An Unwanted Proposal: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

by Lane Cossett

  Mrs. Gardiner spoke gently. “Lizzy, your father is a good man. He rarely makes any requests, but he has done so on this occasion. It is not for us to reason why.”

  Elizabeth was almost in tears. She did not want to argue with her aunt. She had always been so kind to her. She was being churlish she knew, but ever since her father had refused to allow her to marry Mr. Darcy, she had felt that he was hiding a secret from her. It made her feel unsettled and worried.

  She tried to smile at Mrs. Gardiner. “I am sorry. It will be nice to have a new dress. Where shall we go for the cloth?”

  “I thought we would go into the city and go to Harding and Howell’s and when we are finished perhaps we could have tea at Parmentier’s.”

  Parmentier’s was famous for its macaroons and Elizabeth thought it would be a treat indeed. The prospect of their shopping trip did not seem quite so dismal after all.

  31

  Elizabeth was accustomed to shopping in Mrs. Wilson’s store in Meryton, which was well stocked for a small town with a selection of materials and laces. Mrs. Wilson always prided herself on having the latest materials and trimmings from London, but Mrs. Wilson’s shop was nothing compared to the enormous store that Mrs. Gardiner took her to in Pall Mall.

  Mrs. Gardiner had told her that Harding and Howell’s was the best place to go in London with a large selection of cloths, gauzes, a range of nets, veils and an unrivalled choice of trims. Elizabeth was certain it would be very expensive, and she was surprised to learn they were going there.

  “It is very pleasant to go out, but why would we travel so far? Is there not somewhere suitable in Cheapside? I think I remember a shop you took me to on a previous visit.”

  “I did, Lizzy,” admitted Mrs. Gardiner. “It was Mercer’s, which is a very good drapers shop, but on this occasion we need somewhere which offers a little more.”

  Elizabeth did not comment but gazed out of the carriage. There was much to see as the carriage trundled along but she saw nothing. She was too busy worrying about the expense and what she was not being told.

  * * *

  When they arrived at Harding and Howell’s the doorway was held open for them by a uniformed doorman. As they stepped inside Elizabeth was immediately impressed by the size of the shop. There was a counter that ran the length of the shop, which was already busy with ladies sitting on stools being served by the smart-looking men behind them.

  Cloths were pulled out of shelves on the walls and spread out in front of the customers and there were trims hanging from hooks from almost every spare bit of wall.

  If Mrs. Gardiner had been hoping they would be served immediately, they were not. One of the assistants guided them to a bench where they sat with some other women to wait for their turn.

  As always Elizabeth indulged in one of her favourite occupations, watching some of the other customers. She could see some of them were quite difficult, rejecting every piece of cloth that was brought to them. She had sympathy for the assistants who did everything they could to try and find their customers what they wanted.

  Mrs. Gardiner apologised to Elizabeth for their wait. “I should have realised how busy they would be.”

  “It does not matter,” said Elizabeth comfortably. “I have never seen a shop as large as this one.”

  “I have only been here once before myself,” confessed Mrs. Gardiner. “I just hope we are not delayed and miss our tea at Parmentier’s.”

  Elizabeth hoped so too. She was looking forward to the promised macaroons which were a favourite of hers.

  They had to wait half an hour, but at last they were called up to the counter to be served by Mr. Lassiter, who was very tall and dressed all in black, had an air of importance about him.

  Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner sat down on their stools and Mrs. Gardiner explained they needed two lengths of cloth, suitable to be made into a gown for upcoming balls.

  Elizabeth was sure she heard Mr. Lassiter mutter that all their customers at this time of year came for such a reason.

  “Colour, madam?” he asked.

  “Cream and primrose, I think,” said Mrs. Gardiner, ignoring his unfriendly tone.

  “Together?” sniffed Mr. Lassiter.

  “I would like to see a selection,” said Mrs. Gardiner patiently.

  Mr. Lassiter turned around, and Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner exchanged glances. Elizabeth wondered whether all the assistants behaved as he did.

  Soon there were four or five materials laid out on the counter. Elizabeth ran her fingers over them. All of them were nice, but she thought them no different than the dresses she already owned. She looked at her aunt to see if she liked them, but Mrs. Gardiner shook her head.

  “I don’t think any of these are quite what we are looking for,” she said to Mr. Lassiter. “They seem very ordinary, which is disappointing as I know Harding and Howell’s are known for the quality of their cloth.”

  Mr. Lassiter looked horrified. “Yes, madam, they are. There is no one better. I will find you something more to your taste.”

  “Thank you.” Mrs. Gardiner smiled at him sweetly and Elizabeth bit her lip trying not to laugh. Her aunt knew exactly how to handle him. Mr. Lassiter hurried away into the back of the shop and came back with four more fabrics in his arms. Elizabeth exclaimed in delight and it was not long before they had chosen a white silk with white embroidery and a pale gold dress silk which had unusual strands of darker gold running through it. “They will suit you both very nicely,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “I shall arrange for Mrs. Croft to call and discuss the design.”

  Elizabeth was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed especially when her aunt insisted on purchasing lace, buttons and some cream gauze as well. Elizabeth wondered yet again about the cost but Mrs. Gardiner brushed aside her concerns, saying it had all been taken care of.

  By the time everything had been cut and parcelled up, Elizabeth was thinking longingly about their trip to Parmentier’s and she was glad to get off the high stools they had been sitting on.

  They were guided outside to their waiting carriage and their goods had been safely stored away as they settled into their seats.

  As they pulled away, Elizabeth, who was looking back down the street and could still see the entrance to Harding and Howell’s, saw someone about to enter who looked familiar to her. She leaned forward in her seat and screwed up her eyes.

  “What is it, Lizzy?” asked Mrs. Gardiner anxiously. “Is something wrong?”

  Elizabeth did not immediately answer. One woman had already entered the shop, but the smaller one was still standing outside. She could not see her clearly, but there was something about the tiny size and the blonde curls she could just see. For some reason she was certain it was Georgiana Darcy.

  The carriage continued forward and soon she was lost from sight. Elizabeth sat back in her seat and her aunt was looking at her waiting for an explanation.

  “I thought I saw someone I knew,” explained Elizabeth, “but perhaps I was mistaken.”

  She did not want to tell her aunt the truth. She knew her aunt wanted her to forget about Mr. Darcy and to speak even of his sister might invite her disapproval.

  “How far is it to Parmentier’s?” she asked, hoping to change the subject.

  “Not far,” said Mrs. Gardiner and no more was said. Fifteen minutes later they were sitting in the famous shop with lots of other ladies who were glad to be taking a break from their shopping and enjoying tea and pastries. The macaroons Elizabeth had yearned for were absolutely delicious and very worth the wait.

  32

  Darcy splashed water over his face and them rubbed it vigorously with a cloth. He had only been in London a couple of days and already he was wishing he was back at Pemberley. He had been pleased to see both his sister and Lady Frances, but he missed the space and grounds of his Derbyshire home and he missed his horses. London life was not really for him. He would much rather spend time reading or fishing than in the clubs of London.

 
His London home was a large one, but he still found it stifling. He was already planning on making an excuse to return to Derbyshire in a couple of weeks, once he had assured himself that Georgiana was content and settled in London.

  Darcy took another cloth and rubbed at his teeth and then picked up a brush and gave his thick hair a vigorous brushing. When he had finished, he put on his shirt which his valet had left with his jacket over the back of the chair. Brunson, his valet, had wanted to assist him to dress but he had dispensed with his services. He was in no mood to have someone fussing over his necktie or brushing imaginary hairs from his jacket. Brunson had worked for him for years and he was excellent at his job but it did not stop Darcy from sometimes finding his presence trying. He knew it was down to him and a certain restlessness rather than his valet, who cared for his clothes impeccably.

  Once satisfied with his appearance, Darcy made his way downstairs. When he was nearly at the bottom, he could hear the sound of the pianoforte being played. Whether it was Georgiana or Lady Frances, he did not know. He went along to the drawing room and gently pushed open the door. It was Georgiana who was sitting at the instrument, her hands running over the keys. She rocked slightly in time to the music and he could see that she was lost in the sound she was making. He was about to retreat when her fingers suddenly stopped, and she looked up. “Fitzwilliam, I had no idea you were there.”

  He did not want her to think he was spying on her. “Do not stop. I did not wish to disturb you.”

  “You were not, though I worry you will think I have not been practising enough.”

  Darcy smiled. “How could you? Is your hand still sore?”

  Georgiana shook her head and held her hand up. “It still feels a little stiff, but it does not hurt, so I cannot use it as excuse for not being diligent.”

  Darcy smiled. It was so typical of his sister to think she did not work hard enough at her music. It was so untrue and her piano teachers always praised her as being one of the most talented pianists they had ever met.

  “You would never use an excuse and it sounded beautiful to me.”

  The worried look disappeared from Georgiana’s face. “Did you really think so? I was thinking about the last time I played that piece of music. It was when Miss Bennet and the Gardiners came to dinner. Miss Bennet was so very kind turning over the pages for me.”

  Georgiana played a few more bars and Darcy felt his heart lurch. He remembered as well. It was at that dinner that he had come to understand how much he loved Elizabeth Bennet.

  “It was a pleasant time,” he said quietly, hoping that his voice did not betray his feelings.

  “It was lovely,” said Georgiana. “It was such a pity Miss Bennet and her aunt and uncle had to leave so suddenly. I had been looking forward to seeing them again.”

  “Yes, it was a pity,” said Darcy, trying to back out of the room. He did not want to think about Miss Bennet.

  Georgiana closed the piano and got up. “Did you see Miss Bennet while you were in Hertfordshire?”

  “Naturally I did. Her sister was marrying Mr. Bingley, although I did not have the opportunity to converse with her.”

  “I only asked because I thought I saw her the other day.”

  Darcy’s hand was on the door handle. Gripping it hard, he stopped where he was. His heart was beating painfully in his chest. He kept his back to his sister. “Are you certain it was Miss Bennet?”

  “I cannot be entirely certain as I did not speak to her, but Aunt Frances and I were about to go into Harding and Howell’s and as I was about to go in, something caught my eye. As I looked I saw someone sitting in a carriage. It was only a fleeting moment, but I was certain it was Miss Bennet.”

  Could Miss Bennet really be in London? He did not think so and yet perhaps she was staying with the Gardiners.

  Georgiana was still talking, unaware of his inner turmoil. She was now standing at his side staring up at him.

  “If it was her, I thought how nice it would be to renew our acquaintance.”

  “It would be, but as you don’t know where she is staying if it was her, we are unlikely to meet.”

  Georgiana looked crestfallen and Darcy felt like a heel for disappointing her.

  “I am sure that with all the occasions you are to attend you will soon make some new friends.”

  Georgiana looked thoughtful as they left the drawing room and walked towards the breakfast room.

  “I only met Miss Bennet twice, but I found her much nicer than anyone else I have met.”

  Darcy felt sad. Miss Bennet would have been a good friend to his sister if they had married.

  “You liked her too, didn’t you?”

  Darcy stared at his sister, who was looking at him so innocently. He thought quickly. he was eager to bring their conversation to an end. “Miss Bennet is certainly one of the less tiresome women of my acquaintance.”

  His sister’s expression was quizzical, but there was no time for more as they had reached the breakfast room and Lady Frances was already there waiting for them. Darcy breathed a sigh of relief when Georgiana sat down and made no further mention of Miss Bennet.

  33

  Elizabeth was normally someone with a cheerful disposition, but she dressed for the Assembly Rooms with a heavy heart. As hard as she tried it was difficult not to dwell on the last time she had been to such an occasion. It had been at the Assembly Rooms in Meryton and it had been the very first time she had met Mr. Darcy. He had been abominably rude and refused to dance with anyone and when she had overheard him making disparaging remarks about all the women in the room including herself she had thought him thoroughly objectionable. It was difficult to believe that his feelings from that day had turned into love.

  Molly helped her into her dress. It was the same one as she had worn that day. She remembered the sneering look she had received from Caroline Bingley when she had been introduced to her.

  “There you are, miss. You look beautiful,” said Molly, fixing the last of the pearl pins Mrs. Gardiner had given to her as a present.

  Elizabeth smiled at her. “Thank you, Molly. I hope that someone will be kind enough to ask me to dance,”

  “Oh, miss, I am sure you are never short of partners,”

  “I hope not.” Elizabeth smiled as Molly helped her into her cape. She did not confess to the maid that she was quite familiar with standing at the side on such occasions. In Meryton there were never enough gentlemen and it was only on a rare occasion that she had danced an entire evening.

  How she wished Jane was with her. She had never attended a dance without her. She had finished her last letter and left it in the hallway to be posted. At least after this evening she would have very much more to tell her sister.

  Mrs. Gardiner and her father were waiting down in the hallway for her. Her father looked very smart in his evening clothes.

  “Will I do?” she asked as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

  The remark was intended for her father but it was Mrs. Gardiner who answered.

  “Lizzy, you look lovely.”

  Her father offered her his arm and she silently took it and they went out to the carriage.

  * * *

  The street where the Assembly Rooms was situated was full of carriages moving slowly along and dropping off their occupants before moving on to allow the next carriage to take its place.

  “It certainly looks as if it going to be busy,” said Mrs. Gardiner.

  Elizabeth inwardly gave herself a shake. She did not want to be there, but now that they had arrived she was determined to enjoy herself.

  Her father guided them up to the door where there was an imposing man guarding the entrance with the doorman.

  “Master of Ceremonies,” muttered Mr. Bennet.

  They waited until it was their turn and Mr. Bennet and the man spoke in a low voice to each other. Elizabeth wondered what they were saying, but she could not hear and the next moment the man had stood up and smiled at them. “We are pl
eased to welcome you, Mr. Bennet.”

  Mr. Bennet nodded. “This is my sister-in-law, Mrs. Gardiner, and my daughter, Miss Bennet.”

  “You are very welcome,” said the man. “Dancing takes place in the ballroom.”

  Mr. Bennet nodded and the man turned to the people behind them. “No one is allowed in unless the Master of Ceremonies agrees,” explained Mr. Bennet.

  Elizabeth thought it was a little strange. There was no such person at the Assembly Rooms in Meryton, though it was unusual for anyone who was not known in the area to attend, so no introductions were needed.

  The ballroom was large with round tables and chairs on both long walls, some of which were already occupied by some of the guests. The room was brightly lit with lots of candles and Elizabeth was glad to have a good view of what other people were wearing. Having dispensed with her cape, she had worried that her dress looked a little creased and she nervously smoothed down the cream cloth.

  She saw a group of young ladies staring in her direction and she wondered whether her dress really was too simple.

  “You look lovely Lizzy,” whispered her aunt, who seemed to know what she was thinking.

  Mr. Bennet guided them to an empty table, where they seated themselves so they could see the rest of the room.

  “Now that you are safely here, I will leave you to enjoy yourselves,” he said.

  Elizabeth stared at him in astonishment.“But where are you going?”

  “I will not be long.” Before either of them could speak Mr. Bennet walked away and Elizabeth watched him leave the room and disappear. She looked at her aunt. “I do not understand…”

  Mrs. Gardiner did not appear to be so surprised. “I expect he has gone into one of the rooms set aside for gentlemen who have no wish to dance.”

  Elizabeth did not understand and Mrs. Gardiner lowered her voice to explain. “I believe there is a card room.”