Chapter XI

Unexpected Guests

Georgiana was enjoying herself, the Middletons' house was beautiful and all of the ladies and gentlemen were elegantly dressed. So many colours, feathers, silks and jewels. It was just what she imagined a ball would be, and this was her first ball with Fitzwilliam.

His presence was reassuring. She stood near him in the drawing room, looking around at all of the people milling around them. She had seen her cousins and smiled across at them. Lady Rowena looked particularly handsome tonight, Lady Henrietta however seemed rather upset about something.

Mr Bingley and his sister joined them, Caroline and Louisa were both in high-spirits. Mr Bingley too was in a good mood, although he was continually looking at the door every time someone new arrived. Fitzwilliam too seemed to be waiting, Georgiana suspected that they were both waiting for the Bennets to arrive.

She had spent some time that afternoon going through her letters from her cousin Anne looking for any reference to Mr Collins, the man Elizabeth Bennet was engaged to. She knew it was none of her business but she had a funny feeling about him.

Her feelings were confirmed when she saw what Anne had written about him. Anne was sweet natured and rarely wrote an ill word of anyone, not that she met many people her life was even more solitary then Georgiana's. She had used words such as, "slightly ridiculous", "pompous" and in a much later letter she had mentioned how much he liked to repeat what Lady Catherine had told him. She did not know Elizabeth well, nor was she a matchmaker, but she felt sure from her little experience of the world and from what her brother and Mr Bingley had said, that Elizabeth Bennet would not be at all suited to Mr Collins and that any union between them would be a most unfortunate connection.

Caroline and Louisa left them to greet some other friends of theirs. Fitzwilliam sighed slightly in relief as they moved away. Mr Bingley moved slightly closer to her brother and said something quietly to him, Fitzwilliam looked up and smiled. Georgiana turned to see what he was smiling at, she saw Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet making their way through the room. They had not seen them yet and were walking towards where Lady Rowena stood with her brother, the Colonel.

Both of the gentleman seemed content to watch the ladies for a few moments. No as she looked at the expression on her brother's face she knew very well that Elizabeth could not marry Mr Collins, her brother would not be able to survive it. Mr Bingley also seemed to have lost his entire heart to Miss Bennet.

Georgiana was very interested to meet the rest of the family, see how the eldest two had had such an effect on these two young-men.

Lady Henrietta joined her brother and sister just then, seeming to ignore the Bennets. Robert smiled at Georgiana from across the room and said something to Miss Elizabeth Bennet who glanced over at her and likewise smiled. While she was not as pretty as her sister, there was something about the way she move and the expression of her eyes. The green of her dress brought out the colour and shape of her eyes, seeming to make them dance even more than before.

The two sisters left her cousins and made their way over to them. Fitzwilliam led Georgiana and Miss Elizabeth Bennet into the ballroom, Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet followed behind them. The room was much larger than Georgiana had been expecting, she could see the musicians at the end of the room getting ready to play. Servants were moving about the room with wine and jugs of water. Although it was the middle of winter the room would soon be very warm. Georgiana could hardly contain her excitement. She glanced at her brother and realised that he would be very little help to her for the rest of the evening. No, he would be spending as much of it as was proper to do so with Elizabeth Bennet.

The music started and Mr and Mrs Middleton took their places, ready to open the ball. Other ladies and gentlemen began to join them. Mr Bingley took Miss Bennet by the hand and they took their places. Fitzwilliam smiled at Elizabeth Bennet again, taking her hand as they took their places slightly further down from Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet.

Lady Rowena appeared at her side, as they watched her brother and his handsome partner. "They make a very fine couple don't you think?"

"Yes, I do." Georgiana smiled at her cousin. They watched in silence for a minute or two before Georgiana spoke again. "They are to leave town tomorrow."

"He will follow her, you can see it in his eyes. He is completely under her spell."

"I had hoped that he would take me with him when he leaves town, but he does not want me to go into Hertfordshire. Not yet anyway."

"I'm sure he will let you go soon. But it is likely to be a difficult time for all involved." Lady Rowena said soberly "I am just glad that she is already known to my father and mother. If they approve of the match, which I think they will, there is little anyone else can do to prevent it from taking place."

"Do you think she is," Georgiana flushed slightly. "How did you put it? Do you think she is as much under his spell as he is hers?"

"That is a hard question to answer." Lady Rowena said thoughtful watching them dance together. "I think she enjoys his company very much, but there is something more about her. Some secret that she holds very close to her heart."

Georgiana looked at them, they were smiling at each other as Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet were doing. "A secret you say. She seems sad to me. Like Fitzwilliam was when our father died."

"Oh no," Lady Rowena said in horror. "Our aunt, Lady Catherine. What is she doing here?" Her eyes flicked back to the dancing couple and then back to the new arrival.

Georgiana draw her attention away from her brother and towards the door. Where she did indeed see Lady Catherine. There was an expression on her face that Georgiana had never seen before.

"Oh Henrietta what have you done?" Lady Rowena said quietly.

Lady Catherine had seen them and was walking towards them. She bowed he slightly, "Good evening Rowena, Georgiana."

They returned the greeting and waited for her to speak again. "I am looking for Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, where is he?"

Georgiana was trying very hard not to look at her brother, luckily she had Lady Rowena with her, who replied for her.

"He is dancing at the moment, Lady Catherine." She said while a smile. "Mama did not mention that you were going to be here tonight. It just slipped her mind?"

"I did not mention it to the Countess that I was coming." She was looking at the dancers, looking for Fitzwilliam. The dance finished, Georgiana was expecting them to join her. She thought she had seen Fitzwilliam glance at least once in their direction. However, she was surprised to see them take their places for the next dance.

Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet were taking a break, he went to get them a glass of wine each. She could see them standing close together speaking quietly.

"How is Anne, is she with you?" Lady Rowena asked pleasantly, her eyes firmly on there aunt. Georgiana was always impressed with her cousin at these moments.

"No, she has remained at Rosings. London air does not agree with her as you know. I see Fitzwilliam. Who is that he is dancing with?"

"Where is he? Ah, there he is. With one of the Miss Bennets, I believe." Lady Rowena said, she turned to Georgiana as if for support. "The eldest if I am not mistaken?"

Georgiana was amazed by her cousin's cool delivery, but she remembered that she was the youngest of the Fitzwilliams and she must have had to make up for her age in other ways.

"I am not sure," she replied, "it could be, I do not know them very well." It was at that moment he noticed that man standing behind her aunt. Lady Catherine turned to him and asked: "Is that the lady in question?"

"Yes indeed that is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the young lady I am engaged to," he said. His face was red.

Georgiana could hardly believe it, this was Mr Collins. The man who stood between her brother and Miss Bennet. He was not what she had expected. She had thought he would be short and slightly rounded at the middle. However, before her stood a tall thin man, with a slightly reptile-like face. His hair was dark, and his nose slightly bent.

Mrs Bennet was hurrying towards them, "Oh, Mr Collins. What a surprise it is to see you here. I'm sure Lizzy will be very pleased." She looked around for her second eldest daughter as if she expected her to appear out of thin air. When she did finally see her daughter she turned slightly pale and then turned back to Mr Collins.

"You will be very pleased with all of the arrangements we have made for the wedding. Lizzy's gown we are having made and they will be sending it to my brother and his wife. And they will be bringing it to Longbourn for the wedding. The dressmaker in Meryton can make the final adjustments."

Mr Collins said little as he listened to Mrs Bennet while they all waited for Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Bennet to finish their dance. Georgiana stood silently, very glad that her cousin was there with her. For she did not know what to do.

ooOoo

"And agreeing to dance with me this evening." Mr Darcy paused. "I know that it cannot be more than a dance, although-" he stopped speaking suddenly, his eyes on the door. "Lady Catherine? Why is she here?"

Elizabeth turned her head slightly to look, but her attention was caught not by the woman who stood by the door, but the man, Mr Collins.

Mr Darcy called her attention back to the dance, as they went down the set further from the door and the newly arrived guests. She could feel Mr Collins' eyes searching for her, Mr Darcy seemed likewise uneasy. The lady standing next to him she assumed was Lady Catherine, of whom she had heard so much.

"You were not expecting Mr Collins to join you this evening?" Mr Darcy said, his eyes on her face.

"Not all. He was to join us in Hertfordshire in a few weeks." She blushed, she had not thought that she would have to see him again until much later.

She they turned she saw her mother moving towards the door. She had clearly seen Mr Collins and was going to greet him. Elizabeth dreaded the dance ending. She knew that this would be the last time tonight she would be without Mr Collins at her side. She felt that it was most unfortunate that she was dancing with Mr Darcy at the moment of his arrival. She could not understand why he had come.

As the music ended she readied herself to speak to Mr Collins and was about to bid Mr Darcy adieu and half turned away when she realised he had not released her hand.

"You agreed to dance two dances with me Miss Bennet. Not one."

She saw that Mr Collins had seen them and was walking towards them. Mr Darcy nodded his head and lead her back to the floor. She was surprised, but pleased. He was not going to give her up easily. He bowed slightly to Mr Collins before taking his place. Lady Catherine did not look at all pleased. Lady Rowena however had headed her off and turned her way from her cousin and Elizabeth towards Miss Darcy.

"Poor Georgiana," Mr Darcy said as they started the dance. "I'm afraid Miss Bennet you might be about to witness something unpleasant and on behalf of my aunt I do apologise."

She smiled at him then, "She does not scare me Mr Darcy, although I think your sister is more than a little uncomfortable."

He turned his head to look over at her, "She will be alright, Lady Rowena is there with her."

When the dance was over, Mr Darcy led her off the floor to where Lady Catherine stood with Lady Rowena and Miss Darcy. Mr Collins and Mrs Bennet stood not far behind.

"Good evening." Mr Darcy said to his aunt who merely nodded and he then turned to Elizabeth who he had still not let go of. "Thank Miss Bennet, may I introduce my aunt to you?"

"Certainly Mr Darcy, I would be very pleased to meet her."

"Lady Catherine may I present Miss Elizabeth Bennet?" he said to his aunt, then turning to Elizabeth. "Miss Bennet, this is my mother's sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh."

Elizabeth smiled, "Lady Catherine, I am very pleased to meet you. I have heard so much of you, from Mr Collins and your nieces."

Lady Catherine looked at her for a moment. "Good evening Miss Bennet. Fitzwilliam, if you would, I need some fresh air." She took a step towards Mr Darcy. However, Lady Rowena interjected.

"Oh Aunt, I was about to step outside to get some fresh air myself. Please let me." She took her aunt firmly by the arm.

"Rowena, I wish to speak to Fitzwilliam." Lady Catherine said looking at him directly.

"Surely it can wait Lady Catherine? We are at a ball are we not?" Mr Darcy said.

"No, it cannot wait. I really must insist."

"Very well." He turned to Elizabeth. "Thank you again Miss Bennet." He squeezed her hand very gently before releasing her.

Mr Collins came forward as Lady Catherine and Mr Darcy disappeared through the door. "Ah, my dear Elizabeth." He said smiling as he took her hand in his. He led her away from the others. She looked back at Miss Darcy and Lady Rowena. Miss Darcy looked terrified, Lady Rowena however looked thoughtful for a second and then very angry. She took Miss Darcy by the hand and pulled her behind her and she moved across the room.

"Mr Collins," she greeted him politely. "I am rather surprised that you are here. I thought we would be seeing you in Hertfordshire?"

"Yes, Lady Catherine thought it was very important that I come with her." He drew himself up a little. "And I am very pleased to see you, your letters seemed a little out of spirits."

She blushed slightly but did not reply.

"I was astonished to see you dancing with Mr Darcy," he said suddenly, glancing around to see if the gentleman, his sister or cousin were in earshot.

"And why would you be sir?" Elizabeth returned, "he is a gentleman. Surely you did not think that I would not ever dance with another man?"

"No, but while we are engaged surely-"

Elizabeth did not let him finish his sentence.

"Surely what sir? I would not dance with another man?" She was angry now. How could he come all the way to town to ruin one of the few good evenings she had left. Very soon all that she found pleasurable would be ripped from her, her father was going to die and she was going to locked into a marry to a man she could not stand.

He was surprised by her anger, nor he did know how to deal with it, he stood looking at her for a moment unsure what to say.

She, however, turned away from him and ran quickly from the room.

ooOoo

Darcy was annoyed, very annoyed. He had been dancing happily with Elizabeth when his aunt and Mr Collins had appeared from nowhere. He was in no mood to put up with his aunt.

"I am sure you can be in no doubt of the reason for my visit here?" She said.

"I have an idea," he said with a faint humourless smile.

"Don't smile at me like that Fitzwilliam. Do you have any idea how serious this is? To be behaving like this with that woman, who is not only beneath our notice but who is engaged to be married to your aunt's clergyman?"

"I have not been carrying on with Miss Bennet. I have merely been spending some time in her company. Which as she is a gentleman's daughter cannot be considered by anyone as inappropriate."

"I have heard things Fitzwilliam."

"There is nothing you can say that will scare me Lady Catherine. I have done nothing wrong in my conduct to Miss Bennet and if she does not decided to continue her engagement with Mr Collins, that is her business not mine."

"Break off their engagement! I have never heard of anything more ridiculous. What of your own engagement? Have you forgotten that you are engaged to Anne?"

"There is no engagement between the two of us. And neither of us have any mind of becoming engaged to one another. My mother meant well, but she would never have wished me to enter into an engagement so against my will. We were still children when you talked of it. She would have liked me to marry Anne, but she would not have forced me into it if she knew my reasons. Just as you should not be trying to force Anne into a marriage she does not want."

"What of your honour? Your duty to your family?"

Their voices were growing louder as they spoke.

"Has my behaviour in anyway indicated that I have forgotten either of those things?"

"You met her in the street for long unaccompanied walks in the dark. You were seen, you were holding her hand! Georgiana practically begging Rowena and Henrietta to help her find a way to dissolve her engagement to Mr Collins. What can you say to that?"

Darcy was surprised by that, he did not realise that Georgiana knew anything about the situation.

"I will not deny that I met her alone in the street. However there was nothing improper about the meeting."

"When I got Henrietta's letter I knew I had to come at once to see for myself. And I discover that you are dancing with her. Duty and honour demand that you give up the acquaintance entirely. Do you not see that if you continue with this course you will ruin not only your own reputation but the reputation of the entire family. What would your father think? If he knew that you were planning on throwing away everything that his forefathers had worked so hard to create? What would your mother think if she knew what you were going to do to dear Georgiana? Do you think anyone will ever go near her?"

Darcy could stand it no longer and he turned and left the room. Lady Catherine's voice following as he went.

"Think what your mother would say, think of your sister."