Fitzwilliam Darcy Elopes Read online

  Cover Art by Beth Wood

  Copyright © 2019 Beth Wood

  All rights reserved

  Fitzwilliam Darcy Elopes

  A Pride and Prejudice Variation

  Beth Wood

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Epilogue

  Chapter 1

  As Fitzwilliam Darcy paced the sitting room in the Inn at Lambton he reflected on the speed with which everything in life could change. Again. He was struck by the fact that the last time his life had been thrown into such chaos had been during a private interview with the same young lady that was now sobbing in a chair across the room. He realized, though, that just as his last private interview with Elizabeth Bennet had launched him on a journey of self-discovery, he would now be on a journey to bring happiness back to the woman that he loved. His feelings made it impossible for him to do otherwise.

  Elizabeth had already made it clear that she felt a marriage between her sister and Mr. Wickham would be undesirable, but it was the only possible solution to their dilemma if the family was to escape without ruination. Mr. Bennet was already in London searching for the couple, and Miss Bennet's letter had begged for the quick return of Mr. Gardiner to assist in the search.

  As Darcy contemplated the best way to track George Wickham and Lydia Bennet, he failed to recognize that his pacing was causing additional distress to Elizabeth. Glancing in her direction, he realized the level of her unease and excused himself from the room. He was almost out the door when he looked back. What he saw in Elizabeth's eyes amazed him. With some shock he realized that his departure was causing additional heartbreak, not relieving her anxiety.

  With barely a half formed idea of what he was doing, he abandoned his plan to leave Elizabeth to her grief and found himself kneeling by her chair. As Elizabeth looked at him with relief and confusion, Darcy pulled her hands into his own.

  “Miss Elizabeth, please do not be distressed,” Darcy whispered. “I will not allow Mr. Wickham to succeed in bringing lasting misery to your life.”

  “I am afraid that it is too late for that, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth replied, crying. “Even if my father and uncle are successfully able to locate Mr. Wickham and my sister, I do not see how a happy ending is possible. If Mr. Wickham can be coerced into marrying my sister she will be miserable for the rest of her life with such a man as her husband. If Mr. Wickham cannot be convinced that marriage is in his best interest, Lydia will have ruined her reputation, along with that of her entire family.”

  “What if there were another way?” Darcy asked. He was well aware of the fickle nature of gossip, and contemplated the idea of diverting the attention away from Elizabeth's sister.

  “What other solution could there possibly be?”

  “First, I need to know if your feelings toward me are still the same as they were in April. My wishes and desires are unchanged. Since coming upon you at Pemberley I have felt as if you have softened toward me, but I no longer trust myself to accurately interpret your feelings.”

  Elizabeth tried wiping the tears from her eyes, but her handkerchief was so sodden that it was not doing its job properly. Darcy quietly exchanged her wet handkerchief with a dry one from his pocket. After some moments of silence, Elizabeth finally answered, though it came out as barely more than a whisper.

  “Why would you ask me this now, when all hope of a connection between us must be lost?”

  “The actions of others will never affect my opinion of you. There is nothing, beyond your marriage to another man, which could cause me to cease hoping to win your hand.”

  Elizabeth took a shaky breath, then responded so quietly that Darcy had to lean closer in order to hear her voice.

  “My feelings for you are quite opposite to what they were in Kent.”

  Darcy reached one hand to cup Elizabeth's face, gently caressing her cheek with his thumb.

  “Do you feel that you could be happy married to me?” he asked.

  “Yes,” Elizabeth whispered, closing her eyes. As she did so, more tears spilled down her cheeks.

  “That is all that I need to know,” Darcy whispered bringing her hands to his lips for a tender kiss. He began speaking again, forming a bit of a desperate resolve. “As I am sure you are aware, gossip can be dreadful, but can also be very inaccurate. All that we need is a diversion. If we were to elope, but not return to Longbourn until we were able to locate your sister, we should be able to convince your neighbors that they had misunderstood which sister had disappeared. It could be circulated that after you ran off from the care of your aunt and uncle, Lydia was taken from Brighton to London to be with family. She would then remain with your aunt and uncle until you returned. When we all return to Longbourn together, you as a married woman, most of your neighbors would have all the proof that they need. Our story would be believed.”

  “But what if we are unable to find them?” Elizabeth asked.

  “Then I still get the pleasure of having you as my wife, while we work together to come up with another plan.”

  “Are you certain that you still want me?”

  “I will always want you.” The look in his eyes convinced Elizabeth that he was speaking the truth.

  “Then, I suppose I had better begin packing. If we are for Scotland, I will need something to wear.” The half-smile showing between her tears did much to lighten Darcy's heart. “My aunt and uncle should be returning at any moment. I would like to be ready to leave as soon as we explain the situation to them.”

  “I need to return to Pemberley to make my excuses to my guests, and explain my coming absence as best as I can without raising suspicions. I will return with the carriage within an hour. If we leave as soon as possible we will hopefully be able to make it to Scotland and be married by tomorrow night. We could then begin the journey to London the following day. You should also write a letter to your elder sister explaining the situation. She will undoubtedly be worried when your aunt and uncle arrive at Longbourn without you.”

  There were many other thoughts going through Darcy's mind, such as the need to write a letter to Colonel Fitzwilliam explaining the situation, and how much of the truth to tell Georgiana, but time was of the essence. Darcy bade Elizabeth farewell with a kiss to the palms of her hands, then left for Pemberley. He needed to work quickly in order to accomplish everything that was needed before his hasty departure.

  * * *

  Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were enjoying a leisurely stroll around the church in Lambton when a rather flustered maid from the Inn found them. Although the maid gave them no details, they knew that something serious must have occurred for Elizabeth to have them called back to the Inn earlier than planned, especially considering the fact that they had planned a relatively short walk before returning to collect her. They only needed to give her time to read her letters.

  As they drew closer to the Inn, it was with some unease that they witnessed Mr. Darcy hurriedly mounting his horse and galloping away in the direction of Pemberley. If they would have been close enough to hail him, they would have done so. Unfortunately, they were not close enough to draw his attention. With feelings of great apprehension they entered the Inn and made their way to their rooms.

  They were completely unprepared for the sight that met their eyes when they entered their rooms. Elizabeth was in her bed chamber, haphazardly packing her things. It was clear from her red, puffy
eyes that she had been crying.

  When Elizabeth saw her aunt and uncle, she immediately handed them Jane's letters, telling them they had much to discuss, then returned to packing her belongings. By the time they had finished the letters, Elizabeth had packed the basics for a week's worth of travel in one trunk, with everything else placed where ever it would fit in her other luggage.

  Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner started packing their trunks as soon as they were done reading the letters, so Elizabeth sat to write her letter to Jane. As Elizabeth put to paper her current plans, she began to realize what she had committed herself to do. She would be eloping with Mr. Darcy with the hopes they would be able to redirect the rumors and save the reputation of the entire Bennet family. Within the next few days she would be a married woman. She felt woefully unprepared. She decided to quickly finish her letter with hopes she would have an opportunity for a quiet word with her aunt before Mr. Darcy returned to collect her.

  * * *

  Darcy had never been more thankful for the fact that Bingley's sisters were late risers. When he returned to Pemberley, they had still not emerged from their chambers. He quickly made his way to his rooms where he changed into travelling clothes and instructed his valet to pack his trunks as quickly as possible.

  Returning downstairs, he found Georgiana in the music room. He asked Mrs. Annesley to give them a moment of privacy, then proceeded to explain to Georgiana that he would need to leave for some time. Although he was hesitant to explain everything to his sister, his experiences from the last year had taught him it was better to be open and honest with her.

  When Darcy explained that Elizabeth's younger sister had eloped with George Wickham, he was proud of the way she reacted. Georgiana was full of compassion for the young woman, and expressed the wish that there was something that could be done to assist her.

  “That is the reason I am leaving,” Darcy explained. Then, taking a deep breath he continued, “I will collect Miss Elizabeth from the Inn at Lambton. We will first travel to Scotland in order to wed before going to London to assist in the search for her sister. Our hope is that since both sisters have been away from home we will be able to confuse the gossips and make it appear as if Elizabeth was the one to elope to begin with. This way we can save her sister from a life with Mr. Wickham.”

  Georgiana was silent for a few minutes, then looked at her brother to verify that he was indeed going to marry Elizabeth Bennet.

  “I am so happy, William,” Georgiana exclaimed, throwing her arms around her brother. When Darcy looked at her a bit oddly, she continued, slightly flustered. “Well, I’m not happy that Miss Bennet’s sister ran away with Mr. Wickham. That’s horrible. But you will rescue her, and you will be marrying Miss Bennet, which is lovely. Don’t you think?”

  “Very lovely,” Darcy agreed. “Now, if we are going to have a good start today, I need to leave as soon as possible. Will you be alright left here with the Bingley family?”

  “If that is what you need me to do, I will do it,” Georgiana replied.

  “I hope to be gone before the Bingley sisters make their way downstairs. Will you explain that I have been called away on business and have returned to London? Make sure they know that I will be staying in London for an indefinite period of time. I am sure they will follow me within a few days.”

  With his sister's agreement he made his way to his study in order to write his letter to Colonel Fitzwilliam. He knew his cousin would be extremely willing to assist in the search for Wickham, especially if he was allowed to treat him in any way once he was found. With Wickham deserting his regiment, his cousin would be free to punish him in any manner he saw fit, without the threat of scandal that would arise in other circumstances.

  After also penning a note to his housekeeper in London to ensure the house would be opened and prepared for him and his bride, Darcy asked for the letters to be posted (the one to Colonel Fitzwilliam being sent express), and for Bingley to be brought to his study.

  Although Bingley acted the jovial gentleman during the entire conversation, it was obvious to Darcy that Bingley was not really accepting the vague excuse that business was calling him away. Before leaving the room and allowing Darcy to depart he stopped him to ask just one question.

  “Will this be my last invitation to visit Pemberley?”

  “Why would you ask such a question?” Darcy asked in return.

  “It has become clear over the last couple of days that your regard for Miss Elizabeth has grown incredibly since our stay in Hertfordshire. If I am not much mistaken she will soon be Mrs. Darcy. I do not imagine she would appreciate having as a guest in her home a woman who has constantly criticized her in the past.”

  “You will always be welcome in our homes,” Darcy replied. “As for your sister, that will depend on her attitude when she hears the news.”

  “So, it is certain then. You will be making her your bride?” Bingley asked with a smile on his face.

  “Yes, I imagine that by the next time we meet I will no longer be a single man,” Darcy replied with a smile of his own.

  “You will have to tell me how this has come about,” Bingley said.

  “That is a story for another time,” Darcy replied. “I promise to explain when I have more time. At the moment, though, I must be off. There really is urgent business that calls me away.” Darcy was ready to lead his friend out the door before he turned back to him and relayed one more piece of advice. “Elizabeth has told me that there are some residents of Hertfordshire that would be very pleased if you were to take up residence in Netherfield Park once more.”

  “Are you implying that Miss Bennet cares for me more than you once thought she did?” Bingley asked, his smile becoming even more pronounced.

  “I can only tell you that according to Elizabeth, Miss Bennet cared for you when you left in November. I do not know how she feels about you now, but if your feelings are even half of what mine are for Elizabeth, then you should return to Hertfordshire and do all within your power to regain her affection.”

  * * *

  With her letter to Jane completed, Elizabeth approached her aunt, who had almost completed packing her luggage.

  “Aunt, there is something that I must discuss with you,” Elizabeth began.

  “Yes, this business of Lydia's is quite distressing. What would you like to discuss?”

  Not knowing where to begin, Elizabeth fidgeted with the letter to Jane that she still held within her hands.

  “What is that you are holding?” Mrs. Gardiner asked.

  “It is a letter to Jane,” Elizabeth explained. “I would be most appreciative if you would give it to her when you pass through Longbourn on your way to London.”

  “Why the need for the letter?” Mrs. Gardiner asked, suddenly remembering the way in which they had seen Mr. Darcy leaving the Inn as they approached. “As you will be with us, will you not be able to give it to her yourself, or simply talk with her about everything that you have written?”

  “I…” Elizabeth paused a moment before continuing. “I will not be returning with you.”

  After a moment of stunned silence, Mrs. Gardiner recovered herself enough to ask her niece where she would be.

  “I will be on my way to Scotland with Mr. Darcy.”

  “Excuse me?” Mrs. Gardiner asked, clearly surprised. Hearing the tone of his wife's voice, Mr. Gardiner drew closer in order to participate in the conversation.

  After taking a deep breath, Elizabeth launched into her explanation. She told her relatives about Mr. Darcy coming upon her immediately after she had read the letters from Jane, as well as everything that came afterward. As she explained Mr. Darcy's idea that their elopement would confuse the neighborhood to the extent that they would be able to take Lydia back to Longbourn without tarnishing her reputation, the Gardiners looked at each other dubiously. Elizabeth finished her explanation, stating that she was expecting Mr. Darcy to return at any moment with his carriage.

  In the moments follo
wing Elizabeth's explanation, it was clear that neither of the Gardiners knew how to respond. From Mr. Darcy's behavior, they had already come to the conclusion that he was in love with their niece. Of Elizabeth's feelings they were less certain. Although there was a chance they could successfully convince the good people of Meryton that Elizabeth was the sister to elope, there were undoubtedly a great many people that would be suspicious. Their sister, Mrs. Phillips, was a notorious gossip, and it would be unlikely that she would be confused as to the identity of her wayward niece.

  By unspoken agreement, Mr. Gardiner retreated to the sitting room to await Mr. Darcy's arrival, while Mrs. Gardiner stayed at Elizabeth's side in order to talk some sense into the young lady.

  As soon as Mr. Gardiner left the room, Elizabeth turned to her aunt, blushing profusely.

  “I know this is not a conversation that you expected to have on this holiday, but, well, I will be married in a few days,” Elizabeth said quietly, suddenly unable to look her aunt in the eye. “I really do not know what to expect.”

  “Elizabeth, look at me,” Mrs. Gardiner demanded. When Elizabeth was once again looking her aunt in the eye, she continued. “Mr. Darcy has offered you a way out of this scandal that may or may not succeed. Either way, you would end up married to the man, with the world aware that you eloped. There would be questions as to why you felt an elopement was necessary. The society in London is not as forgiving as the society in Hertfordshire, especially to an unknown gentlewoman such as yourself. With mutual love and understanding you will be able to face society and come through relatively unscathed. Without the proper support for each other, you may very well be facing a trial that would cause an irreparable rift in your relationship, especially if Lydia's situation is not salvageable. Do you truly feel what you ought for Mr. Darcy?”

  “Oh, Aunt,” Elizabeth replied with tears in her eyes, “Mr. Darcy is truly the best of men. I know that I have not always felt so, but he is now so very dear to me. I would not be doing this if I was not willing to marry him. The circumstances have just necessitated our being married sooner rather than later.”