Section I, Next Section
Chapter 1 Posted on Wednesday, 27 November 2002
The first ball of the fall season in the Meryton Assembly Hall was only hours away and the Bennet girls were busy being arrayed in their finest gowns and having their hair done up to perfection.
Jane and Elizabeth looked especially well for they were in the prime of their youthful bloom while their younger sisters were just getting out of the awkward stage of teen years.
Only Mary looked dowdy for none of her sisters gave her any attention toward making herself more attractive. She had a way of off putting anyone who tried, and the girls finally gave up on her ever wanting their advice on beauty. Try as they may Jane and Elizabeth couldn't get past Mary's mask of religious distain of all things girly that they both knew was insincere. They knew of her insecurity at being considered the 'plain' daughter, but were unable to have her trust them enough to lower the wall of indifference she had built around her. Only then, they knew would Mary be brave enough to change.
After an unusually frustrating time of coaxing Mary with little success Elizabeth pursed her lips to keep an unkind remark from issuing from them. She gave a look to Jane which said lets give up for another day, and began adding the finishing touches to her own hair. Finally all were ready and the carriage was called for.
Mr. Bennet who could care less for ball remarked again to his family. "You have all outdone yourselves again, my dears. You will be the hit of the Assembly I am sure."
Mrs. Bennet couldn't let his comment go unresponded to, and answered.
"Yes, they do look lovely, especially Jane, but I wish you would change your mind and attend us, Mr. Bennet. You know Mr. Bingley, that young man who let Netherfield is to be there along with his party, and I'm sure it would make a good impression on him if a father were to accompany his daughters to the ball."
"On no, my dear," replied Mr. Bennet. "That would not do. I would just be that miserable man in the corner trying to read amidst chaos and noise. No, you each would have a better time if you go without me."
Elizabeth smiled at her father knowing the truth of his words. Truly, he would not enjoy being at a ball when he had no intention of dancing. He had given that exercise up long ago when his daughters were still young. He said he couldn't always remember which way to turn with these new dances, and didn't want to make a fool of himself in public.
"Very well, father," Elizabeth, said. "But we will be thinking of you while we are away."
"Oh I doubt that, my dear. You will be far too occupied to think of your old father whiling away his hours in quiet and solitude."
She kissed him before departing and whispered, "Not so, father. Not by far."
He smiled at her and kissed her hand chiding her with, "Go on or your family will leave without you."
She hurried out into the lovely September night and into the waiting carriage. Little did she know that this night that would be the one that would change her life.
Chapter 2 Posted on Wednesday, 27 November 2002
When they arrived in town there were already many of the town folk arrived at the Assembly for the noise and laughter was apparent from outside the building. The Bennets disembarked from their carriage, the younger Miss Bennet jumping out ahead of the others. Elizabeth allowed her mother to alit next and then Jane who discreetly blocked Lizzy's view of the horses. All the ladies hurried inside to join the festivities.
Once inside, they gathered with some of their friends. Elizabeth espied her friend Charlotte, and went to stand beside her and her younger sister Mariah.
After several dances with some of her acquaintances Elizabeth finally sat down next to her sister Mary. Poor Mary had not been asked to dance once so far.
There were fewer gentlemen than ladies and, being men, they preferred to dance with the more lively and prettier Bennet girls. This left Mary sitting miserably, but she tried to put a philosophical slant on the enjoyment of dancing.
"I wonder at Kitty and Lydia always wanting to dance. Is it all that proper for them being so young and not officially out?"
"If they do not become too rowdy I think priority will be safe enough, Mary," replied Elizabeth adding. "I do wish there were more gentlemen who preferred to dance though. It would make having a dance more enjoyable to the ladies."
"Well, I prefer to read than waste my time in such trivial pursuits," Mary sighed while rising, and she took her book to a seat in the corner.
Elizabeth sighed, and also rose to stand over beside Charlotte who was talking to Jane. Just then, the young man who everyone was waiting to arrive entered the door.
"Charlotte, can you tell me if the party that just arrived is the ones that your father spoke to?"
"Yes, Lizzy, the younger man is a Mr. Charles Bingley from the north of England. With him are his sisters and one who is his sister's husband, a Mr. Hurst. He also brought his friend from Cambridge."
"The tall one?" asked Jane shyly.
"Mr. Hurst? No, he is the shorter one. The tall one is named Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy from Derbyshire."
Jane, who clearly had eyes only for Mr. Bingley, did manage to remark on the elegance of the ladies' dresses.
They heard their mother whispering them over to where she was talking with Lady Lucas regarding the two young gentlemen.
In a loud whisper she said, "Lady Lucas has just informed me that the gentlemen who came with Mr. Bingley has a large estate in Derbyshire and has 10,000 a year!!!!"
Elizabeth clearly was impressed that such a rich man who could be in a more fashionable place than Meryton had deemed it necessary to accompany his friend to the country.
Perhaps he would be an interesting character study, as Elizabeth's father would say. He certainly was handsome with expressive brown eyes and little brown curls of hair touching his collar.
But he didn't seem at all content and looked about the room like a caged animal in the zoo. Surely, thought Elizabeth he of all people would be accustomed to being in front of large groups, and so be able to converse easily with strangers. As she observed him fidgeting with his signet ring she came to the conclusion that he was terribly ill at ease here and wanted nothing more than to leave. Curious, thought Elizabeth.
Her mother brought her out of her musing with, "Lizzy! They are coming over. Smile, girls. Smile!"
Sir Lucas approached with Mr. Bingley with Mr. Darcy following a few paces behind. Sir Lucas made the introductions with Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Bingley who bowed gallantly.
Mrs. Bennet flirted in her most charming mother hen voice. Elizabeth couldn't help rolling her eyes and shaking her head. When she again fixed her eyes on the two gentlemen she met the eyes of Mr. Darcy. He raised his eyebrows.
Mrs. Bennet was introducing Mr. Bingley to Jane and Elizabeth and pointing to the rest of her family, and asking if he enjoyed a country-dance.
"There is nothing I like better," was his reply adding, "and if Miss Bennet isn't otherwise engaged, I would ask if she would do me the honor of dancing the next two dances with me."
"I am no engaged, sir, " was Jane's response smiling shyly at Mr. Bingley.
Noticing his friend Mrs. Bennet asked whether Mr. Bingley's friend in also inclined to dance.
Mr. Darcy bowed and remarked, "Madame, I rarely dance." Elizabeth saw him set his jaw and look about the room. Clearly, she thought, he was ill at ease.
Not to be off put, Mrs. Bennet requested that perhaps the gaiety of the assembly could make him make an exception, hoping of course that he would ask one of her daughters to dance.
"I thank you, madam, but not now," Mr. Darcy said cutting off her in mid sentence. He bowed again and left their group.
Mr. Bingley was truly embarrassed for his new and old friends, and just bowed and retreated.
"Excuse me, Madame."
Mrs. Bennet however was not to be let out of the conversation especially since she felt this arrogant man had just slighted her and her family.
"Well! I never! That was truly rude!" she began.
"Mother," whispered Elizabeth. "He'll hear you."
"I don't care if he does," her mother replied. "Who is he to think himself so high and mighty?"
"The rich can give offense wherever they choose," remarked Elizabeth. "Perhaps he is not so handsome as we first thought."
"No, indeed," responded Mrs. Bennet.
It was clear to anyone near her that Mrs. Bennet was not pleased with the young, rich but stuffy Mr. Darcy.
Yes, indeed, thought Elizabeth smiling. Perhaps there was more to Mr. Darcy than meets the eye. If he could be so unfriendly to a total stranger even if that person was her harpy shrill mother, I wonder what else he is capable of?
It was just then that out of the corner of her eye that Elizabeth spotted Jane dancing with Mr. Bingley and smiled. Now he seemed the perfect kind of gentleman to enjoy an event such at this. All smiles and gentle words of encouragement, mused Elizabeth. Jane could do well if she has caught Mr. Bingley's eye.
She now began to notice Mr. Bingley's sister dancing with her husband. Elizabeth smiled as she watched the couple with their heads held high as if something did not agree with their sense of smell.
Careful, she mused to herself. You might stumble with your noses held so high you can't see where you step.
Elizabeth ventured a glance at his other sister who was decked out in the most hideous orange silk gown bejeweled as if she were at court.
Truly, she is the kind who overdresses to impress others, but only makes herself garish and gaudy. Elizabeth shook her head and could just hear what Jane would say if Elizabeth voiced that opinion.
"Oh, Lizzy, that is unkind." Jane would say, and she would be right, chided Elizabeth to herself as she watched the orange balloon float by in the dance.
Still, she would do better with another color. Surely, she can't think it fashionable to look like a pumpkin. Oh, I am sorry, Jane. I am terrible, she thought. And you give me such a good example to live by. I must concentrate on something else immediately.
With no one asking her to dance at present Elizabeth found a seat beside the dance floor and enjoyed watching the dancers glide across the floor. However, after watching several dances she began to feel the room had become a bit stuffy. She also began to overhear a conversation just to the side of her. It was Mr. Bingley talking to Mr. Darcy.
"I will not have you standing about in this stupid manner. I must have you dance," Mr. Bingley said. Elizabeth saw Darcy glance about the room for the means of escape. There was none.
"At an assembly such as this would be in supportable," was Darcy's automatic response. Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh to herself at that statement which reflected such a snobby attitude, that she wondered if the man could ever think any company equal to his. Emerging from her reverie Elizabeth then overheard more.
"Darcy, I would not be as fastidious as you are for a kingdom," Bingley chided him. "I've never seen so many pretty girls in my life."
This statement brought Darcy's focus back to his friend and his demeanor softened and he smiled.
"You have been dancing with the only handsome girl here," Darcy admitted.
"She is uncommonly beautiful, do you think?" sighed Bingley. "An angel." Darcy shook his head and sighed thinking, 'Here he goes again.'
Oh, my, thought Elizabeth. He certainly is taken with Jane. With a shake of her head she began to rise from her seat to go toward the side of the hall.
She then heard Mr. Bingley add, " There is one of her sisters. She is very pretty too."
Darcy let out an exasperated sigh and looked squarely at Bingley and began to say, "She is tolerable, I supp-" when Bingley touched his arm, and loudly said, "Darcy!" Looking somewhat confused he became immediately aware that Elizabeth had stopped directly beside him. Beginning to blush, he turned around feeling sure he would be slapped in the face. Instead, he found a pair of the most sparkling brown eyes and she was smiling back at him. Could it be that she had been so preoccupied with the dancers that she hadn't heard him? No, he couldn't be that fortunate. He gazed into her eyes waiting.
"Mr. Darcy," she spoke with arched her eyebrows although she was still smiling. "Would you do me the honor of escorting me outside for a breath of fresh air? It has become quite...stuffy in here of late. A short duration of minutes is all that I require."
Again, that smile, and those eyes and that way she tilted her head waiting for his response.
Oh, what have I done, Darcy thought? She is one of those females waiting to put her claws in me just like the ones in town. She is going to have me take her out to the balcony and then flatter me like Miss Bingley does. I am so tired of this behavior, but what can I do about it now?
"Er...yes, of course, Miss Bennet," he heard himself saying after he felt a gentle nudge in the back from Bingley. Elizabeth walked passed him and began to walk out toward a curtain behind which was the door to the balcony. Darcy turned back to scowl at Bingley who was smiling.
It was as though Bingley was saying, "Serves you right for insulting her."
Chapter 3 Posted on Friday, 29 November 2002
Darcy caught up with Elizabeth at the threshold holding the curtain and the door for her and followed her closely out into the warm night air.
He thought, how stupid to hide a door behind a curtain. Had he known it had been here, he would have been gone from the crowd long ago.
Indeed, it had been uncomfortably hot in the Assembly Hall, or perhaps it was that he who felt warm from his own discomfort. When he passed through the double doors into the night his body relaxed as if he had been holding his breath and finally got to inhale again. God, he hated to be in crowds, especially strangers. I truly wish I could get use to this, he thought.
Elizabeth leaned against the stone railing of the balcony closing her eyes making no attempt to flirt with him. She seemed to be enjoying the gentle breeze on her face and hair.
He suddenly realized she was ignoring him, and he smiled as he saw the breeze catch a wayward curl and tickle her cheek. He breathed in her scent of lavender, and thought of his mother's flower garden at Pemberley. She too had loved the smell of lavender. He thought, maybe this girl wasn't like all those in town who are after my money. She doesn't seem at all interested in me. Maybe there is more to her than I first thought.
He realized he wasn't breathing again. He was just staring at her lovely profile and that smile. He leaned against the railing beside her and was content to just stare at her. Finally, she opened her eyes and looked at him, and gave him a broad smile and a curtsey.
"I thank you for your company, Mr. Darcy, but I have taken up too much of your time. I will leave you now."
"You- you're not going back already?" He stammered not wishing to re-enter the hall. "You just got here."
"But I told you, Mr. Darcy," she said in the most teasing way. "I only required a few moments to refresh myself. Surely you remember."
With that she turned and started back into the building. He found his voice before she could disappear into the door.
"Was your suggestion that we come out here for my benefit then or yours?" he asked.
She turned around and smiled at him, and responded, "Both I suppose. I have no interest in you and it was apparent that you had none for me, so I felt you would be a safest escort for the few moments of air that I required."
Darcy gazed at her in a confused manner that made her extend her explanation.
"You did appear to be quite put out by Mr. Bingley as well as the rest of the crowd. I thought perhaps you would be content to hide out here for a while to compose yourself." How could she be so intuitive, he wondered.
She smiled and curtsied again then turned to make for the door when he placed his hand on her arm to stop her exit. She looked from his hand to his face, her expression saying, what are you doing touching me?
He immediately removed his hand, but Elizabeth noticed some fearful expression pass across his face, hidden by his next one that told her he didn't mean to offend. Rather, he merely wanted to quit her leaving.
"I beg pardon, Miss Bennet," he began to say. When she smiled at him he forgot to breathe. He swallowed and tried to continue, but she interrupted.
"You wish me to stay?" she asked. He nodded. "But you WERE miserable in the Assembly Hall?" She looked into his eyes questioningly.
He took a breath and said, "Yes, I would have you stay if you wish to." Then he added an explanation.
"I have always been uncomfortable in large crowds since my childhood, and would rather meet the assembly in groups of twos and threes." He smiled at her hoping she would understand.
"Even those who are just... tolerable?" She smiled up into his face arching her brows.
Great God! She did hear me insult her, thought Darcy. What to do now? Suddenly looking at the stars held great interest for him as his face blush crimson from his neck to his hairline.
He closed his eyes and sighed and wondered why she hadn't slapped his face and left. He was aware that she was still standing beside him waiting for him to say something.
"Miss Bennet," he began knowing that any argument would be lame at best. "Have you never said anything that you knew was wrong the exact moment that you spoke it?" The stars seemed to still fascinate him. He scuffed at a dirt clod to avoid her gaze.
She was still there, still silent. And he still couldn't look at her.
He continued. "I have no excuse that would warrant my behavior towards yourself."
Still she stood there beside him letting him flap in the breeze.
"What I said, what I thought was unpardonable, and I hope you can forgive someone whose dislike of crowds sometimes makes him incapable of rational thought."
Finally he found the courage to look into his eyes. What he found there was blessed understanding and forgiveness. He felt her hand on his arm.
"Mr. Darcy, have you chastised yourself enough to allow us to enjoy the night air?"
"Yes," he sighed smiling. "I think I have said quite enough."
Chapter 4 Posted on Friday, 29 November 2002
They both leaned against the railing breathing in the night air and looking at the stars. Each could see many familiar constellations in the fall sky. There was silence for a while, but not the kind that was uncomfortable. Rather the contented kind.
"I do so like to star gaze once in a while," Elizabeth sighed. "It brings back memories of my childhood in my father's company."
How odd, Darcy thought looking curiously at Elizabeth. How could she know what I was thinking, he wondered. He replied.
"Likewise, my father and I would lie in the grass when I was a little boy and he would show me the different constellations." He continued looking again up to the stars recognizing ones in the autumn sky above.
He added, "And then if it was early enough on such a warm night as this we would catch fireflies in our hands."
"You can't be serious," Elizabeth, chided pulling her eyes from the stars to him.
"Why?" he asked not knowing to what she was referring.
"You can't catch fireflies." She declared defiantly. "They would die and be smashed all over your hands and-"
She stopped when she realized she sounded just like the kind of girl who never does anything boyish like climbing trees and running in the meadows. She sighed. Now her shoes seemed to be fascinating. And now she was blushing.
"And?" Darcy asked leaning his head down so he could look into her eyes.
"I-" she stammered. "I ... have to admit that I personally ... have never caught fireflies in my hands, and ... and..." There she stopped. What else could she say?
"And ... would like to have the opportunity to have that experience?" Asked Darcy, his lips curling up into a slow smile. He looked into her eyes.
She smiled back at him, and nodded. Even in this moonlight, he could tell her eyes sparkled in anticipation of the not so girlish act. Any other girl he had known would squeal in terror at the mere mention of putting bugs in her hands, and here before him was a girl so brave she is requesting that dubious honor. Amazing.
"Wait here," he said smiling. He walked down the steps and into the small break of trees and grass in the back of the Assembly Hall. How long had it been since he did such a childish thing as catching fireflies, he wondered. He realized how society would view a grown man revisiting that memory. But thinking at least it would delay having to go back into the hall with all those people, he decided it could accept the censure.
The servants and stable hands wondered what the gentleman had been drinking when they witnessed him running and jumping at nothing in front of the trees. They only commented to each other since, who were they to say anything to the gentry here a bouts no matter how crazy they seemed?
*Author's note. I realize England probably doesn't have fireflies, but I so enjoyed the past time as a child growing up in the southeast U.S. I thought to give this couple that enjoyment as well.
Chapter 5 Posted on Friday, 29 November 2002
After a few minutes, Darcy returned with his hands cupped gently. Both of them smiled at such the childish antic.
"Are you certain you wish to have this particular experience, Miss Bennet?"
"Since you have gone to the trouble to supply the creatures, I feel obliged to be courageous in the face of any danger of the event," she answered smiling. She thought, how could I have asked this of him? And why would he acquiesce so readily?
He sighed and then instructed her. "Cup you hands, and I will blow them into your from mine."
Elizabeth cupped her gloved hands with a slight opening, and Darcy put his cupped hands beside hers. Slowly, he blew air from the other side of his cupped hands.
At first Elizabeth couldn't feel any difference, but then she got the sensation that something was definitely crawling inside her hands.
She inhaled with the fear every girl feels about bugs, but felt Darcy's strong hands now around hers keeping them in a round formation.
"Not so tight. Yes, keep them just so." Once he felt she was not going to squeeze her hands, he released his hold. "And if you relax they will glow in a moment."
"Truly?" she asked looking up at him. "They will glow while caged in my hands?"
"If you relax and they feel you will not harm them," he acknowledged.
"And how long will that take?" she asked holding her hands as he had instructed trying not to react to the crawling of the bugs.
He said with a smile. "It depends on how long it takes for you to calm yourself." I hope it takes hours. Did I just think that?
"Oh," was her only reply as she smiled at him trying not to giggle at the sensation in her hands. "It tickles so. I am afraid relaxing might take a while."
It was his turn to arch his brows. He laughed softly which made her laugh too.
Suddenly her hands began to glow, faintly, at first, and then quite brightly.
"Oh my," she oohed in wonder as she looked at the incredible sight of her hands glowing with fireflies. "Jane will never believe me when I tell her about this...this- "
"Unique experience?" offered Darcy. He watched Elizabeth's face express itself in childlike wonder, and he relished at the joy of giving her a 'first time' experience.
It gave him pleasure to see her happiness. To him it was an insignificant event, but to her it was a thrilling occurrence never before experienced. He watched, as her eyes were alive with the simple joy of the fireflies. At first she reminded him of his own little sister whose delight in simple joys made her endearing to him. Then his mind engaged itself in another bent.
She is very pretty, he thought agreeing with his friend's assessment. She would love to catch fireflies on the lawn at Pemberley and-what am I thinking? She will never be there, ever. But he had to admit it was a pleasant if impossible thought.
After only a few minutes that seemed like hours, he said it was time to release their captives back into their home. She gave him a frown, but then nodded agreeing it was time to set them free.
She smiled as she opened her hands. She saw the little creatures pause for a second to get their bearings and then they took off again for the shelter of the trees glowing happy they had been freed.
"That was the most remarkable thing I have done in quite some time," she gushed happily and she leaned her arms against the railing cupping her chin in her hands.
Chapter 6 Posted on Sunday, 1 December 2002
He leaned on the railing imitating her gestures, and said, "I suppose dancing doesn't compare to having little bugs crawling on your hands."
Elizabeth closed her eyes and sighed. "I suppose you think all girls think about are dances and dresses and flirting with men to acquire husbands. You think we don't have another thought in our heads."
Darcy couldn't deny he felt exactly that, and had proof of it from all the balls he had attended. He could only shrug and nod when she looked at him for a reply.
"And did it never occur to you that maybe sometimes it's the mother hens who push a daughter forward instead of the girl herself? Maybe she feels obligated to her parents. Maybe she wants to insure some security for her family. And maybe she feels just as uncomfortable as the men she meets at these events."
Elizabeth fell silent as they both avoided each other's eyes gazing out into the star lit sky. He could tell that she was a bit put out, but not with him. He wanted to wait for her to explain further her opinions. When she did not say anymore, and the silence became a little too long he ventured his own observations.
"For all the balls and Assembly that I have had to go to since-" he thought back to figure out the exact number of years, and said, "Lord, has it been ten or twelve years?"
He glanced at her, and noticed those eyebrows arching again, and cleared his throat.
"Miss Bennet, for all the parties and balls I have attended, I can safely say that the people at these affairs fall into mostly two camps. Those who want to find a spouse for their offspring, and the offspring who want to find a spouse."
"Ah," replied Elizabeth smiling. "And, which one applies to you, Mr. Darcy?"
"Touché, Miss Bennet," Darcy whispered. "You have found me out. I am in a small contingent third camp who, although wants to find a spouse, can't quite be content enough to enjoy the company due to the overwhelming odds of the other two camps. They leave the third camp wanting to flee the premises in a panicked run. " He smiled.
"Well said, sir," replied Elizabeth with a sigh. " Though I feel compelled to introduce another as yet unaccounted for fourth contingent."
"Indeed?" asked Darcy. "And how would you describe those?"
Elizabeth turned around to face the Assembly building, and leaned back against the railing, unaware that facing the moonlight she was giving Darcy a full view of her face and all the emotions shown there.
"The fourth group is a discontented lot who, although like yourself wish to one day find someone to share their lives, have hopelessly high expectations to not venture into marriage without the deepest love and respect." Then she looked at him and smiled adding, "They are therefore doomed to go through life alone and unloved."
"That group seems even more forlorn than the third group, Miss Bennet," Darcy owned.
"Yes, sir, so do not be too harsh on the mother hens who ceaselessly push and prod their offspring forward into the path of a marriageable partner to the embarrassment of both parties. It is the job of a mother hen to protect and defend her brood until she can get them grown."
When he rolled his eyes and shook his head Elizabeth couldn't help being pert.
She replied with a flash of pique in her eyes, "When a mother hen has an especially troublesome female offspring, who fights her attempts at every turn, sir, it is good to not be too unkind to her in front of her neighbors."
A flash of anger crossed over his eyes when he understood the barbs she had just hurled his way.
"You find my behavior to your mother offensive then?" he asked.
She looked into his eyes that still had that flash of anger and she just smiled.
"You misconstrued my words, sir," she whispered so faintly that he had to lean closer to her to hear. "Whether justified or not, you would not want to have your conversation cut off as a child in front of all your friends or servants by a total stranger, would you?"
He looked at her as if it would be incredulous for anyone to dare to reprimand him. He had been his own man for quite a few years now, and he had taken on more responsibilities than anyone of his years after his father's untimely death. He was used to being in charge and making decisions for all his servants, tenants, and his sister. Now here was this country girl correcting me as if he were a mere boy.
"I am not use to people speaking to me in this manner, Miss Bennet," he whispered back still angry, but holding in his temper.
"I know," she said smiling trying to relieve some of his anger. "Nether is a grown woman who has five almost grown daughters, and has been married for over five and twenty years, and has had many more life experiences than you give her credit. She was just doing her job as a mother hen, and should have been given some small words of civility in return."
"So I should have condescended to talk to her?" he asked thinking it would have been impossible.
Her arched eyebrows were Elizabeth's only reply.
"And I suppose you also think I should have danced at her request?"
"You are still misconstruing my words, sir," Elizabeth sighed thinking his man couldn't be this addle-minded. Before she knew it her spiteful words expelled her lips.
"I thought Mr. Bingley said you went to college. What did they teach you there?"
"What should I have learned that by your definition is so lacking?" he asked indignantly.
"Why, sir," she replied still smiling. "The art of saying no...gracefully."
He looked up at the stars again and counted to ten and exhaled. Then he gazed into her eyes and smiled as revelation dawned on him.
"So, let me see if I follow your logic, Miss Bennet," he whispered his eyes flashing. "You do not object to my refusal, but merely my execution of it."
There go those damnable arching eyebrows again, he thought. Lord, she is a challenge, he thought.
As he stared at her he instantly examined his recent behavior, and did find it lack the finesse and tact that he usually possessed in different circumstances.
"Humph," was his response as he looked at her sideways. She leaned down so she could look into his eyes gazing at his shoes again. He smiled and finally nodded in agreement to her argument. All his anger dissipated by her quiet understanding.
"I could have been more tactful," he conceded. "Maybe I should take a lesson or two from Charles Bingley. He is the epitome of kindness and tact."
"Indeed?" remarked Elizabeth smiling at a secret thought that perhaps Jane had finally met her match in Mr. Bingley.
"Oh, yes," replied Darcy leaning against the railing facing the assembly hall mimicking Elizabeth's stance. "He is truly the most gentle person I have ever known, and I feel for him much as a brother. I sometimes feel quite protective of him because of his own naiveté."
"Well, he has nothing to fear from those in Meryton, Mr. Darcy. We are not usually hostile to strangers without reason." She smiled into the now warm gentle face of a very handsome man indeed. Her eyes are sparkling again, thought Darcy, and he smiled back at her. She is very pretty.
Chapter 7 Posted on Tuesday, 3 December 2002
"I suppose we have been out here for quite some time," he replied dreading to re-enter the edifice before them. "Your family must be wondering-"
"What time is it?" Elizabeth suddenly interrupted.
Curious by her sudden change in mood, Darcy removed his watch from his vest pocket and aimed its face toward the moonlight. "I think it says about 11:50. Why the sudden interest in the time? Miss Bennet, what are you doing?"
As he returned his watch to his pocket, he witnessed Elizabeth pulling out some of the ribbons from her perfectly coiffed hair. A few of the curls came down her back, but she was far too absorbed in her wadding up the ribbons to notice. The curls daintily caressed the back of her neck where her exposed skin above her dress showed. He wondered if her skin felt as soft as it looked. God, why am I thinking that? He swallowed and thought, I have to concentrate on something else.
"Come. Hurry or we will be too late," was Elizabeth's only reply.
She yanked at his hand until they were in the middle of the balcony and looked upward searching the trees and the roof of the building. With a mischievous grin she still watched the sky over the building. While still searching the skies above she shoved the wadded up ribbons into Darcy's hand and instructed.
"When I say to, throw these ribbons as hard as you can up in the air. Try to clear the roof if possible."
"They won't reach that far," he protested remembering his science classes. "There is no weight to propel them upward." He spied a pebble, and wrapped the ribbons around it.
He still didn't know what she had involved him in, but the grin on her face told him it must be as equal in fun as firefly capturing, and so he was game.
"It does not matter," she replied. "It's not the height but the streaming of the ribbons that he will go after."
"Who?" was Darcy next natural question.
Elizabeth responded, "Exactly."
Her answer confused him even more. They waited for just a few minute when the shadow of something large past by.
"Now!" Elizabeth yelled. Darcy threw the wad of ribbons as hard as he could above them. "Duck down now, sir, or he will claw us," Elizabeth squealed as she pulled Darcy down in a crouch position in the middle of the balcony. There was a whoosh directly above their heads. Darcy peeked up and saw the most enormous owl carrying off in his claws the ribbons, the longer ones streaming behind him.
Darcy helped Elizabeth to stand as she was trying to re-pin her wayward curls back into her coif. Her eyes were sparkling like two diamonds and her smile was radiant. They watched as the owl disappeared behind the treetops trailing ribbons.
"That was most remarkable, Miss Bennet," laughed Darcy.
"Was that not boyishly enjoyable?"
"Yes, indeed. He must have the most colorful nest in England. Have you ever seen it? I must know how this event came about."
"I don't know if you are ready for all our little secrets here in Meryton," she teased.
"Come, come, Miss Bennet. I have obeyed your commands. I must have the explanation." She still shook her head doubtfully.
"Please," he added in a mocking tone.
She relented and smiled and said, "Very well. You shall know the story. I must say I had not been out here for so long I was not sure he would come. A few of us girls happened upon him one night about five years ago. I would have been fifteen then. At any rate, we came out here as a group for some fresh air. Suddenly Mr. Arble's owl, for that is whose property the creature's nest resides, had the gall to swoop down and tear the ribbons from a Miss Martha Lewis's head. She was in hysterics because the owl pulled out a bit of hair along with the ribbons."
Elizabeth looked up at Darcy to see if he was amused or appalled at her story. She couldn't tell because the moon had gone behind a cloud just then, but she thought she saw him smiling back. She couldn't have known that he was thinking about her curls again and not the story, and therefore was smiling for an entirely different reason.
She looked out at the trees and continued her story.
"Truly, we girls should have been more obliging and consoling to her, but except for a bit of hair she was for the most part unharmed. We couldn't help but laugh uncontrollably at the time. I am not sure how long we were in uproar, but it was quite a long time. Then we deliberately came for many years at the exact time to offer sacrifice to the ribbon god. It has been great fun. And no, I have never seen his nest due to the fact it is in a such a tall tree I never had the courage to climb it."
She concluded her story, and waited for Darcy to comment. When he didn't broach any reply, she immediately thought him offended at her antics and blushed.
"And that is the big secret of Meryton society?" he finally asked trying to sound stern.
"Yes," she replied sounding equally stern. "It isn't a whale, but there you are."
Darcy smiled at her not remembering when he had had so much fun at an assembly ball. And here was this slip of a country girl making him laugh.
"You have certainly made this assembly one that I shall not soon forget, Miss Bennet."
"I hope you have been so amused, sir," she teased, "that you will not ever be afraid of mother hens or owls for that matter."
"Well, for the one, I have learned my lesson and will be instructed on tact by Bingley, and, as of the other," he took her arm and placed it on his to escort her back into the hall and continued.
"I will ever be watchful of wayward owls in Meryton at night."
She began to think this might be his true character. She liked it immensely.
As they stepped closer to the door she felt him tense.
She shook his arm before removing her hand. Smiling she said, "Once more into the breach, sir?"
He smiled back at her and sighed. "Onward, my Captain. I am at your command."
And they re-entered the Assembly hall moving in separate directions so as not to draw any attention. Elizabeth need not have worried. Her mother and Mrs. Phillips had eyes only for their newest neighbor and Jane who were still in soft conversation in one of the corners. On the other side of the hall an orange clad lady had been wondering where Mr. Darcy had fled, and had just begun to circle the hall in search for him. Nary anyone else had even missed them.
Chapter 8 Posted on Tuesday, 3 December 2002
It was not long after the twosome returned and went their separate ways that the ball began to disperse for the evening. A few at the assembly paused to express their pleasure of having Bingley in the neighborhood.
The Bennet family was busy retrieving their warps when Mr. Bingley and party walked by them.
"Mrs. Bennet," came a commanding voice, which brooked acknowledgement. She turned around to find herself staring into the eyes of none other than Mr. Darcy.
Before she could speak a word he took her hand and gallantly said, "I hope you will overlook my unseemly behavior before. Tonight I was in fowl mood, but when next we meet I hope to improve upon you, madam."
With the last said Darcy bowed and turned to leave. He cast his eyes upon an opened mouthed Bingley who couldn't believe the change in demeanor of his friend.
See, he seemed to be saying to Bingley, I can be charming when the need arises.
Elizabeth who was close beside her mother, and so had witnessed the scene entirely, pursed her lips and turned her head and gazed with fascination at the far wall trying vainly not to burst out laughing.
Darcy glanced at Elizabeth and caught her eye. There she goes again with those arching brows and those eyes that seem to dance when she smiles. He returned it as he turned toward the door. The Bingley party fell in step behind Darcy into the night and the waiting carriages much to the dismay of Mrs. Bennet who had finally found her voice.
"Oh, my," she shrilled. "What a gentleman. I just knew it all along."
Elizabeth just giggled and followed her mother out towards their waiting carriage knowing that she would have to endure a litany of complements on the ride home. Jane fell into step beside Elizabeth taking her hand and smiling. When they reached their carriage Jane stood between Elizabeth and the horses and they both exchanged looks at their shared secret.
When they were all inside Elizabeth glanced at her older sister. Well, at least Jane seemed content to drift off in a reverie of this night's memories of her dances with the charming Mr. Bingley.
One thing was sure, she thought. This is a night that will not soon be forgotten by many for a myriad of reasons least of all Elizabeth.
Chapter 9 Posted on Friday, 6 December 2002
A about a week after the Assembly ball Elizabeth and Jane are out gathering flowers to bundle and dry for arrangements later in the year. The conversation turned to a certain gentleman whom Jane had an interest.
"He is a very amiable person, Jane, " Elizabeth said. "Kind and handsome, wants to please and is taken with you which shows good judgment. No, I give you leave to like him, Jane. You have liked many a stupider man."
"Oh, Lizzy," Jane admonish sweetly. "I think they will be charming neighbors."
"One of them at least," replied Elizabeth remembering the way Bingley's sister related to the people at the ball.
"You do not like his sisters?" asked Jane confused since she could not see that they behaved badly.
"Not at all," responded Elizabeth, quickly to give her opinion. "They are not like the kindly Mr. Bingley. They seemed to think too highly of themselves."
"I think you are mistaken, Lizzy," replied Jane adding, "And you know Mr. Darcy may improve on closer acquaintance as well."
"Do you mean he may deem to dance with girls that are only tolerable?" teased Elizabeth, for as her confidante, she had only told Jane of his insult.
"That was very wrong of him to say," agreed Jane.
"Yes," laughed Elizabeth, but then added more softly. "But perhaps not unpardonable. Oh look. Here is Charlotte. Hello."
"Lizzy, good morning. I have news. My father is giving a party and you are all invited."
"Wonderful," chimed Elizabeth and looking at Jane asked, "Do you suppose a certain new neighbor is also invited?"
Charlotte glanced over to Jane who blushed at Elizabeth's comment before replying, "Yes, I believe that the entire party from Netherfield has accepted as well."
"Then I am sure you may count on us attending likewise. Is that not so, Jane?"
"Oh, Lizzy," Jane whispered with downcast eyes. "You know it is not right to tease."
"I am sorry, dear Jane. You know I mean no offense." Elizabeth hugged her sister.
"Come, let us inside and tell the others the news."
All three girls went into the side door of the parlor to relate the news of the party, which was sure to illicit shrieks of acceptance from several members of the Bennet family.
The party was held in Lucas Lodge, which had a large room for entertaining. The officers had been invited and so the younger Miss Bennet's were happy to flirt with them. After a certain gentleman arrived Jane was deep in conversation with only him. As Elizabeth caught sight of the couple sequestered in a corner she smiled. If Jane could find a wonderful man to make her happy, I would be ecstatic, she thought. She deserves to be happy in marriage even if I am doomed to be alone. Charlotte approached Elizabeth handing her an extra cup of punch. They both looked over to the couple.
"Mr. Bingley gives Jane much attention, does he not, Lizzy?"
"Yes," agreed Elizabeth. "And she seems to like him very much as well. I think if he continues so she is very likely to fall in love with him."
"Indeed? Then she should let him know how she feels about him as soon as may be in order to secure him."
"Secure him?" Asked Elizabeth looking at her friend amazed at her suggestion. "Before she knows his temperament? Before she knows her own regard for him. Surely you would not agree to that, Charlotte."
"I feel that you should know as little about the defects of your marriage partner as possible. It matters not because there will always be trials and vexations that must be overcome, so the sooner the marriage begins the sooner those trials will occur and be overcome."
"Charlotte, you amaze me with your opinions," replied Elizabeth unable to believe her friend's attitudes toward marriage were so different from hers.
Charlotte eyed those others that were in attendance, noticing Darcy staring her way, or more correctly staring at Elizabeth. After a few minutes to ascertain who he was actually viewing Charlotte said, "Mr. Darcy looks at you a lot, Lizzy."
Incredible that he should be staring at her for any reason other than casualness didn't occur to Elizabeth after her conversation at the Assembly ball. She knew he was not interested in her in a romantic way. She chided Charlotte with "I cannot see why he would look at me, Charlotte." Then she added in whisper, "Why you know he even refused to dance with me."
"Still, he seems to be quite taken with you," disagreed Charlotte.
"You cannot be serious, Charlotte," Elizabeth argued.
While the partiers mingled Mary played softly on the pianoforte. She had come with sheet music of her own choosing to play for the enjoyment of all. Mary didn't care that those at the party could talk over her playing so long as they listened as well. It was the one talent she felt she excelled in, and her choice of music was sedate enough to agree with her personal beliefs of what selections a gentlewoman should play.
Her younger sisters, however, also wanted more lively renditions, which Mary had to acquiesce to because her mother agreed with her younger daughters. Kitty and Lydia had not the patience to learn to play any instrument, and felt it intruded into their time at flirting with the officers who attended parties. Upon hearing Mary start a lively jig, they immediately pulled officers and other party members into an impromptu circle to dance.
The behavior of her younger sisters and her mother, however didn't go unnoticed by some members of the Netherfield party who thought them rude and vulgar and looked on them with distain.
When Elizabeth heard Lydia give an unusually loud outburst, she felt it necessary to go and quietly reprimand her before she disgraced them all. She made her way toward the piano when Sir Lucas blocked her way.
"Miss Elizabeth, why are you not dancing? It is a lively tune than even you could not resist."
She smiled at the kind man and would have gladly give into his wishes had she not already decided to try keep her younger sister in check.
Before she could reply Sir Lucas turned to see Mr. Darcy in close proximity, and taking her hand to offer it to the gentleman, Sir Lucas said, "Mr. Darcy, how could you resist this beautiful temptation before you even though you do not care to dance as a rule?"
Darcy gazed into Elizabeth's eyes, which she held with a slight smile, eyebrows arching as she remembered his words at the Assembly ball when he found her only tolerable.
"I would be honored if Miss Bennet would dance with me," he replied. Her expression changed from smugness to confusion. Here was the other Mr. Darcy, she thought. The one from the balcony who was so accessible and not the snobby stuck up one. Still she thought she should keep a watch on her sister Lydia's behavior than engage Mr. Darcy at present.
"I am sorry, sir, but I am not inclined to dance at present."
Now she refuses to dance with me, thought Darcy. Every other woman couldn't wait for me to ask, and yet she refuses. She is not at all like any woman I have known.
"Perhaps, another time, then," Darcy replied civilly while still staring at the audacity of her refusing him.. He added, "When you ARE more inclined to dance." He bowed.
"Excuse me, sir," she replied and curtsied and turned toward the piano shaking her head at the puzzle that was Mr. Darcy. She then gave up trying to understand him, and didn't give him a backwards glance as he watched her leave his presence to stand beside her younger sister and whisper to her. She then stayed over at the instrument and enjoyed the conversation of the officers and her sister smiling and laughing at something they said.
He watched her with wonder and equal confusion. She was lively, witty, and totally devoid of the kind of pretense that he was used to. She thought nothing of his position or wealth, but rather on more substantial aspects of personalities and priority of behavior. Singular, he thought, and refreshing to know a woman who could think for herself and speak her mind.
He was still reflecting on Elizabeth when a noise of crinoline told him that Caroline Bingley had approached him, and stood beside him. She leaned in and whispered in his ear. He didn't approve of her assumed familiarity and closeness.
"I can suppose what you are thinking at this moment," she cooed.
"I suppose not," was his response hoping to discourage her advances.
Not to be put off, she continued. "You are thinking how torturous it would be to share many evenings in such tiring company."
"I can assure you, that my mind was more agreeably inclined."
"And what has you in so agreeable a mood?"
"Why a pair of fine eyes and a lovely face."
"And whose eyes brought on these reflections?" she asked thinking he was trying to pay her a compliment.
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet's," was Darcy's reply, which Caroline found incredible.
She swallowed, and then looked over to Elizabeth who was laughing at something. Caroline frowned and said, "Miss Elizabeth Bennet? Surely you have not fallen in love with the local beauty, Mr. Darcy."
"Of course not," he answered. "You know I am not like your brother who succumbs every week."
"Yes, we all know how discerning you are," she agreed, but she was uneasy with his attentions to Elizabeth. As she backed away from Darcy she hurried over to her sister to relate this news and form a plan to distract him from the country trollop.
Darcy, in the meantime, couldn't take his eyes off Elizabeth. Never in his life had he met someone who could challenge him with both wit and sarcasm. She could put him in his place with just a stare or tempt him with childishness. She was truly an enigma that he was determined to know better, maybe even have as a friend.
Chapter 10 Posted on Friday, 6 December 2002
At the breakfast table one morning several days after the party at Lucas Lodge Jane received a letter from Caroline Bingley. She had invited Jane over to spend luncheon with Caroline and Louisa that day. As the gentlemen were in town with the officers, Mrs. Bennet devised a plan whereby Jane would ride on horseback. Since it looked like rain Jane would surely have to stay at the very least until the rain let up in order to get to see Mr. Bingley again, and if she were lucky would have to stay the night.
Jane was extremely offended by this plan, but Mrs. Bennet would not be moved, wanting her daughter to have every opportunity to charm the wealthy Mr. Bingley.
And so it was that Jane left Longbourn atop their old horse, Nellie and was well on her way when the clouds let loose their drops. She was soaked to the bone when she arrived at Netherfield and was taken ill there much to the chagrin of the superior sisters when Jane indeed had to be put up for the night.
Having word of Jane's illness at Netherfield, the next morning Elizabeth insisted on seeing her. Her mother was reluctant because she didn't understand the closeness of these two sisters. Mrs. Bennet was even more put out by the fact that Elizabeth intended to walk the three miles in the mud to Netherfield. But Elizabeth was so determined that her consented that she may go after breakfast.
Along the way Elizabeth found wild flowers in bloom that she picked to cheer Jane up when she arrived at Netherfield. When she approached the house from the back lawn she rounded a large tree and nearly bumped into of all people Darcy.
The surprised look on his face told him she had indeed startled him from his solitary reverie. He was somewhat taken aback by the guileless way this girl seemed to live after he surmised she had walked the entire way. Never would he think to come visit someone on foot. Perhaps in this part of the country they are more physical. Or perhaps it was this girl who was more spontaneous than most girls he had met. Remarkable, he thought noticing how pink her cheeks were from the exertion and how her eyes sparkled in the morning sunshine. He tried not to smile at her audacity. She mentioned of her desire to see her sister, and that she did not feel the least bit embarrassed by walking.
There was a silence at they stared at one another that only lasted a few seconds, but to Darcy seemed like hours. Then he heard her speak.
"Would you take me to her?" she had said, and stared at him waiting for a response.
Brought up from his inertia Darcy motioned with his arm to follow him, and became aware that Miss Bennet walked very fast and he hastened his step to keep astride of her.
"I suggest we go through the kitchen, Miss Bennet," he ventured gesturing toward the door.
She stopped dead in her tracks and turned to face him, questioning him with a look that meant she was offended by his remark.
"I beg your pardon?" Was out of her mouth before her brain could fathom whom this person was refusing her entrance through the front door. Could he truly be the stuffy snobby person from the Assembly ball?
He suddenly realized that she had misunderstood his request and he smiled and pointed to her feet.
"I know not how your housekeeper deals with mud, Miss Bennet, but I am sure she would be a bit put out if you tracked it all over the carpets."
Elizabeth peered down at her boots to find they were caked with still slimy ooze from the path she could not avoid to arrive quickly to Jane. Not only were her boots a mess, but her petticoat as well.
Her cheeks began to pink with embarrassment as she lifted her gown to show the filthy footwear.
"You are quite correct, Mr. Darcy," she finally managed to say. "Hill would be very angry at me bringing her so much extra work. I am ashamed for not noticing how dirty I have become."
"Perhaps your mind was engaged on your sister's welfare and not the mud," Darcy ventured opening the door for her. She shook her head and sighed.
"My mother was right."
"Indeed?"
"She said if I walked here I would not be fit to be seen."
"Common sense does arrive in the most unlikely sites," quipped Darcy who still thought Mrs. Bennet one of the silliest women of his acquaintance.
"Indeed, it does," allowed Elizabeth smiling as she shook her head again.
"Oh, Miss," came the cry of Jenny, the kitchen maid as she saw Elizabeth's boots and dress.
"I am so sorry, Jenny," began Elizabeth. "I seemed to have made myself quite as muddy as a child when all I wanted was to look to my sister. Do you think you can do something to help me not track this throughout the house?"
"O'course, Miss, Lizzy, " was the friendly reply. "Just sit yourself down here and we'll have you cleaned up in no time. Would you and the gentleman like a spot o'tea while you wait?"
Elizabeth began, "That would be lovely for me, but-" She looked questioningly towards Darcy who face showed an uncertainty about staying.
Finally he replied while smiling to show her he wasn't abandoning her.
"Perhaps it may be more prudent to let Bingley know you are arrived?"
Yes, thought Elizabeth. That would be wise to alert the house of a visitor. She nodded and was left to the care of the able kitchen staff that had her boots cleaned and her dress and petticoat cleaned of mud by the time she finished her cup of tea.
She was then escorted to the front parlor to be presented to Mr. Bingley and his sisters for inspection. Mr. Bingley, as ever, was pleasant and greatly impressed that she had come to attend her sister and had Elizabeth brought to Jane at once.
Finding Jane with a high fever Elizabeth immediately returned to Mr. Bingley who upon hearing this anxious news ordered a servant to send for Mr. Jones, the apothecary.
Elizabeth was relieved to know that this kind gentleman thought so warmly about Jane that he would attend to all her needs. Elizabeth returned to Jane's room with instructions to the maid to bring a basin of cool water and towels so she could try to aid in bringing Jane's fever down.
Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, the superior sisters were berating her in the dining room about her even showing up. It was Mr. Bingley, who defended her when he said,
"It shows an affections for her sister which is admirable."
Silently he wished that his own sisters were that affectionate, but they seemed to him to be quite cold as regards family. He shook the unpleasant thoughts from his head.
When Mr. Jones had arrived he attended Jane with the help of Elizabeth. Mr. Jones knew of Elizabeth's deft abilities in the healing arts, and he left her with several draughts of medicines, and returned to the parlor to address Mr. Bingley.
"Miss Bennet is too ill to be moved at present. If her sister could look after her for a few days I am sure she will recover more quickly."
"Of course," replied Mr. Bingley. He heard Caroline's exasperated sound behind him, and he glared at her.
Just then Elizabeth entered and Bingley offered her a cup of tea to calm her nerves after Mr. Jones's pronouncement of Jane's condition. Both Bingley and Darcy could tell she was upset.
"Of course, you must stay and attend to Miss Bennet," Mr. Bingley said to her. "I will send a note to Longbourn to have them send over whatever you need."
"I would not want to be an imposition," began Elizabeth as she saw the expression of contempt on Caroline's face.
"Nonsense," stated Mr. Bingley. "I insist you stay...for Miss Bennet's sake."
"You are most kind," responded Elizabeth still feeling an unwelcome stare from the snobs who were seated at the table.
"I must return to Jane. Thank you," Elizabeth replied placing her still untouched teacup back on the table. She turned desiring to be out of the presence of Caroline and her atmosphere of distain.
She was sure as soon as the door closed behind her that she would be chastised and berated by both sisters, but she didn't care. All she thought about was Jane's welfare and getting her better so they may return home.
Chapter 11 Posted on Sunday, 8 December 2002
Over the next few days with Elizabeth's gentle ministrations Jane's health began to show a marked improvement. However, her fever still remained quite high, and with it Jane could get little rest. Elizabeth hated to leave her for more than a few hours at a time even requesting her meals be brought up to Jane's room so she could attend her. So she avoided the acrimonious attitude of those in residence who wished her miles away.
However, Mr. Bingley went out of his way to ask of her health, a wish her speedy recovery, and even offered his services to sit with Miss Bennet whenever Elizabeth wished a break in her care giving. She was touched by the kindness of the one person in the house who seemed always sincere.
The times when Elizabeth resigned herself to be in the company of Miss Bingley, and Mrs. Hurst tended to be in the evening after the dinner meal. Elizabeth took a page out of her father's book when he counseled her to view such encounters as an opportunity to give her self a little amusement as to the follies of the rich and haughty.
When she first entered the room, Mr. Bingley asked of Jane's health, to which Elizabeth replied,
"She seems a little better, but her fever remains high, and I would return to her room in a short while."
She tried to be as polite as possible to all present especially Mr. Bingley for whose kindness she was grateful, and then took a seat at a table and began to read one of the books from the bookcase. The others were ensconced at the card table in the middle of a game with Mr. Hurst actually awake and participating in the game. It was during some of these sessions that even Mr. Darcy took on what Elizabeth could only imagine to be haughty personality as well, and ignored her. He seemed to find great joy in berating on certain topics, tonight being that country society whose customs and traditions that differed from his own he found somewhat boorish and crass.
"Oh, yes, I so agree, Mr. Darcy," Caroling chimed in. "And you agree with Mr. Darcy too, Louisa. Is it not unanimous?"
"Quite true, dear sister. Quite true. I have seldom seen a more raucous group of unmannered ruffians than I find in the country," Louisa added smiling snidely at those at the table seemingly oblivious to the fact that Elizabeth was reading a book at the table across the room.
"Here, Here," complained Mr. Hurst whose only thought was on the game. "You are all light."
The rest of the card players concentrated on the game for a few minutes before Bingley, who like Jane, found joy in most things could not let the statements go by without trying to mollify the negative slant taken in the discussion. He said,
"I think that certain country customs and traditions are enjoyable at best, and harmless at worst, and to my mind are preferable to those of the town ones, and I see no use in trying to complain of that aspect of our society that we can not change. I choose to merely enjoy them as I encounter them." He placed his card down progressing the game.
He heard a 'tsk' from Caroline as she placed her card down, and he looked to see her shaking her head at his supposed naiveté at the workings of the world. Elizabeth smiled silently at his defending if not her personally, at least her way of life.
At first, Elizabeth was curious about why they would choose to discuss this particular topic in front of a person who had grown up with those same customs and traditions. She shook her head and read once again the page she had just begun hoping not to be included in to this discussion.
Looking from the writing desk to the far away table Darcy noticed her smile and decided to pull her into it anyway. "And what have you to add to this debate, Miss Bennet?" Darcy finally asked in a challenging manner.
She looked up at him, at the others, and then closed her book noting the page number, and paused. "How am I to add to this discussion?"
In an exasperated tone as if talking to an inattentive child Caroline said, "Tell us what your opinion is on country traditions."
Elizabeth lips pursed into a smile as she tried not react to Caroline's idiotic assumption that Elizabeth hadn't heard anything being discussed not ten feet from her. Instead she thought of the myriad of replies that she and her father could conjure up to Caroline's choice of a hat with ostrich feathers that only accentuated her thin tallness. Finally, able to control her impulse to giggle, she sighed and stared only at Darcy and replied.
"If I do not support your opinion and say that our country traditions and customs compared to those of the town are not boorish or crass, but rather quaint and simple, I am sure that you would think me naïve or at least biased. If on the other hand, I agree with your assessment that my own traditions which I have grown up with and that you have witnessed me enjoying immensely, then you would perceive me a hypocrite."
Darcy nodded seeing that she had at once recognized the conflict of stating her own opinion on this topic. He already knew her mind was quick, almost as quick as his. He wished for her to continue in the debate, so he continued to press her for an answer.
"Then you agree with Bingley about country manners?" He challenged her again and waited to see if she would be honest or like Bingley show gentility and tact.
Her gaze rested on Bingley as she recalled his words and she smiled at him. Then her eyes returned to Darcy's, and she arched her eyebrows before responding.
"Since I have little to compare it to, then yes, I agree with Mr. Bingley. And since he has had the opportunity to compare our customs to those of the town, and still prefers them, I must give his opinion some weight of authority." She smiled back at Darcy daring him to rebut. He stared back a smile beginning to form about his lips.
Caroline couldn't stand to be omitted from this suddenly two-person debate, and hastened to interject, "Well, you will not change my opinion about how vulgar and coarse some of your country customs are, Eliza."
Elizabeth slowly blinked, and looked directly into Caroline's face, and sighed. "No," she stated simply. "I suppose not. Having not grown up with them, perhaps our customs would seem odd to newcomers in the area. The longer you stay, however, the more use to them you may become." Elizabeth rose from the table and smoothed the front of her dress.
Before she headed for the door to attend to Jane, she again looked at Caroline and said, "As my dear father tells me, an opinion is like a nose, everyone is entitled to one whether high or low. If you will excuse me, I must return to Jane." Venturing a last glance his way, she saw Darcy smiling and shaking his head returning to his letter to his sister.
As she closed the door she heard Caroline say distinctly, "What an impertinent girl she is, do you not agree, Mr. Darcy?"
And heard a playful tone in his succinct reply. "Quite."
Elizabeth giggled and headed back to her wonderful Jane hoping she would be well enough soon for her to relate all the goings-on in this too- too serious household excepting for Jane's kindly Mr. Bingley.
When she re-entered Jane's room that evening she found Jane still in a feverous sleep, and she tossed and thrashed and had fitful dreams that worried Elizabeth well into the early morning hours as she constantly wiped cool towels on Jane's forehead and arms. By now the hour must be just before sunrise, Elizabeth thought as Jane finally settled to an exhausted sleep.
Throwing a shawl over he dress to keep off the early morning chill, she left Jane's room quietly going down the back stairway with the intention of only going to the kitchen for a cup of tea and a biscuit before returning to Jane. Mr. Darcy, who was apparently an early riser, heard her speaking to the kitchen maid from the dining room, and rose to enter the kitchen to inquire about Miss Bennet's health. He became concerned when he noticed how tired she looked.
The kitchen staff ignored them and went about their business of getting breakfast started. Tea was already brewed in the pot.
"Miss Bennet, are you unwell?" He pulled a chair out for her to sit down in the dining room chair. She lowered herself in the seat and gratefully accepted his offer of a cup of hot tea and a plate of biscuits. She was too tired to wonder, and merely accepted that he had changed into the kindly half of his personality from the night before.
When he handed her the cup she smiled at him and said, "I am well. I thank you for your concern. I am just a little tired from being up with Jane. She has two very restless nights, but I hesitate to give her much more of the sleeping draught that Mr. Jones left."
Her hand cupped around the inviting warmth of the cup. Slowly, she sipped the tea and relaxed, as she tasted the chamomile flavor. She closed her eyes.
"Mmmm," she sighed. Darcy could tell that her composure improved and was refreshed by the tea. He pushed the plate of biscuits closer to her.
When she felt the plate touching her hand she opened her eyes. At first her too tired mind couldn't think how a plate could move of it's own accord. Surely she was dreaming. Then she glanced up to see Darcy's expectant eyes on her.
"You really need to eat something to keep your strength up," he suggested. "It won't do to have two Bennet sisters sick in bed." He gazed at her.
She sighed and smiled back taking the offered biscuit. "Yes, what kind of precedence would that set for our new neighbors? I am sure they would think we are not at all hearty and robust country folk." She took a bite and put down the biscuit.
Noting that she had no intention of eating more Darcy frowned and said,
"Perhaps biscuits require too much energy to consume. Let me have the maid bring up some broth or porridge to you in the bedroom. You can have a quiet breakfast while you can still attend to Miss Bennet."
She sipped her tea and gazed into those warm brown eyes knowing the wisdom of his words. He is used to taking care of people, she thought. She nodded and rose to return to Jane's room.
He followed her out of the dining room and toward the stairs. She became aware that he intended on escorting her the entire way.
"Although quite tired, sir, " she couldn't help but smile and tease. "I still have enough faculties to navigate my way back to Jane."
"Of that I have no doubt," replied Darcy in a similarly playful manner. "However, I insist on making sure you do not stop in the hallway and fall asleep standing by her door. It would be truly embarrassing for anyone to find you thus."
Knowing exactly to whom he was referring, Elizabeth smiled, acquiesced, and took his offered arm for support. Silently they made their way back to a far bedroom where Mr. Bingley had thought Jane would be most comfortable.
When they arrived at the door Elizabeth turned to Darcy as she took her hand off his arm. He said, "Promise me you will eat."
"I promise," she replied stifling a yawn her eyes closing for a few seconds.
"And promise me you will get some rest as well," he added. She nodded too tired to argue.
Even as tired as she is, thought Darcy she still is quite lovely in the morning light. I wonder what if this is how she looked when she first wakes from sleep. Control your thoughts, man! Darcy admonished himself. He leaned in and opened the door for her. She slipped quietly in closing the door behind her.
She leaned against the closed door and rubbed the stiffness out of her neck wearily. He does very well in a crisis, she thought, very dependable. I am glad he is here. I could have done with an elder brother like him.
With that last thought she forced her body to move to the bed where Jane seemed to be sleeping peacefully for once. Elizabeth sat in the chair beside the bed and rested her head on the arm of the chair to 'just rest my eyes' for a few minutes.
The next thing she knew she was deep in slumber dreaming of a warm blanket around her making her feel quite safe and secure. She slept throughout the day and into the night. She awoke on the couch beside Jane's bed with a comforter tucked in about her. She didn't remember how she got there.
The maid kept the household informed that both Miss Bennet's were resting soundly.
That very night Jane's fever broke, and she slept comfortably without any thrashing about. Elizabeth was elated the next morning to see her sister's eyes open as Jane smiled at having her sister so close.
"How do you feel, Jane?" Elizabeth inquired.
"Much better, knowing you are her, dear Lizzy," whispered Jane.
"Are you at all hungry?"
"Maybe a little later. Now that my fever is gone, I wish to get some more restful sleep if you do not mind," Jane sighed yawning.
Elizabeth smiled and kissed on the forehead. "I will let you sleep for a few hours, and then return to you with some broth."
"All right," Jane agreed as Elizabeth tucked the covers about her sister.
"Sleep well, dear Jane. It is good to have you back. I have so much to tell you."
Chapter 12 Posted on Sunday, 8 December 2002
Quietly Elizabeth departed Jane's room, donning her rust colored bonnet, and jacket. Pulling on her gloves she went down the back stairway and out the kitchen door. It was still quite early and the sun had just risen over the trees in the back lawn, with the sky still colored in shades of light purples and pinks. Elizabeth was so happy that Jane was better she couldn't help but bound down the lawn skipping like a small girl.
She spied Mr. Bingley's large dog happily playing with a stick. She smiled for she knew the dog's disposition was friendly.
"Come on," she coaxed. "Do you want me to throw the stick for you?" She petted the large head and gently rubbed his ear. He dropped the stick and enjoyed her ministrations. Then she picked up the stick asking,
"Do you want me to throw it for you?"
The dog barked with enthusiasm so she threw the stick far into the tree where the dog scurried after it, and brought it back to her to throw again. But now he had a new game. She tried pulling it from the dog's mouth, but he had hold of it quite firmly.
"Come on, let me have it, boy," she whispered. "I promise you will have it back soon enough."
Due to the early hour Darcy alone was witnessed to this exchange as he peered from the dining room window sipping his tea. He had seen her playing with the dog before the other morning while he finished his bath. She acted as playful as a child, and was not at all afraid of this large dog like so many girls he had known. It was as if she could sense this dog's temperament as benign.
I wonder if she would play with my dogs at Pemberley-no, he shook his head at the thought. That could never happen. But he was fascinated whenever he witnessed anyone with the ability to charm one of God's creatures. It was something he also had a knack for at least as regards horses. He seemed to be able to sense their moods and cajole them with his charm.
He smiled, and put his cup down when he saw she was having trouble 'charming' the stick from this dog's mouth. Perhaps this large dog was close enough in size to a horse to obey Darcy.
He exited the house and strolled quietly over to where the confrontation was taking place so as not to startle either combatant.
"Are you in need of assistance?" asked Darcy quietly when his approach was heard.
"I am not sure," was Elizabeth's laughing reply. "He seems to want to keep the stick to himself and not allow me to throw it for him. I thought he would be a happy creature if he scampers about after it. However, perhaps he is just as content to have the thing in his mouth." She let go of the 'tug of war' stick. The dog stood, stick still in his mouth and looked from Elizabeth to Darcy.
"Drop it!" was Darcy harsh command to the dog that immediately obeyed. "Sit! And the dog because of his size had to make an effort but managed to sit still awaiting the next command.
Elizabeth picked up the stick and waved it in front of the dog's face that became animated with anticipation. She threw the stick as far as she could, and the dog watched it, and wanted to go after it, but sat and whined. He looked at Darcy.
"Fetch," was his command and both watched as the dog gleefully ran after it.
Smiling, she turned to Darcy who motioned her to a bench. They sat down in tandem and began to converse leisurely.
"Am I to infer by your mood that your sister's health has improved?"
"You are, sir," gushed Elizabeth. "Her fever broke during the night and she is resting comfortably. I am to take some broth to her when she awakens in awhile."
"You seemed also to have recovered. You must have finally gotten some sleep as well, " Darcy responded noting her rosy cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes.
"I did indeed, " she smiled and added, "Although I am at a loss to know how I came to be on the couch. I remember falling asleep in a chair beside Jane's bed." She gave him one of those arched eyebrow looks of inquisition. "Would you by chance have an explanation of how that happened?"
Darcy looked away, but remained silent.
She sat motionless and silent beside him waiting for him to reply. He could feel her eyes on him, in their own 'tug of war' of wills. He was determined to resist her inquisition for at least a short duration.
He knew she could outlast him in this kind of battle of wills. He had proof of it from their scene on the balcony that night at the Assembly ball.
But she finally gave in and inquired, "Mr. Darcy, if there is something amiss that I should be aware of, I insist you inform me at once." It was clear her patience had come to an end. He smiled thinking that he had won this round in the game of wits.
He finally said. "The maid sought me out because she knew that you would not be upset if a...'friend' assisted you to the couch. So..."
"So...?" she asked.
In a matter of fact tone he continued, "So she had me pick you up and carry you over to the couch where you could recline. I put the blanket upon you and left. The maid and I thought the less said of the incident the better. And that is the end of my narrative."
He remembered how she felt in his arms, so soft and warm, and her breathing so quiet as she nestled against his chest smiling. He wanted to kiss that lovely smile-." He shook his head and the memory faded.
He felt her hand on his arm, and looked from it to her smiling face.
"I want to thank you, sir, for all your kindness toward us these past few days. I know both my sister and I have been an imposition to the household."
"To some perhaps, but not to anyone who matters," was Darcy enigmatic reply.
Elizabeth gave him a sideways glance and knitted her brows, as she seemed to question the meaning of his response.
But he changed the subject when he added, "Bingley will be ecstatic to know of Miss Bennet's recovery. He already plans to entertain her for a few days more before he relinquishes her back to your family, and talks of it constantly."
"Indeed?" Elizabeth said. "And how does the rest of the household feel about the much mentioned entertainment of the sisters Bennet?"
"As I said before," replied Darcy smiling. "It does not matter."
She gave up on his giving her any further meaning to his statement, and sat back enjoying the morning sun.
Just as they were to continue with their conversation a noise came from the kitchen door that reminded Elizabeth of high pitched squeak of something in need of oil.
"Yoo-hoo. There you are, Mr. Darcy," Caroline said in to her a most flirtatious voice. "I have been looking for you everywhere to come take breakfast with the family."
Noting that Elizabeth was excluded from the invitation Darcy scowled at Caroline's incivility as he stood up. He took Elizabeth's hand to help her rise from the bench.
"Do not be out of sorts on my account, sir," whispered Elizabeth in a conspiratory way. "We both know why she acts as she does. And do not feel the need to protect me either. I can handle her."
"Of that I have no doubts," replied Darcy remembering last night's conversation that was beyond Caroline's scope. He held the door open. "I am sure if duels were legal and women participated in them, you would surely be the victor."
"Mr. Darcy! I have no need of a sword when words are quite sufficient to use as weapons," replied Elizabeth smiling. She added, "How could you think I would wish to harm her?"
"Of course not, Miss Bennet. Perish the thought!" he said smiling back.