by APRIL FLOYD
The bond between mother and daughter had grown much stronger during this time and Elizabeth was grateful Mrs. Bennet preferred to teach her rather than shame her. It was a lesson she would pass to her own son or daughter one day.
When Mrs. Bennet sent her out into the fields to gather more herbs and roots, Elizabeth took her basket in hand, smiled brightly at her mother, and walked quickly to the lane. She hadn’t been on a long walk in some time. Jane met her in the lane and followed along.
“Oh Lizzy, won’t it be wonderful to dance at the ball? Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy will surely be encouraged in their pursuit.”
Elizabeth nodded and instructed her sister to help gather the herbs that grew by the small stream ahead.
“I am pleased to see Lydia and Kitty behaving. Once Mr. Bingley set the date, they have been well in hand. Mother must have warned them there would be no new dresses if they did not comply with her wishes.”
Jane laughed and turned to place her handful of herbs into Elizabeth’s basket. “We have no need of new dresses, not with your eye for fashion.”
Elizabeth laughed at her sister’s words and the cloud she had been under the past weeks lifted. She ran ahead of Jane through the field, her bonnet flying behind her.
She twirled in a patch of sunlight and Jane watched as Elizabeth’s skirts changed color three times. The smile on her face was a wonderful sight and Jane sighed as the happiness returned to Elizabeth’s demeanor.
She had noticed her favorite sister’s missish behavior since their return to Longbourn and the hours she spent in the barn with their mother instead of the walks Elizabeth normally took each day. Jane was pleased to know Elizabeth was becoming serious about her gift.
She would make a fine wife for Charles Bingley and Jane hoped to see them married, although she worried at her own feelings for Mr. Bingley. Mr. Darcy was a handsome man and quite wealthy, but Jane found her mind confused by his attentions since leaving Netherfield.
She would have been most unhappy if she and Elizabeth were to marry strangers and be separated now. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley were close friends and would always find a reason to visit and so she would remain close to her favorite sister. Jane caught Elizabeth up and noticed her skirt had changed color once more.
“Lizzy, what do you think of Mr. Bingley? Would you be happy married to him?”
Elizabeth frowned and turned to Jane.
“He is a generous man, and one more agreeable than I have ever met, but I cannot say that I love him, Jane. My heart would lead me to another gentleman, one I would never have dreamed of marrying upon our first meeting.”
Jane sighed and took Elizabeth’s hand.
“I confess that I find Mr. Bingley more suited to my own sensibilities but Mr. Darcy is the match mother wants for me.”
Elizabeth held her breath. Could the spells be waning in power?
“Jane, who must live with Mr. Darcy as his wife? Certainly not mother. If he is not the man you believe you might be happy with, then why should you concern yourself with what mother wishes?”
Jane took Elizabeth’s basket and they walked hand in hand for a while picking herbs and digging up roots.
“Lizzy, but what of Mr. Bingley’s feelings? He is mad for you. He cannot hide it. What shall you do if he asks you to marry him?”
Elizabeth considered Jane’s question. She had thought of nothing else since the day she spoke the words that changed his heart.
Now that she knew Mr. Darcy was likely unaffected by her magic, Elizabeth considered that she might persuade him to help her for the sake of Bingley and Jane. She embraced Jane and sniffed back the tears that threatened.
“Mr. Bingley shall not ask for my hand, Jane. I will make certain he turns his attention your way.”
Jane sighed and patted Elizabeth’s back.
“Let us return home and help Mother put her treasures away and then we shall begin the work of helping our sisters with their dresses for the ball.”
The Bennet sisters walked hand in hand back to Longbourn and Elizabeth believed she might break the spells and bring about her sister’s happiness before the ball began.
18
The morning of the ball arrived and Elizabeth found herself unable to keep her mind on the work at hand. She and Mrs. Bennet had found an enchantment that would break the blasted spells the day before but Elizabeth would need to perform it at Netherfield tonight, with Jane, Bingley, and Mr. Darcy present.
Her nerves were frayed by the constant uproar of Lydia and Kitty as they broke their good behavior under the anticipation of the ball.
Their dresses were waiting, the colors and designs changed by Elizabeth in the days leading up to the grand event. But her younger sisters were unhappy with their shoes and reticules. Elizabeth knew she would have no peace until she sat with each of them.
“Kitty, bring me your things and let me finish them so that I might have my own ready in time.”
Lydia stomped about, angry that Kitty would have Elizabeth’s attention first. Elizabeth frowned at the most childish of her sisters and warned her without a care for her theatrics.
“Lydia, if you do not display patience, I shall not waste another moment helping you.”
Kitty laughed and Elizabeth sent her a warning glance.
Jane joined them and took Lydia down to breakfast. She wondered at Elizabeth’s unease. Kitty and Lydia were vexing in their constant arguing but Jane sensed there was something more worrisome bothering Elizabeth. They would walk together after breakfast and Jane would find the answer.
* * *
Mr. Bingley was in his usual good spirits at Netherfield but Mr. Darcy was weary from days of keeping Charles occupied and away from Longbourn. The man had visited twice without him, for he could not see Miss Elizabeth without taking pity and breaking her spells.
Watching his best friend swoon over the woman he had come to admire despite her lack of judgment and experience in using magic had been more difficult than he first imagined.
And now the ball was drawing near. He feared they must visit Longbourn this morning. He would speak with Mrs. Bennet and admit his interference that had lent strength to her daughter’s misspoken spells.
The woman would be upset with him, he was certain, as she ought be. Without his power enhancing Miss Elizabeth’s attempts in matchmaking, the situation would not have come to pass. He thought again of the spell he would use to undo those spoken by the lady with the fine eyes.
By moon and stars
By earth and seas
Return the love
To the hearts of these
Gathered here and mixed about
He gave a start as Charles called his name.
“Darcy, I wondered if we might ride this morning? I am most excited to dance with Miss Elizabeth this night. I wish to offer for her hand in marriage!”
Mr. Darcy swallowed his protest at the idea and reminded himself that Charles would never make that offer. “Certainly, let us go now. Perhaps we may see the Bennet sisters before returning to Netherfield? I find myself eager to see Miss Jane once more.”
The gentlemen left the breakfast parlor and Charles sent the footman to see that their horses were made ready.
* * *
Elizabeth and Jane walked silently through the field to Oakham Mount. The view from the prospect caused them to linger and Jane sat and beckoned Elizabeth to sit beside her.
“What a lovely morning it is, Lizzy. And we shall end the day with a happy event at Netherfield. I have longed to return there since we left. Do you think Mr. Bingley’s sisters will come?”
Elizabeth loosened her bonnet and inhaled deeply. The idea of performing her reversal spell whilst Caroline and Louisa stared at her made her heart quicken its pace.
“I should certainly hope not, Jane. Those two hold no affection for the country life. I imagine they would only dance with their brother, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Hurst, the same as they did at the assembly in Meryton.”
Jane
nodded. She shielded her eyes from the sun’s rays and turned her head at a motion in the field below them. “Lizzy, look there! It appears to be Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. Shall we watch them pass or wave to them?”
Elizabeth jumped from her seat on the rock and held her handkerchief aloft. Jane laughed and stood beside her.
“Let us meet them, then.”
The ladies walked slowly down the hill and met the gentlemen along the way. Mr. Bingley tipped his hat and dismounted before Mr. Darcy could speak.
“Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet! How lovely to find you about on our morning ride.”
He took Elizabeth’s hand in his and bowed to Jane. Mr. Darcy glanced at Elizabeth and she turned to Mr. Bingley.
“I would have a moment with Mr. Darcy, please.”
Mr. Bingley nodded and took Jane’s arm.
“Certainly, my dear. Miss Bennet will sit with me atop the hill. We shall be family soon enough, I hope.”
Elizabeth saw the shadow that passed over Jane’s countenance and hurried to speak with Mr. Darcy as Mr. Bingley led her sister away.
Mr. Darcy dismounted and nodded to Elizabeth. He found he could not control his desire to know if she would accept Bingley’s offer at the ball.
“Mr. Bingley is eager to offer for your hand Miss Elizabeth. Whether he can wait until tonight seems unlikely. What answer shall you give the man?”
Elizabeth drew a breath to calm the butterflies that swarmed when she gazed into Mr. Darcy’s eyes. “I am hopeful that I might change Mr. Bingley’s heart, Mr. Darcy. He and Jane are a better match, I think.”
She glanced to the couple now sitting on the rock atop the hill. Mr. Darcy followed her gaze.
“How might you accomplish such a feat, Miss Elizabeth? The man is enchanted with you, I fear.”
Elizabeth smiled at Mr. Darcy’s use of the word enchanted. She was now certain of his own magical abilities. He wished to know how she might correct her course, the one that had gone far afield with his assistance.
“Why, Mr. Darcy, what a lovely word you chose to explain your friend’s current emotions. I have a plan in mind, after careful consideration with my mother, and I believe the ball this evening shall find Mr. Bingley in love with Jane once more.”
Elizabeth turned quickly and skipped up the hill to join Bingley and Jane.
19
The carriage awaited the ladies of Longbourn as the skies above darkened. Elizabeth glanced at the twinkling stars as she was helped into the conveyance by their footman.
Her sisters and mother were resplendent in their dresses made new by Elizabeth’s magic. Kitty and Lydia had demanded one last change to their shoes and Elizabeth had obliged given their ability to dress for the ball with but one fight between them.
As the carriage pulled away and down the lane, Elizabeth recited her spell time and again in her head. She knew without the presence of Mr. Darcy, it would not work to undo the knots of her previous spells but it calmed her nerves to practice in her head.
The lights of Netherfield came into view and her younger sisters began to chatter of the ballroom and the men they would dance with. Elizabeth glanced at Jane and took her hand and whispered low.
“Do not fret, dear Jane. Mr. Bingley shall discover the love of his life this evening.”
Jane gave her sister a puzzled look and shook her head.
“I am most confused, Lizzy. Mr. Bingley could only speak of you this afternoon. I think you may not understand the man’s feelings. ”
Elizabeth turned away as she realized the power of the spells increased the closer they came to Netherfield. She would seek out a quiet corner as soon as they were escorted into the ballroom and set the situation to right.
Mr. Bingley welcomed them to Netherfield, his face alight with joy at greeting Elizabeth. Jane blushed as Mr. Darcy took her arm, the happiness in her eyes causing Elizabeth to remove her arm from her suitor’s grasp.
“Mr. Bingley, I would tour the ballroom with my mother whilst you welcome your guests.”
He nodded reluctantly and promised to join Elizabeth as soon as he might. She sighed in relief and followed her mother inside the grand room.
She had not seen the ballroom during the week she and Jane had spent at Netherfield. The floor shone with a soft glow from the polishing of many hands. The girlish giggles of Lydia and Kitty as they found their favorite soldiers drifted across the room.
Elizabeth looked about and found Charlotte Lucas and her family in attendance. She nodded to her friend but kept pace with her mother.
Mrs. Bennet wished to stop and speak with her many friends but she guided Elizabeth to a corner by the open French doors and whispered as they watched the guests mingle before the great fireplace. Its warmth and brightness lent the perfect light to the sparkling crystal chandeliers that hung from the ceiling about the room.
It was the most beautiful sight Elizabeth had seen and she understood now the behavior of Mr. Bingley’s sisters at the assembly. Their small, unadorned meeting place would have dismayed women accustomed to a sight such as this. Still, they might have shown a bit more grace and proper manners.
Mrs. Bennet took her hand and patted it.
“Lizzy, the time is drawing near. The moon has risen and Mr. Bingley shall seek your company before long. I will leave you now, but do not doubt yourself. All the pieces are in place, my dear.”
Elizabeth trembled as her mother stepped away. A sudden fear swept over her and she longed to run from the room, frightened so that she might make matters far worse.
Mr. Bingley entered the ballroom and was met by the Lucas’s and Elizabeth knew her chance had come. She moved closer to the French doors and welcomed the cool air that enveloped her.
She turned to gaze at the starry night sky and nearly shouted with fright as Mr. Darcy appeared behind her and took her arm.
“Do not fear, Miss Elizabeth. You and I shall undo this magical misfortune together.”
Elizabeth hurried outside, hoping they had not been seen by Jane or Bingley. How might they explain a private meeting in such a romantic setting?
“Mr. Darcy have you known all this time?”
He smiled and nodded.
“I have and I fear I added to the misdeed, Miss Elizabeth. A grave mistake I have come to regret most deeply.”
Elizabeth glanced the way they had come and saw Jane speaking with Charlotte and searching the crowded room.
“Let us speak the words to set Jane and Bingley free from their enchantment, then.”
Mr. Darcy nodded and took her hand.
“Promise me your forgiveness, Miss Elizabeth. I cannot live without the chance to capture your heart without the use of magic.”
Elizabeth stood closer to Mr. Darcy and gazed into his eyes.
“All is forgiven, Mr. Darcy. But, we shall speak of many things once Jane and Bingley are dancing across that floor, forgetting the both of us.”
They joined hands and stepped into the moonlight of the garden below. The words to end the confusion began in his deep, rich voice soon accompanied by the happy, confident sweet tones of the young witch who had stolen his heart without a word of magic uttered.
By moon and stars
By earth and seas
Return the love
To the hearts of these
Gathered here and mixed about
* * *
Jane Bennet found Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth as her eye wandered the room. They were standing on the balcony holding hands! She fanned herself and turned to glance about for Mr. Bingley.
She would take him to the French doors and they would find why Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth had wandered from the ballroom together.
Mr. Bingley had seen the meeting of his dear friend and the woman he loved beyond hope and was quickly making his way across the crowded ballroom.
Mrs. Bennet turned to find her eldest daughter and Mr. Bingley on a course for the French doors where she had left Elizabeth.
She watched for as long
as she might, hoping Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy would recall their purpose before becoming lost in the love that surrounded them. Mrs. Bennet moved away from Lady Lucas with a polite word and hurried toward the balcony.
Jane and Mr. Bingley had gained the doors and he stepped aside to allow her to pass before him.
“Miss Bennet, I saw Darcy and Miss Elizabeth here only moments ago. Where have they gone?”
Jane glanced about hoping she might provide an answer for his query. She felt a tingling sensation as he took her arm in his own and turned to face the amiable man.
Her breath caught in her throat and she leaned heavily against him. Mr. Bingley led her to the balustrade and steadied her hand against the cool stone.
“Are you well, Miss Bennet?”
Jane smiled sweetly at the man as her heart leapt at his concern.
“Why, Mr. Bingley, I am quite well and truly happy to find myself in your company this lovely evening.”
Charles Bingley placed an arm about his lady’s shoulders and sighed.
“Jane Bennet, would you allow me the honor of this dance and all that shall follow through the years?”
Mrs. Bennet halted her steps as their embrace lasted a few moments longer. She was pleased for Jane and Elizabeth. She would return to Lady Lucas and await the announcement of the good news.
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy had stepped into the shadows below the balcony as Jane and Mr. Bingley spoke above them.
“It is done, Mr. Darcy, shall we go inside?”
Elizabeth trembled as he took her gently in his arms and began to dance among the shadows.
“I have you under my spell, Elizabeth Bennet. Let us dance here for a moment while I hold your heart enchanted.”
The End
About the Author
April Floyd lives in Alaska with her husband and youngest son. She enjoys historical fiction, fantasy, and Jane Austen fan fiction.
