Mr. Darcy Goes Overboard (14 page)

Mr Bennet was painting the window frames of 3 Island Street a cornflower blue selected by Jane, as she felt it reflected the colour of her dear Bingley's eyes, when Darcy, of all people, came by and asked if he might have a word. On hearing this request from such a formidable young man, Mr Bennet felt much surprised but obliged to obey. The house being busy with female activity, the two went over to a quiet spot on the quayside, where they might have been observed in various attitudes of awkwardness and surprise, concluding in happy agreement as hands were shaken.

'Lizzy! Lizzy!' Mr Bennet called on his return. 'Darcy astonishes me! You astonish me! I know you think him a proud, objectionable man whom you have always hated. But if you love him, too, then who am I to object to your going out with him? He scares the living daylights out of me, but I suppose it is jolly decent of him to ask permission in this day and age. He is markedly old-fashioned.'

'I do love him, Father!' said Lizzy, smiling and crying all at once.

'Well, that's a good thing, because I am in no doubt about the violence of his affections! Here, take this and go and buy yourself and your young man a bottle of Moet et Chandon. It's the least I can do!'

Mrs Bennet, who had been eavesdropping on the news, rushed out of the house, screaming to tell anyone who would listen, always declaring how she had been most fond of Darcy darling!

Texts of happiness flew in all directions. Texts of fury exploded from Lady Catherine. Mr Collins failed to know what to make of it all. Mary just got on with her physics.

The summer holiday drew to a close. Lizzy was delighted to receive an offer from University College, Durham, where she would be able to join Darcy. In normal circumstances, Mr Bennet would not be keen on a daughter going to the same university as a boyfriend, but Darcy was in his final year, and deep down, the contented father felt a most happy marriage was inevitable.

Jane and Bingley also found themselves travelling north. Jane was thrilled to be offered a place at York University to read History of Art. Bingley thought looking at glorious paintings with Jane seemed a jolly good way of spending the next three years and managed to squeeze in on clearing, mainly due to his delightful personality. As a consequence, the four saw a great deal of each other over the following years.

Mr Bennet missed his elder two daughters sorely but got the train up on a regular basis and enjoyed staying in the Chaplain's Suite at University College and having breakfast with the genial and entertaining chancellor when the latter was at home. Kitty improved, inspired by Lydia's transformation. Lydia texted to announce that the school in Ecuador was nearly complete, the little children adorable, and she had arranged to spend the next school holidays out there spreading The Good News. To her delight, she had also received a text from Wickham, saying he had reconsidered and wished to transform his life, too, and how should he take his first steps to salvation? Mary won everyone's admiration for the number of physics 'A' level re-takes she managed to endure, and Mrs Bennet happily gossiped with one and all and made a regular habit of showing off about her daughters to all her best friends.

As for the Gardiners, during term time they were always welcome in York and Durham, and Lizzy and Darcy ensured they spared time from their studies to enjoy a delightful row with them along the river that flowed majestically below the magnificent Durham Castle.

During the holidays, of course, everyone convened back at Salcombe to take brisk cliff walks, frolic in the sea, build sandcastles, and make fine catches at every delightful opportunity.

Belinda Roberts has written a number of plays:
Angelica
,
Beetleheart
,
Christmas Candy
,
OTMA's Glory
,
Starry Night
,
and
Vivaldi's Angels
. Married with four children, she lives in a farmhouse near Stratford-upon-Avon in England, and spends family holidays enjoying the sun, sea, and sand of Salcombe.