by Sarah Darcy
But when he heard that their next performance would be at Rosings Park, he could not resist such an opportunity. Even Joe Barton who had been sacked from his coachman job by Lady Catherine was keen to be part of the new band.
The Meryton Folk Band was mostly made up of disgruntled farmers. They had joined the band for extra work. The hand to mouth existence of some of the men was a result of the Fencing Off Act.
The new law gave wealthy landowners the right to fence off vast acres of farmland. Local people would shoot game in the forest or fish for food in many lakes in the county. The lack of access to land caused many families to fall into poverty.
Mr Wickham was sick of the rich landowners trampling all over the lower classes. But it was his personal vendetta against Mr Darcy that stoked his flames of anger.
He recalled how Fitzwilliam had lured Elizabeth Bennet away from him at the Christmas ball; then his public exposure of tampering with the punch bowl, to get the young ladies too merry.
George was sick of being down on his luck again, while Mr Darcy soared to new heights of esteem and prosperity. His latest jealousy served to ignite the ongoing feud between them since the death of his father.
George would eat and drink as much free food that was available, before mayhem and destruction reigned at Rosings Park. Once Lady de Burgh received the news that her beloved home had been wrecked, his revenge on Mr Darcy would be complete.
So many people out for revenge, Mr Wickham mused, as he lightly strummed his instrument on the terrace outside. It was a shame that such a romantic setting would soon end in chaos.
∞∞∞
‘Mama I can hear music.’ Lydia’s loud voice broke the hushed silence after the poetry reading. A group of elderly titled ladies nearby did not approve of her loud behaviour.
‘Lydia,’ Mrs Bennet whispered in her ear. ‘Keep your voice down.’
‘Listen to your mother child,’ one of the ladies announced.
‘You’re not in the Assembly Rooms now,’ another mocked with a cunning laugh.
Lydia turned around at the ladies. ‘I can hear music.’ She looked over at the rear of the room. ‘It’s coming from the French doors over there.’ She glanced back over her shoulder. ‘If you’re young enough to hear it.’
‘Don’t say that.’ Mrs Bennet tried to subdue the ladies obvious disapproval. ‘Forgive my daughter I think she spoke in jest.’
‘I think not,’ another lady retorted. ‘I’m not used to being spoken to like that.’
‘Like what,’ Mrs Bennet felt the whole room was turning against them. ‘She is a well brought up lady who occasionally may have a slip of the tongue.’
Mr Darcy could see a fight brewing between the ladies. ‘Ladies.’ He walked over to the small group. ‘Let’s not spoil the beautiful evening our very gifted poet has created.’
He looked back at the poet. ‘Catherine de Burgh is a great admirer of Benjamin Gray.’ He began to clap his hands. ‘We applaud him for his great poetry.’
The assembled crowd politely clapped their gratitude with a few cheers from the men.
Chapter 26
The lyrical music from the terrace grew louder. Mr Darcy gave a short nod to the footmen by the French doors. Right on cue they opened the doors and allowed the group of musicians in.
As they walked about the room and sang to the young ladies, they received gracious bows from the gentlemen and charming smiles from the women in the room.
‘It’s the Meryton Folk Band,’ Lydia exclaimed. ‘I have seen them before playing in the village square.’
‘They sing folk songs about love and romance,’ Kitty giggled.
Mr Wickham walked over to them incognito behind his mask and sang a lyrical love song as he strummed his mandolin. They could not detect his voice as he sang with a Cornish accent.
‘How enchanting.’ Mrs Bennet was enraptured by the attention the young chap had bestowed on her, much to the annoyance of the elderly ladies nearby.
The rest of the folk band walked around the room and continued to sing their folk songs to a very appreciative audience.
George glanced over at Fitzwilliam as he sat next to Elizabeth. How smug and superior he looked. He felt a pang of jealousy as they exchanged affectionate smiles.
Mr Wickham sang his next love song directly at Elizabeth. She responded to his song with much admiration. He had forgotten how beautiful she looked, he mused. He glanced at Mr Darcy. He could not imagine him singing love songs to her – maybe there was still a chance to reclaim Elizabeth’s love?
∞∞∞
When the Meryton Folk Band finished their romantic folk songs they received rapturous applause. Once refreshments were served George and Joe were the first people in the queue.
A line of footmen stood behind a long oblong table and served a grand display of sweet and savoury dishes, alongside fish and poultry dishes on sparkling silver platters.
‘What a feast for the eyes,’ Joe marvelled at such an abundant sight. ‘I have never seen so much food.’
‘This is normal fare for the rich,’ Joe sneered. ‘While the poor have to beg for bread outside.’
Joe was so hungry he pinched a pork pie to eat. ‘Stop.’ George grabbed his arm. ‘Don’t eat like a pauper.’ He looked over his shoulder at the dignified queue behind him. ‘Take your time like a king.’
‘Leave me be, I haven’t eaten for days.’ Joe shook off his hand. ‘It’s easy to be pompous when you have a full belly.’ He stuffed the pork pie in his mouth and loudly munched into George’s face.
‘I understand your anger, but save it for later,’ George whispered. ‘Let’s eat and be merry,’ he smirked at Joe. ‘Before the night ends in chaos.’
As Joe chuckled a few bits of meat flew from his mouth. Once they had a plateful of food, George escorted his friend to a small table in the corner of the ballroom.
Chapter 27
After refreshments an elegant quartet played enchanting music, which got everyone on the dance floor. As Elizabeth sat chatting to Mrs Bennett and the rest of her sisters, Mr Collins promptly made his acquaintance at their table.
‘Elizabeth my dear cousin,’ he gave a short bow. ‘I would be very honoured to have the first dance with you.’ As he offered his hand with a beguiling smile, Elizabeth felt her stomach churn. She wasn’t ready to have a dance with him anytime?
‘Forgive me Mr Collins could we dance the next one?’ She looked at her half eaten apple pie. ‘I haven’t finished my refreshments.’
William was not amused by being upstaged by an apple tart; no matter how delicious it looked. He looked at Mrs Bennet with a degree of disgust.
‘Elizabeth don’t be so rude,’ she reprimanded. ‘You know Mr Collins is marked down for two dances on your dance card. ’
‘How could I forget,’ she whispered to herself. With a heavy heart Elizabeth offered her hand to her dreary cousin.
As they walked onto the dance floor the rest of the Bennet sisters got up with their respective dance partners. Apart from Mary, who sat with Mr Gray and a group of his admirers.
As the dance commenced it was not long before all eyes turned to Mr Collins. It was obvious he had no sense of rhythm. Elizabeth looked on in horror as he tread on everyone’s toes and danced in the wrong direction.
As he apologised profusely Jane and Mr Bingley tried to help him by prompting him to dance the same way. But this confused him even more. He knocked into the back of young heiress who stumbled into the arms of another man.
Then Mr Collins collided with a grand duchess and knocked her tiara to the floor. When he tried to retrieve it an irate Lord hurled him into the amble bosom of a prominent Lady of the ton.
Elizabeth glared at Lydia and Kitty and prayed they would not laugh. But even they could not contain their mirth much longer as William’s blunders on the dance floor got worse.
Elizabeth looked over at Mr Darcy who viewed the proceedings with a bemused expression. She wished he would rescue her from
a second dance, but he became distracted when Caroline Bingley joined him at the side of the dance floor.
As she continued her dance of shame she stared over at her mother. But Mrs Bennet made it clear that she must continue with the second dance. She was determined to get Elizabeth and William together at any cost.
Chapter 28
Mr Collins continued his social blunders into the second dance. Elizabeth wondered how much longer the dance would last. But worse was to come. She heard her mother loudly converse with Mrs Phillips at the edge of the dance floor. If Elizabeth could hear every word, so could everyone else.
‘What a fine couple they make.’ Mrs Bennet gleefully turned to her sister. ‘I have high hopes of a betrothal between Elizabeth and Mr Collins.’
‘Pray this is a jest.’ Mrs Phillips could see how embarrassed Elizabeth felt in her cousin’s company. ‘I do believe the affection may be one sided.’
‘Take no notice of Lizzy’s glum face,’ Mrs Bennet huffed. ‘That’s just an act.’ She glanced over at Fitzwilliam. ‘She did have romantic notions about Mr Darcy over there,’ she loudly declared. ‘But as much as I love my girls.’ She stared him in the eye. ‘He thinks they are way beneath his touch.’
Elizabeth could not believe how vocal her thoughts were. She desperately tried to catch her mother’s eye, but to no avail.
‘I understand what you’re saying,’ Mrs Phillips replied. ‘But Elizabeth must follow her own heart.’
‘Oh sister not you as well.’ Mrs Bennet was offended by her lack of support. ‘Can you not see what an agreeable match it would be?’ She returned a look of defiance. ‘When Elizabeth marries Mr Collins.’ Elizabeth thought she would die of shame. ‘..Longbourn would stay in our family and be passed on to all their children.’
‘Lower your voice.’ Mrs Phillips tried to pacify her sister. ‘You must have Elizabeth’s permission first.’
‘She’ll soon come around to the idea.’ She gave Mr Collins a little wave as he collided with another dancer. ‘Look at my prospective son in law. He brings laughter and merriment where ever he goes.’
‘Can you not see with your own eyes sister?’ Mr Phillips glared at her. ‘They laugh for the wrong reasons.’
Mr Collins bizarre dance routine had become a source of amusement for Mr Darcy and Caroline Bingley. It was not amusing to Elizabeth who wished the dance would end. But as her ordeal continued Miss Bingley quietly rejoiced in the spectacle.
‘I see another Bennet sister,’ Miss Bingley emphasised. ‘Has become the butt of everyone’s jest on the dance floor.’
‘I do not believe your assertion is fair,’ Mr Darcy replied, his eyes focused on the dance floor. ‘You can clearly see it is Mr Collins who they mock.’
‘Your observation surprises me.’ Caroline viewed him with a critical eye. ‘For by association Miss Bennet has also become the object of ridicule.’ Mr Darcy remained quiet. ‘Come Fitzwilliam you cannot rejoice in her low connections.’
‘But I can rejoice in the dignity she possesses in the face of such ridicule.’
Caroline pulled an aloof expression. ‘And how have you reached such a lofty assertion.’
‘Many a cultured lady would of walked off the dance floor by now,’ Mr Darcy reflected. ‘Or be reduced to tears by such a public spectacle.’
‘Fitzwilliam,’ Caroline quietly mocked. ‘I do believe you’re falling for Miss Bennet.’
‘Worse things have happened at sea,’ he replied with vague expression.
‘Be careful that your own association with Miss Bennet..’ She cast a jealous eye in her direction. ‘Does not tamper the well bred connections of the Darcy family.’
Chapter 29
The moment the dance came to an end, Elizabeth bid Mr Collins farewell and tried to leave the room. She felt as if everyone was mocking her, but in her haste to get away she nearly stumbled and fell. Jane could see that Elizabeth was upset and quickly came to her aid.
As she helped her towards the doorway Mr Darcy intervened. ‘Miss Bennet.’ Elizabeth was startled by his presence. Had he come to mock her too? ‘Forgive my intrusion,’ Fitzwilliam enquired. ‘Are you not well?’
‘I’m sorry.’ Tears welled up in her eyes. ‘I do feel light headed.’
‘I must assist you directly.’ Mr Darcy clasped his strong hand around her arm. ‘Let me escort you into the foyer.’
As Jane helped Elizabeth onto a chair near a grand fireplace in the foyer, Mr Darcy went down the corridor to summon a footman for some smelling salts.
‘Poor Lizzy,’ Jane fanned her hot brow. ‘Mr Collins certainly excelled himself with his two left feet.’
‘I know, how embarrassing.’ Elizabeth clasped her hand over her mouth. ‘I will never live this down.’
Jane looked down the empty corridor. ‘It was very kind of Mr Darcy to escort you from the ballroom.’
Elizabeth dapped a small tear from her eye. ‘I don’t know what to make of it?’
‘It proves he still cares for you,’ Jane acknowledged.
‘Maybe he is just being polite,’ Elizabeth remarked.
‘I’ve come to the conclusion,’ Jane reflected. ‘That in small acts of kindness we often see the real person..’
Mr Darcy suddenly appeared with a footman. ‘Miss Bennet you must take these smelling salts.’ He sat down on a chair next to her. ‘They will restore the colour in your cheeks.’
As Elizabeth breathed in the strong aroma of the smelling salts she began to feel better.
‘You look a lot brighter,’ Jane said as she shut her fan. She turned to Mr Darcy. ‘Forgive me, I must retire to the ballroom.’ She made her way towards the door. ‘Mama will be worried about Elizabeth.’
‘Of course,’ Mr Darcy replied. ‘When Miss Bennet is well enough I will escort her to the ballroom.’
The footman stood to oneside as Fitzwilliam gave Elizabeth his full attention.
‘How are you now Miss Bennet?’
‘A little better.’ Elizabeth was flattered by his interest in her.
‘I think you over exerted yourself during your dance with Mr Collins.’
‘It was a difficult dance.’ Elizabeth winched as she recalled his chaotic blunders on
the dance floor. ‘My cousin is not a natural dancer.’
‘Indeed.’ Mr Darcy tried to stifle his laughter. ‘I think the whole room was laughing at your public ordeal.’
Elizabeth burst into tears. ‘Miss Bennet.’ Fitzwilliam placed a concerned hand on her arm. ‘What did I say?’
‘Sorry I still feel humiliated by everyone.’ She dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. ‘Mr Collins, my mother..’
‘I understand your distress,’ Fitzwilliam said. ‘She was very vocal about your forthcoming nuptials to Mr Collins.’
‘Why did she say that?’ She let out a weary sigh. ‘There are no forthcoming nuptials to my cousin.’
‘I believe you.’ He took hold of her gloved hand. ‘A woman as admirable as you would never consider such a person.’
Mr Darcy wrapped his muscular fingers around her hand. Elizabeth was taken aback by such an intimate gesture. Holding hands alone was forbidden. She glanced at the footman, but he stood with an impassive expression.
‘Thank you for your kind words,’ Elizabeth said. ‘It is my mother who is determined to have me betrothed to him.’ She looked down at her lap. ‘Mr Collins would inherit Longbourn and our home would be kept in the family.’
A tear streamed down Elizabeth’s face. Fitzwilliam gently squeezed her hand in response to her distress. The warmth of his touch sent a tingle down her spine.
‘Miss Bennet?’ Fitzwilliam looked directly into her eyes.
‘Sorry.’
‘Another suitor might capture your heart.’
Elizabeth gave an audible gasp. Did he really say that?
‘I mean.’ Mr Darcy was startled by his admission. ‘In due course you will meet a respectable gentleman.. Like the rest of the Bennet sisters.’
Elizabeth averted her eyes. ‘Of course.’ But a part her wondered about the impossible. Was it a slip of the tongue from his sub conscious mind? She shook her head in a quandary. She wasn’t only feeling right, she wasn’t thinking straight either.
Chapter 30
‘Mr Darcy,’ Caroline Bingley called over from the doorway of the ballroom.
‘Miss Bingley?’ Fitzwilliam pulled his hand away from Elizabeth.
‘You are the next name on my dance card,’ she announced ignoring Elizabeth.
‘I think not,’ Mr Darcy said annoyed by her rudeness. ‘Miss Bennett will have the next dance with me.’
‘I cannot believe what I have heard.’ Caroline was insulted by his comment. ‘After the comical act we witnessed on the dance floor.’ She gave Elizabeth a condescending glance. ‘The Bennet sisters certainly live up to their brazen reputation.’
Elizabeth could not stand her insolence any longer. ‘What a rude comment.’ She stood up from her chair. ‘That is a most unfair assertion of my family.’
Caroline was surprised by her outburst. ‘Miss Bennet I’m astonished by your forthright manner.’
‘And I’m astonished by the amount of moonshine from your mouth,’ Elizabeth declared.
‘What a shocking way to talk to a lady,’ Caroline responded.
‘Then do not shock me with your lies about my family,’ Elizabeth quipped.
Mr Darcy felt things were getting out of hands between the two ladies; he had to do something quick. ‘Miss Bingley.’ He walked over to her. ‘I remember now. My name is on your dance card.’
Caroline returned a smug look at Elizabeth. ‘Don’t be too long,’ she said to Fitzwilliam as she turned towards the door. ‘People are already talking about your association with the lower ranks.’
Elizabeth tried to remain calm as Caroline returned to the ballroom. ‘What did she mean by that?’
‘Nothing,’ Mr Darcy said, torn between two women.
