by Abbey North
Lizzy wished she could be surprised by the other woman’s callousness, but after similar meetings in the past, there was little Catherine could do to shock her. She just nodded and allowed the woman to drone on about the importance of estate planning, a good marriage, and what Mr. Collins would do to Longbourn.
Apparently, Anne was satisfied her mother would continue to speak for a while, so she leaned over and squeezed Lizzy’s hand under the table briefly. “I am sorry for my mother. She can be dreadfully awful sometimes.”
Lizzy grinned at her, keeping her voice low as well. “You have my sympathy, and my complete understanding, for my mother can be quite dreadful as well.” Though when contrasted with Lady Catherine, Fanny seemed little more than a slight annoyance upon occasion.
She had much to recommend her over the other woman, including genuine warmth and affection for her daughters, though Lizzy often felt like Fanny didn’t understand her and vice versa. She still knew her mother loved her, even if she was perplexed by her very existence.
Dinner finally ended, and Lizzy had engaged in more conversation with Anne in a discreet fashion, since it wouldn’t do to be singled out for not listening to Lady Catherine or Mr. Collins. It was difficult to determine who was more long-winded, though Lady Catherine had the singular ability to be able to quiet Mr. Collins with a word or a look.
Indeed, it was quite amusing to see him stop in the middle of a thought when the lady indicated it was time for her to speak, or she just blurted out whatever she was thinking, uncaring who was speaking before her. To Lizzy, she had dreadful manners, especially considering her station in life, and she was quite surprised to learn Mr. Darcy was related to the woman. It proved to her that extreme wealth and every advantage couldn’t make one a decent person.
As Mr. Collins was the only one in attendance, there was no need for him to dismiss himself with the other men for a glass of port or a cigar after dinner, and Lizzy couldn’t imagine him partaking in such extravagances anyway. Instead, they endured another round of tea and more conversation before they were finally freed.
“It is getting late, and you must return to the rectory before it gets too dark, but I wish for you to come back for dinner in two days, Mr. Collins. You shall be delighted to know my nephews are soon visiting. Richard and Fitzwilliam will be here tomorrow, and I will wish to greet them with a proper family dinner tomorrow evening, but they will be ready to entertain the day after. I have no doubt it will be refreshing for your guests to experience the company of two such fine gentlemen.”
Lizzy barely hid a grimace at the news. After all, what were the odds Lady de Bourgh had two nephews named Fitzwilliam? Still, she made herself asked, “Would that be Fitzwilliam Darcy, Lady de Bourgh?”
Catherine looked at her, frowning. “Yes. What would you know of my nephew?”
Lizzy managed a bland smile. “Not much. He recently stayed at Netherfield with his friend, Mr. Bingley. I met him a few times.”
Catherine’s nose wrinkled. “The Bingleys,” she said with a hint of distaste in her tone. “Tradesmen, the lot of them. In my day, no Fitzwilliam would have associated with one such as them, but I realize things have changed. Those of us with higher standing must necessarily compromise upon occasion as the standards of society yield to those who can afford to pave the way for the lessening.”
Lizzy clenched her hands in her lap, wishing to defend Mr. Bingley, but knowing she had no right to. She certainly wasn’t about to explain to Lady Catherine why she felt semi-protective of the young man her sister loved so fervently.
She was surprised to find Darcy wasn’t quite as pretentious as his aunt though, because he didn’t seem to let it bother him that Mr. Bingley’s money came from trade. Indeed, if Mr. Darcy could retain a friend, he appeared to in Charles Bingley, and she couldn’t imagine many people being able to dislike the young man. She wondered if Lady Catherine had even met him, or if she had simply passed judgment on him because of his familial origins.
She also couldn’t help thinking about the lady’s hypocrisy as the party returned to Hunsford. Lady Catherine herself was inviting social inferiors for dinner and entertaining them, though they were more a captive audience to Lizzy’s way of thinking.
She was bemoaning that her nephew would interact with a tradesman who made four thousand per year, while she was hosting her vicar and his wife. Lizzy wondered if she’d given any thought to the situation, and how she reconciled her beliefs with her actions, but she doubted Lady Catherine was a deep enough thinker to have ever realized she behaved in a contrary fashion to her espoused beliefs.
As she was getting into bed later, she realized she had successfully distracted herself from thinking about her forthcoming meeting with Darcy. Now, lying in bed alone, there was nothing else she could force her thoughts to focus on, and she realized she was looking forward to the prospect in a way she hadn’t expected.
Of course, part it would be the pleasure of needling Darcy if she got the chance, and she would most certainly be sure to ask after Mr. Bingley. Of course, she genuinely wanted to know if Georgiana was all right after her abduction, but she shouldn’t be looking forward to seeing him.
She took herself to task for the idea, recalling the many reasons why she should be dreading the meeting entirely. For one, he was determined to keep Bingley apart from Jane, and he had called Jane a grasping social climber. That was the farthest thing from the truth, for her sister was kindness and compassion itself. She would’ve loved Mr. Bingley if he had been a goatherder instead of having wealth from a familial history of trade.
Besides, Mr. Darcy seemed on the verge of announcing his engagement to Miss Caroline Bingley, Charles’s sister. She had no business feeling any kind of excitement to see someone else’s betrothed, though the announcement had not yet been formally given the last she’d heard. She knew it was coming, implied by Darcy himself, so why would she be excited to see him?
She was grudgingly forced to admit she found Mr. Darcy attractive. Who wouldn’t, as long as a woman had eyes? He was a handsome man, and he cut a fine figure. If it hadn’t been for his horrible manner and contemptuous disposition, he would’ve been a true Incomparable, and any woman would have fallen for him.
Not that she had fallen for him, Lizzy hastily assured herself. Sharing an investigation into the thefts, and then a dramatic rescue of his sister from her kidnapping was hardly a basis to build a relationship, especially with a man like him. Physical attraction was quite separate from emotional accord, and that was something she was certain they would never find. They could have years to do so and still fail, for she couldn’t imagine they would ever be able to get along in a civilized fashion for long.
She firmly squashed any sense of enthusiasm at the idea of seeing him, reminding herself how inappropriate was, and just how boorish the man could be. He looked down on everything and everyone, and that most certainly encompassed a country miss like Elizabeth Bennet.
2
Fitzwilliam had been bracing himself all day for this, ever since learning the day before that Elizabeth Bennet was a guest at Hunsford, and she would be coming for dinner this evening. The last place he’d expected to see her—and truthfully, he’d never expected to see her again—had been in his aunt’s parlor at Rosings Park.
That the lady could entertain Elizabeth Bennet seemed laughable, but he knew she tended to invite the Collins couple multiple times per week. He suspected she enjoyed having someone listen to her speak, and normally, he was quite tolerant of sharing that duty with others. It was only that Elizabeth Bennet was part of the party that bothered him, though he strove not to show it as they entered the sitting room to visit before dinner.
She didn’t look at him at all, and in fact, she seemed to be studiously looking anywhere but his direction. Feeling annoyed at that, he walked forward, taking time to greet Mrs. Collins and meet Maria Lucas, who looked vaguely familiar. He thought he might’ve seen her during his short stay at Netherfield, but he couldn�
��t be certain. He turned to Lizzy last. “Miss Bennet, I did not expect to see you again.”
“Likewise,” she said sweetly. Too sweetly, as her eyes said something else entirely. She was as unhappy about the situation as he was.
He wasn’t certain why he’d come over now, for he could think of nothing to say, and what had seemed like a bit of pleasure at reminding her he was there now had the awkward effect of leaving them both uncomfortable. He was relieved when Richard stepped forward for introductions, and he quickly introduced his cousin to the other members of the party. His spine stiffened at the way Richard lifted Lizzy’s hands, his lips deliberately hovering over her glove longer than necessary while he complimented her flushed cheeks and fine eyes.
Telling himself it wasn’t jealousy, but rather alarm, he moved away from them to take a seat as the party started to seat itself in the sitting room. Lady Catherine dominated the space with her position in the thronelike chair, and he wondered if she had deliberately selected it because it sat higher than the others and seemed so luxuriant, or if it was simply her ostentatious taste.
He realized he was sitting beside his cousin, and he smiled at Anne. “How are you this evening?”
She hesitated for a long moment, as though she were trying to decide what to say. He was worried when he saw how pale she was, and there were bags under her eyes. “Are you well, Anne?” The poor dear had suffered bouts of illness since childhood.
After a moment, she blinked and managed a shaky smile. “I am quite well, Fitzwilliam. How are you?”
He shrugged a shoulder. “I am well.” It was a rather stifled conversation, and though he had oftentimes spent hours engaged with Anne discussing various things, there was always a restrictive presence between them whenever they were around Lady Catherine. Her expectations of them becoming engaged weighed heavily on both of them, though Fitzwilliam was convinced Anne had as little interest in the union as he did.
It was still dreadfully annoying to have to be conscious of every interaction, certain Catherine was watching them and looking for signs only she would see that supported her belief they were getting closer, and he would inevitably ask for Anne’s hand. That it had not occurred in the years since Anne was old enough did not seem to concern her too much just yet.
He was on tenterhooks, realizing he was waiting for Lizzy or someone to bring up the subject of what had happened in Meryton. He could well imagine his aunt’s reaction to learning he had been instrumental in helping to find a thief, and then later thwarting Georgiana’s kidnapping.
She would likely be appalled by the investigation, but what would really bother her would be that Georgiana had been alone with her kidnapper, and Fitzwilliam hadn’t forced a marriage. That was the sort of mindset his aunt had, so he wasn’t eager for her to learn of the circumstances. He was determined to nip any such conversation in the bud, but he was pleasantly surprised when no one from Meryton broached the topic over dinner.
He managed to successfully avoid Lizzy for most of the meal, and for tea afterward. He and Richard didn’t bother to excuse themselves for port, knowing they would have to take Mr. Collins along if they did. That was a prospect he didn’t have the stomach for, so he followed the ladies back into the salon after dinner, pleased when Lizzy went to the pianoforte at his aunt’s insistence.
“I seem to remember you play passably well, Miss Bennet?” she asked as she shooed her that way.
“Passably,” said Lizzy with a twitch of her lips.
“You are welcome to use the pianoforte in Mrs. Jenkinson’s parlor while you are visiting Hunsford. After all, one must practice to improve oneself.”
Before she started to play, she sent Lady Catherine what appeared to be a genuine smile. “You must play quite well then, Lady Catherine?”
His aunt looked irritated for a moment before calm confidence filled her expression. “I never did have time to learn with all my other duties, but I do have quite an ear for music. I have no doubt I would have been a master if I had had the time to learn. Of course, Anne would have been as well, if she had not been such a sickly little thing.” She made that sound like a moral failing on her daughter’s part.
Fitzwilliam sent Anne a look of sympathy, but she appeared inured to her mother’s comments. Before he could explain it to himself, he was drifting over to stand at the pianoforte, joining his cousin, who was there engaged in conversation with Lizzy as she arranged her sheet music before she started to play.
He wanted to speak with her. He was surprised by that, especially recalling how they had shouted at each other before the Netherfield ball. He’d hardly been in possession of his faculties the last time he saw her, only barely remembering most of their conversation. That she had hit him in the head while trying to help him had certainly scrambled his brains, but he wanted to talk with her again. Of course, he couldn’t really do that will she was playing.
Her finger started moving over the keys, and he was startled to realize she was better than he’d expected. She was nowhere near Georgiana’s caliber, but he doubted she’d had the same access to masters his sister had enjoyed. When it came to enriching her talents and catering to her interests, he’d spared no expense for Georgiana. He imagined Lizzy could not have had even close to the same advantages. Considering what must’ve been her limited education, she played quite well, only missing a couple of the notes.
Despite Catherine’s insistence she had quite a fine ear for music, she didn’t seem to notice Lizzy’s missteps, and when Lizzy had finished playing, she said, “That was quite lovely. I insist you must come over and practice on the pianoforte, for you obviously have raw talent, so it must be honed.”
“That is a most generous offer,” said Lizzy, not committing to the idea.
Fitzwilliam was amused to notice his aunt didn’t seem to realize that. She nodded in satisfaction, clearly thinking the matter had been settled before turning to Mrs. Jenkinson. “You will, of course, make your pianoforte available to her.” It was issued as a statement of fact.
Mrs. Jenkinson nodded her head. “Of course, Lady Catherine.”
Lizzy seemed about to play them another piece, so while he had a chance, Darcy asked, “Are you well after the experience with Wickham?”
Her eyes widened slightly, and she dropped the page she was opening. While Richard fetched it for her, she said, “I am well. How are you, Mr. Darcy? Did you recover from your head injury?” She cringed as she asked, clearly still bearing some guilt.
He could’ve laughed, but he kept his reply non-accusatory when he said, “It was dreadfully painful for a few days, but it is better now.”
“Not so painful that you could not travel by coach the morning after the ball and your injury,” she said with a hint of reproof in her tone. Before he could respond, she said, “I do hope Miss Georgiana is well?”
He nodded. “She is. I saw her to Pemberley, where she wished to recover. She plans to join me in London in a short time, but for now, she needs her rest.” He pitched his voice low as Richard handed her the sheet music, realizing she was about to start playing again. “I would appreciate your discretion about that, Miss Bennet. My aunt has no knowledge of Georgiana’s incident, and I would like to keep it that way.”
Lizzy looked up at him with a frown. “I shan’t say a word. Surely, she cannot hold that against her?”
He shrugged a shoulder. “She has a peculiar way of thinking at times. For example, she is most insistent I will eventually marry Anne.”
“She must be dreadfully disappointed if you have not told her yet.” Her expression closed, and her tone turned cool.
He couldn’t fathom why, but before he had a chance to respond, she began to play enthusiastically. She practically threw herself into it, though it seemed to cause her to make more mistakes than she had before. When she had finished that song, she stood up, saying, “I believe my fingers are too stiff to continue playing. My apologies, Lady Catherine.”
“I do understand. Of course, onc
e you have practiced more on the pianoforte, you shall be able to play us an entire concert, I have no doubt. That should occur before you leave, Miss Bennet.”
If Lizzy found her vote of confidence sustaining, she didn’t show it. She merely appeared amused when she said, “Of course, Lady Catherine.”
Darcy couldn’t help following her as she returned to the sitting room, taking a seat near her in the armchair after she sat by Anne. She didn’t speak to him for a moment, and then her shoulders straightened, and he braced himself, knowing something unpleasant was coming when she turned to face him. In a polite tone, she asked, “How is Mr. Bingley?”
“He is well. He has returned to London and sees no reason to go back to Netherfield. It is unlikely he will extend his tenancy there.” He spoke the words formally, interjecting confidence in them he wasn’t entirely certainly he felt.
While Charles was back in London, his friend was moping, and Darcy was afraid he might yet give in to his feelings and try to approach Jane. He was doing his best to keep his friend from returning to Netherfield, so he was relieved the weather would turn and make it difficult to travel soon.
“How fortuitous. My sister Jane is in London as well.”
“You have a sister?” asked Richard as he came to join them, sitting on Anne’s other side.
“I have four sisters, but the one of interest is Jane.”
Fitzwilliam stiffened at the words. “What brings Miss Jane to London?”
“She is visiting our aunt and uncle. She will likely stay past Christmas, and I am on my way to join her after I visit with Charlotte for a while.”
His blood ran cold at the thought, and he resolved he would warn Charles to be on his guard. He might also send a note to Caroline Bingley to warn her as well. Though he didn’t want her to get any ideas, he couldn’t deny her assistance, along with Louisa’s, had been instrumental in helping them convince Charles there was nothing for him at Netherfield, and that his perception of Miss Jane was wrong. It couldn’t hurt to warn her to be aware. In fact, it was more sensible to warn her and circumvent Bingley. With luck, his friend would never learn Jane was there.
