“No, I’m not sure what I want to do. I appreciate your kind offer to live here, Jane, I really do. But I want to give it some more thought.”
“Promise me you will stay here while Charles and I are on our honeymoon. Surely you can stay that long. Besides, you cannot leave until you have made a decision as to your future. You need some time, Lizzy, to think about what you want. You must stay at least a few days after Charles and I return; you must. I was so long without you, dear Lizzy. Please promise you will stay.”
“All right, Jane. I promise, I promise! Should I warn Mr. Bingley now that you can be such a nag at times?!” teased Elizabeth.
“How are you and Mr. Darcy getting along?” asked Jane.
Feeling herself blush, she asked, “What do you mean?”
“I just happened to notice that he looks at you quite often,” responded Jane.
“We get along fine, Jane, but I would not read too much into his looks. We are better suited as friends.”
“So you have no feelings beyond friendship for Mr. Darcy?”
“My feelings are . . .”
Jane watched as her sister’s face displayed her obvious struggle in determining the answer to that question. She wondered if perhaps her feelings for Mr. Darcy were more than she was willing to acknowledge.
“Jane, I am not interested in forming an attachment with any gentleman. But, if I were to judge Mr. Darcy solely upon my observation of him over the last two weeks, I would say I had an overall favourable opinion of him.”
Elizabeth found herself surprised by her own admission, but she had to admit he had been nothing but kind to her since his arrival and, upon observing him with Ellie and his sister over the last two weeks, could find no fault with her declaration.
“Do you never wish to marry then, Lizzy?”
“I do not believe so.” Elizabeth smiled at her sister. “But be not troubled, Jane, for I shall be the best of aunts and teach your ten children to embroider cushions and play their instruments very ill.”
“You are very stubborn, Lizzy!”
“Of that I am sure. But I promise I will stay until you and Mr. Bingley return from your honeymoon. After all, it will only be for a few weeks.”
“I guess that will have to suffice. Just remember, Lizzy, you will always be welcome here.”
The two sisters hugged again. A moment later the door opened, and Mrs. Bennet entered the room, and the two sisters stood. “Come, Jane. You do not want to be late for your own ball! My, you do look most lovely. Oh Jane, I knew you could not be so beautiful for nothing!”
She then focused her eyes on Elizabeth. “You look very nice too, Lizzy. Of course, you will never be as beautiful as your sister.”
“Thank you, Mama,” said Elizabeth as she once again fought the temptation to roll her eyes.
As they made their way to the stairs, they found Mr. Bingley waiting to escort Jane. When he saw her, he smiled and eyed her lovely countenance appreciatively. The love in his eyes was quite apparent. He was indeed a lucky man!
To think he had almost thrown it all away. His own insecurities had almost cost him his happiness. He would always be grateful to Darcy for setting him straight. Thanks to his friend, he would never again allow another person’s opinion to deter him from what he wanted.
As he thought upon that conversation, he smiled to himself. One day I will tell Jane the entire story, he thought. But just to be on the safe side, it is best I wait until after we are man and wife.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Jane and Mr. Bingley stood beaming at the entrance to the large room that had been transformed into the loveliest of ballrooms. As the prospective bride and groom greeted each attendee, their joy was obvious. Caroline stood next to the couple, as she officiated in what would be her final role as Mistress of the manor. In two days’ time, her role would be relegated to that of “sister” as Jane would rightfully take her proper place as wife of Mr. Bingley.
The ball was well attended, with everyone in their finest apparel. Caroline wore a chartreuse taffeta that when seen reflected in light, turned a melon colour. The feather in her chapeau made her appear at least a foot taller than her already excessive height.
Elizabeth approached the happy couple and, as she did, many appreciative eyes followed her movements. She indeed looked lovelier than ever. Mrs. Hill had done an admirable job in fixing Lizzy’s hair into a most attractive upsweep, allowing only a few loose curls to lightly brush against the back of her neck. The gown she wore was a delicate lavender chiffon that hugged Elizabeth’s ample bosom and swept enticingly over the curves of her hips.
Elizabeth kissed her sister on the cheek and warmly greeted Mr. Bingley. As she next approached Caroline, Miss Bingley stated in surprise, “I see not all your dresses were bought in the country. Miss Eliza.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam’s gaze followed Elizabeth’s progress as she entered the ballroom, and he watched as she greeted Mr. and Mrs. Collins. Even though he would admit he felt an attraction towards the young lady, his suspicions regarding her connection to Darcy were mounting.
Kitty and Mary entered the ballroom, and Elizabeth went to greet them. She could not get over the change in her sister Kitty. She had somehow gone from a silly adolescent to a confident young lady overnight. It was amazing how the absence of Lydia’s influence could have had such a positive effect on her. Colonel Fitzwilliam approached the three ladies, and Elizabeth made the introductions. He requested Kitty’s third set, which she graciously accepted. Mary stood with a sheet of music in her hand, making her intention of exhibiting during the supper hour apparent.
As Elizabeth was next engaged in conversation with her Aunt and Uncle Gardner, she saw Mr. Darcy escorting Georgiana into the ballroom. When Georgiana spotted her, she led her brother in their direction.
As he approached, she noticed his cravat was tied in a most striking and intricate manner, and for a moment she was excessively diverted with the challenge untying such a knot would present. That thought brought an attractive flush to her already rosy complexion.
As soon as he saw her, his heart leapt in his chest. She had turned in their direction as he and Georgiana had entered the ballroom. Her face was luminous, and she appeared to be floating on a cloud of lavender chiffon. He drank her in from head to toe, admiring her every virtue. “Good evening, Miss Bennet,” he said as he bowed.
“Good evening, Mr. Darcy, Georgiana. Allow me to introduce my aunt and uncle.” After introductions were made, the sounds of the orchestra pervaded the ballroom as the musicians tuned their instruments to begin the first set.
Of course, Darcy would dance the first set with his sister, for to ask anyone other than Georgiana would attract too much attention. As he was about to lead her towards the dance floor, however, he turned and addressed Elizabeth.
“I would be honoured to dance the second set with you, Miss Bennet, and if it would not be too much of an imposition to place upon our newly formed friendship, perhaps the supper set as well?”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy, I am not engaged for either set.” He bowed slightly and, as he turned, caught a glimpse of his cousin approaching her. He watched as Richard took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
“May I say how lovely you look this evening, Miss Elizabeth?”
Looking up at him Elizabeth grinned. “Yes, you may indeed, Colonel.”
Once again they engaged in easy conversation while in each other’s close proximity during the dance.
Darcy tried to keep his attentions to the steps of the dance, but found himself often looking down to where Richard and Elizabeth were situated. He observed that they had much conversation. His eyes were then drawn to their hands as they were joined in requirement of the dance.
He felt his own hand twitch at the thought of touching Elizabeth, and the remembrance of their intimate caresses caused him to misstep. He quickly apologized to Georgiana and made a greater effort to focus his concentration.
When the set en
ded, the colonel led Elizabeth back to the edge of the dance floor. Darcy led Georgiana to the same vicinity, and, as the music started up again for the second set, the two gentlemen exchanged partners.
He took her gloved hand in his as he led her toward the centre of the dance floor. Before he released her, he let his thumb glide over her knuckles. Such a small gesture, but it caused a reaction in her, nonetheless.
As the dance parted them, he looked back towards her, paying no mind to the woman who now moved to his side. When the movements of the dance brought them once again back together, Darcy took advantage of her closeness. “Is it your plan to stay on at Netherfield after the wedding?”
“I promised Jane I would stay until they return from their honeymoon. She insisted that I remain a few days upon their homecoming. I have not yet decided what I will do after that.”
“Might I ask a favour of you, Miss Bennet?” he asked as he guided her into the next turn of their dance.
“Yes, of course, Mr. Darcy.”
“Georgiana and I must be away to London after the wedding. We will remain there for about a fortnight as we have a few social obligations we must attend. I would like to leave Mrs. Hawkins here with Ellie while we are gone. Would it be too much to ask of you to watch Ellie until our return?”
Elizabeth looked up at him and graced him with a smile. “I would be most happy to look after her, Mr. Darcy.”
If a smile, he thought, could illuminate a room, it was most certainly Lizzy’s. He watched as she whirled around him and moved on to her next partner in the dance. He knew his words had pleased her, and her reaction was all that he had hoped. Once again oblivious to his new partner, he followed Lizzy’s every move with his eyes until she was once again before him.
The set came to an end far too soon and, reluctantly, he relinquished her company. Darcy moved to an inconspicuous location in the room and watched as she danced the next two sets. Though pleased that he was able to observe her undetected, he could not deny his jealousy as he watched the parade of men who requested her company.
Upon witnessing his cousin again about to approach her, he stepped from behind the shadows and was immediately detected by Caroline Bingley, who was in the company of a gentlemen whom he recognized immediately.
“Mr. Darcy! Where have you been hiding? Do you remember Lord Westcott and his daughter?” she anxiously asked, thrilled at the fact that she was able to secure such noble guests in attendance. Wait until the London papers hear of my association with such aristocrats! she thought. I will undoubtedly be welcomed into the most prestigious circles of society once it is known.
“Of course. How good to see you again, Lord Westcott. It has been some time, has it not?”
“At least two years,” he responded. “I was just relating to Georgiana my astonishment at how she has grown since I last saw her. She reminds me much of your mother.”
“Yes,” agreed Darcy looking across the room at his sister with pride. “She has inherited many of our mother’s features, although I believe she has already exceeded our mother’s height.
“I must admit I am surprised to see you here. I hadn’t realized you and Mr. Bingley were so well acquainted,” said Darcy.
“I was surprised also upon receiving the invitation,” replied Lord Westcott. “I have never been in his company aside from the few times I met him with you at the club. Had you not written your expressed desire that I attend on the invitation, I doubt that I would have. But now I’m glad I did. It’s been such a pleasure to see you and Georgiana again.” The Earl paused and tilted his head. “Darcy, you did send the invitation, did you not? It bore your name.”
“Ah, yes, I did. I invited several of our acquaintances, my lord. It merely slipped my mind for the moment.”
Knowing full well he had not written any such thing on an invitation, he looked over to Caroline, who was examining her nails. Not wishing to make a scene, he turned his attentions to Lord Westcott’s daughter who patiently waited her turn at introduction.
Miss Westcott was several years younger than Darcy. The last time he had seen her, she could not have been more than ten. He imagined she was only a year or two older than Georgiana. She had grown into a most attractive young lady with hair the colour of honey. Her blue eyes stood out starkly against the alabaster of her flawless complexion, and she possessed a pleasing figure, though, if he were honest, much too thin for his taste.
As Caroline saw Darcy look upon the young woman with approval, she was beginning to doubt the wisdom of her deceitful ploy.
When Lord Westcott asked Miss Bingley to dance, Miss Westcott moved closer to Darcy, a becoming blush gracing her countenance.
“Will . . . will you be . . . residing in London this season, Mr. Darcy?” she finally managed to conjure up the words to inquire.
“I will travel there in a few days, but will remain only a fortnight. I have other business that calls me back to Pemberley.”
Blushing again, she endeavoured to overcome her shyness to ask, “Dare I hope you might accept an invitation to dine with us during your stay in Town, Mr. Darcy?”
“If it coincides with my plans, I would be most happy to dine with you and your father, Miss Westcott.”
As they stood there together, Darcy felt obliged to ask her to dance. Leading her to the floor, he observed Elizabeth dancing with Richard. Their eyes met.
Elizabeth immediately turned away as her complexion reddened. “Are you unwell, Miss Bennet?” asked the colonel.
“No, not at all, sir. I feel exceptionally fine this evening,” she replied.
Elizabeth tried to maintain an air of indifference. Why should she care if Mr. Darcy danced with other women? So what if this one happened to be attractive, with honey blonde hair? Certainly he was free to do whatever he pleased. After all, she and Mr. Darcy were only friends. With determination she tried to ignore the presence of the attractive looking couple on the dance floor for the remainder of the set.
When the set ended, Caroline and Lord Westcott returned to Miss Westcott’s and Darcy’s company. As the music began again Caroline directed several hints toward Darcy. “This music is so inspiring, is it not, Mr. Darcy?” . . . followed by a subtle “It has been so long since I danced a reel.”
Resigned to his fate, he asked her to dance the next set, which thankfully did not include a reel. During the dance, Darcy asked, “How is it, do you suppose, that a note bearing my name appeared on Lord Westcott’s invitation?”
“I cannot imagine, Mr. Darcy,” she answered as her eyes looked everywhere but at his.
Darcy decided since it had been a most pleasant surprise to see Lord Westcott again after so much time, that there was no reason for him to be angry with Caroline and let the matter drop.
At last, it was time for the supper set, and he again approached Elizabeth. She graciously accepted his hand, and once again he led her to the dance floor. This set was more intimate than the prior ones had been. The dancers were divided into groups of six, exchanging partners only within their group. As it happened, they were partnered with Bingley, Jane, and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, and the set was indeed a most pleasant experience. He spent the entire thirty minutes in her company, inhaling her delicate lavender scent and admiring her fine eyes. When the set ended, he had the added pleasure of offering his arm and escorting her into dinner.
As they stood in line to enter the dining area, Darcy could not help but comment, “You look quite lovely this evening, Miss Bennet. But I cannot recall a time when you have not, even when you were wearing breeches,” he said as he smiled upon her.
Elizabeth tried not to blush at such a comment, remembering he had seen her wearing nothing at all.
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I admit this dress does make me feel quite elegant.”
“I believe the dress has little to do with it,” he responded.
He knew he was being far too attentive. But as usual, when in her company, he could not seem to restrain his responses to her, verbal or
physical.
CHAPTER FORTY
As the ball was nearing its conclusion, Mr. Bingley engaged Elizabeth in what ended up being the liveliest set of the evening. Upon finishing the last of the set, Elizabeth excused herself and walked to the balcony to breathe in some much needed fresh air. While she stood overlooking the gardens, she heard a conversation in progress on the adjacent balcony.
“Whatever possesses him to show her such notice, I cannot imagine. Such a country nothing, just like her sister. I suppose he is just amusing himself. I have already heard rumours in the servant’s quarters of a compromising night in the library.”
The voice was unmistakably Caroline Bingley’s. Elizabeth stood perfectly still, waiting for the conversation to continue.
“Do you not think he could form a serious attachment to her?” asked Louisa.
“Oh, do be serious, dear sister. Remember in London when I sought Mr. Darcy’s help in separating Charles and Jane? I asked him if he would ever consider marrying someone with such low connections, and he assured me that his social standing and sense of duty would never permit an alliance with someone so beneath his society. And let us not forget the fact that he married Anne. Were they not preordained to marry since birth? Indeed his aunt, Lady Catherine, would brook no opposition on the matter, and he eventually succumbed to her wishes.”
Having been in the woman’s company for the past two weeks, Caroline’s opinion of her was hardly surprising. How does a woman get to be like Caroline Bingley, she wondered?
“And as for that daughter of his, I am sure there is something amiss. I was so close to learning the truth from Dr. Adams.”
“Yes,” said Louisa. “How inconsiderate of him to die before he could tell you all he knew.”
“Indeed, it was,” replied Caroline, unaware of any sarcasm on Louisa’s part.
“He was certainly of the opinion that Anne was hardly fit to bear a child. The girl is unmistakably Mr. Darcy’s, but as to the identity of the mother, I cannot imagine. Whoever she is, I am sure she was always paid handsomely for her services.”
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