Bingley stood up to invite the ladies to entertain the room, and Darcy would have been grateful for Wickham’s suggestion that Mary’s constitution was too delicate to perform this evening if he were not so concerned that Wickham was concocting a scheme. Mr. Bennet seemed to be liberally consuming Bingley’s wine. At last, it was time to return to dancing, and as he escorted Miss Lucas into the ballroom, it finally occurred to him that he had not spoken above five words to either his supper partner or Elizabeth.
As Miss Lucas’s partner came for her, he went to find Miss Bingley. She complained, as expected, over the course of the evening, especially about the Bennets. He was happy to have no need to supply much conversation as the dance was lively, and he found himself short of breath. He steered her to the punch table. Elizabeth was there as well, Mr. Collins hovering near her.
After quickly draining his glass, hoping to stave off a cough he felt tickling the back of his throat, he turned to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, I was hoping to partner with you for another set.”
“But Mr. Darcy!” Mr. Collins and Miss Bingley both exclaimed.
Collins seemed to defer to Miss Bingley for the moment. She continued, “Surely you should not tax yourself so much after your illness.”
“You were ill?” Elizabeth asked with concern. How he had wished that she had attended his bedside rather than his valet.
“Lady Catherine would be most displeased if her nephew threatened his health just to be so inordinately civil to such a crowd of people. Mr. Darcy, I insist you sit out the remainder of the ball.”
“Thank you, Mr. Collins, but gentlemen are in short supply, and I will do my duty.”
Miss Bingley’s partner collected her, so she could no longer protest, and Mr. Collins attempted to argue again.
“Mr. Collins, speaking of a shortage of gentlemen, perhaps you should find a partner,” Darcy suggested.
“Certainly, I would love to dance with my dearest cousin again.”
“But I am engaged to Mr. Darcy for this set.”
“He does not mean to dance now; I am sure of it. Come, Miss Elizabeth.” He held out his hand for her, but Darcy spoke coldly.
“The lady is engaged, but I do see Miss Lucas without a partner for this dance. It is exceedingly ungentlemanly to let a lady sit out. My aunt, especially, hates such incivility.”
“Oh! I had not seen her there. I had not meant to leave...but if it would really be the gentlemanly thing to do...”
“I am certain Miss Lucas would be pleased,” Elizabeth interjected.
He made a bow and quickly moved to Miss Lucas’s side. Darcy held out his hand for Elizabeth, but she shook her head.
“Sir, if you have been ill, you really should rest yourself.”
“Are you to be my nursemaid?” He rather liked the thought, but then he thought he would rather her care for him daily, as a wife would. He smiled at the thought.
“Oh no. I am certain you are a dreadful patient,” she returned.
“And yet I had thought you the sort whose courage always rose to every occasion.”
She laughed a heavenly sound. “I will strike a bargain with you, sir. We will sit out this dance, and I will allow you the silence I am sure you wish for if you will promise to go to the card room for the last set. No one can say you have been uncivil tonight.”
“Silence? Why would I wish silence in your presence?”
She said lowly, “I was under the impression the company of this evening had been distasteful.”
He lowered his head to speak for her ears alone. “Your company is never distasteful.”
She blushed. Why had he thought he could resist her?
“You did not always think so, sir.” She raised her head, and her eyes challenged him.
“I am sorry you think so. Since the beginning of our acquaintance, I have found you enchanting. My manners must be to blame.”
She looked at him cautiously for a moment before replying, “Enchanting but not tempting.”
“You are quite incorrect. I have never been more tempted…to converse.” Truthfully, he was tempted in more pleasurable ways as well.
She swallowed and paused. “You are far more civil tonight than you were during your first dance in the country.”
“I am uncomfortable forming new acquaintances.”
“And yet you remained silent for most of your time in the country. Do you now count yourself as sufficiently acquainted with Miss Lucas or Miss Long?”
She was trying to say something, yet he could not connect the clues. It made him uncomfortable. “Did you not say some relationships cultivate faster than others?”
“I did. Perhaps now we can think about events of the evening with similar feelings after all.”
“Indeed?” He had not realised how insecure he felt of her feelings until such a declaration. He suddenly felt like he could move mountains.
“Jane has always been so reserved and never had her heart touched by a gentleman before. Yet look at her now. She smiles so happily next to Mr. Bingley.”
He blinked in surprise. Had she been speaking of her sister and Bingley? He had never seen signs of real affection from either one of them. He studied them closely now. Yes, Bingley was more attentive than usual. But could mere smiles alone be Miss Bennet’s signal of admiration?
Such a peculiar family they were! Two incorrigible flirts, one sister who would rather read than speak to acquaintances, and then Elizabeth—lively but entirely proper. How could Miss Bennet turn out so differently?
Then his mind turned towards his own sister. They were both reserved, but she was truly shy, timid even, in company. And she certainly did not have the cause to worry and conceal her feelings that Miss Bennet did. But such thoughts just made him consider Elizabeth's family again, and tonight he preferred to simply enjoy her smiles.
“I am certain Miss Bennet is everything proper,” he said at last.
“She is. Your sister will benefit from correspondence with her.”
“My sister wants more liveliness, Miss Elizabeth. I am certain she will benefit even more from corresponding with you.”
“Thank you.” She blushed again. Of course, Georgiana would benefit even more if Elizabeth were a constant influence.
The music ended, and Wickham approached. He smiled gaily at Elizabeth and then Darcy, clearly wanting to continue the façade that they were friends. Seething with jealousy just seeing Elizabeth’s hand in Wickham’s, he turned to the card room. He would call on the Bennets tomorrow and manage to say something. A call on Wickham was in order as well.
*****
Wickham smiled at his partner. All was going according to his plan. The Bennets were charmed by him; he would easily be welcome in their home at any time. Mr. Bennet was encouraged to drink plenty of port and then took his suggestion to go to the card room after supper. Denny would take care of the rest on that side of things. Now Wickham needed to gain Elizabeth’s trust.
“Well, Miss Elizabeth, you have spent two dances with Mr. Darcy and sat near him at supper. Are you any closer to making him out?”
“I wonder why it concerns you so much. I am not in the habit of people being so interested in my affairs.”
“I have been connected with him for so long, and although our acquaintance is short, I feel as if I know you very well.”
She arched a brow. “And this sort of intimacy has allowed you to consider what, sir? That we are well matched?”
“I have certainly deduced what has attracted my friend.”
“And that is?”
His eyes scanned her body before returning to her face. He could nearly feel the heat of her blush. It had been too long since he felt the heat of a woman’s body, but he made his mind focus. “The sharpness of your mind, of course.”
Elizabeth scoffed. “You are incorrect. He prefers more mild-mannered ladies.”
“No, I know my friend well.”
“Then he certainly wishes for someone with greater connections
and wealth.”
“If that were true, he might have married any lady long ago. His aunt is after him to marry his cousin.”
“I do not care for Town,” she said rather weakly.
“Neither does he.”
“I do care for my family, and he does not.”
“That is an obstacle but one that is conquerable.”
“Really, I do not care if it is. I have no wish for his attentions,” Elizabeth said with what was clearly impatience.
“You certainly do not give the impression of a lady who wishes to put a man off. Now, your sister must be tiring of Mr. Bingley.”
“Jane loves him!” She blushed. “Forgive me. My sister is very reserved and would hate to be the source of such impertinent remarks.”
“Well, I do not know many men who would understand a lady had great feeling for him if all he received were serene smiles.”
She looked towards Miss Bennet and Mr. Bingley. “You think he does not perceive her regard?”
“I do not. And with such other objections...”
“What other objections?” she asked harshly.
“His sisters are very concerned with wealth and connections. And, as you say, his friend is not impressed with her relations.”
“But...if, as you suggest, his friend would consider me, surely my sister must be enough.”
“Yet you do not wish him to consider you.”
She hesitated, and in that instant, Wickham understood things exactly. She did not wish for Darcy’s attentions but neither did she wish to offend the man who held sway over her sister’s suitor. He may win both Darcy’s money and his woman after all, a very pleasing thought.
He smiled and spoke before she replied. “I have teased you enough for now. I certainly hope all ends well for you and your sisters. I have only your happiness at heart.”
The dance ended, and they parted in silence. On Wickham’s side, he wondered how he could use this information to the best advantage. Timing would be everything.
Chapter Seven
Despite the exhaustion usually felt after the exertion of a ball, sleep did not claim Elizabeth until very late. Nevertheless, routine being a necessity to a country lady in such a household, she arose at her usual hour. Breakfast brought some relief and restoration, and she decided to take up work with her sister, Catherine, and her mother in the morning room while Jane and Lydia returned to rest and Mary retired to her apartment for her morning studies. With the ladies at such tasks and the gentlemen likely as tired, she did not expect the intrusion that followed.
Mr. Collins came in just as Elizabeth and Kitty finished discussing which colour to use next for their work. He immediately approached Mrs. Bennet. “I hope, my dear lady, that you will allow me a private audience with your fair daughter, Elizabeth.”
Mrs. Bennet immediately replied, “Oh yes! Certainly! Lizzy shall have no objections at all, I am certain. Come, Kitty. I desire you upstairs.”
After gathering her wits, Elizabeth rose and called out to her mother and sister as they reached the door, “Mama, Mr. Collins can have nothing to say to me that others cannot hear. Indeed, I am going away myself in only a moment.”
“Nonsense!” Mrs. Bennet declared. “You will stay and hear Mr. Collins. I insist.”
Elizabeth paused long enough to consider that it would be best to get the undoubtedly mortifying scene that would inevitably follow over with and contained her astonishment that her mother thought such a command was in her power. She sat and was soon alone with Mr. Collins.
“Your modesty, Miss Elizabeth, has only added to your other perfections. Had you thought yourself so deserving of my addresses, it would have diminished your amiability in my eyes. Fear not, I have your mother’s permission and had settled upon you as the companion of my future life almost from my first entering this house. Before I continue with my feelings, however, I think I ought to explain why I have chosen to marry.”
Elizabeth listened with disbelief, astonishment, offence, and finally amusement as Mr. Collins explained that his patroness insisted he marry, and that his decision to choose from amongst his cousins was befitting atonement for being next in line from the entailment. Even without consulting her feelings for the gentleman, Elizabeth had no choice but to refuse, and most succinctly.
His combined pride and prejudices were never more exposed than when he persisted, stating that ladies frequently refused men to inspire more affection. “I am by no means discouraged by what you have just said and shall hope to lead you to the altar ‘ere long,” he said.
“I am not that sort of lady, if they exist, to risk my happiness in such a way! I am perfectly serious. You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who would make you so. I am persuaded Lady Catherine would find me ill-qualified for the situation, and you would not wish to garner her displeasure.”
This gave him pause, but soon he rallied. “I cannot imagine that her ladyship would at all disapprove of you. And you may be certain that when I have the honour of seeing her again, I shall speak in the highest terms of your modesty, economy, and other amiable qualifications.”
Growing exasperated, Elizabeth stood and replied, “You must give me leave to judge for myself and pay me the compliment of believing what I say. The matter is settled.”
Before reaching the door, however, Mr. Collins addressed her again. “When we speak again, I am confident you will reply more favourably. I understand, due to the delicacy of your female mind, that you reply according to a custom most designed to encourage my suit.” He paused, but before Elizabeth could speak, he continued. “You are nearing cruelty in tormenting me, and such actions have their rewards.”
A shiver ran up Elizabeth’s spine as she perceived his words had a menacing quality, but she remained firm.
“Really, Mr. Collins, you deceive yourself! How can what I have said be made into encouragement? If this is the case, then I can think of nothing that may convince you.”
A glint appeared in his eye as he replied, “You allow me to flatter myself, Cousin. I know I am not unworthy and that my establishment is desirable to many women. My situation in life and connections with the de Bourgh family, in addition to my relationship to your own, are all in my favour.” He stepped closer and said lowly, “You should consider that despite your attractions, no other offer of marriage may come your way. Your portion is so small that it diminishes your loveliness and amiable qualifications.” He met her eyes and spoke with a challenge in his voice. “I choose to attribute your rejection as wishing to increase my love, as is the practice of elegant females. You are not serious in your rejection of me.”
Although she turned red at his insinuations that she was better suited for a man’s amusement than as his equal, her feelings became cold as his final words sounded like a threat. Her courage rose, and after taking a deep breath, she replied, “I thank you again for the honour of your proposals, but my feelings forbid their acceptance. Can I speak plainer? I do not intend to plague you. I am a rational creature speaking the truth from her heart.”
She opened the door just as he laughed. “How charming you are! I believe on your father’s authority that my proposals will become quite acceptable.”
Elizabeth immediately quit the room, having no real fear that her father would support the match, and rather thought he could, at last, make Mr. Collins see reason. Evading her mother in the hallway, she returned to her room until summoned by her father.
“Come here, Child,” he said as she entered the library. “I have heard you have refused Mr. Collins’s offer of marriage.”
“I have, sir.”
“Your mother insists you accept.”
“Yes, or I will never see her again,” Mrs. Bennet interjected.
Elizabeth turned her eyes back to her father, expecting to see amusement in his eyes, but there was none.
“Allow me to speak with Elizabeth, Mrs. Bennet.” With a raising of her chin in presumed victory, the l
ady left.
Elizabeth sat before her father, her stomach beginning to turn.
“On what grounds have you refused your cousin?”
“We have no affection for each other,” she began, disbelieving that her father would even ask.
“He assures me in animated language the strength of his regard for you.”
“It is entirely imaginary, I am sure.”
“It is well you see that. Marriage should not begin with expectations of affection.”
“You have always given me reason to believe you highly regarded my sense. Our temperaments are ill-suited to each other. I find him ridiculous and could find no happiness with him, and I doubt he would with me.”
“The match is a prudent one, and he would offer amusement, such as I have with your mother.”
“I find that such amusements are best enjoyed in small doses or quickly pall; even you, sir, have been keen enough to get Mr. Collins out of your book room for some peace. Moreover, a husband definitely has the upper hand in the case of any disharmony. Why, for example, I shudder to think what I should be permitted to read by him; he has already been lecturing us on what is and is not suitable for a lady to read. No, life with him would be insufferable.”
“You cannot find me so unhappy.” He said it with a smile, but Elizabeth had witnessed the truth of her parents’ marriage.
“Nay, his manner was offensive throughout the proposal. He disparaged and insulted me at every turn. There would be no amusement when he grew to resent my lack of dowry or my irreverence in the face of his patroness. He can only be pleased with a woman who can flatter him.”
“Perhaps he needs only some encouragement of your esteem to be truly amiable.”
Elizabeth squeezed her hands tightly in her lap. “No, I cannot. Are you insisting?”
Mr. Bennet pulled his glasses from his face and rubbed his brow. “I ought to. It is in the best interests of your mother and sisters that one of you marry him.”
Sufficient Encouragement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (When Love Blooms Book 1) Page 8