by Louise, Kara
Jane let out a long sigh and smiled.
Elizabeth quickly leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I am so happy for you, Jane. So happy!”
*~*~*
When they returned to Longbourn, Jane, Charles, and David repaired to the sitting room, while Elizabeth went in search of her parents. She approached her father’s library, knowing he would likely be there, and heard both her parents’ voices coming from inside.
“We are likely to have a guest for dinner tonight, Mrs. Bennet, who will soon be a member of the family, but it is not Mr. Adams.”
“Not Mr. Adams? But he leaves on the morrow! I thought before he departed, he would have asked for Lizzy’s hand!” Mrs. Bennet let out a moan. “Is that not why you brought him here?”
Mr. Bennet shook his head. “We never have a guarantee of those things, and we must not dwell on what might have been. But are you not inclined to hear who the person is?”
“Oh, yes, Mr. Bennet! I was so distressed over David, that I forgot there is someone else!”
Mr. Bennet smiled. “It is our neighbour, Mr. Bingley, who is this very day asking for our Jane’s hand.”
“Mr. Bennet! I am delighted with such news! But what can we do about David? I am so disappointed he is about to leave us.”
“We are going to do nothing about David. Let us be happy for our Jane and share in her joy this evening.”
Elizabeth waited, listening at the door, until she was certain her mother was thinking about Jane and Charles, and not David and her. She finally walked in and announced that the newly engaged couple had returned and were waiting for them in the sitting room.
*~*~*
Later, as they gathered in the dining room for dinner, the mood continued to be joyful, and everyone talked about the engagement and wedding. David did not wish to take away from the elation everyone was feeling, so he spoke little about his departure.
They had just finished their meal, when there was a knock at the front door. A few moments later their butler walked in carrying two letters.
“A missive for Mr. Bennet, and one for Mr. Adams.” He handed each of the men their letter, bowed, and stepped out of the room.
“Oh!” cried Mrs. Bennet, who began fanning herself. “It can only be about your sister, Mr. Bennet. I just know she has died! It is always bad news when one receives an unexpected letter!”
They both opened their letters, and David abruptly stood up. “Heavens! This is grave, indeed!”
Mr. Bennet read his letter, slowly shaking his head. “How very sad!”
“When did she die, my dear? I am so sorry!”
Mr. Bennet looked up. “She did not die; she is still very much alive, for if you look closely, the letter is from her. But there was a recent death.”
“Who?” everyone in the room asked.
David softly answered, “Robert Mintner, the young man in the navy whom Melanie loved.”
Elizabeth brought her hand up over her mouth. “Oh, this must be so hard on her. Does it say how she is faring?”
He nodded. “My mother says she is taking it hard and is very despondent.”
Mr. Bennet looked down at the letter in his hands. “Viola says she does not know what to do to help her through this. She only wishes she had the strength to do everything she would wish for her daughter.”
Elizabeth looked at David and could readily see the concern he had for Melanie. He began to pace, reading the letter again and again. She stood up and walked over to him.
“I am so sorry to hear this. It sounds as though she would benefit from the support of a very close friend.” She bit her lip and watched him, but he said nothing. Finally, she added softly, “Do you really have to go on to Staffordshire? Perhaps… perhaps you ought to return to St. Mary’s?”
David pinched his brows. “I do not know if I should. I would not want to interfere. I would not want her to think…”
“No, I know you would not. But you are a good friend and care deeply for her.” Elizabeth took in a deep breath. “If you go and allow her to grieve… just be there for her… she might come to return those same feelings you have for her.” She lifted her brows and gave him a nod of encouragement.
“Has it been that apparent?”
Elizabeth silently nodded and smiled. “I know how much you care for her.”
“I do not know…”
She placed a hand on his arm. “Of course, you cannot expect her to suddenly switch her affections from this young man to you, but if you let her know you are there only to give her comfort and support, be a listening ear, and give her a shoulder to cry on, she will treasure that.”
David slowly nodded. “I should really like to do that, but do you suppose she will come to love me?”
“I believe she already does. She needs to realize that what she feels for you is something that two people do not often have.” She gave him a smile and tilted her head. “You will not know until you try.”
His brows furrowed as he considered her words. Finally, his brows lifted. “I believe I shall! Thank you so much, Elizabeth.” He turned his head towards her. “I wish…”
Elizabeth gave a quick nod of her head. “Yes, I know.”
David spread his lips in a smile. “I hope all things work out for you, as well, whether it is Mr. Darcy or someone else.”
Elizabeth let out a long sigh. “Yes,” she replied wistfully. “Perhaps someone else!”
*~*~*
The following day, David departed for London, planning to return to St. Mary’s. Mrs. Bennet, of course, did not understand how he could settle upon making another trip across the sea after all that had happened to them on their previous journey. She was still disappointed that Elizabeth had not secured the young man’s affections, or if not his affections, at least an offer of marriage, for certainly love could come later. She blamed Elizabeth for not having made a greater effort in securing his hand.
Elizabeth could only silently laugh at her mother’s absurd grievances.
*~*~*
Nearly everyone in the Bennet household was in an uproar the days before the Masquerade Ball as they excitedly planned their costumes. Since this was a yearly event, the same costumes were usually worn year after year, if not by the same person, then passed down to another. They were always altered in some way, with embellishments added, changed, or removed.
Mr. Bennet had decided to allow Lydia to attend, as he always looked forward to a pleasant evening alone on the night of the Masquerade Ball. His idea of enjoying the evening was to remain at home with a good book in front of his face instead of a mask. The last thing he wanted was Lydia there to disturb his solitude. While Elizabeth did not agree with his decision to allow Lydia to attend, she was not surprised by it.
Previous years’ costumes were brought out, haggled over, and snatched up. Kitty and Lydia immediately began pulling out ribbons, lace, beads, and feathers and adding new ones. They did not care what they were dressed up as; they only cared that they and their costumes would be noticed.
Mary’s costume always consisted of the same muslin dress and a mask which was adorned with a simple flower. She did not care to dress up as something she was not, but she conceded to enter into the masquerade festivities by covering her eyes.
Jane chose to dress up as an angel, because that had become the endearing name Mr. Bingley continued to call her. She wore all white, and Elizabeth made a halo decorated with white ribbons and small white flowers. The wings were somewhat problematic, but a solution soon presented itself. They attached sheer white fabric to the sleeves, so when Jane lifted her arms, the wings spread. She was eager to see Charles dressed as a soldier, borrowing the uniform from one of the families in Meryton, whose father had been in the army in the late 1700s.
Mrs. Bennet was dressed as a lady from the early 18th century, with a dress that had been handed down for several generations. It came complete with wide domed hoops, which took up most of the room in the carriage every year when they ro
de to the affair. Elizabeth always thought that was the main reason her father never wished to attend, as there was always very little room, and her mother fretted whether the hoops would get crushed. Every year the dress had to be tailored, however, to allow for her ever expanding body, but she was still able to wear it.
On the day of the Masquerade Ball, Mr. Bennet could not enjoy one moment of silence as the ladies spent all day making sure their costumes would be ready on time. Mrs. Bennet wailed and fretted the most, as she continually asked for someone to advise her concerning some aspect of her costume. At length she entered Mr. Bennet’s library to seek his opinion.
After a rather lengthy discussion about the embellishments that might be added to her dress, he stood to his feet and pointed to the open door. “I have had enough! Oh, that you all could have been like Mary and just worn a mask!”
“But that would not be so much fun!” exclaimed Lydia, who ran past his library with Kitty after picking some flowers. “I am so glad the Masquerade Ball is in the summer and not winter, as so many others are. Flowers add so much to the costume!”
Kitty giggled, and the two girls ran upstairs.
Elizabeth had been standing nearby, and felt a pang of regret for her father that he did not have a son. He had seemed to enjoy David’s level-headed conversation and steady demeanour. The Bennet household was certainly influenced by all the feminine sensibilities, which sometimes drove their father to his wit’s end. The day of a ball was always the most trying for him.
She stepped into her father’s library after her mother stomped out.
“Now what?” Mr. Bennet asked as he glared up from his book. “Oh, Lizzy! Now you certainly look splendid.” He gave her a brief smile and tilted his head. “What are you supposed to be, again?” He narrowed his eyes. “I believe you were a Parisienne belle, last year, but this is certainly different.”
She shrugged her shoulders. “I think I am a Spanish gypsy.”
She had taken a multi-coloured dress, sewed ruffles onto the bottom, and tied a large shawl about her waist that hung down her dress at an angle. She tied a smaller, narrower shawl around her head and decorated it with flowers and ribbons. She also wove flowers and ribbons through her hair, which was pulled together to one side and over her shoulder to the front.
She fingered the rather large necklace, which came from her mother’s jewellery box. She would never wear something like it except to an affair such as this, as she preferred a small chain and dainty cross or pendant. She laughingly held up her mask to her face, which was decorated with more flowers and a few feathers.
“I cannot say I know what a Spanish gypsy looks like, but I daresay you make a beautiful one. Come, give your father a kiss and then be on your way.”
*~*~*
The Bennet ladies made the short ride into Meryton in as much discomfort as they always did. Mrs. Bennet sat in the middle of the seat to allow her hoops to extend out on either side. Mary and Kitty had to sit on the very edge of that seat next to her so as not to ruin the dress. Jane, Elizabeth, and Lydia sat across from them.
When they arrived at the Assembly Hall, they stepped out of the carriage with care so as not to ruin any part of their costumes. There were no announcements at the ball, as part of the fun was to try to guess the identities of the attendees. Since their neighbourhood was small, however, it was not difficult to recognize nearly everyone there.
They stepped in and were amazed, as they were each year, at the array of glamorous and creative costumes. Even though the summer days were longer and it was not yet dusk, candles were lit about the room. Flowers decorated the hall in elaborate arrangements and hung in garlands. A small orchestra was playing, but the first dance would be announced shortly.
When Mr. Bingley came up and bowed, the ladies giggled. The uniform was a little large for him around the waist and was different from the uniforms worn now, but he certainly looked handsome. His eyes sparkled through his mask as he gazed at his angel. He spoke a few moments with the Bennet ladies, and then took Jane’s arm and ushered her directly to the centre of the room to await the first dance.
Mary walked to the side room where the refreshments were being served and chairs were set up to visit. Mary preferred not to dance, but merely to observe and enter into conversation with anyone willing to join her.
Kitty and Lydia quickly set off in search of any new acquaintance that might be made. They usually were good at guessing who everyone was and were excited about the possibility of there being someone in attendance from outside their neighbourhood.
Elizabeth watched as the dancers lined up and the music began, but she also found herself looking about her. It was such a festive atmosphere, however, she felt anything but. She could offer up a smile and friendly conversation, but her heart felt heavy. Perhaps she should just join Mary, for even the thought of dancing did not appeal to her at the moment.
As she turned to go to Mary, she came to an abrupt stop, her heart beating wildly. She saw a man across the room. He was facing the other way, but she could see his black oilskin coat and tri-corn hat. She watched as he talked to those around him. Then he slowly turned around. She held her breath.
Her heart sank. It was not Mr. Darcy, but Mr. Goulding. Her shoulders rose and lowered as she let out her breath in an audible sigh. She shook her head in disgust as she recollected that he came to the ball every year as a pirate.
She suddenly felt someone behind her, and a tremor passed through her.
“If ye are not otherwise engaged, may I ’ave the pleasure of the next dance?”
Elizabeth stood frozen and was unable to move. Her eyes had only a moment ago deceived her; had her ears just done the same?
Chapter 26
Elizabeth clasped her hands tightly together to calm the trembling that beset her. She took in a deep breath but could not keep from whirling about. She found herself looking up into the face of Mr. Darcy. He stood before her, dressed as the pirate she had come to love, albeit with a few changes. He wore his tri-corn hat, but his trimmed hair did not peek out at the sides, and curls did not trail down his neck. His face was clean shaven, and he wore a patch over his eye instead of the red sash. She could see the scar peeking out at the top. The red sash had resumed its function around his waist. His shirt, complete with white billowy sleeves, had the addition of exceptionally large ruffles. His baldric hung across his chest, but without the scabbard to hold sword, dagger, or pistol. His oilskin coat hung loosely at his sides.
She could not trust herself to utter one word, but it was very easy for her to smile.
“You must know I find this all infuriatingly arduous, standing in the midst of people that I do not know.” He smiled weakly. “It would be a great help to me if you accepted my invitation to dance.”
Elizabeth felt a sense of euphoria at being asked to help him feel at ease, while at the same time, the desire to enter into a bantering dialogue with him tugged at her. “And why should you feel that way, Mr. Darcy, when you are acquainted with several in this Assembly Hall.”
Mr. Darcy looked at her sheepishly. “Because I cannot tell the difference between those I have been introduced to and those I have not! I cannot recognize anyone behind these wretched masks!”
Elizabeth tilted her head. “How, then, did you know it was me standing here? I have a mask on, and I was facing away from you!”
He allowed a smile. “When I entered the ballroom, ye were the only lady pirate I saw! I knew me first dance would ’ave to be wi’ a lady pirate.”
“Lady pirate! I beg your pardon, Mr. Darcy, but I am a Spanish gypsy!”
Darcy took a step back and lifted a brow as he took in her attire. “’Tis me error, m’lady.” He bowed his head briefly. “Pray, excuse me. But ye ’ave yet to answer me question. May I ’ave the next dance if ye are not otherwise engaged?”
Elizabeth could not keep back her giggle. She felt as though at this moment, she could giggle all evening. “I am not otherwise engaged, and yes,
you may have the next dance, Lockerly, or Captain Smith, or Mr. Darcy. May I inquire what your name might be tonight?”
“Who would you prefer I be?”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks warm just from the intensity of his gaze – even though one eye was covered! She laughed nervously. “You know I think you are a very odd pirate and a most excellent captain, but I should prefer to call you Mr. Darcy.”
“Then Mr. Darcy, it is.”
She tilted her head and fingered a single strand of hair that had fallen across her face. “I did not know you were in Hertfordshire.”
“I only just arrived.” He spoke in his normal voice, very mellow and smooth.
“Did your sister come with you?” Elizabeth bit her lip. “I should very much like to see her again.”
“And she returns the sentiment. I hope the two of you are able to renew your acquaintance.”
Elizabeth found it difficult to breathe. Was he merely being polite, or was there deeper meaning to his words?
Darcy continued. “She will be arriving on the morrow. I rode on horseback, and she is taking the carriage.”
“On horseback? With your pirate costume in hand?” Elizabeth felt she needed to keep things lively between them, or she might declare her ardent love for him right there!
He gave his head a shake. “What makes ye think I didn’t wear it as I rode?”
Elizabeth laughed gaily. “Certainly you did not!”
“And why should I not?” He smiled and shrugged his shoulders. “I brought it along in a satchel. A rather large satchel.”
Elizabeth wondered if he knew he was alternating speaking like Captain Smith and then like himself. “Has your pirate attire now become a standard part of your wardrobe? Do you carry it along with you in case you are required to impersonate one at a moment’s notice?”
Darcy laughed. “Bingley informed me of the Masquerade Ball.”
