Bingley’s face lit up, “I always say there is nothing like a country dance.”
Darcy smirked, “I used to regret your dragging me to every dance you could persuade me to attend, but with such an incentive as dancing with my wife,” he reached for her hand, squeezing her fingers, “I do believe even I am looking forward to Tuesday.”
“Perhaps one day I too will find someone to provide me incentive to improve myself in some way in which I am lacking,” Bingley joked.
“I would be grateful if someone could help you improve upon your writing. You do not know what problems arose from trying to read the directions to this place. I was not even certain which shire it was in at one point.”
“Well you seem to have found Netherfield despite my inadequacies,” he replied with a smile.
Elizabeth’s hands stopped halfway to her mouth with the tea cup. “Netherfield?” She put the now shaking tea cup back down.
“Yes, Netherfield Park,” Bingley beamed as he looked around the well—appointed room. “Isn’t it lovely? I have never had the pleasure of staying in Hertfordshire before, but I am finding the weather to be very pleasant indeed.”
Darcy looked over and saw the color rush out of his wife’s face. He picked up her hand, noticing it was cold. “Elizabeth? Are you well?”
She was dazed. “We must leave... I... I... we cannot stay here.” She stood, rushing through the door. She nearly stumbled on the bottom stair, but her husband reached her side in time to save her from what could have been a disastrous fall.
“Elizabeth, what is the matter? Why must we leave?”
She tried to pull away, but his arms held firmly around her and she lacked the energy to fight him. He ushered her into a nearby empty room and closed the door, drawing her to his chest as she began to cry. It was several minutes before she was composed enough to pull away. Darcy led her to a seat and sat next to her, “Please tell me what is wrong?”
“Is it true? Are we in Hertfordshire... at Netherfield Park?” she asked, tears once again trying to overtake her eyes.
“Yes, of course we are. Did I not tell you where we were going?”
“I do not remember,” she mumbled, looking down at her hands clutched together in her lap.
“What is it, my love,” he said, barely above a whisper. “Please tell me?”
Elizabeth took a deep breath and slowly let it out, her eyes closed as she tried to find the right words. “Netherfield is... that is... we are but three miles from where I grew up.”
Darcy felt as if he was punched in the gut. “You lived here? How can that be? Fate could not be so cruel,” he said, trying to doubt what she said for the simple fact that the reality was so vividly harsh if it was true.
“It is true. My family lived at Longbourn, very near the town of Meryton in Hertfordshire, and Netherfield is but three miles away. The two estates share a border along Longbourn’s west side,” she explained.
Darcy was beginning to realize it was true and he reached over to draw his wife into his arms again, “We do not have to say if it is not your wish. We can be gone before midday and back in London before nightfall, and I know Bingley will not be offended if we tell him why we must depart.”
Elizabeth sat quietly thinking for a few minutes before she finally said, “I think we should stay.”
“Are you certain?”
“The past for me was not completely filled with sad memories, and if I run away those are all I will remember. I need to stay and focus on the happy memories here as well.” She looked up into his eyes, a sweet smile appearing on her lips, “Also, I would love to show my husband where I grew up.”
Darcy chuckled, “I would love to see whatever you are willing to show me.”
They returned to their host and apologized, explaining the situation. When he said he would understand if they chose to leave, Elizabeth informed him it was not necessary. Elizabeth excused herself to check on her sister. Mary should have been up by now, and if her own reaction to finding out where they were was any indication to how her sister would react, then there was a good possibility she already knew.
Elizabeth did not hear any noises coming from inside Mary’s room and when she opened the door she saw her sister curled up in the window seat hugging a pillow to her chest as she solemnly looked outside. She walked over and sat down, pulling Mary into an embrace, and they both began to cry.
The tears eventually ceased and the sisters sat there for a long time just quietly taking in the reality that faced them. Elizabeth finally signed to Mary, “When did you know?”
“I recognized the streets when we came through Meryton.”
“And you did not tell me? Oh, Mary—I am so very sorry. You know you can tell me anything. Just because I am married now does not mean you must suffer in silence.”
“I may be younger than you, but I am not a child anymore Elizabeth,” Mary replied.
“You are correct, you are not, and in the past I have treated you as such at times. I apologize.” She hugged her again, then pulled back to say, “I want to stay here at Netherfield for the time we were to visit Mr Bingley, but if you wish to return to Town, I will speak with Fitzwilliam.”
“Honestly, I do not know what I want.”
“Well, you are welcome to stay of course. Mr Bingley invited us to join him on Tuesday evening for the local Assembly, and I wish to go with Fitzwilliam, but you do not have to join us. If you just want to remain at Netherfield, then do not feel you must leave the grounds.”
“Thank you. I do not wish to go to the Assembly, but I also do not wish to go to Town alone either.”
“You could stay at Darcy House, or I am sure Uncle and Aunt would love to have you visit them?”
“No, I will stay here... for now at least,” Mary replied.
“If you change your mind please let me know. Everything will be well—I just know it will.” Elizabeth encouraged Mary to dress for the day saying the gardens awaited them. The sisters then spent the rest of the morning together talking of old memories, both happy and sad, and letting their words heal the hurts their hearts still felt so tenderly.
When everyone gathered that evening after supper, Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst fawned over Georgiana’s pianoforte skills, as they had been doing all day while she practiced. It was just the attention the girl wanted and she was finally happy to be in company with others who would appreciate her.
“Sir William Lucas,” Bingley bowed to the neighbor who had invited him to the Assembly this evening.
“Mr Bingley—capital, capital! So glad you could make it tonight,” he greeted them happily. “I see you have brought some guests with you.”
“Yes, please allow me to introduce my brother and sisters—Mr and Mrs Hurst, and Miss Bingley.” They each barely deigned to acknowledge the portly man in front of them. “My friend Mr Darcy and his wife will be joining us as well, but they were delayed. I am sure they will be along shortly.”
“Welcome, we are glad to have you, and I will look forward to meeting your friend when he arrives as well. May I introduce you to my family?” he asked.
“Yes of course.”
“Right this way, sir.” Sir William led them through the revelers beginning to gather for the evening’s entertainments. When they finally arrived near the fireplace, Sir William stood next to a congenial lady as he turned back to Bingley and stated, “May I present my wife, Lady Lucas, and our daughters, Mrs Collins and Miss Lucas.” He indicated the three ladies. “Unfortunately my son—in—law was unable to be here tonight.”
The younger of the two ladies sniggered behind the fan she used to hide her display, and Bingley could not help but wish to ask what led to such amusement. Her bright blue eyes sparkled when they met his, but at her sister’s simple movement beside her the young lady comported her features once again and smiled at his. Bingley could not help the fascination he felt for her. There was something about her red hair and sparkling eyes that drew him to her lovely features.
She gave him a simple nod and smiled, “Yes or course, sir.”
After it was determined which set would be his, Sir William insisted on introducing him to the rest of the neighborhood, so he reluctantly took his leave of the young miss until the time came for their dance.
They were near the door when he saw the Darcys enter. “There you are—I was beginning to worry,” he said to his friend. “Sir William Lucas, may I introduce you to my friend Mr Darcy, and his wife, Mrs Darcy.”
The older man turned around and bowed, “Mr Darcy, it is indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir. And Mrs Darcy,” he then lifted his eyes and recognized Elizabeth standing in front of him. The smile drained off his face as well as the color and he looked as if he would fall over. Then suddenly a flash of what appeared to be anger overtook his features and he replied harshly, “Excuse me,” then turned away and was gone, with no excuse given for such treatment.
Elizabeth swallowed hard and looked down, “I should not have come.”
“Everything will be well—he was just not expecting to see you on my arm,” Darcy assured her. “Now, you promised me a dance, and I do not intend to leave until we have scandalized the neighborhood with three sets together.”
Elizabeth smiled sweetly as her husband led them to the floor where everyone lined up and the dance began. She felt as if she was being watched, but it was not until about halfway through the first of the set that she realized the number of eyes focused on her. She started seeing whispers behind fans and some even turned away in a huff when she passed. She turned her attention back to her husband and tried to ignore the knot forming in her stomach.
When they were finished, Darcy led his wife back to Bingley and spoke with him for a few minutes. They walked around throughout the next set, Bingley speaking with all his new neighbors amiably while the Darcys just followed him. Elizabeth’s place on the arm of such a prominent gentleman did not earn her any respect in this neighborhood though, and the shunning she received was enough to cause them to leave after just two sets into the evening.
Bingley was aware the situation was uncomfortable and agreed with his friend that it might be best if the Darcys returned to Netherfield Park. He thought it best that he stay with his sisters and brother at the Assembly in hopes of keeping the rumors at bay when his friend left. Miss Bingley questioned him about the Darcys returning early, but Bingley simply said Mrs Darcy was not feeling well, then before she could question him further, he excused himself to find the lovely young lady with whom he was to dance the next.
When he came upon Miss Lucas, he held out his arm, “I believe we have this set?”
She took it, smiling as she replied, “I have looked forward to it, sir.”
Bingley leaned a little closer as he quietly asked, “I am curious what caused such amusement earlier when we were introduced, but I dare not ask such a thing of someone I hardly know.”
She chuckled, explaining, “My brother—in—law, while a fine gentleman for my sisters needs, is not known for his dancing skills. I hope your own skills are not as lacking, sir.”
They reached the line forming and he led her to her place, then turned facing her, “Your toes are safe with me.” When he stepped back into position Bingley smiled at the simple honesty of this young lady before him.
Darcy knew his wife was upset over such treatment as she received this evening, but he did not know what he could do about it. He did not understand why they would treat her so. Later that night, when he and Elizabeth were cuddled in their bed, he urged her to talk with him about the subject that rarely came up—her past.
Elizabeth told of Mary’s accident in detail, saying how the perception of her family changed at that time, but never to the point that she was shunned. Mary was certainly shunned by some, but others still accepted her in their society. Mr Bennet’s own peculiarities kept him from society for the most part, so the sisters went to Meryton only when they were visiting their Aunt and Uncle Philips.
Finally Elizabeth reached the part of her story that had always been the hardest for her to speak about, but eventually the story unfolded of the night the rest of her family perished.
“Mary and I would sometimes sneak out on summer evenings and go swimming in the pond close to the house. My father knew of this and never said anything, but we continued to hide our activities from our other two sisters. Jane would never have given her consent at such a brazen act, and Kitty did not care much for outdoor activities. Mary and I bonded over times such as these and I would not trade them for the world.”
Elizabeth shifted her body, curling more into her husband’s arms as she continued. “One night, after our swim, we both returned home and changed into dry clothes. I was famished, so I told Mary I would sneak down to the kitchen where I hoped to find something left from supper. I had some bread and cold meat prepared on a tray and was on my way back to our room when I noticed a flickering light in the room that used to be my mother’s chambers. Sometimes my father would go and sit in there. So I placed the tray on the floor and opened the door to tell him good night. I was shocked to find the room ablaze and my father just sitting in the chair asleep. I ran to him and tried to wake him, but he would not move.”
Darcy felt her body stiffen and he pulled her a little closer, rubbing her back in small, soothing circles.
“I did what I could to drag him to the hallway, but I knew I could not get him down the stairs safely. I then went to get my sisters. Jane and Kitty shared the room right next to our mother’s and when I reached it, it too was nearly consumed in flames. Again I pulled them into the hallway and then ran up the stairs to the nursery where Mary and I preferred to sleep.”
“We both tried to help our family to safety, but Mary was having trouble breathing so I had to get her out. The only way she would leave was if I promised to go back in. The neighbors were arriving by the time we stumbled outside, and we told them where the others were. Three men volunteered to go in after them while a fourth took us to our Aunt Philips’ house in Meryton.” Elizabeth wiped at the tears now running down her cheeks. “None of those who volunteered to retrieve my family made it back out. When the fire was finally quelled all three of them, as well as the rest of my family, were found near the top of the stairs with a part of the ceiling collapsed on top of them.”
Darcy did not know what to say about the tragedy itself. He could not imagine losing so many loved ones at one time, but he did not want her to focus on that for now so he decided to ask her about the neighbors. “You said your uncle and two others from the neighborhood went in to get them?”
“Yes, my Uncle Philips is who saw the smoke in the clear night air and alerted the residents of Meryton, who then converged upon Longbourn to do what they could to help. Sir William Lucas urged his eldest son not to go into the burning house, but he would not listen and led the charge to get my family out alive. Mr Goulding was one of my father’s chess partners, so he felt a personal need to save them as well. My Uncle Philips only went in because with three trapped within he thought another was needed to retrieve them all safely. He was always wary of fires, but he faced his fear for our family—and he did not make it
out.”
“I can better understand Sir William Lucas’ reaction this evening if the last time he saw you was the night he lost his eldest son.” They lay in silence for a minute before he kissed her forehead, “Elizabeth, you did all you could to save them. You cannot blame yourself for what happened.”
“I know, but what if we had not gone swimming that night? It was my suggestion—I had to beg Mary to go.”
“If you had not gone swimming you would have been in bed and would not have seen the flames. You could have all perished in there that night, but your bravery saved Mary’s life and your own. I am sure no one expected a girl hardly fully grown to be strong enough to carry three of your family members out on your own.” He dried the tear streaks running down her cheeks and kissed her lips, “I am grateful you survived, otherwise I do not even want to imagine what my life would be like without you.”
The next morning Elizabeth was up before the sun came over the horizon. She had tossed and turned all night long, dreams plaguing the few hours of sleep she did get. Not wanting to disturb her husband, she dressed warmly and went outside to take in the fresh, autumn air. Her feet carried her through the gardens and towards the farm lands that lay beyond. Before she knew it, the fence bordering Longbourn came into view. She stepped up onto the stile and crossed, sitting on the other side just as had so many times before. Although she was not allowed to go onto Netherfield’s lands, she would often sit here and look out over Longbourn’s fields, usually daydreaming of what life would have been like if her mother and baby sister had lived. She imagined such wonderful fantasies, but now that she was older and married she knew life would not have been as blissful as she imagined. Not wanting to worry her husband who would soon be up and looking for her, so she sighed heavily and stood to make her way back over the stile to Netherfield’s side.
Just to Hear 'I Love You': An Alternate Tale of Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' Page 16