can
you, my beloved, leave behind the resentment you feel at what your father has
done?” Elizabeth asked.

“That,
I do not know.” He pulled her to him tighter. “My nature has always been
intolerant of the follies of others. Once my good opinion is lost, it is lost
forever.”

Elizabeth
deeply appreciated his candor. “In the past, I have always been able to look
back, overlooking the bad and reflecting on the good in my life. I now realize
that this manner of coping is helpful in not carrying a grudge, which is a
burden that is most unwelcome.”

Darcy
meditated on her words. They were wise and based on principles he had learned
from his youth. “I can see the wisdom of that and would like to think that I
could overcome this by just shrugging it off.” He squeezed her shoulders. “You
may need to assist me in this, Elizabeth. I fear that I will fail in this many
times.”

She
chuckled softly. “Then, dear man, together we will start lifting that burden.
Please, tell me the good of your father and I will reflect on the good in mine.
Your father produced two wonderful children, one boy and one girl, whom I love
dearly. He was reputed to be a kind master and a diligent steward of the land.”

Darcy
moved his head to rest on the back of the sofa and thought of the many times
that he and his father spent discussing Pemberley, education, books that they
had both read, fishing in the streams, and riding the lanes and fields of the
property. He recalled the trips to town that he made with his parents, the
museums, the theater, the opera, and the symphony that they had attended and
the long discussions afterwards of what they had seen and heard. Their lives
had been much different before his mother died. His father had been a much
different man. Until that moment, it had never occurred to Darcy how grief at
the loss of the two women that his father cared for, Wickham’s birth mother and
his own, could impact a man so much. It was the same in Mr. Bennet’s case.
Until the time of the smallpox epidemic, Elizabeth had a warm, caring
relationship with her father.

“Elizabeth,”
Darcy spoke his thoughts aloud. “It just occurred to me that the turning point
for your father and mine was the same; the loss of beloved family members.
Until then, I never wanted to be separated from the man that reared me. I
imagine that for you, it was the same.”

She
nodded in agreement, still pressed up against his chest.

Darcy
remembered that when he was much younger, he wanted to grow up to be just like
the man his father was. He was confident in his conclusion as he spoke,
“Beloved, we
do
need to let go of any anger we have. Although neither of
our fathers were responsible for nor had control over what led to their grief,
they both paid very high prices for the way they responded to their losses. We
too paid a price as well. The men that we valued so highly had fallen off their
exalted pedestals and they both shattered with that fall. For you and I, our
greatest loss was that we no longer respected the men that had been, until that
point, our lives, our cornerstone.” He again asserted, “We need to let go of
our resentment, Elizabeth, so that it no longer can harm us and we can move
forward.”

She
smiled, so pleased with this man who would be her husband. Boldly, she stated,
“I agree, William. Let us be the parents that our children desire to be around,
to love and respect deeply so that our little boys will want to be just like
their Papa and our little girls will want to marry someone just like their
Papa.” She sat up away from him and gazed at him with eyes full of love. “I am
so happy to be marrying you tomorrow, William.”

“As
am I, Elizabeth.” He could no longer resist the temptation of her sweet lips.

Gracechurch Street, London

Dinner
that night in the Gardiner’s home was filled with tension between the
relatives. Jane Bennet, always the peacemaker, endeavored to put everyone at
ease. Her first mission was to try to quiet her mother as she repeatedly
enumerated all that she would purchase in the days to come. Her father, Thomas
Bennet, sat at the table, his food untouched and his mood morose. Mr. Philips,
as was his wont, ate in silence. The Gardiners acted like nothing untoward was
occurring, until Thomas Bennet started making sharp, antagonistic comments
about Elizabeth. They were uttered under his breath, but were heard by Mr.
Gardiner.

Setting
his utensils carefully next to his plate, Edward Gardiner wiped his mouth with
his dinner napkin. He folded the napkin and placed it on the table, a signal
that he had had enough. “Bennet,” he looked at his brother-in-law with all
seriousness. “In our home, polite conversation is expected at our dinner table.
If you continue to carry on in such an inappropriate and ill-mannered way, you
will have to be excused. A tray can be sent to your room.”

To
say that his older brother-in-law was shocked at this firm reprimand would be
an understatement. Silence fell in the room as Mr. Bennet looked as if he might
have apoplexy. Without a word, Mr. Bennet threw down his napkin, pushed back
from the table, and stomped out of the room.

Before
anyone else could respond, Mr. Gardiner continued, “The same goes for everyone
at my table. Anything to do with my niece, Lizzy, is
not
a subject open for
discussion. This includes the money from the shares, Fanny,” he looked to his
sister at that statement, “the possible location of my niece, nor speculation
as to what her future might bring.” Mr. Gardiner looked around the table. “Is
my meaning clear?”

At
that, nobody commented, just nodded their heads. The meal ended shortly after
and all left for their rooms. The day had been excessively eventful and long.
At the top of the stairs, Mrs. Bennet noted a maid coming out of the room that
was Elizabeth’s. She desperately wanted to peek inside, curious as to how Lizzy
lived in this household, but did not want to face the wrath of her younger
brother and host. Fanny Bennet had never seen him like that.  He had always
been easily manipulated and coerced. The five years since she had last seen him
and visited his home had wrought changes in the Gardiner household and Mrs.
Bennet did not like it. Mrs. Bennet had not changed. She had always been
determined and constant. She would try again on the morrow. That night, she
would dream of all they could afford with Lizzy’s wealth.

Darcy House, Grosvenor Square, London

The
next morning found the mood at the Darcy household one of anxious satisfaction.
The Master was to marry in a few short hours. The home, always kept immaculate
and orderly, was being gone over by every servant available. The cooks were
frantically making dish after dish for the wedding breakfast and the footmen
were setting up chairs in the drawing room, under the direction of Mr. Ramsey’s
precise specifications.

Upstairs,
Georgiana’s maid had selected a beautiful gown of pale blue, which would match
her eyes and compliment her blonde hair. The style of her hair was elegant for
one who was not yet out in society, but was fitting for the occasion of her
brother’s wedding. Elizabeth’s maid had started a bath early that morning with
lavender blossoms scenting the water, so that her new mistress would be clean
and fresh for the ceremony. An early arrival by messenger of one of Elizabeth’s
most elegant dresses from the Gardiner’s was deeply appreciated and the maid
wasted no time pressing it and getting it ready. It was cream satin with dark
green leaves embroidered around the bodice, the sleeves, and the hem, and would
look lovely with Elizabeth’s hazel eyes and golden-highlighted chocolate brown
curls.

Even
Parker, Darcy’s valet, had joined in the excitement and had his Master’s
clothing freshly pressed and laid out hours before it was necessary. After his
bath, Darcy had a difficult time being shaved as he seemed unable to keep from
smiling. Parker wanted nothing to mar his master’s face, so had to stop and
start many times. It was not a hardship, seeing the man he held in deep respect
being happy.

In
spite of the joy at what the day would bring, both Darcy and Elizabeth were
apprehensive when they thought of those in the family that would be unhappy
with the wedding. Direction had been given to Mr. Ramsey and the footmen not to
allow anyone other than those on the guest list to enter the home. Specifically
forbidden were Lady Catherine and Mr. Bennet.

By
nine o’clock, the guests started to arrive. Darcy and Georgiana were on hand to
greet them, waiting in the entry for their arrival. Under normal circumstances,
they would have stayed in the drawing room and waited for their guests to be
brought to them, but the flowers that had started coming to Darcy House early
that morning were being tastefully arranged and the two Darcys elected to stay
out of the way.

At
fifteen after the hour, all the expected guests were assembled and ready to
begin. Darcy had greeted Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and immediately had them
escorted to Elizabeth’s bed chamber, where Georgiana was now helping her with
the final touches to her hair. Her brother had sent up jewelry from the Darcy
collection after having Parker determine the color of Elizabeth’s dress from a
discussion with her maid. It was a complete set; necklace, bracelet, and
earrings of emeralds and diamonds that would match beautifully with her dress.

Lord
and Lady Matlock, along with their two sons, stood close to Darcy where the two
brothers could not help but tease their normally reticent cousin for his
heightened color, the sharpness of his dress, and what they assumed was
nervousness. It was not. Darcy was in no way apprehensive about what was to
take place. He was in anticipation over what the next half of an hour would bring;
a bride of his own choosing.

His
cousin, Richard, had taken him aside this morning and informed him there was a
message waiting for him when he returned to the barracks the night before
saying that he and his troops would be soon receiving orders to return to the
continent, as Napoleon was moving against the British and more manpower was
needed. It was heartbreaking news with the potential for much sadness. Richard
knew that he would not be seeing Darcy before he would depart England. At
seeing his cousin’s dismay, Richard reminded him, “Darce, it is what I chose as
my future. I have no regrets, nor should you. When you and your new wife go to
bed each night, feel free to think of me…..” at his cousin’s raised eyebrow, he
finished, “ … in your prayers.” Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam envied his cousin
Darcy for his new bride. Elizabeth was a marvelous young woman who would assist
Darcy to lose some of that stiffness and formality that he was known for. It
would be a good, long, and happy marriage, something that Richard wondered if
he would ever have.

When
Bingley arrived, without his two sisters and Mr. Hurst, he quickly joined
Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and Viscount Stanley in teasing Darcy. It was a
jovial group. Mr. Haggerston and the Honorable Judge Pierce soon followed
Bingley and they were brought into the room and introductions were made. At
that, Judge Pierce determined that if the bride was ready, they could begin.

Lord
and Lady Matlock, Viscount Stanley, and Georgiana would be standing as
witnesses, which left the seated party very small. Judge Pierce had determined
that having Lord Matlock and Viscount Stanley sign the wedding license and
registry as witnesses would give unquestionable proof that there was no
familial objection to the marriage on the groom’s side. Mr. Gardiner,
Elizabeth’s uncle and legal guardian, giving the bride away, would also show
family support on that side. Together, they were building a legal foundation
that would be virtually impossible to overcome, by Lady Catherine de Bourgh or
by the Bennets.

Mrs.
Madeline Gardiner, who had been introduced to Darcy’s family earlier that
morning, came into the drawing room followed by her husband and niece. Mr.
Gardiner and Elizabeth stopped at the doorway before entering.

Darcy
despised being in front of people, even close friends and family, as if he were
on display. His cousin, Richard, would not leave off tormenting him and that
distracted him until he looked up and saw his Elizabeth waiting in the doorway.
She was so beautiful that he almost forgot how to breathe. Her smile lit the
room and it grew wider as her uncle escorted her closer to him. When she
finally stood at his side, he reached for her hand, tenderly holding it in his.
Gazing down at her eyes, he noted that the stones on her necklace and earrings
paled in comparison to the light of joy that reflected within her hazel orbs.

Judge
Pierce cleared his throat to capture the attention of Darcy and Elizabeth. He
opened the Church of England Common Prayers to the point where the vows could
be read and had opened his mouth to begin, when a noise of a carriage arriving
at the front of the house intruded into the silence. Mr. Haggerston spoke.
“Your honor, if you would proceed. If this is either Lady de Bourgh or Mr.
Bennet and his attorney, we need to act with all haste.” What had been a joyful
atmosphere was now filled with tension and apprehension. This was not a
religious ceremony, so there would be no lengthy discourse on the purpose and
sanctity of marriage. It would be a stating and exchanging of vows before
witnesses. Darcy squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. His brow was furrowed and his heart
sank at the thought that the marriage to this wonderful woman might, somehow,
be delayed. Everyone, including the bride and groom, turned to the doorway when
Mr. Ramsey entered to announce the interlopers.

The
wedding party held their breaths as they waited to see who entered.  Darcy, the
Matlock’s and Georgiana could only hope it was not Lady Catherine, while
Elizabeth and the Gardiners hoped it was not her parents or Uncle Philips. With
the exception of Mr. Gardiner, they were all surprised when a well-dressed
couple about the age of the Gardiners followed the butler. Fortunately, it was
neither Lady Catherine nor Mr. Bennet. When they were announced, the gentlemen,
including Lord Matlock, bowed and the ladies curtsied.

“His
Grace, the Most Noble Christopher Robert Winters, Duke of Devondale and Her
Grace, the Most Noble Marie Victoria Winters, Duchess of Devondale.” Mr. Ramsey
announced, bowing deeply to the newest guests and to the occupants of the room.

“Please,
Mr. Darcy, pardon our interruption.” The Duke began. “My old friend, Mr. Edward
Gardiner, informed us just this past evening that this wedding would be taking
place and assured us that we would not be intruding by our presence. Your
bride, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, is very dear to us and we could not help but want
to share in her joy.” At this, he patted the hand of his wife, who had her arm
through his.

Elizabeth
looked closer at the couple and knew, without a doubt, that she had never met
the man. The woman’s appearance stirred a long buried memory. Then it came to
her. “You are Christopher’s parents?”

“We
are,” replied the Duke. They came into the room and walked up to Darcy and
Elizabeth. “Do not let our presence stop the proceedings. We shall have
introductions after the ceremony is complete.” Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner stood and
offered their seats until more chairs were delivered by the footmen. In but
moments, the Judge began.

“Dearly
beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of
those gathered in this room, to join together this man and this woman in holy
matrimony. If any man can show any just cause, why they may not lawfully be
joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.”
Silence greeted the statement. After a small pause, he continued while everyone
in attendance exhaled a sigh of relief that no outside interruptions came.

“Mr.
Fitzwilliam John Alexander Darcy, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded
wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony?
Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in
health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both
shall live?”

Darcy’s
answer was immediate and firm, “I will.”

Judge
Pierce now focused on Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth Anne Bennet, wilt thou have
this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in
the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour,
and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee
only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”