by Lauren King
Everyone understands their assignment, so after three hours at the warehouse, Mr. Gardiner, Darcy, and Richard leave for the Gardiner’s residence. They are met with three relieved ladies. Mr. Morgan had left after luncheon.
Darcy explains everything to Elizabeth, and she is glad that things were able to be taken care of without any major problems. She thanks God that nothing more serious or violent had occurred. She was so very worried for the entire situation but especially for William and her Uncle.
Darcy says most seriously. “Dearest, you will not be going to your Uncle’s business anymore. Your Uncle has decided to hire Mr. Simon Lane for the accounting position; therefore, you will not be going out there again.”
“All right, darling.” Elizabeth answers without further ado because she knows that William is fearful for her safety. She does not want to worry him more than he is already.
“If your Uncle wants you to audit Mr. Lane’s work, then you need to tell me so that I will personally take you there along with a companion. You understand why I am adamant about this, do you not, dearest?” Darcy will not relent on this aspect.
“Yes, I understand, darling. I will not ever go out there by myself. I will go with you.” Elizabeth assures him so that he can calm down. Elizabeth caresses his hand to soothe him.
“I missed you. Did you have a nice luncheon? Did Morgan have luncheon with you ladies?” Darcy asks with less worry to his voice.
“I missed you too; I was very worried for your safety. I hate these bad men. I feel so bad for Uncle. We had wondered if those two thieves were working with anyone else and whether they would try to rob him again for revenge. Evidently, they were working with others. Do you think these men are from the same group or they are just separate thieves?” Elizabeth is eager to learn of this dreadful situation.
“I do not know if this incident is related to the previous two thieves. I just hope that these two hooligans were sufficiently scared away when they saw the additional security that your Uncle brought in.”
“Will that not make the two hooligans think that there really is something valuable being kept at my Uncle’s business for him to bring in more protection?” Elizabeth inquires logically.
“You are my sharp lady.” Darcy quickly caresses her cheek. “Yes, I had thought of that too, and I told your Uncle about it. However, being that there is no other way to scare these hooligans away, short of catching them and beating them, your Uncle decided to bring in more security.”
“Well, I really hope it will scare them away for good. Poor, Uncle; all this came about because of one bad man – Mr. Clarke.” Elizabeth sighs with disgust and anger.
“That is right; sometimes it only takes one bad person to bring about a series of bad results. Now, remember, I do not want you going anywhere by yourself with only a maid or going to your Uncle’s business, all right?”
“I will remember, darling. I will call my protector – Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.” Elizabeth teases with an amusing smile as she squeezes his hand.
“I will protect you with my life, Lizzy. Do not ever doubt that.” Darcy says unflinchingly with his intense gaze upon Elizabeth.
“Thank you, darling. I love you.” Elizabeth says affectionately as she tenderly caresses William’s hand.
Darcy strokes Elizabeth’s cheek and brushes across her lips with his thumb while he looks at them keenly before he says, “I love you.” William kisses her hand then asks, “Did Morgan stay and have luncheon with you ladies?”
“Yes, he stayed, and that reminds me, I will go ask Aunt to have luncheon set out for you gentlemen. You did not have anything to eat yet, right, darling? Uncle and Richard also have not eaten yet; I am certain.”
“I am fine, sweetheart.” Elizabeth’s dedication and attentive care of Darcy gratifies him greatly.
“No, I insist that you eat something. It is five o’clock already. At least this will hold you over until the ball’s late supper tonight.”
At this point, the others come into the drawing room to retrieve Elizabeth and Darcy for an early dinner. Afterwards, Darcy and Richard go back to Darcy House to change for the ball.
By nine o’clock, Darcy, Richard, and Mrs. Annesley are at the Gardiner residence to collect Elizabeth and Jane. Elizabeth quietly tells William that Mr. Morgan is currently asking her Uncle’s permission to court Jane. Jane is sitting quietly on the sofa looking at her gloves. Everyone is waiting around in the drawing room for Morgan to finish talking with Mr. Gardiner.
Darcy quietly compliments Elizabeth’s gown. “Dearest, you look stunning, as always.”
“Is this gown grand enough for this ball, darling?” Elizabeth is not very vain but hearing William compliment her flushes her entire body with pleasure.
“Yes, it is; it looks beautiful on you – very elegant, indeed.” Darcy answers adoringly.
“Thank you, darling. You look as debonair as ever.” Elizabeth is caught in William’s charm; she smiles affectionately and is giddy with excitement at his praise. William’s shy, handsome smile from her compliment is adorable to witness. In exactly one month when she becomes his wife, she will be able to see it and adore it every day of her life. What a wonderful life they will have with each other; she is most eager to start her new life.
At this moment, Mr. Gardiner walks into the drawing room with Morgan and greets everyone. He announces that Mr. Morgan has requested a courtship with Jane and has been granted the privilege. After the cheers, Mr. Gardiner wishes everybody a fun time at their ball and a happy new year. He and Mrs. Gardiner will also be attending a ball. They leave ahead of their nieces’ group.
Morgan informs Jane that Mr. Gardiner has allowed him to escort her to tonight’s ball with Darcy and Miss Elizabeth. She smiles prettily with clear delight, and then they step over to where Elizabeth, William, and Richard are chatting. Morgan announces that Mr. Gardiner has allowed him to escort Jane tonight with their group.
Darcy can see that Jane is very happy; it is certain that Bingley no longer has a chance with Jane. Darcy had planned to tell Bingley about the fact that he was not going to let Sergeant Denny skip out on his duty to Lydia. However, Darcy did not tell Bingley this because he wanted Bingley to decide on his own in regards to his true feelings for Jane. Darcy did not want Bingley biased and then make a decision that could be wrong for him, especially when it came to matters of the heart. Additionally, he did not want Bingley’s or Jane’s situation to worsen if he could not resolve Miss Lydia’s problem. If Bingley retreated once again, then it would be worse on Jane.
All six people arrive at Mr. Phillip Salisbury’s New Year’s Eve Ball. They are cordially greeted at the receiving line by Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Salisbury. Once they all enter the ballroom, many pairs of eyes are on Darcy, as usual. Unquestionably, everyone is eager to find out who has captured the illustrious Mr. Darcy.
Richard quietly says to Elizabeth, “Elizabeth, do not worry about all the eyes upon Darcy, especially the ladies’ eyes. Their attention means nothing to him. He has one of the most beautiful ladies on his arm tonight, thus no one else will mean anything to him; that is for certain. Of course, it would be the same for me if I had a beautiful lady on my arm, too. Alas, I do not; therefore, I will have to go looking for one.” Richard chuckles. “I hope not all the beautiful young ladies see me only as a friend.” Richard teases Elizabeth.
Elizabeth and Darcy laugh at Richard’s joke because they know his reference is to his and Elizabeth’s beginning acquaintance with each other.
“Richard, you know you look quite dashing in your colonel’s uniform, and I can see that there are quite a few young ladies bashfully looking your way already.” Elizabeth giggles quietly as she looks up at William; he seems happy to hear her joke with his cousin.
“I better stand away from Darcy, then. I want to make sure that they are eyeing me and not him.” Richard laughs freely as he jokes and claps Darcy on his arm playfully.
“I hope I do not get the evil-eyes from the young
ladies that are ogling my betrothed.” Elizabeth giggles as she teasingly gazes up again at William.
“All right, have you two had enough laughs on my account?” Darcy lightheartedly asks, and then he also chuckles.
“Mr. Darcy, it is true; the young ladies that have been hoping for your attention will dislike me for stealing you away from them.” Elizabeth says adorably as she giggles; she loves to tease William.
“They never had me so how could you have stolen me from them, my funny betrothed?” Darcy asks charmingly while he eyes Elizabeth with admiration.
“I am certain they have all hoped for you and now to have their hopes shattered by me – my poor Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth cannot help but giggle delightfully.
Darcy responds charismatically, “I only want to know that you hoped for me.”
Elizabeth becomes instantly bashful, thus she says softly but directly to William, “You know I did.”
“Just as I had hoped for you too – desperately.” Darcy states smoothly with his smoldering, captivating, lovely blue eyes.
“Oh goodness, all this sweetness is too much for my bachelor ears, you two.” Richard chuckles heartily as does Darcy while Elizabeth blushes appealingly.
“This is what true love sounds like – get used to it, Richard.” Darcy declares good-humoredly, and then they chuckle whilst Elizabeth giggles coyly while covering her mouth daintily.
Several gentlemen approach Darcy’s group throughout the ball, and they are introduced to everyone. After the first dance set, Darcy dances the second set with Jane, and Richard dances with Elizabeth. Throughout this set, due to the lineup, Darcy and Jane, coincidentally, come into contact with Mr. and Miss Bingley. Darcy is quiet when he comes in contact with Miss Bingley. He does not want to converse with her at all, and in the past, he did not say much when they danced together. Therefore, Miss Bingley still does not know that, at this moment, Darcy is wishing to be far away from her. Alas, Miss Bingley still looks and acts coquettishly towards Darcy. He recognizes her current behavior because she is like that with him every time she joins Bingley for any event with Darcy. He ignores her actions like he always does, puts on his indifferent mask, and displays his quiet demeanor when it is his turn to be paired with Miss Bingley for a promenade down the line. He only cheers up when he is near Elizabeth; his joy is apparent to anyone observing. Darcy detects how Bingley is silently longing to talk to Jane. He hears that they do say a few polite words to each other; other than that, Jane does not say anything else to Bingley. She has a tranquil look on her face.
Elizabeth sees Miss Bingley act coquettishly with William, but he is quiet and pays no attention to her. He does not seem happy to be in her presence. Early on in Elizabeth’s acquaintance with William, she figured out that Miss Bingley was one of the many hopeful young ladies that wished to become Mrs. Darcy. Miss Bingley thinks extremely highly of her wealth, and she looks down upon anyone who is not in the Ton. Moreover, she treats those in trade like they are the plague. Elizabeth dislikes Miss Bingley thoroughly for her disgusting pride and prejudice.
Elizabeth knows Miss Bingley dislikes her for two main obvious reasons. One is that William prefers Elizabeth over Miss Bingley – it is not as if he ever even gave Miss Bingley one encouraging glance or word. The second is that Elizabeth’s maternal family is from trade. Miss Bingley is fearful of ever being associated with trades’ people, thus she dislikes Jane and Elizabeth – especially Elizabeth. Miss Bingley definitely does not want her brother to associate with Jane, either. Elizabeth considers Miss Bingley annoying, rude, false, conceited, and obnoxious. Miss Bingley does not know that others see her in the same way too. They simply do not want to bother with pointing it out to her. However, if Miss Bingley is ever directly rude to Elizabeth, then she will voice her displeasure.
At the end of the set, both couples walk back to where they were, and a moment later, Bingley comes to greet their group. Morgan knows Bingley through Darcy from when they all were at Oxford. Darcy sees that Bingley seems affable enough, but it is apparent that he is uneasy around Jane. Even though he is uncomfortable, he still seems to want to talk to Jane. Darcy feels pity for him, but he cannot do anything more for Bingley if Bingley cannot find it in himself to stand up to his younger sister.
Morgan does not notice anything amiss because he does not know Bingley well enough. He definitely does not know that Bingley had an interest in Jane, recently. Morgan asks Jane if she would like some lemonade. She replies affirmatively, and then he asks his group; they all agree on drinks, thus Morgan goes to retrieve them.
“I will go with you, Morgan.” Richard volunteers.
As Morgan and Richard walk off, Bingley says genially, “I want to congratulate you on your engagement, Miss Elizabeth. I have already congratulated Darcy. I am very happy for you both.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bingley. How are you, sir?” Elizabeth asks amiably with her infectious smile.
“I am passable, Miss Elizabeth.” Bingley responds with sadness and regret, and then he turns to Jane to ask, “Will you be staying in town long after Darcy’s and Miss Elizabeth’s wedding, Miss Bennet?”
“I am uncertain, sir.” Jane answers evenly with a polite expression. She does not want this conversation to become awkward with Mr. Bingley; she has to move on. Moreover, she does not want Mr. Morgan to be uncomfortable should Mr. Bingley try to show his partiality towards her or try to speak to her privately.
“You will be staying until after their wedding, at least, Miss Bennet?” Bingley does not know what he can say to Miss Bennet.
“Yes, indeed, sir.” Jane is composed and courteous in her replies.
There is no longer that same emotion that Jane had for Mr. Bingley because she knows herself better now. She saw how Mr. Bingley reacted in regards to a very difficult situation. She does not blame him for his decision; that is his prerogative. Therefore, she simply needs to move on from it; she will have a future with someone else – hopefully, it will be with Mr. Morgan. Mr. Morgan is who she thinks about now. She is truly happy with him; her feelings for him are genuine. They honestly like each other, and their relationship can advance into…love.
Bingley asks if all the Bennets are doing well. Jane replies that they are healthy. At this point, Darcy interjects and asks if Bingley has heard about Mr. Alexander Holmes getting engaged. Bingley replies that he just heard today. Thereafter, they chat about who is here tonight; Bingley teases that all the young ladies must be very envious of Elizabeth.
“Darcy has always been the center of talk at these balls and parties, Miss Elizabeth. However, I can plainly see that he is very content with his current situation more than any other time that I have ever seen before. You have been successful in conquering a most elusive, illustrious, prominent gentleman of the Ton, Miss Elizabeth.” Bingley and Elizabeth chuckle. “I am very happy for you both.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bingley.” Elizabeth states good-naturedly, and then she glances at William demurely as he shyly smiles back at her and pats her hand on his arm.
At this moment, Elizabeth sees Miss Bingley and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst come their way, so she gently holds onto Jane’s elbow.
“Ah Charles, you are conversing with Mr. Darcy, of course.” Miss Bingley says openly with her smug smile and conceited demeanor while looking at Darcy, but he does not acknowledge her.
Everyone greets each other politely, and then Miss Bingley starts with her remarks.
“Are all your sisters and your Mother in town too, Miss Bennet?” Miss Bingley asks snidely. She wants it known that the Bennets are unworthy, especially with such a horrid mother and younger sisters.
“No, they are not, Miss Bingley.” Jane answers politely.
“Mr. Darcy, Georgiana must have grown into an even lovelier young lady by now. It has been months since I have seen her. She must be busy with Lord and Lady Matlock.”
“No, Miss Bingley. My sister has been busy visiting and shopping with Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy answers casually with an imp
assive attitude.
“Oh, how nice; young girls always like shopping for dresses and such things.” Miss Bingley comments with delight and understanding. She has to endear herself to Miss Darcy somehow so that she can further impress herself towards Mr. Darcy. She will do her best to point out the deficiencies of the Bennets; Mr. Darcy will have to recognize it if it is presented clearly. He cannot be associated with such undeserving people. Miss Bingley is the one with a sizeable dowry; she has been educated at one of the best finishing schools in London; she has polished manners; she has friends who associate with the Ton; she has been invited to the same parties as Mr. Darcy; her brother is Mr. Darcy’s good, close friend; she has known him for six years. Elizabeth Bennet has nothing over her.
At this time, Richard and Mr. Morgan come back with a waiter holding all the drinks for everyone including Mrs. Annesley. They apologize for not knowing that Miss Bingley and the Hursts were coming. Then, they are introduced to Mr. Morgan. All the greetings are relayed. Subsequently, Miss Bingley continues her comments.
“I really recommend that Miss Darcy go shopping with someone that can show her all the proper shops and the proper things that are becoming of her station; otherwise, she can be taken advantage of or be led into wearing questionable attire. She is such a sweet, young girl; I would hate to see her be swindled or led astray. Do you not agree, Louisa?” Miss Bingley’s voice is dishonestly sweet.
