Beginning, Section II, Next Section
For the next three days, Elizabeth tried desperately not to think about Darcy and Lady Abigail. Unfortunately, just when she thought her mind at peace, he would appear again. In the three days preceding the ball, Mrs. Gardiner and her nieces were all over London preparing for both the ball and the wedding. At long last the night of the ball had arrived. Lord and Lady Hampton gave it at their luxurious home in the heart of London. Anyone who is anyone in the town was going to attend. The Gardiners were invited because Mrs. Gardiner and Lady Hampton were old friends and they grew up with each other. Jane and Elizabeth were up in their room preparing themselves for the night's festivities. As the Gardiners awaited their nieces by the front door, both Jane and Elizabeth descended the staircase like two queens gallantly entering court. Mr. Gardiner immediately complimented the two young ladies and his wife.
"You all look exquisitely radiant, this evening. I shall be envied by all the men when I arrive in the company of such beauty."
All three women blushed and giggled.
"The dresses look wonderful on you both. Shall we go?" asked Mrs. Gardiner.
"Thank you again, Aunt, for buying us these lovely dresses. Yes we're ready," said Jane in her normal sweet voice.
Jane had picked out a pale blue gown with white lace and Elizabeth looked stunning in the green one she had admired in the window. The whole party exited the house and boarded the carriage.
"Where is my sister?!" half-shouted Darcy as he paced back and forth at the bottom of the stairs. He, Lady Abigail and the rest of his guests were waiting for Georgiana.
"Be patient, Mr. Darcy. This is her first ball, I'm sure she just wants to look her best. Every girl takes a long time to get ready for her coming out. I know I did," Lady Abigail assured Darcy.
Just then, Georgiana came walking down the stairs. She had on a dark blue gown with gold trim. Silence fell over her admirers. Darcy could hardly believe that the person standing before him was Georgiana. This was no little girl, here stood a blossoming young woman. Compliments flew about the room. Even the usually silent Mr. Hurst made a few remarks regarding her appearance. Georgiana turned various shades of red and thanked them all for their praise.
Realizing the time, everyone boarded his or her carriages. Caroline tried to secure a position in Darcy's carriage, but it was already filled with Darcy, Georgiana, Lady Abigail, and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Damn that countess, she thought as she entered the other carriage occupied by her brothers and sister. He's mine I tell you! No one deserves him more than I. Caroline Bingley always gets what she wants. She sat staring out the window, thinking, more accurately, plotting some way to get Darcy to set his sights on her. This is going to be an eventful night. I can sense it.
Music and carriages filled the street in front of Hampton Hall. Noble gentlemen and ladies and wealthy commoners graced the surroundings with their fine clothes and jewelry. The two eldest Bennets had never before seen so many carriages and so many elegantly dressed people.
"Are you sure we will fit in with such a society such as this, Aunt?" asked Jane, a bit nervous about being amongst nobles and other members of the aristocracy.
"Of course, Jane. Do not worry yourself. Their outward appearance may be a bit intimidating, but I have come to know many noblemen and women, who are the same as you and me on the inside," said her aunt.
Mr. Gardiner helped the ladies out of the carriage and the party began to make their way through the hordes of carriages and barouches to the front door.
Arriving a few carriages behind them were the Darcy and Bingley parties.
"I have never in my life seen so many carriages! Lord and Lady Hampton must give a grand ball," remarked Georgiana, who stood in awe of the great house and all the carriages scattered in front of it.
"Watch where your step everyone!" called out Fitzwilliam who began leading everyone through the maze of horses and carriages.
Once inside, their gracious host and hostess greeted the Gardiner's and their nieces.
"Oh, Rebecca! How wonderful it is to see you again!" exclaimed Lady Hampton. She embraced Mrs. Gardiner and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"It is wonderful to see you as well, Dorothy," Mrs. Gardiner answered in return, "May I present my nieces, Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
The two girls curtsied and smiled at this somewhat corpulent, but cheerful woman.
"Oh they are simply beautiful! My Lord," she turned to her husband, who was speaking to Mr. Gardiner, "meet their lovely nieces. This is Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Lord Hampton bowed and said, "Enchanted, ladies."
The Gardiner party could not hold up the line any longer and so made their way into the ballroom. Elizabeth and Jane stood speechless at the sight of the beautifully decorated ballroom. It was extensive. Neither of them had ever before seen a room so large. The ballroom was brightly lit and the music floated about the room like hundreds of butterflies. There were couches and chairs set up along the edges of the dance floor. Stunning tapestries adorned the walls and a breathtakingly marvelous chandelier hung in perfect suspension above the many dancers. The Gardiners and their nieces found an available couch near the entrance of the ballroom. There, Jane could see Bingley when he entered. Mr. Gardiner left in search of refreshment and to greet some other gentlemen. The ladies immediately began talking about the grandness of the house and its ballroom. After several minutes Jane spotted Bingley, escorting his sister into the ballroom, followed by Darcy escorting Lady Abigail. Elizabeth's face changed upon seeing him with Lady Abigail on his arm. Mrs. Gardiner took note of it. Caroline not wanting to have to converse with either of the Bennet girls, took leave of her brother and found one of her friends. Bingley greeted his fiancee with a kiss on her hand and asked her for the honor of a dance. She readily accepted and they headed for the dance floor, leaving Darcy and Lady Abigail with Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth.
"Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, how delightful it is to see you both," he said, taking a gallant bow, "I trust you both remember Lady Abigail de Witt."
"Indeed, Mr. Darcy. It is a pleasure to see you again, Lady Abigail," answered Mrs. Gardiner.
"Likewise, madam," she smiled at Elizabeth, "It is a pleasure to see you as well, Miss Bennet. You look quite marvelous this evening."
"Thank you, m'lady," replied Elizabeth.
Compliment her, brother! Ask her to dance, anything, thought the countess. Must I do everything?
"Don't you agree, Mr. Darcy?"
This whole time Darcy had been entranced by Elizabeth. He couldn't take his eyes off her and she was growing nervous under his gaze. He almost didn't even notice Lady Abigail speaking to him.
"Yes, I agree quite adamantly," he managed to stammer out.
Just then Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam entered the ballroom.
"Oh Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, isn't this such a wonderful evening?" announced Georgiana excitedly.
Darcy smiled at his sister's enthusiasm. Fitzwilliam spoke up.
"Miss Bennet, it is truly an honor to see you again." Elizabeth blushed slightly.
"It is good to see you again, Colonel Fitzwilliam. This is my aunt, Mrs. Gardiner. Aunt this is Mr. Darcy's cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam."
He kissed her hand and said, "Delighted, ma'am."
Darcy and Lady Abigail took their leave and went about greeting other guests. Elizabeth sat staring at the two, so enraptured that she almost did not hear Colonel Fitzwilliam speaking to her.
"Miss Bennet, I hope your dance card is not so full that you have no room to spare me at least one."
"I will definitely save you one, Colonel," Elizabeth said smiling, but still distracted by Darcy and his companion.
The Colonel then took Georgiana to meet some friends of his, leaving Elizabeth and her aunt alone.
"He is quite a charming young man," commented Mrs. Gardiner, "Being the cousin of Mr. Darcy, I should say that charming men must run in the family."
Mrs. Gardiner looked at her niece who clearly was not paying any attention whatsoever as to what she had just said.
"Lizzy?"
Elizabeth started and her spell was broken, "Yes, Aunt."
"Nothing of importance, dear," said Mrs. Gardiner, going into deep thought about her dearest Lizzy. Just then a handsome man of about twenty-three years made his way over to the two women.
"Please, pardon my intrusion ladies. I am Jonathan Wilborne, the second eldest son of Lord and Lady Hampton," said the young man.
"Little Jonathan? Why the last time I saw you were only about five years old," exclaimed Mrs. Gardiner, "My how handsome you have grown. Allow me to introduce my niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
He took Elizabeth's hand in his and kissed it gently. She smiled back at him.
"Miss Bennet, might I have the honor of dancing the next dance with you?" he asked.
"Thank you sir. Yes you may," she replied, standing up from the couch.
The two made their way to the dance floor just as the last tune was ending. Many young ladies stood riddled with envy at this commonplace girl who had won the honor of dancing with such an eligible bachelor. Elizabeth felt a little uneasy under all their scrutiny. These young ladies were not the only ones watching Elizabeth, for Darcy had noticed her the moment she stepped onto the dance floor.
Lady Abigail noticed that Darcy was quite distracted and so ended the conversation she was having with a baron and his wife to see what he was so transfixed by. She found that he was staring at Miss Elizabeth Bennet dancing with a very handsome young man.
Brother, you'd better do something quick or you may lose your chance with her!
"Mr. Darcy.....ahem....MR. DARCY!" Lady Abigail almost had to yell to get his attention.
"Uh, what?...I am quite sorry, m'lady. I was momentarily distracted," said Darcy, with a far away look in his eyes.
"Yes, I noticed, but you were more than momentarily distracted, sir, you have been distracted since the moment we arrived."
"Really? I hadn't noticed. Again, I apologize," he said.
Lady Abigail did not want to leave Darcy standing there like an idiot, staring at Elizabeth. She saw Georgiana and Fitzwilliam sitting on a couch and suggested they go sit down for a moment with their sister and cousin.
"Where are you from, Miss Bennet?" asked Wilborne.
"I come from Hertfordshire," the lady replied.
"I don't believe I have ever visited there. Most of my lifetime has been spent in London, Kent, or away at school."
"Well most of my lifetime has been spent in Hertfordshire, although I do visit my aunt and uncle here in London and I visited my friend in Hunsford some months ago."
He smiled and said, "How delightful. Hertfordshire, was it? Hmmm, you are a country girl then?"
The dance just completed and he escorted her off the floor to one of the couches that sat along the sides. They sat down together and Elizabeth was a little puzzled by his question.
"Yes, that would make me a country girl as you call it," she answered.
"Well, Miss Bennet, I have heard a great many things about country girls," he said, his voice getting slightly quieter. He leaned in a bit and slyly placed his hand right above her knee and continued, "I have heard that country girls are quite open and are more uninhibited than the girls that I am acquainted with. Country girls know how to have fun and can show anyone a good time, if you understand me correctly, Miss Bennet."
He winked at her and kept his hand above her knee. Elizabeth could not believe her ears. For a man who is so handsome and charming on the outside to be such a vulgar and despicable one on the inside.
Why do I always attract such men? This must be a distant relative of Wickham.
Her first impulse was to slap him across the face, but she did not wish to cause a scene, instead she simply removed his hand from her leg, stood up and said, in an angered yet civil tone,
"Mr. Wilborne, I know of no such country girls such as the ones you speak of. I am certainly not, nor any of my acquaintances, like those girls. Sir, I thank you for the dance, but I will be on my way now. I wish to remain out of your presence, so please do not speak to me again!" With all that said, she curtsied and left him sitting upon the couch by himself.
He was shocked at her outburst and whispered to himself, "Well, I know now not to believe anything George Wickham tells me."
Elizabeth stormed toward the refreshment table trying very hard not to show her disgust and anger. She did not notice Darcy also getting refreshments. Elizabeth was red with anger and was too diverted to notice him. All she wanted was something to cool her down. Darcy observed the woman next to him and was pleasantly surprised to see that it was Miss Elizabeth. He noticed that she was clearly agitated and her countenance showed it.
"Miss Bennet, "Darcy said somewhat softly.
Elizabeth nearly jumped at the sound of her name. She composed herself. "Mr. Darcy, you startled me."
"I apologize Miss Bennet," began Darcy, "Are you well? You seemed distracted. I hope everything is all right."
Darcy's concern for her touched Elizabeth, but only made her feel worse.
"I am well, Mr. Darcy, thank you. I was simply not paying attention to my surroundings," she said to him.
Elizabeth did not like lying to him, but she would rather not get into a discussion of the behavior of Mr. Wilborne.
She could not stand to be near him any longer so she politely said, "Please excuse me, Mr. Darcy, I must return to my aunt." Darcy nodded and bowed while Elizabeth curtsied then hurriedly returned to her aunt.
Mrs. Gardiner, being an observant and perceptive woman, knew the moment Elizabeth approached her that something bothered her niece.
"Did you enjoy your dance, Lizzy?" asked her aunt.
"Yes, but I do not think I will be seeing very much of Mr. Wilborne," replied Elizabeth.
"Pray, why not?"
Elizabeth hated lying to her aunt even more than lying to Darcy, but she did not want her aunt to be alarmed.
"We had almost nothing in common. He was polite, but we are very different people."
Mrs. Gardiner had a deep feeling that there was more to what Elizabeth said, but would not press it. She knew Lizzy would open up to her when she felt it was necessary. Suddenly the music stopped and the orchestra leader asked for everyone's attention.
The orchestra leader was an Italian man with dark hair and dark eyes. He spoke with a rich accent.
"If I may have everyone's attention. The next dance shall be a special one. The beautiful dance form of the waltz has swept through Europe like fire. This next dance I shall call, 'The Lover's Waltz'. So gentlemen stand up with your wives, fiancees, or a lady who has captured your heart, but does not know it yet. "
Gentlemen and ladies began to assemble on the ballroom floor. Mr. Gardiner took his wife's hand and led her to the dance floor, with Elizabeth smiling at them. Jane and Bingley were also ready to dance. On the other side of the ballroom, where Darcy and Fitzwilliam were located, the Colonel took this opportunity to solicit a dance with Lady Abigail.
"Lady Abigail, I know this is quite bold of me to do, but would you do me the honor of dancing with me?" he asked.
"Well, Colonel Fitzwilliam, I admire a certain amount of boldness in a gentleman. I would be delighted to stand up with you."
Fitzwilliam and Lady Abigail made their way to the dance floor as well. Many older ladies of court looked on the two with astonishment. They found it extremely insupportable that a lady so recently made a widow should stand up with another man and for a dance called "The Lover's Waltz." Lady Abigail noticed the stares she received and paid no attention to them at all. She was a strong woman and did not allow the whispers of others to get the best of her. No one else knew that her husband had said many times that he did not wish her to mourn his loss for so long. "You are too beautiful and full of joy to waste it in mourning," his words were.
Georgiana stood next to her brother and watched the floor quickly become filled. She leaned over to Darcy and whispered to him.
"William, go ask Miss Elizabeth to dance."
Darcy looked at his sister in surprise. She, in return, looked at him with a face that said, 'Just go to it, man! You'll never forgive yourself if you do not'.
Darcy quickly made his was across the room at lightning speed. He found Elizabeth observing the couples out upon the dance floor. As he approached her, she turned and looked at him.
Darcy bowed and said, "Miss Bennet, would you do allow me the honor and pleasure of dancing this dance with you?"
Elizabeth was puzzled, but stood.
"Are you not dancing this particular dance with Lady Abigail?"
Now it was Darcy's turn to be puzzled. Nevertheless, he answered her.
"No I am not, Miss Bennet. She is dancing with my cousin."
Elizabeth didn't know what to think. She knew that dancing with him would only cause her more grief, but when she spoke, the words that came out were, "Yes, Mr. Darcy. I would be honored to dance with you."
Darcy smiled and her heartbeat quickened at the sight of his handsome face. He extended his hand to her and when she accepted, escorted her to the nearly crowded dance floor.
"I must warn you, Mr. Darcy, I am not that great dancer when it comes to a waltz," said Elizabeth.
Darcy chuckled and replied, "I find that rather hard to believe, Miss Bennet. Nevertheless do not worry."
At that moment the orchestra began to play and couples all around them began dancing around the floor. Darcy placed his hand upon her waist and she, in turn, placed her hand upon his shoulder. They began to move in perfect unison with the beautiful melody of the waltz.
"You are a superb dancer, Miss Bennet," complimented Darcy.
Elizabeth tried very hard not to look into his eyes, but he was staring at her so intently she could not resist. She blushed slightly and thanked him for the compliment. It all seemed like a dream she never wanted to end. As they danced together the world, in her mind, disappeared completely and all that remained was him. She felt like she was floating on air. He continued to stare deeply into her eyes, into her very soul, and she returned his gaze with the same intensity. He finally spoke again.
"Miss Bennet, I do not believe I had the chance to comment on how especially beautiful you look this evening. That particular shade of green is quite becoming of you." Did those words come out of my mouth?! thought Darcy, quite surprised by his eloquent remark.
Elizabeth blushed again.
"Mr. Darcy, you flatter me. Thank you for all your compliments and please allow me to return them. I must say that you look quite handsome this evening, sir."
Again silence took over. They continued to dance and each one's love for the other seemed to grow in the course of the waltz.
I cannot take this anymore. Engaged or not, he must know my feelings for him. There it is, I shall tell him after the dance, resolved Elizabeth.
Georgiana watched her brother and Elizabeth dancing together with great joy.
"Tell her you love her, William," she whispered to herself.
She was so caught up in watching Darcy and Elizabeth that she did not see Miss Bingley approach her.
"Dear Georgiana, are you enjoying your first ball?," she inquired.
Georgiana took a deep breath and answered, "Yes, I am, Miss Bingley."
Caroline looked around at the couches near Georgiana, looking, of course, for Darcy.
"Pray, where is that brother of yours?" Caroline asked.
Georgiana smiled to herself. Oh, Miss Bingley's going to hate this.
"My brother is dancing with Miss Elizabeth Bennet," she told her.
Caroline's eyes bulged and she snapped, "What!" she recovered herself immediately, "I mean, oh, how delightful. Please excuse me, Georgiana."
Caroline angrily walked away from Georgiana and sought out one of her friends, whom she had been scheming with. Miss Eliza Bennet you are a sly one! That should be me dancing 'the Lover's Waltz' with Mr. Darcy. She spotted her friend and pushed her way through a crowd of people. You are not worthy of him. This is not over yet, Miss Eliza!
"Caroline, are you all right? You look upset," asked her friend.
"I will be fine, once I get rid of her!" answered Caroline, "Come, we must think of something else." The two ladies moved to a couch in a somewhat secluded corner and began talking about ways of getting rid of the other woman.
The waltz ended much too soon in both Darcy and Elizabeth's opinion. He escorted her off the dance floor and they stopped near an open door which led outside to a patio.
"Thank you for the dance, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth.
"It was my pleasure, Miss Bennet," came the reply. Tell her you love her, Darcy! This may be your last chance.
"Miss Bennet"
"Mr. Darcy," they both said, simultaneously.
"Please continue, Miss Bennet," urged Darcy.
Elizabeth took a deep breath. "Mr. Darcy, ever since our rather unexpected meeting at Pemberley I have noticed that my..."
"Mr. Darcy! Miss Eliza!" interrupted Caroline, "I have been searching everywhere for you, Mr. Darcy. Your sister wishes to speak to you."
"Is that so, Miss Bingley. As a matter of fact, there is something I need to discuss with her as well. Pray, excuse me, Miss Bennet. Thank you for the dance and I hope we can speak again later."
He bowed and walked away with Miss Bingley, who latched onto his arm the second he started moving. Elizabeth was furious with Caroline.
"Hateful, insufferable woman!" she muttered to herself before seeking out her aunt and uncle.
Lady Abigail was completely appalled by what she had just witnessed. Unbeknownst to Darcy and Elizabeth, Lady Abigail had been secretly observing their conversation. She did not like eavesdropping, but she wanted to make sure that her brother told Elizabeth how he felt.
That conniving little snake! I will not allow her to meddle in my brother's affairs anymore. Lady Abigail was so absorbed in her thoughts that she was startled by Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"I did not mean to startle you, Lady Abigail."
"It is all right, Colonel."
"I believe that it is time for us to be meeting Darcy and Georgiana," said the Colonel, extending his arm to Lady Abigail, which she graciously accepted. Besides Darcy, there was another member of her new family who was heavily on her mind....Colonel Fitzwilliam.
The pair joined the rest of the party and Darcy whispered to Lady Abigail, "Are you ready?"
She looked at him and smiled with assurance. "Yes, I am."
He offered his arm to her and they made their way to the front of the room with Georgiana and Fitzwilliam behind them. They reached the raised stage on which the musicians were seated and Darcy nodded to the leader. The Italian acknowledged and ceased the music playing. He turned and faced the ballroom.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Darcy of Derbyshire wishes to make an announcement to all of you."
The room quieted down, with the exception of a few hushed speculations as to the impending announcement. Darcy escorted Lady Abigail on stage and Fitzwilliam and Georgiana followed. Elizabeth watched intently and with great anticipation as Darcy faced the crowded. Darcy cleared his throat and began to address the room,
"My friends, I have an announcement that can no longer be delayed..."
Elizabeth looked to Jane, who was standing next to her, for comfort. Jane smiled and took Elizabeth's hand. I'm too late, Elizabeth thought. Darcy continued,
"..I would like to announce..."
Here it comes. Elizabeth closed her eyes and squeezed her sister's hand.
"...that Lady Abigail de Witt, Countess of ----, is my long lost sister."
The whole room erupted in frenzy. Many were stunned and could not believe what they had just heard.
"Please, calm yourselves. It is a long story and I do not wish to tell all of the particulars at this time, but be assured, she is indeed my sister and a welcomed addition to the Darcy family."
Again the room broke into a tumult. Everyone was talking about it.
Elizabeth stood motionless, still holding on to her sister.
"Lizzy! Are you all right?" asked Jane in alarm.
Elizabeth blankly looked at her sister and said, "I-I-I-I am fine, Jane." Elizabeth was overwhelmed with emotions. "I just need some fresh air."
She kissed her sister's cheek and made her way towards the door, which lead to the patio. Crowds were forming around Darcy and Lady Abigail.
"Quite a happy occasion, Mr. Darcy. If only your parents were alive to experience it," said an older gentleman who was a friend of the late Mr. Darcy.
"You know, the talk around London was that the two of you were engaged. It was talked about all over," the older gentleman's wife told Darcy and Lady Abigail.
Both Darcy and Lady Abigail laughed at the speculation. Suddenly it occurred to Darcy that Elizabeth must have thought Lady Abigail and him to be engaged.
That must have been why she asked me all those questions about Lady Abigail and was so puzzled when I did not dance 'the Lover's Waltz' with her.
"Excuse me, please," said Darcy abruptly.
He disappeared into the crowd. Lady Abigail was quite puzzled by his behavior, so excused herself and followed him. Caroline Bingley was standing with her sister and grinning like a child just given a bag of candy.
"One down, one to go," she said to herself.
Now that she knew Lady Abigail's true relationship to Darcy, she could focus all her energy on getting rid of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Darcy finally made his way to the other side of the room where Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were. He saw them, Jane, and Bingley. They all showered him with congratulations and best wishes regarding his new sister.
"Thank you all. Where is Miss Elizabeth?"
"I do not know. She was just here," replied Mrs. Gardiner.
Jane spoke up, "Mr. Darcy, I believe she is out on the patio. She was feeling a little dizzy, so she went outside to get some air."
"Thank you, Miss Bennet." He bowed quickly and began making his way towards the patio in search of his beloved.
Caroline continued to have a ridiculous grin across her face and anyone could tell she was planning something. I must speak to Mr. Darcy. She left her sister's side and walked to where her brother was standing with Miss Bennet.
Lady Abigail was standing next to the Gardiners and speaking to Mrs. Gardiner. This is the moment. I can feel it. He is going to tell Miss Elizabeth that he loves her. If he doesn't, I will have to beat him with a walking cane until he confesses. I just have to make sure he is not interrupted this time.
At that moment, the conniving snake herself slithered next to Bingley. Lady Abigail watched Caroline like a hawk.
"Charles, where is Mr. Darcy, I wish to speak to him." she asked Mr. Bingley.
"I think the last place he was headed was the patio," said Bingley, completely oblivious to the devilish grin which seemed to overtake her lips.
Lady Abigail's mind screamed. No don't tell her, Mr. Bingley!! Woman, you're not going to ruin this moment too. I'll make sure of it.
"Thank you, Charles," said Caroline. She curtsied, excused herself, and then made a quick paced dash to the door, which led outside.
Oh no you don't! Quick, think of something, Abby. Her face lit up. I've got it! Lady Abigail made her apologies to Mrs. Gardiner and excused herself in a hurry. She was searching through crowds of people when she found who she was looking for. Lady Abigail pushed and shoved her way through the many bodies and curtsied to a plump, middle-aged woman with blonde hair and a vast amount of gaudy jewelry adorning her person.
"Baroness, good evening."
The woman lit up and said in a high, shrill voice, "Ohhh, Lady Abigail!! How wonderful it is to see you again. It must be difficult learning that you belong to a different family than the one you grew up with."
"Yes it has. Baroness, will you do me a favor? I will be forever in your debt."
"Well, it depends on what you want me to do, Lady Abigail," answered the baroness. Lady Abigail leaned in and whispered something in her ear.
"Ohhh, if that is all? This should be quite fun then. Taa taa, darling." The bubbly baroness then left with a flash of gems and pearls.
That should take care of Miss Bingley for a while.
Darcy was having a difficult time getting to the patio. Many people stopped him to ask about Lady Abigail and how they discovered her true paternity. No matter how many times he told them that he was stayed for elsewhere, they still did not let him go right away. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he reached the door and walked outside. Caroline Bingley was hot on his trail. She too was having difficulty getting through the many crowds of guests. Caroline, being a bit more rude than Darcy, resorted to bumping and shoving her way through everyone. She spied the door which led to the patio and walked faster to find Darcy. Right as she was about to step outside a short, blonde, and round woman stopped her.
"Why Caroline Bingley it has been ages since we last spoke. Come let us catch up and speak of old times," said the woman.
Caroline tried to say that she could not, but the woman persisted and grabbed Caroline by the arm and walked her to a nearby couch. No matter what Caroline tried to say, she could not get a word in edgewise.
Lady Abigail, seeing that her friend's mission was successful, laughed to herself. Georgiana observed Lady Abigail laughing and was curious as to what was so funny.
"May I ask what you are laughing at, sister?" she said.
"I shall explain it to you later, Georgiana. Come let us find our cousin."
As she was walking away with her younger sister, Lady Abigail turned around and stole one more glance at Caroline and the baroness. You deserve it, Miss Bingley. I can't wait to see your face when my brother announces his engagement to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. That is, if he proposes. Lady Abigail even began to feel a little sorry for Caroline, whom she left in the presence of a woman who could out-talk and out-gossip even Mrs. Bennet.
Darcy turned to his left and to his right, trying to determine which direction Elizabeth had gone. To his right, the walkway got smaller and lead to a darkened area. He did not think Elizabeth would venture there, so he walked to his left. The wind began to blow a little and he could smell, faintly on the breeze, the scent of lavender water, the scent of his beloved Elizabeth. He peered around a bush and saw her with her back to him, leaning on a small stone wall. She was looking up at the stars and Darcy could tell from her erratic breathing that she had been crying. Elizabeth couldn't help it and she began to cry again.
Why am I crying? I should be happy. But I am happy, are these tears of joy?
Darcy could not stand to see Elizabeth in such a state, he had seen it before at Lambton and it pained him greatly to see tears in her eyes. He took out a handkerchief and slowly walked towards her. Elizabeth's back was still facing him and she put her hands over her face.
"Miss Bennet, please do not cry," Darcy said softly. Elizabeth spun around in surprise and gasped.
"I am sorry to frighten you. Here," he offered her his handkerchief. She took it and wiped her face.
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy." She turned around and faced the garden. Elizabeth did not want him to see her in her present condition.
Darcy wanted to reach out, put his arms around her and hold her forever. He wanted to do so many things at once. Lord, give me the strength to ask her a second time, he silently prayed. Elizabeth recovered herself enough to turn around and face him again.
"You must be happy to know that you have another sister," she said.
"Yes I am happy. I only wish that my mother and father were still alive to see the child they thought was lost."
An awkward silence took over. I must finish telling him what I started to say, Elizabeth thought. Darcy was also deep in thought. I must tell her that I still love her and wish her to be my wife.
"Mr. Darcy."
"Miss Bennet."
Once again they spoke at the same time. The two laughed at themselves.
"We always seem to speak at the same time, do we not? Pray, continue, Miss Bennet," said Darcy.
Elizabeth returned her gaze to the garden. "Mr. Darcy, as I started to say before, ever since our unexpected meeting at Pemberley, I have noticed that my feelings for you have undergone a drastic change. I saw how attentive and kind you were to me and my aunt and uncle and it made me realize that I had judged you too harshly. After you happened upon me at the inn at Lambton and I told you of my family's misfortune, I thought you wanted nothing more to do with me and I would never see you again."
Darcy moved next to her and leaned against the stonewall.
"That is not how I felt at all," he said, "I was quite shocked and distressed to know that Wickham had treated your sister the same way he treated mine. In truth, I cannot tell you exactly why I left so abruptly."
Elizabeth turned and faced Darcy.
"I was happy when you called on my family with Mr. Bingley. I was even happier when Mr. Bingley asked for Jane's hand in marriage. I knew you must have told him something, for he would not have gone against your judgment and wishes."
"Yes, I confessed to him my interference and my concealment of Miss Bennet while she was in London. I understand he went to Longbourn directly after I left that morning."
Elizabeth once again looked to the garden and then at the night sky. Tell him now, Lizzy. She closed her eyes and breathed in the sweet fragrance of the garden's flowers. She mustered up all her courage and looked to him. He was looking off into the garden, but, when he felt her gaze upon him, he turned and looked into her eyes.
"Mr. Darcy, I...I...I..," she recalled the words of his first proposal and a faint smile snuck onto her face, "you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."
At that moment, Elizabeth felt a wave of relief come over her. Now, all her feelings were out in the open.
Darcy could scarcely believe what his ears had just beheld. She loved him! He was flooded with happiness.
"Miss Bennet," he said with a voice filled with emotion, "I have prayed that someday you would come to feel that way for me. My love for you has grown since I first confessed my feelings to you. I was intending to renew my addresses, but I was afraid that I would be rejected a second time."
Elizabeth was glowing. She looked at Darcy and teasingly smiled.
"Perhaps, you should throw caution to the wind and return to your original plan," she said.
Darcy smiled at her.
"Perhaps you are right, Miss Bennet."
He got down on one knee and took both her hands into his.
"I dare say this one shall be much improved from the first. Miss Bennet, you are the only woman I shall ever love and the only woman I want to spend the rest of my life with," Tears began to calmly fall from Elizabeth's eyes, Darcy went on, "I love you with all my heart and all my soul and will love you for all eternity. Miss Bennet...Elizabeth, will you marry me?"
Elizabeth began to cry more, but managed to say, "Yes, of course I'll marry you. And I shall love you for all eternity. You are the best man I have ever known."
Darcy rose and brought each of her hands to his lips and kissed them sweetly and softly. The touch of his lips on her flesh made her shiver with contentment. The wind suddenly picked up and Elizabeth shook a little from the cold. Darcy noticed.
"Perhaps we should go back inside. It is beginning to get rather cold out and I would not want you to become ill."
Elizabeth wiped the tears off her face with his handkerchief and nodded in agreement. Elizabeth and Darcy took their sweet time returning to the ballroom. When they were almost upon the door and the voices of the guests could be heard, Elizabeth confessed to Darcy that she had discovered a few months prior Darcy's involvement in her sister's marriage.
"I did it all for you, Miss Bennet. If I had not been so conceited and proud, Wickham's true character would have been known and your sister would never have found herself in her present situation," said Darcy.
Elizabeth did not wish to see Darcy so distressed.
"Mr. Darcy, please do not distress. We can now put that behind us. I do thank you for your help, sir, " she stopped, "But please do not think that I accepted you now solely out of gratitude. I truly love you."
Darcy placed his hand under her chin and lifted her head so he could look into her eyes.
"I confess I was worried that if you knew of my involvement and I asked you for your hand that you would accept me out of gratitude. But I now know that you love me for myself. Thank you, my beautiful Elizabeth."
They stood locked in that position for a few minutes. With Darcy so close and his dark eyes piercing her, Elizabeth could hardly breathe and could feel her heart beating faster and harder. His eyes surveyed her face and looked longingly at her mouth. Darcy fought the desire to wrap her in his arms and carry her off into the night. He inched closer to her, still lovingly gazing into her eyes and casting small glances at her lips. Elizabeth began to feel nervous and her stomach felt as if a swarm of butterflies were flying around in it, but she did not care. Darcy wanted nothing more but to finally feel Elizabeth's lips touching his. For so long he had dreamed about it, but dare he do such a thing so close to the door and risk someone catching them. Darcy did not care and felt that such a risk was worth taking. He drew closer to her mouth.
"Elizabeth!!" a woman shouted.
The trance Darcy and Elizabeth were under was broken and they quickly moved away from each other. They both looked in the direction of the door.
"Elizabeth!"
Darcy looked at Elizabeth.
"It is your aunt. Come let us return before they send a search party after us." Elizabeth nodded, too nerved and breathless to speak.
Mrs. Gardiner stood outside the door and looked around for any sign of Elizabeth. She was about to enlist help when she saw the figures of Darcy and Elizabeth walk out of the shadows.
Mrs. Gardiner smiled at Elizabeth and said, with relief, "There you are, Lizzy! I was beginning to worry about you."
"I am sorry I worried you, Aunt. I was exploring the garden when I found myself lost, but Mr. Darcy found me and he knew the way back," said she.
Mrs. Gardiner looked to Darcy.
"Well thank you, Mr. Darcy, for finding my niece."
Darcy nodded and looked quickly at Elizabeth, then back at her aunt, "It was my pleasure, madam," he then said, "Shall we go back inside, ladies?"
The women agreed and they went back inside.
Caroline, who was still a prisoner of the "Baroness of Chatter", kept her eye on the door the entire time Darcy was gone. When she spied him returning, she said, rather rudely, "Baroness, I apologize, but I am needed elsewhere. Good-bye."
Caroline jumped off the couch and walked, more accurately ran, away from the baroness. The baroness looked over at Lady Abigail and waved her hand. Lady Abigail smiled and mouthed the words "thank you" in return. Darcy and the two ladies he was accompanying walked to the front of the room and found everyone in both parties awaiting them. Caroline soon followed, mildly out of breath. She migrated directly next to Darcy.
"Mr. Darcy, where on earth have you been, I have been looking everywhere for you!," Caroline said to him.
Darcy, annoyed merely by her presence, looked at her and said, "I was taking care of a rather important matter, Miss Bingley."
All Caroline could stammer out was, "Oh, I see." What did that important matter have to do with Miss Eliza? She better not have used her 'arts and allurements' to trap you into marrying her.
Lady Abigail overheard Darcy and Caroline's little exchange and was very pleased with her brother's answer. Important matter, eh? I guess I won't have to beat him with a cane after all. She knew, being very observant of him and Elizabeth, that he had proposed and she accepted. Lady Abigail wondered to herself whether her brother would make an announcement here or wait until he had received Elizabeth's father's permission. A tiny smile began to form and she thought to herself, I cannot wait to see Miss Bingley's face when he announces the engagement. I would not miss that for anything. Colonel Fitzwilliam caught a glimpse of Lady Abigail smiling to herself and leaned towards her.
"Pray, what are you smiling so beautifully at?" His voice broke her from her daydream about Caroline's reaction.
"Oh, I am just happy. You will find out why soon enough, I'm sure," she replied, with a teasing sparkle in her eyes.
Elizabeth was admiring Darcy as he talked with her aunt and uncle. He was much more relaxed and he was smiling; she loved to see him smile. She stopped looking at her fiancee and glanced around the room. There were less people now because the party was ending. Elizabeth glanced across the dance floor to a corner and saw Mr. and Mrs. Hurst. She was about to bring her attention back to Darcy when she saw something that surprised her greatly. Mr. Hurst presented his wife with a single white rose. Mrs. Hurst accepted it and smiled radiantly at her husband. What happened next, made Elizabeth shake her head and blink a few times. Mr. Hurst took one of his wife's hands, kissed it, and, still holding on to it, leaned in and gently kissed her on the lips. It lasted for only a few seconds, but Elizabeth was stunned. She had no idea that the Hursts held that kind of regard for each other. How sweet! she thought, before focusing her attention back on Darcy.
Mr. Gardiner addressed his nieces, "Well, girls, I believe it is time for us to return home."
"We should be leaving as well," added Darcy.
"I agree, Darcy," said Bingley, "But where is my sister and brother-in-law?"
Just then, the Hursts walked over to the group arm in arm. With everyone gathered, the combined parties made their way out of the ballroom and back the way they came when they arrived. At the entrance were Lord and Lady Hampton wishing farewell to their guests and their son, Jonathan Wilborne. When Darcy and Elizabeth were next in line to say good-bye to the host and hostess, Jonathan looked at Lizzy and bowed to her. She looked at him with disgust, made no acknowledgment of him, and said good-bye to his parents. Darcy had noticed Elizabeth's reaction to Jonathan and inquired about it.
"It is nothing to worry about," she whispered, "If you truly wish to know, I will tell you another time."
The group stopped just outside the entrance and began saying their farewells to each other. Darcy looked at Elizabeth and raised her hand to his lips.
"Until we meet again, Miss Bennet."
The two parties separated and departed for their respective carriages. Caroline Bingley was extremely happy to be out of Eliza Bennet's presence and to have Darcy out of it as well. She wanted to speak to Darcy before they reached the carriages, but she could not keep up with him. He was walking much too fast for her, which was his plan. Finally they reached their carriages and were soon on their way back to Darcy's townhouse.
The Gardiner carriage arrived at Gracechurch St. just as the clock struck midnight.
"Oh dear, I did not realize it was so late," said Jane.
"Yes," said Mrs. Gardiner, "Lord and Lady Hampton's parties always last until midnight or even later."
Once inside the house, Jane and Elizabeth thanked their aunt and uncle for taking them to the ball and said good night. Immediately upon entering the room, Jane began to interrogate her sister.
"So, Lizzy, what did you and Mr. Darcy talk about?"
"Oh, the usual things: the weather, our family's health, the ball," Lizzy answered in a teasing voice.
The girls began to get ready for bed.
"Oh come now, Lizzy, do not tease me."
Jane was seated at the vanity, brushing her hair. Elizabeth walked over, took the brush from her sister's hand and began brushing it for her.
"All right, I shall tell you...later," she said in a teasing manner again.
Jane made a face at Lizzy in the mirror and both girls broke into laughter. The two sisters moved onto the bed they shared and sat down. Jane cuddled a pillow and looked at Elizabeth.
"Well?" she asked.
Elizabeth grabbed a pillow and gazed lost in thought at the ceiling.
"How does Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy sound?" asked Lizzy, nonchalantly.
Jane's mouth dropped open in surprise.
"He proposed!?! Oh Lizzy that's wonderful!," she blurted out, "But why did you not just come out and say it?"
Jane lightly hit her sister with the pillow she was holding to emphasize the question.
"Because I wanted to keep you in suspense," Lizzy replied as she softly hit Jane back with her pillow.
"Suspense!? Lizzy, you know how I detest being left in suspense."
Jane hit Elizabeth a little harder with her pillow. Elizabeth retaliated. Soon what started as a little harmless tap of a pillow erupted into an all out battle. The sisters got up from the bed and were standing in the middle of the room. Between the hits of the pillows, both girls were giggling and carrying on. They had not acted in such a way since they were children. Soon Elizabeth began backing Jane towards the door. Suddenly the door opened and Mrs. Gardiner entered, but she walked right into both Jane and Elizabeth's pillows as they were being directed toward the other. Upon impact with their aunt both pillows split open and white feathers fell about the room like snowfall. Mrs. Gardiner stood motionless, trying to figure out what hit her. The sisters dropped the pillows and stepped back next to each other and stood motionless themselves. Much like they did when they were caught pillow fighting when they were children.
"Are you all right, Aunt?" asked Jane.
"I believe I am, Jane. What on God's earth were you two doing? I heard laughing and running around upstairs so I decided to investigate. I thought it would be my children, but the noise was coming from in here. Look at this mess! I would expect this from my children, but I thought the two of you were too old for this. I suppose I was incorrect," Mrs. Gardiner said in a stern voice.
"We are very sorry, Aunt. We will clean all this up and be quiet," said Elizabeth.
Their aunt, seeing the looks on both her niece's faces, could not stay angry with them for long.
"Come here, girls. I could never stay upset with you for long." Elizabeth and Jane hugged their aunt.
"Well, sleep well girls and behave yourselves," said Mrs. Gardiner before exiting the room.
"Yes, aunt," Jane and Elizabeth said together.
Once Mrs. Gardiner left the room they looked at each other and started giggling. The rest of the night was spent talking and cleaning up their feathery mess.
Miss Bingley and the Hursts all went to bed immediately upon returning to the house. Darcy, Bingley and the Colonel gathered in the library for some port. After having their glasses filled, the men sat down around the fireplace.
"You know, I do not believe I have ever been as happy in my entire life as I am now," said Bingley, "There is no greater joy than finding a woman whom you can love and spend the rest of your life with. I highly recommend that both you gentlemen follow my example."
His last sentence was somewhat directed more towards Darcy.
Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed aloud and said, "I'm trying, Bingley! God knows I've been trying for quite some time now. Give me some more time, man!"
Darcy and Bingley joined in the Colonel's laughter.
"And how about you, cousin? Have you found such a woman?" inquired the Colonel.
Darcy stood up and walked to the fireplace and leaned against the mantle, staring into the fire.
"Perhaps," he said, in the teasing manner that was the trademark of his beloved Elizabeth.
His cousin stood and joined him by the fireplace.
"Oh come now, cousin, there is no need to keep secrets from us. What is the name of the woman who has captured the heart of Fitzwilliam Darcy?" As if I didn't know.
Darcy said nothing and returned to the large chair next to Bingley. He sipped his brandy and stared at his cousin, with a teasing gleam in his eyes. Bingley shook his head at his friend and sipped his own brandy. Colonel Fitzwilliam persisted.
"Darcy, when will you finally be a bridegroom instead of a groomsman?"
Darcy merely shrugged his shoulders in response. He was having far too much fun annoying his cousin to just come out and say that he was now engaged to Elizabeth. Darcy finally resolved that he had enough fun and decided to confess.
He spoke in a very matter-of-fact tone, "Speaking of groomsman, I am going to have a very difficult time choosing which one of you I want to be my groomsman."
The Colonel dropped his jaw and managed to stammer out, "What?!?"
Bingley heard those words just as he was taking a sip of his drink and spit it out all over the table.
"What? You're getting married?"
Darcy laughed as he observed his two closest friends. Fitzwilliam recovered himself.
"Ha! I knew it. I had a feeling you were hiding something from us, Darcy. So who's the lucky woman?"
Bingley spoke up, "Miss Elizabeth Bennet?!?"
Darcy set down his brandy and looked at both gentlemen.
"Yes, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I asked her this very evening to be my wife and she has accepted."
Bingley was overjoyed. Congratulations came pouring in from Fitzwilliam and Bingley.
The Colonel held his glass up and announced, "This calls for a toast. To you, cousin, may you have all the happiness in the world."
"Here! Here!" added Bingley.
All three men touched glasses and drank the rest of their port. They continued to talk for another hour then finally retired.
Both Darcy and Elizabeth had a hard time sleeping that night. Each spent most of the time thinking about the other. Eventually sleep overtook them and they met the other in their dreams and awoke the next morning with smiles upon their faces.
Lady Abigail awoke from yet another night of tossing and turning. Hours earlier she was shaken awake by the reoccurring nightmare that has haunted her since the death of her husband. The nightmare was not the only thing on her mind. Her mind continued to stray back to Colonel Fitzwilliam. Lady Abigail got out of bed and sat at the vanity to brush her hair. She stared at her reflection in the mirror and began speaking aloud to herself.
"Why can't I stop thinking about Colonel Fitzwilliam? True, he is very handsome, an intelligent conversationalist, and a fine dancer, but I have only known him for a few days."
She glanced down at the vanity table and unfolded a piece of paper that was lying there. It was a letter from her sister in law, Marianne, that she had received a few days prior. She read its contents again for the third time:
Dear Abby,How are you holding up in these hard times? I do hope that you and your lovely daughter are well. I was deeply saddened to hear about your father's passing. He was a good man. How is my goddaughter coping with the absence of her father? I dare say this past year must have been awful. My dear sister, I hate to say it, but you need to get out more in society. You are still young and there are plenty of handsome young men to go around. Now I know you loved my brother tremendously and still grieve for him, but Margaret is at that age where she needs two loving and attentive parents. I am not telling you to go out and marry the first gentleman who says hello to you, just meet some nice gentlemen. Margaret needs a father figure in her life.
In other matters, life here in Surrey is wonderful. That eccentric husband of mine longs to see his favorite niece. No luck yet as to having a family of our own, but I pray that someday we will have a daughter as beautiful and lively as little Margaret. I must be away now, but give my love to your little one.
Your friend and sister in law,
Marianne
Lady Abigail could not stop thinking about her sister in law's advice about finding a father figure for Margaret. Deep in thought, she was startled when Margaret came bursting into the room. The little girl ran to her mother and hugged her tightly.
"Good morning, Mama!" she shouted. Lady Abigail smiled at her treasure.
"Good morning to you, my love," she said to her daughter, "Did you sleep well?"
The child beamed and replied," Yes, Mama. I wish I could have gone to the ball. What was it like?"
Abigail turned Margaret around and began brushing her hair.
"The ball was marvelous. There was music and dancing..." she was interrupted by Margaret.
"Did you dance, Mama?"
"Yes I did, love."
"With who?"
Abigail laughed and said, "My you are full of questions this morning! Let me see...I danced with Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and several dances with Colonel Fitzwilliam."
Abigail started daydreaming about her dances with the Colonel.
"I like the Colonel! He's nice and handsome," declared the vivacious youth.
Abigail chuckled at her daughter's assessment of Fitzwilliam and teased her.
"And how do you know what is handsome and what is not?"
Margaret made a face at her mother and retorted, "I know Papa was handsome and the Colonel looks like Papa, so he's handsome too."
Abigail was quite taken aback by Margaret's statement. She had not heard her mention her father, with the exception of a few times, since his death. Margaret's opinion that the Colonel looked like her late husband got her mother thinking about him even more than she was before.
"Come, little one. Let us go to breakfast."
The smile upon Elizabeth Bennet's face this morning was as radiant and bright as the sun gazing into the room through the window. Jane had already woken up and was not in the room. Lizzy wondered what time it was. She had not woken up in such a good mood in a long time. Today was her first day as Mr. Darcy's fiancée. Lizzy was eager to see him and hoped he would call on her after breakfast. Breakfast! She did not know what time of morning it was for sure and so speedily dressed herself and washed up to go downstairs.
Downstairs everyone was already at the table, waiting for Elizabeth. She descended the stairs as if she was floating upon a cloud. Lizzy was all smiles.
"Good morning Aunt; good morning Uncle," she said, kissing each one on the cheek.
She also greeted her sister and all her nieces and nephews.
"Well you are certainly in a good mood this morning Lizzy," remarked Mrs. Gardiner. Jane smiled at her sister.
"Yes I am, Aunt. It is a beautiful day."
Breakfast seemed to pass much too slowly for Lizzy and Jane, who both were eager to see their future husbands. When it finally ended, the sisters sat in the parlor talking and impatiently waiting for the gentlemen.
"What if they are not coming?" asked Lizzy, after much waiting had begun to unnerve her. Jane chuckled softly.
"Charles told me at the ball that he would come here this morning and if he is coming you can be sure he is bringing your Mr. Darcy."
Just then one of the Gardiner's maids walked into the room and announced the arrival of Bingley and Darcy. The two ladies stood and met the gentlemen with smiles. Lizzy stared at Darcy and he returned her look with a passionate one of his own. This made Lizzy look away.
I am going to have to get used to being engaged to him, she thought. Mrs. Gardiner entered the room and greeted the gentlemen.
"Mrs. Gardiner, Mr. Darcy and myself request your permission to take your lovely nieces about town to do some sightseeing," Bingley said very dramatically with a deep bow and a sweeping wave of his hand.
The older woman laughed and replied, "Of course you can, just have them back in time for afternoon tea and you gentlemen may stay and take tea with us if you wish."
They agreed and after talking a few minutes longer, the two couples took their leave.
The group strolled happily down Gracechurch St with Bingley and Jane leading and Darcy and Lizzy taking up the rear. Elizabeth and Darcy had not said a word to each other since they left the Gardiner's house.
"Did you have a good night, Miss Bennet?" asked Mr. Darcy.
"After I fell asleep, I did, but I'm afraid I enjoyed it too long for I was late for breakfast, "she answered, smiling and laughing, "I dare say my mind was much engaged on something very agreeable."
"And what could be so agreeable that it would make you late for breakfast?"
"Do you have to ask, Mr. Darcy? The only thing agreeable in my mind is you," she said, gazing lovingly in his eyes.
Darcy felt his heart melt and hoped he was not blushing, even though he was on the inside. Bingley and Jane stopped and turned to face the other couple.
"How about a stroll in that park over there?" asked Bingley.
"That would be delightful," replied Elizabeth.
The couples walked across the street to the park and decided to go their separate ways for a short time. The men decided they would meet back there in a half hour. Bingley and Jane proceeded down a path going to the left and Darcy and Elizabeth went down a path on the right. Elizabeth admired the trees, flowers, and the little children playing. Rays of sunlight forced their way through the treetops onto the lovers like the celestial glow of Heaven.
"Mr. Darcy," began Elizabeth, "may I ask when you are planning on asking for my father's consent?"
"You return to Longbourn in a week?"
"Yes, we do."
"Then I will accompany your aunt and uncle in taking you and your sister home and no doubt Bingley will join me. I shall ask him then."
"I must warn you, Mr. Darcy, my father has no idea of my feelings for you. In fact, he believes I severely dislike you. It will come as quite a shock to him that I have agreed to marry you."
"I will heed your warning, Miss Bennet." Several minutes of silence elapsed before Darcy remembered her reaction to Jonathan Wilbourne and asked her about it.
"He seemed to think that us country girls are indecent and have no morals. He hinted toward some very inappropriate activities and I casually told him off. He didn't bother me after that," Elizabeth told him.
Darcy wanted to strangle that little boy for suggesting such things to his lady, but she reassured him that all was well and it would not do any good to dwell on the past. The two spent the rest of the time in silence admiring a small babbling brook and each other. Elizabeth held firmly onto Darcy's arm as they stood by the stream. Darcy quietly whispered to Elizabeth that the half hour was nearly over and they walked back down the path. After meeting Bingley and Jane, all four decided to visit a small art gallery before returning to the Gardiner residence.
Lady Abigail was giving her daughter a singing lesson when the maid opened the door to let a visitor in. Lady Abigail didn't hear the bell and so continued her lesson. She began to sing an Irish lullaby as the visitor was shown in. It was Colonel Fitzwilliam. He motioned for the maid not to say anything to her mistress. He enjoyed hearing Lady Abigail's high and enchanting voice. Suddenly in the middle of the song, Margaret looked behind her and noticed the colonel standing there.
"Colonel!" she shouted. Abigail stopped singing and quickly turned around.
"Colonel Fitzwilliam, I did not hear you come in," Abigail said, puzzled.
"I told your maid not to inform you of my arrival so that I could hear your sweet voice," said he.
"I thank you, sir. But you startled me and that was most rude." She smiled at him and said, "What can I do for you, Colonel?"
"I came by to invite you and your daughter to the circus." This excited Margaret a great deal.
"Oh Mama, can we go? Please...oh please."
"I suppose we can."
"Oh thank you, Mama. Thank you, Colonel!"
"You are quite welcome, Margaret," said the Colonel, "may I call you Maggie?"
"Yes, you may," replied the little girl trying to sound more like a grown lady.
Lady Abigail seemed troubled by the scene. How strange, she thought, Margaret would let no one but her father call her that.
"Little one, why don't you go with Miss Cybill and play in your room?"
"Yes Mama."
The Colonel seemed happy to be alone with the woman who had enraptured him so much.
"You are a very splendid dancer, m'lady," complimented Fitzwilliam.
"I suppose you say that to all your dance partners," she said modestly.
"No, just you."
"When is the circus?" she asked.
"I shall be here to pick you both up at six in the evening."
"We shall be ready and waiting, Colonel," said Lady Abigail.
Lady Abigail walked him to the door and bid him farewell. He gallantly kissed her hand and was on his way. After he had gone, Abigail let out a sigh. She was extremely confused over her feelings for Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Lady Abigail sat staring at the grandfather clock which stood in the parlor room of her suite. She thought time had slowed itself down just to torment her. Margaret sat busily playing with the doll she had gotten from Georgiana. Abigail smiled to herself as she watched her daughter play, oblivious to the suffering and confusion of her mother. Oh what I would give to be a child once again. She looked again at the clock. Five minutes until six, it read. Only two minutes have passed since the last time I looked at you! Lady Abigail stood up and began pacing about the room. Why am I so infatuated with the Colonel! Margaret looked up and seemed puzzled by her mother's odd behavior.
My dear Edward, thought Abigail, forgive me for thinking about another man this way, but I cannot seem to help it. Again she glanced at the clock. "Two more minutes, " she said softly to herself. Abigail had an uncontrollable urge to see Colonel Fitzwilliam and hoped he would arrive early.
Finally the bell rang and the Colonel was shown in. "Are we all ready, ladies?" he asked in his usual charming way.
"Yes we are!" shouted the eager little girl.
"You look very pretty tonight, Maggie."
"Thank you, Colonel."
"Just like your mother," he added as his eyes met Lady Abigail.
She hoped that he wouldn't notice her blushing. "Thank you, Colonel, you are too kind."
Awaiting them in the carriage down below was Darcy and Elizabeth. Lady Abigail was delighted to see the two of them together and without Caroline Bingley. She could tell by the looks of both their faces that her brother had indeed proposed and was excepted. The carriage ride was short, but Lady Abigail enjoyed the warmth of being seated in such close quarters with Colonel Fitzwilliam. The circus was crowded with people, lower and upper class alike, and they practically had to push and shove their way to their box.
"I had no idea so many wealthy people attended the circus, " remarked Elizabeth.
Darcy smiled at his fiancee. "You'd be surprised. Just because they are wealthy doesn't mean they don't enjoy a good show."
Margaret sat anxiously awaiting the start of the circus. Finally the crowd settled as a man on horseback entered the arena. The little girl sat in awe as the first act was performed. Darcy grinned at his niece, remembering what it was like when he saw the circus for the first time. He turned and looked at his beloved Elizabeth. She had an expression of delight and innocence, much like Margaret.
"Is this your first time to the circus?" he whispered.
"Yes it is," she said, a little embarrassed, "I find it quite exciting."
Darcy smiled and took her hand in his, holding it as they watched the spectacle. After about an hour or so, intermission had arrived. The Colonel and Darcy followed several other men into a room, no doubt to speak of business and sip brandy. Lady Abigail, Elizabeth, and Margaret entered a delightful sitting room where many other women had gathered. One could almost see the gossip bouncing off the walls. There were refreshments and what not laid out upon the tables. The three of them found an empty couch just within earshot of some older, very chatty, ladies of court.
"Did you notice Lady Abigail de Witt with that Colonel?" one of the women asked the other, not realizing that the countess was seated nearby.
"Indeed I did, Lady. How scandalous! She does not appear to be grieved by his loss any longer."
"You are absolutely right. I bet her public display of affection for Lord de Witt, God rest his soul, was all an act. She is as heartless as her mother was."
The third woman spoke up, defending Lady Abigail, "Ladies, let us not forget that it has been over a year since that tragedy. Perhaps she has moved on. I seem to remember you, Alexandra, remarrying only six months after your first husband died."
Both Elizabeth and Lady Abigail were shocked at what they had overheard and grateful that at least one of the women had some sense. Not standing to be in their presence any longer, Elizabeth suggested leaving the room and waiting for the gentlemen. Lady Abigail did nothing to object, but Elizabeth could sense her distress.
"Lady Abigail, are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you, Miss Bennet," Lady Abigail collected herself, "I never let other's remarks get me down."
They were soon reunited with the gentlemen and the whole party began making its way back to the box. Suddenly Lady Abigail realized she was without her gloves.
"Go on, I will catch up," she said before making her way back to the sitting room.
Lady Abigail was relieved to see them still on the couch. They were her favorite pair, a present from her husband. 'I bet her public display of affection for Lord de Witt, God rest his soul, was all an act.' She sat upon the couch in confusion.
"What if I'm doing the wrong thing? I shouldn't be gallivanting around town with another man, let alone a handsome, eligible one."
She brushed off her thoughts and left the room, hoping she hadn't missed the beginning of the next act. She hurriedly walked down the corridor leading to their box. Too busy fidgeting with her gloves Lady Abigail didn't notice the man who had stepped directly into her path.
"Lady Abigail de Witt," said the man in slow, menacing tone.
The countess jumped at the sound of his voice. She looked up with a hint of fear in her eyes. The man was handsomely dressed. He had coal black hair tied into a tail and a small mustache. There was an unmistakable scar which ran down his left cheek. She knew exactly who he was.
"How is the grieving widow? Not too bad from what I see. Escorted by a colonel, no less," he delighted in her apparent alarm, then added, "And I see little Margaret is looking very much like her mother."
"You stay away from her!" said Lady Abigail in an icy tone, "If you will excuse me, sir, I must be on my way."
"Of course, I won't detain you any longer. But just remember that I'm watching, m'lady."
Lady Abigail walked as fast as she could back to their box. Before Fitzwilliam could inquire what took her so long she demanded that they leave at once.
"I will explain another time, but I must leave now!"
"Of course, m'lady. We shall."
Lady Abigail tapped her daughter, who was mesmerized by the performers, on the shoulder. "Come little one, we must leave."
"But the circus isn't over yet, Mama."
"I know, darling, but Mama does not feel well. You understand, don't you?"
"Yes, Mama," resigned Margaret.
Fitzwilliam relayed the news to Darcy and Elizabeth who, out of concern for Lady Abigail, agreed to leave.
"Are you all right, Lady? Are you ill?" inquired Darcy, once they made it to their carriage.
"A sudden head ache. I haven't been sleeping very well," she answered, "I just need to lie down."
Fitzwilliam knew there was something more to her story. Something deeper. He believed it would be best not to inquire for now. Soon the carriage was back at the inn and Lady Abigail and her daughter were on their way to the privacy of their suite. "Do you need me to escort you up, m'lady?" asked the colonel.
"No thank you. I'll be fine. I'm sorry that I spoiled everyone's evening. Thank you for everything that you've done."
The carriage was then on its way to deliver Elizabeth back to her relatives in Cheapside and the gentlemen to Darcy's townhouse. All Fitzwilliam could think about was the look of fright and pain on Lady Abigail's face. I wish I could help you, Lady.
After wishing her daughter good night, Lady Abigail began her nightly ritual of preparing for bed. She sat in front of the mirror and brushed her long brown hair. Her mind flashed back to the man at the circus. A cold chill shot down her spine, causing her to jump. Thoughts raced through her head. I need to leave London. Perhaps we could stay with Marianne. 'But just remember that I'm watching, m'lady.' His words stung. No, I cannot put my sister in law in danger. We could go to Bath, or Kent, or maybe leave England all together. She couldn't take it anymore. Lady Abigail knelt beside her bed and said her usual prayer. Her nightmares had not stopped, but had increased instead. After seeing him earlier it seems as though her nightmares have come true. Exhausted from her lack of sleep, Lady Abigail tried to put her troubles out of her mind and get some rest. Soon she was deep in slumber and was reunited with her dear, sweet Edward in a pleasant dream. Or so it seemed...
"Oh Abby, how I miss our sweet little angel," said Edward, "It's so quiet without her.""We will see her in a short while. She probably doesn't miss us one bit. After all she is having entirely too much fun driving your parents crazy."
Lord and Lady de Witt laughed at the thought. Lady Abigail cuddled close to her husband. She had always felt safe and secure there. She almost drifted off into sleep when the carriage jerked to a halt.
"Are we there already, Edward?" she asked.
"No, something must be wrong. Stay here."
Lord de Witt opened the door and stepped out. He kept it partially open as he stood to see what was going on. He called to the driver, "Why have we stopped?"
"That gentleman waved for me to stop, " replied the driver, pointing to another driver of an oncoming carriage.
"What does he want?" asked the earl.
"I don't know, m'lord," replied the driver truthfully, "He looked awful urgent."
By now the other carriage had stopped. "What is going on, Edward?" came Lady Abigail's voice from inside the carriage.
"Nothing to worry about. Stay inside, dear." He closed the door. After several minutes, Abigail curiously moved toward the door and slightly opened it. She saw her husband speaking to a man from the other carriage. Even though they were of some distant from her, Abigail could see that the man was holding a knife to her husband. With a gasp of alarm she shut the door. 'What do I do?' she wondered. A few moments later she heard shouting and the start of a struggle. She opened the door again, only to see her husband and the footmen about to face off a gang of devious looking men. Her husband seemed focused on one man and that one man focused on him in return. The other man had long black hair and had a very distinctive grin. The grin on his face made her skin crawl. Suddenly the others started fighting, followed by Edward and that evil looking man. Lady Abigail was frozen with fright. 'How did this happen,' she thought. Clearly their footmen and her husband were no match for a gang of malicious robbers. Her world seemed to be crashing down on her. The men's movements seem to slow as she watched in horror. Her husband and the other man collided with each other, Edward trying desperately to gain control of the man's dagger. In a stroke of good fortune Edward managed to take possession of the knife. But this only prompted the sinister man to pull out his other one. Sound disappeared, but one voice rung out of the infinite silence.
"Run Abigail! Run!" shouted her husband.
At first she couldn't move. She didn't want to move. She couldn't abandon her beloved husband. The earl stood his ground even though the man was taller. Again he shouted.
"RUN! ABBY!!"
This time she found her strength. The countess took off running across the road and into the thick vegetation on the side. It was hard to get through. But she kept moving until, for some inexplicable reason, she stopped and turned back. Abigail had no idea how long she had been running. She retraced her steps all the way back to the road. Hiding in the foliage, she looked out. She saw all of the footmen, long and loyal servants of Lord de Witt, strewn about the ground, in puddles of blood. Their blood. She looked frantically for her husband. 'Where is he?'
"What about the woman, sir?" asked a man.
"Don't worry about her. I'll find her when I need to."
The long-haired man had a slash on the left side of his face. He held a piece of cloth on it to stop the bleeding. After stealing every possession from the carriage and the bodies, the man and his evil party loaded their carriage and continued down the road. It started to rain a little. Once they were out of sight, Lady Abigail shot from the weeds like a rabbit.
"Edward!" No answer.
"Edward!" Again no answer.
It started to rain slightly harder. She noticed a blue figure on the ground near the coach. It was him. She darted over. He was lying on his stomach. Red covered the ground underneath his body. Abigail turned him over and held him against her. She could see the wound in his chest. 'I've lost him' She stroked his pale face when he stirred slightly.
"Ab..by?" he whispered.
"I'm here, my love." Tears fell from her eyes with the intensity of the rain that fell from the heavens.
He coughed, violently. "You're going to be fine, Edward." she resolved. She knew in her heart otherwise.
Struggling for breath he managed to say, "Dear...est....I...shall...for.." he coughed again "..ev..er....love...you.." His eyes closed. "Forgive me." Those were the last words to escape his mouth before he went still and looked as peaceful as a sleeping babe. Lady Abigail bent down and placed her lips on his, just as she had done so many times before. Every memory of the years prior flashed through her mind like lightning across the darkened sky. Her lips remained, not wanting to budge. A second passed and his body went limp against hers. He was gone. A lifetime of happiness, dreams, hopes, everything gone.
The countess awoke, weeping and with a terrible headache. The nightmare was all too real this night. It was as if she had been transported back in time to that precise moment. Her heart longed to hear her husband's voice, see his smile and feel the softness of his lips against hers. His last words, after all this time, were still a mystery to her. What did he want me to forgive him for? She sighed, wondering what time it was. Still dark. Sinking back into the pillow, Lady Abigail cried herself back to sleep.