Meant to Be: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Andreea Catana

  “And you spoke your opinion loudly even though he was close enough to hear it,” Jane whispered.

  “Mama, you did that?” Elizabeth asked in a state of alarm.

  “Mr. Bingley did not mind. Everyone thought Mr. Darcy so proud and disagreeable, and I was just voicing their opinion; believe me, there was no one in the room who gave him the preference over Mr. Bingley, although Mr. Darcy is a good looking man himself and the ladies remarked on his fine eyes when he entered the room.”

  Elizabeth knew those eyes and unwillingly smiled slightly, which passed unnoticed by Jane and her mother.

  “But with a character like that I would not know who would have him.”

  Mrs. Bennet’s last words seemed to have moved something inside Elizabeth as she was ready to speak in the gentleman’s defence and admit that, yes, Mr. Darcy was proud—she knew it better than anyone—but he was also a gentleman who should not be spoken of in such a fashion. Jane, however, intervened first.

  “Mr. Darcy may be proud, but his motives for not dancing perhaps are justifiable. And, we do not know what kind of gentleman Mr. Darcy really is.”

  “A ghastly one! If I do not see him again, I shall be very happy.”

  Elizabeth was ready to put an end to her mother’s insults. “I think we should retire for the evening. Perhaps we can talk more at breakfast.”

  “Lizzy is right, Mama.” Jane also hoped she would be allowed to go to their room. “I am really tired. My feet hurt, and I need to rest.”

  Mrs. Bennet agreed.

  When they were finally alone, Elizabeth smiled at her sister, and she was rewarded with a blush and a sparkle in Jane’s eyes.

  “Now tell me everything, Jane. You seem content with the evening.”

  “I am, Lizzy! It has been such a night of surprises. I never expected Mr. Bingley to be so”—Jane stopped, ashamed that she was about to give praise to a gentleman—“attentive towards me.”

  “He should be, for you are the most wonderful young lady there is.”

  Jane went even redder in the face. “You speak like this because you see me through the eyes of sisterly love.”

  “Any man who sees you ends up admiring you, Jane!”

  “You are exaggerating, dear Lizzy, but I shall accept it. I am so happy! However, I must say I did feel for poor Mr. Darcy who had his share of judgment from everyone, especially from Mama. You have no idea how ashamed I felt. Surely, you know what I mean.”

  Elizabeth let her gaze down, pretending to be busy with unwrapping the laces of Jane’s gown.

  “You know, he inquired about you, Lizzy.”

  “Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth uttered in surprise.

  “Yes, the very one.” Jane mistook Elizabeth’s astonishment for curiosity. “Mr. Bingley and I had just finished our first set, and he asked me whether he could introduce me to his party of friends. Miss Bingley was the first one he introduced to me, and Lizzy, I must tell you Mr. Bingley’s sister is much prettier in person; Caroline was gracious and friendly. The other lady we saw arriving with Mr. Bingley is his older sister, Mrs. Hurst…”

  Jane went on with her description of the Bingley sisters as Elizabeth impatiently waited for Jane to mention Mr. Darcy again. She, however, seemed to forget him as she told the entire history of how Mr. Bingley had inherited his fortune from his father and other details that had little relevance to Elizabeth.

  “Jane…you were saying about Mr. Darcy…” Elizabeth reminded her when Jane stopped talking.

  “Yes, of course. So, I was telling you, Mr. Bingley introduced me to his sisters while Mr. Darcy stood aloof and distant, listening to us. I think it was Miss Bingley who inquired about our family, and then Mr. Darcy mentioned your name.”

  Elizabeth’s hands shook slightly, and she sat on her side of the bed to hide them. Jane, without noticing, continued her story.

  “He inquired whether you were in good health since you were not at the ball. I was surprised, of course. I had no idea that you knew each other well enough for him to have an interest in you.”

  “We do not, Jane. We have been in each other’s presence a few times, and barely talked to each other. Surely, it was propriety that made him inquire, more than any interest.”

  “Well, it surprised everyone. I think that not even Mr. Bingley was aware that you and Mr. Darcy claimed an acquaintance. When I mentioned that you were at home, indisposed, I saw him frown as if it were something that displeased him. Yet again, perhaps I imagined it. He frowns most of the time.”

  “Yes, I am certain you imaged it. There is no reason for Mr. Darcy to be displeased by my absence.”

  Jane looked at Elizabeth incredulously then turned to her sister and sat next to her.

  “Lizzy, each time anyone mentions Mr. Darcy’s name in your presence, you seem different.” Jane looked straight into her sister’s eyes and asked with determination, “Did Mr. Darcy wrong you in any way while you were at Rosings? Is there something you dare not tell me? I know you think I have not observed much, but I know you, Lizzy, and you are changed.”

  Elizabeth said nothing, just shook her head gently.

  “Papa said you returned earlier than planned from Hunsford. Was Mr. Darcy the cause?”

  “No,” Elizabeth denied, feeling ashamed for not being truthful to Jane. “Mr. Darcy was almost a stranger to me at Rosings, and he has not wronged me in any way. As far as my return is concerned, you know me well enough to know that missing our family is a strong reason to come home early. You would do the same.”

  It was evident even to Elizabeth that Jane pretended to believe her and smiled.

  “You are quite right, I would have done the same, Lizzy.” Then she turned once again to Elizabeth. ”I am so content, Lizzy! I feel this has been a night I shall never forget for the rest of my life.”

  Chapter Ten

  The next morning at breakfast, Mrs. Bennet recounted the blessings of the past night and declared herself satisfied with the success of it. For the time being, all was as she had hoped it would be; Mr. Bingley had eyes only for Jane and Jane was to visit Netherfield Park that day. Mrs. Bennet could image what was to come next.

  “Jane, Jane…sit next to Mary!” she said suddenly while they were eating. Jane looked at her mother for clarification. “If you are lucky, you will catch Mary’s cold.”

  “Mrs. Bennet, what on earth are you thinking?” Mr. Bennet asked in astonishment.

  “My dear, if Jane arrives at Netherfield Park with the possibility of falling ill, the Bingleys will most surely ask her to remain overnight.”

  Lydia and Kitty burst out laughing while Mary and Elizabeth exchanged looks that betrayed their recent complicity. Elizabeth gave her a sign not to say a word.

  “Jane may go to Netherfield Park but only if Lizzy accompanies her,” the master of the house declared.

  “But why, Mr. Bennet?” his lady asked, puzzled.

  Elizabeth looked at her father, surprised, and expected clarification.

  “At least, I shall know that, if Jane falls ill, there will be someone to have her home at once.”

  “But, Papa, I am not certain whether this would be proper. After all, I have not met anyone in the family,” Elizabeth replied unconvincingly, struggling to find a reason to avoid a certain distressing reunion.

  “Lizzy, do not be so missish. You have been invited by Miss Bingley, and I hope your sister can perform the proper introductions. Besides, I understand you claim a brief acquaintance with Mr. Darcy himself. If you survived meeting him at Rosings, I am sure you will be in no danger from the Bingleys,” Mr. Bennet mocked his daughter. Elizabeth felt she was being put to the test, so she lowered her eyes to her plate.

  “By the way, girls, the carriage will leave you at Netherfield, and John will go to Meryton to get a package from Sir William. You will be retrieved in about an hour or so,” Mr. Bennet said. “That is the misfortune of having a poor father with only one carriage,” he added half in jest.

  For Elizabeth, th
e idea that she would see Mr. Darcy again, in a house leased by a family she had never met before, was alarming. She did not know how he would react to seeing her again. Elizabeth was ready to protest the request from her father, but Mrs. Bennet did it for her. She could not push her unwillingness further; Jane was already suspicious of her, and she suspected her father was as well. He had been unyielding, settling the matter for both his daughters, and she knew she could not refuse.

  Two hours after breakfast, the eldest Miss Bennets took their father’s carriage to comply with an invitation that was as pleasant for one as it was disturbing for the other.

  On her way to Netherfield, Elizabeth was ready to have the coachman return home several times, but she knew that Jane was counting on her, and she was determined to accept anything that might come.

  After all, she had lived in that neighbourhood her entire life, and she had visited many families in the past. It was unthinkable that her usual spirit could be shattered by the mere presence of a certain gentleman. It was no wonder that her father took her in jest; she did not deserve to be treated seriously in such a matter.

  When Elizabeth and Jane arrived at the door, a servant appeared to lead them to the main hall, announcing that they were expected. The carriage left, but not before John—the coachman—assured them he would return as soon as possible.

  Jane was somewhat nervous now that she was at Netherfield, yet she led the way to the entrance with Elizabeth following. Soft piano music, rather poorly executed, could be heard and then the voice of a servant announced them, followed by silence.

  “Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

  Elizabeth entered the room and glanced around. Mr. Bingley was engaged in conversation with Mr. Darcy, which immediately ceased on their arrival. At the piano, Miss Bingley paused and stood up, ready to receive her guests while Mrs. Hurst interrupted the cards game she was playing with her husband.

  The Bennet sisters greeted them with a curtsey that allowed Elizabeth to avoid looking at Mr. Darcy. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst expressed their contentment to have Jane in their house.

  Elizabeth was introduced to Mr. Bingley, who declared himself eager to meet her and expressed his disappointment that she could not be present at the assembly.

  “Miss Elizabeth, we are so delighted to make your acquaintance,” Miss Bingley said. “I believe you know Mr. Darcy already,” she added, and Elizabeth sensed a trace of curiosity in her voice. She stole a glance at Mr. Darcy, met his intense gaze, and then quickly returned her attention to her host.

  “I am pleased to meet you too, Miss Bingley. And yes, Mr. Darcy and I met at Rosings Park some time ago,” she answered, hoping her voice sounded composed.

  “Indeed, we have.” Mr. Darcy said, not taking his eyes off Elizabeth, which caused another grimace of curiosity in Miss Bingley. Elizabeth strove to remain calm and to remember that she had decided decisively against the gentleman. To her surprise, she found that being in his presence once again had weakened her resistance.

  “Is that where you heard about Netherfield Park, Darcy? I have often wondered how you came to suggest it to me,” Mr. Bingley intervened cheerfully.

  Elizabeth startled at the question, struggling to understand its meaning. Mr. Darcy recommended Netherfield to Mr. Bingley—of all the places in England?

  Unaware of her confusion, Mr. Bingley continued, “Miss Elizabeth, I must thank you for recommending this place to Darcy. I believe it is an excellent place to settle.”

  Once she overcame the shock of surprise, Elizabeth smiled, enchanted. “I am glad it meets with your approval.”

  She then dared another look at Darcy—who remained silent during the entire exchange—and noticed a trace of uneasiness. Would he have preferred to keep that revelation hidden from her? She could not be certain what was in his mind, but she could see his blue eyes darken in distress.

  Miss Bingley invited Elizabeth and Jane to take a seat; then refreshments and drinks were ordered. Miss Bingley spoke little but asked Jane a handful of carefully chosen questions, which to Elizabeth meant that her sister was being scrutinized closely under the pretence of friendship. She could not be sure whether that was Mr. Bingley’s idea or someone else had insisted upon it.

  Elizabeth soon realized that Mr. Bingley relied on Mr. Darcy’s advice, the most evident example being the fact that he had moved to an area he knew nothing about based solely on the information of his friend. As for Miss Bingley, Elizabeth had yet to form an opinion.

  Mr. Bingley was obviously partial to Jane; it had become evident from the moment she entered the room. With each answer Jane gave, Mr. Bingley added to it as if they were thinking with one mind. This coincidence was met with pleasure by Jane; for Elizabeth, it was further testimony to their similarity of thought.

  Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, spoke almost nothing; he sat in a chair observing the ladies’ conversation and seemed undisturbed by her presence at Netherfield—with the exception of the awkward mention by Mr. Bingley that he had recommended this place to him.

  Shortly, an invitation to visit the gardens was issued and gladly accepted by all. Mr. Bingley accompanied Jane and Elizabeth; Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst walked arm in arm in private conversation.

  At a distance from everyone came Mr. Darcy, as though he was uncertain whether he should join them. Elizabeth wondered what he was thinking, but she did not dare turn her head to observe him.

  The walk was pleasant enough, and Mr. Bingley stopped in the middle of the garden so Jane could admire a rose bush. Elizabeth briefly looked back, and to her surprise, the gentleman no longer followed them, while Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst had taken the path towards the shadow of a small grove that ended at the back yard.

  Mr. Bingley graciously accepted his role as host and walked Jane through the alleys with animated conversation, speaking of many subjects, much to Jane’s obvious delight. Elizabeth distanced herself from them, slowing her pace to offer the couple a little privacy. She stopped by a tree, seeking shade from the warm sun while allowing herself to enjoy her sister’s success. As she sat quietly, she heard Miss Bingley speak somewhere to her right.

  “Miss Jane Bennet is charming enough, and I understand why Charles is so taken with her, but I am not sure about the rest of her family.”

  “You mean the mother?” Mrs. Hurst replied indignantly.

  “The mother and the sisters. Terribly poor taste. And the mother…you heard her speak at the assembly last night—so vulgar and loud, eager to express her opinions. Mr. Darcy was mortified by such behaviour.”

  “Did he say anything to you?”

  “No, of course not, but I have known him for quite some time now and call tell when he is displeased with something. And last night, he was especially displeased.”

  “And what shall we do about Miss Bennet?”

  Elizabeth barely breathed.

  “Nothing. We shall watch her closely in any case; for the moment, she can be seen as someone who is very distinct from her family.

  “And if not?” Mrs. Hurst asked as if knowing the answer.

  “Then, I do believe we have Mr. Darcy’s help if Charles needs to be dissuaded from a reckless decision.”

  Mrs. Hurst spoke nothing else, and the two women continued their walk while Elizabeth remained motionless. The affront to Jane and her entire family was hard to bear. Her dearest sister was only tolerated for Mr. Bingley’s sake, and if that was not enough, Jane was put to the test to see whether she measured up to their standards. What hurt Elizabeth the most was the perspective that the two sisters were complicit with Mr. Darcy. Her own offence did not hurt as much as having Jane involved in such cruel games. Elizabeth felt she would fall ill if she remained where she was, so she stood up and looked for Jane.

  But Jane was still walking with Mr. Bingley, admiring the views. Elizabeth turned and headed towards them, still not sure how to react to what she heard.

  “Lizzy, are you unwell? You look pale,” Jane said with co
ncern.

  “I am well, Jane—perhaps a little tired. I shall feel better, however, as soon as we return home. I hope John has returned.”

  Mr. Bingley appeared truly saddened at Elizabeth’s words. “I do hope you will not leave so soon. I was about to show Miss Bennet the other half of the garden…but of course, if you are unwell, I can offer you my carriage and…”

  Jane’s countenance showed equal disappointment and worry, and she looked from her companion to her sister, uncertain which one she should abandon. Against her own wisdom, Elizabeth smiled to put her sister at ease.

  “I believe we may stay a little longer. Our coachman should return soon if he is not already here. If you do not mind, I shall go inside and rest while waiting for you. I am sure that visiting the rest of the garden will not take long.”

  Mr. Bingley’s face brightened. “Oh, that would be excellent. May I keep you company inside? Are you well enough to walk?”

  Elizabeth set his worries aside as she replied she was able to walk to the house by herself.

  “We shall be right here; you can easily see us from the window in the drawing room in case you need us,” Mr. Bingley added.

  Elizabeth laughed lightly. “Your kindness is appreciated, sir, but I shall see you again shortly,” she said as she returned towards the house.

  The several minutes spent with Mr. Bingley showed Elizabeth that, whatever malicious plans his sister might have regarding Jane, he did not share them. His interest and admiration were genuine, and he treasured every moment in her company. That was a strong foundation; Elizabeth had no remaining doubts.

  Back in the house, Elizabeth entered the parlour and relaxed on the sofa. A maid immediately entered, asking if she could be of use, but Elizabeth dismissed her kindly. She stood up again and paced the room nervously. Through the window, she saw her sister and her admirer continuing their stroll. She prayed that Jane’s heart would not be broken and wished to return home, safely away from danger.

  “Miss Bennet,” she heard suddenly. “Are you feeling ill?”