My Beginning With Mr. Darcy [Book Two]

by Lauren King

  Elizabeth lightly chuckles wryly after which she says, “No, I am not upset at you for missing our supper dance set.” She turns away from William and looks towards the dance floor. Her eyes may be looking at the dance floor but she sees no one. She is only thinking of what and how she will handle their situation. William actually thinks that she is upset at their missed dance set? He and Richard are so insensible to what has occurred? She thought that William would be very sensitive to these subjects especially as it pertains to her and them. This party is not the place to settle this; she will keep her thoughts to herself until tomorrow morning. She will resolve it once and for all. “Can we find a seat somewhere to sit Mr. Darcy?”

  “Certainly, Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy extends his arm to her, and she takes it, but her hand is barely detectable on his arm.

  He guides her to some vacant chairs near the balcony. They both sit; Elizabeth sits straight up with her hands on her lap as she gazes at the dance floor. “Miss Elizabeth, would you like to dance the next set?”

  “If you do not mind, I would like to rest a bit. You should dance with your friends, though; please, do not feel compelled to stay here. I have a chair now; I can relax here and listen to the music, a little. You go have some fun.” Elizabeth makes an effort to smile politely at William to motivate him to go dance with someone else if he is inclined. She promptly turns back towards the dance floor so she can think. It kills her to have these thoughts, but she might as well get used to it.

  “I will remain here with you.” Darcy says unhappily.

  “No, that is alright. You should mingle with others. I am fine sitting here. Whenever you want to leave just have someone come and tell me then I can retrieve Georgie and Mrs. Annesley.” Elizabeth states forthrightly.

  “I do not understand why you speak this way to me.”

  “I am sorry I disappoint you, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth continues to avoid looking at William; anger begins to build in the pit of her stomach. She simply wants to go home. She cannot pretend to enjoy this party when her insides are gnawing at her.

  “I cannot stand it any longer; we must speak immediately. Would you mind leaving the party?” Darcy asks impatiently.

  “Whatever you want is fine, Mr. Darcy. Let me retrieve Georgie and Mrs. Annesley, then. Shall we meet you at your carriage?” She is prepared to hear William’s retreat. She will harden her heart; she cannot let this devastate her. He does not feel the same for her as she does for him. That is no one’s fault. They can part peacefully. This is for the best.

  “Miss Elizabeth, would I ever let you do all that by yourself?” Darcy frowns lightly; he is apprehensive at her implications.

  “I thought you would like to say goodbye to your family and friends, sir.” Elizabeth tries to be agreeable and accommodating as much as possible.

  “Indeed, I will farewell my relatives, but that does not mean I will not escort you, too.”

  “You may want to farewell your friends personally. I do not want anyone to think that I am an extra appendage that you cannot get rid of.” Elizabeth deliberately chuckles lightly. “We are not married, so I am not your ball-and-chain. I do not think anyone wants a ball-and-chain tied to them forever, thus you are not obligated, sir. One more week, and then you will have to regret it for life; that is no way to live. I completely understand.” She chuckles softly with a small smile. Anyone observing her would think that she is truly happily smiling; how wrong they would be.

  “Miss Elizabeth, I will escort you. I need to speak with you, straight away.” Darcy will not rest until he speaks candidly with her. Elizabeth is definitely upset; her comments are…disturbing. What regret is she talking about?

  “As you wish; let us retrieve Georgie and Mrs. Annesley without delay.” They both walk towards the family sitting room.

  Elizabeth approaches Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley. “Georgie, your brother would like to leave now. Are you ready to go?”

  “Yes, I am. Are you two not dancing anymore? It is still early, is it not? Did you have fun, Lizzy?” Georgiana smiles widely, but she can decipher that Elizabeth is not happy about something; William does not look happy either, but they are both putting on their polite faces.

  “Your brother requests that we leave.” Elizabeth answers quickly because she just wants to leave.

  “Alright, I am ready. Mrs. Annesley, are you ready?”

  “Yes, Miss Darcy.”

  The four of them approach Lord and Lady Matlock to say goodnight. The bride and groom are standing nearby, so farewells and wishes are relayed once again. Elizabeth figures that this will be the last time that she will associate with the new Viscountess; therefore, she decides that she will let her know that Elizabeth is not a fool. If the Viscountess’ cousins have to be scheming women who pursue engaged gentlemen, then they can continue to do so. If those men want them, then there is nothing anyone can do to prevent it.

  Right before Elizabeth turns to leave with Georgiana, Elizabeth takes advantage that the bride is not talking with anyone; hence, she says to the bride, “Lady Somerset, once again, I want to congratulate you on your marriage. I wish you and the Lord Somerset joy.”

  Elizabeth sees peripherally that Lady Matlock has turned back towards Lord Matlock leaving her to speak with the bride. She also sees that William has stopped to wait for her with Georgiana on his arm several feet away, thus she takes the chance to speak her mind, quietly.

  “Your two cousins Miss Juliet Barrington and Miss Grace Winchester are pretty, and they do look becoming of their targets; however, being that they are young ladies of the higher class, I do not think they should pursue engaged men – well, one of your cousins is, anyways. That is very unbefitting of a true lady; do you not think so, Lady Somerset?”

  The bride’s eyes become wide with surprise, and she presses her lips together to keep them closed. The bride is caught unaware with what Elizabeth is speaking of; she is speechless because the truth just hit her. It will not be good for Juliet’s reputation if she pursues and breaks up an engaged couple.

  “I am afraid that it will affect your reputation too if it was known that any of your pretty cousins were deliberately pursuing an engaged gentleman with your assistance and caused a scandal. It is quite a shame that she cannot secure an unattached gentleman; she has to pursue an engaged one. Home wrecker is not a good title for any young lady, even the low class common shop girl. May your marriage be filled with happiness. Good night, Lady Somerset.” Elizabeth smiles politely before moving away.

  Elizabeth can tell that Lady Matlock heard her comments to the bride, but Lady Matlock chose not to acknowledge it. It is a pity that this may be the last time that Elizabeth sees Lady Matlock because she actually likes Lady Matlock.

  Elizabeth knows that Miss Juliet knew William before Elizabeth knew him, and if William agrees to go back with Miss Juliet, then it is not really all Miss Juliet’s fault. However, Elizabeth simply wanted to express her sentiments to the bride so that she is aware that Elizabeth knows of hers and her Aunt’s scheming ways. That is what Elizabeth does not like, especially scheming to break up an engagement or a marriage. If you are decent, you simply do not do such a conniving thing!

  Elizabeth walks out of the ball room with her head held high and a superior expression that these people should recognize. She is not the one that will be released from their engagement. Elizabeth will release William from their engagement. Elizabeth is glad that she was able to make it known to the bride that she knew their devious, underhanded ways. Everybody has a right to secure whoever they want. However, the way they carry it out and whether they are successful is a different story. Elizabeth has never been a schemer, and she does not intend to ever become one.

  The ride home in the carriage is mostly silent. Georgiana tries to open up conversation about the wedding breakfast, but Elizabeth only answers courteously. William keeps staring at Elizabeth and only answers when he is asked directly. He does not contribute anything, either. Georgiana knows that some qu
arrel must have transpired between William and Elizabeth because they both are guarded in their replies.

  Elizabeth is surprised to see that they have arrived at Darcy House first, and then William says, “Georgie, would you mind if we take you home first and Mrs. Annesley can accompany me and Elizabeth back to the Gardiner residence?”

  “No, not at all, William.” Georgiana smiles at both William and Elizabeth; she is happy that William will talk to Elizabeth and straighten out whatever is occurring between them. She prays that it is nothing serious because their wedding is in one week.

  “Let me escort you inside, then.” Darcy offers.

  “Good night, Lizzy. You will let me know when you want me to come with you for any shopping or fittings?” Georgiana asks cheerfully; she is happy to help Elizabeth in any way she can.

  “I do not think there will be anymore shopping. Thank you for being such a great, sweet, kind friend these past three months, Georgie.” Elizabeth says sincerely and most warmly as she reaches to caress Georgiana’s hand. She feels sick to lose another friend, but it cannot be helped. She will write Georgiana a letter to explain everything when everything is finalized.

  Georgiana smiles tenderly and blushes at hearing Elizabeth’s praise. “I will see you soon, then. I am so excited for you and William – only seven more days!” Georgiana is enthusiastic about her brother’s wedding, but her future sister does not seem so keen right now. Georgiana really hopes that everything will be resolved between them. She does not want to lose a wonderful sister.

  Darcy is concerned with Elizabeth’s enigmatic comments to Georgiana. Why did she thank Georgiana for being a great friend?

  At the Gardiner residence, Darcy requests that Mrs. Annesley sit in the sitting room across the hall from the drawing room while he talks with Elizabeth. Both rooms will have their doors open, obviously. All greetings are relayed when Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and Jane come to the drawing room; they are, undoubtedly, surprised at Elizabeth’s early return; it is only eight o’clock. They can tell that something significant has transpired and the couple is trying to cope with it now. They hope that the situation is resolvable without any negative, long term effects. Darcy and Elizabeth are left alone in the drawing room after some niceties are conveyed and Elizabeth’s family bids everyone a good night.

  “Mr. Darcy, I am sure you are tired, so I think we should talk tomorrow if you want or whatever day you feel is best for you.” Elizabeth wants to think about this a little more. Tomorrow will give everyone a clearer head.

  “Are you tired, Lizzy? I would like to talk to you tonight if you are not tired.”

  “I am very tired of this; nevertheless, I can tell that you are eager to inform me of certain things, so I guess we should just speak now and be done with it. I think I already know what you want to convey; therefore, I will not make it difficult for you.” Elizabeth announces with a straight face. She does not want there to be any misunderstanding at the end of this conversation.

  “What are you talking about, Lizzy – what difficulty? I do not understand why you have been formal towards me and acting unloving towards me ever since I missed our supper dance set. I tried to speak with you about it so I could apologize for not being able to dance that set with you. Are you that angry with me about it?” Darcy does not understand why else.

  Elizabeth takes in a deep breath and looks skyward in disbelief at William’s ignorance. Does he really and genuinely not know what he did was offensive and wrong? She is this upset at a missed dance set? Goodness gracious! If he wants to go back with Miss Juliet, then he should just do it, already. No need to drag this out any further. Elizabeth is going to have to address this frankly to get it over with, here and now.

  “Mr. Darcy, I will come straight to the point because there is no use in equivocating.” Elizabeth takes a deep breath before starting her talk. She hopes this goes smoothly, and it will not completely devastate her. “I have learned that you have a past history and connection with Miss Juliet Barrington, and now everyone is interested in recovering that past and carrying it into the future. I am a straightforward, sensible person; I understand your circumstances. As you are interested in pursuing Miss Juliet, I will retreat....” Elizabeth rushes through her thoughts but is interrupted instantaneously by William’s shock.

  “WHAT?!” Simultaneously, Darcy’s back bolts straight up as he faces Elizabeth, directly; his eyes bulge out as he is agape at what he just heard. Who is interested in recovering the past – him? NO! He has no past with Miss Juliet! Who said he did? He is not interested in Miss Juliet! He is not crazy! Who the devil told Elizabeth all this?

  Why should he be shocked? This is not a surprise revelation. Elizabeth ignores his shock and continues. “Nothing has to be difficult or scandalous if we simply and calmly dissolve any agreement we have with one another. I will make certain that my Father does not cause you any difficulties. If we part ways silently, then there will be little, if any fanfare.”

  “You will retreat? You want to end our engagement?” Darcy remains in complete shock. His face is frowning with pain and frustration. “I do not understand how you learned of all this information.” Darcy breathes in deeply and then expels it with control while he closes his eyes briefly. All he can feel is anger and hurt at this moment. Elizabeth wants to end their relationship!

  “I heard it all from Mrs. Barrington, herself. The bride also confirmed a few things and your clear actions proved it all correct. I do not blame you, sir. She knew you before I did. Since I saw your willingness to be with her, I could not ignore it. You know I have told you that I would never want you to obligate yourself with our relationship and then be resentful or regretful of it when it will be too late to fix. We can still fix it at this point; we are not married yet. We can just simply go our separate ways quietly.” Elizabeth explains logically and sensibly.

  Darcy cannot sit silently any longer. “I do not know what Mrs. Barrington and the bride said, and I will address that later but what about my actions? What did I do, Lizzy?” Darcy looks bewildered at Elizabeth but a second later it hits him – realization slaps him in the face. “Oh my God! Do you mean my dance with Miss Juliet lead you to believe all of this…horse manure?” Darcy is really annoyed, irritated, and angry, now. “I beg your pardon for using that kind of language, but you must know how livid I am right now, Lizzy. The injustice of it all! You cannot be serious about ending our engagement – you cannot.” Darcy’s heart beats wildly because of the apprehension of their relationship ending.

  “I am very serious, sir.” Elizabeth will not pretend that William loves only her.

  “Will you please explain to me what you have heard and learned? Please! You kill me little by little when you insist on us separating permanently. Please, tell me everything.” Darcy looks very frustrated and pained.

  Elizabeth relays all that she heard from Mrs. Barrington, the bride, and her nice talk with Lady Matlock. She brings up the issue with Richard and tells William that she no longer wants to associate with Richard personally if he continues to be the way that he was tonight. She tells William what she said to the bride right before she left. She imparts everything that occurred and all her thoughts about this entire situation. There is no reason to withhold anything; she and William should know exactly why they are parting.

  Elizabeth expands further. “Did it never occur to you that Miss Juliet openly admired you and hoped for your attentions? It was very evident from how she gazed at you, how she spoke to you, and how she reacted to you. Even her Mother was very happy to converse with you. I was standing across the room from you yet I was able to discern all that. I am very surprised that you were not able to. I thought that with your perspicacity, you detected what I detected; therefore, I thought you purposefully were entertaining her when you danced and conversed with her afterwards while I was by myself. That is how I came to that conclusion.” Elizabeth’s face is emotionless.

  “Furthermore, why would you have to dance with Miss Grac
e Winchester’s cousin? The only reason one girl requests that for her friend or relative is because she wants to secure that other gentleman for her friend or her relative. In your case, her refusing to dance with Richard would motivate him to have you dance with Miss Juliet which is exactly what Miss Juliet wanted. She wanted to show you how interested she was in you even after these five months. She never got her chance to explain to you and to make you aware of how interested she was; she still is interested in you, immensely. And her Mother is completely supportive even to the extent of thinking that her daughter breaking up an engaged couple is proper and reasonable because her daughter looks more befitting of you than me.” Elizabeth moves right along.

  “It is unbelievable to me that you and Richard who are two gentlemen-of-the-world did not detect this logical progression of actions from Miss Juliet and Miss Grace Winchester. Their plan is very common. With you being pursued by all sorts of match-making-mothers all these years, I cannot believe that you have not figured out this simple plan. I cannot conceive that you and Richard are not aware of it; I cannot believe it. This leads me to believe that you were content with being with her over me which, of course, leads me to believe all that had been said by the bride and Mrs. Barrington.” Elizabeth will communicate all her thoughts so William can never say that she did not explain her concerns fully.

  “Logically, the next thing I thought of is that since you were, most likely, still interested in her then that is why you were willing to converse with Mrs. Barrington for so long and missed our supper dance set. I was never upset that we missed our dance set; I was stunned as to why we missed the set. I stood there by myself uncomfortably with other men gawking at me to see that my betrothed was quite happy to converse with his past interest.” Elizabeth takes in a deep breath and looks sideways to focus on the side chair instead of at William. She does not want tears to well up.