Darcy knew Caroline would try to invite herself or create a deterrent for his plans if she knew of them. Last night, when she was not flattering him or Georgiana, she was disparaging the Bennet family. She described the unfortunate behaviour of the younger sisters, the vulgarity of the mother and the poor connections. She claimed to hold the eldest Miss Bennet as a friend but Darcy knew the insincerity of Miss Bingley’s affections. She never missed a moment to laugh at or belittle her friends in Town.
When Caroline began to censure Elizabeth he was certain she was being at the very least overly critical of the others, and entirely wrong about Elizabeth. Though it would be unwise to approve or disapprove before meeting the family, Darcy was of a mind to consider them harmless.
Just as Darcy was very strongly considering leaving on his own for his exercise, not caring to question his reasons, Bingley entered the breakfast room.
“Good morning, Darcy. I hope you do not have plans this morning. I thought you and Miss Darcy should like to call upon the Bennets with me.” Darcy attempted to hide his smile with his coffee cup.
“Very well, Bingley. I am sure Georgiana should like the scheme. She was disappointed to not meet the other Bennet ladies yesterday.”
“Darcy,” Bingley began but paused clearly trying to find the best words. “I know Caroline has said much of the Bennet family, but you have already met Miss Elizabeth, so you must know how wrong my sister is. She does not allow for the differences between Town and country or of temper and disposition. I know you are uncomfortable in society and dislike displays of the ridiculous and generally do not care if others find you arrogant, but…”
“Say no more, Bingley, I perfectly understand.”
“You do? You are not offended at what I have said?”
“I have recently been persuaded to practice conversation with strangers.”
“Well, that is…” Bingley trailed off, seemingly uncomfortable with the notion of Darcy admitting to any sort of weakness or deficiency.
“Shall we depart in two hours then?” The conversation then turned to how Bingley was finding the estate and the country.
*****
Mr. Bingley and the Darcys arrived at Longbourn after being delayed by Miss Bingley only momentarily. Mrs. Annesley stayed behind to rest after so much travel in such a short time. Darcy was surprised at Bingley’s resolve to leave as his friend typically fell easily to his sister’s manipulations. Darcy surmised there must be an ‘angel’ in residence at Longbourn to provide the motivation.
Nary a second after the introductions Mrs. Bennet began, “Oh, you do us a great honour Mr. Darcy in bringing Lizzy home to us. I see the rumours of your wealth must be true. What a fine carriage!”
Seeing she would not gain a response from him she turned to his sister. “And Miss Darcy, the silk of your gown!”
Five years in London society taught Darcy to quickly see the mercenary glint in Mrs. Bennet’s eyes.
He internally cringed for a moment before catching her next words, “Yes, Miss Darcy you will find my Lydia is lively company. She is quite the favourite among her sisters. With only a much older brother you must be in want of a sister.”
Is Mrs. Bennet trying to match me with that— that child laughing too loudly in the corner?
“You enjoy the pianoforte, do you? Lydia does not favour practicing; if she did she would be a true proficient. That is why she is favoured at all the balls; she is greatly skilled in dancing.” Darcy could hardly contain his laughter when he heard words alarmingly similar to his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s. He realized Mrs. Bennet was indeed no worse than his own embarrassing family. His disgust turned to amusement just as Mr. Bennet, who witnessed the transformation, walked in the room.
After his introduction, the older gentleman began, “Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, it is a pleasure to finally meet you, sir. I have heard of your debating skills but I can clearly see you share my mixture of quick parts, reserve and sarcastic humour.”
Darcy heartily laughed at the picture of himself and quickly realized he could do to learn from Mr. Bennet’s ability to manage the situation of boisterous Bennet women.
“Mr. Bennet, a pleasure to meet you, sir! I gather you are a studier of character like your daughter, then.”
“I see you have survived your time with Elizabeth. May I presume she engaged you in battle sir?”
“Yes, I must give my compliments to you for teaching her so well!” Elizabeth overheard and blushed.
“Lizzy has more of a quickness to her than my other daughters, you shall find. I wish I could take all the credit but she has a natural desire to learn.”
Before Darcy could reply he was interrupted by Mrs. Bennet, “Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; and I am sure she is not half so handsome as Jane, nor half so good-humoured as Lydia. But you are always giving her the preference.”
Elizabeth trembled lest her mother should be exposing herself again. She longed to speak but could think of nothing to say.
After a short silence Mrs. Bennet began again, “The weather is so warm for October, and Mr. and Miss Darcy have not seen the grounds. Lydia, I am sure they would delight in the wilderness.”
Casting another glance about the room she added, “Perhaps Mr. Bingley and Jane could be persuaded to join you.”
“Mama, I wanted to walk to town to see if Mr. Denny has returned in time for the Assembly. Miss Darcy, you should come with me, for we always meet with officers and have a merry time!”
Darcy’s head snapped to attention at her words but before he could utter his vehemence at the plan Elizabeth was roused to speak at last.
“I am sure Miss Darcy is tired from her travels yesterday. I would be happy to escort her and Mr. Darcy in the garden while you and Kitty walk to town.”
*****
Once outside Elizabeth began, “Georgiana, Mr. Darcy, I apologize for my family. I failed to warn you of my mother yesterday. I had hoped she would have been more distracted by,” she glanced at Jane and Mr. Bingley conversing ahead of them, “other matters.
“It does not excuse her behaviour, but our estate is entailed upon a cousin. His father was very mean spirited and she fears the son could carry the same grudge against my father. At any rate, with no son, she is unusually anxious about our future and tenacious about matchmaking where her daughters are concerned. Pray, take no heed to her, she is discouraged easily enough.”
Darcy looked at her earnestly and sought to ease her discomfort. “We all have peculiar relatives, Miss Elizabeth, and neither her concerns nor her actions are particularly unique or offensive.”
He was speaking the truth. Mrs. Bennet might be annoying and vulgar but he doubted her scheming enough to manipulate compromising scenarios as he had been made a target of by others.
“You are too kind, sir.” The threesome walked in silence for a moment until Mr. Bingley called Darcy’s attention ahead.
Georgiana seized upon the privacy. She turned to Elizabeth and asked, “Lizzy, have you ever been in love?”
Elizabeth was a bit taken aback by the question but realized Georgiana likely had no other young ladies to speak to on those sorts of subjects. With sisterly affection she answered, “No, Georgiana, I have not. I have admired a few gentlemen but never felt the lasting affection of love.”
“How can you say for sure you did not?”
“Well, I realized my feelings were based upon the excitement of attention. The gentlemen did not inspire deeper feelings and upon reflection of their character they were found wanting.
“The best kind of love grows from a steady friendship, supported by respect and esteem. One should feel safe and cherished in a unique way not experienced in other relationships. Does that make sense?”
“I think so. And how are you sure love is returned?”
“Well, these are things I have not truly experienced but I have noticed love is selfless. A person who is in love will be attuned to their beloved’s desires. What would be a sacrifice for themselves wi
ll give them delight, if it pleases their beloved.”
“I see. Thank you, Lizzy. And you have truly never been in love? You are too beautiful!”
Elizabeth laughed. “You really must stop saying so, for you are feeding my vanity. Now, I will answer your question. Truly I have never been in love before. Besides, my appearance has nothing to do with if I have been in love and it certainly has done nothing to inspire love in others. Any attraction gentlemen have felt for me dies when they see Jane, or even before if I speak too freely.”
“Lizzy, how can you not see how beautiful and wonderful you are?”
“I am not afflicted with false modesty when I say you shall see I pale in comparison to Jane. My temperament is not as sweet as hers, nor is it as lively as Lydia’s.
“You will easily see I am meant to be the spinster friend to all the gentlemen of Hertfordshire; all the more for them to become closer to Jane. My mother, for all her faults, is quite correct in her assessment of my marital prospects, even if she lacks tact in how it is presented.”
Trying to not display her sadness at feeling so unaccepted she turned the subject back towards Georgiana, “Why do you ask all these questions?”
“I thought I had been in love and believed he loved me, but then I later learned he most decidedly did not love me. But I see from your examples I was never truly in love either. I have wanted to ask someone so I could be sure next time.”
“Yes, this is a subject that one would want to ask a lady and not a brother one looks to almost as a father.”
“Exactly. Though, I believe he is gaining experience in matters of the heart.” They had turned just then and espied Mr. Darcy waiting for them and so no reply could be made.
Elizabeth found it difficult to account for the sinking in her heart she felt at Georgiana’s last words.
It is a wonder a man as handsome, wealthy, intelligent and kind as he is still unattached in the first place. Yes, some great lady has rightly earned his admiration. I knew it must be so and I have no right to repine. I am not the sort of woman he would want.
The ladies did not know Mr. Darcy had been able to hear most of their conversation.
She is helping Georgiana so much. But has her heart truly never been touched? What is wrong with the men in Hertfordshire? Can they not see her worth? How dare they use her just to meet her sister!
Bingley announced the carriage had been called for; each member was so distracted by their own thoughts none noticed the subdued farewell between Darcy and Elizabeth.
*****
In Meryton Kitty and Lydia were just giving up the purpose of their travels when Mr. Denny stepped out from a shop with an officer they had not met before. The man had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure and very pleasing address. Lydia made headlong for them.
“No, Lydia we do not have time. Mama wants you to have enough time to dress to impress Mr. Darcy tonight. She thinks Miss Darcy was quite taken with you and would welcome you as a sister. Although, I think they both prefer Lizzy.”
“La! Why would I want a dull man like Mr. Darcy?” She grabbed Kitty by the hand and launched her the last few feet to the gentlemen.
“Mr. Denny! We had come into to town just to inquire after you!”
“As you see, Miss Lydia, I have returned in time to claim a set with you this evening!” He spoke to Lydia but her attention was already captured by his friend.
“Of course! What fun we shall have! And who is your friend?” Lydia fluttered her eyelashes coquettishly.
“Allow me to introduce Lieutenant George Wickham. Wickham, these fine ladies are Miss Catherine Bennet and Miss Lydia Bennet.”
George Wickham turned his most charming smile upon the young ladies. He had overheard their conversation and believed Hertfordshire would prove a most fruitful endeavour.
*****
The Assembly started pleasant enough. Darcy did not dance the early dances and chose instead to acquaint himself with some of the local gentlemen, carefully reminding himself of Elizabeth’s admonishment. As he conversed he was ever aware of her position on the dance floor, and her partner. Although Elizabeth claimed the gentlemen were only interested in friendship from her, Darcy believed he perceived some partiality from one or two.
He realized it might be ungentlemanly but he desired to send a clear message to the community. He would dance with no one outside his party this evening but Elizabeth. Seeing her in the company of other men, he decided he would speak with her father very soon about a courtship. Darcy was so involved in his meditations and the exhausting practice of speaking with strangers that he missed many details of the evening.
Elizabeth was mortified. Upon the Netherfield party’s arrival Mrs. Bennet had alternately insulted Mr. Darcy for not bringing Georgiana and then sickeningly flattered him and tried to bring Lydia to his notice once more. He briefly greeted them and then all but ran towards a corner to speak with some gentlemen.
As the evening wore on she saw his disapproval every time he glanced upon her. Lydia and Kitty flirted loudly and outrageously. Clearly any respect he felt for her was sinking, everything must sink under such a proof of family weakness. She could neither wonder nor condemn. She now feared her dance with him.
Lost in these unhappy thoughts, Lydia and George Wickham came upon her.
“Lizzy! You have not met Mr. Wickham yet! He recently joined the Militia. Isn’t he just dashing in a red coat?” Lydia giggled.
“I am pleased to meet you Miss Elizabeth. Could I have the honour of your next available set?”
Elizabeth politely acquiesced, allowing him her only open set, which proved to be next.
Once dancing Wickham began his campaign, “Your sisters tell me you are newly acquainted with Mr. Darcy of Pemberley.”
“Yes, sir. We met in Town just before he intended to travel here to visit his friend. Do you know him?”
“Oh, yes. We grew up on the same estate. My father was his father’s steward and we were the closest companions in our youth. I was a favourite of his father. The current Mr. Darcy and I have drifted apart after he took over his estate and I completed university.”
“How fortunate to meet again, then.”
“I am unsure if he would count it as fortunate. When last we met we had a terrible disagreement.”
“Sir, I wonder…”
“Forgive me, I know I must sound forward, but the disagreement was of a nature that I cannot help but worry for any young lady who makes his acquaintance.”
Elizabeth gasped at his words, “Surely not, sir. He is very gentleman-like.” Mr. Darcy a rake?
“He can please where he chooses. And I do not mean to imply anything too sinister. But you see he is engaged to marry his cousin. Our last disagreement was due to him desiring to break apart a lady’s engagement to keep her affections for himself. I would not wish to see you or your sisters’ affections trifled with when he can have no intentions as he is destined for another.”
Elizabeth moved through the remaining paces of the dance in a daze and did not register Wickham’s knowing smirk. Seeking to settle herself she made her way to the punch table, only to be accosted by Miss Bingley.
“Miss Eliza! So nice to see you after your banishment to London! I hear you have already met Mr. Darcy and his sister and even had the audacity to importune on them for a ride to Longbourn. While I am sure those sorts of plots work well on the men of the country, you must see Mr. Darcy will not be deceived by your charms.
“He needs a woman of class and breeding with beauty and wealth. Really, Eliza, you would do better to try to gain the attention of one of these officers. Just follow your sisters. They quite excel in the art.” Before Elizabeth could even reply the lady fled with a great rustling of garish skirts.
Elizabeth determined that the revelations of the evening should not disturb her. She had always known she could never attract any worthy man and never once assumed Mr. Darcy would think of her. But the pounding in her head coul
d not be ignored. Now feeling truly ill she begged her mother to call the carriage. Accompanied by her sister Mary, she slipped out of the assembly hall. She longed for solitude and her bed.
Chapter Five
George Wickham hid in the shadows of the ballroom, the last thing he needed was to be seen by one of those ridiculous Bennet girls before he intended. At last he saw Darcy enter. Instead of eschewing conversation with the others in attendance, and inadvertently giving offence, the man was actually speaking to the country gentlemen!
Wickham could not understand Darcy’s departure from his usual behaviour, until the first set began. Darcy’s attention seemed to constantly be drawn towards a lively young lady who was quite attractive but not a remarkable beauty.
He supposed Darcy was attempting to court the woman and her neighbours’ good opinion. Wickham had been hesitant to believe the gossip he heard from the Bennet sisters, that his old pal Darcy was actually showing a preference for a lady. Wickham was well acquainted with discerning the way other men looked at ladies, in an attempt to avoid disputes when beginning his conquests, and he could easily see Darcy was besotted.
Darcy’s choice surprised Wickham, as the handsomest woman in the room was dancing with Darcy’s long time friend, Bingley. Wickham truly had no idea what features might attract Darcy in a woman, as he had never seen the man show partiality for one before this night. It surprised him that a man who could have anyone and anything did not seek greater beauty or wealth. Where was the man’s pride?
Of course, Wickham knew Darcy’s pride was familial, rather than due to this wealth and consequence. He would do anything but shame the Darcy name. A fact Wickham constantly took advantage of from childhood to present day. Still, Wickham knew his former friend was expected to make a great match from the first circles of London society to a woman of grace and wealth, with great beauty and connections. The animated little brunette held none of those attractions.
One Autumn with Darcy Page 4