1,137A/N: There is a tiny poll on my profile should you feel inclined to let me know if your reading preference leans more towards P&P or Twilight. Thanks!
: :
A Wicked, White Cravat
by Anton M.
Chapter 15: Common Recovery
: :
Darcy set the wheels in motion for finding an extra employee on the same evening, and his rush paid off. By Thursday afternoon, Elizabeth and Georgiana had interviewed seven candidates. They chose a severe-looking widow, a Mrs. Letitia Kendall, whose interest and experience in hosting revealed her soft, motherly side.
She lived nearby and, having lost his son to cholera and husband to the war, missed the liveliness of a social family. Georgiana felt for her loss (although years ago), and Elizabeth found her motherly advice-giving and stern (but kind) guidance suitable for Georgiana. It felt like a perfect match for the new sisters.
Jane's wedding brought the Darcys back to Hertfordshire. Although they stayed at Netherfield, they spent most of their time in Longbourn. Elizabeth's reunion with her family was filled with exclamations of her beautiful gowns, endless chatter and her father's quiet affection for his favourite daughter. She listened to her sisters' tales of the follies of the local sons and daughters while enjoying Darcy's steady presence next to her.
She delighted in no longer having to be chaperoned, and Darcy shared the sentiment for they were caught stealing kisses more than once by both of her parents. Mr. Bennet smiled, shaking his head and closing the door to his library, content to know that his daughter had made a most equal match. Mrs. Bennet, when walking to one of the back corridors that lead to the servants' quarters, screamed loud enough for all servants to run to her.
Darcy, red-faced, let go of Elizabeth's neck but pulled her close, and they both smiled at Mrs. Bennet, who was holding her hand to her chest, speechless.
"Heirs do not appear out of thin air, Mrs. Bennet," Darcy said, and even Elizabeth was amazed by the comment before she realised that she and her husband had spent more than a month in each other's presence. He had been surrounded by her impertinence perhaps a little bit too much.
Mrs. Bennet blinked in disbelief that such a comment could have been made by the severe Mr. Darcy. She promptly forgot why she was going to the kitchen, turned around and rushed back to the drawing room. The servants, upon seeing the couple and lacking the sensibilities of the gentle-folk, were disappointed that a married couple kissing could have caused such a fuss. When the servants had returned to the kitchen, Darcy turned to face his wife and rested his forehead against hers.
"Please forgive me for stealing you away from your family."
Elizabeth touched his hair, searching his eyes and enjoying his eagerness very much indeed. Her eyes were twinkling, and no sooner had she leaned away from her husband against the wall than Darcy cupped her neck and brushed his lips against hers.
It was most agreeable to be married to a woman such as Elizabeth.
The wedding of Jane and Bingley was a more elaborate affair than Elizabeth's wedding to Darcy, and Elizabeth was convinced that no woman had ever looked as beautiful as her sister in her white gown. The wedding breakfast took place in Netherfield, and Darcy spent his time with Mr. Bennet while Elizabeth enjoyed her time with Kitty and Mary.
Kitty had grown so distant from Lydia that her time was now often spent with Mary instead, and their differences improved both girls. Kitty had learned how to be more subtle from Mary, and Mary, who had never received much attention from her sisters, thrived in Kitty's presence now that Kitty's mind was filled with more than bonnets. Kitty's character softened Mary's tendency to read morale to anyone who listened, and the difference was so stark that Elizabeth nearly did not recognise Mary. Elizabeth could see Kitty's influence even in Mary's appearance, which had brought out Mary's loveliness.
Lydia had recently been invited to spend the spring in Brighton with the Forsters, but the events that nearly caused the ruin of Elizabeth and her family were so clear in the minds of their parents that Mrs. Bennet refused before the matter had even been brought to Mr. Bennet. When Lydia tried to cajole her father to allow her to go, she was met with the same answer, and Lydia had spent the previous three days upset at the unfairness of it all.
But the worries of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet did not stop there, and Lydia was refused even the balls that she so loved after Mrs. Bennet caught her trying to sneak off with a gentleman. Even for Mrs. Bennet, Lydia was reaching the limits of appropriate behaviour, and Lydia was barred from balls until the part-time companion that was hired for her, a Mrs. O'Doyle, deemed her fit to attend such gatherings without causing the ruin of her family.
Georgiana was the only girl who managed to make Lydia talk, and whether it was her own past or the similarities in their age, Lydia opened up to Georgiana's gentle questions and the two girls spent the wedding breakfast getting to know one another.
Miss Bingley ate in silence, eyeing the family she had joined as if she was forced to eat a rotten apple and look happy about it.
Darcy's prediction of Elizabeth getting to reunite with her bosom friend, Charlotte, did not come true. Elizabeth was informed that Charlotte had married a widower with two children a mere day before they had arrived in Hertfordshire. The man she had married was a lawyer by the name of Mr. Eldridge Hatt, and his loss was so sudden that Charlotte's acceptance was followed by a rushed wedding to ensure that his three-month old son would spend as little time as possible without a mother.
Lady Lucas informed Elizabeth that she was to expect a long letter from Charlotte explaining it all.
The agreeable nature of the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Bingley ensured that they were barely able to escape the wedding breakfast to head to London, but with a two-hour delay, they were sent off. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, together with Georgiana, followed soon after.
They would not be departed from her family for long because Elizabeth's parents and sisters were invited to stay at the Darcy townhouse for five days. It was long enough that they could have fun in London, but not so long as to drive Mr. Bennet (or Mr. Darcy) to tear out their hair.
Now that Elizabeth had seen her sisters and how the differences in their relationships had shaped them, as well as her parents doing their best to guide Lydia in her choices, Elizabeth no longer dreaded their inevitable stay at the Darcy townhouse.
During their ride back to London, Elizabeth curiously eyed her husband and realised that he had something to tell her that he (felt) he could not voice in front of his sister and Mrs. Annesley. Thus, when they took a break for a drink and some bread at an inn, Darcy took Elizabeth for a short walk.
"I have news of Mr. Collins," he said. "A few weeks ago, Mr. Ridley found out that, although he is almost certain in the knowledge that Mr. Collins has other victims, none would ever admit anything on record for the same reason we did not go to Old Bailey."
"I see."
Darcy stopped walking, and his face twisted in a strange combination of mirth and horror. He took Elizabeth's hands in his.
"I do not know if it is appropriate for me to tell you, a lady, what happened to him, but it does not seem fair to keep it from you given how close you were to being one of his victims."
Elizabeth, puzzled by the odd look on his face, asked, "What happened?"
Darcy stifled his smile. "He was… violated."
"Violated?"
"Yes," he replied. "Perhaps it was a man whose wife or mother or daughter suffered through his hands, and…"
"Yes?"
Darcy cleared his throat, looking at their joined hands rather than his wife's face.
"They, they— they cut off his—" Darcy paused. "—privates."
Elizabeth stared at her husband. She could understand his expression now for she must've been wearing it as well.
"No."
"I'm afraid it is the truth. He lost a lot of blood, but so far, he is alive." Darcy took her arm again as they turned around to walk back to the carriage. "I do not know if you believe me to be a man who can turn the other cheek at the face of injustice, and if so, I must apologise, but I will not hide from you how relieved I am."
"Did you— did you arrange it?"
"No," Darcy replied. "Death is a more merciful fate than what happened to him, and I could not have thought of such a punishment."
Elizabeth hid her face behind her hand, feeling disbelief and horror. She did not know how to describe her feelings except that she agreed with her husband — death would have been preferred to such a fate. But he could not have other victims, ever again, and Elizabeth was grateful for that.
But she also felt free. She would not have to fear harm coming her way if she ever had to face him again.
Elizabeth's family arrived at the Darcy townhouse a few days later. Elizabeth's mother and sisters were shocked speechless by the grandeur of the Darcy townhouse, and Elizabeth enjoyed giving them a tour, telling stories and answering questions. The housekeeper, Mrs. Parsons, and the steward, Mr. Fagan, both quietly interrupted Elizabeth with matters and questions to attend to, and Darcy noticed the silent admiration of her family.
Together with Darcy, his wife had become a decision-maker in the Darcy townhouse, and she was, truly, a core ingredient of his seamlessly run household and a deeply loved part of his family. Darcy observed Mr. Bennet's awe, and Mr. Bennet patted Darcy on his shoulder when Elizabeth was sharing a funny story at the library.
"She is a part of you now," he said, with a mixture of pride and sadness. "The last time we were here, she was scared out of her wits even if she never told you as much, and look at her now. She belongs. It is a marvel to witness."
Darcy observed his wife, the way he often did, but now that he did it with her father's eyes, he almost burst with pride. He was a lucky man indeed.
"Are your wife and daughters unoccupied tomorrow as we agreed upon?"
"Yes," Mr. Bennet replied. "Mrs. Bennet expressed her wishes to visit some stores, but it is not something that cannot be done on Friday."
"It will be a relief to all once it is all settled," Darcy replied.
"I couldn't have done it without you," Mr. Bennet said, quietly. When they slowed down to stay behind the others, Mr. Bennet stared at his hands, feeling awkward but overwhelmed. "I have told you this once before, but I know you better now, and I do not believe I can say it enough — No parent, except perhaps the man you are looking at, could ever be as proud of their son as your parents would've been of you. I could not be more proud of you were you my own son."
Darcy, touched by his words, pulled Mr. Bennet into a brief hug. "Sir—"
Mr. Bennet cleared his throat. "Thomas," he corrected. "Please, call me Thomas."
Darcy hesitated, uncertain of the implied familiarity. Yet, they had exchanged endless letters regarding the matters of the entail, and it would all be settled on the morrow. In between the details of the law, they had captured pieces of their lives and formed a friendship as close as a father and son would ever hope to have.
"Very well, Thomas," Darcy said, giving a nod. "William."
Mr. Bennet smiled.
"Thank you. You are perhaps giving me too much credit—"
"No," Mr. Bennet argued. "No. You settled all the legal matters of the entail and you suggested a companion for Lydia. I do not have enough words to thank you. You are giving me a peace of mind, and that is invaluable."
"If you need help paying—"
"No!" Mr. Bennet almost shouted, and then let out a laugh. "Dear God, leave me some honour."
When they returned to the others, both men smiled a little too brightly, with a hint of a shimmer in their eyes. Elizabeth hesitated when she saw her father and husband look so happy and out of place but she continued talking as if nothing had happened.
The next morning, Darcy scooted lower under the duvet and rested his head on his folded hand to look at his wife. Gently, he ran his palm over her hair as he kissed her eyes, her cheeks, and finally, her lips. She stirred, smiling, and opened her eyes.
"I will never grow tired of waking up next to you," Darcy said, taking her hand and kissing it. "Good morning."
Elizabeth bit her lower lip as she smiled and nearly threw herself on top of her husband, who landed on his back and laughed.
"Good morning," Elizabeth whispered, capturing his lips in a kiss. "Do we have a bit of time before our duties catch up to us?"
Darcy glanced at the clock on his dresser before he rolled her on her back and hid his nose in her neck. "Yes," he whispered, and they started their morning expressing their emotions as a couple violently in love is expected to.
When Elizabeth had put on her nightgown and moved to get dressed, Darcy kissed her forehead. "Dress warm. Your father and I have a surprise for you."
They rode in three carriages, and the Bennet women could not stop guessing where their father and Mr. Darcy were taking them. A fair, a circus, the theatre — one guess was less likely than the other, and when they pulled up in front of an unremarkable building with the small sign 'Court of Common Pleas', Elizabeth sent a puzzled look at her husband.
"Mr. Collins?" she guessed, but her husband shook his head, kissing her hand before tucking her arm in his. The courtroom was cold, and Elizabeth, grateful to have dressed warm, gave her scarf to Mary, who had not taken the advice as seriously as Elizabeth had.
Jane and Bingley arrived with blinding smiles, and when Jane sat next to Elizabeth, she blushed furiously and waited for their relatives to start talking before she whispered, "How did you leave the house in the first week?"
Elizabeth let out a small laugh before she covered it with a cough. She leaned closer to her sister, her beautiful, newly-wed sister, and replied, "We didn't."
Jane stared at her, wide-eyed, before she took a breath. "But everyone wants us to call on them or to call on us!"
"You are too agreeable for your own good," Elizabeth replied. "Advise them to come back in a week or two. You have a previous engagement."
"But we do not."
"You most certainly do," Elizabeth whispered. "It is with each other."
Jane blushed to the roots of her hair, looking lovely as ever, and hesitated. "Does it get less…?"
She moved her hands, not knowing how to end her sentence appropriately, but Elizabeth knew what she meant.
"I do not know," she whispered back, and Jane smiled against her hand, feeling supported in the knowledge that her sister and Darcy still struggled with the same problem — but what a lovely problem it was.
They fell silent as a man stood in the centre of the room.
"Mr. Bennet wishes to bar his entail, the Longbourn House, by suffering a common recovery. The deed to make a tenant to the praecipe has been executed. Mr. Kingdon—"
The sisters watched, mouths agape. Mrs. Bennet slapped her hand against her chest in a most unladylike manner before she started fanning her face. Elizabeth sat in disbelief, squeezing Mr. Darcy's hand perhaps a little too strong, and blinked at the courtroom.
"I do not understand," she whispered, keeping her voice as low as possible. "It cannot be. Papa holds Longbourn in a strict settlement."
Darcy waited until the court proceedings were loud enough for him to talk, and whispered, "He does not."
Elizabeth observed her husband in amazement before glancing at her family. Jane shared an incredulous look with her, confirming her suspicions that she'd been equally unaware, and the other sisters appeared just as surprised.
Elizabeth was full of questions, but it was not the time to voice them. She watched the process with fascination, the documents that were read, her father's relief, the court crier who played the common vouchee. The process took several hours, and Elizabeth could not fault her sisters for stifling their yawns, but then, suddenly, it was announced that the demandant, Mr. Bennet, was in a legal possession of the fee simple of the land, and could freely leave it to his wife, or any or all of his daughters.
Elizabeth knew this could be seen as a blow to their station in society, especially if the land was broken up by her sisters, but she had no desire to care about such a distant future.
Once outside, the women expressed their wonder at the consequences of what had happened, and they could not stop hugging each other. Kitty was soothing Mrs. Bennet, who had not stopped weeping. Elizabeth stepped in front of her father, unable to hold back her grin, and took his hands in hers.
"Papa, you never told me you did not hold Longbourn in a strict settlement!"
Mr. Bennet smiled softly, feeling, perhaps, this day to be equal to some of the best days of his life.
"I am sorry for misleading you," he replied. "I know that you could have helped me do this earlier, but… I can only say I did what I felt was best at the time."
Elizabeth hugged her father, overwhelmed and grateful and misty-eyed. Observing her sisters, just as overwhelmed, Elizabeth returned to Darcy.
"And you!" she said, mirth in her eyes. "I thought you despised deception."
"We owe him everything," Mr. Bennet said, quietly, embracing Darcy. "Thank you, William."
"You give me too much credit, Thomas," he replied. "But you are, of course, welcome. It is best for us all that this was done."
Elizabeth, now truly on the verge of tears, grinned as she watched two of the most important men in her life embrace each other, addressing the other like family, and when Darcy pulled back, he drew Elizabeth to his side.
Mrs. Bennet walked over to her husband.
"Oh— Oh— Mr. Bennet. You dear, dear man—"
The rest of her words were unintelligible as she wrecked with sobs against his side, and Mr. Bennet patted his wife's shoulder, patient and happy as he waited for her to be able to form words.
"Come, everyone," Darcy said, motioning to the carriages. "Georgiana and Mrs. Kendall have prepared a luncheon for us to celebrate."
As the family started walking toward carriages, Darcy laughed at the faces of Mr. and Mrs. Bingley. "I promise the luncheon will be brief," he said.
Jane and Bingley blushed furiously, hiding their smiles, but neither said a word.
Elizabeth squeezed Darcy's side, very gently, but he slowed down until they were the last couple in the line. She stopped walking and stepped in front of him, searching his eyes, unable to express just how touched, delighted and grateful she was.
"William, I—"
Her eyes shimmered and her throat felt tight.
"I do not know how to—" she made another attempt, and yet again, could not get the words out.
"I love you," she finished.
He smiled, tenderly, brushing a curl away from her face, stepping closer. "It was all for you," he whispered, tilting her chin up and leaning his forehead close to hers. "You must know — it was all for you."
Darcy tucked her by his side. His lips lingered against her temple, and she felt loved and precious in his arms as they walked to their carriage together.
: :
A/N: I'm so grateful to have you all here. Thank you. I hope you're safe and happy, wherever you are.