Beginning, Previous Section, Section IV, Next Section
Chapter 15 ~ Encounters of the Rich and Nosy
At the proper time the following day, shortly after Elisabeth had left the townhouse to visit Lady Edith, Janet set off for the home of the Mellors looking forward to having tea with Alexandra. Janet was met with something of a surprise upon being shown into the parlour - she found that Miss. Bingley was also a guest.
As Janet painfully remembered her last encounter with Miss. Bingley, she was at first wary of her. However, at Caroline's eager greeting that shortly followed Alexandra's exuberant and fawning one, she was immediately happy to see that Caroline had merely been in bad spirits that day. In other words, Caroline had come to her senses and realised what an advantage it would be for her to have the friendship of Lady Janet Fitzwilliam. With that in mind she had come to the Mellors, having found out that Janet meant to call there, to make amends.
"Oh, it is very good of you to honour us with a visit, Lady Janet," Lady Mellor gushed. "Do take a seat, my dear."
"Thank you." Lady Janet seated herself on the sofa and had only just been served her tea when the door to the room burst open and three people entered. The two gentlemen to enter the room were arguing loudly and the young girl of about sixteen wailed in a deafening tone.
"Mama! Jonathan and Julian said my new bonnet was quite ugly! Tell them it is no such thing, Mama! Dreadful brothers! They have no sense of what they should have said about my bonnet!" Caroline Bingley had the misfortune to be sitting between Lady Mellor and her second eldest daughter, thus she was forced to lean away from the high-pitched yelling, for her ears were ringing from the outburst.
Alexandra sat frozen in embarrassment, looking from Lady Janet to her brothers to her sister. Lady Mellor smiled uneasily at Janet and cringed as her sons' argument escalated to new heights.
"Jonathan! Julian!" cried Alexandra, near tears of despair. All her hopes of ever becoming Viscountess Allington were near an end with this display of ill-breeding. She, herself, had quite forgotten how she was prone to such degrading shows of temper. Her brothers stopped their disagreement and set about trying to look dignified upon realising they were not just in the company of family.
"Alexandra! Oriel, my dear!" Lady Mellor said in a pained manner, both to forestall another outburst from her eldest girl and to prevent her other daughter from launching into another dissertation on the many drawbacks to having brothers. "We have guests." Her voice squeaked and she indicated Lady Janet and Miss. Bingley.
"Oh!" Oriel Mellor blushed a deep red and curtsied hurriedly. "I did not see. I beg your pardon." Jonathan and Julian Mellor were also quick to bow to the ladies as Alexandra scrambled to her feet to introduced her hated siblings to Janet - Caroline had already had the misfortune to meet them on a few occasions.
"These are my older brothers, Mr. Jonathan Mellor and Mr. Julian Mellor, and this," Alexandra cast a withering glance at Oriel, "Is my sister, Oriel Mellor." Janet smiled sweetly, thinking nothing of the scene she had just witnessed. Alexandra continued, saying to the other three, "And this is, Lady Janet Fitzwilliam."
Oriel was struck into an awe-inspired silence, her criticized bonnet forgotten as she begged pardon and hurriedly excused herself from the room to immediately tell her younger siblings who she had just seen. Meanwhile, Alexandra's brothers expressed their pleasure at meeting her. Jonathan was indifferent to Janet, but Julian Mellor was clearly enraptured.
Jonathan and Julian were twins of six and twenty. However, one would have had to be told they were twins for it was not clear by looking at them. Although both were tall and very handsome gentlemen, the resemblance ended there; Jonathan was as dark as his brother was fair. He had the rather romantic dark hair and eyes paired with a somewhat dark and cynical way of thinking. Julian was fair haired and blessed with a cheerful outlook on life - except when his brother infuriated him as he had just moments before.
Being as he was disinterested in blondes, Jonathan found it easy enough to ask forgiveness for interrupting the ladies and make to leave the room. However, with Julian Mellor, an almost Herculean effort was required to make him quit the room and Janet's company. Even though Julian was dazzled by Janet it was likely that he would soon forget all about her as soon as he met with another pretty young lady.
With Oriel and her sons now out of the room, Lady Mellor apologized repeatedly for the disturbance before saying to Janet in a more forward manner than she should have, "Lady Janet, before you were announced Miss. Bingley was just telling us a little of the town in which you have spent most of your life. It sounds to be quite a charming place and you need not fear anything at all, she would not tell us the name of the town, nor the name of the people who took you from you esteemed parents."
"I see," Janet smiled uneasily. "I thank you for your discretion, Miss. Bingley." Caroline's insincere smile would have been noticed had Elisabeth been there - she would have seen that Caroline was merely concealing that information until she might find an opportunity to put it to better use.
Meanwhile, Lady Elisabeth Fitzwilliam had been shown into the drawing room at the townhouse of the Earl and Countess of Bramley where she and Edith's conversation remained under the scrutiny of Lady Bramley. Elisabeth and Edith did not have to endure this supervision for long, however. The Earl of Bramley soon entered the room to make the acquaintance of his daughter's new friend, for, in the Earl's eyes, anyone of whom 'his Edie' spoke well was worth meeting.
"Ah!" said Lady Bramley as her husband came into the room closely followed by Edith's fifteen year old sister, Nan. "You have come to meet our charming guest!" The Earl noted with enjoyment the look of amusement that passed between his daughter and her guest at his wife's remark.
The Earl and Lady Nancy were promptly introduced to Elisabeth by the Countess who was only too pleased to present her younger daughter to such a person as Lady Elisabeth Fitzwilliam. The Countess had begun to hope that Lady Elisabeth might be just the young woman who would win her son away from the bad company he kept, if Elisabeth could but become a constant visitor to their home, and what better way than for her to be friends with two of Philip's sisters!
Then what a fine thing it would be for Nancy if she were to be known as a relation of the now famous Fitzwilliam girls; the doors of the very best of society would always be open to her. Of course, Lady Bramley conveniently forgot the one fact that her son was not exactly regarded in a favourable light with London's 'good society'. Also, she failed to regard the fact that a woman who married her son would hardly be looked upon as a proper lady and as such would not be greatly welcomed into all the places of fashion.
The conversation that then ensued was mainly between Elisabeth, Edith and Lord Bramley. The Countess and her younger daughter, being a tad dim, did nothing more than nod their heads. Sadly, the Countess never liked being left out and in a short time she cunningly asked Elisabeth,
"You must forgive the impertinent question, but I was wondering if you or your lovely sister are to be attending any balls in the near future? Edith mentioned that the two of you had discussed the subject. The Earl and I are giving one about a week and a half after the Eastleys'. I was hoping we would be able to count on the pleasure of your company."
"Although I am not sure, I would presume we will be able to come." Elisabeth thought it wise to leave out the fact that she and Janet would be having a coming-out ball soon.
"Oh! How delightful!" cried the Countess, clapping her hands together. "Are you fond of dancing?"
"Yes," Elisabeth answered cautiously.
"Wonderful! My son, Viscount Hamerton, is very fond of dancing and he is thought to be quite a good dancer. It is a great honour for any young lady should he single them out."
"So I've heard," replied Elisabeth drily.
The Countess smiled happily. "Lady Elisabeth, you might have the pleasure of meeting my son, for he should be back by the time we have our ball, but I do hope he returns sooner."
"I look forward to it," Elisabeth said quietly, hoping she did not appear rude for her evident lack of enthusiasm.
Lady Elisabeth need not have feared so, for the Countess did not possess the quickness of mind that would have enabled her to see that Elisabeth was not at all interested in making the acquaintance of one Viscount Hamerton.
Lord Bramley and Edith sighed. They knew the Countess was up to her match-making tricks once more. Once she started there was really no stopping her.
"Now, my dear girl, you must know that I look upon you quite as a friend, as I have known your parents for so long, and you must allow me to ask..." Elisabeth expected something dreadful to come out of the Countess's mouth when she saw the looks of fear crossing the faces of Edith and her father.
"My dear..." began the Earl in the hopes of dissuading his wife from asking what he knew she would. Lady Bramley did not pay him the least bit of attention as she rushed on to ask,
"What was your other family like, the ones who kidnapped you?" Elisabeth had not expected such a question as that, her quickly raised eyebrows and intake of breath were proof enough of that. Edith cringed and sought out a sentence that might distract her mother from her present course of destruction. However, due to her feelings of utter embarrassment, her mind could focus on anything but disowning, if it were only possible, her annoying parent.
It was Lord Bramley who restored ease to the people in the room, addressing his daughter and her stunned friend and suggesting, "Edie, why don't you and Lady Elisabeth take a drive through Hyde Park? I am sure there are many people and things you could point out to her."
"That sounds like an excellent plan, Papa. Would you care to come, Lizzy?" asked Edith. She stood up, still blushing deeply from the shame her mother's question had inflicted.
"Yes, I would."
"Good. We shall go fetch my things and be on our way."
Elisabeth stood, saying shakily, "Thank you for letting me come." She paused to grace the Earl with a grateful smile.
"Oh, yes... It was a pleasure having you!" The Countess said, disappointed that she had been unable to learn the information about which most of London was speculating.
Edith and Elisabeth left the room whereupon Lady Edith exclaimed, "I am most sincerely sorry for that, Elisabeth! My mother can be very rude and senseless at times but I had thought she would have more sense than to ask such a question!"
"It is alright, I don't blame you Edie. Lady Bramley's question merely startled me."
"Startled you!" Edith exclaimed as she walked to the bottom of the stairs. "Heavens! Were I you I think I would have strangled her." Elisabeth laughed quietly as Edith instructed a servant to bring round Lady Elizabeth's carriage and, after promising to return quickly, she rushed up the stairs.
As promised, Edith came down the stairs shortly, not wanting to leave Elisabeth alone any longer than necessary should her mother come to see them off. Apparently Lady Edith knew her mother well for just as she and Elisabeth were making their way out the front door the Countess came out of the drawing room to see them. Lady Bramley warmly shook hands with Elisabeth, asking her to come when she could stay longer and Elisabeth dutifully promised that she would.
Edith and Elisabeth once more tried to escape the house only to have Lady Bramley call after her daughter. "Edie! Make certain you are home in good time for we are to dine at your aunt's this evening."
"Yes, Mama," sighed Edith.
"And pray, don't ruin your already disastrous complexion by spending a great amount of time in the sun! You must look your best if your cousin joins us this evening. After all, he is about the only man left who would marry you, the way you go on and frighten away every eligible suitor..."
"Good-day, Mother!" Edith nudged Elisabeth ahead of her, saying quietly, "Hurry out or she will be coming with us next!"
Safely out of the house, Edith turned to her friend. "If you would rather go home I would not object. I'll just ask that you drop me off at my aunt's home... She is bearable!"
"I think I'd rather go home. If we went to Hyde Park I am sure I would feel as if I were on display, but you are more than welcome at my home."
Smiling her agreement to the plan, Edith said, "Thank you, Lizzy. I would love to come... I adore your family. They are such sensible people! As you can see they are quite a contrast to my own... well, with the exception of my Papa."
Elisabeth smiled at Edith's humour and turned to the coachman, asking that he return to the Fitzwilliam townhouse.
Once inside the carriage Edith said, "I must apologise again. I really am very sorry for my mother's behaviour. Mama does not have the sense to know when to leave things be."
"Do not fret over it, you can hardly be held to blame for an embarrassing parent." Sighing, Elisabeth added sadly, "I know how humiliating it can be."
"Surely Lady Matlock doesn't launch into such embarrassing subject matter... Oh!" Edith stuttered, "You were not speaking of the Countess."
"No, I wasn't. My real mother is the most sensible creature alive but the woman who took Janet and I was the exact opposite."
"I see." No more was said between them for a few moments until Lady Edith said tentatively, "Could I ask you something?"
"About the kidnapping?"
"Yes... If you had rather not talk about it I would understand completely!" Edith was quick to assure her friend. "After my mother's mistake this morning I would certainly not do the same thing!"
"What do you wish to know?"
"Where did you live?"
"I lived in Hertfordshire, I'd rather not say where exactly. The woman whom Janet and I thought was our mother is still living and, although I would not object to seeing her disgraced, I do still look upon her three daughters as sisters. I don't want to see them hurt by something in which they had no part. Sadly, there are some who are less than reliable and already know who the family is, so that secrecy which I hope for may not remain."
They were just then passing through the gates to the Fitzwilliam townhouse as Edith said,
"I understand..."
"Oh good Lord!" cried Elisabeth, interrupting Edith as her eyes came to rest on a carriage that stood waiting in the courtyard of the Fitzwilliam home. She recognised the crest emblazoned upon the door.
"What?" asked Edith, leaning over and peering out the carriage window.
"My aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, is 'what'. That is her carriage!" Elisabeth exclaimed, not at all looking forward to this visit.
"Oh. I've heard of Lady Catherine but have never met her."
"Edie... You can have no idea how fortunate you are. Perhaps it is not too late to go to Hyde Park."
Laughing, Edith cried, "She can't be that bad!"
"I see that you really have never met her."
"Oh dear," Lady Edith laughed. Edith was laughing as the carriage drew up in front of the grand house and, as Elisabeth was handed down.
Elisabeth turned to her friend and asked, "Are not you coming in, Edie? I did promise you tea, after all."
"No, I would not wish to interrupt this family meeting."
"Oh, please come in. If I know Lady Catherine and if I have correctly judged my mother's opinion of my aunt... It will not be long before Lady Catherine becomes offended and storms out."
"No, Lizzy. Thank you, but I won't go where I do not belong. However, if you would be kind enough to lend your carriage so that I might return home?"
"Of course," Elisabeth smiled. "You're more than welcome to stop by... Hopefully when a storm isn't brewing!"
"I will be sure to. Good day, Lizzy!" Elisabeth stood back, allowing the carriage door to be shut, waving to her friend as it drove away. Sighing in exasperation, Elisabeth turned to walk up the steps and into the house.
"Jane, do you know who is here?" Elisabeth asked as she met Janet in the foyer.
"No. I saw a carriage arrive but I only just returned from the Mellors'. I have the suspicion that whoever it is has sent Aunt and Uncle Landon into hiding!"
Linking arms with her sister, Elisabeth explained amid laughter, "Well, it is none other than our aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Prepare yourself, Jane, should we meet with her!"
At that moment the housekeeper approached them, saying, "Your mother asked that you join the family in the drawing room, as soon as you returned."
"Thank you," Janet answered. The two sisters walked towards the room. Before entering, Janet took the opportunity to whisper, "Lizzy, behave yourself."
"I am on my best behaviour. As ever."
"I highly doubt that," muttered Janet, opening the door and stepping into the room where it looked as if the Earl and Countess, as well as their sons, were being harassed by the difficult Lady Catherine.
"There you are," said the Earl, standing up to welcome his daughters, obviously much relieved to see them. "Did you have an agreeable time visiting your friends?"
"Yes, father," Janet answered. Elisabeth echoed her sentiments but she was more interested in the lady sitting stiffly with her back to them and wondering what she was going to do.
"Janet, let me introduce you to your Aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh." The Earl took his eldest daughter's hand and led her forward to meet the imposing lady. Janet bobbed a quick curtsey whilst her father said,
"This is my Janet and I know you have already met our Beth." The Earl smiled fondly at his youngest while Lady Catherine nodded briefly at Elisabeth.
Smiling, Elisabeth asked, "How are you Lady Catherine?"
"I'm always very well." The lady sniffed disdainfully at Elisabeth who had taken the seat next to her mother, exchanging a look of amusement over the regal way their guest was behaving.
"So, you are Janet Fitzwilliam." Lady Catherine critically looked at her other niece, taking in Janet's blonde curls, pretty face, charming figure and elegant attire. Turning to her brother, she said approvingly, "Well, it does give me hope to see that one of your daughters takes after the Fitzwilliam side of the family. Much like my Anne would, were she blessed with better health." All, save Lady Catherine and the sweet tempered Janet, pursed their lips in annoyance.
"Sit by me, Janet." Lady Catherine indicated the seat that no one else had gone near as it was too close to their guest for comfort. "Yes, one can see the Fitzwilliams in you, girl. Your features for instance; you have the Fitzwilliam nose. I suppose your sister has similar looks but it is not so distinct." Elisabeth then found herself under scrutiny by her aunt.
Frowning in displeasure, Lady Catherine said, "Elisabeth, I am never one to criticize my family but, as your aunt and a member of the society to which you have only just joined, I must advise you to take better care of your complexion. Look at Janet's fair complexion compared to yours. You are frightfully tanned."
"Catherine," warned the Earl. "Was there a point to this visit?"
"Yes, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I have heard my nieces described as beauties. I had to meet Janet and see if it were possible that Elisabeth had changed at all from when I knew her in Kent."
Elisabeth, seeing that her parents and brothers were nearly ready to strangle their guest, intervened and asked, "How is my cousin Anne?"
"She has a headache, no doubt brought upon by the visit we made here a few days ago. Helen, your apartments are much too bright. I am certain they are what caused her ill health. That is why we have darker rooms at Rosings. They are easier on my poor Anne."
"Well, I like brighter colours, Catherine," Lady Matlock said, struggling to keep the edge out of her voice. "It is so much nicer than feeling like one is living in a constant state of mourning."
Elisabeth nearly burst out laughing when she saw both her brothers flinch and her father pass a hand over his eyes, muttering something that sounded like an, 'oh dear'.
Lady Catherine's face showed signs of serious displeasure when she said, "Helen, why must you always be so very disagreeable? You contradict everything I say!"
"Me?" cried the Countess. "Catherine... It is you who does that. For as long as I have known you, my home and how I choose to run it or how I raise my children has not be good enough for your high and mighty standards. Things must be done your way, otherwise it cannot possibly work."
"Well, as I see you are still in as foul a mood as you were when I last visited, I shall leave. I would have thought the return of your precious children would have put you in better spirits. Obviously it has not and I was right." Lady Catherine stood, preparing to leave.
"Right about what?" asked Lady Matlock irritably.
"Helen! You never pay the least bit of attention to me. As I predicted, trying to teach two simple country girls the ways of polite society has proven more stressful than you imagined. Of course, they never did have much hope if you are the one doing the teaching!"
The Earl, his wife, Thomas and Richard were all prepared to tell Lady Catherine how little appreciated her behaviour was but Elisabeth beat them to it. It was a rare thing to see someone stand up to Lady Catherine and, for the most part, Elisabeth had been enjoying the argument between her mother and her aunt. However, when Lady Catherine insulted both Janet and herself, and her mother, Elisabeth would not stand for it.
"Lady Catherine," said she quietly, showing she had a perfect rein on her temper. "I don't think you are in the position to speak so of my mother, my sister, nor myself. This is not your home and while within it you have quite overstepped the boundaries of the proper decourm pertaining to a guest. As such, who are you to speak of manners? You cannot in all conscience say such petty, childish things when you yourself do not use the proper manners of your station."
Janet was the only one to watch fearfully as her aunt's countenace became a furious red and her mouth gaped open. Thomas and Richard smirked, enjoying the fact that their formidable aunt could not daunt their youngest sister, and the Earl found himself to be remarkably proud of his youngest. The Countess smiled, realising she could not have said it better herself, but at the same time she was shamed for her own behaviour which was not much better than her sister-in-law's.
Finally regaining the power of speech, Lady Catherine huffed, "I do not have to be subjected to such treatment. Anne and I shall be returning to Rosings tommorrow." Turning abruptly she stalked from the room as Janet called after her,
"It was a pleasure to meet you!" A displeased 'harumph' could be heard before the door shut.
Sighing, the Earl explained, "Girls, it has forever been this way. Your mother and aunt cannot meet without engaging in some sort of argument."
"Oh Hugh," sighed Lady Matlock. "I am quite ashamed of myself. Catherine has always had the power to irritate me and I cannot help rising to the challange. In truth, my conduct is no better than hers. It is just satisfying to be able to best her after all the times, when we were younger, that she made me feel very inferior."
"Mama," exclaimed Elisabeth. "I hope you do not think I was criticising you in any way. What you said I'm afraid she absolutely deserved."
"Perhaps, but it was not very mature of me." The Countess paused and a smug smile spread across her face. "However, it was very amusing!"
They all laughed except for Janet, who said reflectively, "I admit she is rather temperamental, blunt and even a little rude... But she still seemed perfectly agreeable." Needless to say, Janet's family despaired of her ever seeing people for what they really were.
Chapter 16 ~ Sisterly Chat
Later that day, after the family had retired for the evening, Elisabeth wrapped a shawl around her shoulders, took the candle from her nightstand and walked through her and Janet's shared dressing room. Knocking on her sister's door, Elisabeth whispered, "Jane. Are you asleep?"
"No," Janet mumbled, making it clear she had almost been asleep before her sister disturbed her.
"Sorry," Elisabeth apologised, as she opened the door to her sister's room.
"Well," Janet yawned. "I'm awake now. What is troubling you?" She sat up in her bed, patting the mattress beside her.
Coming to sit beside Janet, Elisabeth said, "I was just curious about your visit to the Mellors. We did not have a lot of time to discuss it before we were roped into planning our ball."
Janet laughed. "True, but we were hardly unwilling to plan the ball. Aunt Sophia and Mama seem set on a ball fit for royalty, although... I suppose we have a much higher social standing now than we did before. Do you feel that..." Pausing, Janet chose her words carefully. "Sometimes these days I feel so strange when I suddenly remember that I'm the daughter of an Earl, not the daughter of a country gentleman."
"It does feel strange," Elisabeth agreed. "I believe, at times, that it has yet to really sink in. Do you realise it has been a little more than a week since we found out our true identities? So many things have happened in a basically short time!"
"Oh I know," sighed Janet. "But... You wanted to hear of my visit to the Mellors. It went very well, Alexandra and Lady Mellor were very kind. I met Alexandra's older brothers, Jonathan and Julian, and her younger sister, Oriel. Oriel reminded me of Lydia."
"Oh dear!" Elisabeth exclaimed. "Was she going on about a bonnet or something like that?"
Grimacing, Janet admitted that Oriel had, in fact, been doing just that. "Also, I was quite surprised to find that Miss Bingley was there... Lizzy, don't look like that. Caroline was affable and very kind to me. I believe she was merely out of spirits the day we met her at our cousins' and the shock of learning who we really are may have made her seem unhappy about such circumstances. I think she is quite pleased for us and our family finally being reunited."
"Jane!" Elisabeth cried. "Don't let Miss Bingley deceive you. When she learned the truth she was angered by the fact that we are now above her. Then, once she had time to consider that fact, she realised it would be better for her to be your friend, rather than not. That way she can gain admittance to any prestigious parties we give and she would be put in the way of some very rich gentlemen, such as Thomas and cousin Darcy."
"I cannot believe Caroline is capable of doing such a thing, Lizzy," Janet stated firmly, and Elisabeth, remembering her mother's wish that she not criticize Caroline Bingley in front of Janet, let the subject drop. However, it did not stop her from seething with indignation over what she knew Miss Bingley's motives to be.
"Well, enough of that," said Janet. "What of your call to see Edith Laurence?"
"Fine. Talking with Edie and her father was enjoyable, but Edith's mother and Nancy - Edie's sister - they were most unpleasant. Lady Bramley actually had the audacity to ask about the Bennets. She did not, of course, know them by name but she was very interested in learning about the family that had abducted us. Thankfully, with the help of Edith and her father, I soon left!"
Janet, seeing how angered Elisabeth was by Lady Bramley's prying, thought it best to neglect telling her sister how she had experienced a similar encounter with Lady Mellor, and what Caroline Bingley had done.
"Come, let's not talk on any unpleasant things like that. I would much rather discuss our coming out ball!" Janet laughed. "I am beginning to sound like Lydia! I'm so very eager for this ball."
"Does that have something to do with a certain gentleman of our acquaintance, whom our mother is inviting?"
Blushing, Janet whispered through a smile, "I can't imagine who you mean, Lizzy."
"Oh, I think you can. However, if your memory needs a little push in the right direction, although it should not... His name is Charles..." Elisabeth's eyes twinkled as she teased her sister.
"Stop it, Lizzy." Again Janet blushed, but Elisabeth noticed a touch of sadness about her sister.
"Jane, I'm sorry."
"No, Lizzy, do not concern yourself. I am quite over Charles Bingley."
"Really?" Elisabeth asked doubtfully. "Please, tell me truthfully, Jane. Do you still love him?"
Janet looked down and was quiet for a moment, before saying, "Yes. I never stopped. I hoped that when we met again there might be a chance, but... he hasn't been here since you told that fairy tale!"
"I do hope I didn't frighten him away with it."
A small burst of laughter escaped Janet as she answered, "I don't think so, Lizzy. I suspect I was wishing for too much. I thought that he still might love me, for he was as attentive as ever and we talked as if we had never been apart. Perhaps he does love someone else, but I can't see him thinking of marriage with Georgiana as Caroline had said."
Elisabeth refrained from making a comment on the possible implications of this.
Janet continued, "However, he could love another with whom we are not acquainted. How I wish I knew."
"So do I. After all, I do so want to see my dear sister happy with the man she loves."
Janet smiled before asking Elisabeth a question she had wanted answered for some time. "And what of you?"
"What of me?" asked Elisabeth.
"You and cousin Darcy? I can't help thinking that your feelings for him have undergone something of a change. Do you love him Lizzy?"
It was Elisabeth's turn to blush and blush she did. Elisabeth thought about her answer before speaking. "My feelings for him have changed, but as to loving him in that way, no. I most certainly don't hate him, I quite like him... I even have something of a sisterly affection for him..."
"That seems awfully cold. Forgive me for saying it, but it does. The man was so in love with you in Hunsford, he overlooked what he thought to be obstacles to your marrying and proposed to you. Surely our cousin was not wise to tell you of those obstacles, but he did love you and it is my belief that, for a man such as our taciturn relation, it is not to be taken lightly."
"I never did take it lightly!" Elisabeth defended herself. "After the anger I felt towards his words had subsided, and after I had time to consider how wrong I had been in my judgement of his character, I was not blind to the honour of his proposal. I'm sorry if my present feelings appear cold but when you consider what I thought of him when he proposed and what I now think of him, can you not admit that my feelings are a good deal warmer!"
"Yes, they are. Lizzy... Do you think you could love him as much as he obviously loved you in Hunsford?"
A dreamy look momentarily crossed Elisabeth's countenance as she thought about Janet's question. "Yes," she finally answered. "I could love him and, if I am entirely honest, I think I am well on my way to being very much in love with him. If only I could be sure his feelings have remained constant."
"Do you think he is still in love with you?"
Elisabeth shrugged. "I would not presume so much. I hope he does, for as I have said... I could love him. Where would I be if I were in love with him and he does not return my affection?"
Taking her sister's hand and giving it a warm squeeze, Janet said, "I don't think cousin Darcy is so fickle. To me he seems to be the kind of man that, once he gives his heart, he gives his heart and would never take it back, especially if he loves you as much as I think he does."
"Oh, you are very good Jane!" Elisabeth laughed. "But this will not do! You have given me some hope and a better outlook on my feelings of him, but I have done no such thing for you and your feelings for Bingley."
"It is not necessary," protested Janet.
"I assure you that it is! Jane, I must tell you that I am convinced Bingley is in love with you and he is only waiting for the right time to ask for your hand. He can hardly do so when we have only recently been reunited with our family."
"I had not thought of that... You might be right Lizzy!" Janet smiled, thinking that perhaps she did still have a chance for happiness with Charles Bingley.
Chapter 17 ~ In Preparation for the Ball
May 27, 1813
Lady Edith Laurence, upon hearing some noise in the hall, gladly set aside her needlework that had been boring her for the last hour. Abandoning her chair, she opened the door of the sitting room and looked down the hallway to where a young gentleman was handing a great coat and valise over to his servant. Straightening his coat, he made to walk towards the study but caught sight of Edith rushing down the hall towards him.
"Edie!" Viscount Hamerton exclaimed, giving his sister an affectionate squeeze.
"Philip," Edith smiled warmly, for even though she greatly disapproved of her brother's habits she loved him dearly and was always glad to welcome him home.
"Come on," said he, drawing his sister back to the room she had just left. "Let us catch up before I face the old tyrant..."
"Papa is only ever a tyrant when you have done something you shouldn't have." Edith regarded her brother with a trace of displeasure. "What have you done this time?" Edith paused to frown. "Then again, I had better not ask. Knowing you, it is nothing suitable for a well brought up lady to hear."
The Viscount cast himself onto the settee moaning defensively, "Edith. I'm just in need of some funds, is all."
"Already!" exclaimed Edith, staring at her brother in amazement. "Papa gave you a fair amount before you went away! How could you have spent it all?"
"Oh, I can't tell you that! After all, as you pointed out... You are a well brought up lady." Hamerton grinned wickedly. "It was spent rather well, in my opinion."
"I'm sure," muttered Edith reproachfully.
"Aww, Edie... Don't make such a fuss of it!" He grinned disarmingly. "Now, tell me how have things been in boring old London?"
"Philip!" Edith said sternly, "Do not change the subject... You know very well that Papa is going to ring a peal over you if you have the nerve to ask him for more money."
"It is my concern, not yours." He regarded her teasingly. "London must have been extremely dull if you are so very unwilling to leave this be."
"Well, if you want a babbling account of balls and parties I recommend you ask Mama or Nancy. I am sure they will tell you all you need to know," Edith hissed. "And the only reason I persist in talking on this subject is a concern for your ways and for what these arguments you so enjoy do to Papa!"
"Edie! I'm quite all right as I am and Father needn't get himself into such a state over nothing."
"I don't think the amount of money you waste can be considered 'nothing'!"
Viscount Hamerton would have responded to his sister's attack had not Lady Bramley picked that very moment to enter the room.
"Oh Philip!" she squealed in delight, rushing to clasping her favourite child to her. "You're back!"
"Yes, Mama," sighed Hamerton, discreetly rolling his eyes.
"My dear boy, what wonderful timing you have!" Lady Bramley continued with a wink directed at her daughter. "We have a wonderful person for you to meet!" The Viscount and Edith's eyebrows rose in alarm, but for entirely different reasons. "Your father and I, Edith, and you - for they were kind enough to extend the invitation to include you should you be back in time - have been invited to a ball at the Earl and Countess of Matlock's townhouse... Oh, but I am getting ahead of myself."
Edith rose, muttering an excuse, and rushed out of the room only to have her mother call after her, "Edith! Where are you going?"
"To Elisabeth's," Edith answered in exasperation, returning to the doorway.
"Splendid! Take Philip to meet Lady Elisabeth."
Edith could never remain angry with her brother for long, thus she found it a strain not to laugh at her brother's motions behind their mother. 'No!' he mouthed in mock agony, shaking his head.
"That is hardly proper Mama."
"Nonsense, child! At the ball Lady Janet Fitzwilliam and Lady Elisabeth Fitzwilliam will be the center of attention, they can hardly meet properly there!"
"Lady... Who? Fitzwilliam?" asked Hamerton in some confusion.
"I'm sure Mama will explain it to you," Edith said, taking the opportunity to escape. As she walked away from the room she could hear her mother telling Hamerton what had happened to the Fitzwilliam family. Knowing her mother to be safely ensconced in the tale of 'The Long Lost Fitzwilliam Girls', Edith went to her father's study, informing him that Philip had returned and she was certain he would not be pleased with what Philip needed. Leaving her father to think on his tactics, she departed to her friend's house.
The weeks before their coming-out ball had passed swiftly for Janet and Elisabeth. The days had been filled with invitations being sent out to many friends and acquaintances, the Gardiners included, as the Earl and Countess felt they owed that family a certain amount of respect due to their goodness towards Janet and Elisabeth and their delicate treatment of the situation when the Fitzwilliam family had been reunited.
As it had been years since the Fitzwilliams had actually given a ball on such a grand scale, every corner of the spacious ballroom was cleaned, refurbished and decorated. To this already busy schedule was added the still seemingly endless stream of visitors. For Janet, however, there was the lack of one visit - Charles Bingley had yet to come to see them, but she was encouraged by the knowledge that the Bingleys were to attend the ball.
It was somehow managed, in between all the other preparations, that Janet and Elisabeth were fitted for new gowns that suited the occasion. Lady Matlock and her sister were pleased beyond what words could express at the charming picture the girls presented, they agreed that not another lady could hold a candle to them.
Lady Elisabeth and Lady Janet, while awaiting the arrival of their cousin Georgiana, had managed to escape to the library for a few moments of solitude with their father, brothers and Uncle Landon while the Countess and Lady Landon talked over further arrangements for the upcoming ball with the housekeeper.
"Hiding from them are you?" asked their uncle with a smirk.
"No," answered Janet, moving to take a seat.
"Yes, we are!" Elisabeth corrected her sister, laughing. "As if you... gentlemen are not doing the same!"
"We're merely planning an escape route!" The Earl said winking at his youngest daughter. "Your cousin Darcy is coming to rescue Thomas and Richard in a few minutes and then your uncle and I have a perfect excuse to sneak out of the house to our club!"
"Oh, you should be ashamed of yourselves!" Elisabeth admonished good-naturedly as the door opened to admit her cousin Darcy.
"Why is that cousin? What have they been doing now?" Darcy asked. In the past couple of weeks he and Elisabeth had established a relationship that allowed them to tease each other openly and without fear of offending the other. Without actually speaking they knew they had forgiven one another for their harsh words spoken in Kent. However, both were unable to decipher what feelings the other had.
"Not only them!" Elizabeth stood up to face her cousin. "It has been brought to my attention, sir, that you are aiding and abetting in this scheme to deprive the ladies of the pleasure of the gentlemen's company."
"Can you blame me?" he asked dramatically. "You so called ladies are driving them mad!"
"'So called ladies!' Mr. Darcy! That is most impolite, not to mention offending!"
"You'll get over it," Darcy soothed.
"I will not!" Elisabeth retorted.
"You will."
"Will not!"
"Will too!"
"William! Beth!" cried the Earl, laughing. "Enough! The rest of us cannot keep a straight face with the two of you in the room!"
"In that case..." Elisabeth, pretending to be offended, said, "Come Jane! We know when we are not wanted." Taking her sister's hand, Elisabeth pulled Janet from the room and said stiffly before closing the door, "Good day, gentlemen!" However, upon hearing four or more sighs of relief following this action, she reopened the door, saying.
"Jane and I have to be leaving anyway! We have an appointment at the dressmaker's." Elisabeth again shut the door.
When a mocking 'Ohhhhh!' followed this comment Elisabeth once more opened the door, directed her twinkling eyes at her cousin and hissed, "And you call yourself a gentleman!"
Shortly following this exchange Edith arrived at the house and was directed upstairs to Janet and Elisabeth's dressing room where the Countess, Lady Landon, Janet, Elisabeth and Georgiana were going over a couple of further details before they left for the dressmaker's. Georgiana had been invited to accompany them and Edith was soon invited to do the same.
The next hour spent at the dressmaker's passed quickly as it did not take long for the final adjustments to be made to the dresses and the ladies opted to wait while the alterations were completed. The one drawback to this plan was that Caroline Bingley had chosen to visit the very same dress shop at the same time as the other ladies were waiting.
Once she realised her 'dear friend' Janet was there, Caroline insisted on parading her 'beautiful' dress for them all to see and profess to like. Janet, of course, was the only one who did so sincerely. That done, Caroline waited with them for the remainder of the hour while she attempted to convince Janet to show her what her dress for the ball looked like. Caroline was rather unsuccessful in this endeavour as the Countess soon said rather coldly that daughters' dresses would be seen at the ball and not beforehand.
To the relief of those who found Caroline Bingley intolerable, they were soon able to leave the shop, ball gowns safely tucked in their boxes. When the six women returned to the townhouse they had the intention of putting the dresses safely away but instead they found themselves waylaid by the rather troublesome gentlemen of the household, minus one Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Elisabeth was quick to notice the absence of her verbal sparring partner and remarked on it, only to be told that he had left to return home only a couple of moments before.
"Oh, what a coward he is!" exclaimed Elisabeth. "Running away from me! I imagine he was afraid of what I may say to him. The scoundrel!"
Over the laughter of all the others who, although they were used to the arguments between the cousins, still found it highly amusing, the Earl asked his wife, "May we see what these dresses look like?"
"No," said Lady Matlock as if she were scandalized by such a request. "For if you gentleman see them before the ball... I swear you will demand they find something else."
"Like potato sacks that reveal nothing!" Edith put in.
The gentlemen frowned as the Colonel asked what each of the others were thinking, "Just how protective of Janet and Beth are we going to have to be if they wear these gowns?"
Lady Matlock said wickedly as her sister swept the four girls up the stairs, "I dare say you should each bring a pistol to the ball for Janet and Elisabeth shall steal many a heart at first glance and there are many young men who might attempt to spirit them away as soon as possible!"
A few moments later Georgiana and Edith, feeling they could stay no longer without imposing, made their good-byes to the Fitzwilliam family and they left the house. Edith was so kind as to escort Georgiana to the Darcy townhouse.
Having just arrived home, Georgiana rushed to the study where she was certain of finding her brother.
"William, I'm home!" she called out as she walked into the room.
"I can see that our cousins have, as usual, put you in a very happy mood." Darcy could not help but notice the change that had occurred in his sister with the return of her cousins. In just a few short weeks Georgiana had come quite out of her shell and was even known to tease her brother and Elisabeth.
"Yes, they have. Oh, and I believe I have a message for you from Lizzy... Although, she did not ask me to tell you, I am sure she would appreciate it."
"Oh, yes. What might this message be?" asked Darcy suspiciously.
"Well, I believe she said that you were a scoundrel."
"Ahhh..."
"Oh... And I think she also called you a coward."
"Well, that is unjust!" chuckled Darcy. "Why would she say a thing like that?"
"I understand that you left only a few minutes before we arrived back from the dressmaker's. I believe Lizzy is under the impression you are trying to escape from her."
'That I should ever want to escape from her!' thought Darcy, smiling. Instead he asked, "How did your trip to the dressmaker's go?"
"Very well," Georgiana said, taking a seat. "With the one exception being that Caroline Bingley was also there. I don't know how Janet can stand her, but then she is of such a kind nature. Oh, but Janet and Lizzy will look so beautiful at the ball! I wish I could be there, especially when all the gentleman practically trample one another in order to dance with them." Georgiana secretly hoped that her brother would be one of the first to dance with Elisabeth.
"Well, you shall be there, just not actually attending the ball. Georgie, you know how the two of them want you there while they are preparing." Darcy frowned. "I don't understand this ritual you women have. Is it actually necessary that you all gather around one another saying how beautiful each other looks?"
"William," laughed Georgiana. "I think you have become quite wicked lately. I see Elisabeth has managed to coax more than one member of the Darcy family out of his shell." Darcy's head snapped up to regard his sister but Georgiana was demurely looking down at her hands clasped in her lap.
Silence reigned over the room for a couple of moments until Georgiana suddenly remembered what her aunt had said. "Oh, William... Guess what Aunt Helen said! Uncle Hugh had asked if they, that is he, Thomas, Richard and Sir Landon could see the dresses. However, Aunt would not allow it but she told them that they should each bring a pistol for Janet and Lizzy will look so very beautiful that some gentleman my try and run off with them that very night!" Georgiana hoped her hints concerning her brother taking a more active interest in Elisabeth had not been too obvious for, in spite of her near ruin at Wickham's hands, Georgiana had retained a very romantic nature and she wanted nothing more than Elisabeth to become her sister.
Darcy quietly laughed but the way his sister had been going on had reminded him that he would not be the only one vying for the attention of Lady Elisabeth Fitzwilliam - a thought that was quite disconcerting. It was a great hope of his that he would be able to dance with Elisabeth at some point during the evening but his sister's previous comment had made him somewhat worried about the likelihood of that event. This added to his one previous fear of what might happen at the ball. Darcy knew that Bingley was to attend but that was not what concerned him. He was much more concerned by the knowledge that Bingley had remained determined to pay but minimal attention to Janet.
One hope he had for his cousin Janet and good friend was that Bingley might be spurred into some sort of action if Janet were surrounded by admirers. However, Darcy was aware that might do just the opposite and make Bingley even more determined to let Janet marry one he considered to be her equal. If it looked as though his friend might be doing just that, Darcy was strongly considering looking for some help in the form of his beloved Elisabeth.
It was no surprise that Bingley, after having made up his mind with regards to Lady Janet Fitzwilliam, was not his usual cheery self and did not wish to attend a ball where she would be at the centre of attention, but his sister had accepted the invitation before he had a chance to stop her. Bingley disliked the idea of being reminded of how much better Janet was than himself and how it was unlikely her parents would consent to a match between them, no matter what Darcy had said.
Caroline was quick to notice her brother's lack of enthusiasm towards the ball and thought it was quite remarkably odd. When she returned from her trip to the dressmaker's to find that her brother's persistent sadness still remained, she was forced to remark on it.
"I do wonder at you, Charles, " she exclaimed at her brother who sat mournfully in the sitting room. "Normally, you are eager at the prospect of a ball and I would have thought that as dear Janet is to be at this one you would be even more happy to attend. In Hertfordshire you declared she was an angel! I don't know why you are suddenly ignoring her."
"There is no denying Janet is still the angel she was in Hertfordshire." Charles sighed dejectedly.
"Charles... Why then are you so indifferent to her? I know of one young man who is already clearly head over heels for her!"
"Who?" asked Bingley quietly, feeling as if his sister was stabbing him in the heart.
"Mr. Julian Mellor! Do you really want Janet to end up with a man such as he? I suppose he is nice enough, but Charles... Julian Mellor! Need I say more."
"I'd rather you didn't..." muttered Charles, leaving the room in a hurry so that he might muse over his decision in the quiet of his library where Caroline was certain to leave him be.
Chapter 18 ~ Prelude to a Kiss
May 31, 1813
Finally, the night of the ball had arrived. Janet and Elisabeth sat at their separate dressing tables while their maids fussed over their hair. The sisters were as nervous as they were excited about the ball. Every now and then they would glance at one another and smile uneasily but, all the same, it was clear they were looking forward to the evening ahead.
The door to the room opened to admit the Countess, already dressed for the ball in a gown of dark blue muslin, a simple string of pearls around her neck and matching pearl earings hanging from her ears. Lady Matlock carried with her two boxes, which she promptly set down on the nearest available space before going to examine the progress being made to ready her daughters for the ball. The maids, having finished putting the last of Janet's and Elisabeth's hair into order, were thanked for their troubles and, bobbing quick curtseys, they quit the room.
"Has Georgie arrived yet?" asked Janet of her mother.
"No. I dare say William was held up with business. I know he had a meeting of some sort this afternoon. I hope Georgiana will be here in time to see the two of you made ready. She would be sorry to have missed it." Smiling, Lady Matlock said approvingly, "You girls do look lovely!"
"Thank you, Mama," said Elisabeth, standing up. "Will I be a horrible disgrace to you and Papa?" Elisabeth asked Lady Matlock, turning around so that her mother might see all aspects of her dress.
Lady Matlock laughed at the idea that her youngest should be a disgrace; a long string of pearls wound its way through Elisabeth's dark hair and small white flowers also adorned her head. Elisabeth's gown was made of cream sarsanet and it was rather low cut (leaving Lady Matlock in no doubt that her husband would have a fit when he saw his youngest in it). Matching slippers peeped out from under Elisabeth's skirts and the long gloves added an elegant touch to the outfit.
"You shall most certainly not be a disgrace, Beth." The Countess hugged her daughter to her. "However, I dare say this ensemble is missing one thing to be complete."
"What might that be?" asked Elisabeth, seeing that her mother was up to something.
Lady Matlock crossed the room and, retrieving the two boxes, she returned to the dressing tables where she handed each daughter a box. "Open it!" Lady Matlock urged. "These have been in the family for years and it is high time that they were worn again."
"Oh, Mama!" Janet and Elisabeth breathed together as they beheld the exquisite jewelry before them. "Thank you!" they exclaimed simultaneously, embracing their mother.
"Well! Don't just look at them, put them on!" Lady Matlock instructed, laughing.
"Would you help, Mama?" asked Janet, holding out the expensive diamond and sapphire necklace she had just been given. The jewelry was a perfect complement to Janet's dress of white satin with a lace overdress, and to her complexion. Furthermore, it was not large and showy but rather delicate and elegant.
The Countess gladly helped Janet with the necklace then, as Janet put on the diamond earnings that accompanied it, Lady Matlock turned to fasten the pearl and ruby necklace around Elisabeth's neck.
Once this task was complete Lady Matlock murmured with a sentimental smile, "Oh, how well you look! I'm not sure if I should want this ball to go on! After all, once all these young gentleman see you and Janet, I am certain it shall not be long before you will be leaving us for homes of your own."
"Well, unless they are incredibly handsome, charming gentlemen, I for one am in no hurry to leave you and Papa!" Elisabeth stated, smiling.
"I'm glad to hear it, my girl! However, I don't believe for a second that you would not rush from us should the right man appear." The Countess would have said more had not the housekeeper appeared at the door asking if she would return downstairs with her for there was a small problem in the kitchen that needed her attention.
As their mother disappeared down the stairs Elisabeth turned to her sister, saying, "This all seems so strange for two country girls from Hertfordshire."
"I know," whispered Janet. "I never thought I would be wearing such priceless jewelry or looking forward to my coming out in London society with such trepidation and anticipation!"
A discreet knock at the door preceded Elisabeth's maid, Anna, who came into the room with a small note for them.
"This just arrived by express for the both of you." She handed the letter over to Janet and quietly left the room.
"Who is it from, Jane?" asked Elisabeth, peering over her sister's shoulder.
"I don't know," answered Janet, opening up the letter, whereupon she and Elisabeth started reading;
To Lady Janet Fitzwilliam and Lady Elisabeth Fitzwilliam,As the lady who has been the only mother to you over the last twenty years, I thought it my duty, upon learning you were to be presented into London society, to write and wish you all the luck in the world. Consider how fortunate you are when compared to my own daughters and myself. We have been left penniless and friendless and have been forced to change our name, thanks to the Fitzwilliam family - Your family. We were forced to look elsewhere for a home. My own brother and sister would not acknowledge my existence!
If it is of even small importance to you, I have found a placement for myself, Mary, Kitty and Lydia with an old friend of mine - there is at least one person who treats us kindly! I trust the Earl and Countess of Matlock will be happy to learn they have made my life miserable. Had it not been for them, and for you, my daughters and I would not have become outcasts in Meryton!
My dear girls, when you are in the heart of London's very best society, think of us and what we must endure when compared to the life of luxury you shall now live.
Your loving Mama
"That woman is insane! How can she even have the nerve to write to us, let alone say those things!" Elisabeth ranted once she had finished reading the letter and began to angrily stalk the length of the room.
"One does not know what to think," whispered Janet, staring at the letter and reclaiming her seat.
"Jane! I should think one knows exactly what to think of this! You must at least be angry for what she has dared to do."
"I think I am too shocked to know what I feel. It is most certainly a great liberty that she ought not to have taken, but Lizzy... She is saddened and hurt. One cannot expect her to act properly."
"Oh Jane, do not try and make her blameless!" Elisabeth exclaimed, clenching her teeth lest she release her anger on her sister.
"I cannot hate her, Lizzy. This action is certainly an error but we could have fared much worse than we did. In many ways we were fortunate that it was the Bennets who stole us."
"How can you say so?" Elisabeth was incredulous at her sister's calm, but had she been thinking more clearly she would have remembered there were a number of times she had thought the same herself.
"I'm not sure, but I can... Do you think we should tell Mother and Father?"
"I don't know. Perhaps it might be best to inform them of it now, but I don't want Mrs. Bennet ruining this evening for our family."
"Neither do I... Lizzy, would you mind leaving me for a moment. I should like to consider what we should do and collect myself before going downstairs."
"Of course, Jane." Laying a hand on her sister's shoulder, Elisabeth said, "I'm sorry I snapped at you, but I just cannot possibly begin to understand how you can take this all so easily." Elisabeth then quietly left the room and retreated down the stairs, fleeing into the music room where she too sought to order her thoughts.
Lady Janet waited a moment after the door closed behind her sister before covering her face with her hands and sobbing, thus releasing all the strain of the past weeks. No matter how much she had come to love her real family, Janet's kind nature made her wonder what had become of Mrs. Bennet and her daughters - people who, no matter how hard she tried, she still looked on as family.
Lady Elisabeth spent the next few moments pacing the room, muttering over the letter and bitterly remembering some of the phrases Mrs. Bennet had used. It infuriated her that Mrs. Bennet blamed Janet and herself for her present circumstances. Mrs. Bennet completely ignored the fact that it was her own doing. "Oh!" exclaimed Elisabeth, stamping her foot.
Abruptly moving to sit before the pianoforte Elisabeth felt all her anger drain away and in its place came a sadness due to the realisation that no matter what distance separated her from Mrs. Bennet, that woman could still hurt her. Neither could Elisabeth explain the strange feeling of guilt for their present situation that came over her. Silent tears streamed down her face as she turned towards the pianoforte and began pressing various keys that, when combined, produced a composition that reflected Elisabeth's unhappy mood.
"I'm heartily sorry I've made you late, Georgie. It really could not be helped." Darcy apologized to his sister as they were admitted into the Fitzwilliam townhouse. After handing their coats over to the servant Georgiana said to her brother,
"I don't mind, William. Yet, I now must find our cousins and apologize profusely to them whilst placing all the blame on my beastly brother!"
Laughing, Darcy said, "I am sure you will find cousin Elisabeth ready to verbally abuse me."
"Oh, they will forgive you... Well, maybe you are right; Janet will, but Lizzy does love to find fault with you!" Georgiana teased as she rushed up the stairs, leaving her brother to silently agree that Elisabeth enjoyed finding fault with him.
Straightening his coat, Darcy went off in search of his uncle and cousins who were no doubt concealing themselves from the disturbance in the household. As Darcy walked down the hall he heard some mournful notes emanating from the direction of the music room. Darcy, puzzled by the music, abandoned his intention of finding his relatives and instead went to discover who could be so sad on the night of this ball.
Elisabeth stood up, startled upon hearing the door to the room open. She quickly wiped her damp cheeks when her eyes met those of her cousin. It had been her belief, and her hope, that no one would find her in the music room as it was located so far from the commotion created by the preparations for the ball.
"Good God! What is the matter, cousin?" Darcy exclaimed, quietly shutting the door and striding over to Elisabeth to place a comforting hand on her arm.
"Nothing," Elisabeth answered, but her voice and the continued wiping of her eyes communicated the opposite.
"Shall I get your parents? Are you ill?" Darcy asked her with the deepest concern as she sat down again.
Elisabeth shook her head. "No... Don't get Mama and Papa. I'm quite well..."
Pulling up a chair next to her, Darcy took her hand in his, saying, "Come, cousin! I can plainly see something has happened to distress you... Elisabeth, you can confide in me. Tell me what has happened, my dear."
The sadness and guilt present in Elisabeth's eyes vanished momentarily upon hearing the term of endearment with which her cousin had addressed her. In place of these feelings, her eyes were filled with a faint glimmering of hope. However, Elisabeth quickly masked her hope lest she expose her still uncertain feelings. She did not want to risk laying her heart open should her cousin Darcy now be indifferent to her.
"Cousin," Darcy urged, quite worried by her continued silence. "Tell me before I go quite mad with worry!" He gently wiped a tear from her cheek.
Shaking her head in order to free it of the thoughts concerning her feelings for her cousin, Elisabeth answered, "A few minutes ago Janet and I received a letter from... I don't know how she could do such a thing!"
"A letter from whom, Elisabeth?"
Elisabeth sniffled. "The letter was from Mrs. Bennet, wishing us all the best in our new lives, but at the same time blaming us and Mother and Father for her present situation!"
"What was she thinking!" Darcy fumed with anger towards the stupidity of Mrs. Bennet, but more because of the hurt she had obviously caused Elisabeth.
"That is just what I have been trying to discover," exclaimed Elisabeth, fighting back more tears. It was to no avail and they spilled onto her cheeks.
Handing over his handkerchief, Darcy whispered in an attempt at humour, "Please don't cry... I'm useless when it comes to comforting a lady."
A tiny laugh escaped Elisabeth but the tears were now streaming freely down her face, leaving her poor cousin at something of a loss. Darcy glanced uneasily at her. Elisabeth was now sobbing into his handkerchief. He gently patted her shoulder, but that made her cry all the harder. Shifting uncomfortably in his chair, he awkwardly put an arm around Elisabeth and pulled her into his arms while she sought refuge, crying into his shoulder.
Although this action seemed to bring a good deal of comfort to Elisabeth, it did nothing for Darcy's own composure as he was entirely too conscious of the fact of this being the closest he had ever been to her. In order to keep his mind from the ungentlemanly avenues it was presently tempted to take, and to offer comfort to his dear cousin, Darcy whispered whatever words of consolation he could think of. Slowly, Elisabeth's tears subsided and as she pulled away from him she said with some embarrassment,
"I'm sorry... I... I should not have detained you so."
"Don't apologize." Darcy tenderly stroked her face. "Elisabeth, just remember that words can be cruel. They are incredibly difficult to accept as actually having been spoken and even more difficult to cope with. I know you are very stubborn, so put them from your mind and think of it no more. Promise me that you will not allow Mrs. Bennet's bitterness to spoil your evening."
"I'll do my best. And, if you don't mind my asking, how is it that you came to be such an expert on dealing with hurtful words?" Elisabeth's previous acquaintance with her cousin was momentarily forgotten but, upon Darcy maintaining his silence and suddenly looking down self-consciously, she instantly realised how horrible her question must have sounded.
"Oh, I am sorry!" cried Elisabeth upon seeing her cousin's discomfort.
"It is of no importance," Darcy told her briskly, standing up and turning his back on her while he attempted to school his features into a semblance of calm.
Elisabeth silently cursed her foolish remark as she and her cousin Darcy had been so comfortable around each other of late. She did not wish to see it come to an end. Nevertheless, it did occur to her that his response perhaps hinted that his stronger feelings for her, other than the brotherly affection with which he had lately treated her, still existed. The force with which she hoped that would be the case surprised her greatly, 'Surely, I am not in love with him... It has to be impossible, but it isn't! Oh Lord! I've fallen for him.' Such a thought proved to be highly unsettling.
"Pray, excuse me!" Elisabeth said in a voice that sounded, to her, oddly stable. "I really should see how Janet is fairing."
A new problem presented itself. Darcy, whose presence had a rather disturbing affect on her, was standing quite in her way of making an escape. He looked as if he had not even heard her and had no intention of moving. Also, with his back to her, he could not see her desire to leave was hindered by him. Biting her lip, Elisabeth made to squeeze past him, an action that caused Darcy to lose the small of amount of composure he had been able to attain.
"Sorry." Darcy moved quickly away from her, as if she carried the Plague. Elisabeth would have walked past him and out of the door had not Darcy suddenly thrown caution to the wind and chosen to catch her hand as she passed him.
"Cousin... Elisabeth... I..." Darcy drew a steadying breath, looking down at his hand that clasped hers, almost as if he could not believe his hand belonged to him.
"Yes..." whispered Elisabeth. She could only hope he would perceive the great change in her feelings and not lose his courage to apply for her hand. She knew that was what he was planning and she also knew that she would give it to him in a heartbeat. Elisabeth looked up at him, hoping he would see her feelings written plainly on her face but instead the infuriating man was looking down like a shamed schoolboy.
"I... I hope you have an enjoyable evening." 'Well done, fool!'
"Oh," Elisabeth murmured, feeling utterly discontented. 'Idiotish man! Propose!'
"And, may I..." Darcy closed his eyes and sighed in frustration, his inability to get a simple sentence out infuriating him no end.
"May you what?" asked Elisabeth, meeting his gaze directly and silently urging him to not keep them both waiting another bothersome minute. The look in Elisabeth's eyes clearly drove all rational thought out of Darcy's mind. After all, the proper Mr. Darcy would never have stepped closer to Elizabeth with the intention of kissing her, firmly fixed in his mind.
'Oh my!' thought Elisabeth, who found herself nearly incapable of breathing normally. In spite of this fact she fully welcomed his advances, and no doubt a good deal between the two of them would have been sorted out in a kiss and a discussion on their feelings, but it was quite obviously not meant to be.
Darcy pulled back suddenly, looking as embarrassed as could be. He refused to meet her gaze, let go of her hand, and blinked a number of times to clear the fog in his head. Elisabeth was about to question his odd behaviour when the door to the room opened and Lady Matlock swept into the room, exclaiming,
"Elisabeth, my dear... Oh, hello William..."
"Aunt," Darcy managed to choke out, not caring to think of the situation that might have occurred if he had been kissing Elisabeth when his aunt entered the room.
The Countess smiled at them both and, moving to wrap an arm around her daughter's shoulders, she said, "I have just come from Janet... She told me what has happened. How are you, pet?"
Elisabeth directed a furtive glance at her cousin, who was suddenly very interested in the keys of the pianoforte, thus confirming her recently formed suspicion that he had heard her mother's footsteps in the hall before she entered the room.
"I am well. Cousin Darcy was... ahh... most kind and attentive." Elisabeth blushed, thinking of just how much more 'attentive' he might have been, but her mother did not seem to notice.
"I thank you, William. I don't know what we would do without you sometimes."
"'Tis nothing... a... a... pleasure." Elisabeth noted with well concealed amusement that her cousin's face diffused with the deepest blush she had ever seen. "If you would excuse me, Aunt Helen... Cousin Elisabeth. I think I had best leave you two alone."
Darcy quickly bowed to them, left the room, and marched down the hall towards the library which had been his first destination before being distracted by Elisabeth. Pausing, he did his best to compose himself before he entered the room where he gladly accepted the drink his uncle offered him and downed it in one gulp, much to the surprise of his relatives. He then went to stare pensively out of the library window, commanding himself to gain control of his emotions, until his aunt entered the room to ask her husband for a moment of his time - no doubt to tell him what Mrs. Bennet had done.
After Darcy had left the music room the Countess had turned to her youngest child and asked, "Now tell me, you are really quite alright? I cannot believe that woman's audacity to send such a letter to you and Janet."
"It is inexcusable but I'm determined that she will not ruin my evening. I hope the same can be said for Janet and you and Papa? I promised William, I mean, Cousin Darcy that I would not let her spoil my enjoyment of this ball and I intend to honour that promise."
Pulling her daughter close to her, the Countess said, "I am glad to hear it, my dear. Pray, go see Janet. I left her with Georgie. I'll go get your father. He needs to be informed of this."
"Yes, Mama."
As Elisabeth disappeared through the doorway, Lady Matlock paused in her own exit, wondering how much importance ought to be placed on her daughter's calling Fitzwilliam Darcy, 'William'. It occurred to the Countess that the looks on their faces when she had entered the room were not exactly free of guilt.
'Good Heavens! What did I interrupt? Surely, the poor boy was not in the process of making her an offer? No, he would have applied to Hugh first. Well, Elisabeth, my dear... You certainly didn't appear to be greatly distressed over that letter at that time. More disappointed in my unfortunate timing, I dare say...'