The Ball At Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Alternative Novella by Bronwen Chisholm

by Bronwen Chisholm

  “Lizzy?” Lydia sat on the bed, holding her skirts about her knees, while an officer knelt at her feet.

  “Ah, another guest to the party,” the officer chuckled wickedly. His voice sent shivers through Elizabeth and she gripped the door.

  “Take your hands off my sister, Mr. Wickham. Lydia, get back downstairs. Now!”

  “Oh, Lizzy, do not be silly. Wicky and I are getting married.”

  “Is that true, Wicky? My sister does not have a handsome dowry. What would gain your attention?”

  Mr. Wickham smiled from his position on the floor, “Perhaps I see a potential others overlook.”

  “Lydia, I will not tell you again, straighten your gown and return to the ball.” Elizabeth dug her nails into the sturdy wood of the door, afraid she might collapse should she release it.

  Her sister huffed, “You and stuffy Mr. Darcy deserve each other. You don’t know how to have fun.”

  Elizabeth could not listen to any more nonsense. Like a woman possessed, she released the door and quickly crossed the room to Lydia’s side before bringing her hand down across her sister’s face. “You will straighten your gown this instant and go out in the hall. I will deal with you in a moment.”

  Lydia looked at her, fear etched upon her countenance. She had never been struck in her life, nor had she seen Elizabeth this angry. Quickly, she slipped off the bed and allowed her gown to fall into place as she backed toward the door.

  Wickham chuckled as he looked up at Elizabeth from his position at her feet. “Well done, I thought she would never leave. Now, I can see why Darcy has taken a fancy to you. You do have spirit.” He reached out and slipped his hand about her ankle.

  Before he could slide it up her leg, she brought her hand down hard across his face. “Do. Not. Touch. Me.”

  She took a step away from him, but did not remove her eyes from his face. “I know who you are. It was you in the dark on the night of the assembly. It is because of you people who knew me my entire life turned their backs on me. No one believed me. No one, but my family, Fitzwilliam, and Mr. Bingley. I do not know what you think you can gain from this, but I promise you, if it is within my power, I will make your life the hell mine was after that evening.”

  Taking several deep breaths to calm herself as she backed toward the door, she straightened and looked down at him with all the contempt she could muster. “Now, I suggest you leave. It would be best if you do so without seeing anyone as my handprint remains upon your cheek. And, Mr. Wickham, if you as much as step a toe on Longbourn property again or approach any member of my family, you will regret it as long as you live.”

  Turning abruptly, she nearly collided with Lydia who stood in the doorway, her mouth agape. Elizabeth grasped her sister’s wrist and pulled her out of the room and down the hall toward the servant’s stairwell. As she passed one of the bedrooms, the door opened and Darcy stepped out.

  The loving smile on his lips disappeared as he saw the angry expression on hers. “Lizzy, what has happened?” He looked back at Lydia, who had the decency to blush causing the handprint on her cheek to flame brighter.

  When Elizabeth saw him, all the anger and righteous indignation rushed from her and she began to tremble as she had the night of the attack. Darcy caught her before she fell and carried her into his room.

  “Is she well?” Lydia asked, wringing her handkerchief as he laid her sister upon the bed.

  “Lizzy, speak to me.” Darcy asked as Elizabeth curled on her side, her face pressed into his pillow as she inhaled his scent and willed herself to maintain control.

  He turned to the younger girl, “Miss Lydia, what has happened?”

  She stood, staring at her sister, and shook her head.

  Darcy crossed to her in two strides, grabbed her shoulders, and shook her until she lifted her eyes to his. “Tell me why your sister is so distressed,” he commanded.

  “Wickham …”

  “Where is he?” Darcy released her as he turned back toward the hall.

  Lydia stumbled at his sudden departure. “Lizzy sent him away. She said he was the one who attacked her.”

  Darcy closed his eyes and hesitated, torn between wanting to choke the life from the man who had repeatedly tried to destroy his world, and knowing Elizabeth needed him. He returned to the bed and took her hand.

  “Lizzy,” he whispered as he kissed her fingers. Slowly, she turned to look at him. “How long have you known it was him?”

  “Since the day you returned from London, when he came upon us in the woods at Longbourn,” she replied in a shaky voice.

  “Why did you not tell me?” he asked as he drew her into his embrace.

  “What would you have done?” she caressed his cheek and looked up into his eyes.

  “I do not understand what has happened here tonight.”

  “I will explain, but not now. I must see to Lydia.”

  They turned to look at the young girl who appeared ready to cry. “Oh, Lizzy, I am sorry. I did not know. Why did you not say anything?” she asked as she crossed to the bed.

  Elizabeth took her hand, “Would you have listened? We did tell you to stay away from Mr. Wickham. You did not do so. Did you seek him out?”

  Lydia shook her head, and Elizabeth turned toward Darcy, her brow creased with uncertainty. “I do not understand. I found them together. What could he gain from compromising Lydia?”

  Darcy grimaced. “He knows I would not allow any pain to come to you. I would provide for your family and keep any scandal at bay.”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “No! He has taken too much from you already. I will not allow it.”

  A sad smile crossed his face as he caressed her cheek, using his thumb to wipe away a stray tear. “I cannot remember the last time someone attempted to protect me.”

  Sitting back, he glanced toward Lydia. “I believe you have had enough of the ball this evening. You may sit with my sister while I speak with your father.”

  To Elizabeth’s surprise, Lydia nodded and followed them out of the room.

  Georgiana looked up as they approached. “Have you given Lizzy her surprise?”

  Darcy shook his head, “I will in a moment. Lydia will sit with you this evening and I will have food brought up. I believe she may need a shoulder to lean upon, and you are the best person for her at the moment.”

  Georgiana looked at him doubtfully, but turned her attention to Lydia as Darcy led Elizabeth away.

  When they approached the top of the stairs, he stopped and looked her over. Tucking a loose curl behind her ear, he smiled. “I wanted to give this to you sooner, but it only arrived today.” He slipped a velvet bag from his pocket and opened it slowly. “It was my mother’s. I know she would want you to have it.”

  Elizabeth looked down as he slipped a ruby ring on her finger. The diamonds surrounding the ruby caught the candlelight and the ring appeared to glow.

  “My mother had diamonds and other gems, but she wanted a ruby. Unfortunately for my father, not any ruby would do. She always spoke of a ruby so red it held a hint of blue. She called it pigeon’s blood. My father searched for years until he found a set.”

  “Oh, Fitzwilliam, it is beautiful.” She saw the tears strike her hand before she realized she was crying.

  Drawing her into his arms, he comforted her. As she rested her head on his shoulder, he leaned his own against hers, and they enjoyed the warmth and support they shared. All too soon they realized they had been away from the ball long enough to draw attention.

  “We must go back downstairs. They will begin to look for us.” Elizabeth reluctantly drew away from him.

  “Not yet, my love. I do not want anyone to question why you have been crying.” Taking his handkerchief from his pocket, he gently wiped her cheeks.

  “I can tell them they are tears of joy,” she suggested and smiled brightly up at him.

  He lovingly ran his hand across her cheek and down her neck, caressing the hollow there.

  “There i
s a pendant also, but I believe I will give that to Georgiana when she is presented at court. I wish for you to always wear the ring so you will know that, like this gem, you are very rare and very special to me.” He leaned forward and captured her lips in a gentle kiss.

  “Ahem.” The lovers broke apart to find Colonel Fitzwilliam watching them from the top of the stairs. “You have been missed,” he smiled. “I decided it might be best if I looked for you.”

  “We were just about to go below, but first, we need your assistance.” He led the Colonel back to the bench where the young girls sat. “Miss Lydia has had an encounter with Mr. Wickham.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam knelt beside her, “Are you well, Miss Lydia?”

  She nodded as she looked at her hands. “I simply feel foolish,” she muttered as Georgiana slipped an arm about her shoulders.

  The Colonel looked up at his cousin, “Where is he now?”

  Darcy turned to Elizabeth.

  “I left him in that bedroom,” she pointed down the hall to an open door. The gentlemen moved toward the room, but did not find him there.

  “I shall search for him, but you two must return to the ball,” the Colonel stated.

  Darcy agreed with him and led Elizabeth back toward the stairs. He stopped again to look her over and smiled before offering her his arm. As they descended, it was clear their absence had been noted and knowing looks were passed amongst the crowd. Elizabeth sighed and leaned closer to Darcy who squeezed her hand and smiled reassuringly.

  Mr. and Mrs. Bennet approached from different sides of the room as the couple neared the bottom of the stairs. Both had discerned Elizabeth had been crying. Mr. Darcy reassured them while Elizabeth showed them the ring. As Mrs. Bennet exclaimed over it, Elizabeth looked into her father’s eyes. What he saw told him there was more to their tale. Others approached to exclaim over the ring, and Darcy took the opportunity to lead Mr. Bennet upstairs in order to enlighten him.

  ***********

  Colonel Fitzwilliam returned to the upstairs balcony to find Darcy and Mr. Bennet with the young girls. Mr. Bennet was looking very displeased and turned eager eyes toward the Colonel for his report. “He has gone. I was unable to find him anywhere. I have alerted the staff and questioned some of the officers he knows well. They hinted that he had an assignation, but did not know the name of the girl.” All eyes turned to Lydia who blushed, still looking at her hands.

  “Have we avoided disaster?” Mr. Bennet asked hopefully.

  Darcy and the Colonel exchanged a glance. They knew Wickham too well to think he had simply left and would not resurface in the future. Darcy shook his head, “I will not have him be a shadow waiting to descend any longer. We must find him.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam nodded once before allowing a smile to creep across his lips. “I agree, but not tonight, Darcy. Go enjoy the smiles of your betrothed. I will remain with the girls.”

  “Nonsense,” Mr. Bennet said as he took a seat by his daughter. “Mr. Darcy and I have already discussed our similar dislike of such activities. You gentlemen go and I will remain with the young ladies.”

  Lydia looked beseechingly at the Colonel, but he simply nodded, bowed to them, and followed his cousin to the stairs.

  “Now, Lydia, shall we discuss your pocket money? I sincerely doubt you will have need of it as you shall not be attending any events until you learn how to act with more decorum.”

  Chapter Seven

  The sun rose on the morning after the ball and most of the attendees were still snug in their beds. Darcy sipped his coffee in the dining room at Netherfield while he waited for his cousin to find his way below stairs. The night had ended well. He closed his eyes and brought a vision of Elizabeth to mind. He had wrapped her cloak about her shoulders and stolen a quick kiss while everyone said their good nights. Smiling, he pictured her sparkling eyes as she playfully scolded him.

  “I find that I am still unaccustomed to that silly smile you have begun to wear, Cousin.”

  He opened his eyes to find Richard laughing as he fixed his plate. Darcy frowned, but found it very difficult to sustain.

  “Ha, you cannot even summon the infamous Darcy glare when you are thinking of her. You shall not be so intimidating any longer.” Richard laughed harder when a thoughtful expression crossed his cousin’s face. He carried his plate to the table and took his seat.

  Darcy topped off his cup and returned to the table. “Where shall we begin today?”

  “Why the barracks, of course, and Colonel Forster. I have been thinking. I doubt our old friend was anxious to stick around. He may have deserted.”

  “Why would he risk execution? He knows I would not expose the Bennets to public censure no more than I would expose Georgiana.”

  “You would not but, from what I heard, Miss Elizabeth will take whatever action is needed to keep him from hurting her family. That includes you and Georgie.”

  Darcy smiled with pride. “You should have seen her, Richard. Her eyes sparked and she balled her precious hands into fists. I could imagine her taking on Napoleon himself and not backing down.” He laughed, his heart in his eyes.

  Richard smiled, “You are blessed to have found her. I understand Wickham wore a matching handprint to that of Miss Lydia’s.” His smile slipped away, “I can only believe he was too shocked by her reaction to respond. I fear he will be prepared for her in the future.”

  A shadow passed over Darcy’s countenance as he considered this. “Then he must be found before they meet again,” he said with determination. Their eyes met and Richard quickly finished his meal so they could begin their search.

  ***********

  Darcy exited the tailor’s shop and approached the small group of officers. “He has accrued debts here also. I have paid them in full as I did the others.” He looked about. “I believe that should be all the merchants in Meryton. We may join the others now in the search.”

  He quickly mounted his horse and the small band rode out of Meryton to join with another group led by Colonel Fitzwilliam and Colonel Forster who had left earlier that day. As Richard suspected, Wickham had left his regiment, leaving a note stating he was called away on urgent business in London.

  Captain McDermott and Darcy rode side by side in silence for a distance before the latter decided to speak. “I understand you have come to Miss Elizabeth’s defense several times since the night of the assembly, Captain. I thank you and will make her aware of your support. It has been a very trying time for her.”

  The Captain studied the gentleman riding next to him before reining in his horse. Mr. Darcy did likewise and the two eyed one another, each taking the other’s full measure. The Captain broke the silence.

  “You may not be aware, but I was stationed in Meryton some years ago. I was but a lowly ensign and Miss Elizabeth was not yet out. I had the privilege of meeting her at her aunt’s home. I have always thought highly of Miss Elizabeth. I would not like to see her forced into an unwanted marriage.”

  Darcy began to speak, but Captain McDermott raised his hand. “I was not certain of you when we first arrived in Meryton, but I have watched you with Miss Elizabeth. I can assure you, if I did not think she accepted you willingly, I would have spoken to her father myself.” He looked away, swallowed, and turned back. “You are a lucky man.” He spurred his horse and Darcy followed suit.

  “I know,” he said softly.

  ***********

  Colonel Fitzwilliam was becoming irritated. He, Colonel Forster, and the other officers had ridden from Meryton to London, checking every inn along the way, and still no sign of Wickham. Now, they were back tracking, moving out from the London road in an attempt to reach smaller, less convenient spots where the culprit may be hiding. As they approached a modest hamlet, Richard hoped they would find their quarry so they could rendezvous with Darcy’s party as planned.

  The Colonels dismounted in front of a small tavern and wearily approached the door. Richard glanced about at the patrons as Forster searched
out the owner. A group in the back corner caught his eye; one fellow in particular sat at an odd angle, not easily seen. Casually crossing to Forster, Richard spoke softly and stepped outside. Colonel Forster finished speaking with the owner before he also left the establishment.

  ***********

  Wickham took a deep breath and lifted the cap he had pulled down over his eyes. “Well, gentlemen, I believe I shall have to call it a night,” he said as he reluctantly folded on a winning hand. The others attempted to dissuade him, wishing to win back a bit of their money, but Wickham knew it would be best if he made himself scarce. As he began to stand, a hand lowered onto his shoulder.

  “Going somewhere, George?”

  Wickham’s muscles tensed, ready to tear away and bolt for the front door.

  “Oh, please, for old times’ sake, attempt to run.”

  Wickham could hear the malice in Richard Fitzwilliam’s words. He knew his old playmate would not pass on the opportunity to bring him to his knees. He hesitated just long enough to see the soldiers entering the front of the establishment. Though he had not seen them, Wickham assumed there were more standing behind Richard. Knowing it was not the time, he relaxed and allowed himself to be taken into custody. There was no magistrate in the local vicinity, he had made sure of that when he arrived, and these were soldiers so it was doubtful they had a carriage to lock him within. He just had to bide his time and seize any opportunity to escape.

  ***********

  Darcy and Captain McDermott discussed the plan and their hope that the others would have found Wickham by the time they met up. As the sun began to set, they arrived at an inn a short distance from London. They entered the tavern to see the Colonels just sitting down to their dinner. Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled smugly as his cousin approached their table.

  “You have good news for us?” Darcy asked hopefully.

  Richard motioned to the chair beside him as Captain McDermott sat down next to Colonel Forster. “He is upstairs under guard.”