So, all in all, the family were kept occupied for the following week.
As the day of the tea drew near, both Elizabeth and Jane started to feel nervous.
Elizabeth did not know for sure what it meant. Had Mr Darcy relented? Did he still like her? Did he even love her? Did he – might be possibly – still want to marry her? Or had he just realised he had been rude and did he now want to make up for that?
Jane worried that Mr Bingley might have forgotten her.
So that by the time they dressed for their afternoon at Lady Fitzwilliam’s house they were both feeling uncomfortable.
They were the only members of their party who were. Everyone else was looking forward to the honour. Indeed, Mrs Bennet could not stop talking about it.
‘Dear Lady Fitzwilliam has invited us to tea,’ she said to every chance acquaintance. ‘Do you know Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam? We were at their ball last week. My daughter Elizabeth knows the entire family. She was a guest of Lady Catherine de Bourgh over Easter when she stayed at Rosings.’
Elizabeth blushed at this blatant untruth, but when she took her mother to task in private, Mrs Bennet said, ‘You must not worry so much over details, Lizzy. You were a guest at Rosings, and whether you were a guest at the parsonage or at the Park makes no difference.’
‘It makes every difference,’ said Elizabeth.
But her mother would not be silenced and continued to talk about her dear friend, Lady Fitzwilliam, and her daughter’s dear friend, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, wherever she went. And when they climbed in the carriage that was to take them to Lady Fitzwilliam’s house, Mrs Bennet told the driver of their destination in such a loud voice that all the passers-by heard.
‘Never fear, Lizzy,’ said Mrs Gardiner in low tones, as she took her seat next to Elizabeth. ‘I will distract your Mama this afternoon and I will not let her show you up. I will do everything in my power to stop her embarrassing you.’
‘Thank you, Aunt,’ said Elizabeth in heartfelt tones.
The ride was a short one. They arrived at the familiar destination and were shown in. The drawing-room was immense, with very high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling curtains which were held back with brocade ropes. The furniture was all gilded and there were vases of flowers on the occasional tables. They filled the room with perfume.
But Elizabeth had eyes for nothing except Mr Darcy. His fine figure was displayed when he made her a bow and the light tan of his face showed up well against his white cravat. His tailcoat was cut in the latest style and his breeches had been replaced with pantaloons.
Colonel Fitzwilliam then bowed over Elizabeth’s hand and she tore her gaze, with difficulty, away from Mr Darcy.
‘I am afraid my mother has been detained,’ he said. ‘She has asked me to welcome you in her place.’
‘I am sure that is very good of her,’ said Mrs Bennet graciously.
She had no objection to being received by a gentleman instead of a lady, particularly as she had so many daughters unwed.
There was a third gentleman in the room. It was Mr Bingley.
‘You left us very suddenly at Christmas,’ said Mrs Bennet accusingly.
Poor Mr Bingley did not know where to look.
‘Mr Bingley had business to attend to, Mama,’ said Elizabeth, in his defence.
Jane was so embarrassed she could only look at the floor.
‘You must return to Netherfield as soon as we are all in England again,’ said Mrs Bennet. ‘Remember, Mr Bingley, you promised to take dinner with us before you ran away to London and we expect you to keep your promise.’
‘I would be delighted,’ said Mr Bingley, who had by now recovered his poise.
‘And may I present my sister?’ said Mr Darcy.
He drew forward a lovely young lady whom Elizabeth had seen in glimpses over the last few weeks, but never met. Miss Darcy was tall – taller than Elizabeth – and she had a womanly figure. She was not as good looking as her brother but she was pleasant to look at all the same.
Elizabeth remembered Mr Wickham’s words, that Miss Darcy was spoilt and haughty, but Elizabeth saw almost at once that Miss Darcy was only shy.
All Elizabeth’s awkwardness disappeared as she did her best to put the younger woman at ease.
‘Miss Darcy likes to draw,’ said Colonel Fitzwilliam, to help the conversation along.
‘Do you have any sketches I might see?’ asked Elizabeth.
Miss Darcy murmured a few incoherent words, but Mrs Annesley brought her sketch book forward and placed it in Miss Darcy’s hands. Elizabeth made out, from Miss Darcy’s shy utterances, that she had made some sketched on board the ship.
Elizabeth took the book and saw that Miss Darcy had talent. Miss Darcy had sketched her brother and Elizabeth took real pleasure in looking at those sketches, for they had caught Mr Darcy’s personality.
‘I think in this one my brother was not feeling well,’ said Miss Darcy softly.
It was the longest sentence she had uttered, and Elizabeth was glad the young woman was starting to feel more confident, although she still spoke very shyly.
She turned the book round so that Elizabeth could see the sketch the right way up and Elizabeth gave a start. Mr Darcy looked devastated.
‘My brother had just come down from the deck,’ said Miss Darcy. ‘I believe the motion of the ship did not agree with him.’
‘No. The pitching of a ship can cause all kinds of unpleasantness,’ said Elizabeth with a glance in Mr Darcy’s direction.
He smiled at her with such loving understanding that she felt her heart expand inside her. They had both been devastated by the humiliating incident of Elizabeth falling into Mr Wickham’s arms but they could both now afford to laugh at their folly, since the misunderstanding had been banished.
Tea was brought in and Miss Darcy took her place at the table, where she poured. She made a few small mistakes but otherwise conducted herself creditably in her role as hostess.
As she took her teacup, Elizabeth saw that Jane and Mr Bingley were looking at each other with a deep understanding. So! Mr Darcy had given them his blessing. Nothing now could prevent them from being betrothed, as they would have been at Christmas if not for Mr Darcy’s unwarranted interference, and the interference of Mr Bingley’s sisters.
As if reading Elizabeth’s thoughts, Mrs Bennet enquired after Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst.
‘How are your sisters, Mr Bingley?’ she asked.
‘They are well, thank you,’ he said.
‘I am glad to hear it. We miss them at Netherfield Park. They were such good friends to Jane.’
This was not true, but Mrs Bennet did not know the full details and no one wished to reveal them.
At last the visit came to an end.
As the visitors rose to take their leave, Mr Darcy said, ‘Are you going to the Duchess of Richmond’s ball?’
The Duchess’s ball had been much talked about. It was to take place on 15th June and it promised to be a glittering affair.
The Bennets, of course, were not invited. Mr Darcy said, ‘A pity.’ Then he changed the subject and said, ‘My sister would very much like it if you would join us for a walk around the battlements. I do not know if you have yet been, but the view is worth seeing.’
They had not yet walked on the battlements, although it was a popular activity, and they all arranged to go together. Then Mr Darcy bowed politely as he bade his guests farewell. Miss Darcy curtseyed and made a pretty speech, thanking them for coming. Colonel Fitzwilliam added his thanks and good wishes. Mr Bingley bowed and wished them all well.
Then they took their leave.
Chapter Ten
There were a few wet days when they were confined to the house. Lydia and Mrs Forster joined them and Mr Bingley was a frequent visitor. He was embarrassed at first, and so was Jane, but soon their former ease was restored and they were comfortable with themselves and each other.
And then something truly startling happened, for they rec
eived invitations to the Duchess of Richmond’s ball.
Mrs Stacey could not believe her eyes.
‘Invitations to the Duchess’s ball are impossible to come by,’ she said. ‘Only the most exalted people will be there. It is the most eagerly anticipated ball of the year.’
‘This must be Mr Darcy’s doing,’ said Mrs Gardiner, as she looked at the invitation. ‘His aunt, Lady Fitzwilliam, went to school with the Duchess of Richmond.’ Then she looked at Elizabeth. ‘I think we have you to thank for this, Elizabeth. You are the one who knows Mr Darcy best. He would not have arranged for the invitation, except for you.’
She raised her eyebrows enquiringly but Elizabeth did not feel able to satisfy her aunt’s curiosity. Indeed, she did not know what it meant herself. His attentions had been all that was proper at their tea party, but they had been more than that. They had been so excessively gentlemanlike that she knew he had taken her words to heart.
Oh! Those words. How she wished she could recall them. What had she said to him? Something uncalled for, she was sure. She had been angry and insulted but she felt very differently now. Mr Darcy had removed his objections to Jane and Mr Bingley’s union – for it was obvious to everyone they would soon be engaged – and he had explained his conduct towards Mr Wickham, which had been justified. Indeed, it had been generous, considering the circumstances, for he had given Mr Wickham a great deal of money and he had also refrained from ruining him. And now he was behaving like a perfect gentleman.
Is all this for me? she asked herself.
She thought that it was and she felt a warm feeling growing inside her. It meant more to her than the invitation to the Duchess of Richmond’s ball. The idea that Mr Darcy loved her set her soul aflame.
‘We must have new dresses,’ said Mrs Bennet. ‘Come, girls, we must visit the dressmaker at once.’
In the event, the dressmaker said she did not have time to make them new dresses, not even for the Duchess’s ball. But she promised to trim the dresses she had already made for them in a more luxurious style, as befit such a splendid occasion. They returned to Mrs Stacey’s house well pleased.
As Elizabeth looked around the room that afternoon, with Jane talking to Mr Bingley in one corner and Mary talking to Mr Manningham in another corner; with Lydia and Kitty talking over their many conquests and her mother, for once, entering into a sensible conversation with Mrs Gardiner and Mrs Stacey, she felt she needed only a fine day for their walk on the battlements to make her happiness complete.
To Elizabeth’s joy, the weather dawned fine and fair on the day they had set aside for their walk along the battlements. It was a favourite spot with visitors to the city as it gave a splendid view of the countryside round about. There was a pleasant breeze stirring the skirt of her muslin gown and fluttering the ribbons on her bonnet as she and her family reached the spot where they had agreed to meet Mr Darcy and his sister. The air was very fresh at such a height and they could look down on the bustle of the city without being consumed by it. The men on the ground looked like toy soldiers as they went about their business. There was a more military air to the city now and there were rumours that Napoleon would soon leave Paris.
‘What do you think of these rumours, Colonel?’ Mrs Gardiner asked Colonel Fitzwilliam, who joined them on their walk. ‘Are we safe still in Brussels?’
‘You will certainly be safe until the Duchess’s ball. She asked her husband if she might hold it and, as you know, he is in command of the reserves who protect the city. He assured her it was safe to do so. But after that, I think it would be wise if you ladies returned to England.’
Mrs Stacey said that her place was by her husband’s side and as long as he stayed, she stayed. Colonel Fitzwilliam bowed in acceptance of this decision.
‘However, I think we will take your advice,’ said Mr Gardiner. ‘I cannot leave my business for much longer anyway and although we have enjoyed our stay in Brussels immensely’ – here he bowed to Mrs Stacey, in token of thanks for their invitation – ‘we cannot remain indefinitely.’
And so it was decided. On Mr Darcy revealing that he intended to escort his sister back to England on the 20th June he suggested the whole party should travel together.
‘My sister would be glad of the company,’ he said.
Miss Darcy said that she would like it very much.
But the look that Mr Darcy cast at Elizabeth as he offered her his arm left no one in any doubt about the real reason for his wish to travel together.
Elizabeth took his arm and felt a wave of tingles rush over her from her head to her feet. After all the trials and tribulations of their time together, it seemed as though they finally understood one another.
They walked along in harmony, admiring the view and talking of everything they saw. Behind them, Jane took Mr Bingley’s arm. Miss Darcy took Colonel Fitzwilliam’s arm. Mr Gardiner offered his arm to Mrs Bennet. Mrs Gardiner and Mrs Stacey walked together, while Mary walked along with Kitty. Lydia was not joining them as she was shopping with Mrs Forster.
Mary seemed unsettled and Elizabeth knew why. They had all expected Mr Manningham to join them.
‘Your sister is looking well,’ said Mr Darcy, following Elizabeth’s gaze. ‘She is less serious than the last time I saw her and her conversation is much improved.’
‘Yes,’ said Elizabeth.
She was pleased that Mr Darcy had noticed, and that he had a chance to see that her family was not always embarrassing. Jane was her usual lovely self and even Mrs Bennet, this morning, was more sensible than usual. She was talking to Mr Gardiner about the brilliance of the soldiers’ uniforms and the fine weather and the jolly sound of the bugles and drums, and never once did she talk of Jane’s marrying Mr Bingley, even though it was evident to all who saw them together that they would soon be married.
Mr Bingley confirmed this suspicion a few minutes later by saying that he would not be at the Duchess of Richmond’s ball because business took him back to England. His bright red face as he said this, and the way he ran his finger round the inside of his cravat, showed what his business was: he meant to ask Mr Bennet for Jane’s hand in marriage.
Elizabeth smiled at Jane and Jane returned the smile.
After all their heartache, things had at last come right.
But just as she was basking in the glow of this, Elizabeth’s pleasure was cut short by the sight of Mr Manningham hurrying towards them. It was evident from his expression that he had something unusual to impart, and that the news was not good.
‘Well, what is it, man?’ demanded Colonel Fitzwilliam. ‘Has Napoleon left Paris? Out with it!’
‘No. It is not that,’ said Mr Manningham. ‘I have just seen Colonel and Mrs Forster, and I am sorry to say that . . .’ He looked embarrassed but then he continued. ‘Miss Lydia Bennet has eloped with Mr Wickham!’
Chapter Eleven
There was a moment of horror as everyone took in the enormity of this statement. Elizabeth’s spirits plummeted into her shoes. Just when everything had been going so well, Lydia had to spoil it.
‘I do not believe it. Only the other day, Lydia said Mr Wickham had asked her to elope with him to America and she said no, she wanted to marry a prince or a duke!’ said Kitty.
Elizabeth shook her head in despair. Her family was behaving worse than ever! What must Mr Darcy think?
One look at his set features confirmed her worst fears, and a moment later she felt him gently but firmly remove her hand from his arm.
Oh, no! she wanted to cry in despair. But etiquette forbade it. So she swallowed the lump in her throat and took comfort from the warm feel of Jane’s hand on her arm.
Mr Darcy gave a quick bow and said he had just remembered some urgent business and that he had to be elsewhere.
‘I, too, have business to attend to,’ said Colonel Fitzwilliam. ‘Come, Georgiana. I will escort you home.’
He made a quick bow and Miss Darcy, looking confused, dipped a curtsey, and then they walke
d away.
Mrs Bennet was by this time in hysterics, saying, ‘My poor, poor Lydia! Go after her, brother. Make Wickham marry her! If he refuses, challenge him to a duel!’
‘Hush,’ said Mrs Gardiner. ‘Mr Gardiner will see to everything, never fear. Now let us return home to await Lydia who, I am sure, will soon join us.’
In this way she managed to quiet Mrs Bennet, although no one believed that the matter would be resolved so quickly.
Mr Gardiner bowed and took his leave.
Mrs Stacey looked horrified but proved herself a true friend by saying that all would be well. And so, between them, they managed to return to Mrs Stacey’s home without attracting too much attention
‘The least said about this matter the better,’ said Mrs Stacey, as she led them into the drawing-room and ordered tea. ‘No one knows of it but ourselves and a few other people who will, I am sure, say nothing about it. Now Mr Manningham, tell us all if you please.’
Mr Manningham had loyally remained with them and helped them bundle Mrs Bennet into a horse-drawn cab so they could be indoors as quickly as possible. Now he told them the full tale. He had been walking towards the battlements, in order to keep his engagement to walk with the Bennets, when he had seen Colonel Forster running along the street looking harassed. He had offered his assistance, thinking it must be some military emergency, only to find that Miss Lydia Bennet had eloped with Mr Wickham.
‘But she was determined not to run away with him,’ said Kitty. ‘She said she preferred to marry a prince or a duke!’
‘I am afraid that princes and dukes do not take sixteen-year-old ladies seriously, particularly if they come from—’ He stopped short, but Elizabeth guessed he had been about to say inferior families. She flushed with mortification. Lydia had made a laughing stock of them all. And, if she was not found quickly, she would ruin the reputation, not only of herself, but her sisters as well.
Darcy and Elizabeth What If? Collection 3 Page 25
