Chapter 11 – The Best Laid Schemes o' Mice an' Men, Gang Aft Agley

Posted on: 2010-05-18

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Dr. James Wilder and Mr. Henry Fielding arrived at Netherfield while the occupants were still at breakfast. It was a month to the day since Charles Bingley had hosted a ball in this great house, and yet the event seemed ages ago. The two friends had last seen each other the day before Darcy left for Derbyshire with Elisha, and Charles had returned to Hertfordshire with his angel and her Aunt Gardiner to be of assistance to the Bennet family in the wake of Elizabeth's disappearance. That afternoon, just over a sennight ago, Bingley had disclosed details of his meeting with Bow Street and Mr. Gardiner to his best friend. Now Darcy arrived with news of Miss Elizabeth; bringing his own representative of Bow Street and Mrs. Gardiner's cousin as character witnesses. Darcy scanned the room and took in the others around the table. He was both pleased and dismayed by those he saw, and he silently prayed for his plan's success.

As the three men entered, Bingley jumped from his seat. Charles had been sitting next to Jane Bennet who in turn sat next to a fashionable couple. That woman also rose and rushed across the room exclaiming in anxiety, "Jamie, what on earth are you doing here? Has something happened to Papa?" She was only a few years older than Darcy and he could see a resemblance to Mr. Davies. She and the man with her reached Dr. Wilder just after Charles arrived by Darcy's side. Smiling in reassurance, he assumed the couple were Elizabeth's favourite aunt and uncle, the Gardiners.

The Hursts were present, but the most unpleasant inhabitant of the room to Darcy's taste was Miss Bingley. Caroline eyed Darcy with an accusatory look, and he could swear he saw her nose twitch as though she smelled something foul as she stared at Harry's scarlet waistcoat. Despite the disdain displayed for a 'lowly' lawman, her most important task seemed to be asserting her precedence as the hostess of the house. She said, "Mr. Darcy, I had not been told to expect other guests. Charles only casually mentioned you might stop by on Boxing Day – but refused to give me any details."

Charles, like Georgiana, had changed in the few days since Darcy had last seen him. He too seemed to be much less hesitant to speak his mind. "Caroline, you only decided to grace Netherfield with your presence on Christmas Eve. Before you arrived, I was perfectly able to host Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner by myself. Our reason for being here has not been about the social festivities of the season, but to aid the Bennet family with their search for Miss Elizabeth. Darcy's express was only received yesterday, and he specifically asked me to speak little of his proposed visit – though he mentioned he might bring friends, he gave me none of the particulars." Caroline had been put in her place momentarily, but Darcy did not think it would be her last attempt to interfere and push herself center stage.

Charles took charge. Introductions were made, and although it was obvious everyone wanted to know why Darcy was there, no one asked for an explanation. They waited while the travel-weary trio fed their bellies and quenched their thirst. When there was no more justification for delay, Darcy explained in a halting, almost meek way that he had important news for the Gardiners, Miss Bennet and Bingley. He noticed Charles looked sideways at him as though questioning the change in his usual self-assured and oft times arrogant demeanour. Darcy asked if he might first speak to Elizabeth's aunt and uncle first, in Jamie and Harry's presence. He felt anything but confident telling this tale to strangers.

By rights, Jane Bennet should be told at the same time as the Gardiners, but since Darcy needed them to facilitate his conference with Mr. Bennet, he feared the impropriety of telling the daughter too much before the father. Darcy planned to let Mr. Gardiner decide what to tell Elizabeth's dearest sister. Jane was quiet and docile as always but had few smiles for any as she stood to leave.

Mr. Gardiner spoke warmly to his niece. "Jane dearest, please see to the children. We are expected at Longbourn for our planned Boxing Day visit in an hour. Your aunt and I will listen to Mr. Darcy's news, and once the children are ready; you should join us in the library."

Mr. Gardiner's sense of the gravity of the situation without causing any undue commotion solved Darcy's dilemma with regards Miss Bennet. His manner displayed his willingness to wait to hear what Darcy had to say rather than to presume or to be intimidated by any rumours he had heard of the Master of Pemberley.

Observing the polite and polished speech of Mrs. Bennet's younger brother Darcy was painfully aware of how he had underestimated this man from Cheapside. He doubted that Miss Bingley had had a similar epiphany and suspected from her sour and disdainful expression that she had extended little in the way of hospitality to her brother's guests.

As they entered Netherfield's library, Darcy recalled the half hour he and Elizabeth had spent together in silence in the room. Unable to concentrate in her presence, he had watched her out of the corner of his eye. Now the memory seemed to be about two other people – one who had been beguiled but suspicious, and the other refusing to acknowledge his surreptitious glances and firmly believing he was looking to find fault. Being here also reminded him how he longed for the experience of showing her the library at Pemberley. His hopes for sitting quietly together, reading, sharing insight and perhaps even arguing the merits or one author or another for the rest of their lives were at stake as he set out to ingratiate himself with Elizabeth's favourite uncle and aunt.

He steeled himself to see the Gardiners take offense as he described his insulting proposal and abducting her. His own mask firmly in place, he determined he would not be rattled in his rendition by any emotions he saw reflected on the couple's faces. But as the Gardiners listened carefully to his confession, never once interrupting him, he was unable to discern if they believed him. Including the details of her lost shoe and reticule was added to bolster the authenticity of his tale.

Darcy explained that after Charles informed him Bow Street had been called in; he decided he needed to hide Elizabeth's identity behind the fictional Elisha Bartlett. When his fear of detection was given as the reason for cutting her hair and dressing as a young man, Mr. Gardiner looked incredulous. Mrs. Gardiner sought her cousin's eyes for confirmation, but Jamie showed little enthusiasm in supporting Darcy. A mere sombre nod of his head was his only gesture. Mr. Fielding, on the other hand, delivered a more exuberant affirmation of the need for disguise to fool such dedicated men as he.

The couple reacted with lively amazement when they heard of Elizabeth saving Lady Clarissa and capturing the most notorious highwayman in the land. Here, Harry and Jamie both jumped in and vociferously proclaimed it to be true.

"She could have been killed," said Mrs. Gardiner, suddenly turning a clearly disapproving look on Darcy. He hung his head and refrained from protesting that had he been able to stop her, he would never have let her take off after the highwayman.

At that point, Jamie attested to their niece's well being. The couple was informed Elizabeth was in the strict care of Mrs. Gardiner's father and Dr. Wilder's mother. Darcy swore he had never harmed Elizabeth in anyway. He remembered to add, other than abducting her... compromising her... making her cut her hair... dressing her as a boy... having her ride astride... He stopped in fear that he might admit too much and, instead, made a heartfelt plea for their aid with procuring Mr. Bennet's approval to marry her. His request seemed to be met, not necessarily with enthusiasm, but the awareness it was the only possibility for salvaging any vestige of Elizabeth's reputation.

When Darcy claimed that he and Elizabeth now loved each other violently, his passionate declaration fell on deaf ears. With tight faces and a certain air of resignation, the Gardiners were already making plans for what to tell Jane and discussing how Mr. and Mrs. Bennet would react to this amazing news.

Darcy left the Gardiners in the able care of Jamie and Harry, and went to search for Bingley. He found him in his study with the door closed and locked – apparently hiding out from his sisters and Hurst. Seeing Charles's wary face as he entered, Darcy hoped to pleasantly surprise his friend that Elizabeth was safe, and Jane would now likely agree to set a date.

Instead of sitting calmly like the Gardiners, Charles paced like some caged animal, throwing narrowed glances at the man whose recently confessed meddling was at fault for his ill-fated failure to return to Hertfordshire – and Jane.

Bingley glared silently and balled and unballed his fists as he moved about the room. Finally, when it dawned on him that Elizabeth had been upstairs in Darcy's house the whole time he had been telling his friend about how distraught Jane was at her sister's disappearance, he was moved to speak. Like Georgiana he had questions – more precisely, variations on one question, as Darcy told him the rest of his story.

"She was in your house?" Charles went to the window to stare out. "She was upstairs while I told you about Jane's anguish?" He fell into a slouch on the sofa. "She was in your house the entire time, and you did not tell me?"

Darcy was unsure whether Bingley heard anything of Elizabeth's feats of derring-do. He seemed to be completely lost worrying about his angel.

As the group making their way to Longbourn prepared to distribute themselves into several carriages, Caroline Bingley pulled Darcy aside. Her hand rested on his arm in that familiar way he detested, and she leaned in to speak in a conspiratorial tone. "I take it your news is about Miss Eliza? My maid heard tales about her among the servants here at Netherfield. You might be interested to know that after we left for London, that dreadful Mr. Collins proposed to her." Darcy noticed that Caroline's face displayed, not the disgust he felt every time he heard of that event, but pleasure at Elizabeth's humiliation. "Rumours abound that when her father insisted she marry your aunt's parson, Miss Eliza ran away with Wickham, and there is doubt she was abducted as the scene suggested." Darcy shook off her arm and was going to speak when she whispered one last bit of information. "Please, tell me you have come with the news that she and Wickham have been found. Perhaps, once all this sordid mess is revealed to Charles, he will abandon Jane Bennet for good."

Darcy could not conceal his horror at her words. This was the most awful of all possible stories to have circulating. Not only was it being spread that Elizabeth had run away from home in defiance, but she had fled with that worm Wickham. And to make matters worse, Caroline Bingley seemed determined that all within her tongue's reach would hear this version of the tale. Caroline noticed the unhappy expression on Darcy's face and commented with a great deal of satisfaction, "Ah, I can see, you are as disgusted by this as I, sir. I can rely on you to be my ally in this, finally ridding us of the Bennets once and for all."

In what was one of the greatest accomplishments of his life, Darcy controlled his urge to physically manhandle her. But the dark and unpleasant urge passed, and he took a deep breath. He wondered if she might have heard some threat in his voice because she suddenly moved away from him of her accord as he said, "We will see, Miss Bingley, what is to be done. You should do nothing until you hear from me."

Stammering a little and unable to quite meet his suddenly piercing stare, she finally settled for bobbing her head up and down in assent. Her head was still moving as he turned and walked away from her.

On their arrival at Longbourn, Darcy, Bingley and Harry waited in the parlour with the family and Bingley for Darcy's private audience with Mr. Bennet. On the trip to Longbourn, it had been decided that Darcy would meet alone with the man he hoped to call father. Harry would join him after the initial information was dispensed to entertain Mr. Bennet while he digested Darcy's news, and to reaffirm the tale of Elizabeth's heroism. Finally, the Gardiners and Jamie could add their voices to reassure Mr. Bennet of his daughter's health and welfare and lend their support to Darcy's suit.

Despite that damn Caroline Bingley's whispering such vile gossip as he left Netherfield, he had refused to lose sight of winning the prize. The last hour had been spent calming and preparing himself for the most important interview of his life.

In the meantime, looking over the parlour, Darcy saw that Mrs. Bennet, though nowhere near as talkative as usual, acted the proper hostess and served tea to her visitors. All the Bennets seemed subdued in comparison to how Darcy remembered them. Lydia and Kitty had, indeed, seemed pleased to have two new men to giggle about – though they quickly seemed to reject both as a tad too old.

Mary surprised Darcy with her knowledge of Bow Street. She asked Harry numerous questions about the criminals he had encountered during his career, and informed him she and her father had just the previous day read much on the topic together. Darcy overheard her tell the Robin Redbreast, "I have never read The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling though my father and sister... " Her voice seemed to crack a little at the mention of Elizabeth, but she pulled herself together and finished her thought. "... have read it, and it is a favourite of theirs. I thought its notorious reputation did not make it reading for a proper young lady, such as myself, and preferred the novels of Mr. Richardson. I understand the two men were great rivals and much of their disagreement revolved around moral hypocrisy. Mr. Fielding, I believe your ancestor held the cynical position that a lady's chastity is most relevant to ensure a woman's value as a desired commodity in the marriage marketplace. While Mr. Richardson seemed to believe it ordained by God that women must maintain their virtue until wed... or die trying... to preserve, not the content but the form, of that beautiful and brittle state... " Mary swallowed hard and looked down at her hands.

Harry was staring at this serious young woman with a mixture of incredulity at her open discussion of the nature of chastity and a softer look as though he recognized a similarity with another. Darcy saw it too for the first time. Though she had none of the humour and absolutely no facility for disguise, she had the same intelligence and similar features to Elizabeth. She brought her eyes back up, as though she had made a decision, and smiled beguilingly – not quite her sister's silly grin – but an honest, lovely lopsided face dented by only one dimple on her left cheek. "Recently after making my study of Bow Street and learning of your relatives – Henry Fielding and Sir John and their role in preserving law and order in England – I have been having second thoughts about reading his novels."

Mrs. Bennet seemed oblivious to the rarity of Mary conversing with a man and the unusual – and somewhat inappropriate – nature of their discussion. Darcy also realized Elizabeth's mother had spent no time at all trying to determine income or connections of the two visiting men. He watched as she seemed to stare off into nothingness once her duties of pouring tea were at a pause. Darcy saw Mr. Gardiner sit down beside his sister and take her hand. She looked at him with a hesitant and hopeful smile as though she knew the three men's presence in her home meant news of some sort. He returned her smile with one that to Darcy seemed to hint at encouragement.

Jane and Bingley whispered to one another in a corner. Charles held her hand and amazingly was flaunting all convention when he would occasionally bring it to his lips for a kiss. She had obviously been told, if nothing else, that her sister was safe. Her ever present smiles were very tentative, but they were back.

While Darcy was surveying the scene, Mr. Bennet entered and startled the younger man with a tap on the shoulder. They had made their way silently to the room that served as both Mr. Bennet's study and library. Darcy took the settee, and Mr. Bennet seated himself at his desk – his expression grave. Before speaking, he examined the older man's face and posture to deduce his thoughts. Was he consumed with worry for his daughter's safety or hostile a virtual stranger was bringing news of his daughter? Perhaps, beneath the surface of his serious demeanour, he felt remorse for pushing his daughter into a marriage she did not want.

Failing to evaluate the older man's frame of mind, Darcy chose to affect a look on his own face that was both confident and penitent simultaneously. He hoped he did not end up merely appearing befuddled. "Mr. Bennet I have come to give you news of your daughter. Sir, I assure you she is well and has suffered no harm since she was last in your care."

Mr. Bennet gave him a nod to continue. Darcy thought he might have seen a flicker of relief when he said she was safe. For the moment, her father seemed content to listen. His face was now even more inscrutable than any Darcy had ever been able to achieve. Strangely enough, Darcy thought he saw a trace of some expectation of pleasure in Mr. Bennet's eyes as he poured himself some port and moved from behind the desk to the large reading chair placed at an angle to the settee. His comfort seemed primary, and he appeared to be preparing himself for the unfolding of an entertaining yarn. Darcy was unnerved by Mr. Bennet's lack of urgency to find out the fate of his daughter. His attitude reflected none of the strong emotions his daughter's suitor believed he must actually feel.

Darcy began by describing his imaginary proposal at the ball. He believed he spoke well on the depth of his feelings for Elizabeth, and how he had been particularly moved by her beauty that evening. His plan for how to proceed with his confession required him to be equally eloquent on the subject of his heartfelt tenderness and his acknowledgement of the pride all of Meryton knew to be his offence. He did not shirk from describing the words of his sense of Elizabeth's inferiority, or his fear for the objections of his family he had struggled to overcome. He admitted all these contradictory words had been part of his offer for Mr. Bennet's daughter – and had prompted her angry refusal.

When he admitted he had abducted Elizabeth he saw not a trace of fury. Instead, Darcy suspected the older man actually began to experience even greater enjoyment than before, and he felt a warm rush of anxiety for his sucess course through his body – caused by what he was certain was a look of smug satisfaction in Mr. Bennet's eyes.

He had no other alternative but to continue revealing all the humiliating and glorious details of their time together – forcing her to dress as a young man, her gift for masquerade and flirting, their words of love for one another, his second proposal and even their chaste sharing of a room – everything but the kiss. Still, there was no anger or censure from Mr. Bennet. Darcy lost himself in portraying all the emotions he had felt the day she saved Lady Clarissa and bludgeoned Gentleman Jack. Oddly, he thought he might have heard a sigh escape from her father as he spoke of his prayers for her safety – galloping in pursuit after learning she had gone chasing after the bandit leader. The heartfelt agony he relayed at the thought of his not being able to survive her being killed by the highway man's pistol might have been the cause of the twitch he saw in the older man's left eye, but he was not certain.

The relief to be finished with his tale must be showing on his face, but he was beyond caring that he was not acting as dignified as he should under the circumstances. He just wanted to know whether her father would agree to his suit.

Mr. Bennet stroked his chin and chewed his lip for a few seconds before he spoke. His voice was deliberate and displayed just the barest trace of curiosity. "There are some details that are unclear to me, young man. Exactly how did you learn of Mr. Collins's proposal? It was my understanding the entire Netherfield party had left for London that morning."

The tension of a question he had not been expecting caused Darcy's body to react by producing more heat, and he felt hot despite the temperature in the room not having changed. The warmth intensified to a burning sensation that rose up his neck and attacked his ears and scalp. He feared sweat might be starting to drip into his neck cloth. "I… umm… I am not certain… someone told me." His laboured breathing was the only sound in the room. As he stared at Mr. Bennet's emotionless face, a most salient fact struck him. He momentarily lost sight of his mission and his mortification and caved in to his natural arrogance and anger with her father's actions. "All I really remember is being enraged when I heard she was being forced to marry a ridiculous man." This time Darcy was certain he saw a tick in response to his answer.

With a shrug of his shoulders Mr. Bennet said, "I asked, and she argued briefly but soon obediently agreed. She told me nothing of your proposal."

"As I described to you, my first offer was offensive, and she rightly refused."

His uncontrolled ire had momentarily shifted the dynamic between the two men. With regret in his voice, Mr. Bennet said, "She rejected Mr. Collins initially as well. Had she spoken of her other proposal, I would have suggested she contact you to determine whether you might still be interested." All remorse seemed to be abandoned as Elizabeth's father began a different tack. "You might be guilty of 'abominable pride' – as I have heard her describe it – but at least you are her intellectual equal." The reassertion of his dominance was complete as he chuckled and took another sip of his port. "At least I thought so until now."

"Sir, I fear I do not have the pleasure of your meaning?"

"Mr. Darcy, I am not a fool. My daughter ran away and must have come to you to ask for assistance."

"She did not. I abducted her."

"Young man, give up your disguise."

Darcy saw his plan spiralling out of control. He must protect Elizabeth and attempt to get this disaster of an interview back on course rather than have her father suspect she had disobeyed. Asserting every shred of haughtiness he could muster, he said, "That 'abominable pride' was indeed the culprit. It would not allow me to accept her married to such a silly man. She would be mine. I rode back to Hertfordshire from town and scooped her up... "

"Young man, precisely where do you live in London?"

Darcy was not certain the relevance of the older man's interest, but he thought it only proper to answer his query. "Grosvenor Square."

"You rode to that very fashionable district with a young lady – wearing only one shoe – on a horse with you? Did you force her to sit in front or behind you in the saddle? Either way it seems rather unseemly for a man of your status. How did your neighbours react?"

Darcy was horrified to have been trapped once again – and the image of their riding together seemed entirely too lascivious to be talking of with her father. Sweat had indeed soaked his cravat, and he wished he could mop the evidence of his deceit from his face with his handkerchief. He finally thought of something to say. "Umm... my carriage was waiting a few miles away."

Mr. Bennet laughed again and shook his head. "Son, why do you persist in this outrageous fabrication? The morning Elizabeth went missing, I knew immediately she had fled to escape a miserable life – desperation had been in her eyes for days, despite her attempt to appear cheerful and plan a wedding with her mother. You need not spare my feelings."

"Your feelings?" were said as a reflex response as another part of his mind questioned whether the use of 'son' in Mr. Bennet's address was a positive sign.

"Yes, I am certain you think you are protecting her in my eyes, but my betrayal is the reason she ran away. When it appeared Mr. Bingley was not interested in Jane and had an understanding with your sister – I was momentarily gripped with the same fear my wife suffers from – that my family would be reduced to a meagre existence upon my death."

"I understand you were ill recently."

"Yes, but that is no excuse. My intelligent, beautiful, witty, strong-minded daughter did not deserve to be bartered to, as you say, a ridiculous man in order to secure the future of my family's well being. That had been my responsibility, and I failed to provide."

"I am the cause of Mr. Bingley's abandoning your daughter."

"I know, Mr. Darcy. Charles told me of all the intrigue and interference you and his sisters perpetrated when he asked me for Jane's hand. That is another reason I know you did not abduct my Lizzy. I doubt you even proposed to her the night of the Netherfield ball. Please know, you were not completely unsuccessful with your rendition. The part of your story where you struggled with your objections to her low connections rang very true. None the less, I am positive you love my daughter. Your prayers for her safety and confession you would not be able to live if anything happened to her at the hands of Gentleman Jack were very moving. Your emotions matched ones I have felt since she's been gone."

"If it is any consolation, I know she loves you and has been missing you and her mother and sisters intensely. She wanted to return to you and beg your forgiveness our first day on the road, but I could not let her leave. She planned to go through with the marriage to Mr. Collins – the admission about my pride refusing to countenance such an event was genuine. Though I had not yet persuaded myself to marry her, I refused to allow her to return to that fate."

Elizabeth's father laughed and said with a smirk, "So, you did in a sense abduct her."

"Mr. Bennet, my crimes are greater than you seem to grasp, and I have made numerous poor decisions with regard your daughter. I did, however, prevent her from sailing alone to Nova Scotia; but it was unconscionable that I did not take her to the Gardiners the day she came to me in London. You deserved to know she was safe. I have a sister, and I would have been beside myself with worry if I believed Georgiana had been harmed."

"She planned to sail to Canada by herself? What did she want from you?"

"A loan."

Mr. Bennet shook his head in a combination of disbelief and mirth. Darcy assumed he could allow himself to be diverted now that he knew Elizabeth was safe. "I must thank you for stopping my Lizzy from such a nonsensical plan. I would never have seen her again." He looked quizzically at Darcy for a few seconds. "Why she came to you though is a bit of a mystery. It was my understanding she hated you and thought you felt the same about her – though Charles did mention you both seemed to have a mutual enjoyment of verbal sparring."

Darcy allowed himself to smile with the memory of their lively disagreements at Netherfield. He recalled her words that day in London and gave her father his best guess as to why she had sought him out. "She said, our dance at the Netherfield ball gave her the expectation that I did not despise her quite so much as previously believed. She also knew about my affection for my sister and hoped I might be sympathetic to her plight of being forced to marry where there was no regard."

Another slight shift occurred. "Was she already dressed as a young man or was that your idea?" Mr. Bennet seemed intent on changing the subject.

Darcy hesitated a moment but his native honesty took over. As bad as the truth might sound, perhaps Mr. Bennet should know the lengths she was willing to go to and the extent of her ingenuity. "No, she arrived with her hair already short. I believe Miss Lucas supplied some of her brother's cast off clothing. Elizabeth staged an abduction to save the reputation of her sisters – rather than to be thought a runaway – and she walked ten miles to a coach service in another town. Once in London she travelled the additional miles to my house in Grosvenor Square on foot."

"I suspected she was distressed and have always known she was clever; but I had no idea she would do something so dangerous... or so brave... or so unpredictably wild. To think I unleashed that side of her simply by asking her to marry a toad."

"Elizabeth is an amazingly complex creature – I think you of all people are acquainted with her intelligence and her wit." Darcy lost himself in thought for a few seconds before he spoke again. "There are so many other qualities to recommend her. I have never met anyone who is as sweet and kind to all..." Images of their time on the road together made him smile as he remembered. The picture of Gentleman Jack lying prone with his foot caught in a stirrup made him chuckle. "... Well, maybe not highwaymen. Mr. Bennet, your daughter is truly the best of women, but the part I have grown to love the most is that touch of wildness you mentioned. Life will never be dull with your beautiful Elizabeth." Darcy realized his words represented an absolute truth to him – and a revelation. He had known he loved her, but in that moment he also knew he wanted no life without her.

Her father's face seemed to appreciate the depth of his affection, and Darcy hoped he would be in a mood to forgive the rest of his confession.

All disguise put aside, he continued, "When she came to me that day – though she put on a brave face – she was tired and famished. My first instinct was to protect and care for her. The thought of her marrying Collins drove me to irrationality. I bought time to sort out my feelings by suggesting she travel with me to Pemberley as my young friend, Elisha Bartlett."

"Why did you not just elope with her and bring her back to Hertfordshire already married?"

"At the time, I was not brave enough to go against the expectations of my aunt and uncle and the ton. My hesitancy has been the source of her doubts that I would be constant in love. That's why she continues to refuse to marry me."

Mr. Bennet looked sharply at Darcy. "Explain."

"She thinks I will not be able to withstand criticism from others, and my love will turn to disgust amidst a maelstrom of gossip about her disobedient and disgraceful behaviour. I came here with this tale of abduction to turn the rumours from her shame to mine. I hoped it would prove to her I am audacious enough."

"Mr. Darcy, all marriages run the risk of losing the affection – even in some cases the passion that brought the couple together in the first place."

Darcy spoke from the heart. "I doubt that in our case, Mr. Bennet."

His answer caused her father to turn white with some kind of dread at Darcy's words. He said, "By the way, I should have asked you this in the beginning. While you were alone in your house and staying in inns on the road did you... did you and she... did you..."

"Absolutely not! I would never take advantage of Elizabeth even if she had agreed to wed. You have my solemn promise; that will never happen until we say our vows."

Mr. Bennet seemed comforted by the strength of Darcy's denial. With a slight toss of his head, Mr. Bennet said, "What kind of father would I be if I did not ask? You are a man like any other and have desires." Darcy watched as the older man and returned to his previous train of thought. "As I said before... even in some cases the passion fades. Once again, I fear I am the cause of my daughter's scepticism about the possibility of marital bliss."

Darcy, tiring of the discussion, said abruptly, "So we agree we are both guilty. If Eli... I mean Elizabeth were here she would want her share in the blame for this mess. I do not know how our ownership of culpability solves the problem of persuading your daughter to take a chance and become my wife."

"Insisting she marry you is the only reasonable course of action, but you must understand why I am skittish of inflicting such a demand upon her."

"Yes, I agree, but I know she loves me... she told me so. I realize it is the height of arrogance, but I believe neither of us will ever be happy if we are not together." Darcy suddenly felt the impact of being travel weary and needing to bathe and sleep bear down upon him. Most of all he wished he could speak with her – feel her hand squeeze his to give him confidence. He slowly shook his head in desperation. "The best laid plans... what am I to do now?"

Seeing Darcy's obvious distress, Mr. Bennet said, "Son, calm down. If my daughter loves you as you say, I believe it will work out for the best. One thing I have learned from this is that I have to be sensitive to her feelings. I'm wondering whether there is anything else that might make her unwilling to accept the hand of such an eligible bachelor as yourself – now that you have been so magnanimous as to offer it."

Darcy chafed a bit under the tease – which had hit its mark perhaps better than Mr. Bennet suspected. "I wrote a letter to my aunt suggesting it would be unseemly for her parson to marry a young woman who had been abducted."

A guffaw punctuated the silence after Darcy's admission. "Well, that explains the express delivered this morning. In it, Mr. Collins declared he was terminating his betrothal to Elizabeth immediately. Your word 'unseemly' was referenced as his reason for taking such action. The sensibilities of his patroness were most pertinent to his decision." Mr. Bennet's eyes twinkled with mischievous pleasure much as Elizabeth's often did. "Thank you for your interference. Gossip of his lack of Christian concern should provoke some sympathy for my family in the neighbourhood. – when his abandonment of Elizabeth becomes known."

Darcy perked up in response to the older man's delight with the anticipated talk among the four and twenty. He had not revealed his hope of having competing stories swirling throughout the land. "It will be another piece of contradictory information making up the ill-fitting puzzle of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. It works well with my plan."

Mr. Bennet asked for an explanation and was told of all the strange rumours making the rounds about the identity of Elisha Bartlett. Darcy told of his uncle's hopes for a betrothal between him and Lady Clarissa, her annoyance at his lack of gentlemanly behaviour. Speculation about the talk he imagined was beginning to make the rounds in Derbyshire – the master of Pemberley's displaying the most urgent need to care for his young male friend's welfare above that of the Earl of Blessing's daughter – was delivered not with mortification but with mirth. Quickly an explanation of his cousin's outrageous speculations indiscreetly shared with Lady Clarissa and even an abbreviated explanation of Wickham's incarceration and his attempted blackmail was admitted. Darcy prudently left out the most graphic detail – having been seen in a most flamboyant embrace and kiss with his daughter – that gave rise to the charming lieutenant's threat of suggesting Fitzwilliam Darcy fancied young Elisha.

Mr. Bennet seemed fascinated with the intricacies of Darcy's plot to promote competing rumours. As the older man sipped his port and occasionally chuckled, he revealed Caroline's hateful rumour. Elizabeth's father reacted as he expected and he frowned in consternation. "Sir, this is the only speculation I feel we need to quash. Mr. Collins' callous abandonment should help to develop sympathy for Elizabeth, but you must agree to allow the story of my abduction to fuel the gossip here in Meryton. You are the only one who seemed to notice the discrepancies in my tale."

"Watching the neighbourhood debate Elizabeth's disappearance while knowing the actual truth will be diverting indeed." Mr. Bennet became thoughtful for a few seconds before he spoke again. "Lizzy's leaving has prompted me to re-evaluate my actions as head of my family. To my discredit, I have publicly maligned my wife as silly. Mrs. Bennet's heartbreak at the thought of losing one of her children made me realize I had not been fair. Her thoughts for her daughters' welfare were always the reason for her fixation with marrying them off – perhaps not particularly prudent in the case of Mr. Collins – but, none the less, care and affection was her motive. That was the opposite of nonsensical. My lack of concern pushed her to act impulsively and even appear vulgar in promoting marriage prospects for her girls."

"I have come to a similar realization. Your wife is not one satisfied to sit idly by, and she has passed on that trait to my beloved Eli."

"Mr. Darcy... may I call you Fitzwilliam? Our discussion and hoped for alliance calls for more familiarity would you not say?"

"Yes. Your daughter calls me Fitz. Where once I despised the name, I have now grown quite fond of it."

"Fitz, I plan to tell Mrs. Bennet the complete truth. She deserves nothing less; but I will encourage her to make the rounds of her friends bragging about how a rich and powerful young man was so beguiled by her second daughter that he abducted her in order to force her to marry him. My wife is actually quite adept at playing a role. She is not a lover of Shakespeare, but she does embrace the idea that all the world's a stage."

"And here, I thought it was your daughter's adoration of the bard that led her to develop a similar outlook. Like mother, like daughter."

The two men laughed and sipped port and planned their strategy for telling the rest of Mr. Bennet's family.

Darcy remembered another piece of the plan he had developed with Mr. Fielding during the trip to Hertfordshire. He and his Bow Street comrade, Mr. Grimsby, would give interviews about Elisha Bartlett's heroism to the London papers in the next few days. The whole country would soon be talking about Elisha's heroism and wondering exactly who this 'small but mighty' young man was. "I too will be named in the articles as a participant in the notorious Jack Durbin's capture. It will be announced that Mr. Bartlett is to be feted at the Earl and Countess of Blessing's twelfth night masque."

"What else do you have planned?"

"I would like you and your family, Charles and the Gardiners to travel to Derbyshire with me and be my guests at Pemberley. My hope is your presence at the ball honouring Elizabeth will certainly please her, and she will think me fearless. I hope that will put her in a mood to accept me."

Mr. Bennet smiled enigmatically. "I fear you have forgotten an important detail, son."

Darcy shook his head with impatience at the older man's lack of confidence. "No, I do not believe so. After Twelfth Night, the young man will disappear, and no one will know for certain there is a connection between Elisha and Mr. Darcy's beautiful bride. As I said before, the more speculation about that happy couple the less certain the details of the true nature of our acquaintance will be able to be discerned."

"Fitz, is it your intention that the Bennets of Hertfordshire and the Gardiners of London masquerade at the Earl and Countess of Blessing's ball as Elisha Bartlett of Derbyshire's family?"

Chapter 12 – Lords and Ladies of Misrule Making Merry at a Feast of Fools

Posted on: 2010-05-25

This year would mark the first time since his father's illness that Darcy would be attending the annual Twelfth Night masque held by the Earl and Countess of Blessing. After George Darcy's death, the son felt even less inclined to participate in a social event comprised mostly of dancing and making merry with his neighbours. His mother's brother, the Earl of Elderton, had begun pushing him to attend this year in order to become acquainted with Lady Clarissa. The reason was the greater urgency for Darcy to marry in the wake of his sister's near elopement. Lord Elderton – the head of his family – seemed disapproving of Darcy's lackadaisical search for a suitable wife and critical of his changing attitudes toward the need to maintain the family's importance in society above all else. Darcy knew his uncle had a point about marrying for Georgiana's sake, but he was unsure the best woman either for his sister's or his own sake was from the ranks of the titled.

Given that the event would honour Elisha Bartlett and be, though few knew, that brave young man's last time in public view; Darcy had begun to see the event differently. No longer was it a chore or task to grudgingly complete, but now he saw it as an exciting opportunity – at least he prayed it would be. Anything could happen, and he looked to the ball with a mixture of trepidation and heady anticipation. He hoped the night would mark the transition toward making Elizabeth the permanent centre of his life. But Mr. Bennet had insisted on choreographing how his family would appear at the event, and that fact left Darcy feeling somewhat out of control as he planned his own participation.

As Darcy and his sister sat down alone to breakfast, he quickly learned she also had some hopes for this event as well.

Her fledgling new confidence on display, she said, "Brother, may I dance tonight? I am performing at the ball and feel it is only fair that I be allowed the privilege of enjoying a few sets. Though I am not yet out, the guests at this masque will be our Derbyshire neighbours. What would be the harm of partnering with long time acquaintances and friends? Besides, Elizabeth told me she has been dancing at assemblies since she was fifteen and practiced the steps even earlier as a young girl at small house parties. Please, Fitzwilliam, I will not insist on taking a turn with any whom you do not know and approve."

Darcy shook his head and sighed. It seemed useless to maintain formal propriety given the circumstances. Elizabeth's sisters Kitty and Lydia would be attending the ball. Lydia was even younger than Georgiana and Katherine only slightly older. Those two young ladies would be dancing, and it would be difficult to make his sister accept a different standard than Elizabeth's sisters. Also, Darcy admitted to himself even if he was not quite ready to say aloud to Georgiana that he was happy to see her not so shy and obedient – she would never again be easy prey for a charming snake. Jamie had started the process with their 'philosophical' discussions, and now the last few days with Eli had put the finishing touches to Georgiana's transformation into a courageous, opinionated but still sweet tempered young woman. The old Darcy would have thought her demeanour too bold and even inappropriate, but the new one smiled indulgently at the lovely young lady she had become.

But he bit down his smile, as he believed he should at least call her on the inaccuracies of her premise. "Georgiana, I am not simple minded. You know very few of our Derbyshire neighbours."

"Jamie, Mrs. Wilder and I met with Lady Patricia to discuss our performance. The Countess told me that most of those attending knew me as a baby."

He stopped as he realized the truth of her situation and softened his stance. "I have been much less social than our parents were, and you have suffered for my neglect. I thought I would find the perfect wife who would tell me what to do with regard that aspect of your education."

"Yes, that could have been a great plan had you ever made a serious attempt to search for a bride." Darcy glanced up in surprise from his coffee to see Georgiana looking at him without a shadow of regret for her impertinence. As he prepared to reprimand her, she continued, "You have been so wrapped up in your own insecurities about ladies wanting to capture you for your estate that you have kept me from getting to know the families of our county. Your grand scheme was to shove me into London Society when it was time for me to come out. Brother, were you planning to give me to the first man with the proper connections who came calling? Once I was wed, you probably thought you could withdraw from society and spare yourself any further discomfort."

Darcy looked back down at his coffee and wondered if his sister had something stronger than tea in her cup. In defence of his bride-hunting skills, he mumbled, "I found Elizabeth."

"Oh lucky day, the great Fitzwilliam Darcy recognized the perfect wife when she came asking for a loan so she could run away to Nova Scotia." Georgiana chuckled. "Of course you have not gotten Elizabeth to accept yet. For the last fortnight, I have done my sisterly duty to soften her up for you. Please promise me you will not ruin your next proposal." Relenting, Georgiana dropped her impertinent tone and leaned closer to her brother. "I think she is ready to give in. Why else would she have made me answer enough questions about you to last a lifetime?"

Darcy was certain his sister's words had prompted a very silly love-inspired look on his face. "What exactly does she want to know about me?"

"No brother, I will not allow you to change the subject. We are speaking of the extent of my participation at the ball tonight."

"You must remember, you are not out yet, and there are certain proprieties that a gentleman's daughter is expected to exhibit." Hoping they could return to talking about Elizabeth, Darcy asked, "What do see as fair?"

"Lydia told me she and her sisters have been known to their circle in Hertfordshire all their lives. They dine and attend house parties and musical evenings with more than twenty families. Mary said that she and Elizabeth have played at such gatherings for years. My performances with Jamie and Mrs. Wilder have broadened my circle a bit. With you and Richard as guardians, I was only allowed to associate with family and a few of your friends – one of whom came with a most unpleasant predatory sister. You may not be stupid, but I believe you may have some mental impairment to put yourself in the situation of having to accommodate, Miss Bingley. Perhaps if my acquaintances had been greater, I would not have been so susceptible to Wickham's charms."

Darcy knew he had lost the argument. He took his sister's hand and broadened his smile as a sign of his approval. "If asked, you may dance once – but only once – with Dr. Wilder. It would not do to start tongues wagging and speculating that you two have an understanding. There is time for that after you are presented at court and participated in The Season this spring. I prefer we project the image that you and Dr. Wilder are friends who perform together. No one should think it out of the ordinary that you would join him for a set."

Georgiana let out a Kitty-like gale of giggles. She had only been with Elizabeth's sister for three hours last evening, and the habit of finding humour in almost everything seemed to have already become firmly entrenched. "If asked?" Her laughter was punctuated by a shaking of her head and she said again, "If asked? You think Jamie will not ask? Brother, you truly need to work on the art of flattery with regard young ladies." This time she was guilty of a Lydia-like snort. "And what of others who may or may not ask?"

Darcy desperately tried to maintain a serious older brother mien. "I would feel comfortable if you took a turn with your cousin, Richard. Marmaduke is already married and is not much of a dancer, but if he asks I will agree. It is possible you might also be honoured by Lord Colton and his brother the Reverend Holmes – as they will be hosting the event along with their parents and sister – I would allow them to favour you."

"May I dance with Elisha?"

"Elisha... you mean dance with Elizabeth? But she is a lady and dancing with a woman would surely be improper."

"Brother, Elizabeth is not attending the ball. Elisha is, and he will be in great demand by all the ladies. I want my share of the glory of being chosen as a partner by the greatest hero in all of England. Mr. Davies showed Elizabeth and me the articles in the Morning Post and the Examiner. It is certain all who come to Lord and Lady Blessing's ball will have read of Elisha's feats of courage. Everyone will want a little piece of his time."

Darcy reminded himself to obtain copies of the papers, so he was up on what was being bandied about in the press. "Was I mentioned at all?"

The tone of his sister's voice seemed to be teasing him for excessive vanity. If he was not so nervous about tonight, he might be inclined to giggle at the absurdity of her notion. "Never fear, brother dear, you were mentioned in a favourable way. They said you aided your great friend Elisha Bartlett in securing Gentleman Jack Durbin. The Morning Post article seemed to imply you and the young hero were more than friends – some possible secret connection. It was all very vague, and none of us, including Mr. Davies, had any idea what was meant by the reference. Elizabeth became very agitated that they suspected Elisha was really a woman disguised as a young man? We calmed her down and assured her it was just the way these reporters titillate their readers with gossip and innuendo."

Darcy told his sister what he had arranged with Lady Patricia to explain bringing a large group of houseguests to her Twelfth Night masque. Georgiana seemed impressed with his facile explanation that the visitors had spent the Christmas season at his estate and would enjoy attending the ball as the final festivity before returning home to Hertfordshire and London. No elaborate details of their identities had been provided – just a vague description of their connection to Dr. Wilder and Mr. Davies as well as the mention that one of Mr. Bennet's daughters was the betrothed of his best friend, Charles Bingley. The Countess of Blessing had written back to assure him that the more in attendance at her feast of fools, the merrier. She seemed particularly pleased that they would be able to enjoy the musical interlude provided by their relatives, Dr. Wilder, Mrs. Wilder, not to mention, Miss Darcy.

Not for the first time, he wished different arrangements for the evening's festivities had been decided. He still had a vague feeling of unrest that allowing Elizabeth's father to take the lead in how to communicate their being in Derbyshire to Elizabeth was not the best decision. The Bennets had only arrived at Pemberley late the day before, and Mr. Bennet had thought it best to see his daughter for the first time at the masque. He feared Elizabeth's seeing her parents before the ball might cause her to cancel her participation in the event. He wanted Elisha to take the utmost pleasure in the honour of the evening before any discomfort at being reunited with her family intruded. If they waited until the ball, all would be wearing masks and fanciful dress, and Mr. Bennet believed their disguises would prevent her awareness of her family's presence until quite late in the evening.

The denouement of Mr. Bennet's vision was that just before it was time to remove their masks the group would surround Elisha and surreptitiously reveal their identities to Elizabeth. In an instant, before others at the ball realized what was happening, they would whisk her away to Pemberley for a proper reunion. Mr. Bennet felt such a scenario would delay the recognition until the end and extend for as long as possible her enjoyment of being a jolly good fellow who was admired by all.

Darcy, his capacity to worry elevated by all that was at stake, thought it sounded very risky that the Twelfth Night revellers might learn that Elisha was Elizabeth.

The Gardiners were also sceptical of their brother's plan. They pointed out numerous possibilities for failure – their main concern was that Elizabeth would recognize one of them. Anxiety for their niece's sensibilities when she learned of the elaborate scheme and her potential feelings for having been excluded from a say had been high on their list of objections. Being practical-minded people, they finally pretended to agree to the merits of Mr. Bennet's theatrical plot. Darcy suspected they really became convinced that Shakespeare was correct – all's well that ends well – Elizabeth would marry Darcy and Jane would marry Bingley. To them such connections would go a long way toward protecting the reputation of the Bennet daughters from any ridiculous rumours that had been unleashed by Lizzy's abduction and her masquerade as a male.

Darcy had noticed the couple did not seem to accept the tale as he told it to them, but they acted as though knowing the truth was not necessary. Acceptance that the handsome, wealthy, outwardly intelligent and erudite, but extremely odd, young man loved their Elizabeth seemed to be the most important fact. They did not warmly embrace him and seemed to be withholding judgement as to whether their niece returned his feelings until they spoke to her. Darcy suspected Jamie had also told them of his affection for Georgiana. The Gardiners seemed to have accepted it was their destiny to be related to the master of Pemberley – one way or another.

Jane had been the most difficult to persuade of the merits of her father's intentions for the evening. She did not want to wait. She begged to be allowed to rush immediately to her sister and embrace her – cover her face and hands with kisses had even been mentioned as part of her alternate plan. Darcy liked the idea, but thought he should be allowed to implement it. Mr. Bennet had told his oldest daughter absolutely not. Darcy had also noticed his friend – usually so very agreeable to anything Jane wanted – sided in this case with her father. Bingley reiterated her father's caution of how improper her proposed actions would appear considering Elizabeth would be in male garb and added that he wanted there to be no question that the most beautiful lady in the room was soon to be his wife. After much cajoling and the promise she would be allowed to spend the night alone with her sister, she agreed. Darcy was pleased a compromise had been achieved, but he was very jealous of Jane's negotiated prize.

Lydia and Mrs. Bennet had delighted in the role playing the scenario would require. Neither had ever been to a masque and contemplating wearing beautiful costumes and fanciful masks was about all they could comprehend while in London preparing for the trip to Derbyshire. Mrs. Bennet's sadness at almost losing a daughter was practically forgotten in the excitement of preparing for a ball hosted by an actual earl and a countess. When the mother of three unattached daughters heard the couple's oldest son was a viscount and unmarried she was beside herself with glee. If he had not seen the evidence of her sorrow, Darcy would have been struck by his soon to be mother-in-law's callous and shallow behaviour. On the other hand his beloved sister was displaying a similar effervescence at the thought of dressing up and dancing with their neighbours.

Kitty had seemed to experience the most anxiety at the necessity for pretence. The idea of ignoring her sister who would be dressed as a young man when she went to the dance, kept her in giggles so intense that they often brought on a bout of coughing. What if Elisha Bartlett asked her for a set had been an oft repeated question as her father had explained the plan. She could hardly keep a straight face as she considered seeing her sister for the first time in close to a month posing as the hero of the ball. Darcy reminded her that Elizabeth truly was a heroine and the only pretence was with regard her gender. His admonition had just brought on another fit of mirth this time amidst wheezing and hiccupping.

Mary was the most composed of the sisters. She had become very reflective with regard her costume and impressed Darcy with her thoughtful approach to her participation in the ball honouring her sister. The countess had suggested that some of those attending the masque were planning to dress as renowned rogues and members of England's criminal element. The theme seemed appropriate given the event they were celebrating. Mr. Fielding had told Mary of John Hatfield 1* and the young woman he had duped – the beautiful innkeeper's daughter Mary Robinson 2* – the Maid of Buttermere. The young woman, tricked into marriage by a charming bigamist and fleecer of the wealthy and titled, had been the inspiration for ballads and plays. A likeness of Mary of Buttermere was found, and a gown in an appropriate style was procured in London while Darcy and Elizabeth's family prepared for the trip to Derbyshire. Mary Bennet planned to wear an unadorned mask to enhance the simple pastoral appearance of her dress with a wreath of ivy crowning her loose tresses. She explained to Darcy it was her intention to portray innocence tarnished but not spoiled in God's eyes.

Darcy's musings about his fears and expectations for the coming evening were interrupted by the arrival of the Gardiners, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and Jane and Bingley for breakfast. Georgiana greeted them and played the role of hostess, graciously seeing to their needs. Darcy was glad his sister had shed her shyness. Today he was beyond taking care of Elizabeth's family. He only wanted to focus on her.

He reminded himself that regardless of Mr. Bennet's plan, the first thing he must do this evening was tell Elizabeth of his arrangements for promoting conflicting rumours. She knew nothing of Richard's indiscretion or Wickham's blackmail. He must find a moment alone with her to at least explain the newspaper stories.

Georgiana's voice intruded and seemed to be insisting he must have his share of the conversation. "So, brother, what costume are you wearing this evening? Miss Bennet and Charles are going as Romeo and Juliet.

Darcy looked at his best friend and smiled quizzically. "That seems a rather pessimistic outlook for your marriage."

"We expect to have a long and happy life together, thank you. We chose Shakespeare's couple not for the way the play ends but as symbolic of our level of commitment to one another. Besides, I think Jane will look beautiful and romantic in her Elizabethan dress."

Darcy, avoiding his sister's question about his own costume, asked, "And Jane, what do you think of seeing Charles in doublet and hose?"

His query set off gales of laughter around the table while Bingley turned red. Jane calmed enough to speak. "Mr. Darcy, I am looking forward to the sight."

Georgiana spoke to soothe her guest's embarrassment. "Do not worry, Charles... Dr. Wilder and Elisha are also exposing their legs tonight. Elizabeth is portraying Mr. Peachum. I will be Polly to Jamie's Macheath... we are singing a duet... and Mrs. Wilder is going as Mrs. Peachum. Many of the songs we are performing are from The Beggar's Opera. Lady Patricia thinks our choice of musical material and costumes are perfect for her theme."

Darcy perked up at his sister's revelation. "Elizabeth is wearing eighteenth century clothing this evening?"

"Yes, Mr. Davies procured a beautiful red coat that looks much like the one in Hogarth's 3* painting. Jamie's coat is black and they will both wear powdered wigs, tricorn hats, knee pants and white stockings."

"Why is Elizabeth dressing as the rest of you if she is not part of your recital?"

"She became intrigued by Jonathon Wild 4* the man that Peachum was based on. His being England's chief thief all the while appearing to be the nation's leading law enforcer appealed to her sense of irony about her own deceit. Besides, who said she is not performing with us?"

Darcy and Elizabeth's family were a little late arriving at Blessing. Dressing his guests for the ball had taxed the Pemberley staff to the fullest, and the whole preparing for departure took longer than he anticipated. Georgiana was not there to calm him. She had made plans to dress at the Wilder's with Eli and Mrs. Wilder to help with her voluminous skirted eighteenth century gown and to have a few final rehearsals. He greeted the delay leaving with mixed emotions. It meant less time he spent in Eli's company, but it also meant she would have less opportunity to determine that a plot was afoot.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennet had chosen to portray Chaucer and his most famous female character – the wife of bath. 5* Elizabeth's father chose the easy way out with a simple black robe and a small utilitarian hood and a shoulder length cape. His mask was a plain black half-face variety. He had chosen the face covering because he worried his daughter would recognize his rather prominent nose. Darcy doubted Mrs. Bennet had ever read any of the Canterbury Tales and presumed Mr. Bennet had picked the theme of their costumes. It was not a poor choice considering her obsession with marriage was of a similar bent as Chaucer's Alisoun. Mrs. Bennet's dress was much more refined than what the earthy wife of bath would have worn. He thought her gown more reminiscent of the lady described in the poet's The Book of the Duchess. 6* Elizabeth's mother's mask was small – just a bit of stiffened cloth surrounding her eyes – glittering with some jewels and in coordination with her wimple. The elegant headdress covered her throat and hair; so she had none of the same fears of being identified by her daughter as her husband did.

The Gardiners had been to a masque before and already had appropriate attire. Much of his business dealt with imports from India, and that was the inspiration for their costumes. They wore embroidered silken robes, ornate masks and bejewelled turbans with plumes in an oriental motif.

Darcy had kept his mirth in check as he saw Charles for the first time in doublet and hose. He and Jane had made their way to the entrance hall – arm in arm – where the group was assembling before taking carriages to Blessing. Jane was indeed lovely and Charles' legs were actually quite presentable. Once again, Mary had surprised him. She was glowing with good looks and commitment to do justice to her chosen character. Darcy also suspected she was looking forward to dancing with Mr. Fielding.

Katherine and Lydia had been the first downstairs – anxious to depart and begin the merriment of the evening. They joined Darcy in Pemberley's large marble-floored entrance hall to await the arrival of the others. The two youngest Bennets had adopted an animal motif for their costumes. Darcy thought Kitty looked lovely and chuckled with the recognition her costume was perfectly suited to her name. She was wearing a ginger-coloured moirι silk gown and matching half mask with cat ears and whiskers. Lydia was resplendent in a parrot green dress that matched her sister's orange one. Her bird mask was adorned with multi-coloured feathers and a small golden beak. He found their excited tittering and the occasional imitation of animal-like preening in the large mirror much less annoying than he would have a month ago. Their antics were a pleasant diversion from his apprehension about seeing their sister. Often he would join them in laughter and the three actually practiced a few steps and turns together. He asked each of them for a set, and they accepted eagerly with no eye rolling. Kitty seemed much less intimidated by his presence, and Lydia was moved to express pleasure in anticipation of their partnering by complimenting his grace. In a very uncharitable act, the three erupted into hilarity as they discussed Mr. Collins lack of dancing skills. Darcy had to admit the two young women had chosen their costumes wisely. He was certain they would be very popular at the ball.

By the time they arrived at Blessing, only the Earl and Countess were still in the receiving line to greet the guests from Pemberley. Despite their advanced years, the couple was still very attractive. The Countess had been his mother's close friend. Lady Anne and Lady Patricia had been young wives and mothers together almost thirty years ago. They both preferred the society of Derbyshire to London. Patricia Harding had been gentle born but hardly at a significantly high rank to wed a prospective earl. She was the oldest daughter of Blessing's parson, and she and the then Viscount Colton had grown up together and married for love. Neither put a great deal of store in the trappings of status and society, but they were known to represent a happy marriage and exhibited a delight in laughter and lively entertaining.

Darcy noted their children had inherited height and a love of laughter from both their parents. They wore their elegance and elevated status with ease. All six Bennets, the Gardiners and Bingley were greeted with warmth and nary a hint of the condescension expected from ones of their rank. Darcy was singled out for thanks in helping to save their daughter and was treated to some special reminiscences Lord and Lady Blessing had of his parents.

Mrs. Bennet seemed more composed than he expected in the presence of titled personages – or perhaps the difference was in his own newly gained tolerance. She complimented the house, the furnishings and even Lady Patricia's attire without too much unseemly gushing. The Countess of Blessing was moved to gracious laughter when Mrs. Bennet commented, "Lady Blessing, I have never seen so splendid a dress as your costume. You sparkle from head to foot... your tiara... your dress... and even your shoes glitter... and look, you have wings that shimmer."

Even through her mask, Darcy saw genuine pleasure in Lady Patricia's eyes. "How delightful of you to notice. I look forward all year to our Twelfth Night celebration. Years ago, we decided to preside over these antics as Oberon and Titania 7* – Shakespeare's king and queen of the fairies." She looked up at her husband and put her hand affectionately on his arm. With a teasing tone she said, "Lord Blessing, like most men, is hesitant to look too ridiculous so he just wears a fanciful mask and dress clothes. He does pay tribute to the occasion by being more brightly coloured in his garb than usual. He had this new blue coat and gold brocade waistcoat made this year. Doesn't he look handsome?" The entire group nodded in agreement including the master of Pemberley. As he watched the exchange between the couple, he imagined soon having a wife who adored him as much as Lady Blessing seemed to adore Lord Blessing.

Lady Patricia was speaking directly to his hoped for bride's mother. "I on the other hand, like most women, love the opportunity to dress up. I had this ensemble made several years ago and enjoy bringing it out each year. Most of my guests have attended our masque before, so it is delightful to have someone see me with fresh eyes. You are perfectly precise in your evaluation, Mrs. Bennet. My one instruction to the dress maker who made the costume was – make me sparkle."

Elizabeth's mother beamed with appreciation that she had been singled out as astute by her hostess. Darcy was not expecting her next words. He had told Mrs. Bennet some of the details of his conversation about the ball with her daughter, and she shared a choice detail with her hostess. "Mr. Darcy agrees with your husband, and I have rarely seen him in anything but black. Tonight he also decided he would look most attractive in dress clothes of a different colour with just a mask to hide his identity. He told me he chose this lovely green jacket and lighter green waistcoat on the advice of a very dear friend. She took his arm and looked up at him not as a tease, but with admiration. "He too looks very handsome tonight, don't you agree?" Again the group nodded in assent.

They chatted for a few more minutes and Lady Patricia remembering the connection with the Wilders and Mr. Davies indicated that they had arrived and brought the guest of honour, Mr. Bartlett, and Miss Darcy with them. "I had hoped young Elisha's parents would have come to share in the celebration, but I knew not where to address the invitation." Lydia and Kitty giggled and Jane and Mary on either side of their younger sisters pinched them in clandestine reprimand.

Darcy and his guests decided to split into smaller groups to enter the ballroom. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner left first. As soon as they determined the location of Mr. Davies, they moved quickly in his direction. Darcy watched with some apprehension as father and daughter embraced while scanning the room looking for Eli. He worried she might notice the very warm reunion of the woman and Mr. Davies and question who she was.

Finally he spotted her in a knot of men and Lady Clarissa. Lord Colton and his brother Lawrence, the Reverend Holmes, were two of the men as well as his cousin Richard. He chuckled when he realized his cousin was Julius Caesar to Lady Clarissa's Cleopatra. It was indeed an evening for men to show their legs and proclaim their affections by the choice of their dress. Eli's position in the middle of the cluster of very tall men and one very tall woman had made it difficult for him to discern her presence. Every time he saw her he struggled to maintain proper behaviour. Tonight was no exception. All he could think of was rushing over and kissing her senseless.

The group broke up and made their way to the middle of the room. The dancing was about to begin and Lady Clarissa and Elisha positioned themselves to open the first set together. All assembled looked on as the slight young man took his place across from the tall and stately young woman he had saved. Darcy hardly noticed the height discrepancy because he could not take his eyes from her legs. They were so shapely and much more attractive than those of any of the other men dressed in hose and stockings. The image of the way they gripped his waist in passion took control, and he became lost to the memory of their kiss. Despite his reverie, he noticed Lady Clarissa gave him an odd look and said something to her partner. Eli turned to catch his intense glance. The disapproving shake of her head was barely perceptible, but he knew she had perceived the meaning of his stare and was warning him how highly inappropriate it was – considering the circumstances. He looked around and saw his uncle, aunt and cousins watching him. Even wearing a mask, the Earl of Elderton's face was filled with shocked disapproval for his nephew's behaviour. To make matters worse he was almost positive the woman with them, dressed as Marie Antoinette, was his Aunt Catherine.

Darcy quickly moved toward Kitty and Lydia to remove himself from his relatives' view. Within minutes Elizabeth's sisters were tagged as dancing partners by two of Derbyshire's eligible young men. Alone again, his eyes sought out Elizabeth. He almost fainted as he watched the other participants in the set line up. Jane and Charles positioned themselves next to Eli and the damsel she had protected from abduction. Elizabeth's gaze searched the face beneath the mask of the beautiful Juliet and then swung to explore her Romeo's visage to validate her suspicion. Turning from them she sought out Darcy for an answer. Even across the room, he saw a flash of panic. He willed her to calm, and she quickly settled under his reassuring gaze. Next, her ability to play a role without breaking character came to the fore. Elisha turned his attention to Lady Clarissa and executed the set perfectly. Darcy watched Eli's every move and probably only he saw the extra squeeze and slight smile the sisters gave each other when they partnered in the pattern of the dance. A similar recognition occurred when she passed Mary who was standing up for the first set with Mr. Fielding.

Done with her first obligation as the hero of the evening, she made her way to Darcy's side. In anticipation, he had found a quiet corner where they could talk without being overheard. She gave him a hard stare as she took in his appearance. "Fitz, you look marvellous. Did you rinse your hair with vinegar and let your curls dry in place?

"I did exactly as you instructed, and I smell wonderful too."

"I wish I could move close enough to really enjoy your scent, but I fear some are already wondering about us. Everyone saw you staring at my legs."

"I have never seen them before. They are so lovely, I could not help myself. My thoughts went to when you wrapped them around me."

She seemed to want to make light of his amorous feelings. "Jamie told Georgiana they are shapely because I walk so much. I think you might see your sister taking up the activity."

Darcy was momentarily overcome by a wave of jealousy. "Jamie noticed your legs?"

Eli seemed to miss the meaning of his tone. "No, actually Georgie did, but Jamie was there when she commented."

"You call my sister Georgie?"

"I do. She has started calling me Lizzy and insisted I call her Georgie. Do you think it unseemly that a young woman of her rank be called so? It is her belief calling each other by pet names is part of being a sister. I think she hopes to be mine someday."

"What is your opinion of that possibility?"

Now it was her turn to change the subject. "My sister Jane and Bingley are here. And Mary is here and she was dancing with Harry. Are you responsible?"

Darcy smiled using his dimples – another thing she had advised him to do on the occasion of this ball. He watched her closely to see if it was working. Her eyelashes fluttered downward and momentarily distracted, she grinned back at him. Seeing her relax, he admitted, "I am responsible. In fact most of your entire family is here. Even the Gardiners' children are back in the nursery at Pemberley."

Her eyes widened. "Why are they here... do they know?" She shook her head, realizing the absurdity of the question.

"They are here because they love you... and they forgive you. Many of them even believe I abducted you... that you did not run away."

Her eyes went round in amazement and she stared at him in wonder for a few seconds. Finally she said, "How can that be?"

He opened his mouth to explain, but apparently, their out-of-the-way spot in the corner had been discovered. They both startled at the sound of loud harrumphing.

"Young man, who are you to my nephew? Before you attempt to spew your falsehoods, you ought to know I am not to be trifled with."

Darcy whirled around to see his Aunt Catherine standing before them looking very regal in obscenely wide panniers and an elaborate wig and hat that had her towering above him. Disgust was etched upon her face, undisguised by the mask over her eyes. Darcy wished she was already headless – a decapitated Lady Catherine would be rendered speechless. Not to mention, he would regain his natural height advantage in any intrusion she had planned. Unfortunately for him she was portraying the doomed last Queen of France prior to her appointment with Madame Guillotine. "My character has ever been celebrated for its sincerity and frankness." For a second, he wondered whether she meant herself or Marie Antoinette. Was she referring to the very famous arrogant pronouncement of that regent – 'Let them eat cake'? His aunt's meaning became perfectly clear with her next words. "And in a cause of such importance as my family's honour, I shall certainly not depart from it. I have read the alarming newspaper reports of your exploits, and that your great friend Mr. Darcy was by your side. All this speculation about your identity and my nephew's relationship to you is nothing but scandalous falsehoods. Though I would not injure him so much to suppose some of the rumours to be possible, I instantly resolved on setting off for this place that I might make you answer as to their meaning."

Eli, though dwarfed by his aunt, was not intimidated. The blackguard bludgeoning Elisha was back."Fitz, who is this rude, ridiculous woman?"

Darcy, momentarily flummoxed by how best to handle the volatile situation, replied simply, "She is my aunt, Lady Catherine De Bourgh."

"Ah yes, I have heard of her. She is the aunt who expects you to marry her daughter, and is at odds with her brother, your uncle, who thinks you should wed Lady Clarissa?

Darcy liked the fire in Elizabeth's eyes. He wished they had not been interrupted until after he had shared all the details of his plan. Had he completed an explanation of his theory that conflicting rumours hide the truth, he would now be able to enjoy her sketching his aunt's character and indulge in watching her masterfully sling potent barbs wrapped in sweet, wry observations. But realizing that his aunt's sudden appearance had caught her unawares, Darcy knew he had to be the man who put Lady Catherine in her place. "Yes, Eli, this is that aunt."

"I know not what you have read or believe to be the truth between me and your nephew," said Elizabeth, colouring. "What could your ladyship mean by your accusations – other than the obvious – that we are friends? I do not know how that affects you or your hopes for winning the battle with your brother over his choice of bride."

"Young man, I refuse to repeat any details of the disgusting stories I have heard. But I demand you declare there is no foundation for either the speculation that you are his natural child or – " Lady Catherine paused as if she could barely bring out the next words. "However, if it is true that you are his son, then surely it must put the lie to those even more horrendous tales of your... ahem, being seen engaging with him in the most... ahem, unnatural behaviour." She lingered on the word unnatural, as if it had become lodged in her throat.

Eli frowned as several reactions seem to battle on her face. She finally settled on glaring angrily at Darcy before turning back to Lady Catherine. "Your ladyship just declared such gossip to be impossible. I wonder that you would have the incivility to repeat it. This is hardly the behaviour of a gentlewoman."

Speechless for a moment, Lady Catherine came back with fresh rage. "This is not to be borne! Mr. Bartlett, does my nephew fancy you? I saw his lascivious looks at your legs just now, and I have heard you two were seen kissing."

Darcy knew it was time to put an end to this. Unless he handled this precisely, the ugly little scene could become more widely observed in the ballroom. He gave his aunt a look that shot daggers and made the towering would-be despot shrink back in immediate response.

But he would brook no dissent from either of the women at this crucial moment. His tone was firm but not without warmth as he said, "Eli, you should return to the dancing. This is your night to be honoured. I will handle the accusations of my aunt. Georgiana is looking forward to a turn as your partner, and you might enjoy favouring the young ladies dressed as a ginger cat and a green bird as well. They are my houseguests, and I can attest to their dancing skills. Please tell them as soon as I complete my conversation with my aunt, I will be joining them for the sets we decided upon earlier this evening."

He watched as she walked away without another word. She held her head high, but he could see fury stiffening the muscles of her shoulders. He hoped it was a good sign that within a few minutes, she was laughing with the cat and the bird, and they were joined in their mirth by Lord Colton and the Reverend Holmes. It was only then that he deigned to listen to his aunt's words of the humiliation this pretty young man had brought on their esteemed family.

He politely let her finish before saying in a civil but commanding tone, "Lady Catherine, Elisha Bartlett saved the Earl and Countess of Blessing's daughter from abduction. Elisha salvaged Lady Clarissa's honour as a true gentleman should – caring little for his own life. He rendered the most notorious highwayman in the land unconscious. Your host and hostess have designated this night to celebrate him. I am ashamed that you – and I suspect others of my family – are so lacking in manners that you would raise such disgusting stories about a most heroic young man. I will meet with you and Uncle Henry tomorrow at Elderton. Until then you must cease and desist with your vile speculation about their daughter's saviour, or you will find Lord and Lady Blessing will ask you to leave. You may be sure of that happening, because I will ask them to do so."

He walked away with not a backward glance.

As he joined others on the ballroom floor, he resolved to do one more thing Eli had suggested he do for this important event. He took a turn and laughed with Lady Clarissa as well as his cousin Anne. Each one of her sisters was favoured with a set. He enjoyed himself, and all at the ball including his Elizabeth saw it. What only he – and perhaps she – knew was the reason for his pleasure. Though he was unable to dance with her, he made certain he was next to Elisha in line for each occasion when the two partnered the ladies. Most importantly, whenever he looked at his great, heroic, friend he made certain his smile was dripping with honey.

1* & 2* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Robinson_(Maid_of_Buttermere)
3* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beggar's_Opera
4* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Wild
5* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wife_of_Bath's_Tale
6* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_of_the_Duchess
7* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Midsummer_Night's_Dream

Chapter 13 – You Make My Dreams Come True

Posted on: 2010-06-01

Just before supper, Darcy felt he needed to turn his attention to his love's father. Darcy was riding high on the hope all would end well. Feeling emboldened after his successful confrontation with his meddlesome Aunt Catherine, and the fact that Eli seemed to have lost her anger in the pleasure of a good time – he thought he had worried needlessly and they might make it through the evening without any disaster. Still, Mr. Bennet's plan was obviously not going as intentioned, and they should at least discuss if any adjustments were needed based on the shifting reality. With a nod of his head, the younger man gestured that the other follow him to the same out-of-the-way corner where he and Eli had met earlier.

"So, sir," Darcy began, "have you noticed your arrangements for the evening are falling apart? The action is not following the script you envisioned. Perhaps, it might still play out without incident – but I thought we should speak of other eventualities – just in case."

Mr. Bennet shrugged his shoulders in complaisance and amusement that seem to acknowledge his plan had turned out to be seriously flawed. Darcy, taking care to keep his voice low, but unable to completely avoid a hint of arrogance, said, "Jane and Elizabeth recognized each other almost immediately. And, thinking about it, how could we ever have imagined that they would not have?"

Mr. Bennet pursed his lips and furrowed his brow. "There is also this matter of the removal of masks. I thought this would all happen at the end of the evening, but it seems revellers are removing these encumbrances as they please." Mr. Bennet shook his head with what Darcy assumed was frustration. "They seem to favour mundane needs rather than grand illusion. From everything that I had read, it seemed certain there would be a formal ceremony at the end of the evening. But, now with the call for proceeding to the dining room imminent, almost all have removed their masks so they can enjoy their meal."

He seemed mildly amused by his misjudgement but became more thoughtful with his next observation. "Fitz, I have been wrong in my evaluation of my daughters. They are not the silliest girls in all of England. They have behaved themselves admirably this entire evening. I do not believe any outside our family is the wiser about their relationship to Mr. Bartlett."

"I agree. It appears no one has figured out there is a connection between Elisha and my houseguests from Hertfordshire."

"There was some giggling when Lydia and Kitty were invited to dance by their sister, but then I noticed they acted in a similar fashion when Lord Colton and the Reverend Holmes asked them for a set. Everyone will just assume they are young and like to laugh."

Darcy shared a chuckle with the father of the woman he hoped to marry. Then, speaking seriously, he announced, "I intend to again offer my hand to Elizabeth as soon as the masque ends. It is also my hope, I will be able to sit with her at supper and explain the details of my idea to have competing rumours hide the truth. She has already heard some of the stories that are circulating from my aunt. Lady Catherine accused Elisha of two most unsettling pieces of gossip. At first Eli was very angry, but she seemed to forgive me when I took control of the situation and told my aunt to cease her harassment."

"Though I heard nothing of what was said, I did observe the altercation. Her ladyship walked away not quite as confident as she was when she first confronted Elizabeth."

"I will meet with my family tomorrow – my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh and my uncle, the Earl of Elderton. I hope to already have Eli's acceptance and a date we will marry by then. They will be presented as a fait accompli and there will be nothing my relatives can do to block my happiness."

"Was that ever a possibility?"

Darcy looked thoughtful at the older man's question. This was the first time he was putting into words his hesitations that Eli had called him on during her last refusal. "No, the fear of their disapproval was only in my mind. I am beholden to neither. Pemberley and my wealth is my own... there are no strings attached. But, I have long been intimidated by an overblown sense of duty to my heritage. That is not a legacy from my parents. They married, as you heard earlier from Lord and Lady Blessing, for love.

"My opinions about honour began to gain a foothold after my father's death, as I deferred to my uncle's insistence that he was the head of our family. It would be wonderful if father and mother were still alive so I could ask their opinion. Even so, the choice of a wife is a very personal one and should not be decided based on someone else's sensibilities."

Mr. Bennet gave Darcy's shoulder a fatherly pat. "You are a wise young man, and it shows perhaps most in your giving my daughter your heart." Pausing, he added, "My daughter is lucky."

"I hope your opinionated daughter agrees finally, and we can marry immediately. It would be prudent to supersede the rumours of our road trip with stories about our acceptance of God's vows – n'est pas? As you know, Bingley and I procured special licenses when we were in London. We would both like to wed here in Derbyshire, and then return to Hertfordshire for a second celebration with the rest of your family and neighbours."

"What about Charles' sisters?"

Darcy chuckled as he answered the query. "He feels their actions in attempting to separate him from Jane make them unworthy of catering to their convenience in the planning of his wedding. Once a date is chosen, he will send them an express. They should have just enough time to arrive for the ceremony, if they do not dawdle or encounter poor weather."

Mr. Bennet laughed at the determination of the young men who wanted to wed his two oldest daughters. "Both of you seem very certain in your plans. I hope Jane and Lizzy do not have other ideas." Shrugging, he added, "As I have learned about my own plans this evening, they can oft go awry."

Darcy struggled to suppress some irritation with the older man's caution. When he felt he had his emotions under better regulation, he said mildly, "We love your daughters, Mr. Bennet. Both Bingley and I are determined to prevail."

Darcy was unable to sit next to Eli during supper. He was pressed into service to partner Lady Patricia into the dining room and sit with her for the meal. He wondered whether he was to be treated to a matchmaking mother's encouragement to pursue the hand of her daughter. She had not seemed so inclined earlier, nor did she try to manipulate her daughter to sit near them. Darcy looked toward his uncle to see if he was observing Lady Clarissa's mother, and what he made of her actions. The Earl of Elderton's face seemed to display mixed emotions as he watched his nephew being singled out by the Countess of Blessing. His eyes darted toward Julius Caesar and Cleopatra who were laughing and whispering about something as they made their way toward the table.

Ironically, Darcy's uncle, who was escorting Lady Catherine into dinner, seemed to display a smug sense of accomplishment that his second son might be having success with attracting the daughter of the Earl of Blessing. Such a marriage would definitely enhance his uncle's quest to enrich the Fitzwilliam family with additional titled connections. In a contradictory gesture, Lord Elderton glared at his nephew. Perhaps, he did resent his not going along with the plan to court Lady Clarissa. Of course, it could just be displeasure with Darcy's noncompliance.

He also wondered what his mother's siblings, who were on opposite sides of the Fitzwilliam Darcy marriage feud, were whispering about. So completely involved in the conversation was his aunt that she did not notice Anne was being escorted by none other than a lowly Robin Redbreast, Mr. Grimsby. Anne looked happy.

Darcy called upon his breeding to keep any hint of impatience and irritation from his face as he dutifully took a seat next to the hostess of the ball. How he would have preferred to sit next to Eli! How weary Darcy was of their charade, and his looks at her legs were just an uncontrollable symptom of a disease with only one cure. He would soon be popping out with other more uncomfortable evidences of his illness, if he could not persuade her to wed. Pushing those thoughts to the side, he determined to concentrate on what Lady Patricia was saying.

"I enjoyed meeting your houseguests. Mrs. Bennet in particular seems a lively, pleasant sort of woman. During our discussion, we discovered we share something in common – great and some might even say, inordinate love for our children. We had a long conversation about her five daughters. I think she is unfairly critical of herself – both for failing to produce a male child and being overly concerned with ensuring her daughters married well."

Darcy braced himself for the direction he now became certain the conversation was headed. He nodded cautiously at the sparkling Titania, queen of the fairies.

She smiled serenely and seemed intent upon keeping her attention upon the master of Pemberley rather than any of their neighbours at the dinner table.. "I have been the opposite type of mother. I probably should have pushed my children more – particularly Jonathon."

Darcy was momentarily confused by both her meaning and to whom she was referring.

Lady Patricia added in response to his quizzical look, "Lord Colton. It is difficult for me to call my first born by a pompous title – when I still think of him as my bonny Jonny."

He chuckled at her name for the giant her son had become but now understood her mission. She was raising the need for those inheriting property and titles to be diligent in marrying appropriately and producing heirs. Obviously, she was in league with his uncle.

His certainty made him totally unprepared for her switch in topic. "I asked Mrs. Bennet where her fifth daughter is. She coloured and stammered a bit and then looked to you. You were busy staring at Mr. Bartlett's legs in a most peculiar way. Her eyes followed yours, but rather than perusing that jolly good fellow's lower extremities, they rested on the face of the pretty young man... who saved my precious Clarissa from a fate worse than death." The Countess of Blessing paused and shuddered before continuing. "Mrs. Bennet claims that her Elizabeth stayed home in Hertfordshire. Pity, I should have liked to have met her. We went on from there to discuss The Season. Mrs. Bennet mentioned she had learned that Miss Darcy will be presented at St. James this spring."

Darcy breathed a little easier at the new topic. Just as he was to tell the countess of his plans for his sister, she asked another unsettling question. "Have you met her daughter Elizabeth?"

Darcy coloured and stammered in a similar way to Lady Patricia's description of Mrs. Bennet. "Ummm, yes, your ladyship,I have."

"Perhaps you could tell me if something untoward has happened to her. Mrs. Bennet seemed uncomfortable when I asked about her. Perhaps there is something I would be able to do to help."

As the words came easily from his mouth, he marvelled at how adept he had become at lying. "I am not aware of anything happening to Miss Elizabeth." Darcy thought of a possible topic that would divert Lady Patricia's attention away from Eli. "We met last autumn when I was in Hertfordshire staying at Netherfield Hall, a house nearby Mr. Bennet's estate, Longbourn. The property had been leased by my friend Mr. Bingley. That is when he met their daughter and soon thereafter they became betrothed." He pointed down the table toward Romeo and Juliet.

Lady Patricia looked in the direction he indicated. "They are a very attractive and amiable couple. Both smile a great deal don't they?"

With a twinkle, Lady Patricia refused to be diverted. "Does Miss Elizabeth look like any of her sisters? Is she tall and fair like her oldest sister? Both the younger girls – that adorable cat and the lively talkative bird – are quite tall as well. All three of them remind me of their mother – different personalities and different colouring but very similar features. They are all three beautiful young ladies. However, the one in the middle who is having supper with Mr. Fielding and Mr. Bartlett is small and a different type altogether. She too is handsome, but not in the same way as the others. Perhaps, she takes after her father's side of the family. Her eyes seem filled with his intelligence." She pointed in their direction and paused a moment before she continued. "Oddly, she reminds me of Mr. Bartlett. I particularly notice the similarity with them sitting next to each other. See how their eyes and mouths favour each other."

Darcy did, indeed, see the resemblance. He was completely confused as to what Lady Patricia wanted from him. He waited to let her gambit play itself out.

"Look, your uncle is sending daggers our way. I recall his using the same glare upon Lady Anne when we were young."

"Glaring at my mother? Why?"

Lady Patricia tilted her head in thought for a few seconds. Before she spoke again, Darcy noticed her face glowed with some kind of resolution, and perhaps, even a hint of mischief. "As Lady Anne's brother, he believed she should be spending her time flirting with the young Viscount Colton – the man you now know as my husband – the Earl of Blessing. As long as I have known your Uncle Henry, he has had a bee in his bonnet about adding to the Fitzwilliam line with more titled blood. He married your Aunt Beatrice strictly because she was the daughter of an earl – as you may have noticed they have very little in common. Your Aunt Catherine, on the other hand, just wanted to be enriched. When Georgiana Spencer was chosen by the Duke of Devonshire, and his wealth was out of her reach, she next set her cap for your father or more precisely – Pemberley. Your aunt wanted a rapid resolution to her quest for riches, and she quickly determined that prize was not to be hers. She felt it useless to compete with her sister."

Lady Patricia looked toward where his aunt and uncle were still engaged in intense discussion. "I believe she also might have derived some pleasure from the fact that Lady Anne's admirer was not to your Uncle Henry's liking. From the age of eighteen, when George Darcy met your mother at my father-in-law's Twelfth Night masque, he had eyes for no one but Lady Anne. She was only fifteen and not officially out, but her parents allowed her to come because they thought it harmless for her to be in the company of neighbours. Anne came dressed as Viola masquerading as Cesario. As I remember that night, your father looked at her legs much the same as you looked at Mr. Bartlett's."

Darcy blushed deeply. "I never knew this about my parents."

"Of course not," Lady Patricia said with a light titter of a laugh. "Who would tell you these tales – except one who thinks perhaps it is time for you to know? To continue then, Lady Catherine wasted no time when she realized Pemberley was out of her reach. She found Sir Louis de Bourgh during The Season the following spring. All of Derbyshire thought she was silly to waste her youth and beauty on such an old man – but he was truly as rich as Croesus. I think it a perfect solution for her – not my kind of happiness, but I believe it met your aunt's needs. Selfishly, I am happy her solution meant she mostly stays in Kent."

Darcy laughed and the queen of the fairies smiled in response. "She gave Sir Louis a child as her part of the bargain, and he died soon after. She has been free to lord it over so many while enjoying his great wealth with very few restrictions."

"And plan schemes to become even wealthier," Darcy said with a snort. "Since my father died, she has been pestering me to wed her daughter. She tells me, whenever the opportunity presents itself, that she and my mother had decided while Anne and I were in our cradles upon uniting Pemberley and Rosings through the marriage of their children. I have often wondered whether her hope is that both Anne and I would die from the effort of producing a male grandchild for her, and she would once again be left to count her gold."

Lady Patricia pressed her lips together as if trying not to chuckle outright at the young man's less than appropriate witticism about his female relative. "Come, Darcy, could that have been in her mind? It's true Anne looks fragile, but surely your aunt knows you would have been healthy enough to have withstood the task."

"I am not certain. People sometimes die of broken hearts – or broken spirits."

Lady Patricia murmured thoughtfully but did not question his meaning further. "Hmmm. Well – at the beginning of their acquaintance, Lady Anne was not certain your father was the right partner for life. She was one of the first devotees of the dawning romantic age and had the foolish notion she should marry where she felt great affection. That is one of the reasons Lady Anne and I became good friends. Happily for me, the Earl of Blessing shared those novel ideas. We all three felt that couples should marry because they enjoyed each other's company and had shared interests."

"So my mother was not attracted to my father at first... the way he was to her?"

"Well, she definitely thought he was handsome. How could she not, he looked just like you... " Lady Patricia tilted her head to the side and smiled with warmth that conveyed frankness without flirtation, and she did not seem to notice him flushing as she finished her thought "... but your father was too staid and even severe at times for her tastes. He was an excellent dancer, but she noticed he rarely took a turn with any of the other ladies but her. On the other hand, Lady Anne wanted a husband she could admire, and George Darcy certainly was that. He was known as the kindest and fairest landlord in all of Derbyshire, generous to the poor and he had none of the vices of the age. He was not a womanizer and he never gambled. Pemberley was renowned for being competently run, but he was unfortunately also known as too dedicated to his work and not devoted enough to enjoying himself. George asked Lady Anne several times to marry him and she refused at least three times that I know."

"What changed my mother's mind?"

"Your father received the bean from the cake at another of the masques at Blessing a few years after meeting your mother. He was to be crowned the king at that feast of fools. It was as if he knew he would be so honoured, and he came determined to be the life of the party. He dressed as Malvolio wearing cross gartered yellow stockings and he smiled... like you he had beautiful dimples... he smiled, laughed and danced the entire night. George Darcy took a turn with every eligible young lady but your mother. That night she saw another side to your father – a serious man who was willing to look the fool in their neighbours' eyes to achieve happiness. Of course a bit of jealousy did not hurt. She begged my father-in-law to be allowed to crown George Darcy king. Their betrothal was announced shortly after midnight."

"My father wore yellow stockings... in public." Darcy shook his head in disbelief. "I have never heard that story. I knew my mother had not accepted immediately, but I thought it was that she was too young the first time he asked."

Lady Patricia's eyes glimmered with some emotion or perhaps it was fairy dust from her costume. She returned to eating and seemed to pass the torch of their conversation to him.

He said, "Thank you for sharing that story with me. It is as if you gave me a precious jewel by telling me your memories." Although he stopped there, his sense of missing his parents was almost palpable. The timing of Lady Patricia's gift of knowledge stirred his imagination. He wondered aloud, "So, who is to be king this year?"

The Countess smiled, almost as if she had been waiting for just that question. "This year it is not random. I determined the awarding of the bean, as it seemed only right it should go to Mr. Bartlett. He had already been designated the guest of honour."

Darcy smiled at how pleased and proud Eli must be. After a few moments of silence, Lady Patricia spoke again, "Mr. Darcy, you are his friend and I hope you will help me. I need someone to lead the guests in singing For He's a Jolly Good Fellow to the heroic young man. Lady Clarissa will be placing the crown on his head, but she prefers not to speak. She claims she is too modest and does not want to be too much the centre of attention. It is her height... I am afraid... no, I am certain, she is concerned people will notice how tall she, especially is in comparison to Mr. Bartlett if she stands next to him for any duration. She only agreed to open the dancing with him because it was the gracious thing to do... given that he saved her."

"Eli has similar feelings of insecurity because he is small."

"I have heard... I am not certain from whom, but someone told me tonight. It is rumoured; one of his parents is quite tall, and Elisha is expecting to grow soon."

Darcy felt himself blushing again and wondered if Lady Patricia noticed. He managed to nod as he realized what a slippery slope he was on. Lady Patricia added, "But, then again, there is so much gossip going around. Probably best to ignore it – whether Elisha grows another inch, or not, I think he is already a fine person." Darcy looked at his hostess sharply, as she continued, "I thought of you immediately when my daughter asked to be spared the task. If you refuse, I am certain I could persuade your cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam to agree. He seems to love to accommodate my daughter."

"I will be happy to lead the assembly in song to praise Eli," Darcy said as a plan began to take shape. He restrained himself from remarking, rather petulantly, that his cousin enjoyed being the centre of attention and having people notice how tall he is. Instead, Darcy smiled charmingly, dimples showing, and asked, "When and where will the crowning take place?"

"After supper, but first we will have our musical interlude. That will be starting in about a quarter hour. I understand from your sister, Mr. Bartlett will be participating in their performance. He will turn the pages for Miss Darcy, and he has been rehearsing with them. She told me he has a lovely tenor voice."

A momentary flutter of fear at what he was imagining caused Darcy to suggest, "Perhaps, my sister could lead the singing?"

"Oh no, it definitely must be someone who was there the day he captured Jack Durbin. Besides no one knows him as you do."

He nodded his agreement. "Yes, that's true. I would be happy to honour my friend."

Darcy could barely concentrate during the musical recital. He noticed, that Eli's voice sounded much deeper and had an earthy quality. It was very different than the lovely soprano he remembered from Netherfield – but it was beautiful and sensuous at this octave as well. After the last song was sung, he and Lady Clarissa escorted Elisha to the throne for the ceremony of crowning the king. In anticipation, Eli removed the powdered wig she was wearing so the crown could be placed directly onto her dark curls.

Lady Clarissa performed her part of the ceremony quickly, as Elisha sat trying to look regal in the ornate chair placed on a platform. In the French fashion, the Earl of Blessing's daughter kissed Elisha on both cheeks before evaporating into the assembly to rejoin Richard. It was that gesture that prompted Darcy to his next move. While still standing on the floor before the dais, he pulled the guest of honour up from the throne. The added height brought her mouth even with his.

Knowing he was about to do something entirely improper, he pondered a moment whether to take any precautions so his act not become too unseemly. There should be no legs, tongues or hands on her bottom this time. He leaned toward her and brushed her lips with his. They felt soft and inviting as they had the first time. She seemed to react from memory and melted into his kiss – her body moulding to his. Just when he feared one of them might forget where they were, he pulled away.

Her whispered "Oh, Fitz" was breathless and filled with emotion. She was looking into his eyes and smiling with wonder.

Behind him, he heard the rising of the voices of those assembled. Even with his back to them he could discern widely disparate reactions. Shock had been the first sound he heard and disapproval by many was obvious. He was certain he heard his aunt's voice ring out above the others with the oath, 'disgusting.' While a chorus of laughter grew, he also heard others shushing the nay-sayers and giving the opinion all was not as it appeared.

"Fitz, everyone is staring and pointing at us. What have you done?"

"Hush, Eli. It is my turn to be fearless. You did not consult me before you took off chasing Gentleman Jack."

"But Fitz --"

"No buts, woman." With that he kissed her again. He held her tight, and she struggled a bit but soon gave in as though it was useless to fight the cosmic twist of fate that brought her into his arms. After a few seconds, he left her embrace. Picking her up, he lifted her from the dais and put her down so she was standing beside him. He took her hand, and the words he had been considering since his agreement to Lady Patricia's request began to flow. "Lords, ladies, gentlemen, friends, family and neighbours, I am here to lead you in singing a tribute to this brave young man. Before I proceed to my task, I must inform you that Elisha Bartlett does not exist. The person who stands before you is Miss Elizabeth Bennet. We are here to honour a heroine, not a hero."

He felt her fingers intertwine with his. "On this, the one night of the year when the world is purposely turned upside down, I am pleased to be able to give you a fitting diversion. Tradition has it that those from the highest echelon become peasants during this fete, and someone from the lower ranks is crowned the Lord of Misrule. This year the person so honoured turns out to be a Lady of Misrule, and she is the woman I ardently love."

Darcy smiled down at her and was gratified to see returned pleasure in her eyes. "Some might say I had been dosed the night we met in Hertfordshire by the juice of the love-in-idleness flower, or perhaps Cupid's arrow found its mark." Darcy touched his heart and squeezed her hand just in case she decided to object to his altered version of the truth. "Whatever the reason, I could not resist her. But Elizabeth was like so many of Shakespeare's characters, and she was not the least tempted by my charms. A few weeks later when I had not been able to shake my devotion and knew no one but her could make my dreams come true, I proposed marriage by telling her how fortuitous it was that someone like me wanted to marry someone like her." He heard a tittering of female laughter among his audience.

"Rightly, she refused my arrogant and demeaning offer, because she felt I was not worthy. To my shame, I acted abominably. I abducted her and forced her to masquerade as a young man to hide my dastardly deed from Bow Street. My plan was to bring her to Pemberley, and my hope was she would learn to love me during the journey." These words brought a chorus of dismay from the crowd.

Darcy took a breath and hoped his next statement to be true. "I believe I was successful, but along the way we took a very important detour. She captured Gentleman Jack and became a heroine, and I am no longer the arrogant and cowardly man I was when we met. Because of this wild, fearless woman I will never be the same."

She squeezed his hand in encouragement. "It is time to sing her praises, and then I plan to take her somewhere private... I have her father's permission and he has forgiven me for my dishonourable behaviour. It is time to ask her once again to marry me."

Most of the crowd let out a roar of approval. He tentatively looked down at Eli and saw laughter and agreement. She whispered, "I can hardly refuse you now, Fitz. Most of Derbyshire and all of my family – and even some of yours – appear to be on your side."

Darcy lifted his head to observe the onlookers. The Earl and Countess of Blessing were the first he saw. Lady Patricia had a look of satisfaction on her face as she returned his glance. Lord Blessing was looking down on his wife and patted her back as if in commendation for a job well done. The Gardiners, Mr. Davies and Mrs. Wilder were leading the cheers. Romeo and Juliet were beaming with happiness for their dearest friends. Lady Catherine and his uncle glowered, but his cousin Anne smiled tentatively. The Robin Redbreast, Mr. Grimsby, was by her side. Mary and Harry were with them and obviously telling them something with great animation and mirth. Darcy suspected they were revealing their part in the night's charade. The cat and the bird were twirling in delight while Lord Colton and the Reverend Holmes looked on and laughed at their antics. Richard and Lady Clarissa were good naturedly shaking their heads in surprise. They had obviously never imagined such events to have happened but did not seem displeased with this version of the truth. Chaucer and the Wife of Bath looked on with pride and affection for the couple. Darcy looked toward Georgiana and Jamie sitting next to each other at the pianoforte. He caught them in the midst of a stolen kiss. They probably thought everyone's attention was diverted toward the joyous couple or else they did not care and were carried away with the passion of the moment.

Elizabeth pulled on his sleeve. He leaned down so he could hear amidst all the commotion. "Fitz, let the singing begin. The sooner we start, the faster we will be able to have that private time you promised. No words of love though. I accept. There is something else I have in mind for us to do."

Darcy was suddenly very motivated, and he signalled his sister to play the tune. He let go of Eli's hand and raised his to conduct the assembly in their tribute. "One, two, three now begin.

Fitz and Eli were finally behind closed doors. He had become used to the intimacy of being alone with her, and the past fortnight had been a nightmare without her presence. Even if much of her encouragement had been to help him find another for his wife, it had still been a testament to her care and compassion. The uncertainty of whether he would be successful in persuading her of his ability to ignore the – as she had used Shakespeare's words – the slings and arrows of outrageous gossip, had ended. Now, she was here with him hungering for his touch.

They had run the gauntlet of well wishers as Lady Patricia had led them to a small parlour where all thought he would ply her with words of love, but he and she knew it would be lips and hands that would be employed until propriety insisted they separate.

Coming off his audacious confession to those at the Twelfth Night masque, he took the lead. There would be no confusion about who initiated the kiss this time. He picked her up and encouraged her legs to circle him. She squeezed him tightly, and her arms made a second circle about his neck quickly followed by her lips seeking any skin not covered by his cravat. She sighed and whispered, "You are the best smelling man of my acquaintance." He silently laughed at her compliment and wondered exactly how many men she had sniffed – either in the guise of a man or as a woman.

No matter how long their time together would last, he knew he would always love the feel of her wrapped around him. Since that day in the clearing, their passion unleashed by the excitement of Gentleman Jack's capture, the feel of her limbs tangled about him pulled the disparate threads of his dreams together. Her action had seemed to be some unconscious primitive attempt to unite her body with his that day. Though he would soon teach her other ways to merge, the feel of her crushing him with her embrace – every ounce of her strength employed – confirmed that no other ever had a chance to capture his soul, his mind, his heart and imagination. She was what he wanted and needed no matter how hard she might be to handle. He liked her wildness. When he met her at the assembly, he had no idea of the fire within or that she would be able to ignite such feelings. He could not have anticipated how, in these stolen moments, he would rush to claim her mouth and the flames of her tongue.

Darcy's hands explored her bottom, and though he thought it impossible she struggled to pull herself closer to him, just as he remembered her reacting the first time. He wished he could explore more of her body, and soon he was fantasizing how she would feel if she was not wearing a jacket and waistcoat. He wondered whether she felt a similar annoyance that they were both encumbered by all these annoying clothes. His imaginings made him lose track of time.

He was startled when her legs released his middle. Though he felt adrift, he resigned himself that it must be time for them to return to their waiting family and friends. She reached the floor and peered up at him with a look he could not interpret. Her face seemed to reflect a mixture of curiosity and mortification. "Are you offended I was caressing your rear?"

"Oh, no, I quite like it, but it does give me a strange feeling of wanting something more. Fitz, I am not sure what comes next, but I know we must wait to indulge. When should we wed?"

"You will probably think me presumptuous, but Bingley and I procured special licenses. We thought a double wedding in a week would be nice – here in Derbyshire – your father agreed."

"Oh capital, capital. Marrying at the same time as Jane and Charles will be perfect." Her look was an honest appraisal of his words with not a hint of coyness as she said, "And, I think I can last a week, before I find out what comes next."

Darcy laughed out loud at her expression. "Promise me, Eli, you will stop imitating men you know. It is somewhat disconcerting to hear you speaking like Sir William Lucas as we are discussing marital relations."

She giggled, but then took his hands in hers and her eyes bore into his with an unexpected seriousness. She launched into a surprising subject, and he began to assume as she talked this had been the cause of her worried look a moment ago. "Though I said no words, there is something I must confess before we rejoin the others and announce our betrothal. Your words about loving me from the moment we met were very endearing. We both know it was not the truth, but it was sweet…." She brought his hands to her lips before she continued, "… and fearless of you to declare your admiration in front of so many. It made me sad though that they think I did not find you tolerable." This time her giggle was self-conscious. "I did, you know. I thought you were very handsome, and it was only when you wounded my vanity that I became determined to expose you as arrogant and short-sighted in your evaluation of me."

"Elizabeth, I --"

"No, please let me finish. We must not marry without complete honesty. When I was around you, I felt things I had never experienced before. It was all so confusing – when we kissed in the clearing, I began to understand what those feelings were. After our discussions at Netherfield, I thought there might be the possibility of an attraction – you seemed to sometimes find pleasure in my company. When you asked me to dance, I feared letting go of my animosity. The possibility I was wrong, and you still found me not to your liking provoked my rude behavior that night."

"I was also hiding my true feelings. What I said in the dining room was much more honest than you believe."

"Fitz, neither of us was willing to expose our actual feelings that night, but I must tell you the most important thing before I lose my courage. When my father insisted I marry Collins, I decided to throw caution to the wind. If you rejected me, I planned to go to my aunt and uncle and ask for their help. The night we fought, your accusation of why I came to you was true. I hoped you would save me… marry me… love me."

"But you tried to persuade me to marry another woman – you gave me advice on how to win her?'

"Yes, because by that point I had gotten to know you better and my feelings were much more than attraction…" She looked down at her hands and blinked. "… and I became certain I was not the wife my best friend needed to be happy. I feared for you – how your family would harass you and never allow you any peace, should you choose me. The longer we were together I had begun to see… at least, I thought I did… your attraction for me grow, I knew I needed to leave you and return to my family – for both our sakes."

She smiled ruefully. "And then you told you would not marry me – I should have been happy but instead I was heartbroken. I knew I would never care for another or desire another… it all seemed so hopeless and tragic. But, I am not a martyr at heart. I reacted just as I did at the assembly. My pride took precedence. Oh, how I wanted to hurt you at that moment. I lashed out to make you regret your cruel words – because even if you were not choosing me, I knew some part of you still wanted me."

Darcy nodded vigorously. "Indeed. I did not know myself fully until that moment when I watched you walk away from me." Tonight he refused to feel sad. In truth, he felt giddy with the silliness of much of their miscommunication. "Eli, let's forget about our all misunderstandings and unintended deceptions, we have a lifetime of pleasure before us."

Darcy pulled her into his arms and kissed her ear as a prelude to whispering his own last confession. I have one last piece of truth to reveal. You must know what I felt the day you arrived at my house in London. When I saw you on that ladder… even before I knew who you were… even when all I could see was that beautiful round bottom of yours… even when I thought it belonged to a young man… I wanted you."

The room reverberated with shared hilarity at his admission. It was reminiscent of the laughter they had shared so many times during their journey.

Eli attempted to look serious before she said, "Fitz, you are the only man I have or ever will love."

Darcy made no such attempt to quash his mirth. "And, Eli, you are the only man I have or ever will love – as well as the only woman."

Epilogue – Truth is Stranger than Fiction

Posted on: 2010-06-08

Watching Elizabeth was his favourite occupation – even after five months of marriage. A flicker of lust in rebuttal to that thought crossed his face as he recalled the previous night. With a chuckle, he admitted to himself the falsehood of such a statement. But, observing her was definitely a most pleasing thing to do, and at least with that activity he could mention most of what he experienced to others after he indulged. Even back in Hertfordshire, one of the first things that had attracted him was her ease in social situations as she dazzled her neighbours with her sparkling wit. His eyes found her enjoying a cup of chocolate with a group of young men just as they erupted in laughter at something she said. The pride that he had won such a remarkable creature took off with their mirth – soaring like a bird. Too bad today's activity would have to remain secret. No boasting to Charles, Richard or Jamie about her conquests today. On the other hand, he and Eli would gain hours of enjoyment in the years to come when they remembered and discussed this escapade.

The idea for this latest adventure had been born after Elizabeth had read a bit of silly doggerel somewhere about clubs – how they provided an escape for men from their wives. She had used all her arts and allurements to persuade him to allow her to disguise herself and join him on one last flight of fancy. Together the duo would visit the private dens where gentlemen gambled, discussed all manner of subjects – from politics to mistresses – ate, drank and crowed. One of her arguments for indulging in such behaviour was that she wanted to experience this most gentlemanly of activities before they returned to Pemberley and settled into quiet domesticity. Darcy would never admit it to her, but the idea excited him. Still, he had pretended to only agree after much enjoyable cajoling from her and his admonition she limit her beverage choice to the traditional cup of chocolate. He also asked that she excuse herself if the talk became too lascivious. Eli had readily agreed to his restrictions, but he had been certain she would only obey his ban on strong spirits. His request that she leave in the middle of lewd talk had prompted her to argue convincingly that a second reason to go on this quest was to learn what rumours were circulating. Their outings to these inner sanctums of the movers and shakers of British society provided a perfect opportunity to eavesdrop and learn what tales of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy were being bandied about. If Mr. Elliot Wilde seemed too fastidious to indulge in bawdy conversation, it would defeat their purpose – and possibly even expose their deception. She reminded him that during The Season, they had mostly heard or received reports of the feminine tittle-tattle about them.

Early in April they had arrived in London with Georgiana, Catherine and Lydia to prepare for their presentations at St. James. The Countess of Blessing had consulted with Elizabeth and Darcy on how to approach the ton given the peculiar circumstances of their courtship and marriage. She felt an audacious approach was the best one and suggested Eli's sisters join his in a fearless display of their lack of concern for ridiculous gossip and rumours. Darcy and Elizabeth believed Lady Patricia had another motive as well. Her sons – the Viscount Colton and the Reverend Holmes – enjoyed the company of the two youngest Miss Bennets. Lady Patricia seemed, as always, to be planning ahead – just in case attraction turned to love.

Mary had come with them to London as well and was asked if she would like to be afforded a debut. She had declined being the centre of attention even if it was in the interest of diverting suspicion about her sister's reputation. She had told Darcy she looked on the fol-de-rol of presentation at court as 'much ado about nothing.' Her brother-in-law had found her words humorous and saw it as another example of her abandoning the sermons of Fordyce in favour of embracing the bard without the aid of Thomas Bowdler' s expurgations. Though she, most of all, seemed to understand the reasons for not talking too freely about the facts of her sister's courtship and marriage – it was not fear that motivated her. In her mind Elizabeth was a heroine, and Mary cared little for the petty gossip of people with pretensions. Darcy noticed she had begun keeping a journal, and he believed there might be a budding novelist in the middle Miss Bennet. He was unsure whether her first plot would tell of the capture of a notorious highwayman by a slip of a girl or expose the hypocrisy of the best upper sets – perhaps this most serious of Elizabeth's sisters might find a way to do both. In May, she and Mr. Fielding had become betrothed. Mary Bennet was soon to have a most auspicious name if she did decide to make a foray into the world of literature.

Fitz sipped a brandy as his eyes followed Eli – disguised as Mr. Elliot Wilde from Dublin – work the room at the Cocoa-Tree Club. Currently she was in conversation with, among others, Lord Byron and Mr. Brummel. Her play today, as it had been at White's, Brooks' and Boodle's, was to move from one group of men to another learning who they were and lingering as long as the discussion was pleasing. At White's, he had stayed by her side. By Boodle's the second day, it was more enjoyable to just sit and watch her in action from afar. Most of the gentlemen – when they learned who Mr. Wilde was – wanted to know more about the master of Pemberley's new wife. Curiosity was rampant, but most seemed to only hint at bizarre tales they had heard rather than demanding the truth from the young man they had been introduced to as the cousin of Fitzwilliam Darcy's bride.

The reports in the papers of the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy and Jane and Bingley had not provided much of interest for curious readers. They had been simple – a brief honest explanation of who their parents were. There had been some reference to Darcy's connection with the Fitzwilliam family, but no detailed ancient lineage had been proclaimed – nor any mention of the capture of the Gentleman Jack by any of the participants.

Shortly after the wedding announcement, Grimsby and Harry had given another round of interviews to obfuscate the truth. This time they told that Elisha Bartlett had been awarded five hundred pounds by the Earl of Blessing in gratitude for saving his daughter. A month later they promoted articles reporting the decision by the heroic young man to make a new life in Canada. Finally in late March readers learned that he had sailed from Portsmouth for Nova Scotia. Darcy smiled as he remembered the day he and Mr. Fielding had escorted Wickham to the ship that would take him to the Americas. All the scoundrel's debts had been bought up by him, and he gave his childhood friend the choice of Marshalsea prison or immigration. George chose to leave the country. On a cold and blustery day at the end of March, the Robin Redbreast who would soon be Darcy's brother, untied Wickham's hands, gave him a ticket in the name of Mr. Elisha Bartlett, handed him fifty pounds and escorted him onto the ship.

Darcy chuckled as he contemplated the newest bit of information he had just received – though the sailing was rough, the ship had docked at its destination. Darcy's greatest pleasure with the report was that he had also heard that the fifty pounds had been lost at cards long before George arrived. The penniless worm would not be coming back to England to haunt him any time soon.

With Wickham disposed of, the couple had turned their sights on London. Though many of the elite of Derbyshire knew the truth, it was decided not to make any similar confession in town. Lady Patricia had, instead, advised a brazen strategy of making a show of their participation in The Season as though they were simply a young couple with sisters who would be making their debut. The Darcy and Blessing houses – across from each other on Grosvenor Square – had been the site of numerous teas and dinners and a ball for each debutante. Even the Earl and Countess of Elderton, in an effort to keep any hint of scandal from their esteemed family, had hosted a lavish dinner for their niece. Darcy suspected it was both a saving face gesture on the part of his uncle – mellowed by the fact that Lady Clarissa had accepted Richard's offer. Whatever his new daughter wanted, Lord Elderton planned to give her. What she had wanted was to protect and honour her heroic saviour.
Making a firm statement to the highest levels of society that their rituals were being taken seriously had been the lynchpin of Lady Patricia's plan. In the beginning the invitations were slow to arrive, but the minute one grand dame let her guard down to learn more about this most enigmatic of couples – all the other curious cats wanted their share of the intrigue – and invitations began pouring in for the three young debutantes under their care. Lady Clarissa and the Countess of Blessing had taken the trio in hand and put them through their paces with the result that their presentations had been flawless. A calm, collected Mrs Bennet had done her part as well, and Darcy could hardly remember what his objections to her had been in Hertfordshire. By late June, when Fitz and Eli were out invading the haunts of the husbands of the ton all the pieces of the puzzle were in play, but no one was certain what to believe.

The week before, Fitz and Eli had established a pattern with the connivance of Mr. and Mrs. Davis. They would breakfast as husband and wife in their room. Mid morning their house guest, Mr. Wilde, would join Mr. Darcy in Hyde Park for some very public time on horseback. If asked it was related, that Mrs. Darcy allowed her cousin to ride her most precious wedding present from Miss Darcy – a dappled grey mare named Rucio. Next, the two men would bathe and put on their most fashionable clothes for that day's visit to a gentleman's lair. This morning they had chosen to visit the Cocoa-Tree Club because Eli had learned at one of their other destinations that Lord Byron was a member here. She was an admirer of his poetry and was looking forward to engaging in some scintillating conversation with the controversial young Lord before they left for Derbyshire the following week. Fitz had teased her at breakfast that she just wanted to be regarded witty by a celebrity of the literary world.

As many other men had done since their foray into the clubs of London had begun, Lord Byron left the group around Eli and made his way to another chair near where Darcy was sitting. They had been introduced by Lord Colton at one of the recent balls of The Season. He knew he should expect to be discreetly questioned about some of the stories circulating. Mr. Wilde's words often provoked curiosity for more information about his cousin and her husband. What better source for answers that the bridegroom himself?

The subject this time was different than what he was expecting. "Mr. Darcy, I was speaking with Mr. Brummel about your new friend, Mr. Elliot Wilde. We both agree though he does not benefit from being tall, he is a fine looking young man... his features are almost classically pretty... such long eyelashes. He looks like a diminutive Greek god. That is what I noticed, but Brummel was more impressed with the cut of his jacket and the knot of his cravat."

Darcy thought he might enjoy this fresh line of questioning. "Yes, he is very fastidious about his clothes and grooming."

"His hair is a trifle long, and moustaches are not the style this year."

"I know. I told him gentlemen were wearing their hair shorter and their faces clean shaven here in London, but he insists his look is all the fashion in Dublin. Like many Irishmen he is proud of his heritage and sensitive about how we British perceive his country. My own opinion on the facial hair is that he affects that style precisely because he is 'diminutive' and 'pretty' as you say. I think he believes it proclaims his masculinity in contrast to his beauty and small stature."

Lord Byron seemed to give him a look of cool appraisal after that piece of speculation. "So Mr. Wilde is Irish?"

"Yes, he is my wife's cousin. He travelled to London to pay his respects after we married. The young chap preferred to stay with us in town rather than the country, as he loves the theatre and the opera. He admires your poetry and encouraged me to bring him today in the hopes of meeting you."

Once again the subject shifted away from Darcy's expectations. "I saw your wife at one of the balls but did not meet her. She looked a handsome woman, but who exactly are her relations?"

"My wife was Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and her father owns an estate, Longbourn, in Hertfordshire. Mrs. Bennet's brother, my wife's uncle, is a successful man of trade here in London."

Lord Byron looked thoughtful. "No titles or ties to the aristocracy?"

He felt some annoyance, but answered truthfully. "No Elizabeth's claim to fame is as a gentleman's daughter and one of five very beautiful sisters. The oldest married my good friend Charles Bingley. He is quite wealthy but unfortunately his ties are firmly in commerce. Bingley and I made the acquaintance of the Bennets last autumn... Charles had leased a house nearby their father's estate. It was a most fortuitous event for both of us and resulted in a double wedding in January."

The probing was becoming less and less delicate. "I have heard it said that you married with a special license."

"We did."

"Were you inspired to wed quickly a young woman who could hardly object to her good fortune in winning someone at your level? Was it a marriage to quash idle talk?"

Darcy was struggling to keep his anger at bay. The specific words that aroused his ire were those demeaning Elizabeth. Lord Byron was hardly a sterling example of preserving propriety. What was he implying? He took a deep breath before speaking. He had to acknowledge that this kind of questioning had always been a potential consequence of their risky adventure. "Idle talk – what exactly have you heard your lordship?"

"A number of stories – some of them quite contradictory – but all quite intriguing."

Now more in control of his emotions, he said, "Do tell me, Lord Byron. You have my attention."

"Most of the stories have to do with you and the young man who captured Gentleman Jack."

"Ah yes, I was there with my friend Mr. Elisha Bartlett just after he bludgeoned the blackguard."

"I read in the papers he moved to Canada."

He was prepared for this line of questioning. "Yes, he and his father were at odds. When Lord Blessing gave him a substantial reward, he decided to indulge his spirit of adventure by leaving the country and conquering the wilds of America."

"Do you miss him?"

Darcy felt a flutter of excitement as he realized the path Lord Byron was taking. "Certainly, he was a great friend."

"How great?"

The poet was the first to push this line of questioning, and Darcy wondered how far he would take it. "What are you implying?"

"Is Mr. Elliot your new special friend?"

Darcy wanted to laugh, but he donned his serious mask as he replied. "Your lordship, what exactly are you asking me? Perhaps, you could be more precise with your meaning."

"I heard that you and Mr. Bartlett were caught kissing, and it was even reported you were seen fondling his bottom. You are an extremely handsome man, and I have heard Pemberley is a beautiful estate that brings in a substantial income."

"Thank you for the compliment, but I am not sure what that has to do with the ridiculous gossip you have heard. Who is spreading such an outrageous rumour? I am madly in love with my wife."

Lord Byron looked positively smarmy as he continued, "I am not certain the source of the story, but Mr. Darcy, I am not naive. You could have had any woman of the [i[ton you wanted. Instead you married a woman with no connections, who I believe brought a very small dowry. Your hasty marriage seems particularly convenient. You have a wife whose position in society would preclude her from complaining when you stray – especially if your tastes run toward pretty young men like your wife's cousin."

Darcy tried to look severe. "Is that all you have heard?"

"No, actually, I also heard that Mr. Bartlett was your natural son. That rumour seems utterly preposterous to me considering your age."

"But my fannying around with Mr. Bartlett is not preposterous."

"The fact that you have often been seen about town at clubs and riding in Hyde Park with Mr. Wilde makes me lean toward the former explanation. You seem quite fond of him, but who am I to judge?"

Darcy looked over at Eli, and she caught his eye. Without thinking, he smiled at her before he answered Lord Byron's rhetorical question. "I am, indeed, very fond of Mr. Wilde, and yes, I have heard some similar rumours about you."

Lord Byron seemed to notice the exchange and appeared perplexed by Darcy's reaction. "As gentleman, I think it best we agree to keep our speculation about each other to ourselves, Mr. Darcy. Before I leave you, I would like to relate to you something my friend observed. Mr. Brummel is always very aware of how clothes fit. He thinks Mr. Wilde needs to go in for some vigorous exercise, as he is quite young to be developing a pot belly and ruining the line of his trousers."

Darcy could not hold in his laughter. "Believe me, your lordship, it was vigorous exercise that gave Eli that belly." With that he leaned close to the poet and whispered, "Would you like to hear a very wild tale?"

Lord Byron nodded and moved his chair closer. He listened intently as Darcy spent the next half an hour telling him the whole story of his meeting and marrying Elizabeth Bennet. The wordsmith was at a loss during most of the recitation and just shook his head in wonder. When the account was over, he sat for a few minutes in silence digesting what he had heard. Finally he said, "Mr. Darcy thank you for your honesty. Your tale was delightful, and you have just given me the best example I have ever heard to prove a theory of mine."

"What is that, Lord Byron?"

"That truth is stranger than fiction."

The End