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Lady Catherine de Bourgh was aghast. She stepped inside the morning room and walked towards the unsophisticated couple who was still in each other's arms. A dead bird in her ladyship's olive green hat pointed threateningly at Mary and Dr. Pollock. However, it was the lady's eyes that expressed all the contempt she was feeling, all the triumph that it was now in her power, as she had come to find something real to serve as corroboration to her plan.
After some seconds of hesitance, Dr. Pollock finally released Mary, but kept his left arm holding her left elbow in a protective manner. In an attempt to save some dignity, if this was possible, the doctor finally spoke, "Good morning, ma'am. May I have the liberty of introducing myself ?" And without waiting for Lady Catherine's reply, he proceeded, "I am Dr. Pollock and this is Miss Mary Bennet." He bowed to her and Mary curtsied.
Lady Catherine looked down on them and stated, gazing at the doctor's eyes, "Do not think that this clumsy effort of yours will prevent me from fully reporting to my nephew what I have just seen in this room, young man." She then turned to Mary, "Humph, a Bennet - you must be related to that upstart who allured my nephew and dared to marry him. Of course! Such an abominable lack of behaviour should be already expected from people of the Bennets' rank."
Upon hearing the lady's words about her sister and herself, Mary flushed and thought of something to rebut, yet she knew she was not in a position to do so. She had been caught in a very compromising situation and was wondering about what her sister would think of this. Better, what Mr. Darcy would say about this. Likewise Mary, Dr. Pollock felt the urge of defending his "fiancée-to-be" (Ah! If only the lady had not arrived...) and her family's name, but what else could he do without tarnishing Mary and himself in the process?
The arrival of Mrs. Hart, the housekeeper, interrupted the couple's meditation. She had been hastily fetched by the butler in order to extinguish the fire and calm down Lady Catherine. She knew that this was not an easy nor pleasant task, having a long experience in dealing with her ladyship in the past. Even when Lady Anne was alive Lady Catherine had attempted to interfere on the household care, mainly after the former had fallen ill. The late Mr. Darcy and more recently his son endured her ladyship's endeavours very well, refusing to be led. Mrs. Hart hoped that the new Mistress would do the same.
Before entering the room, Mrs. Hart had been informed about the "scene" that her ladyship had just seen in the room and a maid had been sent to the mistress' chamber in order to inform her about the events. The situation was very delicate indeed, still the housekeeper hoped she would be able to control it before the master could come to solve it out.
"Good morning, ma'am." Mrs. Hart said in a masterful manner.
"Good morning, Mrs. Hart." Lady Catherine gazed at the door, as if expecting someone. "I have asked for my nephew, not for one of his servants."
Mrs. Hart's tightened her lips discreetly, but kept her face inexpressive. "I am afraid Mr. Darcy is out, ma'am. He left early for his club."
"He has not been married for three months and he already spends his day in a club! I see!" Lady Catherine exclaimed in disdain. "And what have you been doing that you have not sent anyone to fetch him yet? I told the butler I have an urgent matter to discuss with Darcy and I dislike waiting." She nodded her head, "You used to do your job better, Mrs. Hart. It seems that you have started to follow the new Mistress' procedures and this is not to be born. This 'lady' -" She sniffed, "has no idea how to govern a house of such a magnitude properly."
Mrs. Hart ignored the criticism and proceeded, "A footman has been already sent to fetch Mr. Darcy, ma'am. Meanwhile, the mistress will be honoured in welcome you in the withdrawing room." Mrs. Hart wished to take Lady Catherine out of the room and allow time so that the couple could "retreat".
"I do not wish to move anywhere, nor do I wish to talk to the 'mistress'." Lady Catherine grumbled, finally taking a seat, her back stiff. She hit his cane on the carpet and looked down anew at Mary and Dr. Pollock, who were still immobile, waiting for the slightest chance to escape the room.
The door was open again and Robert announced, "Mrs. Darcy". The footman could hardly suppress his amusement - it had been ages since such a commotion had agitated the household. Actually the last time that bedlam had threatened to take the house down was when the young master and his cousin, now a colonel, had arrived absolutely drunk, bringing some "merry" ladies with them. Only Mrs. Hart's fast and effective action had prevented the late Mr. Darcy from discovering the "guests" joyfully singing - and doing only the Good Lord knew what else - in his library.
Elizabeth was already aware of the turmoil caused by Lady Catherine's arrival and what she had seen in the morning room. Armed with the best of good will and patience, she entered the room and was immediately approached by the housekeeper.
"Mrs. Darcy, allow me to introduce Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Darcy's aunt." Mrs. Hart pointed at a well-dressed lady in her fifties, perching on the edge of the armchair and studying her with fierce eyes.
Introductions made, Lady Catherine made no other comment than a slight inclination of the head. The dead bird in her hat was now pointed at Elizabeth, who promptly ignored the menacing and disgusting vision and offered some refreshment to her ladyship.
"I do want nothing, but speak to my nephew." The lady ungracefully answered, her displeasure patent in her face.
As a confrontation seemed now unavoidable, Elizabeth quickly decided to have the others removed from the room. "Mary, I believe that Jane would like to talk to you about a couple of details concerning the ball." Next, turning to Dr. Pollock, "Mr. Darcy would like to see you after he is back from his club. Mrs. Hart will lead you to my husband's library, where you will be able to wait for him in privacy, doctor."
The three of them did what had been "suggested" and now Elizabeth was alone with Lady Catherine. She slowly sat down across from her ladyship and faced her with a serene façade, although inside she was all turmoil, unsure of what would come out of it. She still could not conceive that Mary, of all the Bennets, had been the one caught kissing a gentleman who was not even her fiancé! As a matter of fact, the doctor was a complete stranger for her. What could have happened? Perchance Lady Catherine is exaggerating what she saw, but I wonder why.
And to be surprised committing such an action by Lady Catherine - Elizabeth had never met her before, but from what she could gather from the servants' opinions, the lady was very opinionated and assertive. These traits had already crossed her mind when she first heard of Lady Catherine from her cousin Mr. Collins. Despite the clergyman's endeavour of painting his benefactor as a saint, his panegyric had had the opposite effect on Elizabeth.
To make the matters worse, Darcy had told her about Lady Catherine's disapproval of their marriage. According to him, the lady had severed any relationship since she was informed of the matrimony. Therefore, Elizabeth could hardly surmise the reasons for Lady Catherine calling out, and at so an improper hour. Could it be something concerning a family's matter? Very unlikely - the lady might have sent her solicitor to do such a thing. Would she impose her will on her nephew and force him to annul the marriage?
Nevertheless, it was Darcy's reaction to the "scandal" that was forming in the horizon that was distressing Elizabeth the most. To her dismay, once again her family had behaved improperly, under Darcy's roof and having his overbearing aunt as a witness. Surely it would not be something taken lightly by her husband. And in such a delicate moment in our relationship. I do not even know whether he will forgive me for having unfairly insulted and accused him.
Lady Catherine's scornful voice took Elizabeth out of her reverie. She wished to clarify her feelings towards her nephew's wife so that there would be no doubt concerning her opinion of Darcy's match. "I believe you have already had knowledge of my disapproving your alliance to my nephew, Mrs. Darcy." She held her chin very high and gazed at Elizabeth down her nose. "I am not sure how exactly you accomplished to make my nephew forget what he owes to himself and to all his family, but certainly your arts and allurements will not hold him forever."
Elizabeth gasped at the lady's boldness, still she managed to reply, " If I did so, I would be the last one to confess. However, only your nephew can decide whether my 'arts and allurements' - as your ladyship spoke so - will remain 'enchanting' or not. I am afraid such a power does not belong to your ladyship."
Lady Catherine frowned at Elizabeth. "Insolent woman! I am not to be trifled with like this! Who do you take me for?" She clutched her cane and hit it on the ground thrice. "You dared to prevent a planned union between Darcy and my daughter from being accomplished."
"If that was so, he would never have proposed to me, ma'am. Am I inclined to believe that you do not consider your nephew an honourable man?" Elizabeth retorted.
Lady Catherine hesitated a little. "It was a peculiar engagement between them. It had been planned since their infancy, the favourite wish of his mother as well as hers. You paid no regard to his family's wishes at all."
"But what was that to me? If there was no other objection to my marrying your nephew, I should certainly not be kept from it knowing that his mother and aunt wished him to marry Miss de Bourgh. If your nephew was neither by honour - as it seems to me he had never committed himself to such an alliance, nor inclination, why was not he to make another choice? And if I was that choice, why might I not accept him?"
"Because honour, decorum, prudence - nay, interest, forbade it. Yes, interest, for do not expect to be noticed by his family or friends. Your alliance is a disgrace, your name will never be mentioned by any of us."
Elizabeth was infuriated. "These are heavy misfortunes indeed. But as a wife of Mr. Darcy I have had such extraordinary sources of happiness necessarily attached to the situation, that I can not, upon the whole, have cause to repine."
Lady Catherine became more appalled. "And how long will this 'happiness' of yours last, Mrs. Darcy? Your 'education' must not have even prepared you to face such a possibility. It seems to me you have a very romantic view of what a marriage is. I see your family had no money, no connections, nothing to recommend and prepare you to my nephew's world. You are to regret for having quitted your sphere in the years to come."
"On marrying your nephew I have not quitted any sphere, ma'am. He is a gentleman, and I am a gentleman's daughter: so far we are equal."
"True. But who was your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition! And above all, the misbehaviour of your family - Mr. Collins had already related to me the wild manner in which your sisters have been grown up. But nothing had prepared me to what I have seen here - your sister seducing the doctor in the morning room! Heaven and earth - fortunately my good father is not alive to see such a debauchery, nor my sister! How long will the shades of Pemberley be thus polluted?"
Elizabeth stood up and stated, "Whatever my connections and my family's behaviour may be, if your nephew does not object to them, they can be nothing to you, ma'am." She breathed in. "And whatever your ladyship may say, I shall never regret having married such an honourable, respectful and amiable man."
Lady Catherine also rose, but her reply was lost under the grave sentence coming from the door, "I guess it is enough, ladies."
The two ladies span around to see Darcy standing on the door. So involved had they been that they had not noticed Darcy's presence. Elizabeth became more dismayed than she already was - he had listened to everything she had argued with Lady Catherine about, chiefly her passionate defense of him and their marriage.
Elizabeth looked at him standing there, very attractive in a dark green attire. His eyes were flaming, still Elizabeth was unable to divine what his real feelings were. His irritation was patent and he had plenty of reasons to be so: his being summoned up at his club; the "news" about Mary, which he had certainly been informed on; his watching his aunt and wife quarreling. However, to whom he would direct his anger and whom would be forgiven, Elizabeth could not risk an opinion.
Darcy was irritated indeed, since he immensely disliked the disrespectful manner in which Lady Catherine was behaving towards Elizabeth. Yet there were other thoughts colliding in his mind: amusement, due to the affair related to his sister-in-law; and pleasure in which concerned Elizabeth's words about him. I shall never regret having married such an honourable, respectful and amiable man, she had said. He knew her very well to believe that if this were not her real opinion of him, she would never have professed it, let alone in such an earnest manner. The word "hope" now sounded more meaningful than it had been before.
Nonetheless, much as he wished to put aside Lady Catherine and Mary Bennet's strange case and beg Elizabeth to clarify her statement, it could not be so. Duty was calling and he had to take action in his hands before his aunt recovered from her surprised state and had time to utter her irrational objections. And worse than this, his aunt could insult Elizabeth in such an irremediable way which could mar any chance of reconciliation between his wife and himself. Thus, he strode across the morning room and stopped near his wife, his hand taking possession of her arm.
Elizabeth instinctively stiffened the muscles of her forearm, a cold sensation running through her spine. Darcy immediately caressed the silky skin of her arm with the tip of his fingers, as if reassuring her of his support and he felt her slowly relax to his touch. Their silent interaction surely was not noticed by Lady Catherine, but it spoke volumes to the couple.
"I believe you have already been introduced, ladies." Darcy finally stated.
"An avoidable event, had you been here when I arrived rather than wasting time at a club." Lady Catherine contemptibly replied.
"I am afraid the customary calls are made in the afternoon, ma'am." Darcy in vain attempted to sound courteous, as his criticism of his aunt's breach of etiquette was very clear.
"You do not need to remind me of Society rules, Darcy. Spare this to the social climber you married. I am family and there is no 'proper time' for callings from relatives, mainly if it is raised by necessity." Lady Catherine frowned at Darcy.
"I would not like to remind your ladyship of your being in my house." Darcy said between his teeth. "I shall not tolerate any discourtesy to my wife."
"How dare you?" Lady Catherine was furious. "You have lost all sense of decorum and of what you owe to your family! I knew that this would happen and I had warned you about." She looked around the room with pain in her face. "Oh how fortunate your poor mother is not alive to see how low her son has stooped, to see her dearest residence changed in a place devoted to dissipation." She pointed at Elizabeth. "And everything because of a girl who does not know where her place belongs to, who dared to debauch you and throw your name and your family's in the gutter."
"Lady Catherine -"
"Do not interrupt me, Darcy!" Her ladyship grabbed her cane anew and waved it in the air. "To think you betrayed your mother's wishes - you knew your mother and I had agreed about your marriage to my dear Anne."
"I do not know anything about the matter - my mother never mentioned such a commitment to me, nor my father. Therefore, I did not 'betray' my mother by not marrying my cousin Anne."
"Of course you did! You betrayed everything you were taught to value - our family's name and situation, by marrying a nobody from Hampshire --"
"Hertfordshire." Darcy corrected in amusement. Elizabeth could hardly restrain herself.
"Wherever!"
"As I told your ladyship in my last missive, I have no wish to canvass my marriage with you. If you have come here with this purpose in mind, I may say we have nothing else to discuss, ma'am." Darcy attempted to put an end to the matter.
"As a matter of fact, I have not. I know you are lost for ever, but there is someone else I can still rescue." The lady scowled at her nephew. "And after what I have just witnessed here, nobody will make me retreat without having accomplished it. I believe you must be aware of your sister-in-law's actions in this very place half an hour ago."
"I believe you may have misunderstood what you saw, ma'am. My sister has not been well and perchance she felt ill and the doctor had to help her." Darcy knew that this was impossible, as the footman had also seen the "activity" inside the morning room and there was no doubt concerning the nature of it. Still, he could not allow Lady Catherine to have the last word upon the matter.
"Perhaps the medical practice has been altered and now the doctors kiss their patients in order to reanimate them - what a nonsense!" Then, momentarily sinking her irritation into oblivion, Lady Catherine proceeded, "But where is Dr. Wyndham, Darcy? To use the services of a Scots apothecary? This is not to be borne! If Dr. Wyndham is not attending his patients anymore, you should have asked for my advice upon the matter. I would certainly indicate a prestigious doctor to serve the family."
Elizabeth did not know whether to laugh at the lady's absurdity or to pity her. Her initial anger had subsided under Darcy's defense of her and her sister. Not that she needed a knight in shining armour to protect her, still it was comforting to know that he had taken her side against his own family. At least for now, he would not criticise her in front of his aunt.
"This is another subject that I am not discussing either, ma'am." Darcy was firm.
"Even so, such a dishonourable man can not attend your family!" Lady Catherine insisted. "I shall never forget what I saw here - Lord knows what else would have happened, had I not stepped in this room."
"If we were to be scandalised by every single kiss stolen around the country, even St. James would be considered a wicked place, one that the pure would be forbidden to ever step in, Lady Catherine. Nor Rosings would be out of such a 'list'." Darcy elaborated. He was already too irked to bear his aunt's preposterousness any longer.
"This is..." Lady Catherine choked and became purple. For a moment Darcy and Elizabeth thought she could have an apoplexy in front of them, but the lady recovered herself very fast, so that her sharp tongue could speak out all the indignation she was feeling. "This is infamy! You have completely lost your senses, Darcy, but I am not going to allow you to draw Georgiana into such a perverted life. No indeed! This was my sole intention to come here, and now I am determined - I shall not leave if my niece is not going with me!"
"I beg your pardon?" Darcy released Elizabeth's arm and stepped forward.
"I have already decided to take Georgiana with me before coming here. My being affronted by your relations' misbehaviour and offended by your wife and you only reinforced my initial idea." Lady Catherine glared at Darcy in challenge.
"I beg to differ, ma'am. Georgiana is going nowhere outside this house." Darcy retorted.
"I shall repeat, Darcy - Georgiana is going with me to Rosings. My poor niece can not pay for her brother's insanity."
"I am afraid there is no point here, ma'am. Georgiana is not leaving. My father designated Richard and me as her guardians and I am not quitting such a responsibility."
"You have already done it, Darcy, when you crossed the gate out of duty, honour and decency. I am sure his lordship will agree with me when I report to him on --" She halted and looked around the room in disdain, to fix her gaze at Elizabeth. "Everything! The Earl of Matlock will become seriously displeased." Despite her tone, she realised she had lost her ground here and the best she would do now was retreat and ask for her brother's help.
"I am sure his lordship will understand that there have been some misunderstandings, Lady Catherine." Darcy's reply was brief, as he did not wish to pursue the matter any longer.
"We shall see, Darcy." Lady Catherine then swaggered past Darcy and Elizabeth, coming to a halt in the middle of the room, without turning around, "I take no leave of both of you. You deserve no such attention." Having said so, she left as quickly as she had come, her voice being heard in the corridor, probably scolding the footman or the butler who would see her to the door.
As in a mirror, Darcy and Elizabeth collapsed in opposite chairs, remaining still for few minutes. Darcy studied his wife's face as if reassuring himself that she was not unwell and finally stated, "You should have not been exposed to such annoying events!" He passed his hand through his hair.
"I believe it was unavoidable due to the circumstances." She answered, her eyes unable to meet his. Despite his defense of her, she guessed he should be criticising her for the last events deep inside. And he was unfortunately right.
"It is my fault. I should have told Mrs. Hart not to disturb you for anything."
"Do not worry. I am well." Elizabeth could not help inquiring, "Do you believe that any harm will come from our disagreement with Lady Catherine today?"
"I do not think so. Certainly she will not receive us in her state, but my uncle the Earl of Matlock will not allow her to spread any hearsay about us, let alone her ladyship taking Georgiana from us - it would be such a scandal that would not only damage our reputation, but also the whole family's." Darcy seemed very secure of this.
"Does he--" Elizabeth hesitated. "Does he disapprove of our marriage?"
"He disapproves of any marriage in haste, like it was ours. Yet Richard told me that he was able to convince his lordship that we had fallen in love at first sight, therefore we could not have helped such a fast matrimony."
"I see." The silence descended between them for few moments. They knew there was still a matter to dealt, but none of them wished to start.
" I assume that the doctor had just confirmed your healthy state before my aunt's arrival." Darcy stated tentatively.
"The doctor--" Elizabeth looked up at her husband. They would argue again, and again about something strange to their own lives. "Fitzwilliam, I do not conceive whatever may have happened here..."
"So, please do not say anything before we have the chance of speaking to the doctor and your sister, Elizabeth." Darcy suggested.
Elizabeth stared at him in disbelief. No reproach - could it be? He seemed concerned rather than distressed or anger. "Y-Yes, perhaps I should talk to Mary."
"Aye, as Mr. Bennet is not here, I think your sister Jane and you should talk to her. If I am not imposing, I could talk to Dr. Pollock on behalf of your father and question him about his intention regarding your sister." Darcy stood up and offered his hand to her.
"Would you do this for us?" Elizabeth accepted her husband's help and raised, but Darcy did not release her hand, increasing Elizabeth's distraction.
"It would be an honour." He smiled a little and tightened his grip. Next, recovering himself a little, he freed Elizabeth's hand and asked, "Do you know where Dr. Pollock is?"
"I sent him to the library before Lady Catherine could 'slay' him."
"I shall ask Mrs. Hart to fetch your sisters here. I am going to talk with the doctor in the library and see what we can do to solve this out for everyone's best interests." And so he did.
Jane cheerfully entered the morning room, followed by a quiet Mary. The bride-to-be thought that Elizabeth had asked Mrs. Hart to summon them in order to discuss something related to the last dress fittings to be done at Mme. Avignon's later in the afternoon. However, upon seeing her sister's rather distressed face, Jane could not help but think that something of a more serious nature must have happened. "Is anything the matter, Lizzy? You look quite worried."
Jane and Mary took a seat near the fireplace, but Elizabeth remained standing across from them. She looked at Mary then at Jane, "Has Mary not told you anything about her being 'attended' by Dr. Pollock?"
"Nay." Turning to Mary, "Oh dear! I hope it is not anything serious, Mary."
Mary grew uncomfortable and was prevented from replying by Elizabeth's fast response, "Very serious indeed, Jane! But not concerning her health."
Jane was confused. She stared at Elizabeth, "I do not understand, Lizzy."
"Mary was caught kissing Dr. Pollock." Elizabeth asserted laconically.
"What?" Jane's astonishment made her forget her manners temporarily.
"Lady Catherine, my husband's aunt, entered this room only to meet Mary engaged in a kiss with the doctor." Elizabeth elaborated.
"Mary? It is impossible. The lady must have misunderstood --"
"My thoughts exactly when I was first told. But Robert the footmen confirmed the information." Elizabeth continued gazing at Mary.
Mary immediately raised, "It was not like this! You describe it as something vile--"
"Mary!" Elizabeth grew impatient. "How could it not be so? You hardly knew the doctor and you allowed him to kiss you!"
"In the manner you put it, you consider my behaviour improper only because the doctor is a stranger to me." Mary paced in front of Elizabeth. "However, were he my betrothed and stealing a kiss would be allowed - like it was so to Mr. Darcy some time ago, on that day he brought his cousin to Longbourn; and to Mr. Bingley, in the still room last week." Mary felt a little guilty for talking about this in such a fashion, mainly because she had already overcome the "moralising phase". Yet she could not help it.
Elizabeth and Jane blushed to the allusion of their own little but still faults. Jane, not married yet, was mortified that someone must have seen dear Charles and she in an intimate moment. However, Elizabeth was not a novice in the subject any longer, thus she mastered her embarrassment and exclaimed, "At least Jane is engaged to the gentleman, and so was I. Unfortunately, we can not state the same about you."
Mary sulked and answered nothing. The two eldest sisters exchanged glances and understood that this conversation with Mary would not be easy - perchance they should have left the matter to be solved by their father. At last, Elizabeth took a deep breath and said, "Mary, we are only attempting to understand what happened in this room. Your behaviour, according to the accounts, do not agree with all we have known of your disposition at all."
Mary stopped her pacing. "I beg your pardon, but you are not. You are ready to pass judgment on me, not to understand me."
It was Jane's turn to stand up, "Lizzy, I believe we should listen to what our sister has to tell us. I am sure she must have a good explanation for whichever took place here." Jane's sweet and conciliatory tone seemed to work, and the three sisters sat down anew. Jane then proceeded, "Mary, you must understand Lizzy's position too - you are a guest of her sister-in-law's, but you are under Lizzy's responsibility. Moreover, if there was an improper action, it occurred in her very house and with Mr. Darcy's aunt as a witness."
Mary arranged her spectacles over her nose before saying, "I do understand all of this, but --" She paused. "I do not know if you realised how much things have changed..."
"Yes, we did." Elizabeth quickly answered. "Despite our own concerns, Jane and I noticed indeed that you have changed for the past three weeks, Mary. It had been a positive alteration in your manners, even in your countenance, until yesterday - after your coming back from a stroll in _____ Park, you have behaved rather peculiarly and it seems that the apex of it was this event this morning. I still can not conceive how or why you would have conducted yourself like this, let alone with a stranger."
"He was not a stranger, Lizzy. And he was actually proposing marriage to me when we were interrupted by Lady Catherine." Mary sighed. The truth had finally been voiced.
Elizabeth's and Jane's mouths fell open almost at the same time. For a few time, both sisters were like in a trance, her minds wondering about what Mary had just spoken. At last, Jane conquered her amazement and mumbled, "B-B-But you had just been introduced to Dr. Pollock."
"No, I had not." Mary grabbed the folds of her skirt and remained so for few seconds, deliberating. "I met Dr. Pollock at a bookstore more than a week ago." Mary thus related everything that had succeeded since their first meeting at the bookstore - their aliases, how often and where they met subsequently, how they enjoyed each other's company. Elizabeth and Jane grew astonished at every new piece Mary talked about. Nonetheless, the meeting in the Park when Mary escaped from the doctor was the narrative that most surprised the two sisters.
"It was a risk indeed, Mary. You knew nothing about him then - he could have mistaken you for a Darcy and planned to abduct you, for example." Elizabeth argued, more in fear of what might have happened than in criticism. "Not to mention how improper such a meeting was."
"I only perceived my mistake when I was already there, speaking to him. That is why I fled." Mary then talked about how surprised she had become on finding earlier this morning that he was the family's doctor, and about their talk in the morning room before Lady Catherine's arrival.
Jane grabbed Mary's hand in support. "Oh dear! Everything sounds so romantic, but it is likewise so strange."
Elizabeth massaged her forehead, a headache was starting to annoy her. "Mary, I do not know what to think." Elizabeth could understand Mary's adventure, still she could not help being shocked. " Did you intend to accept Dr. Pollock's proposal?"
"Yes, I did." Mary did not hesitate to reply.
" I know that there is a possibility of a scandal and due to it you and the doctor might have to marry. Apart from this, you would not have to engage yourself - I mean, if we are able to prevent the hearsay." Elizabeth was against marriages forced by scandals, one of the reasons why she had to be persuaded by Darcy into their own matrimony - Elizabeth had been seen in Darcy's arms when the latter was only helping her, after he had prevented Wickham from seducing her. The incident had generated rumours around Meryton, pressing Darcy and Elizabeth to get married.
It seems that everything occurred a long time ago. Elizabeth allowed herself to think. How my thoughts and my feelings for Darcy have been altered since that afternoon at Longbourn, when he proposed to me. A crack in the fireplace brought her back to the present and to Mary's predicament and Elizabeth asked, "Are you sure you should marry Dr. Pollock after having been acquainted with him for only a week, Mary?"
"I am. I do not know if you can comprehend this, but he came to me because he was interested in me, not because it could be easier to approach one of my sisters. He saw me and understood me as I am, not how I could be if I behaved in a determined fashion. He listened to my opinions, agreeing or not with them. He made me laugh and he made me think we could talk about anything for ever. And I am sure he feels the same. If this is not love, what else could it be?"
Jane stood up and prompted Mary to do the same. After, she embraced her younger sister in earnest, "I shall not say anything about the kiss to our father, Mary. If you think he is the best for you, marry him. I hope father will give his blessing. I am very happy for you." Surprised by Jane's embrace, Mary murmured a thank you while attempting not to let her spectacles fall off her nose.
Elizabeth hesitated a little longer, but ended up joining Jane and Mary. "I agree with Jane. I hope you will be very happy, Mary."
The sisters' fraternal moment was interrupted by a knock on the door - Darcy was back, after having had a conversation with Dr. Pollock. He crossed the room and talked to his wife, "Elizabeth, if Mary has finished talking to you, Dr. Pollock would like to have a word with her before his leaving." Darcy seemed somewhat amused by the whole situation. "Naturally, they will be properly chaperoned by Mrs. Hart."
Mary excused herself and left the room quickly, half in anticipation of talking to "Hector" again, half in fear of Darcy - she had not grown used to him yet. Even his comical tone had not been enough to assure her of his understanding concerning the matter. After she had gone, Darcy took a seat near Elizabeth and including Jane in the conversation, reported on the doctor's side.
"Well, I see it is true that he was going to propose marriage to Mary before your aunt's arrival, Darcy." Elizabeth concluded after hearing to her husband's accounts.
"Indeed! I have always thought that Lady Catherine had a 'perfect' timing, Elizabeth." Darcy laughed a little. "Seriously, despite the strange story about their forming an acquaintance, the doctor is absolutely determined to marry your sister."
"As well as she is determined to marry him."
"Do not distress yourselves." Darcy directed himself to Jane too. "Col. Fitzwilliam investigated about Dr. Pollock's life right after 'that' event." Darcy avoided voicing the word "duel", as he did not like to remember that repulsive day. "He was well praised by his superiors of the Regiment he served in for more than three years as being loyal and trustworthy - they could not remember anything that could be said against his disposition. He is from a merchant family from Scotland, that has several establishments here in London. I do not think your father will raise any objection to Mary marrying him."
"We hope our father will give his blessing, Mr. Darcy. I have exchanged with him not more than a couple of words, but Mary seems to trust him - if my sister does so, she must not be wrong." Jane replied.
"By the way, I took the liberty of inviting Dr. Pollock to go with my family and you to Meryton and attend the ball, Miss Bennet. I thought that the doctor and your sister would like to settle things with your father very quickly. I hope you will not mind my boldness." Darcy stated.
"Not at all.. Certainly Charles will be glad to have the doctor as his guest. I think it was a splendid idea, Mr. Darcy. Do you not think so, Lizzy?"
"Ah?" Upon having heard Darcy speaking about his invitation to the doctor, Elizabeth had become a little distressed. I took the liberty of inviting Dr. Pollock to go with my family and you , had said he. Had she misunderstood him or had he not included himself in the party going to Meryton for the ball?
Jane grinned at her sister for her absentmindedness and repeated, "Do you not think that Mr. Darcy was right in inviting Dr. Pollock for the ball on my behalf?"
"Yes, he was." Elizabeth replied in haste, her thoughts still dwelling upon Darcy's words.
"Well, I think I should leave you now. I would also like to talk to the doctor before he departs." And Jane took her leave.
Elizabeth and Darcy were alone in the morning room anew. The silence between them was only momentarily interrupted by the crackling of the wood in the hearth, or by the servants' steps outside the room. Both of them were still too touched by the events of the two past days and they knew that, despite the urgency of determining their own situation, they were in need of some time to settle their thoughts and feelings before all the cards were laid down on the table.
Darcy was still unsure about Elizabeth's feelings concerning him - had she forgiven him for separating Miss Bennet and Bingley? Had she forgiven him for his harsh words about her family? How ironic that he had criticised her family for their misbehaviour and Elizabeth had just been a victim of Lady Catherine's lack of good manners. Would Elizabeth ever forgive him for his allowing his aunt to insult her? And more than this, did she care for him as to forget all of this and start again? She defended me so fiercely against my aunt's reproach. Even so, should I dare to hope?
On her turn, Elizabeth was dealing with conflictive feelings: Darcy had proved he had nothing to do with Miss Hargraves' sad affair; Jane and Mr. Bingley were reconciled and to be married; he had handled Mary and Dr. Pollock's kiss so well, even with the situation bordering on a scandal. Definitely, Elizabeth was starting to feel ashamed of the manner she had treated him last January. Once again in her life, and worse, in a matter of few months, had she not been so prejudiced against Darcy, she would have seen he cared for her and that in spite of some difference in their understanding and temper, they would have lived happily together.
To her dismay, she knew she loved him - she had never stopped loving him, even when she was so passionately entertaining incensed thoughts against him. And she knew he had loved her too, as he had confessed so. She was not sure, however, of the constancy of his feelings - had they been strong and deep enough to bear her impertinence, to overcome her ingratitude? If I ask him to forgive me, shall we be able to start again? Should I dare to hope?
Resolved to try her luck, Elizabeth decided to inquire from Darcy, "I think I misunderstood you when you were speaking to Jane about inviting Dr. Pollock for the ball - are you not coming to Meryton with us on the 13th?"
Darcy sighed. It was incredible how observant Elizabeth was. "No, you did not. I am not leaving with you. Actually, I should be preparing myself for a journey by now, rather than rejoicing in the warmth of the fireplace and of your company."
Elizabeth stared at him, "A journey? Are you not going to attend the ball with me?" She could hardly hide her surprise and disappointment.
"I have some urgent business in the North and I am going to leave after luncheon. But I shall have time to join you at Netherfield on the 15th." It was Darcy's turn to barely conceal his diversion, the same question playing again and again in his mind, Should I dare to hope, Liz?
Confused, Elizabeth mumbled, "I - I hoped that--" She regained control of herself and finally concealed her frustration, "I mean, I was hoping that we could talk before the ball, yet I see it will not do so." She dismissed the subject by waving her hand in the air. "I guess we can wait a little."
Darcy stood up and stopped in front of her. Then, he took her right hand and kissed it quickly and so lightly that Elizabeth wondered if she had not dreamed of it. She did not move a muscle though, her breath held in her lungs. Darcy looked up at her, finding her eyes shining in suspense. He twisted his lip in a manner difficult to ascertain whether he was smiling at her or criticising her and finally spoke, "Aye, we can. See you later, Mrs. Darcy?"
Elizabeth held his gaze, but only said, "See you."
Author's note: As I started this story right after the Netherfield Ball, I thought it was fair to finish it AFTER another ball. ;-)
For my daughter Amanda, who loves balls, especially the Ball at Netherfield featured in P&P2.
Netherfield Ball
15th of February, 1812.
Elizabeth wandered around the decorated rooms of Netherfield, observing her mother's work. Mrs. Bennet could not have much sense, but even Elizabeth could not deny her mother's penchant for entertaining and how well she accomplished to do such things. Mr. Bingley, not wishing his sisters' interference on his life any longer, had relied on Mrs. Bennet's help to organise the ball in honour of his fiancée Miss Jane Bennet. The matron, pleased with the honour and excited at the idea of having such an event in her hands, had sworn to do the best ball Meryton had ever seen.
As far as the organisation and preparative were concerned, Mrs. Bennet had accomplished her dream - everything from the decoration to the musicians hired in London, from the richness and variety of food offered, its display on the tables to the sophistication of the tablecloths looked perfect and harmonically arranged.
Elizabeth looked at her mother standing together with Mr. Bennet, Mr. Bingley and Jane in the parlour, welcoming the guests: Mrs. Bennet was radiant, aware of her good work Besides, she had a daughter married to a ten-thousand-a-year gentleman; another engaged to a not less rich gentleman; and a third daughter, the one she judged to be the least to find a suitor, let alone to marry anyone, recently engaged to a doctor. She could barely suppress her pride.
Mr. Bennet caught his favourite's gaze. He rolled his eyes and grinned at her. He would rather break a leg than confess it to his spouse, but he was also content with the satisfactory manner in which his daughters were settling in life. He had told Elizabeth so as soon as he had given his blessing to Mary's marriage to Dr. Pollock and the news of it had been announced at Longbourn.
Although her father had confided his feelings to her, Elizabeth had evaded his questions about her own happiness. She had done so by telling him that there was a secret to be revealed only after the ball was over. She had her baby in mind then and it was true that she wished to wait for the end of the ball as to disclosure the tidings, lest it would not spoil Jane's and Mary's moment to shine. She did not know if her father had bought her excuse. However, it had been the only thing she could state at that moment - the extension of her contentment could not be measured yet, not before all the situation had been established with her husband.
Her husband... As to avoid thinking of Darcy - something Elizabeth had done all day long, she continued her stroll around the ballroom, observing the guests who were already taking their places around the room, enjoying the music, greeting old acquaintances and being introduced to new ones. Most Meryton inhabitants were already assembling the room - she had talked to the Greens, to the Robinsons, to the Lewis. The Longs were absent, since her youngest niece had not recovered from a strange "illness" that had isolated her in the country.
The Lucases had come though, bringing with them Mr. Collins and Charlotte. Elizabeth was anxious to talk to her old friend, but Mr. Collins, who bore a scandalised face while looking at her, had prevented the two friends from exchanging more than the usual pleasantries. Had Lady Catherine told him about Mary yet? Judging by his face and manners, it seemed so.
All of them without exception had inquired about her husband and to all she had informed that he had been called on urgent business in the North, but he was expected at any moment. Indeed, this "any moment" should have been in the morning or in the afternoon. However, the hours had ticked by and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy had not arrived. Elizabeth had even sent her maid Helen to wander about in the master's bedchamber and the latter had told her mistress that the master's attire for the evening had already been properly attended by his valet. Yet the ball had started and the master himself had not showed up .
Catching herself looking through one of the windows, endeavouring to see the known crest on one of the carriages, Elizabeth censured herself for so foolish an action. In order for deviating her thoughts from her husband, she once again riveted on the guests spread around the now crowded room. The profusion of red coats almost hurt her eyes, but it seemed they did no harm to Lydia's, who was surrounded by at least half a dozen officers, laughing her head off at any silly remark made by her companions.
Lydia looked pretty in the beige muslin she had picked, still Elizabeth thought that the cleavage was too low for such a young lass, as well as Lydia's behaviour was becoming too wild for her to be considered a lady. Still her mother did not seem to care, nor her father paid any attention to this and the abandon of a proper guidance to Lydia was starting to worry Elizabeth.
Strangely, Kitty was not with Lydia tonight, sharing the red coats' regard. Elizabeth looked around the ballroom and found Kitty looking rather angry and morose sitting near Maria Lucas on a corner. Elizabeth was going to cross the room towards her sister when a voice made her halt and spin around.
"Mrs. Eliza Darcy! What a pleasure!" Caroline Bingley exclaimed, being escorted by a gentleman in his early forties. In an orange velvet dress with a gold banding and a light orange underskirt becoming visible from knees down and feathers arranged in her silk dark hair, she seemed absolutely confident and proud parading around with the gentleman.
"How do you do, Miss Bingley?" Elizabeth inquired, resolved to tolerate Bingley's sister a little for Jane's sake. Moreover, now aware that Caroline Bingley's acrimony towards her was due to the lady's interest on Darcy and consequently jealousy, Elizabeth could not help but be curious about how Bingley's sister would bear her.
The ladies exchanged the expected pleasantries and Elizabeth also greeted Mr. and Mrs. Hurst who were right behind Miss Bingley. Mrs. Hurst, in a green attire and wearing a matching turban with feathers that looked like they had just been taken from a wet peacock, could hardly reply to Elizabeth's addressing as Mr. Hurst impelled her to go on, anxious as he was to find some good wine.
Unaware of her sister's predicament, Miss Bingley went on, "May I introduce Lord Cyril Penfield, the Earl of Trenty?"
"Delighted to make your acquaintance, ma'am." Lord Trenty bowed to Elizabeth, a curious smile playing in his lips. He was still rather attractive, with bright blue eyes and blond hair, yet he was balding.
"The pleasure is mine, my lord." Elizabeth responded.
"Oh you can not conceive how glad I am that Charles is going to marry sweet Jane." Caroline battered her eyelashes. "Although it caught us all by surprise - so suddenly, and in such a haste. Well, it seems that this is the manner the Bennets like to have their marriages: unexpected and in a quick fashion."
Elizabeth discerned Caroline's barb behind her false smile. "Indeed? Perchance your brother and my sister would have got engaged even earlier, Miss Bingley. Had he been aware of Jane being in Town early January and they would certainly be married by now. But it seems Mr. Bingley was only informed about it later, when my sister had already left London."
Perceiving the exchange of remarks, Lord Trenty attempted to take control of the situation, "Mr. Darcy's marriage to you, ma'am and Mr. Bingley's upcoming have raised curiosity in the Ton. There are many present here who did almost everything to obtain an invitation so that they could see by themselves how enticing the ladies of Hertfordshire are."
Truly, Mr. Bingley had invited many people from Town, mainly the ones who had attended Cambridge with him. Elizabeth herself had seen many elegant, but unfamiliar faces around. Lord Trenty's comment did not please Caroline though, who ignored her companion's conciliatory tone and inquired,
"Talking about Mr. Darcy, where has he been? I have not had the pleasure of meeting him yet."
Elizabeth mentally cursed the lady but forced herself to grin while responding, "He is away on business, but he will be arriving shortly. A little late, I agree, yet he would never miss such an event involving his best friend."
Caroline's eyes sparkled in triumph. Covering her lips with her hand, she laughed a little, before attacking again, "Oh he has already commenced to be away 'on business', has he not? I believe it is a little early to do so, but some gentlemen grow bored very fast, you know."
"Perhaps." Elizabeth answered, endeavouring to control her rage. "Still I do not mind his often traveling, as the best of Mr. Darcy's 'business trips' is that, upon his arrival, there are no limits for the happiness we enjoy and share. When you are married, Miss Bingley, I am sure you will be able to understand the pleasure of welcoming your husband home."
Caroline choked on the allusion to her still single status and was preparing to retort, but Lord Trenty, not wishing to see feathers flying so early at the ball, excused them and dragged her towards the first acquaintance passing by. Infuriated, Elizabeth was left to herself and she instinctively walked towards a nearby window, peering through the carriages outside. "Where are you?" She murmured to the cold glass and her breath misted the surface.
I guess the balls at Netherfield are not a lucky event for me. In the last one given in November, I had come in the hope of enjoying it with Mr. Wickham by my side. Instead, I was forced to dance with Mr. Collins and tolerate his repulsive attentions. Moreover, I had to dance with Fitzwilliam and I remember I was quite angry at him because of Mr. Wickham's falsehoods. How silly I was then. The musicians stopped playing and Elizabeth turned around. Their parents, Mr. Bingley and Jane had left the entrance, a sign that there were no other guests to arrive.
The musicians then started to play the first accords of a country dance and a set, led by Jane and her fiancé, lined in the ballroom. Elizabeth sighed. He would not come. How silly I have been for four days! For looking forward to seeing you again, to speaking to you again. For thinking that we could enjoy the ball together and commence anew. For expecting that this ball could be special for us - how could I have fooled myself in such a way? But I could not help myself - it seemed so convenient.
Despite her sadness, Elizabeth would not allow this to spoil her time. She looked across the ballroom and saw Mary amiably chatting with Dr. Pollock. She was happy for Mary. She looked at Jane facing Mr. Bingley in the dance set, both of them absolutely in joy. She was happy for Jane.
So absorbed was Elizabeth observing her sisters' rapture that she did not realise a shadow coming out of the curtains. She only felt a soft touch on her forearm. Then, a tingle sensation ran through her when she heard a familiar deep voice, "Am I too late to beg you to dance the first set with me, Mrs. Darcy?"