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Dear reader,
my apologies for the lateness in posting this chapter. I am no longer working from home as our offices have re-opened in the UK and so I have had limited writing time... my work is so inconsiderate LOL. #Rude
I am still fully committed to finishing this story, however it may work out that the chapters will be posted once per week as apposed to every other day :) I hope everyone is well and enjoying the small steps we are making towards easier living. Bless you and stay safe xx
I will continue do my best to try to spot any typo's & grammatical errors etc. but I am not a professional and if anyone can recommend a beta I would be grateful.
Please enjoy!
V x
Please leave a comment, if you feel so inclined - I would like to say a special thanks to all those who are reading and following this story. Especially for all those who have left comments! I am so touched by your kind words and thank you for keeping me motivated and inspired to write more chapters !
Chapter Five
As Darcy rode towards Netherfield, he tried to puzzle through his conflicting emotions. He could not deny his preference of Miss Elizabeth, but he had ultimately decided that he should not act upon it. She was in his opinion entirely unsuitable and a passing infatuation. It had all be so simple in his mind. He would stay a few more weeks with Bingley and then return to London for Christmas and think no more of her... but that was no longer an option.
His worries tended towards how Elizabeth would cope with his relatives and mixing in elevated society. Then there was the issue of her familial connexions and their lack of propriety. Darcy was pleased to find her mood and interactions with him much changed since their prior meeting the day before, and could not refute that her words and criticisms of his character had been hurtful. Today had offered clarity as to why she had harboured such feelings. He winced as he thought of his behaviour at the Meryton assembly. It had been a long time since had been challenged in such a way and made to apologise.
He wondered if that was how she reacted in anger, could she too be silly like other members of her family? Only time would give him his answeres as he had not seen enough of her to know her if she had any tendencies similar to her mother or younger sisters. Encouragingly he had been witness to her embarrassment of them when they had been too outspoken or loud. In short, what he did know of her, pleased him exceedingly; She was smart and well read. She had a fondness for the country, which pleased him a great deal, as he was not wont to spend much time in London above that which necessity dictated. It also helped that Miss Elizabeth was also one of the most captivating women of his acquaintance.
Thankfully the aspects of marriage to the lady that he was not overly fond of were more to do with her family, though he could not expect to separate them, entirely and nor would he be so cruel. Perhaps he might limit the frequency of their reunions to weddings and the like…
Well, he supposed he had to marry eventually. And it was not as bad it could have been. He shuddered at the thought of being caught in a compromising situation with Miss Bingley… but then would he have really had to offer for her if it had been Miss Bingley in the place of Miss Elizabeth? Most probably not… there would have been no one present who would have spread such gossip and Bingley wouldn't have seen anything untoward in his behaviour to demand marriage.
Overall, Darcy vowed he was not going to focus on anything that would give him cause to regret doing what was right by Miss Elizabeth. At least he could be thankful that he was not repulsed by his betrothed. The idea of being intimate with a woman of her beauty and intellect would be no hardship. In all his nine and twenty years, he had not met another woman whose beauty and mind could charm to distraction. He almost laughed at this thought as he drew up to the stables at Netherfield, for he had been so distracted by thoughts of Miss Elizabeth that he could not recall the journey he had just undertook!
As Elizabeth dressed for dinner, she felt daunted by the task ahead. To be seated next to Mr Darcy at the dinner table as his betrothed. She felt a bundle of nerves, which was so out of character for her. The memory of her initial reaction to the knowledge of having to marry him, caused guilt to suffuse her being and she shook her head trying to dispel her silly childish behaviour. And now to know that he did not think her barely tolerable and thought she had fine eyes was too much.
It felt as though it would have been better to not know of how he admired her... to be admired by such a man...
She turned to stare out of the window, watching the wind toss the tree branches and the long grass.
"Oh, now you a being foolish! There are many degrees of admiration. Do not flatter yourself that you are the top of the scale!"she huffed to herself.
"Lizzy? Who are you talking to?" came her Aunt Gardiner's voice from behind.
"Just talking to myself. It appears all of the recent upheaval in my life has turned me mad." She teased but could not prevent the weary sigh escaping her.
"Would you like to speak with me about what is worrying you?"
"I shall be fine, it is only that there is a great deal of change happening quicker than I would have liked is all…" Elizabeth trailed off, moving to sit on the edge of her bed.
"Be careful, do not crease your dress, dear." Mrs Gardiner said bending to pull at the hem and straighten her skirts. "Would you care to know my honest opinion?"
Elizabeth said nothing but gave a weak nod.
"My sweet girl, I know you have spoken to your father and you know why you have to marry him. And you cannot be ignorant as to the advantages such an alliance will give you and your sisters… but from a woman's point of view, I will speak plainly. Mr Darcy is a very handsome man and though he seems quiet, he does not seem to be displeased in his regard for you. Trust me when I say this will go a long way once you are married. As for him being proud. I believe in this way you will be good for him. His reputation and heritage give him every reason to be so, which means that you should continue to challenge him where appropriate." She said giving her nieces hand a squeeze.
"You know of his reputation? Is he very well known in London?" Elizabeth asked suddenly her mind travelling to the world she will have to enter once she was his wife.
"Yes Lizzy, the Darcy's are very prominent persons. Mr Darcy in particular is a very well respected landlord and landowner just like his father before him. And I can see you both making a good match if you apply yourself. You must think him handsome? He carried his height very well and of the times I have heard him speak, I have noticed that he possesses a very pleasant tone to his voice." Mrs Gardiner baited with a smile.
Blushing Elizabeth chose to ignore the last comments.
"What do you know of his mother and father Aunt?" Elizabeth asked anxious for any information she could get.
Her aunt opened her mouth to speak when the door opened abruptly, and her mother entered to make the final adjustments to Elizabeth's appearance before their guests arrived. Her mother with an irritated huff about bad manners, that Miss Bingley and Mr and Mrs Hursts sent their apologies and would not be attending the dinner this evening. This however, made Elizabeth handle her mother's attentions with a great deal more tolerance and even thanked her mother afterwards.
As she descended the stairs a half hour later, Elizabeth froze as she looked up to find Mr Darcy standing at the threshold shaking hands with her father. He was smartly dressed in buff-coloured trousers, a dark blue waistcoat, snowy white shirt and cravat and black velvet jacket. His brown hair styled in the fashionably unkempt manner, with a hair waving over his intelligent brow. He paused as Mr Bingley was exchanging greetings with her father and his molten brown eyes speared her as he took in her appearance.
"Miss Elizabeth, I am very pleased to see you fully recovered and may I offer you my heartfelt felicitations' on your betrothal to the best of men!" Gushed Mr Bingley breaking the spell as he came over and bowed over her hand.
"Mr Bingley you are very kind, thank you. I believe my other sisters are in the main drawing room…" She replied with a knowing smirk.
"Indeed. Mr Bennet, could I trouble you to show me the way?" he asked eager to see Jane but with obvious intent to give her and Darcy a moment alone.
"I see through your schemes, Mr Bingley. But I shall show you the way. I trust you do not need you help navigating the vast labyrinth that is Longbourn? It should take you no longer than five minutes to plan you route." He winked as he left with Mr Bingley.
Darcy worried Elizabeth might be offended by such a noticeable manipulation by his friend.
"Miss Bennet, I must apologise for Bingley. He makes it seem as though we conspired on our way here to…" he trailed off with relief when he saw the mirth glittering in her arresting gaze.
"I am not offended, sir. I find it amusing." She said taking the hand he offered to assist her the rest of the way down the stairs.
"You are unlike any other woman of my acquaintance, Miss Bennet." He murmured looking at her intently.
Pausing her steps and looking up, she asked, "Does that disappoint you, sir?"
A grin transformed his handsomeness, crinkling the corners of his eyes, producing two charming dimples to his cheeks and stealing her breath in the process.
"Not in the least, I assure you." Mr Darcy vowed looking down at her warmly.
"And if you follow me, I shall assure you do not lose your way," she said with an arch of her brow.
"Fear not. I believe I can remember the way from my short stay here. I would much rather we walk together." He said offering his arm.
Elizabeth accepted his assistance finding the knowledge that he had spent the night at Longbourn a disconcertingly intimate thought. They continued on in silence to the main drawing room, Elizabeth trying to find her equilibrium and for once grateful for Mr Darcy always being content to be this way in company.
When they entered the drawing room they were met with varying degrees of welcome. Mr and Mrs Gardiner were very genteel in their greetings. Lydia giggled and whispered something to Kitty, but a pointed look from Elizabeth had them huffing and standing politely to offer their curtseys. Mary approach and offered her congratulations and a short passage from Fordyce's sermons. Jane was next with Mr Bingley and then they both quickly retreated to a corner, where they had eyes for only each other and Mrs Bennet was last as she flapped around Mr Darcy trying to situate him into the most comfortable chair.
"It is the most recently upholstered, Mr Darcy. I chose the fabrics myself! And it boasts the best view of the southern lawn… ah, well, as it dark you shall have to take my word for it." Then Mrs Bennet looking to her daughters rolled her eyes, "Lizzy, do not just stand there in that silly fashion. Sit next to Mr Darcy!"
Mr Darcy saw as Elizabeth shared a smiled with her father, who grinned back at her clearly enjoying their discomfort. Secretly Elizabeth vowed she would be sure to look for an opportunity to return the favour.
"Doesn't my Lizzy look very well in her gown, Mr Darcy?" asked Mrs Bennet.
Elizabeth felt her ears growing hot. She looked in horror as Mr Darcy briefly glanced at her and opened his mouth to reply, but her mother spoke over him cutting his short.
"But of course, she will have many much finer gowns, once you are wed. Oh, what fun we will have on our shopping excursions!" clapped Mrs Bennet enthusiastically.
Throwing a desperate glance at her father, who only lifted his drink in salute barely concealing his laughter. She would most certainly be 'misplacing' the locks to the library at Pemberley should her father pay them a visit.
"But of course, Mrs Bennet. I shall be sure to have a carriage at your disposal." He said graciously to which Mrs Bennet cooed with happiness.
Elizabeth thought she might die of shame and refused to meet his eye until they were seated at the dinner table. Her mother had outdone herself, with enough dishes to feed a small army and plenty of their finest wine. The seating plan had not been left up to chance and though she had anticipated it, she felt awkward to be sat so close to Mr Darcy. It was hard to concentrate and keep her composure, every movement he made demanded her attention. The thing she found the hardest to bare was not being able to read him. It seemed that when they were just them two, they had become easy in one another's company; however, when in company he withdrew and treated her a little coldly. Elizabeth did not think it was, in the least, a conscious insult but she felt a bit slighted that he would not attempt to be more verbose or show any interest in her. They were betrothed now after all.
Mr Darcy was all politeness and complimented every dish, but at the same time did not eat enough to indicate a favourite nor if something was not to his tastes. It seemed he had resorted back to his reserved and aloof demeanour he tended to adopt when in mixed company. Elizabeth decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and imagined how it might be overwhelming this dinner might be for him... but then again, he seemed to have enough self-assurance in himself as to be able to handle himself in any situation…
Not paying much attention to the conversation around him, Darcy took the opportunity to see the family around him that would soon be an extension of his own and resigned himself to see them as they were, and that he could acknowledge they meant well and all loved each other dearly, though certain behaviours would be certain to test his patience. Throughout his observations he could not help that his peripheral was always aware of Elizabeth by his side. She seemed to be behaving rather oddly this evening. A little skittish and wary of him perhaps. Which he thought odd, for she had never before been lost for words in his presence as she appeared to be by the manner of which she kept looking at him when she thought he would not notice. He would try to make more of an effort, he would not like her to be uncomfortable in his presence.
"Miss Bennet, if you have something you wish to know, you only have to ask." He spoke startling her as he turned to her abruptly.
Elizabeth lifted her gaze and a smile played across her countenance.
"I merely trying to seek an insight into the workings of your mind, Mr Darcy." She said openly looking at him and holding his gaze.
Lowering his spoon into his soup, "Oh, well that is a relief! I feared I had food stuck to my cheek." He teased, making her laugh.
"I swear to you I would be very quick to tell you, if that were the case Mr Darcy." She replied.
"I am glad to hear it." He said leaning a fraction closer so that his hand brushed hers fleetingly where it laid on the table. "I wanted to tell you how lovely you looked tonight, Miss Elizabeth. Forgive me for not saying so sooner."
He enjoyed the colour his compliment brought to her cheeks and was happy to recognise a teasing sparkle rise in her fine eyes.
"I thank you, Mr Darcy. I am glad you saw sense at my mother's obvious machinations." She teased, though the hairs on her neck stood on edge and her voice sounded breathier than usual.
"It does not make it any less true," he replied softly. "I have been curious to find out an answer to a question I asked earlier today… Do you enjoy horse riding, Miss Bennet?" he added seeing that she did not feel at ease with his compliment.
"I am afraid to disappoint you, but I am not a skilled horsewoman. In fact, my experience of such activities is limited. I only managed to get through one lesson before I decided I wanted to ride 'freely'. I climbed onto my father's horse unsupervised when it was left saddled and waiting for him and was thrown from it into the fence, which resulted in a broken arm. I did not pluck up the courage to try again, though I am not afraid of horses, I am not so certain I trust them implicitly to carry me safely. You shall have to go on your hunts and such without me in future." She declared.
"Believe it or not I should be glad to have the excuse of keeping you company, to save me from hunts." Came his swift response.
Elizabeth stared at him, but his expression looked sincere. "You do not care to hunt?! I am shocked. Forgive my assumption but I thought all gentleman enjoyed the sport."
"Not I. I find it rather cruel if I am speaking plainly. I had developed a pattern in my youth of setting the fox free the night before a hunt when I was younger. Then one time my father and my uncle caught me…"
"Were they cross?" she asked biting her lip to stifle her laughter.
"My uncle was exceedingly so; it was his hunt he had organised. He gave me a lecture on how the fox did not have feelings etcetera, and I had been taking it all rather gravely until I caught my father's eye and could see that he was crying with laughter. Naturally I began to laugh too, and my uncle has never forgiven me for it, though we are on good terms now." He revealed.
She laughed picturing the ever sedate and Mr Darcy falling about laughing. "And so why do you not simply ban holding such sport at Pemberley?"
"Unfortunately, it cannot be stopped entirely as the animals hunted do threaten the crops and cattle. I still hold an annual hunt, but I have trained our hunting dogs not to toy with the creatures. It is much shorter, but more humane."
"I have a great respect for that. I am pleasantly surprised." Elizabeth said pleased to see such good qualities in her soon to be husband coming to light.
They continued happily in this manner of asking small questions, the easiness that had been between them in the garden earlier returned. All the time that they spoke, his gaze remained intently on her face. He had an unnerving way of listening to her, that made her feel self-conscious and awkward. At such close proximity she felt her cheeks warm whenever her gaze unconsciously moved to his lips and lingered a fraction too long. If Mr Darcy noticed her discomposure, he did not let on and maintained the conversation with her but choosing to fall silent when others intruded their own input. Elizabeth could not tell if he took offence at her family's conversations and boisterous behaviour, for his expression became shuttered when engaging with them. At one point she had to kick Lydia under the table to stop her from asking Mr Darcy about the family jewels and if they might borrow a tiara. It was as if they were trying particularly hard this evening to be embarrassing. Worse her mother chipped in saying how a tiara would be a wonderful idea.
"My Lizzy always looks exceptionally beautiful with jewels glittering in her hair." Said Mrs Bennet garnering the attention of the table.
"But Mama, then I should have one too! Lizzy and I have the same hair." Lydia exclaimed merrily.
"Then I shall have one too!" demanded Kitty not to be left out.
"And Mary!" added Lydia and they both turned to the other and giggled stupidly as Mary threw daggers at them.
"Pray, why should you girls wear tiaras! The bride shall wear the tiara." Said Mrs Bennet, "And my Mary would look very well indeed with a jewels a plenty. Especially a tiara!" She added proudly.
"Lizzy! Tell Mama I will get to wear a tiara!" Lydia pouted.
"Lydia, this is not an appropriate conversation. You will desist this instant." Said Jane firmly from the other end of the table, causing all heads to turn in her direction in surprise.
"Mama -" started Lydia loudly.
"This is not up for debate. Now I believe that we are all ready for our dessert." Jane said with a sweet smile and a nod for their plates to be cleared. Though all in at the table were shocked Elizabeth was not, Jane had been known to pull rank as the elder sister when needed and though, she would feel guilty for embarrassing Lydia or later feeling she had been too harsh. Her younger sisters always obeyed her. They always seemed to like arguing with Elizabeth but as Jane rarely lost her temper they all listened when she reprimanded them. After a brief lull conversation resumed and the dessert warm plum cake and custard was served.
Mr Darcy leaned towards her and whispered, "I am impressed."
"How so? Jane is quite capable I assure you."
"I did not doubt it, I was more so impressed that she commanded such authority with such serenity."
"It is always the quiet ones you have to watch out for." She replied wickedly. "Mary might turn into a veritable tyrant!"
Chuckling he seemed content to turn his attention to his pudding. They both fell silent as they enjoyed cook's speciality and she noticed Mr Darcy added a second helping of custard to his plate. She could not blame him, for the custard was the perfect balance of creamy sweetness. A pointed look from her mother had Elizabeth feeling a pressure that they had been quiet too long and that she must find something for them to say.
She looked at his profile, searching for the words to come to her, when he lifted his hand to sip at his drink and his cufflinks flickered off of the candlelight.
"They are compasses?" she blurted her question.
He looked at her as he lowered his glass with a small frown.
"Your cufflinks. They are compasses?" Elizabeth asked more composed.
"Yes. They were a gift from my father. They are unique as they are working compasses." He revealed.
Excitement lit her eyes, "You are in earnest?"
"I assure you they work perfectly well."
"May I?" Elizabeth asked, "Oh, please do not go to such effort I am happy to look at them as you wear them." She added her colour heightening, when he started to remove them.
Moving his writ closer to her, he explained the meaning behind them.
"When my father fell ill, he had them commissioned, so that I would always be able to find my way home. He had something similar made for Georgiana in the form of a ring. Sadly, he passed away before they were completed." His words were gently spoken.
"I am sorry for your loss, Mr Darcy. How long ago did you lose him?" she asked unable to resist reaching out and running her finger over the fine gold miniature compass.
"Next year it will have been ten years." He replied.
Elizabeth looked up at him them. She did not know his true age, but she knew he was not yet thirty. How young he must have been when he took charge of his sister and the Darcy properties and investments.
"Mr Darcy are you at all acquainted with Lambton?" asked Mrs Gardiner, breaking through the somber moment.
"Yes, I am. Lambton is but five miles from my family home; Pemberley. Do you know it?" asked Mr Darcy.
"Indeed, I hail from there." Explained her aunt. "I must confess that I did not recognise you at first, but you bear such a likeness to your father it is uncanny. I had the great honour of meeting Mr and Mrs Darcy on a few occasions as my father owned the confectioners in Lambton."
"Your father is the proprietor of The Goblet and Sugar?" he asked sitting slightly straighter.
"That he is. My brother is there most days, but my father does not care to be idle and so you will still find him in there working often. If I remember correctly, your mother was especially fond Turkish delights and our Marzipan."
"That is correct. My father was always happy to spend time sharing an ale with your father whilst she made her purchases. I shall mention to Mr Gregory that I have seen his daughter in Hertfordshire. He speaks of you often."
Blushing her Aunt thanked him and added. "I remember as I worked there a short time. Mr and Mrs Darcy would always come later in the day so that they could end their excursions with a treat. They were very wonderful and kind."
Nodding his thanks, "I am honoured by their legacy and your kind words," said Mr Darcy before he fell silent, and her aunt's attention was captured by her mother and Jane. Elizabeth sat silently watching his profile as he seemed deep in thought. She was shocked by the connection between her aunt and Mr Darcy's family and had intended to draw him into further conversation over it, when her mother anticipated her question with her own.
"Mr Darcy, your cravat is very intricately done sir! Are these the latest fashions in London?" Said her mother trying to engage him in conversation.
"I could not tell you; I trust my valet implicitly on such matters." He replied simply.
"Mrs Bennet, please do not start talking fabrics with the poor man!" scolded Mr Bennet, though he could not quite hide his smile. "Women over their laces and combs."
"Men over their horses and fishing!" retorted Mrs Bennet.
"Excellent idea Mrs Bennet. Tell me Mr Bingley of your grays…"
"Bolt and spirit are superb, aren't they?" Bingley said with an almost boyish grin.
"This is not a gentlemen's club!" snapped Mrs Bennet. "Come on, let us women retire to the other room and leave the gentleman to cigars and port." She sniffed standing.
Elizabeth blushed to find all the gentlemen standing except her father. He sat looking rather content to do as he pleases, and she thought he rather enjoyed being contrary in such things when he could not be challenged. Ducking out of the room, Elizabeth snuck a glance at Mr Darcy to find him watching her as she left. Smiling to herself she followed the other women in her family to wait for the gentlemen to re-join them.