Dear Readers,
I had a good laugh while writing this chapter. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Stay safe.
Chapter 35- The engagement party
Miss Bingley had always been pampered by her parents. She was never allowed to be disappointed in her life. The moment she set eyes on Darcy, she had made up her mind to become his wife and the mistress of Pemberley. She thought that he would marry her for her beauty and status.
How could he be so immune to my charms? How could he have feelings for her? That disgraceful chit. He does not even care about her abduction. It is because they have hidden the details from everyone. I will not allow it. I will make sure the world knows that she was ruined.
She set to work. She wrote a letter to Darcy's uncle, the Earl of Matlock. She wrote some more letters to different publications in London, regarding the abduction. She also planted vicious details about Elizabeth's character in all of them. She was satisfied with her work and summoned the maid.
"Post these letters immediately. I want you to be discreet. Nobody should know about this."
The maid nodded her head and disappeared. Miss Bingley smiled with satisfaction.
Once the news is out, he can never marry her. His relatives will not allow it. And this time, I am going to make sure that he does not escape from me.
Her plan was well formulated. Just like everybody else she was excited for the engagement party that evening. She was sure that everything would change that night.
Mr Collins spent some time in the village. He was scared to go to Longbourn to dine, incase Darcy was still there.
He always had a huge appetite and relished all the meals in Longbourn.
According to him, the entire estate belonged to him and he hated to waste any comforts he would get from it. He ate a hearty meal at one of the shops in Meryton and somehow convinced the owner that Mr Bennet would pay his bill.
This is the least that old man can do for me.
Mr Collins was a miser. He did not like to spend money.
Once he reached Longbourn he heard from Mary about the engagement party. He did not want to miss it, at least for the food. So, he decided to attend it, much to the irritation of the Bennet's. They knew he was leaving the next day, so they agreed.
Elizabeth and Jane looked vibrant in their evening gowns. Mrs Bennet was extremely proud of her daughters.
When Darcy saw Elizabeth, he was mesmerised by her beauty.
"Elizabeth, you look lovely. I am truly lucky."
"Thank you. You look very handsome too." She said and blushed deeply.
Elizabeth was surprised to see Miss Bingley join them.
You wait till this evening is over. You are in for a surprise. Miss Bingley thought.
Almost all their friends from Meryton had arrived for the party.
"You look beautiful, Elizabeth. I will miss you sorely once you are married." Charlotte said.
"I will miss you too. I hope you can visit us in Derbyshire."
Charlotte hoped to see Richard soon. He had given her enough hope to expect a proposal.
Mr Collins kept far away from Darcy as possible. He devoured the drinks and relished the food. The general mood of the gathering was happy. People in the village respected the Bennet's. Elizabeth and Jane were their favourites. All of them were happy about the good news.
Darcy and Elizabeth enjoyed their dances. Elizabeth felt that he was breaking away from his shell. She noticed how easily he conversed with everyone and was proud of him.
"Are you tired, my love?" Darcy asked her.
"I maybe. My feet hurt a bit. I am used to a lot walking. The past few weeks I have not had much physical activity and I feel I get tired easily now."
"Do you want me to call for the doctor?" Darcy asked concerned.
"No! It is nothing."
"Elizabeth, you are allowed to feel tired. You are allowed to take a rest. You do not have to push yourself for my sake. Do you want to sit for some time?"
"Yes, I will."
He led her to the chair and sat beside her. Darcy was feeling concerned for her health. After all, it had only been a few weeks since her injury.
The next set started, and he had to dance with Mary.
"Please go. Do not disappoint Mary."
He left her reluctantly.
Darcy was distracted during the dance. He kept looking at Elizabeth. She smiled at him reassuringly.
After a few minutes, he could not spot her. Where is she?
Once the dance ended, he went looking for her. She could not find her anywhere. Darcy was agitated.
Just then, a servant gave him a message from Elizabeth.
"Miss Elizabeth seems to be unwell and needs to speak with you. She is in the room at the far end of the hallway."
What could it be? He did not want to alarm her family.
Darcy almost ran out of the gathering.
Miss Bingley had everything well planned. She noticed that Elizabeth had left along with her sister to the nursery. This is my chance.
She called a servant to deliver a message to Darcy and hurried to the room at the end of the hallway. She made sure the candles were out and waited in the dark.
She saw the door open and stayed still.
She waited for Darcy to walk towards her. She noticed him remove his coat.
What is he doing? Whatever it is, it will serve my plan.
Without a second thought, she threw herself at him. Both of them landed on the floor with a huge crash.
Miss Bingley held on to him tightly and yelled. "Please leave me. Stop this. I will marry you. Do not compromise me. I will marry you."
Just then the music had stopped and the entire gathering heard her.
Mr Bingley, Jane, and the others came rushing. Miss Bingley rolled over so that he was on top of her and kept yelling.
Why does he smell so bad? Maybe he is drunk. She thought.
When Mr Bingley opened the door, all of them gasped at the sight.
In the light of their candles, they saw Miss Bingley struggling under the weight of none other than Mr Collins.
"Caroline, what is the meaning of this?"
"He wants to marry me, even though I agreed, he tried to compromise me. Oh! Charles! I will marry him. I need to save my reputation and his."
"Caroline, are you sure?"
Miss Bingley was irritated. Idiot Charles!
"Yes, I am sure." She said with irritation and pushed him away from her.
She adjusted her dress and got up with a victorious look. She turned towards the man lying on the floor.
At first, she thought that her eyes were playing tricks on her. Then she grabbed the candle from her brother's hand and looked closely. She was shocked beyond measure.
"This is... This is not Mr Darcy. Who are you? You insufferable man?"
"My love. My name is Mr Collins. Even though you stated some things that are not true, I agree to marry you, madam. I am sure my noble patroness Lady Katherine De Bourgh will be delighted with the choice of my wife. Your height will be much appreciated to fetch things from the topmost shelf of the closet. But I should restrict you to your choice of clothing, especially your feathers. I am most allergic to it."
"Shut up. Whoever you are? I did not agree to marry you. You idiot. Charles, help me."
She turned and saw Darcy and Elizabeth standing together. Mr Hurst was standing next to them with an amusing smile.
"Caroline, do not embarrass yourself further. Go to your room. There is nothing to be discussed. You have agreed to marry Mr Collins, and there is no change to that."
She saw her brother discussing with Mr Philip on how soon they could be married. Half of Meryton was there, and she knew she was never going to escape the match.
She never expected the evening to slip away from her.
She looked at the disgusting man who was standing next to her. He burped loudly and smiled at her. She understood that her life was going to alter forever, and she was never going to be the mistress of Pemberley. Yes! Never.
