Darcy, Knight Errant (Elizabeth and Darcy True Love Multiverse)

16. Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen

Georgianna sighed as she looked down at only her brother’s letter on the platter brought in by one of the footmen. Taking the letter with thanks, she held it with a certain amount of trepidation. It had been longer than she would like since she had heard from Elizabeth and while she hoped everything was well; she feared it wasn’t. Maybe her brother would give her the information she was hoping for.

Netherfield, Meryton

Dearest sister,

I hope this letter finds you well in London. While I look forward to your arrival here in a few days, I hope you are still enjoying the music lessons that you have left before you journey here.

It might surprise you to hear that Miss Bingley has left Netherfield and returned to London with her sister and Mr. Hurst. So you will be free of her here, though I worry she may descend upon you in London. So be warned. Though it is possible that I will have angered her so much that she will completely ignore you.

You may be proud of me or ashamed of my behavior when you learn that I finally snapped and told her exactly how I felt about her cruel behavior. I also informed her I would never, under any circumstance, marry her. Needless to say, she was not happy with my declaration and has left to find a more suitable object to pursue. I can only say that I hope whoever she targets is either strong enough to resist her or enough like her to be happily married.

I have enjoyed my time here more than I thought I would, though I will admit that I have enjoyed it more since Miss Bingley left. The town of Meryton has been welcoming despite my early blunders at the assembly. I must thank you again for pointing out my need for change. I cannot believe the difference I have found in interacting with people while attempting to assume the best of them. Perhaps it is because Meryton and its residents are so distant from the concerns of high society, or maybe I have never truly observed those around me, but I am astounded by the number of people who genuinely wish to engage in conversations about enjoyable subjects, with no deference to my status.

Among all the enjoyable experiences I’ve had, the time I’ve spent with Miss Elizabeth stands out the most. If she is the sort of woman to be found at the London Ladies Society, then I may need to venture there with you. Though truly I do not believe there is anyone one like her in all of England. I have met her at one or two other social gatherings, but what I have enjoyed the most is when I stumble upon her on the trails. I can understand how you became such close friends with her so quickly. There is just something about her that draws you in. I have shared more of myself with her than perhaps anyone, save you and Richard.

Though I must admit that I am becoming more and more unsettled by her situation at Longbourn. Did you know that I have learned from the tenants of Netherfield that she has seen to their needs when the absentee landlord could not be bothered? They have also said that Miss Elizabeth is the one that manages Longbourn with the aid of the steward. Then two of the Bennet sisters are the ones who see to the tenants as the mistress should. I do not know what either of her parents do at all between all the work their daughters have taken up.

More than that, the heir to Longbourn is visiting. He is an absurd little man who, surprisingly, is our Aunt Catherine’s vicar. The words that pour forth from his face, resembling that of a conniving weasel, are a venomous blend of heresy and personal affronts to Miss Elizabeth and her sisters. He is full of his own pomposity and worship of our aunt, who he holds akin to god. He deserves a good thrashing, but sadly, I am not in the position to give it. I am simply thankful that his small brain has not put two and two together and realized that his patroness is our Aunt Catherine. I have no desire to be venerated by such a fool.

If I do not miss my guess, he wishes to marry Miss Elizabeth, and her parents are supporting his suit. Though Miss Elizabeth handles his licentious gaze with grace, I can detect her unease with the man. While I trust her to refuse his offer of marriage quite firmly, I am anxious about how her parents will respond to her refusal.

I know she is anxious to see you and introduce her sisters to you. With the extent of her excitement, I do not know who wants to see you more, Miss Elizabeth or myself. I know you will be here soon, so I will not write to you again before you arrive. I will merely say safe travels.

Your loving brother,

Fitzwilliam Darcy

Georgianna looked down at the page before her with a frown. She knew Elizabeth was a hard worker but to hear to exactly what extent was a little overwhelming. She was always so considerate of others, but Georgianna was worried that she would overextend herself. Did the people who should aid her not see what they were doing to her?

Apart from that, Georgianna was anxious about the possibility of Lizzie’s parents arranging a marriage with Mr. Bennet’s heir. William’s portrayal of the man left a foul taste in her mouth. Georgianna recognized the risks of being forced into a marriage through deceitful tactics or compromising situations. After all, Lizzie was not of age and her parents held much power over her. Just thinking of it made Georgianna shudder.

For the longest time after she became an orphan, Georgianna had wished for parents. She did not particularly care what sort of parents. She had been an infant when her mother died, and her father had little to do with her at any point in her life. Georgianna dreamed of having parents who would at least occasionally want to be with her and lovingly care for her. She had never once considered that maybe sometimes no parents were better than negligent parents.

Her last lesson with Master Rossini was supposed to be Thursday, but perhaps she could have it on Wednesday and she could leave first thing Wednesday morning. Folding up her letter from William and putting it with the others he had sent, Georgianna went in search of Mrs. Annesley. Georgianna was determined to get to Netherfield as soon as may be.

Miss Elizabeth needed support, and Georgianna was determined to give it. She would not be the sort of person who just took from others without giving in return. She only hoped she would arrive in enough time to help.

“I just wish that there was something I could do to help you, Lizzie,” cried Jane.

Elizabeth sighed from her spot by the fire in the schoolroom. As time went by, it was becoming more and more evident that Mr. Collins was planning to ask Elizabeth to marry him. No matter what she did, nothing seemed to dissuade him. It did not help that her mother was constantly assuring that Elizabeth would be the perfect bride for him.

Glancing at Jane, Elizabeth shook her head. “There is really nothing that you or even I can do. He has decided you are unsuitable, which I am very thankful for, and he is angry at Mary for calling out the heresy that he cannot see in himself. Really, all I can do is refuse him once he finally proposes and hope that will be the end of that.”

Mary asked, “Do you truly believe that will be the end of it? You know mother will not accept your refusal easily.”

Running her hand down her face, Elizabeth tried to find the words to respond. She knew her refusal would not be the end of it. Her mother would certainly not let go of the picture she had in her head of Elizabeth, her most troublesome daughter, married to the heir, saving them all from the hedgerows. She only hoped that her father would support her decision. Though lately Elizabeth had become less sure that he would.

He seemed to find so much entertainment in Mr. Collin’s poor manners and foolish ideals, and even how he pestered his daughters. Elizabeth did not know if he would do the right thing. Elizabeth’s growing fear was that the only reason he would support her was because her father might find entertainment in watching his wife and heir fret over her refusal.

Mary sat in the chair across from Elizabeth, her hands deftly moving the knitting needles as she crafted a cozy scarf for one of the tenants. Grimacing, she finally said, “I have to hope, Mary, otherwise I do not know what I might do.” Forcing herself to smile as she looked over at Jane, she said, “Enough of my problems. I saw you chatting with Mr. Bingley for some time at Lucas Lodge. How are things progressing for you?”

It was nice to see her sister’s joy in the face of her own struggles. Elizabeth sometimes needed the reminder that everything was not all bad; the happiness of her sisters was a comforting balm to her soul. Nestled in her shawl, Elizabeth curled up with her knees tucked under her chin, marveling at the sheer delight emanating from her sister.

Giggling, Jane said, “Mr. Bingley is everything that a gentleman should be. He is interested in what I think of situations and has asked my opinion on how some of his tenants might be helped through the winter. Unlike many of the men I have come across, he expects there to be more to me than just my pretty face.” Her cheeks blushing, Jane let out a sigh and confessed, “Whenever he looks at me, it’s like the world aligns itself, even if my stomach is filled with butterflies.”

Smiling wistfully, Elizabeth said, “Then all is as it should be.” Though her sisters continued chatting, Elizabeth grew introspective. She always tried to stay positive and not dwell on the difficulties in her life. In a household with four sisters, there was never a dull moment, as one of them would always have something to be happy about, even if it was something as simple as a new ribbon or as grand as love. She could also enjoy looking at the world around her. There was so much goodness in the world if one just looked for it. It existed in the breathtaking colors of a sunrise, the carefree frolicking of a spring lamb, and the uncontainable happiness on a child’s face when surprised with a treat.

Still, in moments such as these with so many things pressing in on her at once that she sometimes wished for a different lot in life. If Jane was the epitome of beauty, Mary exuded talent, and Elizabeth was the embodiment of strength. When she was younger, Elizabeth had once found solace in her intelligence. Her mother’s constant disregard for her looks made Elizabeth glad she had at least something to offer the world. It was that very intelligence that led her to recognize that there were so many things around her home that needed doing.

Seeing that no one else was stepping up, Elizabeth decided to take on the responsibility and do what needed to be done. So she worked with the steward and aided the tenants, which then expanded into helping the tenants of Netherfield when problems arose. With every season, it seemed that her responsibilities grew. She would often ask her mother and father to do tasks that were clearly their responsibility, but the outcome was always the same. They would always say something like, “But Elizabeth, you are so strong! It would be significantly more challenging for me to accomplish that task, so please just continue doing everything as you are.”

Her sisters had recently been taking over some responsibilities that she managed with the tenants and the manse, but there were many tasks that they simply could not do. So Elizabeth had a constant stream of things to keep her busy. She was not one to sit idle, so normally Elizabeth enjoyed staying busy. Though when she was low, it was difficult to watch her sister’s joy in her newfound love and not want some of it for herself.

Beneath all her strength, she was quite romantic and desperately yearned to look at a man and just know that all was right in the world. Even if that came with a stomach full of butterflies. In the deepest recess of her heart, Elizabeth wished for love, though she feared she would never find it.

Forcing her mind from the strange aching in her heart, Elizabeth tried to listen to all Jane said about her relationship with Mr. Bingley, and all they had shared with one another. Something about her tale seemed oddly reminiscent of something, but Elizabeth was too tired to put her finger on it. As they bid each other goodnight and went their separate ways, Elizabeth had a sudden realization that the discussions Jane had with Mr. Bingley bore a striking resemblance to her own interactions with Mr. Darcy.

Crawling under her covers, Elizabeth chuckled at the thought that friendship had a lot of similarities with love. She had never really thought of it before, but it seemed a couple in love would do well if they were also friends, and sharing all that was in their hearts and in their lives. She fell asleep with a smile on her lips, thinking that if she could not have love, at least she had a friend in Mr. Darcy.

Darcy sighed. He had not met Miss Elizabeth in his morning rambles as he had hoped to, but all was not lost. He had plans to visit the bookshop in Meryton that morning, and it was possible that he might meet her in town.

Even a few months ago, Darcy never would have imagined missing the company of someone the way he did with Miss Elizabeth. Their developing friendship was a previously unknown source of happiness. Something about the lady drew him like no woman ever had. Their occasional debates about literature and philosophy were invigorating, but there was something more than the intellectual connection they shared.

The realization hit him unexpectedly, he cared more about Miss Elizabeth’s well-being than any other lady, with the exception of Georgianna. Darcy was not a stranger to the gossip that seemed to be the currency of the ton it seemed every season there was talk of certain ladies being persuaded to marry against their wishes. It had never moved him. They were not ladies connected to him, and while he would not be so heavy-handed with Georgianna, he would not speak out against families who acted in what they felt was their best interests. Everything changed when he witnessed Miss Elizabeth’s distress when dealing with Mr. Collins.

Finding the need to distract himself, Darcy picked up the letter that had recently arrived from his sister. He was happy to hear from her despite her arriving two days hence. Sitting down in the nearest chair, letter in hand, Darcy loosened the seal and began to read.

Darcy House, London

Dear Brother,

Brother, I have decided that I cannot wait any longer to come and see you. Master Rossini has kindly agreed to move up my last lesson, freeing me up to arrive earlier than expected. I plan to leave as soon as it is light Thursday morning and should arrive in time for an early tea. Do not worry—Mrs. Annesley and I will travel with plenty of the burly footmen that you have hired, specifically for when I travel.

Will you forgive me if I say that I am rushing to Meryton, not for you, but for Elizabeth? I am worried for her, brother. I have only received one letter from her recently, and it was evident that something was off. They might have only been words on paper, but her normal cheerful tone was not there.

That combined with the information in your most recent letter, I am determined to be there as soon as I may. Elizabeth saved me from my melancholy, and she helped us to grow closer together, even if only indirectly. I won’t abandon her now that she confronts her own difficulties.

Despite my reasons for hastening my arrival, I look forward to seeing you soon.

Your loving sister,

Georgianna Darcy

Darcy could only chuckle as he read Georgianna’s letter. She had changed so much in the last few months. Gone was the once timid girl, and a much more resolute young lady had replaced her. Darcy found he was not at all disappointed that she was rushing to Miss Elizabeth’s side. It would make it easier for him to offer his help.

Tucking the letter away, he left his room and went in search of Bingley. Hopefully, they could leave for Meryton soon. Maybe he could persuade Bingley to expand the Netherfield library. He really should have more material on estate management to use for referencing.

In his study, Bingley sat with a cup of coffee, his eyes scanning a letter laid out before him. Seeing his friend, Bingley put the cup down and said, “Good morning, Darcy. How was your ride with Thunder?”

“The weather is growing colder, but I still enjoyed it.,” Darcy replied, taking a seat. “The sight of the Webster’s roof, fully repaired, was a relief.”

After taking another sip of coffee, Bingley grinned and said, “I am glad. The weather will turn harsh soon and they have several young children and an elderly grandfather that I would not want getting sick because of a leaky roof. Do you have any plans for the day?”

Not quite comfortable explaining his hope that he might catch a moment with Miss Elizabeth Darcy only explained, “I would like to spend some time in town. The book I ordered should have arrived at the bookshop by now, and you really should expand the very sad library here at Netherfield.”

Laughing, Bingley remarked, “You and your books, I should have known. I know it is too soon to return to Longbourn. I would not mind going to the bookshop, though I would not know the first thing about what sort of books I should have in my library. You know I was not the intellectual you were back at Cambridge.”

“What can I say? I have always loved the classics and a good debate about their content,” mused Darcy. Realizing that he should warn Bingley about his sister’s earlier arrival, he added, “I have had a letter from Georgianna, and she said that she is coming a day earlier than expected. She should be here midday tomorrow.”

“I will be happy to have your sister and Mrs. Annesley here. They will certainly be easier to get along with than my sisters.” Looking down at the letter on the desk in front of him, Bingley sighed. “My sisters are not returning, but are certainly not happy with their current situation. I have told the various people they shop with that I am no longer covering their overspending. They have written to complain that they cannot possibly find Caroline the sort of husband she deserves without purchasing a completely new wardrobe.”

“Stand firm Bingley,” advised Darcy.

Putting away the letter, Bingley commented, “I might consider paying for a wardrobe if I thought she would choose something other than that dreadful orange hue and it would actually see her married.”

Getting to his feet, Darcy dismissed the matter with a wave of his hand. “Put it out of your mind for now, Bingley,” he said, “the books are calling us.”