Page 8 of Desired By Mr Darcy
As he turned and began his walk back to Netherfield, he felt the weight of her gaze follow him. The distance grew with every step, but the imprint of her voice, her smile, and the spark in her eyes remained. The path ahead seemed colder, darker, without her by his side. Yet, beneath his melancholy, a steady flame of hope burned bright.
A few days, and she would be in London. And soon, she would be his.
Chapter Three
Elizabeth
Fitzwilliam’s departure to London had brought upon her a deep sense of melancholy. It was a strange thing, for she knew she would be seeing him in just a few days. She felt his absence keenly, as though her very soul could somehow sense that he was no longer nearby.
Mr Bingley had gone with him, and Jane was in a similarly poor temper – though, truthfully, nobody could tell the difference.
“Girls, will you cheer up?” Mrs Bennet lamented. “Look at the pair of you, draped over the settee as though they have gone to war! They are only in London, and we shall join them shortly! Really, my nerves cannot take such heartbreak over nothing! Did you quarrel before they left? Is this why you are so downtrodden?”
“No, Mama,” Jane said softly. “And I am fine.”
“Hmm. Well, you, Lizzy, are certainly in a foul mood. Now, while I have you both here, there are matters we must discuss.”
“I have told you already, Mama, I do not care about the flowers,” Lizzy said with exasperation. “Or my dress, or how much ham we require.”
“This is not about the wedding,” Mrs Bennet replied, her tone unusually grave. “Rather, it concerns the wedding night.”
Lizzy and Jane exchanged startled glances, both sitting up straighter.
“The wedding night?” Lizzy echoed, uncertain if she should be alarmed or amused.
“It is my duty to tell you,” Mrs Bennet said, her voice dripping with self-importance, “but you must know I do so out of concern – though, not for you, Jane, dear.”
Lizzy blinked in disbelief. She had spent weeks enduring her mother’s endless demands and unnecessary dramatics. Modiste appointments, social calls, and even those dreadfully boring walks had all been tolerated with good grace. What had she done to deserve this sudden scrutiny when Jane had been granted complete freedom?
“What concerns?” Lizzy asked, her tone edged with frustration. “I have done nothing wrong!”
Mrs Bennet fixed her with a knowing look.
“Have you truly wondered why I chaperone you so much more closely than I do Jane? You are a passionate creature, Lizzy, and men take advantage of such passion. It has been my solemn duty to ensure nothing untoward happened. We cannot risk even a hint of ruin - not again!”
“Ruin?!” Lizzy exclaimed, her cheeks flaming. “Mama, what are you talking about?”
Mrs Bennet waved her hands dramatically.
“The way you and Mr Darcy look at each other! It’s as though the rest of us are intruding on some... some private world! That stare he fixes you with, I cannot understand it. I must warn younow so that you conduct yourself as a proper wife and not some harlot!”
Jane gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she stared at their mother with widened eyes. Lizzy was not shocked; she was furious.
“Harlot?!” Lizzy shot to her feet, her face burning with indignation. Mama, how dare you!”
“I do not mean it as an insult!” Mrs Bennet cried, flustered. “But men like Mr Darcy are particular, and there must be no suggestion - none - that you have ever enjoyed a man’s attention before!”
Lizzy opened her mouth to retort, but Jane cut in, rising from her seat.
“Mama, how can you say such a thing?” she protested, her usually calm voice trembling with anger.
“Oh, sit down, girls, sit down,” Mrs Bennet huffed, gesturing them back into their seats. “I am merely trying to save you from trouble. Now, listen. I must tell you what is expected of you as far as your marital obligations. You must do as I say and no more, and you must pretend to like it.”
“Pretend?” Lizzy asked with a furrowed brow. “Are you suggesting we must simply behave as though we like our husbands, but merely endure?”
“No, no, of course not!” Mrs Bennet replied, pacing now. “But you must understand that a passionate nature can complicate what must be done. And what must be done, my dears, is the business of sons - plenty of them!”
Lizzy and Jane exchanged looks of utter horror.
