A Turn in Their Dance

by Linda C Thompson

  “That is, indeed, a beautiful color,” said Darcy as he reached out his fingers to stroke the softness of the satin ribbon. “The color is hard to pin down. Some of it appears blue, but other parts seem more like green, depending upon how the light strikes it. You made an excellent choice, Miss Lydia. My thanks for your assistance.” Darcy gave the girl a gentle smile–one that reached his eyes. Lydia’s spirits began to lift. “Miss Kitty, perhaps you would also pick one. What is your favorite color?” he asked.

  Without hesitating, Kitty said, “Rose.”

  “Then let us give Georgiana a choice. You should select one that you would choose for yourself.”

  Kitty hurried to a spool near the start of the row of ribbons. It was one she wished to purchase for herself, but she was required to wait until she received her next quarter’s allowance. Kitty handed the spool to Mr. Darcy, saying, “Is it not the most lovely of colors?”

  “It is, indeed,” agreed Mr. Darcy. “And, I believe, the color would look lovely on you.” Kitty blushed at the gentleman’s compliment.

  Darcy took the spools to the counter and instructed the clerk as to how much to cut. After paying for his package, Mr. Darcy said, “I believe, Miss Bennet, you mentioned something about the quality of the shawls made by one of the ladies in town. Perhaps we should go there next?”

  Darcy extended his arm for the ladies to precede him from the shop. Bingley offered his arm to Jane, and the two of them led the way. The three youngest sisters followed, while Darcy brought up the rear. This time he offered his arm to Elizabeth. She placed her hand on the extended arm with a shy smile of thanks.

  The party turned down one of the side streets, which was lined by several small residences. Bingley paused before the last house on the right, then opened the gate for Jane to enter. Before doing so, she looked to her sisters, remarking, “Since Mrs. Powell’s house is quite small, you girls should wait here while the rest of us go inside. Please do not wander off, for we shall be on to our next stop soon.”

  Her sisters nodded and Mr. Bingley gallantly offered to keep them company. He bowed to Jane as she proceeded through the gate, followed by Darcy and Elizabeth.

  Jane rang the bell that hung beside the door.

  “One minute,” came the slightly quavering female voice. The door was opened by a small woman with white hair and sparkling gray eyes. “Miss Jane, dear, how lovely to see you.”

  “You as well, Mrs. Powell. We have brought you a customer. Mr. Darcy wishes to purchase a shawl for his sister.”

  “Please come with me. I will show you the ones I currently have completed.”

  The elderly woman led them to a curtain on the right side of her home. When she pulled back the covering, a small room appeared. Within, the walls were covered with pegs from which hung a wide assortment of shawls of different fabrics and patterns. They each moved to a different location and began to examine the items before them. Elizabeth admired a soft, golden wool embroidered in dark green with a Greek key pattern around all of the edges. Darcy stared at those before him but felt a bit overwhelmed at making such a choice. It was Jane who found the perfect one.

  “I believe Miss Darcy would find this one most useful,” said Jane as she pulled a shawl from its peg and turned to show it to the others.

  Darcy studied the item with his usual seriousness. However, at Elizabeth’s comment of, “Oh, how lovely and practical,” he decided to agree with her. The shawl Jane had found was of downy white wool embroidered with small bouquets of flowers in purple, pink, yellow, and green. Sewn across the stems of the flowers was a raised bow in a color identical to the ribbon Lydia had chosen. Darcy asked the price and stated his belief that it was worth more. Mrs. Powell refused to accept more, so Darcy took the wrapped package and, as they departed, placed three shillings on the table beside the door.

  Rejoining the others, the group returned to town, to the bookstore. While Mary, Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy entered, Jane and Bingley followed the two youngest as they rushed from store to store, looking at the items on display.

  In the bookstore, Mary looked through the music. She pulled a recently published piece from the rack. Darcy could hear her humming to herself. Her right hand seemed to move rapidly, as if it were playing the notes in front of her. With a wistful sigh, she returned it to the rack and looked through the other selections.

  “What was that first piece you selected, Miss Mary?”

  “It was a new piece by Beethoven.”

  “And do you like his music?”

  “Very much, sir.”

  “Then if it is a new piece, perhaps my sister would enjoy it. Show me again which one it was.” Mary indicated the requested music sheet. Darcy picked up two but kept them together as if one piece. “What was it you wished to suggest as a gift for my sister, Miss Elizabeth?”

  Elizabeth led him to the opposite back corner of the store and stopped before a display of leather-bound journals. Before speaking, she glanced around to ensure that no one would overhear. “I thought that since Miss Darcy does not have anyone in whom to confide her feelings, she might appreciate a place where she could record them. I find that when I commit my worries and feelings to paper, it helps me let go of my concerns. Often, I discover a solution to my problems or am freed from the burdens I carry.”

  “That does seem to be both a beautiful and a useful suggestion.” Darcy looked at the selection before him. Eventually, he selected one with a dark blue cover. He added it to the other items in his arms and moved to pay for his purchases. When they rejoined the remainder of the group, it was Bingley who suggested that they stop at the tearoom for refreshments. It was a merry group that arrived back at Longbourn upon the conclusion of the outing.

  Returning to Netherfield Park laden with packages, Darcy hoped to reach his room unobserved. However, Miss Bingley rushed from the drawing room like a cat pouncing upon its prey. Darcy took a deep breath and prayed for patience as he faced the inquisitive Miss Bingley.

  “Mr. Darcy, why did you and Charles not mention you were going into the village to shop? Louisa and I would have enjoyed accompanying you.” Her voice changed, dripping with disdain as she continued. “Though I doubt there would be much of worth to be discovered in such a small town, particularly for a man with your discerning tastes.” Changing her tone to one more coquettish, she batted her eyelashes and asked, “Who is the lucky recipient of your generosity?”

  “I always purchase gifts for Georgiana when I travel. I enjoy surprising her with something from the places I visit.”

  “Ahh, dear Geor–Miss Darcy. How I long to see her again. Indeed, Mr. Darcy, Louisa and I would have enjoyed helping you make selections for your delightful sister, would we not, Louisa?”

  Mrs. Hurst nodded enthusiastically. “I do hope you were able to choose things that Miss Darcy will enjoy. We would have been of much more assistance than Charles. Ladies are much better at knowing what another lady would like.”

  “True,” Miss Bingley agreed.

  “I believe I am well acquainted with my sister’s preferences.” Darcy’s tone was cold. “Besides, I was looking for something unique to the area. As you only recently took up residence in the area, I doubt you are aware of the notable craftsmen in the vicinity.”

  Contempt coloring her tone, Miss Bingley added, “I doubt Meryton offers any items special enough for a young lady of Miss Darcy’s exquisite taste.” She and Mrs. Hurst tittered. The genuine, melodious laughter of Miss Elizabeth Bennet flitted through Darcy’s mind and compared favorably to the affected way in which these ladies laughed.

  Noticing that his friend’s patience was wearing thin, Bingley spoke up. “Mr. Darcy did not need to rely on my opinions. We escorted the Misses Bennet to Meryton. They showed us the best shops and helped choose gifts for Miss Darcy.”

  As he watched the expressions of the two ladies darken, Darcy wished he could have escaped from the drawing room before mention was made of the Bennet sis
ters. It was a topic that always brought out the worst in Bingley’s siblings. “Really, Charles, how could you let such unsophisticated and inelegant ladies help select gifts for Miss Darcy?” Caroline asked. “She will certainly be disappointed by the selections and it will reflect poorly on our family.”

  Not wishing to listen to the disparagement of the young ladies that was sure to follow, Darcy said, “Please excuse me. I should like to wrap these into one package to send to Georgiana.” With a curt nod, Darcy departed.

  He had not reached the stairs when he heard Miss Bingley’s sharp voice: “Charles, you must stop forcing Mr. Darcy into such disgraceful company or he may decide to return to town. A gentleman of his status will not wish to associate with such country misses–particularly the youngest three, who are either utterly boring or totally out of control.” Darcy shook his head. Miss Bingley’s strident voice faded into nothingness as he climbed the stairs.

  Once he reached his suite, Darcy rang for his valet, Evans, whom he asked to place the items in the closet. He would hold them until he received Georgiana’s next letter, then send some–or all–of them along to her with his next message. Taking a seat before the fire in his room, he accepted the small glass of brandy and sipped it as he thought about the morning’s outing. As he reflected on his interactions with the three youngest Bennet sisters, a thought struck him. Each of them had responded to his attention and kind words. He recalled Elizabeth once saying that her father referred to them as the silliest girls in England. Was their more outlandish behavior the result of their father’s lack of attention? Darcy would discuss the possibility with Miss Elizabeth when next they met. Perhaps the same was true with Mrs. Bennet. From his observations of the interactions between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, the gentleman openly mocked his wife and purposely caused her distress. Could the same steady attempt to guide both mother and younger daughters help to ease Miss Elizabeth’s worry and frequent embarrassment? Darcy gave the situation more thought and planned to discuss it with Bingley.

  From there, his thoughts wandered to Georgiana. She would receive his letter today or tomorrow, and he wondered what her reaction would be. Darcy sincerely hoped that his dear sister was regaining her former good spirits. Georgiana had always been shy, but she was a happy girl with a warm heart. He would gladly pummel Wickham to death for the hurt Georgiana had received at the scoundrel’s hands.

  After enjoying his drink and some quiet contemplation, Darcy quietly made his way to Bingley’s study to deal with a packet of correspondence from his steward at Pemberley. Evans had informed him that the package had arrived during his outing. Darcy dealt with every item before returning to his room to change for dinner.

  As he descended the stairs to the drawing room, Caroline Bingley’s complaining reached his ears. “Whatever can we do, Louisa, to discourage Charles and Mr. Darcy from spending so much time with Miss Bennet and Miss Eliza? You do not think Mr. Darcy could truly be attracted to her, do you? Why can the gentleman not see that I am his perfect match? Our interests are similar, we both have excellent style, and he finds my humor amusing, as evidenced by his pithy remarks. I am elegant, well-educated, and experienced with the ton and with entertaining.”

  Darcy was aghast at hearing himself described as similar to Miss Bingley. However, as he recalled his thoughtless words at the assembly, it was not surprising if she considered him so. Darcy determined immediately that he would work at being more outgoing and friendly. Perhaps if he observed Miss Elizabeth, he might discover the secret to her not-inconsiderable social skill. Straightening his waistcoat, Darcy stood taller and prepared to enter the room. He paused as Miss Bingley spoke again.

  “How can I draw his attention from that country miss to myself, where it belongs? I had counted on Mr. Darcy proposing while we were alone here in the country.” Caroline stamped her foot in frustration. “There must be something I can do. If his distraction grows, perhaps it may be necessary to compromise him and take away his options. I cannot lose the gentleman to such a nobody as Miss Eliza. Nor can we allow Charles to waste himself on Miss Bennet. She might make for pleasant company while we are forced to remain in this wilderness, but she brings neither fortune nor connections to a marriage that can advance our family in society.”

  Knowing he would have to be on his guard to protect both himself and Miss Elizabeth, Darcy stepped more forcefully upon the stairs to alert the ladies as to his presence. If Hurst fell asleep as the gentlemen lingered over drinks after dinner, Darcy would inform Bingley of what he overheard. Pasting on a smile, Darcy entered the drawing room.

  “Good evening, Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst.” Darcy’s tone was stiff and formal. He crossed the room and poured himself a drink before taking up his usual stance at the window. Fortunately, Charles and Hurst entered soon after Darcy, sparing him from having to make small talk with Bingley’s sisters. He did wish to improve his demeanor in company, but any familiarity he showed to Caroline Bingley would only convince her that she would achieve her desires. Darcy thought to himself, I would not marry Caroline if she were the last woman in the world.

  Much to Consider

  Ensconced in the library, Darcy had rested his book on his lap as his thoughts returned to the events of the previous evening. A dinner party at the Gouldings’ gave Darcy the opportunity for which he was looking. Upon arriving, he noticed Miss Elizabeth in conversation with her elder sister and dear friend, Miss Charlotte Lucas. After greeting his hosts, Darcy and Bingley made their way across the room to join the group of ladies.

  “Good evening, Miss Lucas, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth,” said Darcy as he bowed to them. Bingley echoed his friend’s welcome as the group exchanged greetings. “I hope we are not interrupting anything by joining you.”

  “Not at all, Mr. Darcy. I was just sharing with Jane and Lizzy the news that Meryton will play host to a militia unit for the winter.” Miss Lucas had barely finished speaking before loud squeals came from the corner where Lydia, Kitty, and Maria Lucas stood. Their faces flushed with embarrassment, Jane and Elizabeth looked at each other and shook their heads.

  Unfortunately, their disgrace was not over, as Mrs. Bennet’s loud voice reached all corners of the room. “A militia unit! Oh, how wonderful. I once loved a man in a red coat. With the addition of so many gentlemen to the neighborhood, I shall surely find husbands for all of my girls.”

  Their blushes deepening, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth looked at the floor, both wishing it would open up and swallow them.

  “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, please do not be embarrassed. This type of reaction is not unusual for such news. When in the company of my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, I have often observed that the ladies seem drawn to a man in uniform. There are an unscrupulous few who know that the uniform causes such an effect, and they wear it to take advantage of unsuspecting young ladies. I will caution your father to beware while the militia is in residence in Meryton.”

  Elizabeth’s relieved smile warmed Darcy. “Your understanding is greatly appreciated, Mr. Darcy. My sisters are at a difficult and confusing age. They are more aware of their abilities and the world around them. They wish to enchant young men, but their youth and inexperience could cause situations to arise which they are ill-equipped to handle.”

  Wishing to spare the ladies further discomfort, Darcy asked them about their recent activities. The conversation continued naturally, with the group moving from topic to topic. As others joined or departed the group, Darcy made a point of speaking to them and continuing to engage in conversation, no matter how mundane or nonsensical the topic.

  As Darcy pondered the matter, he realized that his comfort in Miss Elizabeth’s presence contributed significantly to his ability to relax and join in the conversation of those around him. Darcy wondered what it would be like to always be so comfortable in company. Would having Elizabeth in his life provide him with the comfort that was so often missing?

  His review of the evening, and the upcoming arrival
of the militia unit, made Darcy wonder what he could say to Mr. Bennet that would not be considered interference in his family’s affairs. Then inspiration struck. Darcy would contact his cousin, Richard, to discover if he had any leave. If Richard joined Darcy at Netherfield Park, it would provide him with an additional layer of protection from Miss Bingley. Richard might also be able to attract sufficient interest from the youngest Misses Bennet to keep the riffraff in the militia away from the young ladies. Darcy moved across the room to the writing desk, where he pulled out a sheet of paper, sharpened a quill, and began writing. He had finished the letter and was about to reach for the bell pull when a knock came at the door. Darcy called, “Come,” and the butler entered.

  “You must be a mind-reader, Dawson. Could you please see that this letter is sent by express immediately?”

  “Certainly, sir.” Dawson extended a salver, on which Darcy placed the letter. Before Darcy turned away, the butler said, “This letter just arrived for you, sir.”

  “Thank you, Dawson.” Darcy took the letter from the tray as the butler bowed and exited the library. Returning to his chair, Darcy studied the envelope. He noted his sister’s familiar hand. With a smile, he broke the seal and began to read.

  Pemberley

  Derbyshire

  25 October 1811