Darcy's Ultimatum

by Jennifer Joy

  The day having brightened, Elizabeth grew impatient for evening to come. No suitors would be meeting her that night, but she endeavored to focus on Jane’s happiness and success. Why would she expect to meet Mr. Darcy again in such a crowded city anyway?

  “You did what?” gasped Darcy as he tried to catch his breath. Sweat was pouring down his body. His fencing coach had tested him to his full abilities and now Bingley had come to test his self-control.

  Bingley, knowing he would find Darcy at the Fencing Academy on Bond Street before the lunch hour, had rushed to inform Darcy of his plans to meet with the Gardiners and their lovely nieces at Astley’s Amphitheatre that very night.

  “I have the opportunity to spend an evening in the company of my angel. Now, you tell me, would it not be the epitome of foolishness to pass up such an occasion?” asked Bingley in his most persuasive way.

  Darcy shook his head. “You do realize that you are pursuing Miss Bennet. Are you prepared to meet her expectations of a gentleman who seeks out her company?”

  “Darcy, I believe in my heart that I am. I would not do her the grave injustice of leading her on in such a fashion. What kind of a man do you think me?” Bingley looked as if he had been smacked with a glove.

  “Do not be offended. I only mean to bring you to your senses, if indeed such a thing is necessary. You have been in love many times. How is Miss Bennet different?” Darcy held his hands out in innocence, trying to placate his friend.

  Bingley, who had inflated himself to his full height, now relaxed and sat on the bench next to Darcy. “You are right, of course. I have given you every reason to doubt my sincerity as regards Miss Bennet from my previous actions. I will be the first to admit that it was her beauty that drew my eye, but the more I know her, the more I want to know of her.”

  Darcy nodded. He understood the feeling. The more he knew about Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the more she intrigued him. All the more reason to keep his distance and protect her from the tongue-wagging gossips. At least, that is what Darcy tried to convince himself.

  “You are not under obligation to join our party, Darcy. I daresay a pleasurable time spent in the company of friends would do you good. Almost a month of the season is gone and I know it is your wish to find a wife before it is done.”

  “You need not remind me, Bingley. I am very aware of how much time is remaining.” He ran his fingers through his hair and massaged his temple to stop the headache that was forming. Bingley was not aware of the real reason behind his desire, his need, to marry soon. Darcy dared not tell him at risk of Miss Bingley finding out. But, there was danger in passing too much time in Miss Elizabeth’s company. However, he had promised an evening to Georgiana and he felt certain that she would enjoy Miss Elizabeth’s company. Had he not already extended their friendship when he left his card for Mr. Gardiner?

  After a few moments of indecision, Darcy came to a conclusion. “I will join you with Georgie. Perhaps the Misses Bennet will be a good influence on her.”

  Bingley looked astonished. “I did not know you thought so highly of the Bennets.”

  Darcy had not considered this either, but he did think well of the eldest Miss Bennets as well as their relatives, the Gardiners. As for the rest of the family… he would hold his tongue.

  “There is no denying that Miss Jane Bennet has a quiet elegance about her that is becoming in any lady to possess. Miss Elizabeth has a cultivated mind and I think Georgiana will enjoy their company.”

  “Excellent. Caroline has been chastising me all morning for accepting the Gardiner’s invitation. She will be happy to see Georgiana.”

  Darcy bristled at the mention of Miss Bingley. He did not want Georgiana to be affected by her airs. It was unattractive.

  Darcy wiped his face with a towel and rocked his head from side to side. It felt good to stretch his neck and shoulders after his fencing practice.

  “I need to make myself presentable. Are you going to stay for some sport?”

  Bingley, who could hold his own with a blade, declined and went about his day.

  Darcy considered the night before him. He was excited to see Miss Elizabeth again, but he needed to act with caution. It would not do for him to give her false hope where he was concerned. If only she had more to recommend her like Lady Henrietta.

  He sat back with a sigh. How unjust for one lady to have all the proper credentials and for the other to have all the… Darcy paused mid-thought. He could sum up in one word his attraction to Lady Henrietta, but with Miss Elizabeth he could not. There were too many qualities about her that he liked. Her appearance, of course, was lovely and Darcy had to control himself not to stare in her presence. He held a particular fondness for her sparkling eyes. She was intelligent as well and could hold a conversation, Darcy felt confident, with anyone. She found humor in everything and delight in small things. Her countenance was easy to read most of the time, for her emotions spelled out clearly on her face. Instead of manipulating him to gain his favor, she took offense at half the things he said. She was sincere.

  One good quality led to another and Darcy sat until his skin cooled and a chill ran up his spine.

  “Mr. Darcy, are you okay?” asked the fencing instructor from across the room. He looked concerned and walked toward Darcy.

  Darcy shook his head and steadied himself. “Yes, I thank you. Only lost in my thoughts.”

  “You look as if you were struck by a bolt of lightning. Perhaps you require more exercise to ease your mind, signore?” The fencer smiled and extended his sword out to Darcy.

  “We shall continue tomorrow. You challenged me to my limits today and I must rest. I thank you.” Darcy saluted his fencing instructor and turned to leave. Indeed, he did feel like he had been struck by lightning. He was falling in love with the wrong woman. He was losing his heart to Miss Elizabeth.

  Chapter 15

  It was dark outside, but Elizabeth could see the lights across the river as their carriage drew closer to Astley’s Amphitheatre.

  The afternoon had dragged on mercilessly and now that they were on their way, Elizabeth wanted to soak in every detail. She would not waste one moment of this experience and she planned to write an extensive account of the circus to her family. How she wished they were with her. Kitty and Lydia would especially appreciate her detailed description.

  They crossed over the bridge and Elizabeth was astounded at the number of carriages clogging the streets. She had grown accustomed to the large crowds of the city, but this was truly a crush of people and it made her long for the country with its open spaces.

  “I think there are more people here than there are inhabitants of Meryton, Jane. I do wish Mother and the girls could see this.” How would they ever find the Bingleys in this multitude?

  “The hustle and bustle helps me to appreciate the quiet life we have in the country all the more. I do not think myself suited to life in town.”

  “I feel the same. Though London offers many diversions, I much prefer a quieter life. A visit now and then to town would be nice, but I should not like to call it my home.”

  Emma spoke up. “I plan to have a house in town when I marry. You can stay with me when you come to visit.”

  If only marriage were that easy!

  “That sounds marvelous, Emma. We should very much like to stay with you in your house,” said Jane.

  “Who would you marry?” asked Elizabeth to her little niece.

  Emma looked at Elizabeth as if she had lost all of her senses. “Why, Mr. Darcy, of course.” The exaggerated roll of her eyes made everyone in the carriage laugh. For such a small lass, Emma was very certain in her choice.

  The coach stopped and a footman opened the door to help everyone out. Emma held onto Elizabeth’s and Jane’s hands so they would not get separated.

  “Very well. We arrived safe and sound and with a few minutes to spare.” Uncle Gardiner squinted his eyes at his pocket watch before tucking it away. “I hope we see Mr. Bingley in this mass. It
would be a shame not to meet up.”

  Elizabeth felt Emma let go of her hand and looked just in time to see the little girl dash into the crowd, disappearing from sight.

  “Emma!” Elizabeth started in the direction her little cousin had gone.

  She had not taken two steps when she heard Emma’s voice. “I saw him, Father. How should I miss when he is so very tall?”

  Elizabeth looked up to see, not Mr. Bingley, but Mr. Darcy a pace behind Emma. Emma looked behind her to ensure that he was following.

  Elizabeth’s heart slowed down as she steadied her breathing. Emma was safe.

  “Emma, you gave us a scare,” Elizabeth said, her hand still over her pounding heart.

  “I am sorry, but Mr. Darcy was walking away and I was afraid we would miss him. And, look, he is with Mr. Bingley and Miss Bingley and another young lady I have not yet met.” She turned her face up to Mr. Darcy expectantly.

  Mr. Darcy smiled at the group and bows and curtsies were exchanged all around.

  “Very astute of you, Miss Emma. Yes, I did bring a young lady. She is my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy. Like you, she enjoys the circus.” Darcy introduced his sister to the group.

  Elizabeth’s ears burned red as she breathed a sigh of relief at her pointless jealousy.

  Miss Darcy, who towered in height next to little Emma, leaned down. “I am particularly delighted to meet you, Miss Emma. My brother tells me that you are the finest judge in horseflesh and have taken a liking to his favorite stallion, Arion.”

  Elizabeth decided she liked Miss Darcy; she had so easily made friends with Emma.

  Miss Darcy had flaxen hair and a sweet innocence about her. She smiled and seemed genuinely pleased to meet them. What a contrast to Miss Bingley, who stood as far off to the side as she could, doing her best to appear bored– and succeeding at it. Elizabeth had to bite the insides of her cheeks to keep from laughing out loud when she observed Miss Bingley stifle a fake yawn while looking to see if Mr. Darcy noticed.

  “Shall we enter?” suggested Uncle Gardiner.

  Elizabeth walked in with Miss Darcy and the young lady proved to be equal to her conversation.

  Elizabeth could not help but notice how Miss Bingley struggled between staying close to the Darcys and avoiding Elizabeth or Jane. The problem was that the Darcys were not walking together. Emma had laid claim to Mr. Darcy and was chattering away between him and Uncle Gardiner. Miss Darcy walked with Elizabeth. Then, Mr. Bingley walked with Jane. Emma seemed to repel the fine Miss Bingley, so she locked arms with Miss Darcy’s free arm as their group walked into the theater.

  What awaited Elizabeth took her breath away. She stood in awe at the sight in front of her. It was much larger than she had thought it would be. She could not count all the people there if she tried, so numerous were they. When they drew closer to the arena, she gasped in wonderment when she saw the chandelier. It must have had thousands of candles with thousands of happy flames dancing to illuminate the elaborate paintings on the ceilings. Elizabeth even thought she could smell the wax. The painting was so elaborate and grand, she had not yet seen its equal in any art museum she had visited.

  “You seem in awe, Miss Elizabeth. Have you never been here before?” asked Miss Darcy.

  Elizabeth closed her mouth. She had not realized that her jaw was open. “No, I have not had the pleasure. We do not often get such entertainments in Hertfordshire and this is my first visit to London.”

  “How charming to be such a country bumpkin,” said Miss Bingley who still clung to Miss Darcy’s left arm. Her words dripped with sarcasm.

  “Indeed, Miss Caroline. I could not agree more, hailing from the country myself,” replied Miss Darcy, one eyebrow arched up. Miss Bingley put in place by a girl of five and ten. Elizabeth liked Miss Darcy more with each passing minute.

  Turning away from Miss Bingley, Miss Darcy asked Elizabeth, “Have you visited the Lake District? Pemberley is often visited by travelers interested in the lakes.”

  “I fear the extent of my knowledge of England is confined to what I have read in books. How I should love to see the things I have read about with my own eyes.”

  This led to a conversation about books and favorite authors that continued even after they had found their seats. Miss Bingley tried to participate, but Elizabeth thought she must not enjoy reading much for she limited her comments to general views.

  Soon, Elizabeth and Georgiana were begging the other to be called by her Christian name.

  “Your cousin, Emma, has taken a liking to my brother. He appears quite taken with her too, I must say. Of course, he has always liked children.”

  Through Georgiana, Elizabeth was learning that Mr. Darcy had a softer, more approachable side. A side that Emma had naturally recognized.

  She looked further down their row of seats, where indeed Emma had placed herself between her father and Mr. Darcy on the other side of Georgiana. It took her by surprise that a man like Mr. Darcy would have the patience to listen to a child, but that was what he was doing. Mr. Darcy was full of surprises.

  “I would not have thought that Mr. Darcy enjoyed the company of children, though he has been a good sport with Emma,” Elizabeth thought aloud.

  Miss Bingley, who sat beside her brother and Jane directly in front of them, said, “You do not have the same intimacy of friendship some of us are privileged with. Mr. Darcy has many admirable qualities.”

  “I am sure you are right, Miss Bingley. Though you might embarrass Mr. Darcy if you listed them in detail.”

  Miss Bingley’s spirits improved when she noticed she had finally caught the gentleman’s attention and she tried to include Mr. Darcy in their conversation. “Do you not think this to be droll, Mr. Darcy? Once you have seen the show, it is hardly worth fighting the crowds to see again.”

  “I think everyone should see the spectacle at least once. I remember the first time my father brought me here and I think it is charming to accompany someone who is seeing this for the first time.” He looked at Elizabeth.

  Mr. Darcy’s defense caught Elizabeth off guard. She had thought it more likely that he would find fault with her or, worse, remain silent as he so often did.

  Miss Bingley audibly humphed and turned to face the arena. If she disliked me before, surely now she hates me.

  The show began and Elizabeth was happy to have a break from Miss Bingley and her snide comments. At least she is not attempting to ruin Jane’s happiness! She looked at the happy couple chatting in front of her and knew she would endure weeks of hurtful remarks to help her sister.

  Elizabeth could hear Emma’s squeals of delight as the actors performed tricks on their horses. Elizabeth let herself get caught up in the excitement and exclaimed her enjoyment as well. Her voice caught in her throat as she saw a woman in a bright costume stand on the backs of three horses, with only the reigns to hold on to. When she started galloping around the ring, Elizabeth stared in amazement, her hands over her mouth.

  Next was a reenactment of a battle scene that left Elizabeth feeling overwhelmed in her senses. The smell of gunpowder and horses mixed with the sounds of the shouts of the actors and the audience, the flashes of scarlet coats dashing around the arena… Even the horses performed well with their piercing neighs.

  Turning to Georgiana, Elizabeth said, “I think if my heart beat any faster, it should jump out of my chest.”

  “That used to be my favorite part, but my heart belongs to a gentleman in the army… I mean… my family, of course… Not just any gentleman. What I mean to say is, my cousin is a colonel in His Majesty’s Army and I worry for his safety.” She spoke quickly as she twisted her hands together.

  Elizabeth, having two sisters who often lost their hearts once a week to a new officer in the army, suspected that Georgiana had not been referring to her cousin originally. But, her new friend’s unguarded comment seemed to embarrass her, so Elizabeth did not press her. Nobody else had heard.

  Several times during the night, Eli
zabeth felt Mr. Darcy’s eyes on her. Before that evening, she would have thought it was to scrutinize her actions and words, but now, she was not sure.

  Elizabeth dreamed of horses and acrobats, waking with a smile the next morning. It felt good to be rested. A card party awaited them in the evening and she had some calls to make that day with Aunt Gardiner and Jane. It would be another busy day, but she felt up to it.

  As Elizabeth readied herself, she wondered how Mr. Darcy, who she knew had thought to be so disagreeable, had seemed pleasant in his manners at their last meeting. He had endured the persistent and childish conversation of Emma for hours, even enjoying it.

  He refused to be drawn in to Miss Bingley’s criticisms and snobberies. Elizabeth was certain she had gained an enemy for life when Mr. Darcy had come to her defense after one of Miss Bingley’s verbal blows. Elizabeth pushed a pin rather forcefully into her hair. Take that Miss Bingley, she thought with a wicked chuckle. It was rare that Elizabeth disliked any person so strongly, but she did not envy Jane her future sister-in-law, if Mr. Bingley were to propose. She had not liked Mr. Darcy either, but his actions of late contradicted her former opinions and left her with a murky impression so that she did not know what to think of the gentleman. It was a puzzle, but Elizabeth liked puzzles.

  Downstairs, Uncle was lingering over his tea and morning paper at the dining table.

  “Good morning, Lizzy. Did you rest well?”

  “Yes. I see you are back to drinking tea. Did you tire of coffee?” She plopped down at the table and nibbled on a biscuit.

  “Ah, I do not care much for its bitter taste, but it helps replace an hour or two of sleep when necessary. Are you ready for another busy day? Madeline told me your plans. After running around town all day, I should think you too exhausted for the card party this evening, but such is the spirit of the season.”

  Aunt Gardiner burst into the room. “My dear, you will not believe what I heard from Emma.”