Perhaps it is only fitting, for I may have met Prince Charming tonight!
Jane had once more been singled out by Mr. Bingley, a genial man with a reported five thousand a year, and by chance, she herself had caught the eye of his well-to-do houseguest. Not used to such attention other than by the locals, Elizabeth was totally lost in contemplation of said gentleman by the time the carriage lurched forward. In her preoccupation, she did not see that all but her father and Jane had closed their eyes and were nodding off by the time they had travelled the first two miles. A sudden jolt caused by a hole in the road, brought her back to the present, and she turned to find Jane staring trancelike out the window. A fleeting look at her father proved that he was fully awake and watching her. As their eyes met, he winked.
Tilting his head towards those asleep, he whispered, “Kitty and Lydia are weary from dancing with every red-coat in attendance, and your mother is likely exhausted from deciding which men are in need of a wife.” He chuckled softly. “And from where I stood, it appears that you are now on the same footing as Jane. In fact, I would dare say that you made your mother deliriously happy this evening.”
The mention of her name caused Jane to turn, smile and then to resume looking out the window. As she was not one to readily divulge her feelings, Mr. Bennet was not surprised when his second daughter skirted the issue entirely and then changed the subject.
“My good fortune is easy to explain. With the militia attending, there were more men available to dance, though I have to wonder at Miss Bingley’s demeanour tonight. She cooled the entire room with her icy stare, so I am convinced that, given the chance, she would not have attended at all.”
Mr. Bennet chuckled a little too loudly, causing Lydia to stir. Then bringing a finger to his lips to signify his resolve to be quiet, he settled back into the seat and spoke no more. The next day would be soon enough to extract more information from his favourite daughter, for though he feigned indifference, he had been acutely aware of when Mr. Bingley’s newest addition to Netherfield had asked Lizzy for a second dance.
Thus rendered speechless, Mr. Bennet began to compare the men likely to court his daughters. Bingley, whose lips seemed permanently parted in a good-humoured smile, was newly come to the neighbourhood. He had proven to be an amiable addition to Meryton and, most importantly, according to his wife, had taken a fancy to Jane. That was understandable, as Jane’s beauty had always attracted the opposite sex. Moreover, the neighbourhood gossip was that he had an income of five thousand a year, which would place Jane in a very enviable position. While it circulated that Bingley’s guest’s fortune was twice that amount, Mr. Darcy’s situation was only conjecture, so he refused to dwell on it. Obviously, the man was wealthy. Glancing first at Jane and then to Lizzy, their dreamy expressions left no doubt of what they would say should either man arrive on his doorstep requesting a meeting.
His heart lurched at the thought of losing Lizzy, and he studied her for a while longer. Mr. Bennet loved all his children, but she was definitely his pet, for she was the brightest of his offspring and shared his interests in languages, literature and the sciences, often spending hours with him, debating one author’s view over another. Moreover, she alone understood his amusement in examining the idiosyncrasies of their friends and neighbours, often joining him in urging them to spout their nonsense, then surreptitiously winking at him after they had. No, he would not part with Lizzy lightly. Jane was meant to marry and have children, while Lizzy—well, she would make a wonderful mother, he was certain, but, most importantly, she needed to be valued for her intellect and encouraged to grow. If not, she would likely wither and die. Of that he was certain.
Can any man understand what a treasure he would have in my Lizzy? I think not!
Suddenly, the carriage leaned as it turned into the drive that led to the manor house, and Mr. Bennet pushed all thoughts of who might come to claim his daughters from his mind. For tonight, all he wished for was a warm bed to ease his aches and pains and a chance to sleep late in the morning.
I hope Hill has remembered to heat some stones for the foot of the bed.
LONGBOURN
Later that night
Save for Oscar, Mary’s cat, which slept most of the day and prowled at night, the Bennet home had finally grown quiet. The sounds of Kitty and Lydia’s laughter had died down along with Mrs. Bennet’s threats of punishment if they did not hush. Now every creak of the stairs bespoke only of another servant retiring to their room after the fires had been banked, the doors and windows checked and secured, and preparations made for the morrow. Still, in a small bedroom at the far end of the hall, two of the Bennet sisters lay wide awake. Ensconced under the counterpane, they were discussing what had happened at the assembly.
“Lizzy, by the end of the evening you actually seemed fond of Mr. Darcy,” Jane whispered. “I was astonished, given your opinion of his cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy.”
“I must confess to being astonished as well. You were so sick when we stayed at Netherfield that you had no chance to become acquainted with Fitzwilliam Darcy, and therefore could not come to your own conclusions, but I have no doubt that he thought me beneath his company and the Bingleys’ as well. I am only surprised that he did not try to persuade his friend against you before he escaped from Meryton as fast as his horses could run!”
“You have a habit of painting everyone in the worst possible light.”
“Really, Jane! Do you dispute the fact that he was in the neighbourhood for two weeks and, other than the Bingleys, not one soul knew? He did not participate in any of Meryton’s society, and before I encountered him at Netherfield, I had no idea Mr. Darcy even existed. In addition, they must have sworn the servants to silence, for Charlotte said that her father had no knowledge of his being in town, and you know that their cook hears all the gossip. I would not be surprised to learn that he entered and left Meryton under cover of darkness.”
“I admit that I find it odd that Mr. Bingley did not mention the fact that he had company, if for no other reason than to deflect criticism of his guest’s reticent behaviour.”
“Reticent behaviour?” Lizzy exclaimed before quieting again. “Fitzwilliam Darcy despises everyone he considers inferior in rank! The night before he quit Meryton, I thought he would strain his neck trying to see if the book I was reading was written in Italian. Then to prove that I could actually read in that language, he asked what I thought of certain portions. I imagine he thought I had unpacked my well-worn copy of Paradiso 1 as a ruse to impress him. After all, he and Caroline Bingley had waxed eloquent the night before about accomplished women. There was also the matter of my appearance under discussion.”
“Your appearance?”
“Yes, the day I walked to Netherfield the rain had turned the road into mud.” She giggled. “I probably wore most of it on the bottom of my gown by the time I got there—that is, if the look on Mr. Darcy’s face was any indication.”
Jane laughed. “Oh, my poor Lizzy! What lengths you went to in order to care for me.”
“You would have done the same for me had I been ill.” Jane nodded as Elizabeth continued. “In any event, I was outside the parlour when I heard a discussion of the impropriety of my muddy hem. They had a good laugh at my expense.”
“Surely, Mr. Bingley did not laugh, and I cannot imagine any man joining in.”
“Mr. Bingley was not in the room. As for Mr. Darcy, I cannot say that I heard him laughing, but he most stridently agreed that he would not want his sister behaving in such a manner.”
“I think any man of his rank would have said the same.”
“That is my point. His rank makes him feel superior!”
“And you do not think that Andrew Darcy feels the same?”
“No. He does not have his relation’s awful prejudice.” Lizzy grew silent for a moment as she searched for the right words. “I found that, other than a slight resemblance, they are nothing alike.”
“I met Fitzwilliam Darcy only once, on
the morning he left Netherfield, and I thought him the most extraordinarily handsome man I had ever seen. On the other hand, both Darcys are tall, similarly built and have dark hair, so I doubt that I could tell them apart if they turned their backs to me.”
“Handsome is as handsome does! Give me an amiable man over a proud, taciturn one anytime!” Lizzy affirmed. “Besides, while Andrew Darcy may not be as handsome as his cousin, he is more attractive in other ways.”
Jane noted Lizzy’s offence. “I am sorry if I spoke amiss. I should never have mentioned that I found one more handsome than the other and certainly not the proud one.”
“Do not fret over it, Jane, as I definitely will not.” Lizzy turned on her back, studying the ceiling as she continued, “If anything, Fitzwilliam Darcy’s behaviour simply reinforced what I have always believed.”
“What is that?”
“That handsome features most often mask unpleasant attitudes. I suppose it is because such people have always gotten by on their looks.” She glanced to Jane. “The exception being you, of course. You are as amiable as you are beautiful.” Then she smiled at the ceiling again. “Good character is what is important, and Andrew Darcy was kind to one and all, danced with all the ladies and generally made himself a welcome addition to the neighbourhood—completely unlike his cousin.”
“Though he chose to dance twice with you alone.”
As her wont, Elizabeth redirected the conversation to Jane’s beau. “And what of Mr. Bingley? Was he not just as obvious in his attention to you, for you were the only woman whom he danced with twice?”
Jane blushed. “Do you really think he likes me, Lizzy?”
“He danced with you twice tonight and then stared at you like a love-sick puppy for the rest of the evening. So I would say yes!”
Jane giggled, clamping her hand over her mouth in order not to be heard. When she recovered, she added, “Mr. Bingley is everything a young man ought to be—sensible, good-humoured, lively.”
“And fine-looking!”
“I think him handsome, but I have always favoured ginger hair and blue eyes,” Jane said dreamily. “By the by, he is to walk with us into Meryton in the morning.”
“How would he know that we usually walk to Meryton in the morning?”
“Mr. Wickham mentioned it while we were all conversing before the dance began. You know that he talks to Lydia at Aunt Phillips’ card games, and she tells him everything.”
“I was just teasing. Besides, all of Meryton knows our habits, not just Mr. Wickham.” Then she looked thoughtful. “I have to wonder, though, about his attentions towards Lydia. Do you not think him too old for her?”
“Mother promotes it as a good match, so any caution you and I might express would be ignored. Besides, he seems to be very pleasant and gentlemanly towards her—well, to all the ladies. He did not particularly single out Lydia at the dance tonight, instead dancing with our mother as well as Kitty, Charlotte, Mary King, Frances Gould and even you. So I cannot say that I find any fault with him.”
“I suppose you are right. Perhaps I am borrowing trouble. Now, should we not try to get some sleep? I am sure that you wish to rise early tomorrow in order to have Sarah style your hair to impress your beau.”
“He is not my beau,” Jane protested weakly.
“Not yet perhaps, but I have a feeling he will be before long.”
With that pronouncement, Jane and Lizzy both turned on their sides and quieted. For the present, they would both dream of the men who had invaded their world. And while Jane dreamed of a future that was previously unimaginable, Lizzy wondered if Andrew Darcy would accompany Mr. Bingley for their walk.
Oh, I do hope he comes!
NETHERFIELD
The next day
The morning dawned cool and crisp, and a dense fog covered the ground as Charles Bingley stepped onto the portico of Netherfield. Though it was still quite dark, the sun was beginning to rise over the horizon, and he took a deep breath of fresh air. Other than Pemberley, he had never seen a house situated so agreeably amongst its surrounding park, and it pleased him. Moreover, the grey stone of the manor reminded him of his childhood home in York, though that modest abode bore little resemblance to this. Nonetheless, the memory of it caused an ache in his heart, for he was reminded of his father’s goal for him—to be a gentleman.
As he reminisced, for the first time since Fitzwilliam Darcy had left Netherfield so abruptly, Bingley wondered if he would truly be happy amongst his friend’s society. After all, the woman with whom he had fallen in love—a gentleman’s daughter, for heaven’s sake—was not good enough to suit the ton. At least, not according to Darcy! And though he wished to fulfil his father’s expectations and to repay his best friend’s faith and assistance, he wondered how far he was willing to go. Far enough to give up Jane Bennet?
Suddenly, a vision of her appeared before him as she had looked last night, in a blue gown trimmed in white lace, embroidered with roses and bluebells. Her sunny blond hair was piled atop her head and secured with combs of pearl, while several long curls hung down her back. The expression on her face was magical, the corners of her mouth lifting into a shy smile while her dark blue eyes sparkled with... dare he say, love?
Bingley smiled back, his question answered. No! I shall not give you up, my dearest Jane! If Darcy abandons our friendship because I choose to marry you, then so be it!
The sounds of footsteps broke his reverie, and he was not surprised to hear Mr. Mercer’s voice. “The dining room is set, sir.”
Charles’ smile was genuine as he turned to answer. “Thank you, Mercer. Has Miss Bingley come down?”
“No, though I have heard footsteps overhead.”
As they talked, Charles followed the butler back into the foyer where he looked up to find Caroline descending the grand staircase. “ Speak of the devil,” he said to himself, though it was loud enough for Mercer to hear.
The butler suppressed a smile and hurried to hold the dining room door open, while the master greeted his sister.
“What are you doing up so early, Caroline? I assumed you would sleep late today. After all, a woman needs her beauty rest.”
“Do not make light of the seriousness of our problem, Charles. Surely you know we must do something about—” Suddenly she lowered her voice and glanced to the landing. “Mr. Darcy’s attention to Eliza Bennet.”
Charles walked towards the dining room. “I think whatever we have to discuss can best be said over a cup of coffee and a sweet roll.”
Caroline hurried after him, whining, “How can you eat at a time like this? Our very standing in society is on shaky ground, and all you can think of is filling your stomach.”
“We hardly have any standing with society now, so I fail to see how it could be affected by what Andrew does.”
After they passed Mr. Mercer, he shut the door behind them, making sure that he stayed in the hallway. With a great sigh of relief, he motioned for the maids who were bringing still more trays from the kitchen to come ahead, while he escaped in the opposite direction.
Even though she criticised Charles for eating, Caroline immediately began to fill a plate full of food as she laid out the case against the Bennets.
“No doubt you know that Fitzwilliam Darcy left because of Eliza Bennet’s attempts to secure him. Then as soon as he was gone and Andrew Darcy appeared, she saw another opportunity to... ”
Charles paid little attention to Caroline’s ranting. Instead, he steadily consumed the food on his plate.
Finally, her voice rose stridently as she concluded, “I do not see any other solution. You must write to Fitzwilliam Darcy this instant! Tell him that Eliza Bennet is trying to compromise his cousin, and he simply must intervene! Should we keep silent, he may hold it against us and our relationship could forever be strained, if not terminated.”
“Andrew is his own man, and Darcy will not interfere. In truth, I think your problem stems from the fact that you are jealous of Miss Eliza
beth.” His eyes glinted with satisfaction as Caroline’s flashed with anger. “She can attract both Darcys, while you cannot.”
“You must be mad! I am not jealous of Eliza Bennet! I could have my choice of many gentlemen. I just need to be where they are—in London, not in the wilds of Hertfordshire!”
“Perhaps, then, it would be best if you return to London.”
“You are absolutely right! We must close Netherfield and return!” Caroline cried, jumping up and heading towards the door. Charles’ next words stopped her cold.
“You put words into my mouth, Caroline. I am NOT returning to London. I plan on staying and seeking permission to court Miss Bennet. It is you who may return to London.”
Caroline whirled around. “You cannot be serious? I thought Mr. Darcy made his opinion on a match with the Bennets perfectly clear. Though she is a sweet girl, Jane Bennet will do nothing to further your acceptance by the ton!”
“Darcy is my friend, but he is not in charge of my life. What I need to be happy is to marry a woman I love and respect, not acceptance from the ton.”
“It is always about you! Have you considered the effect your selfishness will have on my chances of marrying well?”
“Be serious! You are three and twenty and practically on the shelf because you would not let go of your dream of marrying Darcy. I have tried to arrange two fine matches for you, but you refused them both; thus, I am not inclined to worry about your future at this point. If you never marry, your inheritance will see you through life as a spinster, as long as you live with one of our elderly aunts.”
“I shall NOT be a spinster! You shall see!”
“If you do not, it shall be because you made an effort to attract eligible men on your own. I am done worrying about you. Now, if you want to go back to London, simply say so, and I shall arrange a coach.”
Quickly Caroline considered how little she could influence the outcome of the Bennet sisters’ schemes if she were in London. And while she did not really wish to marry Andrew Darcy, his wealth paling in comparison to Fitzwilliam’s, she certainly would as a second choice. “I shall stay.”
Darcy and Elizabeth--A Most Unlikely Couple Page 4