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Chapter Four Posted on Wednesday, 2 March 2005
Lady Lucas, Constance Bates as was, and Mrs. Bennet had known each other since they were children. Their houses were in close proximity and, as such, the Gardiner children and the Bates children were often in each other's company.
The three girls were particularly friendly, almost as sisters, and it had been Fanny Gardiner's greatest wish that her good friend Constance Bates would one day be her sister in fact.
She had held out hope that one day her brother Edward might make an offer of marriage to Constance, but it was not to be. William Lucas had courted and, subsequently, married her friend.
As they had grown up, the easy friendship had transformed into a sort of rivalry. After Miss Gardiner's own marriage to Mr. Bennet, it had seemed as if it were a competition to see which of the two women would first be able to provide their respective husbands with an heir. In this, Mrs. Lucas succeeded where Mrs. Bennet had not. Within three years Mrs. Lucas had given birth to a daughter, Charlotte, and longed for son, Joseph William Lucas.
Finally accepting that she would never have a son, Mrs. Bennet then made it her mission to marry off her daughters before her friend did. This new rivalry did not in any major way affect the friendship of both women. While it was often sneaky and sly, they still gathered to gossip about others and would readily defend the other from any malicious gossip...unless they were among close friends that they felt they could speak the truth to.
That the Lucas and the Bennet family should meet the morning following the Meryton Ball was only to be expected. Lady Lucas, her eldest daughter and her younger son, Thomas, all descended on the Bennet household not long after breakfast had finished being served.
"You had quite a good evening last night, Charlotte," Mrs. Bennet said civilly to the eldest Miss Lucas. "I saw Mr. Bingley stand up with you."
"Yes, ma'am, but I believe Mr. Bingley was far happier with his first dancing partner."
"Oh, you mean Jane I suppose. Yes, that is quite true. She was the only girl he danced with twice, you know. Of course, perhaps he may be as attentive to all the other young ladies he meets. Mr. Bingley said something to Mr. Robinson I believe...but I cannot recollect what exactly."
Lady Lucas glared knowingly at Mrs. Bennet, who still maintained the appearance of perfect ignorance.
"Perhaps, Mrs. Bennet, you are thinking of what I overheard Mr. Bingley say to Mr. Robinson?" Charlotte said cordially.
"Maybe Miss Lucas, but I seem at a loss at the present moment to recall the particulars."
Jane blushed, mortified, while Elizabeth smiled at her mother's less than subtle techniques.
"I was sitting near Mr. Robinson when Mr. Bingley approached him. Mr. Robinson asked him if he found the dance agreeable, he answered in the affirmative. Mr. Robinson then inquired as to whether he'd found any of the local young ladies pleasing. Mr. Bingley replied that he had met many pretty women in the area but that the eldest Miss Bennet was particularly beautiful, in fact, he could not recollect ever meeting a woman of such beauty or goodness."
Mrs. Bennet feigned surprised delight and smiled smugly in her chair, her arms crossed contentedly in her lap.
"I think, Lizzy, what I overheard Mr. Bingley say was a great deal more pleasant than what you heard from his friend." Charlotte smiled Lizzy.
"I beg you would not put it into Lizzy's head to be vexed by his disdainful behaviour, for I'm sure to be liked by that man would be a great failing indeed!" Mrs. Bennet replied, her indignation rising once again.
"You need not worry about such a thing happening Mama, for I am not in the least bit annoyed by his behaviour, I assure you," Elizabeth answered airily.
"Aye and a good thing it is too. Mrs. Long told me she sat by him for half an hour and he never even opened his mouth to so much as ask her if she liked the dance!"
"Are you quite sure Mama?" Jane asked quietly, "I am sure I saw him speaking to her last night."
"Only because she asked him how he liked Netherfield and he could not help but answer her! A most disagreeable man!"
"Mr. Bingley related to me that he is not very comfortable with strangers and is much more talkative among his acquaintance. Even here, Lizzy, you must admit he seemed quite uncomfortable when faced with the prospect of a ball. I am sure he is very pleasant once one gets to be better acquainted with him. Why, Mr. Bingley said he had never met another man with such a sense of humour. He is very agreeable to all of them."
"I can well imagine him being far more agreeable to those he considers within his own standing and worthy of his attention," Lizzy said wryly. "However, I don't believe young country ladies who 'care so little for their own health' fall into that category."
"Yes, indeed Lizzy," her mother cried energetically, "and who said we ever wanted his good opinion in any case? What a proud, arrogant man. It is a wonder our dear Mr. Bingley can bear to be in his company!"
"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, everything in his favour, should think highly of himself. If I may so express it, he has every right to be proud."
"That is very true," replied Elizabeth, "and I could easily forgive his pride, had he not so mortified mine."
"Pride," Mary noted, a reflective tone in her voice, "is a very common failing among people. From all I have ever read, I believe it is far more common and prevalent than is welcome. Human nature is particularly prone to it; there are few, if any of us, who do not cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score of some quality or other, real or imaginary."
"If I were as rich as Mr. Darcy," cried young Thomas Lucas, "I should not care how proud I was. I would keep a pack of hounds and foxes and drink a bottle of wine a day!"
"Then you would drink a great deal more then you ought," Mrs. Bennet reprimanded him, "and if I saw you I would take your bottle from you at once."
"No, you wouldn't!" he said indignantly.
"Indeed I should, Mr. Lucas, and you would do well to remember it!"
"No, you would not, for I would be rich enough to have you taken from my presence and thrown into gaol!"
"Oh! Mr. Lucas, is that how you would treat such a good friend and neighbour? A woman who has been as good to you as your own mother?"
Lizzy smiled at her mother's childish behaviour, for she was arguing in earnest with the young Lucas boy.
The young nine year old boy stuck out his tongue at her and was quickly reprimanded by his mother.
"Thomas!" Lady Lucas scolded, "Behave yourself and apologise to Mrs. Bennet at once!"
"I am afraid, Mrs. Bennet, that we have an ulterior motive for calling on you this morning," Charlotte interrupted. "Our father is to host a small gathering at Lucas Lodge next Wednesday, and we have been charged with the task of ensuring you are all not already engaged," Charlotte explained. "We would all be very glad if your whole family would attend."
"I am sure we will be very happy to attend," Mrs. Bennet replied, still apparently miffed by Thomas's earlier behaviour.
"We would be delighted to have you," Lady Lucas said, a regal smile on her face. "Of course, dear William has invited the Netherfield party to attend also."
Mrs. Bennet's eyes immediately lit up. "Oh, I am sure we will be vastly happy to be present! I wonder if we shall see any more behaviour to prove Mr. Robinson's suppositions of his having a fancy for our Jane."
Jane blushed, her eyes lowered to her hands resting in her lap. "I am sure he will not think of me any more then he does of any other young lady, Mama. I am certain he only danced with me twice because there were not enough dances to attend to all the ladies in a like manner."
"Yes Jane," Lizzy replied, "I am sure he will request to twice dance with every young woman in attendance at the next ball!"
Jane smiled but remained quiet.
"Lady Lucas," Mrs. Bennet interrupted, "I would gladly discuss plans with you on any particulars you might find taxing...the seating arrangements perhaps?" she said eagerly.
Lady Lucas sat up straighter in her chair, her eyes narrowing as she faced her friend. "Mrs. Bennet, I thank you for your offer, but I am sure I will be perfectly able to create the seating arrangements myself!"
Charlotte smiled conciliatorily at both women, standing up. "I believe it is time we departed Mrs. Bennet, but I am sure my mother will think on your generous offer of help and, I am sure, request your assistance in some area or other." Charlotte looked expectantly at her mother, who nodded her head, a tight smile on her face.
"Of course."
"Be sure you do. It will be no trouble at all, not in the least."
Lizzy shared an amused smile with Charlotte before she left, hiding her own entertained smile.
At Netherfield Hall, Darcy tarried for breakfast, hoping that he would be late enough to escape the presence of Bingley's sister. It was cruel, he knew, but where the Bingley sisters were concerned, a little went a long way.
As he descended the stairs, he closed his eyes in resignation and groaned as he heard the tittering laughter coming from the breakfast room.
He steadied himself and entered, finding the Hursts and Miss Bingley alone.
"Good morning, Mr. Darcy! You are a late riser this morning."
"Yes, I was quite tired out, Miss Bingley."
"Fetch Mr. Darcy some fresh coffee, Anne," Caroline addressed one of the maids, who quickly left to fulfill her orders.
"I hope, Mr. Darcy, last night's foray into the peasant wilderness is not the cause for this uncharacteristic behaviour?" She smiled knowingly at Louisa who laughed as she buttered her bread.
"It was quite ... different," Darcy admitted.
"Different!" Louisa Hurst interjected. "That is one word to describe it I suppose. For my part, I was never at something quite like it. There seemed to be no attempt to even adhere to the proper rules of society."
"I quite agree Louisa," Caroline nodded, a serious look on her face. "I have never been so pleased to leave a place in my life! And to think, Charles seemed to enjoy the company!"
"Where is your brother?" Darcy asked.
"That Sir William Lucas called this morning and is with him now in the library."
Just as she finished speaking, her brother entered the room, a smile beaming from his face.
"Ah, Darcy, glad to see you are up this morning. I had hoped we would go out shooting today."
"Shooting?" Hurst said between bites. "Jolly good."
"Yes," Bingley smiled uncomfortably at his brother in law, he would never understand what had possessed his younger sister to marry such a man, "if you are amenable to it, Darcy?"
"Entirely," Darcy replied quickly, glad to have a reason to leave the house and Miss Bingley behind.
"Good. Ah, and I have some more news for you all. Sir William has just invited us all to a gathering at Lucas Lodge on Wednesday next. I accepted on all of our behalf, I am sure that won't be a problem."
Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley looked in shock at each other, Miss Bingley rounding on her brother, "My dear Charles, have we not had enough of this society? Surely we have performed our duty my making ourselves known at the spectacle we were forced to endure last night!"
"Caroline," Bingley said crossly, "the people of Meryton may not be as rich and titled as you are used to, but they are delightful people and we will attend on Wednesday night!"
"I don't see why we should subject ourselves to it! I know Mr. Darcy for one would rather remain at home," she said slyly, throwing a glance at the man.
"Then he may stay at Netherfield if he wishes, but you will attend as my sister and Mistress of this house, Caroline!"
Caroline looked angrily at her brother but held her tongue, unwilling to lose her temper and appear in a less-than-perfect light in front of Mr. Darcy.
Darcy dabbed his mouth with the pristine napkin. "I will gladly attend with you, Bingley."
"Oh Mr. Darcy, how can you even contemplate such a thing?" Miss Bingley asked, while secretly believing him to be doing so as a way of showing affection towards her and lessening her discomfort.
"How could he not Caroline?" Charles interrupted. "I have never met with such pleasant or pretty women as I have here in Meryton."
Darcy stood up and walked towards the window looking out over the grounds at Netherfield.
"Charles, you are too easily pleased. These country women have nothing compared to the women of the ton!" Louisa shook her head condescendingly.
"I would have to agree, Charles, I saw little beauty and even less breeding!" Caroline replied, looking around the group. "After hearing the Bennet girls described as great beauties I had expected them to be at least pretty!"
Darcy half turned, listening to her, his hands clenching behind his back.
Charles was turning red in the face. "Caroline, the Bennet girls are very pleasing!"
"Oh, Jane Bennet is very sweet, I grant you. But as for her mother and sisters!" She shared a horrified look with her sister. "What say you, Mr. Darcy? Were you impressed with the beauties of the Bennet girls?"
Darcy turned and walked back towards the table. "They are tolerable I suppose, the eldest Miss Bennet is pleasant enough."
"Come man, admit it. She's an angel!" Charles declared feelingly.
"She smiles too much," Darcy said somberly.
Caroline and Louisa hollered with laughter at this description.
"No, I must protest, Mr. Darcy. I will brave your displeasure and declare I found Miss Jane Bennet very pleasant and would not be averse to knowing her better. It is only a pity that she has such a degenerate family!"
Louisa nodded solemnly. "Did you see Caroline, her sister...what is her name, the second one...?"
"Oh, Miss Eliza," Caroline said sneeringly.
"Yes, she arrived at a ball, unable to participate and spent the evening talking to anyone who would talk to her! And she is nowhere near as pretty as her elder sister."
Darcy winced at Mrs. Hurst's description, her words immediately bringing back his own impetuous declaration.
"Indeed Louisa, and how astonished we all were to hear her described as a local beauty! I could see no beauty in her."
"No, sister, and her behaviour in general, seems to be quite without propriety. Not to the extent of the younger sisters, of course, but still, I have heard she is known for her impertinence."
"Now, now," Mr. Hurst interrupted, "enough with this talking. Are we to go out shooting before it is dinner time? Hmmm?"
Darcy never thought the day would come when he would be grateful to Archibald Hurst for anything, but he found himself silently thanking the man for his timely interruption. He breathed a sigh of relief as the gentlemen left the women to their hurtful gossiping, and he gratefully took out his frustration on Bingley's pheasants. He tried not to think of the jibes that would be aimed at the Bennet girls after the Lucas party.
Lucas Lodge was a grand house, one of the grandest in the neighbourhood. Sir William had made his money as a successful trader in Meryton. He was greatly respected and had become mayor of the town at quite a young age. It was while he was in this coveted position that he had earned a knighthood through his presentation to King George.
After such condescension, it was not proper that the new Sir William and Lady Constance Lucas should live in a small house in the town. Sir William had long since made his fortune, and his new peerage and the growing size of his family demanded a new residence for them.
It was fortunate then, that Galeburry Hall, the residence of the wealthiest man in town, should come to be begging for a new owner. Its present owner, the newly widowed Mr. Hanford, had decided to leave his home and live with his only married daughter in the south of Cornwall.
Within a month, Galeburry Hall had been transformed into Lucas Lodge. Once the Lucases moved in, it was as if they had never lived anywhere else. They seemed to belong to the place and welcomed their neighbours and friends there with a warmth and happiness that people had come to associate with the family.
However, this easy warmth and welcoming disposition that Sir William and his family presented were of little consequence to the ladies of Netherfield. They arrived in all their elegant splendour. Miss Bingley in particular felt it a degradation to be forced to endure the company of such people, but had little say in the matter.
They were greeted by their jovial host with great warmth and joy. They were, as usual, the last to arrive. The ladies smiled tightly and coldly at the females of the family before seating themselves on a small, unoccupied futon, talking scornfully of all those around them, until dinner was announced.
The Bingley party were, for the most part, sitting together. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst sat opposite each other, Caroline sat between her sister and Mr. Darcy, but was disheartened to find Miss Bennet sitting opposite her brother and beside Mr. Darcy.
The dinner was served and she found much to criticise. The guinea fowl was not cooked to her high standards, the soup was so hot it burned her mouth and she share a disgusted look with her younger sister when she saw the simplistic courses placed in front of them.
Darcy was silent for the most part, conversing only when necessary. He was irrationally annoyed that Miss Elizabeth Bennet had been placed as far away from him as the table would allow. Surely he should rejoice at such a situation? He had often chastised himself for his obvious attention to her and had congratulated himself on hardly speaking a word to her at the Assembly. Why then did he feel this strange tight feeling in his chest that he should be deprived of her company and conversation? He grimaced to himself and only half listened as Miss Bingley prattled on about the sheer inelegance of the entire affair, and what a degradation it was to be forced into the company of such people.
Miss Jane Bennet sat beside him. "I hope you are enjoying your stay in Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy."
"Thank you, yes. Although, I do find the society somewhat different from town."
Jane smiled and ducked her head, "I understand Mr. Darcy. We are hardly as regal and refined as the company you are most used to, but I hope we may grow in your estimation."
"I believe you misunderstand me, Miss Bennet. It is not that I find anything offensive in the society; it is merely that I do not know anyone within it and I find myself at a loss to begin. It is sometimes hard to determine how one is to act appropriately in company with which one is not acquainted," he admitted quietly.
"I cannot imagine what it must be like to be in such a situation. Our own is as such that we rarely venture far beyond Meryton. The only time we would do so is in visiting our Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in London. Even there we have been often enough to be well acquainted with society."
Darcy's eye was caught by Miss Bennet's sister conversing animatedly with one of the Captains in the regiment.
"Your sister appears to be in better health, Miss Bennet."
"Yes, and I am very glad for it. I did so worry that she would be too demanding of herself and only cause further damage to her ankle, but she has so far been quite constrained in her activities. She seems to be almost completely recovered."
"Almost?" Darcy questioned nonchalantly.
"Yes. She has yet to venture out on one of her long walks. She still suffers from some pain if she is out too long, and with the weather and state of the roads and lanes around Meryton in such a dire state...it is not at all conducive to her desire to stay out of doors very long, I am afraid."
"Ah, I see," Darcy replied, surprised at how easily they both seemed to converse with each other.
"We are all so thankful for your help that day, Mr. Darcy. I am afraid we did not thank you properly, but I assure you, your kindness will not be forgotten."
Darcy dipped his head; he was uncomfortable with praise and thanks. He did not know how to receive it properly or what he was meant to say, but he mumbled a response that seemed to satisfy her.
Miss Jane Bennet, he found, was a quiet but gracious girl. Her serene countenance and intelligent conversation were quite pleasing to him. Absently he wondered how long it would be before his friend's infatuation with this girl disappeared.
She was sweet and charming, and while she accepted Bingley's advances, he could not see any great difference between the way she acted towards his friend and the way she acted towards himself or any other person she was in conversation with. He was thankful for this, for this particular young lady that Bingley had taken a fancy to had quite caught his attention also. Not only was she Elizabeth Bennet's sister, she was in her own right a delightful creature, and he would not wish her to suffer any untoward pain when his friend's attention diverted elsewhere.
He quite happily passed the majority of the dinner conversing easily with her. He had found her a far more companionable person to converse with than the lady on his left. Although, that did not mean he could ignore her completely. Her incessant talking of London and how wonderful it was and how much she was missing "dear, sweet Georgiana" nearly drove him to drink. If Mrs. Hurst were half as bad as Miss Bingley with her constant twitter, he could readily see where Mr. Hurst had found his love of the wine and whiskey bottle.
After dinner, the musically talented ladies in the room were requested to play. Louisa and Caroline politely declined, the disgrace of playing in a room with people like the ones present something neither seemed able to bear.
In contrast, Miss Maria Lucas was the first to exhibit her talents. She played all the correct notes, but without much feeling, her voice quite weak and high. Second to perform was Elizabeth, and Darcy believed he had never heard anything more beautiful. Her fingering may not have had the crisp, preciseness of those with a better understanding and knowledge of the art, but the feeling of her playing, the warmth and richness of her voice ... Darcy found himself entranced, snared like a rabbit in a trap while she sang. She was completely bewitching, and he was only thankful that he had placed himself at the back of the room, where his silent, but obvious, adulation would not be viewed by the other company. When she had finished, he felt a pang of disappointment and regret in his chest. This feeling was quickly buried, and a displeased look passed on his face as he chastised himself for such unwanted and irreverent feelings.
As Lizzy departed from the instrument, Mary took her position. She played well, was quite accomplished, and as her performance ended and the crowd dispersed around the room, continued to play as background music. She often found this preferable to being forced to converse and entertain others.
She was quite content with her position and happily attended to her task. Faintly she heard her youngest sister exclaim.
"We could dance now if only Mary would oblige us." She marched towards her sister determinedly, "Mary, play something else. Play something less mournful and livelier. We all wish to dance!"
Shocked by her sister's indignant outburst and inappropriate behaviour, she begged for her mother's assistance. Mrs. Bennet, too occupied with her neighbours and friends to be bothered to enter into her daughters' many fights, merely complied with Lydia's wishes.
"Oh Mary, play a reel or a jig or something. Nobody wants to hear your concertos!"
With as much dignity as she could muster, Mary easily complied, not allowing for one second her anger, hurt and shame to show on her face.
As she played, her face remained neutral, devoid of all emotion. It would be best if she just complied with their wishes and did as they asked.
She remained completely focused on her music before her as she spied Joey Lucas come closer towards her. Her back straightened as he pulled up a chair and sat by her side watching her fingers move across the keys. The sudden rush of awareness she felt whenever he was near was new and disconcerting.
"If you insist on hovering beside me in such silence, Mr. Lucas, you may make yourself of use and turn the pages for me."
He smiled at her, the dimple on his left cheek showing. "It would be my honour, Miss Bennet, you play so beautifully."
Mary risked a sideways glance up at him and found his bright green eyes focused solely on her, but he said not another word.
As the dance finished, Mary addressed her companion again. "Would you not rather dance, Mr. Lucas?"
"Indeed I would Mary, if you will do me the honour?"
She coloured, feeling the hot flush rise up her neck and to the roots of her hair. "You should not address me in so informal a manner sir. It is not proper."
He chuckled deeply and, drawn to the sound, she could not help but look at him.
"Mary, I have watched you and your sister grow up since children. We are as close as two people so unrelated could be. You did not seem to mind so much about propriety when you were a child and begging me to lift you up to reach a book on the highest shelf in your father's library." He watched in amusement as she coloured an even deeper shade of red and let her shaking hands rest in her lap.
"Times have changed, Mr. Lucas. I would like to think that as I have grown up, I have acquired more sense than I then possessed. More than my younger sister's possess."
Joey frowned at her. He was acutely aware of the pains she took to ensure that others didn't equate her behaviour with her sister's.
"Mary!" Lydia roared above the quiet din. "Mary, play another! Why are you not playing another?" She had her hands on her hips, her small foot tapping impatiently.
Mary's jaw tightened and she placed her fingers upon the keys again, ready to begin.
"If you wish to dance, Miss Mary," Joey said quietly to her, "I am sure one of my sisters will be happy to take your position behind the instrument."
"It would be highly improper for me to do so, Mr. Lucas; it is hardly an appropriate setting. However," she glanced across the room; an eyebrow rose sardonically, "should you wish to indulge in the art, I will not hold you back. I do believe Miss Long is waiting for you."
Lucas looked towards the younger Miss Long, smiling enticingly at him. He turned to Mary, his lips pursed as he regarded her again.
"Very well, Miss Bennet, but I feel it my duty to warn you," he paused waiting for her to look directly into his eyes before continuing, "I will get you to accept my offer, even if it takes the rest of my life to do so."
The intensity in his eyes made her falter, and her fingers stumbled over the keys to emit a sharp, unpleasant sound. Instantly, she turned her attention back towards the sheet music and tried to compose herself.
"I believe, Mr. Lucas, you will require a lot more time than that."
Lizzy watched the exchange between her sister and the eldest Lucas child surreptitiously but with great interest. Her sister had coloured and attempted valiantly to cover it up. She saw his smiling countenance and her stiff composure. She almost stared in astonishment as Mary made an uncharacteristic, but extremely obvious, blunder in the middle of the piece and Joey's smiles and laughs.
When he left her, Lizzy noticed Mary refused to look anywhere in his general direction. Most peculiar.
She turned away, sighing to herself, and immediately her eyes were caught in the gaze of Mr. Darcy. They seemed locked in each other's gazes until, seeming to recollect himself, the gentleman looked away awkwardly and walked towards the other side of the room.
Elizabeth frowned as he left. All this evening it seemed as if she could feel his eyes on her. Every time she looked around, she would find herself under his scrutiny. The thought that he found something offensive in her appearance, both angered and irritated her.
His judging of her seemed not to end with her appearance. When she entered into conversations with others, she would inevitably find him not two feet away, listening intently to their conversation, while not in the least venturing to enter one.
Irritated by this clandestine observation, she rounded on him. "Did you not think I gave my opinion quite decidedly when I was speaking to Colonel Forster, Mr. Darcy?"
He seemed all astonishment at having been caught, but apart from a slight colouring and a surprised look in his eyes, gave no indication of repentance.
"Indeed, Miss Bennet. Your opinion was quite informed, but I hardly find it astonishing. You are a very quick witted young woman, and, I know, take a great deal of pleasure from teasing and ridiculing others."
"Nay, sir! You are far too cruel towards me," Elizabeth protested, but with a smile on her face. "I will admit my personality is such that it cannot bear to be in extremely serious conversation for too long, unless it is absolutely necessary. We must derive enjoyment from whence we can, Mr. Darcy, without, of course, arising offence or indignation in people. If we cannot laugh at ourselves and our friends and neighbours, who can we laugh at?"
"Very true, Miss Bennet, but I wonder if you would find such great enjoyment if you were laughing at yourself instead of others."
She considered his response for a moment before replying. "It is a possibility that you are, to some degree, right Mr. Darcy ... we do not find it so easy to laugh at ourselves as at others, but I would like to believe that my own vanity and pride are not such that they would allow me to be so hypocritical. Do you not agree sir?"
"Indeed, Miss Bennet." He bowed to her and made his escape across the room.
Triumphant in her chasing away of Mr. Darcy, Lizzy took up her position by Charlotte as they observed the occupants of the room. Lydia and Kitty were, as usual, flirting giddily with the many officers present; while Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Phillips, Lady Lucas, and the many other older women were whispering animatedly to each other. Her mother, in particular, Lizzy noted, seemed quite pleased and vibrant at present.
Mary was ensconced at the pianoforte, still playing music for the lively dancers but had the company of Maria Lucas beside her. Finally, she saw Jane and Mr. Bingley in a corner of the room, sitting by each other conversing quietly.
"Mr. Bingley seems quite taken with Jane," Charlotte remarked easily.
"Indeed, Charlotte, and I am very happy for her. She deserves to be happy, and if Mr. Bingley is the one man for her that can make her felicitously happy then I would warmly welcome him into our family."
"She would accept him, then, were he to make her an offer?"
"I don't know Charlotte, and despite my relentless teasing of her on the subject, I know she is right. It is too soon for her to know her heart, to know if she could spend the rest of her life living happily as his wife," Lizzy sighed, a complacent smiled hovering on her face. "However, I do believe that were he to make her such an offer in a few months, or maybe even a few weeks, hence...I doubt he would leave with an unfavourable answer."
"If that be the case, Elizabeth, she should show him more affection than she currently does."
"Before she even knows how she feels?" Elizabeth asked both shocked and amused, "Charlotte!"
"Yes, indeed she must Lizzy. If she wishes to secure him, she must show him that he will not be refused, that she welcomes his addresses."
"Before she is sure of his character?" Elizabeth question incredulously, "before she is even sure of her own regard for him? You would have her show more than she feels? Charlotte! You know very well she would not, and could not do so. It is not in her disposition, or of any young lady of good character. You would not act so yourself."
"Jane's feelings are difficult to discern to those who are not so well acquainted with her, Elizabeth," Charlotte replied. "Mr. Bingley may not see her quiet and demure ways as the encouragement they are."
"If he truly cares for her, he will be attentive enough to know her feelings."
Charlotte looked away, a thoughtful look on her face, before she again addressed her friend. "Mr. Darcy looks at you a great deal, Lizzy."
Elizabeth barely stifled a groan, "I cannot think why, unless he continues to find some fault with me. What can he mean, Charlotte, staring at me in such a manner? He is an oddity. I cannot make him out at all."
"He seems to pay you a great deal of attention, Lizzy, he has barely spoken more than two words to any other young lady in the area."
Elizabeth looked in astonishment at her friend. "Charlotte, do not even suggest such a thing! Why, what a ridiculous notion! Pray, how can you even begin to think of such a thing, knowing as you do, his particular opinion about me, and his abominable behaviour towards me?"
"I am unsure Elizabeth, there is just something..."
Just then Lydia let out a shriek of laughter as she attempted to get one of the Captain's swords. Lizzy sighed, "I think I should have a word with my sister before she shames us all."
She moved through the groups of people towards her sister.
Mr. Darcy was taking up his usual, disparaging, silent, awkward position near a corner of the room, looking around at everyone in panic, cleverly disguised as disdain. It was while he was thus that he was accosted by the host of the evening.
"What a delightful pastime for young people this is, eh Mr. Darcy?" he said jovially to the gentleman once the dancers had taken their place on the floor.
"Indeed, sir," Darcy replied tersely.
"It is so refined, and relaxed. Nothing to St James', of course Mr. Darcy, but still there is something quite polished about the activity."
"Hardly."
"Sir?"
"Why," Mr. Darcy turned towards him, "every savage can dance, sir."
Sir William was quite taken aback, but unwilling to insult such a gentleman, agreed willingly. "Oh, quite right Mr. Darcy. Quite right."
They stayed in uncomfortable silence, when Miss Lydia Bennets exuberant yells commandeered their attention. Not long afterwards, Elizabeth Bennet brushed by them.
"Miss Elizabeth, why are you not dancing?" Sir William cried, his eyes twinkling as he took her hand, impeding her progress across the room and stood her in front of Mr. Darcy. Immediately, her back bristled. "Mr. Darcy," Sir William continued, "allow me to present to you a lady with superb skill in the art. I realise you have been forced to forgo the pleasure Miss Eliza, but surely that will no longer be a case, surely."
"Thank you, but I have not the least intention of dancing," Elizabeth replied smiling at her neighbour. She made to turn around, but his voice stopped her.
"Miss Bennet, I would be delighted if you would do me the honour of accepting my hand for the next dance."
"Well, well," Sir William exclaimed excitedly, "how could you refuse such an offer Miss Elizabeth, knowing as we do, Mr. Darcy's particular distaste for dancing. Yet how could he not wish to dance with you when so much beauty is before him."
Elizabeth looked up at Darcy archly, the teasing twinkle in his eyes returned. "Mr. Darcy is all politeness."
"Indeed he is, but how could he not be with such a beauty as yourself before him?"
Darcy could have laughed out loud, if only Sir William knew how true his words were.
"Why, Miss Elizabeth, I am sure you are pretty enough and witty enough to enchant the whole of St James' Court!"
Lizzy quirked an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth turning up in an ironic smile. "I wonder Sir William, if I would find it as easy to enchant them with my conversation. After all, I am a mere country girl, and quite an impertinent one at that." Her voice sounded like honey, sweet and warm, but Darcy blanched when he heard her words.
His own words at the Meryton Assembly came back to haunt him. Was it possible that she really had heard him after all? His heart froze at the thought.
Sir William, oblivious to any underlying tension, laughed heartily, "My dear Miss Lizzy, there is no person on this Earth who could fault anything in your conversational abilities."
Immediately she threw an ironic look at Darcy, her playfulness and obvious enjoyment at his discomfort evident on her face. He opened his mouth to speak to her, to say something, anything that could be construed as an apology in a room full of people, but another wild shriek from Miss Lydia interrupted him.
Elizabeth looked over in frustration and anger at her youngest sister. She balled her fists by her side. "Forgive me," she said quickly to both gentlemen, "I must speak with my sister. Thank you, Mr. Darcy for the offer, but as I said earlier, I have no intention of dancing this evening."
As quickly as she had happened upon them, she was gone. Darcy sighed in frustration and relief. He had not even noticed that Sir Lucas had left his side.
Involuntarily, his eyes followed her figure as she moved across the room. She was pleasing to the eye, her figure fine and graceful, her skin looking as smooth as silk and her eyes...her eyes he could not even begin to describe. There were no words that could adequately describe them for him. They were dark and so expressive. Her passion, every feeling she possessed shone through them, they lit up with her mischievous nature and darkened with her anger.
"I can imagine what your thoughts are at the moment."
He started at hearing Miss Bingley's sharp voice, her intimate whispering interrupting his pleasant thoughts.
"I should imagine not," he replied, more harshly than he had intended. She did not seem to notice however.
"You are thinking how insupportable it would be to spend any more time with such society, in such a way. And I for one cannot blame you, I know I would readily agree with you. What Charles was thinking when he decided to embark on this scheme of his I shall never know!"
"I am afraid you are wrong Miss Bingley. My mind was more agreeably engaged."
"Oh," her interest piqued, and her ego rising she waited for his reply.
"Yes, I was meditating on the pleasure a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow."
Her eyes lit up at his response, and she could barely contain her glee at the only possible answer she could conceive to her next question. She smiled smugly as she questioned him.
"And might one inquire, Mr. Darcy, as to whose fine eyes inspired such contemplation?"
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet's," he answered immediately, without a hesitation, without thinking properly.
Miss Bingley froze in horror, her eyes finally following Darcy's gaze across the room to where Miss Elizabeth stood laughing with a friend and a group of soldiers.
Her voice tightened and she fought to retain control of her body, "Miss Elizabeth Bennet's!" she ground out as normally as possible. "I...am all astonishment. And when, pray tell, am I to wish you joy?"
Darcy smirked, "I had expected you to wish me joy. A woman's mind jumps so quickly from admiration, to love, to marriage."
"I am sure I will be very happy for her, Mr. Darcy, and allow me to congratulate you on the prospect of your future relations. I would request, however, that you attempt to do something to curb your future younger sisters, they are not quite the impression one would hope to be an influence on dear Georgiana."
Darcy said not a word, his jaw tightened, and Miss Bingley laughed as another thought occurred to her. "But pray, Mr. Darcy, you must have your new mother's portrait taken. You can hang it in the gallery, next to your uncle the judge!" She continued to chuckle at her own amusing conversation, "However, you must not attempt to have your Elizabeth's portrait taken, for who could do justice to her fine eyes!"
"It would be a hard task indeed, Miss Bingley. A proficient artist may be capable of forming their shape and colour, but to capture their expression would be entirely too difficult a task for any artist."
This speech effectively stopped Miss Bingley from saying anything more. She stared at Mr. Darcy, never had she known him to have taken up with any young woman. There had been rumours of a woman, not long after his father's death, who had broken his heart, but she had never seen him show any interest in any particular young woman. She glared at Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the anger rising forth again.
She moved back across the room and sat beside her sister, her mind still whirling. That upstart would not take Mr. Darcy, or Pemberley, from her!
Chapter Five Posted on Monday, 21 March 2005
The morning following the Lucas party as the Bennet family sat at breakfast, Hill opened the door and excitedly presented Jane with a missive.
"This has just come from Netherfield, Miss," she said, handing her the letter.
"Thank you, Hill," Jane replied, her face flushed as she broke the seal and her eyes perused its contents.
"Well, Jane? What does it say?" her mother asked excitedly.
"It is from Caroline Bingley. She wishes me to call upon both her and her sister at Netherfield."
Mrs. Bennet jumped out of her chair and hastily snatched the papers out of a shocked Jane's hands. She read the words greedily.
"'My dearest friend', oh such a warm and welcoming opening, the handwriting ... so elegant and fluid...'Louisa and I would be glad for your company ... la dee dah, dee dah, dee dah ... as the gentlemen are to dine with the officers.' Oh! That is a great pity!"
"The officers!" Lydia exclaimed, "I wonder Aunt Phillips did not mention it to us yesterday."
Mary shot a disdainful look at her sister but remained silent while Mrs. Bennet continued to lament.
"If only the gentlemen were present. Still, it does show some preference on the sisters' part, to so single you out."
"Yes," Lizzy said, "I notice how they readily invite you to call on them, rather than they call on you."
"Oh Lizzy!" her mother scolded.
"May I have the carriage Papa?" Jane asked of her father.
"The carriage?" Mrs. Bennet's high voice interrupted. "No indeed, why would you take the carriage? You shall take Nelly, she will suit you very well."
The rest of the table looked in surprised confusion at her. Kitty was the one to venture the question on everyone's mind. "Why would she not Mama? There seems to be little difference between arriving on horseback and in a carriage. Although, would it not be more proper to arrive in a carriage?"
Mrs. Bennet sighed exasperatedly, rolling her eyes. "She will journey on horseback, Kitty, as it seems highly likely that it will rain, and as such she will be forced to stay overnight!"
Jane gasped audibly, while Lydia giggled as such mischievousness. Her mother could be very wily when she wished to be.
"That may work very well, Mama," Lizzy said light-heartedly, "if they do not offer to bring her home."
"Oh! But the gentlemen will have Mr. Bingley's chaise to go to Meryton and the Hursts have not any horses of their own."
"Mama!" Jane exclaimed, still astonished.
"Well, would you go all the way to Netherfield without seeing Mr. Bingley? Besides, I am sure your father cannot spare more then one horse!"
"Papa?" Jane turned entreatingly to her father who patted her hand.
"Now, my dear," Mr. Bennet sighed, "I am afraid on this occasion I must agree with your mother. The horses are needed for one of the farms. I cannot let you have the carriage today. I am sorry dear, but Nelly appears to be your only option."
"There, you see Jane. You will go to Netherfield on Nelly," Mrs. Bennet crowed, able to finish her breakfast in smug, satisfied silence.
As Mrs. Bennet proclaimed, it did in fact rain. Quite heavily. Elizabeth caught her lip between her teeth as she watched the sheets of rain sweep across the window. It was far too early for Jane to have arrived at Netherfield yet.
Lydia stood at the window smiling as she watched the water fall in fat droplets. "La! Mama, your plan will most certainly work now!"
"Of course, Lydia, of course," her mother replied a contented smile still on her face.
Kitty frowned, and looked up from where she was making up a new bonnet, a thoughtful look on her face. "It has not been very long since Jane left. Do you think she will have arrived at Netherfield by now?"
"Do not worry so Kitty," Mrs. Bennet told her. "I am sure she is perfectly safe, and if she has been caught out a little in the rain, what better place to be than Netherfield? She could hardly be taken better care of here."
Unwilling to listen to anymore, and knowing that their chattering would only inflame her worried mind, Lizzy left and ran up to her own room. She could not help but be uneasy for Jane.
Dinner was a less than quiet affair. Mrs. Bennet crowed over Jane being inevitably forced to stay overnight with the Bingleys. Jane's lack of appearance at dinner was the sign Mrs. Bennet had been anticipating, showing that her plan had indeed worked.
She managed to keep silent on such self gratifying profusions when the servants were in the room, but could hardly wait until they had left before extolling on her own virtues and cunning once again.
Their father had eagerly left as soon as the meal was over and retired to his library, his only sanctuary in the house.
Lizzy sat with her mother and younger sisters in the drawing room reading a book. In truth, she was not so much reading as she was staring unseeingly at the words printed on the pages before her. Her anxiety as to Jane's welfare still uppermost in her mind. It seemed to take all her resolve not to pace the short length of the room.
About a half hour of this, Hill entered and approached Elizabeth.
"A letter has just come from Netherfield, Miss."
"Thank you, Hill," Lizzy said absently, already tearing at the dark seal to read the contents. Her eyes skimmed the single sheet of paper apprehensively, and she sat back in her chair, a disheartened sigh escaping her.
"Well," her mother asked eagerly, "what does it say?"
"Jane has caught a chill and is unable to leave her room at Netherfield," Elizabeth ground out.
"Oh," Mrs. Bennet said despondently, "I suppose that would mean she has been forced from Mr. Bingley's presence."
"Here is a suitable resolution to all your deceptive endeavours, Mama," Mary told her mother. "Although, it seems quite unfair that Jane should be the one to pay for your transgressions."
"Hold your tongue girl!" Mrs. Bennet scolded her irritably. "Who asked you in any case? Go fetch your father."
Courteously, Mary did as she was bid, and Mr. Bennet returned with an indifferent countenance.
"Lizzy, if you please?" he said, his hand held out in expectation.
Elizabeth handed him the missive and Mr. Bennet read it without a word spoken. When he finished, he folded the paper up and handed it back to his second eldest.
"Well, Mrs. Bennet, if our daughter should pass away due to this fever, we can at least take comfort in knowing that it was done so in pursuit of Mr. Bingley."
"Do not be absurd, Mr. Bennet! People do not die from mere trifling colds!"
"Papa, I wish to go to Jane."
"What nonsense are you speaking Lizzy? Jane is perfectly well where she is."
Ignoring her mother completely, Elizabeth addressed her father again, "May I have the carriage in the morning, Papa?"
"I wish I could oblige you my dear, but the horses are still needed on the tenants' farms."
"Very well, then I shall walk."
"Walk?!" Mrs. Bennet's eyes widened appalled. "You cannot walk to Netherfield! When you arrive you will not be fit to be seen!"
"I will be fit to see Jane, which is all I want," Elizabeth said determinedly.
"I admire your benevolence," observed Mary, "but every impulse of feeling should be guided by reason. Consider, Elizabeth, what should happen if you damage your ankle again. We are all aware of your inability to walk very far, and in such dire weather as this the outcome could be very uncomfortable!"
"I shall be perfectly well, Mary, I assure you. I will go to see Jane." Her tone brooked no argument.
"Then maybe we will venture as far as Meryton with you," cried Kitty.
"If we leave early, we may see something of Captain Carter before he sets off for town!" Lydia exclaimed excitedly.
"Then we shall have to leave early and make haste. We would not wish to deprive Captain Carter of the pleasure of your company." Elizabeth said dryly, retiring for the night.
The rain had stopped by the time the dawn broke, although a damp, clammy smell still lingered in the air.
The three Bennet girls had an early breakfast and left as soon as they had finished. Lydia and Kitty talked incessantly all the way to Meryton, where they parted company with their elder sister. Elizabeth, deciding it best to arrive as quickly as possible at Netherfield, diverted from the roads and took a short cut across one of the fields.
The shortcut would save her a full twenty minutes on her usual walk towards the large house. And for that she could only be thankful. She felt a slight twinge in her ankle but had ignored it, blaming the dreadful state of the roads.
The paths were hard and a little slippery with the closeness of winter creeping around the corner, but the fields were wet and sticky due to the recent rainfall and the ground beneath her squelched under her boot.
She walked across the field, just able to make out the chimneys of Netherfield in the distance behind the trees. The fence that impeded her continuation was helpful enough to provide a stoop. She easily climbed on top of the wood and crossed over to the other side.
Lizzy hesitated as she stood on the stoop. The ground around her was muddy and wet. The field, which had once been a luscious green, was now covered in patches of sticky, brown muck. As she looked down, she could see the imprints of several cows' hooves, little pools of water collected within the ridges of the imprints. She looked up and caught one of the animals looking lazily at her perched on top of the fence. Its feet and legs were spattered with designs of brown dirt
She smiled ruefully at the grazing cow, feeling her own legs would soon resemble the animal's. While she had no concern about her appearance in jumping down into the mud, she did harbour doubts about landing safely without slipping and damaging her ankle. She had resigned herself to feeling a momentary stab of pain, when she heard a distinctly masculine voice.
"Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth closed her eyes in dread, instantly recognising the deep tones. She opened her eyes and looked in his direction.
He left the path to Netherfield he'd been following and came towards her. She shot him an arch look when she noticed him halt before the muddied mass that was her predicament. She smiled tightly at him. "Mr. Darcy."
He looked in amusement at her, perched as a bird on a ledge, and his eyes swept her long length. "You appear to be in some distress, Miss Bennet. Allow me." Without waiting for a reply he waded through the dirt, splashing only his tall , black boots in the process. Raising his arms, he firmly planted his hands gently around her waist and carried her towards the nearest patch of green.
Immediately, she moved out of his grasp and wondered to herself why it was that every time she met this man out of doors, he seemed to end up with his arms about her. She felt colour rise to her face as she remembered the warm and safe feeling of his large hands. They spanned nearly the entirety of her petite frame.
Elizabeth took a few steps ahead of him and kept her head bowed, her bonnet obscuring her face from his eyesight.
"I was quite capable of stepping down unaided, Mr. Darcy, I assure you."
"Of that I have no doubt, Miss Bennet."
She risked a sidelong glance at him then, only to find him staring straight ahead, a wry smile gracing his features. She decided it would be best to ignore the comment and let it pass before she let her tongue run away with her.
"I believe, Miss Bennet," he continued, "you once promised me that the next time you went rambling around the countryside, you would do so in the opposite direction to Netherfield."
"That is one promise I would gladly have kept, I assure you sir. However, circumstances dictated otherwise. I have come to inquire after my sister."
"On foot?" he said hesitantly. It shouldn't have surprised him, but still he wasn't used to her free spirited nature and complete disregard for her health or rules of society. He frowned as he remembered Miss Jane Bennet's words to him at Lucas Lodge not two days previous. Her sister had still not quite mended properly, and yet here she walked beside him, obviously having walked the full distance from Longbourn to Netherfield.
"As you see."
"Would it not have been more prudent, Miss Bennet, in light of recent events, to journey by carriage?"
Lizzy bristled, but apart from slowly clenching and unclenching her hands, showed no outward indication of it.
"I am afraid the horses could not be spared. I did not wish to wait very long to see Jane. Besides, the country air can only do my health good."
"I see. Allow me to escort you to Netherfield then."
"Oh no, Mr. Darcy. You must not allow me to interrupt your constitutional, sir. I know the way to Netherfield, I have no need for an escort, I assure you."
Darcy raised an eyebrow as he looked down on her. "I was returning myself in any case, Miss Bennet. I would not consider it the gentlemanly thing to do to leave you to find your own way."
Elizabeth inclined her head in acquiescence and said no more.
As they approached the great Hall, Mr. Darcy walked past the front entrance, much to Elizabeth's surprise.
"Mr. Darcy? Are you not coming inside?"
He turned and looked at her, a smile on his lips. "Indeed I am, Miss Bennet, I am just not entering through the main entrance. You may do so if you wish to brave Mrs. Meade. I am afraid, however, that I am not so courageous. I have discovered from past experiences that Bingley's housekeeper is a force to be reckoned with, especially when it comes to trampling mud into her good carpet."
Elizabeth rewarded him with a smile, and eyes shining with humour, as she followed him towards the servant's entrance.
The servants did not seem in the least bit surprised by Mr. Darcy's appearance in their kitchen. Indeed, they seemed more surprised by her appearance there than his.
The maids bobbed their curtseys respectfully and he bowed his head in acknowledgement but, in Elizabeth's eyes, could not disguise his abhorrence of having to be in their presence.
He must believe Mrs. Meade to be a very great threat to his person indeed! Elizabeth thought in amusement.
"Miss Bennet will be in need of some suitable footwear while she is in the house," he said in his superior tone of voice.
"I'll see to it sir," a young maid, of no more than twenty replied. "She may borrow a pair of my mistress' slippers."
Darcy nodded and the girl scurried off to do his bidding.
"Once she has returned, I will take you to see Mr. Bingley and his sister."
"Thank you," Lizzy answered, quite amazed by his behaviour.
He bowed to her and quickly left.
On his return, Darcy lead Miss Bennet towards the morning room, where, he had been informed, Mr. Bingley and the two ladies of the house were residing.
He strode confidently through the halls and corridors of the house.
"Mr. Darcy."
Immediately he froze, and Elizabeth was surprised to see the sudden stiffening of his back.
"Ah, Mrs. Meade."
Elizabeth watched with intrigue as Mr. Darcy's voice took on the haughty, superior tone she had heard him use at the Meryton Ball. She regarded him with some astonishment. While she stood so close to him, it was quickly apparent he was incredibly uncomfortable in this woman's presence.
Mrs. Meade stepped forward, almost as if she had been conjured up by the dark shadows, and looked over the two people present. She glanced over each of them, her eyes narrowing and her lips tightening as she took in Elizabeth's muddy appearance.
"Mrs. Meade," Darcy interrupted her musings, "this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the sister of Miss Jane Bennet."
"Nice to meet you, Miss," she curtseyed to Elizabeth.
"The pleasure is all mine, I am sure, Mrs. Meade," Lizzy replied, an amused smile on her face.
Mrs. Meade nodded to her, and her eyes swept the path the two had just trod through the house. A large smile lit up on her face.
"I am glad to see, sir," she addressed Mr. Darcy, "that you have learned from your past transgressions."
Darcy frowned, and Elizabeth struggled not to give into the temptation of laughing.
"Yes, Mrs. Meade, now, if you will excuse us."
Mrs. Meade curtseyed to them both as Darcy lead Elizabeth towards the room, a smile still firmly embedded on her features.
Caroline Bingley sat in the morning room with her sister, lamenting the fact that Mr. Darcy had breakfasted before she had arisen and had ventured out for a walk about the grounds as soon as he was finished.
She was listless. Her sister sat contentedly embroidering and her brother was moping in a corner chair, brooding on the unhappiness of having his local favourite in his house but being unable to see her. Mr. Hurst was, undoubtedly, sleeping off a stupor in the library having had his fill at breakfast.
She stood up and began pacing the floor; her mind was full of Mr. Darcy and his seeming infatuation with Elizabeth Bennet. Infatuation it had to be, there was no other possibility. She was a country upstart with no family, no fortune, no connections, nothing that could tempt him. Certainly nothing that could provide an advantageous match were Mr. Darcy's feelings to prove stronger than appeared.
Miss Bingley's sole purpose in inviting Miss Jane Bennet to Netherfield had been to avail of all evidence of the family's low and unsuitable connections. Then, when the occasion presented itself, she would gently remind Mr. Darcy of these insurmountable failings, and his duties to his family and friends.
She felt no remorse for inviting Jane Bennet to Netherfield on such a stormy day. Indeed, it was not her fault the young Miss had decided to show up on horseback! Both Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley had agreed that Miss Bennet was a sweet girl, and Miss Bingley felt no qualms in taking advantage of her sweetness to garner as much incriminating evidence as possible about the Bennet family. Mr. Darcy's little revelation to Miss Bingley at Lucas Lodge had caused a near sleepless night.
She reassured herself based on Mr. Darcy's past experience. He had not picked a wife from among the women of the ton, and it seemed highly unlikely he would pick one among the socially inept country girls, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Jane had jeopardised this plan somewhat by becoming ill with fever. Something which had annoyed Caroline greatly. She had been thwarted in learning any more than her uncle was a trader living in a very unfashionable area of London. Still, even this little tidbit of information could be put to the best use in Caroline Bingley's hands.
She felt some security in that she was confident Mr. Darcy would never lower himself to marry beneath him. He had responsibilities to his tenants, his family, and particularly to Georgiana. He would never marry an unsuitable candidate for the running of Pemberley.
She had just contented herself with this knowledge when the door opened and Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet were shown into the room. The eyes that had warmed on the sight of Mr. Darcy, became like two sharp shards of ice as they landed on the second Miss Bennet.
"Miss Bennet!" Charles Bingley shot up from his chair, obviously delighted to have Elizabeth arrive.
"Good morning Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst," Lizzy greeted each in turn, smiling happily at them.
"This is certainly an unexpected surprise, Miss Bennet," Louisa Hurst exclaimed in astonishment, shooting her sister a reprimanding look.
"Forgive me if I have called too early upon you, but I came to call on my sister."
"Not at all, Miss Bennet," Miss Bingley said sweetly, a smile plastered onto her face. "Would you care for some refreshments?"
"No, I thank you. I would like to see Jane right away, if that is possible?"
"Of course, of course," Mr. Bingley exclaimed. "I hope she will not be as ill as you expect, Miss Bennet."
"I thank you, Mr. Bingley. That is my dearest wish also."
Louisa looked away, addressing one of the maids, "Bella, see that Miss Elizabeth is brought up to Miss Bennet's room immediately."
"Yes, ma'am," Bella bobbed a quick curtsey and lead Elizabeth to her sister.
The door had barely closed before the critiquing and barrage of aspersions on Miss Elizabeth Bennet's character and conduct commenced.
Mr. Darcy moved towards the far window, facing away from the two women, attempting to ignore their unpleasant and abusive comments.
"What can she mean to go running about the countryside because her sister has a cold?!" Miss Bingley asked in disgust as she sat down beside her sister.
"But her petticoat, Caroline! I hope you saw her petticoat," Louisa hissed.
Charles looked in confusion between the two women.
"I don't understand you, Louisa," Charles said in confusion
"Oh, shocking!" Caroline declared before dissolving into a fit of laughter.
Louisa turned large, round eyes to her brother. "Surely you saw her petticoat, brother! Indeed, how could you not! Why, she travelled on foot here this morning, and covered her clothes completely in mud. It was a sight one would not easily forget! Six inches deep in mud, I am sure! And the dress let down to cover it, but not doing its job properly"
"I am sure Mr. Darcy would not wish his sister to be running around the countryside in such a manner!"
"Indeed not," he replied shortly.
"I fear, Mr. Darcy, this morning's activities have had an affect on your admiration of her fine eyes," Caroline and Louisa shared a knowing look, a tittering emitting from both of them.
"No indeed, I assure you," Darcy replied turning towards the women, "for they were brightened by the exercise."
Stung by the remark, Miss Bingley remained silent, much to Darcy's delight, and looked in surprise to her sister.
Mrs. Hurst seemed a little flustered and so drove the conversation back to where it had started. "What an impression she gives, scampering around the country as if there were not rules and procedures to be followed! Who does she suppose she is?"
"I believe it shows an admirable concern for her sister!" Bingley interrupted heatedly.
"Yes, Bingley," Darcy finally joined in, "that it does, but considering Miss Elizabeth's recent troubles while walking, and the appalling state of the roads and paths these past few weeks, it was most unwise and impulsive for her to act in so reckless a fashion."
"Quite right, Mr. Darcy," Miss Bingley agreed, eager to appear in good light in Mr. Darcy's eyes, especially on a subject that interested her so much. "Although, perhaps what else could we expect! Her family!" She didn't need to say anymore, her appalled and disapproving look on her face saying more than she ever could.
"Yes, quite unfortunate and common connections." Her sister nodded in agreement.
"Her uncle," Caroline said in a conspiring whisper, loud enough for all occupants of the room to hear, "is intrade and lives in Cheapside!"
"Well, perhaps we should call on them when we are next in town," Louisa said quite seriously before they both burst out in gales of laughter again.
"Oh, Louisa, you are too cruel," Caroline managed to say, tapping her sister's arm good naturedly.
Darcy stared out the window, his face as implacable as stone.
"I should not care had they relations enough to fill all of Cheapside," Bingley exclaimed with feeling, "it would not make them one jot less agreeable!"
"Perhaps not Bingley," Darcy said at last, "but with connections and relations such as them, their chances of making a good marriage are extremely low. That is the material point."
Caroline shared a smug, pleased smile with her sister. Her apprehensions about Mr. Darcy's infatuation with Miss Bennet were obviously nothing more than a fleeting fancy.
"It is a shame," Louisa ventured, "for Miss Jane Bennet is a sweet girl. She is quite wasted among this low society."
"Most definitely," Miss Bingley replied. "Although, I am sure she will make some merchant or bookkeeper a good wife."
Bingley stood up indignantly, "You are all far too easy to assume that none of the Miss Bennets will make a good marriage! I will not sit here and listen to you abuse them and their relations."
"Oh, Charles-"
"No Caroline," Bingley interrupted, "I will not have it. Need I remind you that the fortune you live on was acquired through trade?"
"Charles!" Miss Bingley cried indignantly, throwing a mortified glance over towards Darcy, who had turned back to the window to hide his amusement.
"Dear Caroline," Louisa said, "we have not yet gone to see dear Jane this morning. Let us do so now. Excuse us, gentlemen."
Louisa stood up shooting a commanding look to her sister who obliged by following her across the room.
"Not at all ladies," Darcy replied, bowing to them as they finally left him in the peace and solitude of the room. He sat down in a chair, relieved to have them leave. Bingley continued to talk about something he cared nothing about. His mind was most decidedly focused on exactly how fine Elizabeth Bennet's eyes had looked that morning.
Elizabeth was distressed to find Jane even worse than she had feared. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst seemed quite genuinely concerned, and stayed with the two sisters for a full hour and a half before being called away, much to Lizzy's relief.
"Lizzy?" Jane held out a limp, clammy hand that her sister grasped eagerly.
"Yes, Jane, I am here. How are you, really?" Lizzy questioned, pressing her palm against her sister's forehead and cheek. She frowned when she felt the clammy heat.
"I am afraid my dignity is more unwell than I, Lizzy. What must Mr. Bingley think of me?"
"Mr. Bingley is only concerned for your well-being Jane; you must not worry on that account. You are still his unimpeachable angel. Nothing, not even the deviousness of your own mother, will sway him on that score."
"Oh, Lizzy," Jane sighed, her eyes drooping closed.
Lizzy kissed her sister's cheek and squeezed her hand comfortingly. "Sleep, Jane. I will stay here with you."
"Thank you," Jane's breathy voice barely carried towards Lizzy before her eyes closed and she slept fitfully.
Elizabeth watched over her sister for the remainder of the day. As the clock struck three, she realised it was time for her to return to Longbourn. She knew Jane would be well cared for in Netherfield, even Mr. Bingley's sister had been kind and attentive to her, but still her heart ached at having to be torn away from her sister's side.
She was grateful, then, when Mr. Bingley absolutely insisted that she stay and tend to her sister.
"You are very kind, Mr. Bingley," Lizzy smiled at him, relief evident in her tone of voice.
"Not at all Miss Bennet, I am sure that your presence here can only speed your sister's recovery. I-I hope you did not find her as ill as you feared?" he queried in apprehension.
Seeing his worry Lizzy hesitated not wanting to disturb him any farther while still happy with his evident concern for Jane. "I am afraid she is as bad as I feared. Excuse me, but I believe I should return to her."
"Of course, Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth gave him the perfunctory bow and quickly left the room to return to her sister's room where she did not stir for the remainder of the night.
Elizabeth crept out of her sister's bedroom just after sunrise. Jane had been restless all night, unable to sleep or get comfortable. She tossed and turned for hours, until, just a few moments ago, she had fallen into a lulling sleep.
Lizzy knew she should finally go to her own room, and get what few hours of sleep she could before she had to return to Jane's room. However, at that moment there was nothing she wanted more then to go outside in the fresh air. Her hair was undone, her dress wrinkled, but she felt the unrelenting urge to leave the stale, heavy, atmosphere of a sickroom behind and venture into the freshness of a new morning. Wrapping her pelisse tightly around her, Elizabeth ventured forward.
Apart from a few servants working below stairs, Lizzy didn't expect anyone else would be up for hours, and so saw no reason why she could not indulge her impulsive need. She breathed in deeply as she stepped outside. Her contented sigh, reflected her momentary feeling of satisfaction. Rubbing the back of her neck, to be rid of an ache in it, she began her walk towards the walled gardens of the Hall.
For the first time since his arrival in Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy had not slept well. His mind had been full of thoughts. A feeling, close to excitement and anticipation, had constantly shot through him when he thought of how Miss Bennet was at that moment residing under the same roof as he.
Usually a man in good control of his emotions, he had admonished himself for such thoughts when he had first learned of her prolonged visit to her sister. However, he could not deny the pang of disappointment and sadness when he had not had the pleasure of her company at dinner. She had sent her apologies, but had not wished to be far from her sister. Miss Bingley seemed quite relieved to hear this and continued with her snide remarks before sending a tray up to Miss Elizabeth.
As he had lain awake in bed all night, Mr. Darcy considered carefully the situation he had found himself in. He regarded Miss Elizabeth highly, of that he could not deny, but he felt nothing akin to the loving care and affection he had witnessed in his parents. She was certainly not someone he would wish to present to society as a wife.
And yet, he desired her good opinion. He wished her to think well of him. It disturbed him to think she could have such power over him, but he could not deny it. The realisation that she had overheard his ill advised comment at the Meryton Assembly had caused him more distress than he thought it could. He resolved to make amends for it as soon as he could. He had already an excellent opportunity that morning when he had encountered her in one of the fields that made up the Netherfield property. He was sure, however, that now that she was staying for some time, the opportunity would present itself soon.
He arose shortly after dawn, knowing the futility of trying to sleep when the day began anew. He called James and quickly dressed. As he donned his waistcoat he espied out the window, Miss Elizabeth Bennet walking towards the walled gardens of the estate.
Dismissing a surprised James, he quickly decided to act upon his recent resolve immediately.
Lizzy smiled as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the soft breeze that kissed her face. They had been blessed with such mild weather this year. Taking a turn about the rose garden, she was surprised to hear footsteps behind her. Turning around, she was even more astonished to see Mr. Darcy standing a few feet behind her. He did not seem as surprised as she would have thought in finding her in such disarray, and instead stood in silence as he took in her appearance, in what she could only assume as a disapproving manner.
"Miss Bennet."
"Mr. Darcy! I ... did not expect to see anyone about at so early an hour in the morning."
"So I see," he frowned, and she felt herself colour under his scrutiny. Why did they always have to meet under such uncomfortable circumstances? She idly wondered if the fates were amusing themselves by forcing them into each other's company, for it was obvious to her neither of them took any pleasure in it.
"Excuse me, I merely came outside for some fresh air. I will return to the house now."
"Allow me to accompany you."
"If you wish," Elizabeth said tightly.
"Miss Bennet," he paused, clearing his throat uncomfortably.
Elizabeth looked curiously at him. He was obviously in some discomfort being with her, but if that was the case why was he inflicting this uneasiness on both of them? She had neither the means, nor the inclination to dissipate his agitation, the former arising from the latter. Instead, she waited while he composed himself and continued.
"I fear, Miss Bennet, I am obliged to apologise to you for certain ... unruly remarks that you overheard."
"Really?" Lizzy asked archly, her eyebrow raised in amusement. "Would this be in relation to certain observations made on my conversational style?"
"Yes," Darcy coloured and walked quicker, keeping his gaze focused straight ahead, only risking a quick glance at her profile. "Rest assured, Miss Bennet, such remarks were never meant to be overheard by anyone, least of all you. I can promise you, madam, that such callous and thoughtless comments will never again be heard from my lips."
Lizzy regarded him thoughtfully. It was probably as good an apology as anybody would receive from the arrogant Mr. Darcy. As an apology, it left a lot to be desired, but Lizzy could not be insensitive to the fact that he was obviously in some distress over his behaviour, and that an apology such as the one he had just given, was quite a rare, and important, thing for a man in Mr. Darcy's position to give.
She stopped walking, immediately sensing her stoppage, he did likewise, and looked down at her dark eyes, dulled by tiredness and the dark circles beneath them.
"I thank you for your apology, Mr. Darcy. You need not worry, I will think no worse of you than I originally did before the incident."
Darcy quirked an eyebrow at her, "I wonder, Miss Bennet, if that is a good thing or not."
Lizzy smiled impudently at him, "That is my secret, Mr. Darcy, and one that you shall not be privy to."
"I see."
"I somehow doubt that."
"Miss Bennet, are you always such an enigma?" he asked as they continued on towards the house.
"Yes, it makes life more interesting, do you not agree?"
"There are some that might consider such a disposition in character as a sign of fickleness or inconstancy. The inability to make up one's mind personified in an effort to be constantly controversial."
"Ah, is this the view of other people, or truly your own in disguise?"
"I believe it would be best Miss Bennet, if my opinion of you were also kept secret." He smiled at her, and she inclined her head in agreement with him.
"Perhaps that is the wisest course of action, Mr. Darcy. I fear neither opinion, if expressed, would reflect well on either party." She sighed tiredly, her hand rubbing the back of her neck once again.
"Miss Bennet, are you quite well?"
"I am in perfect health, sir, I thank you. I am merely in need of some sleep. Jane has not had an easy night."
"How is your sister?"
"I am uncertain," Lizzy replied honestly. "She does quite ill, and if she does not improve by late morning, I fear the apothecary shall have to be called for."
"I am sorry to hear it."
"Yes, but I have no doubt that Jane will return to her normal state of health in a few days. My only real concern is that we are trespassing on your friend's kind hospitality."
"I would not concern yourself, Miss Bennet. Mr. Bingley's only apprehension at present is your sister's health, and I have no doubt he would insist on her remaining where she is until she is completely recovered."
Elizabeth's lips twitched at the corners, "I believe you may be right Mr. Darcy," though, as to your own opinion, I am sure it is not quite so charitable.
Having reached the house, the two parted ways with the general civility required. They parted, one musing on the delights and intricacies of their conversations, the other on nothing but slumber.