by Jann Rowland
It appeared Mr. Darcy did not miss the inference at all, for his lip curled with disgust. “If William is considering allying us with so unsuitable relations, we must go and talk some sense into him. We should prepare to depart tomorrow morning.”
“Let us not reach erroneous conclusions on so little information,” cautioned Mrs. Darcy.
“That is exactly why I mean to discover the truth for myself. I would never have thought it of my son, but if it is as I suspect, we must act quickly.”
“Robert,” said Lady Anne, affection and exasperation coloring her tone, “we do not even know if Fitzwilliam will be in London much longer. It is possible he may return to Hertfordshire before we can make our way there.”
“Then I shall send him an express,” replied Mr. Darcy. “But we shall join him. This cannot be allowed to continue.”
Once again Wickham remained silent, knowing his work had been completed. At present there was nothing left to do though he would make certain to stoke Mr. Darcy’s anger when the opportunity presented itself. So far, everything was proceeding as he had designed. Wickham could not wait to embark on the next phase of his plan.
There was something off about George Wickham’s tale, though Lady Anne Darcy could not quite determine what it was. But the smugness in his countenance suggested an unstated motive, which, knowing the man involved, had to do with personal gain. Unfortunately, George Wickham was quite a blind spot to Robert Darcy, so there was little use in speaking to him of it.
After dinner, Lady Anne and Georgiana took turns amusing the men with songs on the pianoforte until it was time to retire. Not liking the look on the man’s face as he watched her only daughter, Lady Anne decided to stay close to her. This became doubly important when her husband left them to speak to Mr. Harper concerning their potential departure within the next few days.
“That was wonderful, Miss Darcy,” said Wickham, clapping when Georgiana finished playing her last piece. “You have become more talented by leaps and bounds since the last time I saw you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Wickham,” said Georgiana.
“Are you to travel with us when we depart?” asked he. “You must be eager to see your brother again.”
“I am eager,” said Georgiana. “I have not seen William for some time now, and I should like to know the woman he is courting.” Georgiana smiled at Lady Anne, who returned it in full measure to her beautiful daughter. “Perhaps someday soon I shall have a sister.”
“Perhaps you shall,” said Lady Anne before Wickham could speak, no doubt intending to poison her daughter against this young woman before they could even become acquainted. “Now, Mr. Wickham, if you will excuse us, I believe Georgiana and I should retire to our chambers.”
“Allow me to escort you,” said Mr. Wickham with an entirely unwarranted level of gallantry.
“No, that is not necessary,” said Lady Anne, directing a pointed look at the man. “Having lived here for the past thirty years, I am quite capable of finding my way upstairs.”
Wickham laughed at her jest, but the way his eyes glittered suggested displeasure. There was little Lady Anne wished to see more than this man’s back departing Pemberley. For the present, she would have to content herself with taking her daughter from his presence.
“Mama,” said Georgiana as they climbed the stairs, Mr. Wickham having left to find Robert, no doubt to continue to ply his trade. “Am I the only one who sees a . . . falseness in Mr. Wickham’s manners?”
“No, my dear,” replied Lady Anne, pleased with her daughter’s discernment, “I believe there are few who do not see it.”
“Papa seems to enjoy his company.”
“He does,” replied Lady Anne. “I have never been able to fathom the relationship. I suppose part of it stems from his sense of indebtedness to Mr. Wickham’s father, who served faithfully for many years.”
“But Papa paid Mr. Wickham well. Why should he feel indebted?”
“That is, indeed, the question, my dear.”
Georgiana shook her head. “Despite Mr. Wickham’s presence, I do not mean to allow him to ruin my anticipation for seeing William again. And I hope to meet his lady, for I do so wish to have a sister of my own.”
“I know you do, dear heart,” replied Lady Anne, kissing her daughter’s forehead. “Now, let us see what we might bring with us when your brother replies. I have a feeling we will not soon return to Pemberley.”
Upon receiving his son and daughter-in-law back at Longbourn, Bennet listened to their account of what happened in London with some amusement. Thomas was a good man and would someday be a good master of the estate—he already was, given how much of the management of Longbourn he had already assumed. But he still had a tendency to rush to judgment, colored by a hint of belligerence. Further maturity would temper those traits, Bennet thought, as would the knowledge that his righteous crusade against Darcy was stymied by his sister’s feelings for the man, not to mention Darcy’s own attempts at redemption.
“It is as I told you,” said Mr. Collins. In addition to Bennet himself, Mary and Mr. Collins had joined them, eager to hear of what had happened in London. “There was little doubt in my mind that Mr. Darcy is entirely trustworthy.”
Thomas directed a sour look at Collins, which affected the parson not at all. “Yes, you did—I acknowledge it readily. But I am not prepared yet to offer the man full pardon. He did, after all, compromise Lizzy when she was but sixteen years of age. Though she has taken it into her head to fancy him, I will require more from him before I am at ease.”
Mr. Collins’s wave of dismissal seemed to irritate Thomas. “Do you think nothing, Cousin, of Darcy’s behavior when he importuned her four years ago? Is that not reason enough for suspicion?”
“I dare say it is,” said Mr. Collins. “But I am more concerned with what kind of man he is now. Since he attempted no more with her, it seems obvious to me he acted impulsively.” Collins grew contemplative and said in a quieter tone: “And I well understand her appeal.”
“Would you behave as he has?”
“I should like to think I would not. But that is not the point.”
“In this situation,” said Mr. Bennet, directing a pointed look at his son, “I am afraid I will have to side with my cousin.”
When Thomas scowled, Bennet continued in a more conciliatory tone. “I am no happier than you that this happened to Lizzy, Thomas. But we must also remember no harm has come to her because of it. Her reputation was not damaged. Furthermore, having taken the measure of Mr. Darcy, I am confident in saying he is, in general, a good sort of man.”
“And he seems desperately in love with our Elizabeth,” said Caroline with a grin at her husband. “You must own that shows taste and judgment.”
“There is also the matter of Lizzy’s feelings on the matter,” said Mary with exaggerated slowness. “Can you imagine her reaction if you continue to give Mr. Darcy the short shrift?”
“I am more concerned for my sister’s wellbeing than provoking her ire.”
“Ah, then perhaps you should obtain a greater respect for Lizzy’s temper,” said Bennet, winking at his daughter with amusement. When Thomas’s scowl remained, Bennet turned to his son with more gravity. “The important fact to remember, Son, is that Lizzy has forgiven Mr. Darcy. What is more, she has forgiven him to the extent that she is now accepting his attentions as a prospective husband. I trust my daughter’s judgment.”
Finally Thomas’s glower relaxed, and he put out his hand in a gesture of surrender, while he rubbed his temples with the other. “Let it not be said that I do not trust Lizzy’s judgment, for I do. When they return to Longbourn, I shall do my utmost to welcome them both and see Darcy as a friend and suitor to my sister. But do not expect me to forget what has happened between them so quickly.”
“That will be enough, Thomas,” said Caroline. “Your desire to protect your sister is admirable, but I am convinced Mr. Darcy is a good man.”
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Thomas and Caroline continued to speak in low tones, and Bennet watched them. Perhaps it was the greater experience which had given him perspective, but he had never been as incensed about the kiss as his son had been. Though Bennet had thought of the matter at length since learning of it, he had come to the conclusion that Elizabeth had remained unharmed, and if she had gained a little caution among men because of it, that could not be considered a detriment.
Chapter XXI
“Are you certain, Aunt?” asked Elizabeth for what was likely the third time. “If you wish it, I am quite happy to forgo this evening’s entertainment and stay to care for you.”
“Lizzy!” said her aunt with a laugh. “I am quite on the mend, so there is no need to concern yourself for me. Nurse has the children in hand, and all is well.”
“But with Uncle away, do you not require my assistance?”
“Would you assist me in reading my book?” Mrs. Gardiner brandished the book in her hand, forcing it under Elizabeth’s nose. “I am quite well, Lizzy, and do not anticipate being required to do anything tonight. My husband has assured me he will not be late. As such, you should go with your sister and the gentlemen and attend your amusement. I shall be quite well here.”
“It may be best to listen to our aunt, Lizzy,” said Jane, who was standing nearby, watching them with amusement. “If you anger her needlessly, she may be at greater risk for a relapse.”
Mrs. Gardiner shot Jane a playful scowl. “That is enough from you both. Go and enjoy yourselves and do not concern yourself with me.”
“Very well, Aunt Gardiner,” said Elizabeth. She leaned forward to kiss the other woman’s cheek, and then she and Jane excused themselves.
“If I did not already know better,” said Jane in a teasing tone, “I might have thought you wished to avoid our outing this evening. What would Mr. Darcy think?”
“Be silent, Jane, or I shall tell Mr. Bingley you fancy Samuel Lucas.”
“Do your worst,” said Jane, her tone entirely too smug. “I have little doubt Mr. Bingley would not be taken in for a moment.”
“Come, Jane,” said Elizabeth. “Let us make our final preparations. I would not wish to keep your Mr. Bingley waiting.”
The two girls entered Elizabeth’s room and assisted each other, ensuring buttons were fastened and hair was tied properly. Soon they felt themselves ready and descended the stairs to wait in the sitting-room for the imminent arrival of the gentlemen. Mrs. Gardiner was, indeed, on the mend, such that they would be returning to Longbourn within the next few days.
The evening’s entertainment was to be a small ball given by an acquaintance of Mr. Darcy, one he had discovered only two days before when he had looked through the cards and invitations his family had received at their London home. While it was clear to Elizabeth that Mr. Darcy was not normally eager for society, it seemed he wished to dance with her and erase the memory of their previous dances together. It was not in Elizabeth’s nature, however, to allow the opportunity to pass without a teasing comment.
“Are you certain you wish me to meet your friends?” Elizabeth had said when the invitation was given to them. “Do you not fear that I shall run for the nearest balcony should you lead me to the dance floor?”
“I believe I shall take that chance, Miss Elizabeth,” had been his reply. “This time, I have hope there will be a different outcome.”
“Then I believe Jane and I would be happy to attend.”
The invitation had also been extended to her uncle—her aunt’s recovery still too new to allow her attendance—but Mr. Gardiner was quite busy at his business at present. Thus, Jane and Elizabeth had accepted, to be escorted to the evening by the gentlemen. And thus they were engaged in waiting for their gentlemen callers to escort them to the ball that evening. In previous years, they had attended other society functions in London, but as the Bennets were not members of the first circles, Elizabeth suspected it would be far beyond anything they had ever seen before.
Within moments of their entrance to the sitting-room, the doorbell rang, and the ladies heard the gentleman enter into the vestibule where they were met by the housekeeper and guided within. Mr. Darcy entered with Mr. Bingley, and though Elizabeth had always thought her sister was a lucky woman to be the focus of such a handsome man as Mr. Bingley, tonight her attention was all for Mr. Darcy. He was dressed in a dark suit, finely cut and tailored, a green waistcoat completing his ensemble. Elizabeth was pleased to note that the color of his waistcoat closely approximated that of her own dress, which was made out of a pale green silk.
“How beautiful you look tonight, Miss Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy, bowing and taking her hand. Rather than bow over it, he bestowed a lingering kiss, only the second time he had ever done so. Elizabeth felt her stomach overturn, a fluttering appearing therein, which she knew would likely stay with her the entire night.
“That is a lovely waistcoat, sir,” said Elizabeth, in part to hide her reaction to his presence. “How fortunate you had one available.”
“Shall I impart a secret to you, Miss Bennet?” At Elizabeth’s nod, Mr. Darcy continued, saying: “I am not certain I have ever seen this particular garment before, let alone worn it. When I described your dress to Snell, he produced this as though he had conjured it by magic. I still cannot account for it as I am normally not partial to light colors.”
“Shall you be embarrassed by it?” teased Elizabeth. “Perhaps it might have been better should you have stayed with your sober blacks or other dark blues.”
“This evening I shall be happy to endure it, Miss Elizabeth.” Mr. Darcy leaned forward and continued in softer tones: “No one seeing us together will misinterpret my interest in you.”
Elizabeth blushed, and Mr. Darcy smiled with some satisfaction. Before she could find a reproachful or witty reply, Mr. Bingley suggested it was time to depart. They gathered their wraps together and made their way from the house, entering the carriage for the journey to their destination. As Gracechurch Street was far distant from even those neighborhoods where lower members of society made their abodes, the journey was longer than usual.
The conversation was effortless and interesting, much of it consisting of the nature of the gentlemen’s acquaintance with their host for the night. He was a school friend of Mr. Darcy’s, though a few years his elder. It seemed like Bingley had made the gentleman’s acquaintance through Mr. Darcy’s auspices, though he too confirmed he was well known to their hosts. When they arrived, they were introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Connors, finding him a genial man and her a friendly though slightly shy sort of woman.
“Please enjoy yourselves, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth,” said Mrs. Connors. “We are happy to have you with us this evening.”
Thanking their hostess, the Bennet sisters made their way into the ballroom with their escorts, chatting happily. The ballroom was decked with finery, glowing candles thoughtfully placed to provide enough light, yet leave the revelers free of dripping wax. As they walked, Elizabeth noted they caught the eyes of more than one of the attendees and watched as several young gentlemen caught sight of Jane.
“This should be interesting,” said she as an aside to Mr. Darcy.
The gentleman looked at her, his curious interest all the invitation she needed to continue. “Jane tends to receive an inordinate amount of attention when she attends functions in London. I have no doubt Mr. Bingley will have his hands full fending off the more amorous members of the company tonight.”
Mr. Darcy regarded her with a grin. “And will I not be required to stake my own claim?”
“While I have never wanted for admirers, I am clearly not Jane’s equal.” He frowned, but Elizabeth just smiled softly. “In truth, I am content with that. Jane must always worry if a man is interested in her or enamored with her beauty, though I suppose, given Mr. Bingley’s longstanding admiration, it is not a matter on which she must think much. If a man pays me attention, it is easier to divine his interes
t is in me.”
“I think you devalue yourself too much, Miss Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy. “You are a handsome young woman.”
“Flattery, my dear sir, will get you everywhere.”
Mr. Darcy released a guffaw at her jest, and Elizabeth grinned in response. When, a few moments later, a young man approached Jane, soliciting a dance, Elizabeth shot Mr. Darcy a grin, reminding him with her eyes how she had warned him. A few moments later, a young man approached her for the same reason, and she was forced to restrain a rolling of her eyes when Mr. Darcy returned her expressive look.
“I am sorry, Mr. Hardwick,” said Elizabeth to the young man to whom Mr. Darcy had introduced her. “Mr. Darcy has my first sets. But I would be happy to dance the second with you.”
Mr. Hardwick’s eyes passed between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy for a moment, and he smiled. “Then perhaps I might have the supper set?”
“Sorry, old man,” said Mr. Darcy, his tone all self satisfaction. “I am afraid I have also claimed those dances too.”
A rueful smile lit up Mr. Hardwick’s face. “In that case, I shall be happy to accept your second sets, Miss Bennet.” He paused and turned to Darcy. “The next time we meet, you shall have to tell me where you found her. If the other young ladies there are as handsome as she, it must be a truly spectacular neighborhood.”
“She has another sister,” drawled Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Hardwick laughed. “Then I am eager to hear of her. Pay me a visit when you can spare the time and tell me all about the enchanting Miss Elizabeth’s sister.”
Then Mr. Hardwick bowed and stepped away, still chuckling to himself. Elizabeth turned to Mr. Darcy, eyebrow arched. “Are you already trying to marry my sister off, sir?”
“Nothing of the kind, Miss Elizabeth,” replied Mr. Darcy. “But I have observed a certain similarity between you and Miss Mary. Perhaps she would suit him.”
