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Chapter 18 B Posted on Monday, 4 October 1999
WARNING: This chapter contains some violence.
Ramsgate. A cloudy afternoon. The waves were curving and producing a deafen sound when shocking with the rocks. Darcy leaned over the wall which surrounded the beach, looking for the lady, but he could not see her. He grew desperate. He knew he had to save this lady, otherwise Wickham would destroy her. Where could she be?
He went downstairs and stepped in the wet sand. Unexpectedly, he heard a woman's scream. Darcy looked around and spotted Wickham holding tight a woman who was fighting to release herself.
"Georgiana?" Darcy cried out, but it was Elizabeth who spun around, her eyes begging for help. On seeing Darcy, Wickham pushed Elizabeth violently and she fell down, hitting her forehead on the ground. She lay faint. Darcy walked towards her in order to help, but a strange glint in Wickham's clothes made him halt - the rascal was carrying a pistol! At the same minute Darcy realised the gun, Wickham drew it out. Actually, everything happened so fast that Darcy only had time to take out his pistol and shoot! Wickham did the same but failed, due to the damage in his chest. He staggered towards Darcy in a last attempt of hurting his old friend, still his strength left him and he fell only some steps away from Darcy.
Darcy focused his attention on Elizabeth, who was still unconscious on the ground. She was soaked to the bones as some waves had reached her. In vain he made an effort to reanimate her. Feeling rather impotent face the situation, he took the lady in his arms and lifted her. The shock with which this simple action inflamed him was indefinable. He could feel the softness of her body under his arms, through her wet clothes, waking up feelings that he knew he could not entertain for her.
Gaining control of his wish again, Darcy perceived that Elizabeth needed to be heated, and he remembered that there was a cottage nearby. He decided to take her there and so he did. On his way, he passed by Wickham's body - Darcy looked at his face and, all of a sudden, he saw the face of Wickham as he was as a boy, "My friend..." He felt a pang in his heart, but the face changed again - Wickham held now his disdainful grin and Darcy felt overcome by nausea. He gave his back to the body and directed towards the cottage.
So cloudy was the nightfall that Darcy could not see anything around him, still he trudged to the cottage guided by his instinct and the necessity of saving Elizabeth. On arriving at the house, he perceived that there was not light at all there, aside from a room on the upper floor. He entered the cottage and went upstairs, holding Elizabeth still inanimate in his arms. He opened the heavy door and made an entrance into the chamber. The fireplace was lit as well as the chandeliers spread around the room.
Darcy blinked some times before the recognition came upon him - strangely, he was in his own bedchamber! A feeling of dizziness involved him, but Elizabeth's soft groans took him out of his reverie. She needed to be attended and only that was important at the moment.
Darcy lay Elizabeth down on his bed. What should he do concerning her clothes? She might die if they were not removed. And he did it so - slowly, to not wake her (what would she think of him?); carefully, to avoid the vision of her unclothed form. Having accomplished this task, he loosened her pins and her dark hair fell in cascades over the white pillow. He held his breath out.
He leaned over her in order to take out the last pin which was near the nape of her neck, Elizabeth moaned and Darcy returned his attention to her face - their lips were only few inches distant. He involuntarily licked his mouth, guessing how sweet her lips should taste, but restrained himself. She is a lady.
Nonetheless, Elizabeth opened her eyes and gazed at him. On reflecting the amber light of the chandeliers, her eyes were two balls of fire burning inside him. Darcy made an effort to retreat - he must! However, Elizabeth folded her hands around his neck and pulled him to her. An initial soft kiss gave place to a deep and passionate one.
Darcy reluctantly broke away the kiss - both of them were breathing hard. He stared at Elizabeth and his gaze told her that if they proceeded he would not be able to stop anymore... She returned his gaze, but pronounced her words out loud, "I want you, Fitzwilliam!"
Darcy groaned and held Elizabeth tightly, kissing her lips desperately.
"Lizzy?" A crying voice was heard outside the cottage. Elizabeth stopped alarmed.
"Lizzy, where are you? Do not leave me alone, please! I do not know what I should do - Mr. Darcy sent Mr. Bingley away from me by saying that I am not worthy! Now Mr. Bingley will wed Miss Darcy!"
"Jane!" Elizabeth cried and pulled Darcy out of the bed.
"Elizabeth!" Darcy screamed, but she had already vanished in the air. He was alone and feeling a horrible pain. Unexpectedly, he was on the beach again. He became aghast on noticing Elizabeth going away with Wickham. Darcy cried her name out, but only Wickham turned around, with a triumphant look,
"She will never be completely yours, Darcy!" He laughed disdainfully and took Elizabeth away. To Darcy's utter dismay, Jane and Bingley, hand in hand, appeared in front of him, also snickering at his despair. He fell on his knees on the wet sand and gripped his head in his hands. "I had everything I cherish, but I let it fade away in one single day!" He cupped his ears since he could not stand Jane's and Bingley's boisterous laughter anymore. Moreover, the pain was growing stronger, stronger...
Darcy woke up sweat and still feeling that horrible pain, a bitter mixture of bereavement and unfulfilled desire . He passed his hands on his hair in an attempt of getting calmer. He had already had dreams with her before, yet they had never become a nightmare! To make the matters worse, Wickham had defeated him. Not to mention Miss Jane Bennet and Bingley happy at his disgrace...
He got up and looked at his timepiece - it was almost time to start the preparations for the journey towards Longbourn. It would not do come back to bed and try to fall asleep. Darcy picked up a book from his night table and sat down in a comfortable armchair, but his power of concentration had been altered due to the nightmare. He closed the book and stared at the ceiling. Longbourn... The day will be very busy indeed!
Chapter 19 A Posted on Wednesday, 13 October 1999
The news of the engagement between Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet dispersed around Meryton even faster than the previous slander, overshadowing Mr. Collins and Charlotte Lucas's announcement of their betrothal, a fact which made Mrs. Bennet very happy indeed.
Naturally, there were people who cogitated the possibility of a prior agreement between Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet - they had probably met in London before, in one of the lady's visit to her relatives, and they had maintained their relationship in secret since then. His slighting of her at the Assembly had just been part of their plan.
On the other hand, others preferred to believe that the couple's relationship had began at Netherfield, while Miss Bennet was attending her indisposed eldest sister. Still few people were betting that there would be a Darcy's heir in less than nine months. However, most of the kind inhabitants of Meryton were glad to know that the Bennets' dreadful situation had been solved out at last.
At Longbourn
December 1st, 1811
The household had been in pandemonium since the early hours. Mrs. Bennet had not left Mrs. Hill and the other servants in peace, since she wanted to offer the best breakfast and luncheon which Mr. Darcy had ever savoured in his life. Mrs. Bennet was sure Mr. Darcy would come for the first meal - the matron knew he was not settled at Netherfield, as she had made inquiries the day before, certifying herself that the house was empty and closed; nor had he been at the inn in Meryton. She had personally bribed one of the inn's footman to warn her as soon as Mr. Darcy put his foot there, even if it were in the middle of the night.
After having double-checked preparations, Mrs. Bennet stationed herself in front of the main window in the drawing room so that she could be the first one to hold a glimpse of the gentlemen - yes, she believed that Mr. Darcy would not come alone, Mr. Bingley would certainly appear as well. So involved was Mrs. Bennet in perusing the window that she did not notice Elizabeth escaping to her "heaven", in order to gain strength to face her duty.
Eventually, Mrs. Bennet's effort was rewarded by the sight of a carriage crossing the gates of Longbourn. "Lizzy! Jane! They are here! THEY ARE HERE!" Mrs. Bennet screamed her lungs out. The whole family, with exception of Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet, answered to the lady's call by coming to the drawing room in a haste. Mrs. Bennet started to distribute her pieces of advice,
"Kitty, stop coughing, for Heaven's sake! Smile, Jane! Lizzy, please, do not..." She made a halt, alarmed, "Where is Elizabeth?"
"I think she has gone out for a walk." Jane replied, carefully.
"Oh, my nerves! Her betrothed comes to pay his visit and she is not here to welcome him properly!" Mrs. Bennet's outburst was interrupted by Mrs. Hill's announcement of the gentlemen,
"Mr. Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam, ma'am."
On hearing who was accompanying Mr. Darcy, Jane became colourless. She had secretly hoped Mr. Bingley would come back with his friend. Jane could not avoid thinking that Miss Bingley was right in stating that Mr. Bingley was too much involved with Miss Darcy to return to Netherfield.
Oblivious to Jane's discomposure, Darcy paid his compliments to the ladies and made the introductions , "Mrs. Bennet, may I introduce you my cousin, Col. Richard Fitzwilliam?"
"How do you do, sir?" Mrs. Bennet curtsied to the colonel. "These are my daughters: Jane, the eldest; Mary, Katherine and Lydia."
The colonel bowed to the ladies. "I am delighted to make your acquaintance. So many beautiful ladies", he added, his eyes fixed on Jane. He had never seen such an ethereal beauty like hers - a real angel!
"I thank you, sir." A delighted Mrs. Bennet answered, perceiving the colonel's gaze at her eldest. If Mr. Bingley does not come back, this colonel can be the perfect match for my Jane.
Lydia also noticed Col. Fitzwilliam's interest in Jane and, not desiring to be surpassed by her sister - after all, the colonel also wore a uniform, she attempted to call his attention by asking him,
"But if you are in the Militia, why are you not wearing your uniform?"
Darcy looked at his cousin and rolled his eyes in discomfort. Fitzwilliam made an attempt to suppress a laugh and replied, "Ah, I only wear it if I am on duty, ma'am."
"Oh!" Lydia and Kitty pouted together. A colonel who does not wears his uniform out of service can not be interesting at all. This colonel must be as tiresome as his cousin. Concluded Lydia, quickly whispering her verdict to Kitty, who nodded her head in support. Perhaps the colonel would be free of being beset by them.
Meanwhile, Darcy perused the room but did not see Elizabeth. He frowned his brows, Where is she? Why has she not come to receive me? Oh, how long shall I have to tolerate her family's superficial colloquy?
Mrs. Bennet saw his gesture and understood that the gentleman was eager to see Lizzy. She also realised the blue velvet box, a rectangular one, which he was bearing.
"Mr. Darcy, I believe you wish to see Lizzy, do you not?" Mrs. Bennet turned to her eldest daughter, "Jane, my dear. Go fetch your sister..." But she stopped, on remembering that she had better leave Jane and the colonel alone. She returned so her attention to Mr. Darcy, "Ah, Mr. Darcy, I think Lizzy will be much happier if youare the person to go after her."
Jane instructed Darcy on how to locate her sister, "I guess she is in the same place where you found her last Friday, sir."
"I think I know where it is, I thank you, Miss Bennet." Darcy excused himself and left the house, holding tight the box he had brought with him. After having walked some steps away from the house, he spotted Elizabeth between the very same trees where they had reached an agreement last Friday. Her attire, a cream muslin, a curry coloured coat and bonnet, were the ones she had worn on the day she had left Netherfield - the very first time he had admitted he would miss her. She was lovely as ever.
Darcy walked slowly towards Elizabeth's favourite place. She was standing, arms opened, staring at the blue sky. Her dark velvet locks, loosened from the bonnet which was now lay on the ground, were dancing with the wind, hypnotizing Darcy with their recurrent movements. She seemed to be in an attempt of absorbing the last rays of sun before the Winter. Does she know how desirable she looks in such posture, giving herself away to the sun, to the wind?
He stepped further and stopped, afraid of scaring her. Afraid of causing the disappearance of that vision, a nymph provoking a hunter lost in the woods. Elizabeth heard the rustle of leaves and spun around. She saw the gentleman's eyes scrutinizing her figure and she blushed. Why does he stare at me? What do I possess that attracts his criticism? She picked up her bonnet from the ground and crossed her arms in front of her, as if defending herself .
Eventually, Darcy realised he had been staring at her, and grasped even tighter the packet he kept behind him. He needed to say something,
"Good day, Elizabeth. I hope you are not scared by my sudden appearance."
"Good day, sir. I am not scared. I am just surprised that I must have been away for a long time." To tell the truth, she was distressed by his steady gaze.
"Are you in good health?"
"Perfectly so, sir. I thank you."
Then the silence fell between them. Darcy knew he continued staring at her, yet he could not avoid it. He was still too baffled by the lively performance she had given just some minutes ago to profess something coherent. However, his insistent gaze was still disturbing Elizabeth, who believed him to be annoyed with her. So confused was she that she decided to return to the house in a haste,
"I beg your pardon, sir, but we had better come back to the house. I believe it is time to go to the church, my mother must have sent you here to fetch me, and..." She was passing by him, but he, snapped out of his trance by her rush, clutched her arm and said,
"Would you allow me some minutes more before coming back to your family, Elizabeth? I would like to tell you something..." He gave her a slight smile and kept her arm held.
The shock which his touch triggered disconcerted Elizabeth even more. It took her some seconds to put her thoughts in order and answer to his question, "I ... I think so, sir."
Darcy led her to one of the benches and helped her to take a seat, but did not sit down himself; instead, he stationed himself in front of her and offered the blue box to her,
"You had told me you were not in need of anything but I saw this in London and it reminded me of you, Elizabeth. Please, forgive me if the content of this box will not please you."
Elizabeth looked at the box, at him and at the box again. Finally, she accepted his gift and, carefully, unbound the beautiful ribbon, opening the box. Sonnets, by William Shakespeare, said the golden letters in the cover.
"I am aware you love reading, still I do not know who your favourite authors are. Due to this I selected the Bard's poems." He said apologetically. "Moreover, I had noticed that the book you had with you last Friday was a little worn, so I thought you might appreciate a new one."
"I thank you, Fitzwilliam. That one is my father's. Only Jane and I are allowed to pick it up out of my father's library."
"Do you like my gift?" He felt ridiculous asking such question, but the words had been faster than his reason.
"Very much." She timidly replied. She could perceive the book was a rare edition: the best leather for the cover, letters in gold. It was also very expensive, an edition to decorate a bookshelf of the gentry rather than a piece for reading. "It was very kind of you, Shakespeare is my favourite author - not only do I love his sonnets, but also his plays."
"I am glad you like it."
She opened the book and saw a bookmarker. On reading the golden words embroidered on it, she recognised the verses of Sonnet XVII, the very same lines he had recited on the day he proposed. She stared at him and inquired,
"Sonnet XVII?"
Darcy felt his cheeks burning, even so, he managed to respond,
"Ah, Georgiana embroidered these verses for me as she knows they are my favourite. However, I believe this kind of thing looks better in a lady's book. I am sure that my sister will be delighted when she perceives I gave such valuable gift to my wife-to-be." His explanation was not completely untrue - he was only omitting that those verses were the ones which would be connected to her in his mind forever.
"It is a very fine work. It seems your sister has many talents..." Elizabeth touched the bookmarker, but stopped on noticing a strange weight on it. She turned the work around and saw a tiny golden key tied to the fabric. Once again she looked at Darcy - he held an enigmatic smile. She began, "This key..."
He continued, "...opens this box." He took a small velvet box out of his coat and put it in her hands. "This is for our engagement", he murmured.
Elizabeth untied the key from the bookmarker and unlocked the box with trembling hands. She could not help gasping - inside the box there was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen! A small square-cut diamond stone ornamented a gold band, engraved with roses. There was also an inscription inside the band,
Elizabeth read it out loud and stared at Darcy. He hesitated for an instant but managed to provide a plausible justification,
"This was my mother's engagement ring as well as my grandmother's. My father had the inscription carved for my mother."
"It is beautiful!"
Darcy knelt down on his left knee and took Elizabeth's right hand. " Please, allow me." Then, he took off her glove and delicately slid the ring onto her finger. He gazed at her and she felt something stir inside - she had never ever dreamt receiving an engagement ring in such a way, let alone from him! He lowered his head and kissed her hand, still his eyes were locked on hers.
"Elizabeth..." He would take her into his arms...
"Lizzy!" Jane's voice was heard. Elizabeth stood up quickly, as if caught doing something forbidden. Darcy did the same and passed his hand through his hair, a sensation of "déjà vu" struck him.
"Oh, I am sorry if I am interrupting you. But Lizzy, mother is frantic waiting for you." Jane's face was completely red.
"Do not distress yourself, Jane. I know we are late." Elizabeth gathered the boxes and accepted the arm which her betrothed offered her. The couple returned to the house in silence, as they had much to dwell upon.
Chapter 19 B
Posted on Thursday, 21 October 1999
Jane was almost sure she had interrupted something between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. She smiled a little while recollecting in her mind the scene she had just witnessed - Mr. Darcy had been kneeling, holding Elizabeth's hand. On Jane's calling Lizzy, the couple had stood up abruptly, looking rather guilty. They were now walking arm-in-arm to the house, completely in silence. Lizzy was carrying a box and she was wearing a ring which Jane had never seen before. Oh, Lord! Of course I interfered with them - he was giving her the engagement ring! What bad timing I have indeed!
Jane suspected that Mr. Darcy's kindness to her sister was based on something stronger and deeper than merely politeness or chivalry. Moreover, Mr. Bingley had let it slip during the Netherfield ball that his friend seemed to admire her sister, despite her teasing manner towards him. Nonetheless, Jane could never talk about her conjectures with Lizzy. Her sister was the kind of person who needed to see and understand by herself. It was useless to point things out to her. Jane only hoped her sister could see the truth before it was too late.
The couple and Jane arrived and, after they had made their entrance, Elizabeth gave the boxes she was carrying to Mrs. Hill and instructed the housekeeper to take them to her bedchamber. Elizabeth noticed that Darcy was observing her movements and she turned to him,
"I thank you again for the book, sir. I am very fond of reading and Shakespeare's sonnets are very inspiring ."
"I am glad you like it." He smiled sincerely.
Elizabeth looked at the ring in her right hand and, keeping her eyes averted from his, continued in a low voice, "I must confess it was surprising the way I was given the ring."
Darcy attempted to say something but he was interrupted by Mrs. Bennet's loud laughter coming from the drawing room. Elizabeth became distressed. Her mother was probably trying to catch a suitor for her sisters, whoever were the gentleman brought by Darcy was. She left to the drawing room in a haste, followed by Darcy and Jane.
"Oh, Lizzy! What manners! You were not here when Mr. Darcy and his cousin arrived. What will the colonel think of you?" Mrs. Bennet asserted on seeing Elizabeth enter the room. However, the glitter of Elizabeth's ring caught her attention and she stopped her rebuke to exclaim, "Oh, what a lovely ring, Lizzy! It is certainly a piece of Mr. Darcy's family's heirloom. Is it the engagement ring, Mr. Darcy?"
"Yes, it is, ma'am." A disgusted Darcy answered. Do not dare to ask me how much it costs! Do not! His abhorrence increased on perceiving how disconcerted his betrothed was. He could notice that his Elizabeth was attempting to control her mother's babble but she would surely fail. Normally, Darcy would become introverted and look for a solitary corner or the nearest window, so that he could escape from seeing himself obliged to retort to such inanity. Nevertheless, he perceived he could take control of the conversation if he made his cousin's introduction - an action which had not be possible due to Mrs. Bennet's interference. And he did so,
"Miss Bennet, I would like to introduce to you my cousin, Col. Richard Fitzwilliam."
"How do you do, sir?" Elizabeth bowed to the blond gentleman and his blue eyes sparkled. He was attractive, but not so handsome as his dark cousin.
"How do you do? Miss Bennet, you can not guess how I wished to make your acquaintance. I have heard so much of you that I could avoid being quite curious." The colonel looked at Darcy who, pretty embarrassed by his cousin's disclosure, drove himself to the north window.
"I hope not to disappoint your expectations, sir. Though I believe you must have heard reproach on me rather than praise. Your cousin is my most severe critic!" And Elizabeth gave a playful grin.
Darcy turned around and gazed at her, but said nothing. How long will she misconceive my designs?"
"I would not say that, Miss Bennet." Fitzwilliam looked at Darcy, he knew his cousin had grown vexed at his comment, still the colonel would not give it up - he had sworn he would find the truth about this marriage. His "disclosure" had been just the beginning of the plan he had in mind. His plotting was immature, but he could not avoid it.
"I am sorry to interrupt so delightful colloquy, but we should leave to the church, otherwise we shall be late." Mrs. Bennet stated, pushing Jane to the colonel's side.
The matron called out to her husband, and the family and the gentlemen finally departed for the church. In few minutes they covered the distance between Longbourn and the chapel. Their entrance to the building would be unforgettable - everybody who was already gathered there spun around in order to hold a better view of the scene: Mr. and Mrs. Bennet led the family, followed by Elizabeth and Darcy, Jane and the colonel, Mary, Kitty and Lydia. Susurration could be heard all around the nave,
"They are really engaged! Look at Elizabeth's ring."
"What a dazzling ring!"
"What a handsome betrothed!"
"What a proud and disagreeable betrothed!"
"Mr. Bingley left only four days ago and Jane Bennet is already pursuing another suitor!"
"Jane Bennet is so beautiful! Why should she wait for Mr. Bingley?"
"Who is the good-looking gentleman with Jane Bennet?"
The Longbourn party took their places on the benches near the pulpit. Mrs. Bennet was all smiles, she could not be prouder - although Lizzy's wedding would be simple, she would be marrying one of the richest gentlemen of England. After some minutes , the clergyman started the service,
Darcy was feeling pretty annoyed as he knew that everyone's attention was focused on Elizabeth and him, despite the parson's efforts of speaking about Christ's imminent birth. And he could not also concentrate on the service, since he was too aware of Elizabeth's presence at his side: her singing, her scent, her pinkish fingers turning the Bible's pages. Her fingers - they reminded him of his last dream. Stop it, Darcy! For God's sake, you are at a church!
He had to divert his attention to another topic, The first Sunday of Advent... Mother used to say that the Advent was a time of merry wait... He was waiting for more than the Redeemer's arrival, he was expecting his own redemption, though he didn't know if such anticipation was joyful - would he finally meet the happiness he had pursued for so long?
Could Darcy read Elizabeth's mind, he would see she was also dwelling upon her thoughts, completely inattentive to the clergyman's words. Likewise to Darcy, she was bothered by people's excessive attention to them. However, which was really distressing her was Fitzwilliam Darcy. She had not composed herself completely from the stupefaction which Darcy's gifts had risen within her. Why would he care about pleasing and surprising her?
Not to mention the way he had taken off her glove, touched and kissed her hand; the way his eyes had beheld hers. She was almost sure that, had not Jane arrived, he would have kissed her. And why was she desiring that Jane had appeared some minutes later? Or never come at all?
On the corner of her eye, Elizabeth could see that Darcy was still regarding every movement she made and that made her nervous. If in the beginning of their acquaintance such an act from him would be suffice to raise her courage and make her respond to it by teasing him. After knowing the truth about Wickham and Darcy's proposal, Elizabeth began to feel shy and afraid of being doing something wrong. However, the shyer she grew, the more she felt attracted to his absorbing gaze. A snake enticing its victim? Oh, I wish I knew!
The end of the service was thus a blessing to the flustered couple. After having paid his compliments to the people whom he had been introduced to, Colonel Fitzwilliam left the Bennets and his cousin with the excuse he had to seek for a blacksmith - actually, he was going after Wickham to set the details for the duel. An hour later, he joined the family again for the luncheon.
It could be said the meal would elapse placidly (despite Mrs. Bennet, Kitty and Lydia making fools out of themselves), had not Mrs. Bennet questioned Mr. Darcy about his reasons to not invite Mr. Bingley to be his best man. Needless to say that mortification overtook all the sensible people involved: Darcy quickly answered that his friend had departed to the North in urgent business, not being expected back before Christmas; Elizabeth was divided between the feelings of anger at her mother and pity for Jane's suffering; and Jane was becoming even more convinced that Mr. Bingley did not care about her at all. Finally, Mr. Bennet put an end to the reigning chagrin by inviting the gentlemen to his library.
Subsequently, the ladies moved to the drawing room. It did not take long for the gentlemen to join them there. There was so much Darcy wished to talk with Elizabeth but his old taciturnity had returned after being obliged to bear his betrothal's insupportable family as well as his cousin's advances towards Elizabeth. Darcy had perceived that, though the colonel was being very attentive to Miss Jane Bennet (too much sometimes!), he was also flattering Elizabeth too much.
Darcy's annoyance increased when Col. Fitzwilliam proposed that Elizabeth played something for them - without giving enough time for Darcy to react, the colonel positioned himself beside Elizabeth on the piano, so that he could turn the pages for the lady.
"Which song would you like me to play, Colonel?" Elizabeth said, noticing that Darcy were staring bemused at them.
"This one, Miss Bennet." It was a love song, a duet which had been carefully chosen by the colonel. As they started to sing, the colonel smilingly gazing at Elizabeth. Darcy wished to rise , shove his cousin away from Elizabeth and take her out of that horrible room. Instead, he stayed on his chair, enduring Mrs. Bennet's questions and the young sisters stupid remarks.
On perceiving what was trespassing and Darcy's displeasure, Jane made an effort to deviate her future brother by telling him,
"I hope Miss Bingley and her family are in good health."
Darcy, surprised by Jane's statement since she did not speak with him much, answered, "Oh, yes, they are. I thank you. My friend had to depart to the North due to business, I assure you."
"I am glad to hear it." Jane replied, lowering her eyes.
Could she be downhearted because of Bingley's absence? Every time my friend's name was mentioned today, Miss Bennet had the saddest eyes I have ever seen! Lord, could I be wrong in my assessment of her feelings towards Charles?
Darcy was snapped out of his reverie by the end of the song. The colonel would have suggested another duet, had not Jane been faster and invited all for a walk. Mrs. Bennet, Mary, Kitty and Lydia refused the invitation, so only Elizabeth and Darcy, followed by Jane and the colonel, left the house.
As soon as Jane noticed that her sister and her fiancé had stayed behind, she turned to the colonel and said, "Forgive my forwardness, sir, but I believe you were playing too much with fire earlier. I guess your cousin is not a man who likes to be engaged in such kind of game."
Col. Fitzwilliam stopped and smiled at her, "Yes, I believe I exaggerate a little, Miss Bennet. But I managed to extract from him what I needed."
"I am glad your attempts were not in vain."
"My journey was more than rewarding, Miss Bennet." He looked at Jane significantly and she coloured.
If the conversation looked well at this quarter, the same could not be stated about the other quarter - Darcy, still under the effects of jealousy and annoyance, had come back to his reserved disposition, using short and discouraging answers to his fiancée's questions; on the other hand, Elizabeth had grown quite tired of her fiancé's manners to her. She rested her back on a tree and sighed,
"I give up, Fitzwilliam! You refuse to maintain any conversation with me."
"What do you want me to tell you, Elizabeth?" And Darcy leaned on the tree with his right arm. Having not realised that Darcy was bent over nearby, Elizabeth rotated her body to the left, only to be stopped under his torso, his face was few inches over hers. Elizabeth gulped when he descended his right hand and cupped her face, his eyes plunging into hers.
"Sometimes there is no need to say anything." He murmured before capturing her lips with his mouth. The kiss was initially tender and tempting, both of them still thrilled by the novelty. Darcy broke the kiss and gazed at her, wishing to see her reaction. It was better than he had dreamt - she kept her eyes closed, her face betraying she was still savouring the taste of his lips. That was enough to annihilate all his restraint and he embraced her tight, his mouth eagerly searching for hers and he kissed her anew, this time in the way he had been longing for, in the way it should have been when he proposed.
Elizabeth instinctively folded her arms around his neck. She trembled when his lips took possession of hers again. Her head was spinning around, the whole world was spinning. He was self-possessed and passionate, distant and attentive, haughty and kind - his dubiety would consume her! She slowly broke the kiss and looked up at him, Why are you an enigma? I thought I had understood your character some weeks ago, but you are not so plain..."
Darcy released their embrace, but held her hands, "Elizabeth, I think I must apologise..."
"Ah, here you are!" Exclaimed the colonel effusively. Jane, who was arm in arm with the fair gentleman, could not avoid the feeling that she was becoming proficient at interrupting Elizabeth and her betrothed. The colonel proceeded,
"Darcy, I believe we should leave."
Darcy stared at Elizabeth but she kept her eyes averted. He offered his arm to her and she accepted it silently. They returned to the house and the gentlemen bid their adieu to the household. At the front door, Darcy managed to talk to Elizabeth alone while Col. Fitzwilliam engaged the rest of the family,
"We shall only meet again next Friday."
"I know it, sir." But she did not look at his eyes directly, staring at his chin instead.
"Coral is far more red than her lips' red", he murmured.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Shakespeare, Sonnet CXXX. One of my favourites. Have a good day, Elizabeth."
"Have a good day, sir."
Chapter 20
Posted on Thursday, 4 November 1999
Road to London
A light rain fell over, announcing the imminent darkness which would be embracing the lands before long. Still the raindrops were not able to prevent the quick advance of the horses which, entranced by the sounds of the couch wheels as well as of their own hooves, responded automatically to the coachman's whip. The elegant carriage moved on so, as quick as a flash would risk the skies during a storm, protecting its occupants from the chilly weather; yet it could not offer help to the gentlemen's thoughts.
Col. Fitzwilliam was pleased and rather diverted. His trip to Hertfordshire had been very profitable - not only had he found the answers to his questions about Darcy's real reasons for getting married, he had also met an ethereal figure. He sighed lightly on the recollection of Jane Bennet's sweet eyes and timid, but lovely smile. Were he the Earl of Matlock's first-born, he would not hesitate about taking that angel to protect his house and his bedchamber everlastingly, despite her hideous family. However, that matter could be evaluated better later. Miss Jane Bennet deserved a second thought.
In defiance of these gratifying feelings, the colonel was not tranquil. Although his previous questions had been elucidated, others and of more serious nature had just risen. He could not comprehend his cousin's behaviour concerning his betrothed at all. In vain he had attempted to maintain a conversation with Darcy so that he could inquire him about his motives, but Darcy had been protecting himself behind an armour of reserve and apparent disregard since the carriage had crossed Longbourn gates.
As a matter of fact, the only words they had exchanged since that had been about the colonel's meeting with Wickham: the foreboding duel would be held in the vicinities of London, before sunrise on the 10th of December. Fitzwilliam would be Darcy's second as well as the Lieutenant Denny would be Wickham's; swords would be the weapons used. After having heard the accounts on the matter, Darcy had only nodded his agreement and had dived into his own anew.
Naturally, Col. Fitzwilliam could not guess the turmoil in which Darcy was inserted. Darcy had spent the day making efforts to conceal his feelings: love; repulsion to Elizabeth's fool family (it would certainly take more than one day for his brain to get rid of Mrs. Bennet's strident voice!) and to the gossipy people from Meryton.
Nevertheless, Darcy was aghast at his reaction to Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth's sudden affinity. In some moments, he had wished to punch his cousin's face, he had desired to grab Elizabeth's shoulders and inquire why she was not attentive to him, her fiancé, at all, why his cousin deserved the best of her smiles. Instead, his reaction had been his traditional one, the silence. He wished his eyes could perform which he could not do openly: "burn" Fitzwilliam and beg for Elizabeth's attention.
Truly, Darcy had never considered himself jealous, because he had always been the object of dispute, never the opposite. At no time had any lady stirred such feelings before. However, it seemed everything related to Elizabeth was faded to be different and new as he had been assailed by jealousy since he had lost himself in the beauty of her eyes. Therefore, when he had left for a walk with her this afternoon, he knew he should remain quiet, otherwise his flaming anger would explode in a tempest of words. Thus, the more Elizabeth had asked him, the quieter he had become.
Their walk had proceeded in such manner until they had reached a tree, where he had leant upon in order to calm himself down. He would never ever have dreamt that Elizabeth would have positioned herself under him, her eyes sparkling in challenge. His heart had ached and cried in agony, ignoring the ideas about propriety that his brain was reminding him of. He needed to erase the sight of Elizabeth smiling to Fitzwilliam. He needed to soothe his jealous heart. He needed her regard and for him alone. He needed to taste her coral lips. And so he did.
Oh, Lord! I should never have kissed her in the manner I did! I may have frightened her... He passed his hand through his hair and closed his eyes. The memory of the sweetness of her lips, her bewitching scent, not to mention the way she had trembled on his arms and seemed to share his delight struck him. No, it is done and is done for the best. Furthermore, we do not have time for a "proper" courtship. He smiled lightly and his eyes met his cousin's. Darcy gave him a menacing look and looked out the window.
"Ah Ah Ah, Darcy!" The colonel burst out laughing for the reason that he could not restrain his amusement any longer.
"I am wondering what is so funny."
"And I am wondering why you are so acrimonious at me, Darcy."
"I am not angry at you, Fitzwilliam. Why should I be?" Darcy answered ironically and turned his face to the window in an attempt of concealing his irritation - his cousin had already perceived much more than he should.
Becoming somewhat impatient, the colonel rebuked, "Darcy, for God's sake! Could you stop making a fool out of yourself?"
"I beg your pardon, but I think you have been making a fool out of yourself lately ." Darcy answered angrily.
"Come, Darcy..." The colonel started but was interrupted by Darcy's outburst,
"No, Fitzwilliam! Who wooed two ladies under the same roof, one of them being your cousin's betrothed?"
Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed again. "I knew it. You are absolutely jealous, Darcy!"
"I am not jealous. I only believe your behaviour was rather improper and..."
"Come, Darcy. You would not care so much about my conduct had I not been excessively deferential to your fiancée."
"So you confess you were deliberately pursuing Miss Elizabeth Bennet!" Darcy stated furiously.
"Yes, I utterly do. I did it in order to extract the truth from you, and the success of my plan was better than I expected - you can not deny you are in love with this lady anymore, Darcy!"
Darcy grew confused. His cousin had courted Elizabeth only to provoke him and obtain the truth about his feelings. Darcy did not know whether he should become more incensed at his cousin or accept he had been masterly entrapped. Still he attempted to resist, "I am not in love..." but a serious and pitiful look from his cousin silenced him.
"I beg you not to offend my intelligence, cousin. You may deceive the gullible people from Meryton and even your betrothed, but I know you too well. Your eyes follow her everywhere, you try to apprehend her every single movement and expressions. Although you may give her the wrong impression about the reasons for staring at her so much - she thinks you are looking for something in her to criticise, I can see why you behave in such manner. You are in love with her, so much in love that you are overcoming all the rules you were taught and in which you still strongly believe to marry her. Finally, I guess you decided to wed her before having acknowledge of the scandal involving both of you. You used this situation only to justify yourself in front of Miss Bennet and her family."
"You are absolutely right, Fitzwilliam. I surrender, I am in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennet." Darcy lowered his head and remained silent, waiting for his cousin's laugh. But the colonel did not laugh; when he spoke again, his voice had nothing of derision,
"I knew you would never submit yourself to a marriage of convenience, Darcy. Nor be caught in a matrimony scheme. Yet I can not comprehend why you insist on concealing your feelings." He said sympathetically.
"I was going to confess myself on the day I proposed, but she refused me and I had to persuade her into accepting me. I used to think that she was attracted to me a little, but her refusal made me realise she was not interested in me at all. It would not do so tell her about my feelings at that time as I did not wish to look foolish ."
"Perchance she understood your proposal as a pure action of duty. If you had told her..."
"No, Fitzwilliam. I think she still conceives me as the monster Wickham had described me, even after what happened. Moreover, I believe she eavesdropped a stupid remark I did on the day I met her, about her not being handsome enough to tempt me, giving her a wrong first impression of me which I may not be able to erase easily."
"I still think she should not be left in the darkness for so long, Darcy. As far as I could gather from our brief acquaintance, Miss Bennet does not seem to be a woman fond of games, at least the ones concerning feelings. You should tell her as soon as possible, otherwise she may come to hate you for that."
"I promise you that if I have the chance, I shall do it." Darcy asserted.
"You should not wait for her to guess what you feel. Sometimes actions are more important than words, but you will be risking to be misunderstood. Although this afternoon you may have given the first step to win her out."
Darcy blushed, "You saw us..."
"Do not distress yourself, cousin. I didn't see anything. I only noticed that both of you were somewhat unsettled and distracted, suffice to conceive that something had transpired between you." The colonel could not helping laughing at his cousin's embarrassment." At least she did not slap you."
"No, she did not." Darcy said reluctantly.
"But if I were you, I would not try anything else before the wedding. After all, she is a lady..."
"Of course not! Whom do you take me for?" Darcy said seriously, only to start chuckling some seconds later, his initial tension had vanished. "Be that as it may, I shall not meet her before the wedding."
After that, the gentlemen remained silent until London, although now their silence could be classified as a happy speechless moment - one gentleman was relieved for having confided his burden; the other, for having helped his cousin and best friend.
Chapter 21A
Posted on Saturday, 20 November 1999
The special license for the marriage was given on Tuesday morning. Mr. Baxter, Darcy's attorney, departed to Longbourn as soon as he received the good tidings, in order to discuss a matter of great importance with Mr. Bennet: the details about what Mr. Darcy would settle on Miss Elizabeth Bennet on the occasion of their matrimony. Mr. Baxter was more than familiar with such business, still the categorical demands done by his client were rather peculiar - not only had Mr. Darcy required that Miss Elizabeth Bennet should be present in the room where the matter would be considered and informed of all the subjects, but she should also agree with every single item, otherwise the document could not be accepted.
Actually, the attorney did not know what astonished him more, discussing such important business with a woman or the endowment Mr. Darcy was giving her, £7,000 - too much, considering that the lady's dowry was absolutely insignificant - as well as the estate she would derive in case of Mr. Darcy's demise. Did the lady bear an heir, she and the child would inherit everything; if she remarried, everything but the Town House would pass to the infant. Finally, even without conceiving an heir, the future Mrs. Darcy would be granted a good legacy and the Town House. Whichever were the situation, the lady would be, together with Col. Richard Fitzwilliam, Miss Georgiana Darcy's guardian.
After having arrived at Longbourn and disclosing all the particulars, Mr. Baxter could perceive that his bewilderment was shared by father and daughter - their surprise gradually grew visible while the attorney read the paragraphs of Mr. Darcy's will. Mr. Bennet did not expect that Mr. Darcy trusted in Lizzy and respected her so much as to solicit her presence in the discussion as well as to give her the reins of the Darcy family and estate. And Elizabeth was speechless anew, his betrothed had once again baffled her with his weird actions. She therefore showed some reluctance to accept which Darcy was offering. However, Darcy had guessed she could react in such manner and had sent her a short note by his attorney,
I hope you and your family are in good health. I believe you must be upset about the legal agreements your father and you are discussing with my attorney. I beg you not to become offended by what I am offering - that is absolutely necessary to ensure that you will be safe in the future, just in case "that meeting" does not end successfully for me. Please, I ask you to accept it as a demonstration of my respect for you.
Yours,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Elizabeth perused the note for some minutes. Her fiancé had a firm and elegant handwriting, a mirror of his personality. One more time he was attempting to persuade her into doing what he wished. What should she do? Would anything change if she did not accept this "contract"? It was so much responsibility, but it was also pleasant to know that he highly regarded her sense. She had already concurred with this marriage, this was just one of the consequences she would have to put up with in the years to come. At last, Elizabeth gave her approval.
Mr. Baxter became relieved, as he did not know what would be Mr. Darcy's reaction, supposing he returned to London without the lady's consent to the matter. The attorney returned to Town after settling everything with the Bennets. Nevertheless, Mr. Bennet only left his library many hours later, as he needed to sort out the last events. If he still had any doubt about Mr. Darcy's regard for Lizzy, the last objection had just fallen - the endowment was high, the conditions Lizzy's betrothed was offering were too good. Mr. Bennet believed that only a man in love would care so much about his wife-to-be's safety.
However, the gentleman did not feel comfortable. Mr. Darcy could love Lizzy, but what could be said about her feelings concerning her betrothed? Surely, she was not as abashed at Mr. Darcy as she used to be in the beginning of their acquaintance, yet did she feel something for him? It was hard for Mr. Bennet to give his favourite child away in such a manner. Deep inside, he had aspired that Elizabeth would marry a man she loved and respected. He was aware of the fact that his daughter's future would certainly be secure, still would she be happy? Would she come to respect Mr. Darcy? There was no one better than Mr. Bennet to fear a marriage without respect.
Despite his concern about Lizzy's future, Mr. Bennet knew he was fulfilling his duty, because he could not permit that Elizabeth's or his family's reputation to be blemished. Regarding this matter, he felt absolutely tranquil. He only wished, with all his heart, that Mr. Darcy survived that "damn" duel and proved himself deserving of Lizzy's affection.
A town in the North
Caroline Bingley was sitting at her vanity. She was perusing her reflection in the mirror to check whether her maid had made her hair in a fashionable way. At last, she gasped and yelled at a frightened maid,
"When will you learn how to make my hair decently? Shall I have to smash the Beau Monde issues on your face? Maybe in this way you will acquire something about style!"
"I am sorry, ma'am..."
"Oh, go! Go!" Caroline dismissed the maid. She looked again at her image in the mirror and grew delighted. She was beautiful, rich and chic. Her hair was not perfect today, but that was not important, in fact it was rather satisfactory to stay at home, since she had already paid all the visits she needed. She hated staying in this part of the country - it was as boring as Meryton - but Mr. Darcy had advised Louisa and her to take Charles away from London and she would not contradict the gentleman. For him, she would bear her insupportable Aunt Bingley. Moreover, they were very near Pemberley and she was confident Mr. Darcy would come to visit them.
Caroline stared at her emerald ring and sighed. Soon, very soon, she would be the wife of one of the richest and powerful gentleman of England. "Mrs. Darcy!" She proudly gazed at her image. To be perfect, it was only missing a title, but she was sure that, with her help, Mr. Darcy would acquire one in the years to come. A title would be the apex of the purification she needed in order to rid herself of the shadows of a fortune obtained in trade.
Caroline was somewhat certain that Mr. Darcy would propose marriage. Time was passing by, he was becoming older and he needed someone to take care of his estate as well as bear his heirs. She shivered a little while she thought that such a task would not be difficult at all. Who could be better than her to fulfill this duty? Besides, she was one of the few women admitted to the gentleman's small circle of friends.
She looked at the mirror again and smiled. How it will be delectable to redecorate the Darcys Town House! And Pemberley! She thought the landscape needed to be remade, Too much natural! And she would add some Classical statues near the front door, These Greek gods and goddesses are so useful for decoration! Caroline was taken out of her reverie by a servant knocking on the door,
"Come in."
"If you please, ma'am. Mrs. Hurst would like to know if you could join her in the drawing room. It seems there is a lady to visit you."
"So early? Who is it?"
"Miss Abigail Trent, ma'am."
Caroline made a face but answered, "Tell Mrs. Hurst I shall meet her in few minutes." The servant bowed to her and closed the door. Caroline stood up and exclaimed,
"Miss Abigail Trent, humph!" Caroline Bingley and Abigail Trent had been "friends" since they both had made their entrée into society. Since then, they had also pursued the same interest - to become Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Caroline could not conceive why her friend insisted so much on her endeavour, as Darcy made it clear constantly that he was not interested in her at all, his attentions to her were given merely out of politeness.
"Probably she has come just to inquire after Mr. Darcy." Caroline said to the marvelous image she saw on the mirror. "I wish I could remark that he had begged me to marry him, I dare say that the face she would make would be unforgettable." And Caroline giggled a little. After having practiced some joy faces in front of the mirror, she left her room. On descending the stairs, she devised which she could state about Mr. Darcy and herself so that she could discourage Miss Trent's aspirations once and for all. She halted in front of the drawing room door and wore a smile. The footman opened the door and she made her entrance.
"Miss Trent! How I have longed to see you!" Caroline exclaimed and crossed the room to kiss the fair lady and sat down beside her. Miss Trent was shorter than her dark friend and possessed a pair of astute blue eyes. Likewise Caroline, she was an aficionado of the bright colours in vogue that Season, mainly of the brilliant patterns of yellow. The dress she had carefully chosen for the visit to the Bingleys was the brightest one she had ever worn. The sight of Miss Trent's golden-yellow frock together with Caroline's dark green attire could remind a person of the flag of one of Portugal's colonies. *
"Miss Bingley! I have just told Mrs. Hurst how your absence was greatly missed in Town!" After having exchanged the habitual pleasantries, Miss Trent related all the important events which had happened during the Bingleys' sojourn. She also explained she had been obliged to accompany her brother to their estate in the country. Caroline rejoiced over this, since she would have someone really important (and fashionable) to call upon while their stay at her tiresome aunt's house.
"Oh, Miss Trent! How Louisa and I missed civilisation! Hertfordshire is absolutely dreadful - tedious parties, ill-mannered people, no breeding at all! And their attire? I believe such people have never heard the meaning of the word style!" Miss Trent nodded in conformity, but politely interrupted her interlocutor,
"I would love to hear all the details about these barbarians, but I have a particular interest in one of them. Therefore I beg you to start your accounts by telling me everything you know about a certain Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Caroline and Louisa exchanged surprised glances. Caroline so inquired, "Miss Elizabeth Bennet?" She laughed a little. " Where on earth have you heard about her?"
"Here." And Miss Trent handed a newspaper to Caroline, who unfolded it eagerly.
"Hmm, The Morning Post, yesterday issue... I can not comprehend what you mean."
"Could you be so kind as to read the note circled in ink?" Miss Trent said with a strange glitter in her eyes.
Caroline read the brief note and her eyes opened wide. The message was laconic, but the pain it caused would hurt perpetually,
Chapter 21B
Posted on Sunday, 5 December 1999
Caroline felt the ground open under her feet, the world collide around her. She gazed at her friend's odious smile - she now wished the ground could literally open and swallow her. She knew the agony she was feeling was marked in her face and that her humiliation would be complete when everybody knew how badly she had reacted to the news of Mr. Darcy's marriage.
On realising her sister's paleness and momentary state of confusion, Louisa attempted to divert Miss Trent's attention by dismissing the importance of the news, saying,
"Oh, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is only a country lass. She possesses neither refinement nor money. This note must be a falsehood, since Mr. Darcy would never connect himself to a family so below his station. Probably someone must have heard that Mr. Darcy danced with this lady at the ball my brother Charles gave in Hertfordshire last week, and concluded they are engaged, as Miss Bennet was the only lady who had the privilege of being singled out by him."
Hardly had Louisa finished her talk when Caroline looked at her exasperatedly, betokening that her discourse had just made things worse. Miss Abigail did not miss the glimpse and asserted,
"I beg your pardon, Mrs. Hurst, but the news of Mr. Darcy's marriage was given in the announcements section, not on the gossip one." She smiled mordantly. "I thought you could have more information on the affair, but it seems you know as much as the whole Ton."
Caroline perceived she had to speak, otherwise she would be laughed to her face. She thought she could still amend her vexation and avoid being the joke of the next Season. Caroline was assured that Miss Trent was as enraged as her at Mr. Darcy's "betrayal" and was attempting to have fun at her expense, hence if she satirised the affair, perhaps her dim-witted friend would not be so sure of her feelings. She stood up and walked around the room. Her eyes fell on a figurine of a couple wearing a late 17th-stylish apparel, who were embraced and preparing themselves to kiss each other. Lord, how can Aunt Bingley expose something so "démodé" as a piece of decoration? Moreover, that sight reminded her of another couple who should be sharing more than an embrace tomorrow. She picked up the image of the couple and held it tight - how she wished to smash it with her hands, separating the gentleman from his lady. Instead, she turned her concentration on Miss Trent and, concealing her rage, began,
"As Louisa has mentioned, Miss Eliza possess nothing to recommend her. Therefore we did not pay much attention to her..." But Caroline was promptly interrupted by Miss Trent's ironic comment,
"An unpardonable mistake, Miss Bingley. As we can see, she attracted the attention of another quarter, the one who should never have taken notice of her." And Miss Trent pointed out the newspaper which had been thrown over a side table, in a clear reference to Mr. Darcy.
Caroline rolled her eyes and replied coldly, feigning indifference, "It is just infatuation and I believe Mr. Darcy will regret such a marriage in the days to come." Making an effort to sound uninterested, she concluded, "Miss Eliza is not accustomed to the style of our circle and will make a spectacle of herself. Mr. Darcy will not bear such a situation for long."
"Are you so suggesting that Mr. Darcy will be selecting a mistress as soon as he grows tired of his improper wife? Shocking!" The three ladies giggled, wishing to disguise their real feelings. Miss Trent proceeded with her remarks, but now looking at Caroline maliciously, "I am sure there will be a long queue of ladies willing to be his mistress." She moved her head a little, giving movement to her golden locks.
Caroline Bingley did not miss her design and, deciding to prevent further comments and speculation, as well as to be quit of such an insupportable visitor, observed, "We should as soon consider that he will choose a fair mistress, since Miss Eliza is a brunette herself. It will be an easy task for a fair-haired woman indeed," Caroline verged upon Miss Trent and proceeded in an undertone, "According to the confidence I overheard Lord Brooke tell Charles some weeks ago, it seems that some fair ladies have a great disposition to enlist rich and powerful gentlemen in maintaining them."
The impact of Caroline's words were openly seen in the other two ladies' semblance: Louisa was hardly restraining a chuckle; Miss Trent was pale, absolutely dumbfounded. Miss Abigail Trent could not believe that Lord Brooke could have mentioned anything about their affair to someone, let alone near Caroline "gossipy" Bingley. Miss Trent guessed Miss Bingley was certainly bluffing, still she thought prudent to be careful, very careful with her friend from this moment on. Therefore, she gathered the rest of dignity she still possessed and asserted, with a titter,
"Very witty, Miss Bingley! As always!" Caroline nodded her head in agreement but still held a menacing look. The silence which followed that was insupportable. Miss Trent perceived she had better leave, otherwise a confrontation with Miss Bingley would be inevitable. She stood up, smoothed the folds of her golden dress and bid her adieu in a haste.
No sooner had Louisa heard Miss Trent's steps in the parlour, she breathed in relief and commented, "I thought she would never leave! You must not distress yourself , sister. After the indirect remark you made about her affair with Lord Brooke, she will never dream of disclosing your reaction to the news about Mr. Darcy." Louisa stood to her feet and walked to the main window so that she could see Miss Trent enter her carriage. Hardly had she reached the curtains than she heard a crackling. She then spun around and saw which once had been her aunt's favourite bibelot, the pieces of it spread over the Persian rug. Louisa gazed from the ground to Caroline's red face and grew awesome - her sister, always so composed, had thrown the figurine against the wall!
"I hate her! I hate her!" At last Caroline burst out .
"Whom? Miss Abigail?"
"No, Elizabeth Bennet! And Mr. Darcy as well!" Caroline groaned and started to cry. "I shall go to Longbourn and stop this nonsense! I shall!" She paced the room and kicked some fragments of the figurine away. "Are you able to conceive how long I have pursued him? How much have I denied my wishes, my own thoughts only to please him? I have dreamt of Pemberley as mine since we visited it almost seven years ago - Charles had met Mr. Darcy at Cambridge and they had instantly become friends, therefore all of us had been invited to spend there the summer. And now a country nobody comes and steals him away in less than three months! How do you think I should bear such an affront?"
Louisa, extremely worried about Caroline for the first time in her life, crossed the room and touched her sister's arm in an attempt to conduct her to a nearby settee as well as to allay her uneasiness. However, Caroline abruptly freed herself and screamed,
"Do not touch me, Louisa, I beg you! I do not need your compassion!"
"I am not pitying you, sister. I only believe that you should calm yourself and act rationally as the lady you are."
Caroline snorted at this, "Act as a lady! Had I not acted as a lady, I would be marrying Mr. Darcy! That trollop must have thrown herself into his arms, she must have bewitched him. Besides, she provoked that situation in Meryton just to weave him in her cobweb.
"Are you talking about those rumours we were told before leaving Netherfield, about Mr. Darcy and Miss Eliza being caught in a kiss?"
"For Heavens sake, do not be a simpleton, Louisa! Surely I am talking about that hearsay! Eliza Bennet plotted everything perfectly: she must have attracted Mr. Darcy to a secluded place, then clutched and kissed him - of course, she was sure there was a "witness" nearby who would spread the news. How could we have allowed such a cunning lady at our house? One might wonder what she must have done while at Netherfield." Caroline angrily stomped her right foot and made a guttural sound, "To think I could have prevented such a catastrophe!"
"It is too late now, dear. But it may be a kind of solace if we think that, under normal conditions, Mr. Darcy would never wed Eliza Bennet. Something very strange and serious, such this scandal, must have occurred to propel him into a dreadful match." Louisa rolled her eyes and remained silent for some minutes. She broke the irritating silence which had descended upon the room by wondering, "Pray, who might have told Mr. Darcy about the backbiting in Meryton? After Charles's departure, he went to the town only once, precisely on the day he was seen with Miss Eliza, but not after this, nor his valet. Furthermore, you had expressly forbidden the servants from talking about the subject around the house. Not even did Mr. Hurst know anything about the matter, I assure you."
"Anyone could have done it, but who?"
"Why Caroline! His valet!"
"Mr. Morrisey? Do you think so? Mr. Darcy's valet never socialises with the other servants, he avoids gossip like the devil fears a crucifix, thus he is known a very reserved and proud man. You know how my maid has badly failed to engage him in conversation several times - I have never obtained any information on Mr. Darcy from such a quarter."
"You are right, sister, but do you remember what I told you about that maid, Helen Parker, the one who worked for the Bennets some years ago?"
"Louisa, do you really believe I would spend my time paying attention to the servants, let alone to an obscure servant from an even more obscure town?"
"So you should have done it, because this maid was the only one whom was admitted to the valet's acquaintance. My maid told me they went to church together and she always kept for him some biscuits for breakfast or for a late meal. All staff swore they were having an affair. If that was true, Helen Parker would not hesitate in talking about the scandal to Mr. Darcy's valet. To make matters worse, it seems that this maid was very fond of the eldest Bennets, as she had already worked for them, thus she may also have mentioned the matter out of concern for Eliza Bennet."
"What? My biscuits for feeding up a servant? Affairs among the menial?" Caroline grew even more agitated and started to pace the room . "You are very well informed indeed, sister. Why have you not told me anything?" Caroline inquired ironically.
"I thought your maid kept you enlightened as well as mine do with me. To be informed about your household is as much important as to be aware of the latest news of the Ton, my dear. Perhaps you should treat your maid a little better..." Louisa did not wish to criticise Caroline, yet she could not help the comment since her sister's lack of ability to deal with the staff may have cost her a suitor.
"I thank you for your comprehension, Louisa." Caroline answered acridly. "It is everything I need right now." She walked towards a couch and sat, though her desire was to open the doors and run, run to Longbourn to strangle that country whore. However, she knew she should be rational, she should do what she could, without blemish her reputation. Someone should pay for her suffering. And someone would pay indeed. Caroline turned to her sister and stated coldly,
"All in all, I believe Mr. Darcy was told the story by his valet and this Helen Parker. We should have known that someone who had already worked for the Bennets could only be of the same sphere. She must have disclosed the backbiting on Mr. Morrisey's bed!" I only hope this maid has charmed the valet likewise Eliza Bennet did with Mr. Darcy, or else she will starve to death." Caroline laughed mysteriously.
"What do you have in mind, Caroline?"
"You know how I have become influential in Meryton after our sojourn, do you not? One word from me and nobody will employ this woman anymore. To tell the truth, depending upon me, nobody in the country will want her services anymore."
"Amazing, Caroline!" Louisa embraced her sister and went on, "You can not conceive how I am relieved to see you conquer such difficult state of affairs."
"I am Caroline Bingley, not a naïve peasant, Louisa. Moreover, fortunately, I have not bet all my coins on Pemberley. In less than a year, I shall be well married and snickering at Mr. Darcy's disgrace. It is high time we changed the subject as I do not want Charles to arrive and hear the tidings - it is too early, he may also have some ideas on his own and return to Longbourn to court that simpleton Bennet."
"Do you believe he does know nothing about the wedding?"
"Of course not, Louisa! Poor Charles is so stupid that he would become delighted and spread the news as quick as a flash."
"Pray Caroline, why is poor Charles so stupid?" The sisters heard a voice coming from the door and spun around in shock - so distracted were they that they had not noticed that the footman had opened the door and Charles Bingley had made his entrance.
Chapter 21C
Posted on Thursday, 9 December 1999
For Dawn
"You misunderstood Caroline, Charles." Louisa attempted to explain while Bingley crossed the room towards the settee. On perceiving that the newspaper with Darcy's marriage announcement was still on the table next to the seat their brother had chosen, the ladies exchanged stunned glances. Caroline ran to that direction, but it was too late - having seen their look, Bingley had been faster and he was now perusing the newspaper. An inked circle called his attention and after reading and re-reading it, the gentleman could understand the reason of his sisters' apprehension.
"Darcy will get married tomorrow! And to Miss Elizabeth Bennet!" Were he standing, he would have fallen over the nearest chair. His thoughts grew extremely confusing in the first seconds. Darcy and Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Darcy. A Darcy and a Bennet. Suddenly, he remembered Caroline calling him stupid, " So am I stupid because I did not know anything about Darcy's marriage, Caroline?"
Caroline laughed sarcastically and remarked, "He is your best friend, or at least you supposed he was. However, he did not call you to be his best man, he did not even write to you to announce his wedding. This is the estimation in which Mr. Darcy holds you - it is the most important event of his life and not even a brief note about it."
"I beg your pardon, but I am Darcy's friend, not his father. He does not have to give me accounts on his personal life." Bingley answered, wishing that would be suffice to stop his sister. He needed time to sort out the events, and Caroline's malicious talk was irritating him.
However, Caroline was still acrimonious, despite her late discourse about overcoming Darcy's imminent marriage, and would not miss the opportunity to turn Charles against his former friend, "Come, brother! You must admit: he deceived all of us by concealing his relationship with Eliza Bennet. He did not want you to tell him how wrong he was in proposing marriage to a gold digger and ..."
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet is not a gold digger, nor her eldest sister, and I do not have any doubt on this matter!"
Things were not happening as Caroline expected, still she insisted, "I am sure she is only interested in his money and the good name of his family."
"Were it so, she would not be different from any other lady who used to move around Darcy in the hope he would be caught. But she is different indeed, otherwise Darcy would not have chosen her. I know he was rather tired of extremely attentive young ladies whose only purpose was his wealth." He replied with a bitterness to his voice.
Caroline perceived her brother's veiled criticism and attacked, "You are absolutely stupid, Charles, as much as your friend is! Mr. Darcy disregarded your friendship and yet you persist on defending him! But it could not be different, as Mr. Darcy has manipulated you since the beginning of your acquaintance. You have done everything which he has told you is right, you do not have your own opinion!" Bingley saw Louisa giggle at this. Caroline proceeded in a tone which clearly showed her contempt, "Naturally you would agree with your friend's deranged action, you always applaud whichever Mr. Darcy does - you do not have capacity to refute anyone's opinion, to contemplate things and take your own conclusions ."
Bingley became pale. He knew his sister must be affected due to Darcy's wedding, still Caroline had no right to abuse him so much in this manner, "I might be stupid and my disposition may lack resolution, Caroline. However, at least I believe I have sense enough not to hound a person who is only kind to me out of politeness and obligation." Louisa grew red and Caroline attempted to say something but nothing occurred to her, so bewildered was she at his brother's effrontery. " If you will excuse me." Bingley said before Caroline could be taken out of her reverie. He soon afterward bowed to his sisters and escaped from the room.
Bingley went to his bedchamber feeling miserable, the news and his sisters' derision were still searing in his head. He closed the door and leaned on it, breathing hard. He wished he had been at home, but where was home? In London? Certainly not, that was the Hurts' house. In -shire? No, it did not belong to him, that was a house the late Mr. Bingley had leased some years ago, when his business had started to prosper, yet Charles could never call it home.
Sighing, he looked around him. Although one may have the impression of a peaceful atmosphere, it was a very impersonal guest chamber - everything there had been settled to please a visitor: the fireplace constantly lit due to the cold weather outside, the linen sheets on the soft bed, the light blue wallpaper harmonising with the damask curtains. Still Bingley did not feel comfortable. He paced the room , in vain attempting to calm himself down. Hauling in the centre of the chamber, he ran his hands through his hair.
"I wish I were at any place but here, together with those two vipers. I wish I were any person, a footman, a hunter, a simple and poor tenant, but the stupid Charles Edward Bingley!" He lowered his head and gazed at his hands. He gripped his hand till the knuckles were white, then he punched the air with his right hand.
"Damn it, I thought I had found home at last! A house surrounded by simple but gentle people, a proper house for a gentleman of my rank and which would be perfect because I would have an angel there to look after me, a goddess to adore. But this ethereal being does not hold me in esteem, probably she looks at me as if I were a friend, or a brother. I confused everything".
Bingley turned around and strode towards the couch situated in front of the fireplace, seated and stared at the fire for some minutes. He closed his eyes and listened to the crackling of the flames as well as to the rain which had just begun to pour. "Oh, Jane! if only you loved me, I would face Darcy, my family, everyone, just to have the privilege of holding you in my arms, of kissing your rose lips. You deserve all the best the world can offer, and I would be happy to oblige you by fulfilling all your wishes." But Darcy's words came to his mind and he fell silent,
More than a week had passed, yet his friend's utterances were still afflicting him as fiercely as when they had been asserted. As a matter of fact, Bingley had never seen Darcy so pugnacious, nor so angry at him. Surely his friend had had a strange behaviour since last summer, being more reserved and sarcastic than ever, but Bingley was already accustomed to his friend's disposition. Still, Bingley could not figure out why Darcy had attacked a possible alliance to Miss Jane Bennet so vehemently, basing his assumptions on the inferiority and lack of propriety of the Bennets.
"Hmm, on a second thought, I think Darcy looked desperate rather than angry. Actually, it sometimes seemed he was doing a monologue, as though I were not there." Thereupon the realisation of the facts came upon Bingley as a bolt, "Lord, Darcy has been in love with Miss Elizabeth and I have not perceived anything! His constant stare at her; Caroline's teasing him about his admiration of Miss Elizabeth's fine eyes; the way he reacted when we met the Bennets, mainly Miss Elizabeth, talking to that fellow Wickham; their dance at the ball - all the pieces together form the puzzle which I would have noticed, had I not been so involved in my own feelings."
Bingley stood up, poked the fire for a while and returned to his seat. "No wonder he was screaming the disadvantages of marrying a Bennet as if he were deranged, he was doing it at me and at himself. Still, why must have happened to Darcy had conquered his scruples and proposed to her? Moreover, she must be in love with him too, otherwise he would not risk marrying one he believes is beneath himself and, to make matters worse, does not feel anything for him."
Bingley moaned lightly. The headache which had tortured him since he had risen this morning was growing worse and worse. The unfolding of his friend's feelings had not bring him any kind of relief; on the contrary, his state of disorientation only increased, "So if they have been in love, quarreling and in a state of tension, certainly Jane and I have not. I thought Love was being happy next to the one you cherish. I see I was absolutely wrong about the matters of the heart."
Being modest, Bingley felt glad that at least his best friend must have found happiness and he sincerely wished Darcy were happy. Nevertheless, he could not help feeling the bitter taste of betrayal, "But why did he not tell me anything? I thought I was his best friend, at least I held him in such respect. I have confided in him, I have considered his opinion, his guidance more important than even my father's, but unfortunately, I do not mean anything to him than a fellow to hunt, play cards and converse occasionally."
He had been feverish all the morning, but had not talked to anyone about this. Bingley felt dizzy and attempted to concentrate his attention on the painting hanging over the fireplace. It was the picture of a young nymph, her head capped with flowers, who was standing on a carriage pulled by Pegasus. She held a flash in her left hand and was spreading petals of roses with her right fingers. Despite his limited knowledge of Greek mythology, Bingley could recognise the nymph as Eos*, the lady who brings the first lights of the day. " I wish you could help me, dear lady, but I believe this is not your duty." The pain in his head increased and he shut his eyes, only to re-open them widely on hearing a pleasant voice,
"You are Charles, are you not?"
A lady in a vaporous yellow gown was stationed in front of him. He mumbled, "But... Eos?"
"Pleased to meet you, young gentleman. But, we are in England. Please, call me Dawn."
"Dawn? Oh!" Bingley wished to stand up but his legs did not obey him. "Ah, I... Oh, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, ma'am. May I inquire why I have the happiness of meeting you?"
"Oh, oh! We are both using our first names, why should you be so formal?"
"I do not know. You are a lady, a divinity..."
"Are you so formal with your golden goddess, Charles? The one you have just called angel?" Bingley turned red and did not answer. The nymph proceeded, "Come, Charles. You asked my help and I have come for this, although that is not my duty, nor the time of the day I should visit the Earth."
"But why have you come, why would you grant the wish of such a stupid man like me, Dawn?"
Dawn looked at him in reproach and said, "First, because you are not stupid, Charles. Look at you: you are kind, friendly, tender and clever, even if some people insist on denying your qualities." She smiled benevolently, "Second, I may confess I fancy fair-haired gentlemen with puppy eyes, and I could not resist to your appeal."
"Do you know my problems?"
"Yes, I have been observing your melancholy state since you arrived and today I overheard your confessions."
"What should I do about Darcy? I thought he was my friend..."
"I do not have the answer for this, but I think you should wait before making your conclusions. Maybe you should wait for your friend call upon you, and only after a serious conversation with him you should then decide whether it is possible to maintain the friendship or not. Perhaps he is still attempting to sort out his feelings and does not have the courage to confess them to anyone." Dawn winked at him.
Bingley cheered up a little after pondering over the nymph's words and decided to inquire about Jane, "What about Jane? Do you think she dislikes me?"
Dawn nodded her head and said, "I am sorry, but I can not answer this either. You will have to find it by yourself. My only advice is: you should follow your own path and stop allowing other people influence you. You will never be truly happy until you learn to trust your own judgment. You are very capable."
Bingley gazed at her and sighed, "Do you believe I should see her again?"
"If you think that is necessary to clarify your uncertainty, you should look for her again. Trust yourself." Having said this, Dawn kissed Bingley lightly on his forehead and returned to the painting, leaving him in slumber.
Bingley was waken up by his valet some minutes later. Still bemused, he inquired, "Where is Dawn?"
The valet suppressed a giggle and answered, "There was not anyone but you here, sir. Are you feeling unwell?"
"I... I am not well indeed, I think I have a cold. Could you help me to my bed, please?" The valet assisted Bingley to the bed and covered him, promising to return with some food. Afterwards, he silently left the chamber. Despite his illness, Bingley was feeling better concerning the matters he had dealt with earlier. The dream, although it had been only a hallucination, had encouraged him to attempt something on his own - he still did not know how or when, but he was sure he would look for the explanations he needed. He looked at the painting and he could swear Dawn was smiling at him. She had brought some light to his life indeed.
I shall love you forever!
Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.*
* The Book of Common Prayer
Dear Elizabeth,
Thursday, December 5th* The colours of Brazil's flag (Portugal's ex-colony) are green, yellow, blue and white. Have you ever seen a Brazilian soccer T-shirt? That is the effect of Caroline and Miss Trent's clothes together! Sorry, I could not avoid the comparison...
* If you want to know a bit more about Eos, take a look at this address:
Continued In Next Section
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