“Is something the matter, Miss Elizabeth? Has Miss Bennet suffered a relapse?”
“No, Jane is well.” She continued to look at him but did not speak further.
“Have I done something to offend you?” Darcy’s confusion was growing.
“Not at all, Mr. Darcy.”
“May I ask why you stare so?”
“I am sorry. I was just curious as to your purpose.”
“My purpose?”
“I am aware that you are not fond of Miss Bingley. However, I cannot help but wonder if you are using my presence to send her a message.”
Darcy studied her searchingly. “Do you find my attentions officious?”
“Not in the least, sir, unless they are only for show.”
“I can assure you that is not the case.”
“I am only concerned, Mr. Darcy, because Miss Bingley’s anger mounts each time she sees your attention to me. I am a guest in her house and I do not wish to antagonize her when she is extending me hospitality.”
“I do not wish to make you uncomfortable, Miss Elizabeth, but I will not pretend an interest in her that is not there, nor will I ignore you to save her feelings. I never gave the woman reason to believe I will offer for her.”
Elizabeth nodded her understanding. “I am very pleased with your friendship, sir, and would welcome the opportunity to know you better. However, despite Miss Bingley’s behavior, I would not wish to cause her unnecessary pain.”
Darcy took Elizabeth by the hand and led her down the hall to Bingley’s study. They stepped inside and stood behind the open door. Taking her other hand in his, Darcy asked, “Do you think we know one another well enough that I might request a courtship?”
“Are you sure you are ready for such a step, sir? Are you prepared to accept my mother as part of your family? If we move forward, will we be able to retain our friendship if things do not work out? I would not wish to lose your friendship, sir, as I have come to value it greatly.” Elizabeth’s cheeks blushed at the forwardness of her words, but she did not wish for any misunderstandings.
“I believe the risk to be more than worth it. You are a remarkable young lady and unlike anyone I have ever met. I believe we would be very happy together if things progress as I hope.”
Elizabeth’s blush deepened and her smile grew. “Then I am willing to accept your offer of courtship. However, sir, it may be best for us to wait until Jane’s health improves, as my father may wish to remove me from Netherfield if we are in a courtship. Perhaps we can use some of the time while I am here to get to know each other better. It will be much easier to talk uninterrupted here than in my mother’s parlor–though we will always have the option of walking out to enjoy some quiet time together when at Longbourn.”
“That is an excellent suggestion. In addition, perhaps we can manage to meet when you take your morning walks.”
“That is also a good idea, Mr. Darcy. Now, we should join the others. If you go now, I will wait several minutes before entering.”
“I do not think that will be necessary, as I told Bingley I would wait to escort you.”
“So, Mr. Bingley is aware that we were alone all this time?” Elizabeth’s face flushed with embarrassment.
“There is no need for embarrassment, Miss Elizabeth.”
“This is exactly the kind of thing I wish to avoid with Miss Bingley.”
“Are you telling me that you cannot deal with the likes of the Miss Bingleys of the world? I was counting on those abilities to help you when you face the ton for the first time.” Darcy did not try to hide the grin that covered his face.
“You should know, Mr. Darcy, that my courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate.”
“In that case.” Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth. They exited the office on their way to the drawing room.
“Ah, Mr. Darcy, there you are. What kept you from joining us. . .” Miss Bingley’s cloying voice trailed off as she noticed Elizabeth on his arm. “Miss Eliza, if you need something, the proper thing to do is ask your hostess. You should not be bothering Mr. Darcy with your petty concerns.”
“I am well aware of that fact, Miss Bingley. However, I saw no need to consult you as to whether I should accept the gentleman’s arm when offered.”
“Tell me, Miss Eliza, do you linger in the hall waiting to jump out at Mr. Darcy to force him to offer his arm?”
“Indeed not, Miss Bingley, but at least I wait for the arm to be offered.”
Caroline’s face turned red. Darcy could practically see the steam escaping her ears. The wheels turned as Miss Bingley attempted to form a scathing reply. Before she could recover, Charles spoke. “She has you there, Caroline. Poor Darcy. You clutch onto his arm the minute he arrives or enters a room and cling like a vine. The polite thing to do is to wait for him to offer.”
“You exaggerate, Charles, as usual. I’m sure our dear friend does not mind my attention.” Though he tried to disguise it, Darcy’s grunt of disgust reached Miss Bingley’s ears. She looked at the gentleman and caught him rolling his eyes. Caroline could not miss his dislike of her actions. Startled by his expression, Caroline blurted out, “Why did you not say something, Mr. Darcy?”
“As Miss Bennet said, it is appropriate to wait until offered. When I attempted to withdraw, you would cling tighter rather than understand my desire. I did not speak because I did not wish to offend Charles by correcting your behavior. He is the head of the family and that is his responsibility.”
Caroline’s voice and posture were rigid when she replied. “You have my apologies, sir. I shall attempt to refrain from such behavior in the future.”
“I am glad this occurred, as I have tried to tell you this before, Caroline. However, you chose not to believe me.” Miss Bingley glared at her brother as he spoke.
Mrs. Hurst felt sorry for her sister and spoke up, changing the subject. “How about some music? Miss Elizabeth, would you please play for us?”
Though Elizabeth knew that Miss Bingley deserved to be corrected, she would not have wished for her to be publically humiliated. Consequently, she agreed to play. Darcy escorted her to the pianoforte and offered to turn the pages for her. Elizabeth looked through the music and selected one with which she was quite familiar. She finished to polite applause, then surrendered her place to Mrs. Hurst. Miss Bingley was the last to play and chose several pieces. It was apparent that she knew them well, for she had no music in front of her. However, the changing expressions on her face made it clear to her audience that she was pondering her previous behavior and the things that had been said.
When Caroline finished playing, she retired for the night. Not long after her disappearance, Elizabeth excused herself, saying she would check on Jane before she retired. Since Mr. Hurst was the only one interested in playing cards, the Hursts soon retired. Darcy and Bingley retired to Bingley’s study to enjoy a brandy before retiring.
“I hope you are not displeased with what I said to your sister,” Darcy said.
“Not at all. I think this is the first time Caroline understood what I have been telling her for years.”
“If it means she will no longer hang on my arm whenever she is near, I will be delighted with the outcome.”
“Only time will tell. However, I imagine a cleared throat or meaningful glare will remind Caroline of the discussion until she learns to change her ways.”
“I can only hope,” replied Darcy. They quietly sipped their brandies before bidding each other goodnight. Thinking of his upcoming courtship and where it might lead, Darcy dreamed of Elizabeth that night for the first time.
Things Are Looking Up
William opened the letter from his sister with a sense of eagerness. Did his letter break through Georgiana’s sadness and help her on the road to recovery.
Pemberley
Derbyshire
8 November 1811
Dear William,
Your last letter was
a delightful surprise. Thank you so much for the beautiful gifts. Please extend my thanks to the Bennet sisters for their assistance and excellent taste. Everything was very much to my liking. I am especially pleased with the journal and for the suggestion on its use. Having written in it daily since its arrival, I must agree that the journal makes a great confidante when one lacks a real person with whom to speak. Expressing my feelings in writing has also allowed me to be more open with Mrs. Annesley. Her input and experience have greatly helped me understand why I responded as I did.
I was thrilled with your descriptions of the Bennet sisters. I wish that such a family lived near Pemberley. Having so many friends close by would be thrilling. I believe that we would affect one another in positive ways. I hope that someday I shall be able to meet them. As they do not live close, perhaps we might correspond, which would increase my circle of acquaintances.
I am not sure if I ever thanked you for saving me from such a disastrous future. My feelings at the time were overwhelming and it took me some time to accept the loss of the loving family and home I thought would be mine. I am grateful that you arrived in time to save me from myself. Having had only each other, I thought my future would include a home filled with family. In the future, I would ask that you be open with me rather than always try to protect me. My recent experiences have opened my eyes to the world. I believe that I can handle any information, no matter how unpleasant.
I love you brother dear and look forward to being reunited for Christmas.
Affectionately,
Georgiana
Darcy smiled as he refolded the letter and tucked it into his inner pocket. When he returned to his chambers, he would place this with his other correspondence from Georgiana. He was delighted to learn that Elizabeth’s journal had been a success. Perhaps Elizabeth would consider corresponding with Georgiana once their courtship became official. Darcy had always desired that the woman he married and his dear sister would become the best of friends. Undoubtedly, Georgiana required a woman close to her in age to confide in and help her grow in confidence as she prepared for her coming out in a few years.
He hoped he would have an opportunity to share Georgiana’s letter with Elizabeth later in the day. Thinking of the two ladies he held most dear, Darcy could see a bright future before him. Knowing that he wished to see this courtship through to its natural end, he considered making a quick trip to London when Elizabeth and Miss Bennet returned home, to get his solicitor started on the marriage settlement. Darcy wished to make haste when the time to propose was at hand. He could not help but wonder if he would be engaged–perhaps even married–by the end of the year. With a smile on his face, Darcy exited and headed for the dining room for the midday meal. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, Elizabeth descended from Jane’s room.
“Ah, Miss Elizabeth, well met. I received a letter from Georgiana today. She asked me particularly to extend to you her thanks for the journal and the suggestion that it can serve as an excellent confidant. She has been writing daily since receiving it and indicated that the journal has helped her to organize her thoughts and feelings. It has also helped her open up to her companion and learn from Mrs. Annesley’s wisdom.”
“I am delighted to hear that and so pleased that my gift helped your sister.”
“I have a favor to ask of you, Miss Elizabeth. Once our courtship is approved by your father, might you be willing to correspond with my sister? I think it would be a great way for the two of you to get to know one another before you meet. I also think corresponding with you would be a great benefit for Georgie, as she would have a real person, close to her in age, in whom to confide.”
“I would be happy to do so. It would be a delight to correspond with someone whose life and experiences differ from mine as well as to be of service to your sister.”
Darcy grinned and offered his arm to Elizabeth. They entered the dining room with smiling faces. Miss Bingley’s features remained impassive as she greeted the new arrivals. Caroline’s behavior had been much subdued since the second night of Miss Elizabeth’s arrival. She had been disturbed to learn of Mr. Darcy’s opinion of her but was loath to allow a country miss like Miss Eliza Bennet to succeed with such a prominent gentleman where she had failed entirely. While she pretended to be accepting of the situation, Caroline pondered whether she could do something about it.
It was after dinner on the fifth day of Elizabeth’s stay at Netherfield. Jane was much improved and made her first appearance in the drawing room after the midday meal. Bingley rushed to her side as she entered the room leaning on Elizabeth’s arm. Upon offering his arm to Jane, he escorted her to a chair near the fire, then placed a blanket over her lap. Jane had been glad for his strong arm, as she felt a bit unsteady on her feet after having spent so many days in bed. After ensuring that Jane had a cup of tea, Bingley devoted his attention and conversation to his “angel.”
Darcy and Elizabeth also enjoyed a quiet conversation, though both caught themselves smiling at the other couple. Delight filled Elizabeth at the attention the amiable gentleman showed her dearest sister. After about thirty minutes, the two couples drifted towards one another and the conversation became a bit more animated.
The many conversations in the room were interrupted when Bingley cried out, “I want to give a ball.” Little did he know that his words would cause such an outcry.
“What a lovely idea, Mr. Bingley,” said Jane softly.
“I am sure the neighborhood will enjoy a ball,” added Elizabeth.
“Charles, you cannot be serious! I doubt the items that would be needed can even be obtained in a village such as this. I will not do it.”
“Then perhaps Louisa will arrange things for me and act as my hostess.”
“I do hope you will, Mrs. Hurst. I believe even I might enjoy a ball here at Netherfield.”
At Darcy’s words, Caroline Bingley’s mouth fell open. She could not remember a time when Mr. Darcy had enjoyed a social occasion. “Well, if Louisa is willing to help, I suppose it might be possible to make the necessary arrangements,” Caroline said.
Bingley knew precisely why Caroline’s opinion had changed, but he had previously decided to no longer bow to her whims. He was tired of the fuss and bother she always created when she did not get her way or when she did not wish to comply with another’s wishes. “No, Caroline, I am sure that Louisa can manage. If she should require assistance, I am sure that the eldest Misses Bennet would be willing to help.”
“Of course,” said Jane.
“We would be happy to help if you desire it, Mrs. Hurst.” Elizabeth noticed that Miss Bingley’s anger was increasing. Fortunately, Mrs. Hurst did not seem opposed to the idea of arranging a ball or to the assistance of Elizabeth and Jane.
“What day shall we set for it?” wondered Bingley. “Of course, we must wait until Miss Bennet is thoroughly recovered. We could not possibly host a ball if she were unable to attend.” Jane blushed at Bingley’s words, but a small smile graced her features.
“I believe that Jane should be completely recovered within a week, or so Mr. Jones stated. Perhaps in two weeks would be a good time,” suggested Elizabeth.
“Obviously, Miss Eliza, you know nothing about what goes into planning a true society event. Two weeks might be sufficient for the type of events to which you are accustomed, but not for the type of events that one would see in the ton.” Caroline’s tone dripped with disdain. Her gaze was haughty and, if possible, her nose was farther in the air than usual.
“It surprises me to hear you say that, Miss Bingley,” Darcy said. “My staff, and even my Aunt Lady Matlock, would not have a problem with having two weeks to arrange a ball. Of course, Mrs. Hurst has not complained about the time; perhaps she is more experienced.”
Caroline Bingley looked indignant at Mr. Darcy’s words, while Louisa Hurst bowed her head to hide a smile. Caroline’s mouth popped open, but no words came out of it. She clamped her mouth closed a
nd folded her arms over her thin chest as she turned to stare out the window. She determined her course of action. Caroline would force Louisa to accept her opinions and thus ensure that the Bennet sisters played no part in the planning and would receive no praise for their efforts.
“Two weeks would be approximately the twenty-sixth of November. Shall we set the date for then?” offered Charles. Everyone except Miss Bingley nodded their agreement. Jane did not remain downstairs long after the date was determined. Despite wanting to participate in the discussion about the ball, Elizabeth caught Jane attempting to hide a yawn.
When Elizabeth returned from helping Jane to her chamber, Mrs. Hurst sat with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. She joined them and the planning for the ball began. Whenever Elizabeth offered an opinion or suggestion, a derisive snort or muttered, imprecation came from where Miss Bingley sat thumbing through the newest ladies’ magazine. She was generally ignored as Mrs. Hurst began making a list of things to be done.
“I believe we should check with Mrs. Webster to ensure she will have time to make enough white soup for the supper.” Bingley, who sat nearest, pulled the bell to summon the housekeeper. When Mrs. Dawson entered, Louisa said, “We plan to hold a ball on the twenty-sixth of November. Do you think that will allow Mrs. Webster enough time to make white soup? If not, please notify me immediately.”
“Certainly, Mrs. Hurst.” The housekeeper turned to exit but paused at the sound of Mr. Bingley’s voice.
“Mrs. Dawson, please discuss all issues relating to the ball only with Mrs. Hurst. Miss Bingley feels a bit under the weather and we do not wish to burden her with the responsibilities of planning the ball. We need her to rest so that she can attend the event.”
“Of course, Mr. Bingley. I will discuss things exclusively with Mrs. Hurst.” Only after the housekeeper left the room did she allow a smile to appear on her face. Undoubtedly, Miss Bingley was being difficult and her brother’s actions would prohibit her from interfering. Mrs. Dawson intended to ensure that the entire staff knew of Mr. Bingley’s directive.
A Turn in Their Dance Page 8
