Page 66 of Roses from Pemberley
“I have done nothing, Elizabeth, but transport you in my coach.”
Elizabeth chuckled, thinking that Darcy had once again not given himself enough credit. And she realised that it was perhaps the reason why he never bothered to defend himself against Wickham’s accusations. He was not a man who impressed people with his speech, but rather a man who behaved with honour, regardless of what people thought of him. A man who was perhaps afraid of calling attention to himself - both to his good deeds and worthy traits. And now, understanding him more, Elizabeth loved him more.
“You are too good,” she murmured, touching him lightly on the sleeve.
But he only shook his head with a thoughtful mien, kissed her hand, then gestured for her to proceed inside.
Once in the private parlour that he had arranged for them, Darcy took Mrs. Bennet aside while Bingley saw to obtaining fresh horses.
“Are you well, Mrs. Bennet?” he asked, as she looked vacantly out the window and took a sip of her tea.
“Not really, Mr. Darcy,” she responded softly, “for if my husband dies, then it will be I who killed him.”
“Mamma!” said Jane, having heard the exchange from across the room.
But Darcy only gestured to her with a shake of the head, then sat down beside her. “Mrs. Bennet, pray, stop blaming yourself. For it is I who am at fault. You see, I knew what Wickham was. I grew up with him and was aware of all his baser qualities. AndIshould have said something about it sooner but I failed to do so. Yet, if I had, then Miss Lydia would never have run away with him. I was going to speak to your husband about it when we reached Hertfordshire, but alas, it is too late. So now you may blame me for this state of affairs. Not yourself.”
It was then that Elizabeth felt that she had to intervene.
“You must not say that, Mr. Darcy. For if you had spoken, it might have harmed…your own family. This is no one’s fault but Wickham’s.” She looked pointedly at Darcy, and then her mother and repeated, “The fault lies solely with Mr. Wickham.”
No one spoke for a while, though Mrs. Bennet's expression began to change. She was more thoughtful now than sad.
“So Mr. Wickham is evil,” she suddenly murmured, as if reaching some sort of epiphany. “The very worst of men.”
“I suppose you could say that,” agreed Darcy. “Or you could also call him selfish. Amoral. Lazy. Take your pick. I believe that all those words could be used to describe him.”
Mrs. Bennet finally smiled a little, and Elizabeth felt a sense of relief wash over her.
“You are right, Lizzy,” she said. “It isn’t anyone’s fault but Wickham’s.” She turned to Darcy and added, “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
Again he said nothing but only acknowledged Mrs. Bennet’s thanks with a small nod.
It was then that Bingley walked into the room and said, “I have settled about the horses and we may leave at any time.”
Elizabeth and Jane sat on either side of their mother at the long table, while Darcy and Bingley sat across from them. They quietly ate the stew and fresh bread put out before them, then began to discuss their plans for the coming evening.
“I would like to offer to host the three of you in my home,” said Darcy, addressing Elizabeth.
“But why, Mr. Darcy? We always stay at our aunt and uncle’s house when we go to London.”
“Yes, I understand but…your mother has mentioned that your uncle has four children. And though he and your aunt are probably expecting you, perhaps it would be better for your mother to stay where it is more…quiet. Also, I would like for you to meet my sister.”
Elizabeth was once again taken by Darcy’s thoughtfulness. He had done so many things that day already - taking the blame for Lydia’s elopement; arranging for all the stops between Kent and London; and even considering Mrs. Bennet’s comfort for the upcoming night. She was again ashamed that her family had put him through so much trouble. And she realised that, if she ever thought to test his love for her, today’s events would have proven it many times over.
“I shall, of course, send a message to your uncle telling him of our plans. And perhaps he might call on you before you depart for Hertfordshire. And then Richard, who will arrive there tomorrow, may also meet him.”
“I see you have thought of everything,” she murmured.
He looked worriedly at her and responded, “These are only suggestions, however, and if there is anything you wish to change, please do not hesitate to speak.”
She smiled and took a step towards him, wishing they had been alone. For at least she could have kissed his cheek, or even embraced him. But she was forced to settle with, “No, Mr. Darcy. There is nothing I wish to change. And I am relieved and appreciative that you are here and have arranged for everything. I just wish to thank you again for all your efforts. And I would most certainly wish to meet your sister.”
He smiled happily. “She wishes to meet you as well - all of you.”
Elizabeth then thought of her own sister and asked, “But what shall be done about Lydia?”
“I shall find your sister and…either try to take her away from Wickham, or barring that, attempt to make him marry her.”
