AN: The extra chapter as promised, even if I promised it yesterday. Unfortunately, we were extremely short at work so I did a double shift. When I can home it was still over 30 degrees and we went into the pool to cool off. So, I'm getting to post today and I hope you enjoy. Oh, the note at the end is informational only. Lizzy's comment in the story is pure conjecture on her part, when considering her mother's reactions to her engagement.
As the days passed and Mr. Collins did not display any particular attentions toward the younger Bennet daughters, Mrs. Bennet's nerves began to fray. The fact the gentleman accepted an offer to take tea at Lucas Lodge, unbeknownst to Mrs. Bennet, increased her vexation when he left and did not return until late in the evening. Lady Lucas, it seemed, had made the gentleman's acquaintance and extolled the charms of her two unmarried daughters while on a call to invite the local families to an evening's entertainment. Mrs. Bennet took this as an affront to her hospitality, while Mr. Collins hoped to promote the marriage prospects afforded by Sir William's daughters. It did not take him long to settle on the eldest, Charlotte. She eagerly encouraged his affections and Lucas Lodge soon found Mr. Collins a frequent visitor, much to the delight of the Bennet sisters and the consternation of their mother.
Mrs. Bennet's mood became gradually more fractious as none of her plans came to fruition. Added to the insult of Mr. Collins regular disappearances, she despaired of Lizzy's prospects as the announcement of Lizzy's engagement to Mr. Darcy had not been made within the family, let alone publicly. Mr. Darcy had called, three days ago, spoke only to Mr. Bennet and then departed for town the very same day. Mr. Bingley and his sisters had not been seen in the neighbourhood, although many thought them too busy making arrangements for the fast-approaching ball.
Throughout this period, Jane and Lizzy constantly had their heads together, unwilling to share their secret. The pair took to walking out every morning, taking a basket and breaking their fast outdoors if the weather allowed. Then they encouraged and accompanied their younger sisters into Meryton at every opportunity. Kitty and Lydia proved to be of no use as a source of information or gossip having only red coats and flirtations on their minds. Altogether, it vexed Mrs. Bennet most dreadfully.
"Nothing works out as it should," the woman complained bitterly to her daughters when it all became too much to bear.
On this Friday, Jane and Lizzy had been unable to escape their mother due to a sudden and unexpected downpour. Elizabeth wondered if the inclement weather would further delay Mr. Darcy's business in town, which only served to make her a little anxious. She had missed him most dreadfully and wanted the pleasure of dancing with him at the Netherfield ball. Now all trapped indoors, Mrs. Bennet whined to her captured audience. Glancing at her sister, Jane felt Lizzy's ire rising at their mother's insensitive words, which displayed her offensive manners.
"I do not see what Mr. Collins finds attractive at Lucas Lodge," Mrs. Bennet's high, nasal tone could not be blocked out. Slightly increasing her pitch and volume, she hoped Mr. Bennet would hear her lamentations. "That Charlotte Lucas is an artful creature. Simpering and cunning, she intends to be the next Mistress of Longbourn. Well, we shall all be out in the hedgerows before your father is cold in his grave. I do not know what we shall do then, I do not. Five unmarried daughters!"
"Mama," Jane glanced at her sister, even her serene temper affected by the constant exaggeration of a non-existent nervous condition.
"Oh," Mrs. Bennet moaned, flopping into her favourite chair, "I had such hopes for Mr. Bingley. I was sure you could not be so beautiful for nothing, Jane, but it has all come to nothing."
"Mother," Lizzy stood, unable to listen to another word of such nonsense, "Mr. Bingley remains in the neighbourhood. We are to go to the ball at Netherfield on Tuesday next. That is only four days away. I am sure Mr. Bingley will request Jane to stand up with him at least twice during the night."
Blushing, Jane added in a soft tone, "he has already secured the supper and final sets."
"Why, Jane," Mrs. Bennet's sorrow turned into effusions of joy instantly. "You are becoming more like your father each day. What a good joke not to tell us."
From that moment Mrs. Bennet could not leave poor Jane in peace. Her gowns were to be made over, her shoe roses refreshed and a new cloak bought. She must be made to look her best and catch the eye of Mr. Bingley. Of course they had not the time to do her most beautiful daughter justice. Lizzy rolled her eyes but remained at her sister's side throughout their mother's outpourings in the following days.
"Soon," Jane sighed with wariness, as she readied for bed the night before the ball, "you shall have your turn, Lizzy. When Mama learns of your engagement, there will be nothing but wedding talk."
"I dread that day," Elizabeth grimaced. Not made for unhappiness, Lizzy's active mind began to find amusement in the inevitable deluge of joy that would surely follow. "I begin to wonder if Mr. Darcy and I should not have eloped. Even a month of Mama's nerves will be intolerable. Perhaps I should insist on the purchase of a common license* and we can away to Pemberley."
"Dear Lizzy," Jane laughed, "is that what you spoke of this morning while strolling around Oakham Mount?"
"No," Elizabeth smiled with delight. "Mr. Darcy managed to attend all his business in town more efficiently than he thought. However his sister cannot make the journey until next week. She is to be accompanied by her cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, who is to act as groom's man. I admit to being surprised at seeing the entire Netherfield party at Church yesterday."
"If only I had a mirror to display your countenance when they entered the Lord's House," Jane teased. "I believe Mr. Darcy wished to speak with you as much as you wished to speak with him after church, Lizzy. I could barely stop smiling when it was not to be. Papa is still not happy to being losing you so soon."
"And yet," Elizabeth frowned, still coming to terms with her father's shortfall as a parent, "I will soon be the responsibility of Mr. Darcy. As Lydia would say, how droll that sounds."
"Are we to walk tomorrow," Jane asked, receiving a smile of delight from her sister as Lizzy eyes began to shine with pleasure at the mere thought. "When will Papa make the announcement?"
"During the supper at Netherfield," Lizzy stated. "Mr. Darcy demanded I open the ball with him this very morning. Of course I must be seated with Papa and my betrothed when the announcement is made."
"So you are to dance the supper set with Mr. Darcy as well," Jane questioned. "It will be expected for you to lead the final dance."
"I believe," Lizzy grinned, "Fitzwilliam will give me little choice in the matter. I did not realise it, Jane, but my betrothed is truly a romantic at heart."
They laughed together, before climbing beneath the blankets. Lizzy lay awake for an hour or more, listening to her sister snore gently. As she thought of her future at Fitzwilliam's side, her sister's future happiness occupied her mind.
If only I could see you this happy, she thought before falling into an exhausted sleep. Little did Lizzy know, Jane's future held a similar level of pleasure. However it would take it's time in occurring.
* Only the peerage were entitled to a special licence. Mr. Darcy, with his connections to an Earl, would have the privilege of attempting to purchase a special licence from the Archbishop, while those of a lesser rank, such as Mr. Bennet would not. However my esteemed editor, Jim, informs me exceptional cause would have had to be shown, and the hassle would not have been worth the inconvenience or money to purchase it (and provided the above information). Thus, in order for a quick marriage, Darcy could apply for a common licence – meaning the three-week banns period need not apply, with the only restriction being the marriage must be performed in a church. His only other alternative to avoid Mrs. Bennet's outpourings of joy would have been an elopement. In practice very few Special Licences were issued, the common license being the norm.