The neighborhood was abuzz with the promise of a ball. Though everyone agreed that gathering at the local assembly was a pleasant engagement, the opportunity to attend a private ball at Netherfield estate was anticipated by all with joy. Rumor circulated that Mr. Bingley would bring in musicians from London, along with actors to put on something of an interactive play. His table would be set with grandeur and his wine cellars would be emptied. Even a pineapple would be cut and served!
Bingley thoroughly enjoyed the speculation his party provided, and found himself wondering if they could engage a troupe of actors to perform- what a splendid idea! But his sister was aghast and admonished him for considering such indulgence. "I would not waste your income, brother! Such decadence would be lost on the small minds of Meryton. No, when we return to London and can host worthy friends, we can employ a troupe." For all her vitriol of the invite list, Miss Bingley was determined to impress Mr. Darcy and showcase her skills as hostess. The party was to be elegant and regal, if not a bit overdone for a country affair.
Mr. Bingley commanded that he and his sisters personally deliver the first invitations to the Bennet household, where Mr. Bingley even extended the invite to Mr. Collins. Before they had left, Mr. Bingley had secured Miss Jane Bennet for the supper set, and promised the other Bennet women to dance with each. Mary sniffed at the thought, but Elizabeth was pleased at the pronouncement. It was right to support them, if Mr. Bingley was to become their brother. His sisters were none to pleased at the pledge, and rushed their brother to cut their visit short. He bid them goodbye with a heart felt grin and a long glance at Jane, who blushed under his attention.
With a week to prepare, Mrs. Bennet was aghast with her requirements. Jane's gowns were all too common for such an important event, yet there was not enough time for a new one to be made. Certainly, an easy simple dress could be created in a week, but not one worthy of this ball. She lamented and moaned the dreadful timing, and begged her husband to allow them to London. Alas, they were denied the indulgence, and the ladies went to Meryton with the intention to find new trimmings and accessories to spruce up their attire. Lace, rosettes, and ribbons were purchased. Lizzy had saved enough of her allowance to purchase a new small hair comb, with three petite pearls and light blue glass beads. Jane approved, and giggled that she would enjoy borrowing her sisters purchase at a later date.
The following days were spent inside preparing their gowns. It was just as well, as the weather had turned and a cold rain plagued the countryside for four days straight. Elizabeth preferred a simple gown and thus spent more time providing opinions to her sisters than adjusting her own dress.
But alas, she could only stay in one attitude for so long; she scuttled from room to room, trying to avoid her cousin as often as possible. Mr. Collins followed her everywhere. When they would join a room with her mother, she was forced to remain and attend Mr. Collins. At one such event, as she was held hostage, he had requested the honor of dancing the first set of the night with her, and she could do nothing but accept. The smug smile which crossed his lips boiled Elizabeth's blood. Although folly typically brought her laughter, Elizabeth could only worry over the possibility of an impending proposal, which Mr. Collins frequently and overtly alluded to. She winced at such statements, and did all she could to politely convince the man she had no interest in him. She was certain she could take no more, and prayed for her imprisonment to be over.
Alas, the morning of the ball the weather cleared. After being restrained to the house for so many days, Elizabeth was aching for a long walk, and left early in the morning before her mother could withhold her permission. Lizzy laughed as she imagined the objections: she would strain her ankle, she would fall and get mud in her hair, she would be stay out all day and make the entire family late. "No mother - I shall not be deterred," and with a a determined face she quickly left Longbourn far behind her.
Lizzy enjoyed the first hour of her walk, but after enjoying the November countryside for some time, her mind drifted. She was desperate to find Charlie. Several topics filled her thoughts. Firstly, Mr. Wickham. Charlie had told her he would look into his doings, and determine a greater understanding of his character. Lizzy was loathe to admit it, but Charlie had some fair points about Mr. Wickham's words and actions. Yet again she cursed the fact a young woman could not be privy to the full character of a man. Charlie could be in his company in many more situations, and discuss far different topics. Why did propriety provide a man with the opportunity to show two different faces to two different people?
Secondly, she longed to express her ire at a certain cousin to her sensible friend. Mr. Collins was relentless in his attentions. Kitty and Lydia found his flirting hilarious, Mary was forlorn at his blindness to her, and sweet Jane insisted that he was a good man trying his best to mend the hurt of their family. She required Charlie's humor and sensibility, and hoped for his affirmation that her father would not force an alignment between them. Reaching the peak of Oakham Mount, she rested for a moment, looking over the vast countryside. She chewed her lip as she remembered her first dance tonight would be with the dreaded Mr. Collins. "He is so dim! So absurd! What will I ever do if mama insists, if father relents to her wailings and entreaties?" This thought left her body cold with fear. "I must find Charlie …"
The walk back, she could not keep her mind from imagining the nightmare of being Mr. Collin's wife. She would do anything to escape such a fate. But if she must marry … She considered her friend. She had always believed she would marry for love. She did love Charles Lucas. Yet it did not feel enough. If not love, what did she wish to marry for? She struggled and cursed her meager understanding of it all. She didn't have the vocabulary for her desires. Did she wish to marry for passion? She groaned, thinking of her parents. That had not ended in lifelong bliss. She thought of her dear Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. She considered theirs was the greatest example of a marriage she wished to emulate. They appeared the ideal mixture of friend and lover. Could she ever feel that for Charlie? Did it matter - She could feel neither for Mr. William Collins!
She found herself standing on the muddy road to Lucas Lodge. How could she ever bring up such a topic? She had never struggled to share information with Charles Lucas! But here she was, standing idly on the road, struggling to force her feet forward. Suddenly she was aghast. What would he think of her? What would she profess: I cannot bare to marry that toad, so save me from his cloying puny brain and whisk me off instead; but only if my father forces me to marry. How insulting to him! To be the lesser of two evils. To be truly used by her. She struggled with her sense of self - the injustice of such actions festered in her stomach. Yet she shivered still at the thought of going to the bed of Mr. Collins.
Wretched with fear, she spun around and left for home. She could not discuss it with Charlie - not until it was her last resort.
The day after Charles Lucas visited Netherfield estate, Mr. Darcy had spent some moments lamenting his position, his duty, and his entire history with George Wickham. He was still haunted, and more so by his childhood friend's transformation into the scoundrel he knew today than any individual debt. What had happened? How could have he prevented it? But after a half hour of sulking, Darcy shed the keen complaints like a cloak, and donned a new coat of action. He spent some time pacing, grousing over a script in his head. He needed to discern a way to warn the neighborhood without revealing his past personal pains. Darcy abhorred gossip, and dreaded the thought that his warning might be taken as such.
"Bingley, I have some business to attend in Meryton today, you shall need to make do without me today." Mr. Darcy didn't give his friend a moment to protest, and was off to the town to begin his warnings. He began his charge with a variety of shops which he supposed Wickham would frequent. Putting aside his peevish manners, he quietly asked to see the proprietor of each location, and succinctly explained his early relationship to Wickham, and the man's history of stretching his credit beyond his ability to repay.
He was irked to be occasionally met by skepticism. When questioned, he bluntly encouraged the owner to compare his debts with their fellow tradesmen and consider the quickly accrued bills to income of a mere militia man. When a shop man was amenable to his cautioning, he also included an allusion to Wickham's ability to drain a young lady of her good sense. He darkly envisioned Elizabeth Bennet with the blackguard, and could hardly contain his rancor.
Poor weather kept Mr. Darcy from visiting all the gentlemen of the neighborhood that day, and some days to come, but he felt at least he was well on his way to limiting Wickham's capacity for misconduct. Darcy was appalled when he was met with distrust and reluctance. He was certain he had never been questioned by people so far beneath his station and understanding. And on the topic of Wickham's past behavior, of all things! But his manners had insulted the inhabitants of the town; he could no longer deny this. He soured, knowing in his home county, he had no trouble keeping his actions polite and respectful. What was it about this insipid little town which drove him to such offensive comportment? He first defended his demeanor, remembering the whispers and gossip of his fortune at that first assembly. But then, with a sigh, he considered; the same topic was still discussed throughout all of London, and all of Derbyshire. No, his short temper derived more from Wickham and his abhorrent scheme involving his sister. And then to find him yet again in this very town! Yes, Darcy could blame his behavior on Wickham, and was pleased to ignore the additional effects which the unsuitable, unattainable Miss Elizabeth Bennet had upon him from the very start.
When the evening finally was upon them, Darcy was surprised at the mixture of emotions roiling in his gut. He first became aware of his state as he quibbled at his reflection in the mirror. In a rare moment of jumbled feelings and wavering confidence, he asked his valet as quietly and dignified as he could muster: "Do I appear old, Raymond?"
The elder gentleman who had served the Darcy family for decades was far too accomplished to allow his surprise show upon his face, and instead spoke in smooth ease. "Certainly not, sir. You look just as you ought; distinguished yet modest." The servant had noticed his employers struggle, and added this peculiar interaction to his mental list of Master Fitzwilliam's strife.
"Of course, thank you Raymond." With a stiff back, he dismissed his likeness in the mirror and left his chambers for a room with a window to watch the guests arriving. He only wished his could dismiss his feelings as easily. As he awaited no one in particular, he frowned. Considering his emotions, he found he was anxious- no, not quite. Excited- perhaps? When was the last time he felt excited? He could not remember. As such, he did not feel this word described him completely. He stood, in a frenzy of anticipation. Yes - that was the word. He stood here staring, anticipating her exit from the carriage, her elegant form floating throughout the room, her hand resting upon his during a dance. He paced the few steps back and forth in front of the window to work off his flustered nerves. Had she forgiven him his slight from the first assembly? Would she refuse to dance with him yet again- she had done so twice already. Did she sit in their family carriage, anticipating his presence tonight?
In his confusion, a frown stayed plastered to his face, even as he stopped and watched part of the Bennet family slowly decamp from their carriage. Their entire family could not ride in such transportation, and apparently they did not own two vehicles. As such, the carriage was turned away and made a quick journey back to obtain Mr. Bennet and Miss Mary Bennet. The man who had been introduced as their cousin in Meryton was with them, and he seemed to stand especially close to her. With a smirk, Darcy imagined her sparing; she could easily parry the absurd man's attentions. His feet quickly carried him from the private rooms to the front of the home, where Bingley and his sisters were welcoming the neighborhood. Darcy desired to see Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and he could not stop himself from such a harmless inclination.
Lizzy entered Netherfield park and immediately began discreetly searching for two different gentlemen. She first felt it proper to find Charlie and confirm her opinion of the poor Mr. Wickham, and then she was determined to show Mr. Wickham her support by enjoying his company. Without really noticing, she worked her way through the receiving line, and distractedly greeted and thanked the hosts. Bingley left his sister to complete her duties, and grandly offered Jane and then Elizabeth an arm. Smiling softly at the pair, she was pleased to see how delightful they looked together. Jane was serenely stunning, and especially so upon Bingley's arm. Lizzy politely joined them, content to be the dimmer jewel in comparison to her sister. Yet, as they entered the ballroom proper, she felt the peculiar sensation of being watched. With hope, her eyes darted about, looking for Mr. Wickham, but she did not find him. At some point, a soldier made his way to the trio, and Lizzy happily said goodbye to her sister and Mr. Bingley, and then politely greeted Captain Denny. He was a favorite of her sister Lydia; yet Elizabeth also found his company and charming countenance pleasing. Captain Denny quickly sent Mr. Wickham's regards, quietly admitted: "I do not imagine his business would have called him away just now, if he had not wanted to avoid a certain gentleman here." Elizabeth was certain that Captain Denny referred to the dour Mr. Darcy. She thanked the man for his information, and turned away from the sea of red coats, and considered whether this affirmed Mr. Wickham's pleasing character, or refuted it. In one light, it showed Mr. Wickham was considerate of the guests and Mr. Bingley, hoping to avoid a scene. In another view, his actions firmly contradicted his words.
With a sigh, she lifted her attention from her internal musings, determined to leave her serious speculations behind and locate Charles Lucas. Lizzy still felt somewhat guilty about her thoughts earlier that day, but she knew the best way to ease her conscious would be to seek the comfort of a good friend. And that person could only be Charlie. She politely slipped through the crush of people, nodding and curtseying good evening to those who greeted her. Just as she was beginning to fear she would also be deserted by him, her eyes sparkled with at the recognition of his form. Handsome or not, he was a beloved friend. She was completely unaware of the jealous glower that passed over another man's facade as he watched her acknowledgement.
Greeting Charlie with a formal curtsey, she smiled widely as she came to him, her hand resting upon his arm and squeezing with familiar happiness. "I am so pleased to see you - I have missed you these last days! I am overflowing with opinions that must be shared. Come!"
Charlie was pleased at her intimate welcome, and took a moment to enjoy her beauty as she busily pulled him away from his father and the other men chatting amicably. "I am at your service, Miss Elizabeth," he smiled.
Lizzy proceeded to bestow her qualms about Mr. Collins, and declared him the most idiotic, witless, and absurd man she could imagine. He chuckled; he knew Elizabeth had exacting standards. "You are a very clever woman, which certainly is a detriment to your opinions of others. If only you were as silly as our younger sisters, you would be much more pleased with your company."
Elizabeth laughed lightly and argued, "It is not so! Even Lydia and Kitty are offended by his frivolous nature. But I will play the martyr for my sisters, as Mr. Collins has obtained my first dance." Although Lizzy meant to further her laughing tone, a tinge of truth cut through her jest.
"Really? I would have assumed Mr. Wickham had secured you."
"No, my cousin had the advantage of staying at our home. His extraordinary request was submitted at his first opportunity. And, it appears Mr. Wickham has avoided attending tonight. Business, of course."
"Perhaps that is for the better," Charlie murmured. "I must warn you Lizzy, I have found no truth to his tale. From my own modest examination of his behavior in town, I fear he uses his amicable nature to engage many a young lady. I suspect he is a rake."
Lizzy fought this assessment of him, and, struggling to hold her own initial judgments, asked: "Perhaps you are right, but a flirt is still due his promises, is he not?"
Charles could not contain his laugh. "Lizzy! A deflowering parson? I can think of nothing worse." He held her hand and forced her to meet his amused yet scolding look. "Elizabeth, do not allow his pretty words to cloud your judgement."
Elizabeth released a breath and slowly nodded. Yes, she would need to reflect longer on this subject. She jumped when a plodding man cleared his throat and cried out for his lovely cousin Elizabeth. Dropping Charlie's hand quickly, and making the introduction, she shared an exasperated yet confident look with her friend as she was pulled out onto the dance floor. At least she could be certain of this character assessment: Mr. Collins was a wretched dancer and a bothersome man.
Mr. Collins did her the gratification of proving her point. Her dance partner turned the wrong direction, he landed upon her toes; in short, he completely mortified her. Lizzy could not leave the dance floor quick enough, and retreated to her sister Mary, who was the first familiar face she could find. Mr. Collins followed behind her, loudly apologizing for his little mistakes. He assured her he could do much better with a different dance, if she would oblige him. Elizabeth denied him that pleasure, assuring him he would wish to dance with all his cousins and other fine young ladies from the community. She could not justify hoarding his company. Mary frowned at her sister, and quietly reminded her that falsehoods were a sin.
Excusing herself from the pair, she obtained a glass of wine, hopeful the drink might fortify her patience and mend her pride. Lizzy allowed herself to quickly sip the glass until the goblet was drained. Taking a great breath, she expelled the unhappiness and determined to enjoy the rest of her night. She filled the glass again, and her eyes scoured the room in hopes of seeing Mr. Bingley adoring over her sister - that was guaranteed to lift her spirits. In her effort in searching for them, Lizzy was unaware of two gentlemen closing in on her from either side of the room. One, with a jovial smile, deferred his attendance of her to the other man.
Mr. Darcy, in all his dark foreboding and solemn grace, looked down upon the woman with a burning gaze. He stepped to her side to show himself, and gave a curt bow as he requested: "Miss Bennet, would you, at last, do me the honor of dancing the next with me?" Elizabeth was shocked at his seeking her out, and was so surprised by the juxtaposition of his contemptuous glare and his solicitous tone, that she found herself accepting his request. He briskly strode away, and Elizabeth slowly turned to find Mr. Lucas joining her with a soft smirk.
He cajoled her, "I dare say you will find him very agreeable."
"Heaven forbid! I promised myself I would never dance with him."
Charlie chuckled softly, though Lizzy found nothing amusing. "Don't be a simpleton, Lizzy. Do not allow your fancy for Wickham to obstruct the attentions of a man ten times his consequence."
"There are no attentions to obstruct, Charlie! Mr. Darcy must be bored; yes, that is it. He finds the night dull and has decided to dance with me to expose even more faults of my character."
In a softer tone, Charlie insisted: "Elizabeth, clear your mind. A man like Mr. Darcy does not ask to dance, let alone three times, in order to complain about his partner. He has asked you to forgive his first misdeed against you. You should do him the honor of believing his apology."
Charlie awaiting some reply from her, but found nothing. He pressed on. "If he does atone for his statement, please consider his actions and his words in a perspective without that slight." The dance was upon them, and before she could be whisked away by the man in question, Charlie quietly teased her. "Lizzy, a dark glower from a man does not always signify disapproval of the object. It is more likely he condemns his own reveries of the object and himself."
And with that shocking explanation, Elizabeth found herself led out to the dance floor with Mr. Darcy.
Quick Note: Sorry this took so long to post! Turns out that the holiday season with a baby has left me much more limited time for writing. Thanks for your patience.