Bingley’s eyes lit up in amusement. “I say, Darcy. It will be quite penance enough to see you attempt to court Miss Elizabeth’s good opinion in the presence of an angry father.”
Darcy winced and Bingley continued, “And Mrs. Bennet.” He cringed, and Bingley gave the worst blow of all. “And my sister.”
Bingley glided towards the door, chuckling. Darcy stood rooted in place, and Bingley said over his shoulder, “But I suppose I might be prevailed upon to distract them some when I ask Miss Bennet to marry me.” Smirking, he left the room.
Darcy breathed a sigh of relief at the clemency he received that day —until he smelled the unwelcome fragrance of Miss Bingley, followed by her sickly sweet voice. “Mr. Darcy, we see you at last! How very gentlemanly of you to convey the Misses Bennet to their home. I can only imagine how difficult your day was in such tedious company. Was Mrs. Bennet’s behaviour any improved? And Miss Eliza! Why, I am sure she must be quite brown from all the walks she undoubtedly enjoyed since the return of warmer weather.” She snickered.
Darcy broke in before his weariness from the day provoked him to an ungentlemanly display. “Miss Bingley, I was honoured to be invited to spend the day in the presence of the handsomest woman of my acquaintance, Miss Elizabeth, and her family.”
He watched in silent delight as Miss Bingley paled. While she was still searching for words, he added brusquely, “Now I am quite tired from my day and would like to relax in my chambers this evening. Could you arrange a tray to be sent up? I bid you good night.”
*****
At Longbourn, Elizabeth entered Jane’s bedchamber before seeking slumber. She found Jane sitting at her vanity with a faraway gaze upon her face, reflected in the mirror.
“Jane, are you well?” Elizabeth knew her sister had never been in love before, and due to her steady disposition, the attachment was more fervently felt.
Elizabeth’s voice brought Jane out of her meditation. She turned her head rather sharply. “Lizzy! Goodness, you startled me. Yes, I am quite well.” Her smile was tense.
Elizabeth hurried to her sister’s side and clutched Jane’s hands. “Dearest, you can always be truthful with me.”
“I saw you look at me today, Lizzy, when Mr. Darcy told us of Mr. Bingley’s return to Netherfield, and I know I appeared distressed. I am not afraid for myself, but I dread other people’s remarks. I am already sorry that he came at all. I believe I could meet him with perfect indifference, but I can hardly bear to hear our mother talk of it. She means well, but she does not know, nor can anyone know, how much I suffer from what she says! Happy shall I be when his stay at Netherfield is over!” Elizabeth easily perceived her sister’s disturbed spirits, no matter the words she spoke. She still cherished a very tender affection for Bingley.
“I wish I could say something to comfort you,” replied Elizabeth, “but it is wholly out of my power.” She did not believe it wise to offer any hope for Bingley’s regard without knowing the man’s intentions, nor did she wish to confess Darcy’s role in separating the couple. She could only pray Darcy was correct in his estimation of his friend’s continued attachment.
The sisters then parted, and slumber found Elizabeth more quickly than the previous night. Her last thoughts included the look of desire on Darcy’s face as he nearly kissed her. Next she relived the feel of his heart beating against her ear, his arms wrapped tightly, even protectively, around her. Finally she recalled the sensations she felt as he gently cupped her face, stroking her cheek and lips.
*****
Wednesday, April 1, 1812
Darcy opened his eyes, blinked at the sunshine streaming through his chamber at Netherfield, and sighed. He was back in this room and dreaming of Elizabeth Bennet again.
Again. It should feel different this time. She is mine, at last. We are betrothed.
The sounds of him waking brought Alfred, who came from London in the carriage conveying Darcy’s valet and the party’s luggage, from his slumber. After a great yawn and stretch, Darcy’s canine companion padded over to the bed and nudged Darcy’s hand for a pat.
Looking at Alfred’s soft eyes, Darcy spoke aloud, “I can deceive myself no longer. I wounded Elizabeth greatly at the assembly.”
Darcy shook his head in amazement when he remembered Elizabeth’s words of respect and esteem. Having her respect, for he could not even say he earned it in some way, would never be enough.
In an earnest voice, he said to Alfred, “I want her love. I desire to lay a claim on her heart, just like she owns mine. On her heart —on her very soul.”
Darcy recognised the generosity he received from Elizabeth the previous day but was at a loss on how to incite more affection from her. Truthfully, he did not know how to court a lady.
Disgusted with his failures, he admitted to Alfred’s willing ears, “Evidently, the fawning of which I am continually a victim inflated my vanity.”
Darcy thought on what Mr. Bennet said of his arrogance and conceit. Apparently, his manners in Hertfordshire gave offence. Elizabeth believed he had looked at her only in contempt and disapproval. It was not just her modesty leading her to believe so, as he assumed. This astonished him greatly, as he cried aloud, “Is this the general estimation of me? I am hateful and disapproving?”
Darcy let out a great sigh. “How can I be so misunderstood? You know how ill at ease I am in new company and large gatherings, but I never intend to offend.” Alfred gave him a quizzical look, which made Darcy pause in contemplation.
“Perhaps that is not quite true. Certainly, I want to discourage being approached —and not just because I find making new acquaintances difficult.” Additionally, Darcy admitted to himself that he previously found much fault in Hertfordshire society, especially in the behaviour of most of the Bennets. Never in his life, even as a child, had someone dared to reproach him for his conduct. Besides a lack of openness, he truly was guilty of arrogance and conceit.
In shame, he hung his head. “My first comment about Elizabeth at the assembly is proof of it all. I did not want to dance. I did not care if I offended others. I did not care if I was civil, gentlemanly, or truthful, and I did not care if she heard.” Alfred let out what Darcy perceived as a reproachful whine.
He briefly shut his eyes, as though he could keep out the realization of his shortcomings. “Truthfully, I often thought she heard me. But never once did I try to make amends, until yesterday in the carriage. I blamed my behaviour at the assembly on my preoccupation with concerns of Georgiana, but I know I act little better anywhere else. I do think poorly of the world in general, although it is typically better concealed due to Society’s demand for civility.” Darcy’s hand absently rubbed Alfred’s soft and shiny coat as he ruminated over his behaviour. He still had a strong sense of honour, and it demanded he honestly assess himself.
In a voice fraught with self-mocking, he exclaimed, “And what about me makes me so special and superior to others? My wealth? It was amassed over generations and built on the labour of others. The most I can boast is that I wisely invested what was left me. My Darcy heritage? I can certainly think of quite a few embarrassing relations. My connections to nobility via the Fitzwilliams? Lady Catherine’s actions speak for themselves. I am not a peer, nor do I desire to be. In the end, I am a gentleman farmer, the same as all the gentlemen I met in Hertfordshire. Only it took Elizabeth to show me how meaningless all my worthless pretensions were.” It was certainly the truth; he lent no credence to Mr. Bennet’s claims against his character —until Darcy determined Elizabeth shared the opinion.
Meeting Alfred’s concerned gaze, Darcy resolutely stated, “I once declared every disposition held a natural defect that one could not overcome, even with the best education. I was wrong. I see now my defect is my pride and vanity, just as Elizabeth announced. She is giving me a thorough education, and, by God, I will overcome. I will conquer this! I shall!”
Darcy then noticed the increased light in the room, which silently declared that breakfas
t, and a call on the Bennets, was nearing. He could dwell no more on self-incriminating thoughts. Darcy sat up in bed, ran a hand over his face, and groaned. His cousin was right in some respect in his words at Rosings the other night. Darcy anticipated it being quite a bit of trouble for him to attempt to make himself agreeable and amiable. Reluctantly, he arose for the day.
*****
Elizabeth awoke early, desperate for a long walk to clear her head. Her plans were foiled when her father called her into his study as soon as she descended the stairs. Once seated in his library, she looked up at him with annoyance and waited for him to speak.
“Elizabeth, am I to understand Mr. Darcy shall be returning to London shortly?” He gave her a scowl that declared his displeasure at her expression.
She replied hotly, “No, Father. Although he needs to attend his affairs, he will stay at Netherfield to court me. We decided, in an effort to stem any gossip, to put out a story. We became engaged at the Netherfield Ball, but he needed to take care of some family matters before the engagement became known.”
Mr. Bennet gave his daughter a stern look and shook his head. “No, Elizabeth. I will not publicly acknowledge this engagement at present. There may never be any gossip. I appreciate that he is willing to marry you should rumours arise, but I will not allow you to feel beholden to him due to a promise you made under a mistaken fear of scandal.”
Elizabeth gave him an astonished look. “Surely you cannot still believe the matter can be concealed simply because Lady Catherine desires it!”
“Lizzy, you seem as though you would prefer to marry the man!”
“I worry for my sisters’ reputations!”
Forcing herself to calm a little, she explained, “Mr. Darcy is a respectable and honourable gentleman. I now recognise I was very mistaken in my earlier impressions of him, and of Mr. Wickham. It is prudent to take action to avoid scandal, given the witnesses in the matter. I am Mr. Darcy’s choice; I respect him, and it shall preserve my family’s reputation, be a credit to their name, and can ensure their future happiness and wellbeing. Why should I not accept him?”
Mr. Bennet looked doubtfully at his daughter. “His choice? You had no notion of his admiration. The man must be entirely inept at courtship if, in fact, any admiration previously existed.”
Elizabeth spoke forcefully, “You must choose, Papa. Either Mr. Darcy is a rake and desired to seduce me and leave me, only to marry Miss de Bourgh; or perhaps compromise me so I would be induced to matrimony with him against my will; or he is entirely indifferent to me. You see the matter widely different at times.”
Before allowing her father to reply, she added with extreme indignation, “You have at times accused me of being susceptible to seduction, and at other times announced I am insufficient to attract the esteem and admiration of a man like Mr. Darcy. Do you truly think so little of me?” Her eyes had a hard look in them, and her cheeks were hot. She never imagined being so insulted by her father.
She saw her father’s face fall as her words percolated in his mind. At last, he sighed and reached for her hand. “Lizzy, forgive me. I know not what has overcome me. You are my greatest treasure, and indeed, I always thought him a fool for not admiring you. I worry only for your happiness and of his worth. Ever since Mr. Wickham visited...”
“Father, I thank you for seeing the pain you were causing me, but you must not believe Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy will answer any questions you have this morning if you shall allow him.”
She could see her father was unconvinced of Darcy’s regard or the reasons to distrust Wickham, but he was sorry for implying disapproval of her. She suspected he might feel differently if she could persuade him of affection for Darcy, but as any warm feelings towards her betrothed were entirely new, she could scarcely do so.
Mr. Bennet nodded in agreement. “Very well, I see the sense in listening to the man, but I wish to delay announcing the engagement for the time being.”
Before Mr. Bennet or his daughter could continue, they both winced at the noise that announced Mrs. Bennet and her two silliest daughters intended to break their fast. Too soon, the screeching began.
“Lizzy! Lizzy! Oh, that child vexes me.” Mrs. Bennet’s shrill voice came between laboured pants as she made her way towards the study. “Mr. Bennet! Have you seen Lizzy?” Mrs. Bennet bounded into the room, breaching their sanctum.
“There you are! Come, you must tell me everything Mr. Darcy said about Mr. Bingley, and then I demand you stay at home to occupy Mr. Darcy should he call with Mr. Bingley.” For a moment, Elizabeth saw Mrs. Bennet’s eyes narrow in scheming, but the plot was apparently considered ill-conceived. Elizabeth shared an amused look with her father before being pulled by the hand to the breakfast room.
Chapter Nine
Wednesday, April 1st, 1812
Bingley and Darcy arrived at the earliest proper hour. When the gentlemen entered the morning room, Elizabeth could not help but look at her sister’s face. Jane’s colour increased minutely, and her greeting gave no sign of resentment or extreme interest. Bingley looked both pleased and embarrassed. Darcy was rather silent as he studied Jane for the first half of the visit.
“I am so glad you returned, Mr. Bingley,” said Mrs. Bennet. He readily agreed to it. “Many people said you would not return. I quite feared it was true.”
With obvious discomfort but an unexpected air of decisiveness, Bingley met Jane’s eye and declared, “No, madam. I received some...mistaken information regarding my business in Town, which lengthened the time I was required to be away. I assure you, I quite love the neighbourhood.”
Mr. Bennet, who chose to leave his library for the visit, cast an accusing eye at Darcy. “Let us hope you are not a victim of any more false information, Mr. Bingley.”
Elizabeth hazarded a look at Darcy and saw he bore the remark with admirable calmness and composure. If a bit of pinkness appeared on his cheeks, no one else noticed. She marvelled again at her prior prejudice on the matter of his pride. It moved her to speech when little else could.
She gave her father a reproachful look and addressed Bingley. “And how long can we expect the pleasure of your company in the neighbourhood, Mr. Bingley?”
Bingley’s eyes never left Jane as he replied with fervour, “I plan to stay many months, many months indeed.”
This news obviously brought pleasure to Mrs. Bennet, from whence came a suppressed shriek. “You promised to take a family dinner with us before you left. I was very much disappointed you did not come back and keep your engagement.”
Bingley coloured a little but declared, “I am perfectly ready, I assure you, to keep the engagement as soon as you shall name the day.”
Elizabeth felt utterly mortified by her mother’s officious attention to Mr. Bingley but was at a loss on how to silence her. She could not look at Darcy without blushing and remembering his embrace and near kiss of the day before. She was in no humour for conversation with anyone but Darcy, and to him, she had hardly courage to speak. He said scarcely anything. He was not seated by her; perhaps this was the reason for his silence, but it was not so in London. There, he talked to her relatives when he could not to her. Yesterday he was attentive to her mother and sisters and useful in dissipating her mother’s vulgar behaviour. She was disappointed and a little angry at his inconstancy in behaviour.
Mrs. Bennet dominated the conversation as she extolled at length on all the changes to the neighbourhood since the Netherfield party went away, and Elizabeth cringed at the coarse display.
Elizabeth was busy attempting to ignore her mother’s repeated winks in her direction, for she was not so desperate to speak with Darcy as to give in to her mother’s vulgar wishes. Elizabeth refused to capitulate to her demands and was slightly pained at the obvious amusement her father found in his wife’s antics.
Darcy’s deep voice interrupted Elizabeth’s thoughts. “Mrs. Bennet, I should very much like to see the newest blooms you mentioned and perhaps recommend them to the gardene
r at Pemberley.”
Elizabeth blushed at her mother’s simpering reaction. “Oh, you pay me a great compliment, sir! It is a fine day, is it not?”
Mrs. Bennet quickly scanned the room and was clearly scheming of a way to detain her younger daughters when Darcy replied, “Indeed, madam. I believe it is so fine, I should enjoy a long walk after seeing the garden. Should any of your daughters desire to accompany Bingley and me?”
His words drew the notice of the entire room. He looked pointedly towards Elizabeth, who could not help but colour. Bingley nearly jumped from his seat in alacrity to seize upon the plan but then looked nervously around, as he must have realised he had no promise of seclusion with Jane.
Mr. Bennet quickly intervened. “Certainly, sir. I am certain all my daughters would enjoy a walk.”
Mrs. Bennet cried out in alarm, “Mr. Bennet! Did you forget, sir, I have need of Kitty and Lydia this morning? And Mary always desires to spend her mornings in study.”
Elizabeth and Darcy both nearly smirked at proof of Mrs. Bennet’s triumph, when Mr. Bennet only voiced an “hmph” and wished the gentlemen a merry walk before leaving the room. In a matter of moments, Elizabeth and Jane were exiting Longbourn on the arms of Darcy and Bingley. Only Mrs. Bennet’s face showed any true enjoyment, as the countenances of the other members of the party all displayed their mixed emotions at the scheme.
*****
After leaving his family and the gentlemen callers in the morning room, Thomas Bennet sat in his chair in his library and sighed. Lizzy is right, of course. He knew he was ridiculous in his attempts to keep Elizabeth at home, but he truly had been certain she vehemently disliked Darcy. He had only barely exaggerated his suspicions regarding the man. In light of Elizabeth and Mr. Gardiner’s defence of Darcy, Mr. Bennet believed it possible he was mistaken in some of the man’s character. He also knew Elizabeth was correct; he would be a fool to trust Lady Catherine with their family’s reputation, and he certainly doubted his cousin’s ability to keep silent.
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