Darcy's Ultimatum

by Jennifer Joy

  She continued scanning the crowded room, filling her senses with the sound of chatter, music, and clinking glasses. The pleasant smell of perfume and flowers filled the air and Elizabeth breathed it in before the odor of the warmed crowd overpowered it.

  Several of the gentlemen she had danced with the previous evening were there. Mr. Bingley had already claimed Jane’s first dance as well as the dance before dinner. He grew more likable as they got to know his character better and Elizabeth was happy for her sister. It struck Elizabeth as odd how a gentleman like Mr. Bingley could be such close friends with and speak so highly of Mr. Darcy.

  There was Mr. Wickham, a charming officer and a graceful dancer. He looked very handsome in his uniform, but Elizabeth had yet to meet a young lady who did not have a soft spot for a gentleman in uniform. She liked his company very much, but doubted their friendship would extend outside the ballroom. Mr. Wickham had an eye for heiresses. Not that Elizabeth could judge him on the subject, for she too needed to make a good match.

  Elizabeth kept an eye out for Colonel Fitzwilliam, whom she had met the previous week at another gathering, but she had not seen him yet. While not as handsome as Mr. Wickham, his manners were the most pleasant of anyone she had met in London thus far.

  By the refreshment table, getting some punch was Mr. Grayson. His manners had been encouraging. He met her eyes and soon was standing by Elizabeth’s side, offering a glass of punch.

  “Thank you, Mr. Grayson. Is this room not lovely? I thought the decor at last night’s ball to be magnificent, but this quite takes my breath away.” She waved her hand over the space before them, noting the elegant chandelier glistening in the center of the room. Crystal was in abundance, giving the room a brilliance with the lights shining and bouncing its reflection.

  “It is very fine. I hear it is the coming out ball of Mr. and Mrs. Leveson’s first daughter. It shows their good taste and bodes well for their family. Do you have such luxuries in Hertfordshire?” he asked with a crooked grin.

  He remembered where I am from.

  “Hertfordshire has many lovely things to offer.”

  “I can speak well of its occupants,” said Mr. Grayson with a suggestive smile.

  Blushing at the compliment, Elizabeth said, “We have many fine families. My best friend lives in a lovely lodge. They just redid the ballroom, adding new draperies, and it looks every bit as grand as this room.” She had not been away from Longbourn for too long, but at the mention of her friends, Elizabeth missed them. However, the ping of homesickness disappeared as quickly as it came. Now was not the time for gloomy thoughts.

  Mr. Grayson asked more questions about Hertfordshire and Elizabeth was happy to oblige his curiosity. His manners flattered her.

  She was not surprised when he asked her to dance and she accepted eagerly. His friendly conversation made Mr. Grayson easy to talk to. He held similar opinions to her own, agreeing with everything she said. Elizabeth wondered if he was merely being polite, but he was so pleasing in every other aspect, it was easily overlooked.

  Elizabeth met her Aunt Gardiner’s look as they danced down the line of couples. She thought she saw her aunt wink at her. Feeling light on her feet, Elizabeth danced better than ever. Maybe finding a husband in the short month and a half ahead would not be as difficult as she had anticipated.

  She danced a couple more dances with different partners before dinner was called. Mr. Wickham had claimed the dance before dinner. Elizabeth was pleased for it meant that he would escort her to the dining room for dinner and conversation. Mr. Wickham always had interesting things to say.

  When their dance ended, Mr. Wickham extended his arm to Elizabeth to walk her into the dining room.

  “You are a fine dancer, Miss Elizabeth. Believe me, I have had my toes stepped on many an evening lately.” He snickered at the memories.

  “I am happy to say that my toes have been spared thus far. Also, might I return the compliment and say the same of you, Mr. Wickham. You are an excellent dancer.”

  Mr. Wickham pulled out a chair for Elizabeth and seated himself beside her. Already, the long tables were filling with couples. Down on the other end of the long table, Elizabeth saw Mr. Bingley helping Jane to her seat. He seemed enchanted with her. What a delightful evening and how fortunate we are!

  “What a wonderful respite from the monotony of doing drills. Drills in the morning, drills in the afternoon, drills in the evening. I declare life in the army to be nothing but one drawn-out drill.”

  Elizabeth smiled at the humor behind the words. She herself would despise a life with no variety. Still, it was the life he had chosen.

  Playfully, Elizabeth said, “As a citizen, it brings me great comfort to hear that His Majesty is taking the training of our young men in his army so seriously.” In a more serious note, she added, “With the unrest on the continent, I should think you would find yourself better prepared should you have to cross the channel.”

  “I hope that day never comes. I say, ‘Let the French solve their own problems and leave good ‘ol England out of the mess.’ But nobody asks my humble opinion.” Mr. Wickham’s words sounded bitter and out of place with his normal, charming character.

  “If only affairs were so simple to arrange, I am sure that your advice would be sought out.” After a slight pause, Elizabeth asked, “I should like to know why a gentleman would choose to live a life that ran in such conflict with his purpose. You do not seem to be a fighter, Mr. Wickham.”

  “Ah, indeed I am not. You read me well.” He smiled confidingly at Elizabeth.

  “My circumstances are the result of a long, tragic history. Dare I bore you with such a story?” He searched her face for encouragement. Elizabeth did her best to keep a neutral face, though she loved a good story. Especially if it would cast more light on the gentleman sitting next to her.

  “Yes, I think I will indulge myself. It would help ease some of this burden from my shoulders to confide in someone with delicacy. I believe you can be trusted.”

  Intrigued, Elizabeth listened.

  “I am the son of a gentleman who managed an estate in Derbyshire. Pemberley was the name.”

  Elizabeth sat back in her chair, shocked to hear the name. “Pemberley. I have recently met a gentleman from there. Was it the Darcy’s estate that your father managed?”

  “The very same.” Again, Mr. Wickham looked thoughtful. “Tell me, Miss Elizabeth, what impression did you get of Mr. Darcy? I take it you met the son? He and I are very close in age.”

  Elizabeth felt uncomfortable answering such a question about Mr. Darcy. His social skills were lacking, but he had a reputation of being an honorable gentleman with a deep sense of responsibility. At least, that is what she had been told by Mr. Bingley and even observed for herself in Hyde Park.

  “I think that perhaps, Mr. Darcy spends much of his time alone. He seemed… awkward in a social setting.”

  “Awkward.” Mr. Wickham sneered. “That is one way to describe it. You are too kind, Miss Elizabeth. I, however, do not feel kind toward the Darcys for they have treated me most unjustly. I grew up very close to the family, even being named after Mr. George Darcy. It was my father’s wish that I receive a gentleman’s education and improve my prospects. He did not feel that land management would suit me and, together with Mr. George Darcy, they decided that an occupation in the church would be best. I could even work on the estate in Pemberley. My position was secure. I went to Cambridge with Mr. Darcy’s son, Fitzwilliam— it is he whom you have met— and that is where my troubles began. I cannot be sure if it was jealousy that motivated Fitzwilliam to distance himself. His father thought of me as a son. I cannot be sure, but what I can say is that things changed. When my father passed away, I found myself without a position. It was given to someone else.”

  Elizabeth had difficulty believing the veracity of Mr. Wickham’s story but, on the other hand, she had no reason to doubt him.

  Mr. Wickham continued, “Of the family, only
Darcy’s little sister, Miss Darcy, looks upon me kindly. Were it not for her, who is like my own sister, I should cut all ties with the family. So you see, Miss Elizabeth, I joined the army because a gentleman cast off must have some occupation to live by.”

  Elizabeth had hardly touched her white soup. Though famished a while ago, she now found her appetite gone. Her initial impression had been to dislike Mr. Darcy. Should she have trusted her own judgment? But… he had stopped the runaway horse in Hyde Park. That was not the work of a gentleman who held people in derision. And he had been kind to Emma. All Emma talked about was Mr. Darcy and his horse, Arion. Elizabeth’s feelings toward Mr. Darcy were so conflicted, she did not know what to think and fell silent.

  “I deeply apologize, Miss Elizabeth. I have distressed you. Learning the truth behind people held in high esteem is never pleasant. Let me change the subject and we will discuss the weather like proper members of society.”

  In a matter of minutes the conversation took a lighter turn and Elizabeth partook of her dinner with renewed spirits. She could not waste her precious time wondering if Mr. Darcy was all Mr. Wickham implied he was. Mr. Darcy was not her concern. She reminded herself of her disinterest in Mr. Darcy several times during the course of the evening.

  Chapter 11

  The next evening, Elizabeth and Jane took special care as they readied themselves for another enjoyable night.

  Mr. Bingley had mentioned that he would be attending the ball and had already claimed Jane’s first two dances. Uncle Gardiner thought that Jane should do her best to encourage his affections. Mr. Bingley was an honest young man and kind to everyone. He would make a good husband. Mr. Bingley also possessed a fortune and it was known that he was looking for an estate.

  “Lizzy, what if he should let Netherfield Park? Would that not be perfect?” Jane asked as Elizabeth twisted her sister’s hair into submission.

  “It would solve our problems and Mother would be happy to have you so close. Sometimes I think she would prefer to banish me far away– I vex her so.” Elizabeth loved her mother dearly for she knew that her mother’s ambition that her daughters marry well was for their own benefit. It was easier to overlook her silly comments by reminding herself of her mother’s motives.

  When they arrived at the ball, Elizabeth set to looking about for some of the gentlemen she had danced with. Mr. Grayson was talking with a set of ladies near the entryway. But the oddest thing occurred. Elizabeth thought she had made eye contact, smiling nicely at the gentleman. Instead of returning her smile, Mr. Grayson seemed to look past her as if he had not seen her.

  Mr. Wickham appeared to be absent thus far. Perhaps he would show up later.

  Feeling that something was amiss, Elizabeth sought out the company of her aunt.

  “Aunt, I feel invisible tonight. At the last ball, I had hardly entered the room completely before several gentlemen had asked me for a dance. Tonight, I feel like I am being slighted.”

  “I too can sense it, dear Lizzy. Leave it to me.” She patted her niece’s hand and set off with determination toward a group of mothers to hear the gossip.

  Elizabeth drew near to a group of young ladies by Mr. Grayson’s group. She had to settle it in her mind. Is Mr. Grayson snubbing me or is he suffering a moment of blindness?

  She stood far enough away so he would not think that she was pursuing him. But, she stood close enough that he would sense her presence and could invite her to join his group. Nothing.

  Elizabeth’s eyes burned, but she put on a brave face while she chatted politely with the ladies, talking about gowns and gloves.

  After a few minutes, Elizabeth regained her confidence and decided that there were many more suitors who would want her attention. At least, that is what she tried to convince herself.

  She looked into the crowd and saw Miss Bingley walking toward her. Her brother, Mr. Bingley, had made sure to present them shortly after meeting Jane. Elizabeth thought Miss Bingley to be pompous, perhaps a social-climber, so it had not bothered her when Miss Bingley made no attempts to further their acquaintance. But now, here she was sashaying toward her.

  “Miss Elizabeth.” She elegantly inclined her head.

  “Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth acknowledged in turn.

  Miss Bingley said, “What a lovely couple my brother and your sister make. It is quite the fashion for the young men to enjoy a flirtation on the side during the season.”

  Elizabeth willed the heat crawling up her neck to stop and clasped her fingers together tightly. Any fool could see that Mr. Bingley was sincere in his affections. Miss Bingley could only mean to scare Jane off by getting her to question his motives. Fine. Two can play this game.

  “I believe Mr. Bingley to have more propriety than to abandon it to follow the fashion, as you call it. We think much higher of him than that.” Elizabeth hoped her smile would take the sting off of her words. She wanted to make a point, not be rude.

  Miss Bingley’s eyes hardened. “Charles has the best of manners. In fact, he is so amiable in his conversation, many a young lady has mistaken his graciousness to mean much more than intended. I hope that my meaning is clear.”

  She is evil. Smiling with her lips only, Elizabeth said, “I understand your meaning perfectly, Miss Bingley, and I thank you.”

  Miss Bingley glowered at her. I need to warn Jane. In no way would Elizabeth allow Mr. Bingley’s sour sister to ruin Jane’s chance for happiness.

  Having achieved her objective, Miss Bingley dismissed herself. Elizabeth would have to talk to Jane without being observed. In Elizabeth’s mind, Miss Bingley’s warning only confirmed her brother’s sincerity in pursuing Jane.

  Elizabeth saw her aunt Gardiner approaching her. Her face bore a good-humored expression which melted away as she took Elizabeth by the elbow and led her to a more isolated part of the room.

  “I have heard the most distressing news, Lizzy. The other mothers, of course, are relieved as it means that their own daughters stand a better chance. Ungracious harpies, the lot of them.”

  “What do you mean, Aunt?”

  “It has become known that you and Jane are without fortune and that your dowry is so pitifully small as to not exist. Jane, it seems, has already secured the interest of a fine young man in Mr. Bingley, but Lizzy, I fear for you. Have none of your possible suitors asked you to dance?”

  “Not one.” Elizabeth looked down at her feet and closed her eyes to stop the stinging. An image of Mr. Collins loomed before her eyes and she snapped them open to erase his menacing presence.

  Aunt Gardiner comforted Elizabeth as best as she could. “You would not want to marry a gentleman who was only interested in you for your fortune, would you? You are better off without that sort of man. Cheer up, love. You are handsome and clever. Do not be disheartened. Not yet.”

  “You have much more faith in me than I have, Aunt. But you are right that I could never be happy with a man only interested in my fortune, or lack of it, in my case. What concerns me is Mr. Bingley. Jane is not safe yet. Miss Caroline Bingley, his sister, tried to imply to me that her brother’s attentions are only a mild flirtation.”

  “Balderdash. He would not be so cruel. In fact, he could not. His pernicious sister, on the other hand, is another story. We must warn Jane or she will be crushed. She is too sweet to cross swords with Miss Bingley and come out unharmed.”

  Their opportunity to talk to Jane came later in the evening. She had danced every set. Elizabeth saw the flush in her face and a slight limp in her walk. Elizabeth made haste to the refreshment table so she might encourage Jane to rest and drink punch.

  Returning to the edge of the dance floor, Elizabeth held her empty hand out to her sister. “My dear Jane, you look fatigued. Please come sit with me and you can drink some punch.”

  Jane agreed enthusiastically.

  Jane groaned when she sat. “These slippers are pinching my toes dreadfully. I shall have to hobble through the rest of the night. Thank goodness it is almost tim
e for dinner to be called.”

  “I am sorry to see you in pain. Be happy that it is your toes and not your heart.”

  Jane looked at her with concern. “I have not seen you dance much tonight, Lizzy. Is all well?”

  “I shall be fine. What I have to say concerns you. Be watchful of Miss Bingley. I do not think she approves of you for her brother. She attempted to warn me so that I might discourage you just minutes ago.”

  The hurt in Jane’s eyes was immediate. Elizabeth needed to help her understand. “Miss Bingley would probably settle for nothing less than a duchess for her brother. You, Jane, have nothing to fear from Mr. Bingley himself. You are deserving of his affection. His intentions seem earnest, but you need to be on guard from his jealous sister.”

  “I see.” Jane was quiet for a few minutes and Elizabeth gave her time to think things through.

  When Jane came to a decision, she grasped her sister’s hand and looked at her with a ferocity Elizabeth did not know Jane possessed. “I will not allow myself, or my dearest friend and sister, to fall into Mr. Collins’s web. Perhaps if I marry well enough, Mother will reconsider and give you more time. I trust that you will succeed, Lizzy, but I am not willing to leave it to chance. You would be miserable married to such a man and I think his vanity will prevent him from forming an attachment to our younger sisters. He will want you for a wife and I cannot allow it.” She squeezed Elizabeth’s hand in her firm resolve.

  In a softer tone, Jane said, “Now, I must be cautious not to be too eager with Mr. Bingley. That would set some tongues wagging. But, I can give him some encouragement. It would not be difficult for me. He is everything a gentleman ought to be.”

  Elizabeth grew warm in happiness and pride for her sister. Jane was going to be just fine.