A Peculiar Connection

by Jan Hahn

  “Hmph,” Mamá snorted. “You have never mentioned Bath in my hearing, Lizzy. If you wish to visit near the sea, you had much better travel to Brighton where the militia is quartered. You might have a chance at securing a husband there as Lydia did. I cannot see any reason for you to go to Bath.”

  My aunt gave me a look that we both understood perfectly. “But, Fanny,” she said. “Bath has many scenes of interest to engage Lizzy’s fine mind.”

  “Yes, Mamá, I should so love to visit the city.”

  “Lizzy is in need of a husband, not more curiosities with which to clutter her mind. She is of an age to marry, and I fear if she does not settle down and choose someone soon…well, I declare I do not know what shall become of her! We cannot all live off Mr. Bingley when her father dies and we are thrown out of Longbourn and left to starve in the hedgerows.”

  My uncle cleared his throat. “I have heard there are excellent families who either live in Bath or travel there on holiday. It would not be unusual for at least a goodly portion of them to possess sons of marriageable age. I would say Lizzy’s chances for a prosperous marriage bode much better at Bath than Brighton.”

  Mamá’s expression changed instantly. The thought of a prosperous husband demanded her immediate attention. Within the hour, she had plagued my father until he agreed I might make the trip. All I had to do was pack and banish the quaking within. Would we arrive before Mr. Darcy embarked for Ireland, and, if so, might I meet him by chance? Even more important, how would he receive me?

  ][

  It rained steadily the day we rode into Bath, a state of affairs that I soon learned would be a frequent occurrence. The downpour did not last long, however, and left the air hot and damp. My aunt and I made frequent use of our fans as we settled into our lodgings in Pulteney Street. Even with the humidity, I felt revived by the bustling sounds of the city. I leaned out the spacious window of my chamber to observe the feast of colour without. My eyes went here, there, everywhere. Up and down the avenue, a constant parade of people passed by, some dressed in ordinary attire, but many clad in fine clothing and expensive bonnets and hats. Evidently, the rich did populate Bath or at least spent their holiday in residence.

  We dined in the hotel the first evening although I longed to go out. My attempts to unobtrusively search the dining room with my eyes failed to disclose a familiar face. My efforts, however, did attract my aunt’s attention.

  “Lizzy, do you look for someone in particular?”

  I immediately issued a denial and turned my consideration to my plate.

  “Madeline, you and Elizabeth must tour the city tomorrow while I conduct my business,” my uncle said.

  “Would you not rather we waited for you?”

  “No, my dear. I shall join you when I finish. Lizzy is young and cannot be expected to while away the days cooped up inside.”

  I made the appropriate protests, but not strongly, for I longed not only to see the city but also to discover a way to meet with Mr. Darcy. As yet, I had not told the Gardiners of his possible presence in Bath, hoping we might simply happen upon him instead.

  As it came about, we dwelt in the city three days without chancing upon either Mr. Darcy or Georgiana. Mrs. Gardiner did look up an old acquaintance, a Mrs. Parry, and we spent the afternoon of the third day in her stuffy, hot parlour on Gay Street. A lady of some age, she inquired as to my marriage expectations and then proceeded to discuss suitable partners for me with my aunt as though I no longer sat within their presence. By the end of the visit, my patience had grown as thin as wet parchment. Were the prospects of single women the only topic of conversation available when older ladies assembled?

  That night, I re-read Georgiana’s letter. Noting the date she wrote it, I quickly calculated the time that had passed. Ten days—ten days had gone by. Wills and I (and Mrs. Annesley, of course) leave for Ireland within a fortnight. They would depart Bath within four days! Desperation seized me, and I determined I would do all in my power to find Mr. Darcy before he left the country.

  Having concluded the major portion of his business obligations for the week, the next morning, Mr. Gardiner offered my aunt and me a carriage ride through the city. He wished to show us the port area along the River Avon as well as the more fashionable portion of Bath. That was exactly what I hoped to see.

  “I would love to, Uncle, if my aunt agrees and if you will consent to visit the Pump Room with us sometime during the day. We insist you taste the spring waters.”

  “Oh yes, my dear,” my aunt said. “You must drink some. I have never tasted water like it.”

  He acquiesced, and we soon left our rooms for the sidewalks below. We entered the Pump Room first, whereupon my uncle pulled a face when asked to judge the quality of the water. We walked up and down speaking to no one until Mr. Gardiner happened upon a business acquaintance who engaged him in a lengthy conversation—so lengthy that I despaired of having time to tour much of the city by carriage. The man’s wife took an interest in my aunt, and they spent no little time becoming acquainted.

  Unsatisfied and concerned that we would never leave, I wandered a short distance away from them to gaze through the window at the shops across the street. I became engrossed in watching people as they passed by. So intent was my concentration that I failed to notice the gentleman who appeared at my side.

  “Miss Bennet?”

  I turned in amazement to see Colonel Fitzwilliam beaming down upon me. “Colonel, I…am surprised to meet you here.”

  “As am I to see you. How did you come to visit Bath?”

  “I travelled with my aunt and uncle.” I gestured back in their direction, but their attention continued to be held by their acquaintances. “Are you here on duty?”

  “No, I had leave available and came with my brother. He is engaged to a resident of Bath, Miss Julia Allen. By the bye, did you know Darcy and Georgiana are also in residence?”

  “I did receive a letter from Georgiana telling me they were to visit their aunt, I believe. Are they still here? I understood they planned to travel on to Ireland.”

  “Yes, to both your questions. They travel to Holyhead to catch a ship within—let me think—less than four days now. You must visit them in Camden Place. I am certain they would not wish to leave without seeing you, and I cannot tell you how enchanted I am to find you here. I was quite disconcerted when you left Pemberley with such haste. You did not even say farewell.”

  I heard the censure in his voice. “I…left a note, but no matter, I agree that it was rude on my part. I pray you will forgive my lack of manners. A sudden wave of pining for home overtook me without warning.”

  “I understand the longing to see those for whom we care.” He smiled and drew closer. “Since those days in Derbyshire, I have longed to see you again. Shall you introduce me to your aunt and uncle?”

  “Of course.” I turned quickly while realizing my heart had begun to race. Time evidently had not lessened the colonel’s speculation at securing my hand.

  We joined the Gardiners and their friends, and I made the appropriate introductions. The colonel charmed both couples with his agreeable nature and asked us to luncheon with him. My uncle’s business associate declined, and he and his wife bade their farewells, but my aunt accepted Colonel Fitzwilliam’s invitation. As we walked down the street, the colonel repeated his insistence that we contact Mr. Darcy and his sister while we were in Bath. My aunt and I walked behind the men, and she began to slow her steps until we were far enough back that the men could not hear her soft conversation.

  “Lizzy, did you know the Darcys were in Bath?”

  “Why, yes, Aunt. I received a letter from Miss Darcy a few days before we left Longbourn.”

  She looked at me curiously. “I see. Tell me, dear, does Colonel Fitzwilliam know of your true relationship with his cousins?”

  “No,” I whispered, “and Georgiana does not know either, so we must not speak of it. Papá and Mr. Darcy agree that the fewer people who know the t
ruth, the safer my reputation.”

  “A wise decision. You may depend upon our discretion. Neither your uncle nor I will ever make any revelation.”

  “That is why I told you. I trust you both without question.”

  During the meal, Mr. Gardiner mentioned our plans to tour Bath by carriage, whereupon the colonel offered not only his carriage but also his services as our guide. I did not relish spending the afternoon in his company, but I knew he was the connection to seeing Mr. Darcy. I bestowed my brightest smile upon him as he took my elbow and ushered me out into the sunlight.

  Since the morning rains had ceased, the colonel ordered his brother’s landau that he had borrowed to be opened. He proceeded to point out various sites of interest throughout the city. We rode down Bond Street and then over to the Circus area and reached the Royal Crescent at last. The beauty of the architecture and shape of the buildings proved stunning. We surveyed the impressive design for no little time. At length, Mr. Gardiner suggested we travel on to the River Avon, but Mrs. Gardiner expressed a desire for refreshment.

  “I know just the place,” Colonel Fitzwilliam announced.

  Within a short time, the carriage turned into Milsom Street and drew up at Molland’s, where we dined with such pleasure that my aunt declared Molland’s marzipan the best she had ever tasted. Sitting by the window, I watched the rain return. The place began to fill with people wishing to avoid the shower. I observed the door’s frequent openings with little interest until, suddenly, my heart beat faster, for I recognized a familiar face and figure. Mr. Darcy removed his hat and shook the water from it before he raised his head and looked over the room. Within moments, his gaze met mine.

  If my presence surprised him, he hid it well. Naught but a quick blink of his eyes betrayed him. About the same time, Colonel Fitzwilliam looked up and noticed his cousin. He stood and beckoned to him.

  “Darcy, over here.”

  My hands turned icy cold as I wondered what effect my presence would merit from him. He made his way through the crowd. After speaking to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, he bowed slightly in my direction and sat down next to my aunt. His manner was cordial as he expressed surprise at our visit to Bath. He directed every remark to either my aunt or uncle, but not one to me.

  “And how did you happen upon the Gardiners and Miss Bennet, Fitzwilliam?” he asked, turning toward his cousin, who sat beside me.

  The colonel explained our chance meeting, and my aunt told him of the day’s tour of the city. My uncle added that the river would be our next destination. When the colonel asked Mr. Darcy whether he might go with us, he declined, stating a former promise to his aunt laid claim to his afternoon. Light conversation ensued for a good half hour; at the conclusion of which, he rose and made his farewells. He still had not directed any word toward me or even allowed his eyes to be fixed upon me. Not only did I feel cut by his behaviour, but I was truly alarmed that he might never speak to me again. I watched him walk to the counter to purchase a package of sweets.

  “Pray, excuse me, I will fetch another glass of water,” I said, quickly rising. I refused the colonel’s offer to retrieve it for me and crossed the room with great haste. Mr. Darcy had just received his change and turned to leave. I darted in front of him blocking his path to the door, and he halted abruptly.

  “Miss Bennet?”

  “Sir, I would ask you to extend my regards and apologies to Georgiana. I received her letter a day or so before we departed Longbourn, but I did not have time to reply.”

  “Very well.”

  “I wonder…shall you escort your sister to the ball in the Upper Rooms tomorrow night?”

  “I had not given it much thought.”

  “I would love to see her.”

  “Shall I ask her to call on you? Where did you say you are staying?”

  “In Pulteney Street. I shall be at home in the morning if she is able to come.”

  “I shall tell her.” He bowed slightly and began walking toward the door. I found myself following him, attempting to delay his leaving.

  “Georgiana wrote to me how much she enjoys watching you dance—with a Miss Simpson, is it not?”

  He stopped and turned to face me. “I did not know my sister reported my dancing partners to you.”

  I shook my head slightly. “Oh no, sir, she did nothing like that. She simply mentioned it in passing, and I thought you had perhaps at last found someone with whom you enjoyed dancing.”

  His eyes pierced mine with their severity. “Good day, Miss Bennet.”

  With dismay, I watched him walk through the door and down the sidewalk. That did not go well, I thought. You made a fool of yourself, an utter fool!

  ][

  Georgiana did call the next day, and I was thrilled to see her again. Until I saw her familiar smile, I had not realized how my affection had grown for the girl. We spent an hour in conversation, during which I am afraid my aunt did not have a chance to say more than a few words. Once more, she told me how preoccupied Mr. Darcy was in his search through his uncle’s old records. She failed to understand why they attracted his interest, but she spent little time considering the matter. We talked of Bath and the various attractions she had visited, how welcome her cousin’s company had been on several excursions, and the new dresses she had made by a seamstress in the city whom she highly recommended.

  When I asked her whether she would attend the assembly that night, she replied that her brother had agreed to take her. Since she was not out yet, Georgiana explained how Mr. Darcy allowed her to go to the balls if she remained in the background and simply observed the dancing. I gently prodded her for information on whether the Simpson sisters would be in attendance, and she happily informed me that they would.

  “You must meet them, Elizabeth, for I know you shall like them as I do.”

  I smiled in agreement, all the while biting my tongue. I then directed the subject to their upcoming journey to Ireland. Georgiana said that the departure had been delayed a week due to some complications with the passenger ship. When I inquired as to the reason for the trip, she said only that Mr. Darcy had important business with someone in the country, and that it must be conducted as soon as possible. I thought it unusual that she should accompany her brother on a business trip, but she said Mr. Darcy thought it would be good for his young sister to see the ancestral home of their grandmother.

  “Did you know my grandmother was from County Cork?” she asked.

  “I did. Your brother shared a bit of family history with me when I visited Pemberley.”

  “How odd. He did not tell me until we came to Bath and he determined to make this trip. I found it somewhat shocking, did you not?”

  “When one examines any family’s roots, one is bound to uncover surprises.”

  She smiled and rose to leave, vowing to look for Mrs. Gardiner and me that night at the Upper Rooms.

  As I dressed for the evening, I thought of Georgiana’s new dresses, and I regretted not paying more attention to the wardrobe I had packed. Why had I not included the new gowns I had made in London when visiting Jane? Once again, Mr. Darcy would see me in the same gown I had worn at the Netherfield Ball.

  What difference does it make? He will most likely have eyes only for Miss Emily Simpson, I thought.

  I would be fortunate to warrant a glance from him, much less a civil word. It was obvious that he was still angry with me. I simply had to make an opportunity to speak with him privately and make things right between us. I did not wish to imagine him crossing the Irish Sea with its rough currents when he still thought ill of me.

  The season was full, so the room was crowded when we arrived. Mr. Gardiner repaired directly to the card-room, and my aunt and I were left to squeeze through the mob alone. She eventually spied the wife of my uncle’s business acquaintance, who claimed her attentions. I was left to fend for myself. I looked over the busy room, hoping to see Georgiana, but to no avail. I drew close to the edge of the throng to observe the dancers. I wa
s relieved not to find Mr. Darcy among them, an emotion for which I silently scolded myself. I simply must stop caring with whom he danced.

  I was about to turn back and rejoin my aunt when I looked up to see Colonel Fitzwilliam by my side. He asked me to dance, and I agreed. I preferred dancing any day to being an observer. As soon as the music began again, we took our place in the line.

  “Did your cousins accompany you, sir?” I asked after the first turn.

  “They did. I placed Georgiana in a suitable position to have a good view of the floor.”

  “I suppose Mr. Darcy remained by her side.”

  “For a while, at least. Have you met the Misses Simpson?”

  I shook my head.

  “The younger, Miss Maria, has become a favourite of Georgiana, and I saw her making her way through the crowd to join her. That will free Darcy from tending his sister.”

  “You said the Misses Simpson. Thus, I assume there are two?”

  “Right you are. My young cousin has the wild idea that her brother is smitten with Miss Emily Simpson. I have yet to meet her, but I hear she is quite the beauty.”

  “Ah.” I could think of nothing further to say, but evidently, my dissatisfaction was reflected in my expression.

  “Why the frown, Miss Bennet? Does this air displease you?”

  I instantly placed a smile upon my face. “Oh no, sir, simply a momentary pang. I am quite enjoying myself.”

  At the conclusion of the reel, Colonel Fitzwilliam introduced me to Captain Allen, a fellow officer from his unit who was brother to Miss Julia Allen, soon to become the colonel’s sister-in-law. He promptly asked for my hand, and we spent the next half hour on the dance floor. When the music ended and we bowed in closing, the captain escorted me to the punch bowl, where he secured a cup for both of us. I had taken but a sip when I looked up to see Mr. Darcy approaching with a woman on his arm who was surely one of the most beautiful God ever made.

  He introduced Miss Emily Simpson, and I, in turn, presented Captain Allen. My former partner immediately asked Miss Simpson for the next, and she smiled sweetly and accepted. We passed a few moments in light conversation until the instruments sounded. I watched Mr. Darcy’s eyes follow the couple as they proceeded to the floor.