Clever Compromises

by APRIL FLOYD

  Elizabeth gasped at her cousin’s bold statement and pushed past him to gather her younger sisters and steer them away from Mr. Wickham and the other soldiers. How dare her cousin suggest she might seek a scandalous connection with Mr. Darcy!

  In her heart, Elizabeth hoped Miss de Bourgh was not of a mind to marry Mr. Darcy. That hope, when mixed with the words of her cousin, exasperated the lady. She had no business entertaining the idea of a future where she and Mr. Darcy might become more than acquaintances and yet, he had invited her to visit him at Pemberley.

  He had walked with her and been most attentive, teasing and laughing with her as they strolled the streets of Meryton. Had Jane been right in the garden when she spoke of Mr. Darcy’s interest? Finding that she was quite thrilled to think so, Elizabeth linked arms with Kitty and Lydia pulling them away from the red coats. “Come, ladies, tis time for our errands.”

  George Wickham stepped in front of the ladies as Elizabeth pulled them towards a favorite shop. “And who is this lovely creature?”

  The smirk on his face and the smooth way he delivered the question irritated Elizabeth and she stared at him boldly. “I am their older sister, sir. Please allow us to pass.”

  Mr. Wickham gave a small salute as his eyes twinkled. “I do love a challenge, Miss. You shall tell me your name when next we meet.”

  Lydia began to pull on Elizabeth’s arm now, upset that the man who had paid her the most attention was now eyeing her older sister in much the same manner.

  As the lieutenant Mr. Darcy had warned her against stepped aside, Elizabeth moved quickly to shepherd her sisters to the shop where they would spend the better part of an hour fingering the same ribbon they had the week before.

  Chapter 8

  “I say Darcy; why would you abandon our fair company in such an abrupt manner?” Bingley had returned to Netherfield after his lovely walk with Miss Bennet and found his old friend in the library as he suspected he might.

  Mr. Darcy was busy writing a letter and at first Mr. Bingley wondered if the man had heard his question. After signing his name at the end of his letter, Mr. Darcy glanced up. “The lieutenant who joined our party after you strolled away with Miss Bennet was one George Wickham.”

  Mr. Bingley squared his shoulders and looked away guiltily, a bright flush staining his cheeks.

  “What is it Bingley? What have you done?” Mr. Darcy knew his friend only too well. The man was unable to school his face in order to hide his emotions.

  “I have invited him to the wedding ball. I did not know he was the same man who nearly scandalized your family this past summer.”

  Mr. Bingley’s voice faltered and his eyes held a pleading for forgiveness.

  “As much as I would prefer not to spend an evening in his company, tis better to know thine enemy. I shall hold you personally responsible should he acquire an admirer at your ball.”

  Happy that his friend had not become too cross with him, Mr. Bingley sat before his own desk. “If I do not get Caro’s behavior under good regulation there may not be a ball.”

  Having seen the histrionics of Miss Bingley, Mr. Darcy considered his friend’s dilemma. “Perhaps instead of threatening her, you ought to provide an inducement to the lady. Should she host a successful ball, she will be the recipient of a day of shopping in Mayfair or some such treat.”

  Mr. Bingley was hesitant to share that he had made the offer of a costly trip to his sister. She had yet to hold up her end of the bargain. Leaning back in his chair, Mr. Bingley eyed the humidor on the desk. “Shall we indulge?”

  Mr. Darcy obliged the request and selected two slim cigars. “Has Miss Bingley decided where she will go after your wedding? It is not my dearest wish to share your home with her whilst you travel with your lovely bride, but I could manage it for a month or so.”

  As he lit his cigar, Mr. Bingley smirked. He knew full well Mr. Darcy would not survive a month with his scheming sister. Now was as good a time as any to confess his weakness in pacifying his difficult sister. “Not to worry, for she gave me the idea to sponsor a trip for her a few days ago. I believe she relishes the prospect of Scotland. It is only fair with me to marry and the Hursts soon to welcome a new babe. I fear Caro’s behavior has worsened from a feeling of being slighted.”

  Mr. Darcy knew his friend had rightly judged the situation. A woman like Miss Bingley was accustomed to having all the attention on herself but the important events unfolding in the lives of her siblings naturally overshadowed her own existence.

  “She may have the use of my estate in Scotland if she wishes. I only have need to write and alert the staff and all shall be made ready for her arrival. They will see that she is treated as royalty during her stay.”

  Mr. Bingley was most grateful but a bit puzzled by his friend’s goodwill towards his sister. “I must say I did not expect such an offer, Darce. I am certain Caro would be thrilled if I were to accept and so I shall. Why would you do this for her after all the failed schemes and plots she has advanced over the years in the pursuit of your favor?”

  Mr. Darcy’s countenance brightened. “Let it be said that I am your loyal and true friend Bingley but the selfish interest of enjoying Netherfield without the presence of your sister is my main motivation as it was yours when making her the offer.”

  Mr. Bingley chuckled at his friend’s astute observation. “I thought that might be the reason. It would be most difficult to court Miss Eliza with my sister’s interference.”

  The exasperated expression on Mr. Darcy’s face at his words delighted Mr. Bingley. He knew the man’s motives as well as he knew his own. He could not blame his friend for the attraction. Miss Eliza Bennet was a lovely young lady with the wit and passion to tame his friend.

  “My plans are not so settled, Bingley. Though you only wish for me to be caught as easily as you were, the way forward for us may be far more complicated.”

  Mr. Bingley drew on his cigar and blew a rich plume of smoke into the air above his head. A rough circle formed before the smoke dissipated and he seemed pleased with himself. “If you only allow yourself to consider her as the mistress of Pemberley, I believe half the battle shall be won. The other half is accepting that not all your family shall love her as you do, just as you are not fond of her entire family. Still, a match between you shall bring you great joy and as your friend, it is all I might wish for you.”

  Mr. Darcy was amazed by this bit of insight and thought he must be daft to believe Charles Bingley was an apt judge of his situation. Still, the man’s words were true and that he could not deny.

  Elizabeth Bennet walked towards Longbourn with her sisters and cousin pleased to have met with Mr. Darcy. Mr. Collins walked with Mary behind Elizabeth and Jane so that he might again instruct her on her behavior when in company with the master of Pemberley.

  “Cousin Elizabeth, you must not think he is a prospect for your future happiness.” Elizabeth opened her mouth to refute his tired accusation but Mr. Collins continued on ignoring her wish to speak, “Do not concern yourself with lying to me. I saw the way he looked at you and you were only too happy to return his gaze. Lady Catherine would not be pleased to know of your scandalous behavior. I have warned you and I shall have a word with your father.”

  Elizabeth glanced at Jane, who covered her mouth with a gloved hand to keep the laughter at this exchange from erupting. Elizabeth turned again to her cousin. The whole conversation would have amused her when Mr. Darcy first arrived in Hertfordshire but now that she had begun to develop feelings for the man, her cousin’s words stung.

  Glaring at him in a manner that would cause any man with common sense to cower, Elizabeth placed her hands on her hips, her voice slightly raised. “Mr. Collins, I assure you there is no plot on my part to capture Mr. Darcy’s attention. I would thank you not to impugn my honor by suggesting such to my father.”

  Mr. Collins was not pleased by this outburst and wagged a finger in Elizabeth’s face. “Do not speak to me in such a manner, y
oung lady! Your father judged rightly when he confessed you would not make a good wife for a parson. Your tongue is as a serpent’s tongue.”

  Jane placed her hands on Elizabeth’s shoulders and held her back from pummeling their cousin. Mary had remained silent during this exchange but now she spoke up with relish. “Do not waste your breath with Lizzy. She is headstrong and obstinate. Mr. Darcy could never be interested in such a difficult lady.”

  Elizabeth was scarcely able to maintain her composure as Jane stepped between her and the couple that now advanced on down the lane. “This is most fortuitous, Lizzy! Mr. Collins shall surely choose Mary now that you’ve shown your claws.”

  Wishing she might remain angry with the pompous buffleheaded parson, but amused by her eldest sister’s delight in the fact of her unsuitable nature, Elizabeth blew out a calming breath that lifted an errant curl at her temple. “I suppose tis better for him to think ill of my intentions towards Mr. Darcy than to have him milling about seeking my hand.”

  Jane laughed and the two walked hand in hand down the lane far enough behind Mary and Mr. Collins to continue making sport of the man.

  Later that afternoon, Mary and Mr. Collins strolled the garden with their heads bent close. Elizabeth watched from her perch on a bench beside Jane. “It would appear that Mr. Collins has decided Mary’s company is preferable to mine. I cannot say how pleased I am to know it.”

  Jane followed her sister’s gaze as the couple moved to the edge of the garden and stood facing the fields that separated Longbourn and Netherfield. “I am pleased as well, Lizzy. Our Mary seems happy in his company and that is no small thing. Though we might find him repulsive, tis a much better match than that lieutenant Mr. Darcy warned you about in Meryton.”

  Elizabeth had not thought Mr. Wickham would be drawn by one so plain as their sister Mary but if Mr. Darcy’s warning was to be believed, the man might certainly attempt to lure a plain girl as easily as a lovely one. “I agree, Jane. Mary will be happy and useful, as she puts it, as a parson’s wife. As for Lieutenant Wickham, I shall keep Lydia and Kitty from his company for that man is far too charming by half and they are so foolish. Nothing good could come of that acquaintance.”

  Mary’s laughter floated to the pair on their bench and the sisters stifled their giggles. Elizabeth bit her bottom lip and linked arms with Jane. Batting her lashes, she lowered her voice and gave an imitation of their middle sister. “Oh, Mr. Collins, how I long for a home with proper shelves!”

  Jane meant to chastise her favorite sister but could not. It was entertaining to see their quiet sister being courted and to hear her laughter as though she were not so serious after all.

  Lydia and Kitty appeared, their mocking of the couple not subdued, and Jane hushed them. “Do not cause a scene, ladies. Mary and Mr. Collins are a perfect match.”

  Kitty bowed to Lydia, her voice gone deep and sounding like a bullfrog on a warm, summer night. “Cousin Mary, would you care to dance?”

  Lydia used her closed fan to rap Kitty on the head before she might rise from her chivalrous bow. “Only if you shall take me away to Kent as your wife!”

  Jane and Elizabeth rose as one and took the silly girls in hand. Elizabeth steered Lydia away from the garden, her fingers giving a warning squeeze where her hand rested on her sister’s sleeve. “Envy makes the bones rot, Lydia.”

  Lydia glared at Elizabeth. “I do not envy Mary and that foolish man! I would have to want him for myself and nothing could be further from the truth.”

  Elizabeth tightened her grasp. “You envy the happiness she has found, dear sister. Your time shall come and do you think Mary would do less than wish you well in marriage?”

  Her words seemed to find a home with Lydia and there was peace at last when the four entered Longbourn.

  Chapter 9

  At the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth and her sisters waited with their mother as Mr. Bennet led the way inside the grand home. The sweeping drive was crowded with all manner of conveyance as it seemed the whole of Hertfordshire had come to welcome the Bingleys and offer their congratulations on the engagement of Charles Bingley and Jane Bennet.

  As she passed through the receiving line with Jane, Elizabeth noted the sour countenance of Miss Bingley. It was apparent she wished to be in London rather than at her brother’s side as mistress of his home.

  Mr. Bingley hastily took Jane’s hand and escorted her into the ballroom leaving his sisters to welcome their remaining guests. Elizabeth allowed a twinge of pity for those coming behind as they would only be greeted by the unhappy faces of Mr. Bingley’s sisters instead of his welcoming smile. Once Jane became the mistress of Netherfield, they would throw a party without the sulking presence of the Bingley sisters and truly welcome their neighbors.

  Why the sisters were so displeased with the fact their brother had chosen Jane was evident but Elizabeth thought they must be the worst sort of ladies to object to one so fair as Jane. While the Bingley fortune made in trade might be greater than that of the Bennet family, Elizabeth and her sisters were gentlewomen and in fact above the Bingleys in society’s estimation.

  Moving away from Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst to the ballroom, Elizabeth caught her breath at the beauty and romance of the setting. There were candles lit around the room and a fire dancing merrily in the great fireplace. Though Mr. Bingley’s sisters were against his marriage, they had spared no expense to celebrate the engagement.

  The chill of the evening air did not advance into the ballroom from the open front doors and for that Elizabeth was most grateful. She had thought that cooler weather might never grace the countryside but it had arrived overnight. The panes of the windows in her bedroom had been frosted when she awoke that morning.

  Surreptitiously, Elizabeth surveyed the crowd for any sign of Mr. Darcy. It was her dearest wish to dance with him but Mr. Collins had asked for the first dance the evening before at dinner. He had not spoken with her father as he had threatened on their walk home from Meryton but she knew his demand was intended to separate her from Mr. Darcy.

  Her dear friend Charlotte Lucas waved as their eyes met and Elizabeth’s face lit up with delight. She pushed away the troublesome thoughts of her cousin and lifted her skirts to make her way quickly across the polished marble floor so they might gossip.

  Before she might reach her friend, Mr. Darcy appeared and Elizabeth attempted to slow her pace. The marble floor conspired against her and her feet slid dangerously in her fancy slippers. Soon, she was held in Mr. Darcy’s warm embrace and her skirts fell from her hands.

  The gentle swishing sound of the gossamer folds as they fell covered her slight gasp and she recovered her equilibrium. “Please forgive me for I had not thought to collide with Mr. Bingley’s guests this evening.”

  Mr. Darcy’s smile widened at her words and he was struck by her vibrant beauty. Her fine eyes were shining and held much amusement at their current situation. Her soft pink lips were drawn up in a teasing smile to match her words. Before he might reply, the strains of the musicians warming up before the ball drifted over the crowd.

  Mr. Collins popped up beside the couple and hissed at Elizabeth before placing a hand on her arm and pulling her away from Mr. Darcy. “Cousin Elizabeth come away this instant!”

  His voice reminded Elizabeth of the warning sibilations of a snake coiled in the grass before it struck its victim. Her skin crawled at the thought of it and she removed her arm from his grasp and returned his venom. “Mr. Collins, you must not cause a stir at Jane’s engagement ball. I shall dance the first dance with you to keep the peace but I will not tolerate being so handled when I have done nothing to warrant such coarse abuse.”

  Mr. Darcy moved to stand beside Elizabeth and leveled a fearsome stare in Mr. Collins’s direction. “Miss Elizabeth, shall I have him removed?”

  Mr. Collins gasped audibly and his mouth gaped in shock. Several seconds passed before he regained his composure. “Mr. Darcy, sir, being the protector of my cousin’s h
onor is my solemn duty. I would not have gossip and conjecture stain her reputation. As I know you were only being kind to keep her from falling before the room, I would not blame you for your actions. However, a moment too long in the arms of a handsome gentleman may lead to unfortunate misunderstandings amongst our neighbors.”

  Mr. Collins was pleased with his speech and did not immediately note that Mr. Darcy had again offered his arm to Elizabeth. As the pair walked away from him, he saw the way the man inclined his head as he spoke with her and the way his cousin moved closer to Mr. Darcy’s side.

  With horror, he suddenly understood that Mr. Darcy was far more interested in his cousin than he ought to be as he was engaged to someone else. It could not be! Mr. Darcy was promised to Miss de Bourgh and an affiliation with Elizabeth Bennet would not be borne.

  As he scurried along behind them, he thought he must somehow keep the couple apart for more than just the first dance and secure his own future at Rosings. Lady Catherine had given him the living at Hunsford and she might remove him if angered. She was wealthy and carried enough influence to have the bishop do her bidding. He could not allow his cousin to ruin his life.

  He paused in his pursuit as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy paused before a young lady who must be a friend of the Bennet sisters. Elizabeth embraced the young woman and the trio continued in conversation.

  Mr. Collins’s scheming was interrupted by his cousin Mary Bennet. “Mr. Collins, there you are. I know you wish to dance the first dance with Lizzy but may we dance the second?”

  Her tone was sweet and timid and Mr. Collins admired the retiring beauty before him. She was not classically beautiful as her sister Jane nor did she glow with the vibrance of her sister Elizabeth, but Mary Bennet was lovely to him in a way that sent his heart racing now whenever she was near.