by April Karber
Lady Catherine sat back at this and Darcy smiled inwardly. This would prove a very surprising evening. And with any luck, he thought, my aunt’s ill-formed comments will provide Miss Elizabeth with a target for her anger before I can decide what to do. If he had known, at all, that he would see her there, he may have taken steps to avoid it. But this surprise meeting sealed his decision and he knew his fate. There would be no forgetting, nor avoiding Miss Bennet.
All throughout dinner, Lady Catherine and Elizabeth dominated the conversation. Darcy could see massive amounts of sweat rolling down Collins’ forehead as each and every one of Lady Catherine’s comments was met with a witty, level headed, yet challenging retort. He had never seen Miss Elizabeth in such fine form. It was unfortunate, he acknowledged, that the main brunt of her effort was caused by anger she felt towards him. He could not wish the conversation to cease, however, for he found himself wishing that the two had met earlier. Elizabeth had the potential to do a lot a good in the company of his aunt.
! &$! His cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who sat opposite him and next to Elizabeth at dinner, seemed to agree. Occasionally a small smile would escape between bites of food either when Elizabeth had said something particularly clever or on the occasion that their aunt was particularly flustered. Initially, Darcy was warmed to see the small signs of his cousin’s approval, but as the meal wore on, Darcy began to grow weary of his cousin’s growing fascination with his Miss Bennet.
“You have still not described to me in a thorough enough manner how you are acquainted with my nephew,” Lady Catherine barked suddenly. Darcy’s head snapped to attention and his eyes briefly met Elizabeth’s. She met his gaze for a substantial moment before answering flatly, coldly, and simply.
“There is nothing to tell, Lady Catherine. We have had but a fleeting acquaintance with one another during the time Mr. Darcy spent as a guest in his friend’s home near that of mine. Charlotte was introduced to him under the same circumstances, as was Mr. Collins.” This stung, and though Darcy knew he should not add to the conversation for fear of alerting his aunt of his affections for Miss Bennet, he could not remain silent.
“Do not forget, our paths briefly crossed in London,” Darcy began, speaking directly to Elizabeth before turning to his aunt, “Miss Elizabeth’s older sister has since become engaged to my friend, Mr. Bingley. The very same gentleman that was letting the house in her neighborhood.” Fitzwilliam began looking between the two of them inquisitively, noting the particularity in Darcy speaking.
“One of your friends, Darcy?” Lady Catherine choked, not wanting to believe that a person of their standing could be united with a family she knew to be low. Mr. Collins cut in before Darcy could reply.
“Mr. Bingley, whose father was in trade, your Ladyship,” Mr. Collins mumbled. “Oh, of course! Well that is something for your family, Miss Elizabeth.” All in the room looked as though they wished to say something, but Lady Catherine continued so that her statement would hold, “Darcy, when is Georgiana’s coming out?”
Darcy was rather taken aback by the two comments, and took considerable time and effort to answer.
“Georgiana and I have discussed it at length and we have decided a year or two more would be best devoted to her studies,” he ended on a rather matter of fact note with the intention of dropping the subject.
Lady Catherine, however, was not pleased. “The sooner the better, Darcy. For when Georgiana is out, the sooner you can marry and worry over your own matters of property.” She looked to Anne and gave a decided nod. Colonel Fitzwilliam almost snorted out his wine.
The remainder of the meal progressed rather uncomfortably as the conversation rarely wavered from that of Darcy’s marriage status. Darcy twice locked eyes with Elizabeth over the course of the meal, but this was, of course, as Elizabeth saw, an apology for his aunt’s impertinent behavior, and nothing more. She began to wonder how he could have looked upon her relatives with such hearty discontent when he himself had his own trying relations.
When they had all retired to the drawing room, Lady Catherine had again turned her attention towards Elizabeth. ! &%! “I would be delighted if you would play the pianoforte for us, Miss Bennet. I have a fine ear for music, and I am curious as to what I shall hear of a girl brought up with no governess.”
“I would rather not disappoint your ladyship,” Elizabeth bowed and attempted to take a seat next to Charlotte. Darcy could not help but smile at her answer.
“Come, come!” Mr. Collins boomed, “Miss Elizabeth would be delighted to play for you, Lady Catherine.”
Elizabeth could hardly stop from rolling her eyes. She was not nervous to play in front of company, of course, but she was rather wary of the criticism and discussion it might provoke. Lady Catherine had proven to be just what had gathered from Collins and then some, and it had been a long evening already.
Fortunately, Colonel Fitzwilliam followed her to the pianoforte to turn the pages. They had barely exchanged a word at supper and Elizabeth was interested in speaking more with him.
“I hope I may prove to be of some use to you, Miss Bennet. I would be more than happy to take the blame for any mistakes in your playing as I am rather ill adept at turning the pages on time.” He smiled at her reassuringly and winked, and immediately Elizabeth was relieved to find his manners so pleasing.
“Now that I simply cannot have, for I will only be a guest in this household once or twice, whereas you will have to endure any censure for many visits to come,” she smiled widely at him and began playing.
Mr. Darcy broke free from his aunt and cousin to stand at Fitzwilliam’s side. Elizabeth directed her next statement to him without looking up.
“I hope you do not mean to intimidate me, Mr. Darcy, by coming in all your stateliness to hear me. Even if you are so closely related to some who play so well and who hear so expertly, for I will not be tormented by a lack of talent which I do not possess for a simple lack of practicing and natural enthusiasm.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam’s eyebrows rose considerably and he looked at his cousin in astonishment to see how he would respond. By doing so, he also missed his page mark, but Elizabeth only faulted for a moment, being rather familiar with the song.
“I am well enough acquainted with you, Miss Elizabeth, to know that I could not intimidate you, even if that is what I wished to accomplish.”
“Goodness!” Exclaimed Fitzwilliam, “Miss Bennet, you seem to know my cousin very well indeed.”
Mr. Darcy answered his cousin quickly, before he could surmise more on the subject, “Whether or not that is true, you’ll find that Miss Elizabeth is a rather zealous studier of character. I believe it took her rather less than a few minutes to sketch that of mine, and I have been trying to erase that impression ever since.” The tension in the room increased as Elizabeth pondered his words.
“I will have to be on my best behavior then,” Fitzwilliam added with another wink to Elizabeth, earning a scowl from Darcy.
They were soon interrupted by Lady Catherine and did not have the opportunity to speak again, and so, Elizabeth was allowed to gather her composure and prepare herself for more meetings with Mr. Darcy.
! &&! Chapter 20 Elizabeth began her walk earlier than usual the next morning, eager to explore the extensive grounds and unable to sleep after the uncomfortable night. She could hardly believe the awkwardness of the visit. How could she be in the same place as the man that meant to make her his mistress while he was visiting his betrothed and extended family? This was far worse than the slight discomfort she felt in the presence of Mr. Collins. She explored any possibilities of excusing herself from the visit early, but found none that were plausible under the circumstances. She hoped that they would not be invited to dine at Rosings the remainder of her visit. Just as the sun rose completely over the neighboring hills, she saw a figure approaching her. An icy cold shiver ran down her spine, fearing it was Darcy. Seconds later, however, she realized it was Colonel Fitzwilliam and she breathed
a sigh of relief.
“Good morning, Miss Bennet. I’m very surprised to see anyone else up and about,” he said pleasantly.
“As am I, Colonel,” she smiled back and he took her arm to escort her down the path.
“I fear that you may have viewed my family solely in an unfavorable light, Miss Bennet,” he began, “and where I cannot defend my aunt, I hope to be able to lessen the offences of my cousin Darcy.”
“You are a military man, Colonel, and therefore I understand your desire to defend, but where Mr. Darcy is concerned, he must act for himself.” Elizabeth was surprised and disappointed that the subject had turned in this direction, and hoped to be finished with any discussion involving Mr. Darcy as quickly as possible.
“Defending would be too much for his sake, Miss Bennet. He is much better situated and built than I for that. However, I had just desired to mention that, although he is well known is our circles to wear a nearly constant scowl, his mood has been much worse of late, due to some recent events and I fear the expression might become permanent.” She stole a glance at him to see he was trying to make light of a serious situation, and she thanked him silently for it. She had already begun to feel that she and the Colonel had much in common.
“As fine as his features would be if he smiled, I daresay the appeal of his fortune does not suffer for it.”
“One of the many advantages of a good income. But I happen to know that fortune hunters are one of the reasons for his dark mood. He has only just tried to separate one of his best friends from such a lady, but his attempts were thwarted when she followed them from her country home to London!” The Colonel laughed and did not indicate that he would continue. Elizabeth’s face colored at the realization that he could only be talking about Bingley and Jane.
“Did he give a reason for the interference?” she asked pointedly.
“There were objections to her family and to her state of interest in the man, yes. But when the marriage was announced, he seemed inclined to believe there was some affection after all. So perhaps it will not end miserably.”
“No, but it sounds as if it almost had,” she mumbled, lost in a torrent of emotions and thoughts.
“Darcy is a most loyal companion,” he offered when she had grown silent.
! &'! “I wonder that he does not marry himself, when he has so much romantic advice to offer others,” she blurted out without thinking, adding, “Surely his cousin would appreciate such loyalty.”
He shot her a confused look and answered after another moment lost in laughter. “Anne, you mean?” he laughed again, “no, no, no, that will never be.” Elizabeth could think of no answer. She knew not what to make of this bit of
news.
“He, like most of his station and wealth,” the Colonel offered, “will marry a
grand, beautiful, intelligent, and most fortunate young lady.” He looked at her when he
said this and she blushed slightly, perceiving it as a warning. Since she had shown no
sign of feelings towards Mr. Darcy, this could only mean that Darcy had confessed their
history and the Colonel was attempting to relate the same warning that Wickham had
spelled out for her, only in a more delicate fashion. She was extremely embarrassed that
the Colonel knew of their past indiscretion, but even more so that he was aware of
Darcy’s intentions.
“I have always been grateful, as you may be too, that my inconsequential station
has allowed me a shield from public scrutiny. How I would hate to be the object of any
notice or unwarranted criticism.” She hoped this would settle the matter. And just as she
began to think that the topic of conversation might turn in another direction, the current
subject joined them in the walk.
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth,” bowed Mr. Darcy, “Fitzwilliam,” he nodded to
his cousin.
“Sleep in, Darce?” asked Fitzwilliam jovially.
“You are well aware that I meant to walk out with you but that I was caught alone
with our aunt’s steward when you skulked off quite quickly down the lane,” he shot the
Colonel an almost playful look. If Elizabeth hadn’t been made so uncomfortable by the
recent topic of discussion, she would have enjoyed watching the interaction of the
cousins.
“I will not deny it,” the Colonel laughed, “and I have found Miss Bennet’s
company much more enjoyable than that of our aunt’s steward.” He raised his eyebrows
at Darcy, who narrowed his eyes at him in turn.
“Did you not have an equal chance of getting away, Mr. Darcy? You must both be
familiar with the grounds having visited so often.”
This earned smiles from both gentleman and she was glad to have lightened the
mood.
“Do not forget my military training, Miss Elizabeth,” the Colonel reminded her.
They continued on in this playful manner for a little while longer until the Colonel
excused himself to attend to some letters up at the house. She waited for Darcy to second
his leave, but did so in vain. She and Darcy continued on together, quite alone, and quite
silent.
“I beg you to satisfy my curiosity, Mr. Darcy, I have heard so much of Pemberley
from Miss Bingley, how does it compare to Rosings?” she knew Pemberley might be one
topic about which they could hold a lengthy conversation.
“I had expected a question about the stark differences between my cousin
Fitzwilliam and myself,” he answered.
! &(! “That was my next topic of conversation, Mr. Darcy,” she raised an eyebrow at him.
“I will feign surprise when it arises again, then,” he smiled widely back at her, causing her uneasiness.
Mr. Darcy went on to describe Pemberley in a very delicate fashion. It was obvious to Elizabeth that his home was a great point of pride and passion for him, but he attempted to hide the fact. They had neared the parsonage when their conversation had finished and he stopped to address her face to face.
“I am sorry I rambled on so about my home that we did not get to a discussion of my cousin,” he shifted his weight uncomfortably and looked as though he wished to say something else. Elizabeth was grateful that he did not, whatever it was.
“I found your descriptions very engaging, Mr. Darcy, please do not apologize. We may save the conversation for another day, otherwise I will press your cousin for the answers if he makes it out of the house before you again.” Darcy’s face pulled into a slight smile, and an irresistible dimple appeared.
“I do not foresee that happening, Miss Elizabeth, I am far too eager to answer your questions.” He bowed and took his leave of her.
The next morning, she was not completely taken by surprise to see both gentlemen approaching her.
“Miss Elizabeth!” the Colonel boomed, “I was just remarking to Darcy that we have never passed a more pleasant time at Rosings.”
“Surely I hope that you do not mean to assign the pleasantness of the visit to me,” she fixed the gentlemen with a mock-serious expression.
“I hope we are capable of such flattery, Miss Elizabeth,” said the Colonel, “and we also come with an invitation to dine at Rosings this evening.”
“How kind of you. However, I’m afraid I can only relate my gratitude, I cannot accept on behalf of my cousin. Though I don’t imagine he will refuse. When I had first planned my visit to the area, these fine evenings were the last thing I expected.”
“I hope we have not disturbed your quiet visit, Miss Elizabeth,” said Fitzwilliam, “but I am rather surprised at your not knowing of our presence, having just seen Darcy in London.”
“You are mistaken, I did not foresee the pleasure,” Elizabeth said, just in time to catch Fitzwilliam shoot Darcy a questioning look.
Colonel Fitzwilliam excused himself early as he had done the day before, leaving Mr. Darcy to take Elizabeth’s arm.
“I am delighted at your friendship with my cousin, Miss Elizabeth,” he said, studying her expression.
! &)! “He is very entertaining,” she offered, unsure of where this conversation would take them.
“However, your introduction to my aunt has afforded me the most pleasure. You managed to deflect her every comment,” he smiled widely, remembering some of the repartee, “but I am sorry to have not expected this from you initially.”
“You make me sound like a horrid guest, Mr. Darcy.”
“On the contrary, you entertained the majority. The hostess will either be made better for it, or we’ll have to settle for it merely providing a humorous spectacle. I had to congratulate Fitzwilliam for remaining so dignified during the meal, he could hardly remain from laughing,” he turned to her with a most thrilled expression such as she had never seen before. The worry had vanished from his face. She had known he was handsome, but he had never appeared so careless and unguarded before. He had never looked so young. The dimples that she had so rarely glimpsed appeared again and she blushed realizing she had been admiring him for so long.
“You are too kind, Mr. Darcy,” their eyes met and Elizabeth felt the same charge between them that had radiated in the moments before their kiss. She backed away selfconsciously, knowing her embarrassment was obvious. “Have you heard anything of Mr. Bingley?” she said, hoping to ease the tension.