“You are correct,” Fitzwilliam admitted quietly. “There is a history between us that must never reach the ears of Hertfordshire’s populace, as well as my own.” His stance was tight and aloof.
He glanced back at Mary again.
“She is not a gossip, Mr. Darcy.”
“Yes, but I--” Mr. Darcy caught himself. “You are correct, Miss Elizabeth,” he allowed. Miss Mary Bennet was not the gossiping Bennet sister he had to worry about. “I must apologise. There are only two other people to have this knowledge that I am about to impart to you, beyond Mr. Wickham.” Elizabeth gave him an inquiring look, and he answered. “My cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and my sister, Georgiana.”
“Your sister?” Elizabeth repeated, wondering if she had heard him correctly.
“Yes.” Mr. Darcy responded shortly, looking as though it pained him to do so. “At the start of the summer months,” he started, “I had sent my sister on holiday to Ramsgate, a beach town, with a companion who had come with impeccable references.” Mr. Darcy looked away from her, to the ground, and continued, “I soon learned that was not the case, for it became apparent that she was in collusion with Mr. Wickham.”
“Collusion?” Elizabeth repeated.
“My sister is but fifteen years old.” Mr. Darcy stated softly, his dark eyes boring into her own. Elizabeth wished she could look away, to escape his gaze, but she would not. She would give him her full attention. “And during this vacation, she made the re-acquaintance of Mr. Wickham. Under her companion’s guidance, she began a brief, secret courtship which culminated in their plans to elope to Gretna Green. Had I not arrived a day early, I would have awoken to my sister gone, and ultimately married to that cur.” Darcy ground out painfully. “His main goal, of course, was her dowry of thirty thousand pounds.”
Elizabeth paled, as she considered Mr. Darcy’s words. How many young women were in danger of such a man? Hesitantly, Elizabeth reached to take Mr. Darcy’s hand into her own. It was obviously still a painful memory for him, and given that she had four sisters herself--she understood his fears. His hand was warm and firm in her grasp, as he hesitantly returned her clasp.
“I understand, Mr. Darcy. I believe I should speak to my father, so that he may forbid Lydia and Kitty from associating with him while the militia remains encamped.” she stated, believing that for his sake, Lydia and Kitty should disassociate from Mr. Wickham. She did not believe he would attempt to elope with either of her sisters, as they were far too poor, but the gesture could not hurt, and it was high time Lydia and Kitty had some restrictions placed upon them. Perhaps this was the push her papa needed. Yet she was glad that she had not trusted Mr. Wickham, almost from the start. His manner had been too polished and too practised.
Mr. Darcy nodded his assent. Their walk continued in silence for a few moments, before he spoke again.
“On the subject of your family, Miss Elizabeth, I believe we should discuss the expectations that are attached to the Darcy name.” He was undeterred by Elizabeth’s silence. “I wish for our marriage to take place as soon as possible, within this parish, so that we may leave after Christmas at the latest. That was my initial departure date, and I do not know if Charles will follow us to town.”
“I have no objections to your plan. However I would like to plan a trip to London to visit my aunt and uncle, and go shopping.”
Mr. Darcy raised an objection. “I would prefer if you would stay with my aunt and uncle, the Matlocks, during your London visit. My aunt has offered to help you.”
Elizabeth frowned. “I would prefer to stay in the company of those who I am familiar with, and whom I love,” she stated, not knowing if she wanted to have an extended visit with Mr. Darcy’s relatives. She did not know if they believed her to be a mercenary country girl and had offered their help begrudgingly, or if they believed Mr. Darcy when he had presumably told them the reason for their engagement. Also, she had not seen her aunt and uncle in nearly a year, as their last planned visit had ended in being cancelled over her aunt’s illness. “However I do not think my aunt would mind if your aunt accompanied with us.”
Mr. Darcy released a sigh of frustration.
“What is the matter, Mr. Darcy?” she queried, wondering what she had said wrong.
“I had merely believed us to be of the same mind, Miss Elizabeth.,” he stated shortly.
“The same mind?” she repeated, confusion colouring every word. “In what manner, Sir?”
“Of how we should address the matter of your family after we are married.” Mr. Darcy responded easily.
“I do not have the pleasure of understanding you. You said that we would be leaving after Christmas, presumably to go to either your townhouse or estate. My family shall remain here, until they visit, which I hope to be settled in my role within a year at most, so that I may welcome them properly.” Here, Elizabeth tried to speak as confidently as she could, portraying none of her nervousness at where this discussion was headed.
Mr. Darcy stopped her with a look. “I had thought it abundantly clear that I disapproved of your family’s manner, Miss Elizabeth. There are certain standards I wish to maintain.”
“And how shall you maintain these standards, sir?” Elizabeth fought to keep her voice from showing the anger she felt.
“I avoid association with those of whom I view to have low breeding and ill manners. Those kinds of people are not invited to my home, nor do I respond to their invitations.” was his uncaring reply.
Elizabeth did not know what to say. “I had hoped to invite my sisters to Pemberley.”
“I do not believe that possible, Miss Elizabeth. I do not wish to expose my sister to anything untoward. It shall also take some time for you to become settled, so I do not believe this is a discussion that we need to have at this moment.” Seeing the anger that permeated her entire being, Fitzwilliam rushed to question her. “I had believed us to be of the same mind in this matter.” he repeated, as though she had not heard him the first time.
Here Elizabeth interrupted him, fighting to keep her rising anger in check. “Disapproval of one’s relatives’ actions does not mean that I am willing to abandon my family, sir. I will not await your permission to spend time with my sisters.” she stated coldly.
Fitzwilliam reared back, as though he had been slapped. It had not been a figment of his imagination, his observation of her embarrassment over her family’s behaviour. Perhaps he could soften his stance for her.
“Of course, you would always be able to visit your family should you so please, but I do not care to associate with them any more than necessary, and will not receive them at Pemberley. Surely, you must understand,” he hastened to add, as he saw her change in expression, “that I do not wish for your sisters’ wild behaviour to be displayed in my estate, in view of not only my younger sister, but also my servants. It would be intolerable, otherwise.”
“Do you mean to tell me, sir,” Elizabeth started carefully, her hands clenching into small fists at her side, as she fought the urge to simply walk away. Her previous feelings for Mr. Darcy were returning in full force, and when she looked at him, she could see nothing but arrogance and selfish disdain. “that I shall never be able to receive my sisters, nor any other member of my family at the estate that I shall be mistress of?” Her eyes searched his out, and held firm. She would not look away.
“Indeed, Madam.” Mr. Darcy replied formally.
Abruptly, Elizabeth let out a short laugh of hysteria. “Do you know Mr. Darcy, that I have spent these last three days convincing myself that I had not imagined that you were quite so arrogant and proud as you had proved the moment we were introduced? Tolerable, I dare say.” she quoted with a heavy scoff to end her words. Ignoring his reaction of surprise, she continued. “Indeed, I had believed that I may be able to be happy, to find happiness, with you, a gentleman whom I did not love, and until our engagement had shown my family and me the barest of civility! I was wrong, Mr. Darcy!” she stated forcefully, ignoring hi
s attempts to interject. “I was wrong to believe that one gentlemanly exchange was a good foundation for marriage. Good day, Sir!”
Elizabeth attempted to walk away, but Mr. Darcy’s hand shot out to grab her arm. He released it just as quickly, though, perhaps because he had been somewhat unaware of his response.
“What is your response, Sir?” she asked, her voice full of venom. She had never hated a man quite as much as Mr. Darcy just now, and because she was being forced to marry him, perhaps never would again. “You cannot honestly believe that I would abandon my family due to your arrogance? I will not tolerate it.”
Mr. Darcy regarded her warily, as though he was seeing her for the very first time, seeing her dislike of him, as she took no care to hide it.
Good.
“I believe, Madam, that we have overextended ourselves today,” he stated formally and in a stilted fashion, “and should return back to Longbourn to cool our tempers.” He offered his arm.
Stiffly, Elizabeth nodded her acquiesce, yet did not take Mr. Darcy’s proffered arm. Behind them, Mary stated nothing, but exchanged a look with Elizabeth when she had turned back, confirming everything Elizabeth dreaded. She had been listening, rather closely. Mary had recently come out of her shell, ensuring a closer bond between herself and her elder sisters, and Elizabeth did not want anything to puncture her newfound confidence. Especially not her pigheaded betrothed.
Betrothed.
Elizabeth hated the word. And she was sure now Mr. Darcy did as well.
He escorted them to the front door, and bid them adieu in the same formal manner.
Elizabeth had barely entered the parlour room when her mama’s voice rang her ears.
“Lizzie! Lizzie!” she nearly screeched from the next room over, “Are you and your young man quite finished walking, my dear? Have you invited him over for dinner? You must tell him,” she continued, still shouting, “that Cook has made four sauces to go with the fish course!”
Her mother finally entered the room, after Elizabeth had failed to respond.
“Lizzie?” she queried. “Where is your young man?”
“He is not here, Mama,” Elizabeth stated with clenched teeth, “he has returned to Netherfield.”
Her mama clucked disapprovingly, “Why did you not---”
Before her mama could ask her why she had not extended the invitation of dinner to Mr. Darcy, and then cast all of the blame onto Elizabeth, she beat her mama to the punch. “Because he would not have stayed, because he believes himself to be above his company, as he has from the very moment he set foot in Hertfordshire, that is why Mama!”
With her outburst behind her, Elizabeth ignored her mother’s pleas and incessant questioning. She left to her room for some peace and quiet for a few moments. That was all she wished, before her mama would become too impatient and descend upon her, as well as the rest of her sisters, until they received answers to their every question.
Chapter Nine
Louisa stood on the sidelines, keeping a watchful eye on all that occurred. Charles was anxious that the ball would be a success, and Louisa knew why, as did Caroline. What she could not seem to do was find it within herself to care anymore. Already this trip had dashed so many hopes. Charles and Georgiana Darcy, to begin with. Caroline and Mr. Darcy. Charles had his heart set on Miss Jane Bennet, his behaviour tonight certainly proved that. He had secured her hand for the first dances, as well as the supper set, and had only left her side when duty dictated that either of them dance with a different partner. Miss Bennet’s family, as ill-bred and uncontrollable as they were, were not entirely ignorant of societal customs. They would expect a proposal, posthaste. Louisa admitted that Charles had often fallen in and out of love, but he had never gone this far, so quickly. She hoped he truly was in love, for once Jane Bennet was his wife, there would be no turning back. She supposed they could be grateful that despite their lack of elegant social graces and manner, they were a respectable family. With unfortunate relations.
Louisa sighed within herself, as she scanned the ballroom, looking for her husband. He may have already left the ball, for she could not see him anywhere. His work always took precedence over her, she quickly learned, and so she accepted it. He was her husband, what else could she do but behave as his wife ought? The last tantrum she had thrown in his presence had also been the first, when Louisa had been forced to marry him. The barely concealed look of contempt, had made her feel embarrassment for the very first time as a woman grown. She had vowed it would be the last time. Louisa felt that Caroline was slowly gaining momentum to that point. However, she could not be sure that it would be her sister’s last, nor that it would happen in private. Caroline had always been rather spoilt, so assured of her superiority amongst even her siblings.
Caroline’s greatest dream had been to marry Mr. Darcy and become the mistress of a grand estate--Louisa could well understand it. Despite Caroline’s avoidance of the subject, their family wealth went back no farther than a very industrious and successful grandfather. Mr. Darcy, although a gentleman, was untitled. When speaking of his extended relatives, the Earl and Countess, he most often spoke of his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. A second son. Not the heir, and not his uncle, the Earl. In all respects, Mr. Darcy was the best match Caroline could secure for herself--if she had managed to secure him. She had not, and had in fact orchestrated his engagement and eventual marriage to another woman.
And was now barely concealing the smirk on her face, as she watched them dance. Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth had danced the first dance together, as was expected for an engaged couple. Recalling that in the days since his visit, Mr. Darcy had not once rode over to Longbourn, nor did Miss Elizabeth walk over, so she had concluded they must have quarrelled. Enough so that they had both decided cooler heads should prevail, as she had seen several notes between the two households. At least they were realistic in that sense. They had clearly still been angry with each other, for during their first dance, they barely spoke, and Miss Elizabeth had a slight, frozen smile on her face. They had come together for the supper dance, and it was much the same. Hence Caroline’s obvious joy, to those who knew her.
Louisa walked over to her, and linked her arm within her sister’s.
“Come with me, Caroline, to get some punch.”
“I have no wish for punch, Louisa.” Caroline replied, distracted as she watched Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth dance stiffly. “I am sure you are used to getting your own punch, what with the useless oaf you married. Honestly,” she scoffed, “sometimes the Bennets display more manners than Hurst himself! I saw him slip away, Louisa.,” she turned to her sister, now that she had an object of scorn. “You really must speak to him, before it is too late, sister dear. One can only be glad this is a little country ball, and not in London!”
Louisa ignored her sister’s jabs, as she always did. “Caroline,” she hissed, for she saw that Charlotte Lucas and Sir William were beginning to take note of their exchange and the direction of their gaze, “you must come, before you give yourself away entirely!”
Thankfully realizing her sister was correct, Caroline allowed herself to be led away.
Now if only the ball would end soon.
***
Despite Mr. Bennet’s witty remarks on the matter, Fanny Bennet did not believe she played favourites when it came to the subject of her daughters’ futures. Indeed, she did not. Instead she concentrated on those with the most opportunity, her end goal being that they should be married first, and then through their new connections, introduce their sisters to potential suitors. It was how she had met Mr. Bennet. Her dearest elder sister had married the smart young attorney that worked in the office her father had on retainer. Three months after their marriage, they had moved to Meryton for Mr. Philips to open his own practice there. A full month later, Mrs. Bennet had traveled to the town to visit her dear sister, and instead had met the wittiest, most handsome man she had ever seen. No red coat could compare after their first meeting, and t
hey had been engaged before she returned home at the end of her visit.
Her dearest Jane, she had always believed would be the one to guide her sisters into the path of other wealthy suitors--why in her coming out at fifteen, she had attracted the attention of an heir to a Baronetcy! Unfortunately, the attentions ended, yet she had been undeterred in her belief that a handsome young man of four or five thousand would soon snap her up.
But Lizzie! Her stubborn Lizzie had surprised all of them when she had snapped up the wealthiest man to ever set foot inside Meryton society. To be sure, the circumstances surrounding their engagement were not ideal, but he had proved himself to be quite honourable, and she was sure that concealed a romantic heart! Now if only she could persuade him to put aside whatever little quarrel the two of them had, and could come to dinner! Perhaps the ball had ignited their feelings for each other, for Mrs. Bennet thought they looked very well together. They had been the envy of every couple there; she was proud to say.
Consequence of Jealousy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 10