An Unwanted Proposal: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

by Lane Cossett

  As she got ready for the ball Phoebe insisted on piling her hair higher than she would have normally have worn it with a few soft ringlets cascading over her shoulders. Elizabeth thought her hair was rather extravagant, but she didn’t want to hurt Phoebe’s feelings and glancing in the mirror agreed that she looked ‘very elegant indeed.’

  Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were waiting for her in the hallway, when she made her way downstairs and both of them told her how lovely she looked as Mrs. Turner helped wrap her cape around her.

  Embarrassed by their kind compliments Elizabeth was relieved when they left the house to their waiting carriage.

  * * *

  The Duke’s home was in one of the smartest areas of the city. Mr. Gardiner had informed Elizabeth that the Duke of Roxborough’s house was the largest one in London and as their carriage swept into Mayfair, Elizabeth gasped at the sheer size of it. Unlike some of the smart houses in the nearby streets, the Duke’s mansion was set on one corner surrounded by railings. As they approached it was impossible to see where the building came to an end.

  “What do you think Lizzy?” asked Mr. Gardiner.

  “It is certainly very grand.” Elizabeth was feeling even more nervous. The carriage slowed as their coachman fell in behind a number of other carriages where they were stopped by a guard, who checked their invitations before allowing them to proceed under the archway and into the grounds of the house.

  It took some time for them to make their way around the ornate fountain, in the centre of the driveway, which was surrounded by lanterns and cascading water before they arrived at the front entrance.

  As Elizabeth took her uncles arm and they followed other guests into the house, they were greeted by the sight of people dressed in brightly coloured costumes who were spinning balls, throwing hoops, eating fire, and lifting and throwing each other in movements that had the guests gasping in awe.

  There was an air of excitement and mystery as the guests shed their outer clothing, many women revealing more elaborate dresses than Elizabeth had ever seen, with a variety of headdresses, some so tall, they looked as if they were going to snap the lady’s necks. The beaded masks the ladies wore were equally as elaborate and Elizabeth wondered if she would even recognise people she knew like Lady Egerton or Lady Vivienne. People looked very different with their faces covered and only their nose or mouth clearly on show.

  * * *

  Once their cloaks had been taken away they joined a line where the Duke and Duchess were greeting their guests. Although the Duke seemed a little vague about who they were the Duchess knew, saying she welcomed any friends of Lady Egerton’s before she turned to the next people in the line. Elizabeth was glad to move on. She needed no reminder of why they were there. She only hoped that Viscount Langley if he was present would not seek her out.

  “Good evening Mr. Gardiner.”

  Elizabeth recognised the voice at once. It was Lady Frances, looking particularly stylish in a Grecian style of dress in white and gold.

  Mr. Gardiner bowed, while Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth curtsied. Miss Darcy who was looking lovely in a white dress trimmed with pink roses hissed at her aunt. “I don’t think you are supposed to say that you recognise people,” she said.

  “Nonsense,” said Lady Frances stoutly. “If you recognise someone you are happy to be acquainted with it is foolish to pretend otherwise. You might offend them. Do you not agree Mrs. Gardiner?”

  Mrs. Gardiner nodded. She was far too in awe of her ladyship to disagree with her.

  “However the masks are useful to avoid those who make fools of themselves,” said Lady Frances nodding towards a man who was chasing a woman across the hallway. “The Earl of Braeburn. I have known him since he was a child and he has yet to grow up. If he should ask either of you to dance, you must refuse.”

  Elizabeth thought it was unlikely that anyone would ask her to dance and for a moment she felt sad. She could see that it was one of ‘the events’ to attend and no expense had been spared to ensure the guests would enjoy themselves. As they moved into the main ballroom which was well lit with large candles everywhere, some people were already dancing.

  Lady Frances turned to Mr. Gardiner. “I do believe they have set aside a quiet room and another for cards Mr. Gardiner. You should find my nephew in one.”

  Elizabeth swallowed a gasp. Mr. Darcy was here? That was most unexpected. Miss Darcy had told her that her brother had refused to attend any of the balls or parties she had been invited too. Her heart started to beat a little faster and she prayed that she would catch sight of him at one point in the evening.

  Mr. Gardiner admitted he would rather enjoy being quiet for a while and soon disappeared while her ladyship took Mrs. Gardiner’s arm and told her there was someone she wished to introduce her to. Elizabeth and Miss Darcy followed dutifully behind.

  “Miss Bennet, may I speak freely to you?” asked Miss Darcy.

  Elizabeth was struck by her uncertain tone. “Indeed you can,” she said warmly. “Speaking freely is something that has often got me into trouble, but I am sure that will not be the case with you.”

  Miss Darcy frowned. “I am not so certain. I have no wish to speak out of turn and I am sure my brother would be angry with me if he knew.”

  Elizabeth wondered what she was about to say.

  Miss Darcy’s voice was so quiet she could hardly hear her. “I think Fitzwilliam likes you. Naturally he has not said so. He would not confide in me, but from when we met at Pemberley I knew that you were important.”

  Elizabeth was shocked. This was a conversation she did not want to have with anyone, least of all Mr. Darcy’s sister. She was certain Mr. Darcy would not have told his sister about their wish to marry.

  “Mr. Darcy has been most kind to my family and I ….” Her words faded away. If she said too much Miss Darcy might become more curious and ask her questions she could not answer.

  Miss Darcy continued. “He has never introduced me to a woman and yet he took me to Lambton to meet you. I remember it well. You do like him do you not?”

  How did she answer such a question without giving herself away? “I …” Elizabeth gazed out at the couples dancing. She had rarely felt so awkward.

  “I do not wish to presume anything, but if there was any time in the future…”

  Elizabeth grew more alarmed at the turn of conversation and she was toying with a reply when someone whispered in her ear.

  “Would you care to dance fair maiden?” Elizabeth’s heart dropped and she inwardly shivered. Viscount Langley.

  “I am not fair sir,” she said hoping her voice did not shake.

  The Viscount who was wearing black clothes and a white mask that covered his entire face sounded petulant. “Do you have to take what I say in such a literal manner?”

  “Forgive me,” said Elizabeth quickly remembering that her father had urged her not to offend the viscount. “It would be an honour sir.”

  The viscount held out his arm and Elizabeth took it. Behind Miss Darcy’s mask Elizabeth could see her eyes were troubled, but there was nothing she could do. Elizabeth politely excused herself and allowed the viscount to lead her away.

  .

  51

  Elizabeth had only agreed to dance with the viscount as a means of escape from Miss Darcy’s question, but now she was with him, she wished she had refused. She could not deny that the viscount looked quite dashing but there was something about him made her feel very uncomfortable. She noticed that for much of the dance the viscount’s eyes were on other ladies who were dancing not her. She did not mind, but it made her wonder why he had insisted on dancing with her.

  As they were taking their final round he spoke to her. “As I always Miss Bennet I find your lightness of step quite delightful.”

  Elizabeth doubted his sincerity, but she tried to smile. “I think you flatter me sir.”

  The viscount appeared amused. “No I do not Miss Bennet. I have noticed you are not a lady who invites or welc
ome’s flattery. It is refreshing. I think it is why my mother agrees you would make a suitable wife.”

  Elizabeth nearly choked. Hearing him confirm what she had suspected was horrifying. Even if her heart was not already committed to another man she would never be inclined to marry a man such as Viscount Langley.

  She was thankful for a moments grace as they linked hands with the pair in front of them, before they joined up again. The viscount leaned in towards her and she could feel his breath on her cheek. “I would much rather taste you than marry you, but somehow I do not think you would agree.”

  Elizabeth was shaking. Had she heard him correctly? Looking at the slight twist of his mouth and the bright eyes which shone out from his mask she realised she had. Rarely had she felt so angry. She did not think she had ever been so insulted. He seemed to think she was no better than a common whore.

  She found it difficult to speak. “I think you forget yourself sir.”

  “Do I? Oh dear. I had no idea you were such a prude.”

  His guffaw of laughter angered Elizabeth even more and she was pleased when the dance came to an end.

  She immediately pulled her hand away from his, a gesture which seemed to add to his amusement.

  “I like what I see in you Miss Bennet, a mixture of meekness and spirit. I feel a stirring within.”

  Elizabeth had not wish to spend a moment longer in his company. He was disgusting. “I must find my aunt,” she said firmly, looking around the room, frantically trying to spot Mrs. Gardiner, or even Lady Frances. Neither of them were where she had left them.

  The Viscount sought to reassure her. “Do not distress yourself Miss Bennet,” he said following her gaze. ”My mother and sister are here to rescue you. This is where I depart.”

  The viscount bowed with his customary flamboyance. “Until later my fair maiden.”

  Elizabeth was speechless as the viscount made his departure, leaving the room through a door at the far end behind the musicians easily avoiding his mother and sister as they descended up her. Lady Egerton was holding a mask in front of her eyes, though Lady Vivienne did not have one at all.

  “Good evening Miss Bennet. Was that Valentine?” asked her ladyship.

  “It was my lady,” said Elizabeth hoping her ladyship would not notice the slight tremor to her voice.

  Lady Egerton sounded disconsolate. “I cannot think why he did not wait. I would like to have spoken to him.”

  “He has disappeared to play cards mother,” said Lady Vivienne who was looking very pretty in a pale pink dress “And probably lose more money than he can afford.”

  Lady Egerton admonished her daughter. “Vivienne, I wish you would not speak of your brother in such a manner or embarrass Miss Bennet. It is most unfair of you.”

  Lady Vivienne remained unmoved by her mother’s words. “I only speak the truth mother. You should not protect him.”

  “I sometimes think you enjoy trying to hurt me Vivienne. You are so like your father.”

  Elizabeth wished she was anywhere but standing between the two angry women. There family argument was of no interest to her. It was a relief when a gentleman approached and asked Elizabeth to dance. She did not know who it was, but she was eager to get away from the Egerton’s and gladly accepted the invitation.

  He introduced himself as Viscount Tullingham. She learned he was the oldest son of the Duke of Roxborough. Elizabeth could hardly hide her surprise that he had chosen her to dance with, but she was very grateful. He was quite shy but managed to ask her where she normally resided and when she said Hertfordshire he conversed with her about places they both knew as the dance progressed. After the shocking dance she had experienced with Viscount Langley, it was pleasant to take the floor with someone who treated her like a lady.

  When they had finished she thanked him and he bowed graciously and escorted her back to Mrs. Gardiner. She was grateful that a footman was offering drinks as she was feeling very warm. However, she only had the opportunity to take two sips before a young gentleman in a military jacket bowed joined their group and asked Elizabeth if she would like to dance.

  Pleased to be asked Elizabeth passed her glass to her aunt and took his arm. She did not return to her aunt as at the end of each dance another gentlemen asked her to dance. Elizabeth was growing tired. She had never expected to receive so many invitations to dance, but she was very glad as they helped to distract her from her troubled thoughts. She had just been led off the floor when a voice said; “May I take over?”

  The rich dark voice was achingly familiar. It was Mr. Darcy and her heart leapt with joy.

  “I relinquish her reluctantly,” said her partner and Elizabeth thanked him once more.

  “I think I was a little abrupt,” she said to Mr. Darcy as the young man walked away.

  “Do not worry, there are many young ladies who will be willing to dance with him. If you would prefer not to dance I would understand.”

  Elizabeth hastened to assure him that she was eager to dance. She did not add that it was the cotillon one her favourite dances and as it was so long she would have plenty of time in his company.

  “I was surprised to learn you were here,” she said as she followed him to join the other couples who were already lined up.

  “I surprised myself,” admitted Mr. Darcy, “but I could not miss the opportunity to see you once more.”

  Elizabeth looked anxiously around, but there was no one to overhear what he said and know one she knew was watching her at that moment.

  She was pleased that it was the cotillon which would take at least thirty minutes to complete and she would have plenty of time to speak with him.

  * * *

  Darcy had only agreed to come to the Duke of Roxborough’s ball when he had learned Miss Bennet would be attending.

  He had slipped into the ballroom and watched her dance with two men he did not recognise. He had fought an urge to interrupt and ask her to dance with him. Naturally he had not, but it had been agony to watch her dancing and smiling at others. He wished he could take Miss Bennet’s hand and take her somewhere where they were free to talk alone.

  “You are very quiet sir. Is it that you find my company tiresome?”

  He found it difficult to smile. “You know I do not.”

  “But sir, I remember a time when you were not so eager to dance with me.”

  He bit his lip. He remembered too, and he had been abominably rude. “Do you think there may be a time when you do not remind me of my arrogance and pride?”

  Elizabeth smiled as they danced under the arms of the couples in front of them to the end of the line.

  “I’m not sure there will be sir. I would not want you to forget so I shall ensure that I mention it every time we meet.”

  For a moment Darcy thought she was serious, and he found himself grinding his teeth, but as they joined up he saw her eyes were bright and she was smiling.

  His annoyance melted away and they continued the dance, relishing the time they had together, and before the dance was at an end, he forgot about everything around them, even the other couples who were dancing and it felt as if they were the only two people in the room.

  Sadly the dance eventually came to an end. As they stood acknowledging the musicians a bell rang and dinner was announced.

  Darcy looked at Miss Bennet. “May I escort you in to dine?”

  He could see the laughter had left her eyes. “Miss Bennet I would not wish to make things difficult for you.”

  “No one has said that we should not speak,” said Elizabeth slowly, “And it would be a great pleasure sir.”

  Darcy felt a surge of pleasure and held out his arm.

  The Duke’s table was one of the most elaborate Darcy had ever seen, large joints of meat, delicate puddings in the shape of castles and stands of exquisite looking fruit.

  Darcy looked down the table where he could see Georgiana. She was smiling at something her companion was saying to her. He frowned wondering who he
was. It was not someone he recognised.

  “Is something wrong Mr. Darcy?”

  Lady Frances was sitting on the other side of Georgiana. He could trust his aunt to ensure that no unsuitable gentleman captured Georgiana’s attention.

  Darcy pulled his eyes away from his sister. “Nothing is wrong Miss Bennet and my attention is all yours.”

  She smiled at him and his heart lurched. He had wanted her at his side, but now she was he didn’t know what to say and felt his customary awkwardness.

  “How is Pemberley?” asked Miss Bennet.

  Darcy visibly relaxed. His beloved home was something he could always talk about.

  52

  Elizabeth smiled inwardly to herself. She could feel the tension emanating from Mr. Darcy. The situation in which they found themselves was awkward, but she knew he would be finding it particularly difficult. He had spoken to her before about how uneasy he was in company. They spoke a little and he told her about the development of a new garden at Pemberley. She listened not wanting to interrupt him, noticing he spoke more easily when it was a subject he was familiar with. It was disappointing when she was forced to speak to the person on her left.

  By the time the meal came to an end Elizabeth could not even remember what she had eaten. She was too conscious of Mr. Darcy.

  He escorted her back to the ballroom. He did not look at her but muttered; “Before the evening is over will you do me the honour of dancing with me again Miss Bennet?”

  Elizabeth wanted to say yes, but she could not. She looked up at him and was about to refuse but as their eyes met her resolve instantly melted away. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Mrs. Gardiner crossing the ballroom to speak to her.

  “Find me later,” she said quickly, and she reluctantly left him.