by Alexa Adams
Beginning to realize who indeed it was that Miss Bennet had termed eccentric, Sir James said simply, “She is all that is charming.”
“Come now, young man! You can be more specific than that. So much could be said of half the ladies in the kingdom.”
“Not half the ladies, surely.”
“Well, a third then. What is it about my daughter that has drawn your attention away from them and to herself?”
“I am afraid that she stepped in front of my careening curricle, barely escaping with her life.” Mr. Bennet started at these words, betraying slight alarm, but only raised an eyebrow in response. “She proceeded to tell me off quite thoroughly, and in doing so, impressed herself upon my imagination as the most interesting woman I have ever met.”
“Yours is an odd courtship.”
“You are guilty of understatement, Mr. Bennet.”
“Forgive me if I cannot help but note what is even odder than your making love by courting death, but it does strike me as highly unusual that I have never heard your name spoken until today. I have five daughters, Sir James; they do not embark upon romances without a great deal of racket, I assure you.”
“There lays my problem, sir. May I speak frankly?”
“By all means,” Mr. Bennet replied, concealing his interest as best he could.
“I am an ardent man, sir, and was taken with your daughter immediately upon seeing her. At the time, I never expected to see her again, so you may imagine my surprise when she was introduced to me as Darcy’s sister. He says that I have overwhelmed her, only reinforcing the negative image Miss Bennet has formed of me. I am an honest gentleman, sir, but she will not believe in the endurance of my affections.”
“Perhaps that is due to the very short length of your acquaintance! Let me see if I have this correct, Sir James: you have not proposed to my daughter? Does she even know you are here?”
He shook his head. “When I know my heart, sir, I have a very hard time repressing it. I know my manners fail to conform with fashion, and that is why I spend most of my time away from town. I went there this year at the insistence of my friends, for the sole purpose of finding a wife. By coming here to speak with you, I hope to prove to Miss Bennet the sincerity of my affection.”
“Why not proceed in the usual fashion, courting her and giving her time to get to know you?”
“That is precisely the advice your son imparted, Mr. Bennet, and I did in good faith attempt to restrain myself, but it was in vain. As odd is it may seem, sir, I think Miss Bennet and I actually got along better when I dropped the facade. It was unbelievable, you see, for she had already seen too much of my true nature and would not be deceived.”
“I rather doubt Mr. Darcy advocated for deception,” came the dubious reply.
“Oh, most certainly not,” Sir James laughed, ”but as my presence here attests, I must do things my own way.”
Mr. Bennet began to perceive that he rather liked Kitty’s young man, though he was not yet by any means ready to own the fact. What he did not care for was the manner in which Sir James had sidestepped his daughter’s rightful role in making this introduction, should she have ever wished to, though it was undeniable that the circumstances afforded him a great deal of mirth. While he could sympathize with Sir James’ plight in having to overcome a truly wretched first impression, his coming to Longbourn was terribly highhanded. He wondered if Sir James understood the consequences of his impatience.
“Doing things your own way is not something at which I cavil,” he said sternly, “but you, Sir James, seem more intent on having things your own way. The proprieties which you have thoughtlessly swept aside exist to make a lady in my daughter’s position easy, and you, sir, have undermined that comfort which it should be your sole desire to insure.”
Sir James paled at this rebuke. “I certainly did not intend to do anything of the sort!” he declared sincerely.
“Perhaps not, but now that my wife has heard your name, Sir James, she is not likely to rest until Kitty bears it too. Do you wish to marry a coerced lady?”
“No indeed, sir! I do not!”
“Then it falls to me to inform you that you have created a far more difficult task for yourself by coming here. Rather than easing the path to your goal, you have only crowded it with obstacles. I do not know if my daughter has the resolve required to stand up to her mother’s demands, but of this I am sure: I will not allow her to be harassed into marriage. Is that clear?”
“Yes, sir!”
“Now,” in a softer tone of voice, truly pitying (and amused by) the gentleman, “if you succeed in managing to secure my daughter’s affections, I think I will look with favor on the match. I am not much for convention myself, and I could use an exceptional son-in-law. I have a comic in Mr. Collins, all the amiability I can stomach in Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Darcy has dignity well in hand. You would bring some color to the family, Sir James, and that might just be precisely what we need.”
Sir James regained his shaken composure as he listened to this speech, realizing that his host had enjoyed a bit of fun at his expense, but the doubts he raised would not be dismissed. “I see I have once again “put my foot in it”, as my stable master would say. Am I to receive the blessings I craved only to find them hallow and meaningless, actually detrimental to my cause? Mr. Bennet, there must be a path I might follow to your daughter’s hand! Please, sir, if you have any notion how the thing is to be done, then I beg of you tell me, for I feel a caged starling, and I cannot get out!”
“Nonsense!” Mr. Bennet laughed, no longer able to contain himself. “I never thought I’d see a man as intensely in love as Darcy, but you do have a bad case, my boy! My lord – you have not even known her a week and here you are, begging for my help! And a baronet too! Who would ever have imagined Kitty would bring me such hearty diversion! Yes, I’ll advise you, but you will not like what I have to say, for I agree with the discerning Darcy: give it time! But I’ll do better – I will help you! You are not traveling back to London today?”
Sir James grinned, “Is that an invitation, sir?”
“Why not?” Mr. Bennet shrugged. ”I am sure Mrs. Bennet has already made arrangements for you, just in case you might be persuaded to stay. We shall have to convince her not to interfere, you know, so you may as well be accommodating! I hope the diversion will do her some good.”
--
Mr. Darcy received an express from Longbourn that evening, right as the party was about to leave for a concert. Elizabeth would have expressed immediate concern had she seen the direction, but as the messenger intercepted the recipient outside of his home, where he was speaking with the coachman, Darcy was left to open the letter without inquisition. As the first line instructed that he not share the contents of the missive with anyone, particularly the scribe’s daughters, he was forced to go inside and seek the solitude of his study, informing the ladies that he had a moment’s worth of business to attend to along his way. Curious to know what warranted such secrecy, it was with growing unease that he read the following:
I have Sir James Stratton here, a most extraordinary man. I am afraid he has behaved very rashly, and will likely pay for it, but I intend to keep him here a few days to cool. I understand you are aware of the circumstances that drove him to my door, despairing of all other alternatives! and so need not reference them here. I’ll just mention my track record in matchmaking, of which you are well aware, and request a quick line from you confirming his good character.
Yrs, etc.
Chapter 13
Sir James was met with disappointment when he next called at the Darcy residence, the ladies being out, but Mr. Darcy received his card and saw him in his study. Sir James was unsurprised when his old friend demanded he make an account of himself, relating the logic, while acknowledging its flaws, that drove him forth to Longbourn to seek, and receive, Mr. Bennet’s counsel. No, he certainly shouldn’t have done so, but since the deed was done, it was best to make the most of the si
tuation, pledging he would now adhere to Darcy’s original advice, though being sure to not repress anything of himself but his very determined feelings for Miss Bennet. “If patience is what winning her requires, I’ll be the most patient man under the stars, Fitz!” he pledged, and Mr. Darcy agreed, reluctantly, to not reveal his time in Hertfordshire to Miss Bennet.
“What do you do when she introduces you to Mrs. Bennet? It will all come out, James, and give her another reason to mistrust you. I do not like it, however, I will not open the subject with anyone, but I also will not perjure myself on your behalf, if questioned.”
“I will tell her myself of it, once I have proven my steadfastness. I do think she likes me, you know, she just is a little discomposed. I do not think she was taught to think very well of herself, and it is a wound I intend to mend.”
Darcy came forward with an open hand. “I am glad to hear it! Long ago I noticed that Miss Bennet was not receiving the attention a lively and susceptible girl requires, lost amongst the uproar of so many sisters. I will be very happy to see her in good hands.” He frowned, “That is, as long as she welcomes your attentions. If Miss Bennet continues to repulse you, I cannot allow her to be harassed.”
“I think there is little fear of that,” Sir James smiled cockily, “There was much to learn at Longbourn regarding Miss Bennet, and I will undoubtedly get on the better for it.”
Elizabeth, upon noticing Sir James’ card, put her husband precisely in the predicament he wished to avoid. “Sir James is back! Does he say what took him off so suddenly?”
“Some business North of town. Did you ladies have a pleasant day?”
“Yes, but for one bit of unpleasantness. It seems Mrs. Wickham has determined that Mondays will be the very time for a regular gathering of sisters – Kitty, Jane, and she all had such a fine time that it cannot be an isolated experience – and while Jane will take on the responsibility of playing hostess next week, such pleasures cannot be delayed forever. Kitty is to have the following.”
Darcy grimaced. “I would rather not have anything to do with the Wickhams at all, but I suppose it is unavoidable. How long before the husband follows the wife? We are sure to have him on our doorstep before long, and I will not subject Georgiana to such imposition.”
“We shall take care that she is otherwise occupied when Mrs. Wickham visits. More than that I do not see what is to be done,” she sighed. “What sort of business would take Sir James into Hertfordshire?”
Mr. Darcy stared at his wife. “I’m sure he has many interests that take him about the country.”
Mrs. Darcy stared back. “Fitzwilliam, do you prevaricate with me?”
He flushed, “What makes you think so?”
“It will not do, you know. How fortunate for me that you are thoroughly clumsy in the art of deception! I had thought you abhorred disguise? Whatever has led you to attempt it must be very interesting indeed.”
Resignedly, he affirmed, “I warned Sir James I would not hide his whereabouts if questioned directly on the subject, as I feared I would be. He has been to Longbourn to consult your father.
Elizabeth did not reply for a moment as the shock of this information descended upon her, and then she could only emit an incredulous, “He did what?!”
“He went to Longbourn, and there he spent three days making himself quite comfortable, by his account, with his future in laws.”
Elizabeth bristled, “Awfully presumptuous, isn’t he?”
“You and your father are of the same opinion. However, as he has taken quite a liking to Sir James, he has agreed to assist his cause by negating this extremely misjudged action. Mrs. Bennet has been ordered by Mr. Bennet, and cajoled by Sir James, to not even mention his existence to anyone, and most particularly to not write Kitty on the subject.”
Elizabeth looked dubious. “While I am relieved to know my mother will not be descending upon us to expedite the affair, how is such a feat of officious meddling supposed to benefit anyone?”
“I do not like it myself, but what do we do but hold our tongues? Kitty, in all her unreasonable prejudice, is unlikely to forgive Sir James such an action. Even were she inclined to him, there is no doubt he has acted with unbecoming haste.”
“I should say so, indeed!” she declared, her indignation rising as she considered the matter. “It’s really disgraceful, you know! If Sir James was not such a thoroughly pleasant fellow – and with each encounter I like him more and more, you know – I could not abide such blatant matchmaking, on you or my father’s part. How fortunate for him!”
He breathed a sigh of relief. “You will not expose him!”
“No, though I should. It is rather unfair to Kitty, do you not agree?”
”Yes. I am afraid I do, but I see no way around it. James is so desperately in love with her it is almost comical. I am sure your father enjoyed his company immensely. Marrying him would do far more than secure Kitty a title, you know. He will be an exemplary husband.”
“And if she cannot like him?”
“My dear Elizabeth!” Darcy chided her. “What is there not to like?”
“Not every lady will care for every man, no matter how charming,” she defended herself before admitting, “Kitty is a more stoic lady than I if she can withstand such determined devotion as he displays. Let us hope he is not exposed, for I know not how I shall justify our behavior.”
And so the Darcys nervously watched on as Kitty and Sir James embarked upon a somewhat unexceptional period of courtship. Elizabeth spoke to her sister about the gentleman’s formal request to do so, assuring her that there was no reason to doubt the veracity of his attachment, but only asked her to give him a chance and get to know him, promising that she would stand by her should she choose to refuse his certain proposal. Elizabeth also spoke with Georgiana about not providing her own form of pressure on Kitty to like Sir James, “I know how very exciting the notion must be for you, Georgiana, but do refrain from sharing with Kitty any daydreams you might have about being neighbors for the rest of your lives.”
“I will try,” she promised, “but it will be difficult. I do so hope she comes to like him better, Elizabeth!”
“We must hope she comes to feel a great deal more for him than she currently seems to if we want the two to enjoy a happy life together. I am afraid Sir James has an upward battle.”
It was true. Although Kitty had determined to provide Sir James the opportunity to know her better, she remained doubtful about the possibility of having a future with him. He seemed too exciting, too handsome, and far too rich for her to be so fortunate as to win his affection. Yet she felt herself drawn to him despite her hesitations, and with each ride in the park (either in the once fearful curricle or upon a horse of his choosing), visit to the theater, or dance at a ball, she had an increasingly difficult time retaining a strict guard upon her heart.
London society had already become somewhat accustomed to seeing Georgiana and Mr. Brooks in each other’s company, a pairing interesting to discuss, particularly as so many thought she could do rather better, but now that Kitty and Sir James combined to make a most determined foursome, the gossip could not be contained. That Sir James, for all his singularity, was expected to marry higher did not cause as much sensation as the subject of Miss Bennet’s good fortune. Rumor spread of there being four or five more such ladies back at Longbourn, each possessed with a bevy of graces, the youngest of whom was surely destined to marry no less than a Duke. For some these tales were mere diversions, only the latest coupling to be the talk of the town, soon superseded by more interesting news, but others, like Mrs. Wickham, her husband, and her dear friend, Miss Beaumont, to whom the phrase “my dear friend, Lady Stratton” sounded very well, relished with greedy glee Kitty’s rising expectations, congratulating themselves on her success.
Sir James had been assiduously pressing his suit for ten days when he and Mr. Brooks escorted Georgiana, Kitty, and Elizabeth to a damp shed in a Park Lane yard to view the marble stat
uary that Lord Elgin had so controversially removed from the Athenian acropolis. Elizabeth had been unsure of her feelings about the manner in which this ancient treasure was obtained, but as Mr. Darcy, who had already viewed the marbles on more than one occasion, was adamant that everyone who had the opportunity should see the magnificent collection, regardless of the circumstances, she was easily convinced to act as chaperone. Sir James, who arranged the visit, had also been to Park Lane several times over the proceeding decade, and it was with passion that he argued for the state’s acquirement of the marbles, as the party made their way towards their destination. “If they are not removed to a proper location soon, all of Elgin’s efforts will have been in vain. I doubt even the Turks and tourists could have done more damage than London fog has inflicted. The time for moralizing has gone on long enough; the marbles must be protected, and at all costs.”
“Should they not be returned to their rightful owners?” Georgiana questioned, her mind full of Byron’s poignant criticisms of the former ambassador to Constantinople.
Sir James shook his head most adamantly. “The journey might prove disastrous. We may argue forever and a day about what has already been done, but all that we can change is in the future. England, for better or worse, is in possession of one of the greatest treasures in the world. It is our duty to protect and preserve what remains.”
Kitty, who knew very little on the subject, was prompted by this introduction to view something extraordinarily magnificent, and she was unable to conceal her disappointment when confronted by a massive array of broken statuary. Sir James watched her as she contemplated a series of sculptures, all badly damaged, before inserting himself into her contemplations. “What think you, Miss Bennet? Rather unlike anything else you have seen, I imagine.”
“I am not accustomed to judging art, Sir James, or at least not anything more complex than classroom watercolors. I fear my opinion is of little account.”
