57. Chapter 52

Ch 52

A week later, Mr. Bennet handed his wife up into his coach. Turning to his brother he said, "Are you certain you wish to keep Lydia with you?" Do you truly have any idea of what you are asking for? She was quite petulant the last time I spoke with her.

"My wife is insistent that it will be best for everyone this way," Gardiner nodded emphatically.

"I am afraid my youngest has been quite put out by all the talk of weddings. She simply cannot accept that she will not be permitted to stand up with her sisters. But even her mother agrees with me in that point. I hate for you to bear the consequences of our decision though." Mr. Bennet glanced up at the window he knew to be Lydia's.

"Have you forgotten that I grew up with Edith and Melissa?" Mr. Gardiner cocked his head. "I am certain that Lydia has not yet matched her aunts' ability to be disagreeable."

Mr. Bennet laughed. "You have convinced me, Edward. I am in your debt."

"Do not fear. In a few years I may be sending Silas to you for a dose of country living to tame his restless nature. Then we can discuss who is in debt to whom!" He laughed good naturedly and slapped Mr. Bennet's shoulder. "Have a pleasant journey. No doubt we will see you soon."

Nodding, Mr. Bennet climbed up into the carriage. Moments later they were following Darcy's coach back to Herdfordshire. By midafternoon the carriages passed Longbourn on their way to Netherfield Park.

"See there, my dear?" Mr. Bennet tapped the side glass softly. "You can see the windows have been repaired and no trace of soot remains."

Timidly Fanny peeked through the glass to catch a glimpse of her home. "You are right. From here one cannot tell anything has happened," she sighed in relief. "Perhaps the inside is restored as well?"

"I shall have to speak with Lizzy when we arrive. In her last letter she sounded very hopeful that we would soon be able to return. Of course you will have the delight of choosing new wall coverings and fabrics, but I hope we will have moved back into our home in the meantime." Mr. Bennet leaned back in his seat. I am grateful to have been able to leave the task in Lizzy's capable hands. She and Darcy have done a remarkably good job overseeing things in my absence. I know she gained respect for him watching how he manages his affairs. I am certain she earned his respect as well. It is well enough for her to fancy herself in love, but without respect I fear she would never be truly happy.

"I should like to go there as soon as possible to see what needs to be selected," Mrs. Bennet remarked with a determined smile.

"Would tomorrow morning be soon enough for you?" I am proud of you Fanny. I know you are trying very hard to be brave.

"I think that will do very well. It would be rude to Mr. Bingley and his sister for us to leave as soon as we arrive. He has been very kind to us all and I should not like to give him less than his due." She leaned against her husband's shoulder.

"You are quite correct, my dear." He squeezed her hand tenderly. Several minutes later, the carriages rolled to a stop at the doors of Netherfield Park. Before the passengers could disembark, they were met by five excited young ladies.

"Mama!" Jane exclaimed as her mother's feet touched the ground. "We are so glad you are come home."

"My dearest girls!" she exclaimed, quickly embracing Jane. "How well you all look! Kitty, I can tell you have been busy sewing for you all look like London fashion plates! I am all astonishment that you have been able to keep up with the newest styles!" She fingered the lace and ribbon on Kitty's sleeve. "I have missed you all so very much!"

"Mama, this is Miss Bingley," Kitty said, pulling Louisa forward gently. "She is our hostess here at Netherfield."

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, madam," Louisa curtsied politely.

"Likewise, I am sure," Fanny returned the gesture. "You are so very kind to invite us all to stay with you. I cannot say enough about your kindness."

Louisa blushed. Mary caught her hand and declared, "The Bingleys have proven themselves to be the dearest of friends and the best of neighbors."

"Shall we go inside?" Bingley appeared just over Louisa's shoulder. "Mrs. Lance is sure to have tea ready for us. A plate of her shortbread sounds just the thing after our journey."

The group made their way inside. Lizzy hung back until only she, Darcy and her father remained outside. "You look so well, Papa. Where is your cane?" She beamed. "Have you given it up entirely now?"

"Indeed, I have. Your uncle's physician pronounced me sound. I must say it was not a moment too soon either," he chuckled. "Somehow, that confounded thing kept finding its way into young Silas' hands!" Perhaps we will end up repaying them by keeping that boy for a time. He has a good heart, but he is as wild as an unbroken colt.

Lizzy gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. "Oh no! I can only imagine the damage he must have wrought with such a weapon in his hands."

Mr. Bennet smiled wryly. "At last count, I believe your aunt lost two plates and a vase."

"Let us not forget the countless bruised shins and the goose egg on Mr. Gardiner's forehead that resulted in a lengthy interview between father and son in his study," Darcy added with a stern look.

"Ah yes. I admit, at that moment, I counted my blessings at having only daughters in my home!" Mr. Bennet laughed heartily.

"Oh Papa!" Father and daughter embraced. "I am pleased to tell you so much progress has been made at Longbourn." She glanced up at Darcy. "Mr. Darcy's carpenter is quite skilled. Mama shall be pleased. I believe we will be able to return to Longbourn as soon as next week."

"That is welcome news indeed." Mr. Bennet's eyes wandered toward the door. "Your mother will be very pleased to hear it. Before I share that with her, why do you not seek Mr. Darcy's opinion on the matter? With your sisters here I believe you mother can spare you two for a little while you go inspect the repairs. It would not do to get her hopes up unnecessarily."

Lizzy scowled. Why would he suggest that I… Suddenly she noticed the twinkle in her father's eyes. Her features softened into a smile as she raised her eyebrow at Darcy. Dear Papa!

"I would like to examine Lewis' progress myself," Darcy agreed, the corners of his lips lifting.

"Very well, get along then." Mr. Bennet disappeared into the house.

"I fear my father can be unsubtle at times." Lizzy smiled, blushing. And very, very thoughtful.

"I can think of far worse flaws in a man." He stared into her eyes. The couple stood gazing at one another for a long moment. Finally he caught her hands and stepped close. "I know it was but a week's absence, but I sorely missed you." He kissed her hands. "I felt as though part of me was absent the whole time I was gone."

"And I you. It seemed so strange going to Longbourn each day without you. I have grown accustomed to your presence." She drank in his woodsy scent, relishing it.

With a sigh he pulled her a little closer and pressed his lips to her forehead. "I feel almost as though I have come home." He rested his cheek on the top of her head. "I never thought I would say that about a place other than Pemberley. But perhaps home is not so much a place anymore as it is the woman who holds my heart."

Her head on his chest, she listened to the reassuring beat of his heart. Finally they moved apart. He placed her hand in the crook of his arm and they began to walk.

"Your visit to London went well I presume?" Lizzy asked.

"Apart from being away from you, it was quite satisfactory." He squeezed her hand. "All of us were able to conduct the necessary business…"

"Do not think I will be satisfied by so vague an answer, Mr. Darcy. You know full well…"

"Indeed I do, my dear Elizabeth," he laughed. "I can hear your mother declaring, 'dear Elizabeth', how well that sounds!'"

"As can I, my dear Mr. Darcy." Her eyes twinkled teasingly. He scowled and she quickly relented, "Fitzwilliam." He threw back his head and laughed. "You have a very pleasing laugh, sir. Mr. Bradley has confided in me that he enjoys the sound of it as well. He says you do not use it often enough."

"I suppose not." Darcy looked at the ground and kicked a rock off the path. "Once she recovered from the shock of my news, Georgiana told me she has never heard me laugh so much. I believe that, more than anything, has sealed her approval of you. She gave me a letter for you. She wishes to know this mysterious woman who has made her stern elder brother laugh."

"I shall look forward to corresponding with her." Lizzy laid her head against his shoulder. "So, what of your aunt and uncle? I cannot suppose they were as easy with your news as your sister."

Darcy sighed. "No, they were not. But I feared worse. You would have enjoyed watching my cousin face his parents' inquiry. He was stalwart, resolute and let it be known that nothing would dissuade him from your sister. He proved himself worthy of her. Uncle Matlock fumed and blustered and, for the first time in his life, Richard was undisturbed by it. It seemed as though your sister's serenity overtook him and nothing his father could say touched him." A wry smile lit his features. "That above all else won Lady Matlock. She will see to it that, even if the earl is not reconciled to the match, he will not interfere."

Lizzy nodded thoughtfully. She slipped her hand from his arm to retrieve a sprig of honeysuckle and handed him several blossoms. "I believe we are coming near to the end of these blooms."

"I have no fear for I know you have this," he breathed in the fragrance deeply, "preserved for the time you will return to Pemberley with me."

"I do not imagine your aunt and uncle were pleased with you either." She bit her lip as she looked away.

"Dearest," he stopped to pull her close, "it matters not to me. But you should know that, as with Georgiana, my aunt wishes me to be happy and laugh. After hearing me do so several times in the same visit, she found herself more pleased with you than either of us might have expected."

"Truly?" She looked up into his eyes.

"Yes. I believe, when all is said and done, you will find a true friend in Lady Matlock." He cupped her cheek. "I cannot promise the same of my Aunt Catherine."

Lizzy rolled her eyes. "I believe I can safely say I have little desire for her approval."

"She always believed that I would marry her daughter, Anne. She has long had her eyes on Pemberley, wishing to unite our two estates." They began to walk again. "Anne had little inclination to marry. She would have followed her mother's wishes, but neither of us wished for the match."

They walked on in silence for a few moments. "How did you find my mother?" Lizzy pressed her lips, holding her breath.

"Mr. Pierce was of great assistance. On our way to London he told us of your mother's delicacy and suggested how we might best assist her. I must admit it was difficult for me to comprehend. You might find it interesting that it was my cousin who most clearly understood her. With his experiences on the continent, I believe he has developed a compassion for all who have been traumatized in some way. I believe he is well on his way to becoming your mother's favorite son."

"And you?" She squeezed his arm.

"I am not nearly as lively a companion as the others. But she approves of Pemberley, so I believe she approves of me as well." They laughed together. "Do not fear, when I consider the family connections I am bringing to you, I can hardly find fault with your mother!" Moments later they were at the doors of Longbourn.

Mrs. Hill greeted them warmly and took them in to see Lewis' work. "The Mistress will be most pleased if I do say so myself," the housekeeper declared excitedly. "I am certain she will want to replace the curtains with new, but I was able to find some old ones in the attic to cover the windows for now. They have been washed and aired and will be quite satisfactory for the time being. And that carpet we had to remove, I found several small ones in the attic and Mrs. Clay who is very clever with such things, pieced them together for me. Again I know the Mistress will want to replace it, but it will serve for now."

Lizzy smiled at Hill's exuberance. "You have done a marvelous job. I know Mama will be pleased. Perhaps she will feel strong enough to visit tomorrow."

"Begging you pardon, Miss Elizabeth, I hope I have not overstepped myself, but I have also taken the liberty to begin planning menus for a wedding breakfast, just in case it might be necessary. I hoped that might ease the Mistress' nerves, if, of course, such a thing were necessary." Hill's right eye twitched in something very much like a wink.

"That was very good of you, Hill. I believe you are correct, my mother will appreciate knowing so much of the work is done, should it become necessary."

"Very good, madam." Hill curtsied and allowed Darcy and Elizabeth to continue their inspection. A quarter of an hour later, they left Longbourn to return to Netherfield.

"So what is your expert opinion, good sir?" Lizzy teased.

Darcy bowed seriously. "I profess no expertise, madam, but I agree with your assessment. Longbourn is ready for your return."

"Are you always so agreeable, sir?"

"No and I would counsel you not to expect me to be so." He scowled but struggled to maintain a straight face. Finally his glare dissolved into mirth. "I cannot feign such severity with you."

"I have no complaint with that!" She grinned, but became more serious quickly. "I hope I shall never give you cause to be severe with me."

His eyes became serious. "I am afraid that our temperaments insure there will be time where our discussions may become animated. But if we do not let the sun set on our anger, I think it will be well with us." He allowed himself to become lost in her eyes. "Tell me, dearest Lizzy, now that Longbourn is well on its way to being made right, when can we be married?"

"Are you impatient Mr. Darcy?"

"You need to ask?" They laughed again. "How dearly I love to laugh with you. How soon can we begin our life together?"

"I must, of course, consult with my mother…" He groaned to her amusement. "And we must take into consideration all the other weddings taking place in so short a span of time."

"Other weddings?"

"Have you not heard, my friend, Miss Charlotte Lucas is to marry our cousin Mr. Jacobson in just three weeks' time. Their banns were read for the first time this week."

"I had not heard." Darcy pursed his lips. I wonder how she would feel about Gretna Green?

"And there is much to be prepared you see. The wedding breakfast, the dress, trips to the modiste…" Lizzy struggled to hide her grin.

He groaned again, shaking his head vigorously. He huffed out a deep breath. "Have you any idea…"

She began to laugh heartily. "I should not tease you so! You must forgive me. My mother would scold me so severely."

His shoulders sagged with relief. "I suppose with time I shall become better at discerning when you are teasing me and when you are serious."

"Then I shall have to become more adept at keeping you wondering, Mr. Darcy, for what would be the fun in teasing you then?" She stopped and looked up into his face, her eyes twinkling.

Entranced, he reached to cup her cheek. Stroking it with his thumb, he murmured, "I would in no way suspend any pleasure of yours." He leaned down to lightly press his lips to hers. "So I ask you again, when?"

It took a moment for her to begin breathing once again. When she finally opened her eyes, she could not look away from his. "We talked about it while you were gone. We would like to allow Mary and Mr. Pierce to marry first. She has asked Mr. Bradley to do the service. He is likely to return to Derbyshire when you do, so to save him the travel it seemed best…"

"Of course," Darcy whispered, nodding. "That is what I would wish for him as well. I am content to wait for that."

"After that, Jane and I thought…" she bit her lip fetchingly, "since you and your cousin are so close, perhaps you might not mind sharing a wedding day? Would a double wedding be agreeable to you?"

A huge smile lit his face. "Most agreeable, madam. I am certain I can speak for Richard as well."

"I am glad of your approval, sir. In that case, we thought that perhaps six weeks would be long enough to accomplish all that is necessary, especially in light of Mrs. Hill's forethought. Do you find that acceptable? Or is that too soon? We could wait if you wish, three months? Perhaps six?"

"I would marry you this very day! I have a special license and I know Mr. Bradley would be most willing to accommodate such a request. However, I understand that such haste might, in the end, deprive you of what you most certainly deserve. I believe I can extend my patience for six weeks."

"Mr. Bingley will have months to wait, so do not bemoan your fate too loudly in his hearing." She pressed her face into his hand.

"My fate is most enviable, Miss Elizabeth. I know not of what you speak." He leaned down to kiss her again.