Letters from Revenge, Pride and Prejudice Fanfiction
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Letters from Revenge
There was silence for a moment as he learned of the forthcoming event.
“You are sure of this Lydia?” He took a sip from the glass of wine, which had become his constant companion.
“Of course I am. What a fine joke, my sister marrying him, of all people.” She laughed and continued much as her mother would have on the subject but her audience had stopped listening and was quietly growing angrier. If revenge was sweet then what was the bitter taste that lodged itself in him that the wine could not remove?
The months quickly passed and as the happiness of one couple increased the earlier wed grew more sour and sullen, especially the man. Elizabeth looked out the window across the lake to watch her husband greeting her aunt and uncle. A smile touched her lips and reflected in her eyes as she remembered how he had first spoken of them before the day they had met. A small hand tugged at her skirt and she looked down at her daughter who had started crawling just the day before. Scooping up the child into her arms she walked back to the chair her husband had set near the window so she had not far to go to see her favourite view. Humming quietly she settled into the comfortable chair to wait for her cherished relations to join her. The child started gurgling, trying to imitate her mother whose dark eyes held more love than even she had thought possible. Darcy had been astonished when his dear wife had refused to have a nurse tend her child for her. She had told him of the outcome of such treatment in her own family. It had fallen on her noble, and still witty, father to raise the children even as it had been her mother’s responsibility. The mention of the three younger Bennet girls was enough to convince the proud man that again his wife knew best.
“I see that you make an excellent mother Mrs Darcy.” Her aunt said as she pulled a chair over to sit with her favourite niece.
“Please Aunt, I am still Elizabeth.” She was smiling and so was the older woman and the laughter in their eyes was enough to cause the older gentleman to raise the corners of his lips in reply. Her husband however did not return the light mood in his expression. Although she had gently teased him to acquaint him with the habit he was still not as comfortable with the way in which his wife spoke when there was company. She smiled as she continued to clear the air.
“After all, I do not wish to have those I care deeply for be so formal with me. It puts me in mind of my dear parents and I am determined never to be such as my mother.” Her eyes found his and the smile reflected slightly as he recognised her teasing. He longed to say something but he could only allow the slight smile to touch his proud lips before joining the other members of the party. They spent the afternoon comfortably laughing and gradually the smile, which had started as a whisper across his lips became a full, broad grin. Elizabeth was never more proud of her husband than when he smiled easily with people who cared for both of them.
The letter arrived the week after the birth of her son. It was a hand with which she was not familiar and her daughter, who had taken her father to the town the day before to see a friend, was almost in tears before it could be opened. Darcy had gently removed the distressed girl from the scene and had arranged for his wife to be left in peace to read her letter. It was not as she had hoped, a letter from one of the many new acquaintances she had made whilst being the wife of the owner of Pemberly, but a post sent to her by the husband of her youngest sister, whose flirtatious manner had not ceased even with her marriage. The writing was not neat and took her some time to make out what had been meant but when it became clear she almost dropped the letter and ran from the room to find her husband and beg they visit Mr and Mrs Bingley as soon as possible. Taking a steadying breath she continued to read the transcript of events which caused her much worry and left her in a state of absentmindedness for days.
The flicker of candlelight drew him like a moth as he returned from his trip to town. She did not see him straight away but sat staring out the window into the blackness, another letter open in her hands, which rested limply in her lap. Concerned he softly called her name, causing her to jump and look at him with startled eyes. In them he could see the rapid workings of her mind as a solution to some problem was being sought. It was an expression he had seen only once before and never wished to again.
“What is the matter, dearest Elizabeth?” He sat on the edge of her bed and wanted desperately to reach for her in comfort but his fingers merely played worriedly with the ring on his little finger. Glancing at her left hand he saw the three rings which bound her to him firmly in place, although not all facing the right way.
“Nothing, I am well.” She replied and the weak smile immediately fell from her lips as she continued. “I have just received a letter from an old acquaintance, that is all.” She had folded the letter and put it in her draw. Her smile was now returning to normal as she inquired after his health and success on his trip to London. He answered her briefly before going to his room, changing and coming back to hers to slip into the bed which they had been sharing almost constantly. Now he felt he could comfort the one whose tears could turn him into an angry and violent man. He could not bear to think that she was alive in the world and in sadness. The candle was extinguished but his desire to discover the reason for the tears shimmering in her eyes was not. Decided on a course of action, he gently enfolded his treasured partner in his arms and touched his lips to her hair as he did so often with his daughter. He could not understand then why the tears he had seen began to wet her face as he attempted to comfort her. Feeling the pain at hers his determination was set and heavens help any who caused his love more misery.
The sadness had finally been replaced with the joy that had resided in the large house when Darcy suggested they go to a play in London, where they could meet with old acquaintances and enjoy the memories of ----shire and Neatherfield. Elizabeth was eager to see her beloved sister Jane and her husband Mr Bingley so she readily agreed. The pair set off for the review in high spirits and arrived at the house the majority of the party had occupied for the winter of the first year they had known each other. The Darcys were pleased to see the Bingleys and Hursts had arrived just earlier. Elizabeth and her sister Jane were inseparable for the first few hours but neither husband minded, although Miss Bingley and her sister Mrs Hurst were most disgusted with the antisocial behaviour.
“I can still not understand why he married her.” Exclaimed the unmarried woman.
“Nor I Caroline, but truly it is your duty to make him see that she is not a suitable wife.” The idea was laughed at to begin with but it sat in the mind of the devoted woman for some time. She proceeded the very next evening to reply to a letter she had received earlier that month. She sent it express and enclosed payment.
It was only a matter of days before Miss Bingley received the reply she had been waiting for. Although she had still not been able to gain from Mr Darcy the smiles or looks he gave his wife, she had done as much as she could to the point. She had even acted as friendly toward Mrs Darcy as was believable for the time they had spent together. Mrs Darcy also received a letter from the same source some days later. However, it was only known to herself as she did not see it necessary to confide such a thing to her dearest sister as the letter was written very ill and made little sense. But her mood was not as it had been earlier and this was noted by Darcy, although the proud man said nothing directly about the subject. Jane also noticed and it was she who asked one evening about her sister’s manner.
“It must be that I miss my children more than I thought I would. The sooner I am back at Pemberly the better.” She smiled for her sister and invited her to bring her family to the estate for a visit. Jane said she would discuss it with her husband but there shouldn’t be any reason for them to refuse the invitation.
“But Lizzy, will Mr Darcy mind that you have not asked him?” That bought the laughter, which had been lacking to the dark haired woman’s face.
“Darcy does not mind who I invite. With exceptions of course, but you are not those I promise you.” The smiles and laughter the two were sharing lasted through the next day and indeed Darcy was more than happy to second the invitation to the Bingleys. It was a different matter with the Hursts and the unmarried sister, as they would be attending the great house at Christmas and that was soon enough for both husband and wife. Plans were made between the four and it was decided they should leave in the next few days so as to bring the cheer back to Pemberly and for their guests to collect their two children, both boys and both energetic.
Mr Darcy had a last surprise for his now jovial wife. There was a great bookshop, which he had been meaning to visit on the last excursion to town but he had left no time for it in his desire to return to Pemberly.
“You mean to take me to another review.” She guessed as the carriage made it way down the lane ways.
“Not at all, I now realise how much you enjoy them.” The half smile of jest played at the corners of his mouth as she retorted,
“Then you must be taking me to see your dear aunt, Lady Catherine DeBourge. For you know how much her company stimulates my mind.”
“Yes, it sharpens your wit considerably. But I am then the victim of your tongue and I have no wish to recollect the manner in which I was addressed when you were near Rosings last.” Lightly scowling his wife feigned anger.
“I thought it was decided we should never mention that again, but if you will bring up my behaviour…”
“No, I beg, hold your tongue,” but although he was serious the laughter there made her smile in return.
“A truce then. I shall never mention again your abominable behaviour when I first met you in ---shire, or that you slighted me and said ‘she is tolerable I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me’,”
“But now dearest, loveliest, Elizabeth I will only dance with you, for you are the handsomest woman of my acquaintance.” He lightly caressed her cheek and she laughed for a moment and then went coldly still, the letters’ content leaping to mind.
“Mayhap, dear husband, you should tell me where we are bound so I know how long from home we shall be.” His chuckle was touched by the concern at her strange behaviour, never had she been so quick to change mood.
“We are almost there, I do hope you like it.” The carriage stopped in front of the shop and once inside Mrs Darcy was exactly how she had been when first discovering the library at Pemberly. Darcy leaned close to her ear and whispered,
“You may have anything here you desire, dearest wife. A gift from me as I will always love you.” Smiling she spent quite some time choosing her book. There were two which she liked greatly and could not decided between. Noticing this Darcy purchased the second as a gift also, but in secret, so as to make it a surprise. His wife was waiting for him outside and he hurried to meet her. However when the tall Mr Darcy appeared from the doorway a sudden crowd had formed and in the middle, his dear wife and some man he knew not. The man was brandishing a letter, which Elizabeth refused to take from him although it was addressed to her. Frowning Mr Darcy made his way towards the pair and heard what his wife was saying.
“I wish to have nothing more to do with your master. I have told him this repeatedly. I would like you to take back the letter to whence it came, as I have no desire to read it.” The servant was about to reply but Darcy appeared behind her.
“Perhaps you should take the letter. The crowd will then disperse and you can do with it what you will.”
“You take it, for I have no inclination to, crowd or no.” Their eyes clashed but he stepped forward with his hand outstretched to receive the offensive post.
“I was told to deliver it to her personally, no one else.” The man had hidden the letter behind his back.
“I am her husband, give me the letter.” The paper exchanged hands, Mr Darcy offered a coin to the man, who took it and departed like smoke. Jaw set he walked with his now rigid wife to their carriage and began the journey to Pemberly. The book he had bought hidden in the folds of his coat.
The sadness had finally been replaced with the joy that had resided in the large house when Darcy suggested they go to a play in London, where they could meet with old acquaintances and enjoy the memories of ----shire and Netherfield. Elizabeth was eager to see her beloved sister Jane and her husband Mr Bingley so she readily agreed. The pair set off for the review in high spirits and arrived at the house the majority of the party had occupied for the winter of the first year they had known each other. The Darcys were pleased to see the Bingleys and Hursts had arrived just earlier. Elizabeth and her sister Jane were inseparable for the first few hours but neither husband minded, although Miss Bingley and her sister Mrs Hurst were most disgusted with the antisocial behaviour.
“I can still not understand why he married her.” Exclaimed the unmarried woman.
“Nor I Caroline, but truly it is your duty to make him see that she is not a suitable wife.” The idea was laughed at to begin with but it sat in the mind of the devoted woman for some time. She proceeded the very next evening to reply to a letter she had received earlier that month. She sent it express and enclosed payment.
It was only a matter of days before Miss Bingley received the reply she had been waiting for. Although she had still not been able to gain from Mr Darcy the smiles or looks he gave his wife, she had done as much as she could to the point. She had even acted as friendly toward Mrs Darcy as was believable for the time they had spent together. Mrs Darcy also received a letter from the same source some days later. However, it was only known to herself as she did not see it necessary to confide such a thing to her dearest sister as the letter was written very ill and made little sense. But her mood was not as it had been earlier and this was noted by Darcy, although the proud man said nothing directly about the subject. Jane also noticed and it was she who asked one evening about her sister’s manner.
“It must be that I miss my children more than I thought I would. The sooner I am back at Pemberly the better.” She smiled for her sister and invited her to bring her family to the estate for a visit. Jane said she would discuss it with her husband but there shouldn’t be any reason for them to refuse the invitation.
“But Lizzy, will Mr Darcy mind that you have not asked him?” That bought the laughter, which had been lacking, to the dark haired woman’s face.
“Darcy does not mind who I invite. With exceptions of course, but you are not those I promise you.” The smiles and laughter the two were sharing lasted through the next day and indeed Darcy was more than happy to second the invitation to the Bingleys. It was a different matter with the Hursts and the unmarried sister, as they would be attending the great house at Christmas and that was soon enough for both husband and wife. Plans were made between the four and it was decided they should leave in the next few days so as to bring the cheer back to Pemberly and for their guests to collect their two children, both boys and both energetic.
Mr Darcy had a last surprise for his now jovial wife. There was a wonderful bookshop, which he had been meaning to visit on the last excursion to town but he had left no time for it in his desire to return to Pemberly.
“You mean to take me to another review.” She guessed as the carriage made it way down the lane ways.
“Not at all, I now realise how much you enjoy them.” The half smile of jest played at the corners of his mouth as she retorted,
“Then you must be taking me to see your dear aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourge. For you know how much her company stimulates my mind.”
“Yes, it sharpens your wit considerably. But I am then the victim of your tongue and I have no wish to recollect the manner in which I was addressed when you were near Rosings last.” Lightly scowling his wife feigned anger.
“I thought it was decided we should never mention that again, but if you will bring up my behaviour…”
“No, I beg, hold your tongue,” but although he was serious the laughter there made her smile in return.
“A truce then. I shall never mention again your abominable behaviour when I first met you in ---shire, or that you slighted me and said ‘she is tolerable I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me’,”
“But now dearest, loveliest, Elizabeth I will only dance with you, for you are the handsomest woman of my acquaintance.” He lightly caressed her cheek and she laughed for a moment and then went coldly still, the letters’ content leaping to mind.
“Mayhap, dear husband, you should tell me where we are bound so I know how long from home we shall be.” His chuckle was touched by the concern at her strange behaviour, never had she been so quick to change mood.
“We are almost there, I do hope you like it.” The carriage stopped in front of the shop and once inside Mrs Darcy was exactly how she had been when first discovering the library at Pemberly. Darcy leaned close to her ear and whispered,
“You may have anything here you desire, dearest wife. A gift from me as I will always love you.” Smiling she spent quite some time choosing her book. There were two which she liked greatly and could not decided between. Noticing this Darcy purchased the second as a gift also, but in secret, so as to make it a surprise. His wife was waiting for him outside and he hurried to meet her. However when the tall Mr Darcy appeared from the doorway a sudden crowd had formed and in the middle, his dear wife and some man he knew not. The man was brandishing a letter, which Elizabeth refused to take from him although it was addressed to her. Frowning Mr Darcy made his way towards the pair and heard what his wife was saying.
“I wish to have nothing more to do with your master. I have told him this repeatedly. I would like you to take back the letter to whence it came, as I have no desire to read it.” The servant was about to reply but Darcy appeared behind her.
“Perhaps you should take the letter. The crowd will then disperse and you can do with it what you will.”
“You take it, for I have no inclination to, crowd or no.” Their eyes clashed but he stepped forward with his hand outstretched to receive the offensive post.
“I was told to deliver it to her personally, no one else.” The man had hidden the letter behind his back.
“I am her husband, give me the letter.” The paper exchanged hands, Mr Darcy offered a coin to the man, who took it and departed like smoke. Jaw set he walked with his now rigid wife to their carriage and began the journey to Pemberly. The book he had bought hidden in the folds of his coat.
“I will not read it.” She exclaimed as the candles were lit. “I have no desire to know what it contains.” The evening was cool and they were sitting in the music room. As the children were asleep Darcy had taken the opportunity to again talk of the letter which sat accusingly in his lap.
“Then may I?” His voice had taken a cold turn and his eyes were as black as the night had become.
“If you wish but I’m sure it contains nothing of consequence.” She sunk into her favourite chair and reached for her embroidery. It was that small move that made Darcy all the more worried. He opened the letter and scanned it briefly.
“You are right,” he said, voice soft and threatening, “it merely states that Mr Wickham is disappointed that you have decided to end the affair.” The cloth fell from her hands and she quickly grabbed the letter and began to read it for herself.
Dearest Elizabeth,
I was shocked and grieved when you declined to answer my last letter. I was even more hurt when you did not meet me as we had agreed so many months ago. I must believe then that somehow Mr Darcy has been able to win back your heart by some token or other for you know he cannot love you as I do.
“No Wickham. Love itself is beyond you.”
We have never had the worry of dislike or social restraints, I have been missing you terribly and your sister is no consolation as she is her mother and not her elder sister.
“You knew that when you married her.” Darcy looked at his wife as she continued to read aloud.
It pains me to say it but I never have and never will love Lydia. There, I have written it and although I have told you as much many times I thought you might have to have it in writing to believe it.
“Great God, Darcy you cannot believe this!” Her voice was amazed at the absurdity of the contents of the letter yet he remained stonily silent. She continued to read.
You need not worry about Mr Darcy or his wrath should you leave him and come to me. I know I cannot offer you the comfort he can but I can give you love like he could not possess.
“Yes, a love for money perhaps?”
It is in your best interests as well as his for his heart lies not with you.
Darcy looked up then and caught her eyes. She read on.
Indeed his regard for you was just a mask for the one he truly carries for another woman. She is of higher rank and fortune. She has a claim on your acquaintance from Netherfield. I believe you have never been much impressed with her and noticed her affections towards your husband before you were wed. I regret to inform you that there has been a change in his regard as he now is very much in love with Miss Caroline Bingley.
He stood and began to pace, her eyes followed him but his hand was resting slightly on his lips as it always did when he was distressed by something. She knew that the last line was a lie, but her husband’s reaction made her doubt for a second her certainty. What could he be worried about? He knew that she did not believe he and Miss Bingley had ever shared so much as a warm friendship.
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