by Sarah Darcy
She began to march towards the house with the coachman. ‘Aunt please.’ Mr Darcy walked after her. ‘Let me explain what happened.’
‘There is nothing more to say!’ She declared in a forthright manner.
∞∞∞
Elizabeth was upset for Fitzwilliam. She could see how humiliated he felt by his Aunt’s public rebuttal. Mr Darcy’s intention was to fight over the honour of a lady, not to bring disgrace upon the good reputation of Catherine de Bourgh.
Elizabeth rushed over to the grand lady as she reached the terrace. ‘Lady Catherine forgive my intrusion, but I must speak up for Mr Darcy.’ She gave a quick courtesy. ‘The fight is all my fault.’
‘Do I see Elizabeth Bennet before me.’ She viewed her with a suspicious eye. ‘What are you doing in my house?’
‘My father received an invitation for my sisters and I to attend the ball at Rosings Park.’
She raised her eyes to the heavens. ‘Your sisters are here too.’
‘Yes Milady,’ Elizabeth replied. ‘With the rest of the ladies and gentlemen.’
‘Is that what you call the guests,’ she snarled. ‘The only people I’ve seen so far are scoundrels, vagabonds and ladies of the night.’
‘I am not entirely to blame,’ Elizabeth said in a sudden outburst. She paused for a moment.
‘Well, out with it girl.’
‘Mr Wickham gate crashed the party with some unsavoury people.’
‘I can see that.’ Lady Catherine bluntly acknowledged. ‘But what is your part in all this?’
‘Mr Wickham behaved in a dishonourable way towards me.’ She looked over at Fitzwilliam who stood to one side in a daze. ‘Mr Darcy took offence and challenged him to a fight.’
‘All this mayhem over a mere slip of a girl.’ Lady Catherine declared with a look of astonishment. ‘Who comes from a family I neither recognise or would associate with if they were the last people in Hertfordshire.’
Elizabeth was shocked by her comment. ‘That is a most unfair dissertation of my family.’
She looked her in the eye.’ I think it is a very distinct direction.’
‘Milady I’ve been looking for you.’ Miss Woodward came out onto the terrace and wrapped a warm shawl around her shoulders. ‘Please do not distress yourself.’
‘I am very put out by the spectacle I have witnessed. ‘ She turned to Mr Jones before she walked into the house. ‘Get rid of those wild Bennet girls, for I won’t sleep well in my bed tonight.’
Chapter 35
Elizabeth Bennet watched the departing crowds with a heavy heart. How did such an elegant ball descend into utter chaos. It was all Mr Wickham’s fault of course. He had come to the ball to create as much destruction as possible and it worked.
Mr Darcy had been publicly humiliated. Rosings Park was littered with drunken strangers and Catherine de Bourgh had cut her nephew out of her life for good. If only Fitzwilliam had paid off George’s gambling debt, all would have been well – until the next time.
Twilight cast its dark shadows across the grounds of Rosings Park. Elizabeth noticed the vague shape of Mr Wickham as he staggered up from the ground. He would not be alone for long. He would soon find a bed for the night and be gone at dawn.
She glanced over at Fitzwilliam. He looked lost and alone as he sheltered under a large oak tree. She walked over to him. ‘Mr Darcy are you alright?’
He wiped a splash of blood from his cheek. ‘I was before I met you.’
Elizabeth was surprised by the venom in his voice. ‘What do you mean by that?’
‘Where shall I start?’ He turned away in disgust. ‘I have brought shame not only upon the high regard of my own reputation. But also more seriously, upon the frail shoulders of my Aunt.’ He looked down at the blood stains on his shirt. ‘Look at the state of me,’ he sighed. ‘The gossip mongers in high society will regale about this ball for years to come.’
‘That is not your concern,’ Elizabeth replied.
Mr Darcy was not convinced. ‘Gossip in high places can be very damaging. How on earth will I resurrect my relationship with my aunt now,’ he said in a downbeat tone. ‘It will take years to gain her trust again. The humiliation she has suffered tonight.. May take her to an early grave.’ He leaned forward on the tree with his head against his arm.
‘Mr Darcy,’ Elizabeth let out an exasperated sigh. ‘Do you really believe that I am responsible for everything that has happened tonight?’
‘Not entirely. But I think Miss Bingley was right.’ He stood back from the tree and stared into the distance. ‘The Bennet sisters do seem to attract the wrong people.’
‘You know that is not true.’ Elizabeth threw her hands up in despair. ‘I thought you of all people would not listen to idle gossip.’
He gave her a sideward glance. ‘But is it.’
‘I did not ask you to fight for my honour,’ Elizabeth retorted. ‘But I’m flattered that you did.’
‘I should of listened to Miss Bingley and not got involved with you.’ He stood squarely in front of her. ‘There is a reason why men like me don’t mix with women from the lower orders.’
Elizabeth glared back at him. ‘And what is the reason I am such an abominable person to be associated with?’
‘Because of the vagabonds and scoundrels you have attracted to this ball.’
‘I will not tolerate such a notion,’ Elizabeth asserted. ‘You know in your heart that Mr Wickham is responsible for all the chaos that has beset this ball.’ Mr Darcy failed to answer. ‘And it all stems from his insane jealously of you.’
‘That may be the case. But I refuse to be tainted by a lower rank that will never aspire to my perfections.’
‘Your perfections.’ Elizabeth tried to hide the fury in her voice. ‘If you’re looking for perfection or true love.’ Her eyes welled up with tears. ‘It is obvious you will never find it with me.’
‘Some people have a habit of attracting the wrong people in life.’ He looked Elizabeth in the eye. ‘I believe you are one of them.’
‘Quite a font of wisdom aren’t you,’ Elizabeth quipped.
‘I hate to deceive you.’ Mr Darcy returned a patronizing smirk. ‘But I doubt you would find true love with anyone.’
‘That’s a horrid thing to say.’ Elizabeth walked away and wiped the tears from her face. She vowed never to speak to him again. At first light tomorrow she would leave immediately and never see him again.
∞∞∞
When Elizabeth reached the terrace a lady stepped from the shadows. ‘Oh dear we have got it bad.’
‘Miss Bingley,’ Elizabeth gasped. ‘Have you been spying on us?’
‘Us you say,’ she reflected with a sneer. ‘How dare you assume you are part of our class.’ She slowly paced around her. ‘Or even aspire to have a connection with Mr Darcy.’
‘Your welcome to him,’ Elizabeth retorted. ‘Any romantic notions I had of Mr Darcy are well and truly gone.’
‘Good. It’s much easier to accept the status quo in life,’ Caroline demurred. ‘The truth is Mr Darcy just seen you as a passing fancy.’
‘I think not.’
She carried on regardless. ‘He likes a certain type to play around with.’
‘I am no type as you put it,’ Elizabeth said bluntly. ‘I have a very honourable reputation.’
Caroline shrugged her shoulders. ‘I must tell you this before you hear it elsewhere.’ She paused by Elizabeth’s ear. ‘Mr Darcy and I plan to marry next year.’
Elizabeth’s face dropped. ‘Does Catherine de Bourgh know about this?’
‘She will eventually,’ Caroline declared with a lofty air. ‘Now that she has publicly disowned Mr Darcy, any betrothals to her daughter appear to be null and void.’
Elizabeth could not believe her arrogance. ‘I know you and Mr Darcy are close but I never thought..’
‘We would marry?’ She returned a determined stare. ‘When the ton stick together, we gain many things. Better genes, more wealth
and connections.’ She gave a little laugh. ‘Shall I sent you an invitation?’
Elizabeth walked back into the house. She refused to be insulted any longer. She should have been glad to see the back of Mr Darcy. But she could not shake him from her heart.
Chapter 36
Mr Darcy retired to his bedroom with mixed emotions. Although he was hurt by his Aunt’s public rebuttal, he had gained a glorious victory over Mr Wickham. Not only did he knock him out in the fight, he also banished him from his life for good.
Fitzwilliam could rest easy at night. Now that George had been publicly exposed as a cheat and a scoundrel, he would never darken his doorstep again.
After a hot bath and a warm hot chocolate Mr Darcy settled down to sleep. But it did not come. It was not the demise of Wickham that focused his thoughts, but Elizabeth. No matter how much he tossed and turned in bed, he could not get her out of his head.
Maybe he had been too harsh with her, but a part of him was annoyed of the hold she had over him. If only she was from the ton everything would be so much easier. He knew Caroline Bingley was a more appropriate match, but he was bored by her patronising manner and condescending ways.
He never met two women so different. But each brought qualities that he found desirable. Elizabeth brought joy and laughter into his life, but Caroline brought class and status. Why was the course of true love so difficult? Maybe it was easier to remain a bachelor.
Chapter 37
At first light Elizabeth was the first one to be up and ready to leave. Unfortunately, the carriage home would not be ready until after breakfast. She looked out the window and noticed a few ladies had taken an early morning walk. She decided to take some air herself.
It was a beautiful spring morning without a cloud in the sky. Elizabeth enjoyed her walk in the grounds. The birds were singing and the spring flowers were out in full bloom. She sat down on a bench and watched a group of swans elegantly swim around the lake.
She opened her book of poems and began to read one aloud. ‘If you find true love let it go and if it he is true..’
Another voice joined in. ‘..He will find a way back to your heart.’
Elizabeth turned around. ‘Mr Darcy.’
‘Forgive my intrusion upon your diversion,’ Fitzwilliam said. ‘I have spent a very restless night.’
‘Me too,’ Elizabeth replied. ‘There must be something in the air.’
Fitzwilliam gestured towards the bench. ‘Can I join you?’
‘How did you know I was here,’ Elizabeth said as she moved up the bench.
‘I often take an early morning stroll around the grounds.’ He sat next to her. ‘Then I became distracted by a beautiful poem.’ He gestured towards her book. ‘Please read on..’
Elizabeth found her courage had deserted her. ‘It was just a quiet diversion.’ She slowly shut her book. ‘Maybe after breakfast.’
Mr Darcy raised his hat to a group of ladies as they passed by with a chaperone. He watched a family of swans glide serenely over the lake. ‘We always hurt the one we love,’ he remarked.
Elizabeth recalled his harsh words by the oak tree. ‘It does appear to be the case.’
‘I wish I could speak the words of a poet to mend our friendship.’ Fitzwilliam searched Elizabeth’s face. ‘But I’m sorry if I offended you yesterday.’
Elizabeth was startled by his apology. ‘It was your harsh judgement of my family that hurt me more.’
‘I was angry and upset last night,’ Mr Darcy reflected. ‘I did not expect to see my Aunt arrive back so early.’ He tried to find the right words. ‘And to such chaos. No wonder I have fell out of favour with her.’
‘She will come around in time,’ Elizabeth pondered.
They watched two proud swans glide majestically across the lake. ‘Did you know that
Swans mate for life,’ Fitzwilliam remarked.
‘How fortunate,’ Elizabeth said, watching the swans glide away. ‘To find true love.’
Mr Darcy felt a glimmer of hope. ‘Do you accept my apology?’
‘It does not matter if I do,’ Elizabeth declared. ‘We shall not see each other again.’
A long silence followed. ‘That would ail me,’ Mr Darcy responded.
‘Does it?’
‘For as much as I try to forget you,’ he wrestled with his hands. ‘Your face is constantly on my mind.’
‘I must confess,’ Elizabeth looked down at her lap. ‘The same thing happens to me.’
Mr Darcy returned a loving look. ‘Love is scary don’t you think.’
‘Especially with the wrong class,’ Elizabeth demurred.
‘Unfortunately, I am a product of my upbringing,’ Fitzwilliam debated. ‘But I did not mean to demean you.’
‘You certainly have a way with words.’
He let out a weary sigh. Nothing he said seemed to come out right.
‘I wish I could serenade you with poetry, but I can’t.’
‘What do you wish Mr Darcy?’ Elizabeth asked.
‘To meet a woman I could spend the rest of my life with.’ He took hold of her gloved hands. ‘I know my behaviour was abominable towards you last night. Could you forgive me.’ He paused for a moment. ‘I could not bear the thought of never seeing you again.’
Elizabeth was surprised by his confession.’ I don’t know what to think. Sometimes I think we have a connection.’ She quietly pulled her hand away. ‘Then other times I am overwhelmed by the obstacles in our way.’
‘Obstacles?’
‘Different class, aspirations, capital..’
‘It’s not about what other people think. They will always gossip about people they are jealous of. Its what we think.’ He held her hand again. ‘As a couple.’
‘If we do have a love to nurture,’ Elizabeth pondered. ‘We must take it slowly.’
‘I am happy to do that,’ Fitzwilliam said. ‘Even though I know in my heart..’
‘Shh,’ Elizabeth whispered. ‘One step at a time.’
‘Why don’t you visit my Estate in Pemberley?’ Fitzwilliam asked. ‘Bring your whole family if you like?’
‘With so many sisters, I would not get a word in edgeways,’ Elizabeth laughed. ‘Maybe I could call by with my Aunty and Uncle. They enjoy seeing grand houses in the country.’
‘Indeed,’ Fitzwilliam pondered. ‘I also plan to throw a summer ball at Pemberley.’
‘Your estate?’
‘Yes,’ Mr Darcy nodded. ‘The Bingley sisters usually arrange my balls at Pemberley, but I’m bored with them,’ he acknowledged. ‘I only see them because I’m a good friend of their brother. Maybe you and Jane could help Charles and I with some arrangements.’
‘A ball at Pemberley,’ Elizabeth smiled. ‘That would be wonderful.’
‘May I kiss you Miss Bennet?’ Mr Darcy asked.
‘Only on the cheek,’ she shyly replied.
As Fitzwilliam kissed her cheek the swans squawked aloud which made Lydia look away.
‘What did I say,’ Elizabeth grinned at the swans. ‘We must take it slowly.’
‘My sweet, adorable Elizabeth.‘ Mr Darcy looked deep into her eyes. ‘True love comes to those who wait..’
SARAH DARCY
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OUT NOW!: Pride & Prejudice Dual Boxset: 2 Clean Regency Novellas. 1) Lizzy & Darcy’s Christmas Ball. (Pride & Prejudice Variation: Book 1). 2) Mr Darcy’s Spring Ball. (Pride & Prejudice Variation: Book 2).
READ FREE BONUS CHAPTERS BELOW:
‘Lizzy & Darcy’s Christmas Ball.’ (Pride & Prejudice Variation: Book 1).
Chapter 1
‘Make a wish Lizzy?’ Lydia watched Elizabeth pause by the large plum pudding bowl with a reflective expression. Mrs Hill their housekeeper had brought it into the parlour when they returned from church.
It was ‘Stir Sunday’ the last Sunday before advent. ‘A wish
for Christmastide.’ Lydia let out an infectious giggle as her and Kitty gathered around the table with Mrs Bennet.
‘Lydia,’ Elizabeth quietly chastised her sister. As she clasped hold of the wooden spoon she gathered her thoughts. It was a Christmas custom that when a single woman gave a last stir of the plum pudding, she made a wish - a romantic wish.
It was the one wish of the year that everyone cherished. When Mrs Hill - a short stout woman with red cheeks and a weary disposition entered - she was knocked aside by Lydia and Kitty in their quest to grasp the wooden spoon first. Mrs Bennet had to pull the girls apart and practically push the bowl into Elizabeth’s hands.
It was a very undignified start to a much loved tradition at Christmastide. After having five daughters Mrs Bennet had grown use to the constant bickering and competition between them. Even Mr Bennet had made the observation that Lydia and Kitty were the silliest girls in the county of Hertfordshire.
Mrs Bennet let out a weary sigh as Elizabeth pondered over the plum pudding.
‘Come on Lizzy,’ Kitty urged. ‘You must tell us your wish when you stir the pudding?’ She nudged Lydia back with lots of giggles.
It was obvious what their wishes would be for the coming season - lots of dances with young, handsome gentlemen on their dance cards.
‘Quiet girls,’ Mrs Bennet scolded their high jinks. ‘You know Elizabeth’s wish must be private.’
‘We speak in jest Mama.’ Lydia leaned on the table. ‘For we all know who her intentions are for.’
‘Don’t be insolent Lydia.’ Elizabeth was annoyed by the intrusion of her private thoughts. ‘You cannot read my mind.’
Mrs Bennet wished she could read her mind, but she kept her cards close to her chest, just like her annoying father. Could it be Mr Darcy? She hoped not. Despite having a grand capital of 10,000 a year, she was disgusted that Elizabeth was slighted by him at the summer ball in Netherfield.
As Elizabeth stirred the spoon clockwise everyone fell silent. She closed her eyes and made a private wish to see her true love - Mr George Wickham again. As a small smile played on her lips, Lydia pulled the wooden spoon from her hand.