His Uncle's Favorite (64 page)

Mr. Bennet amused himself a little longer; then he took up pen and paper and wrote with a contentment he had rarely felt.

Dear Sir,

I apologise for my late reply, but we have been busy with the latest preparations for the wedding. As I am certain you know, Elizabeth will be the wife of Mr. Darcy. Console Lady Catherine as well as you can. But, if I were you, I would stand by the nephew. He has more to give.

Yours, &c.

***

Each day since they returned from London, Elizabeth and Darcy took long strolls on the paths around Longbourn. They reserved this time only for each other, a time for sharing and bonding, a time meant to prepare themselves for a lifetime together.

The content of their exchanged letters—their love and souls put on paper—was examined. Every moment spent together brought them closer to a complete understanding of each other, and two days before the wedding, there was nothing in their past together that remained hidden. Even the most painful disclosures—such as the malicious gossip Elizabeth overheard from Lady Sinclair at the ball in January—became easier to bear, and each confession taught them how to better comfort the other, how to dissipate the sadness from the other’s face, and how to bring joy into each other’s hearts.

“These days have been quite trying for you,” Elizabeth said, laughing and holding his arm tightly as they walked towards Oakham Mount. “Last evening, you seemed desperate to escape from Mrs. Philips’s attention.”

“I hope I was not rude. I confess I simply do not know how to reply when Mrs. Philips speaks openly of my ‘exceedingly handsome posture.’ I believe she told me at least ten times in the last week how much I was admired when I first came to Hertfordshire and that I would surely be a ‘perfect husband.’”

“Well, as Lady Brightmore wisely said, all women envy me for marrying you.”

“Hardly… Anyone who knows me can testify that I am far from perfect.”

“I know you are not perfect, but I do know you are perfect for me,” she replied in earnest.

“I hope that is so, as you will have to bear me quite a lot; there will be a whole month with no better company than mine, so you should enjoy the large party while you can as you will surely miss it.”

“I am sure you will be excellent company.” She laughed again. “But I confess that I will miss Meryton and those four and twenty families at whom you once laughed. I feel the need of looking at every spot one more time to fix it in my mind.”

“That was unkind, Miss Bennet! I remember the discussion clearly, and I did not laugh at the four and twenty families—” He stopped and turned her to him, looking into her eyes, and suddenly changed his tone. “I imagine you will miss your home, but you must know that we shall return any time you wish. And your family will visit us at Pemberley in a month. I do not like to see you sad.”

“Yes, I know. I thank you for worrying about me, but I am not sad—not at all.” He embraced her, and she laid her head against his chest.

“What would you say to a last, long ride—from Longbourn to Netherfield and back? We can return before the others arrive.”

Elizabeth nodded without hesitation, a bright sparkle in her eyes. He called Thunder—who walked calmly behind them—and they both mounted.

This time she was neither frightened nor embarrassed; she cuddled in Darcy’s arms, adjusting her body to fit the saddle, her hands holding his tightly. He held her forcibly close to him while he commanded the stallion; Thunder started at a slow pace that gradually increased to a full gallop.

Elizabeth knew the surroundings well; every path, every tree, and every prospect moved past at a dizzying speed. Up on Thunder’s back, tightly clenched in Darcy’s arms and the wind blowing gently through her hair, Elizabeth took her farewell of beloved places with tearful eyes, her heart torn by bittersweet feelings.

They rode in silence for some time until they noticed two carriages below in the valley, heading towards Netherfield. The guests had arrived; it was time to return home.

As Thunder slowed his pace and entered a protected grove of trees, Darcy turned her head to face him. She immediately understood his gaze and felt nervous anticipation as he claimed her lips, first gently then more daringly. She allowed his passion to overwhelm her; his demanding mouth and hands firmly caressed every part he could reach—back, neck, shoulders, hips, thighs—with increased possessiveness, and she thought of nothing but the sensations that caused her to tremble. Her mind briefly warned her that someone could see them, but she dismissed it immediately. She cared little for such thoughts since she had surrendered her heart and body to him.

“I have always enjoyed riding, but never as much as in the last weeks,” he whispered as he tried to breathe; she laughed.

“I am not quite sure that this can be called
riding
,” she said, breathlessly. “And I am certain poor Thunder is not at all fond of having to carry such a heavy burden. He will be delighted once I learn to ride on my own.”

“Well, Thunder may have to wait a little longer. I am seriously considering a delay of our riding lessons for the time being,” he said as his lips enjoyed the soft skin of her neck. “Things are quite perfect as they are; I do not think there is a need for you to learn to ride anytime soon,” he mumbled then claimed her lips once more while his hand tightened its grip on her thigh.

She briefly wondered how far away Longbourn was and whether anyone could see them. One of her hands found support on his thigh, and he moaned; then his fingers brushed down from her neck to the edge of her gown and rested on the spot where her heart was beating wildly. She could feel his tongue tantalising her lips, which parted with a smile, and his teeth gently bit her lower lip. She laughed against his mouth, whispering:

“I believe you are right; I see no reason to learn horseback riding for the present…”

When Thunder neighed forcefully, both laughed as though the horse had responded to their teasing. However, the stallion neighed again and became slightly nervous, so Darcy finally separated from Elizabeth and looked around: a carriage had stopped in the middle of the road in front of them. At the window, Mr. and Mrs. Collins were staring at them, one with laughing eyes, amusement evident on her face, the other speechless and unable to breathe from the severest shock of his life.

After a moment of discomfiture, Darcy was the first to recover. He moved the horse closer, then dismounted and helped Elizabeth down.

“Mrs. Collins, Mr. Collins, what a surprise,” Darcy said with perfect solemnity. “I was just teaching Miss Bennet how to ride; she will need this skill once we are at Pemberley.”

Barely able to maintain her countenance, Charlotte embraced Elizabeth with great affection. “I am sure Lizzy will be a dedicated student in everything regarding her future position as Mrs. Darcy; she has always been an adept student.”

Elizabeth blushed even more as Darcy coughed forcibly to cover his amusement. He had always liked the former Miss Lucas.

“Oh, let me look at you, my dearest Charlotte,” Elizabeth said, admiring her friend whose aspect spoke of her happiness at being with child. “You are so beautiful!”

“I am very happy, Lizzy,” Charlotte said with her usual calmness as they walked together, arm in arm, followed by the gentlemen. “And I am happy to see you so happy.”

Elizabeth blushed again. “Your presence will only add to my happiness. You arrived just in time. Do you know Jane and I will marry the day after tomorrow?”

“Yes, I know. The subject has been discussed at great length at Rosings for the past several days. Lady Catherine disapproves any connection with the event, and Mr. Collins would never do anything to disobey her ladyship’s commands. It is only a fortunate coincidence that my mother has not been feeling well, and I wished to see her before my condition prohibits my travelling.” Charlotte smiled meaningfully.

“Indeed a fortunate coincidence, my dearest Charlotte…”

Behind the ladies, a different conversation was carried out on the same subject. While Mr. Collins attempted to find a proper way to compliment Mr. Darcy without upsetting Lady Catherine, the former interrupted him decidedly.

“Mr. Collins, I confess I am upset with you, and only consideration for the friendship of Miss Elizabeth and Mrs. Collins prevents my calling you out.”

Mr. Collins stared at him wide-eyed, incredulous at such a statement; he repeatedly worked at dispelling the lump in his throat.

“Mr. Darcy, you must believe that I do not know why—”

“You have given Lady Catherine vicious descriptions of Elizabeth that malign her reputation. You described her as a wanton, wild woman, and you declared that you refused to marry her when we both are aware of the truth. You cannot possibly imagine that I would overlook such offences!”

“Mr. Darcy, I assure you, sir, that—”

“Are you attempting to deny it, sir? Do you suggest that Lady Catherine has deceived me? If so, I will go and confront her directly!”

“No, no, I beg you to listen to me… Lady Catherine would never do anything wrong… I am sure it is all a great misunderstanding… I would never—”

“Mr. Collins, be man enough to admit your error; that is the least you can do! Are hypocrisy and lies accepted by the church? For heaven’s sake, you soon will be blessed with children, and you must set a good example for them. You must try to be worthy of your wife and your child, Mr. Collins, for I strongly believe at this moment you are not!”

Mr. Collins, his face pale, stepped hesitantly, his shoulders slumped in a submissive posture. Longbourn soon appeared, and the ladies stopped to wait for them, so Darcy finally took pity on his companion.

“You should take care of your family, Mr. Collins; it is surely more important than attempting to please Lady Catherine all the time. I hope I have no reason to be upset with you next time we meet!”

“Sir, I assure you—”

“Good day, Mr. Collins. Mrs. Collins, as always, it is a pleasure to see you.” Darcy bowed to Charlotte with warm politeness.

As the Collinses’ carriage departed for Meryton, Elizabeth and Darcy entered the Longbourn yard, her laugher mixed with distress while she remembered what occurred.

“I cannot believe that, of all the people in the world, Mr. Collins should happen upon us in such a scandalous situation. I can only imagine what he will tell Lady Catherine!”

“You have no reason to worry, I assure you. I am quite certain that Mr. Collins will have nothing to say to Lady Catherine.”

“How can you be so certain? He is such a gossip and—”

“Elizabeth, trust me; you have no reason to worry. But enough of Collins now—we have only a few more minutes to spend in silence before we are invaded by my entire family.”

“That was rude.” She laughed. “I cannot wait to see Georgiana and Lady Selina. Oh—and I hope Lord Matlock comes, too; Papa looks forward to seeing him again.”

They entered the house, and Mr. Bennet inspected them curiously, his right eyebrow rising in wonder. “You have been away quite some time,” he said sternly.

“You will not believe what happened. “We met Charlotte and Mr. Collins; they just this moment arrived from Kent. Is that not a pleasant surprise?”

“Oh, who cares about Mr. and Mrs. Collins,” Mrs. Bennet interrupted. “You should go upstairs and prepare for dinner, Lizzy; it will soon be time to leave for Netherfield. And, for heaven’s sake, child, why do you keep Mr. Darcy outside so long? Surely, he is not accustomed to staying out in the sun for hours! I hope you will excuse her, Mr. Darcy; she means well, I assure you, but she has this strange habit of walking out. I am not sure where she got it from; no one else in our family does such a thing!”

“I thank you for your concern, ma’am, but please believe me that I find Elizabeth’s passion for walking quite enchanting,” Darcy said with perfect politeness, bowing to Mrs. Bennet, who blushed with pleasure as she considered how fortunate Elizabeth was to find a man with not only peculiar tastes but also ten thousand a year.

Later that day, the Bennet family reached Netherfield hours before dinner. Introductions were made, and Elizabeth—as well as Mr. Bennet—was pleased to see that Lord Matlock had decided to attend.

Mrs. Bennet was completely charmed by not only Lord Matlock’s handsome appearance and amiable manners, but also the colonel’s lively presence, Lady Selina’s remarkable beauty and kindness, and Miss Darcy’s impeccable manners and soft voice. While all the others took their places at the dinner table, Mrs. Bennet silently looked up to the sky and thanked the Lord that Elizabeth did not agree to marry Mr. Collins last November. For the first time, Mrs. Bennet admitted that there was no other girl as smart as Lizzy. It seemed that all her reading was eventually useful. Now if she could only manage to keep her tongue under control and be obedient to Mr. Darcy’s wishes. Yes, she would have to speak to Elizabeth the very next day specifically about her duties.

Mr. Bingley considered there had never been such a pleasant, joyful dinner at Netherfield since he had leased it. To host all the people he loved and admired in his house, to have Jane shining at his side, and to make the final arrangements for his wedding—he still could not believe it was truly happening.