The Impulse of the Moment

by Jann Rowland

“Indeed, it does,” said Mr. Bennet, understanding the thrust of Mr. Darcy’s comment. “Our family has been a rather small one for the past few generations—my own children aside. But we do have cousins in Surrey, Norfolk, Wiltshire, and a few other locations. There are none of them noteworthy or possessing any fame, but they are good people, nonetheless. I imagine it must be the same for you, sir.”

  “The Darcy family has been much like yours,” replied Mr. Darcy. “Small for several generations. Most of our connections of late appear to be those families into which the Darcy family has married, as the closest Darcy cousins we have are several generations removed.”

  “Such as your noble connections,” said Mr. Bennet, nodding in Lady Anne’s direction. “If my late wife was still with us, she would be impressed with the rank of those who grace our sitting-room.”

  “Your late wife was not of the same level of society?” asked Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth imagined a fox pouncing on a fat hare. By her side, Mr. Darcy tensed.

  “A few generations removed,” replied Mr. Bennet, not offended by Mr. Darcy’s questions. “My wife’s great grandfather was a gentleman, and his son became a solicitor, passing his business down to his son. As the present Mr. Gardiner had no interest in the law and a head for business, the practice was passed down to the husband of my wife’s eldest sister.”

  Mr. Bennet chuckled. “The landed Gardiners have not had much to do with my wife’s family until she married me, and even now hold my brother-in-law at arms’ length. Not that he is unhappy with their distance—I believe his income is now greater than his distant relations’, and he intends to one day purchase an estate. I believe his wife would prefer to purchase in your neighborhood, sir, for she was raised as the parson’s daughter in Lambton.”

  Mr. Bennet laughed. “I imagine if you were to ask them, they would be reluctant to speak of such matters. The Gardiners have no wish to publish their connections to improve their lot, though they have much better relations with Mrs. Gardiner’s family, than with her husband’s.”

  “Is her family from Lambton’s neighborhood?” asked the elder Mr. Darcy, seeming curious in spite of himself.

  “They are,” confirmed Mr. Bennet. “Her maiden name is Plumber.”

  “Ah, yes. I am familiar with the Plumbers. They are good people.” Mr. Darcy paused. “Do you produce much of the same as Mr. Bingley’s estate?”

  As the gentlemen began to talk of estate matters, Elizabeth looked to her suitor, seeing subtle signs he had relaxed, if only a little, though it was clear he kept a close eye on Mr. Wickham. When he saw her scrutiny, he gave her an affectionate smile, and turned back to attend the conversation between his father and hers. Their conversation attracted the other gentlemen, who drifted over to listen and give their opinions.

  “Now, this will not do,” said Lady Anne with a laugh. “If you gentlemen must speak of estate matters, that is your prerogative. But if you will, I should like to speak with Miss Elizabeth to become better acquainted with her.”

  With a shy smile at the great lady, Elizabeth nodded her willingness to accede to the plan. Mr. Darcy did not object—he seemed more at ease with Elizabeth in his mother’s care and away from his father. The elder man did not reveal his opinion, though his eyes followed Elizabeth as she moved across the room. As it was, she was the only lady who moved—Caroline, Jane, and Mary, along with Mrs. Bingley, stayed together, content to allow Elizabeth to come to know her suitor’s mother.

  “Thank you for indulging me, Miss Elizabeth,” said Lady Anne when Elizabeth was seated beside her. “Georgiana and I are both happy to make your acquaintance today. My son has spoken highly of you.”

  At that moment, Elizabeth’s eyes met Mr. Darcy’s from across the room, and she was warmed by his regard. Then she turned back to Lady Anne, noting the woman had seen the exchange. Whether she was amused or pleased, Elizabeth could not be certain. But she was certain the lady was not disapproving—in that, she was quite different from her husband, whose questions had bordered on impertinent. It was a curious dichotomy, considering Lady Anne was the daughter of an earl, whereas Mr. Darcy was naught but a gentleman.

  “I hope you do not consider me impertinent, Miss Elizabeth, but we would like to come to know you better.”

  “Of course, Lady Anne,” replied Elizabeth automatically. “What would you like to know?”

  “Oh dear, that will not do!” said Lady Anne with a laugh. “You make it sound like an inquisition. It is most certainly not—I hope when we speak, our conversation will be easy. That is a much better way to come to know another, do you not agree?”

  “Yes, I do,” said Elizabeth, feeling even more relieved.

  “Do you play the pianoforte?” blurted Miss Darcy. The girl colored at her sudden question, and even more when her mother laughed. But she did not relent, gazing at Elizabeth with a palpable interest.

  “I do,” replied Elizabeth, “though I do not think I can count myself a true proficient. But I enjoy it. If you wish to become acquainted with someone who is an enthusiast, you should approach my sister, Mary.”

  “Will Mary wish to play with me?” asked Georgiana shyly.

  “We all will,” replied Elizabeth, already charmed by this girl. “There seems a dearth of talented pianists in this neighborhood, which leaves our musical conversations somewhat lacking at times.”

  “Oh, that will not do!” exclaimed Miss Darcy. “Music is my favorite subject.”

  Lady Anne Darcy smiled fondly at her daughter. “Indeed, it is—so much so that at times we despair of inducing you to speak of anything else!”

  When they laughed, Elizabeth laughed along with them, already feeling at ease. It seemed pretention was not a family trait—even for Mr. Darcy the elder, for though he did not approve of her, she thought it was more a consciousness of his family position, rather than self-importance. Then again, the two were interlocked, one often leading to the other.

  The thought of the elder man drew Elizabeth’s eyes to where he stood, conversing with the other gentlemen, and she found his eyes upon her. Rather than looking away, however, Mr. Darcy continued to gaze at her, whether in absence of thought or some other reason, Elizabeth could not say. Not one to allow herself to be intimidated, Elizabeth held his gaze for several moments before turning back. It was then she realized that Lady Anne had not missed their exchange.

  “My husband is not disapproving of you, my dear,” said Lady Anne. Then she smiled and added in a rueful tone: “Well, not of you in particular. The Darcy family is old, and they have become accustomed to the best of everything, including marriage connections for their children. Do you know that my family’s noble status was the only reason my husband’s father approved of me?”

  “Truly?” asked Elizabeth, surprised to hear it.

  “The Fitzwilliam family does not have nearly the history of the Darcys. We were ennobled only five generations ago and had not been landowners for long before that. Next to the Darcy family, which has held Pemberley’s lands since the time of William the conqueror, we are mere babes in arms.”

  Lady Anne paused and smiled at her husband. “The Darcy family has refused titles more than once, though they have always been among the most loyal families to the crown. In some ways, I am certain my father-in-law considered the Fitzwilliams to be upstarts, opportunists who jumped at the chance to gain noble status when the Darcys had always spurned such things.”

  Lady Anne shook her head. “In some ways, he might have been correct, though we Fitzwilliams can be a proud lot ourselves. It is for this reason my husband pauses when confronted with you as a potential bride for our son. He married an earl’s daughter, after all, while his father did the same. There are noble brides littered throughout the Darcy family tree, and even the daughter of a duke or two.”

  “With such illustrious heritage, it is of no surprise he would disapprove,” said Elizabeth, feeling more than inadequate.

  “For my part,” continued Lady
Anne, “I am much more concerned with my son’s happiness. While my husband and I made a love match, he would have been content in a society marriage to a woman who brought him nothing but wealth and connections. Fitzwilliam is not the same, for he possesses a softer side, one which craves a meeting of the minds with his future wife. It is a trait my husband has often struggled to display, even with his own wife.

  “Now, enough of this,” said the lady. “I said I wish to know more of you. Speaking of my family’s peculiarities will not accomplish it. Let us speak of other matters.”

  The visit was, in Elizabeth’s opinion, a successful one. Mr. Darcy, for his part, remained with the other gentlemen, and while Elizabeth often felt the weight of his gaze upon her, he made little effort to speak directly with her, contenting himself with watching and contemplating. Since Elizabeth did not quite know what to make of him, she was content to leave it at that for the present. And while it might be supposed that the younger gentleman would prefer to be in Elizabeth’s company, he kept to his father’s side.

  Of Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth was able to gain the least insight. She did not know anything of the man, which led her to believe she should reserve judgment—if he was with the Darcys, she assumed he must be a good man at the very least. But it seemed to Elizabeth that Mr. Wickham watched her as much as the elder Mr. Darcy, and once or twice, she thought she saw her suitor glaring at the man, which just as often provoked an insolent sneer in response.

  Elizabeth found herself becoming fast friends with the Darcy ladies. While they spoke of music for some time, as was Miss Darcy’s preference, they also canvassed many subjects, including literature, fashion, care of an estate’s tenants, Elizabeth’s friends and many other things besides. Everything both ladies uttered was said with intelligence and honesty, and Elizabeth found herself liking them very much. As the visit continued, her sisters and Mrs. Bingley drifted over to join the conversation, and eventually they were all involved.

  When the time of the visit had elapsed, the visitors rose to depart, and Caroline exerted herself to invite the entire party for dinner. Mrs. Bingley, as the mistress of the manor at which they were staying, accepted with pleasure, embracing her daughter with affectionate pride. It was during this time that Lady Anne once again approached Elizabeth and grasped her hands, gazing at her with fondness.

  “It was wonderful coming to know you, Miss Elizabeth. I hope the opportunities to further deepen our friendship will be plentiful.”

  “As do I,” replied Elizabeth, feeling shy. “Tomorrow we shall return the favor and visit Netherfield. I look forward to it.”

  Lady Anne’s smile gained a wry quality. “I believe you will do, my dear. In fact, I do not think my son could have chosen better.”

  The confusion Elizabeth felt must have been noticeable, for Lady Anne chuckled and said: “I know my son, Miss Elizabeth. Fitzwilliam is reticent and is considered by some to be entirely devoid of feeling. But I know better. If the way he has looked at you the entire time of our visit has not informed me, the simple knowledge of his seeking you out would inform me of his feelings.”

  Lady Anne kissed Elizabeth’s cheek. “I always knew that once he began to show interest in a woman, he would do so with his whole heart. It is a fact which my husband does not wish to acknowledge yet, but I know my son loves you. Mark my words—you will be my daughter someday.”

  Then with a final squeeze of her hands, Lady Anne left Elizabeth feeling quite light-headed. It did not last long, however, for as the visitors began to leave, Elizabeth turned to walk Mr. Darcy to the door. While they were thus engaged, a short and serious conversation ensued.

  “I hope you liked my mother and sister.”

  “I liked them very much, indeed,” replied Elizabeth, knowing the man could easily see her delight. “In the future, I hope to learn more of you, sir, for I am certain they have many stories they could share with me.”

  Mr. Darcy grinned, but then the smile ran away from his face. Halting, he watched the others of the party as they moved toward Longbourn’s entrance, and when he deemed sufficient distance had been achieved, he turned to her, his mien as serious as Elizabeth had ever seen.

  “Before I leave, I cannot go without warning you concerning Mr. Wickham.”

  “Mr. Wickham?” echoed Elizabeth, surprised. “I do not understand.”

  “And I do not have time to explain the matter in full. But I wish you to be aware that he is not as he seems. Wickham is adept at showing a charming front before the world, but at heart, he is lacking in character and vicious in his propensities.”

  Elizabeth gasped. “Are my sisters in danger?”

  “At present, I do not believe so. As maintaining my father’s good opinion is paramount in his mind, most of his propensities will be kept under good regulation for the moment. Or as much as he is capable.

  “I more particularly wish you to be aware that he has been known to say some unsavory things about me and would consider it a triumph if he was able to change your opinion of me. As he has always been jealous of me, I doubt his forked tongue will remain in his mouth. He is also . . . rather free with his favors, though again, my father’s presence will mute such tendencies.”

  “May I inform my sisters?”

  “Please do,” replied Mr. Darcy. “I would not have them taken unaware, for they possess enough dowry to tempt Wickham, whose goal in life has always been wealth in whatever manner he can obtain it. If he can ever manage it, he will put aside all pretense of restraint.”

  “Thank you for this warning.” Elizabeth’s eyes slid toward the entrance hall where the entire party had disappeared. “I will take care in his presence.”

  “Good,” said Mr. Darcy.

  They continued on their way toward the front door and found the others waiting for them there. Most all were grinning at this display of tardiness though Mr. Darcy did not appear happy at all. Elizabeth’s eyes sought out Mr. Wickham in particular, and while he maintained a passive demeanor, Elizabeth was certain his eyes flashed in anger at the sight of Mr. Darcy. Clearly this was a man to watch with great care.

  “Until next time, Miss Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy, as he bowed and kissed her hand.

  The rest of the company said their farewells, and soon the visitors had entered their carriages for the return journey to Netherfield. Elizabeth entered the house with her family.

  “Well, it seems you have won over at least part of the Darcy family, Lizzy,” teased Caroline as soon as they were within again. “Lady Anne appears ready to welcome you with open arms, and I dare say Miss Darcy would be happy if your wedding was tomorrow.”

  The rest of the company laughed at Caroline’s sally. But while she expected Elizabeth to blush, there were other matters on her mind, the principal subject being the warning Mr. Darcy had just given her.

  “Let us retire to the sitting-room,” said Elizabeth. “For I have a communication I would make to you—something Mr. Darcy told me before he departed.”

  Sensing her sober mood, the family acquiesced without hesitation. And thus, Elizabeth informed them of the scant information she had learned. Though she still did not know what to make of it herself, she thought the gentlemen of her family would be asking for further details when next they were in Mr. Darcy’s company.

  Chapter XXVI

  Throughout the carriage ride back to Netherfield, Darcy watched Wickham. It took no great insight to see that his former friend was eager to let loose his wit, to see if he could provoke a response in Darcy with the hope that his father would censure him. Wickham had obviously seen the short tête-à-tête which had proceeded between Darcy and Miss Elizabeth, and he would be a fool if he did not know the reason for it—this would make him more bitter than usual.

  But what Wickham did not stop to consider was that Darcy was not the same as he had been when they were younger. When they had been boys, Wickham’s taunting would have led to a fight, and he had managed to ensure Darcy rece
ived a reprimand from his father on more than one occasion. Even during their time at university, his ways had resulted in fisticuffs more than once.

  Now, however, Darcy was a man full grown, one who could fend for himself, could take whatever Wickham chose to deliver and return blow for blow in a metaphorical sense. The opinion of his father had long ceased to be a source of worry for Darcy. Simply put, if his father should happen upon them trading words, it did not matter to Darcy what his father thought of it. The time when Darcy allowed Wickham to do as he would without repercussion had come and gone.

  Those in the Darcy carriage were largely silent, most thinking of what had just taken place. His father was clearly caught up in thoughts of Miss Elizabeth, and while Darcy hoped he approved, Darcy would be satisfied if he was nothing more than resigned. As for his mother and sister, Darcy was certain they had enjoyed meeting Miss Elizabeth. There was no fear of their disapproval. This, his mother made clear when the carriage stopped in front of Netherfield, and the party descended.

  “Please walk with me for a moment, Fitzwilliam.” As Georgiana walked into the house with her father, Darcy noted Wickham sneering at them before he turned to follow his only friend in the family.

  “When I heard of your attentions to a young woman, I was not certain what to think.”

  Darcy could not help but frown. “Were you concerned I would be taken in, or that I would choose an unsuitable woman?”

  “Many in our society would consider Miss Bennet unsuitable,” replied his mother with a smile. “Your father is not alone in his views.”

  Not wishing to speak more on his father’s views at present, Darcy nodded, waiting for his mother to speak again.

  “It is not that I thought you would choose an unsuitable woman. It is more that I wondered if you knew exactly for what you were searching.”

  “I do not understand.”

  “Come to the back garden,” said Lady Anne, guiding him around the corner of the house. “It is not every day a mother is able to secure her son’s escort, and I am loath to give up your company.”