And Next Some Disagreement

by Carissa

November 2002, Firthness Challenge Entry

Rated PG

Author's Note: This may be a little long, but I hope it is worth it.


As Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet sealed their arrangement with a gentle (and well enjoyed) kiss, Mr Gardiner found that he had been looking at the portraits for quite a period of time and quite without the company of his niece and host.

Mr Gardiner turned around and quickly looked about the room to see if his niece had sufficiently indulged in her interest in scenic pictures and returned. As he turned to look at the portrait in front of himself again, he chuckled a little. ‘Lizzy will never completely satisfy that particular indulgence. The more she indulges the more she wants.’ Mr Gardiner, of course, could not know that, although his thought was true, the particular ‘indulgence’ being enjoyed at present was not the one that he thought. Mr Gardiner would be far from happy knowing the particular indulgence currently being entertained by his niece and Mr Darcy while they kept him waiting.

There were not many options open to Mr Gardiner. He had noticed that, Elizabeth and Mr Darcy obviously had many issues to discuss and he did not wish to disturb them if they were dealing with topics that need be dealt with, but neither did he wish to be left looking at portraits for another half an hour. ‘Subtlety’ he said aloud, to the room around him. ‘That is where I will start, afterall, I do wish to attend dinner soon’ he continued as he absently patted his stomach.

Suddenly, Mr Gardiner noticed a slight tickle in his throat and a need to cough. He coughed three times. Quietly for the first, then progressing to quite the deep cough for the third. This gained notice, but not the notice he had hoped.

“Sir, may I fetch you some water?” The timid voice of a maid sounded as she entered the room.

Realising that he could indeed do with a glass of water, he answered “Thankyou, that would be good.” The girl dipped a small curtsey and scuttled quickly from the room on her errand. She returned quite quickly and handed the water to Mr Gardiner, who had now seated himself on a sofa under a particularly pretty portrait.

“Excuse me sir, but…I am looking for the master. Miss Darcy sent for him, and you of course, sir, for dinner is ready to serve.”

“Of course, he is in the next chamber.” The maid curtseyed and walked to the chamber. She entered and shortly after, Mr Darcy strode out, followed by Elizabeth (‘is she a little flushed?’ Mr Gardiner thought to himself) and finally the maid. (‘she is definitely flushed’) Mr Darcy stopped before Mr Gardiner as the maid slipped quietly from the room.

“Mr Gardiner, it appears that dinner is ready to be served.”

“I had wondered, Mr Darcy, if perhaps we had missed the meal altogether.” Mr Gardiner had taken a liking to Mr Darcy when they first met, and, like his brother in law, he enjoyed making a little sport of his acquaintance, and beside, he wanted an explanation for the time that Mr Darcy had spent with Elizabeth.

“Um…well yes, I do believe that we were a little…um distracted in the other chamber of the gallery.” Darcy did not know quite what to say. Here he stood, before his love’s uncle, looking between Elizabeth and her uncle, with no appropriate explanation for his absence with the lady in question.

Elizabeth blushed a little as Darcy turned to face her while they both tried to hide the look and smiles that passed between them. Unfortunately, Mr Gardiner was of a mood to be quite attentive, and thought that he should find out exactly what his niece had been exposed to without any other person present.

“Shall we adjourn to dinner?” Darcy asked hopefully, thinking how he would react if he were in Mr Gardiner’s shoes, and Elizabeth were Georgiana. He held his arm out to Elizabeth. She reached for it but they were interrupted before they took a single step.

“I do not think another minutes delay will cause any further damage, and I believe that I have a few questions for you, Mr Darcy.” Mr Gardiner was no longer jovial, clearly he meant to gain the truth.

Both Elizabeth and Darcy looked at each other. Elizabeth stepped forward. “Uncle,” she began but was cut off quite quickly by both her uncle’s words and fiancé's step forward and infront a little.

“Elizabeth, I would speak with Mr Darcy.” Not willing to allow either her uncle or Darcy to speak for her, she stepped out from the slightly sheltered place behind Darcy.

“Uncle, I believe that if you ask no questions, Mr Darcy will be quite able to put your mind to rest. I assure you that there is nothing that should concern you, actually I would wish you to be happy and forgive the delay in your dinner.”

“I will listen.”

“Mr Gardiner, I did not wish to speak of this before I journey to Hertfordshire, and I certainly do not wish this to be spread beyond this room.” Mr Gardiner nodded solemnly, having a good idea where this was going and hoping that he hid his smile. “I have asked Miss Elizabeth Bennet to become my wife, and she has agreed. I know that this is not the conventional way that this news is spread, but I assure you, sir, that I would not compromise Miss Bennet in any way. Again I apologise for the delay in dinner, and …”

Mr Gardiner’s face was no longer able to prevent the smile that desperately sought to be displayed. It started at his eyes and Elizabeth noticed it first and relaxed. Darcy did not notice, he was merely attempting to speak until Mr Gardiner was convinced that there was no need to be concerned for Elizabeth.

With a smile decking his face totally and a small chuckle coming out as he spoke, Mr Gardiner interrupted Mr Darcy. “Mr Darcy, please. You may stop now. May I offer my congratulations, and you may be assured of my secrecy.” Elizabeth flew to her uncles arms to accept his congratulations. He released his niece and she looked at Darcy. A smile spread across the face of each. “You may, however, wish to reconsider those smiles as I am certain your secret will not remain so long when your aunt sees you so happy.”

The three of them left the gallery laughing at Mr Gardiner’s joke. When they arrived at the dining room, Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged a quick silent communication and stepped into the room and the seats that Georgiana indicated.

Miss Bingley scowled as Elizabeth took her seat to the right of Darcy.

It did not take long for all at the table to notice that Miss Bennet and Mr Darcy were rather distracted. Some noticed almost instantly, while others gradually came to realise their host was happy.

Mrs Gardiner, after attempting to obtain her niece’s attention a number of times, looked to her husband. Mr Gardiner only looked at his wife and smiled a knowing smile that promised a great deal of information to be exchanged later.

Georgiana had noticed almost immediately that her brother was happy. The company of Mrs Gardiner and Mr Bingley had been pleasant enough. The presence of Mr Hurst was almost unnoticed by the young Miss Darcy, but Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley were too much for the timid girl.

The instant Darcy entered the room, Georgiana looked to him for how best to behave and was seeking his approval, but he was clearly thinking of other things. It had been clear to Georgiana that her brother enjoyed Miss Bennet’s company, and, as he had been rather out of sorts until the arrival of Miss Bennet in the neighbourhood, Georgiana could be nothing but happy for her brother and his obvious happiness.

Mr Bingley did not immediately notice the difference in his friend. He was seated between Mrs Gardiner and Georgiana and was quite enjoying himself conversing with both until he noticed Miss Bennet’s lack of attention to her aunt. He did not know what to make of the situation, but Mr Bingley was not of a disposition to embarrass any person by bringing attention to their inattention, so he continued to converse with Georgiana and Mrs Gardiner. Unfortunately, others at the table did not have Mr Bingley’s polite sense of appropriate behaviour and was more than happy to bring the attention of everyone at the table to any fault in another person. If, in this process, she was able to bring attention to herself at the same time she was all the happier.

“Why Miss Bennet,” Miss Bingley trilled at full voice, pausing to ensure she had the attention of every person at the table. “I am quite certain that Mrs Gardiner has attempted to speak with you not less than three times, Mr Darcy, I believe, would not wish a guest to demonstrate such a lack of breeding at his table.” This whole speech was made staring straight at Mr Darcy with a conspiratorial smile on Miss Bingley’s lips.

Mr Darcy did not return the smile as Miss Bingley hoped. In fact, Miss Bingley’s action had done no more than earn her the contempt of everyone at the table. As Darcy drew breath to defend his Elizabeth, Mr Bingley addressed his sister while all the other guests were stunned.

“Caroline, I do not believe that Miss Bennet was inattentive in any way, and if she were so, this would be for Mrs Gardiner to question, not yourself.”

Mr Darcy said nothing, but as the meal had finished, Georgiana quickly led the ladies to the music room.

The gentlemen enjoyed their port with little conversation. Mr Bingley was considering how best to deal with his sister while Mr Darcy and Mr Gardiner were talking quietly. Mr Darcy rose to join the ladies, when Bingley addressed them. “Mr Gardiner, I must apologise for my sister’s behaviour, I do not know what has possessed her, perhaps she is ill. Darcy, I am certain that she will apologise for causing such a scene at your table.”

“Now Bingley,” Darcy began. “I am sure I speak for Mr Gardiner when I say that you need not apologise for your sister. I also think that we are all aware of what has caused Miss Bingley to speak so.”

“I have tried to speak with her, but Caroline is sure that she knows better than I do.” Bingley said rather sheepishly, looking at his feet the whole time.

And so the gentlemen joined the ladies, while Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged looks, and he kissed her hand when she departed, they had little chance to speak before the end of the evening.

The following day, Darcy visited the Gardiners and Elizabeth in Lambton. He was clearly dressed for travel so Elizabeth asked.

“Sir, do you leave the county today?”

“Indeed I do, with your permission of course.”

“My permission?”

“I had hoped to call upon your parents and return before you travel through Lambton again. In fact, Mr Gardiner has already consented to return to Pemberley in a week.”

“Of course, I would like that very much. In fact,” she produced a letter from her pocket, “I had thought that you would wish to do this. If it is convenient, I had prepared this for you to take to my father.”

“I will deliver it with all haste.” He took the letter. Mr and Mrs Gardiner walked up from the other end of the room.

Mr Darcy made his adieu’s and left after a long lingering look at his fiance. Elizabeth was certain that she would melt under such scrutiny while Mr Darcy was certain that he would not be able to travel to, and return from Hertfordshire quite quickly enough.

The Gardiners and Elizabeth toured for a week, returning to Pemberley as arranged. While they travelled and enjoyed the scenery, Mr Darcy visited Longbourn.

After the quickest ride he had thought possible, Mr Darcy arrived on the doorstep to Longbourn. Although a little surprised by the visitor (she had heard nothing of Netherfield being opened) Hill escorted Mr Darcy to the library and announced his presence to Mr Bennet.

“Mr Darcy, Good day.”

“Good day, Mr Bennet.”

“I must confess that I did not expect to see you in the neighbourhood at present, least of all my library. I hadn’t heard any of the local gossip that Netherfield was open.”

“I do not believe it is, sir.” Mr Bennet raised a quizzical eyebrow at the use of the word ‘sir’ but stifled it quickly before responding.

“And to arrive at such a time of day?”

“Indeed, sir, I have travelled into Hertfordshire just this hour and wished to call on you quite urgently.”

“I must confess, Mr Darcy, that I am quite surprised and a little curious as to what could be so urgent, unless you have news of my cousin Mr Collins.”

“No, sir, I come to speak with you about your daughter.” Mr Bennet jumped to his feet, it took barely a moment to realise that something concerning Elizabeth had occurred, all his other daughters were at home (Lydia had not left with the regiment as she had a cold the day they left and could not possibly travel).

“What has happened? Is she well? What could you know? Where is Mr Gardiner?”

“Mr Bennet, I fear that you have misunderstood me, or I have not expressed myself well. I have come to seek your consent to a marriage between Miss Elizabeth Bennet and myself.”

“Mr Darcy, Elizabeth is not home at present, and she has not been moderate in expressing her feelings about you,” Darcy chuckled a little to himself, mumbling that he did not doubt that Elizabeth would express her feelings openly. Mr Bennet continued “how can it be that you are here asking this, I will not consent to a match that she does not wish.”

“I would not be here, sir, if Miss Elizabeth had not accepted my proposals, by chance, Mr and Mrs Gardiner and Miss Elizabeth were touring Pemberley when I arrived to my home. I have dined with them and it was then that Elizabeth consented to become my wife.” Mr Bennet resisted reacting to the use of his daughter’s Christian name as Mr Darcy reached into his pocket and presented the letter to Mr Bennet. “I believe that this letter may be of assistance.”

Mr Bennet sat, opened the letter and read it over. He waved Darcy to a seat before reading it for a second time. Finally putting the letter aside, Mr Bennet addressed his daughter’s suitor. “Well, Mr Darcy, it appears that Elizabeth does agree to this match.”

And so the conversation continued. Mr Darcy assuring Mr Bennet that he loved Elizabeth, would give a generous settlement to Elizabeth while Mr Bennet did his best to gently tease the gentleman before him. After much conversation of the type that occurs between a father and his daughter’s suitor, consent was given. They raised glasses to seal the arrangement. A light knock on the door interrupted their drink.

“Father,” Mary began, “Dinner is ready to be served.” She left the room without closing the door behind her.

“I had not noticed the time, Mr Darcy. Perhaps you would care to remain for dinner, and, as Netherfield is not open, visit with us tonight as I am sure you will be leaving early in the morning.”

“I thank you, sir, I must confess I was more concerned with arriving than considering my accommodations.” Mr Bennet chucked at this behaviour in a man so proud and organised, thinking to himself how his daughter had truly bewitched this man.

Mr Bennet ushered his guest into the dining room, ignoring the shock on the faces of his daughters and wife. He informed Hill that they were to have a guest for dinner and he would be remaining with them for the night. Hill set the place and left to send in the maid with the dinner and arrange a guest room.

After the servants had departed, and the family began to eat, conversation began around the table. Mr Darcy was seated beside his host, across from Jane. It was the best possible arrangement to him, but the inevitable enquiries occurred.

“My dear, you have not said what the purpose of Mr Darcy’s visit is, did he come with a message from dear Mr Bingley perhaps?”

Darcy saw Jane place her cutlery on her plate gently as she paled a little. This did not escape Mr Bennet’s notice either, but he answered his wife in the negative and continued to eat. Mrs Bennet took a different approach.

“Mr Darcy, was Bingley well when you last saw him?”

“Yes, indeed ma’am, Mr Bingley was well when I left Pemberley three days ago.”

“And his sisters, were they well?”

“My dear” Mr Bennet interrupted “Mr Darcy had business with me and I do not believe that he has any wish to report on every shared acquaintance.”

“But what business could he have with you, unless he was doing Mr Bingley’s bidding?”

Mr Bennet looked at Darcy. Both men seemed to communicate their agreement to ending this line of inquiry and dealing with the consequences. Mr Bennet answered his wife. “No, Mrs Bennet, Mr Darcy came to me in his own capacity as he is to marry Elizabeth. Now, may we finish our dinner in peace?”

“MY DEAR, HOW WONDERFUL, WHY DID YOU NOT SAY SO, OH, MY DEAREST LIZZY, HOW WELL SHE HAS DONE!” Mrs Bennet exclaimed.

Noticing Mr Darcy had completed his meal, Mr Bennet stood, “I will leave you and your daughters to this discussion, Mrs Bennet, Mr Darcy and I have a port calling us.”

Both gentlemen rose and left the room, but it was over an hour before the exclamations of Mrs Bennet quieted enough that they could hold a conversation without any shrills of happiness interrupting. They were conversing about fishing and hunting when a gentle knock sounded on the door. Jane entered, “Papa, I am going to bed now, and Mama and my sisters have already done the same.”

“Thankyou Jane.”

“Mr Darcy, if I may, congratulations, I am certain you and Lizzy will be very happy together.” Though she was sincere, Darcy (and Mr Bennet) could sense that Jane was a little disappointed for herself.

Darcy stood. “Thankyou, Miss Bennet.”

“If I may impose, would you be so kind as to take a note back to Lizzy for me, for I am sure that you will see her before I do.”

“Of course. I return to Pemberley in the morning and Miss Elizabeth is to return a few days later.” Jane curtseyed and left. Darcy did not know what to say to her to give her any comfort, clearly her affections had been engaged by Bingley as Elizabeth had said. Mr Bennet sighed, and Darcy looked at him.

“Perhaps it is time to retire, Mr Darcy, you have travelled many miles in a short time and have many more to commence on the morrow.”

“Indeed you are correct.” Hill showed Mr Darcy to his room.

In the morning, Jane gave Mr Darcy a letter to carry to Lizzy and he tried to give a reassuring smile before he left, early, before any but Mr Bennet and Jane were awake.

Exhausted by very excited, Elizabeth returned to Pemberley with her relatives. Before they all had their feet from the carriage, Mr Darcy and his sister were before them. Mr Darcy handed Elizabeth from the coach as Georgiana spoke with Mr and Mrs Gardiner. After quick greetings, Mr Darcy announced to all present that Mr Bennet had given his consent to the match. There were quick, but heartfelt, congratulations before Georgiana led them all into the house and had a maid show Mr and Mrs Gardiner to their chambers while she showed Elizabeth to hers.

It was not until dinner that all the company assembled were together again. Mr Darcy collected Elizabeth at the bottom of the stairs and escorted her into the dining room. The Bingleys and Hursts had remained at Pemberley while their host was away, Miss Bingley was not going to allow the opportunity to remain pass her by.

Miss Bingley was not happy to see Darcy escort Miss Bennet into the room, nor was she happy to see that the seating was arranged as it was for the last dinner that these people were assembled together.

The first course was served, all present gave thanks, but before any person was able to begin eating, Mr Gardiner spoke. “Excuse me, may I delay you dinner for one moment longer.” Miss Bingley glared at this man who would presume to speak so at Darcy’s table, but Mr Darcy did not react. Mr Gardiner continued. “I find myself in the happy position, of being able to announce the engagement of my beloved niece,” he paused and Bingley frowned, and his sisters smiled at the thought that Miss Jane Bennet was to be married. Their expressions changed quickly as Mr Gardiner continued “I would like to propose a toast, to Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, may you be happy together always.”

“Nnnnoooooooooooo!!!!!!” Caroline Bingley did not react in the way that the other guests did. While they raised their glasses, Miss Bingley screeched in a most unladylike manner as the glass in her hand shattered. “Mr Darcy…..Charles…..who is this man to say such things?” she spat this out in Mr Gardiners direction, dropping the glass pieces to the table.

“Miss Bingley,” Georgiana exclaimed “Your hand must be seen to, allow me to fetch a maid.”

Miss Bingley glanced at her hand, saw very little blood, and continued. “Mr Darcy, speak, say something, surely this chit and her uncle are wrong, how can you have this man in your home?”

Looking at the expression on her brothers face, Georgiana sat down. Her brother looked straight at Miss Bingley and there was no doubting that he was not happy, even Mr Bingley resisted any impulse to interrupt. “Miss Bingley, Mr Gardiner has announced my engagement to Miss Bennet. It is sanctioned by her father (and mother he thought remembering her reaction) and we will be wed. I thank you for your ongoing concern for the affairs of my home, but my future wife will be the only lady permitted to address me or any guest in my home in such a manner. Further, it will be at her discretion that any guest is permitted to cross the threshold. This takes effect from this moment. I would suggest you remember her position, and her future position in this household before you speak again.”

Miss Bingley looked at her brother and then her sister hoping that either, or both, would offer support or jump to her defense. Neither would meet her eye. Darcy sat down, took Elizabeth's hand and raised it to his lips at the table. Mr and Mrs Gardiner smiled at their niece and her fiance. Darcy initiated some normal table conversation, which gradually expanded to include nearly every person at the table as if the previous exchange had not occurred.

Georgiana began to lead the ladies to the music room when her brother spoke “I do not believe we need to separate the genders this evening, we are, afterall” with a significant look to Elizabeth who smiled and blushed becomingly “we are celebrating tonight.”

As they left the room and began to walk to the music room, Mrs Hurst held her sister aside, “Now Caroline, allow me to take you to your room.” Miss Bingley took her sister’s hand and allowed herself to be led as if she were a child.

“Tomorrow Louisa, I will fix this then.” But tomorrow, or rather her brother, never gave her the opportunity. Darcy never left his fiance’s side, and Bingley arranged for his family to remove from Pemberley the following day.

Copyright held by Carissa - 2002