Beginning, Section II
Posted on Wednesday, 1 August 2001
"Are you fond of dancing, Mr. Bingley?" Mrs. Bennet asked with a smile to their new acquaintance.
"There is nothing I love better than a dance, and if Miss Bennet is not already otherwise engage, I hope to secure the first two dances with her, and the next two with Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Bingley said cheerfully.
"You do us a great honor, Mr. Bingley, for neither of them are engaged and would be happy to dance with you." Mrs. Bennet said happily, while her thoughts were contained to just four words - Five thousand a year. Jane and Elizabeth just smiled at Mr. Bingley, who smiled back.
"And you, Mr. Darcy. Are you fond of dancing?" Mrs. Bennet inquired curiously, hoping that he was as fond of dancing as his friend, for Mr. Darcy was at least twice as rich as Mr. Bingley, with better connections.
"I but rarely dance, Ma'am," Mr. Darcy said with no emotion.
"Well, sir, this would be an excellent place to dance, for I wager you will not find as pretty of partners or such lively music everywhere," Mrs. Bennet replied. She was determined not to let a man this rich get away without marrying one of her daughters. Otherwise he might go dance with one of Mrs. Long's nieces, or, heaven forbid, the old maid Charlotte Lucas.
"Well, then, Ma'am, I suppose I must dance, if that is the case." said Mr. Darcy with a smile. "And since Mr. Bingley has secured Miss Elizabeth in the second two dances, I will take this opportunity to secure the first two dances with her, if she does not mind." Mrs. Bennet was overjoyed in this response, even though she would have rather he danced with Lydia.
"Of course she does not mind! She would be honored to dance with you," Mrs. Bennet replied with another smile as the two men bowed and took their leave to speak with Sir Lucas.
"Oh my dears, God has been very good to us! For you will both dance with Mr. Bingley, who is such an agreeable man! And Lizzy, you will dance with Mr. Darcy, although you did nothing to deserve it. I say, if it hadn't been for my comments and arguments, he would not have danced with you. And then you know what would happen. One of those artful Lucases would rope him into marrying Charlotte, who cannot hold a candle to either of you. And I say, they would too, for you know what kind of people ..." Mrs. Bennet ranted on, before Elizabeth could interrupt her.
"Mama, it looks as if the first dance is about to begin. We must go and find our partners, so we do not miss the first two dances with them," Elizabeth said as she pulled Jane away from their mother. Elizabeth could usually put up with her mother's rantings and ravings, but this was not the place for them. Besides, Elizabeth had to admit that Mr. Darcy was very handsome, and after that comment to her mother, had a lively sense of humor, and she would not jeopardize him for her mother's rude behavior.
As Elizabeth and Jane walked over, Bingley and Darcy noticed the two, and greeted them with a bow. It was fortunate, for the dance was beginning, and both led their partners onto the floor.
Elizabeth had an agreeable time dancing with Mr. Darcy, who turned out to be a very lively partner, even with his comment of rarely dancing. They talked for most of the evening about Meryton and Derbyshire, debating over which was more beautiful. In the end, Elizabeth had to agree with Mr. Darcy that Derbyshire seemed like a beautiful place to live, and hoped that she would one day be fortunate enough to visit there.
Elizabeth's dances with Mr. Bingley were very lively, for he was a very agreeable person, with the most good natured-ness personality that she had ever seen, except for her dear sister, Jane. And all throughout her dances, she decided that Jane and Mr. Bingley would make a very handsome couple. Lizzy was not the only one to notice this. Mrs. Bennet commented on it to her husband, when the family returned to Longbourn that evening.
"Oh Mr. Bennet! If you could have only been at the dance! I tell you, it was the most wonderful evening. You should have seen Mr. Bingley and his guests. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were so nicely dressed, and I dare say the lace on Miss Bingley's gown ..." Mrs. Bennet said, before being interrupted by Mr. Bennet crying for her to stop speaking about lace.
"But my dear Mr. Bennet, God was very good to us, for Mr. Bingley danced two dances with both Jane and Lizzy, although he did dance twice with both of Mrs. Long's nieces, and then once with Charlotte Lucas, which I believe was out of pity. But Mr. Darcy! Ten thousand a year, although Mrs. Lucas tells me it is more like TWELVE! Can you believe it! And with my persuasion, he danced twice with Lizzy, and once with Jane and then once with that artful Charlotte, and then with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. But then, pray, what do you think he did then! He spent the rest of the evening talking with Elizabeth, and danced the last dance with her!" Mrs. Bennet said, barely taking a breath.
"Three dances with my Lizzy?" Mr. Bennet said, looking at Elizabeth curiously.
"I know! Isn't that a fine thing for our Lizzy! What a good thing for her, and for Jane too, for Mr. Bingley so singled her out in the beginning. Oh, to have two daughters married so well will be such a comfort to me. It will help Lydia and Kitty, and even Mary to find rich husbands." Mrs. Bennet replied with a happy squeal. "Kitty, ring the bell for tea, for I must have something to calm my nerves!"
"And you, Lizzy," Mr. Bennet said quietly to just Elizabeth. "What did you think of Mr. Darcy?"
"I like him very much. He was a very agreeable partner to speak with, and to dance with, even though he did claim at the beginning that he rarely danced." Elizabeth replied with a smile and a blush.
"You do not suppose he danced with you because?" Mr. Bennet asked with a look of concern.
"Father, why do you suppose that every man who dances with me is a fortune hunter? Besides, he has, as you have hear, ten thousand a year, at least, of his own." Elizabeth replied, mimicking her mother.
"I know, I know. I just worry about you sometimes. You never know though," Mr. Bennet said concerned for his favorite daughter. "Now, let us go get some tea, for I believe I must calm my nerves as well.
Posted on Wednesday, 1 August 2001
At Netherfield
"Well, I can honestly say, that was one of the most savage assemblies I have ever been to in my life," Caroline Bingley said with a yawn. "SUCH a waste of time."
"Very true, my dear, very true," Louisa said in agreement with her sister.
"I have never seen so many dull people in my life, even for a small assembly," Caroline said with yet another yawn as her sister nodded. "Such savage manners."
"I found them to be very agreeable. As for their country manners, I find them quite charming." Mr. Bingley said with a smile.
"I found them to be alluring, artful people. Did you see how many eager mothers were pushing their daughters at you, Charles? You are always commenting on how there are so many fortune hunters among our acquaintances in London, but at least they have a respectable dowry," Caroline said furiously.
"I must say, Mrs. Bennet in particular was throwing her daughters at you, Charles. I expect she thinks you'll marry one of them," Louisa said as she and Caroline burst into laughter.
"I dare say, it will give her a shock when she meets Emma, but I do want to be there when they are introduced," Caroline said between laughs.
"I do believe she'll have a 'fit of nerves' as she calls it!" Louisa replied, as they both burst back into laughter.
"Louisa! Caroline! Stop this at once. I must say that I found the Bennets to be delightful people," Bingley replied angrily.
"But Charles, that Mrs. Bennet is the worst woman I have ever met. I stood by her for two minutes, and I dare say I heard her utter the words 'five thousand a year' more than thirty times! Thirty!! Really, Charles, and they are considered as a respectable family in the neighborhood." Louisa replied calmly.
"One of their Uncles is an attorney in Meryton, and their other Uncle is in trade, and lives in Cheap-side," Caroline said with a whisper.
"Well, Caroline, perhaps we should call when we're next in town," Louisa said as they both burst out into laughter once more.
"I would find them just as agreeable if they had Uncles enough to fill all of Cheapside," Charles replied angrily.
"But you must realize, Charles, that as agreeable as they are, they will have a very small chance of marrying well in society, without connections or a respectable inheritance," Darcy replied cautiously, as to not upset Charles anymore than he already was.
"You must realize that Charles, even though I know you would never think of marrying unadvantageously. Especially to a woman with no society or connections," Caroline said with a smirk to her sister, as Charles nodded his head. Caroline had already won one round, and decided that this would be a good time to make Darcy come to his senses about the Bennets.
"Darcy, I must admit I was shocked when I saw you in conversation with Miss Eliza Bennet, especially since you danced twice with her. I did not think that you normally danced?" Caroline said, trying to hold in her jealousy.
"Her mother was very persistent that I dance with one of her daughters, and I must say that Miss Bennet was a very agreeable, lively, and handsome partner," Darcy replied calmly.
"But her connections! They are so low!" Louisa added.
"I heard a rumour that her dowry is much larger than her sisters', but that can hardly be true, even if she is her father's favorite child." Caroline replied with a laugh. "And to think that she was a reputed beauty of the area. I found little beauty in her, for her features have no brilliancy."
"Quite true, sister," Louisa added.
"But Darcy, I do believe that you called her a handsome partner earlier. Tell me, what brilliancy did you see in her that we did not," Caroline said coyly.
"I found that she had very fine eyes," Darcy replied calmly, making Caroline jealous. Fine eyes, she thought. My eyes are ten times as fine as hers, and I am far ahead of her in society.
"I found them to be very dull and lifeless. Jane Bennet is the only one who has a hint of beauty in her," Caroline retorted conceitedly.
"I found Miss Bennet and her sister to be very handsome young ladies, both very agreeable and friendly girls." Bingley responded, flashing his sister a look.
"Hmm, you two seem to think them handsome, and Louisa and I do not. We shall just have to ask Emma what she thinks of them when she arrives," Caroline replied sweetly, flashing her brother a smile as she thought of what it would be like when Mrs. Bennet met Lady Emma Riley. And with that comment the conversation ended.
Posted on Wednesday, 1 August 2001
The Assembly at Sir Lucas'
A few days after the Meryton Assembly, the Bennets were invited to an assembly at Lucas Lodge. Mrs. Bennet could not be happier, for she had heard that Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy had both accepted the invitations to attend. There was such a commotion at Longbourn up until the night of the assembly, with Mrs. Bennet dictating to her eldest daughters what to do, how to behave, and what to say to secure the affections of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Bennet was not about to let the two richest men that had ever been in Meryton slip away without marrying Jane and Lizzy.
Jane bore her mother's comments as best she could, nodding in all of the right places as to please their mother. Lizzy, on the other hand, wouldn't listen to a syllable her mother said, often retreating to her father's library for a few moments peace. Elizabeth was often embarrassed by what her mother said, both in private and in public. She only hoped that her mother wouldn't say anything too drastic at the Lucas' assembly, for Elizabeth had begun to think very highly of Mr. Darcy over the past few days.
The Bennets arrived at Lucas Lodge earlier than planned, for Mrs. Bennet wanted them to be the first ones there when the party from Netherfield arrived. Mrs. Bennet kept herself by the door, making Jane and Elizabeth stand with her as she spoke with Mrs. Lucas and as they watched the guests arrive. Mrs. Long and her nieces arrived some time after, and Mrs. Long soon fell into conversation with Mrs. Bennet, while Jane and Elizabeth looked on impatiently. Elizabeth would much rather be talking with Charlotte Lucas, but ever time she tried to escape from the group, Mrs. Bennet would hold her back and prevent her from leaving by giving her a grim look.
"I dare say, the party from Netherfield is particularly late for this assembly. I wonder if something could be the matter?" Mrs. Long asked, hoping that they would arrive shortly. Mrs. Long was as cunning as Mrs. Bennet, and wanted as much as her to have her nieces married to the two gentlemen staying there currently.
"I hope that they were not delayed on the road. Perhaps a tire broke on their carriage, or even worse. Perhaps they were robbed by highway men," Mrs. Lucas said in a whisper, hoping it not to be true. "I have heard several cases of it have been occurring around Bath, and would advise Miss Elizabeth not to travel there in the next few weeks."
"Oh, Mrs. Lucas! Do not say something so dreadful! I am sure that they will be here shortly. Mr. Bingley must be waiting for his sister's to prepare themselves, or something trivial like that," Mrs. Bennet replied in a panic. "I dare say he would not miss this assembly for the world, especially since my Jane is to be here. I dare say she is a favorite among him, since he did solstice her hand for the first two dances last week." Mrs. Bennet gloated with a smile. "And Elizabeth for the next two."
"Yes, and he did dance with my two nieces, and remarked how elegantly they danced. He said 'they dance as beautifully and gracefully as swans' were his exact words," Mrs. Long said with a smirk to Mrs. Bennet.
"But he was very sorry to not be able to dance with my Jane again during the assembly, which he told me as we were leaving the assembly hall." Mrs. Bennet replied sweetly, as Mrs. Long's face grew grim. Mrs. Lucas could sense that these two would soon be in an argument over who had captured Mr. Bingley's fancy, so she quickly cut in.
"Look, ladies! It appears that Mr. Darcy has arrived, safe and sound. All of our worry was for nothing," Mrs. Lucas said with a smile, wondering where her Charlotte was. This was a perfect opportunity for her to win Mr. Darcy's esteem, and Charlotte was nowhere to be seen. It is no wonder she is an old maid, her mother thought. Mr. Darcy came over to the group of ladies, and bowed to Mrs. Lucas.
"Mrs. Lucas, please forgive me for being late to your assembly," he said very formally and sincerely. Mrs. Lucas gave him a friendly smile back.
"It is quite all right, Mr. Darcy. We are only relieved that you arrived safely to our small assembly," Mrs. Lucas said with an agreeable manner.
"Mr. Darcy, where is the rest of your party? I hope that nothing disagreeable has fallen on them? I know my nieces would be devastated if something has happened to them," Mrs. Long asked worriedly, trying to gain Mr. Darcy's good opinion.
"No, Mr. Bingley had some ... business to attend to in London, and was quite late returning home. I do also believe that his sisters were not yet ready to leave on time, so I decided to go ahead of the party so no one would worry." Mr. Darcy replied, giving Elizabeth a small smile, which made her blush in return. Elizabeth hurriedly looked at her mother to see if she had noticed, but Mrs. Bennet was too busy trying to engage Mr. Darcy in conversation.
At that time, Elizabeth made her excuses to the party, and walked off to pour herself a glass of wine. It made her cringe every time she thought of what horrible things her mother might be saying to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth knew perfectly well that after one conversation with her mother, he would want nothing to do with Elizabeth or the Bennet family, and would probably make sure his friend had nothing to do with her sister. He was such a nice gentleman too, with such a friendly disposition and ...
"I hope you are feeling well, Miss Bennet," said Mr. Darcy, who walked up next to her and began to pour himself a glass of wine. "I hope that I do not offend you, but you do look ill."
"Oh yes, sir, I am well. I thank you for your concern," Elizabeth said with a smile.
"Not at all." Mr. Darcy said, returning her smile, which made Elizabeth turn a deep crimson.
"We were beginning to wonder whether or not to send out a search party for you and Mr. Bingley," Elizabeth said with a smile.
"What about Miss Bingley and her sister?" Mr. Darcy replied with a frown. Elizabeth started to stammer a response, but Mr. Darcy moved very close to her and whispered "You do not need to apologize. If they were lost, I do not think I would hurry to rescue them" with a smile.
"I do hope that Mr. Bingley finished all of his business in London. It is a terrible journey to London from Meryton," Elizabeth said with concern.
"Yes, I do believe he has. I, on the other hand, have the unfortunate of having to make a trip there in a few weeks," Mr. Darcy said gloomily.
"I do hope that it is nothing too serious!" Elizabeth questioned.
"No. I just have to check a few matters with my attorney, and will be there to escort my mother and sister to Netherfield. They have come for the wed ... to visit the country." Mr. Darcy said hurriedly. Elizabeth gave him a curious look, for she was sure he was about to say wedding. Could it be that Mr. Bingley was to propose to Jane, or that Mr. Darcy would propose to her?
"How delightful. I should very much like to meet your mother and sister, if you would not mind introducing them to me," Elizabeth said happily.
"No, I am sure they would love to meet you," Mr. Darcy replied, and Elizabeth thought that she heard a slight emphasis on the word love.
"I do believe I hear Miss Bingley in the entrance, so the party must have arrived," Elizabeth said, gesturing towards the door as they both walked over to Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Lucas, Mrs. Long, and Jane, who still stood by the door.
"Ah, Mrs. Lucas, please excuse us for being late," Mrs. Hurst said sweetly. "Dear Charles was late in returning from London."
"That is quite all right, Mrs. Hurst. We are honored that you could come." Mrs. Lucas said kindly, thinking that Mrs. Lucas would be a very nice sister to Charlotte.
At that moment, Elizabeth saw Miss Bingley approach the group with her brother and another young lady, who at the moment was clinging onto Mr. Bingley's arm. She seemed about Jane's age, with very blonde hair, crystal blue eyes, and fair skin. She was almost as extravagantly dressed as Miss Bingley was, only her dress was not bright orange but a light blue color, which brought out her eyes.
"Mr. Bingley! Miss Bingley! It is very nice to see you once again. We had worried that you would not make it to this assembly. We had begun to fear the worst," Mrs. Bennet said, eyeing the woman curiously. Miss Bingley could see this, and took this opportunity to introduce the woman to Mrs. Bennet.
"Oh Mrs. Bennet, I completely forgot to introduce you! You must forgive me. This is Miss Emma Riley. Miss Riley, this is Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy (whom you already know), Mrs. Lucas, and Mrs. Long. Miss Riley has just arrived from London," Caroline said smugly, giving her sister a look.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Riley. You are a friend of the family?" Mrs. Bennet asked curiously.
"I would say that I am more than a friend, Mrs. Bennet. I am Charles' fiancé." Miss Riley said with a smile, as Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Lucas, Mrs. Long, and Jane's faces all fell and their eyes opened wide with shock. Caroline couldn't help smile, and neither could her sister. It served them right, though Caroline, to think that Charles would want to marry their ugly, unconnected daughters. It served them right.
Posted on Wednesday, 1 August 2001
Longbourn
The ride home from Lucas Lodge was deathly quiet. Not one of the five girls uttered one word, and Mrs. Bennet didn't make a single sound, which was unusual for her. There was only one thought on the minds of the Bennets, as they racked their brains trying to predict what they would do next. Mrs. Bennet had her heart set on Jane marrying Mr. Bingley, which would in turn throw the rest of her girls into the paths of rich men. Since all hopes of a marriage had been destroyed in a few seconds, Mrs. Bennet was in a daze, and confused about what would be done now with her eldest, not to mention the marital status of her daughters.
It was not until Mrs. Bennet was in the privacy of her own home, away from curious, prying ears, did she begin to make her sentiments about the evening known.
"Mr. Bennet! MR. BENNET! Hill, where is Mr. Bennet! Oh, does he not realize what he is doing to my poor nerves! He has no compassion for me in my state! Mr. BENNET!" Mrs. Bennet screeched to no one in particular in her high-pitched voice, which echoed through every crack and crevice in the home.
Mr. Bennet, who at that moment was in his library, having a relaxing glass of brandy and reading Tom Jones, was startled to hear his wife in such a state. He realized that he would not be allowed any more peace or quiet that evening, and unhappily left the security of his library to see what trifling matter was currently troubling his wife. It was probably nothing, he though to himself. One of Mrs. Long's nieces probably danced with Mr. Bingley, and she thinks it's the end of the world, Mr. Bennet though with an inward laugh.
When Mr. Bennet entered the sitting room, he discovered his family to be the opposite of what he expected. Mrs. Bennet was pacing around the length of the room, muttering to herself. Mary tagged along behind her, quoting comforting, yet annoying and unhelpful, words, which made Mrs. Bennet become even more shocked. Jane was sitting in a chair, looking shocked, which Elizabeth sat next to her, trying to cheer her up but failing.
Lydia and Kitty were sitting at the table, sewing ribbon to their bonnets in an attempt to not get in anyone's way. Lydia and Kitty were both upset at having to leave the assembly early, especially since there was an abundance of men, dressed in regimentals, who were very fond of dancing, and not to mention handsome. Every so often, they would give Jane an evil glare, or whisper between themselves and giggle.
Mr. Bennet hadn't seen his family this distraught since ... well, never. The first thing on Mr. Bennet's mind was worry. What was the matter? Had someone died? Was one of the girls going to die? The next was anger. Anger at whoever had caused his family to act like this. Anger at not being at the assembly, so he would know first hand what the problem was. Who knows - he may have been able to prevent it, or lessen the blow. Anger at not being as good of a father as he could have been at that moment.
"Yes, Mrs. Bennet, I believe you were wondering where I was?" Mr. Bennet said, with no tone to his voice.
"Oh, my dear Mr. Bennet, you will never believe what we have learned! Oh, it is so dreadful, I dare say you will scarce believe it!" Mrs. Bennet wailed, as she collapsed into a chair, Mary close behind.
"What will I be unable to believe?" Mr. Bennet said curiously, but anxiously, for he was wondering what was causing his family their present unhappiness.
"Mr. Bingley! He is engaged!" Mrs. Bennet said with a sigh.
"To Jane? Why, that is wonderful! I ..." Mr. Bennet replied, before being interrupted.
"No, no, no! To some ... lady from London. Miss Emma Riley, I believe is her name." Mrs. Bennet corrected unhappily.
"Who?"
"Oh, I do not know, Mr. Bennet! All I know is that she is the daughter of Lord Riley, is from London, and has a very large dowry of thirty thousand pounds!" Mrs. Bennet replied angrily.
"No wonder he likes her, with a dowry like that." Lydia replied with a laugh. "If I had thirty thousand pounds, I suppose all of the officers would be violently in love with me!"
"True, Lydia, very true. Did you think her to be pretty, Mama?" Kitty asked, with a small laugh at Lydia's comment.
"Not at all. Everyone commented on how fair skinned she was, but I believe she looked sickly pale. And her eyes! I suppose some people believed them to be crystal blue, but I found them to be dull and drab." Mrs. Bennet said, turning up her nose.
"And her hair was so stringy! She had no qualities of a lady." Lydia replied, giving her mother a small smile.
"Exactly. She held nothing to any of our girls, especially Jane. But all of this is so shocking, especially since he was singling her out at the Assembly last week. Everyone seemed so sure that he was particular for her, and most supposed he would not be here for more than a month before he offered her marriage. He did not behave like a gentleman should, playing our daughter like a fool." Mrs. Bennet exclaimed.
"Lizzy spoke with Mr. Bingley's fiancé," Lydia said to her mother with a sweetly sick smile.
"Lizzy! You did not tell me this! You must tell me exactly what she said to you!" Mrs. Bennet said, giving Elizabeth a demanding look.
"I ... I did not say much to her. We spoke of the area, and how beautiful she though it to be," Mrs. Bennet exclaimed a small gasp, "and of London. She invited Jane and myself to tea tomorrow evening, but besides that we did not converse very much," Lizzy said shyly, giving her sister a glance of worry.
"You have been invited to tea! Why did you not tell me this sooner, Elizabeth! This changes everything!" Mrs. Bennet squealed.
"How is that, Mrs. Bennet?" Mr. Bennet replied calmly.
"Jane still has time to win Mr. Bingley back! Jane, dear, you must look your prettiest tomorrow, and act your best, and he will certainly pick you over Miss Emma Riley, for you are so much fairer than she is. And Elizabeth, this is a good chance for you to further the attentions of Mr. Darcy. I did notice him looking at you a great deal tonight, and if you keep it up, I do not doubt that he will soon be offering you marriage." Mrs. Bennet said with a smile. "Oh, everything will work out perfectly after all."
"With a dowry like hers, I find it very likely that Mr. Darcy will propose to her. Why, if I had ..." Lydia said, before she was cut off by a deathly glare from Mr. Bennet, silencing her for the evening.
"We will have no more talk of marriages, or dowries, or of assemblies for the rest of the evening. I do not know about you, but I am going to retire now, and I would advise the rest of you to do the same. Especially you, Jane. You look very ill, my dear," Mr. Bennet said compassionately as he headed to his room.
Posted on Thursday, 2 August 2001
Netherfield
"I am extremely pleased that you and your sister could join us for tea today, Miss Bennet. I have only been away from London for a day, but I do find myself missing the lively conversations I could find there." Miss Riley said with a smile. Elizabeth smiled back, and realized that it would be very hard to be uncivil to this woman, as her mother had advised her to be.
'If we give and become friends with this woman, then we will just be accepting the fact that Mr. Bingley will not marry Jane, and to do that would be to betray your sister', her mother had told her before Jane and herself had departed that morning. Those words had been echoing through her head all morning - in the carriage, while she was being greeted, and while she sat and talked with Miss Riley.
The more Elizabeth spoke with Miss Riley, the more she found she liked about this woman. To tell the truth, the more she discovered that maybe, possibly, Miss Riley would make a better wife for Mr. Bingley than her sister could. Miss Riley had the same disposition and calming nature that Mr. Bingley had, and as a plus, was familiar with the London society and how to behave as a gentleman's wife. But, Elizabeth thought, when compared to Mr. Bingley's sisters, who were the only other qualified candidates in the room, an angry tree gnome would probably be a pleasanter companion than Caroline Bingley, or Louisa Hurst.
"Thank you so much for inviting us, Miss Riley. Your fiancé has a beautiful home," Elizabeth replied politely.
"No, no, this will not do, Miss Bennet. If we are to be good acquaintances, and even friends, you must call me Emma. All my friends do," Emma laughed, causing her eyes to sparkle.
"Then you must call me Elizabeth, for I do find that Miss Bennet makes me sound dull and drab," Elizabeth responded with a laugh. She liked Emma already, but the more she talked to her, the more she felt she was betraying her sister, and her mother.
"This is a very pretty area, and will not mind spending time here during the summers," Emma replied, giving the room a once over with her eyes. "Charles spent most of his childhood in the country, and was very particular to buying an estate in the country. I cannot agree more with his choice of a home! This place is so warm, and inviting!"
"Yes, I must agree with you there. It is a beautiful home," Elizabeth said, with a small smile, for she could not see the home without remembering that her sister would never be mistress of this wonderful estate.
"Oh, I am so glad that you live nearby! I would be so bored without someone to talk to, for as nice as they are, Louisa and Caroline can become very tiresome and boring," Emma said in a whisper. "All they talk about is how wonderful it is that I am marrying Charles, and how wonderful Mr. Darcy is." Elizabeth gave her a curious look, causing Emma to laugh. "Oh, you cannot be left in the cold about all this? Caroline is infatuated with Mr. Darcy! And I don't blame her, for I was at first too, before I met my dear Charles! He is a very handsome man, is he not?"
"I suppose ... I mean, I do not ... I would say ..." Elizabeth stammered, unable to think of exactly what to say.
"I know what you mean, Elizabeth; he does take one's breath away. And he has ten thousand a year, although my Charles does have five thousand. But he is so handsome, with his curly hair and dark eyes, and has such good connections. I dare say, the woman he marries will be a lucky one, won't she," Emma said with a laugh, but Elizabeth could see what she was feeling. In that one second, her eyes had flashed a hopeful, wistful look. Could it be?
No, thought Elizabeth. She was marrying Mr. Bingley, and she obviously loved him. The way she looked at him, and talked to him, would leave no one doubting her affections for him. But still, what she had said about Mr. Darcy. The way she had looked when she spoke of him - she looked as if there was nothing else that mattered to her, but Mr. Darcy. But why would she agree to marry Mr. Bingley if she loved Mr. Darcy?
I really must stop thinking about this, thought Elizabeth, for it will not do. I do not know any of the particulars regarding Mr. Bingley and Miss Riley's engagement and acquaintance, and about Miss Riley and Mr. Darcy. I may be mistaken when it comes to what Miss Riley feels for Mr. Darcy, and in the end I may find out that they are nothing but good friends. Why, Miss Riley is probably friends with Miss Darcy, which would probably account for why she spoke so highly of Mr. Darcy!
Yet, as Elizabeth thought of every possible reason for Miss Riley to talk of Mr. Darcy that way, she could believe none of them. Deep down, Elizabeth knew that Miss Riley cared about Mr. Darcy more than she did Mr. Bingley. How could she do that to him? How could Miss Riley enter into a marriage with Mr. Bingley, when she did not want him? Did she not care about Mr. Bingley's feelings?
"Elizabeth? Are you all right? You haven't heard a word I have been saying, have you?" Emma interrupted, looking very hurt at her friend's behavior.
"Hmm? Oh, I am terribly sorry, Emma, but I was just admiring this room, and was caught up in how beautiful it looked," Elizabeth lied, hoping that Emma wouldn't notice, but she in return smiled back.
"It is lovely, is it not? I picked out the furniture myself, and had it shipped express from London." Emma said proudly, with a hint of conceit.
"It is a beautiful room, with such fine furniture and beautiful paintings. I especially like that painting with the daisies. The contrast of colors in that is so exquisite." Elizabeth said with a smile.
"It's a Van Gough*. I purchased it especially, since the artist is a great favorite of Mr. Darcy's. He has several of his paintings at Pemberley," Emma said with a huge smile, as her eyes looked loving and wistful.
UGH! thought Elizabeth. Not more about Mr. Darcy! It seemed as if all of her worst fears were coming true. There would be no doubting that she cared for Mr. Darcy. But what was worse than Miss Riley loving Mr. Darcy was the fear that Elizabeth had - that maybe, deep down, Mr. Darcy loved Miss Riley. And all Elizabeth could feel at that moment was jealousy, because it was at that moment that Elizabeth realized that she loved Mr. Darcy. And she couldn't bare to lose him to Miss Riley.
* Yes, I know that Van Gough wasn't alive when Pride and Prejudice took place, but he was the only artist I could think of when I wrote this. Besides, maybe Darcy would have liked his work if he had been alive today. :o)
Posted on Thursday, 2 August 2001
Longbourn
Elizabeth lay awake long into the night thinking over the previous day's discoveries. She had declined to have dinner with Miss Riley and Mr. Bingley's sisters, saying that she felt ill and would much rather rest that evening than risk one of them catching something from her. Elizabeth knew that her sister, Jane, was upset at not seeing Mr. Bingley that evening, but she knew that if Jane realized the way Miss Riley felt about her fiancé, it would hurt her even more.
Mrs. Bennet had scolded Elizabeth when she arrived home, saying she was a traitor to the family by not bearing her illness to make her sister happy. Elizabeth knew that her mother was just upset over the news of Mr. Bingley's engagement, but it didn't stop making her feel guilty. Perhaps if they had dinner with the Bingleys, Jane would have hope in securing the affections of Mr. Bingley. But it was too late for maybes now, though Elizabeth. I just have to realize that what was done is done, and was done for the best. But that didn't ease her conscience.
Elizabeth had lived her life as honestly as possible, and felt bad for lying to Miss Riley. But deep down, she knew she couldn't be seated at the table near Mr. Darcy while Miss Riley made advances on him, unknowingly to himself and to Mr. Bingley. It was surprising that Miss Bingley hadn't realized Miss Riley's intentions towards Mr. Darcy, though Elizabeth. But she, like myself, perhaps thinks that if she does not believe it to be true, it cannot and will not come true. If only that was true.
After hours of thinking, Elizabeth fell into a fitful sleep, while visions of Miss Riley and Mr. Darcy danced in her head. She almost did not hear her mother pound on her door in the morning.
"Elizabeth! Elizabeth, oh, get up! You must get up, for something wonderful has happened," Mrs. Bennet said, scurrying about her room as she rummaged through her wardrobe.
"What has happened? Is it to do with Jane and Mr. Bingley?" asked Elizabeth hopefully.
"No, no, all hope of that is gone after what you pulled last night. No, Mr. Collins has arrived! He is to stay with us, for how long I don't know. But you must get up and get dressed, so you can meet him." Mrs. Bennet rambled, obviously pleased with the new guest to Longbourn.
Elizabeth unhappily tumbled out of bed, which was unusual for her since she was usually one of the first to rise in the morning. Sarah was called to help her dress, and to do her hair up. Mrs. Bennet must have spoken with Sarah, for she was taking extra special care with getting her ready, and Elizabeth noticed that her mother had picked out one of her fanciest gowns to wear - the blue one with long sleeves. Elizabeth just sighed as she made her way downstairs. She was too busy wondering what plans her mother had for her daughters that she forgot all about the inhabitants of Netherfield.
"Ah, Elizabeth, there you are. Come meet your cousin, Mr. Collins," her mother said firmly, but with a smile as she dragged Elizabeth over to her cousin. As Elizabeth looked at him, all she could feel was, well, disgust for this man. He was very short, and very plump, with a sick smile on his face. His hair was oily and pressed down to his head, and his hairline was receding. He was trying to stand tall and proud, but instead looked like the hunchback of Notre Dame. Elizabeth tried to stifle a giggle as she curtsied to Mr. Collins, and took her seat next to Jane, whom was also dressed in her best dress. Come to think of it, Elizabeth realized, all of my sisters are dressed as if they are going to a ball!
"It is a pleasure to meet all of your fine daughters, Mrs. Bennet. I must say they are very charming ladies, and are almost as fancy as my noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh's, daughter, the heiress of Rosings Park, Anne de Bourgh," Mr. Collins said with another of his sick smiles, as Elizabeth tried not to laugh out loud at what he had said.
"You must be very lucky to have a noble patroness from such an esteemed family. Has her daughter been presented at court?" Mrs. Bennet questioned with a smile.
"No, for she is unfortunately of a sickly constitution which disables her from being in town. But as I have constantly told Lady Catherine, she is depriving the British Court of its brightest ornament," Mr. Collins replied back, looking at Elizabeth and Jane.
"I understand she has an estate in Kent, sir, is that not true?" Mrs. Bennet questioned.
"Yes, Rosings Park," He replied, his voice wafting off when he said 'Rosings Park' like it was the holiest place in the world. "It is an extensive estate, with many fine gardens and woods. And my humble abode is only separated from Rosings by a small lane." He gave another sick smile, Elizabeth noticed. Why must he always do that? It is utterly repulsive.
"Well, I must say again, you are very lucky to have such a wonderful patroness," Mrs. Bennet said with a smile. "Why, look at that! It is such a beautiful day outside. Mr. Collins, would you care for a tour of the park?"
"Why, I would be delighted to, Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Collins said, bowing to her and taking her hand as she led him outside. The moment he was gone, Elizabeth burst out laughing, and so did Lydia and Kitty.
"Lizzy! Lydia! Kitty! Stop laughing at once! What if Mr. Collins was to hear you?" Jane scolded angrily, her eyes darting to the door, hoping Mr. Collins would not reappear.
"Oh, Jane, he would not mind. He would probably start rambling on that 'my dear patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, is fond of laughing' or something idiotic like that," Lydia said, mimicking his voice, causing the three to laugh even more. Elizabeth could feel tears coming to her eyes.
"Lizzy, I would think that you would be behaving better than this," Jane said, giving her sister a look.
"Yes, well, I must say, he is the stupidest man I have ever met," Elizabeth replied with a smile.
"I think him to be very charming, and he is very well off. He will one day inherit this estate, and for the time being he is a clergyman for a very noble lady," Mary said sternly, giving her sisters a look. It was obvious to Elizabeth that Mary obviously had feeling for him, and felt bad that her sister did not have the sense enough to like someone more ... handsome and intelligent, for starters.
"I pity whoever he marries, for she will have to have a strong constitution to put up with all of his praising of 'Lady Catherine de Bourgh'," Elizabeth mimicked, causing Lydia and Kitty to burst back into laughter.
Meanwhile, in the garden ...
"Mrs. Bennet, I must say, I am charmed with your daughters. They are all very beautiful, witty young ladies," Mr. Collins said happily.
"Why, thank you Mr. Collins. They are admired wherever they go," Mrs. Bennet replied with a smile.
"Especially the eldest Miss Bennet. I do believe she is not currently engaged," Mr. Collins added, looking questionably at Mrs. Bennet. She looked at Mr. Collins in shock. Mr. Collins loves my Jane. He wants to marry her, and he wants my blessing first! This is perfect - I will give him my blessing towards the match, and Jane will one day be mistress of Longbourn! My dreams will come true! I shall never have to step down for some stranger to take my place as mistress when Mr. Bennet dies!
But wait, she thought, what of Mr. Bingley? What if he decides to break off his engagement with Miss Riley to marry Jane? Perhaps he is in love with her, and wants desperately to marry my beautiful Jane. But what if he doesn't and Mr. Collins does not want to marry Jane in the future? Oh, why must this be such a difficult decision to make. I must think in the best interests of our family.
"Mr. Collins, I must say, I am very pleased with your compliments to my daughter, Jane, and can say whole heartedly that she is not engaged," Mrs. Bennet replied, as Mr. Collins smiled widely.
"Do you suppose she would be willing to marry if a suitable offer of marriage was proposed to her?" Mr. Collins hinted sheepishly. Mrs. Bennet was becoming impatient - would he just ask her already!
"Mr. Collins, I must tell you, that a man with your connections and situation in life would not be refused by any one of my daughters, except maybe my Elizabeth, since she will likely be engaged soon, if an offer of marriage was made to them," Mrs. Bennet replied with a smile.
"And what of Mr. Bennet's impute on the matter?" Mr. Collins quizzed.
"I am certain that he would consent to the marriage of any one of his daughters to a man such as yourself," Mrs. Bennet replied.
"Then I suppose all I have left to do is to ask Miss Bennet herself," Mr. Collins said, with a sick smile of his.
"Well, let us not waste any of your time, sir. If you will come with me, you may speak with Jane as soon as possible," Mrs. Bennet said, trying not to squeak with happiness.
Mrs. Bennet was overjoyed. She knew she had made the right decision regarding her daughter, and thought of how happy Jane would be when she became Mrs. William Collins, mistress of Longbourn. Ooo, that has such a nice ring to it. Take that, Mrs. Lucas, she thought. My Jane will never become an old maid like your Charlotte has.
Posted on Thursday, 2 August 2001
Longbourn
"Oh no, he is come back again." Kitty groaned, as she looked out of the window and discovered her mother and Mr. Collins returning to the house.
"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I refuse to be in that ... ogre's company for a minute more. I'm going upstairs to lock myself in my room until Mr. Collins leaves!" Lydia said angrily, as she bounded out of the room with Kitty in tow. Jane and Elizabeth just gave each other a look.
"With any luck he won't be staying here for too long," Elizabeth wished quietly. "I wonder what he means by coming to see us after so many years?"
"Mama said that he wanted to reconcile with the family, since his dear father died just recently," Mary replied, not looking up once from Fordyce's Sermons. "He supposedly feels terrible that our home should be entailed away from our family line."
"But what must his motive be? He could not just come here to visit with us. He has to have a deeper plan in mind." Elizabeth observed, as her mother and Mr. Collins entered the room.
"Jane, dear! Mr. Collins expressed a wish to see our gardens, and since you spend the most time of any of the girls in them, you must show them to Mr. Collins," Mrs. Bennet said, giving Jane a hard look. Jane stood up quietly and took Mr. Collins' arm, as they both headed outdoors towards the Bennet's large garden.
"Mama, I believe I shall also go with Jane to show Mr. Collins the garden." Elizabeth added, getting up and walking towards the door. Elizabeth didn't want her sister to suffer being in Mr. Collins presence by herself.
"No Lizzie! Stop yourself right there!" Mrs. Bennet screeched at her daughter, and then, realized the scene she had just made, calmed herself down and replied "I must ask for your opinion on something upstairs. Mary, why don't you come with us." Mrs. Bennet wasn't going to take the chance of any of her daughters interrupting what could be the most influential moment in Jane's life.
Elizabeth and Mary unwillingly followed their mother upstairs, and sat quietly while her mother rambled on about what material would be best for a new gown for each of the girls. Mary wasn't paying attention - she had brought Fordyce's Sermons with her, and was busily reading it. Elizabeth just nodded in all of the right places, but let her mind wander. What does Mr. Collins want with Jane?
It was more than half an hour later when Elizabeth heard her sister enter her room, and Elizabeth made her excuses to Mrs. Bennet. She opened Jane's door softly, and was startled to notice her sister sitting by the window, staring out into space. She looked so ... shocked, repulsed, and grievous. Elizabeth quickly went over to her sister and sat down next to her.
"Jane, dear, whatever is the matter? Did Mr. Collins say something unkind to you?" Elizabeth questioned sympathetically, but Jane just sat there silently as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Jane, you must tell me what is wrong, for not telling me is tearing me up inside!"
"Elizabeth," Jane said, turning to her sister as tears cascaded down her face, "Mr. Collins ... he ... he... made me an offer of marriage, and I ... I accepted him." With that comment, Jane began to sob profusely, and Elizabeth held her sister in her arms trying to calm her down. Mr. Collins is to marry Jane? It cannot be possible, there has to be some mistake, thought Elizabeth.
"Shhh, Jane, it is all right. Now, tell me everything that happened," Elizabeth said soothingly.
"We walked out into the garden" sniff "and he began by telling me how much he loves me, and how he knew we were meant to be together" sniff "when he first met me. And he said how" sniff "he wanted me to be his wife more than" sniff "anything in this world." Jane said, trying to hold back the tears.
"And you accepted him?" Elizabeth asked, as Jane nodded unhappily. "But, why?"
"Elizabeth, how could I not? By doing this I am insuring that when father dies our family will be taken care of, and that our mother and sisters will not be thrown out of the house to starve in the streets." Jane sobbed. "Besides, my dowry was never as large as yours is, and I have nothing but my looks to tempt any suitors. How do I know that I will ever be made another offer of marriage to?"
"No, Jane, you are the sweetest person I know, and I am sure that there are many men out there who would wish to marry you, dowry or none." Elizabeth said, trying to reassure her sister. No matter what anyone thought on the matter, Elizabeth knew that her sister could never marry Mr. Collins.
"How do you know that?" Jane replied, her voice cracking. "I have lived on this earth for almost twenty four years with my same traits and characteristics, and yet this is the first offer of marriage I have ever received. If I do not accept him, I may as well accept the fact that I will die an old maid."
"You will never die an old maid, Jane, but I have to say that dying an old maid is probably better than becoming Mrs. Collins. Jane, search your heart. You know that you cannot marry a man that you have no feelings for! What of Mr. Bingley?" Elizabeth argued.
"Mr. Bingley? Mr. Bingley is to be married to someone that loves him, and to someone that he in return loves. Mr. Bingley never cared about me, and never will!" Jane yelled. "I know that I do not love Mr. Collins, but he can give me a secure home, and will provide for me in my old age, as well as our family."
"I thought that you wanted to marry for love, Jane, not security!" Elizabeth argued back.
"I thought I did, Lizzy, but circumstances change. Now if you will excuse me, I must tell our mother the good news," Jane retorted, as she wiped her eyes with her handkerchief and headed out of the room. Elizabeth heard a delightful scream from her mother, which made Elizabeth almost cry. She knew that her family may be happy for Jane, but Elizabeth could never be. Jane and Mr. Bingley belonged together - it was natural to see. And as soon as Mr. Bingley realized that Miss Riley did not love him, they would be together. Forever.
Posted on Sunday, 5 August 2001
Longbourn
Elizabeth paced the length of her room over and over, all the while trying to think of what could be done about Jane and Mr. Collins. The more she thought about the union that was to take place, the more she knew that they would never be happy together, and that the marriage should not take place. Elizabeth knew that the only motive for Mr. Collins to marry Jane was that she was the handsomest of all of the Bennet girls, and figured that her mother must have had an influence on Mr. Collins decision.
Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins had both decided that the wedding should be as soon as possible, and one week from this Sunday was decided as the happy day. Mrs. Bennet's motive was to have her daughter married off as soon as possible before Mr. Collins could change his mind, and Mr. Collins' was to be married quickly, so he could return to his duties as a clergyman as soon as possible.
Besides, Mrs. Bennet had learned that Mr. Bingley and his fiancé were to be married on the Sunday following Jane's. Mrs. Bennet not only wanted the party at Netherfield to be in attendance at Jane's wedding, but she made sure that the Bennets would be able to attend the Bingley wedding the week after.
Mrs. Bennet was pleased with making one successful match with one of her daughters, and had now taken Elizabeth into view. Mrs. Bennet had decided on Mr. Darcy as Elizabeth's match, and spent every possible moment praising him to Elizabeth. Elizabeth was not unaware of what her mother was doing, and usually, and quite successfully, tuned her mother out when she rambled on about his 'ten thousand a year, at least'.
At first, the neighborhood had been overjoyed at Jane Bennet finally marrying. Everyone agreed that she was a very lucky young lady to be marrying a man with such connections in life. But after meeting Mr. Collins, it was discussed that Jane was not as lucky as once thought - most of the neighborhood though Mr. Collins to be a self absorbed, conceited, ugly, stuck up man who enjoyed boasting about his good connections with such a noble family.
Elizabeth had only one more hope to dissolving the union between Jane and Mr. Collins - that was Mr. Bennet. He had not openly praised nor rejected the engagement, and Elizabeth hoped that he would see that it was not a good match, and the engagement should be broken. Otherwise, Elizabeth knew that Jane would have no hope of breaking off the marriage.
Elizabeth took a deep breath, and knocked on her father's door. She heard a muffled response, and entered the room, where she found her father reading by his fireplace. He could normally be found in his library, away from the ramblings of her mother and the silliness of her younger sisters.
Mr. Bennet looked up from his book to see his favorite daughter standing by the door. He noticed how worried she looked, and knew that something had to be troubling her, or she would not have come here to speak with him. Mr. Bennet placed his book next to his glass of brandy, and gently spoke to his daughter.
"Well, Lizzy, what is the matter?" Mr. Bennet asked sympathetically, while Elizabeth looked towards the window. It seemed that whatever was on her mind was of great urgency and importance, but was difficult for her to say.
"Father, you know that I would never question your judgment, for it has always been with your best intentions, but now I am afraid I must." Elizabeth blurted out. "How could you consent to a marriage between Mr. Collins and Jane?" she questioned, her eyes wide and fearful.
Mr. Bennet sat in his chair stunned. He had not expected a remark such as this, especially since Mrs. Bennet and all of his other daughters seemed excited about the match. He had thought that Elizabeth would be overjoyed that her sister was to be married so advantageously, but after what she had said to him, it was obvious that she was indeed not. Elizabeth was indeed the smartest and wittiest of all his daughters, but he could not comprehend why she did not see that this match was beneficial to both the Bennets and the Collins.
"Elizabeth, why don't you want your sister to marry Mr. Collins?" Mr. Bennet said calmly and tonelessly.
"You have not yet answered my question yet, Papa," Elizabeth said shortly and sternly, giving me a sharp look. This was obviously one of those stubborn moments for Elizabeth - the one trait that Elizabeth had inherited from her mother, and it had to be stubbornness.
"Why shouldn't I have? He is a clergyman for a very noble family, and will one day inherit this estate when I die. He will provide for Jane, and she will become mistress of Longbourn one day, as your mother and I always hoped would happen for one of our daughters," Mr. Bennet replied. "You know that we have always wished to keep Longbourn in the family blood line, and now is our chance to do just that!"
"Is that all? Is that your grand reason for submitting Jane to such humiliation and torture, and a loveless marriage?"
"Elizabeth, I know that you want your sister to marry someone better, and I do to. But looking at this man's character and situation in life, it would be foolish for me to refuse consent to such a marriage," Mr. Bennet said, hoping that his daughter would come to her senses about the match. "I would never hear the end of it, from both your mother and the neighborhood. Besides, Mr. Collins is willing to put aside the fact that Jane will never receive more than one thousand pounds at my death as a dowry, which is more than some men would do."
"But what about Mary? Could you not persuade him to marry Mary instead? She looks to him, wanting to hear him propose to her more than Jane ever wanted," Elizabeth replied, on the verge of tears. "She would make an excellent wife for a clergyman!"
"Mary is nineteen, and I believe is still a bit young to marry a man of his age."
"But what of Mr. Bingley. What if he wishes to marry Jane but doesn't because she is already engaged to another?" Elizabeth questioned, and Mr. Bennet could tell that in her eyes she knew she was fighting a losing battle.
"Lizzy, my Lizzy, I never had high expectations about Mr. Bingley and Jane. Mr. Bingley is a man of a reputable fortune, but he is new in the world of a gentleman, and new to a world of money and power. Mr. Bingley could not foolishly enter into a marriage with a girl, even if he loved her, when that girl does not have good connections or a large dowry. You must see that, Lizzy. Mr. Bingley is wise enough to know to marry not only for love but for security, connections, and to further him in his career and reputation." Mr. Bennet said softly.
"I still don't believe it. How could you allow this ... toad, this ogre to marry your daughter! It is not fair! Jane deserves so much better than him!" Elizabeth wailed, as tears streamed down her face. Did her father not care about Jane as Elizabeth did? How could he be so compassionless, so cruel to his daughter?
"Elizabeth, may I remind you that this is Jane's choice. If she did not want to marry him, she would not consent to a marriage, or she would make her sentiments known. Since she has done neither, I trust that she does not mind marrying Mr. Collins, and probably does not want you meddling around in her personal affairs." Mr. Bennet said, his voice raised and almost yelling. Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, but Mr. Bennet stopped her.
"There will be no more talk about this subject, period! Mr. Collins and Jane will be married in nine days, and you will have to accept that! She will make him a very good wife! I have promised her to Mr. Collins, and I never go back on my word!" And with that Mr. Bennet turned away from his tearful daughter and began to read his book once more, his anger flashing in his eyes.
As Elizabeth left her father and his library, she knew that all hope was lost. Jane would marry Mr. Collins, and Mr. Bingley would marry Miss Riley. Both would enter into loveless marriages, the first knowingly and the second unknowingly. All hope seemed lost that the wrongs could be righted before it was too late, and there was nothing Elizabeth could do about it.
Posted on Sunday, 5 August 2001
Netherfield
One week until the wedding
"You will never believe what I received today," Caroline said proudly to the other guests at Netherfield. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Riley looked at her questionably, and the men just gave her a quick glance to acknowledge that they were listening. "A wedding invitation." With those three words, Mr. Bingley turned abruptly to look at Caroline with a curious look, and Mr. Hurst and Mr. Darcy just raised his head.
"Really! Oh, how wonderful! Whose wedding is it?" Miss Riley asked.
"Miss Jane Bennet. It seems she is to marry her cousin, Mr. William Collins, who will one day inherit Longbourn estate." Caroline replied with a smirk, as she looked at Charles, who looked deathly pale. He's taking this news worse than I thought he would, thought Caroline.
Caroline couldn't be happier that Jane was to be married - all threat of her breaking up Charles' happy marriage to Emma were gone. She knew that her brother had feelings for this woman, stronger feelings than he perhaps had for Miss Riley, but neither Caroline nor Louisa would allow him to enter into a marriage of such low connections without a fight. Especially with such relations as the mother, and those younger sisters who behaved so ill in company.
Caroline smiled as she remembered how she and Louisa had set up her brother only three months ago, claiming that Miss Riley had feelings for him. Their motive was to have Charles finally settle down with someone respectable with a large dowry, but Caroline's motive was to get Miss Riley away from her Darcy. Their plan worked perfectly, and after only a month Charles had proposed to Miss Riley, and she had accepted him. Caroline knew that if Emma did not marry Charles, she would take up her pursuit of Mr. Darcy, and Caroline would not let that little witch get her Mr. Darcy to the altar and become Mistress of Pemberley.
"Oh, how wonderful! I do love going to a wedding. When is it?" Miss Riley asked happily.
"Next Sunday. I must say, those Bennets don't have much tact, inviting people to a wedding only a week before. But then again, those Bennets have always seemed wild and savage in their manners and decorum." Caroline answered with a slight cringe, as Louisa nodded in agreement with what her sister had said.
"I found the family to be perfectly charming and well mannered," Mr. Bingley replied, giving his sister a look.
"Perhaps to you, Charles, but that is only because you have five thousand a year and Mrs. Bennet wanted one of her daughters to snag you. Those artful Bennets," Caroline said angrily. "You had better watch out, Mr. Darcy, or Mrs. Bennet will have her sights set on you to marry one of her daughters. I would hate to think what your mother would say about such a dreadful union."
"I doubt my mother would care who I married as long as I cared for that person," Mr. Darcy replied coldly. "And you can ask my mother yourself, for she and Georgiana will be arriving on Tuesday from London to help out with Charles' wedding."
"What I pleasant surprise! Mr. Darcy, why did you not tell us sooner! You know how I long to see Georgiana again!" Miss Riley replied sweetly.
"I must agree with Miss Riley. It has been ages since I have seen your mother and Georgiana, and it will be pleasant to see them again!" Caroline added, not wanted Mr. Darcy to think Miss Riley was more compassionate than she. This is perfect - I will be able to warn Mrs. Darcy about the alluring Miss Eliza Bennet, and make sure that Darcy did not enter into an engagement with Eliza, but with me, though Caroline cruelly.
Two days later ...
"This just came from Netherfield, Ma'am," Hill said formally as she handed Elizabeth a small envelope. Mrs. Bennet craned her head to see what it was, and was oozing with anticipation over what the letter's contents could be. Elizabeth just sat for a moment, looking at the envelope with no immediate inclination to open it, and Mrs. Bennet knew she couldn't take one more moment of this. She stood up and made her way over to Elizabeth, grabbing at the letter but failing to secure it. Elizabeth just gave her a look until she sat down, and then opened the letter.
"Well, Elizabeth, what does the letter say? It cannot be anything of secrecy, so you must not keep it from your family," Mrs. Bennet screeched.
"It is from Mr. Darcy. He writes to inform me that his sister and mother arrived this morning from London, and invites me to come this afternoon to have tea with them," Elizabeth said almost in a whisper. Oh, she would never hear the end of this.
"Oh, how wonderful! An invitation from Mr. Darcy himself! But how shocking that he should only invite you to have tea! He should at least have the decorum to invite all of your sisters along to meet his family. But still, this is good. You must be on your best behavior tonight, so as not to lose the attentions of Mr. Darcy. He must care about you a great deal to be inviting you to meet his mother and sister," Mrs. Bennet rambled on aimlessly.
"I suppose I should send for the carriage to be readied," Mr. Bennet said with a smile.
"The carriage! Oh no, Lizzie, you must go on horseback, for it looks like rain, and then you will have to stay all night!" Mrs. Bennet replied quite decidedly.
"Yes father," Elizabeth said, ignoring her mother, "Please tell them to have the carriage ready for four this afternoon." And with that she left the table and went upstairs to prepare herself, and her feelings, for tonight.
Posted on Monday, 6 August 2001
Netherfield
Elizabeth sat comfortably in her family's carriage, and tried desperately to calm her nerves before meeting with Mr. Darcy's family. She didn't know what to expect - would they be glad to meet her, as an acquaintance of Mr. Darcy's, or would they frown upon her from coming from such a low family, as Miss Bingley had probably told them. Actually, Elizabeth hoped that that was all Miss Bingley had told the Darcy's. Elizabeth cringed as she thought of Miss Bingley telling Mrs. Darcy that she was a low, tarty, fortune hunter sent to ruin her son's life and career. Frankly, Elizabeth didn't know what to think.
The most important question that kept playing on her mind was why Mr. Darcy had invited her to meet his family. It could not have been Mrs. and Miss Darcy's doings, for they had never heard of her, unless Mr. Darcy had written about her to his family. And if he had, does that mean he loves me, thinks of me as a mere acquaintance, or perhaps wishes his sister to have a companion while she is at Netherfield. Oh, why did things have to become so complicated, Elizabeth screamed to herself.
As the carriage rounded towards the entrance of Netherfield, Elizabeth noticed a figure standing at the bottom of the steps. Elizabeth squinted into the sunlight to make out the figure, and was shocked when she realized it was Mr. Darcy. It was obvious he was waiting for her, but for what? Elizabeth fell back into her seat, and took calming breaths as the carriage came to an abrupt stop. Why couldn't he have just stayed inside with his family, though Elizabeth. What does he mean by waiting for me in that formal state?
The moment Elizabeth exited the carriage, Mr. Darcy approached her and bowed formally.
"I saw your carriage coming towards the estate, and decided to meet you as you arrived," Mr. Darcy said, looking quickly at Elizabeth and offering her his arm. She tried to study his face to determine what he was thinking, but his emotions kept changing so rapidly that Elizabeth didn't know what to make of him.
"Thank you, sir," Elizabeth replied quietly with a smile, as she tried to calm herself.
"My sister, Georgiana, has been excited all day by your arrival," Mr. Darcy said happily. "And I know it is you, because she never gets excited about seeing Charles' sisters. She is very anxious to meet you, and I hope you two will be good friends while she is here."
"I believe I will like her very much, and I don't see how I couldn't like her, unless she was another Miss Bingley," Elizabeth giggled, and was surprised when Mr. Darcy laughed, for he had never laughed the entire time Elizabeth had known him.
"No, I am afraid she has become rather shy over the years, especially since our father's death. She spends all of her time with our mother, and I think it would be good for her to spend some time with someone besides Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst," Mr. Darcy replied, giving Elizabeth a look. "I did want to warn you, though, before you met my mother." Mr. Darcy added, not looking at Elizabeth.
"Warn me? About what?" Elizabeth said, becoming defensive.
"It is nothing - I am sure that she will like you as much as my sister will. I'm just afraid that Miss Bingley has been tarnishing your image to her, and it may take some time before she warms up to you," Mr. Darcy said quietly, almost in a whisper. Elizabeth knew that she should bite her tongue, but for once, she couldn't.
"What exactly did she tell your mother? I would sincerely like to know what image she has portrayed me as," Elizabeth spat bitterly.
"I don't know exactly, but something along the lines of your low connections in life. I believe she wishes to paint you as a fortune hunter," Mr. Darcy replied. "Although after meeting you, I doubt that my mother will believe that rumor."
"Miss Bingley ought to know the facts before she spreads false rumors and criticizes people," Elizabeth said angrily.
"Yes, well, it is Miss Bingley. She has always been uncaring, and out to ruin her competitors and make herself the victor as all costs, and she will probably always be that way," Mr. Darcy replied quietly. Competitors, though Elizabeth. What exactly does he think I am competing for? "But then, I probably shouldn't be criticizing her myself, since everyone has faults."
"What would your faults be, then, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth teased happily, and Mr. Darcy was glad to see that she was in a better mood. He didn't want anything to go wrong today when she met Georgiana and his mother.
"Miss Eliza! What are you talking about? Mr. Darcy has no faults!" Caroline Bingley screeched, emerging from the hallway. "Mr. Darcy is perfect!"
"On the contrary, Miss Bingley, Mr. Darcy was just telling me that everyone has faults," Elizabeth replied bitterly but sweetly.
"Well, that may be true for some people," Miss Bingley replied, giving Elizabeth a glance over, "but people of a more refined and polished society do not have faults, right Mr. Darcy?"
"I am sure that even the most refined person will have at least one fault in his lifetime," Mr. Darcy said with a smile. Elizabeth could see that Miss Bingley's expression had changed from happiness to gloom, but was obvious that she would not let it affect her.
"Mr. Darcy, dear Georgiana has been wondering where you had gotten to, and made me promise to bring you to her," Miss Bingley said sweetly, with a sick smile. Elizabeth tried to hold in a laugh, as it reminded her of one that Mr. Collins flashed Jane every so often. Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, was trying not to grimace, for he knew that Georgie would never send Caroline out to look for me. If Georgie desperately needed to talk to me, she would come looking for me herself - she didn't trust anyone except for myself, our mother, and perhaps Fitzwilliam. It was obviously just another one of Caroline's lies.
Posted on Monday, 6 August 2001
Mr. Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm, and Caroline the other, and escorted the two into the drawing room. Elizabeth recognized the Hursts, Miss Riley and Mr. Bingley, and immediately spotted Mr. Darcy's sister and mother. Georgiana was very tall for a girl of sixteen, and slender, with golden hair and very blue eyes. She was very well figured for so young of an age, and Elizabeth could see that she was very nervous and shy, yet her blue eyes shone with excitement.
Mrs. Darcy, on the other hand, was about the same age as Mrs. Bennet, but looked much younger than she seemed. She had light hair, like Georgiana, and the same blue eyes, but had Mr. Darcy's countenance and pride (assuming that Mr. Darcy had pride, which Elizabeth believed he did not.). Her eyes had the same sparkle as her daughter, but did not look upon Elizabeth in a friendly light. Elizabeth did not want to believe the worse, but it was obvious that something Caroline Bingley had told her had sunk in.
"Miss Bennet, may I introduce my mother, Mrs. Darcy, and my sister, Georgiana. Mother, Georgiana, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet," Mr. Darcy said formally, and hopefully, for he hoped that everything would go smoothly today. Actually, it was more than a wish. It was a prayer.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bennet," Georgiana said, or actually, whispered nervously, and Mrs. Darcy gave a nod of acknowledgment. Elizabeth smiled back to Georgiana, hoping that it would relieve some of her nervousness and jitters.
"And you, Miss Darcy, for I have heard so much about you," Elizabeth replied friendly, which made Georgiana smile. Mrs. Darcy, on the other hand, looked positively deathly at Elizabeth's comment, and Elizabeth realized that perhaps it came across as if she and Mr. Darcy had been in company of each other quite a bit.
"And I about you," Georgiana answered.
"I understand that you are very fond of music, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth said cheerfully, hoping to get a heartfelt response from her, rather than a formal greeting.
"Yes, Miss Bennet," Georgiana replied quietly. "I am very fond of the piano, and of singing. My brother just bought me a new piano, which is very elegant. I do not deserve it, but I suppose he believes I do.
"An ideal elder brother then," Elizabeth added, raising her eyebrows.
"Oh, yes! I could not imagine a better, or a kinder one," Georgiana said, almost gushing with happiness.
"You are making me quite envious, for I have no brothers - only four sisters," Elizabeth answered with a smile.
"No brothers, Miss Bennet? I suppose then your family's estate is to be entailed away?" Mrs. Darcy asked grimly, while Miss Bingley looked on with a smirk of cruelty. Mr. Darcy, and Georgiana, on the other hand, looked appalled at their mother's response, and Elizabeth looked shocked at what she had said, but recovered quickly.
"Yes, it is - to our cousin, Mr. Collins, a clergyman for Lady Catherine de Bourgh. My eldest sister, Jane, is to be wed to him this Sunday, and I believe you are all to attend?" Elizabeth said quickly, hoping to have the subject dropped.
"Mr. Collins. Yes, I seem to remember him, always agreeing with what Catherine said. Such a short, toady man - he seemed very ill to my taste, and very annoying, but I suppose he suits Catherine very well. His patroness is my sister, if you haven't already heard," Mrs. Darcy said proudly, and Elizabeth could detect that she was trying to make the distinction of class present to her son. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were trying hard not to laugh out loud at these remarks. Elizabeth, on the other hand, would not give Mrs. Darcy the satisfaction of a defeat.
"No, Mrs. Darcy, I was unaware of that fact. I suppose I must tell Mr. Collins that you are in town - I am sure that he will be very glad to meet with his esteemed patroness' sister again," Elizabeth said with a smile, as Mrs. Darcy's face turned pale and Miss Bingley looked wide with horror. Miss Darcy, not wanting to have a fight between her mother and what she hoped would become a close friend, decided it would be best to separate the two.
"Miss Bennet, I would be honored if you would take a walk with me, for you know this countryside better than anyone else, and could point out some of the prettier spots," Georgiana asked shyly, and saw that Elizabeth's anger was lowering.
"Yes, Miss Darcy, but the honor would be all mine," Elizabeth replied, giving Mrs. Darcy one last look as she and Georgiana exited the room. It was not until they were a safe distance away did Mrs. Darcy start up on destroying Miss Bennet's image.
"Can you believe the manners on that girl! She is the most rude, unfeeling woman I have ever met! Miss Bingley, you were entirely right on the matter - William, I hope you pay heed to what Miss Bingley is saying - you said that Miss Bennet was nothing but a fortune hunter! She is obviously trying to lure you into her grasp, William, and I hope that you cut off all ties with that woman! Oh, my poor Georgiana, having to be stuck outside with her," Mrs. Darcy wailed, as Mr. Darcy rolled his eyes, and Miss Bingley smiled happily. The competition was gone.
"Mother, I don't see how Miss Bennet was any ruder than you were to her, and I am appalled at your behavior to her this very moment," Mr. Darcy said disapprovingly to his mother.
"I will not deny that I may have been harsh to her, but I just wanted to make myself clear that the Darcys do not associate with low classed fortune hunters," Mrs. Darcy said soothingly.
"You may believe her to be whatever you wish her to, but I do not find her to be a fortune hunter, and I believe that my opinion is the only one that matters in this discussion. Now if you will excuse me, I believe I will go upstairs and take care of some business," Mr. Darcy replied coldly.
"William!" Mrs. Darcy cried after him, but he did not turn and look at her. At that moment, he had never been more ashamed of his mother.
Posted on Tuesday, 7 August 2001
Elizabeth and Georgiana continued on their walk, going nowhere in particular, and not speaking a word to each other. Georgiana was plainly too shy to speak with Elizabeth, and was in awe about how outgoing she was. Elizabeth was afraid that after her terrible manner towards Mrs. Darcy, that Miss Darcy would either be frightened of her, or would want nothing to do with her. Elizabeth almost cringed when she thought of how Mr. Darcy must despise her now, and never want to speak with her again. Elizabeth held her breath, for she knew that if she let it out she would start crying.
Georgiana made the first comment, the first breach towards friendship, between the two girls.
"This is such beautiful countryside, Miss Bennet, that I think I could be happy to live my whole life here," Georgiana commented, hoping to eradicate the silence between the two. Georgiana had hoped so much that Miss Bennet would become her friend, for her own sake and for her brother's, and Georgiana prayed that her mother's comments had not ruined any chance of friendship. She knew that her mother meant well, and only wanted her brother to not be trapped in a loveless marriage by a fortune hunter. But Miss Bennet seemed so genuine and caring, that Georgiana could not label her a fortune hunter.
"Thank you, Miss Darcy, but I believe your brother was telling me of the enchanting beauty of Derbyshire, and if what he says is true, then I believe I would never want to leave Derbyshire," Elizabeth replied back in a calming tone.
"Oh, of course, Miss Bennet, my brother would never lie. He always tells the absolute truth! Derbyshire is such a beautiful, charming place to live, but I have spent most of my life there, and coming to Hertfortshire was such a ... a wonderful change for me!" Georgiana said passionately, and Elizabeth began to feel sorry for Miss Darcy. "Although I wouldn't trade living at Pemberley for anything in this world!" Except maybe to see my brother happy for once, thought Georgiana.
"It must be a very elegant estate," Elizabeth said shortly, saying her thought more as a statement than as a question.
"Oh, yes! It is very elegant. You must visit me there some time, Miss Bennet, for I know you will love Pemberley as much as I do," Georgiana answered joyfully.
"If your mother permits me to, I believe I would like to," Elizabeth replied, and Georgiana could detect a hint of coldness in her voice. Why oh why did they have to get off to such a bad beginning, asked Georgiana to herself. Why couldn't my mother have just been polite to her.
"Miss Bennet, I would like to apologize for my mother's terrible behavior to you this past afternoon. It was unacceptable and rude, I know that myself, but you must believe that she had the best intentions in her mind. My mother worries a great deal about my brother, especially since our father's death. She knows of the large number of mothers, and daughters, in London whose main objective is to marry a man with a large fortune and not for love, and after so many years of this, my mother believes that all women are like that." Georgiana pleaded, her eyes welling up with tears. "Please, do not hold a grudge against her."
Elizabeth could feel all of her anger melt away when she saw Georgiana's tearful face looking at her.
"Do not worry, Miss Darcy. I have already forgotten about anything hurtful that your mother had said to me. I know that she must care greatly for Mr. Darcy, or she would not have said those hurtful things." Elizabeth said, trying to lie as best as she could. Georgiana seemed to believe her, and lost her sad disposition as quickly as she had gained it.
"Oh, look! That must be Meryton! Mother and I passed through it on our way to Netherfield, and I thought it was a delightfully quaint little town. It reminded me so much of Lambton," Georgiana gushed.
"You live near Lambton?" Elizabeth asked, and Georgiana nodded in reply. "My aunt grew up there, although I never remember her saying anything about Pemberley."
"Is she to come for your sister's wedding?" Georgiana questioned.
"Yes, I believe she is. Jane and I were always her favorite nieces, so I doubt she would miss Jane's wedding for the world." Elizabeth laughed.
"I hope you will introduce me to her, for I would very much like to meet the acquaintance of someone else from Derbyshire," Georgiana asked shyly, her eyes darting to the ground.
"Of course I will, and I believe she may be just as eager to meet you when I tell her you're from Derbyshire." Georgiana smiled. "Now, why don't we take a walk through town?" Elizabeth asked, and Georgiana nodded in reply.
The two walked up and down the wide streets, looking into the windows of the various dress and hat shops. Elizabeth observed that Georgiana was enjoying this trip, and concluded that she must not have been allowed outside much when in London, if she found so much pleasure in such a small town as this. Georgiana, on the other hand, was enjoying her company with Miss Bennet, and was trying to think of a way for her to meet with her brother, alone. Georgiana usually didn't play matchmaker, but she knew that Miss Bennet was a perfect match for her brother.
"Miss Darcy, it looks as if my two youngest sisters are in town! Would you like to make their acquaintance?" Elizabeth asked, as Georgiana peered around for the possible sisters. "If you are looking for my sisters," Elizabeth whispered, "they are the two young ladies over there, speaking with the three officers. They are obsessed with men in regimentals, as you will be able to tell once you've met them." Georgiana gave a small giggle at this response as they walked over to the party.
"LIZZY!" Lydia screeched. "You must meet our new friend, who has just joined Colonel Forster's regiment. He is the handsomest man you have ever seen," Lydia whispered to Elizabeth, and Kitty nodded.
"Yes, well, first I would like to introduce you to Miss Georgiana Darcy. Georgiana, may I introduce Catherine and Lydia Bennet, my youngest sisters." Elizabeth announced formally, as the three girls curtsied to each other.
"Well, Miss Darcy, are you fond of men in regimentals?" Lydia asked, not giving Georgiana any time to answer. "Well, you must come meet our new acquaintance, Mr. Wickham, who has just joined the regiment." Georgiana's eyes grew wide with terror, and she looked frightfully pale to Elizabeth.
"Oh, I am very sorry, Miss Lydia, but Miss Bennet and I have been out walking for almost an hour, and I believe we must hurry back before my mother wonders where we have wandered off to," Georgiana mumbled in a whisper, and Elizabeth was surprised that she had actually said that much to a new acquaintance.
"Lydia, Kitty, I will see you at home tonight," Elizabeth said to her sisters, but they had already begun walking back to their new friends. Elizabeth then turned her attentions to Miss Darcy, who looked very pale and had tears running down her face.
Not once word was said on the way back to Netherfield, except for the occasional mumbles of Miss Darcy. Elizabeth could only make out "He's here", and "He knows I'm here", and "What will William do when he finds out he's here?", and frankly, it confused her greatly. It was obvious that Miss Darcy and Mr. Wickham had a previous acquaintance, but were not on good terms. But what exactly had happened between the two of them. And most of all - were her sisters in danger with this man?