CHAPTER 2:
After an invigorating afternoon, Admiral and Mrs. Alcott were in much better spirits, and well prepared to visit with the Hertfordshire society. After an amusing and engaging discourse on the Bennet family with her brother, it was decided by Eleanor that another Miss Bennet should be present for supper that evening. Since the scale and nature of the invitation had changed, as the gentlemen were no longer to dine with officers, it seemed improper to have Miss Bennet call alone, while the gentlemen were in attendance. The same footman who had been dispatched with a note to Colonel Foster was sent also to Longbourne with all due haste.
The footman's arrival was very lucky indeed, for Miss Bennet had been preparing to head out on horseback into the rain, as her mother insisted, and if he had been delayed but a minute or two, would have well been on her way. Mrs. Bennet was very put out at the idea of Jane not having to spend the night at that grand estate, but knowing the compliment that was being paid to her daughter in having her dine with a family party the first night of their arrival, could not bring herself to be too vexed. Mr. Bingley would be at dinner after all, and seeing him had been her object to begin with.
It was determined by Mr. Bennet that Elizabeth should be the sister to attend Netherfield with her Jane, much to Mrs. Bennet's consternation. Her thought was to send Mary with Jane, to put the eldest sister's beauty into best light. Jane was always the most stunning woman in the room, but next to Mary, who tried her hardest to be as plain as possible, she would look positively radiant. Edward Bennet would hear none of it, and to Netherfield Lizzy and Jane went, dry and warm.
The members of the Netherfield party were all dressed and ready for dinner an hour before the Miss Bennets were due to arrive. Charles claimed to be disappointed to miss his chance at socializing with the militia, but inwardly could not have been more delighted at the turn of events. Jane Bennet was always on his mind, and finally, he would have the chance to know her better.
The large party sat in the drawing room, patiently waiting for their evening entertainment. The children, well rested after their journey, were permitted to remain with the adults for that time, but would take their supper in the makeshift nursery before being sent to bed.
Anna Alcott, her curls bouncing, sat a the pianoforte next to her elder brother, banging at the keys with joyful abandon. Little John whined that his sister did not know how to play, and exclaimed that he wanted to show his uncle the song he had learned, but he was told to wait his turn and let Anna enjoy her music. While both Charles and Darcy were generous with the children, and ignored the noise, Caroline and Louisa sat in the furthest seat from the instrument, talking in whispers and sending exasperated glances toward their sister and niece every few moments.
Time spent in anticipation always passes slowly, and so the hour before the Bennets were due seemed to take a lifetime. Bingley was anxious and excited, eager to see Miss Bennet again after the dances they had shared; Darcy was exasperated and wanted nothing more than to retire for the evening, Mr. Hurst was exhausted after a long day spent indoors, drinking port; Mrs. Hurst was utterly famished, Caroline was scheming of ways to best catch Darcy's notice; Admiral Alcott was eager to return to the bedchamber with his wife, and Mrs. Alcott was in a flutter to see the girl who had captured her brother's interest.
At length Longbourne's carriage was heard on the drive. The Netherfield party straightened their backs, and made themselves appear to be animated as was the general rule. Mrs. Alcott stood, and rang the bell for her governess to come and collect the children. They would be introduced to the Bennet sisters and then sent upstairs. Darcy stood as well, but instead strode toward the window, glancing out at the rainy night.
A man-servant dressed in very fine livery opened the door to the drawing room and announced the guests a few moments later. "Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet for you Miss Bingley."
"Thank you Jones, send them in directly." Miss Bingley replied leisurely, falling into the role of elegant hostess with aplomb.
With a brief bow he was gone, but soon afterward returned with two young women following in his stead. The proper bows and curtsies were exchanged by all and an introduction was made.
"Miss Bennet," said Charles, "Miss Elizabeth, allow me to present my sister Mrs. Eleanor Alcott and her husband, Admiral John Alcott. Eleanor, John this is Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
"How do you do?" asked Eleanor, smiling politely, "I have been in the neighborhood only a few short hours and already I have heard so much about you both."
Jane Bennet smiled widely, her blue eyes large and round. She ran her hands nervously along the seams of her gown, wondering if it was possible that there was yet another sister of Mr. Bingley who's approval she would need. "I am so pleased to meet you," she said quietly, more glad than ever that Lizzy had been asked to dine as well.
"It is indeed a pleasure to meet you both, Mrs. Alcott, Admiral. We had not heard that Netherfield was to expect anymore visitors, was your arrival quite a surprise?" Lizzy said with a laugh, sensing Jane's discomfort.
"We wrote to Charles nearly a fortnight ago," said the Admiral, matching her teasing tone, "but he is such an indolent correspondent that we never truly wait for him to write back, do we my love?" He laughed at his own joke, the silver streaks in his hair sparkling in the candlelight.
Lizzy turned toward Mr. Bingley, smiling good naturedly at the flush that spread across his cheeks. "Is this so, Mr. Bingley? Would you call your correspondence indolent? I confess my own father is a man who does not care for post."
Bingley laughed, despite his slight embarrassment, owning that he was not the most diligent writer to be found, and that there was no falsehood at on hand on the part of his brother-in-law. Eleanor spoke up then, gently teasing her husband.
"My John is of such a rash manner, and impatient disposition that he seldom waits for a reply from anyone, save perhaps the Prince himself before rushing along to go by what is convenient for him." She chuckled.
He grinned sheepishly, "That's true enough my dear, that's true enough. Where'd did you put those little ones?" he added quickly, scanning the room for signs of his three children.
"They are all in the room adjacent, misbehaving as much as they possibly can while not being too tiresome, just like you taught them Admiral." Darcy stiffly joked from his place by the window.
Elizabeth's brow slowly arched upward at Darcy's seeming snobbery. "Even if he has more fortune than most, he has no rights to criticize how another man raises his children." She thought, feeling more vexed than she could understand.
Just then, Miss O'Reilly entered the room, curtsying to the party. In her wake were three very delightful children, dressed smartly and minding their manners. "Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, please allow me to introduce my children to you." Eleanor said, smiling with the warmth that only a mother can feel when near her babies, "This is John, my eldest, my daughter Anna, and this is little Charles"
Jane, who had been distressed and withdrawn around so large a company of those she did not know well, suddenly forgot why she had been nervous. Children were her greatest delight, and her face beamed in the most heart-warming, happy smile at the sight of them. Both sister's curtseyed politely, and listened patiently for the children to make their how-do-you-do's. After greeting the guests, each child turned to their mother and then their father, to give them a good night kiss.
Lizzy met her sister's eye, knowing full well what each was thinking, "At least there is one relation to Mr. Bingley with whom we can converse easily! What a pleasure!" Lizzy knew that there would be much discussion of the Alcotts when they returned home later that evening.
As the children left, following their governess in a perfect line, Lizzy glanced toward Mr. Darcy, and was surprised to see how tenderly he smiled at the children. From what she knew of the man thus far, she had not expected him to be the sort of man who took to children with ease. What a further surprise to her then, when the children were just outside the drawing room, Darcy called out, "Little Anna, I think you have forgotten something very important!"
All the Netherfield Party smiled softly, even Caroline. In the corridor, Anna giggled loudly. A moment later she raced back into the room, all her good manners forgotten. Curls flying, she sped toward her god-father and caught his legs in an enormous hug.
"Goodnight Mr. Dawcy." She said sweetly, pulling herself away from his legs. He Patted her blonde hair, and giggling, Anna ran out the room again.
Darcy grinned at the little girl, lovely dimples framing each corner of his smile. Elizabeth had never seen him smile until that moment, and her heart skipped a beat. For the briefest moment, her first impression of Fitzwilliam Darcy was completely forgotten, and she could not help but smile softly at him, herself.
o0o0o0o
The dinner was exquisite, and Caroline, as the lady of the house, was complimented artlessly. That she had successfully arranged a five course meal for so large a party on so a short notice, that had been so expertly prepared by the cook was to be celebrated. The Bennet sisters ate very well, but rarely so fine, and enjoyed the novelty of the Bingley house immensely. The seating arrangement seemed to be satisfactory to all involved. Caroline put Eleanor next to Miss Eliza, and across from the Admiral, which meant that the troublesome of the party were far from herself. Charles headed the table, as was his place, and she sat across from him. Jane Bennet, Caroline placed on her right hand side, and Louisa across from Jane, on her left, so that they could learn all from her tonight what they could. Mr. Hurst sat next to Jane, and then Mr. Darcy sat next to him. She would have liked to make Darcy nearer to her, and not have him sitting directly across from Elizabeth Bennet and next to the Admiral, but could conceive of no way to make that happening without losing Jane in the seat next to her, and learning the Bennet's relations had been the purpose of the invitation to begin with.
Similarly, Elizabeth longed to have Mr. Darcy as far away from her as Miss Bingley did. Sitting him closer to Miss Bingley would have suited her own, and Miss Bingley's purposes greatly. Though Elizabeth found Admiral and Mrs. Alcott to be delightful, intelligent, charming people, Darcy's severity made her anxious to be rid of him. Throughout the course of the meal, Darcy spoke scarcely a word, though his eyes looked to little else but her face. Considering that the man had once claimed, that she was "tolerable, but not handsome enough" to tempt him, her mind was whirling with reasons as to why Mr. Darcy would not stop looking at her. Had she done something to offend him? Was he judging her looks even as she ate her supper? It was abominable manners on his part, at the very least.
Eleanor, seated next to her new friend, noticed Darcy's scrutiny as well. She attempted to engage Miss Elizabeth in conversation, hoping both to distract her acquaintance from noticing his gaze, and also in an effort to draw him into the conversation as well. She was utterly perplexed by her old friend's strange behavior.
"Miss Elizabeth I hear that we have more in common all the time! I understand that your sister Jane is not your only sibling. Do I understand correctly that you are one of five?" Eleanor asked, trying to keep the tone light, observing Darcy all the while.
"I am one of five sisters ma'm, you have been informed correctly." Elizabeth answered, her voice tinkling with a withheld laugh, "Am I to understand that there is yet another Bingley sister with whom we have not made an acquaintance?"
"Indeed you are right! We Bingleys are a family of six. Mr. Bingley is in fact, the only boy. My eldest sister Beatrice lives on the continent, she married an Austrian some many years ago. Then comes Mrs. Hurst, Caroline, myself and Mr. Bingley, then the youngest, Julia, who was married just last spring." Eleanor said with a laugh, "Has it been much trouble for you, Miss Elizabeth, in looking after your younger sisters? Being the youngest for many years, I never had any share in that sisterly duty."
Elizabeth glanced down the table toward Miss Bingley, thinking of what remarks she would have to make on the matter of the younger Bennet sisters. She saw that she was not listening, but in engaged in her own discourse. Lizzy replied, "Well, I do admit they can be troublesome at times. The two youngest, Catherine and Lydia, are very young indeed, and quite enamored with the newly instated militia here in Hertfordshire."
At that remark, John Alcott laughed heartily, glancing at his wife with dark eyes sparkling. With her husband's look, Eleanor's cheeks were tinted pink and Darcy had a small slit of a smile on his face. Eleanor noted the expression with dissatisfaction, think of how, if just in the company of herself and the Admiral, Darcy would have been grinning ear to ear at the beginning of the familiar tale. Did these lovely young women make her friend nervous?
"I dare say," The Admiral said, "That Mrs. Alcott can quite sympathize on that account! Eleanor and I had a two month courtship before we were wed; most of her rather posh friends were against the match...I am slightly old for her." He gave a slight wink to her wife, "But the amount of suitors she went through most hold a record in Bath. It seemed that she would allow any man, whether he is titled, untitled, poor, rich, young fair and gay, or old bald and drab to pay court to her. She was not a flirt, heavens no! She just showed complete equal impartiality to every man that came to call. It was quite the scandal when two very young officers from the army dueled over who she preferred the most. By God, the talk that went around! And of course she would tell you she had done nothing wrong. She spoke to each gentleman the same, with equally as sweet words and equally shy smiles. She flirted with both of them the same amount, it mattered not, who was whom. think the only reason that she chose me was because I wasn't sick with love for her."
Everyone listing laughed, although for Darcy it was a tight stiff one. He truly did look as though he wasn't enjoying himself, which seemed very strange to Mrs. Alcott. She had known Fitzwilliam a long while, and if anyone enjoyed a laugh, it was him. What in Heaven's name was wrong with the man? Eleanor laughed along with the group, her calculating eye observing Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth the entire time. "Oh Heavens, John!" She exclaimed, "You were the worst one of all. I only married you because I could not bring myself to reject a man for the seventh time."
Miss Elizabeth laughed, her hazel eyes dancing. Darcy stared at her, his face impassive. He looked as if he was made of stone. Eleanor inwardly rolled her eyes at his odd behavior, and hoped that she or her husband could talk some sense into the man. She had never seen such behavior in all her life!
As was the custom, the ladies and the gentlemen separated following the dinner. Escaping from the small talk in the study, Mr. Hurst headed directly to his port, which he had felt he'd been neglecting in his absence. Ignoring the etiquette that called for the host to pour for his guests, the gentleman served himself a healthy portion of the drink, and took to his regular spot on the sedan.
Blushing awkwardly at the impudence of one brother-in-law, Charles served his friends with an apologetic shrug. After indulging in a quiet minute or two, Charles turned to the Admiral and inquired as to the conditions of the road on the journey. John, not one for propriety, replied, "Oh damn the roads. We arrived in good health, what more can be said of them? I know my duty to my wife right now, brother. What are you intentions towards this Miss Bennet? Are you courting her? Eleanor will never forgive me if I do not discover the entirety in few minutes' conversation."
Darcy laughed as the pink of Charles' complexion sunk into crimson. Now away from the sight of Elizabeth Bennet's bewitching eyes, and amongst the company of good friends, he suddenly felt himself again. "Oh yes indeed, Charles!" He cried jovially, "Do tell the Admiral all about your Miss Bennet!"
"I will not hear a word against her, Darcy." Charles said firmly, his eyes flashing briefly. "No man can deny that she is an angel! We are not so well acquainted yet, John, so there is nothing much to be said, though I do find her to be the most handsome woman I have ever seen!"
The Admiral's dark eyes took on their familiar sparkle, "She is a fair bit of sport," he said, taking a long sip of his drink, "quite a fair bit." He dropped his voice so that it took on a slightly husky note.
Darcy's eyebrows rose, but he did not question the wizened sea-dweller. Though they themselves were not as close as Darcy and Bingley were, they had known each other all of their lives, as they were distant relatives, and Fitzwilliam had learnt to let nothing surprise him with this particular friend. Charles, however, could not help the flash of rage that boiled within him to hear Miss Bennet spoken of thusly.
"I will not have any young lady in my acquaintance spoken of in such a degrading fashion, sir!" He said, turning toward his brother with white knuckles.
There was a long, tense pause amongst the group. The three gentlemen locked eyes, but none spoke.
After a moment, Charles began to speak, in a low angry, hiss. "I -" Just as suddenly, he was cut off, as Mr. Hurst stood and crossed between the three men, to refill his glass. When all three turned and watched him take a deep gulp of the rich liquid, he gave them a baffled glance, "Yes, yes." He said, after swallowing and squaring his shoulders. "I agree, damn tedious waste of an evening!" Shaking his head in agreement with his own assertion, Hurst headed towards the door. "Are we going to have some cards, or no?" He asked the group, not really looking for an answer as he continued back to the drawing room.
The gentlemen watched him go silently, each somewhat puzzled at the turn of events. Glancing between his host and his hosts' companion, John released a rich, hearty laugh. Wooden leg thumping on the floor, he followed in the first gentlemen's wake, pausing briefly in the doorway to address his friends. "I would rather it be, 'or no' myself. That man is a damn fine hand at cards." He gave the two men a stiff bow, his lips curled into a sardonic grin.
Charles looked toward his friend, and Darcy merely shrugged. "Shall we rejoin the ladies?" He asked, smiling slightly.
"Er yes, rather, I think." His friend replied.
The two gentlemen followed in the path laid by Mr. Hurst before them, and rejoined the ladies in the drawing room.
The women of the company, who far outnumbered the men, were in a discussion of accomplishments. Caroline and Louisa were inquiring as to the talents of the Bennet sisters, and Caroline, especially, was harking on what she believed necessary requirements in an accomplished woman.
"…and to all this there must be something more," she was saying, as her brother and her prey reentered the room, "something of elegance in her air, and manner of speaking, her poise and her address. That is indeed what marks a young lady as truly accomplished."
Jane agreed and offered her own gentle remarks about the necessary goodness of an accomplished woman, and the way in which she must treat others, especially the poor and needy. Elizabeth merely laughed, knowing full well that the woman Caroline Bingley described was made in her own image.
Though only hearing a snippet of the conversation, Darcy too saw that Caroline was describing herself. Unable to resist an opportunity to set his erstwhile suitor down, despite it being ungenerous of him, he said, "I do not mean to interrupt, but I feel that I must add my own thoughts. In order for a lady to be truly accomplished, she must indeed have the qualities you mentioned. But most importantly is something more substantial."
Caroline's cat-like eyes crackled with triumph at having Mr. Darcy address her of his own accord. All listening turned their eyes toward him and waited for a reply. "By the improvement of her mind, through extensive reading." He said, after allowing for a somewhat dramatic pause.
Miss Bingley seemed confused by his reply, but determined to put it aside and bask in her glory for the evening. Eleanor, who sat privy to the conversation, but so far had contributed nothing, kept her thoughts to herself. Her sister opened her mouth as if to speak once more, but Miss Eliza Bennet inadvertently ruined her witty repartee with the gentlemen by saying, "I am not surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women, Miss Bingley," she said, her tone teasing, "I now wonder at you knowing any."
With her words, Darcy felt himself tense. He had told himself upon first seeing this young woman at a country dance that she was quite ill-favored indeed, but every time he had seen her since and heard her speak, he began to feel himself more and more drawn towards her. With a sharp click of the heel, he turned from them and stood by the window that was swiftly becoming his favorite haunt.
Eleanor, the silent onlooker, saw the way that Elizabeth Bennet's words affected her friend. She was unsure of what his reaction meant, but it was becoming quite curious. She also noticed that her sister Caroline also saw Miss Bennet's affect on the gentleman, and was growing more and more irritated by it by the second. Elizabeth herself seemed completely ignorant of it.
The conversation carried on from one topic to the next. Mr. Hurst had ensconced himself in a comfortable seat near the fire, and drifted in and out of consciousness, his empty glass by his side. Mrs. Hurst, Eleanor, and Elizabeth, made an attempt at small talk, which included Caroline at times, though she largely ignored them, in favor of addressing Mr. Darcy, only to receive one word answers in reply. Charles had sat himself next to the Miss Jane Bennet, and was intent on engaging her in a lengthy conversation.
When the topic changed to music, Elizabeth was called upon to play and sing for the company. She laughed saying, "I most sincerely decline I have not played in many weeks, and I am sure that if I play now I shall play very ill."
"Miss Elizabeth!" John cried, his voice struck with mock-horror, "No one is asking you to play well, we are simply asking you to play. So if you play ill, who is to complain, as playing well was not something they asked for?" He grinned impishly, and Lizzy laughed aloud. The other ladies laughed politely as well and the gentlemen smiled and shook their heads.
From his window post, Darcy said with his normal severity, "What is all this nonsense about going to sea, Admiral Alcott? With a wit like yours one should expect you to be a barrister."
Those who knew and understood him, smiled and laughed lightly at the gentleman's banter. Eleanor, who's eyes did not stray far from Miss Elizabeth, noted that she looked affronted by the speech, despite it having been a joke.
Laughing John replied, "Truly Darcy being decorated is not so bad a thing, I know that your cousin the good Colonel thinks no ill of it at all. True though, if I had put my wits to better use instead of my legs, I would be short half my mind instead of half my leg!"
Darcy lifted a brow, and gave his opponent a nod, "Touché, Admiral, I grant you that at least."
"That is not the punch line though, my friend!" The Admiral exclaimed, to the amusement of the company, "Think of this. You are younger than myself, you are wealthier, and perhaps better looking, with the use of all of your limbs. But I have the handsomest wife a man could ever wish for, and you, none at all!"
Eleanor blushed at the compliment from her husband, and admonished him for his impropriety all at once. Caroline and Louisa retreated from the company into their whispered secrets, to note what a spectacle their tasteless brother-in-law made of himself. Darcy went somewhat pale, and seemed at a loss for words. Elizabeth had felt flustered since the dialogue had began, and finally said, "Come Admiral Alcott, Mr. Darcy no more. I shall play, but I shall not sing, I have not the voice for it."
Alcott laughed, his smile filling his weather-beaten face with warmth. "That is quite an excellent idea Miss Elizabeth; add a musical backdrop to our debate."
Eleanor glanced at her husband with disapproval, and encouraged Miss Bennet to play for them. Resigned, Elizabeth crossed the room, sat at the piano, and began to play. Eleanor crossed the room with her to turn the pages. The party went back to their conversations, filling the room with the pleasant sound of healthy tête-à-tête and lovely music. Mrs. Alcott spoke a little to the performer, but was so engaged in watching her friend watch Miss Elizabeth play that she could scarcely make polite conversation with the young lady. Though his expression remained predominately impassive, Eleanor had never seen Fitzwilliam take such an interest in a woman in all of their acquaintance, and she was intrigued by the behavior.
