by Aleena Ashe
“First of all, I have had one, SMALL drink and I simply find I am in a good mood so that accounts for my teasing just now. Would you prefer I go back to brooding as I have been wont to do of late?” Here Elizabeth hoped she was right; perhaps Darcy had not been brooding except when in public. Mayhap, he was more lighthearted when it was just he and Mr. Bingley.
“No, no. I am glad to see you rising out of the darkness that consumed you this summer. You take on far too much yourself, man. I sometimes worry it has aged you beyond your 28 years.”
28 years old? I had no idea. At times, he looks much older, 35 even. Other times, like when he smiles (which she had only seen him do once and it had utterly transformed him), he looked to be only in his early 20s. What weight he must shoulder to be always so stoic?
While she had been lost in thought, Bingley had been rambling happily about tonight and the chance to see ‘his angel’ again. Rejoining the conversation, she asked, “Will your sisters and Hurst be attending with us?”
“Louisa is still feeling under the weather and though Hurst loves a good card game, he has opted to stay with her. Caroline will be coming, of course. I think she wants to keep you away from Miss Elizabeth and her ‘fine eyes’.”
Upon seeing the look of confusion on Darcy’s face, added, “Don’t act as if you have forgotten admitting that you think Miss Elizabeth has fine eyes or that you think her complexion is often brightened by her walking! You’re fooling no one, my old friend.”
As Bingley laughed, Elizabeth joined in so as not to seem odd but on the inside her stomach was once again feeling that nervous tingling sensation that she felt earlier today while riding with Darcy. Did he, in fact, think she was pretty? What of his comment at the assembly? Clearly he had changed his opinion at some point but to what degree? And why should it matter?
They spoke for a while longer before she excused herself saying she had some letters to write before they left. With that, Elizabeth made her way to the library for some solitary reflection.
Mr. Darcy had said to read his letter in his room but she still felt a little embarrassed from earlier. So she settled into a large wingback chair in front of the fire. So engrossed was she in the scandalous contents of the letter (Mr. Wickham attempting to elope with Mr. Darcy’s 15 year old sister) that she did not realize Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst had entered the library until the two ladies were in the middle of what was clearly a very private conversation. Neither had seen Mr. Darcy sitting by the fire as he was facing away from them.
Mrs. Hurst spoke softly at first as if breaking bad news to a child. “Caroline, Mr. Hurst and I are expecting.”
“Expecting what, Louisa? Oh! Expecting! Well, I suppose congratulations are in order.” Less than enthusiastic, Miss Bingley feigned interest, “When is this blessed event to occur?”
“Early spring. I believe I am in the third month. But Caroline, with a child coming we will be curtailing much of our travel and entertaining. At least, for a while. You may find living with us, well, rather boring.”
“Yes, well. I don’t plan to be single much longer. Mr. Darcy is going to declare himself soon. This time, I am sure of it. Now that he has seen the wretched society the country has to offer (and clearly there is no one in Derbyshire or he would have already been attached), he cannot help but see the benefits that our union will bring.”
Before Louisa could contradict her, Caroline continued, “I am the sister of his dearest friend; I am one of the most accomplished women of his acquaintance; he was very impressed with how well the ball last week turned out and that was a simple country affair. There really is no logical reason he shouldn’t desire me to be the Mistress of Pemberley.”
Hoping for a gentle tone Louisa proceeded with caution, “Logic is not the only issue at play. Have you not noticed that Mr. Darcy has lately paid marked attention to Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”
“Really Louisa! I am surprised at you! Eliza Bennet is a novelty at best. She is impertinent, uncouth, and altogether unsuitable for a man of Mr. Darcy’s quality and station!” The thought that even Louisa had begun to lose faith stung. No matter, Caroline Bingley was not one to be deterred from what she had set her mind to.
Louisa, fairly certain that Caroline was fighting a losing battle, decided to change tactics. “It has been over 5 years, Caroline. Do you not think that you ought to at least consider the possibility that Mr. Darcy might not declare himself? What if he truly has feelings for Miss Elizabeth? You are unlikely to sway him then.”
“He wouldn’t be so foolish as to align himself with such a family. Her father may be a ‘gentleman’ but the family is hardly worth notice. However, if Mr. Darcy chooses to think with, ahem, appendages other than his head, well… perhaps he will need to be nudged along.”
Just then, when Elizabeth was unsure if she could hold her tongue a moment longer, Mr. Hurst entered the library looking for his wife and effectively halting the conversation.
“Louisa, dear,” he said as he offered her his arm, “you must rest. You are in a delicate way. Come now and take a nap. I shall wake you when it is time for dinner.”
Elizabeth thought she had never heard his voice so tender before. Perhaps Mr. Hurst drank as often as he did to escape from his conniving sister-in-law. Much more time spent in her presence and Elizabeth thought she might well imbibe a few herself.
The happy couple left the library arm in arm, leaving Miss Bingley to her own devices. Fortunately for Elizabeth, Caroline - despite her attempts to appear otherwise - held no affection for reading and so, left the library in search of another diversion.
‘Maybe I will come across Mr. Darcy,’ Caroline thought with a troublesome gleam in her eye. It was then that she began to hatch a plan for finally catching Mr. Darcy. ‘He may try to delay the inevitable, but I am done playing games.’ Caroline was not a quitter and she was not used to losing. No, Mr. Darcy would declare himself to her one way or another, and soon.
Chapter 11
Darcy
Darcy took particular care in dressing Elizabeth for the dinner party because, honestly, he delighted in helping Elizabeth appear to her greatest advantage. Her dark, emerald eyes would be accentuated by this blue-green evening gown with delicate pearl beading. He even asked Jane to help put pearls in her hair as well.
While Jane did not question Elizabeth about her careful preparations, she did note that Elizabeth had been taking special care to look nice when she knew she would be in the presence of the party from Netherfield and attributed this to wanting Mr. Darcy’s approval. However, Jane was not sure that Lizzy was ready to admit her feelings to anyone - or even if she had admitted them to herself - so she held her tongue.
Descending the staircase, the elder sisters and Mr. Collins (who still held the unreasonable hope of winning Elizabeth’s hand) donned their cloaks and gloves in preparation for departure. Punctual by nature, it did not take long for Mr. Darcy to become impatient waiting for Kitty, Lydia, and Mrs. Bennet to join them. After waiting a full 15 minutes, Darcy looked at Mr. Bennet and, knowing Elizabeth was her father’s favorite, asked, “Papa? Is it not ridiculous that the whole family is made late because Kitty and Lydia cannot figure out who gets which ribbons? Can we not leave and send the carriage back to fetch them after? Then maybe next time, they would be more considerate of others.”
Seeing an opportunity to have some time in the company of the ladies, Mr. Collins quickly offered his assistance. “Yes, I could easily take those who are ready and send the carriage back for you and the others, Sir.”
Mr. Bennet, who did not like Mr. Collins anyway, could not agree to allowing his daughters out without a parental chaperone (not that he usually cared but he didn’t appreciate the way Collins openly and indelicately stared at Elizabeth). “I would be delighted to accept your offer with one modification: I will go in the first carriage and you will stay with the ladies until they are prepared. Thank you, Sir.”
Darcy chuckled to himself for he immediately saw what Mr
. Bennet was about. It may be that the old-goat was not as lackadaisical as he had thought him to be. Since having imparted the information regarding Wickham’s true character, Mr. Bennet seemed determined to protect his rather vulnerable family. This was a side of Mr. Bennet that Darcy could respect.
Upon arriving at Lucas Lodge, Darcy followed Jane’s lead as she sought out their good friend, Charlotte Lucas.
“Good evening Jane, Lizzy. Where have you hidden your mother and sisters?” Darcy knew that, next to Jane, Charlotte was Elizabeth’s closest friend so he determined that no offense was meant in her remark. This was confirmed when Jane answered Charlotte with a small chuckle.
“Well, as usual, there we all were: Papa, Lizzy, Mary, Mr. Collins, and myself waiting - once again - on Kitty, Lydia, and Mama. Then Lizzy spoke up saying that she doesn’t think we should all suffer because they can’t get ready on time.”
Here Darcy interrupted, adding with his own chuckle, “Come now, Jane, I do believe my argument was a bit more eloquent than that. You make me sound like a petulant teenager.”
Jane happily continued, “Of course, my apologies. So after some discussion about carriage arrangements, Papa decided to escort us first and send the carriage back for them. It was the most pleasant ride we have had in some time!”
Feigning shock Charlotte chided, “Jane Bennet! That is the closest thing to an unkind word as I have heard from you! Tsk, Tsk.” At this, all three burst into laughter. They may have garnered more attention from others had it not been for the arrival of both the Netherfield party and the remaining Bennets, simultaneously.
As the doors opened to admit the guests to the parlor, Lydia dragged Kitty into the room exclaiming that “thank goodness we have finally arrived. Sorry to have been so late but we had to wait for the carriage to return!” She continued, complaining to no one in particular that had it not been for Mr. Collins and her father joining the party they could have all fit into one, and on and on, lamenting that she had missed even a moment of the evening’s entertainment.
Mrs. Bennet was not much better telling Lady Lucas that she did not know why she had been left out of the first trip. It was not as if anyone would have missed her husband’s or even Mary’s company for a short while. Jane colored at this exclamation and looked apologetically to Charlotte.
Darcy noted to the credit of every one of the guests present - with the exception of Caroline Bingley - no one rolled their eyes or whispered behind their fans. They seemed to take it in stride, continuing with their conversations. Miss Bingley of course, turned to Elizabeth, whom she of course thought was Darcy, whispered something, and laughed. Elizabeth colored and said nothing. Darcy immediately felt ashamed that he had in the past allowed Miss Bingley to behave this way and therefore make him guilty by association. It was no wonder Elizabeth thought so meanly of him. He had, by not curbing Caroline’s catty remarks, essentially condoned them. Elizabeth looked up and met Darcy’s eyes. They each seemed to apologize to the other. However, they could not speak just now so actual apologies would have to wait. At present, he would have to be content to continue his talk with Jane and Charlotte, both of whom he found to be much more interesting than many ladies of his acquaintance.
Elizabeth and Bingley, together, walked toward Mr. Bennet and began a rather lively discussion of the ’conflict’ on the continent. Elizabeth realized that she had been missing this level of debate since this situation with Darcy had occurred. No one in the Netherfield party enjoyed a good debate. While Bingley was knowledgeable, he was not generally comfortable arguing his point. Even tonight he had mostly asked questions or agreed with one man’s point or another’s.
Elizabeth relished the opportunity to stretch her mind. She and Mr. Bennet often played Devil’s Advocate when discussing current events. At several points throughout the conversation, Mr. Bennet looked at her and shook his head. “You know Sir, my daughter Elizabeth said something very similar just the other day. It seems the two of you have much in common.” Each time, Elizabeth would force herself to take moment to consider if she was staying in character or misrepresenting how Darcy might feel upon the matter.
Shortly before dinner was called the younger men excused themselves to ‘make the rounds’ ensuring that they found the company of the Miss Bennets in time to escort them in for dinner. As they approached, Charlotte made an excuse about needing to speak to her mother and conveniently extricated herself from the conversation. Almost immediately following her departure, dinner was announced and each gentleman took his preferred lady’s arm to lead them into the dining room.
Dinner was a sumptuous affair but it was not so formal as to make the atmosphere stiff. Everyone seemed happy with their dinner partners, save Caroline Bingley who was seated between Mr. Henry Lucas on the left and Mr. Collins on the right. While Henry was a nice young man, he was not rich enough to warrant her notice. Caroline spoke just enough to each to not insult her hosts.
In between courses, when everyone seemed sufficiently engrossed in their own conversations, Elizabeth took the opportunity to pass Darcy a note under the table. He was quite surprised that Elizabeth would take such a risk. For a gentleman seen giving a lady a letter would face serious consequences. Whatever the contents, Darcy knew it must be of utmost import. He took it quickly and placed it in the pocket of his dress (he made sure to only wear dresses with pockets if he would not have a reticule, for he was still quite embarrassed).
“Looking down to indicate the letter she had passed him, Elizabeth quietly said, “I heard something most interesting today that I thought you might like to know.” Looking around to make sure she was not overheard, she whispered, “Miss Bingley.”
“Oh,” he whispered in return. Then raising his voice back to its normal level, asked, “And how are you enjoying your stay at Netherfield, Sir? Have you seen much of the countryside?” Darcy asked her, knowing full well Elizabeth would have many positive things to say.
“I have Miss Elizabeth. But I am sure there is still much left to see. I rode this morning for some time and enjoyed myself immensely.” Here she let a grin play across her features, “I plan to go out again tomorrow and see what other wonders there are to behold. I have heard tales of a small lake and wondered if it is suitable for fishing.”
Fortunately for Mr. Darcy, who truly had no idea how to answer, Mr. Bennet chimed in. “I believe, Mr. Darcy, that the lake you speak of has not been stocked for some time. If you find it lacking, you gentlemen may certainly come to Longbourn and fish in ours. With 5 daughters, it doesn’t get the use it should, though it is stocked annually. In fact, it has been too long since I have been out there myself! ”
Elizabeth was dumbstruck. This was the first time in her memory her father had invited company to his home of his own volition. He must think highly of Mr. Darcy to have opened his home and even offered to join him! She and Bingley answered the invitation in unison, “Thank you, Sir!” Elizabeth adding, “We’d like that very much; that’s very generous of you.”
After dinner the ladies excused themselves to the parlor while the gentlemen enjoyed a drink or two. Elizabeth was very excited and curious to take part in the ritual separation of the sexes. She would never - as a lady - have been privy to this side. Once all the ladies were gone, the men began to talk across the table so that all could take part. It was rather informal which did not surprise her. The topics of conversation ranged from politics to the very gossip she would have expected to hear while amongst the ladies. She would have been shocked if she did not find it so amusing to hear these men, who regularly eschewed such talk while in mixed company, take part as eagerly as the butcher’s and baker’s wives.
“So Henry? How much longer before you ask Annabelle to marry you? You’ve been sweethearts since you were nine!” Mr. Bennet teased congenially. Everyone knew that Henry and Annie had been made for one another and that they would more than likely get married this summer after he finished school.
“Actually, I plan to ask her
on New Year’s Eve at midnight!” Henry was so excited but swore them all to secrecy. “I want it to be a surprise.”
Oh my, who would have thought that this what men speak of while we women are in the parlor speaking of the same things? Elizabeth was amazed. And then, the discussion turned more personal. Her father - less than delicately - suggested that he hoped any of his daughters’ suitors would not make them wait so long. He shared a look with Sir William who then - not so subtly - looked at Bingley. Ugh, while Father is not as bad as Mama, he is not far off. How embarrassing, she thought to herself.
Bingley coughed nervously. Elizabeth knew that he had growing affection for Jane and even believed him to be close to a declaration but… Her musings were interrupted by Bingley’s next, most unexpected statement.
“Actually, Mr. Bennet, I was hoping to speak with you privately on the morrow.” Bingley continued, nervous but determined.
At once everyone in the room let out a cheer.
Sir William congratulated, “Bravo, my boy! Jane is quite a lady!”