“Where is Georgiana?” she asked when they were alone for a moment.
“She is not yet out. She remained at Netherfield with her companion.”
Elizabeth glanced about, searching for her younger sisters and wishing they were ‘not yet out.’ She noticed Charlotte approaching and clutched Darcy’s arm for reassurance. He laid his hand over hers and pressed her slender fingers in response.
Charlotte congratulated them both before slipping her arm through her friend’s and begging leave to have a few minutes alone with her. Darcy reluctantly agreed, but only after Elizabeth nodded.
“I have missed you, Eliza.”
“I have been at Longbourn, Charlotte.”
Charlotte blushed, “I am sorry. Mama would not allow me to visit you once everyone began …”
“I would prefer not to speak of it.”
She nodded before smiling brightly, “But all is well. You shall be very important as Mrs. Darcy, and your family will be advanced in society.”
“That is all well if my only desire was to be well married, but as you know, I have never concerned myself with such things. I find Mr. Darcy to be well educated, considerate, and very caring.”
She glanced to where he stood and found him watching her intently, a scowl upon his face. She smiled reassuringly and he reciprocated with one of relief.
“I believe I have been able to make out his character. I have grown very fond of him as he and Mr. Bingley were the only neighbors who deigned to visit us since the assembly.”
Charlotte blushed. “Well, I wish you success with all my heart. I believe you have as good a chance at happiness as if you were to be studying his character for a twelvemonth.” She took on a lighter tone and smiled teasingly at her friend. “You know my beliefs, happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and you are probably wiser to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass life.”
Elizabeth was unequal to returning to their prior easy friendship and looked at her companion in amazement. “You tease. You know it is not sound, and that you would never act in this way yourself.” Charlotte shrugged slightly and Elizabeth decided to excuse herself.
As she crossed the room, she could feel the eyes of her neighbours upon her and heard their whispers of wantonness after she passed, though few had spoken to her directly. Her head held high and her back ramrod straight, she met Mr. Darcy halfway around the room.
“Are you well?” he asked, concern showing in his eyes.
She nodded, not trusting her voice.
“In little more than a month we shall be at Pemberley and you need never see these people again if you so wish.” He looked deep into her eyes and she smiled sadly, as her unshed tears glistened. He suddenly wished he could draw her into his arms and kiss them away.
Mr. Bennet watched the couple who appeared to be standing alone in the crowded room. He looked about, seeing many more eyes drawn to them, some maliciously. His heart went out to his daughter, knowing she would be much happier once they were gone from the area. He considered encouraging Darcy to purchase a special license so they could wed sooner, but knew it would only spur the rumours.
Ah, well, they will all have a new distraction when my cousin arrives in a few days. He had received a letter from the heir of Longbourn announcing his travel plans, but Mr. Bennet had yet to tell his family. William Collins sounded like a pompous fool, but Mr. Bennet hoped to secure a promise from the man that Mrs. Bennet and their daughters would not be turned out upon his demise. At any rate, he knew Darcy, and possibly Bingley, would look after them if Collins were not obliging.
***********
Henry Fitzwilliam, Lord of Matlock, stared out the window as his older sister continued her harangue regarding their nephew’s lack of enthusiasm toward marriage. “I have told Darcy repeatedly it was his mother’s wish that he marry my Anne, but still he makes no advances. You are the head of our family, Henry, you must tell him it is time he settle down. A young man cannot continue to gallivant about when there are responsibilities to address. Pemberley must have an heir, as must Rosings.”
Looking at her incredulously, he asked, “Surely you are not suggesting Darcy is some sort of cockscomb prancing about society? He is anything but, and you are quite aware of this. He takes his responsibilities seriously or I sincerely doubt he would visit you each Easter as his father requested.”
“He visits, but he does not make any advances toward Anne. For what reason does he come?” her frustration was clear in her voice.
“For the same reasons his father came; to insure your investments are well handled and your people are content. I daresay you have them both to thank for mending relations with your tenants.” He stood, suddenly in need of exercise to rid himself of the desire to shake his irrational sister. “And I will not order him to do anything. You are correct, I am the head of the Fitzwilliam family. Darcy is his own man and he is wise enough to know who should and who should not be the Mistress of Pemberley.”
“What are you saying? Anne was raised to be the Mistress of Pemberley.”
“Anne is practically an invalid. Be serious, Sister. Do you believe she could even survive childbirth? Would you risk your daughter’s life to combine the two estates? What gain do you see in it?”
A tentative knock at the door stopped her response, if she planned on giving one. “Enter!”
Branson, Lady Catherine’s butler, entered with a silver salver and hesitantly approached the warring siblings. “The post has arrived, Madam, and there is a letter for Lord Matlock.”
Henry reached out and took up the missive before Catherine could do so. He glanced at the handwriting and smiled. “Ah, Richard. My son has owed me a letter for some time. If you will excuse me, Sister, I will retire to the study to enjoy it.” He bowed and left without giving her the opportunity to object.
Lady Catherine huffed at her brother’s hasty retreat before turning to glare at her manservant. Branson bowed and backed from the room as fast as his arthritic gait could carry him.
Her displeasure brewed inside her. Darcy must be made to see reason! She wondered what news Richard had provided. Perhaps it could be helpful to her cause. She would simply have to wait for Henry to dress for dinner. He always left papers lying about.
***********
Lady Catherine entered the study and looked about. She rarely visited this obviously masculine domain even when her husband still lived. Crossing to the oversized desk, she began her search. A stack of letters weighed down by the edge of a ledger caught her eye, but she quickly dismissed them as pertaining to business and continued. Finally, she found the missive folded and under other odds and ends in the top drawer. She recognized her nephew’s handwriting and quickly opened it.
Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
October 19
Dearest Father,
Please forgive my delay in responding to your last letter, but I fear there was nothing of interest to relay at the time. This has been remedied and my current fear is I have more to tell than this page may hold.
The most miraculous thing has occurred. Darcy’s impenetrable wall has been pierced. Due to highly unusual circumstances, which I will explain when we meet next, he has been thrown into company with a spirited young lady. She is quite charming and very refreshing. After years of being hunted by the ton, I believe he has finally found a lady who will value him for himself. He has offered for her and been accepted. All that is wanting is her father’s permission which I expect will be eagerly given.
Father, it is a miracle which has occurred. I have not seen Darcy behave in this manner since we were children. He has laughed and smiled more in one afternoon than I have seen him do since Lady Anne passed. I escorted Georgiana from Pemberle
y so we could meet this extraordinary creature. You are aware of Georgie’s despair and Darcy’s worry for her. In the space of a few hours, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire had Georgie smiling and speaking openly. I cannot say enough.
I must tell you that although Miss Bennet is a gentleman’s daughter, she has no fortune. Please do not allow this to colour your opinion of her. I feel certain you will see she is not mercenary, nor is she to be underestimated. I believe Mother will find in her a kindred spirit. I shall write to you as soon as a date is set for their nuptials. I suspect they will not wait long.
All my love to Mother. I hope to see you before returning to my post …
Lady Catherine crumpled the missive in her fist. Who was this upstart and how dare she believe she could capture Darcy? A memory struck her and she smoothed out the letter to reread it. There it was: Longbourn. Why was that name familiar? She paced the study, tapping the paper against her hand until it came to her. Collins! The Bennets were her rector’s family and Longbourn was the estate he was to inherit one day. She yanked the bell pull forcefully and waited impatiently for a response.
The old butler shuffled into the room, obviously surprised to find her instead of Lord Matlock, and bowed. Before he was fully erect, she stated, “Send for Mr. Collins this instant. I have a matter which must be addressed immediately.”
The elderly man turned and moved as quickly as he could from the room. He had not seen his mistress in such an agitated state in some time. It did not bode well for Mr. Collins.
***********
During the evening at Lucas Lodge, the youngest Bennet sisters were very pleased to learn of the recent arrival of a militia regiment in the neighbourhood. They were to remain the whole winter and Meryton was their headquarters. Following that night, Kitty and Lydia found increasing need to visit their Aunt Phillips in town and every day added something to their knowledge of the officers’ names and connections. Mr. Phillips had visited them all which opened to his nieces a felicity unknown before as they were introduced to the officers themselves. They could talk of nothing but officers, causing Mr. Bennet to declare them two of the silliest girls in the country.
At breakfast one morning, Mr. Bennet announced to his family they were to have company that afternoon. His family eagerly questioned him to determine who it may be, but he would only say it was a gentleman and a stranger. Guesses abounded and he amused himself in this way for some time until he relented and explained he had received a letter a fortnight prior from his cousin, Mr. Collins, who was set to inherit Longbourn upon Mr. Bennet’s death.
Mrs. Bennet became very distressed and voiced her displeasure with the odious man, so Mr. Bennet read the letter aloud in hopes of reassuring her. The letter voiced Mr. Collins’ desire to ‘heal the breach’ in their family; his gratitude toward his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh; and his desire to make amends to the Bennet sisters. The letter contained a mixture of servility and self-importance. Elizabeth found it very pompous and doubted Mr. Collins was a sensible man.
Following breakfast, Mr. Bingley arrived as normal, but without Mr. Darcy. He quickly apologized to Elizabeth and explained Darcy had to remain at Netherfield to address a family matter. Elizabeth stared distractedly out the window as the others visited until they heard a carriage at the front of the house.
Moments later, Mr. Bennet entered the parlour with a tall, heavy-looking young man of five and twenty. His air was grave and stately, and his manners were very formal. Mr. Bennet introduced the man to his wife and daughters as his cousin, Mr. William Collins, but Mr. Bingley indicated he had already met the man. All in the room looked questioningly toward Mr. Bingley, who simply smiled and returned his attention to Jane.
Mr. Collins took his seat and proceeded to compliment Mrs. Bennet on having so fine a family of daughters; he stated he had heard much of their beauty, but that in this instance fame had fallen short of the truth; and added that he did not doubt her seeing them all in due time disposed of in marriage.
At this, Mrs. Bennet thanked him and explained that her second daughter, Elizabeth, was already engaged to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire.
Mr. Collins smiled at his cousin and acknowledged he had heard something of the engagement, but neglected to wish her felicitations.
Elizabeth shivered under his gaze, feeling suddenly stained.
Turning back to Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins frowned thoughtfully. “I must apologize for arriving prior to the appointed hour. My travel plans were altered as I was fortunate enough to travel with my patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She wished to speak to her nephew, Mr. Darcy, regarding his engagement.”
“Oh how thoughtful of her to come all this way to congratulate Mr. Darcy. Lizzy, you shall have such a compassionate and welcoming family.” Mrs. Bennet beamed at her daughter, but Elizabeth cringed.
“I fear you misunderstand me, madam.” Mr. Collins drew himself to his full seated height as he looked at his cousin. “Lady Catherine is very displeased with this engagement and has come to Hertfordshire to convince her nephew to end it.” Mrs. Bennet gasped and Mr. Collins returned his attention to her. “You are unaware, madam, but Mr. Darcy is already engaged to his cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh.”
“But surely you must be mistaken,” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, looking as if she might swoon.
Mr. Bennet crossed quickly to her side as he looked toward Elizabeth. He was shocked to see the hint of a smile playing about the corner of her mouth. Quickly, he realized she and Mr. Darcy had already discussed the reactions of his family and she was not unaware of this lady’s expectations. He remembered also Darcy’s reference to an aunt who would be displeased. This could prove to be very amusing.
Mr. Bingley saw the reactions of the Bennets and promptly suggested a walk to Meryton. Mr. Bennet smiled and urged all the young people to go as he rested his hand on his wife’s shoulder. Within a few minutes, the Bennet sisters had donned their outerwear and, accompanied by Mr. Bingley and Mr. Collins, began the walk toward town.
Once they were out of the house, Mr. Bennet knelt in front of his wife and patted her hand, reassuring her that he did not believe for a moment Mr. Darcy would break the engagement. “Did you not see Elizabeth’s countenance? She is not concerned, so neither should you be.” Mrs. Bennet nodded reluctantly and Mr. Bennet called for tea for the two of them.
***********
The group entered Meryton where the younger girls began searching the street in quest of officers. They were pleased to find one on the other side of the way walking with a young man whom they had never seen before. The younger Bennets were able to identify the officer as Mr. Denny, and he bowed as they passed. All were struck with the stranger’s air and wondered who he could be. Kitty and Lydia, determined to find out, led the way across the street under pretense of wanting something in an opposite shop. Fortunately, they had just gained the pavement when the two gentlemen, turning back, had reached the same spot. Mr. Denny addressed them directly, and entreated permission to introduce his friend, Mr. George Wickham, who had returned with him the day before from town and, he was happy to say, had accepted a commission in their corps.
Mr. Wickham’s appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address. The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation—a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming; and the whole party were still standing and talking together very agreeably, when the sound of horses drew their notice. Elizabeth looked up to see Mr. and Miss Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam riding toward them. Her smile broadened as did Mr. Darcy’s as they approached, and he dismounted quickly.
As the others drew close, Miss Darcy scanned the group until her gaze fell upon the newcomer, at which time the blood seemed to drain from her face and she turned toward her cousin. Seeing her countenance, he looked about and found the source of her distress. Taking her horse’s reins, he led her awa
y from the group and out of sight.
Elizabeth and Darcy watched them go as they exchanged a concerned glance. Darcy turned back to the others, and came face to face with Mr. Wickham. The first flushed red as the second paled. Mr. Darcy took Elizabeth’s arm and indignantly led her and his horse away from the group without speaking. The others stared after them, shocked at the behavior which was odd even for him.
Mr. Collins smirked, “I suppose he has come to see Lady Catherine’s wisdom and will now end their engagement.” He eyed Elizabeth appraisingly as the couple hurried away.
“They are engaged?” Mr. Wickham asked incredulously as he stared at Mr. Collins before turning his attention to the retreating couple.
Jane gazed worriedly at Mr. Bingley who shrugged his shoulders, but patted her hand which rested on his arm. “Did you not say you wished to visit your aunt?” he asked as he led her away from the group. The others reluctantly said goodbye to the officers and followed.
***********
Elizabeth struggled to keep pace with Darcy until they were outside of Meryton at which point she stopped walking. Darcy turned to her impatiently, but she simply raised one brow and waited for an explanation. They stood in this manner for a minute until Darcy broke the silence, his words low and spoken through clenched teeth. “How do you know that man?”
Elizabeth was confused. “Of whom do you speak, sir? Mr. Collins, Mr. Denny, or Mr. Wickham?”
“Wickham! How long have you known him?”
Shocked by his angry tone, she explained, “We had only just made his acquaintance when you approached. Mr. Denny introduced us as Mr. Wickham has joined the militia.”
Darcy released the breath which was burning his lungs. “Thank God,” he whispered and drew her into his embrace.
“Mr. Darcy! We are in view of half the town!” she exclaimed, but did not pull away from him. She waited for him to calm and softly said, “I understand your aunt visited this morning.”
The Ball At Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Alternative Novella by Bronwen Chisholm Page 7
