“This is Jane, my eldest, and Elizabeth, our second. Over there, banging away on the pianoforte is Mary and you may have already seen Kitty and Lydia running about. They are but fifteen and sixteen, but are often taken for twins.”
Darcy bowed politely but made no attempt at conversation. As it was, Mrs. Bennet did enough talking for everyone and it was some moments before they were able to escape, but the damage had already been done. Charles, when introduced to Miss Jane Bennet, went into what could only be described as a lovesick trance. Darcy had to acknowledge that Miss Bennet was beautiful, but with her fair hair and light eyes, she was all too reminiscent of Esme. A knot formed in his stomach at the sight of her, making any good opinion of Jane Bennet impossible. However, Charles was not to be daunted and eventually found his way back to request a dance. Seeking an escape, Darcy quickly offered his hand to Caroline. At least she would not ply him with personal questions, but by now, everyone in the room would be aware of his not only his name, but marital status and income. Moving through the steps of the dance he imagined being a prize stallion up for sale. Fortunately, the piece was short, and feeling his obligation met, Darcy sought a quiet corner to finish the evening. But when one is a stranger, solace is often hard to find and eventually Charles, accompanied by Sir William, discovered his hiding place.
“Not much of a dancer Mr. Darcy?” the elder man inquired.
“Oh, Darcy likes a dance well enough. Shall we find you a partner? There are many beautiful girls here tonight. Miss Bennet has promised me another,” Charles exclaimed as he watched the lady in question turn about the floor with another partner.
“I have had my fill, thank you. Besides, you are dancing with the only true beauty present.”
Sir William nodded, but would not be denied. While he no longer considered his Charlotte marriageable at the age of twenty-seven, and his Maria a bit too young, the eldest Bennet girls were most appropriate. Spying both of them crossing the room in their direction, he made a gallant attempt.
“I see Miss Elizabeth Bennet is without a partner. Is she not a handsome girl?”
“Perhaps, but not enough to tempt me. I fear that I am not the best company tonight.”
“Oh, come now, I insist.”
Darcy stared hard at Elizabeth Bennet, bordering on rudeness. She was not what he normally considered beautiful. Although she was tall enough, her figure was far too full than was fashionable, but then, overly slender woman did not appeal to him. No, it was not her appearance, it was the boldness of her countenance. From the first introduction, Elizabeth Bennet had looked him straight in the eye, almost as if issuing a challenge. It had been unnerving, and he was not sure how to respond. Thinking it best to avoid her, he had not been aware that his voice had carried and Elizabeth had overheard his uncharitable comments. Returning his direct gaze, she smiled sardonically as her sister took the arm of Charles Bingley and moved to the dance floor. Now, with Sir William awaiting a response to his prodding, Darcy could not find a polite way out of the awkward situation.
“Miss Bennet, would you care to dance?”
“I would not want to trouble you.”
“It would be my pleasure.”
“Perhaps, but it is not enough to tempt me.”
Hearing Elizbeth Bennet repeat his careless words sent a flood of embarrassment into Darcy’s face. But if he had reddened, she was not aware, for Elizabeth had turned away, accepting the hand of a red-coated officer instead.
“Elizabeth Bennet is known for speaking her mind,” Sir William explained with a shrug. Seeing the younger man’s discomfort, he soon made his own excuses, leaving Darcy alone, wearing a face that deterred any others from approaching.
~Eight~
Netherfield, two days later.
“I still cannot get her face out of my mind. Isn’t Miss Jane Bennet the most beautiful creature? She is the sweetest, kindest person I have ever encountered.” Charles Bingley prattled over his morning toast.
Darcy rolled his eyes, much to the amusement of Caroline Bingley as she smothered a laugh. Charles had been so besotted that every word out of his mouth had sung the praises of Miss Bennet. It was getting to the point of being ridiculous, but Charles was not to be stilled.
“Well, then I suppose you will be happy to hear that I have invited her to tea this afternoon. Miss Bennet did give all appearances of what is pleasing in a lady, but I fear the same cannot be said of the rest of her family. Her mother and younger sisters are positively horrid,” Caroline said absently.
“And has she accepted? I did not find her family the least bit disagreeable. Oh perhaps Mrs. Bennet is rather outspoken, but she showed me every kindness.”
“Of course, she did. Every mother in possession of unmarried daughters had their sights set upon one of us marrying their child. I have to agree with Caroline, Miss Jane Bennet is the sole redeeming quality of that family,” Darcy added.
“What of Miss Elizabeth? If found her equally beautiful and of quick wit.”
To this, Caroline snorted and turned her attentions back to her plate. If Charles was to make a fool of himself, that was his business, but she would not be forced to tolerate every country bumpkin in the area. However, Darcy’s reaction was quite different. His pride still stung from Elizabeth Bennet’s rejection. Refusing to dance for the rest of that evening, he had spent it gathering what information he could about the local families especially the Bennets. It was less than promising. Frowning, he now shared this knowledge.
“You are aware that the Bennets are practically impoverished? The daughters have had no formal education, no dowries and the estate only earns two thousand a year. It is also entailed to male heirs only.”
“So? I have no need of anyone else’s money or estate. May I remind you that my purpose here is to buy one? Why should a person be deemed unacceptable for a lack of money? We both have met many a wealthy person who lacked character and integrity. Besides, I have just met Miss Bennet, it is far to early to make such judgements based upon ball room gossip.”
Duly chastised, Darcy apologized, resolving to keep his future opinions private, but he would not see Charles fall prey to a fortune hunter. If Miss Bennet turned out to be just as good as first presented, he would openly give his approval. Rising, he went to the tall windows that flanked one wall of the dining room. The vista presented a dismal view as grey clouds had gathered early, promising a day of steady rain. Being early spring, it was still cold and damp, the perfect environment to stay indoors and catch up on some reading. In possession of The Absentee, the latest novel by Maria Edgeworth, Darcy hoped to pass the time. While the book was not one he would have normally chosen for himself, as it was reviewed as rather sentimental, more appropriate to women’s tastes, Darcy found himself compassionate to the plight of the lead character. Although not in need of funds himself, he was sympathetic to the problem of finding a love match. Or was he wanting something that simply did not exist? His own parents had shared a deep affection for one another, giving him hope, but they had not exactly been equals. Despite his mother having been the daughter of an earl, his father had been the one in possession of great wealth. What would Miss Jane Bennet have to offer Charles? With no title, and no money, she was wholly beneath him.
*****
The rain did persist, and by the time Miss Jane Bennet arrived for tea, it was a torrential downpour. The silly girl had ridden the entire distance on horseback and presented completely sodden. Having expected a carriage, all residents of Netherfield expressed dismay at the sight of Miss Bennet. From a distance, it was clear that she possessed no skill as a rider, nor did her mount appear to be accustomed to exercise. As a result, Caroline had been forced to lend dry clothing in an effort to prevent pneumonia. Unfortunately, the combination of good food and a warm fire, did not prevent illness from reaching Miss Bennet. By suppertime, she struggled to maintain conversation and was deemed unfit to be out of bed.
“I insist you remain here as our guest. A good night’s
rest and some hot soup should set you to rights,” Charles said with encouragement, but his face shown with worry. Jane’s face was flush with fever and she required assistance in mounting the stairs. His heart fluttered as his mind took him back to the death of his own parents. Within days of acquisition, they had both perished from influenza. Having just found the most perfect example of womanhood, he could not bear the thought of losing her. After seeing her settled, Charles returned to the parlor where in his absence, Darcy and Caroline had been discussing Jane in barely civil tones.
“No doubt this is some sort of ploy to ensure an extended stay. I am sure that Mrs. Bennet is already planning the wedding,” Caroline said maliciously.
“I am not sure that Miss Bennet would have been able to refuse if it was. A carriage should have been sent for her,” Darcy replied. He was trying to feel sympathetic for Jane, but finding it difficult. Any mother that would send her child out in a storm was truly desperate, and any grown woman who agreed was a fool.
“She is a sweet girl, but her family is barely above working class. Imagine! Her grandfather was an attorney, and so is her uncle,” Caroline sneered
Their voices echoed so that Charles heard the entire exchange before entering the room and was incensed by the callousness of his sister.
“A respectable occupation, law. One I had considered for myself. May I remind you that our own grandfather toiled alongside his workers. There is nothing wrong with honest work. And as for Mrs. Bennet… IF something serious should develop, she will be my concern, not yours. Now, if you are done the examining the flaws of our guest, I shall return above to see how she fares. Even in her ill state I find her company far more pleasing.”
*****
The next day dawned with no sign of rain, however, Jane Bennet had indeed developed a severe cold. Upon the insistence of Charles, she allowed a doctor to examine her.
“I recommend plenty of hot soup and bed rest. Two or three days should set her to rights. I will notify her family on my way back to Meryton.”
Charles, pleased that recovery was a surety, spared no accommodation to return Jane to health. This included the offer of hospitality to Elizabeth Bennet who arrived later the same afternoon to nurse her sister. Refusing the offer of a carriage, Elizabeth walked the miles between the estates. As a young lady whose preference lay in out of doors pursuits, the distance was breached in less than an hour. Taking respite from his novel, Fitzwilliam Darcy found himself transfixed by her form as she approached.
Her head was bare as she dangled her bonnet by its ribbons. A brisk wind had accompanied the sunshine and it now whipped tendrils of her hair about. For a moment, Darcy imagined it a separate entity, dancing around her face, holding commentary as she steadily walked. No, that was not correct, Miss Elizabeth Bennet was not walking as one would expect of a young lady. She marched, like a general going to war. A stray dog, probably from a neighboring farm, had decided to accompany her and she stopped periodically to throw a stick which the mongrel promptly returned. The exertion had raised a very becoming flush to her cheeks and he found himself reaching out a hand as if to test its validity. Realizing the gesture, he immediately yanked the offending limb back to his side, but the motion did not go unnoticed. Caroline Bingley, ever vigilant of her conquest, rose to see what had captured Darcy’s attention.
Having no tolerance for invalids and others she deemed unclean, Caroline had found her brother’s diligence towards the ailing Jane an advantageous situation. As hostess, she would not see Darcy without companionship, but he rejected her attempts in favor of silent reading. Now, as his gaze remained on an unknown outside the window, she demanded he share it.
“Whatever is so fascinating?”
“Oh, nothing, but I believe that we are to have an additional guest.”
“Has Miss Eliza Bennet arrived? I did not hear a carriage.”
“It appears that she chose to walk.”
By now, Caroline was at his side and was able to give her own opinion on the matter. Her frown soon turned to derision as she spied the approaching figure.
“Whatever possessed her to do that? Her skirt must be six inches deep in mud. How disgraceful, do you not agree?”
“I think she looks rather well. The exercise seems to agree with her. More young ladies would benefit by fresh air and activity.”
“Indeed? Have your opinions changed about these Bennet women so quickly?”
“Not at all, it is simply an observation.”
By now, Elizbeth Bennet had reached the house and was brought into the morning room, tracking clods of mud in her wake. Forgoing the usual polite conversation, Elizabeth quickly asked t see her sister.
“If she is able, I should like to take her home where we might care for her in more familiar surroundings.”
“Of course,” Darcy agreed, but his eyes never left her as she was led above stairs. Once gone, Caroline Bingley began an uncharitable assessment of Elizabeth Bennet.
“How rude. I cannot imagine behaving in such a way. And her appearance! Positively shocking. She looked like a field hand.”
“Her concern has no doubt overridden any concern for idle pleasantries. And no, I cannot imagine you wanting to care for Louisa or Charles at all. Please excuse me, I just remembered a matter to which I must attend in Meryton.”
Darcy was aware of his own rudeness, but it could not be helped. The idea of having to listen to Caroline’s constant defamation of the Bennet sisters was nauseating. Never before had her opinions of others bothered him, so why did it now? It had even led him to lie about needing to go into town. But now, as he cantered his horse, he felt the confines of the house slip away. Perhaps he had been wrong to accompany the Bingleys. He had been away from home far too long. Pemberley called to him now more than ever before. Setting his mind as the town came into view, Darcy resolved to be gone by the end of the month.
~Nine~
Darcy returned to Netherfield several hours later with a clearer head and foul disposition. Having casually meandered through the streets of Meryton, he did not recognize a single face, but responded in kind to the polite nods of the townsfolk. So, it was with some surprise that when stopping to purchase his favorite candies, he heard a familiar voice calling his name.
“Ho there Darcy! Do you not recognize your cousin when in uniform?”
Turning, Darcy smiled with amusement and grasped the hand of the aptly dressed Colonel Robert Fitzwilliam. As his first cousin, and younger son of an Earl, he had been expected to make his own way in the world. Joining the military had been an acceptable option. It had been some months since he had seen him and had been unaware that he was in the area.
“What brings you to this part of the country? I expected you to be drowning your sorrows at Pemberley. Bad business that Kirkwood woman.”
Appalled that gossip should be so far reaching, Darcy avoided the subject with a nod of agreement before replying.
“Charles Bingley is considering the purchase of a property in the area. But, why are you here? I though you had been retired after the Canadian campaign.”
“Apparently, His majesty requires my services once again, despite my injuries… or perhaps because of them.”
Darcy’s cousin often joked about the piece of lead that remained imbedded in his right leg, but knew that it was no laughing matter. They had feared for him greatly and had been relieved when he was pensioned out, so this sudden appearance in full uniform was concerning. The worry on Darcy’s face must have been apparent, but Fitzwilliam brushed it off.
“Nothing so important as saving British Canada this time. I have been charged with training the volunteer regiments. These young men are arrogant and brash. Their egos will result in getting killed, if not curbed by those with actual experience.”
Darcy smiled with relief. “Then I trust that you are the best man for the job.”
“I do have my work cut out for me… by the way, there is a certain person of which we are both familiar that is at
tached to the Meryton regiment… a man we both dislike greatly.”
Darcy’s face froze, Fitzwilliam could only be referring to one person and that was George Wickham.
“Wickham is here?”
“Unfortunately, and for some weeks. He has wasted no time endearing himself to all who will listen. While he does not actually mention your name, he does spread tales of how his present situation is due to mistreatment and loss of a promised inheritance.”
“He always was a charmer, but he is no longer my concern. I have no plans to encounter him while here.”
“That is probably for the best, but don’t let me keep you. I must return to my duties. No doubt we shall see one another again.”
“Please feel free to call at Netherfield. Charles and Caroline would be pleased to see you again.”
“Charles is a pleasant fellow, but as for his sister…. I prefer to keep some distance from that she-devil. At least I lack the fortune to entice any serious attention from her. You are not so fortunate.”
“I can handle Caroline. She is a constant reminder of every feature in a woman that I despise. It keeps me focused.”
To this candid assessment, Colonel Fitzwilliam only laughed, and after promising to call during his off-duty hours, the two parted. By now, the sun was waning and Darcy made his way back to Netherfield. The outing had done him a world of good, despite the unpleasant discovery of the presence of George Wickham. But it was better to be forewarned than taken by surprise.
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