by Webb, Brenda
Luckily, their hosts were distracted as more of their guests began to vie for their attention, and they walked on, leaving William and Richard alone once more.
“That was awkward.” Richard declared, glancing at his cousin. “Miss Bennet must be angry for some reason. I secured the last set with her, fully intending for you to take it, but I am afraid that may not be enough time to repair whatever grievance she carries. Perhaps you should ask for an earlier set as well, if there is one available.”
“I think it best if I leave her alone until the last set. That way, if she is disinclined to forgive me, she may refuse me the set without injury to herself.”
Richard sighed. “As I said before, you are far too noble for your own good.”
~~~*~~~
Chapter 13
London
Holmes House
The ball continues
Only those who knew John Wilkens well would know what the set of his jaw and constant clenching and unclenching of his fists meant. Though he showed no visible expression as he surreptitiously watched the woman he had decided to marry while she performed to strangers, he was livid.
It was not supposed to be that way. Elizabeth Bennet was supposed to be grateful for his attention and take no notice of other men. Instead, she seemed perfectly content to flirt with first one and then another, though clearly each was of such rank as to consider her no more than a diversion. The only man who had not behaved as though he was mulling over her suitability for his mistress was Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Wilkens had watched as Elizabeth was introduced to Darcy and noted that that gentleman had ignored her—not that he expected anything different. Well acquainted with the master of Pemberley, he knew that Darcy would never consider Elizabeth for a tryst because he would never lower himself to indulge in such diversions. They had once had a heated discussion about the merits of mistresses, in particular married men keeping mistresses, and Darcy was adamantly against the practice, saying that it ruined trust between husbands and wives and destroyed families. Wilkens had argued that he fully intended to keep his mistresses when he married, as he saw no need to forego pleasure just to acquire an heir. That pronouncement had garnered the laughter and approval of the majority of the men gathered around them at White’s and Darcy had stalked off. The memory made Wilkens smile for the first time tonight, though no one would be able to tell. Anyone with secrets to hide needed to be able to conceal his emotions in public, and he had perfected the art.
As his thoughts returned to Elizabeth, he considered why he was so cross. Of course, he had known she would dance with other men, but he had thought she would appear to be enduring the dances, not enjoying them. Was she so dull as to have no idea that her future hung so precariously—that without his offer, she would never achieve the approbation of higher society? Apparently she was! Thus, while he watched Lord Shackelford escort the object of his obsession to the refreshment table, he found himself filled with disgust at her behaviour. His only solace rested in the knowledge that he had secured the supper set, and once he had escorted her into the dining room, he would have the opportunity to remind her of her place.
~~~*~~~
Caroline Bingley fumed! If Charles had not gone on that wild goose chase to Liverpool, she would not be in this predicament. He would have been her escort, and they would be standing alongside Mr. Darcy. Instead, she stood in all her finery—new coral silk gown, feathered turban and her best jewels—beside one of the ugliest men she had ever met. Short and heavy, he was fair-haired and covered with freckles, which were ironically his best attributes, the worst being his protruding, uneven teeth and huge ears. She began to worry that she would never recover from the humiliation of being seen on the arm of such a man after she noticed the quiet laughter of some women of her acquaintance who just happened to notice her dilemma.
But the worst of it was that she was unable to socialise as she wished without Colonel Hedges being privy to her every word. The idiot was so enamoured that he never left her side! Even when she danced with other men, he would appear the instant she was escorted from the dance floor, taking her hand and placing it on his arm as though they were a couple. His lavish attention meant she was not free to locate Mr. Darcy and engage him in any conversation.
Not that he had looked her way once the entire evening! Every time she found him in this throng, he seemed to be staring in the direction of that chit Eliza Bennet! What was she doing in polite society anyway? The way she has insinuated herself into the Holmes’ good graces was positively scandalous, Caroline thought.
Yes, this was all Charles’ fault! After exhausting all other avenues, she had cajoled his friend, Colonel Harold Hedges, into escorting her to this ball as his guest. Once she had realized that as a colleague of Colonel Holmes, Hedges was sure to be invited, she had quickly visited his sister in hopes of encountering the man. Though she had no use for Clementine Hedges because she lacked sophistication and was plain, Caroline was not above using her. After all, her mother was a member of the ton, though she had married a second son, and had many connections. And the simpleton had been easily convinced that she wished for them to be friends. After charming the sister, it had been effortless to lure the ugly bachelor into thinking she favoured him. Too easy, actually! He may have been an experienced army officer, but he had little skills with the fairer sex. Consequently, she had played him for a fool and in the process had created a clinging monster! She fully expected him to call on Charles upon his return to London and request to court her.
It will be a cold day in Hades before I agree to that!
~~~*~~~
Only a few feet away from her brother, Alfreda Wilkens watched his balled fists with growing concern. This was never a good sign. Fearing that his celebrated temper was about to be exposed in public, she made the decision to speak to him, regardless of the repercussions. Taking a deep breath, she moved to stand beside him. Totally focused, he did not notice her at first as she stood silently for a moment, watching the same person.
“Miss Elizabeth is truly the belle of the ball,” she offered timidly, breaking his concentration. “I just imagine that if you and she were to marry, you would be envied very much.”
Wilkens eyed Alfreda with impatience, before fixing his gaze back on Elizabeth. She and Shackelford were nearby, conversing with a group that included some of the young men who routinely examined every newcomer to London. The gentlemen were obviously vying for her attention, and every so often, Elizabeth’s quiet laughter could be heard.
Alfreda tried again. “I can only imagine she is garnering so much attention because this is her debut in London society. The attention will likely diminish once she is no longer a novelty.”
He did not reply.
“It is not Miss Elizabeth’s fault that she is admired. I believe she is conducting herself with dignity under the circumstances. ”
Wilkens turned to study her anew. “Are you implying that I think she is not acting the part of a lady?”
“No, but—”
“But nothing. You will find Penelope Holmes and converse with her. Leave me to my thoughts. Do you understand?”
“Y… Yes!”
Alfreda took a deep breath to steady her thumping heart and looked about to see if anyone had noticed their exchange. Surprisingly, she found Mr. Darcy studying her with a quizzical expression. She smiled benignly at him before moving in the direction of their hostess, hopeful that she had convinced the gentleman from Derbyshire that all was well.
~~~*~~~
Later that night
The Dining Room
From his seat across the room, Fitzwilliam Darcy could not eat for watching Elizabeth. The disquiet on her face, especially when Lord Wilkens leaned in as though to speak privately, was obvious. And though he could not hear a word of what was said, it was evident from the way her features darkened and brow furrowed that the earl was not being complimentary. In addition, Wilkens’ sister, who sat on her other side, looked as th
ough she expected something awful to happen at any moment.
“Darcy, if you do not stop staring at Miss Bennet, people will realise there is something between you,” Richard whispered in counsel. “Fitzwilliam Darcy pays no woman notice, especially not a country squire’s daughter. It will raise enough brows when you take my place in the last set, even if we have concocted a good excuse.”
William was unfazed. “But there is something wrong. I have been observing them closely, and Elizabeth has not spoken a word in the last half-hour, even though both Wilkens and his sister are still addressing her! She is not the type to be easily silenced, and the earl looks furious.”
Richard shifted in his chair so that he could see around those blocking his view, and scrutinized those in question. “While it is true Miss Elizabeth is not responding, I cannot see that Wilkens looks any worse than usual. He always scowls in that manner.”
“No. He is definitely cross. I can only imagine that he is spouting something meant to silence her, as Elizabeth is normally gregarious.” Instinctively, he began to slide his chair back.
Richard put a hand on his cousin’s arm, stopping him. “Calm yourself! You will only embarrass her. Besides, she is looking this way.”
At that very moment, Elizabeth locked eyes with William, the uncertainty therein unmistakable. She was questioning him, and he responded by displaying his feelings more plainly than he ever had. If the ton wished to know how Fitzwilliam Darcy felt about Elizabeth Bennet, the answer lay in his expression at that very moment. By chance, they were too busy eating and conversing with their tablemates to be aware of the significant disclosure taking place right under their noses.
You know me, Elizabeth! Look into my eyes and see my love for you! Trust me again! Please, darling!
For a few precious moments he thought she would be swayed, but her look of uncertainty was soon replaced by one of suspicion. Breaking their connection, she returned to studying her plate silently while Wilkens continued to pontificate.
William sunk into his chair, his hopes dashed as a dull ache permeated his chest. Clearly, Elizabeth’s heart was closed to him. His decision to depart Meryton without speaking to her must have wounded her so deeply that it destroyed her faith in him. And of one thing he was certain—she had trusted him during that night in the storm. She had said as much.
I shall never be afraid when I am with you.
~~~*~~~
“You should keep in mind that I am in a position to choose to marry any woman that I desire. Most men in this assembly tonight are not. They shall marry for large dowries, connections and familial obligations. Oh, these men might toy with your affections, but they would never offer for you.”
Elizabeth was weary of Lord Wilkens’ argument. First, he had spoken with condescension of her station in life, reiterating her lack of fortune and connections and even the fact that she had four sisters. She had responded by completely ignoring him. This annoyed him, and after repeated attempts to get her to reply, he had turned a deep shade of crimson.
In between his preaching, Alfreda had offered her version of what her brother meant to say, which only served to anger him. Elizabeth no longer responded to Alfreda’s attempts to soothe her feelings. She had no energy left to feel sorry for his sister, as she could barely manage to keep her disgust and anger under good regulation. What the Earl of Hampton said might be true, but he did not have to remind her at every opportunity!
In the midst of it all, Elizabeth looked up to find Mr. Darcy studying her from the next table with a boldness that caught her off guard. If she were to trust her instinct, she would assume his eyes conveyed tender feelings for her. After all, was this not the same expression Mr. Bingley wore when he observed Jane surreptitiously?
Elizabeth concluded that Mr. Bingley’s expression was that of a man in love, but for Mr. Darcy to look at her with the same regard was too outlandish to credit. After all, how could he have tender feeling for her? Had he not abandoned her in Meryton and upon their encounter earlier tonight, dismissed her with little notice? Thoroughly unnerved, she pulled her eyes from his and began examining the food on her plate.
I am done with being amiable to those I can barely tolerate as well as to those I do not understand at all!
~~~*~~~
The ball concludes
All of her scheming had been for naught. Caroline had gotten no closer to Mr. Darcy than to be seated across the room at dinner. Even then, he had not noticed her, his gaze firmly fixed in Eliza Bennet’s direction.
What could possibly interest him about that lowly country dullard? Did he not quit Meryton without even taking leave of her family? That is what I overheard Charles tell Hurst the day after Mr. Darcy left Netherfield. Have they renewed their acquaintance since she came to Town?
As she fixed her gaze on the object of her scorn, she determined she must get to the bottom of that conundrum. There was no doubt in her mind that Mr. Darcy would divorce his horrible wife at some point in time. She just knew it! And when he did, she intended to be his next choice for a wife. She would never allow that chit to interfere with her plans! The wheels in her devious mind began to turn.
As secretive as Mr. Darcy is, I wonder if Eliza is even aware that he is married. Perhaps it is time that I made sure that she knows.
~~~*~~~
The end of the evening had arrived. As Elizabeth was being led off the dance floor by her partner, Mr. Martindale, she began looking about for the man who had secured the last set—Colonel Fitzwilliam. Thinking he should be easy to spot in his regimentals, she was surprised to find not one red coat in the room.
After supper, Mr. Darcy had positioned himself in an alcove within sight of the dance floor, and though she tried not to care, with every turn of the dance, she stole glances to see if he was still there. And he had stayed in that place faithfully until about a half-hour before, when he had simply disappeared. An uneasy feeling came over her as she realised that since Mr. Darcy was in attendance, he might object to his cousin’s partnering her. Had he insisted they both leave?
~~~*~~~
Fortunately for Caroline Bingley, Colonel Hedges’ invitation to partake of cigars in Colonel Holmes’ study, along with several other officers, provided just the interlude she needed, and she intended to make good use of it. Seeing an equally alone and seemingly perplexed Eliza Bennet, she sidled in that direction.
“Eliza Bennet, how nice to see you! I had no idea that you were in Town.” Elizabeth cringed when she heard that voice. Steeling herself, she turned with a pasted-on smile.
“Miss Bingley. It is nice to see you as well.”
Caroline’s tone of voice suggested she was not sincere, and the smile on her face confirmed it. Elizabeth was reminded of a cat that had just cornered a mouse. Nevertheless, she resolved to bear the woman’s insincerity to learn what she could about her brother.
“Did Mr. Bingley accompany you? I have not seen him tonight, but there are so many people that it would not be difficult to miss someone.”
“No. He could not attend. I am here with an old friend.”
Elizabeth found it hard to suppress a smile, recalling the man she had seen earlier who had obviously escorted Caroline. He was certainly not the type Charles’ sister would have chosen for an escort, had she been given an option. Extremely short and balding, what hair he had left was bright red. His pasty white skin was scattered with freckles. In fact, it seemed there was no place on the colonel that did not sport a freckle, including his ears. Seeing the bemused smile on Elizabeth’s face, Caroline immediately bristled.
“My brother had important business in Liverpool that could not wait, but he is eager to return to London and Miss Darcy’s company.” Elizabeth’s countenance fell, though she tried not to let her disappointment show, but Caroline did not fail to notice Elizabeth’s reaction. “Yes, he has certainly enjoyed spending time with Georgiana as well as with Mr. Darcy and his dear wife, Gisela.”
Elizabeth could not breathe, and sh
e began to feel lightheaded. Had Caroline actually said Mr. Darcy was married? She must have looked incredulous because Caroline leaned in to whisper conspiratorially, “Mrs. Darcy is a well-kept secret. It seems Mr. Darcy loves to appear single, so he never mentions her when she does not accompany him.”
Elizabeth struggled to take a deep breath. I refuse to faint!
Managing to mumble something about getting a breath of fresh air, she turned on her heel and hurried towards the nearest set of French doors. Caroline could not have been more delighted at the stunned look on Elizabeth’s face as she rushed away. But she did not consider her work done for the evening, so she began searching the crowd for familiar faces.
Surely there is someone here with whom I can trade disparaging remarks about Eliza Bennet before Colonel Hedges returns.
~~~*~~~
Once out on the portico, Elizabeth ran down the steps, following the gravel path that led to a large gazebo. Upon reaching the structure, the tenuous control she had over her emotions gave way and her legs buckled. Dropping to sit on one of the benches, she closed her eyes and let her head fall back to rest against the side. And as the reality of Caroline’s revelation sank in, she squeezed her eyes tight against the tears that welled up.
How could he be married? Though he spoke of his sister and his parents, he never once mentioned a wife. The voice of reason broke through her scattered thoughts. What does it matter if he is married? He did nothing to raise your expectations.
