Darcy's Ultimatum

by Jennifer Joy

  An image of a tower of books by a chair in the sitting room at Longbourn popped into Darcy’s mind. Suspecting the tomes belonged to Miss Elizabeth, he added, “Georgiana loves to read and has a talent for acquiring the latest novels. I hope to introduce you to her. Georgiana would enjoy showing you our library.”

  Miss Elizabeth placed both palms over her heart. “I love to read. There is little else to do in the country. I am hoping to visit the circulating library during my stay in town. Maybe even visit Hatchards. I would like to meet your sister and see the library.”

  Darcy was impressed. She spoke with more emotion about book rooms than the upcoming balls and parties, which they had yet to even mention.

  They soon reached the edge of the park and Darcy inquired in which direction Mr. Gardiner’s home was. On hearing that the house was located at Gracechurch Street, over 3 miles distance, Darcy wondered how many ladies in his acquaintance would venture to walk so far.

  Conversation came easier and Darcy relaxed in Miss Elizabeth’s company. She did not seem to take such offense at him as she had before. Darcy could not help but notice how every now and again she would look at him as if she were seeing him for the first time. He hoped he was making a better impression than he had at Longbourn.

  Darcy did not stay long at the Gardiner’s, the master of the house having been called away momentarily. He greeted Miss Jane Bennet and gave them his card so that Mr. Gardiner might call at Darcy House and create an opportunity for his nieces to meet Georgiana. With that done, he returned home.

  That evening, after dining with Georgiana, Darcy went over his strategy for the season. He felt confident in his ability to win a bride in the short months ahead— he heard stories of such things happening all the time. But Darcy felt uneasy. He had no interest in meeting anyone.

  His voucher for Almack’s lay on his desk. He would go there tomorrow night where he would be presented to the cream of the crop within the ton.

  Darcy’s presence in town was welcomed by many families who sent gilded invitations to various events over the course of the season. A stack of them awaited replies.

  Darcy wondered when he would have occasion to see Miss Elizabeth again.

  Chapter 9

  Darcy awoke the next morning ready to conquer the tasks at hand. The large stack of letters and calling cards awaited him on top of his desk. He had also planned to spend some time with Georgiana. Maybe he could accompany her to an exhibit or listen as she practiced the piano forte.

  Then, they would dine before Darcy continued to Almack’s Assembly Rooms. He had gone to gatherings there before and was appalled at the lack of food and drink. Even the building and decorations were unimpressive for such an important place to meet and mingle with the ton.

  Darcy glanced over to Georgiana. They were sharing the morning paper over tea in the study, a habit they had formed whenever together. Folding his napkin, he placed it on the table and drained his tea cup, signaling that he was ready to trade sections.

  “Hang on, William. The scandal in the paper is the stuff of novels,” Georgiana said without lifting her head from the column. As long as no mention was made of himself or Lord Tefton, Darcy was satisfied. Surely Georgiana would have said something had it been in the paper.

  Someone knocked on the door and Darcy had a good idea who it was.

  “You had best hurry if you want to finish your story, Georgie,” suggested Darcy.

  The doorman let their visitors in and Darcy strained his ear to catch snippets of the voices in the foyer. A male, then a sharp female voice were followed by a door closing in the sitting room.

  Darcy breathed deeply. Such a mixture of pleasure and dread filled him every time Bingley called with his sister, Miss Bingley. She would question Darcy’s presence in town during the season, knowing his aversion to social obligations with strangers and Darcy was not about to make known the urgency of his finding a wife before the season’s end. That was a secret he kept from his best friend, Bingley, for Darcy knew very well how manipulative Miss Bingley was with her brother. She would have it out of him in no time, using it to her advantage.

  Miss Bingley was not a good match. The difficulty laid in convincing her of that.

  Darcy stood, straightened his waistcoat, and rolled his head from shoulder to shoulder in preparation for battle. When the footman came to announce the Bingley’s call, he was already leaving the cozy study with Georgiana next to him.

  Bingley was fidgeting in front of the window and Miss Bingley was preening at her reflection off the glass of a gas lamp she sat by.

  “Bingley, Miss Bingley, how good of you to stop by,” Darcy said as he entered the room.

  Bingley cast an apologetic look, jerking his head in his sister’s direction. Darcy understood very well. Miss Bingley had made it very clear over the years that her ambition was to marry Darcy. In her desire to stake her claim, she had overpowered her brother and dragged him here so that she could pursue her prey. Does she really believe she could manipulate me as easily as she can her brother?

  “We heard that you were back in town and, being such good friends, decided to call,” she said with a smile that did not reach her eyes. “I know you are only recently settled in your house, Georgiana, but you are welcome to call any time you like. I adore your company and should love to hear you play the piano forte.”

  Georgiana paled. Though she was an accomplished player, her shyness prevented her from performing to anyone but her father and brother.

  “I plan on keeping Georgiana busy while I am in town. It is hard to believe she will be coming out into society soon and will have no more time for her older brother.”

  Georgiana smiled at him, but had no time to say anything before Miss Bingley chimed in.

  “You must take a wife soon before she does, Darcy. She will need someone to guide her through the season. A lady’s reputation depends on it.”

  Bingley’s face turned red at her implication, but Darcy knew how to quiet her.

  “Then I will have to trust the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s. Lady Jersey was a close friend of Mother’s and I am certain she would guide Georgiana well. Perhaps I will speak of it to her tonight when I see her at Almack’s.”

  Darcy knew Miss Bingley’s past with Lady Jersey and the committee of Almack’s. A good part of London knew the story. In her first season, Miss Bingley applied for a voucher. When they refused her, she tried to gain entry through a sponsor. Unfortunately for Miss Bingley, nobody would sponsor the daughter of a tradesman. She spoke in no kind terms of the Patronesses with snide comments made during her afternoon calls, but her bad propaganda only put a black cloud over Miss Bingley’s social life and further distanced herself from the very people she craved association with. It was only because her brother was well-liked and had a sizable fortune that she did not suffer a complete defeat before the socially elite.

  Darcy watched in amusement as her face contorted to control her emotions. Bingley was snickering with his hand over his mouth. When his sister snapped her eyes at him, he quickly clammed up. Really, it was no laughing matter to be ostracized by the Patronesses of Almack’s, but such was Bingley’s relationship with his sister.

  “Charles, I hardly think it entertaining,” Miss Bingley hissed through gritted teeth. Turning to Darcy, she added, “I find it surprising that you would choose to go to such an establishment. Everyone knows that Almack’s is a dreadful bore and the refreshment table is appalling.”

  “I am generally bored at social events. I am happy to hear that I shall not be disappointed.” Turning to Bingley, Darcy asked, “What are your plans for the evening?”

  “We are going to a card party. I would much rather go to Almack’s and be bored than be bored and lose at cards,” he replied.

  Miss Bingley said, “Oh, Charles, you’re an abominable card player. If you would get your head out of the clouds, you would play better. I, on the other hand, never lose.” Darcy felt her eyes on him, but he chose to ignore h
er.

  Bingley sighed. “If only I knew who her uncle is so that I might try to arrange an opportunity to see her.”

  “To whose uncle are you referring?” he asked.

  “Miss Bennet’s, of course. She is staying with an uncle, but I do not know yet who he is. Perhaps he is an acquanitance.”

  Darcy had known Bingley to fall in love many times. His inconstancy was famous in their club. That he should be thinking of Miss Jane Bennet almost an entire month after meeting came as a surprise.

  “Oh, Charles, enough. You have been moping about and I should think from what you described that you may never see Miss Benton again—”

  “Bennet,” corrected Darcy and Bingley at the same time.

  “Well, whatever her name is, I hardly think we run in the same circles,” Miss Bingley said, nose in the air.

  “Miss Bennet is a gentleman’s daughter. Does anything else matter?” retorted Bingley.

  Darcy, who had been thinking the same of Miss Elizabeth, remained silent.

  “Charles, you have a responsibility before society. You must marry an accomplished lady who will bring honor to our family’s name— as well as a sizable dowry.”

  “What do I need with more money? I have plenty enough.”

  “Do not be so foolish. One can never have too much money, am I right Darcy?” She did not wait for an answer, but continued. “If a lady lacks a dowry, then she must have a title. Anything less would only bring ostracism on us. You know how people do talk.”

  Darcy saw that Bingley remained unconvinced, but Darcy paid uncommon attention to this interchange.

  “Fine, if you would make Miss Benton—”

  “Bennet, Caroline. Her name is Bennet.”

  “If you would make Miss Bennet the center of everyone’s criticism and gossip, then go ahead and marry her. The influential within the ton will drag her through the coals and you would make her miserable. If you care for her at all, you will abandon your fanciful dreams and marry within your own set of peers.”

  Bingley sat heavily in a chair. Darcy sat stunned, a new weight on his shoulders.

  Georgiana, in her young innocence, said, “I think love is such a powerful emotion, it can break through social prejudices. If someone loves another who is considered unworthy only by others, should that union be prohibited? I, for one, would fight for someone I loved enough to marry.”

  “You sound like Richard, Georgie,” Darcy said tenderly.

  “I hope that is not a bad thing?” she asked, biting her bottom lip.

  Darcy thought both her question and manner odd. Richard was a good man and one to be admired. Any comparison with him was a compliment. He crinkled his forehead. “No, of course that is not a bad thing. Only that both of you are romantics, whereas others see things in a more practical light.” He hated to group himself with Miss Bingley, but in this they were in agreement.

  Darcy would do his best to put Miss Elizabeth out of his mind. He would go to Almack’s that very evening and he would search in earnest for the future Mrs. Darcy.

  Darcy arrived in style to the unimposing building which housed Almack’s Assembly Rooms.

  Lady Jersey greeted him the moment he stepped in. Darcy knew she took her responsibilities as a patroness very seriously and could be counted on to make introductions when needed. In contrast to the simple decor in the room, Lady Jersey was elegantly dressed. Ostrich feathers protruded from her hat and jewels sparkled against the rich silk of her dress.

  “Mr. Darcy, we are honored to have you with us this evening. There is someone I should very much like you to meet,” she said as she steered him through the crowded room, not wasting a moment’s time. The rooms were already full of gentlemen and ladies with their mothers seeking a match; many of them Darcy knew. He thought he spotted Richard drinking a cup of lemonade. He would have to find him later.

  They stopped in front of a fair young lady with blue eyes and blond hair. Lady Jersey presented her as Lady Henrietta Tefton. Darcy started at the name, for it was only yesterday that her brother had made a fool of himself at Hyde Park. He quickly recovered in time to hear that this was Lady Henrietta’s first season in London, her previous being spent in Bath.

  Her mother hovered over her, but did not wear the common look of desperation that so many other mothers wore. She could not have been more opposite to Mrs. Bennet had she tried.

  Darcy tried not to judge Lady Henrietta by her brother’s poor behavior in the park the previous day, but they looked so much alike it was difficult for him to separate the two. Perhaps she and her mother were not privy to the incident.

  “I went to University with your brother, Lord Henry. Just yesterday, I chanced upon him in at Hyde Park,” said Darcy, testing the waters.

  “He spends most of his time at his Gentleman’s Club and I am kept busy on various committees. We do not see each other often. I trust your meeting was pleasant?” She looked up through her thick, golden lashes. Her eyes looked genuinely concerned. Her mother pursed her lips. Lord Henry’s antics must be a heavy burden to his family.

  Darcy reassured the women and relaxed in the knowledge of their ignorance. Lady Henrietta smiled sweetly and the relief on Lady Tefton’s face was visible.

  “I am glad to hear it. Do you often go to Hyde Park?” asked Lady Henrietta.

  “Not as often as I should. It is dreadfully crowded and makes riding in earnest difficult.”

  “My father gave me a perfect open carriage with a set of matching grays. My favorite jumper is out of commission, so I must content myself with my carriage, though I long to ride.”

  “Do you not have any other horses?” Darcy asked.

  “Oh, yes. I could have my pick of the stables, but Esperanza is my favorite horse and I would feel disloyal riding another.”

  Darcy understood the feeling and commended her sensitivity. So far, her company had been pleasant and everything proper. Lady Henrietta was exactly the kind of lady his mother would have approved of.

  A dance was about to begin and it occurred to Darcy to ask Lady Henrietta to join him. She gracefully accepted and they talked about horses, the weather, and the entertainments of London. Lady Henrietta danced elegantly and Darcy was aware of more than a few heads turning their way, whispering in their gossip.

  After the dance and conversation, Darcy handed her back to her mother. He almost asked for another dance, but thought better of it. Lady Henrietta was lovely, but Darcy had learned over the years to be cautious. He would not reveal any inclination toward a young lady before he was certain of her and, while Lady Henrietta was everything he knew he should look for in a wife, Darcy felt no special emotion toward her.

  Looking about the room, Darcy found Richard by a group of gentlemen near the refreshment table. He stood out in the crowd in his red uniform and shiny buttons. The ladies liked the uniform and they hovered in a pack nearby.

  Seeing Darcy approach, Richard asked with a mischievous grin, “Are you enjoying your evening?”

  “I see that you are keeping company with other gentlemen. Have you found no pleasant female company, Richard?” Darcy’s sarcasm was unmistakable.

  As expected, Richard chuckled. “I saw you met Lady Henrietta. She is pleasant company.”

  “Yes, she is. I will likely ask her to dance at the next ball.”

  “Oh, so you are not tempted to ask her for another dance tonight. Well-played, Darcy.” Richard clapped.

  “I do not intend to play with any lady’s feelings. I think it wiser to learn more about a lady before giving any reason to suspect an attachment. Besides,” Darcy added in a lower voice, “while I found her charming and perfectly acceptable… I find that something is lacking.”

  Clasping his hand around Darcy’s arm, Richard said, “You are a good man, Darcy. And I wish you success. I have heard nothing but good about Lady Henrietta, though I cannot say the same for her brother. He is a horrible horseman to boot. I heard he had an incident yesterday in Hyde Park.”

 
; Darcy tensed. He did not wish for his run-in with Lord Tefton to be spoken about, especially if he decided to woo his sister. “What do you know about it?”

  “Nothing much. One of my officers recounted how an intrepid rider caught his runaway horse and unseated Lord Tefton. It served him right for riding in public. I hope his posterior region is sore long enough to keep him from attempting it again.” Richard chuckled.

  The tension in Darcy’s shoulders loosened. If it was known about town that he had stopped Lord Tefton’s horse, Richard would have heard it. Darcy could count on Lord Tefton’s pride to keep the story to himself.

  They talked for a few more minutes before Richard became serious. “I know you do not believe in such a thing as love at first sight. Perhaps, for you, love will come gradually.”

  Darcy felt encouraged. The evening was off to a good start and he drew courage from Richard’s words. Maybe he could grow to love Lady Henrietta enough to propose marriage before the season’s end. Darcy could not for a moment forget the ultimatum his father had given, but he would rather marry someone he could love at least a little bit and respect.

  The evening passed better than Darcy had thought it would. He met other potential matches, but none of them held a candle to Lady Henrietta. She was beautiful by most people’s standards, she possessed a title, and she would bring a handsome dowry to whomever she married. Still, Darcy did not ask her to dance again nor did he seek out her company for the duration of the ball.

  Chapter 10

  London, Mid-April

  Elizabeth was enjoying her time in London. She especially liked the theater and the balls were everything she had hoped they would be. She and Jane danced with many different partners and the conversation was diverse. Their circle of acquaintances expanded and invitations to card parties and soirees grew.

  Elizabeth and Jane had been in town now for two weeks and had attended too many social engagements to count. Two weeks had passed since seeing Mr. Darcy in the park. Elizabeth passively looked for him, telling herself that she was merely curious to see if their paths would cross during the busy season. The private balls she was invited to most likely were not exclusive enough for a man as proud as him. His loss.