Elizabeth went towards Jane, who was at that moment emerging on to the deck.
Jane had spent some of her time in the fresh air on deck with Elizabeth and Mary but she had spent much of it in the cabin, attending to their mother who had complained since setting foot on the ship. Mrs Bennet had fancied herself sea sick when in truth she had eaten too much at breakfast.
But now the family were all together again and, escorted by Mr Gardiner, they left the ship.
Elizabeth laughed as the gangplank swayed beneath her feet. The movement was unexpected but exciting. She caught hold of the ropes at either side, which formed a kind of banister, and she managed to steady herself and safely leave the ship.
Mrs Bennet, coming behind her, waved her arms around alarmingly and nearly toppled over the side, but Mr Gardiner caught her and they all managed to reach dry land without any mishap.
‘I have booked a room at the inn for tonight,’ said Mr Gardiner. ‘Then we will travel on to Brussels tomorrow.’
Elizabeth heaved a sigh of relief, for she had seen Mr Darcy hand his sister into a carriage and it had already set off in the direction of Brussels, so now she need have no fear of meeting him again unexpectedly at the inn.
Mr Wickham, too, did not linger in Ostend. He joined a large group of officers. From their jovial conversation, which reached her on the breeze, they were all leaving Ostend at once, for they had to join their new regiments at the earliest possible opportunity.
Elizabeth’s party refreshed themselves in their chambers and then took a meal. Afterwards. Elizabeth asked Jane if she would like to walk down the lane. Jane agreed, and Mr Gardiner sent his footman to accompany the young ladies, to protect their reputation and ensure their safety.
The leafy lane was very pretty. The leaves were unfurling their leaves, which were lime green with the start of spring, and the ground beneath their feet was sandy. The sky was blue and the birds were singing. It was a pleasant change from the deck of the ship.
Here Elizabeth told Jane about everything that had happened.
‘How unfortunate,’ said Jane, as she heard about Elizabeth stumbling against Mr Wickham. ‘But it cannot be helped.’
‘No. Only I wish it had not happened. I cannot bear Mr Darcy to think ill of me. If you had seen his face, Jane . . . ’
Jane squeezed her hand sympathetically.
‘I think you like Mr Darcy more than you admit, Lizzy,’ said Jane.
‘Why do you say that?’ asked Elizabeth.
‘Because you worry about what he thinks of you, and you want him to think well of you.’
‘I must admit, Jane, that my feelings towards him have undergone such a transformation that I now think him one of the best gentlemen who ever lived – or I would, if he could overcome his abominable pride. But it spoils everything. And so, although I must admit I would like him to think well of me, I cannot truly regret him, for he looks down on some of the people I hold the dearest and he has spoilt your happiness, perhaps forever.’
‘No, this is going too far,’ said Jane. ‘Mr Darcy has never done me any harm, except that he has upset my beloved Lizzy.’
Elizabeth caught herself up sharply, reminding herself that Jane did not know Mr Darcy was responsible for separating her from Mr Bingley. And Jane must never know, for it would make her unhappy.
They reached the end of the lane and they turned round and walked back to the inn.
As they did so, Elizabeth wished that Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham had remained in London, and that the gentleman who had decided to visit Brussels had been Mr Bingley instead.
Elizabeth stole a look at Jane. Even without the presence of Mr Bingley, Jane looked better than she had for some time. The novelty of the trip and the interest of new places was working its charm on her. Perhaps, in Brussels, Jane would be able to forget Mr Bingley. Perhaps she would even find a new object of her affections.
Perhaps I will, too, thought Elizabeth, attempting to laugh herself out of her low spirits. Perhaps, in time, I will be lucky enough to meet with another Mr Collins!
This was so ridiculous that she chuckled to herself, and she was glad of that burst of laughter. It fortified her against the trials to come. For although she was looking forward to her stay in Brussels, she knew that Lydia would embarrass her, and that chance meetings with Mr Darcy lurked around every corner.
Chapter Seven
Mr Darcy was glad to reach Brussels, where his aunt, Lady Fitzwilliam, had hired a splendid residence. As a countess, his aunt was used to the best in life, and the house had a good address, with an extensive frontage. It was an impressive size.
He and Georgiana were warmly greeted by Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam, together with three of their children. Lady Susan was the oldest at twenty-one and she was about to become engaged. Lady Clara was seventeen and Lady Anna was sixteen. They were all dressed in the latest styles and their European clothes were very chic.
Lady Clara and Lady Anna fussed over Georgiana, removing her bonnet and laughing over her dress, which they said would not do for Brussels.
‘It has a straight skirt!’ said Lady Clara. ‘Mama, you must tell Madame duPont to make Georgiana a new wardrobe immediately. She must have flared skirts, and she must have frills around the hem, as we have.’
‘Georgiana is too young to be thinking of fashions,’ said Mr Darcy.
‘I disagree,’ said Lady Fitzwilliam. ‘She is old enough to be taking an interest. The girls are right. A visit to the modiste is called for. We will go tomorrow morning.’
‘I can see I am outnumbered,’ said Mr Darcy looking at the five women in front of him. ‘I believe I will have to concede. But I want to take Georgiana riding first, before you spirit her away. She has not had any exercise since we started our journey.’
‘Oh, yes, I do so love to ride,’ said Georgiana. ‘My brother has told me there are some beautiful rides hereabouts and I am looking forward to experiencing them.’
‘Very well. You must ride early, for your habit will not be in the latest style, and you would not wish to be seen in an outmoded costume. But as long as you set out in good time there can be no harm in it.’
She led the way into the drawing-room. They all settled themselves down on the splendid gilded sofas, which were covered in elegant tapestries. Then she rang for tea.
‘Now you must tell me about your journey. I am longing to hear all about it,’ said Lady Fitzwilliam.
Georgiana told her aunt all about it and Mr Darcy added things where necessary.
But the most important part of the journey – his sight of Elizabeth – was something he kept to himself.
Three days later, Mrs Gardiner and her family arrived in Brussels. The journey from Ostend had taken some days, for they had travelled at a leisurely pace in order to see something of the countryside. They were given a warm welcome by Mrs Gardiner’s friend, who was an elegant woman by the name of Mrs Stacey. Mrs Stacey said how pleased she was to see them and then said she would let them rest before they joined her and her husband for dinner. Mrs Gardiners’ party were glad of a chance to relax before going downstairs.
The house was beautiful, and far more grand than anything Elizabeth and Jane were used to. Their own house of Longbourn was a pleasant country house, a gentleman’s residence, but it was homely rather than grand. Elizabeth and Jane were to share a bedroom on the second floor as the first floor was taken up with the ballroom and drawing-room. The housekeeper conducted them to the room and both young ladies were delighted with it.
The windows looked on to a square which was surrounded by similar buildings. They all had intricate architecture and a quaint foreign look which Elizabeth found lovely. The windows let in plenty of light and the sun fell in stripes across the two large beds and the dressing table. In the less sunny part of the room there was a large wardrobe and the two young ladies were soon hanging up their clothes, for the Bennets had only one helper between them – their Longbourn housekeeper, Hill - and she was helping Mrs B
ennet.
The group met again at dinner. Mr Stacey was introduced. He was one of the officers who saw to the provisioning of the army and he was very busy. He welcomed them cordially but he said little throughout dinner as he was clearly pre-occupied and then he went out again.
‘You must forgive my husband,’ said Mrs Stacey. ‘Ever since Napoleon marched on Paris he has been very busy and he does not have much time to be sociable. But now let us talk about pleasanter things. I mean to show you this beautiful city and I would like to begin by taking you to the Allée Verte tomorrow morning. It is a country lane by the canal and it is where the important people go to ride their horses and promenade. It is well worth seeing.’
‘I should like that,’ said Mrs Gardiner.
‘Oh! I would like it above all things if all the important people go there,’ said Mrs Bennet. ‘I am sure my girls are good enough for anywhere. Jane cannot be so beautiful for nothing, though Mr Bingley has sadly let us down.’
Elizabeth’s spirits plummeted at this silly speech from her mother, but Mrs Gardiner rescued the situation by diverting Mrs Bennet’s thoughts to the matter of Lydia.
‘I am sure she will like to know we have reached Brussels. Perhaps you could write to her,’ said Mrs Gardiner.
‘The very thing!’ said Mrs Bennet. ‘I will write to her directly. We can meet her tomorrow morning.’
Mrs Stacey looked at Mrs Gardiner enquiringly and Mrs Gardiner explained that the youngest Miss Bennet was staying with military friends.
‘I am sure you are eager to see her again,’ said Mrs Stacey. ‘The Allée Verte is well worth visiting and I am sure she will like it.’
They had all finished their meal by this time and so they went through into the drawing-room. Mrs Bennet wrote Lydia a short note, asking to see her, and Mrs Stacey sent the footman to deliver it. He was told to wait for a reply and he soon returned. The note from Lydia was wild and incoherent, with a great many mentions of balls and officers, and there was a note for Kitty enclosed, which was full of crossings out and underlinings. But it was clear that Lydia was looking forward to meeting them and that she, together with Mrs Forster and a footman for a chaperon, would be in the Allée Verte at nine o’clock the following morning.
Mr Darcy took his sister riding in the Allée Verte. They rode on two splendid mounts that Lady Fitzwilliam lent them, with Mr Darcy riding a stallion and Georgiana riding a white mare. Georgiana had borrowed a riding habit from Lady Clara, who was much the same size as her, and she intended to wear it until her own habit was ready. She looked very lovely, for it was dark blue and it brought out the colour of her eyes. It was decorated with gold braid which mimicked the braiding on the military uniforms all around them, for the military look had invaded every area of fashion. There were epaulettes and gold buttons on coats, and there were military-style hats which replaced the more familiar bonnets.
The whole family was riding this morning. Lady Fitzwilliam and her daughters had accompanied Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy. Even Colonel Fitzwilliam had been free to join them. They cantered to the end of the pretty leafy lane and then turned back, preparing to canter back again, when Mr Darcy froze in the saddle, for there, walking towards him, was Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
She was not with Mr Wickham. That was the first thing he saw. The second thing he saw was that she was with her mother and her four sisters, together with two middle-aged women he did not know and a middle-aged gentleman. The middle-aged people looked to be people of fashion and he thought how well they looked next to Elizabeth.
She was looking very becoming in an amber coloured spencer over a white muslin gown, with a straw bonnet. Her clothes were not in the European fashion but he liked them very well. They suited her dark hair, clear complexion and her lithe figure.
There were several officers with the party as well. He recognised one of them as Colonel Forster, who had belonged to the Meryton militia. By his uniform, he had now joined the regular army. On Colonel Forster’s arm was his wife, Mrs Forster. Mr Darcy remembered that Miss Lydia Bennet had been a particular friend of Mrs Forster, and so he understood why the two ladies were together. They were talking in an animated fashion. Lydia was her usual exuberant self, waving her arms about as she talked.
Mr Darcy was disheartened, for he knew he could not avoid a meeting. But there would be no need to do anything beyond touching his hat and wishing them, ‘Good day.’
The two parties drew closer until they were almost level with each other.
Mr Darcy saw a flush spring to Elizabeth’s cheek. He could not help thinking how well it made her look. He said a polite, ‘Good day,’ and he was just riding on when suddenly a bird flew up in front of Georgiana’s mare. The animal took fright and reared. Mr Darcy’s heart stopped. He saw his sister struggle to keep a hold but she had been taken by surprise and he feared she would be thrown. But then Lydia Bennet’s arm, which had been flailing around as she talked, happened to catch hold of the bridle at the perfect moment and it was just enough to allow Georgiana to regain control of her mare and calm the frightened animal.
It was all over in a matter of seconds, but it had been a frightening few seconds for all concerned.
‘How very fortunate,’ said Lady Fitzwilliam in a heartfelt manner.
It was clear from her voice that she had been just as worried as Mr Darcy. They all loved Georgiana, who was a favourite with the whole family.
‘We owe you a debt of gratitude,’ she said to Lydia.
Lydia was less noisy than usual for a moment. She had been as startled as the rest of them and she said politely, ‘It was nothing.’
‘I beg your pardon, but it was definitely something,’ said Lady Fitzwilliam. She turned to Mr Darcy and said, ‘Will you not introduce me to your friends?’
She had taken them for friends because Mr Darcy had greeted them and now Mr Darcy had no choice but to introduce them.
Lady Fitzwilliam was very gracious towards them. Then she said, ‘I am holding a ball next week. I would be very glad if you would all attend. There will be dancing for the young people who are not yet out in one of the downstairs rooms, as well as the ball for adults, so no one need be left out. I will send a footman with invitations as soon as we return home. Where are you residing?’
Mrs Bennet was so dazzled by the thought of a countess inviting her and her daughters to a ball that, for once, she was speechless. But Mrs Gardiner sensibly gave the address.
‘Then we will look forward to seeing you,’ said Lady Fitzwilliam.
The gentlemen bowed, the ladies curtseyed, and the two parties went their separate ways.
Mr Darcy felt a range of conflicting emotions churning within his breast. He longed to see Elizabeth again, but he could not bear it if she was the wife of George Wickham.
But was she?
‘You are very quiet, Darcy,’ said Lady Fitzwilliam as they turned for home.
‘I have had a shock,’ he said.
Lady Fitzwilliam nodded gravely.
‘Yes, it was a nasty moment. It shocked us all.’
But Mr Darcy was not thinking of the shock of his sister’s near accident. That had been terrible, but he had recovered from the horrible feeling once she was safe.
No, this shock was something else. For Elizabeth had blushed and looked down at the ground when his aunt had invited the Bennets to the ball. But before her beautiful eyes had been hidden from view, they had looked at him with such longing that it had scorched his soul.
What does it mean?
But no matter how many times he asked himself that question, he could not find an answer.
Chapter Eight
Once Mrs Bennet had recovered from the shock of being invited to Lady Fitzwilliam’s ball she could talk of nothing else. Even the Gardiners and the Staceys were excited, although they expressed themselves more moderately. Lady Fitzwilliam was a great lady and her balls were renowned for being full of the most influential people.
It was necessary that the lad
ies should have new gowns for the ball and Mrs Stacey recommended her own dressmaker. To begin with, the dressmaker declared she was too busy, but once she knew that the gowns were to be worn at Lady Fitzwilliam’s ball she said she would be honoured to dress the ladies.
The day after receiving their invitations, therefore, the ladies all set out for the dressmaker’s shop, with Lydia making one of the party. ‘For you have me to thank for the invitation,’ she said.
‘How true, Lydia!’ said Mrs Bennet. ‘I have always said you are clever and indeed you have exceeded my expectations, for you have arranged for us all to attend one of the most talked-about events in Brussels!’
Elizabeth and Jane exchanged glances but they knew better than to protest, for Mrs Bennet could not be made to see reason. Lydia did not arrange it, and it was only a lucky chance that had made it possible, but Mrs Bennet continued to praise Lydia, quite as if she had done something intentional.
Elizabeth was interested in all the styles and fabrics they viewed in the dressmaker’s workroom, but she could not keep her mind on her clothes, for she kept thinking about Mr Darcy. When he had been introduced to Mr and Mrs Gardiner he had evidently been surprised to find they were her aunt and uncle, for it was clear he had taken them for people of fashion. Not people of the latest fashion, it was true, for everyone who arrived in Brussels looked sadly out of date until they had visited the dressmaker or tailor, but still he had been impressed with them. Elizabeth hugged herself to think that she had some relations she did not have to be ashamed of.
‘And what would you like?’ the dressmaker asked Mary, once she had attended to the other ladies.
‘Oh, it does not signify what Mary wears,’ said Mrs Bennet.
She had not seen Mary on the ship, when she had looked so much prettier as she spoke to Mr Manningham, because she had spent the voyage in her cabin.
Darcy and Elizabeth What If? Collection 3 Page 23