by Sarah Darcy
Elizabeth dropped her book on the floor. ‘I meant your defence of our friendship.’
Mr Darcy picked up the book and placed it in her hands. ‘..Our blossoming friendship.’
Elizabeth felt a tingle down her spine as his hands embraced her fingers. ‘Yes.’ She looked deep into his brown eyes. ‘Our blossoming friendship.’
Chapter 22
Mrs Bennet and her younger daughters arrived at the ballroom full of excitement. Mrs Bennet wore an elegant beige gown with her hair in a French pleat.
Lydia and Kitty wore matching green gowns and white gloves. They also had matching Grecian style buns interweaved with delicate flowers. Mary in contrast wore a plain grey gown and a sensible bun with no fuss.
Mrs Bennet marvelled at the cut glass chandeliers adorned with wicker candles. The whole room was bathed in a luminous glow. The candle light flickered across the oil paintings on the wall and the elaborate silk drapes that framed the large decorative windows.
As a musical quartet played in the background, the ballroom filled with more guests. Smartly attired officers mingled with elegant ladies, adorned with colourful silk gowns and sparkling jewels.
‘Mama isn’t this delightful.’ Lydia took a cordial drink from a tray held by a footman.
‘Very romantic.’ Mrs Bennet felt very pleased with herself. ‘If neither of you girls get a beau tonight, there must be something wrong with the men.’
The fine scent of spring cut flowers arranged in quaint vases, mingled with the burnt smell of charcoaled wood as it crackled in a large fireplace. Mrs Bennet and her daughters walked over to the banquet table and admired the culinary delights on offer.
A large cake adorned the table decorated with hearts and cherubs. Around an elaborate flower display was a variety of dishes such as pies, pastries, sweet meats and puddings. The dishes were artistically arranged on porcelain dinnerware and silver platters. Sparkling cut glass wine glasses and cutlery were set upon on a crisp white tablecloth.
Lydia noticed Mr Denny with a few friends on the other side of the room. ‘There’s Mr Denny.’ She wildly waved over to him.
‘Lydia,’ her mother hissed. ‘Decorum.’
‘I know about that Mama,’ Lydia said impatiently. ‘Can Kitty and I go over and talk to him.’
‘On one condition,’ she said discreetly. ‘Try and tone down your behaviour,’ she looked over her shoulder. ‘You must know that every woman in the room is watching you.’
‘I’d rather be watched by the men,’ Lydia giggled with Kitty.
‘Girls we must make amends.’ Mrs Bennet let out a weary sigh. ‘I fear that your behaviour at the Christmas ball may have offended some people.’
Mary almost laughed with contempt. ‘A lot of people were offended I recall.’
‘Oh listen to her,’ Lydia huffed.
‘We were just being merry,’ Kitty interrupted. ‘It was Christmastide.’
‘The season to be jolly,’ Lydia snapped in Mary’s face. She turned back to her mother. ‘We are well mannered ladies for most of the year.’
‘Of course you are.’ She looked over at Miss Bingley and her sister Mrs Hurst as they elegantly engaged with their guests. ‘Try and be discreet like the ladies over there.’
The Bingley sisters wore outfits that were vastly superior. Ornate feathers were delicately interweaved into their Grecian style curls. The swish of pure silk gowns with layers of lace and sparkling diamonds completed the aristocratic look.
Lydia marvelled at their poise and grace. ‘..I will try Mama.’ She took hold of Kitty’s hand. ‘Come make haste and don’t forget your dance card.’
∞∞∞
The Bingley sisters observed Elizabeth and Jane Bennet as they walked into the ballroom. They looked very elegant and at a first glance could easily pass as ladies from the ton.
Elizabeth wore a mulberry red gown trimmed with lace and long white gloves. Her dark curls were piled high on her head with a matching red ribbon. Jane wore an ivory gown and white gloves. Her blonde hair was bound up in a French pleat and matching ivory ribbon.
As they paused by the doorway, they attracted a lot of interest from the gentlemen in the room. Caroline stared at Elizabeth with a tinge of jealousy.
‘I can’t believe Fitzwilliam invited the Bennet sisters,’ Mrs Hurst cut into her thoughts. ‘After the brazen behaviour they exhibited at the last ball.’
‘Nor can I.’ Caroline watched Elizabeth gracefully walk over to Mrs Bennet, followed by Jane. ‘Do you think Fitzwilliam is sweet on Elizabeth Bennet?’
Mrs Hurst thought it was a strange remark. ‘Don’t you mean Jane Bennet?’
‘I meant Elizabeth,’ Caroline corrected.
Mrs Hurst looked back at the sisters. ‘I think not.’ She quietly waved her fan. ‘They look presentable enough I suppose.’ She closely scrutinized their gowns with an amusing smirk. ‘Dressed in their ‘home made’ ball gowns,’ she sniggered.
Caroline joined in the jest. ‘With lace trimmed ‘drapery accessories.’’
‘Very common indeed.’ Mrs Hurst viewed Elizabeth with a superior look. ‘As you can see by her inferior dress and manners she is no threat to you.’
‘Of course,’ Caroline said. ‘I’m surprised that someone of her station would attend such an esteemed ball like this,’ she reflected with a cynical air. ‘It begs the question, why did she receive an invitation?’
‘I can only assume the Bennet sisters received an invitation to please our brother Charles.’ Mrs Hurst could not understand why Caroline felt so vulnerable in Elizabeth’s presence. ‘He is certainly sweet on Jane Bennet.’
‘Where is Charles?’ Caroline asked as she looked about the room.
‘I believe he is having a game of bridge with Fitzwilliam,’ Mrs Hurst replied. ‘He will be here shortly.’ She looked back at the Bennet sisters over her fan. ‘No doubt to woe Jane Bennet.’
‘That is true,’ Caroline said in a downbeat tone. ‘But will Fitzwilliam make a play for Elizabeth Bennet?’
‘I think not.’ Mrs Hurst gave a haughty laugh. ‘She is well beneath his touch.’
‘Do you think Catherine de Bourgh is aware of his interest in Elizabeth Bennet,’ Caroline reflected. ‘After all why would she allow him to hold a ball in her absence?’
‘She may be aware of an interest.’ They watched Elizabeth and Jane converse with their mother by the banquet table. ‘But a woman from a lower order is no threat to Lady Catherine’s design to have Fitzwilliam betrothed to her only daughter, Anna de Bourgh.’
‘If that is the case,’ Caroline pondered. ‘Why isn’t Lady Anna at this ball now. Instead of being miles away from him in the Scottish Highlands.’
‘Of course..’
Caroline gave an audible loud. ‘Do you think that Lady Catherine might not be aware of this ball?’
‘No,’ Mrs Hurst replied with the same shock in her voice. ‘It is inconceivable that Fitzwilliam would host a ball behind her back.’
‘If the ball was a quiet affair,’ Caroline debated. ‘He might get away with it.’
‘But would the servants hold their tongue?’ Mrs Hurst queried watching a row of footmen standing quiet and aloof in the room.
‘I’m sure they would,’ Caroline announced in a superior voice. ‘Or they would be thrown out of the house to fend for themselves.’
Chapter 23
Mrs Bennett loudly regaled the latest gossip from Meryton, as she sat with her older daughters in the ballroom. But as she rambled on Elizabeth began to get just as bored as Mary.
She knew Mary would rather be in the stimulating company of her friend, the local poet Mr Gray. She suddenly had an idea. The poet had taken up residence in the library for a last minute recital of his poetry.
Mary would be an ideal companion to listen to his recital before his public performance in the ballroom. Maybe Mr Darcy might there too? She had noticed his prolonged absence from the ballroom.
‘Mama.’ Elizabeth loudly announ
ced. ‘Mary is unwell?’
‘Am I?’ Mary replied with a vague stare.
‘She looks alright to me,’ Mrs Bennet said, annoyed by the sudden intrusion of her gossip.
‘A change of air will put some colour in your cheeks Mary,’ Elizabeth continued with baffled looks all around. ‘Why don’t we take a quiet diversion to the library.’
Mary’s eyes lit up with a new sense of optimism. ‘It is very stuffy in here, a change of air would be most agreeable.’
‘Mama can I escort Mary to the Library,’ Elizabeth meekly asked. ‘I will return to the ballroom forthwith.’
‘Well if you must,’ Mrs Bennet huffed to herself. ‘But I find the situation most inconvenient,’ she protested. ‘For I have not finished my news yet.’
When the Bennet sisters entered the library, Mr Gray was pleased to receive their loyal support. They were honoured with a private hearing of his poetry before his public performance. But there was no sign of Mr Darcy.
∞∞∞
Back in the ballroom Jane listened to the incessant chatter of her mother with one eye on the doorway. She longed to see Mr Bingley again and wondered if the same attraction they had for each other would still be there.
‘Jane!’ Mrs Bennet’s harsh voice startled her. ‘Did you hear what I said?’
‘Sorry Mama?’
She tossed back her head. ‘Have I been talking to myself?’
Jane returned a vague look. ‘What did you say?’
‘I have.’
‘Sorry,’ Jane said. ‘I just got a little distracted.’
‘Stop looking at the doorway then.’ Mrs Bennet gestured with her hands. ‘And start looking at me.’
‘Yes Mama.’ Jane gave her mother her full attention. However, the sudden arrival of Mr Bingley set Mrs Bennet’s match making skills into action.
‘Jane quick.’ She pinched her arm. ‘Stand up.’
‘Whatever for Mama?’
‘Pretend you haven’t noticed him.’
‘Who?’
‘Mr Charles Bingley has just arrived,’ she dictated. ‘On his own.’
‘That’s a relief,’ Jane whispered to herself. ‘No rich heiress on his arm this time.’
She looked over at Mr Bingley as he spoke to an officer. She felt a rush of euphoria at the sight of him. She had forgotten how handsome he looked, smartly attired in a long coat and a silk cravat.
‘Don’t stare at him,’ her mother pulled her by the arm. ‘A lady must not appear too keen.’
Jane was confused by her manner. ‘How shall a lady attract a gentleman?’
‘Your poise and beauty will attract his attention,’ Mrs Bennet replied. ‘You’re the prettiest girl here.’
Jane tried to hide her blushes. ‘Every mother says that about her daughter.’
‘It’s true Jane.’ She looked back at Charles. ‘Why don’t you cast a little smile in his direction.’
‘But Mama you just said..’
‘Do as I say,’ she demanded.
The moment Jane smiled over at Mr Bingley he caught her eye. When his conversation with the officer came to a close, he came over to greet her.
‘Mrs Bennet.’ He gave a short bow. ‘I trust you are well.’
‘Very well indeed Mr Bingley,’ Mrs Bennet declared. ‘Do you remember my daughter Miss Bennet?’
‘How could I forget such a beauty.’ Jane felt her cheeks stain with embarrassment. ‘I hope you kept all the letters I sent you.’
‘I have treasured everyone of them,’ Jane replied with a demur smile. ‘I greatly admire your poetry which was written with such an elegant hand.’
‘Speaking of poets you’re in for a feast of words tonight,’ Charles exclaimed. ‘Mr Darcy has hired Mr Benjamin Gray, a local poet.’
‘His poetry recitals in London have become very popular,’ Jane remarked. ‘Mary is a great admirer of his.’
‘Can I see your dance card,’ Charles queried. ‘I hope I’m down for at least three dances.’
‘May be I should keep you guessing,’ Jane clasped her dance card to her chest. ‘But you’re the only one I want to dance with.’
Mr Bingley looked about the ballroom. ‘Where is Elizabeth Bennet? Has Mr Darcy approached her yet.’
‘Elizabeth is in the library with Mary,’ Mrs Bennet said. ‘They are helping Mr Gray with some last minute preparations.’
Charles looked back at Jane. ‘I’m sure Mr Darcy has at least one dance on Elizabeth Bennet’s card.’
‘He is on her dance card for the third dance.’ Jane glanced at her mother. ‘Unfortunately, Mr William Collins has taken the first two.’
‘Oh dear,’ Charles responded. ‘Will that be agreeable to Elizabeth Bennet?’
‘I admire your friend Mr Darcy,’ Mrs Bennet intervened. ‘But I feel that Mr Collins is a more agreeable match for Elizabeth.’
‘Of course,’ Mr Bingley said in a diplomatic tone. ‘Maybe he will grow on her.’
‘Like a nettle rash,’ Jane giggled to herself.
‘Stop that Jane,’ her mother reprimanded with a sharp rebuttal.
Mr Bingley quickly changed the subject. ‘Have all the Bennet sisters come to the ball?’
‘Yes Lydia is over there with Mr Denny,’ Mrs Bennet motioned with her hand. ‘And Kitty is with his friend Mr Woods.’
‘I think my mother has high hopes for all of us,’ Jane smirked.
‘Well we must not disappoint her,’ Charles returned a short bow. ‘I look forward to our dance later.’ He departed with a warm smile that captured Jane’s heart. It also had the same affect on Mrs Bennet, but for a different reason - a wedding would be on the cards before the year was out.
Chapter 24
Mr Gray, the accomplished poet, walked into the ballroom with Mary Bennet by his side. His arrival caught the attention of Caroline Bennet. ‘Is that the poet everyone is talking about?’
‘Yes Benjamin Gray,’ Mrs Hurst confirmed. ‘He’s originally from Meryton but now lives in London.’ They stood and admired the tall debonair poet.
‘Whose that rather plain lady on his arm?’ Caroline remarked.
‘Maybe she’s a poet too,’ Mrs Hurst responded.
‘I’m looking forward to his poetry recital,’ Caroline said. ‘I’ve heard he is a wonderful orator.’
‘Indeed,’ Mrs Hurst walked forward to meet him. ‘We must introduce ourselves before everyone else does.’
∞∞∞
‘Mr Gray how delightful to see you,’ Miss Bingley gave a short courtesy.
‘Thank you the pleasure is all mine.’ Mr Gray returned a short bow and looked around the palatial ballroom. ‘And such a marvellous residence.’
‘Rosings Park is very grand don’t you think?’ Mary said to Mrs Hurst.
She ignored Mary’s comment and returned to the poet. ‘The residence does not belong to us, but to Catherine de Bourgh.’
‘We are hosting the ball with his Grace Mr Darcy.’ Caroline smiled at Mr Gray. ‘While his Aunt is away in Scotland.’
The Poet had noticed their reluctance to talk to Mary and tried to make amends for their rudeness. ‘I must introduce a dear friend of mine Miss Mary Bennet.’
‘Another Bennet sister,’ Mrs Hurst exclaimed.
‘I must put your mind at rest,’ Mary interrupted. ‘Apart from my elderly siblings, I am much wiser and more appreciative of the beautiful lyrics of romantic poems.’
‘Such an endearing remark,’ Caroline mocked. ‘I cannot say the same about your younger siblings.’ She glanced over at Lydia and Kitty loudly discussing the names on their dance cards.
‘They do like the sound of their own voice,’ Mary said with a degree of embarrassment. ‘They can be very vexing at times.’
Mrs Hurst began to see Mary in a new light. She may not be noted for her beauty. But she had a good measure of common sense. ‘My sentiment exactly.’
‘I see you have accommodated me very well.’ Mr Gray looked over at a small stand which had b
een set up for him. ‘Shall I begin my oratory?’
‘That will be delightful.’ Caroline walked towards the small stand. ‘Come this way.’
∞∞∞
After a light buffet everyone in the ballroom assembled in front of Mr Gray to listen to his poems. As he read a poem about love letters that sweethearts exchange in times of absence, Mr Bingley exchanged a warm glance with Jane as they sat near a roaring fireplace.
His next poem was about love lost and then suddenly found again in the least unlikely places. Elizabeth was taken by the beauty of the poetry. It seemed to reflect her on and off romantic attachment to Mr Darcy.
The words had also struck a cord in Fitzwilliam’s heart. He gave Elizabeth a heart-warming smile as they listened to the rest of Mr Gray’s love poems.
Mrs Bennet watched her daughters as they listened to the poet’s passionate oratory. Jane looked radiant as she smiled sweetly with Mr Bingley. Elizabeth appeared equally smitten with Mr Darcy.
But the biggest surprise for Mrs Bennet was the interest Mary had shown in Mr Gray. She had never seen such admiration shining from her eyes. Suddenly everything looked rosy in the garden of love and romance. There might be three weddings on the cards this year!
‘Mama,’ Lydia pulled on her arm. ‘When are the boring poems going to end. Kitty and I want to dance with the officers.’
Mrs Bennet let out a weary sigh. Alas poetry was wasted on her younger daughters whose only delight was to dance the night away.
Chapter 25
As Mr Gray’s poetry readings came to a dramatic climax, the guests could hear singing out side the French doors. The Meryton Folk Band where assembled outside on the terrace. They wore distinctive grey wigs with decorative eye masks and cloaks.
They had been hired by Mr Darcy to play romantic folk songs after the poetry readings. But among the ranks was an imposter Mr George Wickham. Beneath his disguise he gave a cunning smirk. He had found a perfect way to gain access to Rosings Park and exact his revenge on Mr Darcy.
He could not believe his luck when members of the folk band approached him in the local tavern. They were looking for new members to join their band. Mr Wickham was reluctant at first.