by April Karber
! $&! Darcy let out an audible sigh of relief and was grateful that the noise of Mrs. Bennet’s displeasure and Elizabeth’s happiness allowed his presence to go unnoticed. He viewed Elizabeth wrap her father in a tight embrace and then make her way across the road towards the trees. Undoubtedly, to escape for a walk. For the moment, he felt tempted to show the same appreciation for Mr. Bennet.
Darcy’s consolation was too overwhelming to think clearly and he set off across the path to join her as soon as her parents returned to the house.
Darcy had not even thought of an excuse for being there, he was so hell-bent on finding her. It did not take long, for she had not managed to get very far as she was, to Darcy’s dismay, delayed by a violent fit of tears. It took all of his strength to keep his arms from wrapping around her and letting her cry against his chest.
“Miss Elizabeth, can I help you?” He noted the impertinence of the question as soon as it left his mouth, but he could not have asked if she were all right with any conscience. He knew she was distressed and only wanted to help.
She choked on her tears in laughter, wiped her face, and tried to compose herself.
“Thank you for asking, Mr. Darcy, but you are quite honestly one of very few people who could not help me right now,” she fought through tears to keep smiling, but he did not know what to make of what she had said.
“I will take my leave of you, then.” Abashed, he started to move away, but he suddenly felt her gentle hand on his arm and he turned to find her small form closer to his than ever before.
“I did not say I was not glad of your company, I just stated that you could not help me in this instance,” she glanced at him expectantly, looking up at him through her long lashes. If a single, stubborn tear had not run down her face at that moment, he would have kissed her and all would be lost. Instead, he gently wiped the tear from her face, and continued gently caressing her cheek, enjoying the softness. She leaned her face into his hand and closed her eyes.
Darcy was beside himself with confusion. How had this come to pass? How could I feel this much without realizing it would happen? He struggled to maintain his distance when so little space was left between them. Elizabeth opened her eyes to find an expression in Darcy’s eyes she had never seen before. It was smoldering, deep, but not in anger. Her look of confusion was enough to pull Darcy out of it, and he handed her his handkerchief before anything was said on the subject and cleared his throat.
“Now, Miss Elizabeth, you know me to be a very proud sort of man so you will no doubt be surprised that I do not like being told I cannot be of assistance.”
“Perhaps I spoke too hastily,” she whispered back, still clinging to the memory of his warm hand pressed against her cheek.
“In any case, you need not speak of what has distressed you. So long as it does not affect the two dances I have requested of you, it is a small matter to me.”
“Oh my! You are proud and self-centered, Mr. Darcy!”
“I would not be so quick to judge. It is for your pleasure that I will dance with you,” he teased.
“I will be beside myself with nerves at the honor, sir!”
As they continued their lively banter, Darcy decided that he would not broach the subject of Wickham just yet. The timing was not right, he told himself. Elizabeth enjoyed
! $'! their discussion of books, poetry, and travels so much that she never thought of asking how it was that the gentleman came upon her in the first place.
Chapter 13 Finally, the night they had all been waiting for arrived. Elizabeth found Netherfield to be the most beautifully decorated place she had ever seen, and was excited for the prospect of the night. Even the carriage ride with Mr. Collins had not been horrible. The two had not spoken since his disastrous proposal, and she hoped it would remain that way. She remained mostly at the side of Jane and Mr. Bingley for Charlotte was with Mr. Collins and neither Darcy nor Wickham could be found.
While during an attempt at curbing her younger sisters’ excitement during the ball, Elizabeth learned that Wickham would not be in attendance after all due to the presence of Mr. Darcy. She was disappointed and surprised that Wickham would decide not to come after so fiercely voicing that he would not allow Darcy to further affect his life. Just as she began to revisit Wickham’s story, she glimpsed Mr. Darcy making his way towards her from across the room. He stared at her with such intensity, she hardly knew what to do in the brief moment it took him to cover the distance between them besides attempt to quell her blush.
“Were you looking for someone, Miss Elizabeth?” he asked as he led her to the center of the floor.
“I was merely admiring the general splendor, it is breathtaking.” She could not but help admire him as well. He is the most handsome man in the room. His formal wear was of the highest quality and complimented his figure and features most deftly. No wonder half of London is after him, if this is how they often see him.
Her praise did not convince him, and Darcy had a sinking feeling that she had been looking for Wickham. He wanted desperately to enjoy what little time with her alone he had to the fullest, but he could not ignore the nagging worry that crept up his spine. There was no telling what Wickham could do to her if she allowed him the opportunity. How did the man manage to target two of the women I most care about? Darcy silently berated himself for the thought. Miss Elizabeth could be nothing to him when he left Hertfordshire. Even still, he felt he must do something to protect her from Wickham so that she would not be in danger once their party quit Netherfield.
“It is a colorful crowd with the militia present,” he started. “Perhaps you have noticed that your particular acquaintance Mr. Wickham has not come.”
Elizabeth checked her surprise and embarrassment before replying.
“He is a very jovial man. I could not say that I would not have appreciated his company tonight.”
“Yes, jovial indeed.” He ground his teeth until his jaw ached. “Miss Elizabeth, I am a man who appreciates decency, intelligence, and loyalty above all other traits. Mr. Wickham and I share a long history. I feel obligated to tell you, due to our friendship, that I have found him wanting in these areas of character.” He wanted to say more on the subject, but could not bring himself to; it exhausted him. “But now we should talk about much pleasanter things. I shall endeavor to be jovial for you, Miss Elizabeth.”
! $(! Elizabeth smiled warmly in response, touched by his kindness to her. She was relieved that their friendship had remained intact after she and her sister were removed from Netherfield. Yet as happy as she was, she could not extinguish the burning curiosity she felt with regards to the history of Darcy and Wickham. There was much more to both of their stories, she was sure. She could most likely elicit more details from Wickham, but his words made up only half of the story.
Even still, Darcy was a remarkable dancer and Elizabeth was disappointed that society would only allow them two songs together. If not society, Elizabeth realized, then Caroline Bingley would surely cut them short. Caroline Bingley watched Elizabeth like a hawk from the entranceway, muttering under her breath if Elizabeth so much as smiled. If Darcy smiled, she would drive her heels into the floor as if she meant to dig through it.
Once the first dance was over, Darcy escorted Jane onto the dance floor while Bingley took Elizabeth, a compromise which satisfied no one. Miss Caroline Bingley, however, was the least pleased. When the brooding hostess finally secured the third dance with Darcy, she launched whole-heartedly into a tirade about the Bennet girls.
“I suppose it is best that you and my brother have quickly done away with the Bennet girls. Then the night’s dance partners can only improve.”
“I believe we have both settled on the two eldest Miss Bennets for the last dance
of the night as well.”
“Settled is a good choice of wording, Mr. Darcy. Bravo.”
The first half of the night was generally known to have been a great success and after dinner, everyone looked fo
rward to the second half prepared for the more of the same.
All throughout, the Bennet family managed to mortify Elizabeth with their efforts to expose themselves to the most ridicule, but she was sure that Bingley did not notice. Miss Bingley, however, had managed to catch nearly every indiscretion performed and so made constant reports to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth overheard a few of these remarks and though they were devastating, the look on Mr. Bingley’s face when he looked at her sister was enough to convince her that Miss Bingley and her remarks meant nothing. Elizabeth hoped that it would be too late for Miss Bingley to interfere with Jane and Bingley now, but she just hoped that Miss Bingley would not make Jane live to regret marrying her brother if such a happy affair came to pass.
Darcy had claimed Elizabeth’s hand for the last set, and so as promised, led her gently to their positions and bowed before her.
“This is perhaps my favorite dance, Mr. Darcy,” she said, when the music had begun. It was slow and engaging, the perfect way to end a night.
“I had rather imagined your favorite to be something more lively, Miss Elizabeth,” he smiled when she cocked her head at him.
“Perhaps I do not like my preferences to be so easily guessed.”
“Trust that they are not.”
The smoldering that Elizabeth had seen in his eyes returned again and she felt as if they had a fire between them. Of everything else in the room, she became only aware of him: his eyes, his hands, his body. She knew he felt the same of her. Not once did he retreat emotionally as he had in their first dance. She felt a rush that started in her
! $)! fingertips, jolted her stomach, and weakened her legs when the dance brought them together, and somehow she knew he felt that, too.
When at last the music stopped, she found herself nearly clinging to him. He stepped away slowly to bow while making an apologetic face. His eyes traveled down her face. It glistened with moisture from the exercise, her eyes bright with passion. His gaze rested on her lips: wet, red, and soft.
Jane and Bingley’s arrival broke the tension between them and they struggled to return to reality.
“Come, Lizzy, Mr. Bingley is going to walk us out,” Jane blushed at the admission of his attention and Bingley took her arm and turned towards the door.
“I would be delighted if you allowed me the same privilege,” said Darcy carefully.
Elizabeth was at a loss for words and so she and Darcy followed in silence. The strange connection that had erupted between them remained and strengthened when Darcy kissed her hand before handing her into the carriage.
“Goodnight, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Chapter 14 Darcy cursed himself for his openness and vulnerability. Netherfield was emptied and he was again left alone in the company of the Bingleys. It was nearly dawn, but Darcy’s exhaustion was trumped by the thrill of his dance with Miss Elizabeth and the anger that he had directed at himself for his actions. Why did I come back in the first place? Why did I care what this neighborhood thought of me? He could not for a moment admit that there was only one person’s good opinion that he sought. He would never admit it.
He joined Bingley at the door as he watched the Bennet carriage pull away. “Bingley, may I have a word?” Bingley jumped at his question, but nodded. Darcy poured himself a tall drink, ignoring Bingley’s raised eyebrows. “Bingley, as your friend, I must inquire as to your intentions towards the eldest
Miss Bennet.” He took a large swig.
“It’s funny you should ask, Darcy, for I have only just made up my mind on the
subject . I will attempt to wait the appropriate amount of time after tonight and then I will
fly to Longbourn and secure her hand. I must have her and as soon as possible!” Darcy’s face fell and he sat down across from his friend.
“I do not believe you have taken sufficient time to consider this from all angles.” “Consider this from all angles? Darcy! I am in love, there are no angles. I know
you disapprove of her family, her upbringing, her station, but I do not care. If you think
that I am squandering all that my father saved for me by making a love match, then I will
implore you to keep your mouth shut on the subject. My father’s money has awarded me
the opportunity of making such a match, I will not look at it any other way.” “I meant no offense, Bingley.” He closed his eyes and imagined his friend’s
future. It would undoubtedly mean that he and Elizabeth would be thrown in constant
company, and how would he keep his resolve then?
! $*! “May I ask a favor of you, Bingley?” Darcy had one last idea. Bingley nodded his assent. “I trust your feelings and I have no greater wish than to see you happy in life and in marriage. I simply think we should all of us temporarily quit the neighborhood. I would not be easy if I was not sure that Miss Bennet was the only woman for you, Bingley. Let us remove ourselves to London for two weeks time and if your heart is still what it is today, I will return with you immediately.”
Bingley sighed. If it was not for the desperation in his friend’s voice, he may not have agreed, but as it were, he could not deny him this small request. He informed his sister, who all too eagerly saw to their removal from the neighborhood.
They planned to depart at first light of the morning, despite it meaning they would not get any sleep. As was his habit, Darcy walked out in order to stretch his long legs before the lengthy carriage ride with the Bingleys.
The Bennet household remained lively until the early hours of the morning, each Bennet girl recalling their favorite moments of the ball. When Mr. Bennet had finally convinced them that such things would go better with breakfast, they were all ushered into their respective bedrooms for the remaining hours of darkness. Jane fell almost immediately into a deep slumber and Elizabeth was left alone with her thoughts, all of which were focused on Darcy. Her feelings, hopes, and confusion were all heightened by the utter quiet of the household and Elizabeth resolved to walk out at the first hint of dawn.
“Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth was sure her eyes were betraying her when she saw his figure emerge suddenly from the light morning mist.
“Miss Elizabeth? I’m surprised to see you,” he looked around to determine where he had wandered. Elizabeth laughed to see his confusion, remembering when she had ranged so close to Netherfield the morning of his departure. It’s like a dream!
“I am sure that you’re rather closer to Longbourn than Netherfield, Mr. Darcy.” She raised her eyebrows while she waited for his reply and he chuckled in return.
“So I am. Do you not sleep, Miss Bennet?” he asked, trying to ignore her softlooking dress which he assumed was a sort of sleepwear.
“I could not sleep.”
“Nor could I.”
Her smile melted under his smoldering stare and she was at a complete loss as to what she should do. When his intense gaze dropped from her eyes to her lips, she inhaled sharply in anticipation. It was the same hungry look he had cast upon her at the ball. The same one she was sure she had returned. In half a second, he closed the distance between them, slipping one strong arm around her waist and wrapping the other gently around to cradle her neck in his hand while he pressed his lips to hers. She started slightly when his lips fell upon hers, knowing that she should push him away, but as she placed her hands on his chest to push him back, Darcy deepened the kiss and she suddenly felt unwilling to break it off. When he at last pulled away, he stayed inches away from her, looking into her eyes as if his would communicate for him. After a moment, he kissed her softly and briefly three times. Before Elizabeth could recover, he was gone, vanishing into the fog just as quickly as he had appeared.
! %+! Elizabeth returned to the house in a daze, uncertain whether she had been dreaming. She slipped quietly into bed next to Jane and fell quickly to sleep, hoping the dream would be revisited.
The carriage was waiting for Darcy when he returned and Caroline was looking around for him, eager to begin th
e journey that would mean prolonged close proximity.
“Mr. Darcy, you look as though you’re sad to leave.”
“I believe you know better, Miss Bingley. I find I am very fatigued this morning and am grateful that the carriage ride will afford me some rest.”
It allowed him no such an opportunity however, as Caroline found it necessary to whole-heartedly justify their quitting the neighborhood and not returning. Both Darcy and Bingley adjusted uncomfortably as the topic of discussion turned more specifically to the Bennet family. Bingley’s hope fell as he listened to his sister’s version of the family he had wished to align himself with while Darcy’s resolve strengthened. Yet even when he had banished all second thoughts from his mind, the feeling of Elizabeth’s smooth lips seized him.
Chapter 15 The neighborhood was not aware of their removal until sometime later, and after that time, it was the only topic of discussion. Inwardly, Elizabeth warred with various emotions, but outwardly, she betrayed nothing. Had the kiss been a parting token of affection? It was circulated that they would only be gone for two weeks time, but every moment Elizabeth reflected over their departure, the less assured she was that they would return. Caroline Bingley would undoubtedly, at that very moment, be tormenting Mr. Bingley with harsh recollections of Hertfordshire and the Bennet family. Elizabeth knew all the particulars of Caroline’s sense, but she was driven to distraction attempting to guess at Darcy’s thoughts. Would he revel in putting Hertfordshire behind him?
Mrs. Bennet worked herself into such a fit of hysterics over the loss of Mr. Bingley that she was barely able to pen a letter to her brother in London to notify him of the imminent arrival of his two eldest nieces before she collapsed into bed.
“Oh, my beautiful Jane!” their mother exclaimed as she held her eldest daughter’s face in her hands as Jane attended to her at bedside. “You will be married in London in less than a week! And with Elizabeth gone, Mr. Collins will approach one of your younger sisters with hardly any embarrassment.”