Compromise and Obligation: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation

by Harriet Knowles

  “Of course, Fitzwilliam. It is so good to see you here again.” She curtsied and went to the pianoforte. It was an excellent one, far better than the one at Pemberley. He must remember to purchase another and have it delivered there. She deserved it, having practised so much.

  He selected a chair, rather than the more comfortable sofa. It had the advantage of not being too close to another seat so Miss Bingley would be forced to keep her distance.

  Listening to Georgiana, he kept his eyes on her and let his thoughts wander. Elizabeth’s face as he’d seen it at the Netherfield ball looked up at him. Despite her attempts to keep her expression cheerful and untroubled, he could tell the sense of desperation behind her eyes.

  It showed him she was not as certain of her father’s support as she had said she was.

  Applause from the other occupants of the room drew him back to the present, and he joined in. Then it was Miss Bingley’s turn and Georgiana came towards him. He rose to meet her.

  “Let us sit over there, and we will be able to talk of what you have been doing these last weeks.”

  Georgiana agreed and they went and sat on the two small chairs.

  They sat in a companionable silence for a few moments. Then she stirred and spoke.

  “I do not wish to speak out of turn, dear brother, and I do not want to make you angry.” She hesitated. “But you seem different. Did … did something happen at Netherfield?”

  He smiled at her. “Don’t ever wonder if I will be angry when you ask me something, Georgiana.” He thought for a moment. “I might not answer you, but I won’t be angry.” He took her hand and kissed it. “But how do you think I am different? No one else has remarked on it.”

  Uncomfortably, he knew that wasn’t quite true. Miss Bingley had remarked that she thought he was bewitched. But he pushed the thought aside. She hadn’t really noticed anything, she was just trying to gain his attention.

  “You’re quieter,” Georgiana mused. “Quieter, and preoccupied.” She glanced sideways at him. “You are thinking about someone.”

  His lips tightened. “I am not angry, but I wish to change the subject, my dear sister.”

  “Of course. Tell me, are you staying here for some time? It is much more fun for me when you’re here.”

  He pulled his attention to her with an effort. She was looking at him with a slightly amused expression. He would have to pay more attention, she was growing into an astute lady, and he must not think of her as a child any more.

  “What would you like us to do while I am here? The opera, plays, visits to great estates, calling on relations?”

  While she talked, he wondered what Miss Elizabeth Bennet was doing, and how he could find out what had happened to her.

  “You see?” Georgiana stood up. “You must have some more coffee, dear brother. Or else go to bed. You are dreaming again.”

  He rose too. “I am most sorry, Georgiana. I think you are correct about going to bed. If only our guests were prepared to leave. Then you and I can talk further in the morning.”

  She smiled at him, rather sadly. “You stay here. I will see the guests away when they are ready to go. I do not think it will be very long.”

  “Thank you.” He smiled and slouched down in the chair. He wished the evening was over. Socialising was his least favourite way to spend his time.

  Chapter 9

  She was so, so tired. The emotion of the day had sapped her energy and enthusiasm. The future stretched before her, strange and frightening.

  The candle sputtered, there was only a stub left. She must write her letters and she must have some light to dress by later. She set up the spare candle, wondering why Hill or Sarah had not done it earlier.

  Perhaps everyone felt she already didn’t belong, wasn’t really here. No. She must not become silly and prone to fancies. She needed to be strong and resolute.

  She pulled a sheet of notepaper towards her. She would write to Mr. Collins first. Then Jane.

  Once she had done them, she put them on her washstand and bundled together two spare dresses. She must make people think she was travelling as a young lady.

  Then she lay on her bed and waited for the sounds of the night. She had often lain like this, waiting for sleep to come.

  The house was not quiet at night, but the sounds were very different. Her father’s snores, and those of her mother. Tonight, the chorus would include Mr. Collins, as it had since he had arrived. She shivered. If she had thought to accept him, she would never get a night’s rest, his snores rattled the very floorboards.

  She would have to wait until the whispering and giggling from Lydia and Kitty’s room died down. Then she would hear the heavy footsteps of the servants as they climbed to the attic bedrooms.

  Then it was time. She listened tensely. It was tempting to get a night’s sleep in her own bed, and set out at dawn. But there might be a search, and she must get far away.

  It was very, very dark when she crept downstairs. She slipped the note for Jane under her sister’s door, wishing she had been able to say her goodbyes properly. But her sister would have guessed what she was going to do, and would try and prevent her, persuade her not to leave.

  She left the letter for Mr. Collins on the table in the breakfast room. She didn’t need any light, the house was so familiar to her, but there was some faint moonlight, which was fortunate. Not too bright that she might be seen, but enough to show her the ruts on the paths she chose.

  Her heart beat fast. This was not the first time she’d been out at night, wishing to see badgers and a night owl or two, but it was the first time that it mattered so much that she wasn’t detected.

  She went to the settle by the front door, knowing she was going to do her father great wrong, but needing more money than she had saved from her pocket allowance. Going to the small purse containing the coppers for the post, she felt around inside it. But there was little money there. She tightened her lips, now she had very little.

  Still, there was nothing to be done but to take her leave. She did not try to leave by the main door, the creaking of the old hinges made enough noise by day, so she slipped into her father’s library and went out through the glass door.

  She closed the latch as tightly as she could, hoping that it would be seen the next day and closed. She would not like the house to be insecure many nights.

  Keeping to the shadows, she went around to the west corner of the house, where there were few windows from which she might be seen.

  Then she waited, as still as she could for a few moments, hoping a cloud would obscure the moonlight. If she had had some dark clothing, she would not have felt it so necessary. But good fortune was with her and soon she was slipping through the trees at the edge of the property and set on her way.

  All tiredness fell away from her as she climbed lithely on the path. Even the coolness of the night air didn’t worry her. She had made her choice, decided to live her own life.

  The only sadness was parting from her sister. She thought of her father. Would she ever see him alive again? She hoped to be able to return to Longbourn and see her family. What she needed was time for the danger of matrimony to pass.

  Once Mr. Collins was married, she would be free and could return to embrace her sister.

  Deep in the woods, the moonlight barely reached the path and she had to slow down and bring her thoughts to the present. But soon she had found the great oak and was able to reach up and find the men’s clothes she had secreted there, never quite believing she might actually be so brave as to use them.

  She dressed hastily, the strange garb rather too big on her, except around her bosom. She made a face, she would have to bind herself as tightly as possible.

  She took the oldest dress that she had brought with her, found the slight tear in the hem, and ripped the fabric up the skirt. Soon she had a broad strip of cloth.

  Undoing the shirt, she pulled the fabric as tightly as she could and struggled to tie the knot to secure it. Then she
rearranged the shirt and buttoned it up. Of course there was no glass in which to check her appearance, but from what she could see and feel, it was somewhat of an improvement, but not completely successful.

  However, that might be an advantage. She had a long walk ahead of her, and needed to be able to breathe freely. And travelling at night, she hoped she would not be seen by anyone. She did not like to think of what would happen when she arrived in Town.

  Pulling the scissors out of the bundle she’d brought with her, she did not let herself think what she was doing, but reached for her hair and started sawing at the first tress with the scissors. This seemed like the final commitment to the road she had chosen.

  Rolling the two dresses and the remains of the third into a tight bundle around her shorn locks of hair, she thrust them back into the hollow of the tree. Then she sat on a fallen log and pulled on the man’s stockings, tucking them into the breeches that came further below the knee than they would have on the original owner. Finally she pushed her feet once more into her own heavy shoes and laced them up. They would have to do, but she was accustomed to walking in them and that would be helpful.

  She glanced at the sky, she had about three hours left before she must find somewhere to hide for the daylight hours and try to sleep.

  It was twenty-four miles to Cheapside, and she wondered if she would get there at the end of the second night, or if she might need to take a third.

  It would be better to get there as soon as possible, she had no idea of how she would find food, and no idea of what dangers might present themselves.

  But she had to go now and brave whatever the future held for her.

  She had gone but few miles along the road to London before she found how much she relished the freedom of dressing as a man. No skirts to blow up and snag on branches or thorns. No hems to drag in the mud. She smiled, remembering her first arrival to visit Jane at Netherfield, and the disgusted faces of Miss Bingley and her sister as they saw the state of her attire.

  Her steps were lighter, and her shoulders lifted. For now, she would enjoy this freedom. She wondered what she looked like, and whether her aunt would recognise her when she reached their home.

  Chapter 10

  Mr. Darcy awoke the next morning. He felt no better, his sleep had been constantly broken as he thought about Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He had a sense of foreboding about her, a feeling that something was far wrong.

  He was certain that Mr. Collins would have made his move the previous day and was also convinced that both her parents would enjoin her to agree to the marriage. Her thought that Mr. Bennet would support her was a vain hope, he was sure.

  He got up, sitting on the edge of his bed as his valet poured hot water into the bowl on the washstand. Nodding acknowledgement to the man as he hurried back with fresh clothes for the day, he washed and tried to make himself feel more awake.

  He must forget Miss Bennet. He must. Coming to Town yesterday had been suggested by the rest of the party and he had agreed, hoping to drive Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her problems from his mind. If they had stayed at Netherfield, he might have had difficulty in staying away from Longbourn, had difficulty not offering her a way out of her dilemma.

  A way out? He must be completely mad! He could not marry her, could not marry someone whose relations were so without hope and breeding. Why, even having them visit her at Pemberley was out of the question!

  He shook his head. He needed to take his horse out for a good gallop, exercise her out of his mind. But he was in London, that option was not available to him.

  He could take his horse, ride through the great parks. But there was not the freedom to let the animal stretch out, let the speed settle his mind.

  He scowled, and flung himself in his chair to let his valet pull on his boots.

  Soon he was descending the stairs of his London residence. He turned into the breakfast room. He was the first one there, but the staff knew his habit of rising early and everything was ready for him.

  He poured some coffee and strode to the window. She had an uncle in Cheapside, he knew. He wondered idly what sort of trade he was in, whether the whole family was as ill-mannered as the mother.

  He must not wonder about her. He would never free his mind of her while he considered her predicament. As he looked out of the window, he wondered if he had been completely right in thinking she would refuse the offer.

  She was a strong and independently-minded young woman, he knew that and that was what piqued his interest. He would acknowledge that much to himself, at least.

  But the pressure on her would be very strong. He had seen something of her fondness for her father, which had caused him to stay silent about the man’s carelessness of his family’s future.

  But it was shocking that the family might be forced to be split and seek their fortunes in employment. An unpardonable carelessness. He shook his head. The two elder girls would find positions as governesses or companions, and maybe the middle girl too. But the mother and the youngest two? There was no hope for them, unless there was some wider family member whose fortune would allow them some solace.

  No. Foolish, lazy Mr. Bennet! And his family would suffer for his indolence. Unless they managed to force Miss Elizabeth into accepting Mr. Collins. Her loyalty to her father might force her acquiescence.

  He paced about the room. He could not bear not knowing. He didn’t know how he would find out, but he must. He must prevent this somehow. Perhaps he could arrange for his attorney to purchase the entail from Collins. Then he could ensure Elizabeth was safe. He shook his head. He knew that was impossible, entails were not so easy to circumvent.

  He had to go back, had to know what was happening. He seized the bell, and when the footman hastened in, he ordered the coach and four, with fresh horses.

  “At once, man!”

  He was tempted to ride, but something told him he might have need of the coach.

  He rang the bell again, another footman appeared. “My compliments to Mr. Bingley, but could he join me as soon as possible?”

  He could not eat, but took another coffee. What was he thinking of? He should call off this madness, perhaps go to Pemberley, be so far away that he would not think of her.

  The footman returned. “The coach will be ready in a few minutes, sir.” The man hesitated. “Will your valet need to repack your trunks?”

  Darcy hesitated. “One night only, although I plan to be back for dinner.”

  “Very good, sir.” The man bowed and hurried away, pausing only to allow Mr. Bingley priority as he hurried in. He had obviously dressed hastily.

  “What is it, Darcy? I have never know you summon me in this fashion before.”

  “I am sorry. I would beg your favour, man.” He hesitated. It seemed a stupid thing. He turned to the table and poured his friend a coffee.

  “Did the elder Miss Bennet explain the nature of the visit from her cousin?”

  A look of distaste crossed his friend’s face. Bingley was the most amiable of men, but Mr. Collins would test the fortitude of a saintlier man than he had ever met.

  “She did. What of it?” Bingley didn’t appear that concerned, but of course, the elder Miss Bennet was not the target of the odious clergyman.

  “The Bennet estate is entailed upon him. It appears he is searching for a wife from the daughters.”

  Mr. Bingley sat down, looking at the table with a good appetite. “Yes, she told me that.”

  “Did she appear concerned that her sister Miss Elizabeth Bennet might become engaged to him?”

  For the first time, Mr. Bingley looked thoughtful. “She did. But she said that Elizabeth was strong and independent, and would never consent to the engagement.”

  Mr. Darcy had no compunction in putting a little pressure on his friend. “And how would you feel if Miss Elizabeth refuses, so Mr. and Mrs. Bennet prevail upon Miss Jane Bennet to secure the family’s fortune and save Longbourn?”

  Mr. Bingley looked horrified and dro
pped his knife and fork. “That is a dreadful thought, Darcy! How could it possibly be?”

  “Miss Bennet is a very amiable young lady. I cannot imagine her seeing her parents dismayed by refusing to accept the hand of her cousin.”

  Bingley sprang to his feet. “That man! That he should even dance with her last night made me feel uneasy. But, Darcy! You have no evidence that Miss Elizabeth will refuse this proposal. Therefore Miss Jane Bennet will be safe.”

  “But she told you herself that Miss Elizabeth Bennet would refuse him.” Darcy was remorseless. “I am sorry to have made you rise so early. But I have a … feeling that we must go to Longbourn and find out what is happening. I fear we might be needed to prevent great unhappiness.”

  He looked at his friend. “I have a coach ready. Will you accompany me? I would value your assistance.”

  “Certainly I will!” Mr. Bingley looked around. “What should I take?”

  “I plan to be back here this evening, but I have had a trunk packed for one night, just in case.”

  Mr. Bingley turned and nodded at the footman, who vanished silently from the room.

  Mr. Darcy turned to the writing desk. “I will leave a note for Georgiana. And then we will be on our way.”

  Chapter 11

  Twenty minutes later they were were well on the road out of the city towards Hertfordshire. With four horses and a light load, Mr. Darcy hoped not to have to change them.

  Bingley sat back on the seat. “Now, Darcy, we have time for you to tell me what this is all about.” He looked at Mr. Darcy out of the corner of his eye. “I appreciate you seeming concerned about the elder Miss Bennet being pressured to accept Mr. Collins. But I do not believe it. I think you have more concern for Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

  He smiled rather smugly. “I will never repeat it outside the privacy of this coach, but I think you are almost more taken with Miss Elizabeth Bennet than I am with her sister. Even if you will not admit it, because they are not from the right family, I think you should admit it to yourself.”