Assumed Engagement

by Louise, Kara

  When Darcy was on the dance floor with his sister, and Charles was dancing with his sister, Jane came up to Elizabeth.

  "Are you free to come upstairs with me now?"

  Elizabeth nodded, "Yes. I am looking forward to it."

  The two ladies left the ballroom and proceeded to the staircase. The Bingleys were to spend their first night at Netherfield, in a guest room suite that was upstairs and at the furthest end of the west hall. It was perfect as it had dressing rooms on either side with adjoining doors to the suite. The doors to the dressing rooms themselves were across the hall from each other. Jane brought Elizabeth up, and entered into the door on the north side of the hall.

  "This is beautiful, Jane. And this is merely the dressing room?"

  "Yes, our suite is through this door." She walked over to open it, and they looked into a sizeable room with a large canopied bed. As both their eyes lit on the bed, Jane blushed violently.

  Elizabeth raised her eyebrows at the splendour of the room. "It is very beautiful, Jane. Will this be your suite all the time?"

  "It is too far out of the way, ours will be one down the hall and just to the left." Jane said, backing out of the room and closing the door. "Because this one is so secluded, we thought it would be best… for tonight." Jane found herself struggling with every word.

  "And then you leave tomorrow morning for a two week tour of the country! How splendid that will be!"

  "Yes," said Jane, grateful to have the subject changed. "Anyway, I wanted to show you what Charles' cousins gave me as a wedding gift. I believe you met them last night."

  "Oh, yes, I believe I did." Elizabeth said, smiling.

  Jane went over to a dresser and opened a drawer. She pulled out a beautiful silk nightdress that had an accompanying matching robe. "Is this not the most beautiful gown you have ever seen, Lizzy? Feel it!"

  Elizabeth laughed and said, "I do believe it is, Jane." She reached over and felt it. "Quite exquisite!"

  Jane pensively looked down at the ring on her finger. "Lizzy, did Mr. Darcy say anything to you today? Particularly about why he had your handkerchief?"

  Elizabeth could not hide her smile. "Yes, Jane, he did. Apparently he has been carrying it around with him since we left Pemberley. He said it was his way of holding on to me."

  "I am so glad he told you! When Charles told me earlier when we were in the carriage, I just felt that you had to know. I had hoped so much he would tell you himself! I would have had a hard time keeping it from you! So what happened?"

  "Jane, nothing else happened. This is yours and Charles' day; not ours. But he did ask me if I would accept a call from him tomorrow."

  "And?"

  "And I said I would like that very much."

  "Oh, Lizzy, I am so happy for you!"

  "And I am happy for you! And so are many other people out there, so I think we should be getting back downstairs!"

  The two sisters walked arm in arm down the long hallway, turning at the main hall that took them to the stairs. From there they could hear the voices of the people below, and both were anxious to get down to the very special men in their lives.

  When the meal was announced, Darcy brought himself up next to Elizabeth. There was no designated seating, other than a special table set up for Charles and Jane, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, and Charles' sisters and Mr. Hurst. Georgiana found her brother and Elizabeth and was most anxious to sit nearby so she could continue to watch this couple.

  Darcy pulled out a chair for Elizabeth and seated himself next to her on her left. Georgiana walked around to the other side of the table and took a chair opposite her brother.

  During the meal, Darcy would on occasion inadvertently bump Elizabeth with his right arm as he ate his meal. She did not make any attempt to move from him, and often their arms would rest on the table slightly touching the other. As Darcy tried to make calm, collected conversation with her, Georgiana watched with eager interest. Something definitely had happened between them, and she could not wait to find out. It gave her great satisfaction to know that her planted handkerchief had somehow managed to bring the two together!

  At the end of the meal, servers brought pieces of cake out to the guests. As Elizabeth joyously dug into her piece and brought it to her mouth, she unknowingly left a little frosting on her lower lip. Darcy looked at her, and without thinking anything of propriety, took his little finger to it and wiped it off, bringing the guilty piece of frosting to his mouth to enjoy for himself.

  His action brought a colouring to Elizabeth's cheeks, and Darcy suddenly felt embarrassed. He looked around to see who may have seen. He knew Georgiana would not have missed any of it. He saw that most people were otherwise engaged in conversation, but found himself staring into an all-knowing look of Mrs. Gardiner. He smiled hesitantly, unsure of what her reaction would be to such behaviour. She gave him a polite nod and then looked away.

  He was a little concerned that she may have a little talking to Elizabeth about this. He decided he had better be on his best behaviour from now on. No more slips. He pulled himself straight up, and made sure nothing was touching the lovely lady sitting next to him.

  As people finished eating, many began filtering back into the ballroom. There was more dancing, and as the evening progressed, people gradually began to leave. The number of guests remaining was thinning out, and Elizabeth could see the weariness on Jane's face. It was but a half hour before midnight when Charles and Jane announced to those few close family and friends that remained that they would be departing. They bid good night to all that were left, and that set in motion the remaining guests to take leave.

  The Bennets were gathering up all they had brought with them when one of the servants came up to Elizabeth. "Miss Bennet, Mrs. Bingley requests your presence up in her dressing room. She would like you to bring up a cup of your special tea. Do you know what she means?"

  Elizabeth laughed. "Oh yes, if you could help me find some things in your kitchen, I would be glad to prepare some for her."

  The servant escorted her into the kitchen. On the way back, she found her mother and told her she was going up to see Jane. Her aunt was standing right there, and offered that she and her husband would remain and take her back with them, allowing the Bennets to take leave.

  Elizabeth carried the cup of hot tea up the stairs and down the long, dark hall, turned, and continued down the hall that led to Jane’s room. She felt awkward coming up here, almost as if she were trespassing. She determined to stay only long enough to give Jane the tea. When she reached the room she lightly tapped on the door, and said, "It is me, Jane."

  "Come in, Lizzy."

  Elizabeth walked in with the tea, and set it down in front of her. Jane had slipped on the silk nightdress and robe, and had let down her hair. Elizabeth could not contain her admiration for the beauty of her sister. She had never seen her look so beautiful; so glowing!

  Jane took the tea and sipped it. "Thank you so much for bringing this to me. I know how much it helps calm you down. I feel as though I needed something."

  Elizabeth smiled and was not sure what to say to her sister.

  "Lizzy, do you remember all the talks we would have late at night… wondering about things… about the mystery of the wedding night?"

  Elizabeth laughed. "Oh, yes!"

  "I knew so little back then. But Lizzy, I fear I know no more tonight than I did then."

  Elizabeth sat down and took her hands in hers. "Jane, you do know, however, that you have as your husband a man who loves you very dearly. I believe by tomorrow at this time, you shall know everything you need to know!" Elizabeth cocked her head at her and gave her a reassuring smile. "Do not worry, Jane. Just trust your feelings and trust your husband."

  Jane blushed at her words.

  "Now, I must leave. I believe you have a husband in there who will be most overtaken by how beautiful you are. And he is most likely very anxious to see you." She stood up and leaned over and kissed her on top of her head. "Good night
, Mrs. Charles Bingley."

  "Lizzy, we will be coming by tomorrow morning before we depart for our wedding journey. I shall see you then."

  "Yes, Jane, I am looking forward to it."

  Elizabeth slowly and quietly opened the door, and began backing out of the room. She did not want to make any noise, alerting Charles to the fact that she had been in there. As she was closing the door behind her, she heard a noise across the hall, and a familiar voice say, "Go to it then, man!"

  Elizabeth's eyes widened it horror, as she realized it was Darcy. She turned to see if she could sneak back in the room. Just as he turned, he drew back startled when he saw her there, too.

  "Miss Bennet!"

  "Mr. Darcy."

  Did she hear that blasted remark I made as I came through the door? He felt terribly ashamed of his last remark, the crudeness of it, and awkwardly came up to Elizabeth. What do I say now? "You were in with your sister?" That was stupid, of course she was!

  Elizabeth felt the inopportunity of the moment, and fumbled for something to say. "I just brought… um… Jane some tea."

  "Bingley asked me to bring him… something, as well." He looked up at the ceiling, wishing he could disappear.

  "How is Mrs. Bingley doing?" Oh great, another blunder!

  How do I answer that? That she is very nervous, but I fear not as nervous as I feel right now! "Fine."

  The two walked down the rest of the hall, this time awkwardness prompting the silence and distance that separated the two.

  As they came to the far corner of the hall and turned to head for the stairs, Darcy happened to look out the window that faced the east and saw a huge full moon, just rising in the sky. Being just on the horizon it appeared unusually large and was a light shade of orange. Its appearance was so stunning and so unexpected that he said, "Look at that!" and, taking Elizabeth's arm brought her over to the window.

  As they came up to the window for a close look, Darcy stood behind her. Elizabeth was awestruck by the beauty of it. "It is beautiful!" she exclaimed.

  Darcy, looked down at the moonlight playing off her curls, and echoed her, "Yes, beautiful."

  Elizabeth's heart began pounding as she realized how close he was standing behind her. He brought his hands up to her shoulders and lightly rested them there; causing her to feel somewhat wobbly, yet at the same time their presence steadied her. She could hear the ticking of the large grandfather clock that was just down the hall from where they were standing, and felt her heart was beating just as loudly.

  They stood watching in silence, as the moon slowly lifted in the sky. An occasional thin, wispy cloud passed over it, picking up a light tint of the now fading orange glow. As they watched it slowly rise, it began to lose its colour and apparent size, but they stood transfixed.

  The quiet that permeated the hall was suddenly broken by the sound of the clock just down the hall from where they were standing. Its booming song rang out that it was striking the hour. Darcy unconsciously counted as the clock announced the hour. One… two… three… It continued on. Ten… eleven… twelve. Darcy stiffened, taking in a sharp breath.

  He slowly lowered his head and Elizabeth felt the warmth of his breath near her ear, followed by a softly spoken voice, "Elizabeth, it is tomorrow."

  Elizabeth closed her eyes as she felt her world begin to spin. In a voice barely above a whisper, she asked, "Tomorrow?" however fully she believed herself to understand his meaning.

  He lifted his right hand from her shoulder and picked up one of her curls again, causing her to arch her head toward it as she had done earlier, shivers of delight running through her and culminating at that point on her neck where his hand had lightly brushed up against it. This time, though, as her long, sleek neck was arched away from him, he slowly leaned down and kissed it. The unexpected touch of his lips on her neck suddenly drew all strength from her and in an instant she felt herself lose all equilibrium and fall back against him. Just as quickly, he reached around her waist to support her, and she struggled to regain some sense of strength and attempted to compose and right herself.

  When he was confident that she was steady, he moved around her and stood between her and the window. The moonlight, which was now a full bright orb in the sky, was casting beams of light upon her face. Her eyes, though dark from the room, were reflecting the image of the moon deep within them.

  He tried to control the quivering in his voice, "It is no longer Jane and Charles' wedding day."

  Elizabeth looked toward him, but could not see him well as his face was turned away from the light. He slowly leaned down and gently placed a kiss on her cheek.

  Darcy pulled away, steeling himself against the powerful longing to kiss her lips, when a noise at the end of the hall caught his attention. He looked back toward the hall, from which they had just come, and turned back to her.

  "I think it would be best if we leave this part of the hall quickly." He resolutely, but gently, took her by the arm and they quickly proceeded down the length of the hallway that led to the stairs. He took her arm to escort her down, and she firmly grabbed the rail with her other hand.

  They had taken but a few steps down, when Elizabeth momentarily stopped. Darcy, having taken two more steps down before coming to a stop himself, turned to see Elizabeth's flushed face looking down to him. He turned completely around to face her, and took a step back up, bringing him eye level to her. With much trepidation she stepped away from him up one step, but Darcy soon closed the gap again, bringing himself up to the step just below hers.

  Darcy was again at eye level with her, and so close. Their eyes met and held. He slowly moved from admiring her eyes to her mouth. As she noticed this, she parted her lips slightly, as if knowing what was to come. Without much concern for who might see, he leaned over and captured her mouth with his, enveloping her in his embrace. He could feel her again go limp in his arms, and tightened his hold on her. After a few moments, he felt her hands come against his chest and she gently pulled herself away.

  Her head went down on his shoulder, and she could hear his heavy, laboured breathing. She grabbed the stair rail again, and using it for support, she drew her head back.

  Darcy breathed in deeply. "I beg you to forgive me, Miss Bennet, for my momentary lapse of judgment."

  She took a few moments before looking back up at him, and with an unsuccessful attempt to disguise her trembling, said with a reassuring smile, "You have no need to apologize to me, Mr. Darcy, but I fear it would not be good to be discovered here together. I need a few moments; perhaps it would be best if you go down first, and then I shall come down after a few minutes."

  He looked at her and smiled. "Do you think that I am in a better position to go down first?" He closed his eyes and breathed in a few deep breaths. "All right, Elizabeth, but do not wait too long. They are probably already wondering where the two of us are!" He picked up her hand and turned it over, gently kissing the inside of her palm. She swayed again, and marvelled at the swelling of emotion within her.

  He turned and walked down the stairs, looking back up to her and smiling as he reached the turn. She stood still as she heard voices greet him downstairs. It was fairly quiet below as most people had likely departed. She took in some slow, deep breaths, smoothed her hair and felt her face. It was still fairly warm; she wondered how flushed she looked. She could only hope they had started extinguishing some of the candles and she could get outside quickly enough to escape anyone's notice.

  When she came down moments later, her aunt and uncle were waiting and talking with Mr. Darcy. Mr. Hurst was asleep on a sofa, and Caroline eyed her suspiciously as she came down. She picked up her things, and came up to her aunt and uncle to let them know she was ready to leave.

  Darcy escorted them outside to the waiting carriage. "Good night, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. Good night, Miss Bennet."

  He stood back as he watched them enter the carriage. Mr. Gardiner, however, did not get in the cab with his wife and niece. "It is such a nice
evening; I think I shall ride up on top with the driver."

  Elizabeth watched in amazement as he did this, but soon realized they had most likely agreed to this ahead of time so her aunt could talk privately with her. Elizabeth turned and saw the very familiar all-knowing look on her aunt's face, reflected in the moonlight.

  "Lizzy, I think we need to talk."

  Chapter 20

  Mrs. Gardiner compassionately took her niece's hand. "Lizzy, my dear, do you know what Mr. Darcy's intentions are toward you?"

  Elizabeth pondered, in the darkness of the cab, how to respond. She knew that her aunt had a keen sense of observation and there was nothing she could say that would convince her otherwise, save the truth. But she wondered how much of the truth to tell.

  She took in a deep breath and proceeded to share with her what her feelings toward him were. "It has been slow in coming, but I believe we share a mutual regard for each other."

  "Has he told you as much?"

  Elizabeth looked over at her. "Yes." She paused. "Dear Aunt, there is something that I never told anyone, except Jane. You knew that when I was at Kent visiting Charlotte, he came as well, visiting his aunt." She took in a deep breath. "While we were there…" She wondered at the wisdom in continuing, but in noticing her aunt's encouraging countenance, she decided to proceed. "While we were there, he offered me his hand in marriage, declaring his love for me."

  "Heavens, Lizzy! Do you mean to tell me that you have been secretly engaged to him all this time?"

  "No. No. We are not engaged. I turned him down."

  "You turned…"

  "Yes. You remember how we all thought him so proud and arrogant. And there were other things… I simply could not accept him."

  "So my dear if that was the case, something has obviously prompted your feelings toward him to change. What brought this about?"

  Elizabeth went on to tell her how, after she turned him down, he wrote her a letter to clarify some issues she had misunderstood. Then when Georgiana asked her to come to Pemberley and she heard the young lady talk so highly of her brother, in addition to spending a little time with him, gradually her feelings toward him began to change. And then, of course, there were the past few days.