Mr darcys fiancee, p.1
Mr Darcy's Fiancée, page 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter One
Mr. Darcy left Elizabeth Bennet an extremely confused young woman. That night, as sleep eluded her, she continued to think of the things he has said to her, things she could not believe he had said—especially the part when he had told her that he wanted to marry her. That she found difficult to believe. It was too preposterous for words.
She had vowed never gain to lose her composure as she had that time when he had compromised her at the ball at Netherfield Park, making a fool of her in front of the whole county. A time when he had got her so bewildered she hardly knew right from wrong when his kisses had robbed her of the ability to think clearly.
Perhaps she had been too proud to consider how unqualified she was to deal with a man of the world like Fitzwilliam Darcy that she had been wide open to seduction. His improper behavior towards her both inexcusable and unforgivable. But no matter how she railed against him, telling herself that she disliked him intensely, that he was the last man in the world she could be prevailed upon to marry, she could not deny that on finding herself alone with him once again, she had wanted him to repeat the same offense he had perpetrated against her person three years ago.
In fact, she was so confused she found it difficult—if not impossible—to analyze her feelings. There was that same fierce tug to her senses in being near him as there had been when he had drawn her away from her friend Charlotte Lucas at the Netherfield ball.
For a long while after that encounter thoughts of him had persisted on intruding into her everyday life. In spite of her determination not to be similarly affected, she feared that all resolve was lost, and found herself looking forward to her visit to Pemberley and to meeting his sister.
****
Elizabeth's aunt was delighted at the prospect of visiting Pemberley, and was glad to see that her niece was being sensible at last now that the initial sock of the contents of her father's will had lessened slightly. Titling her world sideways and flinging her life into complete confusion, Mr. Bennet's dying wish was for his favorite daughter to marry the man who ruined her, for the sake of her reputation.
Mrs. Gardiner suspected that her niece's easy acceptance of the invitation to visit Pemberley and meet Miss Georgiana Darcy was because she was softening towards Mr. Darcy, despite her earlier avowal to the contrary.
Georgiana was a tall, slender young woman with a delicate personality, not unlike Darcy in features, but, unlike him, her hair was light brown. She was a young lady highly thought of and respected in the area, the only daughter of a man of considerable standing, socially and financially, and a leader in local government affairs. She was proud of the way her brother had taken over the reins when their parents had died. Everywhere he went people courted his favor. His father had taught him how to select the right ventures in which to invest his money—and success had brought him notoriety and more wealth.
Georgiana was not at all enamored over the affair between her brother and Elizabeth Bennet and had made her opinion known immediately. Granted, Elizabeth was eminently suitable to be Darcy's wife, and she had nothing against her or her family—having no knowledge of what had happened between them at the Netherfield ball three years earlier, the gossip it had created at the time not having reached her ears.
The haste and enthusiasm with which he wanted to marry Elizabeth had come as a surprise and something of a shock to her, for until then Darcy had shown no sign of wanting to settle down, despite his amours in London and the eligible daughters of marriageable age of friends and acquaintances paraded before him in the hope that one of them would catch his eye.
And now, just when she thought she had found him the right girl in Caroline Bingley—a beautiful, strong-minded young woman who was the sister of a close friend—he had casually shattered any expectations she had that the two of them would eventually marry.
And who could blame her for beginning to hope for the match, for it had been plain for everyone to see that when they were in London Caroline was strongly attracted to Darcy from the start, although it had not gone unnoticed by her keen eye that Darcy did not appear to be enthusiastic about forming a close relationship with Caroline, and did not go out of his way to seek her company. She had thought that when they visited the house her brother Charles was leasing in Hertfordshire, something might develop between them and give both families reason to hope that a marriage just might be hovering blissfully on the horizon.
"I’ve invited Miss Bennet to Pemberley next Wednesday, Georgie," Darcy told her, having returned from the stable after a long ride. He was still wearing his soiled and sweaty clothes, his black hair falling untidily over his handsome face as he strode into his sister's sitting room, where she was always to be found in the late afternoon with her companion Mrs. Annesley, either reading or industriously employed at her needlework, seated before a long window where the light was good and where she could gaze out over the well laid-out rose gardens beyond.
Closing her book and placing it on a table beside her chair, his sister looked up at him and her lips thinned, her brown eyes surveying her brother reprovingly. "But you can’t have," she said with a note of alarm. "You know very well there will be quite a gathering here on Wednesday."
"That is precisely the reason why I suggested that she come that particular day. She will be among many people and will not feel so uncomfortable. Her aunt and uncle will be accompanying her."
"But what about Miss Bingley?"
Darcy frowned with annoyance. "Miss Bingley? What about Miss Bingley?"
"William! You cannot have forgotten that she will be here for the party."
"No, I have not forgotten, but I fail to see why that should make any difference to my inviting Elizabeth Bennet." He sighed in exasperation, perfectly aware what was passing through his sister's mind. "Georgiana—please. Will you stop trying to run my life?"
"Surely I am to be allowed to express an opinion."
"Of course you are—but I have not made any commitment to Miss Bingley or given her any reason to think I am likely to, for that matter."
"Nevertheless, there is an understanding—"
"No, dear," he said sharply. "Only in your own mind."
"Is it so unreasonable of me to want to see you settled with a wife—the right wife?" his sister said with slight emphasis on the last words.
"No. It is not unreasonable."
"But Caroline is so right for you," she persisted fervently.
"No," said Darcy sharply, trying to hold on to his patience. Caroline Bingley means absolutely nothing to me. I am always polite and courteous towards her because of the close friendship that exists between me and Charles. That is all. In fact, if you want the absolute truth, I do not care for her in the slightest. You must allow me to choose my own wife—to my own satisfaction."
He was showing the same kind of stubborn resistance he’d shown ever since she was a little girl.
"The next thing you’ll be telling me is that you’ve named the day."
"It’s too soon for that. If Elizabeth does agree to become my wife, we will become betrothed immediately."
"I cannot help thinking that you will be marrying her for all the wrong reasons."
"I would not hurt you for the world, Georgiana, you know that—but this is something I must do."
“Why marry her in haste? Is there something wrong with her?"
"There is nothing wrong with her. In fact, she is extremely beautiful and quite charming. Her father's dying wish was for us to marry, and I have agreed to make that wish a reality."
"And you truly believe you can be happy in a marriage based on conditions such as these?"
"I see no reason why not. I know of marriages that have been made on rockier foundations and, given time, have turned out to the satisfaction of both parties. You must try to understand just how difficult all this is for Elizabeth. She’s had a lot to contend with, losing her father in such tragic circumstances. Please meet her—welcome her here. I know you’ll like her. No one meeting her could fail to do that."
His sister sighed, knowing by the tone of his voice and the look in his eye that he was determined to marry her regardless of anything she had to say. She looked at him, at his tall, lean figure, noticing how clear and compelling his dark eyes were as they gazed down into her own, and, as she never failed to do, she warmed to him, knowing how important it was for him to know he had her blessing and support on a matter such as this—regardless of any misgivings she might have.
As she relented, a softness entered her eyes as it never failed to do for he always succeeded in breaking through her reserve. Darcy was a man of many complexities, who went through life prepared to go along with most things providing none interfered with him. Sighing, she reached up and took his hand.
"Very well, William. You need have no worries on my account. If she is all you say she is, then how can I fail to like her?"
"She is—and more. I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty women can bestow. Elizabeth's warm, velvety-soft brown eyes would melt even the coldest stone," he said with a teasing note to his voice, bending down and placing a kiss lightly on his sister’s cheek, satisfied that she would come to terms, with no further argument, with what he intended doing.<
"Dear me," she murmured, receiving his kiss with a smile, "if you begin speaking like this then I shall believe you are already halfway to being in love with her."
"Yes—I believe I am. I have never met anyone quite like her. I am determined to marry her—and when I do, you may rest assured that it will be for all the right reasons," Darcy smiled, straightening up and gently tweaking her cheek with his finger and thumb.
****
Elizabeth was in no way disappointed when she saw Pemberley for the first time, which surprised her, for long ago, when she had made up her mind to dislike everything about Mr. Darcy, Pemberley had not been excluded.
The house nestled in a fold between the hills which protected it from wind and weather. There was something stately about the tall beeches that lined either side of the long winding drive leading to the house, their branches meeting overhead and virtually shutting out the sunlight.
Her first glimpse of the stately house, built of stone which had mellowed over the years, did not disappoint her in the least. It was a fine, long-fronted house with a columned porch and stables at the rear. Long French windows opened on to a rose-strewn balustraded terrace, overlooking well-maintained gardens and with lawns stretched out like thick velvet.
Elizabeth was impressed and thought it quite remarkable that Darcy’s grandfather had managed to make his way into the ranks of the landed gentry, buying land and building this great house.
The carriage came to a halt at the bottom of a short flight of steps and immediately, as if he had been waiting behind the door, Darcy came out of the house to meet them, his thick black hair glossy and brushed back from his face. He was immaculately dressed in a well-cut black suit. White silk stockings encased his muscular calves and a white cravat at his throat enhanced his dark good looks.
Stepping towards the carriage, he opened the door himself and reached inside, taking Elizabeth’s hand to help her alight after one of the servants had pulled down the steps. Despite the fact that she was in mourning she had taken particular care over her appearance, wanting so much to look her best when she was introduced to Miss Darcy. Her black dress was made of silk gauze and was very simple, the severity of it softened by a white lace collar at her throat.
On seeing her Darcy drew in a deep breath, his eyes glittering as they flicked over her with undisguised approval, from the tips of her pretty velvet slippers to her wealth of thick brown hair coiled expertly about her head, making her appear older and more seductively alluring.
After greeting her aunt and uncle politely, sensing Elizabeth’s nervousness Darcy took hold of her hand, feeling her fingers tremble slightly.
"You look lovely," he murmured in a gentle tone as he lifted her fingers to his lips, his gaze searching her face. "I trust you suffered no ill effects from the journey?"
"No. None. Thank you, Mr. Darcy." She smiled.
"Come and meet my sister. You can be assured of a welcome. She’s looking forward to meeting you. Some of the other guests have arrived. Try not to be nervous."
Elizabeth quivered beneath his touch, thinking he looked breathtakingly handsome. She felt the force, the vital, physical power within him, and the warm grasp of his hand reassured her and she was strengthened by it. It was comforting to know there would be a large gathering. Glancing up at him, she saw he was smiling crookedly down at her.
Darcy conducted Elizabeth and the Gardiners into a large square hall with tall doorways and marble pillars. An elegant blue-carpeted staircase rose up from the center to form a gallery. Elizabeth’s first impression of the house was one of elegance, but so intent was she on her meeting with Georgiana that she paid little attention to her surroundings.
Georgiana was happily conversing with her other guests but became silent when she saw her brother. She glanced at the lovely young woman by his side and, after making a quick assessment, a feeling of relief washed over her. She liked what she saw and smiled, moving forward to welcome her and Mrs. Gardiner, determined they would feel in no way ill at ease during their visit to Pemberley.
"Georgiana, allow me to present Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
After they had been introduced, Elizabeth smiled a little shyly at Darcy’s sister. "How do you do, Miss Darcy," she said politely, her first impression of Georgiana was of her presence. Dressed in a wonderful shade of jade green, she was much younger than Elizabeth had expected, a slim, elegant lady young lady radiating a calm and quiet disposition.
She had expected coldness and stiffness and was relieved to see there was neither—in fact, there were no reservations at all in the welcome. However, she did wonder how Georgiana had reacted when her brother had told her of his plans to marry her.
"I am well, thank you, and happy to welcome you all to Pemberley. I have heard so much about you. I am glad to meet you at last. Now you are here you must relax and enjoy yourself, but first you must meet our other guests. As you see, we have quite a large gathering. After that, seeing that dinner will be a little late this evening, owing to some crisis or other in the kitchen which I hope Cook will sort out eventually—" she laughed "—I will show you the house."
Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner were drawn forward and introduced to the other guests gathered in groups in the large pillared hall and in the adjacent drawing room, where servants flitted about balancing trays of drinks, offering them to the guests in order to make the time spent waiting for the meal to begin more pleasurable.
Immediately Mrs. Gardiner was claimed by an old acquaintance. Those unknown to Elizabeth gave her a curious glance while others said how nice it was to see her, complimenting her on how well she looked. The fact that Darcy had casually informed them of her expected arrival earlier had already caused some arched eyebrows and given rise to speculation.
With a certain amount of indolence Darcy stood back while Elizabeth was taken in hand by his sister. His eyes smiled as he observed, but his expression gave away nothing of his thoughts.
"You don’t mind, do you, William, if I take Miss Bennet away and show her the house—and perhaps take a quick look at the garden while there is still enough daylight left?"
"Of course not." He smiled. "Although I was hoping to do that myself."
"Thank you. I would like that," said Elizabeth. "But I should hate to take either of you away from your guests."
"Don’t worry about that," smiled Georgiana. "The evening is very informal. There are still one or two guests to arrive, but my brother will receive them."
Darcy raised his eyebrows, but before he could reply his sister said, "Rest assured that I shall not neglect our other guests for too long. You can stay and entertain them, William, while I get to know Miss Bennet a little better. We can gossip as we go along. No doubt the gentlemen will converse about that which is closest to their hearts after dinner. By that time I hope it will have been exhausted and you can concentrate on more pleasant topics of conversation."
"Very well, Sister," Darcy said, knowing there was no irresistible argument he could raise that would have any effect on her and allow him to show Elizabeth the house instead, "but do not deprive us of your company for too long. All the guests have not yet arrived and I am sure they will want to be introduced to Miss Bennet before dinner."
As Georgiana gave her a quick tour of the house Elizabeth took an interest in everything she saw, listening to her hostess as she chatted animatedly, clearly proud of the house her grandfather had built.
It lacked the feeling of antiquity and history that one was aware of when entering Longbourn, but Pemberley had a wonderful, refreshing elegance in its modern furnishings. The decorations added lightness to the rooms—pastel shades, striped and floral wallpapers, with long windows and mirrors reflecting the light.
Elizabeth admired the fine paintings that adorned the walls of every room, some being family portraits. She paused to examine one in particular that had pride of place on a long landing on the first floor. It was of a man in his prime, and not unlike Darcy in features.
Georgiana paused beside her when she saw Elizabeth’s interest. "That gentleman is my father—"
"Yes, I thought it might be. The resemblance to your brother is striking. What was he like, Miss Darcy? Did you know him long?"
She smiled. "Yes. He was an excellent man—of good character. He was respected by all who knew him and he worked hard all his life to achieve success, devoting all his time to his work and the affairs of the neighborhood."
