The Red Chrysanthemum

by Linda Beutler

  “For this evening, you could merely assure Bingley he would receive no disapprobation from any quarter were he to return to Netherfield. He regards your opinions very highly, and your kind reception heartened him. Then, after you and the Gardiners take your leave, I will explain my nonsensical, indeed abhorrent, behaviour to him.” He paused. “I may need to reveal my proposal to you in April to illustrate and prove the absurdity of my actions. May I have your permission?”

  “You have not already told him?” Elizabeth was surprised.

  “No, I have only spoken of it to my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. After all, that poor fellow had to endure what must have seemed an excessively long carriage ride to London with me. If it is any consolation, he offered me no sympathy and judged my proposal one of the most inept he had ever heard. Even Georgiana does not know.”

  “Of my own acquaintance and family, I have told only Jane. I told her you had revealed the truth of Wickham’s character, but I withheld your part in separating Bingley from her. I would not be a party to any increase of Jane’s heartache. Please understand by this, sir, I was not seeking to protect you in any way.”

  Darcy could not meet her fine eyes. He looked down and turned partly away. He had reminded her of her first and deadliest allegation against him when she refused him in April and his feeble attempt to defend his indefensible actions. If Elizabeth has started to improve her opinion of me during these last three days, I have surely undone all my good work. “Miss Bennet, I do not deserve anyone’s protection, least of all yours.” He turned back to her and the supplication in his eyes was very near to melting her heart. “You owe me nothing. I am in your debt for making those reproofs that were so necessary but that no one else had dared. The several flaws in my character to which you alerted me, I have… I am attempting to correct. You accused me of arrogance, and never was an accusation more deserved. ‘Your selfish disdain for the feelings of others…’ you said. You were right and just.”

  Elizabeth was mortified to hear her pitiless words repeated and astonished he remembered them. She looked away and could not form a reply.

  “Have I your permission, Miss Bennet?” His question came in a whisper.

  She nodded emphatically. Finally, she managed a smile, being naturally unable to sustain ill humour. “That episode reflects poorly on us both, Mr Darcy,” she replied, attempting to coax a smile.

  When he met her sparkling eyes, the corners of his mouth turned up, and his dimples deepened. He looked more like his portrait. “You have a charming smile, sir. You should employ it more often.”

  He was relieved she was teasing him. Or was he mistaken? Was there a sincere compliment hidden in her chuckle?

  “Thank you, Miss Bennet, for your advice. And thank you for any service you may give to increase Bingley’s confidence in the affections of your sister.”

  “If we are together successful, how soon do you think he might return to Netherfield?”

  “With Bingley, it is difficult to say.” They both smiled. “He is to stay here three weeks, then he and his sisters travel north to Scarborough to attend a family christening, and there they are to stay for some weeks. We had not spoken of meeting to share the autumn pheasant shooting.”

  Elizabeth looked down; then her eyes returned to Darcy with a wry smile. “If only Jane were here instead of me and I were home tending my little cousins. But she is not afflicted with my sense of adventure.”

  Before Darcy could check himself, he blurted, “But I am glad you are here…” He coloured and looked away. Standing abruptly, he said, “I forget myself; I have guests at home. Please accept my thanks, Miss Bennet, for your time and for agreeing to assist me.” He picked up his hat and gloves.

  Elizabeth stood and walked to the door with him. “It is I who should thank you, Mr Darcy. You must know how grateful I am for anything that leads to Jane’s happiness. I feel certain when Mr Bingley understands the whole of it, all will be forgiven.” She laid her graceful hand on his forearm. “Less naturally amiable tempers than his have found ways to forgive you.” She paused, her eyes flitting to his then away. “And if I have seemed insolent or ungrateful to you this morning, please accept my apologies.” Her eyes, usually so ready for mirth, were earnest when she took a last look at him. Oh dear, I may be falling in love with him… I seem to be sinking, yet floating at the same time.

  Darcy lifted her hand and kissed it quickly. “You have said nothing to regret; indeed, you are too generous, Miss Elizabeth. Until this evening.” He released her hand and left the room. Once again, the blood roared in his ears as the scent of lavender tingled his nose.

  Does he still love me? Elizabeth asked herself as she settled back on the window seat. She heard the hostler bring up a horse and saw Darcy mount his steed to return to Pemberley.

  Darcy looked over his shoulder at the window where he had seen Elizabeth when he arrived. Now, she had returned to that seat and was watching him. He doffed his hat to her, half turning his horse. She smiled at him in return. It was a full happy smile, such as he had seen her bestow upon Jane and her father, but this smile was meant for him alone. His face warmed, and he turned away. I have pleased her! He was quite certain.

  Elizabeth picked up her letter from Jane, which she had nearly finished when Darcy was announced. It was full of tales of the Gardiner children and trivial gossip from Meryton. The letter had been addressed ill and was sent before any of Elizabeth’s travel memoirs would have arrived at Longbourn. She could not now attend her reading, her mind too full of other thoughts. His regard for Bingley does him credit. If my presence has brought Bingley’s suppressed feelings to the fore, then I am pleased to have visited Pemberley after all.

  Elizabeth mused upon that great manor, a handsome house that suited its handsome owner. The words of the housekeeper in praise of her master sounded in her ears. Once Mrs Reynolds was made aware Elizabeth had met Mr Darcy, were they shown more of the house than they otherwise would have seen? Would she have been so particularly taken to the striking portrait of him?

  Elizabeth felt her heart pounding as she relived the moment of encountering a dishevelled Darcy approaching his home and his disarming confusion upon discovering her. Her chest had tightened in a way she never felt before. And she had the same tightening when he reappeared a quarter of an hour later, properly dressed to walk with her party. Indeed, upon reflection, such a clutching within her was now an accompaniment to Darcy’s every appearance. I am falling in love with him. How do I stop this now it has begun? It can lead to nothing. It will not do…

  Arabian Jasmine

  “Amiability”

  Chapter 2

  Friday Evening at Pemberley

  24 July, 1812

  Fitzwilliam Darcy felt a strange lightness as his horse returned to Pemberley. He was fortunate to have chosen a mount that knew the paths, for the man himself was pleasingly distracted. She said ‘less naturally amiable tempers than Bingley’s have found ways to forgive.’ I hope she was referring to herself. And her smile… I should have run back inside and taken her into my arms when I saw it. He sighed. This will be a long, tedious afternoon.

  After avoiding Miss Bingley for the afternoon with the excuse of work to be done in his study, Darcy pestered his valet with more than his usual fastidiousness as he dressed for the evening. His man was giving his lapels a third brushing when there was a tap at the dressing room door, which could only be Georgiana. “Come!” Darcy said curtly.

  Georgiana entered, wearing an unadorned muslin gown of pale pink and a single strand of small coral beads at her neck. After the disastrous episode with Wickham, Darcy surmised Georgiana had again affected the styles of girlhood to make herself less noticeable to men. But even before last summer, he was glad that, despite her London education, Georgiana did not respond to the changing modes of fashion with over much interest. Even before Wickham’s schemes, she preferred simple styles as became her youth, height, and pale colouring. He had seen, more than once, the disparag
ing humour in Elizabeth’s eyes when observing the latest styles on Caroline Bingley and her sister, Louisa Hurst, covered in every manner of decoration in the most garish colours. He felt at times that it was all Elizabeth could do to swallow her laughter. Indeed, he had to admit he often felt so himself.

  “Do I look well?” Georgiana asked, giving a little twirl. “Will I please my new friend, do you think?”

  “You always look charming.” Darcy smiled at her, pleased that she seemed in lively spirits. Was Elizabeth already having such a good effect upon his sister?

  “Yes, I know.”

  Darcy reached to tweak her nose for such impertinence, but she spun out of his reach, giggling.

  “But tonight I wish to be charming, Brother, and it is so difficult with Bingley’s sisters jumping on my every syllable as if I were as wise as Aristotle. It is embarrassing.”

  “Is it not a wonder they are related to Bingley? I marvel at it constantly.” Both brother and sister were pleased to see the other in such good humour. Georgiana readily marked the improvement in her brother from the sudden appearance of Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her friendly aunt and uncle. Miss Elizabeth was the only lady her brother had ever mentioned in letters, quoting their animated debates during her brother’s stay at Bingley’s Hertfordshire estate last autumn. He had not mentioned her again until letters arrived from him whilst he was in Kent for Easter, the second of which seemed to be preparing her to meet Miss Elizabeth. He had implied Georgiana would have occasion to get to know the lady much more intimately. And then…nothing.

  Now, it was clear Darcy was quite in love with her. “Miss Bennet puts one at ease where Miss Bingley puts one on guard as our dear cousin the colonel might say. It is little wonder Miss Bingley speaks so shabbily of Miss Bennet, Brother, for how can Miss Bingley possibly compete?” Georgiana eyed her brother carefully as she said this and was not at all surprised when his countenance turned dumbfounded. She watched, vastly entertained by the effect of her words as he gathered himself.

  Darcy adopted what Georgiana referred to as his grumpy-brother face and feigned impatience. “I think you should leave me to finish dressing before I decide your impudent mood is not fit for polite society.”

  Georgiana trotted to him dutifully and kissed his cheek. “Oh, your secret is safe with me.”

  He did not need to ask what secret she meant.

  When she reached the door, Darcy stopped her. “Georgie…” She turned back and smiled. “I’m relieved you like her.” He quickly looked down to hide the colour advancing to his cheeks.

  Georgiana whispered fondly, “You love her! How could I not like her?”

  As his sister slipped from the room, Darcy turned to his valet, who had pursed his lips in a valiant attempt not to grin. The servant had a tuft of lavender stems in his hand from which he expertly snapped the flowering ends and tucked them into his master’s buttonhole. “That will be all, Garrick, thank you.” Darcy nodded. He wondered whether Elizabeth would notice he had chosen lavender — for her.

  * * *

  When Darcy reached the entry hall, Georgiana was already waiting while Bingley could be seen descending the stairway from the guests’ wing of the house, fussing with his shirt cuffs. It was a clear, bright evening, and the three met under the front portico to await the carriage.

  “You are joining us in greeting the guests, Bingley? Did I tell you I called on Miss Elizabeth this morning?” Darcy attempted to sound nonchalant.

  Both Georgiana and Bingley turned to look at him in surprise.

  “Did you indeed? Your morning ride took you to Lambton, did it, and not into the wilds of your estate as usual?”

  Darcy ignored the question. “She had just received a letter from her sister Jane, who is having a happy time with the Gardiner children at Longbourn whilst their parents are travelling with Elizabeth.”

  Bingley looked at Darcy with more astonishment than he could conceal. Sounds of a carriage approaching abruptly ended the conversation.

  The guests were welcomed, and Darcy deferred to Bingley to escort Elizabeth into the house while he and Georgiana accompanied the Gardiners.

  “Miss Elizabeth, you look remarkably well this evening,” Bingley observed, smiling.

  “I thank you, Mr Bingley.” She leaned in and whispered, “You see me in fine spirits because I am wearing a new gown.” Elizabeth knew she could speak of a frivolous topic without Bingley thinking her a frivolous lady. Servants approached to take away the outerwear of the ladies and Mr Gardiner’s hat and gloves.

  Once her pelisse was removed, Bingley took Elizabeth’s hand and turned her elegantly. “Georgiana, Darcy,” Bingley said, calling their attention to Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet is debuting a new gown this evening.”

  Elizabeth laughed and blushed. “I did not tell you for you to make an announcement of it, sir!”

  The Gardiners smiled at the younger people admiring their niece. Mrs Gardiner had made a present of the creamy-yellow silk, suitable for a fine evening event, at the start of their journey to Derbyshire. It had been decided this would be the perfect opportunity for its first airing.

  Georgiana cleared her throat, her earlier whimsy now subdued by her usual public shyness. Elizabeth turned to her with kind eyes and stepped a little closer. “The colour favours you, Miss Bennet,” Georgiana spoke haltingly.

  “Thank you, Miss Darcy.” Elizabeth nodded and smiled.

  Georgiana glanced nervously at her brother. “Miss Bennet, I would like it very much if you would call me Georgiana.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled into the younger girl’s earnest gaze. “And so I shall. Please call me Elizabeth, or Lizzy if it suits you.”

  The conversation was in murmurs, causing Darcy to strain his ears to hear every word. His heart filled with pride at his sister’s overture of friendship, and when Elizabeth turned away from Georgiana, he met her eyes with a smile, making his dimples deepen. Mr Gardiner squeezed his wife’s hand, a gesture she returned.

  The three couples climbed the main staircase to the second floor and approached the drawing room. Their conversation lagged in time to overhear Caroline Bingley crowing, “Which do you think it will be, Louisa? Shall Eliza Bennet wear that horrid pink print or is it time, again, for us to see the pale green muslin?”

  “My sixpence is on the pale green, Caroline,” Mrs Hurst tittered. Both sisters erupted in shrill derisive laughter.

  Elizabeth stopped, suddenly breathless. She turned red from the neckline of her gown to her hairline and felt her feet were stuck to the floor. Bingley looked away, redder even than Elizabeth, partly because his colouring was prone to blushing but mainly due to the rude behaviour of his sisters.

  Darcy immediately stepped to Elizabeth’s side, holding out his arm for support and meeting her alarmed gaze. “You are always the most handsome lady in the room, no matter what you wear. I have seen you with petticoats six inches deep in mud, and yet you were not diminished in the least. Please take my arm.” His voice was low and intense, his eyes imploring.

  Mr and Mrs Gardiner exchanged another significant look.

  Elizabeth raised her eyes to his and lifted her chin. She was too mortified to smile but took a deep breath and laid her hand upon his arm. His kind words enveloped her. That is the most gentlemanly thing he has ever said to me in the whole of our acquaintance.

  Darcy and Elizabeth advanced into the drawing room, straight-backed and full of regal hauteur, followed by the Gardiners — pale with anger — and then Georgiana on Bingley’s arm, both vividly pink.

  Darcy settled Elizabeth on a settee at the opposite end of the large room from Bingley’s sisters and sat next to her. “Bingley is correct, Miss Bennet. You are looking remarkably handsome this evening.” His voice was slightly louder than it needed to be. He held her eyes, willing Elizabeth to smile at him.

  She smiled and nodded. “Thank you, sir.” Her smile then faded with her courage.

  No one of the party acknowledged Bingley’s sister
s.

  Bingley sat Georgiana in the armchair to Elizabeth’s right and then advanced on his sisters. They were seated together on a settee and he stopped behind them, put a hand on the shoulder of each and squeezed. “You have surpassed yourselves,” he hissed. “And you were heard as I am sure you meant to be.” Both sisters grimaced at the pressure on their shoulders, which was unrelenting.

  As the Gardiners sat together on the settee opposite Georgiana, Mr Gardiner slipped several coins into his hand from his pocket and sorted out two sixpence coins. He leaned forward to his niece and whispered mischievously, “Would you like to settle their debts for them, Lizzy? It appears they both lost.”

  Elizabeth glanced at Darcy and Georgiana, and her smile this time was spontaneous. “Indeed, Uncle, thank you.”

  Under normal circumstances, Mrs Gardiner would have discouraged her husband from forming such a conspiracy of revenge with her niece, but she was livid at the insult, which she fully believed was meant to be heard, and looked forward to a comeuppance.

  Elizabeth stood, and the gentlemen did, likewise. She walked calmly to the other end of the room and stood before her tormentors. Only upon her arrival, did Bingley release his vise-like grasp of their shoulders.

  “Good evening, Miss Bingley, Mrs Hurst.” Elizabeth curtsied and then held out her hand, revealing the two sixpence. Bending slightly, she continued as if speaking to naughty children, “I understand both you ladies have lost a wager this evening? I would not have you without pocket money for cards on my account.” She carefully deposited a coin into the hand of each sister. They were too nonplussed to refuse.

  “There, you can settle your debts between you.” Elizabeth beamed at them, turned, and returned with stately bearing to her seat next to Darcy, who smiled warmly when her eyes met his. Georgiana, in an attempt to retain her dignity, put the back of her hand over her mouth and turned away from the other end of the room to chuckle. Bingley followed Elizabeth down the room after giving his sisters a final glare, sitting in the chair next to Georgiana.