by Maria Grace
Elizabeth screwed her eyes shut and bit her tongue. Papa’s views on marriage were so very convenient for him, but would he say the same to Jane?
Uncle grunted. “It is not sound, even if shaped by your own experience. I would never act in this way nor counsel any of my children to do so. I do not consider this discussion over.”
“But I do.” Papa strode from the room.
***
The six Bennet women rode in the carriage whilst Papa and Uncle rode their horses alongside. Fortunately, Papa could still manage that, at least for a short distance, when he had someone to ride alongside of him. It would be a difficult day when he lost that ability as well.
Would that she had the option of being alone with her thoughts as they did. At least Mama’s effusions and raptures over the opportunity to meet the officers provided sufficient entertainment to distract her from dwelling on deeper concerns.
The Bennet carriage pulled up to the door of Lucas Lodge just behind Bingley’s carriage. The superior sisters made a great show of their exit, shaking out their skirts and fluffing their feathers. Did they not understand how to dress appropriately for an evening party in the country? On second thought, they probably did, but chose to dress above the rest of the company to demonstrate their superiority.
Elizabeth bit her tongue. She must bring those thoughts under control before she joined the rest of the company.
Mr. Darcy followed the ladies into Lucas Lodge. Why was he here? His company was even less desirable than the ... Bingley sisters’.
But of course Mr. Darcy would be there. He needed the colonel’s assistance as much as they did.
One more reason to relish this evening.
At last the Bingley carriage pulled forward, and the Bennet coach took its place. The driver handed them out. She took her place in the parade, behind Jane and before Mary.
Papa pulled her aside. “Keep Darcy from the colonel as much as possible. We do not need his bumbling to hamper our efforts.”
“He did determine that the egg was not with the building party. That is something, is it not? Perhaps his energies—”
“Elizabeth! Now is not the time to discuss his competence. It is better that your uncle and I handle this matter now. Just do as I have asked.”
“He has no very good opinion of me. How am I to accomplish this?” She crushed the edges of her cloak in her fists.
“You are a clever girl, I have faith in you. Many a stupider woman has managed a man she did not care for. I am certain you are up to the task.” He patted her shoulder and went inside.
Vexing, annoying, impossible man! At times like these, Mama’s complaints about him seemed entirely accurate.
How was she to accomplish such a task without even a dragon to assist? It was not as though she had their persuasive powers.
If only she had not needed to leave April at home.
What if Mr. Collins was deaf as Jane and could not share even dragon companionship with her? A cold shiver coursed down her back and she shuddered.
“Come in now, Lizzy!” Mama bustled out to her. “One would think you do not wish to enjoy the Lucas’ society! Besides the night air is not good for you.” She grabbed Elizabeth’s elbow and propelled her inside.
Sir William and Lady Lucas greeted her at the door with genuine smiles and enthusiasms. They knew her far too well to take offense if she was slow to enter.
She scanned the room. Jane sat with Mr. Bingley and several other young ladies who clearly wished for his attentions. No doubt they would call the evening a disappointment as his attentions were clearly fixed on Jane.
A familiar laugh caught her attention. Charlotte beckoned her from across the room. She stood with a tall, well-looking man whom Elizabeth had never seen before. He towered over her, broad of shoulder and chest, a little peacockish with his long, narrow nose slightly in the air.
“Colonel Forster, may I present my friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” Charlotte said.
He bowed. “Delighted to make your acquaintance. One of the famed Bennet sisters, I expect?”
“Indeed, sir I am. But I can hardly consider us famed.” Elizabeth curtsied.
“A family of five girls all with beauty equal to yours? Of course that is notable.” His eyes drifted toward Jane.
It was a kind, even polite thing to say, but his meaning was clear.
“So sir, are you here to protect Meryton from the invading French?” She smiled as prettily as she could.
“Clearly you think the danger unlikely—a testament to your faith in our efficacy, madam. I accept the compliment on behalf of the regiment.” He dipped his head.
At least he had a sense of humor. Always an agreeable trait in a man.
“Since the town appears quite secure, I feel at leisure to purse the other part of my mission. My men are in great need of training.”
Lydia sashayed up, an unfamiliar young man in tow. “And his officers in need of entertaining.”
“Lydia! Pray pardon her, sir, she is full young—”
Lydia tossed her head and rolled her eyes. “La! I am quite old enough to be out in company. I am far more interesting than you. See, I have already been introduced to all the officers.”
Charlotte’s lips pressed in a tight smile. No doubt she feared her sisters would be following Lydia’s lead.
“I must find someone to play for us. We must have a dance. It is a shame you came too late for this month’s assembly. We could have had many lively dances then. Where has Mary gone to?” Lydia hopped off.
Colonel Forster watched Lydia depart. “Do not worry. Her lively energy is most welcome among us.”
Apparently only her two prettiest sisters possessed the traits necessary to capture his attention.
And now Mr. Darcy was approaching!
Lovely, exactly what she wished for.
“So now that you have come among us sir, you know the properest course of action, do you not?” Elizabeth batted her eyes.
How did Lydia do that without becoming dizzy?
Why was Darcy staring? Was it not enough that she had to play act the coquette? Why must he be in the audience?
Charlotte stared at her as though she were a complete stranger.
“Tell me if I am incorrect, Charlotte, but I believe the whole of Meryton expects you to host a ball.”
One that she might offer to assist in planning, which would of course require spending time near the militia. Hopefully Papa would approve.
“A ball you say?” Forster thumbed his lapels.
“That is a singular, good idea, Lizzy.” Charlotte eyed her narrowly.
“My Harriet does love to dance.”
“Harriet?” Charlotte asked.
“My betrothed. We are soon to be married.”
A betrothed man should not spend so much time looking at pretty girls not attached to himself.
Charlotte clucked her tongue. “So that is why you took Willow Cottage instead of rooms at Mrs. Parson’s. My mother had been wondering if we were to wish you joy soon.”
“She is a very observant woman, your mother. I will pay her my compliments—”
“Pray excuse me.” Sir William ambled up, Papa and Uncle Gardner at his sides. “Permit me to introduce the master of Longbourn estate, Mr. Bennet.”
Papa dismissed her with a nod, and she faded back, Charlotte with her.
Not a moment too soon! Perhaps he could secure an invitation in a way that would not result in her arranging a ball for the officers to host.
Mr. Darcy joined the conversation with Colonel Forster. Papa did not appear pleased.
“You are staring, Lizzy.” Charlotte tapped Elizabeth’s elbow with her own.
Elizabeth looked away. “What did Mr. Darcy mean by listening to my conversation with Colonel Forster?”
“That is a question which only Mr. Darcy can answer. Perhaps he would like another opportunity to refuse to dance with the ladies of Meryton.” Charlotte chuckled under her breath. “I cannot b
elieve he could say such a thing about you!”
Elizabeth shrugged. The tightness in her throat would not allow words to pass. What did his opinion matter?
***
Consarn it! Darcy balled a fist behind his back. If only he had moved more quickly, but how did one break into a conversation one was not invited into?
Sir William seemed to have no difficulty, easily interrupting to introduce Mr. Bennet and his brother Mr. Gardiner to the far too gregarious colonel. To his credit, Lucas was courteous enough to include Darcy in the introductions. At least now he could in all propriety speak with the colonel—no it was lieutenant colonel.
If the colonel himself were here it would be easier. He had known Viscount Clarington since they were boys. He had even attended the reception that had made Clarington Lord Lieutenant of the county. Darcy could have approached him with ease. But no, Clarington was off taking leave.
Nothing could be easy.
Bennet’s left eye twitched as he pointedly ignored Darcy’s presence. “How are you finding Hertfordshire?”
Forster clapped his heels together. “Capital, capital. The barracks are quite adequate for our encampment and there are many excellent venues for them to train upon. My officers and I are excited to begin our exercises. We will have a review for Meryton in a fortnight or so.”
“I should think your encampment quite a sight to behold.” Gardiner thumbed his lapels.
He wore a signet ring with a blue stone, engraved with the symbol of the Blue Order. Landless, but able to hear dragons. Perhaps he was the companion to the cockatrice Walker had mentioned encountering in Longbourn’s woods. Here to help Bennet, no doubt.
“Indeed they are. I have heard that the Hertfordshire regiment has recently come short a field officer.”
“Indeed they have, their lieutenant colonel has taken too ill to serve, dropsy of the heart I have heard.” Forster rocked back on his heels. “Is it possible you are considering stepping up to the office?”
Bennet shrugged, “There is something to be said for the exclusive company of men when one lives in a house of six women.”
Liar. The man was a bold-faced liar. A Keeper would never abandon his dragon voluntarily.
“I find it rather a smart business, truth be told. Certainly a welcome change from the drudgeries of land management. Perhaps you gentlemen would enjoy a closer inspection of the regiment as we settle in and prepare for the review?”
“I would most gladly take you up on the offer. My cousin is a colonel in the regulars,” Darcy said.
Whilst Bennet might be a manipulative liar and the colonel a short-sighted fool, an opportunity was an opportunity.
“I have no such fortunate relations, but we should welcome your invitation, nonetheless,” Bennet said through gritted teeth.
What would Bennet do if he found the egg before Darcy? Surely he would not try and withhold it from its proper Keeper, would he?
No, Bennet would not take that chance. Not when Darcy was this close.
“Tomorrow then, after the morning drills?” Forster was a proud one. Clearly he enjoyed all this attention from the local residents of quality.
What kind of yeoman farm did he come from? He had little bearing, coarse manners, and an unpolished tone in his voice that would have Walker hating him immediately.
“Thank you, we will look forward to seeing you then.” Bennet glanced at Gardiner, who nodded.
“Indeed.” Darcy bowed and allowed Gardiner to pick up the threads of a new conversation.
He would be there shortly after dawn tomorrow, well before Bennet could arrive.
He slipped back, out of the conversation and surveyed the room.
With Walker’s help, he could begin a thorough search of every inch of the territory the four companies occupied. Pray it would be among them. Otherwise he would have to create some reason to visit Ware. Perhaps the pretext of seeking to visit Clarington who would conveniently not be there?
Disguise was his abhorrence, but what choice did he have? No one here knew he thought Clarington a simpering dolt whose company he would ride miles to avoid.
Best not think of that now. There was still some good that might be accomplished this night. He scanned the knots of people dotting the room for Wickham. Matlock’s intelligence said he was friendly with Forster and likely to be in the lieutenant colonel’s shadow. Moreover, he was not the kind to relinquish such an opportunity, relishing few things more than the opportunity to amuse himself with young ladies.
Where was he?
Did he think the egg so near hatching that he dare not leave its presence? Or did he not feel secure enough in its hiding place that he could not leave it unguarded? That was more likely. He might be a selfish, undisciplined, opportunist, but he was no fool.
That could be to his advantage. If it were not well hid, then perhaps Walker could discover it, and they could make short work of recovering it without drawing the attention of the militia or the locals.
Except for Bennet. No doubt he would find out. If nothing else, those irritating fairy dragons would report everything.
Troublesome little gossips.
Miss Elizabeth stood against the far wall conversing with the eldest Lucas girl. His face heated. Just an hour ago, in the carriage ride here, he had heartily agreed with Miss Bingley’s assessment that Miss Elizabeth had hardly a good feature in her face.
It was not true. Far from it.
Her features were uncommonly intelligent especially because of the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. Granted there was more than one failure of perfect symmetry in her form, but her figure was light and pleasing. Her manners were certainly not those of the fashionable world. But was that truly unforgivable? Their easy playfulness appealed to many, including the dragons. She was indeed pretty, far from ‘not handsome enough’ to dance with.
He never should have spoken those words. It was beneath him. Walker was right, he needed to make amends.
He made his way toward them. Miss Lucas noticed immediately and welcomed him with a curtsey.
“How are you enjoying the party, Mr. Darcy? Have you found the company agreeable?”
“Thank you, I have been most grateful for the invitation.” He dipped his head.
“Do you enjoy music, sir? I am going to open the instrument, Eliza, and you know what follows.” Miss Lucas’ eyebrows rose, and she cocked her head.
“You are a very strange creature by way of a friend! Always wanting me to play and sing before anybody and everybody!” Miss Elizabeth’s cheeks colored. “If my vanity had taken a musical turn, you would have been invaluable, but as it is, I would really rather not sit down before those who must be in the habit of hearing the very best performers.”
“You play very prettily, Eliza, and I must insist. It is your duty to take your turn at the pianoforte and display as all of us shall.”
“Very well. If it must be so, it must.” She curtsied and followed Miss Lucas to the far side of the room.
Her performance was pleasing, though by no means capital, but her manner was easy and unaffected. Her voice was lighter than he expected, clear and sweet. Her cheeks colored prettily as she sang, and her dark eyes shone. After a song or two, and before she could reply to several entreaties that she sing again, her sister Miss Mary, eagerly succeeded at the instrument, apparently impatient for her turn to display.
Darcy gritted his teeth through her entire performance. She had neither genius nor taste, playing with a pedantic air and conceited manner, which would have injured a higher degree of excellence than she had been privileged to reach. What a relief when the long concerto gave way to her younger sisters’ demands for music they might dance to.
Two or three officers eagerly joined in dancing at one end of the room. But Wickham was not among them either.
Darcy clasped his hands behind his back and muttered under his breath. What a torturous way to pass an evening when he had far more important concerns to attend to.
&n
bsp; Miss Bingley approached, a vaguely predatory look in her eye.
Why her?
She stepped far too close, her nearness prickling his skin. “I can guess the subject of your reverie.”
“I should imagine not.”
“You are considering how insufferable it would be to pass many evenings in such society. I am quite of your opinion. I was never more annoyed! The insipidity, the noise! The nothingness and yet the self-importance of all these people! What would I give to hear your strictures on them!” She fluttered her feathered fan before her face.
If only he might share his strictures on her, but that would be insupportable. “Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. My mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.”
She followed his gaze toward Miss Elizabeth and sniffed. “I am all astonishment. How long has she been such a favorite? Pray when am I to wish you joy?”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “A lady's imagination is very rapid. It jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment.”
“You will have a charming mother-in-law, indeed, and of course she will be always at Pemberley with you.”
Miss Bingley lingered long over the topic, clearly enjoying her little tease.
But what would Pemberley be like under the care of a mistress like Miss Elizabeth? It was an interesting mental exercise indeed.
Three days of near torrential rain delayed Darcy’s visit to the militia encampment. That alone would have been enough to drive him stark mad—so close to his objective and yet it remained impossibly out of reach. But coupled with the company of Hurst and the Bingley sisters—it was nigh on intolerable.
Was there an hour of day Hurst was not inebriated? It was not hard to believe that his wife encouraged it to keep him pacified. His temper was nearly as disgraceful as his opinions were ignorant. Not that his wife’s were much better, but at least she had better manners.
Miss Bingley was a problem though. Since her taunting remarks at the Lucas’ party she hovered at his shoulder like a fairy dragon. Her prattle certainly sounded like one, only slightly less high-pitched. Walker warned that she was seeking a mate.
