September 10, 2014 – We've managed to dry out for the most part. We were never in danger of flooding – hello living on the slope of a mountain – but a few other part of the Valley are still dealing with flooding. Over half our average annual rainfall in basically 5 hours of rain. Yeah.
Soooo… time for yet another ball. The bad thing about writing a story with a significant amount of time spent in London during the season is that I have to write a lot of balls. Gah. Oh well. I may not like it but I give it my best. And as for this ball, lots of stuff and sundry going on.
Enjoy a nice long chapter!
Chapter 11
The days and weeks seemed to fly by. Anne was too busy to notice much more than the next event Lady Catherine planned for them to attend. Her days continued to be filled with shopping excursions, visits to museums and exhibitions, walks and rides in various London parks, and in calling on her ever increasing circle of acquaintances. On those days she was at home, she was receiving callers. The evenings were spent at dinner parties, the theatre, attending the opera, and at various balls. Add to all of this the occasional card party and musical soiree, and it was no wonder that Anne was caught off guard with the news that they would depart for Kent after the Harrison's ball the following week.
That meant only a few more public engagements before her first Season was over. It also meant she would have to sort out her feelings towards a certain tall and handsome cousin. Darcy had kept his part of their agreement. He had attended some of the same functions, but had never gone out of his way to single her out. He acted more like a married man than a potential suitor. In fact, they had only danced once since Anne's presentation ball.
They would dance together at the Harrison's gala. Darcy had called specifically to secure the first set. Anne wished to tease him on his motives, but he forestalled her pleasure by leaving right after she consented to his request.
And so the time came for Lady Catherine de Bourgh to accompany her only daughter to their final event of the Season. They would leave for Kent the day after next. One more evening for Anne not to fall in love with any other man than Fitzwilliam Darcy.
~~~/~~~
The novelty of a crush had begun to wane, but it still had its charms. Anne loved to be around people – a contrast to the sheltered life of her childhood. She loved the energy of a large gathering. There were so many personalities to meet and so many potential dance partners. As she stood in the crowd, she would only consider one. Cousin Darcy had come to claim her for their set.
Anne was struck, as they moved through the figures, by how well they complimented one another when they danced. It was as though they had spent hours learning the steps together.
"There is one thing I do not understand," Anne began. "Why did you ask me for the first set? I thought you wanted to deflect any gossip about the two of us."
"Perhaps I did not wish to spend my entire evening at a ball," Darcy replied glibly.
Anne was playfully indignant. "And it is acceptable for you to come and go as you wish whilst I must remain at the mercy of my mother? Sir, that is inherently unfair!"
"Anne, since when is life fair?" he responded.
"How ungentlemanly of you to say something so profound when I was determined to be cross with you."
"I would never suspend any pleasure of yours." His smile charmed her and they continued to speak of trivialities until the later part of the dance.
"We have much to discuss when you come to Pemberley next month."
Anne knew this subject was coming. "I know, but I confess I have intentionally not given it much thought since last we spoke of it."
"Yet we must, for you have not formed any attachments since then."
"How would you know?" Anne challenged.
"I have watched you from afar. I told you we both had a role to play. Just because I was distant does not mean I was neglecting you. Indeed, I have observed you every time we have been in the same place. I too have a decision to make. In case you have forgotten, it takes both our consent to explore a connection any further."
Anne felt a little awkward; he had been watching her all this time. She had often ignored him. Attempting to regain her place in the conversation, she asked with more bravado than she felt, "Have I met with your approval?"
The look on Darcy's face became intense.
"I cannot name what it is I feel about you now, Cousin Anne, but suffice it to say that it is more than interested and less than enamored.
"You asked me earlier why I requested the first set. I will now tell you why. I did not think I could bear to stand around the edges of the room watching you dance with other men, wondering if tonight would be the night your heart was finally touched and knowing then that it would be too late for us to see if we could ever be."
Anne was shocked by his words. He admired her, and not a little. They finished the dance in silence, each looking intently at the other.
Darcy escorted Anne back to her mother and informed them that he was, in fact, leaving the ball. He said goodbye to Lady Catherine, and then he bowed over Anne's hand and bestowed a kiss.
"Until Pemberley."
Then he was gone.
~~~/~~~
It took Anne a few minutes to recover from Darcy's extraordinary declaration. Yet she could not dwell long on the subject, for the very man she did not wish to dance with that evening was coming to claim her for the next set.
Lady Catherine was just as displeased as her daughter to see Rupert Harris. It was only for her brother's sake that Lady Catherine had not told the gentleman he was unwelcome. She also knew that Anne was disinclined to accept his advances and she hoped her daughter was learning how to handle the unwanted attentions of men.
Harris was as gallant as ever. "Miss de Bourgh, you outshine all the young ladies here tonight. No one is as lovely as you."
Anne thought this was a bit much. "Mr. Harris, your attempts at flattery are commendable, but they lose their charm when they are so blatantly untrue."
"Nay! None are as lovely as you!"
"I beg to differ," Anne calmly replied. "I have seen some of the most beautiful women in Town here tonight. Please credit my intelligence and taste to know when I see an exquisite face."
"I shall not carry on and risk your displeasure, but I pray you, give me leave to admire you above all the other women here tonight."
"Very well," Anne said in resignation, hoping he would move to another topic.
"Do you stay much longer in Town?"
"We leave for Rosing the day after tomorrow. I will be glad to be back in the country."
"I will be sorry not to be able to call on you," he answered deliberately. "Will you go to Perryton?"
"I do not believe so. We are to Derbyshire, to visit my cousins at Pemberley."
Mr. Harris' face fell. "Your cousin Darcy's estate?"
"Yes." Anne knew this was a perfect opportunity to stop Mr. Harris' attentions. For once, her mother's plans would be useful. "You may have heard that a union between Pemberley and Rosings has been planned since I was but a babe. I am destined by my family for my cousin."
"But… you have not been… forgive me. I assumed, since neither of you seemed inclined to seek the other out before tonight, that such rumors were merely idle conjecture."
"My cousin wished for me to enjoy the season before any announcements were made. I am sorry if you have had the impression that I was free from any previous commitments."
"No, no. I am only surprised I had not realized the truth to the whispers I have heard. I apologize if my attentions have distressed you."
"There is no need. You did not know."
"Should I wish you joy?"
"Not at this time. Nothing has been formalized."
Anne was very satisfied with their discourse. She had not lied to the man, but neither had she represented the situation as it truly was. Yet Anne had a feeling that what she had intended Mr. Harris to believe was what would soon come to pass.
~~~/~~~
There was another man carefully observing Anne de Bourgh. Sir John Whitby watched as her tall cousin led his love to their places in the set. He acknowledged they made a handsome couple. That was not what distressed him. What distressed him was the way in which Miss de Bourgh responded to whatever Darcy had said to her.
In all the times Sir John had been in Miss de Bourgh's presence, she had never looked at him with such open admiration or pleasure. Yet the way she looked at Darcy was very different. Sir John could also see her cousin was not indifferent to her. The intensity of their expressions portended a courtship, and Sir John knew it with such a certainty that he felt as if he had been struck. With a continued sense of dread, he watched Anne dance with more men. She was enjoying herself, and he could not help but compare her manner towards the other men with her stilted politeness to him.
Then he knew. She would never be his.
Such sorrow coursed through him that he had to escape. Watching her from afar was sheer torture.
Unfortunately, his route out would bring him very near his forbidden love, but there was nothing for it, as to remain would be agony. He looked straight ahead, towards the far set of doors, as he walked near Miss de Bourgh. It took all his fortitude not to sneak one last look at her. He held his breath for the last few steps before freedom.
"Sir John?"
He heard the voice sweeter than 10,000 angels calling to him. He stood still, not sure if what he heard was real, or a figment of his imagination.
"Sir John, you are not leaving?"
It is she! He slowly turned and offered Miss de Bourgh a deep bow.
"Yes I am, Miss de Bourgh." He tried to hide his disappointed hopes.
"But you and I have not danced! I have saved one for you." Miss de Bourgh sounded almost petulant to him. She seemed more amused than put out, though.
Sir John was flummoxed. She had saved a dance for him! He looked down at his toes and once again cursed his cobbler. His special dancing shoes had met with an unfortunate accident. He had begged for another pair to be made in time for the ball but his cobbler was too ill to fulfill his request.
"I had not, you see… my shoes…"
"A fine pair, and perfect for dancing! Will you not ask me to dance?"
"I…" He gathered his courage, though why he needed courage he did not know. She had just asked him to ask her to dance. She could not refuse him now. "Would you dance the next with me?"
"I would be delighted," she replied, her eyes sparkling with enjoyment. "But before then, would you please bring me a glass of wine? You might enjoy one yourself."
He did what he was requested without delay. Miss de Bourgh smiled sweetly while thanking him.
"Will you not drink yours?" she asked, when he made no move to sample the vintage.
He took such a big gulp that he nearly choked. Before he realized it, she was at his side enquiring after his health.
"I will recover shortly. Thank you for your concern." She looked at him again, tilting her head to the side with a dubious expression on her face. He cleared his throat and offered her his arm.
This time when he danced with her, he did not feel like some clumsy oaf. Knowing she would soon belong to another, he lost his nervousness.
"Sir John, why did you never tell me you were such an accomplished dancer?" He saw her teasing smile.
"My fair partner inspires me, milady."
She laughed openly. "Perhaps the change in footwear helped. You seem much lighter on your feet tonight."
She noticed my shoes? How mortifying!
"Nay sir, do not look at me so. Your previous pair were… unique."
He was caught. Honesty seemed the best choice.
"I am a vain man, Miss de Bourgh. Not all of us are gifted with the height of your cousin, Mr. Darcy."
"He is uncommonly tall. But he has no choice in the matter, and, just as importantly, neither do you. Sir John, you are a good man as you are. There is no need to pretend to be something you are not.
"You are too kind." And then he voiced the words that troubled his soul. "I never had a chance, did I?"
Miss de Bourgh looked a little embarrassed, but she answered, "No, but that is because of me, not you. However, I can also truthfully say that you have surprised me, sir, most pleasantly." Her voice was now very sincere. "I hope that we shall always be good friends. I know I will be honored if you consider me your friend."
"The honor is all mine," Sir John managed to choke in reply.
"Then since we are good friends, will you allow me one more impertinence?"
Caught between surprise and hope, Sir John nodded.
"In the future, when you are going to be in the presence of young ladies, have a glass of wine to settle your nerves and to cleanse your breath. Oh, and if he does not already do so, have your man scrape your tongue. It will work wonders."
He watched as Miss de Bourgh raised her eyebrow waiting for his response, worried that she had offended him. Somehow she had not. There was both an archness and a sweetness in her words that made him instantly forgive her for any unintended slight. Only a fool could fail to see she was trying to help him win another lady, even though he was not so fortunate as to win her. Therefore Sir John accepted the advice in the same spirit of friendship and admiration as it was given.
"I will speak to my valet. Thank you."
Miss de Bourgh smiled with relief and they continued their dance, the conversation infused with a levity never present before in their discourse, but not unusual for the lively young woman that was Miss Anne de Bourgh.
When the dance was over and Sir John brought his partner back to her mother, Miss de Bourgh shocked him once more.
She leaned over and spoke softly.
"Will you stay and dance again?"
"I see no reason to stay any longer. I was leaving before you called out to me."
"Please, stay a little longer, for my sake."
"If you wish, I will do so."
"Excellent! We must find you another partner."
Sir John stopped short of their destination. "Miss de Bourgh, I…" he swallowed and chose his words. "As fond as I have claimed to be of dancing, I rarely indulge."
"You seemed enthusiastic with me."
"Well, you see… I, uhm, I wanted to dance with you."
She took pity on him and put her hand over his. "I understand. But will you dance with at least one other young lady tonight, for me?"
As ever, he could not refuse her. "If you wish, I will."
"Good! I see someone who will do just fine." They continued walking toward Lady Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, and their daughter Miss Helena Simpson were talking with her ladyship when they arrived.
Sir John listened as Miss de Bourgh made the introductions; he had already met Miss Simpson. He felt Miss de Bourgh push him forward and he heard her say under her breath, "Go on."
"Miss Simpson, would you do me the honor of dancing the next with me?"
Miss de Bourgh spoke before his potential partner had a chance to respond.
"Sir John is a very entertaining partner, Helena. I greatly enjoyed our set."
Miss Simpson looked at him, looked at Miss de Bourgh, and then looked back at Sir John.
"The next dance is not spoken for. I would be happy to dance with you."
Sir John smiled, and then took his leave to find another glass of wine. Miss de Bourgh had recommended a small drink before he met with a woman.
~~~/~~~
After Sir John had left, Anne quickly took Helena aside and briefly explained the situation, asking her to be kind to Sir John. Anne also promised to hint to the gentleman when he returned that Helena might soon be engaged, and that he should enjoy the dance knowing there was no need to impress his partner.
True to her word, Anne had a brief aside with Sir John when he came back to claim Miss Simpson for the dance. He appeared relieved and Anne could see him visibly relax as he led Helena to the dance.
"Whatever you said to him was well done, Anne," Lady Catherine remarked once Mr. and Mrs. Simpson had left.
"He is a sweet man, Mama. I do not wish to see him hurt," Anne admitted.
"He will recover from his disappointment soon enough. I hope he does not transfer his affections to your friend. She may never forgive you."
"Oh, I doubt he will. Besides, he needs more time to regain the courage to pursue a woman, I think. He looked rather defeated before. I wish him well. He is the kind of man who will make some woman a very devoted husband."
"But not you. You need someone who will not let you have your way."
"And who will undoubtedly hide me away on his estate in Derbyshire." Anne rolled her eyes; she knew her mother never would give up until she was married. "Please, can we not leave talk of your plans for my cousin for another night?"
Lady Catherine relented by asking, "Where is your partner for this set, Anne?"
"Lord Haversham is coming now."
Lucius Bayless, the Earl of Haversham, was a charming man, and a great friend of Darcy. He recognized the look of admiration on his friend's handsome face when he danced with Miss de Bourgh. Darcy was there with his lovely cousin first and Bayless would stand down. He would also give the beautiful woman with whom he was about to dance a shove in her reserved cousin's direction. Am I now a matchmaker? he thought with amusement.
"Pardon my tardiness, my mother required a word with me," Lord Haversham explained. "Shall we?"
Anne was enjoying the set. The man across from her only wished to dance and wanted nothing more than to help his comrade.
"My friend Darcy made an early departure tonight. I lost sight of him after he opened with you. Later I heard he had already gone home for the evening."
"He left right after. He was in no mood to attend the ball and had only done so to fulfill his agreement to partner the first with me."
"He seemed to enjoy it. A rare occurrence, for I know he does not like to feel as though he is on display and thus dances infrequently. Alas, it was for the best, tonight."
"How so?" Anne asked guardedly.
"Anyone who watched the two of you knows what Darcy's actions meant. The feelings of the lady in question are less discernable, but a gentleman's responsibility is the same. We make way for the one who was there first. I suppose it should come as no shock. You have known each other all your lives. Nothing is more natural than a union between you."
"You assume a great deal, milord."
"If I am in error, then so is more than one man you danced with this evening. Your last partner knew the game was up before he spoke to you."
Anne blushed.
Lord Haversham made one last statement on the matter. "Darcy is a good man. I hope the two of you will be happy. He deserves a worthy woman." After that, to Anne's relief, he left the subject alone.
~~~/~~~
By the time she sat down for a meal, Anne's mind was reeling. So many exciting and frightening ideas had been revealed to her before she had even sat out a dance. She should have been exhausted; instead, she was famished. Her partner, as at her first ball, was her cousin, Major Fitzwilliam. Anne had been happy to again reserve the supper dance for her favorite cousin. Andrew was always a delightful dining partner. To Anne's even greater delight, she saw another familiar face.
"Mr. Bingley! I did not know you had retuned to Town. How go your studies?"
"I have just finished, Miss de Bourgh."
"Has your friend brought you tonight, only to desert you? I know Darcy left long ago."
Bingley laughed good-naturedly. "No, I came with my sister Louisa. She sits at another table with her intended, Mr. Hurst."
"My congratulations to your sister. Do you have any other siblings?"
"I have one more sister, not yet out. She is partly to blame for my attendance this evening. Both my sisters are anxious for Caroline, that is the name of my younger sister, to enter society and they insisted I come tonight to prepare for the Little Season. Though I have no idea how my attendance on this occasion will make any difference then. However, I do enjoy a night out now and then. Ever so much more pleasant than reading Virgil or some such ancient text, would you agree?"
"Oh, ever more so! Though I have never read Virgil to make a comparison. Have you danced much?"
"With so many pretty girls about, I could not deny myself the pleasure. I do not know why Darcy did not stay and avail himself of the same opportunity."
"I shall tell you why," Major Fitzwilliam interposed, "he does not wish to give rise to false hopes by ambitious females. As Anne can tell you, being good looking and rich can be a bit of a nuisance."
"He can choose to be disagreeable then. I prefer to dance," Bingley declared to the laughter of his companions.
After eating, but before she found her next partner, Anne had the great satisfaction of introducing Mr. Bingley to Sir John Whitby. Anne spied Sir John trying to leave again, and once more called for his attendance to her. She then made the introduction of the two gentlemen. Anne hoped Bingley's enthusiasm and amiable nature would be sufficient to convince Sir John to stay a little while longer. Bingley may have been the younger man, but he was the more confident, and Sir John needed all the confidence he could find.
~~~/~~~
While Anne had a few more dances spoken for before the night came to an end, she really only looked forward to one partner. She had seen Arthur earlier and she knew he had received Helena Simpson's consent for two sets. They had danced once and would dance once again, but before then, it would be Anne's turn.
Arthur found her well before the music started.
"Are you enjoying you evening, Anne?"
"Yes. I never would have guessed it would be so full. I have danced nearly every set," Anne sighed.
"Would you prefer to rest now? We can find a nice public sofa, well within sight of my aunt, and gossip about all the people we see."
"Including Miss Simpson?"
"Especially Miss Simpson!" he grinned.
"You are hopeless. Very well, I could use more time to rest. I charge you to find us the perfect place to sit."
Arthur did as he promised and Anne sat down, glad to be off her feet a little while longer.
"I have heard you have taken up my cause with Miss Simpson."
"Someone must champion you! I am nearly your closest relative after all."
"Nearly. But in all sincerity, thank you."
"You are welcome, but you have not won her yet. I have work left to do."
"Anne, there is no need. If I cannot convince Mr. Simpson myself to give his consent, then Helena and I could never be happy together. She will not defy her father, nor will I ask that of her. He must come to accept me on my merits alone."
Anne knew he spoke the truth. "I suppose you are correct. I just want them to love you as I do."
"I know, and I appreciate it, but you do understand why this task must be mine?" He was making a point.
Anne nodded. "Yes, I do."
"Good." Then he spoke in a more cheerful voice. "There is one thing you can do that would help."
"Die and leave you Rosings?"
Arthur laughed. "Nothing so extreme. No, I meant something more in the realm of the living." Anne looked at him expectantly. "Get married!"
"Arthur de Bourgh, I thought you liked me! Now you too wish me wed? I am scandalized!"
"It would end the speculation that I am pursuing you for your fortune," he gloated.
"The things I do for you."
"You will marry?"
"I will think about it. But only for your sake."
Arthur whispered so no one would overhear and misconstrue his teasing. "You did just confess you love me. The things we do for love."
"I have changed my mind," Anne whispered back. "And stop whispering, people will get the wrong idea."
He did not stop. "They would only do so if I grabbed your hand and stared longingly into your eyes."
Anne pulled back her hand as he playfully tried to take it. His attempt at a lovesick expression only made Anne snicker and soon they both were shaking, trying to control their laughter. Arthur de Bourgh was a rascal, and he was the perfect companion for Anne after such an emotional night.
~~~/~~~
The first signs of the new day were lighting the eastern sky when Lady Catherine and Anne arrived at their house. Both had fallen asleep on the journey home. They would sleep late that day. While they slept, the staff made ready for their departure from Town. The following morning they were on the road to Kent. Anne looked back at the retreating city, remembering the last months and all that had occurred. She did not allow herself to think on a possible future as wife of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Such musings could wait for tomorrow. For now it was time to settle back into life at Rosings Park, the place where Anne had spent most of her young life and the family legacy left her by her late father. She would do her best to honor his gift.
So many suitors, so little time. Anne was very kind to Sir John and a little devious with Mr. Harris but that's what we all love about her. Quite a bit of Austen in this one, in my twisted deviousness. Next chapter - on to Pemberley!