Chapter 10: The Stage is Set
Richard's lecture and his own musings left Darcy incredibly nervous as he made his way to the sitting room before dinner. He was in fact more nervous than he ever recalled of himself. All of this was due to the fact that tonight he would introduce the woman he was in love with (but could not have) to his sister, and he was desperate for Georgiana's approval of Elizabeth. He knew that he could never marry a woman that Georgiana did not approve of… stop thinking of a marriage that will never be. He scolded himself.
He paused at the door to the sitting room. His heart and head were at odds where Elizabeth was concerned. He took a few deep breaths, knowing that it would take all of his self-control and resolve to make it through this night. No matter how many times he reminded himself that he could not have Elizabeth, his heart stubbornly refused the reasoning of his mind. He took one last long deep breath and steeled himself for an evening that was sure to torture his already confused heart and head before entering the room.
It was unlike Darcy to be the last to arrive anywhere; he prided himself on punctuality, so it was much to his surprise that upon entering the room, Darcy saw that the rest of the party was already assembled. The scene he beheld played havoc on his already confused emotions.
Colonel Fitzwilliam had Miss Bingley cornered in a one sided conversation that she seemed very irritated with. Glancing around the room, he quickly saw the source of Miss Bingley's displeasure.
Georgiana and Elizabeth were seated together on the other side of the room, engrossed in what seemed to be a very pleasant conversation. Darcy silently cursed himself for being late. He didn't know why, but it made him very jealous to think that it was Colonel Fitzwilliam, and not himself who had the honor of introducing Georgiana and Elizabeth.
Even though he was irked at the missed opportunity, he had to give his cousin credit for the masterful way he seemed to control the room. Fitzwilliam had not only made the introductions, but skillfully made sure that Elizabeth and Georgiana could sit together without Miss Bingley trying to interfere.
He did this by keeping Miss Bingley engaged in conversation with him on the other side of the room. Colonel Fitzwilliam had only known Miss Bingley since this morning, but he knew a lot about her from Darcy's description. He knew that Miss Bingley would never be rude to the second son of an Earl; her desire to be accepted in the Ton would not allow it.
Darcy chuckled to himself as he bowed a general greeting to the occupants of the room. He suddenly was struck by an image of the drawing room as a well thought out tactical military campaign. If there was one thing that Fitzwilliam was exceedingly good at, it was engaging the enemy (in this case Miss Bingley) and he was doing a wonderful job. Darcy gave Fitzwilliam a subtle nod of appreciation before walking over to where Elizabeth and Georgiana were seated.
As Darcy strode purposefully to where his two favorite ladies sat, he tried desperately to suppress a contented smile. An attempt that both ladies noted he failed at. The picture before him was too much like he had envisioned in his dreams so often, and he could not help the small smile that touched his lips before he was able to school his features.
He noted with some satisfaction that Elizabeth had taken more than her usual care in dressing, and while he knew it was for the benefit of making a good impression on Georgiana (not him) he was still pleased that she wanted to make a good impression on his sister.
The two ladies looked lovely. Elizabeth was dressed in a satin gown of pale rose (and a daring neck line) with deeper reds embroidered throughout, that gave her skin a healthy rosy hue. Georgiana in contrast had dressed in one of her simpler evening gowns of pale blue and white, the cut very similar to that of Elizabeth's dress, except the neck line. He noted with pleasure that Georgiana had also taken pains in her dress not to wear one of her more expensive gowns, so she didn't seem like she was flaunting her wealth. The two of them just seemed to fit.
"Georgie, Miss Elizabeth," he said as he came to a stop before them "I see the two of you have been introduced." Darcy couldn't keep his smile in check this time at seeing his sister actually making an effort to overcome her shyness and converse with Elizabeth.
Georgiana jumped to her feet and wrapped her brother in a warm hug. He took this opportunity to whisper "I am proud of you, sweet one", in her ear. Georgiana blushed slightly at her brother's words. Georgiana knew that her brother wanted her to get to know Elizabeth, and although he had not said as much, she assumed it was because he had feelings for Elizabeth and wanted Georgiana's approval.
"Will you join us brother?" Georgiana asked "Lizzy was just telling me what it is like to be one of five sisters."
At hearing his sister address her so informally, Darcy gave Elizabeth a questioning look. She did not respond, but instead gave Darcy a look that told him she would explain later.
Before Darcy could accept his sister's invitation, dinner was announced. Darcy was glad that fortune had him standing with the two most important women in his life. He took the opportunity to offer an arm to each lady and escorted them both into dinner. Miss Bingley shot a very disapproving look at Darcy upon seeing Elizabeth on his arm. This look did not escape Georgiana's notice, and she cringed slightly taking a more firm hold on her brother's arm.
Dinner passed in a much more pleasant manner for Elizabeth than the previous night. She periodically looked to the other end of the table where Mr. and Miss Darcy sat, one of them on either side of Miss Bingley. She couldn't help but notice that Miss Bingley was dominating the conversation, rarely requiring a response from either of her dinner companions.
How is it that she does not notice that Mr. and Miss Darcy both look like they are slowly being tortured to death, Elizabeth wondered.
On one occasion when Elizabeth's eyes roamed to the other end of the table, Colonel Fitzwilliam who was seated to her left followed her gaze and then discretely rolled his eyes causing Elizabeth to nearly choke on her soup stifling the laughter that threatened.
She felt slightly guilty at taking so much enjoyment in the Colonel's company, when it was obvious that Miss Darcy was exceedingly uncomfortable, but decided to enjoy her dinner since there was really nothing she could do about the situation at present.
Colonel Fitzwilliam was a handsome man, not nearly as tall as Darcy, and with fairer coloring, but he cut a striking figure none the less. He also had open and easy manners and a good sense of humor that lightened his appearance and made his eyes dance with mirth.
With such attributes, Elizabeth found herself easily entertained through the meal. Fitzwilliam related tales of the trouble he and Darcy used to get in to in their youth and University days.
Elizabeth's light laughter, and encouragement to expound on all the details of some of his favorite stories, likewise kept Fitzwilliam captivated with his dinner companion. He could easily see why Darcy was so taken with her.
Elizabeth was not what one would consider a classic beauty, but she was extraordinarily beautiful none the less. She had a light and pleasing figure, and dressed in gowns that complimented both her figure and complexion. That however was not what Fitzwilliam found most captivating. Her humor, wit, and thirst for knowledge shone through her every facial expression, especially her eyes.
Her eyes had literally danced as she tried to surpass her laughter when he had conspiratorially asked her if Miss Bingley always dressed and behaved as if she were holding court, rather than having dinner with family and friends. She had covered her full red lips with her napkin trying to contain her amusement, but her eyes gave her away.
He had known her for only a few hours and already he saw that she was unlike any other woman he had ever known. She was interesting and engaging without being a simpering fool like most women he knew. She also did not seem the least bit interested in flirting with him (or his cousin for that matter) simply due to their station. She was quick to disagree if she had a differing opinion, and voiced her arguments in an educated manner and with all good humor.
Yes, she would be the perfect companion for Darcy. If only Darcy could get over his pride long enough to realize that she was a greater treasure than all the wealth and status in all of England, Fitzwilliam thought bitterly.
Darcy was not at all amused through dinner. He was overcome by an unreasonable wave of jealousy every time he heard Elizabeth's light laughter, or glanced over to see her smiling brilliantly at his cousin's antics.
She is supposed to smile and laugh like that with me, he thought dejectedly as he stabbed aggressively at his roast beef. Fitzwilliam gets to enjoy my Elizabeth's smiles while I am stuck listening to Miss Bingley drone on and on fawning all over me and Georgiana.
Darcy knew he was unreasonably miffed at his cousin, especially since he had already decided that he would have to sever all connection with Elizabeth, but he could not help the unreasonable thoughts that kept entering his mind. He paid little attention to what was served and what he ate, the only time he could reclaim his wayward thoughts is when he sensed Georgiana's increasing unease and felt compelled to steer Miss Bingley's attention away from her. He continued to silently brood until the meal was finished, and at last Elizabeth's attention was not monopolized by Fitzwilliam, as the men were to go to the Bingley's study while the women went into the sitting room.
Darcy wanted to forgo the customary separating of the sexes all together, but he knew that he, Bingley, and Fitzwilliam needed to come up with a plan to keep Miss Bingley occupied so that Elizabeth and Georgiana could talk. He was at least slightly mollified by seeing Elizabeth move directly to Georgiana's side as the men left the room.
As the men departed for Bingley's study, Caroline and Louisa led the way to the drawing room for the ladies. Elizabeth took this opportunity to take Georgiana's arm and slow her pace just slightly. Once she was sure that she would not be overheard, she whispered to Georgiana that she was going to go fetch Jane from upstairs. Georgiana looked horrified by the thought of being left alone with Bingley's sisters even for a few minutes, so Elizabeth quickly formed a plan and asked Georgiana to carry it out. They were nearing the drawing room, so Elizabeth only had time to tell Georgiana to make sure that three chairs were situated around the fire place, and assured her that she would hurry back. Thankfully Georgiana happily agreed without further explanation, for Elizabeth only had time to give Georgiana's arm a reassuring squeeze before Caroline turned around to see what was taking them so long.
Elizabeth excused herself to go collect Jane, and hoped that Caroline would not put up a fuss about the task she had left to Georgiana.
When the men rejoined the ladies, they found all their plotting had been for naught. Georgiana, Jane, and Elizabeth were all seated around the fire with their seats conveniently arranged so that no other could be admitted to their party.
Mr. Hurst quickly left the other men to find a comfortable sofa to lounge on, for his nap in the study had been interrupted by the necessity of changing rooms. This left the other three men standing just inside the door taking in the scene before them.
A quick glance about the room told all three men that another plan was in order. While Georgiana, Jane, and Elizabeth seemed very content with their current situation, Miss Bingley was fuming on the other side of the room. Her face was so red with anger that it almost matched the deep burnt orange color of her gown, and Mrs. Hurst was trying in vain to placate her.
Fitzwilliam was the first to speak upon viewing this arrangement. "It seems," he said lowering his voice to be sure he was not overheard, "all of our plotting was pointless, as Miss Elizabeth seems to have come up with a very suitable solution."
Both Darcy and Bingley nodded, both of them agreeing that it was Elizabeth's cunning mind that had secured the current situation.
"Yes," Bingley slowly ventured, "but there does seem to be one disadvantage to their current situation. We will all have to forego the ladies company as long as they are situated thus."
All three men looked between each other, none of them wanted to be stuck entertaining Caroline and Louisa for the evening. It was Darcy who finally spoke up with a solution to this problem.
"I think it would be beneficial" he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes "that Miss Elizabeth and Georgiana are occasionally allowed to stretch their legs. We will just have to be sure that one of us is ready to claim the unoccupied seat while the others offer to take a turn about the room with the lady that has vacated her seat."
All three men smiled, greatly pleased with this new plan. It was quickly decided that after Colonel Fitzwilliam was introduced to Miss Bennet, that Bingley would be the first to relieve Georgiana of her seat. This would seem the least obvious, since as the host it was after all his duty to inquire of Miss Bennet's health. A "duty" that he was eager to fulfill.