Bingley raised his eyebrows, appearing almost insulted.
Henry shrugged. “I don’t know you well enough to know if you’d let me win.”
“I don’t really know myself,” Bingley admitted, grimacing as Richard made his shot. “I’m not competitive like the three of you are. I’m more concerned with trying to please people. It’s not just those of rank. It’s nearly everyone. Besides, I’m a terrible fencer.”
“He is,” Darcy confirmed. “He’s as likely to beat you as I am to marry Anne.”
Bingley chuckled. “True enough. I’ll leave the fencing to you and you can leave the marrying to me.”
“Of Anne?” Henry asked.
Bingley shook his head. “Would that I could set my sights so high.”
“Be my guest,” Henry said, offering a bow.
A small gasp sounded in the doorway. Turning, Darcy found Miss Bingley standing there, a letter held in one hand. She had a look of shock on her face, which quickly gave way to a façade of calm. “We’ve received an invitation to a party at Lucas Lodge tomorrow. Would you like to attend?”
“Yes, send our acceptance,” Bingley said after a quick glance to ascertain Darcy’s and his cousins’ opinions. “Make sure they know the size of our party.”
“This isn’t my first répondez, s'il vous plait,” Miss Bingley said. “I believe you can trust me to handle it properly, Charles.”
“Of course.”
She cast a speculative look about the room, her expression reminiscent of Lady Catherine’s when selecting tea cakes from a tray. She settled on Henry, offering a smile. “Until later, then, gentlemen.”
They all bowed as she walked away. Darcy wondered how much Miss Bingley had overheard, and what form of trouble it would bring. He shook his head, returning his attention to the game.
Later, they rejoined the ladies for a generous tea. The Hursts were expected to arrive late, so dinner had been moved back accordingly. After eating their fill, they all returned to the parlor.
“What about a game of whist?” Miss Bingley said brightly.
“No, thank you,” Anne said. “I should like to finish my book.”
“I’d enjoy it,” Henry said, crossing to the table Miss Bingley was setting out the deck on. “Richard? Darcy?”
“Why not,” Richard said, following his brother.
“I was thinking of finishing the paper.” Having to share the paper with Bingley, Henry and Richard, Darcy hadn’t had as much time with it as he liked.
“I’ll be your fourth, Caroline,” Bingley said with a cheerful smile.
Miss Bingley frowned. “That won’t do, Charles. You’re the host. You must sit with Miss de Bourgh and see to her amusement. She’s been reading that dreary book all day. You must lighten her mood.”
“Really, you needn’t trouble yourself, Mr. Bingley,” Anne said, looking up from her book.
“He must.” Even though it wasn’t turned on him, Miss Bingley’s smile grated on Darcy’s nerves. “Don’t permit him to become a terrible host.”
“Quite right,” Bingley said, all amiability. He took a seat on the opposite end of the sofa on which Anne perched. “Darcy, you’ll have to be the fourth.”
“Of course he must. Mr. Darcy would never be so rude as to deny us a proper game of whist.” Now Miss Bingley’s false smile was aimed his way.
Darcy manfully suppressed a sigh, setting aside the paper. “No, I would not.” He left the comfortable armchair he’d claimed and joined the party gathering around the table. He pulled out a chair.
“Not there, Mr. Darcy.” Miss Bingley pointed to the space on her left. “Here. We can’t permit brothers to be partners. They would decimate us. I’ll partner you, my lord.” She batted her eyes at Henry. “If it’s not too distressing to you to have a female as a partner. I’m sure I shan’t be as practiced in the nuances of the game as you fine gentlemen.”
“Somehow, I suspect you’re an accomplished player, Miss Bingley.” Henry took his place across from her.
Miss Bingley kept the game going for a considerable while, giving Bingley plenty of time to converse with Anne. Though he would have preferred to read the paper, Darcy took Miss Bingley’s obvious maneuvering in stride. It was to be expected. In truth, he was surprised she hadn’t thought of matching her brother with Anne sooner. Anne was a better catch for Bingley than Georgiana. Though both had essentially the same connections, Anne was by far the greater prize from a financial standpoint. Miss Bingley valued money almost, but not quite, as much as she did rank. Besides, if she’d set her sights on Henry, she no longer needed her brother to marry Georgiana in order to assist her pursuit of Darcy.
As the game went on, Henry’s prediction showed itself to be true. The teams were quite evenly matched, making for more entertainment than Darcy had anticipated. There was also the added enjoyment of watching Henry deflect Miss Bingley’s advances. Henry, of course, was accustomed to such treatment from women, and not one to take offence. It only made sense for Miss Bingley to attempt attracting the highest ranked man there. Besides, Darcy had resisted her charms for more than a year. Henry, for all Miss Bingley knew, could be tempted.
Mr. and Mrs. Hurst’s arrival released everyone to ready for dinner. When the augmented party assembled for their meal, Mrs. Hurst quickly joined her sister in maneuvering to get Bingley and Anne together, and further Miss Bingley’s cause with Henry. Darcy could tell Bingley was aware of what his sisters were doing, and making no effort to combat it. Likely, Bingley saw the opportunities presented by Darcy’s cousins in the same light as his siblings. Darcy decided to leave them to it.
***
The following morning, Darcy had his open carriage readied. He’d promised Elizabeth a drive. It was a beautiful morning and he was looking forward to keeping his word.
Richard met him outside, his look inquiring. “Off to see Miss Elizabeth?”
“I am. I promised to take her for a drive.”
“Mind if I impose on you for a ride? I thought I might walk with Miss Bennet. I didn’t have much of an opportunity to speak with her yesterday.”
“Be my guest.”
Richard climbed up and they set out for Longbourn. They conversed pleasantly on the journey, Richard filling Darcy in on the news he’d still not found time to read in the paper. They were turning down the drive when hooves rang out behind them. Darcy turned to see Henry charging up on his grey.
They all came to a halt at the Bennets’ front door. A manservant hurried out to take the reins of the carriage horses. Darcy and Richard climbed down as Henry swung out of his saddle, striding over to meet them.
“Thought you could visit the bevy of beauties without me, did you?” Henry wore a wolfish grin.
“If I’d known you were interested, I would have waited for you.” Even as Darcy said it, he wondered if it was the truth. Henry had that look, the one he got just before he proposed a race.
“Would you have?” He looked from Darcy to Richard. “I thought I might ask one of the fine Bennet girls to walk with me this morning.”
“Miss Elizabeth already agreed to ride with me,” Darcy said quickly.
“And I am here to ask Miss Bennet on a walk.” Richard was regarding his older brother through narrowed eyes.
Henry chuckled. “I must be here to walk with the others, then.” He swung around, leading the way to the door.
Darcy and Elizabeth had their ride, the open carriage offering the perfect combination of privacy and decency. He did his best to be charming, and she seemed effortlessly witty. On occasion, he would glance her way and find a speculative look on her face, which would always bloom into a smile when his gaze was noticed. Darcy could only hope he was what she speculated on.
Eventually, knowing they’d been driving for some time and his horses would require a rest soon, Darcy was forced to return her. They reached Longbourn to find Miss Bennet and Richard speaking together in the yard, standing near the Bennet home, though Henry’s grey was absent
. Darcy felt a moment’s guilt, realizing he’d all but forgotten he’d given his cousin a ride over. Far from put out, Richard wore a smile as he changed places with Elizabeth. The sisters lingered in the yard as they left, waving goodbye.
“I apologize for stranding you. I lost track of time.”
“Stranding?” Richard repeated. “We’d only just returned.”
“Did you walk to Netherfield and back?” Darcy asked, amused.
“I’ve little idea where we walked. I permitted Miss Bennet to select the path.”
“Did Henry tire of the younger Bennet girls?” Darcy’s team wasn’t setting as slow a pace as he’d expected. They must have guessed they were on their way back to their feed.
“I don’t believe so. We caught sight of him leading his grey, Miss Lydia atop it. She seemed to be enjoying herself. Miss Kitty was watching from nearby. We didn’t join them, so I can’t be certain they didn’t return before we did. Miss Bennet said she’d rather walk on.”
“I didn’t think Miss Lydia was dressed for riding.” Not to mention, Henry’s grey hadn’t been saddled for a woman to ride.
“I’d say she was not. She was astride and showing a shocking amount of leg.”
“I hope Henry was taking care,” Darcy said. Trust Henry to turn a peaceful walk into a way for a young woman to risk both her limbs and her reputation. He hoped his cousin realized Miss Lydia couldn’t be relied on to make intelligent choices. Darcy had a terrible vision of the two spurring each other into greater acts of foolishness.
When Richard didn’t reply, Darcy glanced his way, seeking his opinion. His cousin wore an abstract expression, his gaze on nothing. Richard had obviously lost track of the conversation. Darcy returned his attention to the road, hiding a smile.
Chapter Sixteen
Though she was a bit tired, still not sleeping well, Elizabeth was looking forward to the party at Lucas Lodge that evening. She’d already seen Mr. Darcy once that day, when he’d taken her on an exceedingly pleasant carriage ride, but found she was pleased she would have more time in his company. She readied with care, electing to wear the dress Miss de Bourgh had purchased for her. It seemed too fine for Hertfordshire, but she loved it and flattered herself to think she looked nice in it. With an earl in the neighborhood, there were sure to be many parties, but Sir William Lucas’s would be the most lavish, making it the most suitable for the dress.
She’d already shown it to her sisters, and endured Lydia’s lamentations that Elizabeth should bring home so fine a dress when she was so terribly short, it could never be made to fit anyone else. They had not seen it on Elizabeth, though, with the exception of Jane. She was suitably gratified by their reaction. Her mother all but swooned with delight, declaring that in the dress, even Elizabeth had a chance to secure the interest of the earl. Her father, Elizabeth thought, looked misty eyed.
Elizabeth was aware of many heads turning her way when she and her family arrived at Lucas Lodge. Even Sir William, who had known her from a babe, bowed lower to her than he ever had before. She noted these things, but paid them little mind. Her searching eyes quickly picked Mr. Darcy from the crowd, already making his way across the room toward her.
Elizabeth went to meet him, aware of her mother shepherding her sisters about and her father disappearing in the opposite direction. They reached the center of the room simultaneously. Elizabeth made a curtsy she knew was rendered more graceful by the silk she wore. Mr. Darcy, clad to elegant perfection as usual, answered with a bow.
“Miss Elizabeth, may I say you look lovely this evening?”
“I believe you may, Mr. Darcy, as rumor has it you are courting me.”
“Rumor only?” He arched a brow. “That is the gown you wore to Lady Agatha’s party.”
“It is. I suppose I am wearing it again too soon.” Elizabeth hadn’t considered that, for the gown begged to be worn and few in Hertfordshire had seen her in it before. “To behave as a woman being courted, I ought to have worn something you’ve not seen before.”
“I’m pleased you wore it. It suits you perfectly, and conjures up happy memories of when we danced together. Memories I hope to add to tonight.”
“Mr. Darcy, are you asking me to dance?”
“I hope I am. I must secure my sets before you’re monopolized by the other men here.”
She smiled. “I am not interesting to them. Most of them have danced with me many times before.”
“Not in that dress.”
His appreciative gaze left Elizabeth feeling oddly flustered. Then he frowned. For a moment, her heart fell, but she quickly ascertained it was something over her shoulder that had caught his attention. Mr. Darcy gave a curt nod. Elizabeth looked behind her in time to see Mr. Wickham’s return nod from where he stood near the door. He turned and made his way to a different part of the room. Elizabeth thought he’d do better to turn around and walk back out, but then most of the people there didn’t know the truth about him.
Soon, to no one’s surprise, Mary moved to the piano to play music for dancing. Mr. Darcy offered his hand to Elizabeth, a smile replacing the harsh look he’d aimed at Mr. Wickham. Placing her gloved fingers in his, Elizabeth let Mr. Darcy lead her out to dance.
As they made their way through the steps, she caught sight of other members of both of their parties. Unsurprisingly, her sister Lydia was dancing with Mr. Wickham. Equally expected, Colonel Fitzwilliam partnered Jane. Lord Henry was dancing with Miss Bingley, though Elizabeth uncharitably suspected the latter to have maneuvered that. She also assumed Miss Bingley was somehow responsible for her brother partnering Miss de Bourgh.
Elizabeth tried to keep her mind on Mr. Darcy, where she would like it to be, but was troubled by Mr. Wickham. Now that she knew so much about him, she was taken aback that he dared mingle so easily in polite company. She especially didn’t care for Mr. Wickham dancing with Lydia. She pursed her lips. It wouldn’t do. She ought to warn him off.
“You seem troubled,” Mr. Darcy said, his voice low.
Elizabeth returned her attention to him, feeling a bit guilty. “It’s Mr. Wickham.”
Mr. Darcy cast a look about the room. Elizabeth knew the moment he sighted Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy’s eyes went flat.
“If he asks me, I think I should agree to dance with him,” Elizabeth said.
“Why?” The whispered word was harsh.
“Because it will give me a chance to chide him on some of his lies. He should not feel he can get away with spreading lies about you or Miss Darcy.” She could read the disapproval in Mr. Darcy’s face. “I will only allude to the money paid for the living and his claim that your sister was proud. It would be a natural thing for me to do and it will make him think harder before dancing with my sisters.”
“As you wish,” Mr. Darcy said, but Elizabeth could tell he still did not care for the idea.
She turned the topic to happier things, determined to enjoy her much looked forward to dance with Mr. Darcy. He was an excellent partner, especially now that he spoke to her with ease. In short order, she momentarily forgot about Mr. Wickham, Lydia, and the rest of the room.
Then their first set of the evening was over and Colonel Fitzwilliam asked her to dance, while Lord Henry partnered Jane. Elizabeth observed with amusement that the colonel kept a close eye on his brother and her sister, though he was attentive enough and a fine partner. Somewhat to her surprise, Mr. Bingley asked her to dance next, putting to rest Elizabeth’s lingering worry he’d stay aloof from her and her sisters. During both dances, she was displeased to see Mr. Darcy standing off to the side. Much as she didn’t want him to give too much notice to any other woman, she also couldn’t like his rudeness in sitting out when there were so many hoping to dance.
Mr. Wickham appeared after Elizabeth’s dance with Mr. Bingley. “Miss Elizabeth, may I have the pleasure?” He accompanied the question with an elegant bow.
Elizabeth nodded, offering her hand. Mr. Wickham led her out to the set in which Miss de Bourg
h already stood. She exchanged smiles with Miss de Bourgh, who was dancing with the oldest Lucas boy, but she could not bring herself to smile at Mr. Wickham. The music took back up, the dance beginning.
“I met Miss Darcy in town,” Elizabeth said, moving through the first turn.
“Oh?” Mr. Wickham responded cautiously.
“Yes, and she wasn’t proud at all, only shy,” she said when next the steps brought them together. “I found her delightful. I was surprised you misjudged her so, knowing her as well as I feel you must, since you told me you’d devoted many hours to her entertainment.” She swung away, minding her place in the dance for a moment, then came back.
“I’m glad to hear she was sociable,” Mr. Wickham said. “Perhaps she has grown up and realizes her pride is not winning her friends. Assuming shyness would hide the fact that she really doesn’t know how to behave in society without offending people.”
“How so?” Elizabeth couldn’t believe the temerity of the man, elaborating on his falsehood instead of retracting it. She regretted they were drawn apart again, giving him more time to formulate his answer.
“By staying in the background and saying nothing, so no one will notice how proud she is,” Mr. Wickham said.
Again, the steps took him away. Miss Darcy hadn’t been proud, Elizabeth thought, but Mr. Wickham appeared to be, of his lies. Moments later, he rejoined Elizabeth.
“She undoubtedly adopted a quiet, ladylike poise to cover her pride,” Mr. Wickham continued. “It is an easy pose to maintain. All she has to do is always be silent and never do anything that isn’t ladylike.”
“Well, she went about it in a very odd way, then. She played battledore and shuttlecock with some of the younger girls. I would think the governesses watching would gossip about her activity and enthusiasm.”
Mr. Wickham frowned. They stepped apart.
“I’m glad to say it sounds as if she’s improved,” he said when they came together once more, his composure recovered. “People do change.”
“Really?” Elizabeth made her tone sweet. “Do people change their minds about being a clergyman and think that law might be a better choice, for example? Especially if they have financial support?”
Courting Elizabeth: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 16