Page 105 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Come, Kitty. Gather your sisters, for it is time to depart,” Bennet said, intending to keep his daughters at home until Elizabeth wed her Mr. Darcy.
“They have no intention of returning to Longbourn. Nor do I. Take care of Mary. If we hear otherwise, we will not forgive it,” Kitty said, issuing the warning with far more fortitude than either of her parents ever afforded her.
“They have no intention?” Bennet saw Jane, Elizabeth, and Lydia standing with their aunt. It was when he studied their impassive expressions that he began to understand the totality of the situation.
“You have agreed that our uncle can assume guardianship privileges on behalf of Mary, Lydia, and me. All of us thank you,” Kitty said, then closed the door.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet stared out the window. Mr. Darcy’s hand rested on Elizabeth’s shoulder, and Elizabeth laced her fingers with his. Around them were Jane, Lydia, and the space Kitty had left for her to come forward, proving she was expected to return. And Mr. Bingley stood behind Jane.
Kitty, once again with them, stood between Elizabeth and Jane. Mr. Bennet’s stomach dropped when he saw Elizabeth standing as their nexus, the one they had all closed around in support.
The message could not have been better expressed, even were it spoken. Only then, in witnessing the connection between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, did he consider that neither their words nor the kiss betrayed hesitancy.
He never once thought to ask Elizabeth if her resistance stemmed from her heart being otherwise engaged. He would like to believe he would have acted differently had he known of herattachment, but, in being honest with himself, knew it for an uncertainty.
It was in this moment that Bennet learned humiliation. After saying it would all work for the best, he now understood his mistake. His arrogance was proven in his belief that it would work out only in the best way forhim.
Darcy Retires for the Night
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner occupied adjoining rooms with Miss Bennet and Elizabeth. Georgiana was giddy over Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia being at Netherfield. It would be the first night she had others in her room when she slept, and they would soon be hersisters. When Darcy entered his, he could hear their laughter through the walls.
“You know how to smile, sir?” Carpe’s knowing look made Darcy chuckle.
“For your insolence, I am certain I will fire you tomorrow and send you back to war. In seriousness, you have my thanks for your assistance at Longbourn, Captain.”
“It is good you have chosen Miss Elizabeth, sir. Colonel Fitzwilliam will be gratified to know you have found the single woman in all the realm who is worthy of being your wife and sister to Miss Darcy.”
“You must have been excellent at covert missions if my cousin sent you to watch out for me.”
“Know how to take care of myself. The Quality could use a little training in independence,” Carpe said, watching Darcy struggle to untie his cravat.
“I find I like being pampered. You mind, Carpe?” Darcy chuckled when the man pulled the end that had been tucked up, loosening the whole thing in one tug. “Convenient.”
“You will accept the care of her sisters, Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia, sir? During their goodbyes, Miss Mary told Miss Bennet a Charlotte might spend time at Longbourn with her. It was news Miss Bennet did not expect.”
“Ladies who are on the shelf can be considered burdens. I do not wonder if Miss Mary hopes to save their friend from this. I have seen Lucas Lodge, just over half the size of Longbourn. And my Elizabeth will tell you there were times during these last weeks Longbourn felt far too small.”
“I can well understand that. It is often how a lady is forced to become a companion.”
“I again thank you. Your aid to Elizabeth and her family is a debt I will see paid, once you are in a position to make your own way, Carpe. Now take yourself off to bed.”
“Glad to. I am off to dream of a land full of fairies and camellias in search of the lady I am to be bewitched by.”
“Go toward the sound of the rushing water on the other side of the darkened glade. They are always by the stream,” Darcy advised.
“Thatis the first time you have resembled my commander. Colonel Fitzwilliam will be glad to know I saw it,” Carpe said, exiting the room.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are Home at Last
When Mr. and Mrs. Bennet found Mary in the drawing room, they asked question after question with no allowance foranswers. Mary settled in a chair with a glass of sherry until the barrage was over.
“Thank you for asking how I think we might go forward,” Mary said, standing to take her mother a glass of sherry and her father two fingers of whiskey.
“Go forward?” Mrs. Bennet spoke when it was apparent her husband would not.
“Yes. Father, you shall instruct me on how to run this estate each day in Elizabeth’s stead. We must every day consider what Mother will use when she is residing wherever it is her brother places her after your death.”
“I have no objection.” Mr. Bennet said.
