A Sense of Obligation Read online

  Darcy had to control the urge to cease her teasing lips. Dionysus was also the god of ecstasy and Apollo, the god of manly beauty. Was she saying what he hoped? Oh, that he could be her Eros, her god of love. And she would be his Psyche, his very Breath of Life.

  Elizabeth was pleased with herself. She knew Darcy was not given to drunkenness, but there was no denying he had been half in his cups the night she walked into the library, and calling him Dionysus was quite fitting. And although he was intelligent, she poked fun at his singing with her, too. Apollo was also the god of music. If she were truthful, however, she would call him Adonis, the god of beauty...and desire.

  Taking a deep breath, Darcy smiled at Elizabeth and placed her hand on his arm again. “Come, Elizabeth. I believe some of your relatives are to arrive this afternoon. On that note, I must beg you excuse me from calling as I must send an express to my own relatives about our wedding.”

  Elizabeth snatched her hand from Darcy’s arm. “You had not told them before? You were ashamed of the connection!”

  Darcy vehemently shook his head and blessed Bingley at the same time. “No, I did not wish to have prying questions.”

  “They will reject me?”

  “No, but they might question my attachment. It has been rather fast, and I have never shown much interest in one lady before. I had thought to exclude them entirely, but Bingley explained it would look bad.”

  “They will think I am a fortune hunter!”

  Darcy shook his head. “No, I think they will trust my judgment, and certainly once they meet you, they will know you are not mercenary.” He smiled. “If that is not enough, we will simply tell them of the six suitors you apparently had before meeting me. Only a fool would spurn six men in hopes of a bigger catch. It will be evident you wished to marry for affection.”

  Elizabeth blushed. Darcy offered her his arm, and they walked down the main path once more. As Darcy had allowed his horse to leave, they chose to separate once the lane to Longbourn came in view.

  *****

  “Jane?” She awoke to a knock on her bedroom door.

  “Come in, Mama,” she replied.

  “Are you ill again?”

  Jane winced a bit at the shrill tone of her mother’s voice. She had drunk too much wine the night before and had trouble falling asleep after…

  “You had already gone to bed when the rest of us returned from Netherfield. You looked so angelic all night! Engaged to Mr. Bingley! And although Charlotte Lucas is engaged as well, I know Lady Lucas was jealous.”

  Jane gave a small smile. This was her mother’s way of complimenting her. She hardly ever declared her own daughters superior or how pleased she was from her own mouth; it always came by way of saying someone else found them so. It was endearing in a sad way.

  “I only had a bad headache. I am perfectly well now,” Jane said while stretching. She felt a twinge from her experiences of the night before but tried to not show it.

  “Then you must get up. Your sister has run off somewhere, but I am certain Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy mean to call soon, and your aunt and uncle will arrive in a few hours as well.”

  Jane wrinkled her brow; it was much later in the day than she had expected. She blushed as she considered what had exhausted her so much. “Mr. Bingley had to go to Town today.”

  “To Town? Whatever for?” Mrs. Bennet screeched and turned red.

  “He was required to settle some business matters.”

  “But when will he return?”

  “He had hoped within a few days…”

  “He will not return before Lizzy’s wedding?”

  Jane frowned. They had not considered that last night. “I do hope Lizzy is well,” she said with concern as she stood.

  Mrs. Bennet sighed. “Of course, she is well! She is never ill. She is to marry a man worth ten thousand pounds in two days’ time; she is perfectly well!” Mrs. Bennet was nearly commanding it to be so.

  Jane walked to her washbasin, and Mrs. Bennet gasped. “Oh! Well, no wonder you had a headache last night. It looks like your courses have come early. Well, better you than Lizzy this week,” she mumbled under her breath.

  Jane blushed again. She had not really known what to expect last night with Mr. Bingley. She supposed her mother would have spoken with her before her wedding, but now it would not be necessary. She had not bled until after she left the library. It was only a scant amount. She was surprised it continued overnight, enough for her mother to notice on her shift. At least her mother came up with a ready reason. She presumed such a thing was normal but did not know if it would last.

  “I do not think they will last long. I am feeling so anxious, and that always makes them come early and be light.” She did not quite lie; she was feeling anxious. “Poor Lizzy. She missed hers entirely last week.” Mrs. Bennet held out Jane’s gown to help her dress.

  “Lizzy’s courses are late?” Mrs. Bennet wore a satisfied smile, but Jane could not imagine why.

  “Only a few days. She was concerned over Mr. Darcy’s absence, and the wedding is so rushed.”

  Mrs. Bennet shook her head. “Well, the wedding must be rushed! Enough dawdling. I will call Sally to do your hair.” She paused at the door as though she had something more to say but simply nodded and continued on.

  Jane took the time to look at her reflection in the mirror. Did she look different now? She knew they ought to have waited. Jane was not usually so irreligious to say that a Church solemnization meant nothing, but it was not so very bad, was it? They were to be wed in a matter of days. Nor did she think there was anything wrong with the passion she felt.

  Further thought proved impossible as the maid arrived. All too soon for her taste, Jane made her way downstairs with her noisy family and awaited the arrival of her relatives. Finally, Elizabeth arrived home with a silly smile on her face.

  “Lizzy! Is that a grass stain on your gown?” Mrs. Bennet shrieked, “What in Heaven’s name did you do out there?”

  “Is there? I am sorry! I exerted myself too much and had to rest.” Elizabeth blushed, and Jane found it curious.

  “Well, upstairs! Change this minute. Surely Mr. Darcy will call soon.”

  “No, I saw him while walking. He had an urgent letter to write and cannot call until the morrow.”

  “Then I can use your help…”

  “May I rest for a bit? I did not sleep well and am over-exhausted.”

  Mrs. Bennet gave her daughter a long look before nodding. She mumbled something about demanding men under her breath, and Jane furrowed her brow. Surely Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy did not engage in…and outside! Jane added up everything she knew about Elizabeth’s engagement and the courtship thus far. Elizabeth’s opinion of Mr. Darcy seemed to change very rapidly; Jane could not say it was impossible for them to have had a liaison at Netherfield. Elizabeth would likely keep that from her, just as she intended to keep the truth from Lizzy. If her sister had been with Mr. Darcy then, why not this morning? Her cheeks burnt scarlet at her own memories.

  “Jane, help Kitty trim her bonnet!” Mrs. Bennet demanded with impatience.

  Jane had been wool-gathering too long and set to work. By the time Elizabeth returned from her short nap and a bath, Jane’s nerves were raw. She disliked having to hide anything from her dearest sister, but it was a matter she and Bingley had not discussed. She would much rather spend what little time she had left with Elizabeth, and indeed all of her sisters, in different pursuits than discussion of courtship liberties.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Oh, Sister! Can you believe it? Our Lizzy is marrying a man worth at least ten thousand a year!” Mrs. Bennet said for the twentieth time since the Gardiners arrived the day before.

  Mrs. Gardiner made some vague answer to her sister-in-law, but Elizabeth soon saw her aunt locking eyes with her. There would be an interrogation soon; she had managed to avoid it yesterday by claiming a headache after dinner.

  “Mama, let us allow my aunt and uncle to rest.
Here, I shall take the children to the nursery. I am sure you need to speak to Lizzy about the wedding,” Jane intervened, and the party broke up.

  Elizabeth wrinkled her brow. It was unusual for Jane to think of saving her from one lion by feeding her to another: their mother discussing the wedding. She wished she could speak to Jane about the ball, but Jane had slept late that morning again, and now it seemed as though Elizabeth was going to be busy with her mother the rest of the day. It was her last day at home; why was Jane not eager to spend more time with her?

  Elizabeth succeeded in stalling her conversation with Mrs. Gardiner before Bingley and Darcy could arrive. Darcy’s earlier words had greatly relieved many of her concerns. Now her anxiety rose from an entirely different quarter. Her mother was simply enthused with the match, her father was content to laugh at the absurdity of it, and Jane was dreamily happy with her own engagement, but her dear aunt would desire to investigate Elizabeth’s feelings about the marriage, or rather, her betrothed. Elizabeth hardly knew how to answer.

  Mr. Bennet made the introductions between the Gardiners, Darcy, and Bingley. Bingley was as open and amiable as ever, and Darcy seemed surprised by her London relations. The Gardiners were rather wealthy and looked to be refined people of fashion. As the Gardiners quickly proved to be the only set of relatives she had that did not give her cause to blush, Elizabeth watched Darcy engage Mr. Gardiner in a friendly dialogue about fishing. Soon Mrs. Gardiner had her share of the conversation, too. She always became animated when speaking of her years in Derbyshire. Upon mentioning that her father, Mr. Clark, had been the vicar at Kympton for several years, Darcy looked at Elizabeth with an odd expression. Does he not recall our conversation about the connection?

  “Lizzy, it seems you will see Pemberley earlier than I thought. Your uncle and I were planning to invite you on our tour to the Lake District this summer, and we intended to visit Lambton and tour Pemberley while we were there.”

  Elizabeth attempted to conceal her disappointment at missing the chance for the travels, but Darcy quickly intervened. “Please inform us when you intend to be in the area; we would enjoy hosting you. Mrs. Gardiner, I am sure you remember the delights Derbyshire has to offer, and I am certain Miss Elizabeth would enjoy seeing them, especially in the company of her dear aunt and uncle.”

  Elizabeth beamed at his consideration and felt the compliment was all for herself. She was even more astonished when he continued, “It has been many years since I visited the Lakes, but perhaps we might make up a party for a holiday there with you. We will have no time for a wedding tour due to the winter. Would you enjoy that, Miss Elizabeth?”

  “You will find, Mr. Darcy, I have a great curiosity to see the world. It would be wise for your pocketbook not to offer many tours so readily!”

  This earned a laugh from the Gardiners.

  Turning serious, Darcy looked intently into Elizabeth’s eyes and replied, “Anything to bring my lady pleasure.”

  Elizabeth blushed, but Darcy’s face took on an expression Elizabeth had begun to recognise as teasing.

  “Now, Miss Elizabeth, I know your opinion of poetry, but might I entice you, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, with the potential to meet Mr. Wordsworth or Mr. Coleridge? I have a slight acquaintance with them.”

  Mr. Gardiner replied, “Of course, we would be delighted, sir. But what is this about Lizzy’s opinion on poetry? Surely you know she enjoys it!”

  He arched his brow to foretell the coming tease. “Does she? I recall her professing a belief that poetry is very efficient at killing love.”

  Elizabeth interjected, “Only if it is a poor sonnet and a vague inclination, sir.”

  Mrs. Gardiner laughed merrily. “You do not mean to tell me you have yet to understand Elizabeth’s propensity to express opinions that are not her own!”

  Elizabeth laughed but replied, “Nay, Aunt. I am quite serious, and you would have me make my first object in life to joke. I believe everything nourishes a fine, stout love.”

  Elizabeth looked to Darcy, who seemed quite affected by her declaration. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner shared a smile, then Mrs. Gardiner shared her opinion. “What a good philosophy, dear. For through trials in life, you will find it necessary to fall in love with your spouse more than once. Be sure to always nourish what you have. It will fall to each of you to guard each other’s good qualities and tease each other into happiness in times of melancholy.”

  Darcy and Elizabeth appeared to reflect on her sage advice, but soon Mr. Gardiner interrupted, “My dear, you are leaving out what encourages affection the most.”

  “And what is that, Uncle?”

  “Why dancing, of course! Mr. Darcy, I assure you that if you dance with my niece, neither of you can stay cross for long.”

  *****

  Darcy braced himself for the conversation the men would have in Mr. Bennet’s study when they separated from the ladies. Mr. Collins was still confined to bed with his cold, and Bingley intended to explain the necessity of advancing his wedding. Bingley needed to meet with his solicitor to finish the settlement with haste. He would likely need three days in London.

  Darcy believed he should not be in the room for such a private conversation. More than that, he had truly enjoyed Mr. Gardiner’s company and doubted the gentleman would treat Darcy as cordially after he learned the truth of his engagement. But Bingley requested his presence for support; from the duty of friendship, Darcy did not excuse himself.

  The four men settled comfortably in the Longbourn library, the others enjoying Mr. Bennet’s port. Bingley cleared his throat.

  “Mr. Bennet, I need to speak with you about changing the wedding date. I will also need to depart to London after Darcy’s wedding and will be away for a few days to complete matters.”

  Mr. Bennet apparently could not resist the chance to jest. “Impatient, Mr. Bingley? Deciding to follow Mr. Darcy’s example?”

  Darcy and Bingley both momentarily squeezed their eyes shut. Bingley glanced to Darcy and received a nod from his friend.

  “Sir, last night...last night, I schemed to have a private moment with Miss Bennet. My actions...my abominable actions have necessitated that we move the wedding date forward. I already purchased the license but expect to finish the settlement on Saturday.”

  Darcy was surprised to see Mr. Bennet grow red with rage. “Mr. Bingley! I should call you out!”

  Darcy hated that his friend was receiving such harsh treatment when his own actions were far worse. Had Mr. Bennet been kinder to him out of deference to his position? Had Elizabeth said something to calm her father?

  “Mr. Bennet, I am certain this comes as a shock, but I fail to understand why you are treating Bingley worse than myself.”

  Mr. Gardiner turned his eyes on Darcy, first in surprise, then in a mixture of disappointment and understanding.

  “Mr. Darcy, the situations are entirely different,” Mr. Bennet soothed the younger man. Darcy could not understand why. He opened his mouth to argue, but Bingley interjected.

  “Darcy, he is correct. The situations are not the same, and you know it.”

  Darcy looked from Bingley to Mr. Bennet and could not comprehend why they were trying to be so kind. He did not premeditate seducing Elizabeth in any way, but his actions were the same, and he felt he should be held to the same level. Before he could try again to take the blame, Mr. Bennet dismissed him.

  “Darcy, you are not required for this discussion. I am sure you remained as a second to your friend, but I promise my brother is well capable of keeping me from losing my head.”

  Without fully apprehending why, Darcy left the study. He was walking back to the drawing room, uncertain if he should enter without the other gentlemen, when he heard Mrs. Bennet speaking to her sister-in-law.

  “Jane is worried about Lizzy’s health. She missed her courses, will hardly eat, and you should have seen the state of her nerves the last week! I tell you, Meg, that girl is with child. I knew she could not be so clever for nothi
ng. For years, his family wanted him to marry his cousin, but my Lizzy knew how to catch him.”

  “Fanny, you can not mean it! Not Elizabeth! It is impossible!”

  “Well, she was at Netherfield for nearly a week. Or maybe they were meeting clandestinely all along. He did always have his eyes on her from nearly their first meeting...”

  Darcy stumbled away from the drawing-room. Elizabeth is with child?

  Suddenly, a thousand thoughts flashed through his mind. Worries about her health and safety, memories of his mother’s frequent miscarriages and death after childbirth, mixed with images of Elizabeth heavy with child, beautiful beyond compare and walking the paths of Pemberley. Would it be a son? His heir? He hoped the lad would be livelier than he had been; with such a mother, it had to be an improvement on his own childhood. Or a daughter? With the dark curls and sparkling eyes of Elizabeth?

  He heard the Gardiner children at play above them, and Elizabeth’s laughter rang out. He knew he should regret his actions all the more, but somehow he felt everything progressed as it was meant to. If he had not lost his senses and seduced Elizabeth, would he have proposed? Would he have the good fortune to have her as the mother to his children? Or would he have realised his love for her too late?

  He could not forget that only a fortnight ago he vowed never to marry her and believed he might need to separate Bingley from Jane. A fortnight ago, he was proud, arrogant, and selfish. If he did offer for her without this over his head, he would not have been worthy of her, and she would have had every right to refuse him. He would always regret his ungentlemanly behaviour, but if those very actions led to something so miraculous as making him a better man, let alone creating a child, he might learn to forgive himself.

  He was pleased to hear Elizabeth’s laughter, too. It sounded as though she was happy with the situation. Recalling her words from the morning, where she seemed to imply no deep regard on her side, he could only hope she was happy to be having his child. Rationally, he argued she had been under the misapprehension that he disapproved of her then. Hopefully the words they shared in the last two days repaired the damage and gave her a complete sketch of his character. He was entirely unsure of her true sentiments towards him, but they would be a family. They would be happy. He would ensure it.