Darcy and Elizabeth chuckled at her excitement. "Of course, Anne," he answered. "Although I may just send you and Elizabeth in on your own while I step over to the bookstore."
"Well that is hardly fair," Elizabeth teased. "We will want to look at the books as well and if you are there while we are shopping, you will want to leave before we do."
"You may have as much time as you like in both shops, so long as we are not late getting back to prepare for the party this evening," he promised. Elizabeth assured him that should not be a problem. The rest of the short drive Anne told him how they had been allowed to visit Mrs. Denny even though she was not allowed to leave her room as she was being trained to behave well. Darcy almost choked on his laughter when Anne wondered aloud if someone should have locked her mother in her room until she learned to behave in company. Anne had a good dose of the Fitzwilliam sense of humor, he was discovering.
The stop with Mr. Colter, the vicar, went quickly. Darcy explained the potential threat of an objection to the banns or during the actual marriage ceremony from his aunt. He knew she could not stop the wedding but realized the vicar would be obligated by his office to investigate any objections and that could delay their plans and give her more time to make trouble. He answered several questions regarding the origin of Lady Catherine's imaginary betrothal between Darcy and Anne. Mr. Colter ended by confirming with Anne that she had not at any time considered herself betrothed to her cousin and definitely did not now. When Darcy volunteered that they would be sending similar details and a sworn statement to his home parish, the vicar requested a copy for his own records after assuring them he would not allow this particular objection to cause any problem for them and he hoped no others would arise.
Mr. Phillips had no problem drafting a statement for them and even reduced the time they needed to spend by writing out one of the final copies while having his clerk write out the other. Better yet, Mr. Archer arrived to conduct some business just as the documents were completed and he was happy to be a witness for the signing. Having the local magistrate as witness gave the document a little more weight than just having it witnessed by the local attorney and his clerk. His signature also made it less likely Lady Catherine could challenge the statement. Darcy would not have put it past her to claim the document was a fraud created by Elizabeth's uncle to advance the marriage of his niece.
Shopping was a more drawn-out activity. Darcy escorted Elizabeth and Anne to the same store where Georgiana and Miss Maria had enjoyed perusing ribbons and strips of decorative lace. Elizabeth told him the proprietor also carried a supply of lovely shawls in a variety of styles. Satisfied they would be happily engaged for some time, he left them to their search for the perfect shawl to match the gown Kitty had given Anne.
Mr. Tamblar had a few new books in his stock, although nothing like the large collection Darcy had purchased earlier. He browsed happily through them, setting some aside to purchase. Then he began to browse the rest of the stock with a little more attention than he had given on his earlier visit. The pile of books to purchase grew a little taller before Elizabeth and Anne joined him in the shop.
His cousin was smiling brightly. "I have never been shopping without Mother before. Elizabeth makes suggestions but requires that I make my own choices. It is such a heady feeling to actually choose my own purchases, but it also bears a heavy sense of responsibility."
"She had trouble making any choice at first, as she was concerned, she would choose incorrectly. Once I convinced her it was not about being correct or incorrect, but simply about what she liked or did not like, it became much easier for her."
"It never mattered what I felt about anything before. I had to take whatever Mother decided was correct and make the best of it. I think I stopped bothering about liking or disliking anything. Everything was whatever Mother said."
"That will change going forward," Darcy said. "Of course, sometimes it will be a matter of right and wrong, but even that kind of decision will also involve choosing the option you prefer the most."
"Right now, I want to choose a book or two. I have read the small collection of books Mother felt were suitable for girls so many times I could recite them all from memory. I want to read something new."
Having just browsed most of the shelves, Darcy started to question Anne about the kind of book she wanted while Elizabeth looked through the latest arrivals. Eventually she joined them and together they picked out a few books Anne thought she might like.
As they returned to Longbourn, Anne told her cousin she had found the perfect shawl to complement her gown. He asked to see it, but she did not wish to unwrap it in the carriage.
"I will wear it this evening and when you see it with the gown you will understand how perfect it is," she said. "I also found three reels of beautiful lace ribbon. Kitty and Lydia were so helpful to me that I want to give one to each of them. The third one is a style Lizzy says her mother favors. I want to give it as a gift to show I appreciate being allowed to stay at Longbourn. Mother demands obedience and deference from all her guests to show their gratitude for being allowed in her presence. Lizzy assures me this will be far more acceptable to Mrs. Bennet."
"I never thought of the attitude your mother requires of a guest in light of a gift, but I suppose that is correct. I see I have been remiss in not finding something to give to Mrs. Bennet to show my gratitude for her hospitality over Christmas." Darcy replied thoughtfully.
"You are marrying one of her daughters," Elizabeth said, laughing. "How could you find any greater gift for her?"
"All the same," Darcy said. "Do you suppose there is something I could send for from London that she might enjoy?"
"I will consider and let you know," Elizabeth told him.
The carriage pulled up in front of the house a few minutes later. Darcy handed the ladies out but did not go in with them. By arrangement, he stayed outside to wait for Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley, so he could take them back with him to Netherfield. It was getting late in the day and all the ladies of Longbourn needed to prepare for the party that evening.
~*~
The party, which would feature a buffet and dancing, was being hosted in the village assembly hall by Colonel Forster with contributions towards the cost from the whole unit. It served a dual purpose of wishing Captain Denny and his new wife well as they headed off to Newcastle and of repaying the generous hospitality shown to the militia officers by the people of Meryton. As a result, it was very well attended.
The Netherfield party arrived early enough that Darcy could send his carriage back to Longbourn giving the Bennets use of a second carriage for their large party. Georgiana had been allowed to come again, but she was limited to dancing only with Darcy, Richard, Bingley or Denny. When she was not dancing, she would have to stay close to one of the older Bennet sisters or Mrs. Annesley. With such a large company expected, Darcy did not want to chance his sister being unattended. Her connection to a fortune was well known even if the exact amount of her dowry was not. Not all the officers were as honorable as Denny had turned out to be, and girls had been ruined for far smaller fortunes, Darcy knew.
Sir William Lucas and his family were always among the earliest to arrive at any gathering. This night they arrived at the same time as those from Netherfield. After greeting the attendees already present, Miss Lucas spent some time speaking with Darcy and Richard while Miss Maria and Georgiana chattered away to each other. Darcy was glad to see how well Richard and Miss Lucas were getting along. No matter how often they had to interrupt the discussion to greet other new arrivals, they were both sufficiently interested in each other's views that they returned to the original topic of their shared conversation without delay.
It was still early when the Bennets arrived, although Darcy felt like it had been a very long wait without Elizabeth to keep him company. He had learned to appreciate the people of Meryton, but his nature was still not outgoing. Having her at his side made talking with others easier. The evening seemed con
siderably brighter when she entered the room and made her way to him. He greeted her with a kiss to the hand and a heartfelt compliment on her beauty that evening.
Anne followed close behind, arm in arm with Kitty. His cousin's pale cheeks reflected the rosy pink of her gown giving her a healthy look that went beyond just her skin. Her eyes sparkled bright green with hints of gold instead of their usual muddy look, and her brown hair, dressed with curls and a darker pink ribbon, showed rich gold highlights under the light of the many candles. The newly purchased shawl was an even darker pink that blended well with the other tones. Darcy had not realized what a difference a change of dress color could make. Despite her tactless way of saying it, Mrs. Denny had certainly been correct in her assessment of Lady Catherine's color choice for Anne.
"You look very well indeed tonight, Anne," he said as the two approached. "The shawl is a perfect accompaniment. And you also look well, Kitty. May I request a dance from each of you in the course of the evening? I already have the first, last and supper sets with Elizabeth, and the second with Mary, but would be happy to accept any other you have free."
"I will dance the third with you unless Anne prefers that set," Kitty said.
"Oh, I do not dance, but I thank you for the offer, Cousin," Anne said hastily. "That is another activity in which I would have been most proficient according to my mother, but which she also refused to allow me ever to learn."
Kitty looked shocked but recovered quickly. "Well, allow me to introduce you around so you will have your choice of conversation partners from those not on the dance floor."
The two started to walk away, but Darcy had a sudden thought and called them back. He spoke to them very softly.
"As you speak with others here or during the introductions, please make as little mention as possible of Rosings Park and do not speak of Anne's dowry at all. I am not overly worried about the company in general, but it is best to be cautious. I have asked Georgiana to always have someone we trust with her and I suggest you do the same, Anne. If you become at all uncomfortable with anyone's attention do not be afraid to make a fuss and call for me, Richard, Bingley, Mr. Bennet or Denny if you need help."
"That is a good idea, Anne," Elizabeth added. "While I doubt any of my neighbors would be a problem, we are not well-acquainted with all the officers and a compromise would be unfortunate."
"I will be careful," Anne said, and Kitty indicated she understood the seriousness of the request.
"I had not thought about the risk of fortune hunters before, never having had a fortune to be hunted," Elizabeth said thoughtfully. "You must have been a prime target."
"I was. That is one of the reasons I have always disliked social events in addition to my natural shyness and discomfort in crowds. One must always be on guard against the possibility of compromises. It can be very wearing."
"I had no idea. We do not have much of that sort of thing happen around here. Oh, some of the women are like my mother and talk about making matches all the time, but it is rare to have any kind of planned compromise, and the unplanned ones are generally handled quickly and honorably."
"The same is true around Pemberley, in the society of Lambton and Kympton. I had just become so used to the predators of the Ton that I forgot about the difference in location when I first came here"
"We are not perfect," Elizabeth said, "but neither do we follow the worst fashions of the Ton. Now, is the first dance set forming up?"
"It seems to be. Will you do me the honor?" he asked, holding out his arm. Together they headed to the floor.
After his dances with Elizabeth and then Mary, Darcy wanted to check on Anne. When he and Mary came to ask, she told him she was perfectly happy sitting to the side and enjoying the company of the various people who came to talk with her. Since Georgiana had danced that dance with Richard, Mrs. Annesley sat beside Anne to give her a sort of guardian.
"I wish we had known you could not dance, Anne," Mary said. "We could have taught you some of the simpler dances. Your cousin and Georgiana worked so hard to help me learn; I would be happy to pass on the favor. If you want, we will make sure you know a few simple dances very well before the next time we are invited out."
Anne beamed. "Thank you, Mary. Imagine, I am choosing my own clothes and company, I will learn to dance and play the pianoforte. What is next, I wonder?"
"Reading whatever books you choose," Darcy said with a wink.
"Oh, yes! I had forgotten. I did pick out some books today. What fun!"
Darcy soon left Anne talking with Mrs. Annesley and collected Kitty for her dance. If he had to dance, it was nice to have partners with whom he felt safe. Between the Bennet sisters and the two Lucas sisters he would dance most of the evening, especially since he could have three sets with Elizabeth now.
The supper set soon arrived. Darcy and Elizabeth joined Bingley and Jane, Mr. and Mrs. Denny and Richard and Miss Lucas in the line of dancers. There were fewer dancers on the floor this set, but more people milling around the sides of the room hoping to be near the head of the line when the doors to the side room where the buffet was placed opened. They would have fun watching as they waited for the food. The first dance of the set was a lively one, guaranteed to whet the appetite. The second would be a little slower to calm them in preparation for the meal.
Richard and Miss Lucas had just arrived at the head of the set after Denny and his wife took their turn down the center. They performed the bow and curtsy that made up the steps before they were to take their turn down the line between the men and women, holding hands and spinning as they went. As he watched them, everything around Darcy seemed to slow down. It was like the bit he remembered in his dream when the walking stick had seemed to splinter and float apart so slowly days might have passed before it was done.
As he watched, Richard reached for Miss Lucas's hands. Then, Darcy's attention was drawn to two officers off to the side. One clapped his hands in time with the music, enjoying the sight of the dancers on the floor, only to Darcy each clap seemed to take an hour. Next to him, another uniformed officer watched as well as he sipped from a wineglass held loosely in his hand. In those few seconds that seemed to take years to pass Darcy could see what was inevitably to come. As Richard and Miss Lucas started their run, the clapper raised his hands with gusto, leaning slightly to the side just as the drinker raised his glass to take another sip. He also leaned a little towards the clapper. Then came the collision of the two. The glass was knocked loose from the hand of the drinker and flew out towards the dance floor, spraying drops of wine through the air as it went. Darcy could make out each individual drop and every turn of the glass as it came towards him.
Unable to say or do anything to stop what was happening, Darcy saw the glass spin and land, miraculously unbroken, on the floor right in front of Richard's feet. As he turned in the pattern of the dance, Richard stepped down upon the bowl of the glass. It rolled as it shattered, causing him to stumble. Because he held Miss Lucas's hands, the motion of the stumble pulled her towards him. As his other foot came around it tangled in the turning fabric of her gown, causing him to lose his balance completely.
Darcy realized the irony of his earlier discussion and fears about compromises as he heard and saw Miss Lucas's gown tear away from her shoulders even as the two of them fell in a tangle atop the shattered glass. Suddenly everything snapped back to normal speed for Darcy.
Elizabeth and Jane were quicker than he. Before he could reach Richard's side, they were already kneeling next to Miss Lucas and seeing if she was uninjured while sheltering her from the view of the crowd. Darcy got there next, with Bingley a beat behind him. Darcy carefully untangled his cousin's foot as the ladies helped Miss Lucas sit up. Anne was suddenly there, wrapping her prized new shawl around the woman who was as stunned from embarrassment as from the fall.
As soon as Miss Lucas was free and standing, Elizabeth, Jane and Anne rushed her from the floor as the crowd parted to let them through. Darcy knew they woul
d go to one of the ladies retiring rooms to assist her in more privacy. He and Bingley had quite a job helping Richard rise without gaining any more cuts from the glass shards that littered the floor. Spots of blood were already starting to bloom in several places on his stockings and breeches; his hands were a terrible mess.
They had just gotten him fully upright when a wail cut through the noise of the crowd that had gathered around to see the damage and loudly discuss the event. she was not as loud or shrill as Mrs. Bennet, but she could still be heard very clearly. Darcy identified the voice as that of Lady Lucas.
"Oh! We are ruined! How could this happen to Charlotte? What a scandal this will be! There is no chance now that either she or Maria will ever marry. Ruined!"
"Lady Lucas!" Richard said in his most commanding voice. "Stop that noise at once!"
Sheer surprise at the order stopped her lament. The rest of the crowd grew silent as well. Richard looked every inch the stern officer despite the bloody trails covering his clothing, or perhaps because of them. He stood straight and tall, looking directly at Lady Lucas.
"Do not debase your daughter with this talk of scandal and ruin, Madam. She is worth far better than that. Everyone here could see this incident was purely an accident. Have no doubt, I will gladly marry her if she will have me, but do not let it be seen as a marriage forced by compromise. Rather, it is one of mutual respect hurried along by unfortunate circumstances."
Lady Lucas did not seem to take in the words at first. Then one idea got through.
"You will marry her?" she asked.
"If she will have me. I would be honored to have your daughter as my bride."
The room erupted with cheerful comments and a bit of clapping. Miss Lucas was clearly popular. Some of the remarks were congratulations and others teasing comments on Richard's skill at the dance. Darcy realized it was time to go back to his old habit of taking charge.
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