by Head, Gail
Above him, the ladies of Longbourn continued in a flurry of excitement. They had each met the extraordinary news of Mr. Bingley's unexpected return and the subsequent invitation to Lucas Lodge with varying degrees of concern.
Mrs. Bennet's excitement, as anticipated, was barely contained at the prospect of Mr. Bingley renewing his attentions to Jane, and she spent every waking moment devising a myriad of schemes to bring the two young people together. Her primary concern tonight was for how very fine her eldest daughter should look when they met again.
Mary's concern was that she had to go at all. Her unfortunate experience performing at Mr. Bingley's ball had created such a reluctance to venture into society that she nearly always preferred to stay at home with a good book. Tonight, however, her mother had declared that every Bennet would attend, and thus she reluctantly prepared for the ordeal.
It was no surprise that Lydia and Kitty's concerns were for nothing but fineries, ribbons, and lace. The invitation was merely another opportunity to enjoy themselves; and the fact that several favored officers would be in attendance only heightened their anticipation.
Jane had two concerns. The first was her mother's excessive attention to every detail of her appearance; and, the second was the endless whispers and sly glances she would have to endure while the whole room assessed her chances for Mr. Bingley's renewed addresses. For some time now she had endeavored to maintain an indifferent expression whenever the painful topic of Mr. Bingley was discussed. That feat had been difficult enough; but now that the man himself had come, she was not entirely certain she would succeed in her efforts.
Elizabeth's concern was for an entirely different reason. While she was happy for Mr. Bingley's return, she also knew that Mr. Wickham was among the officers invited to Lucas Lodge. Lydia's recent teasings that Mr. Wickham now preferred her own company above Elizabeth's had stirred some apprehension, especially in light of Mr. Darcy's account of the gentleman's misdeeds.
In the few weeks since her return to Longbourn, Elizabeth had succeeded in avoiding Mr. Wickham's company altogether. Now she would be forced to share the same room with him for an entire evening. The only redeeming feature of the dreaded affair would be the chance to observe Wickham and Lydia together and determine whether the attraction was factual or idle boasting. Any particular attention to a girl of fifteen such as Lydia, by a man at least ten years her senior, would certainly be cause for alarm.
Elizabeth's sense of justice cried out to expose Wickham for the scoundrel he was, yet she could not. Although Mr. Darcy had entrusted her with details of the villain's despicable acts against the Darcy family, astonishingly in spite of her impertinent words at Hunsford, he had not given permission to make public such intimate knowledge – nor was he likely to. She could not reveal the smallest part of Wickham's deceit to anyone; it was not to be done.
* * * *
“Jane, prepare yourself,” Elizabeth murmured cheerfully as she gazed over her sister's shoulder. “Mr. Bingley is coming this way!”
“It is possible you are mistaken, Lizzy. There are others in this part of the room as well, you know.”
“Yes, but he is not looking at the others. He is looking at you! He has not taken his eyes off you since we arrived. He looks a bit hesitant, but I would wager he is eager to speak with you.”
“Truly?” Jane struggled to keep her rising panic from showing. “Oh, Lizzy, I cannot do this. I thought I would be able to face him, but I cannot!”
Elizabeth's reassuring hand shot out, catching Jane before she could escape. “Yes, you can. I have the feeling this will all turn out very well; but in any case, I shall stay by your side for as long as you need me.”
Her hand remained on Jane's arm as Mr. Bingley neared. Hoping to ease the awkwardness of the moment, Elizabeth stepped forward with a welcoming smile.
“Mr. Bingley, how delightful to see you back in Hertfordshire! Is it business or pleasure that brings you back to the neighborhood?”
“Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet. It is good to be back. So very good! I have come on some business, but I hope to spend some time renewing old acquaintances as well. Some time…I hope.”
Bingley's silent appeal to Jane for a sign of encouragement was rewarded with a small, diffident smile. It was a beginning!
Elizabeth cheerfully commented on the weather and amused Mr. Bingley with tidbits of neighborhood news until Jane felt strong enough to venture some remarks of her own. In a very short time, the two were conversing comfortably enough that Elizabeth made her excuses and left them alone. Walking away, she could not help smiling for Jane. From the looks of it, Mr. Bingley did indeed intend to renew old acquaintances!
At the announcement of dinner, Mr. Wickham moved in Elizabeth's direction only to be diverted by Lydia laying claim to his arm. Casting an enigmatic glance at Elizabeth, he allowed himself to be pulled into the dining room. While Elizabeth had no wish to be in his company, her sister's flirtatious manner was fast becoming an object of great concern.
Her troubled thoughts were interrupted when Mr. Bingley approached with Jane firmly established on one arm, and offered to escort the two sisters into dinner. Coming to the table, Elizabeth worried that she would be forced to make polite conversation with Wickham during the courses, but she soon found her place far enough from him so as to make any conversation impossible.
Happily, Lydia's place was also at a distance which prevented conversation with Mr. Wickham. Elizabeth was quite pleased with the arrangements until she observed that they were not sufficient to prevent Lydia from catching Wickham's eye and sending him a mischievous smile.
After the meal was cleared away, the gentlemen remained for brandy and cigars while the ladies withdrew to the salon. Elizabeth persuaded a reluctant Mary to play the piano-forte and an unobtrusive melody filled the room as the ladies talked of fashion and neighborhood affairs, Mr. Bingley's return to Netherfield being the favored topic.
When the men rejoined the ladies, Elizabeth observed Mr. Wickham's veiled attempts to single her out. More than once his efforts were thwarted by Lydia's sudden demand for attention. Slowly moving away whenever necessary, Elizabeth purposely maintained a comfortable distance from the only man in the room she wished to avoid.
Making another change, she joined Sir William and Lady Lucas in their conversation with Colonel Forster. Sir William was enthusiastically describing his most recent experience at court when Elizabeth's gaze drifted to Jane and Mr. Bingley seated in a corner of the room, their heads bent in private conversation. The sight gave her pause. What did Mr. Bingley's presence in Hertfordshire signify? If Mr. Darcy takes such prodigious interest in Mr. Bingley's affairs, surely he knows of the return. Could it be Mr. Darcy has reconsidered his interference and has encouraged his friend to this present course?
She owned that she had been so very wrong about Mr. Darcy! Her cheeks flushed with the memory of how Mr. Wickham had skillfully employed his charm and good looks in such a way that she had eagerly accepted his attentions and his stories without question. The malicious account of ill-treatment at the hands of a prideful Mr. Darcy had been especially satisfying as it had served to give substance to her own pronouncements against the man's character.
The truth of the matter now pricked her conscience and Elizabeth came to a grave realization. Perhaps she would have allowed for Mr. Darcy's pride had not her own been wounded by his slight at their first meeting. Her pride, obscured by faulty conviction, now lay exposed in its true nature. Until this moment, she never knew herself, and she acknowledged that her existence had been profoundly altered by this man whom she thought to never see again. Oddly, this reflection brought a sad, puzzling tug to her heart.
Forcing her attention back to Jane's plight, she very much wanted to believe – hoped, even – that a goodness on Mr. Darcy's part was the reason for Mr. Bingley's return. Carrying that thought to a logical conclusion, her eyes widened in alarm. Was Mr. Darcy here as well?!
“Sir William,” she b
lurted suddenly as he paused in his animated narrative. “I beg your pardon, but I wonder – has Mr. Bingley told you of his plans? Will he be long in the neighborhood?”
“Oh, that I cannot say for certain. However, he did say he had some pressing business that may take a little time.”
“And has he brought his entire party back to Netherfield?” she asked tentatively.
At this, Lady Lucas was happy to add her knowledge to the conversation. “He is come alone at present; but we look forward to the pleasure of his sisters' company at tea next week, for they are to come with his friend, Mr. Darcy, in a few days' time.”
Elizabeth's fleeting relief turned to alarm at the news of the impending arrival. She felt herself growing warm as the blush returned and deepened noticeably.
“Miss Eliza! Is something wrong? You look very ill, indeed!”
“No, Sir William. I mean, yes! I am fine. I just…it seems a little warm in the room. I am sure a little fresh air is all I need.”
“Shall I send for your mother or father to assist you?”
“No, please! I am quite all right. I just need some air and I shall be right again in no time!”
Elizabeth escaped to the terrace and leaned against the low stone wall that overlooked the expanse of lawn beyond. It took several deep breaths before she could begin to calm her racing heart, and then she sighed miserably. Oh, why did I not comprehend the full implication of Mr. Bingley's return? Mr. Darcy is sure to accompany him! This is wretched! I cannot possibly think to greet him with any composure! Conflicting sentiments waged war within her heart. For Jane’s sake, I am happy Mr. Bingley has come back, but I cannot bear to think of facing Mr. Darcy! Will he even abide my company after I said such hateful things to him?
Standing in a pool of moonlight, the soft rays illuminated each emotion as it crossed her face. Happiness, sadness, hope, despair…such a jumble of feelings! What was she to do?
The overwhelming distraction of her thoughts obscured the approaching footsteps until it was too late. Before she could turn away, Wickham was beside her, the soft tenor of his voice belying the annoyance she had seen on his face all evening.
“You are looking quite lovely this evening, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Mr. Wickham, you startled me! I think it unkind of you to intrude upon my solitude.”
“I had not thought the intrusion unwelcome. We have had many pleasant conversations together, have we not?”
His question brought to Elizabeth's mind the many reiterations of his woeful misfortunes inflicted by Mr. Darcy. Misfortunes indeed! Wickham's true character was now exposed, if only to her, and she was determined to have nothing more to do with him.
“Mr. Wickham, I beg you would excuse me. I must return to the party.”
“So soon? You have only just come out.”
“I came out to get some fresh air, which I have now done.”
Elizabeth took a step forward, but Wickham moved at once to block her way.
“I require only a moment of your time,” he said, flashing a charming smile which was no different than any she had seen before, but something in his look caused her to shiver in spite the warm summer air.
She stepped back, gaining some comfort in the distance, only to have Wickham move in again, a disconcerting smile on his lips. Silently she chided herself for letting her guard down and allowing him to catch her like this. A slight breeze stirred ominously, making his nearness all the more unnerving, but she refused to be intimidated. Gathering her courage, she met his look with cool indifference.
“What is it you wish to say, Mr. Wickham?”
“I understand you were often in Mr. Darcy's company during your recent visit to Kent.”
“I was.”
“And did you find him much changed? Is your opinion of him still what it was when last we met?”
“No, Mr. Wickham, I did not find him changed at all. As to my opinion, I have found that, contrary to some, Mr. Darcy improves upon closer acquaintance.”
Wickham's smile broadened a bit at her reply. “Yes, I thought as much.”
The two were silent as another breeze blew through the foliage of a nearby elm and then swirled down and around the pair, tugging at Elizabeth's dress. She frowned, wondering where the conversation was going.
Wickham looked as if he was about to speak again when Lydia's loud laughter suddenly drifted out from the crowded drawing room and his eyes flashed mischievously.
“Your sister, Lydia, is quite outspoken in her enjoyment of life, is she not?”
“I cannot say. There are many girls of fifteen who enjoy life in a high-spirited manner.”
“I must say that I find your sister's high spirits very pleasing. Yes, very pleasing, indeed.”
His evocative tone sent fear and alarm coursing through Elizabeth's veins. These were not the words of a gentleman, and they were adding a sickening reality to Mr. Darcy's account of Wickham's vile character. His close proximity was suddenly more than she could bear and she took a small step back, colliding with the rough, unyielding surface of the wall behind her. She was trapped! Her heart raced with a new fear. He had already blocked her once from returning to the house. There was no easy means of escape, unless he chose to allow it.
Again laughter was heard, this time from two young ladies seeking relief from the heat of the drawing room. With a muttered oath, Wickham stepped back as the girls came into view. Giving them an especially charming smile, he tipped his head in acknowledgment and received a cascade of nervous giggles in reply.
Relief flooded Elizabeth's strained senses and she released the breath that had caught in her throat at his last words. Regaining some of the spirit Wickham's nearness had drained from her, she met his gaze with an icy stare.
“I do not know your meaning, sir; nor do I care to. I believe this conversation is at an end!”
“I had not reached my point; but perhaps you are right. It is at an end for now. Shall we return to the party?”
He offered his arm, which she reluctantly took, and led her back inside where he promptly released her when Lydia called to him from across the room. Leaning close as he moved away, he breathed a parting whisper into her ear, “Another time then.”
Elizabeth forced a smile to her lips and bent her head to cover the shudder that shot through her body at the intimate gesture.
Wickham leisurely walked away in the direction of Lydia's laughter, clearly unhappy that he had not accomplished whatever his purpose had been. Joining the group of officers now entertaining Lydia and Kitty, Elizabeth watched as Lydia immediately pressed him for a dance. He willingly obliged and took his place in the line, looking one last time at Elizabeth before turning his full attentions to his partner.
Across the room, Jane sent her sister an enquiring gaze, looking quickly to Mr. Wickham and then back again. Elizabeth promptly dismissed Wickham's unsavory gesture with a roll of her eyes and an amused smile.
On the inside, Elizabeth did not feel the least bit like smiling. A cold dread began to settle in the pit of her stomach, giving an urgency to the desire for her sweet Jane's advice. She had to tell someone of Wickham's true character, and Jane's calm, even-tempered opinion was just what she needed to sort things out. Again she glanced at the happy couple who were still deep in conversation. She could not disturb Jane now. There would be time in the morning.
“Lizzy, why are you standing there with such a long face?” Lydia demanded as she poured herself a cup of punch. “You should be dancing like the rest of us! I shall even let you dance with Wickham if you promise not to take him off again.”
“I thank you, Lydia, but I have no wish to dance with Mr. Wickham or anyone else at the moment.”
“Well, I wish you would just once. Then you could answer all his silly questions.”
“Questions?” Elizabeth stiffened in alarm. “What sort of questions?”
“Do I think you will be walking to Meryton tomorrow…do you often accompany Kitty and me…that sort of
thing. Really, Lizzy, you had your chance with him; now it is my turn. It is unfair of you spoil it for me.”
“I can promise you, Lydia, that I have not the slightest interest in Mr. Wickham. I do my best to avoid his company, and I think you would do well to follow suit.”
“La! You are just jealous!” Lydia quipped, finishing her punch with alacrity before flashing her sister a coy smile. “Just you wait and see, I shall hold on to him much better than you ever did! I must go now. He is waiting for me!”
Elizabeth frowned at her sister's departing figure. Something had to be done to separate Lydia from Wickham. It was obvious she would not willingly give him up, but his dishonorable nature was becoming more apparent and it would not be long before any family connected with him would be censured and despised. It would not do to ruin Jane's chances again.
She had to find a way to convince her father of the danger to them all brought on by Lydia's unguarded and imprudent manner. It was crucial that he check her exuberant behavior now or she would soon be beyond the reach of amendment. A fresh outburst of raucous laughter erupted from the group of officers surrounding Lydia and Kitty, underscoring Elizabeth's thoughts.
I will speak to Father as soon as I return from my walk in the morning. Lydia's behavior must be checked at once before it destroys Jane's happiness forever!
Chapter 4
The morning sunlight filtered through the small window of the officers' quarters, bringing George Wickham awake with a jolt. What time is it? Peering at the ebony mantel clock, he scrambled from his bed. I've got to hurry! Fortunately his companions were still deep in slumber, compliments of the large quantities of wine punch Sir William had served the night before. He did not need any prying eyes or curious questions this morning. Dressing quickly, he slipped silently out into the cool, quiet morning.