While Caroline studied the others present, Elizabeth did her best to get to know Miss Darcy. It was immediately apparent to Elizabeth that Miss Darcy was shy and very uncertain of herself.
“I am very pleased you were able to join us, Miss Darcy. Will you be attending the ball that Mr. Bingley is holding?”
“I am very pleased to be here, Miss Elizabeth. I do not often get to join William on his travels. However, as I am not out yet, I will not attend the ball.”
Elizabeth looked beyond Georgiana to catch Darcy’s eye. Her raised brow and expression easily allowed Darcy to understand her question.
“If you would like to attend with Mrs. Annesley, though you will not be able to dance, you might do so, Georgie.”
Her eyes widened in surprise and delight. “I would like that very much, William.” Miss Darcy hesitated and a bright blush appeared on her cheeks. “Might I dance with you and Richard as practice before my debut?”
Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled at her future sister’s request, which brought a grin to both Darcy’s and Richard’s faces. The cousins looked at each other. At Richard’s grinning nod, Darcy said, “I believe that would be acceptable. If Charles is willing, I might even extend the list of acceptable partners to include Mr. Bingley as well.”
“I would be happy to partner Miss Darcy,” said Charles. “As the host, it is my duty–if, perhaps, not my preference–to dance with all the young ladies in attendance.” His eyes drifted to Jane as he spoke, but she only smiled serenely.
The gentlemen took a few minutes to request their sets. Soon, Jane, Elizabeth, and Georgiana were each engaged for the first three sets.
“I am glad you are excited to attend the ball. It is not the attitude I usually have for such events. However, I believe it would be best if you retired after dinner.”
“Thank you so much, William. I am happy to agree with your request. And thank you, Miss Elizabeth. I am sure you had something to do with William’s decision. I believe I will like having you for a sister very much!”
“Well, then, if we are to be sisters, you must call me Elizabeth or Lizzy, as my family does.”
“Thank you, Lizzy, and will you call me Georgiana or Georgie, as William and Richard do?”
“It would be my pleasure, Georgie.”
As she overheard this portion of their conversation, Miss Bingley’s anger increased. She had never been offered this familiarity and she had known Miss Darcy for several years.
Georgiana and the two couples continued to speak for some time, with occasional input from Mrs. Hurst, while her husband snored in a chair in the corner of the room.
Darcy was very much enjoying the afternoon. With pleasure, he watched the ease with which Georgiana and Elizabeth spoke. However, he could not remember the last time he had been in the same room as Miss Bingley for so long without her attempting to dominate the conversation. Not only did she not try to control the conversation, but she said not a word. Her behavior made Darcy uneasy.
Before departing, Jane invited everyone to take tea at Longbourn on the morrow.
Upon returning to Netherfield after the tea at Longbourn, Georgiana rushed up the stairs towards her chambers.
“Are you well, Georgie?” called William in concern. “Come, little mouse, sit with us and let us talk.”
Without looking back, Georgiana said, “Perhaps in a little while. I must refresh myself first.”
Mrs. Annesley understood her charge’s upset. Turning, she gave her employer a nod and a smile, letting him know that she would watch over and care for Miss Darcy.
Once in the safety of her sitting room, Georgiana threw herself into a chair, unable to speak. The event had started well, though she had been a bit overwhelmed by the exuberance of Mrs. Bennet. Her younger daughters were only slightly less effusive in their welcome and behavior. Georgiana was surprised at how different Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth were from the others. However, as she thought about it, she realized that Richard was entirely different from his elder brother. Considering more about the Bennet sisters, Georgiana recognized that there was something she could relate to with each one, despite their apparent differences. She and Miss Mary both enjoyed the pianoforte and music, while she and Miss Kitty shared a love of drawing. It was what Miss Lydia told her that caused Georgiana’s distress. She had mentioned the militia soldiers in Meryton and how charming she found Lieutenant George Wickham. Lydia did not notice the way the color had drained from Georgiana’s face as she continued to explain that he had been arrested in the very room in which they sat.
Mrs. Annesley watched as the various emotions flickered across her charge’s face. Miss Darcy comported herself well considering the shock she had received. Perhaps I should check on her.
“Miss Darcy, are you feeling calmer? You handled the shock well. Not even your brother and cousin are aware of what happened.”
Georgiana’s deep sigh reached her companion’s ears. “Are you sure no one observed anything?”
“I believe so. Miss Elizabeth might have noticed something, but I think her only concern was for your well-being.”
“Do you think my brother would tell Lizzy about Wickham?”
“He may have felt honor-bound to discuss it, as they are to marry.”
Georgiana nodded in understanding. “I hope that Lizzy does not think poorly of me for my mistakes.”
“Miss Elizabeth was kindness itself yesterday. I do not think you need to worry about that, Miss Darcy.”
A short time later, a knock at the door interrupted the ladies’ conversation. Mrs. Annesley answered and admitted Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. She took the opportunity to request tea for the group.
“Georgiana, are you well? What happened that you would not speak on your return from Longbourn? Did someone upset you? Please tell me what is wrong,” cried a worried Darcy.
“I am sorry to cause you concern, William. It is just that I was taken by surprise when Miss Lydia mentioned an attraction to George Wickham, and then to learn of his arrest.”
“Oh, forgive me–”
“Us,” piped in Richard.
“Georgie, I should have told you about his presence in the area.”
“He did not harm any of the Bennets, did he?”
“No, but not for a lack of trying.”
“Will you tell me what happened and what has become of him?
“When I returned from London, I found Wickham ensconced in the Bennets’ sitting room. Upon his arrival, he had sat next to Miss Elizabeth and told her his tale of woe at my hands. However, Elizabeth did not believe it. She went to discuss the matter with her father and met me in the hall when Richard and I arrived. She alerted me to Wickham’s presence and what he had said. Richard and I determined the best way to deal with him and entered the room.
“It was rather fun to see the man squirm. He tried to sneak out, but I couldn’t allow that,” laughed Richard. “I clamped my hand firmly on his shoulder and proceeded to alert all those present about his past behavior.” Georgiana paled at his words, so Richard quickly added, “Though no mention was made of you, of course.”
Changing the subject as rapidly as possible, Darcy said, “Before we entered the sitting room, I asked Mr. Bennet to send someone for the magistrate. By the time Richard was finished with Wickham’s past, I had announced that I carried all of his debts with me and would arrange for him to be arrested and sent to Marshalsea. Wickham is now in debtor’s prison and will not see the light of day until he is old and gray.”
“If he survives that long,” muttered Richard.
At that moment came a knock on the door. A servant entered with a tea tray. “I thought a little refreshment might help you with the discussion, Miss Darcy.”
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Mrs. Annesley.”
“Have you decided which gown you will wear for the ball tomorrow?” Darcy asked.
“I thought the soft rose one, but I must go int
o the village tomorrow to look for some ribbons that will match or complement it.”
“What time would you like to depart for the village? Perhaps you, Richard, and I could ride in the morning.”
“That sounds delightful, William. We should leave by ten so that we will all have time to rest and prepare in the afternoon before the ball.”
The men exchanged a look before the chuckles escaped. Soon they were laughing and holding their sides. Georgiana looked at her companions in confusion, only to see that Mrs. Annesley was attempting to contain a smile of her own.
“And just what is so funny?” asked an indignant Georgiana.
His sister’s reaction only made the men laugh harder. “I believe, Miss Darcy, that they are laughing at the thought of needing to rest for more than a few minutes to prepare for a ball.”
“So, you are laughing at me?” demanded Georgiana while trying to maintain her serious demeanor. “Well, if it were not for the fickleness of men, women would not have to work so hard to prepare. A young lady must work hard to stand out in a room full of other women.” By this time, her smile was quite evident to the others.
“When young ladies are as lovely as you and Elizabeth, you need not worry too much about preparing. Your natural beauty shines through,” said Darcy gallantly.
“Hear, hear!” cried Richard before they all dissolved into laughter again.
The Netherfield Ball Begins
The next morning, Elizabeth escaped the noise of her home with Mary. Elizabeth needed to purchase a ribbon for her hair to match a new dress. In her closet was the dress that had been purchased to replace the one Miss Bingley had ruined at the assembly. The dress had remained in Elizabeth’s closet since it had arrived. She was waiting for the perfect opportunity to wear it and the Netherfield ball seemed like the ideal opportunity.
As she stood looking over the ribbons, a voice behind her called, “Good morning, Lizzy. What are you doing here?”
Turning to the voice, Elizabeth saw Georgiana enter in a riding habit. She was followed by Darcy and the colonel.
“Good morning, Georgiana, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy advanced to Elizabeth. Taking her hand, he held it in his own as he said, “Good morning, Elizabeth. I hope you are well.” Then he bowed over the hand he held and placed a kiss on the back of it. “What a delightful surprise to see you this morning. It is an unexpected pleasure. Are you looking for something in particular?”
“Indeed. I recently received a new dress and I need some hair ribbons that will match it.”
“That is what I am looking for as well.”
“What color do you need, Georgiana?”
“Something to go with a pale rose color.”
“What about you, Elizabeth?”
“I was looking for pale yellow and white.” As Darcy took note of her choices, an idea occurred to him.
Darcy turned to Mary. “Are you searching for something as well, Miss Mary?”
“Not really. Dr. Fordyce does not think it appropriate for young women to take too much interest in their attire.”
“I do not believe Mr. Fordyce would find it inappropriate for you to care for your appearance at a special event. He is simply cautioning young women against thinking of only their outward appearance and not the more important internal beauty. I do not know what color your gown is, but I believe the splendid light green ribbon would enhance your eyes and show off their natural beauty.” Darcy pointed to the ribbon he meant.
Mary blushed at Mr. Darcy’s words and said, “I never thought about it like that before. I thank you for your insight into the passage, Mr. Darcy. Perhaps I will make a purchase after all.”
With much giggling, the girls helped each other make their selections as the gentleman observed them with fond expressions on their faces. When they exited the shop, the two groups took their leave of each other. Darcy could not pass up a chance to take Elizabeth’s hand for another kiss.
“I shall be counting the moments until your arrival. I look forward to opening the ball with you, my lovely Elizabeth.”
Color suffused her face, but Elizabeth did not look away. “I look forward to being in your arms again. Until then, my sweet William.” Darcy’s grin grew at her obvious affection. He could not wait for the time when he could kiss her without stopping and no longer have to separate at the end of the day.
As the Bennet carriage turned into the drive at Netherfield, the younger girls gaped at the sight of lit torches lining the drive. Every window of the house glowed with light. The torches showed the carriages which lined the drive, waiting to unload their passengers. Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary rode on the rear-facing seat, so each turned to the window to see what had caused the reaction from their younger sisters.
It took almost ten minutes before their carriage reached the main entrance. Footmen rushed forward, hands extended, to help the sisters exit. Lydia practically jumped over her sisters, trying to be the first to exit, but her father put out his arm to halt her progress.
“You, young lady, will follow your sisters, as is appropriate. Nothing will change in the few seconds you are behind them. You and Kitty have both improved somewhat in manners, and I hope it will continue tonight.”
“Yes, Papa,” said Lydia and Kitty at almost the same time.
Mr. Bennet stepped down, then helped his wife descend. Next, the patiently waiting footman assisted Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia in exiting. After a few minutes, the party stood before their hosts in the main hall of Netherfield.
“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. I am glad you could join us.”
“We are delighted to be here,” gushed Mrs. Bennet. “We are all excited about the ball.”
The couple moved on and Bingley greeted Jane and Elizabeth. “Ladies, you both look lovely this evening,” he commented gallantly. Mr. Bingley looked at Jane as he made his comment, but Elizabeth did not notice, as she was looking for William. Finally free from his distraction with the beauty before him, Bingley noticed her sister’s actions. “I believe you will find Darcy waiting for you at the ballroom door.” Elizabeth blushed but thanked Mr. Bingley for the information.
They moved on to his sisters. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst spoke pleasantly to both girls, as did Miss Bingley, whose greeting was a cause for wonderment. She spoke politely to both ladies, grudgingly complimented Elizabeth’s gown, and hoped they would have a memorable evening. An almost knowing smirk graced her face with the last words.
Elizabeth and Jane moved towards the ballroom as Mary herded the younger girls behind them. At the door to the ballroom, Darcy greeted the sisters.
“How nice you look this evening. I hope each of you will save me a dance.”
The younger girls giggled and nodded, while a red-faced Mary said, “If you wish, Mr. Darcy.” Most of Darcy’s dance card was filled by Elizabeth and her sisters, as well as his own sister. A dance with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley and the final set with Elizabeth would fill his dance card. It would be the most he had danced at any ball.
When everyone but Elizabeth moved into the ballroom, Darcy offered his arm to his betrothed. “You look beautiful this evening, my dear.”
“I thank you for my lovely gift.” A short time before the Bennets departed from Longbourn, a servant in the Darcy livery had delivered a box for Elizabeth. When she opened it, she found that it contained a dozen small white rosebuds. Enclosed was a sweet note from her betrothed.
Elizabeth,
I thought these would look lovely in your beautiful dark hair.
Affectionately,
William
“You are most welcome. I must admit to being a bit jealous. Those little buds get to caress your rich tresses, something I have longed to do.” A shy smile appeared on her face, though Elizabeth blushed at his words. “How do you like your replacement dress?” Darcy’s sly smile made Elizabeth wonder if there was
more to his question.
“I love it. I do not know who gave Mrs. Harris the instructions for the gown. I expected that Papa would send me into the shop to order the new dress, but I never heard mention of it.” As his smile grew, Elizabeth tilted her head to the side and studied Darcy. “William, did you have anything to do with my dress?”
“What do you mean?” His tone was innocent.
“Did you pick out this dress?”
“I may have had some say in the choices.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, thanks to your father’s distraction with his book, he allowed me to write the note to the seamstress. I thought this color would be extremely suited to you, and I suspected that you preferred elegant simplicity to excessive frills. I am delighted I was correct, for I look forward to showering you with gifts for the remainder of our lives.”
“William, I do not need gifts. All I need to make me happy is you.”
“That may be true, but you will have to learn to accept them. You can ask Georgiana; I enjoy surprising those I love with special gifts.”
“Where is Georgiana?”
“She is seated just over there. Shall we join her?”
At Elizabeth’s nod, they made their way to Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley.
“Good evening, Georgiana. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you, Lizzy. You look beautiful, as well. Your dress is exquisite.”
A Turn in Their Dance Page 16
