by P. O. Dixon
Elizabeth feigned astonishment. “Who would argue such an opinion? What say you, Miss Theresa?”
“I beg your pardon, Miss?” Theresa asked, pretending not to know Elizabeth’s name, whilst pondering why Georgiana’s companion sat at their table, next to Mr. Darcy no less.
“Elizabeth,” she replied, pretending unawareness of the deliberate snub. “I asked if you agree with Mr. Darcy that Shelley’s views are antiquated.” Darcy shot Elizabeth a look that read, Stop it, young lady!
Finally, Miss Theresa responded, “Mr. Darcy, if you believe that, you and I should best discuss another subject.”
Darcy looked at the young woman as if she had grown a third eye. Refusing to take the bait, he resumed speaking with Georgiana.
After a long moment of awkward silence, Lady Matlock persisted. “Miss Theresa, what is the name of the poem you mentioned last week?”
“Laon and Cythna, your Ladyship.”
“Yes, of course. Fitzwilliam, I believe you are an authority on that topic, as well.”
“Is that true, Mr. Darcy? It is rare to meet someone who shares my passion for the Ottoman Empire. I would love to discuss it with you.”
Darcy ignored Miss Theresa, so Elizabeth intervened again. “Mr. Darcy, I recall having heard you mention that you met the author while at Cambridge. I am sure Miss Theresa would be interested in hearing of your experience.”
“I doubt that Miss Theresa would find it interesting, Miss Elizabeth.”
“On the contrary, Mr. Darcy, I find anything you say enlightening.”
Darcy briefly glanced at Miss Theresa, and then returned his attentions to Georgiana. Elizabeth decided to give up. Darcy was determined to ignore Miss Theresa, and there was nothing to be done for it.
After supper, the ballroom festivities resumed. Elizabeth resolved to enjoy the rest of the night and not give another thought to Darcy’s rude behaviour towards Miss Theresa.
Later, the Bingley sisters joined Elizabeth and Georgiana, thus providing the first opportunity for Elizabeth and Caroline to interact since their last meeting at Netherfield. Elizabeth easily surmised that Caroline disliked her as much as ever before.
“Miss Elizabeth, my brother Charles tells me you are residing here at Darcy House, as Miss Darcy’s companion. I had no idea,” she condescended.
“Yes, it is true. We have been together for over a month.”
“I trust you are enjoying your place... pardon me, your position,” she derided, in a caustic manner, reminiscent of her conduct in Hertfordshire.
Georgiana responded, “Of course, she is. Having Elizabeth here with my brother and me is the best thing to have ever happened to us.”
“My dear Miss Darcy, did you just say, your brother?” Caroline bristled, wondering what Georgiana was insinuating. While she had not failed to notice Darcy’s admiration of Elizabeth when they were all at Netherfield, she thought surely he had gotten over his infatuation now that they were back amongst society, at least she hoped he had.
“Yes, Elizabeth is very important to both of us.”
“How nice for you,” Caroline retorted. At that moment, Darcy joined the group and requested the next dance with Caroline. As Darcy escorted her to the dance floor, she turned back towards Elizabeth and smirked.
Elizabeth was surprised to see that Caroline was as possessive and solicitous of Darcy as ever she was in Hertfordshire. Now knowing what she did of how he behaved in society, it dawned upon her that Darcy treated Caroline only slightly better than he treated Miss Theresa. Elizabeth perceived Caroline as even more preposterous than before. After so many years, Caroline still had no idea of Darcy’s indifference towards her.
The last guests departed in the wee hours of the morning. Georgiana was alert and vibrant during the entire night, no small feat considering it was her initial coming out in society. Indeed the night was quite memorable. She was so excited to discuss everything that she dragged Elizabeth into her apartment to talk.
Georgiana went on and on about the guests at her coming out ball. Some she already knew through her family acquaintances, but there were many in attendance she had never met. She expressed her utter delight over the prospects for the upcoming Season, particularly her pleasure for her aunt’s encouragement to enjoy herself. Georgiana intended to do just that. She was overjoyed that Elizabeth would be there by her side every step of the way. If she could change anything about the evening, it would certainly be the inclusion of one particular guest.
“I must apologise for subjecting you to Miss Bingley. She was absolutely dreadful.”
“You must not apologise for Caroline’s behaviour. I am afraid she simply does not like me. She never has, and I doubt she ever will.”
“Had I known, I would have insisted that she not be invited.”
“That would have meant that her brother Charles might not have attended.”
“I imagine you have a point. I like Mr. Bingley very much. He is very kind, nothing at all like his sister. His wife seems very pleasant.”
“Indeed,” Elizabeth remarked. “She seems too good to be true. She brings to mind my own dear sister Jane.”
“Elizabeth, if only Miss Bennet could have been here tonight. I know how much you miss her. I wish to know everything about her.”
Elizabeth reflected upon the irony of Georgiana’s remarks. Indeed, how different her life might be if Jane and she were still together. Instead of discussing such matters with Georgiana, she shared an account of their stay at Netherfield while Jane was convalescing, without getting into details of Mr. Darcy’s disagreeable comportment. The two young friends talked until dawn.
~ ~ ~
Darcy rose early that morning, as was his habit. He breakfasted alone and then went out to train with his fencing master. Upon his return, he was surprised to find that neither Elizabeth nor Georgiana was about, especially given the lateness of the hour. He sought out Mrs. Annesley to inquire of his sister, but she too was nowhere to be found. Darcy decided to go to Georgiana’s apartment to check on her. He knocked. Upon receiving no response, he entered. Darcy was surprised at what he found. The two people he loved most in the world were asleep upon Georgiana’s bed. Darcy quickly exited the room. He never expected to find Elizabeth there. Recovering from the vision of Elizabeth sleeping peacefully, her dark hair spread all over the pillow, he thought she was even more beautiful in her sleep than he ever had imagined.
No callers were received that day. He let them rest.
Much later in the afternoon, Darcy summoned Elizabeth to his study. He desperately needed to see her, to spend some time alone with her, and he devised the perfect excuse.
Elizabeth softly knocked at his opened door and walked over to his desk. She curtseyed and stood before him, “You wished to see me, sir.”
“Yes, please have a seat,” he said as he stood to help her in her chair. He then walked over to close the door. Elizabeth thought to herself, He never closes the door when we are alone in his study. Darcy returned to his seat behind the desk.
“I want to discuss last night. I am not pleased with your behaviour at supper.”
“My behaviour?”
“Yes, you were baiting me deliberately on the subject of Shelley.”
“Sir, pardon my saying, but sometimes you are so obtuse. I feel it is YOUR behaviour that reflects poorly.”
“In what regard?”
“In the way you treat Miss Theresa. At first, you overwhelm her with your charms. Then, the next time you see her, you behave as if she does not exist. Are those the acts of a gentleman?”
“You do not understand what it is like for me to be sought out constantly by every mama with a single daughter.”
“Poor Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth chided.
“What would you have me do, Miss Elizabeth? I have asked my aunt to stop her matchmaking schemes. She will not listen. It has become a game.”
“Perhaps it is a game to you and your chum, Colonel Fitzwilliam. I assure you, it is not
a game to the young lady. It is cruel and adolescent. Better that you should remain arrogant and taciturn from the start, than to engage the young lady’s hopes.”
“Miss Elizabeth, I will not have this conversation with you.”
“You asked me here to discuss my behaviour at supper. I am only telling you how I feel.”
“Yes, what was I thinking?” he bemoaned as he massaged his raised eyebrow. Darcy expected Elizabeth to challenge him, but he certainly had not planned for her to berate him.
“Fine, if you do not want me to bait you, as you say, then stop being so ridiculous! Your aunt likely will continue her matchmaking attempts, but that does not stop you from playing your malicious games.” With that she left the room.
Though amazed at Elizabeth’s audacity in criticising his behaviour, Darcy knew she was right. While it never bothered him before what others thought of his callousness, he did not want Elizabeth to think badly of him. He promised himself that he would no longer play such games, ever again.
Upon deeper consideration of all that Elizabeth said, Darcy pondered his circumstances. All of the chastisement of a wife with none of the benefits...
~ Chapter 4 ~
No Such Promise
As the Season steadily progressed, Darcy’s possessive attitude with respect to Elizabeth became increasingly evident when she started to attract the attention of other men. Although Darcy strongly believed he could not have Elizabeth, he certainly did not intend that anyone else might. His constant fear was that another man would recognise her worth and steal her away from him. He knew he was being selfish and absurd. Still, he worried ceaselessly.
By and by, Elizabeth discovered that a potential suitor had appealed to Darcy, asking if he might court her. Without speaking with Elizabeth first, Darcy had flatly told the gentleman that Elizabeth was not interested. Matthew Clennan was a handsome man, kind and amiable, and at least twelve years her senior. In appearance, he might easily be taken as a more mature likeness of Darcy himself. He owned a modest estate in Devonshire. He had called on the Darcys on several occasions and had always been engaging. Elizabeth had soon suspected he fancied her. Though she had liked him very much, she had not been attracted to him. As she was not the sort of female to torment a respectable man, she had sought not to encourage him into thinking they might be anything more than acquaintances.
Upon learning of Darcy’s interference, Elizabeth was so angry that she stormed into his study and demanded an explanation. Darcy confirmed her accusations that indeed, he had spoken with the gentleman on her behalf. Elizabeth was livid.
“How dare you? You owe me an apology and your promise not to interfere in my affairs again!”
“I owe you an apology?” Darcy echoed, thinking he had done her a great service. “Whatever for, might I ask? I watched Mr. Clennan and you carefully, and was persuaded you were not interested. Was I mistaken, Miss Elizabeth? Are you favourably inclined towards Mr. Clennan?”
“No, I am not. That is not the point. The point is that I decide, NOT you.”
“Miss Elizabeth, you are a young maiden, living in my home, and under my protection. It is honourable and expected that would-be suitors speak with me of their intentions towards both Georgiana and you.”
“I am NOT your younger sister!”
“Clearly,” Darcy uttered, exasperated at having to account for his actions. First of all, Georgiana would never question him; but most importantly, he was in love with Elizabeth and spent nearly every waking hour thinking of her, not to mention his nights.
“Mr. Darcy, I cannot prevent anyone from coming to you to speak of their intentions, but do not presume to speak for me. I am nearly one and twenty. I speak for myself,” she insisted, now directly before his desk, tightly clutching her small fists at her side. Elizabeth stood her ground. “I demand an apology and your promise to desist!”
Darcy loved to see Elizabeth lose her temper thus. Deciding to provoke her even more, he raised himself from his chair. Leaning forward with his hands resting on the desk, he said, “I do not apologise, and I will make no such promise.”
“Insufferable man!” she furiously shouted, as she spun around upon her heals and stormed from the study, slamming the door on her way out.
Elizabeth was upset. She wanted desperately to rush out of the house, unescorted, for a long, solitary walk and a much-needed breath of fresh air. However, the last thing she desired was another confrontation with Darcy. Instead, she raced upstairs to the privacy of her apartment. She needed to think. Why must he be so controlling, overbearing, and stubborn? In truth, Elizabeth was disinterested in Mr. Clennan, as well as any of the other gentlemen she had met over the past weeks. Inexplicably, every man she met, she compared to Darcy. Whereas the gentlemen were amiable, sensible, and always did their best to flatter her ego, their discourses failed to stir the same passion she felt when she carried on conversations with Darcy. Though she was certain she was unaffected by him, she was sure that she desired passion in a relationship. Still, Darcy’s interference infuriated her. It is understandable that he should make such decisions for Georgiana, but why is he interfering in my felicity and chances for happiness? she asked herself.
Soft knocks on the door abruptly halted Elizabeth’s reflections. Georgiana spoke quietly outside the door. “Elizabeth, may I come in?” Elizabeth collected herself and invited her friend inside. Georgiana hastily approached Elizabeth and warmly embraced her. “Elizabeth, are you terribly annoyed with Fitzwilliam? I overheard you when you left his study. He has remained closed off in there, and you have been tucked away in here, ever since.”
“I am sorry, Georgiana. Your brother and I have never gotten along very well.”
“Please have patience with Fitzwilliam. He greatly admires you. He only wants what is best for you, for all of us. I could not bear it if a misunderstanding between you two results in your leaving us.”
“Georgiana, you must not worry about that. I will be here for you until you march down the aisle, as long as you want me. I promise,” Elizabeth assured her, as she hugged Georgiana closer. She continued, “And do not worry about your brother and me; we are both very stubborn, but we manage to coexist, even if not always tranquilly.”
“Wonderful, now, let us both get ready. Remember, Fitzwilliam is escorting us to the theatre tonight. It will be very exciting. I can hardly wait.”
Elizabeth had forgotten. In spite of what she had said to Georgiana, she was furious with Darcy. She did not want to see him again so soon. She had decided she would stay in her room and brood, feigning a headache. Seeing Georgiana’s enthusiasm, Elizabeth realised that was no longer a possibility.
It was her job to accompany Georgiana out in public. Georgiana steadfastly refused any invitation that excluded Elizabeth. As there were many amongst the ton whose only interest was in the Darcys, Georgiana declined quite a few invitations. Little did it matter. In her eyes, Elizabeth was her friend as well as her equal. She did not intend to engage the society of those who chose to look down upon Elizabeth. Attendance at the theatre, operas, exhibits, private dinner parties with close friends of the Matlocks, and occasional private balls marked their calendar for the Season, along with a surfeit of callers of both genders. Darcy was always in attendance, much to the delight of the young ladies and their mothers, and to the chagrin of the gentlemen.
Fortunately, Elizabeth was not made to think she was hindering Georgiana’s prospects. While men found both women charming, only the wealthiest men of the highest circles approached Georgiana. Those gentlemen of more modest means sought out Elizabeth. Mr. Clennan was but one of those men. Luckily for Darcy, Elizabeth was unaware that he had spoken with another gentleman on her behalf to decline his suit.
Richard also planned to accompany them to the theatre that night. He often joined the Darcys, Elizabeth, and often times, Mrs. Annesley for social outings. As Georgiana’s co-guardian, he was as excited as was Darcy to participate in her coming out. Elizabeth’s opinion of Rich
ard remained unchanged over the course of their acquaintance. She perceived him as an incredible flirt; much like Darcy in physical appearance, but far more amiable. He delighted in entertaining her, but not to the extent of their first meeting when she found him overwhelming in his attentions. Richard was particularly careful not to annoy Darcy in his interactions with Elizabeth. Although Darcy refused to admit it, it was obvious to Richard how Darcy felt about her. He knew his cousin too well. He simply did not believe Darcy’s intentions towards her were as innocent as professed.
In due time, Georgiana and Elizabeth joined Darcy and Richard in the drawing room for their departure for the theatre. Darcy did his best to engage Elizabeth and appear contrite. As no real apology was forthcoming, Elizabeth was not inclined to offer her forgiveness. The two were at an impasse.
There was at least one other young woman who looked forward to the night at the theatre as much as Georgiana. When Caroline Bingley learnt that their party would be seated in the Darcy box for the evening, she was ecstatic. Caroline always prided herself on what she perceived as her special connection to Darcy. How many other young ladies of the ton commonly shared his luxurious box? Indeed, Caroline felt herself to be rather special.
The performance that night was one of Shakespeare’s works, not that it mattered. People were there to see and to be seen. Caroline went to considerable lengths preparing for that evening, for at the height of the Season, she was the young lady who would be seen with Mr. Darcy; she planned to make sure of that. All eyes would be trained upon Miss Darcy, being that it was her first Season. By default, those same eyes would be on Caroline. Sure, Darcy’s sister would be seen on his arm during the interval and seated next to him in the box, but he had two arms after all, as well as two sides. Caroline believed after that night, there would be no doubt amongst the ton that she was Darcy’s choice.
