After leaving City Hall, the driver drove them directly back to Darcy Manor. Elizabeth stepped out of the car and gazed at the luxurious villa with a hint of astonishment. Her professional instincts immediately kicked in, and she began to contemplate various architectural designs in her mind. The exquisite gardens, fountains, and Baroque landscaping...
Growing up in such a place, it was understandable how Caroline Bingley had developed her airs.
A middle-aged man dressed in a butlers uniform approached respectfully, "Sir, who is this..."
Darcy replied, "This is my wife, and she will be the lady of the house from now on."
The butler, well-trained and composed, accepted this new information without a hint of surprise. "Madam," he addressed Elizabeth, then turned to Darcy, "The mistress would be comforted to know youve taken a wife."
Elizabeth suspected the "mistress" referred to Darcys late sister and Carolines mother. Indeed, Darcy scoffed, "If my sister knew what a mess her daughter had become, shed be more likely to turn in her grave."
The butler diplomatically changed the subject, "Miss Caroline is still young."
"Young? At twenty, shes hardly a child," Darcy retorted. "Enough about that. Lets go, Elizabeth. Ill show you to our rooms where you can change."
Elizabeth, dressed in a crumpled T-shirt and jeans, had been wrapped in Darcys suit jacket. After a bath on the second floor, she found a brand-new set of clothes that fit her perfectly, including her undergarments...
Once dressed, she heard an argument coming from the living room. "Uncle, you cant marry Elizabeth Bennet!"
The second floor was designed with an open concept, allowing her to see down into the living room. Caroline Bingley, still in her engagement dress, stood defiantly before Darcy.
"Oh, really?" Darcy sat calmly on the sofa, sipping his Earl Grey tea with an air of elegance.
"Her reputation at school is abysmal!"
"Is that so?" Darcys voice was laced with skepticism. "And yet, I find it hard to believe it could be worse than yours—skipping classes, failing exams, causing disturbances..."
Carolines bravado faltered, "Those are trivial matters, Uncle..."
"Trivial?" Darcys gaze turned stern. "Caroline, your behavior is an embarrassment to your mothers memory and a disappointment to me."
Caroline, used to getting her way, retorted petulantly, "But mom would be ashamed to see you marry such a woman!"
"Watch your words," Darcys tone was icy. "Elizabeth is now your aunt, and you will treat her with respect."
Carolines face flushed with anger and humiliation. "You cant make me apologize to that filthy, lowly—"
Darcy slammed his teacup down, the tea spilling slightly. "Apologize," he commanded, his voice brooking no argument.
Caroline, on the verge of tears, backed away. "Never!"
She was furious, feeling wronged that her uncle, who had always doted on her, was now being so harsh towards her because of Elizabeth Bennet.
"If mom knew you were marrying such a woman and treating me this way, shed wish shed taken me with her! Whats the point of living with this kind of humiliation?"
Darcys expression was one of exasperation. "If youre that determined not to live, its simple enough. Leave this house and stop using my name to flaunt your status. Youll be able to complain to your mother about your grievances soon enough."
"I dont need this," Caroline shouted, grabbing her bag and storming out, her pride bruised and her emotions in turmoil.
Elizabeth watched as Caroline left, leaving only her and Darcy in the room.
"Gone," Darcy remarked nonchalantly.
"Indeed," Elizabeth responded, still feeling a bit uncomfortable with the sudden intimacy.
Darcy, however, seemed oblivious to her discomfort as he continued to tend to her bruised knee with a medicated oil.
"Does it feel better?" he asked, his touch gentle yet firm.
Elizabeth nodded, too embarrassed to speak. Darcys attention to her well-being was both flattering and disconcerting.
"Elizabeth," Darcy said, looking up at her with sincerity, "My sister passed away young, and Ive spoiled Caroline. I promise you, she will apologize to you sincerely."
With that, he helped Elizabeth to her feet and led her upstairs, his intentions clear.
"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth blurted out, "What exactly do you see in me?"
Darcy paused, looking into her eyes. "If I told you it was love at first sight, you wouldnt believe me. But its the truth. Love is a peculiar thing, impossible to explain logically."
He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "If you cant accept that, then consider it my inability to resist your charm. Im determined to keep you by my side as Mrs. Darcy."
Before Elizabeth could respond, the telephone rang. Darcy answered it, putting it on speaker.
Carolines frantic voice came through the line, "William Darcy! Why has my card been frozen?"
She had rushed to Darcy Manor, leaving her own engagement ceremony behind, only to be humiliated by her uncle and forced to apologize to Elizabeth.
Furious, she had gone shopping, hoping to spend her frustrations away, only to find her cards declined.
Darcy glanced at Elizabeth before responding, "Did you think being disowned was an empty threat?"
Caroline was aghast, "But its not fair! Mom was a Darcy too, and I have a claim to the family fortune. You cant do this to me, not even for moms sake!"
"Lower your voice," Darcy admonished, "Youre disturbing your aunt."
"But why?" Carolines voice rose in pitch. "I dont understand why youre so insistent that I apologize to Elizabeth Bennet. Shes vile and unworthy. I was just trying to protect you from being deceived."
"Caroline!" Elizabeth snatched the phone, her temper flaring. "What more do you want from me? You drugged me, falsified photos to tarnish my reputation, and now you have the audacity to act the victim?"