by Heather Moll
Elizabeth could listen to the sonorous sound of his voice until the sun set. It was deep and steady and, although he could often be abrupt, Elizabeth decided there was no other voice that could sound as sweet. “It seems that Georgiana will not be surprised when you write to tell her she is to have a sister.
“No, she quickly perceived my affection for you. Your friendship will be good for her.”
“Georgiana has all the advantages a young lady could ask for. She is pretty and accomplished, is of a good family, and is a kind-hearted girl. I am certain that, once she has more confidence, you will have many admirable suitors knocking on your door.”
“I am not prepared for young gentlemen to come calling. If it were up to me, I would keep her hidden away with us at Pemberley. Thank goodness, it will be you in the drawing room with her when she has suitors instead of me.” Elizabeth understood the strength of the affection he held for his sister. She allowed her mind to wander and thought of him with their own children; the picture warmed her heart.
“You have done well by her. All she wants for is assurance.”
“She has already defended you to Miss Bingley, and she was critical of me when she learned of my former opinions. Your influence has improved her timidity.”
Elizabeth smiled at the compliment. “Miss Bingley did not come to Hertfordshire? We are all aware of her low opinion of Jane and our relations, but I shall miss her company.”
“Given the awful attitude of superiority she displayed, why would you wish for that woman’s presence?”
“You know how I do so love a laugh. I might have been amused at the hopelessness of her designs on you!”
Fitzwilliam covered his mouth with his hand and attempted to disguise his amusement. “She has assiduously courted me for two years,” he said quietly as he shook his head. His eyes watched Mr. Bingley and Jane chatting, Jane looking receptive and content. He grew serious and looked back at Elizabeth as he remembered Miss Bingley. “There is meanness in all the arts that some ladies condescend to employ for captivation.”
“Then it is little wonder that you became captivated by the one lady who wanted to provoke you at every turn.” Elizabeth touched his hand that rested between them on the sofa. His eyes turned to where the others sat; upon seeing everyone’s attentions otherwise engaged, he turned his hand over and threaded his fingers through hers. “I am so fortunate you saw some good in me despite my efforts to aggravate you.”
Far too soon, the gentlemen rose to leave, and Mrs. Bennet engaged them to dine at Longbourn in a few days’ time.
“You are a visit in my debt, Mr. Bingley, for when you went to town last winter, you promised to take a family dinner with us as soon as you returned. I have not forgotten, you see.”
Mr. Bingley looked abashed at this reflection. Mrs. Bennet turned her attentions to the already secured suitor and told him of her inclination to ask them to stay and dine there that day, but she did not think she had enough courses to satisfy one worth ten thousand a year. Fitzwilliam, ever mindful of Elizabeth’s feelings, smiled his thanks and rolled his eyes only after Mrs. Bennet turned away.
***
As soon as the gentlemen were gone, Elizabeth and Jane walked out to recover their serenity and to dwell without interruption on those subjects that two sisters must discuss at length. Elizabeth had seen enough of Mr. Bingley’s behavior to be sure that he would soon propose, but Jane, ever reserved, only replied, “He is blessed with great sweetness of address and such a desire to be generally pleasing.”
Elizabeth could not help but laugh. “You know he acts that way in hopes of pleasing you!”
“That is unfair to Mr. Bingley. He has so much ease and perfect good breeding that he would be just as pleasant to anyone.”
Elizabeth thought back to Fitzwilliam’s explanation of Mr. Bingley often being in and out of love, but she chose not to speak of it. Mr. Bingley had been reassured of Jane’s regard and had come back to win her, so there was little to be gained from supposing how pleasant he may have appeared to other young ladies. She instead assured Jane that Mr. Bingley was all that was gallant and agreeable and guaranteed that he would ask for her hand before the week was out.
“I must say, Lizzy, I am yet surprised at your being engaged to Mr. Darcy. Oh, do not look at me that way. He loves you, and for that reason alone, I like him. Are you quite sure you feel what you ought?”
“You must put your mind at ease! I feel what I ought for him.” If not more.
Jane continued to ask Elizabeth about her understanding with Mr. Darcy, but her sister’s emotions were too strong to speak of them. Jane’s affection for Mr. Bingley seemed placid by comparison, and Elizabeth was too much in the habit of keeping her thoughts to herself. She could not imagine Mr. Bingley bursting into the drawing room with the words, “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” She could not envision Jane and Mr. Bingley having fervent disagreements and then laughing about their misunderstandings. Jane was more likely to demonstrate her regular composure and Mr. Bingley his uniform cheerfulness.
As much as she adored her older sister, Elizabeth knew they would never have the same ideas of marital happiness. Fitzwilliam had enough heart to be in love with her without her encouragement. Mr. Bingley’s affection for Jane was swept aside because his sisters and friend suggested Jane had nothing more than a slight preference for him. Elizabeth admired her betrothed’s decisiveness, his cleverness, and his unwavering loyalty to those he loved, and she was again grateful they had encountered each other at the parsonage after she read his letter.
When Elizabeth and Jane returned to the house, they found Mr. Bennet arguing with his lady about the fishing expedition. He was attempting to ignore her as she insisted that he entertain the Netherfield gentlemen.
“How can you be so tiresome? You must allow Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley to fish in your stream.”
“They may come if they like, but I see no reason to join them.”
“Mr. Bennet! It is your trout stream. You must accompany them! Mr. Darcy is to marry Lizzy, and Mr. Bingley may offer to Jane.” Mrs. Bennet’s voice became increasingly piercing.
“I shall accompany Mr. Bingley out of consideration for Jane, but as Lizzy has done enough to capture the wealthy Mr. Darcy, there is little more the arrogant man can be to me.”
“Nonsense, Mr. Bennet, you cannot invite one without the other! You ought to become acquainted with both young men.”
“My daughter may spend enough time with Mr. Darcy for both our sakes, I assure you.”
“You take delight in vexing me!”
Elizabeth did not wish to hear any more slights against her or her intended, and Jane led her into the other room where Kitty reclined on a sofa with an air of idleness. After several moments of silence, Kitty asked, “Does Miss Darcy come to Netherfield with her brother?”
“No, she did not choose it, perhaps since she is not yet out. She will summer at Pemberley.”
“Oh.” She slumped in her seat. “She seemed shy, but we might have had fun while she stayed at Netherfield through your engagement.”
Elizabeth, trying to make an advantage of the opportunity presented, offered that next summer Kitty might stay with them at Pemberley. She did not think that Fitzwilliam would mind. Kitty would be amended for being out of Lydia’s influence for the summer, and Georgiana’s affect might motivate her sister to improve herself. Georgiana could benefit from spending time with a friendly young girl near her own age.
“When Lydia went away, she promised to write often and thoroughly,” Kitty said, tossing aside a single sheet of paper, “but her letters are always long expected and always very short. All she speaks of is her—” Kitty broke off suddenly.
“What does Lydia say?” asked Jane.
“She wrote in confidence. I should not speak of
it.”
“If it was to be a secret, say not another word on the subject. You may depend upon my seeking no further.”
Elizabeth wished to know of what Lydia had written. Kitty was always taking Lydia’s letters to read privately, and she feared that her youngest sister had become an embarrassing flirt.
“Thank you, for if you did, I should certainly tell you all.”
On such encouragement to ask, Elizabeth was forced to put it out of her power by leaving the room.
***
Bingley and Darcy were punctual to their appointment Saturday to join Mr. Bennet and his neighbors to fish. Darcy promised Bingley to do his best to appear agreeable spending the morning with a man for whom he had no respect. Mr. Bennet’s disregard for Elizabeth—in fact, for all of his children—was deplorable. That he exposed his wife to the contempt of her own children was equally reprehensible, however silly that wife may be.
“Well, gentlemen,” Mr. Bennet said while the servants distributed the tackle, “let us get this delightful endeavor over with as soon as possible. How fortunate for you, Mr. Darcy, that fishing is such a solitary undertaking and you need not speak to those of us beneath your notice.”
Bingley glanced between them and looked as if he wished to say something, but he knew not what. Some of the other gentlemen exchanged knowing glances as they cast their lines. Darcy was keenly aware that he had amends to make when it came to the people of Meryton. These were Elizabeth’s neighbors, and he would be civil and gracious. If anything, he would prove to the caustic Mr. Bennet that he was not an unlikable man.
Darcy took it upon himself to speak to the elder Mr. Goulding and asked whether he would be gracious enough to point out those parts of the stream where there was usually more sport. The gentleman looked surprised at being pleasantly addressed but walked with Darcy further down the stream. Bingley joined them, and Darcy asked Mr. Goulding about Haye Park; soon, a small group of men were speaking amiably of the attics and drawing rooms of their respective homes. As the morning went on, Darcy even managed to bear all of Sir William Lucas’s hopes of seeing him dance at the next assembly with tranquility.
Mr. Bennet watched in silence as Darcy interacted with the other gentlemen for over an hour then moved nearer to Darcy, who suspected he was going to take the opportunity to entertain himself at his expense.
“Mr. Darcy, you must tell my wife that you enjoyed this day’s sport. I have been harassed by both her and Lizzy to show you further courtesy than I believe you deserve. If you would condescend to tell them we chatted amiably, I could return to my library in peace.”
I shall behave in a gentleman-like manner; I shall behave in a gentleman-like manner. He was certain the others nearby could hear, and he would have preferred to ignore such an ill-mannered speech. “I enjoyed the sport and shall say so to Mrs. Bennet.”
After a pause, Mr. Bennet chose another line of questioning. “Mr. Darcy, did you feel such guilt about paying my Lizzy too much attention that your sense of honor now obliges you to offer for her? I can think of no other reason you would choose a country girl with no fortune to be your wife. You need not fear I would be bound by such an outdated manner of thinking and force you to marry. If you left her with disappointed hopes, she would at least have the distinction of being crossed in love like her sister Jane.”
Thankfully, Bingley had moved down the stream and did not hear this scathing speech. For his part, Darcy felt that nothing Mr. Bennet said warranted a response and kept his eyes on the water.
“You seem aloof for an engaged man, Mr. Darcy. I think Lizzy is too lively for you in the long term. I fear for the respectability of you both. You have yet to demonstrate to me genuine affection for her. I am certain that my neighbors would agree that she wants only your fortune.”
Darcy’s eyes turned sharply from the river. “Do you know that you are extremely rude?” Mr. Bennet’s eyebrows rose in amusement, and Darcy realized he had played directly into his hands. Mr. Bennet, while not prohibiting the union, would seek every opportunity to be entertained at Darcy’s expense. Darcy saw that the gentlemen nearest them were embarrassed by the conversation and knew not where to look.
“My disposition may not be affectionate, but my feelings for Miss Elizabeth are strong and sincere. And, as she and I have assured you before, your daughter is marrying me for love and not for prudent motives.” He was aware that most of the other gentlemen could hear them, and Darcy thought perhaps this could be to his advantage. Elizabeth’s neighbors would return home and tell their wives that Elizabeth Bennet was not marrying for mercenary reasons after all.
Mr. Bennet made no answer to Darcy and turned away to cast his line. The morning wore on, and there was no further communication between Darcy and Elizabeth’s father. Aside from briefly replying to Bingley’s unending questions about Jane’s regard for him, Darcy fished in silence. Bingley and Darcy returned to the house and scarcely needed an invitation to stay to dinner. Not long after arriving, Darcy sat next to Elizabeth, wishing for the privacy of a walk where he might speak to her openly. If he were more honest with himself, his reasons had less with to do with speaking and more to do with enjoying the feel of Elizabeth in his arms and her lips on his.
“How did you enjoy the excursion, Fitzwilliam?” She sounded reluctant to ask the question.
“The sport was fine and your neighbors were amiable company.”
“Did you have the opportunity to speak with my father?”
“I think there cannot be too little said on that subject.”
“One-hundred forty miles, my love, remember that.” Elizabeth squeezed his hand and grinned.
Chapter 11
Monday morning, the gentlemen arrived early at Longbourn. Elizabeth saw how Mr. Bingley looked upon Jane; and Mrs. Bennet, whose energies had been directed towards seeing Jane married since she was fifteen, was also not blind to his attentions. The fastest means to achieve her desired end was to suggest Mr. Bingley and Jane chaperone Lizzy and Mr. Darcy. “You can join the couple on a walk to Oakham Mount! It is a nice long walk, and Mr. Darcy has never seen the view.”
Fitzwilliam said nothing, but Elizabeth discerned in his eyes that he took little pleasure in the idea of being attended by Mr. Bingley. For Elizabeth’s sake, and likely also for his friend to be with Jane, he professed a great curiosity to see the view.
Jane and Elizabeth hurried upstairs to get ready, and Elizabeth tried to contain her laughter. It was apparent to all that Mr. Bingley wanted to be alone with Jane, and everyone was willing to throw them into each other’s company. Elizabeth promised her sister she would walk slowly to allow her and Bingley to outstrip them, but Jane was mortified at her suggestion.
“I see no reason we cannot all walk to Oakham Mount together.”
Elizabeth gave her sister an expressive smile and lowered her voice. “I can admit to knowing a perfectly good reason to find oneself alone with the object of one’s affections.”
“Lizzy! If Mr. Bingley should ever wish to speak privately with me to ask a particular question, he will do so without resorting to any scheme.”
She had not been thinking of receiving a marriage proposal but rather of passionate kisses, yet Jane’s conservative nature would not allow her to consider such a thing.
The foursome left the house, and despite the silent wishes of three of them, Jane kept the group together. Jane and Mr. Bingley spoke about Bath and his sisters’ plans for the summer while Elizabeth leant on Fitzwilliam’s arm, content with their companionable, intimate silence.
“What say you, Darcy?”
From the startled look on her intended’s face, it appeared that he had been paying little attention to Jane and Mr. Bingley. With his free hand, he had been gently stroking the back of Elizabeth’s wrist that lay on his arm, and he was caught unawares. He apologized and asked Bingley to repeat his que
stion.
“I was telling Miss Bennet how enjoyable I find Bath and that she ought to visit if she has the opportunity. I assumed it was not the sort of place you would wish to pass your time.”
“Certainly not!”
Fitzwilliam’s abrupt answer drew Mr. Bingley’s laughter. “It is too lively a place for you, I imagine. Miss Bennet, you should see the beautiful buildings, the assembly rooms, and constantly shifting society. There are always new persons arriving, and there is dancing nearly every night.”
Elizabeth knew enough of Fitzwilliam that he did not share Mr. Bingley’s enthusiasm. He would persist in a very determined, though silent, disinclination for Bath, and it was only after Jane asked for his opinion that he addressed the subject.
“It is not its exuberance that deters me. I dread the heat of the sun amid all the white glare of Bath, and if the sun is not brilliantly shining, then it is forever raining. I can still recall the first time I caught a dim view of the buildings through the rain and had no wish of seeing them better.”
“You are too severe, Darcy.”
“The city is depressing and inhabited by hypochondriac dowagers and spinster invalids. All who visit Bath are preyed upon by either dissolute gamesters or fortune hunters.”
“Perhaps your primary opposition is confined to the many plain women to be found in Bath. It is a good thing you have remained in Hertfordshire where there might be a tolerably tempting face to suit your fancy,” Mr. Bingley cried.
Fitzwilliam smiled, but Elizabeth perceived he was rather offended and therefore checked her laugh.
“You are fond of Bath and its society,” said he, “therefore you are predisposed to think that it must suit for everyone.”
“Just as you believe that because you enjoy your library, everyone should prefer a book to any other activity! Do not scowl at me. You may always be buying books, but I know that I am an idle fellow and have more books than I shall ever look into. Despite that, I remain a very happy man.”