Assumed Engagement

by Louise, Kara

  She began to formulate a teasing retort to him, but held herself back. His countenance suddenly changed, turning rather serious and reflective. Rather than speak what was on her mind, she decided to let him continue.

  He reached over and took her hand. It was a few moments before he could summon the nerve to continue. "It has been my way of holding on to you these past two months."

  Elizabeth's eyes opened wider and her heart raced wildly. She carefully listened to each word he said; afraid she did not fully comprehend his meaning.

  "I found it the morning I awoke, underneath my pillow. I placed it in my pocket and it has been with me ever since."

  Elizabeth studied his face as he spoke. Was he possibly feeling only gratitude? Was he still thinking only of Elizabeth as a close friend for his sister? No, she believed he was speaking out of a sustaining love and admiration for her.

  She could not bring any sort of sensible response to her lips. She was finally able to barely mutter, "But the scent…"

  "Yes, the scent." He squeezed her hand, and he again began kneading it with his thumb. "It is indeed your gardenia scent. In those first few days after you left, I found myself drawing out your handkerchief and inhaling this fragrance that was so very much a part of you. As it began to fade, I…"

  As he looked at Elizabeth return his gaze, he found himself struggling with the desire to lean over and kiss her. His gaze dropped to her lips, which were slightly parted in awe at his words.

  Taking in a deep breath, he continued. "I purchased some gardenia scented toilet water to keep the scent refreshed. He brought his arm up and put it behind her, taking one of her loose curls between his fingers and began twisting it. Elizabeth responded by arching her head against his fingers, feeling warmth permeate throughout her body as his hand occasionally brushed against her neck.

  Her response to him unnerved him and prompted him to slowly pull her closer. With eyes locked on each other, he began to lower his face toward Elizabeth. She shook her head suddenly and brought up her hands to stop him.

  "Mr. Darcy, today is Charles and Jane's wedding day. This is their day and I do not want to do anything that will take attention away from them."

  He straightened up and turned forward, acknowledging her words and her request. Keeping the day set apart for Charles and Jane was something he had considered himself the other night. Elizabeth's request ensured he would abide by it. He decided to take another bold step of faith. The trembling of his voice betrayed the resolve he was about to make to her. "Would you allow me, Miss Bennet… would it be asking too much for me to call on you tomorrow, then, at Longbourn after morning services?"

  With heart and head whirling, she answered, "I should like that very much."

  As their eyes locked together, Darcy was just about to throw away his resolve. Every fibre of his body was screaming out to him to pull her into an embrace and kiss her. He was grateful, therefore, to see that the carriage had just pulled up in front of Longbourn. The elation he felt, knowing that she had accepted his request to call tomorrow, was enough to give him such great joy that would linger with him through the day and evening.

  Chapter 19

  Darcy helped Elizabeth out of the carriage, and the two walked up the front steps at Longbourn. They walked closely, occasionally brushing up against the other. Whereas before they would have kept a cautious distance between them, they seemed now to relish any close contact they could procure.

  They situated themselves just inside the front door, waiting to greet those who arrived. Elizabeth made introductions when needed.

  When Georgiana walked in with Bingley’s sisters, Darcy noticed his sister smirking. He gave her a reprimanding smile, while Elizabeth asked her, "What happened to you Georgiana? We did not feel as though we could wait for you any longer as guests were already beginning to leave."

  "I am so sorry, Elizabeth." She cast a sly glance at Darcy. "I was unavoidably detained. I hope it did not cause you any concern."

  "Oh no, not at all," answered Elizabeth.

  As she walked by, Georgiana whispered to her brother that she would see him later at the breakfast and then allowed a playful giggle to escape.

  Once all the guests had arrived and were gathered for the wedding breakfast, Georgiana sought out her brother. Elizabeth had stepped away to visit with some friends. "Well?" she asked pointedly.

  "Well what?" he responded.

  "How was your carriage ride?"

  Darcy looked at her through narrowing eyes and shook his head. "You are a mischievous little one." His voice was in a whisper so no one would hear.

  "I believe it did get her attention! What happened on the way over here? Did the two of you have a nice ride? It was just the two of you, was it not?"

  "As if you did not know!" He tried to appear serious, but the crinkle at the corner of his eyes gave him away.

  "Did you talk? Did you tell her how you feel?"

  Before he could answer, Elizabeth turned her attention back to Darcy and Georgiana. He looked at his sister and raised one eyebrow, giving her a smiling wink. Georgiana was not sure what this was supposed to mean, but she was sure it was good. In addition to his wink, she watched the two continually and found them to be very agreeably interacting together. She was also admittedly pleased with herself that her brother appeared to be behaving quite well in this crowd of country folk!

  As the breakfast proceeded, Elizabeth watched Jane and Charles as they visited with those who had come. As much as Elizabeth wished to spend the whole time with Mr. Darcy, she knew she had obligations to the guests.

  She noticed that Charlotte had come in with her husband, but they had not walked past her and Mr. Darcy as they greeted the guests. Charlotte was off by herself, so Elizabeth thought it would be a good time to go up to her.

  "Charlotte! I am so glad to see you! I hope you are feeling better!" She gave her a conspiratorial look.

  "Yes, well, I am sorry about leaving the other night."

  "Is Mr. Collins any more appeased by the situation?"

  "Considering he insisted we circumvent around you so we would not be greeted by Mr. Darcy, I think not. He will most likely harbour these feelings as long as Lady Catherine does. That is all there is to it."

  "I am sorry to hear that."

  "And how are things with you, Lizzy?"

  Unexpectedly, Elizabeth blushed. Knowing that she did so caused her to look away.

  "Lizzy, is there something you would like to talk about with me?"

  "All I will say now is you had better get your husband's feelings about Mr. Darcy changed, or he may soon not let you ever visit me again."

  "Tell me what has happened?"

  "He asked to pay me a call tomorrow."

  Charlotte grabbed her friend's hands tightly and smiled. "I just knew it. I knew it ever since the ball at Netherfield. You two were meant to be together!"

  "Charlotte, nothing has happened. He merely asked…"

  "Lizzy," Charlotte stopped her from proceeding any further. Elizabeth turned and was suddenly face to face with Mr. Collins.

  "Mr. Collins," Elizabeth muttered politely.

  "Cousin Elizabeth." He briefly bowed. "I cannot tell you how beautiful you and your sister look! It gives me such great honour to be a cousin to such charming ladies." With that he bowed again and took Charlotte's hand.

  They spoke briefly, and then Elizabeth excused herself to go find Jane. Apart from their greeting at the back of the church and small greeting as they came in, she really had not had any time to visit with her. She looked around the room, and finally found her and Bingley in conversation with a small group of friends.

  Elizabeth came and stood outside the group, waiting for Jane to finish and notice her. As the party of well wishers finally dispersed, Jane came up to Elizabeth and hugged her. "Oh, Lizzy, there are just so many people. I am so weary of smiling that my mouth hurts, and yet every time I look at my husband, it causes me to smile even more!"

  "And
that is the way it should be, Jane."

  The two sisters hugged, very much aware that a significant change had occurred in their lives.

  Mrs. Bennet need not have worried about any of the preparations for the wedding breakfast, as everyone enjoyed the food and lively celebrations. By early afternoon, everyone had departed to ready themselves for the wedding ball that would take place at Netherfield later that evening.

  Darcy had behaved admirably at the breakfast, keeping his promise to Elizabeth that he would do nothing that would take away from Jane and Charles’ special day. But as he prepared to leave, he came up alongside Elizabeth, looking down intently at her. "Would you save me a dance tonight at the ball, Miss Bennet?"

  Elizabeth felt her heart flutter as she answered, "I would be most pleased to."

  With that promise, Darcy was able to depart Longbourn with a joyful anticipation.

  Jane and Charles lingered at Longbourn until all the guests had departed. They returned to Netherfield where they visited with friends and family for the remainder of the afternoon. Elizabeth knew it was going to be a long day for her sister, but she knew that her contentment at being married to Charles would keep her spirits high. And Elizabeth’s spirits could not be higher as she contemplated all that had transpired that day.

  *~*~*

  The Wedding Ball at Netherfield

  The summer day had cooled slightly and the setting sun promised an exquisite splashing of colours on the horizon. As the Bennets pulled up to Netherfield, Elizabeth thought about how much she missed Jane’s calming presence already. The two of them had always done everything together, and now her husband would have that role.

  She shook her head, reminding herself how happy she was for Jane, and she could not wait to see her, as well as Mr. Darcy.

  They stepped in to an array of flowers everywhere, an abundance of candles glowing, and soft music coming from the ballroom.

  They were greeted by Charles and Jane, and when Elizabeth came up to her, Jane wrapped her arms around her and whispered in her ear, "Do you think we could sneak away upstairs a little later? I want to show you a few of the wedding gifts that were given to me, and also to talk with you about something."

  Elizabeth nodded. "You know I would love to. Come and find me when you are ready."

  Elizabeth and her family walked into the ballroom and Elizabeth looked about her, but did not immediately see Mr. Darcy. When she finally saw him, he was speaking with several gentlemen. His glance happened her way and he sent a smile in her direction.

  Elizabeth was content to see that he was making a concerted effort to be amiable with people in the neighbourhood.

  Charles and Jane finally stepped into the ballroom, signalling it was time for the dancing to begin. Charles eagerly brought his new bride out to the dance floor as others joined them.

  Darcy looked at Elizabeth, and suddenly recalled the last time they had danced together at Netherfield. Actually it was the only time they had ever danced together. It had not been good. He looked at Elizabeth who was in an animated discussion with Georgiana. As he started walking toward them, he was stopped in his movement by the appearance of Mr. Collins, who had, it seemed, come from nowhere to stand at Elizabeth’s side.

  He turned, frustrated, not wanting a confrontation with him in front of Elizabeth. Georgiana excused herself from Elizabeth and went to her brother, noticing his dilemma. He saw her come up and asked, "Would I be so fortunate as to dance the next dance with you Georgiana?"

  "Are you sure it is me with whom you wish to dance?"

  "There is someone else I would like to dance with, but right now you are the only one I would like to ask." He looked back at Elizabeth and said, "If I were to walk over to her now and ask her, it might cause a scene!"

  Georgiana laughed. "Dance with me this one, and if he is still talking with her at the next, I fear I will again have to resort to some trickery to remove him!"

  As they fell in line to dance, Darcy confronted her, "Georgiana, that was not very nice of you to make a fool of me today!"

  "But I believe it did get you and Elizabeth talking. You two seem to be getting along very nicely now, whereas before, you barely tolerated each other." She smiled up at him, waiting for his affirmation of her successful scheme.

  "Georgiana, I had planned all along to talk to Miss Bennet of my feelings."

  "Yes, but when? You have had so many opportunities and were not taking any! I just helped things along."

  "But how did you know I would even pull out my handkerchief at the wedding?"

  "I could not be sure. However, as often as you used one at the rehearsal, I thought there was a pretty good chance you would. Besides, if you did not, I would have joined you and Elizabeth in the carriage after the wedding and asked to borrow one."

  "So you had it all figured out."

  She merely smiled.

  He finally decided he would give in and agree that what she did certainly had an influence on the way things now appeared to be between him and Elizabeth. "But, I would not make it a habit of trying this form of match making on a regular basis. It will not always work!"

  Georgiana let out an enthusiastic giggle. "I have no intention of doing any more of this. It is too wearisome! It is enough to see that it resulted well with my beloved brother and a very special lady."

  As the dance ended, Darcy was grateful to see that Mr. Collins had moved on. Georgiana whispered, "You best take yourself to her side quickly before someone else gets there before you!"

  Darcy walked over immediately, as Georgiana watched from the side.

  "Miss Bennet, would you do me the honour of dancing the next with me?"

  Elizabeth suddenly experienced a recollection of that first time she had danced with him. She smiled as she answered that she would be most honoured.

  "And what causes you to smile in that way, may I inquire?"

  "Just a small memory, Sir."

  "Would it be of our first dance?"

  "It would be of our only dance together, Sir."

  They stood apart from each other, waiting for the music to begin. As the first notes were played, they eagerly stepped toward each other and grasped each other's hand. They beheld each other's eyes, letting their fingers linger, as they had to let go to proceed to the next movement.

  When they came back together, Darcy began a conversation. "Miss Bennet, is it not your practice to sketch your partner's character while you dance?"

  Elizabeth pursed her lips at his attempt to tease her. "Mr. Darcy, I fear it would take a lifetime to sketch your character!"

  As they passed each other, Elizabeth suddenly realized what she had said. She knew from the warmth of her face, that when she turned again to face him, he would most likely notice her blush. As she turned, she kept her eyes down. If she were to meet his gaze, however, she would have seen a very pleasant smile, and if she could have read his thoughts, she would have heard, Are you willing to give me a lifetime to do just that, Elizabeth?

  As they joined their hands together again, Darcy gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I believe, Miss Bennet, the last time you tried to sketch my character, I was not in the best frame of mind for it to be sketched. Remember I had just heard your praiseworthy opinion of Mr. Wickham and condemning opinion of myself, coupled by the announcement by Sir William Lucas that a marriage was expected by almost everyone in Hertfordshire between your sister and Bingley, when I believed she did not love him."

  "And, now, hopefully, you admit your feelings on the latter to be incorrect?"

  "Yes, you know I do, and hopefully you admit your feelings on the former to be incorrect."

  "I do, Sir."

  The smile he gave her warmed her through.

  They proceeded through a few more movements in silence. "Is it not also your practice to guide me through some conversation as we dance? Perhaps just a little would suffice."

  Elizabeth laughed and said, "I do believe that I have come to know you well enough to know that you a
re perfectly capable of carrying on your own conversation, Mr. Darcy. So what shall we find to talk about?"

  "I could say that since you have taken my only handkerchief for the evening, I find myself without one."

  They turned reaching out for the partners next to them, and Elizabeth had to wait to respond.

  When they came back together, Elizabeth was finally able to say, "Then I might say to you that since you have a room here at Netherfield, it would not be too much trouble to fetch another one."

  Again the movement in the dance parted them. Darcy was smiling as he came back around to face her. "But maybe I would then say that I have a particular fondness for that very handkerchief you took from me."

  "Took from you! Mr. Darcy, you gave it back to me, and besides, it is mine." How she enjoyed teasing him but wondered how far she should go with it.

  Again their hands were joined. "If that is how you feel, Miss Bennet, you may keep it."

  Just before the dance was to end, they had one last turn away from each other. While Elizabeth had her back to him, she quickly pulled out her handkerchief from a small pocket in her dress. As they one last time reached forward to grasp each other's hands, Darcy noticed a small bundle in his palm. When they parted to their prospective side of the line, he looked down and discovered her handkerchief back in his hand.

  The last notes of the music played, and the partners bowed and curtseyed to each other. When Darcy walked toward her to take her hand again to lead her from the floor, he dangled the handkerchief in front of her. "Are you sure you are willing to part with this?" He stood next to her and enjoyed the rosy blush of her cheeks that the dance and their conversation afforded her.

  She looked up at his face, and noticing the beads of moisture that lined his brow offered, "I believe you may have more use for it than myself at the present."

  Throughout the rest of the evening, Darcy and Elizabeth danced two more together. He also enjoyed taking his sister out on the dance floor and gave her the opportunity to dance with him. Elizabeth also danced with Bingley as Darcy took her sister Jane as his partner.