Beginning, Section II
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Jump to new as of June 18, 2001
Jump to new as of June 24, 2001
Chapter 16 ~ Evening in Review
The trip back from the Assembly was very confusing for Elizabeth. She was very anxious to get back to the solitude of her room so that she could read the note from Mr. Darcy. She closed her eyes and began to blush just thinking about his hand touching hers. She was awaken from her reverie by the piercing voice of her mother.
"Oh girls! I don't believe there was ever such a night. Oh Jane! Mr. Bingley certainly seemed to fancy you, my dear. He is truly very handsome, and you made such a lovely couple. He danced with you twice! What a compliment to your beauty, I'm sure."
"Don't forget Mr. Darcy danced with my Lizzy. I assure you I tried to dissuade him, but it was for naught. He would dance with her. I guess I cannot blame him, but if I had my senses about me, I should have danced with her myself to keep him from her." Mr. Bennet's humor was quite lost on his wife who continued on in her ramble.
"Lizzy, I don't know how you did it. He seemed so disagreeable at first, I didn't think he was going to dance with anyone, but he must have been waiting for you. I did hear him say that Jane was the prettiest girl in the place, and it seems that his friend Bingley agreed with him. All of our girls are quite beautiful, though, so they couldn't have gone wrong in picking any of them." Mrs. Bennet was all flustered with thinking about her good fortune and couldn't continue any longer that evening. The next day would bring more discussion of the dance, and then she would be able to lord the successes of her daughters over all the other mothers in the neighborhood. She sighed with contentment as the carriage pulled up to the house. "I think I like Mr. Bingley the best and he does have a fortune of four thousand pounds.. He had such lovely manners and he danced every dance." She fanned herself with her hankerchief while she chuckled.
Elizabeth ran to her room to read her letter as soon as they got to the house.
Dearest Elizabeth,
I hope you do not think me too presumptuous, but I have seen you only a few times, but I already find you enchanting. I wish to get to know you properly instead of merely adoring you from afar. Please allow me the honor of introducing myself to you.
Respectfully yours,
Fitzwilliam
She felt herself grow hot as she read the letter. As she was in the midst of a blush, she heard a knock on her door.
"Lizzy, may I come in?" It was Jane.
"Thank goodness it is you. Please Jane, I need to talk with you very much." Elizabeth hid her letter under the covers of the bed.
"Me too! I'm so excited, but please, you first, I want to know all about your dances." Jane came in and sat down on the edge of the bed.
"It would be much better if you told me first of Mr. Bingley. I am so unsure of my thoughts that I would make no sense at all. Tell me what you thought of Mr. Bingley. I only danced with him once, so I could by no means make myself out to be an expert on his character."
"You tease me, Lizzy, but I have to say that I think he is the most amiable gentleman of my acquaintance. I would like to reserve judgement for a few more meetings, but I can not think of anyone else that I like so well. He was everything a young man ought to be, and he had such pleasing manners. I do hope that we have the opportunity to meet with him again."
"Jane, how could he help but fall in love with you. You are quite as sweet as you are beautiful. Even the implacable Mr. Darcy remarked on your beauty."
"Now you are selling yourself short. You know very well that he only said that before he saw you. After dancing with you, he could not keep his eyes off of you, and then he danced with you a second time. With me he danced only once, and I know he spent the entire dance watching you instead of paying attention to me."
"I'm surprised that you noticed that at all. I spent that whole dance watching you stare at Mr. Bingley as I tried very hard not to step on the toes of poor John Lucas." Elizabeth laughed. "I dare say that I was a rather pitiful partner then. He may never recover from the many times I stepped on his feet." They both enjoyed a laugh at that, and then Jane retired to her own room.
Elizabeth tried in vain to get to sleep. How long had he been watching her. It was a little eerie, but more exciting and flattering. His behavior at the dance was very strange, though. He must not have expected her to be there, but he had this letter with him. He had obviously been watching her for quite a while, since even before she got the rose. She fingered her necklace as she finally got to sleep thinking of Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Chapter 17 ~ The Meeting
The woods were awfully quiet this morning, and a damp fog obscured everything around her and made the scene seem rather unreal. As Elizabeth approached the stump, she called out. "Hello?" Then she looked around trying to see if there was anyone there. When there was no response, she tried to thwart the feeling of disappointment that she felt at the silent response. Not caring that everything was damp, she sat down on the stump and sighed. Well, she would just have to leave a response to the letter she received last night, there was no other recourse.
"Miss Bennet?"
Elizabeth jumped up in surprise, "Mr. Darcy, I was not sure that you would be here." She stammered in comfusion as he came walking towards her.
"I know it is not proper to meet in circumstances like this, but I wanted to thank you for helping me to have a wonderful time last night."
"Now Mr. Darcy, I thought that the second dance was for compliments. I believe that you attempted that, but you were only able to come up with one compliment, and I find out that it was truly a compliment to your own taste in picking out gifts, and that will not do." Elizabeth was able to collect herself enough for a little teasing.
"I feel duly chastened, and I will be sure to make a better effort next time." He smiled at her playfulness and bowed to her.
Elizabeth started to feel a little self-conscious as she made her next response. "There is no need for any extra effort, I will take your letter to me as sufficient for the moment." She still sounded light-hearted, but she began to blush as she made this first reference to the words that she read in his letter.
"I'm glad that you found the sentiments expressed in it pleasing. I wrote that before I knew who you were, but now that I have been able to talk with you, I find you even more enchanting." He closed the distance between them and reached for her hand. She didn't resist at all as he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her. She felt herself grow warm at his touch, and though she knew that he was acting in a too-familiar manner, she couldn't bring herself to draw away, and she felt terribly disappointed when he released her hand.
"Sir, I have been remiss, I have not even thanked you for the necklace. I can't help but feel curiosity as to why you got it for me."
Darcy started to relate the whole story about how he first saw her, but she suddenly realized the time.
"I'm afraid that I must interrupt the tale to leave. I really want to hear the whole thing, but I don't wish for my family to ask me my whereabouts this morning. I really hope you can continue at a later time?"
She felt his eyes on her and felt herself becoming warmer as he responded to her. "Please permit me the opportunity to tell you the whole story tomorrow morning. I do owe you an explanation as it was not gentleman-like to hide myself from you for all this time."
Of course she consented, but then she rapidly headed towards home. It had never crossed her mind that he had not behaved in a gentleman-like manner in hiding himself that time. Yes, she had been a little nervous when she had first found out that she had been watched during these walks in the morning, however, once she had danced with him, all of her fears were gone. She truly felt that he was a man that she could trust with her heart and her soul. She couldn't believe the feelings that he awakened inside of her, and she jealously wanted to keep him to herself. She had no intention of sharing their meeting with anyone, not even her dear sister Jane. Clandestine meetings such as they planned were highly inappropriate and ill things would be thought of both of them were anyone to find out about it. Another reason she didn't want to tell others about him is that she knew she couldn't adequately express what she was feeling for him. It all came on suddenly, and her thoughts and feelings were in all jumbled. The day had barely begun, and already she was hoping for the next morning to arrive.
Chapter 18 ~ They Will Talk
That the Miss Lucases and the Miss Bennets should meet to talk over a ball was absolutely necessary; and the morning after the assembly brought the former to Longbourn to hear and to communicate.
``You began the evening well, Charlotte,'' said Mrs. Bennet with civil self-command to Miss Lucas. ``You were Mr. Bingley's first choice.''
``Yes; but he seemed to like his second better.''
``Oh! You mean Jane, I suppose, because he danced with her twice. To be sure that did seem as if he admired her indeed I rather believe he did. I heard something about it but I hardly know what something about Mr. Robinson.''
``Perhaps you mean what I overheard between him and Mr. Robinson; did not I mention it to you? Mr. Robinson's asking him how he liked our Meryton assemblies, and whether he did not think there were a great many pretty women in the room, and which he thought the prettiest? His answering immediately to the last question "Oh! the eldest Miss Bennet beyond a doubt, there cannot be two opinions on that point."''
``Upon my word! Well, that was very decided indeed, that does seem as if - but, however, it may all come to nothing, you know.'' Mrs. Bennet didn't look at all sincere when making this statement.
"Mr. Darcy, too, said that he thought she was pretty. I distinctly heard him say that she the only pretty girl in the room.''
"I think he was very disagreeable all evening." Mrs. Bennet determined to dislike the man for some unknown reason.
"Don't you think he made amends very well towards the end of the evening. He danced twice with Lizzy in a short period of time."
"That is his only value because he is such a disagreeable man that it would be quite a misfortune to be liked by him. Mrs. Long told me last night that he sat close to her for half an hour without once opening his lips. I believe he must have had some other motive in dancing with her."
"Are you quite sure, Ma'am? -- is not there a little mistake?'' said Jane with a sidelong glance at her sister. "I certainly saw Mr. Darcy speaking to her."
``Aye, because she asked him at last how he liked Netherfield, and he could not help answering her; but she said he seemed very angry at being spoke to.''
``Miss Bingley told me,'' said Jane, ``that he never speaks much unless among his intimate acquaintance. With them he is remarkably agreeable, and I dance with him once and he was a perfect gentleman. I have no complaints at all about his behavior."
``I do not believe a word of it, my dear. If he had been so very agreeable, he would have talked to Mrs. Long. But I can guess how it was; every body says that he is ate up with pride, and I dare say he had heard somehow that Mrs. Long does not keep a carriage, and had come to the ball in a hack chaise.'' It didn't bother her at all to call her daughter a liar if she was able to get her point across.
"Another time, Lizzy," continued Mrs. Bennet, "I would not dance with him, if I were you. He has too much pride in himself and obviously thinks himself above the rest of us." Mrs. Bennet snorted in disgust just thinking about him.
During this entire discourse, Lizzy was starting to get upset. She made eye contact with Jane a few times, but for the most part tried to stay out of the conversation. She was rather embarrassed because of the direction her feelings were taking, but she couldn't come up with the words necessary to defend him to her mother. Fortunately, she was saved by a startling revelation from Charlotte Lucas.
"His pride," said Miss Lucas, "does not offend me so much as pride often does, because there is an excuse for it. One cannot wonder that so very fine a young man, with family, fortune, every thing in his favour, should think highly of himself. If I may so express it, he has a right to be proud."
"What can you be talking of? Family? Fortune? Who is he that you feel that he has a right to be proud?" Mrs. Bennet sat up straight. Could it be that he was a man of even more consequence than Mr. Bingley. It was Mr. Bingley that had been the subject of endless gossip, but of his friend, Mr. Darcy, there had been no reports at all. In fact, the first contact anyone had with him had been last night at the assembly. Her eyes narrowed as she waited for Charlotte's disclosure.
"He is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire. He owns a grand estate that has been in his family for many generations called Pemberley. It is said that he has 10,000 pounds a year."
With that announcement, Mrs. Bennet's jaw hit the floor. "Ten thousand a year! Oh! And he danced twice with my Lizzy. How wonderful!" That was all she was able to say. After that she just sat fanning herself with her hankercheif and trying not to faint. If there was ever a time that Mrs. Bennet was found speechless, this was it. She was confronted with the reality of someone of consequence and fortune whom she had felt the need to slight with her speech. Since the object of her slight was not here and had not heard it, she felt herself quite able to forget any ill thing that she had previously uttered, and suddenly Mr. Darcy was found to have danced quite elegantly, and he became very amiable, though perhaps not so amiable as his friend.
Elizabeth realized that she had stopped breathing while her mother was busy abusing the man who was becoming the object of her affection. She felt quite free in admitting it to herself that she found him very exciting. She fingered her necklace almost out of habit now. Whenever she thought of him, she couldn't help but bring her hands to the gift that he gave her. This time, however, as she noticed Jane watching her, she guiltily brought her hands down. Jane didn't say anything then, but Elizabeth knew it was coming.
Elizabeth was actually grateful that the Lucas family lingered and Jane was unable to get a chance to talk with her alone until that evening right before bed. Even then, she was able to avoid a direct conversation so that she didn't have to explain all that she was feeling to her sister. Truthfully, she used her sister's trusting nature to avoid disclosing her own indiscretion in meeting with Mr. Darcy. They did have a wonderful conversation about the merit of the two gentlemen staying at Netherfield, though, and Jane went to bed that night thinking only that Elizabeth was fond of Mr. Darcy as she was fond of Mr. Bingley. She didn't realize that there was more to her sister's relationship with Mr. Darcy than she suspected.
At Netherfield, the day progessed in much the same manner as at Longbourn. Instead of Mrs. Bennet doing the criticizing, Miss Caroline Bingley took on that role in this house. She was waxed long and expressively about her distaste for the people in the neigborhood in general and the Bennet family in specific.
Bingley, for his part, had never met with pleasanter people or prettier girls in his life; every body had been most kind and attentive to him, there had been no formality, no stiffness; he had soon felt acquainted with all the room; and as to Miss Bennet, he could not conceive an angel more beautiful. "I don't think I've ever met a group of people with whom I have felt so at ease so quickly. The ladies were all beautiful, and I believe that the eldest Miss Bennet was so beautiful that even the angels in heaven cannot compare to her."
"I grant you that she was quite a beauty, but I think she smiled entirely too much for my taste. Especially since all of her smiles were directed at you. It shows that she is wanting in discernment." Darcy teased his friend good-naturedly.
"I believe that you were showing attention to a different Miss Bennet, and I believe you barely noticed the one of whom I speak." Bingley looked slyly over at his friend to judge his reaction.
"Miss Elizabeth was tolerable enough to dance with, I grant you, and at least it passed the time while I was forced to be at that assembly." Darcy had trouble hiding his smile while he answered with what Bingley knew was completely opposite the truth.
After this statement, who should walk in but Miss Bingley followed shortly by her sister, Mrs. Hurst. Miss Bingley had so mean an understanding that she couldn't see the comfortable, joking tone used by the two friends, and she was so blinded by her personal views that she was unable to see the admiration the gentlemen had for the Bennet girls. With no couth, and little grace, she inserted herself into the conversation where she was not wanted.
``I have an excessive regard for Jane Bennet, she is really a very sweet girl," Miss Bingley lied, "And I wish with all my heart she were well settled. But with such a father and mother, and such low connections, I am afraid there is no chance of it.''
``I think I have heard you say, that their uncle is an attorney in Meryton.'' Interjected Mrs. Hurst.
``Yes; and they have another, who lives somewhere near Cheapside.''
``That is capital,'' added her sister, and they both laughed heartily.
``If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheapside,'' cried Bingley, ``it would not make them one jot less agreeable.''
At this, Darcy himself had to add to the conversation, "If they were but servants, it would not lessen their grace and charm. If you look at the girls as individuals, they exceed in manners and appearance many a woman with supposedly better breeding. With such manners to recommend them, who can help but admire them."
"Surely YOU haven't fallen for the Miss Bennets' wiles. I was going to remark on how obvious Miss Elizabeth Bennet was in trying to gain your attention. She was staring at you all evening after you first were forced to dance with her. If you weren't such a gentleman, you wouldn't have been obligated to dance with her that second time. She was practically throwing herself at you. I thought it made her appear rather wanton and cheap."
"Caroline, that is beneath even you. Maybe if you had an Uncle in Cheapside, it would improve your temper."" Bingley uncharacteristically chastened his sister, but it didn't do any good. She was already flouncing out of the room adopting an air of superiority as she left two disgusted gentlemen behind. Her sister soon followed, but even she wore an expression of shock after the biting words that were uttered against the Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
"Okay Darce, now that we are alone, tell me, what were your real impressions about the girls."
"I have to be honest and tell you that I barely noticed the eldest Bennet girl with whom you seem to be quite enamored already, but Miss Elizabeth Bennet is the young lady who entranced me from my first day here at your estate."
Bingley started laughing at him then. "Oh! If you had actually introduced yourself earlier, you would have saved yourself at least a few days of anguish. A servant, indeed. Now I understand your comment to Caroline. You are quite right, of course, even if they were servants, that would not make them any less charming. I am quite disposed to admire Miss Jane, then, and I will feel no misgivings on the matter." He sighed, leaned back in his chair, and folded his hands behind his head as he pictured the blond angel with whom he danced the night before.
Chapter 19 ~ Becoming Better Acquainted
Let there be no doubting whether or not the two met in the morning. It was quite inevitable as they were drawn together by a strong force. It was the beginning of true love. Such feelings could have been tentative and unsure, but instead their feelings blossomed into a strong and powerful force quite quickly. They both got up even earlier than usual that day. Darcy was waiting for Elizabeth when she arrived and greeted her not with words, but instead he immediately reached for her hand and bowed over it while he kissed her. She could hear the blood rushing in her ears as she felt his touch.
"Miss Elizabeth, I feel honored that you were able to make it this morning. I wish for there to be no inhibitions between us, so I owe you an explanation of how I first saw you.
Elizabeth merely nodded while he led her to the stump and motioned for her to sit down. He remained standing, as the tree stump was not large enough to accommodate the two of them without highly inappropriate contact.
While Darcy told the story of how he first saw her, Elizabeth was able to recover from his tender greeting and was able to enjoy listening to his voice. She laughed playfully with him at his mistake in her identity, much to his relief. It added to his belief of her superiority of mind and temperament. She certainly didn't censure him for his mistake, but was able to find amusement in it. He caught his breath at the way she looked into his eyes while he admitted his error. He continued the tale to the trip to Meryton and how he saw her at the apothecary and how he asked his valet to help her carry her package home.
"Mr. Darcy, that was so kind of you. I didn't realize that I owed that favor to you. You have already been too good to me." She impulsively stood up and reached for his hand.
"If I had truly been good, I would have helped you myself. Instead I was trying to drive you out of my mind. I was quite out of my mind if I thought that I could forget about you." His eyes looked deeply into hers with their hands clasped.
"It will not do to abuse yourself in such a fashion. I have made up my mind to think good of you, you would not have me change it, would you?"
"Not for the world."
Elizabeth blushed and pulled her hand away realizing that she had quite over-stepped the bounds of propriety. "I really must be getting back now. The morning has already arrived."
"Then I must conclude my tale quickly if you wish to hear the rest."
"Certainly I do, but given the time it would be best if we met again tomorrow for the conclusion." Her face grew hot as she suggested another secret meeting, but she was very thankful that he had given her such an obvious opening to allow her to suggest it.
"I will be here waiting for you tomorrow morning, then. Thank you Miss Bennet." He bowed to her and watched her start back home.
She felt his eyes on her back as she walked briskly back. As soon as she knew she was out of his sight, she started to run back so that she would not be missed at home. She got back in time, but barely.
The rest of that day found Elizabeth distracted and unfocused. She would remember the events of the morning and blush for no apparent reason. Jane commented on this once thinking that her sister may be unwell, but Elizabeth denied any feeling of sickness.
Later that day, a note came from Netherfield for Jane. It was an invitation for her, and only her, to go to Netherfield for lunch the following day. The news of this note made Mrs. Bennet rapturously delighted.
"Oh Jane! How wonderful for you. You must go. Mr. Bingley's sisters are such fashionable women. Do you remember the lace on Miss Bingley's dress? It was so elegant. This is so perfect. Mr. Bingley is sure to be there. How he must admire you Jane. I knew you could not be so beautiful for nothing!"
Jane was terribly embarrassed by this, but she responded amidst her embarrassment. "Mother, Mr. Bingley isn't even supposed to be there. We heard from Aunt Phillips this morning that Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are going shooting with the officers tomorrow."
Elizabeth had totally missed this bit of information. She had no idea about what officers Jane was talking. "Jane, who are the officers?"
"Where has your mind been this morning? We just heard today that the militia is in town and they will be staying here for the whole season. They will be camped here all winter, too. My dear sister told us all about it this morning. You haven't been paying attention to a thing all day. The commander is a Colonel Forster, who was recently married, but there are many officers in the contingent, and they all seem to be young and handsome."
After her mother's statement, the two youngest Bennet girls began chattering about the officers and how well a man looks in a red coat. Elizabeth's thoughts once again drifted, and she thought about Mr. Darcy. She didn't even know what his plans were. How she longed to see him again. It sounded like his days were pretty well occupied and that she would have to be satisfied with her few stolen minutes in the morning. Actually, she reflected, a few minutes alone were much more satisfactory than hours together in a crowd. Elizabeth sighed, not realizing that she had sighed out loud. Jane was watching, and her eyes narrowed. She knew that there was something that Elizabeth wasn't telling her, but she would wait until her sister was ready to open up. She would continue to worry about her, though.
The following morning found Elizabeth up even earlier than before. She took special care of her appearance and then snuck outside. She was delighted to see Darcy waiting for her again this morning. She even felt brave enough to tease him a little.
"Why Mr. Darcy, did you even leave this spot yesterday. You seem not to have moved at all since I left you."
He laughed lightly at her remark with his dark eyes sparkling at her. "If you had bid me to stay, then I would have, but I need to get up earlier each morning to avoid detection from the residents of Netherfield. They would be sure to question me, and since I have no wish to compromise you, I cannot afford to be found out."
"I'm sure Mr. Bingley does not seem to be a prying man, so I believe you are safer than I."
"You have left his sisters out, though. They, especially Miss Bingley, would be quick to interfere. In fact, she had kept me from seeing you once already."
"Ah, then you must continue your tale. I'm all curiosity today."
He did continue on, and he told her of how he removed the rose from a floral arrangement in Netherfield, and then he told her of his purchase at the jeweler's shop in Meryton. As he continued with the writing of the letter and the interference by Miss Bingley. Finally he told her of his reaction at the assembly when he first realized who she was, and he closed the distance between them. Instead of reaching for her hand as she supposed he was going to do, he reached for the necklace around her throat.
"I realized how blessed I was to have a chance to meet you, and then when I saw this token around your neck, I hoped that you would look upon my attention favorably."
She was barely breathing now, and her eyes were open wide staring into his. His hand went to the pendant at her throat and gently she felt his hand caress her neck.
"I hope, Miss Bennet, that I may have your permission to call on you at your home. I would also like to introduce you to my sister as she is my closest family and I would like very much for her to get to know you."
"I would be honored." She was flustered from the contact with him, but her eyes were shining with a love that he could see.
"It is time for you to go home this morning. I would not be the cause of any trouble for you, but I look forward to our next meeting quite impatiently."
Her heart was pounding as she went home while thinking only of him. She could still feel the warmth of his hand on her neck. The air was getting cool, and she shivered a little as she arrived at Longbourn.
Chapter 20 ~ Going to Netherfield
At Netherfield, someone was watching Darcy return from her bedroom window. Miss Bingley watched him as he walked towards the house. Her eyes narrowed as she wondered what he was doing out so early in the morning. She paced back towards her bed and concentrated on her pounding head. Her headaches were becoming a daily occurrence. When she was younger, she was never so afflicted as she was recently. One could surmise that her pains were the result of so much conniving. Her personality should have been as open and honest as her brother's, but instead, she cultivated the devious side of her nature and it made her tense and frustrated. She continued to foster that dark side of human nature because it gave her some obscure pleasure. Had she but realized that her pleasure in enjoying the world would have increased ten-fold if she attempted to constrain the baser side of her nature, she would have been able to relax and see the good around her. That was not to be. She had made a habit of negativity, and it was one that she was not attempting to control. Her goal in life was to live in luxurious languidness. She must marry well for that to happen, and Mr. Darcy was to be the means to her goal. She lay back down on her bed with a hand over her forehead. There was not hurry for her. She has spent much time in his company, so she knew all of his acquaintances and he had not shown any partiality for any female that she had ever seen. She smiled at herself. She was the one with whom he always danced when they were forced to be in public, and it would be just a matter of time before he decided to propose. There was no one else except for his sickly cousin with whom she was competing. He would never marry Anne DeBourgh; she chuckled thinking about the pitiful wretch that was Darcy's cousin. She rolled over quite content with herself and her situation, and she went back to sleep to dream of a life of ease at Pemberley.
Later that same day, Caroline rolled out of bed with a satisfied smirk on her face. She had invited one of the local girls to lunch today, a Miss Jane Bennet. She had no desire to mingle with the local populace, but she invited the least offensive of the locals to lunch today. It was from no desire to better know the girl, but only to have her extraordinary skills as a hostess to be revealed throughout the neighborhood. It would give them something to mourn when she made her inevitable move to Derbyshire. It would also placate her brother. He seemed to have taken a fancy to the girl. Caroline had not doubts that she could squelch his admiration for the girl with a few well-timed fallacies. She called for her maid and was dressed in a gown that was very elegant and sheik except for its obnoxious color. Had it been in a pale blue, a cream, or even a rich green color, she would have been admired walking into any ballroom. However, the dress was a hideous shade of orange that someone, obviously with poor taste or with a great sense of humor, had told her made her appear regal. Since that point, she had adopted varying shades of this color as the foundation of her wardrobe. The other glaring problem with this dress was that it was clearly intended to be a ball gown, not a dress for an afternoon luncheon. Oblivious to the faux pas of her appearance, Caroline went downstairs specifically searching for Mr. Darcy with a sickening smirk on her face.
"Ah, there you are Mr. Darcy. Good morning to you. I hope you slept well last night."
"You are very solicitous. I am very well rested, thank you."
"I slept dreadfully. I must have the servants fluff my mattress. It is just inexcusable the poor way that things are kept here." She sighed rather despondently.
"I have no complaints."
"You are politeness itself, Mr. Darcy. I saw you up early this morning. I know you could not sleep well last night. If I had realized that you were going for a walk, I would have joined you."
"I did not stay out long. I'm afraid you would have found the air rather damp." Darcy looked closely at Miss Bingley. He knew that there was no way that she could have found out about his meeting with Elizabeth, but he realized that he would have to be extra careful in order to protect Miss Bennet's reputation.
"What time are you and my brother to meet the officers today?" She knew perfectly well what time it was because she had scheduled Miss Bennet's visit to make sure that they were gone.
"We are to meet them at noon."
"I won't detain you then. It must be almost time for you to leave."
She still had that self-satisfied smirk on her face, and Darcy knew that something was up. He didn't wait to find out what it was, though. He went to find Bingley as it was almost time for them to leave. The plan was for them to go shooting with the officers, but when they got to Colonel Forster's place, they found that clouds were moving in and a storm was threatening. Instead of shooting they had a comfortable time socializing with the men. Even Darcy felt quite at ease with the company. They were a very professional regiment and very polite. They stayed there throughout the storm and shared drinks and stories and played a few games of cards. Overall, it was a very enjoyable day. Before dinner, the storm started to break and the gentlemen began to head back to Netherfield.
"Do you have any plans for tomorrow?" With no introduction, Darcy broached the subject to Bingley.
"None as of yet, do you have something in mind?"
"As a matter of fact, I do. How would you like to pay a call over at Longbourn tomorrow? I believe that there are two lovely young ladies there who might tolerate spending a few moments with us tomorrow."
"Do you think they wouldn't mind us calling? I have been thinking about Miss Jane since the assembly, and I believe that I would like very much to spend some more time in her presence. She is quite an angel." He sighed.
"We might as well go there as not. If the girls scorn us, then maybe Mr. Bennet would allow me to borrow a few volumes from his library. You really need to add some volume to yours, my friend."
"Don't act so cavalier about it, Darce. I know that you are quite smitten already. I've never seen you let a woman go to your head before. It is quite amusing. If I weren't so busy admiring Miss Bennet, I'd really enjoy watching you in such a state. As it is, my mind has been more pleasantly occupied." He sighed again, and Darcy rolled his eyes.
There was quite a surprise waiting for them when they arrived back at Netherfield. The object of Mr. Bingley's affected was there, but she was not feeling well. Evidently she had been caught in the same storm that prevented the gentlemen from shooting, and she was lying down in one of the guestrooms because she felt ill.
Miss Bingley caught Darcy at an aside, "Can you believe the inconvenience. I invited the girl to lunch to discourage her shameless pursuit of Charles, but then she goes and gets ill." Caroline familiarly puts her hand on Darcy's arm. "You must help me convince Charles that she is only interested in him for his money. You have such an influence on him, I'm quite confident of your abilities."
Darcy recoiled at the coldness in her touch and her manner. It staggered the imagination that she was Charles' sister. How could someone so calculating and shallow be related to the most open and ingenuous person that he knew? After he recovered from the chill that went through him at her touch, he was able to reply, "Miss Bingley, I flatter myself that we are at opposite views on this point. Miss Bennet seems to be sincere in her actions, and I do not believe that she has any of the duplicity of character that you are trying to confer to her. I have already told Bingley of my feelings on the matter, and you would do well to try to ingratiate yourself to Miss Bennet and make sure that she is as comfortable as possible."
Darcy then stalked past the bewildered Miss Bingley to follow his friend who was already in search of the household staff to make sure that Miss Bennet was well and that every comfort would be provided to her. He left behind a stunned Caroline who for the first time in their acquaintance began to suspect the Darcy was not of one mind with her about everything. The strain of such a revelation was too much for her small mind, so the result of it was the beginning of another pounding headache as it began to storm again outside.
Chapter 21 ~ Becoming Comfortable
It was determined at Netherfield that in the best interest of Jane’s health, she should spend the night there, so a message was dispatched to Longbourn. Darcy himself volunteered to take the message to Mr. Bennet. This accomplished two purposes for him. It allowed him an opportunity to remove himself from the presence of Miss Bingley, and it also furnished him with an excuse to visit the Bennet household. He rode over as the thunder rolled in the distance, he gained entrance into the house, and was immediately ushered into Mr. Bennet’s library.
“So, Mr. Darcy, it is a pleasure to see you, but I’m quite at a loss to know the reason for the privilege.”
“I have some unfortunate news concerning Miss Bennet. It seems as though she was caught in the storm on her way to lunch at Netherfield, and she has developed a chill. Mr. Bingley and his sisters would like to extend the invitation to your daughter to stay the night in the best interests of her health.”
“Of course we accept the hospitality, but tell me, do you think her condition serious?”
“Mr. Bingley sent a servant to get the doctor as soon as he discovered her condition. I don’t believe that it is serious now, but the doctor recommended that she remain where she is so that she will not worsen.”
“If she should have a dangerous fit of illness, if she should die, it would be a comfort to know that it was all in pursuit of Mr. Bingley, and under orders from Mrs. Bennet.” Mr. Bennet got stood up obviously flustered and worried about his eldest daughter. He shortly recovered himself. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy, for bringing the message to me. I wish we did not have to impose upon you and Mr. Bingley, but it looks as though there is no other recourse. I apologize most sincerely, and I hope you will charge any expenses incurred to me.”
“I can assure you that she will want for nothing, Mr. Bennet.”
Mr. Bennet went to inform his wife of the situation, and she became effusive in her delight. Her purpose had been accomplished, Jane was thrown in the way of Mr. Bingley, and if it came to naught, then she could hardly take any blame for not trying her best. Darcy watched Mrs. Bennet as she delighted in the fact that her daughter became ill and wondered how such a woman could have daughters so unlike herself. He credited Mr. Bennet even more by being able to counteract such an influence.
“Mr. Darcy, as the storm is picking up again, I will loan you my carriage to return to Netherfield if you desire.”
Of course Darcy had to accept. There was no plausible reason for him not to. Fortunately for him, at that moment the Library door was opened.
“Oh, excuse me, I didn’t realize you had a visitor. I was just in search of a book” Elizabeth came into the Library and was very flustered at seeing Darcy there.
“Ah, Lizzy. You remember Mr. Darcy. He came here to bring us tidings of your sister. It appears as if Jane has become ill and is spending the night at Netherfield.”
The delight that she had in seeing Darcy with her father was immediately replaced with anxiety for her sister.
“Oh, Papa, I must go to her. Imagine how Jane is feeling being ill and away from her family.”
“Yes, child, I suppose you must. If the storm lets up, I’ll call up the carriage to take you both to Netherfield.” A large strike of lightning suddenly lit up the room and the house shook from the resulting thunder. “It looks as though Mr. Darcy is likely staying the night, though. I’d better inform the wife about it so she can have a room prepared for you and another place set at the dinner table.” With that, Mr. Bennet left the room and left Darcy and Elizabeth alone. It may have been by design. Darcy, with his polish manners and similar interests in reading, was gaining the respect of Mr. Bennet. The partiality of Darcy for his favorite daughter was noticed at the assembly, so he was not above encouraging any such partiality.
“Mr. Darcy, though I wish my first words to you now would be a warm greeting, I must know how does my sister fare?”
“She is uncomfortable, but I have no great fear for her. She would do well to have your companionship, though, to help her rest.”
“Thank you, sir, for your reassuring words. I must pack a bag for myself and my sister, then.”
“Wait, Elizabeth .” He grabbed her arm and she turned back to face him. “She’s not the only one that would like your companionship.”
Elizabeth pulled away. “I really must go upstairs.” She fled out of the library with her heart pounding. Moments later, Mr. Bennet returned, and began to engage Darcy in a conversation about a book he had just started reading. The storm continued to swell. The evening passed abominably slowly for Elizabeth and Darcy. They had very little contact with one another as he spent most of the evening with her father and she spent most of the evening with her mother and sisters. She silently berated herself for pulling away from him earlier. She felt her face flush as she remembered his touch and she unconsciously sighed out loud. Fortunately for her, no one heard her as her mother and two youngest sisters were giggling over the officers that had arrived in town, and Mary had her head buried in Fordyce’s Sermons.
Finally they were called to dinner and Darcy was seated next to Elizabeth in Jane’s usual seat. Dinner began as usual in the Bennet household with miscellaneous chatter from the youngest two girls. Being seated next to one another was a terrible tease for the two of them since they were not free to talk. Darcy held an amiable conversation with Mr. Bennet, but he was distracted by Elizabeth ’s every move.
Being the observant man that he was, Mr. Bennet noticed the tension between his daughter and their guest. He had realized how taken Darcy was with Elizabeth when he saw them dancing at the Meryton Assembly, but seeing them sitting together and listening to Darcy’s distracted replies to him during dinner, he knew he was correct. Elizabeth for her part was definitely showing a partiality for him, as well. This would be a match to encourage. He smiled to himself as he continued eating. His wife fancied herself quite a matchmaker in making one daughter sick in order to put her in the path of an eligible husband. Mr. Bennet flattered himself that he could do much better without anyone becoming ill at all. Darcy would be a respectable son-in-law, and he realized that since he couldn’t keep his Lizzy with him forever, he could at least ensure that she was with a kind and intelligent man who would adore her. He watched Darcy pass the salt to Elizabeth and saw her blush when their hands met. He also saw the look in her eye as she stared at Darcy throughout dinner. Yes, Mr. Bennet thought to himself, this man will do.
After dinner, Mr. Bennet amused himself by continuing to talk to Darcy and watch his reactions to Elizabeth . Finally, everyone retired for the evening and the tension in the air let up until the next morning. That morning dawned cool and crisp and two people awakened early, but they were not to meet until breakfast. They each paced in their respective rooms and waited for the time when they could see each other without fear of censure.
At breakfast that morning, Mr. Bennet easily facilitated their wishes.
“Mr. Darcy, I suspect that you would like to start out early this morning. I will have that carriage ready for you and Lizzy.” He stopped, then, as if he had just gotten a strange revelation. “Lizzy, I supposed you would much rather walk over, though.”
“Yes, Papa, the morning is quite beautiful. After being in the house all afternoon yesterday, I would enjoy the walk.”
“I couldn’t allow you to walk as that way alone. You had much better ride in the carriage with Mr. Darcy.”
“Sir, I would be willing to walk with Miss Bennet to Netherfield. It is an easy walk of only three miles. Truthfully, I could do with the walk, myself.”
“That’s settled, then. I’ll send one of the servants later on this morning with your horse and the bags for Lizzy and Jane.”
It was entirely too easy. Suddenly the two found themselves alone in the Herfordshire countryside, and once again, Jane was used as an excuse for Elizabeth to start the conversation.
“Mr. Darcy, I am very grateful that you brought the news of my sister to us yourself. It was most gracious of you.”
“Miss Bennet, I have a confession to make. I came completely under false pretenses. I did wish to relieve your mind about your sister, but I’m sure that a servant would have come over had I not been so desirous of seeing you.”
“I’m very glad that you did come. I have enjoyed getting to know you very much indeed.” It seems as though she was forever blushing around the man. Why couldn’t she control her emotions around him?
“Miss Bennet, Elizabeth , your words give me the courage to tell you that I have come to respect and admire you very much. I did not ever believe that I could find a woman for whom I would feel so much. You have changed me from the first moment that I saw you. I know that we have only recently been introduced, but please tell me that there is a chance that you could return my affection.”
During this speech, Darcy reached out for both of Elizabeth ’s hands and held them in his.
“Mr. Darcy, I am unworthy of such praise, but all the same I accept it willingly. I had wondered at myself for feeling so strongly around you, and I felt that my heart was too easily won. I have tried to be reserved, but I feel too much emotion for it to be held back.”
When she was done speaking, but before all that she was feeling could be described, Darcy pulled her to him, and lifted up her chin as he stared into her eyes. “Oh, Elizabeth ,” was all he was able to utter before he leaned down to kiss her for the first time. She responded ardently to his kiss, and it was some minutes before they pulled apart.
“ Elizabeth , you must relieve the strain that I’m feeling now. I can admit freely that I love you with all my heart, and I pray that you will consent to be my wife.”
“Fitzwilliam,” she looked at him shyly. “I could never deny such a love as that with which I have just been blessed. I would be honored to be your wife. Nothing would make me happier than to have such a man as you as my husband.”
They stayed where they were for some minutes, exploring with kisses and tender caresses the love that they accepted from each other. Interestingly enough, they were at the point in the path at which Darcy had first seen Elizabeth and where all of their meetings had been held.
“Dear Fitzwilliam, I’m afraid we must continue on to Netherfield. I am worried that we might be missed if we were to stay away so long. I must admit that I would love to see how dear Jane is doing and I cannot wait to tell her the news.”
“I’ll return to Longbourn tomorrow to ask for your father’s consent, but I would ask that we not announce it publicly until I am able to personally inform my sister. I don’t wish for her to hear the news from someone else.”
“That is perfectly acceptable. I wonder, though, what my father will think with us becoming engaged so soon.” She smiled as she thought fondly of her father.
They spent the rest of the walk with their hands clasped, reveling in the physical contact. He began to tell her about his sister and his childhood. They were unable to talk long as they soon approached Netherfield.
“I suppose we must go back to being Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet to each other for a while.” Elizabeth sighed as she squeezed his hand.
“Only in public. We can certainly contrive some ways of seeing each other while you are in the house. While I certainly hope your sister has a speedy recovery, I’m very thankful to her for giving us this opportunity to be together. It won’t be long before we can tell all. Your father and my sister are the only two that need be informed first.”
“I hope you won’t think me weak if I tell Jane.”
“Of course not, but please don’t tell Bingley‘s sisters as they have little to no discretion.”
“I have no problems promising that.” She smiled fondly at him. “Well, then, Mr. Darcy, I suppose we should head to the house and you can show me where my sister is staying.”
“Not quite yet.” He pulled her behind a tree and proceeded to kiss her again. Unresisting, she felt his passion and returned it just as strongly.
Chapter 22 ~ For Jane
She woke up refreshed and comfortable. The evening had passed poorly for her, but with the coming of the morning, her fever broke and she was ready to go downstairs to join the rest of the house for breakfast, but as she began to get up she was interrupted by the maid.
"I 'ave yer breakfast Miss."
"Oh, I had planned on joining the others this morning."
"No, Miss, I 'ave been given strict instructions to make sure yer doesn't 'ave to get up this mornin'. Jest stay in bed, and rest yerself."
"Thank you." Jane resignedly sighed and started to nibble on her food. This was one of many similar visits to her by the servants. They did little things to provide for her comfort, but it began to be trying even on Jane's good humor.
She was bored, there was nothing else to say about her condition. She had a had a fever yesterday and then a chill, and then it was over. Now she was bored. She was lying in a strange bed at Netherfield and she was basically held a prisoner. She thought about the situation and realized that if she were a prisoner somewhere, this was not a bad place to be, and having Mr. Bingley as her captor was not a bad thing at all, either. The worst part about this whole situation was that she was not really allowed any contact with the man. It was considered 'inappropriate' for him to come calling in her bedchamber. The niceties of society were really wearing down her good humor. She was able to admit to herself that she really liked Mr. Charles Bingley. She was unbelievable disgusted that she had spent the whole night in the same house with him, and she had not so much as been able to see him, much less talk to him. At least she knew that he seemed to be very concerned about her. She smiled to herself at the thought that her might care about her as she was beginning to care about him. She saved those thoughts for later. If she concentrated too long on them now, she might be shocked at those thoughts and how scandalous they really were. Now she had to figure out how to convince the staff of the house that she was actually feeling well, and that she could at least leave the room.
A little while later, she was saved by a knock on the door as her sister entered the room.
"Oh, Lizzy, you do not know how delighted I am to see you! I thought I would be trapped here alone forever." She exclaimed in delight.
"Jane, I expected to find you on your death bed. The mood downstairs led me to believe that you were just moments away from breathing your last."
"That couldn't be farther from the truth. I have, in fact, been treated royally, but I am quite suffocating under all of these attentions."
"I was not really too worried. Mr. Darcy had apprised me of your condition as of yesterday, and I could imagine that you had really gotten that much worse since then. I am surprised at you, though. I wonder that you would not appreciate being so well cared for by Mr. Bingley."
"I would certainly appreciate it, except that I have not seen the man. Being cared for by him would be wonderful, but it's not the same when it's just the staff." Jane blushed to admit her feelings for him, but she had already admitted as much to her sister after the assembly, so this was just another affirmation of her growing feelings for Charles Bingley.
"Jane, I must be selfish. I have something I must tell you, and you have to say you are happy for me. I would have you guess, but you will not be able to, so I will just have to tell you. I am engaged. Mr. Darcy asked me to marry him, and I have accepted."
"I am delighted, but I am in shock as well. I know you would marry for nothing other than love, and you have just met the man. Do you know enough of him from two dances and one dinner to be secure in your future happiness?"
"It does seem soon when I look back, but I feel as if I have known him forever. I do have a story to tell you, and then you will think me a horrid sister for keeping secrets from you, but there is no alternative. I cannot keep this information to myself any longer as I wish you to have no misgivings on the entirety of my happiness." Lizzy was amused at her sister, but began to relay the entire story of how she and Darcy became engaged. She had Jane laughing at her witty telling of the tale.
"Oh Lizzy, how romantic. He sounds like the perfect man for you. Oh, if I could be as blessed as you."
"We could make that possible. I do have a bit of an idea, but you will have to continue to be sick for a while. I have no wish to leave this house now. My future husband is under this roof, and I would like some time with him before I have to share my engagement with the rest of the world. You are the only one I am to tell right now. We are going to wait to make an announcement until he asks my father's permission, and until he can tell his sister. If you were to be recovered, I would have no excuse to stay here myself."
"How can you make me feel guilty for feeling well? No, don't answer that. I cannot help but do what you ask."
"Good. It's settled, then. You are not feeling well and we will have to spend more time here. You are such a good sister." Elizabeth hugged her sister, and then started to laugh. Her giddiness can be excused for the day as she has just gotten engaged.
Chapter 23 ~ Time With Charles
"Do you think that Miss Bennet would be opposed to a few visitors today? I would not like to tired her since she is still ill, but I must make sure that she is as comfortable as possible here." Mr. Bingley looked worried for Jane, and Elizabeth began to feel a twinge of regret that she was stretching out Jane's illness for her own benefit while was worried.
"Mr. Bingley, I know that she would love to thank you for your hospitality, so you would be more than welcome."
"Please ask her, it would relieve my mind greatly."
"I'll return upstairs now to ask her for you." Elizabeth went back up the steps laughing to herself at his insecurity, but delighted with his solicitude of her sister.
"Jane, prepare yourself, Mr. Bingley is about to come up to pay his respects."
"Now? But I look awful. Oh, you must delay him!"
"Jane, he is but waiting for my word, and I will not delay him. You must see him. You have spent the last day pining that you haven't seen him, and now is your opportunity. You have five minutes and no more to get ready." Elizabeth chuckled as she went to fetch Bingley, but she was distracted from her purpose as she reached the bottom of the steps.
"Hello, Miss Bennet, I wondered how your sister was doing?"
"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth looked at him playfully. "You were correct in your assumption last night that she is in no great danger. However, I feel it is best for all involved that she not be moved right away. Just for her health's sake, mind you. I have no other motive."
She smiled at him in such a way as to make him realize that she did indeed have another motive for having her sister stay in the house. Since he knew that he was her motive, he didn't mind the little deception in the least. He checked the area and discovered that no one was watching, so he pulled her into a corner out of the way. "Your sister is truly well?"
"Yes, do not worry on her account. I told her about our engagement, so she does not mind the little deception so that we can spend some time together in peace."
"Then tell your sister I am extremely grateful to her.." He didn't give her a chance to reply. A few moments away from her, and he was already distracted and could not think of anything else. Since he had her to himself for a few moments, he didn't want to miss the opportunity to kiss her. She was, of course, quite ready to be kissed, so everthing was working out well until they were discovered.
"Darcy!" Charles had rounded the corned and stood gaping at the two of them. Elizabeth immediately pulled away from Darcy in surprise, but he kept a hold of her.
Charles' eyes went from one to the other and Elizabeth blushed deeper each time they landed on her. Finally, she recovered herself a little. It seemed like an age passed with the three of them just staring at each other.
"Mr. Bingley, I checked with my sister, and she would be hononred to receive a visit from you. If fact, I was just on my way to let you know."
"Yes, Miss Bennet, it did look like you were in quite a hurry to tell me." He suddenly broke into a smile and then started chuckling. "Now, why don't you take me upstairs and act as a chaperone since unmarried men and women are not to be left alone without a chaperone."
Elizabeth blushed deeply as Darcy relinquished his hold on her and allowed her to lead Bingley up the stairs towards Jane's room.
"Miss Bennet, I would like to pay my respects to your sister, too. Do you think she would mind an additional caller?" Darcy made a last minute bid to stay with Elizabeth.
"I believe that the company would do her good."
"So, it looks like I am the chaperone, then." Bingley continued up the steps with a grin on his face.
Elizabeth went into Jane's room still quite flushed and warned Jane that both Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were calling, and then let the gentlemen in before Jane got the chance to either protest or comment on Elizabeth's red complexion.
Elizabeth brought them in and heard the pleasantries exchanged by Jane and the two gentlemen, but was so distracted that she heard little else and hardly joined in the conversation at all. She finally started to pay attention to what was going on around her and noticed Bingley smiling and Jane laughing at his jokes, and then she noticed Darcy staring at her and then they stepped into the background. He whispered to her, "I'm going to tell Charles that we are engaged, but he has know for a while what my feelings are about you. Will you go for a walk with me tomorrow morning before breakfast. It seems as though it is not safe for me to spend time with you in the house. We may get caught by someone less agreeable." Of course Elizabeth agreed, and it was just about that time that Charles was bidding goodbye to Jane, and then the gentlemen both left.
Chapter 24 ~ Liasions
"Lizzy, he is the most wonderful man. He has a wonderful sense of humor, and he is so pleasant to be around." She sighed and then began to chat on about Charles Bingley. Elizabeth was just as happy to hear her talk because it meant she didn't have to tell Jane about how Mr. Bingley found her and Darcy. They spend the afternoon together pleasantly and had tea and lunch in Jane's room, but decided to venture downstairs for dinner.
Caroline was lounging in the parlour by herself thinking of herself. The thoughts that were currently going through her head were how she was going to redecorate Pemberley once it became her home. She had this smirking grin on her face that made her look rather like a fish. Just as she was beginning to replace the carpet in the dining room with a garish tapestry of orange, red, and black, this favorite daydream which was so pleasant to her was interrupted. Jane Bennet and her sister, Elizabeth came down the steps and interrupted her reverie. Caroline gnawed on her fingernail as she watched the two enter the room. Then she rolled her eyes and stood up to welcome the two. She placated herself by picturing herself as the regal monarch that was to placate the peasants. She had a smirk on her face as she welcomed them and thought about her own superiority.
"Why my dear Jane, I am so delighted that you are able to come downstairs for dinner today. We were just besides ourselves with worry for you. Oh, and Eliza, I'm sure you will be happy that you will soon be leaving here." The smirk continued as she discounted the worth of these two sisters.
"Yes, Caroline, thank you, I am feeling much better tonight." Even Jane started to feel uneasy because of the obvious slight that was given to her sister. The condescending tone didn't make Elizabeth feel uneasy, instead it rather amused her that a person so obviously idle and indolent would feel herself to be so superior to others. It was at this point that they were joined by Mr. Bingley and right behind him followed Mr. Darcy.
"Miss Bennet! It is wonderful to see you and your sister around this evening. Please, let me escort you into dinner."
Jane took Charles arm and any uneasyness felt because of his sister disappeared as she touched his arm. It was as if the rest of the world no longer existed for her. This was a little frustrating for her sister who found herself looking at Miss Bingley and wondering what venom would be sprayed in her direction. She was soon saved by her love coming to escort her into the dining room, and the serpent Caroline was left alone in with no other recourse but to follow behind in shock as she was spurned by the man who she claimed as her own. Her eyes almost glowed red in growing hatred for Elizabeth Bennet.
The rest of the evening passed pleasantly for the Bennet sisters. They had the opportunity to spend time with the men they were most fond of in the world. Jane and Bingley were much more tentative in their conversation, but each spent every moment staring at each other like they were afraid that the other would disappear. It amused Elizabeth immensely, but it also made her feel so happy that her sister was able to find a man to love as much as she herself loved Fitzwilliam. After a few minutes of watching her sister and Mr. Bingley, she gazed back to Darcy who was already looking at her. The direct look he gave her sent a ripple of warmth down her spine. She sighed, quite content with the world.
The next morning, she and Darcy both woke quite early and met for a morning stroll. They were completely silent until they left the house, but they held hands the whole way. Once they got out of sight of the house, they felt quite free to converse about each other and their love.
"Fitzwilliam, there was so much that I wanted to say to you while we were in the company of others, but now that we are alone, I can not think of one thing to say to you except how happy I am to be with you."
"Today I want to make that happiness complete. I will ask your father for his permission, and then we can set a date to be married. I want to have you with me for all time, and I want to give you a lifetime of happiness."
"In these last few days, I feel like I have already had a lifetime of happiness, how could I wish for more?" She playfully looked at him from under her eyelashes and smiled at him irresistably.
With that, he kissed her and they spent the next moments aware of nothing but each other. She leaned against his chest, enjoying the closeness of him, and they started to head back to the house so that they would not be missed for breakfast. The walked towards Netherfield not caring that they were in the open and visible to any who looked. Before reaching the house, Darcy stopped and then kissed his love again. "I'm going to stop at the stable and ask the groom to prepare my horse right after breakfast. Then I will go see your father and return directly to you with the news." She didn't need to make any response to this, and she actually couldn't respond verbally as his mouth once again met hers and then they embraced. He held her for a few minutes, kissed her hair, and they parted.
Quite distracted, Elizabeth walked back into Netherfield with a smile on her face. She didn't realize that she had been watched. Up in her room, Caroline Bingley woke with one of her excruciating migranes. She had been obsessing all night long on what she would do to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and she awoke with this unbearable pain. This was one of the worst that she had ever experienced. Walking over to the window, she saw what she believed would solve the problem of Eliza Bennet. Walking back from the woods was a man and a woman. She didn't recognize either of them at first because of the distance, and her eyes were blurred with the pain of her migraine, but the face that she had been trying to destroy in her dreams was soon distinguishable. It was her. She still couldn't recognize the man, he was turned away from her and focussing all of his attention of that little hussy, Miss Bennet. In any case, what gardiner or groom Eliza chose to align herself to didn't matter at all to Caroline Bingley. All Caroline could see was the way the two of them were pawing all over each other, and it gave her fuel to discredit the girl and remove Eliza from her life and her family forever. Eliza Bennet really was the cheap tramp that she had believed her to be all along. She saw them separate, and then the man walked towards the stables. Caroline grinned, and had to lie down from the extra effort that her brain was making that morning. If anyone were to see her lying on her bed, they would think her quite dead with her grin being the result of rigor mortis setting in.
Chapter 25 ~ Permissions and Accusations
Caroline woke up shortly after dozing off and forced herself awake. The throbbing in her head continued, but she had to go downstairs for breakfast today. She had a way of discrediting Eliza Bennet, and hopefully, it would remove her sister from the picture as well. The last thing that Caroline needed around her were these country chits. She almost fell from the bed as she struggled to get up while screaming for her maid.
She headed down to breakfast and found that nearly everyone else was there. Mr. Darcy still had not arrived at the table, but she looked at Eliza Bennet and was quite delighted with what she saw. Her hair was still touseled from her rendezvous this morning, and the girl looked quite flushed and distracted. This would simply be too easy. The little tramp would then be permanently removed from Darcy's presence. Caroline was able to stifle the chuckle that wanted to come bubbling out of her throat, and it ended up being only her classic smirk.
"Good Morning all, Miss Eliza." Caroline strode into the room and then paraded herself around the table. As she was thus preening, Darcy came in and directly occupied the free chair next to Elizabeth without a glance at Miss Bingley. It was her plan to circle Elizabeth like the vulture that she was, but her purpose was defeated by Darcy's arrival. Caroline just gawked with an open mouth while she watched Darcy's solicitousness towards Elizabeth. Her blood began to boil and she was about to reveal what she saw this morning, but she was stopped by her brother.
"Caroline, you must sit down. We are all ready for breaksfast, so please have a seat and join us."
She was forced to sit at the only available seat at the farthest point away from Darcy as was possible. She fumed as she watched Darcy and Miss Bennet throughout the entire meal. Caroline was just waiting for the right moment to pounce. Very quickly, Darcy excused himself from the table, and Caroline had to make her move.
"Mr. Darcy, I have some information which I must relay to you."
"It will have to wait, Miss Bingley, I must leave on an errand that can not be delayed a moment longer."
"But, Mr. Darcy, it is of the utmost importance that you listen to me. Wait!" Caroline was running after him and almost screeching as he quickly outpaced her and headed for the door. She got to the door just in time to see him mount his horse and ride away. "Blast him!" she shouted and grabbed the nearest vase and smashed it to the floor. Well, if he won't listen to her, she'll talk to Charles to get the hussy thrown out of the house before Darcy came back. That will take the tramp out of the way, and it will disgrace her forever. Caroline smiled in anticipated as she lost all memory of the tantrum she had just moments earlier. She went in search of her brother. She found him with the two detested women on his arms leading them out towards the garden. Both of the Bennet sisters were laughing, and Charles was just beaming from their attentions.
"Charles," and then louder "Charles! I must speak with you about something of importance!"
"Yes, Caroline, what is it." He sighed in exasperation and resignation.
"Not here, let's talk in your study privately."
Bingley rolled his eyes. "Yes Caroline." He humored her by asking Jane and Elizabeth to wait for him in the garden.
"I'm glad that you sent them outside because what I have to say pertains to them. Specifically to Miss Eliza Bennet." Caroline positively crowed as she made this annoucement.
"Caroline, have you stopped taking your medication? You know what the doctor said would happen if you missed your pills even once."
"It's not about me! It's about sheltering that tramp under your roof. What will the world think of you who has permitted this brazen hussy to have her cheap liasons while staying under your roof."
"Get to the point, Caroline, what are you saying?"
"I only wish to tell you what I saw with my own eyes this morning. Elizabeth Bennet was outside this house with one of the stable hands, and they were openly displaying quite shocking behavior. I have never before seen such a vile display of lust in my life."
"What? A stable hand? Who was it?"
"Oh I don't know his name, but I'm sure I'd recognize him if I saw him. I distinctly saw him head back to the stable after they were done pawing all over each other this morning. Then she had the audacity to show up at breakfast here still with quite a wild appearance. Her hair was shocking and her face was still quite flushed. It is a disgrace, and I wanted to tell you about it so that your name would not be linked with this scandel."
At this point, Charles began to have his suspicions about who the "stable hand" was, but he kept them to himself for now. "I presume that the reason you took off after Darcy at breakfast was to give him this same warning about Miss Elizabeth."
"Yes, I tried, but he would not hear me. I didn't even have a chance to warn him before he left. It is quite vexing, but at least you will be able to warn him before his name is in any way aligned with their soiled virtue." Caroline was quite proud of herself for this little speech.
"I'm so glad that you told me what you saw, Caroline, and now I have a favor to ask of you. I do not wish for you to expose yourself to them. It would be in everyone's best interests if you stayed as far away from them as possible. Since they are currently our guests, I will endeavor to keep them away from you, but in the mean time, please keep to your room. I wouldn't want such goodness to be soiled by a bad influence."
"You are such a solicitous brother. I will follow your advice and retire as I have this awful headache, and I could not handle their company."
Charles Bingley left his sister and immediately went to send an express to Caroline's doctor in London before he joined Jane and Elizabeth in the garden.
Caroline walked back up to her room feeling quite satisfied with herself, but her headache was getting worse, and she was starting to feel nauseous.
Darcy arrived at Longbourn and immediately asked for an audience with Mr. Bennet. As was his custom after breakfast, Mr. Bennet had immediately retired to his library. He was quite surprised when Darcy was shown in.
"Mr. Darcy, It's a pleasure to see you, but I hope you have not brought bad news. How is Jane? We had received word that she was doing well."
"No, Mr. Bennet, there I come on an entirely different mission. Please be assured that Jane is in good health. I have come to see you about your other daughter, Miss Elizabeth."
"Don't tell me that she has gotten ill"
"Not at all, in fact, I came her to apply to you for her hand in Marriage. I have fallen in love with your daughter, and I have asked her to marry me. She has consented, so I would like to ask your permission to wed your daughter."
Mr. Bennet was struck dumb. He had recognized an attachment on both sides, but hadn't realized the extent of its progression. Darcy was waiting expectantly for a response, and began to feel a bit uncomfortable when he didn't get one. Mr. Bennet was looking thoughtfully at the floor with his hand on his chin. He was thinking about his little girl, his favorite daughter who he was about to lose. He sighed and addressed the man before him.
"I had noticed a growing attachment between the two of you, but I had not expected this quite so soon. Have no fear of objections from me. I could tell that the two of you would be well suited to one another, but forgive me if I seem a bit withdrawn as I was just thinking how much I will miss her."
"I can promise you, Sir, that not only will I provide her with a comfortable life, but I will cherish her every moment of our lives. I can understand how you would not want to lose her, and please be assured that you will be most welcome at Pemberley any time you wish to come. I know how much Elizabeth loves you, and I would not deprive either of you of each other's company."
"Thank you. So, have any firm plans been discussed for the nuptuals?"
"Not yet, we were waiting for your permission, and I also have to inform my sister of my good fortune."
Mr. Bennet stood up as a signal that the interview was over and Darcy took the hint. They shook hands and Darcy took his leave and then headed back to Netherfield and Elizabeth. He was thoughtful as he was heading back. He was thinking how hard it was for Mr. Bennet to give up his favorite daughter, and how he, himself, would feel if she were to leave his life. He arrived at the house and walked into the garden. Then he saw Elizabeth standing by herself with her back turned to him. He hurried to her and grabbed her in his arms. She immediately stiffened until she saw who it was.
"Welcome back Fitzwilliam, what did my father say?"
"We have his permission, but he is very sorry to lose you. I did assure him that he would be welcome at Pemberley any time he wished."
"I shall miss him too, but this is so right. I could not live without you now."
"Well, we won't have to find out about that because we shall now be able to make plans to marry and be together for the rest of our lives." After saying that, he could no longer stop himself, so he kissed her there in the garden at Netherfield. Of course Jane and Bingley would appear at just that moment.
"Darcy, I always seem to find you like this."
Not looking guilty at all, and not releasing Elizabeth, he responded to Charles. "Are you going to wish us well?"
"Frankly, I have gotten tired of catching the two of you in such situations so it will be a welcome relief to have to take yourselves behind closed doors." He laughed as he said it, but then he added something almost as if it was an afterthought. "Oh, and I would like to speak with you about something when you can tear yourself away from Miss Elzabeth."
Elizabeth did still have the modesty to blush as his words, but it was becoming less of a problem to her the more comfortable she felt in his arms. She remained in his embrace until he released her with a kiss and then went to talk with Charles. After the men were out of sight, the sisters hugged each other.
Chapter 26 ~ Announcements
Darcy followed Charles Bingley into the Library wondering what Charles wanted to talk about. He was curious about the deliberately off-hand manner in which the subject was broached. Charles is usually quite direct about what he is thinking, so the way in which he asked for Darcy's time was unusual. Darcy just waited for Charles to begin.
"Darce, it seems like Caroline is getting bad again. It seems as if her medication isn't working. I've already sent an express to her doctor in London, so hopefully we can increase the dosage. I thought she had been getting better, but it looks like she is still suffering from the affects of that horrible carriage accident. I remember how long it took her to wake up after that awful trauma to her head."
Darcy continued to wait while Charles paced. After a short time with no more communication, just a rapidly developing rut in the floor, Darcy tried to give some comfort to his friend. "Charles, if there is anything you need, any way that I can provide support to you, you must tell me. I understand the responsibility you feel when she has these lapses, but you must be able to live for yourself, too. I want you to be able to find happiness in life for yourself."
Charles stopped pacing and stared at Darcy. "Has it been too obvious, then? How long can I wait to declare my love to Jane? Oh, how I wish I provide her with a happy home, but I'm afraid that Caroline will be a barrier to her happiness. I don't wish to burden her with this, but I don't feel I can live without her."
"I have an advantage over you, my friend, I've already told the woman I love how much I care about her and already have her father's permission for her hand. You need to stop letting Caroline rule your decisions and let Miss Bennett know how you feel. She can make her own decisions about you. From what I've witnessed, she hold you in very high regard as well. If you like, we can petition her sister for more information. I happen to know her very well and believe that I could ask for her opinion for you."
Charles immediately started beaming. "You need not do anything of the sort. I have already determined her feelings. You must have been occupied with Miss Elizabeth to notice. I just haven't made any declarations yet because of Caroline. I suppose I wanted advice, but I know what needs to be done. I'll propose to Jane first, but what to do with Caroline will have to be decided after I hear from the doctor. I realize that no matter what else happens in my life, I want to have Jane at my side. I suppose I should have gone with you to Longbourne this morning." He laughed, but his mood was starting to visibly lighten. The two friends talked for a little while longer before they decided to go and join the ladies again. They didn't leave until Charles had enlisted his friend's help in getting some time alone to talk with Jane.
It seems that the scene that played itself out with the ladies was a reversal of the previous time with them. Suddenly Darcy found himself entertaining two delightful Bennetts while Bingley went on a mission to Longbourne to give great consternation to Mr. Bennett. Two daughters of sense lost in one day. After Bingley left the house, he shuddered to think of his life without the two eldest girls. Maybe if he waited longer today some other young man would come to rid him of the last three. It was not to be, however, he was to be stuck with them and their equally silly mother for some time yet.