Ardently Loved

by Lory Lilian

  “I shall be happy to keep you company anytime, Mr. Bennet,” Bingley hurried to reply, and Mr. Bennet laughed.

  “You will likely not remember that promise after you are married, Bingley, but it was a nice thought.”

  “You will not have six ladies anymore,” Mrs. Bennet interjected with some distress. “My dear Lydia is already gone, and soon Jane will leave us too. How can a daughter’s happiness bring so much pain to a mother? My eldest and my youngest daughters will always have a special place in my heart.”

  “Mama, I shall be nearby; you will not have time to miss me,” Jane smiled.

  “And I thank God for that, my dear. Poor Lydia is so far away—in another part of the country! I shall see her so rarely. She cannot even come to her sister’s ball—so unfair! She loves balls so much. Fortunately, she has enough balls and parties with the officers of the regiment, but still, one more could not have hurt. My poor dear! And he is such a handsome, pleasant sort of man. He might not be very wise, but he is so young. I am sure he will remedy his mistakes. He is very well suited for Lydia—they are both so happy and like to dance so much.”

  Darcy took his glass and stepped toward the window. His distress was obvious, as well as the tension that suddenly fell on the chamber. Elizabeth struggled to find a way of changing the subject before her mother had time to speak more on a matter that could bring nothing but torment.

  Mr. Bennet intervened abruptly, interrupting his wife’s effusions. “Mrs. Bennet, let us be grateful to the Lord and to everyone who made it possible for Lydia to marry as she wished and for Wickham to find an advantageous commission that, hopefully, will allow him to build a comfortable living. Now—regarding the ball—you will be pleased to hear that our cousin Mr. Collins arrived to attend, together with his wife.”

  “Why would I be pleased to hear that, my dear Mr. Bennet? There are few people whose presence I enjoy less. But I shall not bother our guests by discussing a man they barely know.”

  “We met Mr. Collins in Kent when we visited our aunt Lady Catherine,” the colonel responded with apparent amusement.

  “Well…yes…he informed us Lady Catherine is his patroness…” Mrs. Bennet replied coldly. “Lizzy told me they have a comfortable house. Charlotte Lucas must be very content. She was Lizzy’s best friend. They will also inherit this house when Mr. Bennet passes away.”

  “We met Mrs. Collins too. Mr. Collins appeared to be fortunate in his choice of a wife,” the colonel continued. “Indeed, she has a very pleasant household, and I believe she offers Mr. Collins good guidance.”

  “Mr. Collins might have been fortunate, but Charlotte was even more so. She took the first opportunity she had. Unlike Lizzy, Charlotte did not reject a man who offered her a steady home and a safe situation in life.”

  “Mama!” Elizabeth cried, her face burning with shame. She dared look at Darcy, who was still near the window, holding his glass. His countenance showed equal distress and disbelief, and Elizabeth’s embarrassment turned into torment. He surely imagined that her mother referred to her rejection of him. Could he honestly believe her so thoughtless? But could she blame him if he did after all the awkward conversations of late?

  She tried to sound light and decided when she answered. “Mama, Charlotte is my friend, and I am happy to know she has a good marriage. If I did not consider an alliance with Mr. Collins appropriate for me, that does not mean he would not make a good husband for Charlotte. He is a decent, hardworking man, and I am sure he will provide the best living for his family.”

  She stole a glance at Darcy, and his expression now showed astonishment. Was he relieved that his secret had not been exposed, or troubled that he and Mr. Collins shared her rejected proposals?

  Laughter threatened to escape her lips, and she covered them with her napkin.

  “Well, perhaps Lizzy was right to reject him after all. He is a very unpleasant sort of man,” Mrs. Bennet concluded.

  “Mama, let us speak of something else, I beg you. You said it is not something to discuss in front of our guests,” Elizabeth begged.

  “You are right, of course. I just did not want someone to believe that Mr. Collins chose Charlotte or she accepted him out of some affection. If not for your rejection—”

  “Mama, please!”

  “Mr. and Mrs. Collins seem well suited,” Darcy eventually spoke. “I hope they have a long and happy marriage.”

  “As do we.” Elizabeth smiled. “Mr. Darcy, have you news from Miss Darcy? Is she still in Town?”

  With that, a new subject arose, and Mr. Collins was momentarily forgotten.

  “Yes, she is still in London. I received a letter from her yesterday. She asked me to send you her best regards and her hopes to see you again soon.”

  Darcy’s voice softened as he spoke of his sister, and his expression warmed as he addressed Elizabeth.

  “How very kind of her. I would be delighted to meet her again. I greatly enjoyed her company.”

  The simple words flustered Elizabeth as she could not but wonder what Miss Darcy would say if that particular news were sent to her. She had been genuine in her friendly manners when they met at Pemberley. But would she accept her brother’s inclination toward someone with a less fortunate situation in life? Would she be influenced by Lady Catherine’s strong opposition? And what of their other relatives? Lady Catherine had clearly told Elizabeth of her intention that everyone oppose such a union and never accept her as their equal. Even more, she threatened to turn Darcy himself into a stranger to his family. Could such a disturbing outcome indeed occur?

  Elizabeth averted her eyes from Darcy only when Bingley intervened. She missed both her parents’ curious glances and the colonel’s thoughtful expression.

  “The guests will arrive a day before the ball—tomorrow,” Bingley said. “There is…only the Millers declined. They have some unexpected family issues that interfered with their plans. But all the rest accepted. Tomorrow night we shall dine at Netherfield, and I would be happy if you could join us. I would like to introduce them to Jane…to Miss Bennet so she will already be acquainted with them at the ball. I believe it would be easier for her.”

  Mr. Bennet laughed. “Mr. Bingley, I believe it is time to call your future wife by her given name, even in public. It will be less awkward for all of us. And yes, I believe you are right regarding Jane. As amusing as it might sound, I for one must decline. The notion of a large and noisy gathering is enough excitement for a single evening. A second one would be too much for me.”

  “I perfectly understand, sir.”

  “I agree with Mr. Bennet, my dear Mr. Bingley,” Mrs. Bennet unexpectedly answered. “I shall be quite busy and probably tired before the ball. A dinner with strange people might be too tiresome for my nerves. However, Jane and Lizzy will certainly go. After all, Jane is the one who should be introduced to your guests, is she not? I hope you will not mind if we do not attend.”

  “No, not at all,” Mr. Bingley replied a little too hastily. “I mean—as you wish. I would not mind, of course. Mrs. Gardiner, Mr. Gardiner—will you join us?”

  Mrs. Gardiner smiled kindly. “I believe you will be busy taking care of your guests and your intended, Mr. Bingley. We shall happily have dinner at Netherfield some other time.”

  “I see.” Bingley appeared a little lost; he glanced around and met the adoring expression in Jane’s blue eyes. He melted, and a silly smile lit his face.

  “So…Miss Bennet…I mean Jane and Miss Elizabeth will come then?” He looked for approval with obvious concern, as the memories of his unpleasant last visit were still vivid.

  “Yes, we shall.” Elizabeth laughed. “And would you mind if I call you ‘Charles,’ sir? And you can address me either way. I feel we are family now.”

  Bingley’s uneasiness increased along with his candid smile. “I would like th
at very much…very much indeed.”

  “Well, now that we have established our names, shall we have a drink and some refreshments?” Mr. Bennet suggested.

  “If only this ugly rain would stop,” Mrs. Bennet insisted. To Elizabeth’s dismay, it was Darcy who stepped forward, took a seat by her mother, and answered.

  “I can well understand your frustration, madam. If the weather were finer, we could enjoy more of Hertfordshire’s beauties. I used to take early morning rides that were a true delight. But I had to stop them because of the rain, and I deeply regret it.”

  So astounded was Mrs. Bennet by Darcy’s approach and amiable tone, that she stared at him in disbelief. The others’ surprise was no less but better concealed, so no one observed Elizabeth’s flustered expression; the cup of tea burned her fingers, but her attention was fully captured by Darcy’s hidden confession.

  “True. If not for my friendship with Bingley, I would not have travelled in this weather for a ball,” the colonel declared. “But I am glad I did after spending such a lovely time in your company.”

  “And we are glad you came too, sir,” Mr. Bennet replied. “Will you dine with us, gentlemen? I imagine you will leave after the ball, and I would like to benefit from your company as much as possible.”

  “I am not sure…I…my sisters said…” Bingley responded, torn between his desires and the requests of his family.

  “I would be happy to,” Darcy added. “I am certain Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, as well as Miss Bingley, will be fine without me. Besides, the next two days, we shall be at Netherfield entirely.”

  “I would like to stay for dinner too,” the colonel seconded his cousin. “Unfortunately, we are not dressed for dinner. Perhaps we should go and change properly then return later.”

  “Oh, do not mind about that,” Mrs. Bennet intervened, determined to avoid their departure. “You are all handsome enough to look just fine whatever you wear. Surely, you cannot go and change in this storm.”

  “I thank you in behalf of my friends, Mrs. Bennet. Day attire it is then,” the colonel responded in jest, bowing ceremoniously.

  “Excellent. Would you excuse me now? I have some things to discuss with Hill…” Mrs. Bennet’s pleasure at having the gentlemen for dinner again was countered by her worry about not rising to their expectations, so she exited the room in a hurry.

  The gentlemen retired to the library with Mr. Bennet, and Elizabeth had no time to speak to Darcy directly. A stolen glance was all they shared, but she was excited by the notion of his being in their home for another few hours. She still did not know what he planned to do after the ball. He said he wished to assist Bingley on his wedding day, but that was two weeks hence. Would he stay? If so, surely they would find an opportunity to speak again—privately.

  The rest of the afternoon and dinner were a family affair. The degree of familiarity amongst the company allowed for no restraint or awkwardness. Even Mrs. Bennet’s occasional breaches of propriety brought nothing but amusement. Elizabeth was delighted with Darcy’s manners. His obvious efforts to keep a smile on his face, to participate in every conversation, and to address her parents at every opportunity could mean only a desire to please her.

  The rain and wind outside contrasted with the warmth of the friendly gathering, so when the windows shuddered under the force of the wind, Mr. Bingley declared, “This weather discourages any attempt to leave. I feel so comfortable that I am reluctant to return to Netherfield.”

  He stared at Jane, who blushed and smiled shyly.

  “Indeed, sir, I was thinking the same,” Mrs. Bennet hastily answered. “And I was wondering: since Lizzy and Jane will dine at Netherfield tomorrow and the weather is so nasty, perhaps they should take their ball gowns and remain at Netherfield overnight. It would make little sense to return home in the middle of the night only to go back the following day through the storm.”

  Disbelief fell over the rest of the family while Bingley seemed dumbfounded, looking from his intended to her mother.

  “Mama!” Jane whispered in a voice lowered by shame.

  “Would you not agree?” Mrs. Bennet continued, ignoring her horrified daughter.

  “I completely agree…I mean, if that is acceptable to Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth—I mean to Jane and Elizabeth—I believe it is sound reasoning,” Bingley mumbled.

  “We would be perfectly fine at home, despite the weather,” Elizabeth intervened, trying to avoid Darcy’s gaze. “And Netherfield will be fully crowded.”

  “I agree with Lizzy. We would be better at home. And with so many guests, there will likely be no spare chambers,” Jane said.

  “Actually, the Millers wrote that they are forced to decline; did I mention it? So there is another spare room,” Bingley responded, growing excited by the notion.

  “See? Two free rooms and you girls need only one. How fortunate!” Mrs. Bennet concluded.

  “This would be a good idea indeed. And you will be in no haste tomorrow after dinner. You will not have to leave immediately. Even more, you will have the opportunity to suggest any changes in case you are not pleased with the decorations or something,” Bingley addressed Jane, whose opposition subsided as the redness on her cheeks increased.

  “I…perhaps…I am not sure. We do not want to intrude.” Jane searched for the right answer.

  “What intrusion? Netherfield is your future home,” Mrs. Bennet cried, and Jane’s eyes widened in shameful surprise.

  “Mama, please—”

  “Although I am not entitled to an opinion, I would say that, if my sisters or mother were in such a situation, I would support Mrs. Bennet’s suggestion,” the colonel offered. “However, as I said, it is for others to make the decision.”

  “You see, Jane? Even the colonel agrees,” Mrs. Bennet said with deep satisfaction.

  Silent questions were wordlessly sent to Mr. Bennet, who appeared to hold little interest in the matter and nodded to his daughters to decide for themselves.

  Darcy’s words sounded as Elisabeth hoped and feared. “While I sense Mrs. Bennet’s suggestion is correct and wise, I believe Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth are to decide. It depends on their degree of comfort and convenience. There are situations in which poor company can make the stay less comfortable than riding through a storm.”

  The shadow of the failed visit that troubled Elizabeth was dissipated by the gleam in Darcy’s eyes. His thoughts were difficult to read. He admitted his support of the idea but also allowed her the liberty to decide free of any pressure and distress.

  The unexpected—and highly improper—possibility of spending two days and a night under the same roof with Darcy took her breath away. In truth, no impropriety could occur either for her or for Jane. With so many guests and the Bingley sisters there, nobody would have a single moment of privacy. Still, that would mean they would sleep in the house. They would meet several times. They could even share the library—more pleasantly than a year earlier. Was there a reason strong enough to convince her against such a prospect?

  It was for Jane to make the final choice, but Elizabeth found herself speaking,

  “The company at Netherfield is hardly poor—quite the opposite. Jane and I shall discuss this further, and if the weather is as bad tomorrow, we shall consider Mama’s suggestion in earnest.”

  “Yes, we shall discuss it. But we are grateful for your care, Charles,” Jane whispered to her betrothed, who tenderly kissed her hand.

  Elizabeth and Darcy had no right to speak more or to share other sorts of closeness. But it was not necessary. The concealed smiles and the words hidden behind meaningful silences were enough.

  ***

  Later on, when the guests eventually departed and the family retired for the night, Jane openly expressed her displeasure with her mother in a way unseen before.

  “What on
earth is wrong with you, child? Why would you be upset with me?” Mrs. Bennet inquired.

  “Why? Mama, how could you do that to me—expose me to such a situation? Is it not enough that you sent me by horseback last year so that I was trapped at Netherfield for days? Should we repeat the experience in such an obviously improper manner?”

  “Oh hush, girl! You speak nonsense. Did you not see that all three gentlemen agreed with me? I only want what is best for you! If not for my help, I wonder whether Mr. Bingley would have come to know you and to fall in love with you so quickly. You should be grateful to me!”

  “I am grateful, Mama! But you cannot continue to expose us to these distressing situations.”

  “Of course I can. If I am doing it, it is for your own good. And I never mentioned that the rain could ruin your appearance. You cannot be less elegant and beautiful than other women in attendance. And even more—oh dear, you are so naïve, how should I put this?”

  “What do you mean, Mama?”

  “Well, you cannot possibly allow other women to sleep in the same house with your betrothed! What if one of them tries to compromise him and ruins your wedding?”

  “Mama!”

  “No ‘Mama’! I know I am right. One cannot be too cautious in these matters.”

  Jane’s growing wrath and opposition were so strong and unusual that it amused Elizabeth.

  “And pray tell me, Mama, how can I prevent such an incident if it is to occur? Should I guard Charles’s room? Perhaps compromising myself by such foolishness?” Jane asked angrily.

  “Not at all. Just being there will be enough. And since you are about to marry, you cannot be compromised. It is nonsense. Lizzy, on the other hand, could easily be put in a compromising situation.”

  “Mama, what are you talking about? Your allusions are really disturbing,” Elizabeth responded in shock.

  “Come now, I am not suggesting anything, I am just saying…you know, I have wondered for some time… It is obvious to everyone that Miss Bingley would do anything to gain Mr. Darcy’s attention and even more so to have him marry her. How is it that she has not put herself in a compromising situation with him since they are so much in each other’s company? He appears to be an honourable man; he would surely marry her if necessary.”