Implacable Resentment

by Jann Rowland

  “I rather think you have managed that, my dear,” replied Aunt Gardiner. “She was ever your protector, was she not?”

  “As much as she was able,” confirmed Elizabeth with a sigh. “I am very grateful to her.”

  “And so she shall be again,” said Mr. Gardiner. There was a firmness to his voice which Elizabeth had not heard often. When she had heard it in the past, it was usually in conjunction with some sort of conversation regarding her family.

  “We shall expect you to write us often, Lizzy,” continued Mr. Gardiner. “We wish to know that you are well. Should anything untoward happen—anything at all!—you are to write to us immediately. I will do everything I am able to remove you from this house posthaste, should it be required.”

  “And do not hesitate to go to Gracechurch Street on your own if it is necessary,” added Mrs. Gardiner. “The senior staff has been kept on in anticipation of our return, likely sometime early in the New Year.”

  “But it would be highly improper for me to stay there alone in your absence.”

  “That is true,” conceded Mr. Gardiner. “But I should like you to know that you will be able to retreat to our home should it be required. The staff there has instructions to notify us immediately should you arrive, and arrangements will be made for you to join us should you leave this house.”

  “Thank you,” replied Elizabeth, fighting back the emotions welling up within her. “I shall be very relieved to have a safe haven to go to should the situation here become unbearable.”

  “I truly wish you would quit being so stubborn and simply accompany us to Ireland,” said Mrs. Gardiner, her tone soft and her sentiment heartfelt.

  “I would certainly enjoy it,” replied Elizabeth, though she was attempting to show a brave face to her relations. “But I shall be well. And you shall hear from me often—more often than you should ever wish, I assure you!”

  The Gardiners looked at her with great fondness. “Now that is simply impossible,” said her uncle.

  They continued speaking for a few more moments before the Gardiners entered the carriage, and after a loving farewell with the children, Elizabeth watched the carriage depart. Though she attempted to put such thoughts behind her, she could not help but wonder if she had made a grave error. She did not think that her time with her family would be anything more than unpleasant, but there was a little voice whispering in the back of her mind which suggested that she still was no closer to understanding the true reason why she had been called home than she had been previously.

  Chapter X

  As time wore on, the doings at Longbourn began to be dominated by the recently arrived company of militia. Within days of their arrival, the officers of the regiment were invited to the gatherings of the area, with little thought given to whether they were even worthy of such an honor. It appeared as if the entire town—or at least the female half—had nothing else of which to speak than the officers. Even the married ladies seemed to be no exception.

  Elizabeth herself was much more reserved with the members of the militia than most of those around her, though she noticed with some satisfaction that Jane also paid them little mind. Elizabeth did, however, interact with some of them, and she was able get a sense of what kind of men they were. The commanding officer, a Colonel Forster, was a bluff yet kindly man who seemed well chosen for his position. He was, perhaps, not the most stimulating conversationalist, but he was much more interesting than most of the men under his command.

  Of the other officers, there were a few who seemed to be a cut above the others. Captain Carter was friendly and agreeable, while there were several of the other officers who were also congenial and fairly discerning, though many were still rather boyish.

  There were a few who Elizabeth avoided, particularly Lieutenants Sanderson, Pratt, and Denny, who were favorites of Lydia and Catherine. They seemed to watch her with an interest which was more than friendly, and they encouraged the younger Bennets in their poor behavior whenever possible. How her father could allow them to carry on in such a manner, Elizabeth could not understand. But knowing that she could do nothing concerning the matter, she gave the men to understand in a polite but firm manner that she was not interested in their flattery. They soon took the hint and confined their attentions to Elizabeth’s youngest sisters and the other young ladies in the neighborhood.

  On a day about a week after the departure of the Gardiners, Lydia contrived a reason for them all to walk to town. Elizabeth was not taken in by her subterfuge—Lydia’s one and only reason for walking into town that day was to take the opportunity to once again flirt with any of the officers who were to be found in Meryton. Though she would normally avoid her youngest sisters, not wishing to be mortified by their behavior, Elizabeth decided to accompany them on this occasion, as they intended to call upon their Aunt Phillips in advance of the card party that the woman had planned for that evening.

  Of Mrs. Phillips, Elizabeth had relatively few memories, but since she had returned to Longbourn, she had met the woman twice and had discerned that she was much like Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Phillips was a social woman, delighting in hosting company, gossiping, and doting over her nieces. She was a simple woman, but at least she was not unkind, which heightened Elizabeth’s desire to know her better.

  Thus, the five Bennet girls departed their home early that afternoon, following the narrow road which led to Meryton about a mile distant. Catherine and Lydia walked on ahead of the rest of their sisters, chattering happily about the officers and who they expected meet that day, while Mary followed behind them. Elizabeth and Jane brought up the rear of the company, neither initially saying much. The silence, however, was companionable, and Elizabeth was content.

  It was about halfway to Meryton when Jane spoke up, saying: “Elizabeth, your playing is truly beautiful. I understand you had access to masters in London?”

  Elizabeth smiled at her sister. “I did indeed, Jane, and I availed myself of the opportunity to practice frequently. The Gardiners’ pianoforte is a fine instrument, and I often lost myself in the music.

  “But I cannot claim to be accomplished,” continued Elizabeth. “I do love to play, but I do not think that I have as much talent as many.”

  “I cannot understand how anyone who has had the privilege of hearing you could find anything wanting,” said Jane without a trace of hesitation.

  “I thank you,” replied Elizabeth with a laugh. “But I am afraid that I must put your opinion down to sisterly bias. I assure you that I am not so talented as you would suggest.

  “You also play very well, Jane,” said Elizabeth, forestalling what she suspected would be another heartfelt comment on Elizabeth’s skill.

  Jane turned away, a blush spreading crimson over her cheeks. “I do not play very well at all, for I have not had much instruction. I am nothing to your talent, I am afraid.”

  “I believe you have done very well for yourself,” replied Elizabeth.

  “Thank you,” said Jane, favoring Elizabeth with a sweet smile. “But I would very much like . . .”

  Elizabeth looked at her with a quizzical expression as Jane trailed off. “Yes? What is it, Jane?”

  “I was just thinking . . .” Again, Jane trailed off, clearly fighting to find the words for whatever she wished to say.

  “I would very much like it if we could play together,” Jane was finally able to force out. “I would love to see some of your technique so that I may imitate it.”

  Throwing her head back, Elizabeth laughed, though she remembered just in time to stay quiet so that she would not invite the censure of her sisters.

  “In that, you may be disappointed,” replied Elizabeth at length. “Any masters who taught me quickly began to complain of the fact that I rarely followed their directives. According to Mr. Fleming, who was the last master to teach me, I shall never be truly proficient, as I have too many poor habits that I have no desire to break.”

  “I cannot find anything wanting,” was Jane’s quie
t reply.

  “And yet there certainly is something wanting,” replied Elizabeth with good humor. “But be that as it may, I would be very happy to play the pianoforte with you.”

  Jane beamed at Elizabeth, but as they had arrived in Meryton, their conversation ended in favor of the goings on in the town. At first glance, there was no indication that any members of the militia were present, which caused no end of pouting for the youngest Bennets. Elizabeth, on the other hand, was relieved, knowing that her sisters would embarrass her if given the chance.

  They busied themselves with visiting the shops Meryton had to offer, and Elizabeth, who had not truly had an opportunity to shop in Meryton, was especially pleased with the small bookstore. She spent some time there, looking at the varied texts and purchasing some few with the money she had brought with her from Gracechurch Street. Lydia, of course, was much more interested in the milliner’s and other such shops, but the sisters were quite happy to allow each other to shop according to their own interests.

  When the sisters again met along the main street in Meryton, intending to go to their aunt’s, across the street two soldiers appeared with another man at their side. Lydia squealed and called to them from across the street:

  “Denny! Sanderson!”

  This breach of propriety prompted more than one look in response, but neither of her youngest sisters appeared to notice. They had caught the attention of the two soldiers, and that was all that concerned them.

  The two men turned and made their way toward the Bennet sisters, and with them, they brought a third gentleman who quickly caught the attention of them all. He was tall and fair-haired, with a handsome mien and a gentlemanly bearing, and Elizabeth was not unaware of the looks he was receiving from most of the ladies nearby. As she watched him, she marked the frequent glances he made to those watching him and the way he tipped his hat as he walked, and she could immediately see he enjoyed the attention he was receiving. It spoke to this man’s opinion of himself, which was quite obviously high. It also suggested that she should be wary of him.

  The three men stopped in front of the five sisters, and the customary greetings were exchanged, though they were not completed without the giggles of the youngest sisters. Then Lieutenant Denny turned to the gentleman who had accompanied them and introduced him.

  “Ladies, please allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. Wickham.” He then turned to the ladies and with an exaggerated bow said, “Wickham, these are the Bennet sisters. Please allow me to introduce Miss Jane Bennet and her sisters, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, Miss Catherine, and Miss Lydia.”

  Each of the sisters curtseyed as they were introduced to the gentleman, and though Elizabeth could not know what her sisters thought of the man, she had to suppress a shudder as his eyes raked over her form. She had seen that look enough times in society to know exactly what it meant. This was not a man to be trusted.

  “I never imagined I would meet such an abundance of lovely ladies from the same family. I hope that we shall become the best of friends.”

  “Oh, are you to stay in Meryton?” asked Lydia with a flirtatious flutter of her eyelashes.

  “I am to take a commission in Colonel Forster’s regiment,” said Mr. Wickham. “The next time you see me, I will undoubtedly be dressed in regimentals.”

  Catherine clapped her hands with excitement. “I am sure they will be pleased to have you.”

  “I do not doubt you will lend the uniform much distinction,” said Denny with a grin.

  “I am sure he will!” chimed in Lydia. From Elizabeth’s perspective, Lydia appeared to almost be devouring the future soldier with her eyes. “I hope you will attend the parties and balls with your fellow officers.”

  “There is nothing I like better than the society of good people. I am sure I would be very happy to attend any such gatherings.”

  “Then you should attend our aunt’s card party this evening,” enthused Lydia. “It is only supper and cards, but it shall be a merry time for us all.”

  “Lydia,” admonished Elizabeth, deciding that someone needed to take the girl in hand, “perhaps you should apply to Aunt Phillips before you issue invitations to a gathering at her house.”

  Lydia speared Elizabeth with a glare laced with contempt. “As I am far better acquainted with our aunt than you, I am certain that she would be pleased to accept anyone I invite.”

  “That is enough, Lydia,” said Jane, an uncharacteristic hint of steel in her tone.

  Though he was clearly interested in what was passing between the sisters at that moment, Mr. Wickham nevertheless appeared obliged to speak up. “It is true that I have not been invited. But if Mrs. Phillips is kind enough to extend the invitation to include me, I should be very happy to attend.”

  “Then you may consider yourself invited, Mr. Wickham,” said Lydia. “I am certain that my aunt will be very pleased to make a new acquaintance. And the rest of the officers are invited, after all.”

  Mr. Wickham bowed and thanked her. They stood there for several more moments speaking, and while Mr. Wickham seemed to accept Lydia’s fawning as if it was only his due, he soon edged toward Jane and attempted to strike up a conversation with her. To Elizabeth, this simply meant that he had sized up the Bennet sisters and targeted Jane for his attentions due to her great beauty. But Elizabeth was heartened to see that while Jane answered his queries with her typical serenity, his flattery did not induce any further reaction from her than that, and he appeared to be slightly put out. It was clear that his winning manners had rarely failed him in the past.

  They were about to part ways when a pair of riders trotted up to the group and dismounted, revealing themselves to be Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy.

  “Miss Bennet,” said Mr. Bingley in his usually jovial tone. “It is very good to see you today. How do you do?”

  “Very well, Mr. Bingley,” replied Jane, a light blush appearing on her features.

  “Excellent! I should have liked to call on you this morning, but unfortunately, a problem arose with one of the tenants of Netherfield which required immediate attention. Perhaps instead I might call on you tomorrow?”

  “I should be very happy to receive you.”

  While they were thus speaking, Elizabeth was watching Mr. Wickham, and the expression on his face was one that was akin to a young child being denied a favorite toy. Though he had only been acquainted with her for a few moments, it was clear that Mr. Wickham had wished to make himself agreeable to Longbourn’s most beautiful young lady. Elizabeth was simply glad that Jane was not nearly as senseless as Lydia.

  Apparently deciding that pursuing Jane was not worth his time, Mr. Wickham cast his eyes around until they fixed upon Elizabeth. But before he could say anything to her, she moved her attention to the second gentleman who had just joined their party.

  “Good day, Miss Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy, stepping forward and bowing over her hand.

  He then turned to Wickham and, in a voice thick with frost, said, “Wickham.”

  Instantly, Mr. Wickham’s countenance lost all color, and he stammered a greeting to Mr. Darcy. Curious, Elizabeth glanced over at Mr. Darcy, and she saw nothing there to interest a casual observer—his mien was as empty of any emotion as Elizabeth had ever seen it. But underneath it all, Mr. Darcy’s air seemed to suggest disapproval. And armed with the suspicion that Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham were not friends, Elizabeth vowed to stay clear of the latter man.

  “I—I had not thought to see you here,” managed Mr. Wickham at last.

  “Evidently,” was Mr. Darcy’s clipped reply.

  Then Mr. Darcy turned away from Wickham as if he was worthy of no notice at all. “I am sorry to interrupt your reunion with Miss Bennet, Bingley, but we should continue on.”

  “Of course, Darcy.”

  While Mr. Bingley was saying his farewells to Jane, Mr. Darcy looked at Mr. Wickham with such an expression of severe displeasure that the man backed away in some discomfort; then, once Mr. Darcy appeared satis
fied that he and Elizabeth had a modicum of privacy, he directed a concerned look at her.

  “Are you well, Miss Elizabeth?”

  The solicitousness in his voice was unmistakable, and though Elizabeth was afire with curiosity over what she had witnessed between the two men, she knew enough to hold her tongue.

  “I am, Mr. Darcy,” said she.

  “Mr. Wickham did not importune you improperly?”

  “No, but he seemed eager to know Jane better.” Elizabeth laughed. “He received nothing more than the short shrift from her, much to his own chagrin.”

  Mr. Darcy’s answering smile was slight, and it in no way reached his eyes. “As you have likely already apprehended, Mr. Wickham is not a man to be trusted. Please take care when you are in his company. He would consider a pretty young gentlewoman such as yourself fair game.”

  Though she was taken aback for a moment over his words of admiration, Elizabeth quickly recovered and let him know that she would indeed be on her guard.

  Mr. Bingley finally managed to tear himself away from Jane, and the two gentlemen departed after saying their farewells, though Elizabeth noted that Mr. Darcy sent Mr. Wickham a warning glare.

  “I believe that it is also time for us to depart,” said Mr. Denny as the gentlemen were riding out of sight. “We need to deliver Wickham here to our commanding officer and see that he is outfitted in regimentals.”

  “And we are all looking forward to seeing Mr. Wickham in his new scarlet coat,” said Lydia. She leaned toward the man, and in a voice which was obviously meant to be seductive, she said, “I hope that you will favor us with your attention, sir. I for one cannot wait to become . . . better acquainted.”

  Elizabeth could hardly believe her ears—for a girl of Lydia’s age to be speaking in such a manner to a man was completely beyond the pale. She was unable to stop herself from voicing a harsh reprimand:

  “Lydia! That is enough!”

  Spinning around with a harsh glare, Lydia almost shouted, “Be silent, Elizabeth! Someone with your past should never speak to someone else about proper behavior.”