A Turn in Their Dance

by Linda C Thompson

  Her attention having been focused solely on Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Bingley turned her head, planning to warn away this dreadful family by informing Mrs. Bennet that she and Mr. Darcy had almost come to an understanding. However, when she looked at the woman, it was to see her focused on a different couple in the line of dancers. With a small huff, Caroline realized her brother was dancing with Miss Jane Bennet for the second time that evening. Charles had barely left her side since their introduction. It would not do to insult her own brother, so with a forced smile and a clenched jaw, she ground out, “Indeed, they do.”

  Miss Bingley’s words pleased Mrs. Bennet, who launched into a recitation of her eldest daughter’s qualities. Her voice was a bit louder than necessary, and Miss Bingley knew that everyone around them heard Mrs. Bennet’s words about what a lovely couple her daughter and Charles made. Caroline’s night just kept getting worse.

  As the music for the set began, Darcy realized the risk of being overheard. If they spoke of his sister’s near ruin, it had the potential to destroy her reputation. Consequently, as the steps of the dance brought them close for the first time, Darcy attempted the small talk he so disliked. “What activities are found in Meryton for visitors, Miss Elizabeth?

  “The neighborhood contains several lovely walking trails, one of which leads to Oakham Mount, where you can enjoy an excellent view of the area in all directions. You will also find a well-stocked bookshop and a few skilled craftsmen who make unusual gifts. I might recommend some for your sister if you should be interested.”

  “Those all sound enjoyable and I would appreciate your assistance in finding a gift for my sister.”

  “Should you pay a call on Longbourn, a walk into Meryton might be arranged. I could show you the best options for a young lady.” Noticing his eyebrows rise at her words, she blushed deeply and hurriedly added, “Or, perhaps, we should arrange a day and time to meet for me to do so. I do not expect you to call upon me.”

  “I suspect my friend will wish to pay his respects and I would not object to accompanying him.” Darcy followed his utterance with a broad smile.

  “Also, as the neighborhood is small, and with newcomers to our society, I would expect dinners, card parties, and teas with great frequency. Some in the neighborhood may even be inclined to hold a ball or two.” Elizabeth saw the look of aversion that quickly crossed his face. Her annoyance rose again. Then, remembering the concerns she’d overheard, she said, “You need not worry, Mr. Darcy. You will find most of those you encounter to be pleasant.” Elizabeth’s tone was more clipped than she intended, as she felt his dislike of her friends and neighbors.

  A quizzical look crossed his face at her tone. Darcy looked at his partner sharply. “Did I say something to offend you?”

  She merely shook her head, not trusting her voice to reply.

  The dance separated them and Darcy thought back over their conversation. It occurred to him that perhaps his dislike of such events showed on his face as she spoke. When the music brought them together again, he said, “Miss Elizabeth, may I tell you a secret?”

  She looked at him askance but nodded.

  “I suffer from shyness and always find myself unable to make conversation with those with whom I am not well acquainted.”

  “You do not seem to be having a difficult time talking to me. If you were to practice, you might overcome your discomfort.”

  “You have been graciousness itself after my less-than-pleasant words, but there is another facet to my discomfort in large gatherings.”

  “And what might that be, Mr. Darcy?”

  “Did you by any chance hear discussion of my income and marital status before meeting myself or even Mr. Bingley?”

  Elizabeth could not help the blush that covered her face. Unable to meet his eyes as they passed in the dance, she quietly replied, “I may have heard some mention of it.”

  “Can you imagine how it feels to know that your lineage and financial status are the main focus of people’s interest in you? Would you enjoy being unable to discern whether someone’s interest was in you the person or in your wealth and connections?”

  “I doubt I would enjoy the sensation,” Elizabeth answered. “My sister, Jane, and I have always stated that we would wed only for true affection and respect. Having to wonder what people liked about me would be very bothersome. But, as everyone in the neighborhood knows that my sisters and I possess very small dowries, I have not faced that issue. I do realize that I have only my charms to recommend me, and I doubt that I will ever find a sensible man who would accept me for so little. I imagine I shall spend my days as the doting aunt to my sister’s children, teaching them to love nature and play the piano very ill.”

  Darcy was surprised at the honesty with which she spoke. He could not help a big smile at her reply. He found her straight-forward attitude refreshing. He also enjoyed her wit and found her very lovely. If he were honest with himself, he was enjoying this dance more than any other in memory. “I believe you exaggerate, Miss Elizabeth. I rather think that some intelligent gentleman might see you for your honesty, joyfulness, and generosity of spirit. If he were foolish enough to not recognize your good qualities because of a lack of connections or fortune, he would not be worthy of you.” The smile that accompanied his words created a dimple in one cheek, the appearance of which mesmerized Elizabeth. “Do you often walk to Oakham Mount, I believe you called it?”

  “Yes, I do. I prefer to start my morning with a walk. It helps me find a sense of peace that carries me through the day. Living with an excitable mother and three younger sisters with diverse personalities, it is the only peace I get in my day,” said Elizabeth with a chuckle.

  “Would you permit me to join you on one of your walks so that you can show me Oakham Mount?”

  “Why, Mr. Darcy, I am surprised at you!” Elizabeth teased. “It would be highly inappropriate for me to make such an arrangement.” Though Elizabeth’s face showed a smile, Darcy flushed at the truth of her words. “However, should you happen to strike out on the path from Netherfield’s back garden that leads to the southeast, there would be nothing improper in our accidentally happening upon each other.”

  Darcy’s face brightened. “Indeed, there would not,” he agreed with a matching smile. “Perhaps we will encounter one another there sometime soon.”

  “There is no better place from which to watch the sunrise than the summit of Oakham Mount.” They smiled at one another before the steps of the dance separated them again. The dance ended shortly thereafter as they bowed and curtsied to each other.

  As they began the second dance, Darcy remarked, “You mentioned the bookstore in Meryton. Are you fond of reading, Miss Elizabeth?”

  “Indeed, I am, sir. My father has always allowed me the freedom to read anything in his library.”

  “What might be your favorite topic when reading?”

  “I love poetry and Shakespeare. I also read history, philosophy, and agricultural journals. I convinced my father to try some of the new techniques regarding crop rotation.”

  “That is an unusual subject for a young lady.” Darcy’s look was thoughtful as he studied the lady before him. “What is your favorite play by Mr. Shakespeare?”

  “I do not know if it is possible to pick just one. There is so much to admire in each of his works. I long to see one of them performed on the stage someday.”

  “Are you often in London?”

  “I visit with my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner two or three times a year.” She watched her partner closely as she said, “They reside near Cheapside.”

  Darcy was surprised to learn the location of her relatives’ home, but did not let it show, asking only, “Is your uncle in trade?”

  Her annoyance rising, Elizabeth bit out, “Yes, he is, Mr. Darcy, and you will not find a finer man. He is intelligent, kind, and successful.”

  “You sound very proud of him.” Darcy’s statement sounded more like
a question.

  “Yes, I am; he is a good man in every sense of the word. I do not believe that an accident of birth should define an individual. I prefer to judge a person on their behavior–not a title or status.”

  “I completely agree with you.” At his words, Elizabeth studied his face, but his expression was open and honest. “I often encounter gentlemen of the ton who are hardly deserving of the title.”

  “I must say, Mr. Darcy, you surprise me. I would not have thought you so liberally-minded based on your earlier comments.”

  “I did apologize. Will you often remind me of my error?”

  “Only if I believe you are behaving in such a way as to warrant a reminder,” said Elizabeth with a broad smile.

  As the set ended, Darcy escorted Elizabeth to the refreshment table for a cool drink.

  Caroline Bingley kept a close eye on Mr. Darcy as he danced with Elizabeth Bennet. She slowly moved around the room so that she would be close to him when the set finished. Unfortunately, Mr. Darcy moved in the other direction, with Elizabeth Bennet still on his arm. Caroline followed their progress as they moved towards the refreshment table before quickly trailing the couple. As she caught up to her prey, she remembered her brother’s seeming fascination with another of the Bennet sisters. Thus, she sought a way to end their evening. Just before reaching the couple, Caroline saw Darcy holding two glasses of punch. She pretended to stumble and put out her arms, shoving Mr. Darcy in the back.

  Jostled from behind, Darcy, with horror in his eyes, could not prevent the punch from flying out of the glasses and dousing Elizabeth Bennet’s face and gown. Shifting the empty glasses to one hand, he reached for his handkerchief and offered it to Elizabeth while tendering his apologies.

  “Miss Bennet, please forgive me–” he began before a shrill voice cried out and a boney hand clutched his arm.

  “Oh, Mr. Darcy, you saved me from injury. One of the local clods tripped me, nearly causing me to crash to the floor. How wonderful you are!” Darcy shook off the arm and ignored the woman now standing beside him as he attempted to offer Elizabeth further assistance. Caroline turned her attention on Elizabeth as she dried her face and wiped at the moisture on her gown. “Oh, Miss Eliza, you are here too.” Caroline looked at the ruined gown and smiled with mock sympathy. “You appear to have ruined your dress; you must be more careful when drinking in such a crowded room. What a shame that you and your family shall have to depart early.” Her self-satisfied smirk was evident to all those who stood nearby. Darcy looked concerned that he had caused the ruin of one of Elizabeth’s gowns.

  Elizabeth, who had noticed Miss Bingley’s progress across the room, calmly replied, “And you must learn to watch where you are walking in such a crowded room; you appeared to trip over your own feet just before bumping into Mr. Darcy.”

  Those of her friends standing nearby snickered at Elizabeth’s words. Others grumbled at Miss Bingley’s insult, saying, “There was no one near her.”

  “It will not be necessary for my family to depart,” Elizabeth continued. “I will ask the coachman to take me home and return for my family. I would not wish to curtail their enjoyment of the evening.”

  “Please, Miss Elizabeth, allow me to escort you home since the accident was my fault. Perhaps Miss Mary, who is sitting just over there, would accompany us to provide proper chaperonage.”

  “But, Mr. Darcy, you would put yourself at risk of this woman compromising you!” blustered Miss Bingley.

  Darcy turned such a withering look on Caroline that she took a step back. “As a gentleman, it is my responsibility and pleasure to offer my assistance.”

  Elizabeth hesitated but a moment before nodding. Charlotte, who had been approaching to speak with Elizabeth, had observed the entire scene. She offered to fetch Mary and inform Mrs. Bennet of the incident.”

  Elizabeth looked panicked for a moment. Her expression must have alerted Charlotte as to her misgivings, for with a small nod she moved away in the direction of Mary.

  Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm and escorted her around the edge of the room, shielding her from view to the best of his ability. They moved into the entry hall. Once there, Darcy requested a servant to fetch both Miss Elizabeth’s and Miss Mary’s cloaks. He finished assisting Elizabeth with her outerwear as Mary arrived.

  “Are you well, Lizzy?” asked Mary as Mr. Darcy helped her, as well, with her cloak.

  “Yes, Mary, just a little damp. Thank you for accompanying us. Mr. Darcy kindly offered to take me home so that Mama and Jane could continue to enjoy the evening.”

  Mary did not reply. She followed Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth into the darkness.

  Mr. Darcy’s Offer

  Mr. Darcy called for Bingley’s coach and took the ladies to Longbourn. While Mrs. Hill assisted Elizabeth up the stairs, Mr. Hill led Mr. Darcy to Mr. Bennet’s bookroom.

  Mr. Bennet started at the knock on the study door. Looking at the mantle clock, he wondered who would disturb him at such an hour but he quickly called, “Come.”

  Opening the door, Mr. Hill announced, “Mr. Darcy to see you, sir.”

  Mr. Bennet looked confused but nodded at Mr. Hill to admit the man.

  Upon entering, Darcy bowed and said, “Excuse me for disturbing you so late, sir. My name is Fitzwilliam Darcy. I am a guest of Mr. Bingley’s at Netherfield Park.”

  “How do you do, Mr. Darcy? How may I be of service?”

  “It is I who hope to be of service to you, sir. I just brought Miss Elizabeth home after a minor mishap. Miss Mary accompanied her sister.”

  “Is my Lizzy well?”

  “Yes, sir. However, as I was retrieving a drink for her after our dance, someone bumped against me quite forcefully and the drinks spilled on Miss Elizabeth. The stain will ruin the dress. I would beg your permission, Mr. Bennet, to replace the damaged gown. I know it is an unusual request and that such a gift would normally be permissible only by a betrothed. However, I would be happy to purchase something and allow you to present it, sir. No one need know of my involvement–even Miss Elizabeth.”

  Mr. Bennet studied the man before him for some time before speaking. “It is not necessary for you to do this, Mr. Darcy. I can afford to purchase dresses for my daughters.”

  “I mean no offense, Mr. Bennet. It is obvious that you take good care of your daughters’ needs. However, my conscience requires me to replace the gown which was damaged at my hand.”

  Again, Mr. Bennet stared at the gentleman before him. He could not figure out what interest the man had in his Lizzy. What would compel him to make such a gesture? Darcy began to shift slightly under the pressure of Mr. Bennet’s stare before the gentleman finally spoke. “It seems you will not be dissuaded.” Darcy shook his head. “Then I will permit you to replace Lizzy’s dress. Just request that Mrs. Harris send the dress to me upon completion.”

  Darcy hesitated before speaking further. “Were I to place the order, Mr. Bennet, it would call your daughter’s reputation into question. Perhaps it would be best if the order came from you. I could tell you what I wish to purchase for her or write it out for you to sign.”

  Thomas Bennet sighed at the further delay in returning to his book but appreciated the gentleman’s consideration of his Lizzy. “Very well, Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Bennet pulled a sheet of parchment from a drawer and pushed it across the desk to the younger man. Mr. Darcy dipped the quill into the inkstand and began to write, pausing only briefly to consider his words. Elizabeth’s face flashed in his mind’s eye as he thought about which color gown to request. Her creamy skin and dark hair would be beautiful in pale yellow, but then he remembered the blush he had frequently seen on her cheeks. He thought a soft rose might also be becoming.

  12 October 1811

  Longbourn

  Dear Mrs. Harris,

  Please make an evening gown for Miss Elizabeth Bennet of pale yellow or soft rose silk, trimmed in the finest, most delicate lace you have in your shop. You are
familiar with her preferred style. Send the gown and bill to Longbourn upon its completion. I will pay a five-pound bonus if you finish the dress within a week’s time.

  Sincerely,

  Darcy blew on the ink to dry it before handing the letter to Mr. Bennet for his signature. The gentleman did not even read it over before signing it. He folded the note and sealed it. “I will have this delivered first thing in the morning.”

  “Thank you, sir, for allowing me to do this for Miss Elizabeth. Please notify me when the bill comes and I will provide you the funds to pay it. ”

  “Yes, yes,” said Mr. Bennet absently. He had already returned to the description of the Battle of Trafalgar he was reading.

  Darcy bowed and exited the office. Mr. Hill waited in the hallway to show the gentleman to the door. Darcy mounted the carriage and returned to the assembly hall. Carriages lined up at the door, waiting to pick up passengers. He saw Bingley standing with the Bennet family, while his family stood to the side. Miss Bingley’s lips were pressed tightly into a thin line and her foot tapped impatiently beneath the hem of her gown. Bingley noted his carriage passing and joining the end of the queue. Darcy stepped down and moved in the direction of his friend while Jane and Bingley moved toward him.

  As soon as he was close enough to speak without being overheard, Jane Bennet’s anxious voice softly asked, “How is Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy? Charlotte informed us that she was required to leave and that you kindly escorted her and Mary home.”

  “She is well, Miss Bennet. It was nothing serious. Unfortunately, punch spilled all over her, and she was wet and uncomfortable.” As he spoke, Darcy glared at Caroline Bingley, who was staring at the threesome. Bingley noted his expression and wondered at whom he was scowling. He started to ask, but Darcy shook his head to forestall Charles’ question.

  At that moment, the Bennet carriage arrived at the front of the queue. Mr. Darcy remained where he was as Bingley escorted Jane to her carriage and assisted her in. Bingley watched for a moment as it pulled into the darkness. Then he returned to his friend.