by Kate Speck
“While I was under the tree with Mr. Wickham, he asked about Georgie, Mr. Darcy.” She saw his brows furrow again. “He asked if I knew where she was and I told him I knew nothing of it, which is in fact the truth, since you have told me that she is not at the address she had given me and you have delivered my letter to her through you. I did not tell him anything about her but he said he had been looking for her.”
“Thank you for keeping it confidential. I trust you.” Mr. Darcy replied with a sigh. “He is still after her dowry and thinks it the easiest way to make me pay him, as well as to bring me a great pain which I would not be able to endure. Do you see why she cannot visit you here? She will have to remain hidden for a little while longer, I am afraid.”
Elizabeth nodded, “I understand, sir. I wish for her safety above all else and hope to hear from her soon. I would like to send her another letter before your departure from Hertfordshire, as I understand you will be leaving the day after the Netherfield Ball.” She was reminded of his request for the sets. “I wanted to clarify with you also...,” she saw her home several yards away and did not wish for anyone to see them together. “You may stop your horse here now, Mr. Darcy. My mother will become too excited to see me ride atop a horse and think me seriously injured.” She smiled. “I also wanted to enquire which set you had wished to dance at the ball. You had asked for the supper but then you also asked for the first set.” Mr. Darcy helped her off the stallion so that her feet could meet the ground but continued to hold her in his arms. “Which one...” She looked up to see his eyes on her and not moving back.
Mr. Darcy leaned down slightly, with his eyes moving up and down from her eyes to her lips a few times, “Both, Elizabeth.” He then quickly pulled his great coat off from her and donned it to jump onto his horse. “Good day, madam.”
He swiftly rode his horse towards the direction of Netherfield and Elizabeth remained where she stood for several moments before she realised what was happening. Shivering once again without Mr. Darcy’s warmth around her, she awkwardly limped to her home and asked for a hot bath to be drawn, while Jane coddled her and prayed that she would not become ill before the Netherfield Ball in three evenings.
Chapter 12
Thankfully, the next days had a steady downpour of rain and Elizabeth was able to recover from her brief chill indoors. She could do naught but think of the gentleman and write of him extensively in her journal, as she was severely perplexed with Mr. Darcy’s demeanour when near her. He seemed to treat her like a child at times, then at others, entirely something else. She could not imagine such a great man thinking of her as more than his sister’s friend, and yet he had called her by her name several times and was valiant in caring for her comfort when she was in need.
She hoped to assess his character better at the Netherfield Ball during their dances together, and wondered what it meant that he had desired to dance two sets with her and how her mother might announce to the entire neighbourhood that her second daughter would soon be engaged to that arrogant, haughty gentleman. She shook her head, as her heart wavered once again, to hate the man forever, and yet find him too fascinating as to cease thinking of him.
~*~
Elizabeth’s diary offered no advice for weeks now and she could only chronicle her daily activities as she would in a typical journal, and she anxiously prepared for the grand ball at Netherfield. All of the residents in this quiet hamlet were excited for the event, as it had been many years since a party of this scale had been held, and the single ladies were especially eager to look their best, even if rumours were rampant that Mr. Bingley had been quite captured by Jane Bennet and that his other rich friend was a confirmed bachelor, having had throes of heiresses chase after him in town but that he had not shown interest to anyone since he was of age. There were also talks of a covert assignment that the militia was carrying out in Hertfordshire, that a French spy was being held here as a prisoner of war, who had attempted and nearly succeeded in assassinating General Wellesley, now the Marquess of Wellington, while on the continent.
Elizabeth had heard the gossips from her mother and Aunt Philips, and wondered if it was the same ‘spy’ that she had overheard Mr. Darcy speaking of and how it was connected to Mr. Darcy’s mysterious assignment. She was curious what trap lay in place and why the gentleman was connected to all of it, but having no answers and no one to speak to about it, she placed her thoughts aside to ready for the ball. She had written another letter to Georgiana to explain of her frustrations with her brother and how he truly behaved away from his sister, as the sweet, young girl believed her brother to be the best of men and had never seen him lose his temper, not even after she had been tricked by George Wickham in Ramsgate. Elizabeth surmised that the fifteen-year-old girl saw her elder brother of twelve years whom she thought of like a father, completely differently than how Elizabeth herself had studied the gentleman, and as determined as she was to write scathingly of Mr. Darcy, her letters to Georgiana had been generous but still teasing her friend that her older brother was not as perfect as she saw him. Not knowing how she might be able to hand her correspondence to Mr. Darcy, she folded it in half and tucked it into her reticule for the time being.
She looked at the looking glass one last time and smiled at her appearance, having put in more effort tonight than her usual simple dress. “It will do. At least I appear tolerable and not covered in mud!” She laughed at herself and assisted her sisters to complete their preparations.
~*~
Mr. Collins stood far too close for Elizabeth’s comfort as they entered Netherfield Park. She had hoped he would receive the hint but the man was as thick as a wooden door and she knew she would have to be blunt to take his attention off of her and perhaps direct his sights to another lady whose name did not end with ‘Bennet’.
She greeted the Netherfield residents with a smile and looked around to see if Mrs. Long’s nieces or Miss Goulding or anyone else might be within range, and her brow quirked to see Charlotte Lucas walking towards her.
“Mr. Collins, you recall my dear friend Charlotte Lucas, do you not?” Elizabeth began quickly. “She is one of the most sensible ladies of my acquaintance and I know you will find her company most pleasant. I must see to something in the other room so I will leave you with my good friend.”
“Certainly, Cousin Elizabeth!” Mr. Collins loudly responded. “I look forward to the second set of the evening. I will wait with bated breath until you return to my side, my dear lady.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and huffed as she walked away, only to bump into Mr. Darcy’s chest, since she had not seen him standing so near, as she was too eager to escape her odious cousin as quickly as possible.
“You are to dance the second with Mr. Collins?” Mr. Darcy asked in a low tone.
Elizabeth laughed softly, “Although you saved me from dancing the first with him, he asked me to dance the second. He is determined to ruin my evening but my courage rises and I will enjoy the grand party. Mrs. Nicholls’ white soup is the best in the county and all of my sisters are eager to dance tonight, with so many officers available as partners, when we are usually in shortage of gentlemen at parties.”
Mr. Darcy wordlessly proffered his arm and she took it in order to line up for the first set. Several gasps could be heard and the buzz of the talks grew as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth stood facing each other, and she could see in the corner of her eyes the evil glares casted her direction from Miss Bingley, who apparently had been expecting Mr. Darcy to dance with herself but was instead lining up with Mr. Robinson again.
After several minutes into the dance, Elizabeth was nervous that Mr. Darcy was only looking at her intently and attempted a dialogue with the austere man. “I believe we must have some conversation, Mr. Darcy. We cannot go a full half hour without saying one word.”
“I will speak on whatever topic you wish to discuss, Miss Elizabeth.” Mr. Darcy graciously replied. “Shall we speak of books and philosophies? Did you finish Lord Byr
on’s book?”
Elizabeth, who had been preparing to make light of Mr. Darcy’s awful temper, laughed instead and answered, “It was wonderful, sir! I was fully ready to chastise you for your disdain at a ball such as this but you have found my weakness and I love to read a good book. I can only dream of a library filled with volumes of great histories and novels as I have heard Miss Bingley describe of your home. Does Georgiana read much? She had once told me that the book collection in your Derbyshire home likely exceeds twenty-fold that of my father’s selections and I cannot fathom such a number of incredible volumes in one place. There is truly no enjoyment like reading.”
“I hope to have my sister invite you to Pemberley soon, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Darcy quietly commented. “You shall have your heart’s wish to read whatever you wish and never have to leave the room; although I would conjecture that you would desire to take walks for hours on Pemberley’s grounds also and never be indoors at the same time.”
“I would love to see Miss Darcy again, sir.” Elizabeth whispered softly at the next passing. “I have written to her again so that you might deliver my letter to her. I know you are to leave tomorrow.”
Mr. Darcy stiffened at the mention of the next day but replied quietly, “I will make sure that she receives it. I wish... I will make certain she is able to reply to you soon. I have not had time to receive my correspondences and it is likely that her letter is sitting in a pile on my desk in London. I am sorry. I will get them to you with haste.” He stood tall after their set ended. “Now, tell me, Miss Elizabeth, do you wish to dance with Mr. Collins or would you rather sit out? I understand young ladies enjoy dancing but I know not if with such a man.”
Elizabeth covered her amusement, “I would rather speak with Jane and ask her of her first set with Mr. Bingley, but I cannot refuse now, or else I would have to sit out for the rest of the ball.”
Mr. Darcy walked with her to Mr. Collins, who had remained with Charlotte Lucas to speak of his patroness and the estate that abutted his humble home without ceasing during the entire half hour. “Mr. Collins,” he spoke in a tone that would brook no opposition, “you will dance with Miss Lucas for the next set and find other partners for the remainder of the ball. Miss Elizabeth wishes to take a rest for the second set and all of her remaining sets are not available to you.”
Mr. Collins bowed repeatedly at Mr. Darcy’s condescension to speak with him, “But, of course, sir. My dear Cousin Elizabeth must rest and I will certainly dance with Miss Lucas,” he turned to her and bowed deeply, “if you will allow, madam.”
Charlotte hid her smile and nodded her agreement, and the pair immediately walked to the centre of the room to line up for the next set.
“You are incorrigible, Mr. Darcy!” Elizabeth laughed. “By what right do you have to order everyone about as if they are all under your power? I do not understand why anyone even listens to you, other than the fact that you are a haughty gentleman used to getting his way.”
Mr. Darcy had a small smirk as he responded, “I am used to giving commands but there is one who steadfastly argues with me at every turn,” he smiled at her, imperceptible to anyone else, “but I am finding that I do not mind it. Go to your sister, Elizabeth. Enjoy the evening and I will find you later.”
Elizabeth beamed and went to Jane’s side to talk about Mr. Bingley’s amiability and of their sisters having a marvellous time with the officers, with the two eldest Bennet girls needing to nudge Lydia only once each to comport herself with more decorum in front of the officers as to be seen as a proper and elegant lady.
Chapter 13
Jane was glowing with happiness and reported to Elizabeth that Mr. Bingley had asked for a second set. “Why can everyone not be so happy? He is so handsome and to dance two sets with him means the world to me. Oh, Lizzy! If only I could see you so happy. But your second set with Mr. Darcy; will you stand up with him again?”
“He said he wished for two and I cannot decline. I have not told mama about it yet and I fear she will make a great commotion but I will not think on it, Jane, since I have no interest in that gentleman and would not seek out his attention for all of Derbyshire and certainly not for his miserable half of the county.” Elizabeth lifted up her nose in the air in amusement.
“But I thought you liked him now, Lizzy.” Jane gently smiled. “He was very gallant in assisting you after your shoe tore and I have seen you converse with him more than any other gentlemen. He is a very intelligent man and I was often lost when you were speaking with him at Netherfield.”
Elizabeth laughed, “He is very knowledgeable in many topics but is arrogant and will not answer the questions that I truly wish to know. He seems to find enjoyment at times but does not smile or laugh before anyone and he is most unpleasant to those below him. No, dear sister, I am determined to detest the man since he continues to hide his true self and keeps me in confusion.” Elizabeth watched the gentleman who was conversing with several officers and appearing stern. There seemed to be some excitement, with several men in regimentals approaching Mr. Darcy to speak to him discreetly and then leaving to carry out their tasks.
Elizabeth was distracted but was approached by her next dancing partner and resumed her dances. Her card had been full tonight for a change and she was very pleased to dance with the amiable Mr. Bingley as well as with a number of officers during the evening.
When it was time for the supper set, she looked around to see if Mr. Darcy would approach her but as the couples began to line up, he was nowhere to be found. She sighed deeply, not understanding why she felt disappointment to miss another opportunity to stand up with Mr. Darcy, and stepped out to the balcony to gather some fresh air, when she heard his voice from below the small slope on the side of the mansion.
“Are you certain he is gone? He took the bait?” Mr. Darcy enquired. “He should be traced easily now and we will finally find the source.”
“Yes, Darcy,” the unknown man replied. “I am most pleased that the years of French lessons paid off and will be able to clean myself off now to let someone else play the role in this filthy garb. Your valet works miracles and I am only eager for a good shave. This beard itches!”
Elizabeth was curious who could be speaking with Mr. Darcy and leaned forward to see if she could catch a glimpse, only to gasp loudly to see a man dressed like a poor vagabond, wearing dirty rags with a long, dishevelled beard. Both men looked up to see her, and the raggedy man smirked after wiggling his brows and scurried off, while Mr. Darcy ascended the steps two at a time to meet her up top.
“You must keep quiet if you are to be a good spy when eavesdropping on unassuming conversations.” He smiled. “Our plan has worked and we will be able to leave Hertfordshire in peace to complete the assignment. It will be another fortnight or so of tracking the villains but all is going according to plan.”
“What plan? What is your assignment?” Elizabeth asked. “I still do not understand what you are doing here. Was that the French spy? He did not sound French at all.”
Mr. Darcy looked down tenderly at the small woman, “You are too bright for your own good, Elizabeth. Have we missed our dance? I am sorry that we did not have a chance to dance again. I must go and see to details for my departure tomorrow to ensure everything is on track and will not be able to attend the rest of the ball. I will owe you yet another debt.” He lifted her hand and kissed it.
“Mr. Darcy, I must admit that you confuse me greatly.” Elizabeth frowned as she pulled her hand away from him. “You are leaving tomorrow and you seem happy to go and yet you are here dancing with me tonight as merrily as ever, and if you are not careful, gossips might start that you are capricious, while I will be seen abandoned, with derision for disappointed hopes. I find myself relieved that we did not dance two sets in front of my neighbours, as I know that you have no intentions for furthering our acquaintance and are only civil to me as Georgiana’s friend, but I will remain here with my neighbours and ask you to take care that you not begin
any speculations.” She looked directly at the man who had brought more exhilaration in her life than anyone else before. “I do not wish for people to disparage you for your rude manners more than they do already for Georgiana’s sake, as I have hopes of her visiting me here one day and I would dearly love to see her again soon. I miss my friend.” She took a deep breath, “I will return inside now.”
Mr. Darcy reached for upper arm and rubbed it gently before she could turn to leave. “You and I are friends, are we not? I have never met another with whom I could speak as easily and I do not wish to depart from here with you thinking ill of me.”
Elizabeth shook her head, “I know not what to think of you, sir. You speak to me as a rational creature and I find you companionable one moment but then offensive the next with your rude manners and commanding tone. I had hoped to understand you better but you shroud yourself with mystery and secrets and you tell me nothing but I am forbidden to say anything to anyone of what I have been observing. I do not wish to lose Georgiana’s friendship but once you leave, I will not be able to write to her and I know not when I will see her again. It is vexing and yet I have no choice but to obey you, like everyone else who seem to acquiesce to your demands.” She pulled her letter to Georgiana from her reticule and held it out to him. She quickly wiped the tears from her eyes with her other hand, “This might be my last letter to her and I am saddened that I will not be able to correspond with her. I do not wish to lose her friendship. Hers... and... yours...”
Mr. Darcy stepped back to run his hand over his face, “The timing is... I wish... I never expected...” He sighed deeply then stood tall again to meet her eyes, “Please be patient, Elizabeth.” He stood closer to her and covered his hand over hers that held the letter with one hand while cradling her cheek with the other and wiped her tears with his thumb. “I know I have no right to ask you to wait for me but I wish... if I could only...”
