by Jennifer Joy
Seeing his opportunity, Darcy asked, “Speaking of family, I have not seen the man dancing with Miss Elizabeth before. Who is he?”
Bingley looked at Darcy in shock. “You do not know Mr. Collins? Why, he is your aunt’s rector. Were you not there just a few months ago?”
“I was at Rosings in March, but I did not have occasion to meet Mr. Collins. I had heard that my aunt had made some improvements to the rectory in anticipation of the clergyman some months ago, but I left Rosings in a hurry as you know. Is he known to the Bennets?”
“I should say so. Gracious, Darcy, have you had your head buried in the sand? Mr. Collins is to marry Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy’s heart dropped to the floor where Mr. Collins trampled all over it. Had he heard correctly?
“Bingley, are you certain?”
“Mr. Collins told me so himself. Why should I doubt him? He is a man of the cloth and all.”
“Had it not come directly from you, I should not have believed it.” The crowd pressed in on Darcy and there was not enough air in the room. He needed to leave. Now.
“Bingley, I wish you the best. I left some unfinished business at home and I really should attend to it.”
“But you only just arrived.”
“Yes, but I really must go. I should not have come tonight.”
Darcy ignored the confused look on his friend’s face as he turned and wove his way back toward the entrance. Elizabeth was engaged to another man. Darcy was too late.
Chapter 18
Elizabeth sensed Darcy’s presence before she saw him, his height easy to spot in the crowd. Her moment of distraction was rewarded with a firm stomp on her already aching toes. Elizabeth looked at her dance partner, Mr. Collins. Why, oh why, had he come to London?
Elizabeth knew the answer, but his presumptuousness astounded her as it had Uncle and Aunt Gardiner when he called at their home. Mr. Collins evidently had a friend in town, a chum from his University days, and he wanted to pay a visit while ensuring his future happiness in seeing his bride-to-be. Elizabeth felt goose bumps cover her arms and a chill went through her body. His timing could not have been worse.
Risking another glance in Mr. Darcy’s direction, she saw him talking with Mr. Bingley. Maybe he would ask her to dance. Mr. Darcy was a graceful dancer, unlike her current partner who moved against the crowd and caused more than one accident during the course of the dance.
Unable to engage Mr. Collins in conversation, not that she wanted to talk to him, Elizabeth was left with her own musings. She felt disgust when Mr. Collins called earlier that day.
Her evening had brightened considerably with the arrival of Mr. Darcy. She had seen much of him over the past weeks. Enough to understand his character better. Mr. Darcy was not at all what he seemed. His serious exterior hid a sense of humor very similar to her own. When her remarks flew over the head of Mr. Bingley, a twitch from Mr. Darcy’s mouth assured Elizabeth that he, at least, understood.
The song dragged on. When it did eventually end, Elizabeth looked up to find Mr. Bingley standing alone. She skimmed over the room, but did not see Mr. Darcy.
The music stopped and Elizabeth curtsied to Mr. Collins’s bow. The dance was over. Still, no Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Collins escorted Elizabeth back to her seat by Jane, who was talking with Mr. Bingley. They were engaged now. Jane’s season in London was the success everyone had dreamed of. Mr. Bingley had a comfortable fortune and, most important of all, he was kind. Elizabeth was certain they would be very happy in their marriage and she was thrilled for her sister. If only she could find such happiness for herself.
Jane had ensured Elizabeth that she would stay in London through the end of the season with the express purpose of giving moral support to her sister. Elizabeth tried to persuade Jane to continue with her plans and start her life with Mr. Bingley, but Jane was determined. With Mr. Collins’s arrival, Elizabeth was glad to have Jane by her side.
Mr. Bingley looked up as she and Mr. Collins joined their party.
“Mr. Bingley, was that Mr. Darcy I saw?” she asked.
“Yes, it was. His stay was so brief; I wonder why he bothered coming at all.” Mr. Bingley shook his head at his socially inept friend.
The brightness of her evening effectively snuffed out, self-doubt swallowed Elizabeth whole. Had she overestimated Mr. Darcy’s interest? If he truly admired her, would he not have stayed?
Mr. Collins, oblivious to Elizabeth’s changed demeanor, perked up. “Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is nephew to my patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I should like to meet him. Pity he is gone.” He looked about the room as if he had a chance in spotting Mr. Darcy in the crowd still.
Elizabeth’s disappointment in Mr. Darcy’s sudden departure lessened. He would be spared the tedious conversation of Mr. Collins as he fawned over his patroness and the cost of her chimney or carpets. Elizabeth knew Mr. Darcy well enough to know that he would not be impressed and Elizabeth did not want him to be further repulsed by yet another member of her family.
Elizabeth looked at Jane and she could see that her sister was thinking the same thing. The relief in her eyes mirrored what Elizabeth felt.
Next to her, Mr. Collins changed the topic. “How edifying to attend a ball. It is my very humble opinion that it is a good practice as a clergyman to experience the pleasures enjoyed by his flock. I am not so narrow-minded, I flatter myself, to think it inappropriate to participate in such a stimulating activity and thus benefit the members of my parish. I believe Lady Catherine de Bourgh would approve and encourage my reasoning.”
Elizabeth felt a comparison of the ballroom to a far more exceptional room of Lady de Bourgh’s coming. Tired of hearing of another’s superior circumstances, she said, “Then, by all means, do not let me detain you from seeking out another dance partner. It would hardly be fair to withhold yourself from dancing when there is a noticeable shortage of gentleman in the room and when your patroness encourages such an activity.”
Elizabeth wanted to free herself from Mr. Collins’s company, but she would not hold her breath that he would take her hint. He seemed unabashedly oblivious to all suggestions which were not to his liking. Was that not how he had secured two dances when it pained Elizabeth to dance even one with him?
Mr. Collins smiled at her and attempted to pat her hand, which she withdrew out of reach. “The pleasure of your company far surpasses that of a dance. Once we are married, I shall claim the first two dances of every ball we attend.” He said it like it would be a real treat.
Elizabeth felt her face light on fire. His attempt to hold her hand and his assumption that she would accept him was more than she could bear. She looked to see who was within listening range. Mr. Bingley had gone to fetch Jane’s wrap and only Jane would hear.
“You presume too much, Mr. Collins. I have not accepted your offer of marriage and would never comply of my own volition. I thank you not to speak of such things or act on them before their time.” Her words sounded sharp even to her own ears, but she kept her voice down. She did not want to cause a scene. A lady’s reputation could be ruined over smaller things and she did not want her name connected with Mr. Collins in an engagement.
Mr. Collins bowed his head in his acquiescent way. “You are right, my fair cousin. Such a delicate subject is better discussed in a more private setting. Your sensibility pleases me. Perhaps you would like to take a turn about the room?” He stood up and offered Elizabeth his arm.
Insufferable. Elizabeth looked at him in disbelief.
“I beg your leave, Mr. Collins. My toes have taken a beating and it would pain me to walk. I see Aunt Gardiner coming this way and will content myself with her company in your absence.”
Mr. Collins seemed confused at Elizabeth’s refusal and his dismissal, but soon recovered with the promise of a glass of lemonade which he would be honored to bring Elizabeth.
It was going to be a long night.
Elizabeth moved over a seat so Aunt Gardiner could sit between herself
and Jane. Maybe hearing some of the ladies’ gossip her aunt was sure to share would cheer her up.
Aunt did not disappoint. Engagements, flirtations, gowns, intrigues… were gasped at and giggled over. It was entertaining to hear, but with Mr. Collins’s presence and Mr. Darcy’s absence, Elizabeth had difficulty feeling merry. Jane noticed.
“Lizzy, what is the matter?” Jane reached over Aunt Gardiner and laid her hand on top of Elizabeth’s. Aunt Gardiner looked concerned too.
Elizabeth looked around. Everyone around them was otherwise engaged and Mr. Collins was taking his time with the lemonade. She could speak plainly.
“I am disappointed that the season is nearing its end and the only gentleman to pay me any attention is one I despise. I cannot marry Mr. Collins. When I saw Mr. Darcy in the room, I felt hope, but he left so suddenly. Now, I feel that something is horribly wrong and any claim I may have had on his affections are now gone. Maybe I imagined them. Maybe I am too vain and his leaving has nothing to do with me, but I feel it nonetheless.”
“Stop talking nonsense, Lizzy. Mr. Darcy would be the last gentleman in England to unintentionally and ignorantly encourage a young lady’s affections. Pull yourself together like the confident girl I know you to be. You are talking out of character and it is quite upsetting.” Aunt Gardiner fanned herself with one hand and clasped onto Elizabeth’s hand with the other.
Aunt Gardiner was right, of course. Very rarely was Elizabeth given to temperamental spells. Those were more often reserved for her dear mother. Elizabeth would pull through this one way or another.
“Lizzy, Mr. Darcy spoke with Charles before taking his leave. I will ask him what was said. Perhaps there is a simple explanation to all of this,” said Jane.
“Let us pray so. I feel indecisive and uncertain and I do not like it. When I disliked Mr. Darcy and had nothing to lose, it was easy to bear. Now, I believe I love him and I have everything to lose.”
Chapter 19
The next morning, Miss Bingley and Georgiana came for tea at the Gardiner’s home. Elizabeth was happy to see Georgiana and anxious to hear if she would mention her older brother in conversation. Aside from being Mr. Darcy’s sister, Elizabeth genuinely liked the girl. She reminded Elizabeth of a meek and much more subdued version of Lydia, with her romantic ideas and girlish excitement.
Miss Bingley, on the other hand, was difficult to like. She took very seriously her supposed duties as a future sister to Jane. She had opinions on everything and thought it scandalous that her brother, who was well-known in town and had friends and family in London, would choose to marry in Hertfordshire.
“It is only a half-day’s distance, Caroline. I am sure your brother’s true friends will not mind the distance. I think a small wedding in the country is so charming.” Georgiana, more interested in the romance of the engagement than the technical arrangements, voiced her opinion in no uncertain terms.
Elizabeth tried to express her gratitude in a look.
Her plans to keep close to the fashionable set thwarted, Miss Bingley sat stiffly in her chair, puffing her chest out and jutting her chin. “I took the liberty of writing out the names and addresses to the best dressmakers in town. A couple of them were in the employ of Marie Antoinette before the Revolution. When I marry, I intend for one of them to make my gown.” She handed Jane a slip of paper. Surely, she must know that the Bennet family could never afford such fineries. Jane’s trousseau would be simple and elegant.
“I thank you for taking the trouble Caroline. That was very kind.” Jane blushed through her gracious words.
Elizabeth looked at her sister in support.
Jane clenched her hands together and continued, “Mother has saved her wedding dress for me. She is so excited about it, I think it would crush her if I were to have something new made. It only needs some minor adjustments.”
Elizabeth smiled at her sister’s firmness. She would have many occasions to disagree with Miss Bingley in the future. No sense giving a false impression now. Jane may be sweet and docile, but she was resolute once she made a decision.
“How quaint.” Miss Bingley smirked.
“I have my mother’s wedding gown saved as well. There is something special in sharing such a cherished item, I think.” Georgiana spoke in a dreamy voice, unknowingly backing Jane. Elizabeth wanted to hug the girl.
Elizabeth watched Miss Bingley in interest. She knew that Miss Bingley would not dare contradict Georgiana. The way she fawned over the sweet girl was so off-putting; Elizabeth did not know how Georgiana could stand it. Maybe her station had accustomed her to such behavior.
“Yes, it is an honored tradition for sure. Still, I prefer to be on the cusp of fashion rather than wear an old, ratty dress that has been passed on through the generations.” Miss Bingley touched Georgiana’s arm. “I am sure that does not apply to your mother’s gown. Anything of hers would still be stylish. From what I have heard, she was the epitome of an accomplished lady.”
Elizabeth wanted to change the subject, but one look at Jane choked the words in her mouth. Jane appeared perfectly poised, but there was a contradictory flash in her eyes.
“Miss Caroline, I thank you for your opinions. You give them so freely. I only hope that I might be as helpful when your engagement is announced.”
The table went silent. Everybody knew that Miss Bingley had no suitors and an engagement this season would be highly unlikely.
Elizabeth kicked Jane under the table. Her future was not yet secure with Mr. Bingley and, though he loved Jane to distraction, it would not do to offend his sister. As soon as Elizabeth returned her foot to its proper place, she had to bite the insides of her cheeks to keep from laughing. How many times Jane had kicked or pinched her when Elizabeth’s tongue would get her in trouble. This was the first time she had ever had to check Jane.
Miss Bingley’s face turned scarlet; her lips pinched together so firmly they turned white. She sipped her tea and straightened her shoulders. Then, she looked directly at Elizabeth with a sly expression on her face.
“I only hope my engagement will be as joyful an occasion as my good friend, Lady Henrietta’s, is certain to be. It has not become public knowledge yet, so I will not name the groom, but he is well-known by all of us here at this table and he is known in more intimate circles for the heroic behavior he displayed at Hyde Park over two months ago.”
Elizabeth wished the floor would swallow her so Miss Bingley could not see the knot in her throat and liquid in her eyes. If her competition for Mr. Darcy’s affection was an entitled lady from a family with a large fortune, what chance did a humble gentleman’s daughter have?
Georgiana was the first to break the silence. “I am unaware of any heroics in Hyde Park, but the secret engagement sounds so mysterious. I will ask my cousin, Richard, about the news in Hyde Park and will soon find out. I wonder how they can keep such a secret. I would be bursting to tell somebody.”
With a self-satisfied look, Miss Bingley looked directly at Elizabeth and said, “Yes, it is a glamorous mystery, but I am not to speak of it until the time is right. Lord Henry Tefton, Lady Henrietta’s brother, told me in the strictest of confidence.”
“You sound just like William acts… cryptic and evasive. Although I will be the first to admit that he is happier than his usual self of late.” Georgiana sipped her tea nonchalantly.
Elizabeth saw a satisfied glow on Miss Bingley’s face as she nodded, a look that went unnoticed by Georgiana. Miss Bingley may as well have announced Mr. Darcy’s engagement, so clear was her implication.
Jane was deep in thought, no doubt trying to justify such a thing in her mind and come out with an explanation that would satisfy and please all parties.
Elizabeth did her best to be a good hostess, but her mind wandered back to Mr. Darcy. She could not believe that he would agree to do anything in secret, much less something as serious as an engagement. It went contrary to everything she had come to appreciate about his character. If such a thin
g were true, then Mr. Wickham had been just in his assessment of Mr. Darcy’s persona. Try as she might, Elizabeth could not make herself believe that it was true.
Miss Bingley and Georgiana rose to take their leave. Miss Bingley swayed out to their waiting carriage while Jane said her final farewells. As Georgiana brushed by Elizabeth, she whispered, “I have a secret. Call at my house. Three o’clock.”
Elizabeth nodded to her young friend, who looked about the room and bit her lower lip. What could Georgiana be up to? Elizabeth had a presentiment that whatever the secret was, it was not good.
Elizabeth looked at the clock again. How could only ten minutes have passed? She stabbed at her embroidery, spending more time untangling knots than stitching. One look at her handiwork convinced Elizabeth to better pass her time with a book instead.
She read the same paragraph two times over before looking at the clock again. Only a half an hour.
“Lizzy, are you well?” Jane asked.
Elizabeth could not tell Jane her plans to call on Georgiana or her reason for doing so. Best to be vague. “Yes, I am well enough. Just restless.”
“After Miss Caroline’s gossip, I should say so. Might I suggest you take some fresh air? You have not gone for a walk yet today. Perhaps it will help.”
Elizabeth considered the time. It was two o’clock. Georgiana asked her to call at three o’clock. If she left now, on the excuse of needing some fresh air, Jane would know nothing about Elizabeth’s whereabouts.
“I think you are right. I shall grab a bonnet and shawl and set off.” Elizabeth stood, thinking how to leave unaccompanied from the house.
“I would join you, Lizzy, but I am to call at the Bingley’s to see Charles. I want to see what I can find out about Mr. Darcy.”
Perfect. Mr. Bingley had not provided any useful information thus far, but Elizabeth appreciated Jane’s attempt.
“I shall walk in the direction of Hyde Park. Surely, I will meet up with an acquaintance and will not be alone for long.”