An Unwanted Proposal: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

by Lane Cossett

  She kept looking for Viscount Langley to appear to try and claim a second dance with her, but she was relieved that the cards which he had been so eager to play seemed to have offered greater enjoyment to him than a dance with her.

  * * *

  Dinner was almost over and guests had stared to return to the drawing room to continue dancing when Lady Egerton slipped into the seat beside her.

  Elizabeth looked for her aunt, but Mrs. Gardiner had already left with Lady Frances and Georgiana.

  “Are you enjoying yourself, Miss Bennet?” asked her ladyship.

  “Thank you, yes. It was kind of you to invite me.”

  “I am glad that you could come.”

  Her ladyship had the same direct stare that was shared by her two children and Elizabeth felt uncomfortable. “I was wondering, Miss Bennet, if you would like to join me at one of my teas. It would allow us an opportunity to get to know each other better.”

  Elizabeth was uncomfortable at being singled out. She had no wish to know her ladyship or her son any better. “It is very kind, but I am not sure how much longer I will be in London.”

  “Long enough I am sure,” said her ladyship confidently. “Do not worry, my dear, Vivienne will be there. You will come, won’t you?”

  Elizabeth wanted to refuse but she could not. “I must speak to my aunt.”

  Her ladyship’s eyes appeared to grow smaller. “I understand your father is here in London, is he not?”

  “Yes.” Elizabeth wondered how much her ladyship already knew about her.

  “Then it is for him to give his permission. I am sure he will not refuse.”

  Elizabeth thought it was also unlikely.

  “Come, shall we join the others?”

  Elizabeth meekly followed her ladyship back to the drawing room. She did not understand what was happening. Viscount Langley’s flamboyance, his rudeness and his apparent love of cards all contributed to her thinking poorly of him. The charm which he appeared to use so effectively was lost on her.

  Mr. Darcy often sounded a little taciturn, but at least he was not the sort of gentlemen who would set out to deceive her. She had an uncomfortable feeling that the viscount was trying to play some sort of game with her, one where she did not understand the rules. She was determined to ask her father what was happening.

  43

  “Fitzwilliam are you listening to anything we have said?”

  Darcy looked up from his paper. He was very fond of his sister, but she seemed to have forgotten that he liked to eat his breakfast in peace and enjoy the first newspaper of the day. Ever since they had arrived in London it seemed Georgiana always had a wish to talk, describing in detail the evening before. He did not want to hurt her feelings, but he found it very tiresome.

  “Fitzwilliam!” Georgiana sounded exasperated. Are you listening?”

  Darcy sighed. “I believe I stopped listening when I heard the word lace,” he said drily.

  “Then you will have missed a very important piece of news,” said Georgiana.

  Darcy waited for his sister to say more, but she reached for some ham and said nothing.

  He folded his paper. “Am I to be told what the news is?” he asked.

  Georgiana gave a small smile. “I am not sure you deserve it,” she said with mock severity.

  Darcy tried to smile. “I apologise. If you insist, I will listen to your tale about lace, but I beg you that it only be for five minutes.”

  Georgiana laughed. “It was not the lace at all, it was the person who wore it.”

  She was speaking in riddles. Darcy had no idea what she was talking about.

  Georgiana took pity on him. “I was talking about Miss Bennet. I saw her last night at Lady Egerton’s home.”

  Darcy’s eyes narrowed. “She was there?”

  “Yes,” said Georgiana triumphantly. “I told you I had seen her. She is staying with her aunt and uncle. It was lovely to see both Miss Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner again.”

  Darcy’s heart lurched. So she was in London. He was surprised to learn that she had been invited to the Egerton’s. He could not help wondering if the ball at Lady Egerton’s home was the only one she had attended. Had she danced with anyone? He hoped not, but he could hardly ask his sister without arousing suspicion.”

  “Fitzwilliam.” Darcy jumped as Georgiana leaned over and touched his arm.

  He inwardly shook himself. “Is something wrong?”

  “I may ask you the same thing,” said Georgiana, looking worried. “You must have a great deal on your mind to be so distracted,”

  “I am sorry. What were you saying?”

  “I thought we might ask Miss Bennet and the Gardiners to dine.”

  He doubted the Gardiners would allow it, even if he was to send an invitation. Nor was he sure that he was strong enough to sit at the same table as Miss Bennet without giving away his feelings.

  “Do say yes Fitzwilliam.”

  He saw the pleading look in his sister’s eyes. “I am sure we will find time before we return to Pemberley.”

  “But that is months away,” said Georgiana indignantly. “I would like to invite them soon. I thought next week.”

  “We will see,” said Darcy. He glanced at his aunt who had said nothing but was quietly eating some eggs and watching him closely.

  “If not dinner may I invite them to a ladies tea.”

  Darcy was feeling increasingly under pressure as Georgiana tried to press him. “I must go,” he said pushing his unfinished plate aside and getting up.

  Lady Frances looked questioningly at him.

  “I am going for a ride,” he said. He had no intention of telling them that he was meeting Bingley.

  “Will you be dining at home tonight?” asked her ladyship.

  “I have not thought about it,” he said truthfully.

  “I think we would appreciate your company,” said Lady Frances.

  Darcy inwardly sighed. He had been neglecting Georgiana, but he had no wish to be questioned about Miss Bennet.

  “Fitzwilliam, Georgiana really would enjoy spending some time with you.” Lady Frances tone sounded sharper than normal.

  Darcy tried to hide his impatience. It had been his aunt’s idea to bring Georgiana to London, and he had hoped his sister would be content. “I will dine at home,” he said hoping Lady Frances would not notice his reluctance.

  * * *

  Darcy was glad to escape the confines of Darcy House and meet up with Charles Bingley in St James’s Park. He wondered if married life would have changed his friend in some way, but Bingley looked exactly the same, and greeted him in his usual cheerful manner.

  When he was in London, it was his horses that Darcy missed almost more than anything. Riding in St James’ Park was not the same as cantering across the fields in Pemberley, but it was better than not riding at all. Darcy rode a large black stallion that had a habit of taking several steps sideways, but he pulled gently on the reins and squeezing his thighs gradually brought him under control. Bingley had a grey stallion that was a head shorter with a much quieter nature.

  After mounting their horses, they set off enjoying walking sedately along the wide paths and through the trees which gave the illusion of being in the country rather than in the middle of the city. Darcy breathed in deeply. Away from many of the factories, the air was cleaner though nothing like Derbyshire. After they had been walking for some minutes he turned to his friend

  “And how is Mrs. Bingley? I hope that married life is as you expected.”

  Bingley smiled faintly. “Mrs. Bingley is the angel I thought she was Darcy and in many ways I could not be happier.”

  Bingley’s words were slightly confusing. “What do you mean Bingley?”

  Bingley pulled on his reins and stopped his horse.

  Darcy followed suit and waited for his friend to speak.

  Bingley was no longer looking so happy. “I am very content,” he explained, “but I afraid the same cannot be said of Mrs Bi
ngley.”

  Darcy was surprised. “I am sorry Bingley. I believed you and Miss Bennet, I mean Mrs. Bingley were well suited.”

  “And so we are, but ever since our marriage she has suffered from sickness and complained of headaches. The doctor has examined her but can find no cause for it. Caroline has hinted Mrs. Bingley is unhappy but will not say why.

  Darcy grimaced. He did not want to tell Bingley that his sister opinion was not one he should trust.

  “I imagine there are many things a new bride has to become accustomed to after marriage. I imagine at times it must seem overwhelming.”

  Bingley nodded at his words. “I am certain you are right Darcy. It was Caroline who suggested Mrs. Bingley would be happier in London, and I am sure she will be, especially after she has seen her sister.”

  Bingley gazed slyly across at him but Darcy refused to say anything, and they continued to follow the line of the trees along the north side of the park.

  “God dammit Darcy you can be infuriating,” said Bingley suddenly as they rode side by side.

  Darcy pulled on his reins. His horse was restless. “What is it Bingley?”

  Bingley looked swiftly around, there was no one nearby “Why will you not just tell me what is happening between yourself and Miss Bennet.”

  “Because I have nothing to say.” Darcy’s tone was short. “I have not received word that Mr. Bennet has changed his mind and I have learned Miss Bennet is being asked to dine and dance at some of the best houses in London.”

  Bingley broke into a smile and Darcy was irritated. “There is nothing amusing about the situation Bingley.”

  His friend flushed, looking penitent. “I am sorry Darcy, I did not mean to rile you, but I noticed a touch of jealousy in your voice. I had not expected it.”

  Darcy could not deny it. “And would you like it, if Mrs. Bingley was dancing with others?”

  Bingley shook his head. “I would not mind now, but then we are married. Your situation is quite different.”

  Darcy did not need to be reminded of it. He felt impatient. He had not yet heard anything from Sir Jeffrey. He was beginning to wonder if he would ever be able to marry Miss Bennet.

  “It must be very difficult for Miss Bennet to be asked to dance. To refuse might be very awkward.”

  Darcy pondered on what his friend had said. Yet again Bingley was right. He had only considered his own feelings on the matter, not Miss Bennet’s. Since Georgiana had told him that she had met Miss Bennet at the Egerton’s a feeling of fury had been bubbling inside him. She had said she would wait for him and yet now she was dining out. If she was committed to him surely she would have refused?

  He was being unreasonable. She could not refuse without possibly inviting her relatives ire.

  “Have you tried to see her?” asked Bingley.

  Darcy shook her head. “How can I? Her family would not allow it.”

  Bingley was thoughtful. “If Mrs. Bingley and I were to invite Miss Bennet and the Gardiners to dine, surely they would not refuse? And if they arrived and you happened to be one of the invited guests I am certain they would not leave.”

  Darcy had not expected his friend to show such cunning. It was a plan certainly, but he was unsure whether it was one they should try and accomplish.

  They went on, emerging from the trees before Darcy spoke. “Is it fair to Miss Bennet to put her in such a position?”

  “I am sure that Miss Bennet will wish to see you as much as you want to see her,” said Bingley earnestly Darcy was still unsure. He had no wish to embarrass Miss Bennet, nor offend the Gardiners.

  “Darcy it would not be seen as unreasonable for me to invite my best friend and his sister to dine.” Bingley appeared to be almost pleading with him.“Naturally I will not do it without your permission.”

  Darcy was naturally cautious. He wanted to see Miss Bennet very much, but it was not just his own feelings he had to consider. “Thank you Bingley. Let us ride on and I will consider it.

  * * *

  They rode for nearly an hour and Bingley relayed details of their places they had visited on their honeymoon tour. Many of them were places Darcy himself had been to and he was glad to reminisce with his friend and push all thoughts of Miss Bennet to the back of his mind.

  It was only when they had returned the horses to the stables and were going back to their carriages that Bingley mentioned dinner again.

  “If an invitation is sent, will you come?” he asked.

  The urge to see Miss Bennet was too strong to deny. “I will attend with pleasure,” said Darcy.

  44

  Elizabeth Bennet wriggled on the chair she was sitting waiting for Phoebe to finish pinning her hair. Jane had sent word she was paying a visit and she could not wait to see her.

  She had hoped that her father would be there to see his eldest daughter, but Elizabeth had not seen him for several days. She was worried about where he was but Mr. Gardiner had assured her that her father had decided to go away for a few days.

  Elizabeth had kept her exasperated thoughts to herself when she had heard the news. She had wanted to talk to him about Viscount Langley. She did not want to think about the gentlemen himself, but she could not help worrying that he was looking for a bride and considered her a suitable one.

  She kept dwelling on what her father had said about Viscount Langley being a man who could help the family. Had he meant he would do so through money? She found herself feeling more and more confused. With her father away she was desperate to talk to Jane. She only hoped that her sister with her calm nature and thoughtful ways would be able to suggest what was wrong.

  Her aunt would want to greet Jane when she arrived, but Elizabeth knew she could rely on her aunt leaving them alone together.

  Phoebe put in a final pin in her hair and stood back.

  “Is that alright miss?”

  “Very nice, thank you.” Elizabeth stood up without looking. She did not care about her hair, she was eager to see her sister.

  “Is there anything else I can do for you miss?” asked Phoebe.

  Elizabeth shook her head. “No thank you.”

  She left the room leaving the maid to tidy away her brush and remaining pins. She saw the Mrs Turner crossing the hallway to the parlour with a tray of tea things. She had not realised the time. Jane must have arrived.

  She hurried down the last few stairs and crossed to the parlour. Pushing open the door she saw that Mrs. Gardiner was not alone. Sitting on the sofa was Jane with Caroline Bingley beside her. Elizabeth’s heart sank. She had hoped that Jane would come alone. With Caroline Bingley present there would be no opportunity for her to talk to her sister.

  Jane got to her feet, “Lizzy, I am pleased to see you.”

  Elizabeth kissed her sister. She saw immediately that although dressed in a fetching blue dress that she had never seen before Jane was looking quite pale. Jane did not have the bloom of a new bride and Elizabeth wondered why.

  Jane sat down again, and Elizabeth sat next to Mrs. Gardiner.

  “Miss Eliza, it was such a pleasant surprise to learn that you have been staying in London.” Miss Bingley smiled insincerely. “And when dear Jane, said she was coming to visit, I felt I had to come with her. How are your parents and all your sisters?”

  “They are well, thank you,” said Elizabeth knowing that Miss Bingley had no interest in them at all. She wondered what her real reason was for being there. She had made no secret of her disdain of the Bennet family.

  “I was just telling Miss Bingley, how busy you have been Elizabeth,” said Mrs. Gardiner gamely as she started to pour tea.

  Miss Bingley’s voice was patronising. “London naturally is very different from Hertfordshire. Dear Jane and I are going to be very busy in the coming weeks with parties and balls.”

  Elizabeth merely smiled. She had no intention of rising to anything Miss Bingley said.

  She looked at her sister. “Jane, how was your honeymoon tour? I look forward to h
earing about all the places you visited.”

  Jane opened her mouth to speak, but Caroline Bingley, quickly turned all the attention on herself. “I would have enjoyed the opportunity to tour Derbyshire, but unfortunately there was such a great deal to do at Netherfield. My dear brother is going to a great deal of expense to ensure his new bride is comfortable.”

  “He has been very kind,” murmured Jane.

  “I am so glad that you are here in London Jane,” said Elizabeth. It was a welcome surprise.”

  “Well naturally we could not expect to spend the winter in Hertfordshire. There is so little to do in the country.” Miss Bingley sniffed in disgust.

  “I have always found the country very restful,” said Mrs Gardiner mildly as she handed Miss Bingley her tea.

  Caroline Bingley looked down her long nose. “There is little to do and as for the people!” She did not actually say what was wrong with the people, but her tone left them in no doubt she despised everything and everyone in the country.

  Miss Bingley turned to Jane whose cheeks were bright red. “I am so glad dear Jane that you are different. While we are here we must ensure that your dresses are updated.”

  Elizabeth had always thought her mother was crushingly rude, but for someone who prided themselves on their social status Caroline Bingley was devoid of manners.

  Elizabeth helped herself to a piece of cake which had a filling of gooseberry preserve. It was quite delicious.

  * * *

  As the tea progressed Elizabeth was feeling more and more irritated She wanted to speak to her sister and yet Miss Bingley spoke for her all the time. She glanced at Jane and wondered if she was even aware what was happening. Her sister’s eyes looked very distant and she had made little effort to join in the conversation.