“Jane, I am so excited for you. The assembly is Friday night, and Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy will be there,” said Mrs. Bennet with great pleasure. She had great hopes for the gentlemen of Netherfield.
“Mama, I am not going to the assembly.”
“Yes, you are!”
“Mama, no! I am going to spend the evening with Lizzy.” Jane steeled herself for the dispute that must follow such a declaration.
“Nonsense, you will go the assembly and dance with the gentlemen and make them fall in love with you. You cannot be so pretty for nothing.” Mrs. Bennet’s voice took on a commanding tone. “And I will not have you waste the opportunity on Lizzy. She is just fine where she is.”
“It is not right that Lizzy should be alone and especially on an evening when everyone will be enjoying themselves at the ball. Mr. Manning says she cannot be moved, and so I must go to her.” She was sitting on the same bench as her mother and unconsciously moved away from her.
“You will go to the assembly. Send Mary to be with Lizzy. She never dances, you know, and it will be no loss to her to miss it.”
Mrs. Bennet was resolved. She could not understand why Jane was being so stubborn. How else could she secure Mr. Bingley or Mr. Darcy unless she was dancing with them at the assembly?
“I will stay with Lizzy. She need not spend the evening alone.” Mary never enjoyed the assemblies. She felt plain compared to her sisters and was rarely asked to dance.
The balance of the ride to Longbourn passed in silence. Mrs. Bennet’s frustration with Jane was growing, Mary’s gratitude was increasing as she realized she was free of the assembly, and Jane’s embarrassment warmed her cheeks as she reflected on the way her mother was throwing her daughters at the gentlemen of Netherfield.
Netherfield, in Hertfordshire, near Meryton
Dear Georgiana,
I write to inform you as to the goings-on here at Netherfield. Bingley and his sister are well settled and quite comfortable. It is a handsome home that I know you would like very much. The countryside is beautiful, and I find occasion for riding and walking out. There is a pleasant stream not too far from the house that is ideal for fishing.
I have met a young woman named Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and she is like no lady I have ever known. She is staying with us at Netherfield recovering from an injury that involved a very worrying bump on the head that she acquired when she fell on a path near Netherfield. Bingley and I brought her here, unconscious and you can imagine the anxiety we have suffered on her behalf. She is awake now, and she and I have become good friends. She is to remain here for another week until she makes a full recovery. I confess I wish that time could be extended.
She is everything that is kind, compassionate, and lovely. I know you would like her very much, and I am certain that she would like you. We share many interests, and I find no greater happiness than being with her.
We have exchanged many confidences and have spoken of our parents’ deaths. I feel such great relief in having had a chance to talk to her about a matter that has grieved me for so long a time, and I want to apologize to you for not allowing you the same opportunity. I have found that though the pain may be buried, it never goes away. She makes me want to be a better person, and I am committed to becoming a more caring and loving brother to you.
Please let me hear from you soon. I hope you are well.
Affectionately, your brother,
Fitzwilliam
THE NIGHT OF THE ASSEMBLY finally arrived. Jane had dressed with care knowing that she would certainly encounter Mr. Bingley. She anticipated with pleasure talking and dancing with him, though that pleasure was allayed somewhat by the absence of her dearest sister. She took comfort in knowing that Mary was with Elizabeth, and she resolved to enjoy herself as much as possible.
As Jane entered the assembly room, her pulse quickened when she saw Mr. Bingley approach her from the far side of the hall. He was a very handsome man who walked with purpose and confidence. His blue eyes sparkled with good humor. This was the moment for which she had been waiting.
“Miss Bennet, I am so happy to see you again.” His voice caused ripples of happiness to course through her body, and she moved to stand a little closer to him.
“The pleasure is mine, sir.”
“It is so agreeable to be settled in Hertfordshire. Everyone is so kind and friendly. I would not wish to be anywhere else.” Bingley was enchanted. Jane was the loveliest woman he had beheld. He marveled at his good fortune in choosing Netherfield as his home. If he were allowed to hope, he would choose it as her home as well.
“We . . . I . . . am glad you are here, sir,” Jane stammered. “I hope that means you will be spending a good deal of time with us.”
“Do you often hold these assemblies?”
“Yes, about every four weeks, depending on the season. It is a pleasure to gather with one’s friends to dance and talk. This is the only occasion I have for seeing some of them, as I am not a great walker like Lizzy.”
“I hope that you will count me as one of your friends.”
The expression on his face as he spoke gave her reason to hope. His every word and every phrase spoke of a heart that was giving itself to her. A smile lit up her face. Here was an unexpected opportunity to tell him a little of what she felt.
“How could I not? Indeed sir,” she said shyly, “although we have only known each other for a short time, I count you as my best friend.”
Bingley’s heart leapt for joy. Her plainly expressed statement was to him an open avowal of her affection for him. Though he had suspected that he was growing in her esteem, she had never said anything to confirm this hope. Now she had.
Jane looked up at him, met his eyes, and smiled. Mr. Bingley was a handsome man, but what meant more to her than his physical attributes was the impression he had made on her heart. He was open and honest. He made no effort to hide his feelings from her, and in turn, she did not hide hers from him.
Miss Bennet was acquainted with many of the young men who lived in the neighborhood surrounding Meryton, but she had never felt attracted to any of them. She had thoroughly canvassed the subject of love with Elizabeth during their late night talks, but it had always been from an abstract perspective. This was real. She could feel Mr. Bingley’s words in her heart, could sense his affection when his eyes rested on her, and positively knew that giving her heart to him was what she desired above anything.
“You cannot imagine how happy it makes me to know that I am your friend, Miss Bennet. I want you to know that there is no one I would rather be with than you. You mean so much to me. I . . . I wish I could say all I feel.”
She looked around her at the others in the assembly room but could not see anyone who appeared as happy as she. Mr. Bingley loved her, and her joy was full.
Bingley was fascinated by her and mildly embarrassed when she caught him staring at her. He had lost himself in her eyes. In them, he saw love, happiness, and every good thing that he desired for his future and hers. It was humbling to be admired by such a woman as Miss Bennet.
“How is Miss Elizabeth feeling?” asked Mr. Bingley gently, unwilling to break the spell of tenderness between them. “I am sorry that she could not be here.”
“I am disappointed as well, for she loves to dance. She is growing stronger each day, though, and anticipates with pleasure returning to her normal activities.”
“When we found her on the path, Darcy insisted that he remain with her. He carried her to her bedchamber when we arrived back at Netherfield, and he is most solicitous of her comfort. He spends a great deal of time with her each day.”
Bingley did not know if he was betraying a confidence, for he and Darcy seldom spoke of Miss Elizabeth, but he had observed his friend’s behavior since she had come to Netherfield. He had grown kinder and more personable. He must be falling in love with her, for there could be no other explanation.
“I am glad to hear it. I dread the thought of her spending so much time alone
.”
“She is not alone very often. Darcy is with her every moment when he is not out riding, shooting, or in company with my sister, Caroline.”
Jane was struck by a disturbing thought. She had forgotten about Miss Bingley, the rich and beautiful Miss Bingley, who had made it plain that the Bennets were unwanted at Netherfield. It appeared to Jane that Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy were a natural match. Her beauty and fortune would grace his distinguished family. What was Elizabeth if not a poor, country girl? What was Mr. Darcy about? Surely, he would not toy with Elizabeth’s affection, would he? Jane recollected herself though the chill that this thought inspired did not leave her.
“I would be with Elizabeth more often, but I am uncomfortable being away from Longbourn for extended periods. I do not have a steward. There is no one on whom I can rely.”
“You have my admiration and respect. I could never manage an estate alone.”
Jane smiled at his compliment. “I am trying to set aside money so that my sisters will have at least small dowries. As of now, all the income is tied up in the estate. I feel responsible for them, and sometimes I fear for their future.” She lowered her eyes.
“But you have Longbourn.”
“Mama would like me to sell it, but it was my dear father’s wish that it be kept. It is our home.” She would never be persuaded to give up Longbourn, and that was why her father had left it to her. Her mother would have sold it, the money would have been spent, and poverty would have followed.
“Of course. If I had an estate of my own, I would never wish to sell it. I hold a lease on Netherfield. Darcy persuaded me that I must live there a full year before I purchase it in the event that something does not quite agree with me. My father waited his entire life; I can wait a year.”
“Mr. Darcy’s advice sounds very wise. Has he been your friend long?” She was curious as to the nature of the relationship between the two gentlemen. Darcy appeared to be older than Bingley, and they had such differing personalities.
“I have known him since I was at school. We were introduced by chance at Cambridge. I happened to be walking between buildings when I came upon Darcy and his father walking in the common area. We were introduced, and soon after, Darcy and I became close friends and have remained so over the years. We spend part of each year together, and he is now assisting me in getting settled at Netherfield.”
“I have always thought that being sent off to school would be a lonely proposition and have always had my sisters with me. I am pleased you were able to find a friend.”
“And I am pleased to have found a new friend in you.” He hoped he had not said too much, but he wanted there to be no misunderstanding as to his regard for her.
She made no reply, but was pleased with the thought.
“Miss Bennet, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”
“I would be delighted, sir.” He took her hand, and they walked off together to join the set that was just forming.
* * * * *
MARY WAS SITTING IN WHAT Elizabeth considered to be Mr. Darcy’s chair, reading notes to her from a recent book. Elizabeth attempted to be patient and attentive. After a particularly trying speech, Mary began to express an opinion that Elizabeth did not share.
“Lizzy, I much prefer being here with you than at that dreadful assembly.”
“I would prefer to be with you at the assembly,” laughed Elizabeth. In a more serious tone, she added, “But Mary, why do you not like them?”
Mary set aside her book and smoothed her dress. “I am never asked to dance.”
Elizabeth was thoughtful for a moment, only then understanding the pain Mary might feel at being ignored for an entire evening.
“Perhaps if you were to converse more and not bring a book with you, young men would not be afraid to approach you.” Elizabeth knew that Mary attended the assemblies only out of obligation to their mother.
“Young men are afraid of me?”
“I think that gentlemen are sometimes nervous when they approach a young woman who sits alone in the corner. They need help. Smiling and talking with other young women causes you to appear more amiable.”
“I have difficulty in speaking to strangers. I stutter and feel awkward. I am not attractive like you and Jane. Why would anyone want to talk to me?” It was a painful confession of the inadequacy that she felt, but it was honest and true.
“Oh, Mary! I suppose that just like the pianoforte, as you practice speaking, you will become more comfortable with it. And you are not awkward. You are intelligent and good-natured.”
“That is easy for you to say, being beautiful yourself. Do you think that someday there will be a young man who will love me?”
“I do.” Elizabeth smiled. “I know there will.”
* * * * *
DESPITE JANE’S PLEASING AND ACCOMMODATING disposition and desire to see the good in everything and everyone, she was a woman of strength who took her role as the head of her family very seriously. It was in that capacity that she found herself uncomfortable with the unprecedented access Mr. Darcy had to Elizabeth.
Perhaps she read more into his comments than they deserved, but Jane could not help but think that Mr. Bingley would not have mentioned the circumstances surrounding Mr. Darcy’s rescue of Elizabeth unless there was more to Mr. Darcy’s attentions than he had suggested.
Mr. Darcy was a very fine man with a large estate who had lived and traveled much in the world. He had no need of a country girl like Elizabeth, and Jane was persuaded that should Elizabeth form an attachment to him, it would only lead to heartache and pain for her. She felt it incumbent upon herself to let Mr. Darcy know that Elizabeth was neither friendless nor unprotected.
Circling the room in search of Mr. Darcy, she came upon him standing alone watching the dance.
“Good evening, Mr. Darcy,” she said as she walked up to him.
He bowed to her. “Good evening, Miss Bennet. You look lovely tonight.”
“Thank you. Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Yes, I am. And you?”
“I am happy to be here.”
Darcy was quiet as he looked at her. If he were to be honest in his observations, he would have to confess that Miss Bennet was a prettier woman than her sister was, but as he was quite partial to Miss Elizabeth, it was a concession he did not feel obliged to make.
Jane eyed him closely. “Mr. Bingley has told me of your attentions to my sister. It is a relief to me to know that she is in a place where she is being watched over by people who care for her.”
Darcy paused for a moment and then looked away as if embarrassed. “I do care for her.” From the expression on Miss Bennet’s face, he could tell that she was not pleased to hear this, and he wished his comment unsaid the moment he voiced it. “That she is increasing in health each day brings me great pleasure, though being selfish, I must admit that I am grateful to have her at Netherfield where I can enjoy her company.”
“Of what do you speak when you are with her, if I may ask?” Jane knew that the answer to this question might reveal the extent of Elizabeth’s feelings for him.
“Most recently, we have spoken of our families. My parents have passed away, as has your father. We shared our experiences.” He began to realize that this was no longer a conversation, but an interrogation.
“Elizabeth rarely speaks of my father’s passing, even to me. I hope the conversation was not too painful for either of you.” She found it remarkable that Elizabeth would have shared her feelings about their father’s death with him, a man she barely knew. He must have thoroughly insinuated himself into her confidence.
“She is a strong young woman,” Darcy observed. “She is a credit to the upbringing of her parents and the love of her sisters. I know that she feels particularly close to you, Miss Bennet. You should be proud of her.”
“I am. You described her as strong. Despite her outward appearance of strength, she has a tender heart and a large capacity for love.” Elizabeth, s
he knew, was also naïve and innocent, the perfect combination for suffering heartbreak.
“Those that she loves have every reason to be happy.”
“Yes, they do. Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth has never fancied herself in love before. She is unschooled in the relationships between men and women, and anyone who seeks to win her affection would be wise to remember that.”
Darcy looked uncomfortable, but said nothing.
“I trust that is something you will remember.”
He was quite aware that Jane was suspicious of his motives. Darcy looked at her for a moment. “I will, Miss Bennet.” He bowed to her and then walked away.
Jane, not completely satisfied with their conversation, watched him go with feelings of growing uncertainty.
* * * * *
ELIZABETH AWOKE THE NEXT MORNING well rested and happy. She had spent a pleasant evening renewing her relationship with Mary, and she was glad of it. They had promised that they would spend more time with each other in the future, and Elizabeth anticipated their meetings with pleasure.
Contributing to Elizabeth’s joy that morning was the fact that she was expecting visits from both Jane and Mr. Darcy, the two people she most wished to see. Just at that moment, one of them knocked on her door. The knock was not the firm, quick one she associated with Mr. Darcy.
“Come in,” said Elizabeth cheerfully. She sat up and adjusted her pillow.
Jane entered the room and walked over to give Elizabeth a kiss. “Lizzy, good morning!” Seeing her in good health removed some of Jane’s discomfort about not spending the previous evening with her. “How do you feel? You look very well.” She removed her bonnet and gloves and sat in the chair next to the bed.
“I am very well. Thank you for coming.” She had to confess that spending time alone in that room was tedious, though she knew it could not be helped. She lived for visits from her family and, of course, from Mr. Darcy.
“There is no place I would rather be, my dear sister,” said Jane affectionately. “How was your evening with Mary?”
“Oh, I have so misjudged her character. She is such a good person and has such a gentle heart. I fear I have never treated her as well as she deserves.”
Rocks in the Stream Page 7
