by Kate Speck
William chuckled to see his young friend in high spirits. “It is very exciting, Charles. And father told me that he has invited all of you for dinner tonight. As Charles is to be included, our houseguests will also join us. We have several children in the house and all are girls, ranging from seven to fifteen.” He smiled. “They are like sisters to me and I know you enjoyed meeting Georgiana so it shall be quite pleasant.” He looked at Charles who was beaming in agreement and missed Caroline’s crinkled face.
Caroline quickly put on a smile, “I shall be delighted to meet them all. The fifteen-year-old girl, she is not yet out? I have heard mothers are eager to put their young daughters out in society at an early age, to give them a chance to capture a husband quickly. At least those from the countryside, I have been told.”
William was curious to her statement but answered truthfully, “Jane is not out but she is very graceful and pretty sort of a girl. She is often mistaken for being older than she appears but she still dresses appropriately for her age. My mother has taken a personal interest during this trip into town to change her mode of dress a little but she is a very genteel young lady. She has a younger sister...”
Caroline interrupted, “Not out yet, either, sir?”
“No,” William smiled, “Lizzy is not out yet and is likely to nev...” He stopped himself. “She is not out, Miss Bingley. She is a wonderful girl and will turn thirteen in two days.”
Caroline visibly relaxed with the information. “I am looking very much forward to meeting them.” She stood up to serve more tea for the gentlemen.
“Why are you limping again, child? I thought you were all better!” Her father noted. “We cannot have you strain yourself since you might not be able to dance tomorrow evening. Shall I excuse you from dinner tonight?”
“NO!” Caroline exclaimed then softened her voice. “It is all better, father.” She looked sheepishly at William. “Mr. Darcy had inquired of it and although it bothers me a little right now, I shall be fully mended by this evening.” She sat down again. “I will rest as much as possible for the remainder of the day.”
Caroline was relieved from the attention on herself when her sister walked in. “Mr. Darcy, this is my sister Louisa. Louisa,” she winked discreetly, “this is Mr. Darcy of Pemberley.”
Louisa Bingley curtseyed and sat next to her sister. After a quarter hour of his call, William stood to take his leave. “I shall see you all tonight at my home. I look forward to a pleasant evening with excellent conversations.”
He bowed and departed with a broad smile.
“I will see to some businesses in my study, girls. Charles, join me so you can see some of the ledgers that I look after. It will be your responsibility someday. Caroline, go and rest your ankle. If it is still bothering you this evening, I will make your excuses and the Darcys will understand. We must have you fully well by tomorrow’s ball.”
Mr. Bingley and Charles departed and Louisa asked, “Your ankle? What is wrong with your ankle now? You said you did not get hurt and you were pretending for Mr. Darcy’s attention.”
“It is fine, Louisa!” Caroline replied. “Mr. Darcy had asked about it and because I made a big deal of it when I was at Darcy House, he thought I was still helpless and I wanted to have an excuse to lean on his arm again. I shall have a miraculous recovery by tomorrow. I might pretend it still bothers me tonight so I can have his sympathy and a reason to be on his arm. It sounds as if there is one girl of marriageable age at Darcy House and I intend to make sure his eyes are on me the entire evening. Eleanor Grantley might be after him also but Mr. Darcy will be mine. I cannot imagine a more handsome or wealthier a man to court me and fall madly in love with me.”
Louisa cackled next to her sister, “He is very handsome. If I were not an engaged woman, I would be chasing him with you, Caroline. I cannot complain about Mr. Hurst, though. He pays a lot of attention to me and gifts me lovely jewellery. Take a look at what he gave me today.” She flashed her new bracelet.
“That is beautiful, Louisa! With such expensive charms on it, too!” Caroline effused. “I hope Mr. Darcy will buy me the most expensive necklaces and rings and bracelets as well. Darcy House was such a nice home and I heard the elder Mr. Darcy has £10,000 a year! 10,000! Can you imagine such a sum?”
“Perhaps you can get him to ask you for courtship at tomorrow’s ball. Get engaged by this summer and we can have a double ceremony!” Louisa clapped in joy.
~*~
Lizzy observed the woman on William’s arm who was batting her eyelashes excessively and lowering her dress to expose more skin. Her smiles looked false and something about her tone of voice did not seem honest.
After everyone took a seat in the drawing room, she turned to see Charles Bingley speaking animatedly with Jane and noted the blush on her sister’s cheeks. Mr. Darcy and her father were speaking with Mr. Bingley while Lady Anne and her mother were speaking with Miss Louisa Bingley, and the younger girls were busy chatting with each other while the two governesses looked on.
Lizzy took a seat near William and began, “I noticed you are limping, Miss Caroline. I heard about the terrible accident. Are you nearly mended?” She asked the pretty lady of seventeen years in age. “I hope you will be all recovered for the ball tomorrow.”
Caroline was caught off-guard by this young girl speaking to her. “I will be fine, child. Do not worry for me.” She curtly replied and returned her attention back to Fitzwilliam Darcy.
“Do you plan on dancing every set?” Lizzy continued to ask. “I have heard that a coming out ball is not considered successful if the lady does not dance every set. Of course, not every young lady is expected to find a marriage partner during the first year so do not lose heart if you might sit out a set or two. I know sometimes gentlemen are scarce and some may hover near the walls instead of asking ladies to dance because they are either haughty or shy.”
William chuckled at Lizzy’s statement, having discussed several times how he despised asking ladies to dance and would rather stand about the edges of the ballroom.
“Of what are you speaking, you ignorant child? Of course, I will dance every set!” Caroline blurted out. Quickly seeing the furrowed brows of young Mr. Darcy, she stood and commented, “I apologise for my outburst. It is rather warm in this side of the room. Mr. Darcy, would you escort me to the chairs over there?” She pointed to the opposite side of the room.
William, ever the proper gentleman, stood up and helped the lady as she limped slightly to the other two chairs.
Lizzy immediately stood and followed them. While Caroline sat on one chair and William another, Lizzy sat on the arm of William’s chair and asked Miss Bingley again, “How do you feel about the leadership of our current Prime Minister, Miss Caroline? Do you believe he is doing a good job?”
Caroline burned with anger but when she saw that the young Mr. Darcy sat next to the little hoyden with a small smile, she composed herself and answered, “Of course he has been doing a marvellous job for years! Anyone who is appointed to such a high office must be worthy of our respect and he is doing all he can to lead our excellent nation. I hope he will govern us for many more years.”
Lizzy covered her amusement and asked, “Are you speaking of William Pitt the younger? He died last month, have you not heard? It’s unfortunate to lose someone at such a young age, he was only seven and forty, you must be aware, but the new Prime Minister, in my opinion, was only appointed because of nepotism. William Grenville, I’m afraid, will not be in office for long because he does not know what he is doing. I doubt he will be Prime Minister a year from now.”
Caroline’s face turned red to chastise the child but Mr. Bingley declared first, “At last! Someone who knows of what she is speaking! Miss Elizabeth, your insight to our political climate is spot on! Our new Prime Minister was cousin to William Pitt and he does not have the backbone to stand up to those who are calling to do all we can to win the war. He wishes for our great nation to admit defeat instead of
fighting against Napoleon. We must fight on and stand strong united.”
Lizzy beamed and nodded in agreement while Mr. Bennet chimed in and the gentlemen briefly spoke of the current affairs.
Lady Anne arose after the housekeeper opened the doors, “It is time for dinner, everyone. As we will have an informal meal with our young guests in attendance, please choose your own seats and converse freely.”
William leaned over to Lizzy with caution, “I do not know what you are up to, young lady, but cease your attacks on Miss Bingley. She was only confused about the Prime Minister and it is a recent event. She is beautiful and very fashionable, is she not? Leave her be, Lizzy, I am warning you.”
William stood and proffered his arm to Miss Bingley and they walked in together to the dining room.
Lizzy marched in and looked to see the seats. Mr. Darcy sat at the head of the table with Mr. Bingley and her own father at each side. Georgiana and Miss Carter were sitting next to Lady Anne with her own mother on the other side, and William sat between Caroline and Louisa Bingley, who sat next to Mrs. Bennet.
Lizzy sat next to Caroline Bingley after wordlessly instructing Mary to move over one seat and looked at William in defiance, who was glaring at her. “So, Miss Caroline, can you share with me what you believe is a requirement to be an accomplished lady? I will be coming out in a few years and would like to learn from someone like you. You seem very accomplished.”
Caroline Bingley lifted up her nose and listed off what she believed to be accomplishments. “And of course, something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, to be half-deserving of the word.”
“And how do you feel about climbing trees, Miss Bingley?” Lizzy needled. “Have you ever felt the need to see how a mud bath might feel?”
“I have never climbed a tree or touched mud in my entire life, I assure you.” Miss Bingley snapped. “Why do you not cease your nonsense and eat your food, child?”
Lizzy quirked one eyebrow at William who had been listening to the entire conversation and turned to Mary for the rest of the meal for conversation.
After dinner, the ladies excused themselves to the drawing room while the men stayed at the dining table. The younger girls were excused to return to the nursery while Jane and Lizzy had been permitted to stay longer.
Lizzy curtseyed to the gentlemen before leaving, “I am rather tired from staying up so late since I am still a small child, so I will excuse myself with the other girls. Good night, gentlemen.” She turned to the ladies, “Good night. It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Bingley, Miss Caroline.” She immediately left the room.
The ladies separated and spoke genially and Caroline calmed without Lizzy pressing for further attention. She looked at Jane Bennet and although finding her very beautiful, Fitzwilliam Darcy had paid her little attention and was mollified that there was no competition residing within the household.
She was pleased to see young Mr. Darcy take a seat next to herself and finding him quiet, she leaned over and flirted while touching his arm, “A penny for your thoughts, dear sir.”
William asked in all seriousness, “Have you read Tom Jones?”
Caroline was surprised at his line of question. “Tom Jones, sir? Who is that? What has he written?”
William sighed, “Never mind, Miss Caroline. I hope you have had a pleasant evening. I am not in... Perhaps we can converse with Miss Bennet and your brother.” He turned to join Charles and Jane’s conversation, although listening but speaking very little.
The rest of the evening passed, with Miss Louisa Bingley and Miss Caroline performing at the pianoforte and soon the party ended.
“I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Mr. Darcy.” Caroline cooed. “I hope you still plan on dancing with me.”
William thought of Lizzy’s comment about dancing and nodded but did not answer. He bowed to the guests and as soon as the Bingley carriage departed, he bid good night to the rest of the group and hastened to his rooms.
He paced back and forth as he pulled off his cravat and clothes to ready for bed. He was in a foul mood but could not quite place the reason why. He blamed Lizzy for ruining his evening with her incessant daggers of questions at Caroline Bingley and how uncomfortable his lady friend must have felt. He was determined to give Lizzy a piece of his mind in the morning and hopped into bed to sleep most restlessly.
Chapter 15
“Father, have you seen Lizzy? I have been looking for her this morning but she and the Bennets seem to have gone.” William asked as he stepped into his father’s study.
Mr. Darcy replied, “They have gone to the Gardiners. Little Grace is much improved and the rash is gone so they have gone to spend the day together at Gracechurch Street. Did you need something urgently?”
William answered, “No, not urgently. Well, I did wish to speak with Lizzy but it can wait. I am to head to the club soon. Do you know when they will return?”
“Not until after dinnertime, I believe. Your mother wishes to dine first then depart for the Grantley Ball. We might cross paths for a few minutes if you are lucky.” He responded.
William nodded and left for White’s. He was to meet with several of his friends from school then return to prepare for the ball. His mood remained foul during the entire day and he could not rest until he had a chance to speak his mind to the young girl who had ruined his sleep during the entire night. He was indignant that his guest, the woman who could possibly become his future wife, could be treated so callously by his dear friend and was determined that he would give the young girl a stern reproof.
~*~
“You look very handsome, Will,” Lizzy commented as she skipped into the library. “You will be more popular than the debutante herself tonight. All the ladies will be fawning over you for your attentions and you will have to fend them off with that scowl of yours.” She lifted her finger and pointed. “Yes, that one right there. What is the matter with you? Are you not excited about the ball?”
“I was excited all this time until last night, Lizzy!” William snapped. He put down the glass he had been sipping from and stood to glare at the girl. “You ruined my dinner with Caroline Bingley last night and I could not sleep the entire night because I was so angry with you. Why the hell were you so cruel to her?”
Lizzy immediately came to her own defence, “ME?! How was I cruel? I only asked her questions and she kept looking down on me as if I was a stupid child, unworthy to speak to her. Did you not see how stupid that woman was?”
“SHE IS NOT STUPID! SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!” William shouted. “You kept needling her and made her look foolish and she answered you the best she could. I do not expect my future wife to be a bluestocking who knows about politics or reads books after books. Caroline Bingley is beautiful and has a large dowry and... she dresses well... and... and...”
“I never thought you would be so shallow, Fitzwilliam Darcy.” Lizzy huffed as she sat down and crossed her arms. “I was testing her to look out for your best interest and she failed miserably. Why can’t you see the truth for yourself? Are you so blinded by someone’s appearance that you can’t see the true person beneath the cover?”
William’s anger increased with her challenge and he spat out, “You are only a hoyden who will never marry. What do you know about love and attraction and seeing someone as they are? Is not love blind? I want to marry her, Lizzy! What are you to me that you have to choose my wife for me?”
Lizzy’s eyes were moist with unshed tears at his harsh words. “I only wished to be a friend to you, Will. I thought... I...” She wiped her eyes quickly. “When I was playing hide-and-seek with Georgiana the day of your accident, I was in the drawing room the entire time Miss Bingley and Mr. Bingley were there. I heard them speak in private and although I believe Mr. Bingley is innocent, Miss Bingley faked her injury so she could gain sympathy from you. Her ankle was not injured at all and she told her brother about how she had heard of Pemberley and your father’s 1
0,000 a year, long before meeting you, and how she had wished to capture you for a husband. Of course, she will succeed with your undying love for her and I will only wish you the best of your eternal love. She will be perfect for you, Will. Grace, beauty, and wealth. That’s what you wanted, isn’t?” She ran off without another word.
William covered his face with his hands and rubbed them as he thought of Lizzy’s words for several moments. He was ashamed of his cruel words to the charming girl who had been always truthful with him. He had enjoyed spending time with Lizzy more than any other friends, even his own family, because of her innocence and sweetness, mixed with archness and wit in her manner. He looked at his hand and saw the small scar on his palm where he had made his blood-oath with Lizzy under their tree on Oakham Mount.
He was now mortified with his behaviour and gulped down the rest of his drink and placed the glass back on the table. He groaned and began to walk towards Lizzy’s rooms to apologise, when he heard his mother call out.
“William, we will be the last ones to arrive if we do not depart now. Let us go.” Lady Anne commanded. “By the time the ball ends, it will be morning and you might sleep the entire day!”
William turned and walked his mother to the foyer where his father was already waiting. They donned their coats and entered the carriage to attend one of the most prominent parties of the season.
~*~
Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne greeted the hosts with broad smiles as Mr. Grantley shook Mr. Darcy’s hand. “It is a pleasure to have you here. We have been listening to all the gossips of how the ladies are eager to dance with young Mr. Darcy, and I hope you will all enjoy the evening.” Mr. Grantley declared. “The first set will be starting shortly.”
“My Eleanor has been so popular this evening, her dance card is completely full. It is going to be a wonderful ball, I can tell already!” Mrs. Grantley added. “Thank you so much for coming.”