by Wendi Sotis
With her sister away from Town with her employer, Mrs. Younge had almost gone to visit with a friend instead of coming along with the Darcys, but last minute, she had decided against it.
Her friend knew all about Wickham, and she did not wish to have to explain what had happened between Wickham and her at Ramsgate—of course, she would not have told all of what they had planned, but, because of her melancholy, she would have had to admit at least that Wickham had left her there without a word. She had not wished to listen to her friend telling her that Wickham was not good enough for her and that she should stay away from him, rubbing salt in her fresh wounds.
Instead, she had felt she needed time to heal, time to harden her heart to him if she should happen to encounter him again in the future. Wickham had wronged her before, and she had no doubt he would again—if she allowed it.
But judging by the way her soul came alive the moment Mr. Darcy mentioned Wickham’s name just now, she knew she would not pass up this opportunity to see him again. She knew very well that she would allow it.
Mr. Darcy had asked Mrs. Younge to be on the lookout for the man. “Go to the village,” he had said, “and ask about any newcomers to the militia.”
That is exactly what she would do... though not for the reason of protecting Miss Darcy, as her brother intended.
And because she still held her position in the Darcy household, Wickham would be interested in her again.
I will finally get what I deserve!
Chapter 18
Jane was bathing when Elizabeth returned to her rooms. After pacing her own chamber for a quarter of an hour to calm herself, Elizabeth thought it better to keep busy than to stay alone, rehashing her conversation with Darcy. As soon as she left her rooms, she knew by the skill displayed in the melody echoing through the hallway that she would find Georgiana in the music room.
She hesitated for a moment outside the door. After what he has accused me of, would Mr. Darcy rather I not spend time with his sister? She leaned her forehead on the cool wood of the door. He did not tell me to stay away—yet. She straightened her spine. I have done nothing wrong.
Elizabeth slipped in just as Georgiana was finishing her piece. She applauded, and Georgiana turned, blushing.
“Thank you, Lizzy. I received your message earlier—is Jane feeling up to having visitors now?”
“After my family’s visit, she needed a nap, and she is occupied at the moment. Perhaps it would be better to allow her to rest this afternoon so that we may see her downstairs later this evening.”
“I have been practicing for quite a while; would you like to take a turn? You have not done so the entire time you have been at Netherfield.”
“I am afraid I do not practice as regularly as you do, Georgie, and it becomes painfully evident in my playing.” She chuckled. “Perhaps we can practice something to play together? I believe Jane will be feeling well enough to come down for a little while after our meal this evening, and she has requested that if we are situated in the music room, we play something for her.”
Georgiana’s face lit up. “Yes, that would be such fun.” Both ladies moved towards the table where music was laid out and began searching through the sheet music for something appropriate for the occasion.
Once they agreed on a song, Elizabeth asked, “Is Mrs. Younge still feeling poorly? She does not seem to spend very much time with you lately.”
“She has been given permission to take this time to do as she wishes. Whenever I am to spend a great deal of time with my brother, Mrs. Younge usually goes to London to visit with her sister, who works as a lady’s maid. Fitzwilliam was willing to send her to London by post, but her sister was away from Town with her employer, so Mrs. Younge decided to remain. Because I have no lessons now and there are other ladies in the house, she has time to herself. She walked into the village today.” Georgiana hesitated. “Lizzy, do you know why? I wished to accompany Mrs. Younge to Meryton in order to purchase ribbons and thread, but Fitzwilliam would not permit it. Mrs. Younge said she would get them for me.”
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows and answered hesitantly, “I am sorry, Georgie, but I think it would be best if you asked your brother.”
“I did, a few minutes ago, after Mrs. Younge told me she was leaving, but... well, he was not in the best of moods and did not answer.”
“Hmm.” Elizabeth knew Georgiana had probably gone to her brother just after her disagreement with him. In truth, it was not her place to apprise her young friend of Wickham’s expected arrival, no matter how strongly she felt that Georgiana should be told. If Elizabeth could find another opportunity to speak to Mr. Darcy alone, she would mention the need for Georgiana to be informed of the danger, but she doubted the gentleman would consider her advice any longer. If only we were on better terms. Elizabeth stifled a sigh. “Let us get to work before the afternoon passes us by. I am certain you will do well without further practice, but I do not pretend to have the same confidence in my own skills.”
Georgiana giggled as the ladies settled at the pianoforte and began to practice their duet.
~%~
As Jane took her final step off the staircase and released the footman’s arm, she said, “I did not wish to be such a nuisance, Roger. Thank you for your assistance.”
“My pleasure, Miss Bennet.” Roger glanced warily at the door to the music room.
Elizabeth held back a chuckle. After what had happened with Mr. Darcy, she could tell Roger did not wish to be anywhere near the man. “Do not worry, Roger; Jane will not require your assistance to walk any further. I will take her the rest of the way.”
As Roger stepped back and bowed, she could see the relief on his features.
Upon their entrance to the room, all in attendance paid their compliments to Jane on her recovery thus far. Once Jane was situated near the fire, a moon-eyed Bingley fussed over her for several minutes, providing blankets enough to make absolutely certain she was not assaulted by any drafts. At last, he settled near Jane, as did Elizabeth.
During conversation, Jane said, “I thank you for your kind hospitality, sir. Mr. Jones has declared me well enough to travel home on the morrow.”
Bingley’s eyes widened considerably. “Oh, no, Miss Bennet, I must insist that you stay another two or three days to ensure you have recovered fully before taking such a risk!”
Jane glowed with happiness at his evident concern, but her tone was firm when she answered, “Again, I thank you, sir, but since Mr. Jones has given his approval, we can stay no longer. I will write a note to my mother in the morning, requesting that our father’s carriage be sent as soon as possible.”
Once that was settled, Georgiana approached, speaking quietly. Just as Elizabeth expected, Caroline Bingley followed. After a bit of friendly discussion, Jane mentioned she understood Elizabeth and Georgiana had practiced a duet during the afternoon and requested them to play. It was with great enthusiasm that Bingley seconded the motion, which was supported with halfhearted encouragement from Caroline Bingley.
A shared look between Elizabeth and Georgiana confirmed their mutual perception of those around them as they moved towards the pianoforte. Elizabeth hoped that Caroline would find another seat so that the couple could have a bit of privacy in their conversation.
Georgiana and Elizabeth sat down at the pianoforte, and all assembled turned to enjoy the presentation.
~
Darcy gazed across the room at his sister and Elizabeth. The ache in his heart increased.
Darcy’s suspicions and his behaviour earlier in the day shamed him to no end. A sense of guilt weighed heavily on his soul, and he looked away. If Elizabeth should happen to glance in his direction, he could not bear to look her in the eye just now.
After all that Elizabeth has done for Georgiana, how could I have allowed my imagination to run away with me, staining the character of Elizabeth, of all people?
There was no excuse for his accusations, and at the next possible opportunity,
he was determined to apologize. He prayed she would grant him forgiveness, though he doubted he deserved it.
Georgiana’s impeccable precision and Elizabeth’s passionate style blended quite well, bringing back memories of their time spent together at Ramsgate. After the duet was over, Elizabeth stood next to Georgiana, turning the pages as the younger lady played. Taking a deep breath to steel himself, Darcy looked at Elizabeth.
The sconce on the wall directly behind Elizabeth framed her in light, and she looked as if she wore an angel’s halo. His gaze glided past the rosy blush of her cheeks to the graceful turn of her creamy neck, down the length of her arm to her slender fingers as she turned the page. As she straightened her form, the skin around her eyes crinkled, and a joyful light danced in her eyes as she met Georgiana’s gaze.
In the past, Elizabeth had smiled at him like that. He swallowed hard, doubting Elizabeth would want anything at all to do with him again. Even if she continued to correspond with Georgiana, she would never wish to put herself in the position of seeing him anymore once he left Hertfordshire.
In the end, it really is for the best.
Elizabeth met his gaze. Darcy made a conscious effort to make his remorse plain in his expression.
Furrowing her eyebrows and tilting her head, Elizabeth seemed confused, but then recognition dawned. She nodded her head and smiled slightly.
How could she forgive me so easily?
Darcy heard Bingley say his name.
“Darcy? You will come?”
Darcy blinked several times in confusion. The music had ended, and, in his diverted state, he must have missed part of a conversation. Not wanting to admit to his distraction, he answered, “Yes, of course.”
Miss Bingley looked surprised. “Well, if Mr. Darcy approves, I will not resist the idea any longer.”
Darcy’s eyes widened as Bingley laughed out loud.
What have I agreed to?
“Perhaps the secret to guaranteeing Mr. Darcy will agree to do what he dislikes without dispute,” he heard Elizabeth say, “is to be sure to ask him while he is not attending—it makes him much more agreeable!”
After the way he had treated her today, the teasing light sparkling from her eyes was like a balm to his heart. He could not resist egging her on. Darcy filled his lungs with the more relaxed air between them. “You would teach my sister and friends trickery?” Oh, have I insulted her again?
The expression dancing in Elizabeth’s eyes when she answered told him he had not. “There was no trickery involved, sir. Mr. Bingley asked his question openly, without any intention of deceiving you, or anyone else for that matter. And yet, even though you were not fully attending, you agreed to his request. You consider that deception, Mr. Darcy?”
“Perhaps not, but to ask a man questions knowing his focus is not fully engaged would be dishonest.”
“And how are we to know whether you are attending our conversations, sir? Should there be some sort of cypher—a phrase or question, perhaps—that you can share with your friends, one we could use in order to determine whether you are paying attention to our conversations before we discuss something of import while in your presence? Perhaps we can ask, ‘Is the sky green?’ and require you to answer, ‘No, it is blue,’ before sharing any important information or asking a sensitive question?”
His heart beat faster. She still counts me amongst her friends? “Unfortunately, if we were to institute your suggestion, it might save me from appearing foolish, but my friends would seem ridiculous wondering if the sky were green, would they not?”
“You are correct. Mayhap we should require that you answer with something along the lines of, ‘It is not green, it is paisley,’ before we are certain of your attention, so that we both would look equally foolish?”
Darcy chuckled. “I think I see your point, Miss Elizabeth. This is your way of scolding me for allowing my mind to wander.”
“Perhaps,” she answered, smiling. “But if you will not attend the conversation of those around you and agree without knowing to what it is that you have committed, you may get what you deserve, sir.” She tilted her head. “I am tempted not to tell you at all, but I will take pity on you this time. It seems, sir, that Georgiana will have a chance to see you dance after all. You have just agreed to attend Mr. Bingley’s ball at Netherfield.”
A bit flustered, he looked at Georgiana, who was practically bouncing in her chair.
“May I attend the ball for a little while, Fitzwilliam?” Georgiana asked.
With the thought that Elizabeth’s fears of Wickham being nearby might be correct, he glanced at her. He could tell she had read his mind. She gestured to Bingley and smiled slightly.
Yes, of course, he was certain at a word from himself, Bingley would make certain Wickham was not invited. He nodded to Elizabeth and turned to his sister. “As long as you are with either me or someone of whom I approve, you may remain until after supper.”
“Oh, thank you, Fitzwilliam! I have heard so much about balls, but I have never been to one!” Then to Elizabeth, she said with excitement, “I will ask Miss Bingley if she will seat us together at supper, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth looked uncomfortable. “I do not know how Miss Bingley intends to arrange it, but it has been my experience that there is usually not a formal seating for supper at balls, Georgie. One usually sits with whomever one danced with just before the supper bell rings.”
Georgiana blushed. “I did not realize.”
Before Darcy had time to think, the question had already escaped his lips, “Then I should ask for the honour of the supper dance with you now, Miss Elizabeth—to secure my sister’s full enjoyment of the evening.”
Elizabeth seemed ill at ease, hesitating. Darcy held his breath. He knew it was a bad idea to dance with her again, but he could not help himself from wishing to do so one last time. Since the dance would be in public, his heart should not be in too much danger.
Her expression softened, but he could swear he saw a flicker of profound sorrow pass through her eyes briefly before she responded, “I thank you, Mr. Darcy. I accept.”
~%~
Jane was floating on a cloud of happiness as Elizabeth helped her sister into bed after Bingley escorted the sisters to Jane’s door.
“You are extraordinarily happy, Jane,” Elizabeth observed, stating the obvious.
“Mr. Bingley is so kind, asking me to dance the opening dance of the ball, and the supper set.”
“I am surprised only that he did not request the last set as well!”
Jane blushed, and her expression turned to one of concern. “But do you think that his invitation will give people the wrong impression that he should ask me to dance those two?”
“Jane! It will give them the correct impression, one that anyone who cares to look can already see—that your Mr. Bingley is half in love with you, if not more.”
Jane shook her head but did not refute her sister’s words.
“Sweet dreams, dear Jane.”
“Good night, Lizzy.”
~%~
October 19, 1811
To prove that she was well enough to return home, Jane accompanied her sister downstairs for the morning meal. Entering the breakfast room, Elizabeth could tell her sister was a little disappointed that Bingley had not yet joined his sisters and Georgiana. A few minutes later, a footman brought a letter to Jane, saying it was from Longbourn.
Blushing, Jane handed the note to Elizabeth as she said, “My mother replies that the horses are needed on the farm. My father’s carriage cannot be sent until Tuesday.”
Caroline’s smile did not reach her eyes. “If you are certain you are feeling well enough...” She waited for Jane to nod, “then I offer the use of our coach to take you home. It would be no trouble.”
“Oh, but it is so windy out today, Caroline,” Mrs. Hurst joined the conversation, “I am certain Miss Bennet would be caught in a draft walking to and from the carriage.” Turning to face the Bennets, she asked
, “Why do you not stay another day?”
From the look Caroline shot at Mrs. Hurst, Elizabeth was sure she was about to scream at her sister for making such a suggestion. With a glance at Georgiana, their hostess calmed herself before she opened her mouth to say, “I am sure Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth miss their family, Louisa. They wish to return home today.” Turning to Jane, she asked forcefully, “When can you be ready to leave?”
Jane seemed taken aback by her tone. “Agnes and Hanna have already begun packing... With our help, perhaps after luncheon?”
This time when Caroline lifted the bell from the table, Elizabeth had to press her lips together to keep from laughing. A footman took a step forward and accepted his orders to have the coach readied for the Bennets’ trunks to be loaded.
Georgiana broke the uncomfortable silence that settled over the room. “Have the gentlemen gone hunting this morning?”
“Yes, I believe they have,” Mrs. Hurst answered. “Mr. Hurst thought they would return by mid-day.”
When breakfast was finished, Elizabeth and Jane went to their rooms. Elizabeth sent the maids into her own chambers to pack while Jane and she finished with Jane’s trunk. Her sister was unusually quiet.
“Lizzy, what do you think was wrong with Miss Bingley this morning?” Jane asked. “Do you think my illness has been that much of an inconvenience to the household?”
“I am sorry to pain you, Jane,” Elizabeth said, “but our staying here has disturbed Miss Bingley’s plans. Though for some reason, at first, she wished us to think she liked me, she does not. She would like nothing better than to see me gone from her house.” Reacting to Jane’s pained look, Elizabeth quickly added, “Do not worry, Jane—I could not care less. The feeling is mutual.”
“But—”
Elizabeth shook her head. “No, Jane, there is no but. She does not like that Georgiana is friendlier with us than she is with her.” Elizabeth did not want to hurt Jane by telling her that she also suspected Miss Bingley did not like the attention her brother had been paying to Jane.
