Mrs. Bennet opened her mouth to reprimand her daughter, but was suddenly struck by how vulnerable she appeared. Elizabeth had always puzzled her with her independence and her father’s propensity to laugh at everyone. To see her this way brought to mind the little girl she had once been. Placing a reassuring arm about her daughter’s shoulders, she sadly nodded her head.
Surprised by her mother’s reaction, Elizabeth patted her hand. “Come, let us decide what we shall wear for the ball.”
Mrs. Bennet smiled and followed her daughter into the parlour where they joined the other Bennet ladies and, with Mr. Bennet safely ensconced in his study, continued to discuss lace, dancing, and the wedding for the remainder of the day.
************
A week before the ball, Charles excused himself from the Longbourn parlour and made his way to Mr. Bennet’s study. He knocked and waited for a response. When none came, he knocked again, louder. This time he heard a voice call enter and stepped inside.
“Ah, Mr. Bingley, I thought you were Lizzy when you first knocked. She simply knocks then enters.” He motioned toward a chair and the younger man perched on the edge of the seat. “How may I be of assistance?” he smirked at the nervous man across from him.
Charles opened his mouth to speak, closed it again, and cleared his throat. Mr. Bennet’s smile caused Charles to swallow hard before blurting out, “I wish to ask your permission to court Miss Bennet.”
“Have you not already been courting her?” Mr. Bennet asked impertinently.
Charles appeared startled for a moment before regaining his composure. Sitting back, he met the gentleman’s gaze steadily and asked with more audacity than he felt, “Well then, sir, have I your permission to propose to Miss Bennet?”
Mr. Bennet laughed heartily, stood, rounded the desk, and held out his hand to the younger man. “Mr. Bingley, you have my permission. Now return when she has accepted you.”
Charles stood as he took Mr. Bennet’s hand, his grin splitting his face from ear to ear. “Yes, sir!”
************
Elizabeth and Georgiana walked along the wooded path, discussing the recent events which had transpired so quickly. Mr. Bingley had indeed proposed to Jane who accepted him immediately. Mr. Bennet had given his blessing, and Bingley and Darcy had set off for London to consult with their solicitors. There had been some talk of a double wedding, but seeing Mrs. Bennet’s disappointment, Jane quickly agreed to allow her mother the proper amount of time to prepare a truly spectacular affair. Elizabeth and Darcy remained determined to have a small affair with only family and the closest of friends at the earliest date, while Jane and Charles would be wed after the start of the new year.
With Colonel Fitzwilliam temporarily returned to his post and the other gentlemen away, it was decided Georgiana and her companion should stay at Longbourn with the Bennets. Since the announcement of Darcy’s and now Charles’ engagements, Miss Bingley had become less desirous of Miss Darcy’s company. Georgiana was relieved, and her time with the Bennets was having positive effects all around.
Normally considered the quiet girls; Mary, Kitty, and Georgie had found confidence in their new friendships and could be heard chatting, laughing, and playing the pianoforte most of the day. For once, Lydia felt a bit left out and had even been seen reading a book the others had been boisterously discussing the day before, while Mrs. Annesley watched over her. Elizabeth was certain Darcy would be pleased when he returned.
On this day, the future sisters were enjoying the pleasant weather as they impatiently awaited Darcy’s return. His last letter had announced the gentlemen’s intentions to return to Hertfordshire today, barring any unforeseen circumstances. As his return had already been delayed twice, the ladies decided some activity was required to occupy them while they waited. Indeed they also wished to escape Longbourn as the officers had been invited to take tea there and, though they found them charming, none of the officers were the gentleman Georgie and Lizzy wished to see that day.
As they crested a hill, Elizabeth was surprised to come face to face with Mr. Wickham.
“Good afternoon, Miss Bennet, Miss Darcy,” he smiled charmingly.
Elizabeth reached for Georgiana’s hand as she recognized the timber of his voice and a cold chill ran down her spine causing the blood to drain from her face. Georgiana stuttered out a soft response causing Elizabeth to recall herself. “What brings you to Longbourn, Mr. Wickham?” she asked, forcing her voice to remain steady.
“Your sisters invited me to tea.”
“Of course they did,” she muttered under her breath. It appeared the concerns she had voiced regarding the man’s character had gone unheeded within her own home.
“May I escort you ladies to the house?” He held out an arm to each of them, but they both drew back, their distaste clearly written on their countenance.
“No thank you, sir. We have just begun our walk, but I am certain my sisters eagerly await your arrival.”
Wickham bowed and proceeded toward Longbourn while Elizabeth and Georgiana linked arms and continued in the opposite direction.
After they traveled a short distance, Georgiana realized Elizabeth was deep in thought and had not attended a word she had spoken. “Lizzy, are you well?”
She startled, but quickly forced a smile. “I am, but how are you? Was it difficult seeing Mr. Wickham again?”
Georgiana thought a moment before replying. “It was awkward, but I realize what I thought I felt for him was … well, I suppose I was simply remembering him from when we were younger. I see how you and Fitzwilliam are together and I know that is what I wish to have, one day.” Elizabeth blushed as Georgiana continued. “My brother truly loves you, Lizzy. I have never seen him so carefree.”
She turned suddenly and tightly embraced her future sister, so pleased that her brother had found love. Elizabeth was stunned, but returned the hug with as much emotion.
Snapping twigs drew their attention and they turned in time to find themselves in a warm, masculine embrace. “Are you well?” They heard the concern in Darcy’s voice and attempted to reassure him. “I have just come from Longbourn.” His struggle to remain calm continued.
“Where you saw Mr. Wickham?” Elizabeth asked knowingly.
“Yes, and he took great joy in telling me he had seen the two of you.” Darcy tightened his hug and kissed their foreheads. “I was afraid …”
Elizabeth raised her eyes to his. “We are well, Fitzwilliam.” He looked at Georgiana who smiled and nodded. Sighing, he slowly released them and offered each an arm. They continued their walk as Darcy told them of his time in London, none of them anxious to return to Longbourn.
************
Later, when she was alone with Jane before they retired, Elizabeth finally found the opportunity to speak of her suspicions that Wickham was the man who attacked her.
“But are you certain, Lizzy? It would be wrong indeed to ruin him in public if he was not the one.”
“I can only say that when he addressed me this morning, it caused my blood to run cold. I felt as though I was back on the street that evening.”
“But you have spoken to him before and not felt this way. Are you certain it is he?”
Elizabeth bit her lip lightly before answering. “I do not know. I know how I feel and I believe he was the one.”
“But could that be due to what you now know of him?” Jane slipped a reassuring arm around her sister. “You said you smelled spirits on the man. Perhaps if it was Mr. Wickham, he meant no harm but was simply under the influence of drink. What if he is sorry for what he has done, and anxious to re-establish a character? We must not make him desperate.”
Elizabeth reluctantly agreed, the seed of doubt keeping her from declaring her beliefs to anyone else, most of all Darcy. Given the past history between the men, she did not want to think of how he might react. Sleep evaded her most of the night and when she did succumb, nightmares returned which she had believed were behind her.
***********
Wickham glanced about the table at his fellow officers. It had been raining for several days and they were entertaining themselves over a game of chance. As was normal, the conversation had turned to women and, since they were in Meryton, the Bennet sisters.
“Tis a shame the two eldest are no longer available. I’ve danced with them both and found them quite … delightful,” one officer commented as he grinned lasciviously.
“Aye, they are enchanting women and Bingley and Darcy are exceedingly lucky men,” Captain McDermott said as he lifted his drink. The others nodded and lifted their mugs to the couples as well.
“I knew Darcy when we were young,” Wickham said as he sipped his ale. “I always assumed he would marry his cousin.”
Glances passed quickly about the table and someone murmured that Darcy’s choice was made suddenly and shortly after he arrived in the area. Wickham knew immediately there was more to the story and tried to hide his interest behind his mug.
Lieutenant Richards, who was thoroughly in his cups, laughed heartily. “Well once he compromised her, he had little choice in the matter, now did he?”
Wickham sat forward, spluttering as the others shielded their cards and cursed at him. “Darcy compromised Miss Elizabeth?” he exclaimed in disbelief as he wiped his lips with the back of his hand.
The Captain glared at the drunken soldiers, “There will be no disparaging Miss Elizabeth’s reputation. She is a lady.”
Wickham apologized. “I meant no dishonour to the lady.” He thought for a moment and smiled slyly. “I simply did not know Darcy had it in him. I have known him most of my life and have yet to see him show attention to any woman.” He paused. “Could she have trapped him?”
McDermott stood, glowering down at Wickham. “As I have said, Mr. Wickham, Miss Elizabeth is a lady. Do not forget that. She did nothing wrong.”
“Yeah, if she had not been attacked by a scoundrel, the situation would not have arisen,” Richards slurred.
Wickham smirked, “She was compromised twice?”
McDermott’s anger grew, but he glanced about and realized it would be best to have the true story out and be done with it. “Miss Elizabeth stepped outside an assembly for a breath of fresh air. A scoundrel accosted her. She ran from him and nearly collided with Mr. Darcy. In an attempt to protect her, he delivered her to her home in his carriage. There were individuals what saw them leave the area alone and rumours began to circulate.”
Wickham was deep in thought as he processed the information and then began laughing. The others stared at him, some puzzled and some angry.
“What in that story might amuse you, sir?” Captain McDermott leaned threateningly over the table.
Wickham sobered somewhat and apologized again. “I was just thinking what a dull man Darcy is and from what I have heard of Miss Elizabeth, she is very spirited. It should be an interesting match.”
Some of the officers began to praise Darcy, commenting that though he was aloof at first, since his engagement to Miss Elizabeth he had become a likeable fellow and everyone liked his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Wickham quickly realized why he had been unable to use Darcy’s mistreatment to gain sympathy here.
The conversation then turned to the younger Bennets who, though well liked, were not in the same class as their older sisters. Hints were passed that the youngest had ‘bestowed her affections’ on more than one eager officer.
After a few more hands put him down more than he cared to lose, Wickham realized his distraction and decided to call it a night. He retired to his bunk where he dissected the evening’s conversations in an attempt to find something useful. He smiled to himself as he relished that it was his drunken misdeed that had led to Darcy’s forced betrothal. He wondered how he could gain from the situation.
Chapter Six
When Lady Catherine left Longbourn, she had not made any effort to collect her Rector and, as Mr. Collins had originally planned on remaining a sennight, he saw no reason to leave sooner. His intent on coming to Hertfordshire was to offer marriage to one of his cousins. As Mr. Darcy had made it quite clear he would not see his aunt’s good reason, Mr. Collins decided he would be wise not to align himself with a family so far from favour with his patroness. Therefore, he had been spending most of his time out and about the neighborhood, much to the relief of the Bennet sisters.
The night of the Netherfield ball arrived and Longbourn was in its expected upheaval. As the ladies appeared below they found Mr. Collins dressed in his finest coat and ready for the festivities. When questioned regarding his intentions, he assured them he would be attending the ball with them.
Elizabeth attempted to dissuade him, questioning whether Lady Catherine would be pleased. This simply caused him to request the hand of each of his “fair cousins” in the course of the evening. All were thankful that he did not solicit the first dance and Elizabeth held her tongue for fear of receiving any additional attention.
The Bennet carriage reached Netherfield and took its place in line to unload its passengers. Elizabeth looked out the window longingly at their father who had chosen to ride to the ball as opposed to being trapped in the stuffy carriage with six overly perfumed ladies. She even would have preferred to sit atop with Mr. Collins. Butterflies flitted about Elizabeth’s stomach as she struggled with her desire to dance with Fitzwilliam and her aversion to the attention they would receive.
As their carriage moved closer to the front of the line, Elizabeth saw movement at a window on the upper floor. Smiling, she waved to Georgiana, all the while knowing the girl would not be able to see her. Her eyes danced as she realized the movement must have been Mr. Darcy and she pictured him rushing below to greet her.
The carriage door was finally opened and one by one the ladies stepped quickly out and up the stairs, avoiding the mud from the previous days of rain. Elizabeth scanned the groups of people in search of one man. She frowned when, upon entering the foyer, he was not there. As she turned about, stretching her neck to see over the crowds, a hand rested on her arm. Elizabeth turned to see her father smiling as he turned his gaze toward the stairway.
There she spied Mr. Darcy looking at her as though no one else were in the room. She noticed Colonel Fitzwilliam had returned from London for the ball and now stood beside him. Though his cousin was speaking, she was certain Darcy had heard not a word. Their eyes met and held. Elizabeth had no memory of either of them moving, but soon found herself near the stairs as he took her hand, bowed over it, and pressed a kiss to her fingers.
“I did not believe it possible for you to appear more lovely. I fear that your beauty will strike me dumb on our wedding day.”
Elizabeth blushed as she smiled teasingly. “Then I shall simply step on your foot whenever it is your turn to respond.”
He laughed as he placed her hand on his arm without releasing it and proudly led her into the ballroom. Neither noticed nor cared that she had bypassed the receiving line.
“I saw Georgiana at the window.”
He nodded. “She was watching for your carriage so I would know when to come below.”
She laughed as he confirmed her suspicions. “I believe your cousin was speaking to you.”
Darcy looked about for Richard and then back at her, not understanding.
“While you were on the stairs.”
Darcy threw a careless glance back over his shoulder before returning his attention to her. “Was he? I did not notice.” There was a mischievous glimmer in his eyes as he gazed at her.
Elizabeth smiled, placing her hand over his and they made a circuit of the room as they normally walked about the gardens at her home. Several people attempted to gain their attention, but they had eyes only for each other.
The first dance was called and they took their place in the set. Elizabeth looked about and was shocked to see her cousin standing up with Charlotte Lucas. The music began and Elizabeth felt for her friend. Mr. Collins was awkward and solemn, apologizin
g instead of attending, and often moved wrong without being aware of it. Through it all, Charlotte smiled pleasantly and attempted to direct him. Elizabeth grimaced as she was certain he had stepped upon her friend’s foot. She hoped to be otherwise engaged for the rest of the evening in order to avoid him.
The dance ended and Darcy led Elizabeth from the floor. “As Georgiana is not yet out, would you like to go upstairs to say goodnight?” he asked.
The glimmer had returned to his eyes and she knew that something else awaited her at the top of the stairs. She quickly agreed and he led her away. As they reached the doorway, he stiffened. Turning to find the cause, she noticed her cousin moving away from them in a determined manner, and she glanced up at Darcy’s stern expression, a questioning brow raised.
“I believe he was about to ask you to dance. I would not wish you to be injured by a misstep of his,” he explained.
Elizabeth laughed as she preceded him from the room.
***********
Georgiana sat on a bench in an alcove at the top of the stairs, just out of sight but where she could see the swirling couples. Elizabeth joined her and they chatted for a while until she realized Mr. Darcy had stolen away. “What is that man about?” she asked softly.
Georgiana smiled happily. “My brother loves surprises, Lizzy. I believe he has one for you.”
“Do I go looking, or wait for him to return?” Elizabeth asked as she glanced down the hallway.
Georgiana simply shrugged and turned her attention back to the dancers below, so Elizabeth stood and moved quietly down the hall in the direction she believed he had gone. Upon approaching the bedrooms, she listened for any sound which would betray his presence. Hearing a noise coming from one room where the door was ajar, she assumed it to be him and stepped inside.
Your sister tells me you love surprises. Have I spoiled …” Elizabeth stopped, unable to finish her sentence.
The Ball At Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Alternative Novella by Bronwen Chisholm Page 9
