*****
Elizabeth Bennet had only a singular thought when she arrived at Netherfield. Entering the sick room, she found Jane propped up comfortably, but the evidence presented by a swollen nose and bleary eyes confirmed her illness. At a respectable distance and with chamber door open, Charles Bingley put down the book of poetry he was reading aloud.
“Dear Jane, I shall never forgive our mother for her foolishness. It is a wonder that you have not expired!”
“Oh Lizzie, it is not so bad as that, but I must admit to feeling positively terrible.”
“But a beautiful terrible she is.”
“Agreed, but I fear our mother would rather see us dead than have her efforts ruined.”
Charles only shrugged and smiled. He was all to familiar with matchmaking mamas to be insulted by their machinations. If he and Caroline had not been orphaned, they two would have suffered the same. And it mattered not, for even in her distress, he found himself only growing in attachment to Miss Jane Bennet. Now, with her sister present, Jane stifled a yawn. The mere presence of family had made her visibly relax.
“I shall leave you two alone, but Miss Bennet, do not feel that you must remove your sister. I insist you stay with us until she is recovered. I would not forgive myself, should she relapse.”
“Thank you, I accept, but could a servant be sent for some personal items?”
“Of course, I shall see to it immediately.”
Once alone, Elizabeth closed the chamber door and took a seat at Jane’s bedside.
“Well Jane, it appears that you have managed a great feat. Even in your miserable condition, you have managed to get a man to fall in love with you.”
“Oh Lizzie… don’t make me laugh, it hurts too much.”
“I am perfectly serious, but we can discuss this later. For now, shut your eyes and sleep.”
~Ten~
Another week passed before Jane Bennet was deemed fit to rise from her bed, but she was far from completely well. Until then, Elizabeth spent her hours between caring for her sister and tolerating the company of Caroline Bingley. Charles Bingley was a contrast to his sister, he possessed a heart of gold, but Elizabeth feared the overbearing influence of both Caroline and the dark brooding man he called friend. Mr. Darcy, polite yet aloof, limited his interactions, preferring to occupy himself with correspondence or reading in the hours between dinner and bed. Taking up a novel, Elizabeth did her best to appear absorbed, but was unable to deter the attention of Miss Bingley. Assuming it was utter boredom that drove the woman to seek her company, Elizabeth put down her book in a gesture of friendship, but steeled herself against what would surely be thinly veiled abuse. Looking across the room, she caught Mr. Darcy’s eye for the briefest moment and believed she saw what could only be called sympathy before returning to his letter.
“Miss Bennet, whatever is so fascinating in that book? You have been sitting quietly for far too long. Just yesterday, Darcy was saying that exercise is of great benefit to ladies. Might you take a turn about the room with me?”
Darcy watched as Elizabeth rose and took Caroline’s arm. Whatever she was up to, he wanted no part, but it was difficult to keep his attentions from the odd expression now worn by Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Seeing the exchange, Caroline, feeling left out of some great secret, pouted and turned her venom on them both.
“What is so amusing? I insist you share it.”
“Oh, I was just thinking of how to describe Miss Bennet to my sister.”
“Indeed, and what have you said?”
“Nothing yet, but I had considered mentioning that Miss Elizabeth Bennet is the first woman that I have encountered in quite some time that actually does read. A person cannot rest on past accomplishments, but must constantly seek to improve.”
Not expecting any sort of compliment, the lady in question colored for a moment before replying.
“I fear that I am not so accomplished as your London acquaintances. More practical skills are often required in the country, but we do our best.”
Charles Bingley entered the room just as Elizabeth spoke, accompanied by his younger sister Louisa and her husband Mr. Hurst. Having arrived the previous evening, Elizabeth had been spared their company.
“Surely you are well versed in the usual female arts? Singing, playing the pianoforte and embroidering?” Charles insisted, but encountered expressions of exasperation from his siblings.
“That is hardly what it takes to be truly accomplished. Take Miss Darcy for example. Georgiana is possessed of a grace of manners, elegant poise in movement and is classically educated. There is far more to the label of being accomplished than sewing a cushion,” Louisa insisted.
Darcy could not deny this truth, but it seemed that many of the so-called accomplishments had little value beyond entertainment in a drawing room. Caring for one’s family when ill was far more important than learning French or Italian.
“Then perhaps I shall say nothing, and let Georgiana form her own opinions of Miss Bennet. I fear that any description of mine will not give proper justice.”
Darcy watched again as Elizabeth Bennet colored slightly. He had not intended to embarrass her, but relieve the snobbish assault upon her person.
“Do excuse me, but I should like to sit with Jane a bit before retiring.”
Once gone, it seemed that all present immediately forgot her existence and turned to cards. To them, Elizabeth Bennet was hardly more than a servant, that is, everyone, save Darcy. He was quite tired himself of the caustic banter. Were spite and lies also an accomplishment of ladies? If so, then he found his tastes going towards those less practiced.
*****
The monotonous pattern continued for nearly anther week before Darcy found himself in the unfortunate situation of being present when Mrs. Bennet arrived to investigate the condition of her eldest daughter. Piqued, he was disgusted that the woman waited nearly a fortnight before expressing her concern. Making matters worse, she had brought her two youngest daughters as well. Now, after spending a mere five minutes assessing Jane’s health, Mrs. Bennet repaired to Netherfield’s parlor and persisted in giving unwanted opinions between loud slurps of tea. Her shrill voice was only eclipsed by the incessant chatter of Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia Bennet. Darcy sorely wished himself elsewhere, but as he could not, tried to refrain from telling all of them to be silent. How had such a woman given birth to children of so drastically different temperaments? His first impression of Jane Bennet had remained unchanged. While she demonstrated all the best of manners and disposition, he could not say that any particular emotion towards Charles was evident. Much like a porcelain doll, Jane Bennet did what was expected of a young lady and nothing more. Of Elizabeth Bennet, he found his opinions changing. Her openness was refreshing, there appeared to be no attempt to hide behind conventions or coyness of behavior. If only her family was not so wholly inappropriate and beneath his own standing, he might find himself liking her more. Unfortunately, that was a chasm too great to bridge, especially where Mrs. Bennet was concerned.
“Mr. Darcy! Have you not heard a single word?” the matron of Longbourn screeched.
“My apologies madam, I have been rather distracted. What were you saying?”
“Mr. Bingley has agreed to host a ball. Is that not a fine idea? Of course, we shall wait until my dear Jane is completely recovered. She is far to ill to be attending such functions as of yet.”
“If it pleases Mr. Bingley, then how can I object?”
“Whoever would object to a ball? What nonsenses. All of the local families would be delighted to attend.”
“Mama… Mama, shouldn’t the regiment be included? There are always far more ladies without them. It won’t be as much fun without Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham,” Lydia Bennet insisted.
“Of course, we shall. I consider it most patriotic, but some may have duties to attend that are far more important,” Mr. Bingley agreed.
Darcy blanched at the mention of George Wickham. He would not
be present at any function in which that man was invited. Frowning, he resolved to speak privately with Colonel Fitzwilliam later if necessary. At the moment, Mrs. Bennet gave him no peace. Attempting to recall the question she directed his way, Darcy found himself asking her to repeat the query. Unfortunately, it only resulted in her speaking more loudly than before. She must have though his inattention to be due to deficient hearing.
“Mr. who?”
“Mr. Collins… The reverend William Collins. He is cousin and heir to my husband’s estate. We have gotten word of his desire to extend friendship. But I believe he simply wants to appraise his inheritance in the hopes that my husband soon dies.”
“I don’t see how…”
“If you would allow me to finish, I shall explain…Mr. Collins is in the employ of your esteemed aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Apparently, the living is quite a comfortable one, but she has deemed it necessary that he marry. If he were to choose one of my girls, it would be looked upon favorably.”
To this, the younger Bennet sisters erupted in titters of giggles, while Elizabeth looked heavenward for assistance. Observing, Darcy wondered how much influence this unknown person had upon the Bennet family. Would Mrs. Bennet be willing to sacrifice one of her children to ensure the retention of her home? The prospect was grim, but he was well experienced with what a parent would do to avoid poverty.
“I do not believe that I have ever met the gentleman,” Darcy replied.
“Then I am pleased you will have the opportunity. He is due to arrive by the end of the week and shall accompany us… if Mr. Bingley agrees of course.”
“He shall be most welcome,” Bingley said.
Feeling she had accomplished her goals, Mrs. Bennet rose and instructed her daughters to follow. It was only after the sound of the hall door closing on the gaggle, did Elizabeth escape to the security of Jane’s chamber. Darcy was sympathetic as he watched her retreat, knowing that her embarrassment was great.
“I don’t know how you tolerate them. It was quite rude to insist we invite the entire regiment.” Caroline stated flatly.
“They are not so bad. Besides, it is Jane’s company that makes it all worth it. Only higher ranking officers will be invited anyway, surely that pleases you, Caroline,” Charles countered.
“It matters not to me who you invite. My concerns are about Miss Bennet. Does she return your affection? Or is she simply doing her mother’s bidding?” Darcy asked.
To this question, Charles did not answer. His ready smile slowly evaporated as he contemplated it. The desire to immediately deny the accusation was held in check by his own doubts.
“I believe it is far too early to suggest any serious attachment, don’t you agree?”
Mollified, Darcy let the matter drop, but he would do his best to keep his friend from falling into a trap that would lead to an unhappy marriage.
~Eleven~
After a few more days, despite Mrs. Bennet’s insistence that a carriage could not be sent, Darcy watched as Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, making use of a borrowed conveyance, made their way back to Longbourn. In truth, all traces of illness were gone from Jane’s face and she wore a wistful smile when they waved good bye.
“I shall call upon you soon. I must know how you are faring,” Charles insisted. He had not wanted her to go, but needed time to reflect upon his own emotions. Was it as Darcy had said? Did Jane only do what was necessary to secure a good marriage? Having been the product of a love match, Charles wanted the same for not only himself, but everyone he encountered. Looking to the man that had prodded this dilemma, he noticed Darcy’s own expression of longing. If he were to guess, Darcy had become quite taken with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
However, despite his promise. Charles Bingley found himself unable to keep his word to attend Jane at Longbourn. Instead, a note, included inside the invitation to the Netherfield Ball, made the excuse of desiring to ensure the best of hospitality had rendered his visitation impossible. This change, did little to deter the plans of Mrs. Bennet as she contemplated how to proceed.
“Now that is a strange thing, but when Mr. Bingley lays eyes upon our Jane in her new gown, he will be completely enamored! Surely, an offer of marriage will be forthwith. Until then, we must make do with Mr. Collins.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes at her mother. With her attentions focused on Jane marrying Mr. Bingley, she had been thrust mercilessly into the company of Mr. Collins. At first, she had tried to be civil, but found herself making constant comparisons between the short, pudgy minister and the aristocratic form of Mr. Darcy. Despite Darcy’s arrogant displays of superiority, she found herself strangely drawn to him. This had resulted in a shortness of temper whenever Mr. Collins was near, and that same morning she had lost it completely.
“Mr. Collins, I insist you give me some space. It is not appropriate for you to seek my company without chaperonage.”
“But we are cousins, and I am a man of the church, accustomed to taking private conversations from those in need of divine guidance. There cannot be anything out of order between us.”
“I must insist. I do not seek your counsel, religious or otherwise. Perhaps Mary would be more receptive.”
“I do not believe that Miss Mary and I are of a similar mind. But with you, I see a kindred spirit.”
“You must be delusional. Last night’s dinner must have unsettled your mind.”
The Reverend William Collins did not know how to respond to such candor and decided it was simply an inconsistency known to women possessed by feelings of repressed love. He vowed to renew his attentions after the ball tomorrow. The social function was an opportunity to make new acquaintances and further his circle of influence. As the future owner of an estate, connections were of the greatest importance. Even the selection of a wife must take into account her connections. A minister could not be too careful.
*****
As the evening of the ball arrived, Darcy made himself scarce when the first guests arrived. Despite the insistence of both Charles and Caroline, he refused to be part of the receiving line.
“No, this is your house, and mayhap, permanent home. You must be seen as host. My presence will only cause confusion. I shall amuse myself sampling your new cook’s delicacies.”
It was in this exact act, nearly an hour later, that Darcy was accosted by a stranger, insisting they were somehow acquainted. Replacing the lemon tart on his plate, he looked down at his assailant, thinking the man resembled a small troll.
“Mr. Darcy? I believe we share a mutual connection through your esteemed aunt, my patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
“Indeed? And you are?”
“William Collins… Reverend William Collins, vicar to your aunt and cousin of the Bennets.”
“How fortunate,” Darcy replied and tried to escape but the little man followed him, prattling away.
“I find the company of your Aunt most stimulating and take her advice with great consideration. This is what has prompted my visit to Longbourn. As you may not be aware, I am the heir to the estate, and Lady Catherine has made it clear that I should not waste the opportunity to select a wife from one of my lovely cousins. At first, I thought cousin Jane the perfect choice, after all, she is the eldest and uncommonly beautiful. But when Mrs. Bennet suggested that she was soon to be engaged, I set my sights on cousin Elizabeth. Surely, she will see the sense in our union and agree.”
Half ignoring the babbling fool, Darcy froze at the suggestion of Jane or Elizabeth Bennet marrying. To his knowledge, Charles had made no offer, nor had Elizabeth hinted at an engagement of her own.
“You? Engaged to Miss Elizbeth Bennet?”
“Of course, as soon as she gives up her false pretense of disinterest. I fear that is a characteristic of most ladies.”
“So, she has not accepted?”
“Well… no… not exactly. I have only but hinted at an offer, but I am sure of an acceptance when I do. Ladies like to hold we gentlemen in wait with denials
of affection.”
“Hmm… so the lady does possess good sense.”
Thinking Darcy in agreement, Collins only nodded and waved across the room to where Elizabeth and Jane stood amongst their Meryton acquaintances, including Miss Charlotte Lucas, who was the only one to return the gesture. Seeing an opportunity, Collins abandoned Darcy as he made his way across the ballroom, but his short legs left him behind as the taller man’s pace eclipsed his clumsy gait.
“Miss Bennet? May I have the honor of the next dance?” Darcy asked, surprised at his own actions, but the thought of Reverend Collins, dancing with Elizabeth irritated him immensely. Collins’ stature was small enough to place his eyes directly in line with Miss Bennet’s ample bosom. This created a mixed emotion of jealousy and revulsion. Forcing the feeling aside, he was relieved when she accepted.
“You may have spared my feet from great abuse. I hope cousin William was not boring you terribly?”
“At your service, and no, he was actually quite informative. I suppose congratulations are in order?”
“Whatever for?”
“Your upcoming marriage… and that of your sister Jane, although I had hoped to hear it from Charles first.”
“I have no idea to what you refer. I am not, nor is my sister presently engaged to anyone. It seems gossips are at work, it would be foolish to give them credit.”
“Agreed, yet gossip does not exist without cause.”
Darcy gestured to where Jane and Charles danced, noting the way they seemed to have eyes only for the other.
“What are your opinions of that?” he asked, carefully gauging her reaction for any sign of private knowledge.
“I think that I am not the one to have any opinion. If she is pleased with him, and he her, then why should any other person interfere? It would be arrogant and presumptuous to believe that one person can decide another’s happiness.”
Elizbeth Bennet had stared directly in to his eyes as she replied. It was almost as if she issued both a challenge and a warning. Was she too, guilty of matchmaking to save the family fortune? A marriage between Jane and Charles would financially eliminate the need for any other Bennet sister to marry exceptionally well, saving Elizabeth from men like Collins. Bowing stiffly at the end of the dance, he excused himself and left the common rooms. Suddenly, Darcy found a strong desire for brandy in great quantities. Perhaps if he were drunk, it would drown out all traces of Elizabeth Bennet.
Darcy's Heart Page 4