Elizabeth asks, “Mr. Darcy, what would you have to be stressed about?”
Darcy starts at this question and wonders if the young lady before him does not know who he is or what he is worth. Darcy asks, “Miss Elizabeth, what have you heard mentioned of me this evening?”
Elizabeth replies, “Mr. Darcy, I have heard nothing of you. I observed the room whispering about your party when you first arrived, but sitting so far across the room, I did not hear what was being said. Are you going to tell me that you are a rake or worse and that was why everyone was whispering about you?”
Darcy smiles to himself as he realizes that Elizabeth knows nothing of him. Darcy realizes that he needs to tell her before her family does. Darcy replies, “Miss Elizabeth, my apologies if I was abrupt. I hope I did not offend. I am often hunted by society, and I wanted to know what you had heard. As you may have seen and possibly heard the whispering earlier, the crowd was talking about Bingley’s five thousand pounds per year and my ten thousand pounds per year, and I dislike being hunted for my fortune, which I know you are not doing. I am uncomfortable with people I have not met before and find that I do not present myself well to others. To answer your earlier question, I ride when I need to escape my duties. As my friend mentioned earlier, I am helping him with estate management. I have been in charge of my family estates since my father’s passing five years ago. I also have the additional responsibility of raising a much younger sister, Georgiana, who is more than ten years, my junior.”
Elizabeth cuts in, “Mr. Darcy, please accept my apologies. I did not mean to upset you. I only meant to tease you. We were having a nice lighthearted conversation. I had no idea that you had such responsibilities at such a young age. Please forgive my impertinence.”
Darcy replies, “Please be at ease, Miss Elizabeth, I beg you. My cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam often tells me that I am too serious. Richard, that is, Colonel Fitzwilliam shares guardianship of my sister with me, and he tries to keep me from being too serious, but as he is often away, I am afraid that I tend to be too serious.”
Elizabeth replies, “Mr. Darcy, I am sorry to cut short our conversation, but I believe you should return to the room before anyone notices that you are missing. I hope you will forgive me if I was in any way rude to you. I am used to only being able to tease my father, and I am afraid that I may have left you with a bad impression of me.”
Darcy responds, “Miss Elizabeth, I have greatly enjoyed our conversation and would be happy to continue it, but I do not want to get you into any more trouble with your mother. Tell me, Miss Elizabeth, will you be walking tomorrow morning?”
“Mr. Darcy, if the weather is good tomorrow morning, I do plan to take a walk. I plan to walk the lane near my home—Longbourn, which is located just three miles to the east from Netherfield Park.”
Darcy bows in Elizabeth’s direction and replies, “I wish you a good evening, Miss Elizabeth. I hope to encounter you in the lane tomorrow morning.”
Elizabeth replies, “Good night, Mr. Darcy, and thank you for the company. I enjoyed myself.”
Darcy returns to the assembly room and continues to walk about the room. Darcy makes a point to stop and speak with some of the people he had been introduced to earlier in the evening—something that he has not done before. From time to time, Darcy glances in Elizabeth’s direction to see her smiling or raising a brow at him. He dances one time with each of Bingley’s sisters—Miss Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Louisa Hurst. After dancing with Mrs. Hurst, Darcy decides to break his habit of dancing with only people from his party and dances a set with Miss Bennet and Miss Mary Bennet. After these dances, he retreats to a corner and quietly observes the room. Darcy notices that as the evening draws to a close no one had come over to speak with Elizabeth. Darcy is very confused by this.
Chapter 2
Darcy is up early the next morning as he does not want to miss meeting Elizabeth, and he still has to find the lane near her home. Darcy takes his horse, Caesar, for a quick gallop before heading the direction Elizabeth had given him the night before. After letting Caesar run, Darcy quickly finds the lane and discovers that it is empty. He quickly dismounts and reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out an apple that he quickly slices up and shares it with Caesar. It is as Darcy is feeding Caesar the last piece of apple that Elizabeth appears.
Darcy calls out, “Good morning, Miss Elizabeth! It is a beautiful morning for a walk.”
He watches as Elizabeth smiles. “Good morning, Mr. Darcy. It is a pleasure to see you again. Who is this handsome gentleman?”
Darcy grins as Caesar gives his shoulder a nudge. Darcy replies, “Miss Elizabeth, this giant pest is my horse, Caesar, who is always looking for more apples.” Darcy is enchanted as Elizabeth laughs—her cheeks are rosy, and her eyes are sparkling with good humor. He walks toward Elizabeth and holds out his arm, and Darcy watches as Elizabeth gently lays her small hand on his arm, and they start walking down the lane. Darcy holds Caesar’s reins in his other hand.
Elizabeth turns to him and asks, “Mr. Darcy, how are you enjoying your visit to the area?”
Darcy replies, “Miss Elizabeth, so far I find the area lovely. I admit that I have not had a chance to see much of the area. I am helping Bingley learn some basic estate management as I think we discussed last night.”
Elizabeth replies, “You must be a good friend to take time away from your sister as well as your own estate to come help your friend.”
Darcy stops and turns to her and asks, “Miss Elizabeth, may I ask you a personal question?” Elizabeth nods. “Miss Elizabeth, may I ask, why were you sitting alone almost all of last night?”
Elizabeth replies, “Mr. Darcy, you are a keen observer of people. I will tell you why I was sitting alone last night as long as you promise not to tell anyone at Netherfield Park, and if at all possible, try not to treat me any differently.”
At this statement, Darcy urgently stresses, “Miss Elizabeth, you do not need to tell me. I did not mean to distress you. I was curious, and I have to admit I was sad to see a lovely lady sitting alone with no one to speak with.”
Elizabeth looks up at Darcy and takes a deep breath saying, “Mr. Darcy, I will be happy to tell you why I was sitting alone. It would be nice for someone other than my family to treat me like I am normal. Mr. Darcy, I have falling sickness. My mother cannot handle this as I am a young woman and I need to find a husband, but what man would want a wife with falling sickness? My mother still insists that I attend all social functions, but she then prevents me from meeting any gentlemen that my sisters might have a chance of winning. To be honest, if I had a choice, I would stay at home with my father and read or some other pursuit. Please do not judge my mother too harshly—she just cannot deal with a daughter who is not normal.”
Darcy watches Elizabeth as she is looking up at him, revealing this secret, and he knows that he has a surprised look on his face. Darcy is stunned when Elizabeth drops his arm and gives him a curtsy and begs his pardon and starts to walk away. Without thinking, Darcy grabs Elizabeth’s arm as she goes to walk past him and asks, “Miss Elizabeth, where are you going?”
Elizabeth replies, “Mr. Darcy, you do not need to pretend with me. Now that you know the truth, you will not want anything to do with me.”
Darcy is surprised by both Elizabeth’s matter-of-fact answer and her sad tone. Darcy gently tugs on Elizabeth’s arm until she is facing him. “Miss Elizabeth, I will admit to being surprised by what you told me. However, it in no way changes my mind. I would still like to get to know you, and who knows maybe in time we can become friends.” Darcy watches as disbelief crosses Elizabeth’s face and then sadness.
Elizabeth looks at him, saying, “Mr. Darcy, the only way we would be able to speak would be on walks like this one. If you called at Longbourn, you would not be able to speak to me directly. My mother would prevent it.”
He looks down at her. “Miss Elizabeth, if I called at Longbourn, would it be possible for me to meet your
father?”
Elizabeth replies, “Mr. Darcy, my father is at home. When I left, he was in his book room, reading and having his morning tea. Mr. Darcy, do you realize how my mother will act if you arrive at Longbourn and with the intent to call on my father? I love her, but she can be loud and embarrassing to all her daughters.”
Darcy smiles down at her as he assures her, “Miss Elizabeth, I understand your concern about your mother. Has your mother mentioned what I am worth rather loudly today?” He watches as Elizabeth blushes and slowly nods. Darcy continues, “Miss Elizabeth, I know that our acquaintance is not based on my wealth as we discussed last night. Do you now not want to be friends with me since I turned out to be a wealthy man?” Darcy watches as Elizabeth slowly shakes her head no.
Elizabeth replies, “Mr. Darcy, I do not judge a person by what they have or what they are worth. I judge a person based on their character. I agree that you should meet my father. Perhaps my father can suggest a way for us to become better acquainted. Mr. Darcy, are you sure you wish to do this? You have seen my mother and younger sisters in public. I can assure you that they will be worse in their home environment.”
Darcy replies, “Please be at ease, Miss Elizabeth. I look forward to meeting your family and will not judge you for the behavior of others. Can we go and meet with your father now?”
Elizabeth replies, “Yes, sir. Let us continue our walk down the lane, and when we approach Longbourn, I will go into the house ahead of you and advise my father that you are coming to visit him.”
Darcy agrees to this, and they continue their walk in silence. When they see Longbourn in the distance, Darcy stops and turns to Elizabeth and says, “I am going to mount up here and ride back the direction we just came from to give you time to enter the house and speak with your father. I will join you shortly.” Darcy bows to Elizabeth and mounts Caesar and rides away. Darcy turns back to see Elizabeth rushing into her home.
Approximately ten minutes later, Darcy arrives at Longbourn and is shown to Mr. Bennet’s library. Darcy observes Mr. Bennet, who is a man in his early fifties with Elizabeth’s dark eyes and chestnut hair with a touch of gray in it. He watches as Elizabeth introduces him to her father.
“Papa, this is Mr. Darcy. I made his acquaintance at the assembly last night, and he asked to be introduced to you. Mr. Darcy, this is my father, Mr. Thomas Bennet.”
Darcy bows to Mr. Bennet. “Mr. Bennet, it is a pleasure to meet you. Your daughter has spoken of you and explains that she gets her love of reading from you.”
Mr. Bennet looks at Darcy skeptically. “Mr. Darcy, it is a pleasure to meet you. I understand that you are Mr. Bingley’s friend, is that correct?” Darcy nods. Mr. Bennet turns to Elizabeth, “Lizzy, please order tea for the three of us, and if anyone asks about Mr. Darcy’s presence—he is here on business.”
Elizabeth replies, “Yes, Papa. Please excuse me, Papa, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy looks at Mr. Bennet in concern. “Mr. Bennet, please excuse me for interrupting your morning. As Miss Elizabeth mentioned, we were introduced at the assembly last night.” Darcy stops when Mr. Bennet raises a brow at this. Darcy continues, “I noticed your daughter’s laugh and begged for an introduction. I am not at ease in company of people I do not know, but for some reason, I felt drawn to your daughter. I was distressed to find her spending her time in a corner, and I contrived a way to speak with her without your wife’s notice. I wish to further my acquaintance with your daughter, but Miss Elizabeth has concerns about her mother, and she wished to speak with you and get your thoughts.”
Mr. Bennet looks at the young man in surprise. “Mr. Darcy, I have heard much of you from my wife last night, and I have to admit I am curious to know why a man of your consequence would want to make friends with a lowly country gentleman’s daughter.”
Darcy replies, “Mr. Bennet, I admit I have met many ladies of the ton, but I have never been comfortable carrying on a conversation with them. They often have nothing to contribute to a conversation. Last night I had a conversation with your daughter that was both intelligent and lively. We discussed books and poetry, as well as some of the responsibilities that I shoulder. I would have been happy to continue speaking with your daughter, but Miss Elizabeth was concerned that I would be missed and expressed her desire that I return to the assembly room. Even when I returned to the room, it was as if we were still speaking as we continued to watch each other for the remainder of the evening.”
Mr. Bennet looks at Darcy in surprise. “Mr. Darcy, what has my Lizzy told you about herself?”
Darcy calmly replies, “Your daughter told me of her condition this morning. I had asked her why she was sitting in the corner, and Miss Elizabeth told me about having falling sickness. I can tell you I was surprised and at first I did not react well, and Miss Elizabeth thought I was rejecting her and started to walk away from me, and I managed to convince her that I still wish to become acquainted with her. At this point, Miss Elizabeth explained her concerns regarding her mother and my inability to call on her here. Miss Elizabeth suggested that we speak with you for your thoughts and suggestions—providing you approve this plan, of course. I admit that in normal circumstances I abhor deceit, but I find I am willing to bend the rules as I wish to further my acquaintance with Miss Elizabeth.”
Just then there is a knock on the door, and Mr. Bennet calls out, “Come in, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth enters the room. “Tea is on its way along with some pastries.”
Darcy watches Elizabeth take a seat next to him, and he advises her, “I just finished telling your father of our meetings last night and this morning, and we were getting to the part where we ask him for his suggestions.”
Mr. Bennet looks at the serious young gentleman sitting next to his beloved second daughter and asks, “Mr. Darcy, while Lizzy and I enjoy books which you have admitted to enjoying as well, that is not enough of a reason for continual visits. Can you think of something that we might have in common?”
Darcy ponders Mr. Bennet’s questions and says, “Mr. Bennet, aside from reading and your daughter, I am not sure what interests we have in common. As I told Miss Elizabeth last night, I mainly care for my younger sister and manage my estates. I cannot imagine Mrs. Bennet would believe we would be meeting to discuss the raising of young ladies.”
Mr. Bennet chokes on his laughter at this, and Elizabeth is hiding a giggle behind her hand, and Darcy himself joins in with a chuckle. When the laughter stops, Elizabeth asks, “Mr. Darcy, could you not meet to discuss estate management?”
Darcy looks to Elizabeth in surprise, and it is Mr. Bennet’s turn to laugh. “Mr. Darcy, as you can tell, my Lizzy will keep you on your toes if you truly wish to further your acquaintance. Lizzy helps me run our small estate.”
Elizabeth raises a brow at her father and turns to Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, you and my father both own estates, and while I realize that your estates are bigger than Longbourn, it would give you a real reason to visit. It is a shame that Mr. Bingley cannot benefit from this arrangement.”
Darcy turns to Elizabeth and says, “Miss Elizabeth, that is a wonderful suggestion. I was speaking with my friend last night after the assembly, and I believe that he would be interested in furthering his acquaintance with your elder sister. We could meet here and discuss business, and when we have completed our business, we would be able to become better acquainted with your family. Does this meet with your approval, Mr. Bennet?”
Mr. Bennet eyes Mr. Darcy and says teasingly, “Mr. Darcy, are you trying to take all the intelligent conversation from my home when you and your friend visit? I agree that you and Mr. Bingley should come and discuss business and then stay and visit. Shall we start this endeavor tomorrow? Let us plan to meet here tomorrow morning around nine o’clock.”
When Darcy nods, Mr. Bennet turns to Elizabeth and says, “Lizzy, please return to the drawing room. Your mother is probably wondering why Mr. Darcy is visiting us.”
Elizabeth looks at her father. “O
f course, Papa. Mr. Darcy, it was a pleasure to see you again—just in case I cannot take my leave of you later.” Elizabeth curtsies to Darcy and departs the room.
Darcy waits until Elizabeth is gone from the room and looks to Mr. Bennet. “Mr. Bennet, may I ask some more personal questions about Miss Elizabeth?” When the only response is a raised eyebrow, Darcy explains, “Mr. Bennet, I mean your daughter no harm. I want to understand Miss Elizabeth’s limitations and how her condition affects her life. I do not want to do anything to hurt or upset her. I just get the impression that Miss Elizabeth could do so much more and that her life is being wasted sitting in a corner.”
Mr. Bennet sighs and says, “Mr. Darcy, forgive me. You have taken me by surprise. You are the last kind of man I ever expected to take an interest in my Lizzy. Most people tend to want to avoid Lizzy—due to her mother’s behavior.”
Darcy asks, “Mr. Bennet, how many people in your area know of Miss Elizabeth’s condition?”
Mr. Bennet says sadly, “Mr. Darcy, most everyone in Meryton knows, and they like and respect Lizzy.”
Darcy is surprised at this. “If that is the case, sir, why did no one dance with her last night? I watched her, and aside from a visit from Miss Bennet and her friend Miss Lucas, no one approached your daughter for a single dance.”
“Mr. Darcy, my neighbors all know that to approach Lizzy is to bring down the wrath of Mrs. Bennet on her. My wife does not know what to do with a daughter who is not normal, so she pretends that Lizzy is normal but then does not allow her to interact with anyone. Mary, my daughter after Lizzy, is considered the plainest of her sisters, not that she is plain, mind you. Mary gets to dance while my Lizzy has to sit in a corner and watch alone. Lizzy is only allowed a brief visit from Jane or Charlotte, and they are not allowed to stay long.”
This conversation surprises Darcy. “Mr. Bennet, I had the pleasure of meeting your daughter, Miss Mary, last night, and I personally thought that she is just as lovely as the rest of her sisters. I would not be one to call her plain. What I would like to know, sir, is why your wife feels like Miss Elizabeth would not be able to make a good marriage. She is smart, witty, and would be a good helpmate.”
Falling for Elizabeth Bennet Page 2
