Chapter 7:
The morning after a Ball is like the morning after a storm—the excitement from the night before pours into the morning, the ladies wake up late, tired from dancing, and the cook is busy arranging biscuits and tea for the soon to be callers. But when the morning after a Ball is a Sunday, the house is in a different frenzy—getting ready for services.
Lydia let out a big yawn, as she sat at the table and poured herself a cup of tea.
"My, I am tired!" she said, letting out another yawn, reaching for a biscuit to dunk in her tea. "I danced all night!"
"Make haste, girls" said Mrs. Bennet, blowing into her tea quickly, trying to gulp it down as fast as possible.
Mr. Bennet was sitting at the head of the table, reading his latest book, and talking to Elizabeth who was telling her all about her night. He had not attended the Ball, as he preferred to stay home with his books.
"And who is this Mr. Darcy?" he asked, having missed Mr. Darcy's morning call a few days prior. Mr. Bennet had been with Mr. Gardiner.
"He is very interested in Lizzie, Mr. Bennet" said Mrs. Bennet, raising her eyebrows with a wild expression. "Oh, he seems smitten. A very fine match, indeed! Ten thousand a year!"
"Is he?" said Mr. Bennet, looking at his favorite daughter, waiting for some expression on her part.
"Lord Sandhurst invited me for a walk in the park this afternoon, after services" said Lizzie, picking up her cup to avoid the eyes that she knew would be looking at her.
"Lord Sandhurst?!" asked Mrs. Bennet, "What about Mr. Darcy?"
"I thought you would be pleased a Lord is calling on me" teased Lizzie, smirking at her mother.
"I am but I do not understand, I thought Mr. Darcy would be calling and that you would prefer that" said Mrs. Bennet, wanting nothing more than to see her daughters securely married. "I would not want you to offend Mr. Darcy and lose that proposal my dear."
"Mama, Mr. Darcy has not proposed, nor has he asked me for a courtship, he is simply getting to know me and though I am flattered, I cannot put all my eggs in the same basket" she said with a sly smile.
"I agree" said Mr. Bennet, smiling at his daughter, "And we all know that men like that which is wanted by other men, I think it is good to have competition."
"Thanks papa" whispered Lizzie, knowing his voiced support would quiet her mama, for now at least. Lizzie knew her mother had the best intentions and if Mr. Darcy was in earnest and if she were as interested as she appeared to be to the outside world, she would have agreed with her mama. But although her heart fluttered the previous night when they were dancing and he whispered into her ear at the end of their dance, she forced it out of her mind. Mr. Darcy was handsome and in a shy sort of way, very funny. It was normal that her heart would flutter—he did not care for her. She had to stay focused—her goal was to find a suitable match. And all in all, Lord Sandhurst seemed very amiable and a good potential suitor indeed.
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True to his word, Lord Anthony Sandhurst called that afternoon and surprised everyone by bringing along Lord Gregory Harris, who was on his way to call on the eldest Miss Bennet. They had both attended Cambridge together and although Lord Sandhurst was two years older, they got along splendidly. And now they had the common interest of courting one of the Bennet ladies.
The four of them set out for a walk, with Mrs. Bennet and the other three Bennet sisters trailing behind chaperoning. Mary looked positively angry at being dragged outside, she had preferred to stay and practice the piano forte, which their rented humble home was very lucky to have. Mr. Bennet had quietly hinted at Mary to practice more before playing in front of a crowd, an opportunity he was sure would present itself while in town. Mary, who simply craved attention from her parents because she was always less than her sisters, was very happy to oblige and when they were both alone at home, Mr. Bennet would sit near her and comment on her progress.
"How was the rest of your evening? I shall assume the portion you spent dancing with me was pleasant" asked Lord Sandhurst, smiling at Miss Elizabeth who was holding on to his arm as they walked.
"Yes, it was very pleasant" she said, looking away from the sun to face him. Oh how she loved feeling the sun's warmth on her skin—it reminded her of the country.
"I see you are very fond of walking and the outdoors" he commented, having noted the expression of content as she closed her eyes and felt the sun on her face.
"Oh, yes, I am very fond of walking and being outside" said Lizzie, "I am a country girl at heart, my lord. Do you like the country?"
"I do" said Lord Sandhurst hesitantly, "As an Earl, I have a great responsibility to my people and to my land—I must spend quite a bit of time in the country."
"You do not sound very convincing" teased Lizzie. His lordship laughed.
"I love London—I love everything that it has to offer and though I am very inclined to agree with you, for the sole purpose that you should hold me in higher esteem, I am afraid, that although I like the country but I prefer the energy of the city—there, I said it" he said, laughing.
"I am flattered you wish for me to hold you in high esteem, I cannot divulge my entire opinion of you just yet" she teased, "But I shall let you know that I admire those that are true to themselves" said Lizzie. He stopped walking and looked at her—turning his head to once side as he admired her face unbashfully.
"You are something else, Miss Elizabeth" he said, causing her to blush becomingly. "Shall we continue?" he asked, once again taking her gloved hand in his arm and continuing to walk.
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It was Wednesday morning, a full three days after they had danced, that Mr. Darcy appeared at Miss Elizabeth's doorstep. She made him wait a full fifteen minutes before gracing him with her presence. It killed her to know that he had not thought about her since—had not even bothered to send flowers. This might be a ruse but he still had a responsibility to her. Was it so hard for him to pretend to be in love?
"Mr. Darcy" she exclaimed, "What a surprise!"
"I do not have the pleasure of understanding you" he said, looking surprised. She seemed upset. He thought she would be pleased to see him—he certainly was.
"You have not called in three days—I had thought you moved on" she said curtly, finally motioning for him to sit in the drawing room, as if begrudgingly. She sat down on a chair and he hesitated before choosing to sit in the chair closest to her. It must have still been early for only Miss Elizabeth was in the drawing room, the other Bennets nowhere to be seen. A maid stayed dutifully by the door, acting as the chaperon that must always be around when a couple was alone.
"I thought you wanted to meet other bachelors—I simply gave you that space to receive other callers" he said, speaking in earnest. He had almost broken his walking stick when he saw Miss Elizabeth and Lord Sandhurst walking together on Sunday by the Promenade and it had taken every ounce of self control to not call on her on Monday or Tuesday. It killed him to know that she did not feel the pull towards him that he felt for her. It was a ruse, after all, he reminded himself.
"You clearly have never been in love" said Lizzie, rolling her eyes. "My mother is questioning your absence, this ruse will go awry if you do not act a bit more interested."
"I thought you were pleased with having Lord Sandhurst as a suitor" he said, sounding a bit jealous. Lizzie raised an eyebrow in surprise but then continued.
"Until he or someone else has proposed, nothing is for certain. And if you were to disappear after a mere week of showing interest in me, it would seem rather odd and I do not want Lady Whistledown to comment on anything else" explained Lizzie, reasoning with herself that that is why she was upset with him.
"I see, well then what plans shall we form for this week?" he asked gallantly.
"There is another Ball Friday night" said Lizzie, ignoring Mr. Darcy's expression of dislike.
"Another Ball? The purpose of this arrangement is to keep the mothers at bay, not throw myself into the lion's den" he said, sounding exacerbated. He hated big events.
"The purpose of this arrangement, my dear Mr. Darcy, is for me to marry in my first season." said Lizzie through gritted teeth. "Lord Sandhurst has graciously already requested the supper set" said Lizzie, teasing him.
"He is very gracious indeed" muttered Mr. Darcy, "Which dance shall you save me?"
"Which dance shall you ask me to save?"
"The first and last" he said, saying what he wanted and nothing less.
"Two dances?" asked Lizzie incredulously, "Do you wish to shock the ton?"
"One dance then—the Waltz" said Mr. Darcy, in a husky whisper. "Would that do, Miss Elizabeth?"
"Yes" she said, swallowing hard. "That shall do." She put her hands in front of her and looked towards the window—it seemed to have gotten hotter in the room.
"May I make a request?" he asked, "My younger sister, Georgiana, is very eager to make your acquaintance and though she does not know the particulars, I think it would benefit her for the time being to have a friend. We had not discussed a time frame but I think a month of this ruse shall be sufficient—in that time, could you be a friend to her?"
"I shall be delighted, Mr. Darcy" said Eliazbeth, her eyes sparkling in gratitude and turning to look back at him, "I am honored and even after we, whatever it is we are, is over, I shall be pleased to be there for Miss Darcy. We are friends now, Mr. Darcy."
"I thank you" said Mr. Darcy, feeling overcome by a sense of gratitude. Mr. Darcy stayed for a duration of thirty minutes in which they made plans for Miss Elizabeth to visit Miss Darcy the next morning. Mr. Bennet walked into the drawing room a few minutes after said conversation and spoke pleasantly with Mr. Darcy, intrigued by this man's interest in his daughter. Mr. Darcy was not very talkative, at least not with anyone else other than Lizzie, and he did seem to hold her in high regard. That was all Mr. Bennet's fifteen minute observation could deduce.
"I look forward to seeing you tomorrow" said Mr. Darcy, reaching for her hand and kissing it lightly. He left just in time for other callers to begin coming. It was a busy morning in the Bennet household. Even Miss Catherine had received a caller, a Mr. Bridgeton, the fourth son of an earl. Lydia stared in disbelief and open jealousy, for he was quite handsome and though not titled, had a good allowance. Lydia attracted a lot of men in the balls and dances, who admired her beauty and flirty disposition, but they all saw her as too young to be considered a wife.
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The next morning, Elizabeth dressed meticulously, explaining to herself that she wanted to look beautiful for the sake of Miss Darcy, if she were to believe this, then someone interested in her brother would surely try their best.
Satisfied with her appearance, she asked Jane to accompany her to call on Miss Darcy. The two fashionable looking ladies walked the short distance to the Darcy House which was on one of the fanciest streets in London.
"Wow" was all that escaped Lizzie's lips as she saw the magnificent house. It had clearly been there for generations. If this was their London home, she could only imagine his home in Derbyshire. It suddenly hit her the enormity of his responsibility. Whenever Mr. Darcy would speak of Pemberley or his tenants or even Miss Darcy, his whole face would soften and yet she saw the burden that he carried. Letting out a heavy sigh, she turned to Jane, "Ready?"
"Of course, sister" said Jane, smiling lovingly, "You seem rather calm to be calling on your potential sister in law" teased Jane. She did not know of the ruse—Lizzie felt guilty lying to her but she had made a deal with Mr. Darcy and it was for the best if no one knew.
"I am not sure about Mr. Darcy" said Lizzie in a whisper, "I am open to meeting all potential suitors, I want a love match."
"And you shall have it, dearest sister" said Jane, reaching for Lizzie's hand. "If it is any consolation, I see the way he looks at you and he is clearly besotted." Lizzie blushed becomingly, feeling silly for letting such a compliment get to her.
A few minutes later they were shown into the drawing room, where Mr. Darcy was pacing and stopped walking and smiled with Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet appeared.
"Miss Elizabeth" he said, walking towards her, bowing and reaching for her hand. "Miss Bennet, thank you for coming."
"Thank you for having us" said Miss Bennet, the true epitome of grace. "Lizzie has been very excited to meet your sister."
"Jane!" said Lizzie, laughing and looking at her as if to stop talking.
"Oh?" said Mr. Darcy with a smirk, looking lovingly at Lizzie, who was holding on to his arm. She smiled and nudged him to walk, he rolled his eyes and brought her to the sofa and chairs, where his sister was already there waiting. "May I present to you, my dearest sister, Georgiana?"
"Miss Darcy" said Lizzie, "It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise" said Miss Darcy in a soft voice, Lizzie could tell she had the same shyness that her oldest brother suffered from, "Welcome to our home. Would you care to sit down?" Lizzie smiled approvingly, noting the effort it took Miss Darcy to act the hostess.
"Miss Elizabeth" said Georgiana but she was interrupted.
"You shall call me Lizzie, if we are to be friends" said Lizzie, patting her hand lovingly.
Georgiana gave her a wide smile, feeling at ease with her already. After a few minutes of small chatter, Miss Darcy called for the tea and refreshments to be served. Once they arrived, this gave them a respite from talking and they could all enjoy the beautiful and delectable fruits and cold meats the housekeeper had prepared for the visit.
"I hear you are very accomplished in the piano forte" said Lizzie, complimenting the shy Miss Darcy.
"I play a little" said Georgiana, not being used to accepting compliments.
"Your brother speaks very highly of you, and as well as you and I know, he does not do that lightly" teased Lizzie. "One of my sisters, Mary, likes to play. I believe she is home practicing as we speak."
"You have another sister?"
"I have four" said Lizzie.
"Oh, how I always wanted to have a sister" said Georgiana in a sweet whisper.
"You shall" said Lizzie. Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Colonel Fitzwilliam. "Oh Colonel, what a surprise!" exclaimed Lizzie, who had immensely enjoying her dance with the Colonel.
"Likewise" said Richard, looking from Miss Elizabeth to Mr. Darcy with open curiosity. Lizzie and Jane stayed in Darcy House for another hour. Georgiana was absolutely delighted with Lizzie, Jane was likewise a very agreeable friend, and all in all, everyone in the room seemed very pleased. Mr. Darcy did not say much during the visit, except when he asked Miss Elizabeth if she would like to take a turn around the room.
"You look lovely" he whispered, when they were by the window, away from the others.
"Is that why you wished to take a turn around the room with me?" teased Lizzie, "You know, if others are not listening, you do not have to be so charming."
"They may not be listening, but they are looking" he said, pointing with his chin towards the Colonel, Jane, and Georgiana, who were looking at them with a smile on their faces.
"I see" said Lizzie.
"I thank you for coming, I have not seen Georgiana this happy in many months" he said, his voice breaking.
"Of course, it is truly my pleasure" said Lizzie, smiling at him and then turning away, to prevent her cheeks from blushing. "I think we should go" she said, reluctantly, "We must make a trip to the modiste for our gown for tomorrow night's Ball."
"I look forward to our dance" he said in another whisper, then led her back to the group, where the Bennet ladies said their farewells, expressed their thank yous, and left the Darcy House, both agreeing it had been a splendid morning.
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okay, I am outdoing myself here, this is the longest chapter as of yet, almost 3000 words! I imagine there are a few grammar mistakes, I wanted to publish this before my baby woke up. I am having so much writing this and thinking about this story and plot ideas throughout the day, its a nice escape from the craziness of everyday life :)
I've been listening to the Bridgeton soundtrack while writing this, such a nice soundtrack! I've always loved violins and Schubert's Violin Concertos are my absolute favorite and def an inspiration and a calming presence while writing.
There are so many other characters I want to touch upon and develop, I also am taking this slow bc I want to show the relationship building between lizzie and darcy, while also being true to their characters. what do u think of lord sandhurst and lizzie? have to get caroline bingley back in here, as well as, well, wickham-or do I? lol I hate him, absolutely detest that in the real one he ends up being part of the family, but he is a necessary evil. we shall see how things play out.
Thank you to all the reviews, comments, likes etc. I'm flattered that someone wrote this is their favorite story in the works in FF since there are so many amazing ones right now that I'm likewise enjoying. I actually try to not read same period fanfics as I'm writing so make sure nothing is taken from them, so I'm waiting until this one is done to check some of them out.
Hope you enjoyed!