Darcy spoke for the first time. “Miss Bennet, I understand that you play the pianoforte.”
“Yes sir I do, but very poorly. I would not wish to arouse your expectations of my playing.” Arouse? Of all the words to use! He must think that I am flirting with him. Lizzie became uneasy in her seat.
“I would like to show you the pianoforte I recently gifted my sister for her sixteenth birthday. I believe you would appreciate it. The music room is just down the hall. Shall we go there now?”
Lizzie looked quickly at her Aunt who was in rapt conversation with Georgianna. She prayed that her Aunt would object or at least accompany them.
“Yes Lizzie, do go and take a look. Miss Darcy and I will be along shortly as soon as I finish my tea.”
Lizzie sighed and thought to herself, no help from that quarter. She stood up and took the arm that Darcy offered her. After all he would not accost her in his own home with her Aunt and his sister so close by. Would he? He would not dare!
A footman accompanied them, opened the door to the music room which was then left open. Lizzie’s eyes alighted on the instrument and she was awestruck. She stepped up to it and ran her fingertips lightly along the wood of the pianoforte. She had never seen one like it before.
“It truly is a very fine instrument”, she spoke softly. Darcy stood silently, but closely by her side.
As she turned to leave Darcy took her arm and moved to the side of the door and gently pressed her against the wall, so they could not be seen by anyone passing by the music room. Before she could utter a word, he placed his hands on either side of her face and pressed his lips to hers. She wound her arms around his neck to bring him closer and deepened the kiss. He thrust his tongue into her mouth silently willing her to participate. Lizzie did so and he brought her body closer to him and lifting her skirts he caressed the globes of her buttocks. Lizzie was lost.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily and Mr. Darcy rested his forehead to hers. “We need to return now as I cannot guarantee my behavior. I seem to lose all ability to regulate myself in your presence,” Darcy muttered.
Chapter 10
Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm and she gently placed her hand on it. If felt as if her touch was searing his flesh.
Oh Darcy! You are a goner, he thought to himself.
Just at that moment his sister and Lizzie’s Aunt came out into the hallway.
“Lizzie, I do believe it is time for us to depart. Thank you so much for a lovely visit Miss Darcy and Mr. Darcy.”
“It was out pleasure Mrs. Gardiner,” replied Darcy.
“Mrs. Gardiner, thank you for sharing your remembrances of my mother with me,” Georgianna spoke softly.
Lizzie also tendered her thanks to Miss Darcy while avoiding Mr. Darcy’s intense gaze.
As they were putting on their outerwear, the knocker rapped and two women were admitted.
Both women had bright colored copper hair and it was obvious they were related to one another. They were both fashionably but overdressed in dresses that Lizzie felt were more suited to a ballroom than an afternoon visit.
Mr. Darcy reluctantly introduced the taller sister as Miss Bingley and her shorter, plumper sister as Mrs. Hurst. The two sisters sniffed at Lizzie and her Aunt and barely nodded their heads at the introduction.
“Oh Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Bingley shrilled. “I am so pleased to find you at home. Louisa and I have a matter of grave importance to discuss and need your very learned opinion.”
Darcy inward cringed at the sound of her voice, likening it to a cat screeching.
“Very well ladies, if you would be so kind as to wait in the drawing room as I see our guest off,” He replied coolly. He was very displeased with their rude manners towards his guests. He could barely tolerate them, but as they were the sisters of his very good friend, Mr. Charles Bingley, he could not ignore the connection unless he cut them directly. And that he would not do. He valued Bingley’s friendship too highly.
He knew Caroline wanted to be the next mistress of Pemberley. She held no affection for him but wanted the prestige and power it would bring her in society. That will never happen! I will never marry that harpy. Miss Bingley is destined to be disappointed he told himself.eH
Darcy handed Mrs. Gardiner and then Elizabeth into their carriage. He held Lizzie’s hand for a few moments longer then was proper and Lizzie said, “Thank you again Mr. Darcy for a most enjoyable afternoon.”
Looking directly into her eyes he said, “The pleasure was all mine Miss Bennet. I look forward to seeing you again.”
He closed the carriage door and told the driver to walk on. He stood in front of his home and watched as the carriage trundled down the road. He then sighed and turned to go into the house to suffer through a visit with the Bingley sisters.
Chapter 11
Miss Bingley attached herself to Mr. Darcy as soon as he entered the room. Her tight grip on his arm felt as if talons were penetrating his sleeve. He gently but firmly removed her from his person and turned toward Georgianna.
“Dearest, I must have a private conversation with the ladies and must ask for your indulgence.”
Georgianna immediately arose to leave the room.
“Of course brother.” She was only too happy to leave the presence of the Bingley sisters. Although she found Mr. Bingley to be amicable and gracious, not so his sisters and was quite happy to vacate the room.
Darcy seated himself and asked, “How might I be of service?”
Miss Bingley began immediately, “Oh Mr. Darcy we need your instant assistance. We received a missive from Charles today informing us that he has leased an estate in some backwater none of us has ever heard of called Netherfield in a place called Hertfordshire. He expects our family to pack our trunks and immediately join him and forgo the balance of the season! I expect he acted so hastily because he has met another angel. Oh sir, you must help us to dissuade Charles from this action.”
As Darcy listened to Miss Bingley’s lamentations, he wondered why Bingley had not informed him of his plans and then recalled that his correspondence sat upon his desk unopened. His thoughts were too preoccupied with the very great pleasure of seeing Miss Elizabeth Bennet again that he gave nary a thought to his correspondence.
Darcy stood and said, “Please excuse me ladies for a few moments”, and left the room.
He immediately went to his study and perused the letters that were placed there daily by his butler, and searched for a missive from Bingley when he came upon it.
He immediately broke the seal and began to read. Bingley was a poor correspondent at the best of times, and his splotched missive with sentences crossed out did not make for easy interpretation. But Darcy was able to ascertain the Bingley had indeed leased an estate not three miles from Longbourn and begged Darcy to come as soon as possible to assist him in estate matters.
Bingley was one generation removed from trade and it was his Father’s deepest wish that he establish himself in society as a gentleman by acquiring an estate. He also mentioned how enthralled he was with his currant angel, a one Miss Jane Bennet.
“Well !” Darcy thought to himself, “That explains a great deal.”
Bingley relied on Darcy’s guidance in any and all matters that pertains to himself and Darcy gave it freely. Bingley found himself in love every other week with a new angel.
Darcy thought that this was most fortuitous for himself. Three miles from Longbourn! Three miles from Miss Elizabeth Bennet! Yes, very fortuitous indeed. A wide grin spread over his countenance and he was actually filled with joy knowing he could now pursue her vigorously.
Darcy trained himself long ago to don a mask of polite indifference. He donned that mask now not wanting the Bingley sisters to see his elation at this good news.
Again, Miss Bingley attached herself to Mr. Darcy as he entered the room and pressed herself uncomfortable close to his side.
She shrieked at a high pitched voice, “Oh Mr. Darcy wha
t is to be done? You must help us to convince Charles to abandon this folly!”
Mr. Darcy led Miss Bingley over to where her sister sat, disengaged himself form vise-like grip on his arm and seated himself opposite the sisters before he began to speak.
“I have just now perused my correspondence and there is indeed a missive from Charles informing me of his leasing an estate in Hertfordshire called Netherfield. I know that you are disappointed to leave before the season ends, but it was your father’s greatest wish that Charles purchase an estate and establish himself as a gentleman.”
The Bingley’s money came from trade and they were but one generation removed from it although Caroline Bingley acted as though she was a member of the highest echelon of society looking down her nose at all she deemed below her, which was just about everyone.
Darcy continued stating, “I believe Charles should be encouraged in this endeavor and he has requested that I join him to advise on estate matters. I will go to support him in any matter that I can.”
At first Caroline Bingley’s face showed her disheartened and disappointed feelings at Darcy’s decision but then filled with elation when she realized Darcy would be a member of their party.
Finally, she thought, he and I will be under the same roof for a duration of time and I know he will ask for my hand in marriage. He simply must, for I will convince him that no other lady is more accomplished than I to be the next mistress of Pemberly. She had been pursuing him for three years, all to no avail.
She smiled falsely at Mr. Darcy and simpered, “Of course you are correct Mr. Darcy. Your opinions are so highly sought after and Louisa and I are gratified for your generous assistance. We shall also go to the country and support our brother in this endeavor.”
Darcy wanted to roll his eyes at this statement but stood instead.
“You must excuse me ladies for shortening your visit, but there are matters of business I must attend to now.”
“Of Course!” gushed Miss. Bingley. “You are such a busy man.”
Darcy then escorted both ladies out to their carriage and farewelled them. He did not know if he could withstand being under the same roof as the Bingley sisters for any length of time, but the very pleasant thought of being so close to Elizabeth outweighed the disadvantages.
As soon as he entered the entrance way, he asked his butler to have Miss Georgianna summoned to his study.
Georgianna entered the room and looked around, “Are they gone Brother?” she asked.
“Yes Georgianna, they have departed.”
She lowered her head as she spoke. “I hope that you are not disappointed in me as I know a lady should always be courteous and act with decorum, but I am so uneasy in their company.”
“Do not distress yourself dearest. I have requested your presence to ascertain if you would like to return Mrs. Gardiner’s call tomorrow morning?”
Darcy was happy to see the wide grin that spread over his sister’s face.
“I would very much like to further the acquaintance of Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Elizabeth. They are such genteel, pleasant people and I am very easy in their company. I was especially pleased with conversing with Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy was elated with Georgianna’s statement. Elizabeth would make an excellent sister for her. Where did that thought come from? He could not deceive himself. Not only would Elizabeth Bennet be a good sister for Georgianna, but he believed that theirs would be a most felicitous marriage. He desired not only her body but her mind.
Putting those thought aside, he addressed his sister, “It is all settled then. Tomorrow we will pay a call on Mrs. Gardiner and her Niece.”
Georgianna hugged her brother and skipped happily out of the room.
Chapter 12
Mrs. Gardiner peered at her niece carefully as the carriage conveyed them to Gracechurch street.
“Did you enjoy the visit Lizzie? I found Miss Darcy to be delightful with such proper manners although a bit shy. Mr. Darcy was all politeness and welcoming and I cannot reconcile the gentleman we met today with your previous account of his manners. I saw no evidence of ill manners as you described.”
“I must admit Aunt that Mr. Darcy does improve upon further acquaintance.”
“So you no longer consider him odious?” her Aunt queried with a twinkle in her eye.
“No,” Lizzie replied vaguely. “Not so very odious as I previously thought, maybe just a bit odious.”
“Oh Lizzie!” her Aunt laughed. “Methinks the lady doth pertest too much.”
Lizzie looked sharply at her Aunt but did not reply as the carriage pulled up to the Gardiner house on Gracechurch street.
They were informed by the butler that Mr. Gardiner had already returned home.
Lizzie sought him out immediately in his study to learn of his conversation with her father. She knocked on the door and rushed in at his reply to enter.
“What news Uncle? Did you meet with father? What did he say?” Lizzie asked rapidly.
Mr. Gardiner stood from behind his desk and asked Lizzie to have a seat. He then asked the footman to summon his wife.
“I believe it best to await your Aunt so I only have to convey this information once.”
Lizzie nodded her head in agreement.
Mrs. Gardiner entered minutes later and greeted her husband with a kiss to his check. He escorted her to the chair next to Lizzie’s and then took his own seat behind his desk.
He sat there for a few minutes with his hands folded on top of the desk.
He sighed heavily before relating the information that Lizzie eagerly awaited to hear.
“Oh Uncle,” Lizzie stated. “I fear that you do not have good news to impart.”
“Well,’ began Mr. Gardiner. “My meeting with your father was somewhat disappointing, but I do not consider what I have to impart as all bad. Allow me to relate the entire conversation to you and then we will discuss what is to be done.”
Lizzie nodded her head and Mr. Gardiner began to speak.
“I approached your father and apprised him of you dissatisfaction of with the current situation at Longbourn. He advised me that he was well aware of your feelings on the matter and offered his solution. He said that he and MR. Ogilvy spoke extensively on the matter since they left Longbourn yesterday. It pains me to relate his decision to you Lizzie but it must be done. As the master of Longbourn it is his prerogative to do with it what he wishes and what he intends to do is have your family moved out and Longbourn rented.”
Lizzie stood abruptly and shouted “What! But where shall we go?”
“Lizzie, please sit down and calm yourself allow me to finish and we shall discuss what is to be done.”
Lizzie sat down but there was no mistaking how angry she was. She gripped the arms of the chair and her breathing was rapid.
Mr. Gardiner continued. “He proposes to rent Longbourn and have his family moved to another house so you will not have the responsibilities of the estate, but will still have the responsibility of your family. He will allow you the rental income for this purpose. Now this is what I propose Lizzie. You have accumulated a substantial sum of monies from the stables that you might purchase another home for your family and move the business to the new location. As you would be the sole owner, this would afford security as it will not be entailed as Longbourn is. I know that is a point of contention for your mother’s nerves. What say you Lizzie?”
Lizzie sat speechless for a few moments trying to assimilate all her Uncle had told her.
“Is this decision firm in his mind?” she asked
“Yes, he and Mr. Ogilvy discussed it extensively and he is very resolute on his decision.”
“How has it come to pass that Mr. Ogilvy is involved in decision making for my family and what has become of my father? I cannot believe him so devoid of feeling to abandon us so completely!” Lizzie angrily demanded.
“Lizzie, Mr. Ogilvy was your father’s particular friend at Oxford and they have renewed their frien
dship, their intimate friendship. Do you understand what I am trying to tell you? Because it gives me a great deal of pain to relate this to you, but I am unable to alter the situation or to convince him otherwise. He is most resolute in his decision.”
Lizzie just stared at her Uncle in stunned silence. Mrs. Gardiner moved her chair closer to her niece and put her arm around her to offer some comfort.
“What do we do now? I am shocked at his behavior and total disregard for his family!”
“I shall make inquiries on your behalf but your mother and your sisters will have to be told soon. Allow me to accompany you home, say the day after tomorrow? I have a large shipment being delivered tomorrow and I cannot be away from my business. Is that agreeable to you Lizzie?”
The tears that had gathered in Lizzie eyes were now flowing freely down her face. She dabbed at them with her handkerchief.
“Yes, Uncle. You and Aunt have always been so welcoming and generous to our family and I cannot express my gratitude for all that you have done.”
“No gratitude is required Lizzie. Your Aunt and I have always considered you more of a daughter to us then a niece.”
Just then there was a knock at the door and at her uncle’s reply the housekeeper entered to inform them that dinner would be served in an hours’ time.
With her arms still around Lizzie’s shoulders, her aunt encouraged her to go upstairs and change for dinner.
Dinner that evening was a somber affair. Lizzie did not speak much as her mind was occupied with thoughts of her conversation with her uncle.
Chapter 13
The following morning Lizzie did not come down to break her fast but instead requested a tray in her room with only tea and toast. She was sorrowful at this turn of events and could not overcome her great disappointment in her father. She slept poorly, crying half the night through.
After consuming as much of her breakfast as she could, she decided to get dressed and go downstairs to greet her aunt as she was certain her uncle was long gone to his office. Her situation was not one she was overjoyed with but she was not formed for unhappiness and she was determined not to allow an uncaring parent or her change in circumstances to overcome her sunny disposition.
Lizzie’s Dilemma Page 3