Elizabeth/Darcy Part 7

Moving right along; a bit of a transitional piece as we leave Kent to return to London. I now get to wish a Happy Easter to Greeks and other Orthodox folks, who, like me, took advantage of the sale pricing on candy since we celebrate this week. Hope you enjoy...tune in next week for the shoe drop.





-Elizabeth-


Easter tea was a rather quiet affair at Rosings. To be quite honest, I was surprised to be included in the invitation, given my last parting from the place, but perhaps the great lady values her reputation as a hostess more than she detests me; it was the most likely conclusion I was able to come to. She kept her snide comments to a minimum, mercifully, and I was able to partake in the afternoon with relative cordiality. I was disappointed to find Mr. Darcy’s behavior more in keeping with the staid and serious manner we had been used to in Hertfordshire, however. As his exalted Aunt droned on about everything and nothing; her loyal assistant Mr. Collins agreeing with all, Mr. Darcy seemed to find safety in the study of the nearby drapery. I considered that perhaps he could not, in front of his Aunt, be what he was with his other relations. This supposition brought me no pain, but to see Miss de Bourgh more withdrawn did. Though she ventured a few timid smiles in my direction, she would not enter any conversation with me. My heart ached for her, as it was now privy to some of the thoughts she shared on our walk after the picnic, and I well knew how little she fancied her situation.

But I pushed melancholy thoughts aside as I was beckoned to join Georgiana at the instrument to turn pages. I was, by now, well acquainted with her talent for music, and knew that she did not need my assistance, but as it afforded us the opportunity for private conversation away from the critical ear of Lady Catherine, I complied readily.

“Elizabeth,” she whispered, “I understand your relations will be in London when you return.”

It was true; I had just received a letter from Jane that morning informing me of their plans. Jane was to come with Mama later in the week. It seems Mr. Darcy had offered to host an engagement ball for Mr. Bingley and dear Jane, so the whole family would follow a week later; which both delighted and terrified me. To expose poor Georgiana to all my family! Much as I love them, I do realize their exuberance can be a bit trying on anyone’s nerves.

“Yes, I am very glad of it. I miss Jane dreadfully.”

She coyly suggested, “William has offered to convey you and Miss Lucas to London as we are due to leave soon as well. I imagine you will want to hurry to be with your sister.”

Mr. Darcy looked up upon the mention of his name, though how he heard, I am not certain, as Georgiana’s voice was barely above a whisper. Our eyes locked momentarily, and, smiling, I turned back to Georgiana.

“It is a very gracious offer, and you are correct, I am quite anxious to see Jane and share in her joy. As long as Maria has no objections to curtailing our stay by a few days, I will happily accept.”

She continued playing for a few minutes more, then slid down the bench to give the instrument over to me. Though I did not particularly wish to follow her expert performance, I could deny her nothing, so I took my place and began. It was a matter of moments before Lady Catherine began talking over the piece, abusing my performance, and asking why I had not taken her advice to play on the instrument in Mrs. Jenkinson’s room, since I “would be in no one’s way in that part of the house.” I quietly inclined my head as I caught Mr. Darcy roll his eyes skyward. He then approached the pianoforte, where Colonel Fitzwilliam soon followed.

Georgiana was the first to address her brother, “William, Elizabeth has agreed to join us in the carriage to London.”

“I am glad to hear it.” His smile revealed two well-placed dimples.

I had to interject with, “That is, of course, provided that Maria does not mind the alteration to our plans.” Turning my attention to Mr. Darcy, I said, “I understand, Mr. Darcy, you are to host a ball in honor of Mr. Bingley’s engagement to my sister. That is very kind of you.”

“It is no more than I would do for any of my friends; I am happy to be of service.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam lost himself in a cough for a moment, then turned to Mr. Darcy, saying, “Oh yes, let me count the number of balls you have hosted in recent years. Or perhaps you have very few friends.”

Mr. Darcy shot him a fierce look. I could not resist the opportunity to tease, “If it bears any similarity to the number of dances he partakes in during said balls, I can assure you it is very low.”

The Colonel was intrigued, “Indeed? What have you to accuse my cousin of? I should dearly like to know!”

“Merely that the first time we met, at an assembly, no less, he danced only four dances, though men were scarce, and more than one lady, to my particular knowledge,” here I paused to meet Mr. Darcy’s smiling eyes, “was in want of a partner.”

The Colonel was by now laughing, and turned on his cousin, “What excuse can you plead in your defense for such a despicable performance? Four dances?”

I preempted Mr. Darcy’s reply with, “Perhaps there was a want of tempting partners?” Though we had already traversed this road, I never promised to allow that particular snub to die.

He was saved the necessity of a response by his aunt’s vociferous interruption, but answered my teasing smile with a raised brow. I am almost certain he was fighting the urge to stick his tongue out at me. I certainly would have been, had the tables been turned.

Georgiana laughed lightly beside me, and I wondered how much she knew of her brother’s behavior in Hertfordshire. She certainly did not seem to be taken by surprise. She and the Colonel exchanged knowing glances, and our visit soon came to an end.

Despite her mother’s keen eye, when I took leave of Miss de Bourgh, she surprised me by drawing me into a swift embrace, and furtively passing a note into my hand. After hugging Georgiana as well, and politely talking leave of Lady Catherine and Mrs. Jenkinson, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam escorted us to the waiting carriage.

Ensconced in the carriage, Charlotte leaned toward me with a smirk and quietly cautioned, “Dear Lizzy, you must stop teasing poor Mr. Darcy!”

I looked at her in utter disbelief. I had not considered my teasing to be anything out of the ordinary for me, but Mr. Collins had unfortunately heard the remark, and he had other notions.

“Teasing- Mr. Darcy? Oh no, Cousin Elizabeth, that will not do! No; not at all - to tease a man of his importance and stature, Lady Catherine will not like this at all!” He was positively flustered, and Charlotte shot me an apologetic glance.

“Mr. Collins, I assure you, there is no need for your gracious concern. Mr. Darcy is no object of my derision, and any teasing that may have occurred is perfectly harmless, though in the future, I suppose I might limit myself to teasing men of smaller stature,” I quipped.

“Cousin Elizabeth, please, I beg you to consider-” Charlotte interrupted gently but forcefully to allay his fears, which she did with much more success than I was able.

Later that evening, in the safety of my room, I opened the note from Miss de Bourgh, and reveled in its contents.

Dear Elizabeth,

Firstly, I want to apologize for my mother’s poor treatment of you. I am exceedingly sorry that she has conducted herself with such incivility, and I can say nothing in her defense, other than she is not accustomed to having anyone stand up to her. Most are afraid of her, or like me, simply find it easier to keep the peace and comply with her wishes, though I must confess, the past weeks have made that more difficult for me. You have shown me how very limited my life is; I have come to greatly value your opinions and insights, and I hope to be able to prevail upon you to write to me once in a while. I have so little contact with others; my mother is so very selective with whom I am allowed to associate, which brings me to another point - as she would surely take exception to my receiving your letters, I had hoped you would not mind enclosing any note for me within your letters to Mrs. Collins. I realize this is a somewhat peculiar request, but please be assured, I would be most appreciative.

Yours,

Anne de Bourgh

My heart broke all over again for this poor girl who reached out to me, of all people for a connection to the outside world. I would be glad to maintain the friendship, and resolved to leave her a note in the affirmative before leaving Kent at the week’s end.



-Darcy-


We did not see very much of the Hunsford party before our departure to London. After I witnessed my aunt’s treatment of Elizabeth, while nothing subsists other than friendship between us, I did not want to awaken her suspicions that any stronger sentiment existed, so I did not encourage interaction between the two houses. On the few occasions that the party from Hunsford did visit Rosings, I concentrated on maintaining my distance - no simple task when a pair of sparkling eyes teased me from across the room. I found that my admiration and respect for Elizabeth deepened once again, as I understood she was only able to maintain courteousness to my ill-bred aunt out of loyalty for her friends. She bore the affronts as would a saint, though I well knew she would prefer to set Aunt Catherine down thoroughly than to sit in silence.

So it was that we set out for London a fortnight after Easter, with the two ladies included in the party. After a tearful farewell from Mrs. Collins, I helped Elizabeth and Miss Lucas into the carriage, and the coach set off at a brisk pace, in the expectation that we would arrive in town before nightfall. The return trip was far more animated than our arrival into Kent, with the addition of Elizabeth and Miss Lucas. We entertained one another with a high-spirited game of proverbs, in which I finally found an opportunity to avenge Elizabeth’s second reminder of my thoughtless comment at the Meryton assembly.

I was to follow Maria Lucas’ offering of, “Do not kill the goose that lays the golden egg,” so I trained my eye directly on Elizabeth as I delivered, “Eavesdroppers never hear good of themselves.”

She laughed as she responded with, “The worth of a thing is best known by the want of it.” I have learned much about what I want in the past months, and her worth seemed to increase daily. Elizabeth’s arrow, so well-aimed at my heart, caused me to wonder whether the reply was chosen merely for the benefit of the game, or if she had perhaps come to understand the true nature of my feelings. I looked at her askance, half expecting to find an answer in her expressive eyes, but on this occasion, they were inscrutable.

“It takes two fools to argue!” Richard must have noted the change in my demeanor, as he successfully lightened my sudden shift toward solemnity.

Not long after the game concluded, the carriage hit a deep rut, damaging a wheel. As the coachmen attended to the carriage, it was Elizabeth who suggested that we make the best use of the time by laying out the contents of the prepared basket for a cold luncheon. She waved off the footman who came to attend her, telling him his time would be better served in assisting with the carriage. Richard and I watched as she struggled against the considerable weight of the basket. Elizabeth looked the part of a veritable wood nymph as her bonnet flew off her head, sending curls flying everywhere. Before I was overtaken with laughter, I reached out to assist as a gentleman ought; the belated effort acknowledged with an arch smile. I chuckled to myself as I imagined the shrieks and lamentations of a Miss Bingley in a similar situation, and was extremely grateful for my good fortune in traveling companions.

As Richard and I followed the ladies to a nearby clearing, we considered how we might complete the rest of our journey; we were yet fifteen miles from London, but had already passed the last town directly on our way.

“Either we must turn back to the nearest town, or travel into the night. It is a clear night; there is little risk of running into any danger; I think it would be best to continue towards London.”

I agreed with Richard, but was concerned for the ladies’ comfort. Fortunately, Elizabeth voiced a similar opinion, “I am eager to return to my family as well. If you think we can pass safely, I am happy to do so.” With the assent of Georgiana and Miss Lucas, our course was determined, leaving me at leisure to enjoy the company.

It was some time later before the carriage was repaired, so we would arrive in London well into the night; Georgiana prevailed upon the other ladies to stay in Darcy House for the night, and a rider would be dispatched to deliver a note to the Gardiners. My chest tightened with the knowledge that Elizabeth would sleep under my roof. Her face was so lovely bathed in the soft moonlight; I studied her features for some time as she rested her eyes until Richard interrupted my pleasant contemplation with a noisy clearing of his throat and a look of amusement upon his face.

Upon our late arrival, the ladies repaired quickly to bed after greeting Mrs. Annesley, while Richard and I took a glass of port in the study. I casually glanced through the correspondence that awaited me. My attention was caught by a note from a Mr. Weldon, the investigator I charged with discovering any damaging information concerning Lord Murdock.

The news was encouraging. Lord Murdock had apparently amassed a great deal of debt. Enough, Weldon insisted, that would warrant the threat of debtor’s prison. Within a fortnight, we should be ready to move forward. I related the contents to Richard, and received his congratulations, followed by the question, “So what are you going to do about it?”

“Naturally, I am going to put pressure on him to desist in any slander about the Gardiners or Miss Bennet.”

“Darce, I’m not talking about this Lord Murdock business. I mean Elizabeth. You are in love with her; you don’t even attempt to deny it, yet you do little more than stare at her when in her company. I ask again, what are you going to do about it?”

Mountains may have moved with the force of the sigh I expelled then, but as it was only Richard and I in the study, I was met solely with his exasperated look of impatience. I shrugged, having no energy to dissemble, “We are friends, and I do not wish to disrupt the understanding we have now. I am content to wait, and with Bingley marrying her sister, I will see her often enough.”

“I hate to awaken you to what is obvious, cousin, but Elizabeth is a very charming woman. You may be content to wait for her feelings to change, but others may not.”

“She is in no hurry to marry the first man who shows interest, Richard.”

“Suit yourself, but I fear you are making a terrible mistake.”

Most likely, I was, but I was too stubborn to realize it.

Ascending the stairs a short while later, I heard a hushed giggle coming from Georgiana’s room, then the sound of a door softly closing. I was quite tired, so I blinked my eyes repeatedly to make sure I had not conjured up the image before me. Though truly, I am certain my imagination would not have done it justice. There stood Elizabeth, illuminated only by the soft glow of a candle; clutching a shawl tightly about her. In the dim light, she looked almost ethereal; an otherworldly beauty draped in gossamer. I stood mute, unable to think of a single intelligent thing to say. Fortunately, she spoke first.

“Mr. Darcy, it seems you have a talent for discovering me in somewhat less than dignified circumstances.”

“Forgive me, Miss Bennet, I should not have -”

“Sir,” she laughed, “You are walking in your house, to your room. You have nothing to apologize for.”

I was relieved to find her humor intact, but having recovered myself, I could now see that her face was a bit pale and drawn, and so I asked, “Are you well, Miss Bennet?”

“I am; I thank you, sir. I fear I am only in need of rest; as are you. Good night, Mr. Darcy.” She curtsied impudently, and seemingly glided across the floor to her room.

Some moments later, my feet were still rooted firmly to the ground, and it seemed an eternity before I was able to breathe again.

***

We set off directly after breakfast the next morning to return Elizabeth to the bosom of her relations. Coming back to the house on Gracechurch Street, it almost felt as though we were being welcomed home. The Gardiners were very warm in their reception of Georgiana and me, little Lily jumped directly into my arms, and even Mrs. Bennet, who had once taken a pointed dislike to me, was gushing in her gratitude for the safe delivery of Elizabeth and Miss Lucas. Ah, but the woman’s loquaciousness on the subject of her eldest’s engagement tried my nerves to extremity. If brevity be the soul of wit*, then Mrs. Bennet must be …

But one look at Elizabeth locked in a fierce embrace with her sister curtailed the uncharitable conclusion of my thoughts, as I remembered her grace in the presence of my aunt’s ill-bred attacks. Thus motivated towards patience, I turned to Mrs. Bennet and said, “Georgiana and I are very pleased with Mr. Bingley’s fortunate choice of wife.” Mrs. Bennet nodded smugly, and Elizabeth cast me an appreciative smile; a generous recompense for so small an effort at civility.

After a short visit, Georgiana and I left the ladies to their reunion. As I helped her into the carriage, she stopped, turned to me, and in a tone that skirted somewhere just between innocence and mischief, stated, “Elizabeth seems to be a wonderful sister; I should like to have a sister.”

As she stepped inside, I pushed her ever so slightly, causing her to fall clumsily onto the seat.


*borrowed, and slightly modified, from Shakespeare’s Hamlet




-Elizabeth-


I was overjoyed to be reunited with Jane. It was wonderful to receive news of her while in Kent, but nothing could replace the tête-à-tête discussions we share. That night was no exception. I had much to relate which I had not yet revealed in letters, and I had a great deal to learn from Jane as well.

Eager to hear about her engagement, I demanded that she tell me all.

“Oh, Lizzy; ‘tis too much! Even now, I am overcome. To bring such happiness to all my dear family! He is so wonderful – Oh Lizzy, if I could but see you as happy as I am!”

“Dear Jane, that can never be, for I do not have your goodness. But, you need not worry; I will be content to be the matron aunt to your ten children, and I will teach them to play their instruments very ill! Besides, you have saved me from the fate of being forced to marry a Mr. Collins; for that, I am most grateful!”

“He is not so very bad, is he?” Jane asked anxiously, “I sincerely hope Charlotte is not unhappy.”

I shook my head absently as I replied, “No; no, she is not. She seems quite satisfied, in fact; but I am certain I could not be!”

I then learned that Mr. Bingley’s proposal was offered on bended knee, under the watchful eye of Mary, who had been charged by Papa to chaperone the lovers as they walked. I was surprised to find that they had chosen a short engagement - only two months - claiming that the short distance between Netherfield and Longbourn eliminated the necessity of waiting any longer.

I felt it incumbent upon me to ask, “And how does Miss Bingley do with her brother’s engagement? I dare not hope she has welcomed you with open arms.”

“Oh, Lizzy, do be kind!” At my responding smile, she added, “Do not smile so; we are to be sisters!”

“Well?”

“Perhaps Caroline and I can never be what we once were, but she has promised to be respectful, and I am certain we will be able to nurture an amicable relationship as sisters.”

“You are very cruel, Jane; you will not let me smile, and are provoking me to it every moment.”

Even dear, sweet Jane saw the absurdity of her statement, and we shared a hearty laugh.

I then told her about the friendship that was growing between the Darcys and myself, and in doing so, unfolded the tale of Lord Murdock, which I had previously kept to myself, as I feared for Jane’s gentle heart. I also shared Mr. Wickham’s intended elopement with Georgiana, which she had confirmed as we talked the night before. Jane stared, colored, doubted, but bore it all reasonably well. I finished with, “So you see, Jane, there is no need for me to marry, as all men who are interested in me are either ridiculous or immoral.”

While applying herself to a casual inspection of her fingernails, Jane offered, “Mr. Darcy is neither of those things.”

“Not you as well, Jane! Yes, you are right; Mr. Darcy is neither ridiculous nor immoral, but we are simply friends; he is not interested in me.” Certainly, he had been very kind, and even at times a bit flirtatious, but he had not expressed any particular wish beyond friendship.

She said nothing more, but sent me an eloquent look which spoke volumes. That night, sleep did not come as easily as it should have.

***

The next morning began the hunt for Jane’s trousseau. Before she and Mr. Darcy left Gracechurch Street, I was able to convince Georgiana to join us for a morning of shopping. Jane as well as I looked forward to sharing the experience with the dear girl, who easily surpassed our younger sisters in dignity, much to the credit of Mr. Darcy. Mama was in such high spirits on the occasion, she offered to purchase a new gown for me to wear at the engagement ball. The younger girls were to have new dresses as well, but they would have to be satisfied with the Meryton dressmakers.

I was ready, Georgiana was eager, and Jane, determined to find the perfect gowns. Having Georgiana along proved to be a blessing as well as a great pleasure, as her name afforded us entry into some of the more fashionable modistes’ shops. At the third shop we visited, Georgiana pointed out an elegant silk which alternated between indigo and emerald, depending on the direction of light.

“Elizabeth, this would look so pretty against your skin!” It did compliment my complexion quite nicely, though I was unaccustomed to wearing such a vibrant color. Aunt Gardiner was also convinced the fabric would suit me, and as Mama presented no argument, we set about selecting a pattern. Jane, too, found a lovely fabric for her wedding gown; a delicate silk in a rich cream color, adorned with exquisite gold embroidery.

“Oh my dear Jane!” Mama cried, as she ran her hand over the fabric, “You will look so beautiful!”

“Yes, Mama, but she always does, does she not?”

Jane colored slightly as I reached out to grasp her hand. To imagine Jane as a bride wrought havoc on my emotions, and I fought back tears. I was happy beyond measure for my dearest sister, but I would be a deceiving myself if I did not admit to a bit of sadness as it occurred to me how very soon our lives would change.