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Chapter Eight
Just as Darcy gave Domino his head and was internally bemoaning the custom that gentleman had to wear top hats when riding, longing for the feel of the wind blowing through his hair, the steadily growing of rumbling thunder had him reflexively adjusting his slack on his horse's reigns. Turning his head towards the sky to assess the weather. It looked sure enough to rain but not dense enough for the continual thrum of thunder he thought to himself. Straining his ears, he realised the sound was growing louder and more distinguishable as a combination of the sound of men's voices and horses' hooves from behind him and not thunder. Throwing a glance over his shoulder he saw three riders galloping towards him at breakneck speed. He went to remove himself from their path, thinking the men to be racing when the middle rider moved his position a little higher in his seat and revealed the red coat of his regimental uniform.
Turning Domino to the side he squinted and soon depicted the face of the middle rider was none other than his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. In fact, all three riders were known to him, the one on the Richard's left was his brother Viscount James Fitzwilliam and the third Sir Percy Fitzwilliam. Grinning he turned Domino to face them head on and trotted towards them as they slowed.
"Darcy!" all three chimed at once.
"Cousins, to what do I owe for this pleasure." He asked. "Is all well with our family in London?"
He said looking upon the familiar faces of his cousins, who were more like brothers to him. All slightly fairer than Darcy with more reddish hues to their hair and nearly identical apart from their eye colours. Richard maintained the closest relationship with Darcy distinguishable by the green of his eyes. He was the calming and more understanding one of the trio, always an easy conversationalist and the youngest of the three at thirty years of age. Percy was the brother with brown eyes and older by Richard by one year. He was a little immature at times and didn't take much in life very seriously, preferring to laugh and tease his way out of any conflict. James was the blue-eyed brother and was the eldest at thirty-five. His character being the most severe and bad-tempered, but not quick to violence. All three were unflinchingly loyal, with a shared mischievous of humour which complimented Darcy's subtler nuances of character.
"Do not pretend you do not know, Darce! We are come because news has reached Matlock house of your engagement." Said Percy patting his horses' neck to sooth it.
"Are you not happy to see us?" asked James grinning.
"I am touched that you are come here, but I am not long on my way to London myself." He replied.
"It is true then? You are engaged?" At Darcy's nod Percy expelled a long whistle. "Are the rumours true?"
"Somewhat, but it cannot be denied that the lady and I were not indifferent to one another." He said adding to himself, perhaps I more so than she.
"Come now, I doubt you did much to encourage any country miss! Who is she?" asked Percy.
"Why do you say that?!" he asked bristling.
"Because we grew up with you and you can be a bit of an uptight bastard!" answered Percy.
"We all are. That is what separates us from them" added James at Darcy's scowl. Goodness what a pompous thing to say... is that what he sounded like to Miss Elizabeth?
"Will you be staying long?" Darcy growled.
"Ho ho. I think our cousin is in love gents!" taunted Percy.
"Don't be an ass, Percy." Said Richard. "We are come to buy you a bit of time before the family descends like vultures. And we will be here as long as you are. Is there anywhere we can go and talk in better comfort? Bingley said you were off to see your betrothed, but I fear it is not appropriate to descend upon her without invitation."
"We should return to Netherfield, and I will have to write to Mr Bennet to move up our meeting to this afternoon and inform them of your arrival. I do have plans to meet with my solicitor tomorrow morning -"
"London is three hours at most. Once our horses have taken their rest, we shall make the journey together. Keep your necessary things with you and send your carriage on ahead of us." Said James with a shrug.
"Very well. Shall we?" Replied Darcy.
"Excellent." Said Richard. "On to Netherfield."
"Truly? You saw the state of Bingley when we arrived. He looked as though he had been pulling at his hair!" groaned Percy.
"Do you know, sometimes I forget you are older than me Percy." Muttered Richard.
"Only by a year." Percy added with a wide grin.
"Yes, I believe that is my fault. Miss Bingley has just found out that I am betrothed to Miss Bennet. A woman she despises…" revealed Darcy.
"Outstanding!" said Percy.
"You must know you have created quite an uproar in town too, Will." Said Richard.
"Outstanding!" said Darcy mimicking his cousin.
"But I will say that our aunt is quite pleased and enjoying this whole occurrence greatly." Added Percy.
"Lady Catharine is enjoying this?" asked Darcy incredulously.
"No, your fathers sister Aunt Dorothea. She seemed exceedingly proud of you and demanded Lady Catharine not be told unless she was present." Smirked Percy.
Shaking his head Darcy could not hide his smile at his fondness for his unconventional Aunt Dorothea. Being his last remaining Darcy relative, he had always had weak spot for her. Miss Dorothea Darcy had married after her first season and was a reputed beauty in her day; Proclaimed a diamond of the first water and the Belle of the season on her come out into society. Since widowhood, she had eschewed convention and hosted dinner parties where she would take great joy in smoking cheroots and serving spirits to the ladies, she had also started her own women's society in her London home where no topics were barred, and men were refused entry. Dorothea had been widowed one year into her marriage and had never sought another husband though, she had conducted a number of scandalous affairs, which was not uncommon for wealthy widows if handled discreetly. Her familial connexions to royalty and her powerful friends were also a helpful influence that saved her from any chance of being ostracised. The most shocking to most was her insistence at being called Darcy and not using her married name of Tipton. Darcy was one of the few who knew her reasoning and could not blame her for such an open snub of her late husband.
James and Percy began to trot away before breaking into another race and Darcy took this moment looking at his Richard to ask of his sister, whom they shared guardianship over, "And Georgiana?"
"She is well. Georgie is excited and awaits an introduction to your lady love." He said and then added in quieter tones. "I understand you not wishing to speak plainly in front of Percy, but I will expect proper answers later this evening, Will."
"Understood." Came his clipped reply before spurring his horse on after the others towards Netherfield.
Upon entering Longbourn, Elizabeth was greeted by her mother in a tissy.
"At last! Where have you been?" Cried Mrs Bennet, pulling her bonnet from her head and making a grumble of displeasure at the state of her hair and pinching at her cheeks. "Mr Darcy has sent word that his cousins are come and are due to arrive any moment!"
"Cousins?" she asked.
"Yes, the Earls son's I believe. Lord we do not have much time. Go and join your sisters and pretend to be embroidering something prettily. Take one of Jane's pieces… No! Give Jane's to Mary so that she might gain one of the cousins' attention." Instructed Mrs Bennet. "Oh, Charlotte, my dear. I am sure you have heard of my Lizzy and Mr Darcy!"
"Yes, Mrs Bennet, I am very happy for her." Replied Charlotte following Elizabeth towards the drawing room.
"Why on earth did you invite her to come here?!" hissed Mrs Bennet loudly turning to Jane.
"Mama, what is wrong with Charlotte being here?" Asked Jane.
"Why? Why? You know how them Lucas' are and if she thinks she will take the sone of an Earl from one of my daughters, she had better think again!"
"Mama, she will hear you!" panicked Jane. "I am sure there will be no cause for worry on that score and if it should be the case then we should be pleased that she has found her happi -"
"Forgive me Jane. You are correct. I am worrying for nothing. She is far too plain to be of interest to such great men. There is a reason why she is a spinster. Poor dear." Interrupted Mrs Bennet unkindly and then wondering to the nearby window to peer out the window. "Oh, I think I see them. Quickly Jane, make haste to the drawing room. But not too fast so that you are breathless, but enough to bring a flush to your cheeks."
Entering the room Jane found all her sisters in their finest clothes, sitting in poses that clearly their mother had insisted upon to showcase their elegant necks and fair complexions. She had only just managed to be seated herself, ignoring her mother's daggers at sitting beside Elizabeth and leaving a chair free beside Charlotte when the gentleman were announced. Giving Lizzy a small nod of encouragement she looked up to see Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy entering with three nearly as tall gentleman of similar looks.
"Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy you are most welcome. Will you please do us the honour of introducing us to your company." Said Mrs Bennet after bows and curtseys had been exchanged.
"Mrs Bennet, how do you do? These three are Mr Darcy's cousins." Said Mr Bingley cheerfully looking back at the three gentlemen.
"Allow me," said Mr Darcy coming forward. "This is Lord James Fitzwilliam the Viscount Rothford."
At Mr Darcy's introduction the sternest looking of the group stepped forward and gave a small tilt of his head in acknowledgement with a murmured 'how do you do'. He was a handsome gentleman with piercing blue eyes. He appeared slightly elder to the others by the greying hair at his temples and a stubborn silver streak weaving through one side of his wavy hair.
"This is Sir Percy Fitzwilliam."
Stepping forward, Sir Percy, in Jane's opinion, had the air of a rake about him and a playful glint in his eye. Which she noticed then was of a different colouring to the Viscount. His were brown… how peculiar she thought as her gaze flickered to the other two gentlemen, they all have a different eye colour and yet their features are all similar. When he made an elegant bow Lydia and Kitty whispered something to each other and the gentleman in question delivered them a small wink, which resulted in reducing the young girls to giggles. She frowned lightly when she noticed the Viscount roll his eye's, but relaxed when she saw it was at Sir Percy and not her sisters.
"And last but not least I introduce you to Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam." Said Mr Darcy.
Colonel Fitzwilliam paced his hand over his left breast and gave a respectful bow.
"Thank you for your hospitality at such short notice Mrs Bennet. Would you please do us the honour of introducing us to your lovely daughters." Colonel Fitzwilliam said his green eyes looking about the room and Jane could see he was trying to decipher, as were they all, which one of them must be Elizabeth.
Beaming Mrs Bennet introduced each of them in turn and was very obvious and clear to mark Charlotte as no one of import or of relation to them, thankfully not in such coarse language but it was clear what her words intoned.
When Jane was introduced, she felt her cheeks flame when their new acquaintances all turned to Bingley as if he had already spoken of her to them. However, when Elizabeth was introduced, they fixed her with unwavering stares of varying judgement and curiosity. It warmed her heart more than words could encompass when Mr Darcy moved to stand beside her sister in a show of support and unity. This action made the Viscount's brows raise briefly as he straightened his posture.
"We also have my brother Mr Gardiner, his wife Mrs Gardiner and their daughter Miss Margaret staying with us, but they are gone into Meryton for the day." Added Mrs Bennet in a rush.
Mr Darcy and Elizabeth were soon excused and went to her father's study as the other gentleman chose to seat themselves about the room, with the viscount remaining standing. Her heart beating wildly as Mr Bingley came to sit in the seat vacated by Lizzy, she forgot everyone else in the room.
"You are looking very well Miss Bennet." He said looking at her warmly.
"Thank you, sir," Jane replied, but then caught Charlotte's eye and remembered her advice on making sure to show Mr Bingley more encouragement added. "I am always happy to be in your company."
Mr Bingley laughed, a wonderful sound, which to her sounded different to the laugh he used often when in conversation. This was more intimate and seemed as though it was unique to his feelings for her.
"I am very pleased to hear it. I – I may be getting a bit ahead of myself and mayhap after our new introductions you may wish to decline… but may I have the pleasure of dancing the first and the supper set when we hold the ball at Netherfield?" he asked a little uncertainly.
"I should be most happy to accept Mr Bingley. Am I to understand a date has been set?" she asked.
Beaming, his face broke into a full smile, "No it has not… but I am fearful if I do not ask now, I might miss my opportunity." He said as he clasped his hands and distractedly ran one thumb over the other.
He does have very fine hands for gentleman, thought Jane and then looking up caught Mr Bingley's intense gaze as he looked at her intently, dropping momentarily to linger on her lips, before he leaned back in his seat and cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Would you like some tea, Mr Bingley?" she asked searching for distraction.
"Thank you, that would be most welcome." Came his reply, his voice a little deeper than usual as he cleared his throat again.
Knowing now how he takes his tea; she took the moment to gain reprieve from the disconcerting feelings, a tension settling somewhere low in her stomach. She felt exhilarated and overly warm and wished she hadn't chosen to sit so close to the fire. Straightening she noticed a look pass between Sir Percy and Mr Bingley. He sat with Mary, whom she noticed was wearing a dress that belonged to Kitty. The lavender gown looked very well on her and her hair had a few curls artfully pulled loose and arranged by her neck. Jane smiled when she saw that Mary had maintained possession of her wide lense spectacles and she would have looked a very pretty picture, but she looked rather uncomfortable at being seated so close to the gentleman and in being the object of his attention. She seemed to be fascinated with the pattern on the carpet and though Charlotte was trying to draw her out was not speaking more than two words at a time.
Kitty, Lydia and Mrs Bennet were on the other end of the room, engaging the Colonel in animated conversation about his uniform and asking of his tales from the war still currently happening on French soil between the British and Napoleon, with Viscount Rothford watching and adding a few embellishments here and there. Her younger sisters seemed in complete awe of the Colonel and had been asking to go into Meryton for the past few days since the Militia had been stationed there already.
Taking her seat, she moved her focus back to Mr Bingley, "Are you well acquainted with Mr Darcy's cousins?" she asked.
"I am. Darcy and I have been friends for more than a decade and so I have had many an opportunity to mix in their company. They are some of the best men I know." He said sincerely.
"How do you think they will find Elizabeth and our family?" she asked letting her apprehension show.
For a moment it looked as though Mr Bingley was going to take her hand but then he thought better of it.
"I believe she will do just fine, Miss Bennet. Darcy has the enviable position of being a man, beholden to none and in charge of his own destiny. He has made his choice and he will stand by it. He is not one whom I would ever accuse of rushing into something… I believe my friend holds you sister in much higher regard than he lets on. Yes, I believe they will get on very well indeed." He smiled happy to see his answer had relieved some of the tension from her position.
"That is music to my ears, sir. Tell me how fares Miss Bingley? Is she recovered from what ailed her yesterday?" she asked.
"Your concern does you credit, Miss Bennet. I am sure in time she will be just fine." He said his voice a little flat.
"Ah..." Jane said in understanding. It appears Lizzy was right... Mr Bingley's sisters were not in favour of the newly engaged couple and perhaps not of any of the Bennet's or the local families, she thought watching the slight pink wing of Mr Bingley's ears.
"Yes... well. I believe if this particular ailment persists she will remove herself to Scarborough with our relatives there, though her spirits are always higher when having something to put her energy into and I know she has some pleasing ideas regarding the ball." He said in a subtle way of showing his constancy to his friendship with Mr Darcy. "I would be most pleased if you… and Miss Elizabeth… and all your sisters would come for tea at Netherfield to talk over the arrangements."
"And what of my mother, sir?" she teased, laughing gently when his eyes widened and then relaxed when recognised her jest.
"Every Bennet is welcome I assure you!" he vowed. "And Gardiner for that matter."
"And what of the Fitzwilliam's, Charles?" asked Sir Percy drawing the attention of the room.
"What has got you riled up, brother?" asked Colonel Fitzwilliam before Bingley could answer.
"I believe that Mr Bingley and I were overheard discussing the upcoming ball at Netherfield." Answered Jane turning her attention to Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"I do so long for a ball!" Said Lydia wistfully.
"Our sister was the same before her come out. Always practicing her dance steps." Put in the Viscount as he joined the conversation.
"Oh we already attend balls and dances, sir. Why should we not be allowed our share of the fun?" Said Lydia in her outspoken manner.
"All my girls are out, my Lord." Said Mrs Bennet proudly.
"Now you may all rest easy, knowing that you shall have opportunity to dance with us all!" Sang Lydia oblivious to her faux pas.
Jane saw the look of displeasure upon the Viscount's face as he looked to his brothers. She blushed crimson, looking to Charlotte in mortification and noting Sir Percy's watchful eye. Why does this man have such an unnerving way of seeing everything one might wish to keep hidden?
"Then I should like to take this opportunity to secure dances with each of your lovely daughters Mrs Bennet." Said Percy smirking.
"How do you propose to do such a thing when you have not been invited?" asked Viscount James throwing his younger brother a warning look.
"Do not tell me you did not receive an invite, James?" asked the colonel. "Percy and I got our invites weeks ago!" He lied.
"My Lord, pay them no heed the date is not yet set! We are to be holding an engagement ball at Netherfield for Darcy and Miss Elizabeth." Said Bingley. "And you are all, of course, more than welcome."
"What a sound idea!" said Percy as Hill entered to serve a light meal of cold meats, bread and cheese. Everyone soon became quieter and fell back into their smaller conversations and complimenting Mrs Bennet on the fine fare.
Elizabeth followed Darcy to her father's study, wishing she had been given further allowance to sketch Mr Darcy's relations characters a bit more.
They had each been tall and pleasing to the eye, though she could not help the slight smug satisfaction that her Mr Darcy was far superior in his handsomeness by far.
My Mr Darcy... when had she begun to think of him in such a way she wondered. Looking up in the darkness of the hallway she took in his tall, well-formed frame. His long legs powerful as she took in their stride, and followed he gaze upwards to glimpse his taught bottom between his coat...
He turned suddenly and looked to her, "Before we go in Miss Elizabeth, I must apologise for not affording you more notice of my cousins' arrival. I confess I did not know myself until they chased me down…" he trailed off noticing her warm complexion. "You are cross?"
"No, sir. I am perfectly fine. I shall enjoy getting to know them." She blurted quickly.
"Hmm," he mumbled. "You may regret saying so, when once you do know them better."
She laughed gently at his small joke. "Is there something else, Mr Darcy?" she asked when he hesitated to continue down the hallway.
To her surprise, he stepped closer and bowed his head in a slightly submissive manner. He heart raced and mind went empty as she thought he might kiss her and though for all her cleverness and wit, she remained untouched in this way. Bringing herself up ever so slightly to the tips of her toes she waited with bated breath for him to lower his head the rest of the distance…
"I know this is going to be a daunting task, and if you feel more comfortable not being involved in this discussion it is understandable." He said gently, bring his hand touch her shoulder briefly.
Elizabeth felt as though she had been plunged headfirst back into the icy river and could not meet his gaze. All Mr Darcy received by way of answer was the lingering scent of lemons from Elizabeth's hair as she brushed past him and marched into her father's study.
Taking a deep breath, he followed her into Mr Bennet's study and prayed for mercy in dealing with both Mr Bennet and his favourite daughter in one meeting.
Thirty minutes later…
"That is very generous of you Mr Darcy. Lizzy, my dear, do you have anything to add?" asked Mrs Bennet looking over his spectacles at his daughter, who had yet to meet Mr Darcy's eye since their discussion in the corridor.
"No Papa, although I do not see why I cannot walk the gardens of Pemberley unaccompanied." She said peevishly. "Papa you know that I prefer my solitude when I take my daily exercise."
"Yes, but Lizzy, it falls to Mr Darcy now as your future husband to ensure your safety." Said Mr Bennet.
Elizabeth's mouth gaped in shock at the lack of support from her father, whom she had always relied on.
"Miss Bennet, it is not that I do not think you are capable. It is just that the grounds at Pemberley are vast, and should you get lost or take a fall, I would hate to think that you might go undiscovered for any length of time."
"I have managed very well all these years, Mr Darcy." Came her quick reply.
"I do not deny it, but it is not a risk I should like to take."
"Am I to expect to never have a moment's solitude as Mrs Darcy then?"
"I would not have expected this decision to be such a battle."
"That is because you are not losing your freedom to choose!"
"Come now, I am only asking that if you go out of sight of the house that you will be expected to have a member of the staff accompany you."
"But of course, and it no longer my decision nor my father's but yours Mr Darcy, correct?" She said standing abruptly and enjoying making her betrothed scramble to his feet in a hurry.
"Mr Bennet, will you allow us a moment's privacy please, sir?" asked Mr Darcy addressing the gentleman who was sitting with a look of a amusement at the quarrel before him.
"I shall return in five minutes and not a minute more." He replied shutting the door with a click.
Turning to the window she said to him, "Was is it really necessary to push my father from his study to continue this discussion. I had just comprehended it futile as my input bared no consideration in the decision and was about to quit the room."
"Why are you so incensed towards me? I cannot understand it, I know there was something that passed between us before we entered your father's study. I have gone over it again and again in my mind and cannot pinpoint the source of your ire…" asked Mr Darcy.
Elizabeth simply shrugged. How could she tell him that she was disappointed that he did not kiss her as she had thought he would. This man who was so concerned with propriety and could not understand thinking through the worst possibility of every instance and making allowances and contingencies for them.
"Do I frighten you?"
"No. That is not it." She said turning to face him.
"Then what is it?" he demanded.
"I... simply misunderstood you. And I did feel a little hurt that you thought me not strong enough or lacking inclination or intellect to understand a marriage settlement."
"I believe that is part of the answer. I also know it troubles you when your father did not come to your defence just now… will you tell me what else is the cause? I have always enjoyed you forward speech, and you seem to be trying your best to stifle it since our betrothal. I would ask that you do not do that."
"No?" she replied arching her brow.
"Whatever you might think of me, I cannot read minds." He shrugged crossing his arms over his chest. The material pulling against his shoulders and making something stir in her again just like before they entered this room.
Very well, she thought, I shall enjoy shocking him! Turning towards him and squaring her shoulders, she mastered her courage and spoke.
"I thought you were going to kiss me." She revealed.
His eyes widened and his stance slackened, but he remained silent. Resisting the urge to fidget, Elizabeth maintained her position and refused to be embarrassed by her bold statement. A full minute went by before she lost her patience.
"Now you know the reason for my disappointment. I thought I was to receive my first kiss and instead I received a comment that made me feel inferior. And now I shall leave you to continue this gentlemen's meeting without me. I am sure you and my father will decide what is best."
She reached for the door and turned the handle when Mr Darcy's hand came forward to rest upon the door in above her.
"Wait Miss Elizabeth, I am sorry, I had not thought… that is... I assumed… but it does not signify." he paused, "Will you not look at me?" he asked softly.
Slowly she turned to face him, with her heart hammering in her chest. His hand still pressed on the door panelling, made it so that their bodies were separated by inches, her eyes level with his chest.
"Look at me, Miss Elizabeth."
A thrill went through her at his soft command and she raised her gaze to his intense rich brown stair, molten with something akin to hunger, making a trickle of awareness run the length of her spine.
"I am not going to kiss you as you expect, as I would not like the first kiss we share to be born out of anger, nor rushed because we are expecting your father's return, but…" he trailed off as he lowered his head and bestowed the lightest touch of his lips, first; to her left cheek and then her right cheek. Her eye lids fluttered closed at the gentle caress, and she sighed as she felt the brief whisper of his lips against her own and the brush of his hair upon her forehead before he straightened and retreated away from her.
Elizabeth could not help herself and a smile broke across her face as she looked up at him.
"Well, I shall leave you to it Mr Darcy. I will await your company in the drawing room." She said biting at her bottom lip and dropping into a quick curtsey before she quit the room.
Darcy knew not how long he stood looking out at the gardens with a silly smile upon his face but startled when Mr bennet addressed him.
"Well then young man, shall we continue?" asked Mr Bennet wiggling his brows.
Later, when Darcy entered the drawing room, he sought Elizabeth's company straight away. He was pleased to see her pretty blush upon seeing him and moved to claim the free chair beside her.
"Mr Darcy," she smiled.
"Miss Elizabeth," he replied his eyes crinkling with his small smile.
"Can I help you to some tea?" She offered.
"Please." He replied.
"Mr Darcy, if my memory serves, you take you tea with just a splash of milk?" she asked.
"I do indeed." He replied.
"Darcy!" said Viscount Rothford coming over to them.
"James." He replied and they both fell into silence.
Elizabeth could not help the chuckle that escaped as they both sipped at their tea, with identically severe expressions.
"Forgive me, my Lord. But you and Mr Darcy are very similar in countenance." She said at their puzzled looks.
"Yes, it has often been remarked on." replied the Viscount and Darcy smiled enjoying seeing his cousins surprise at Elizabeth's unabashed nature.
"Tell me, do you despise dancing as much as you cousin also?" she continued.
Turning to look at Darcy the gentleman frowned, "Have you been making us look bad Darcy?" he demanded.
"Indeed, he has! He has refused to dance with anyone other than his own party at our local assembly." Teased Elizabeth, though the viscount noticed the bright teasing expression in her eyes. "Even though gentlemen were scarce and there was more than one lady in want of a partner!"
"Abominable! I tell you if he were not so tall, he would not get away with half as much!" Joked the Viscount.
"Yes, and you are lucky you met him since he has grown into his legs," chimed in Sir Percy.
"Sadly, my brother is still waiting for the rest of him to catch up with his ears!" retorted the Viscount.
"All the better to overhear your conversations with brother." Came his good, humoured reply.
"Lord help him, he considers them an asset!" laughed Colonel Fitzwilliam.
And then a small voice piped up saying. "We must all learn to embrace our imperfections." Came Mary's quietly serious input.
"We must bow to Miss Mary's superior judgement," said Sir Percy charmingly, and instantly cutting off the snickering and teasing that would have surely come from her two younger sisters across the room.
Darcy was surprised to see his cousin's getting along quite happily in their mixed company. James was always more reserved and seemed to be assessing whether any sort of entrapment had been calculated, but he was pleased that he already appeared to look favourably on Elizabeth. Colonel Fitzwilliam was now sitting in conversation with Charlotte across the room, Bingley and Miss Bennet were as expected by the window seat, speaking in hushed tones to each other, and James had taken his leave of them and moved to join Percy and the rest of the Bennet's.
"You have gone mute again sir," she spoke breaking through his reverie. "I believe we must have some conversation, Mr Darcy. We are betrothed after all."
"I am at your disposal. Are we limited to discussing my lack of conversation or is something else that you would like to discuss?"
"I will own that your lack of conversation is something I marvel at. For a gentleman who has a broad intelligence and a quick wit when he chooses... why then in a group do you seem to are you an elusive conversationalist?"
"I do not enjoy speaking for the sake of speaking. It is no secret that I do not do well with those whom I cannot claim a long-standing acquaintance."
"So, by your admission one must not speak unless they are re expected to say something which will amaze the whole room? That is a poor excuse for such small - small talk."
"Not everyone can be Byron," he shrugged, "And I find such inane chatter tedious."
"Well, that is a relief!" she teased.
"You do not care for Byron?"
"As I have mentioned previously, poetry is only the food of a fine and stout love. Otherwise…" she said trailing off.
"And I might add, sonnets would not be considered correct to qualify as small talk. I believe the prerequisite of such conversations is limited to the same tired topics of the weather and other guests and perhaps the number of couples." He added.
"Then I shall give you a topic that is not one you have had many a time before, and even though I will say it does not fall into the realm of 'small talk'..." began Elizabeth.
"You have more questions, I take it?" He said, the barest hint of a smile softening his hard expression.
"I have many questions!"
"Such as…?"
"Why is a woman's reputation as brittle as it is beautiful? Why are clock's made up of increments of twelve hours? Why must I make morning calls regularly once married?"
Chuckling he added his own question. "And pray whilst you are navigating the necessity of morning calls, please do find out why they are undertaken in the afternoons."
"I fear calling them afternoon calls does not have the same appeal," she laughed. And then releasing a sigh, she pulled at the strands of her courage and looked at him unflinchingly as she asked the question that has been plaguing her since she had begun to think of him as handsome. "I do have a serious question, Mr Darcy. What… that is how do you see our marriage?" she asked.
"I am not sure I comprehend what you are asking." He said cocking his head to one side and frowning gently.
"I need to know what kind of marriage we will have?" she amended.
"I expect us to have a marriage built on mutual respect."
"Yet you spoke of a marrying for love and of romance…"
"But we are not in love, Miss Elizabeth. Sadly, or perhaps fortunately I cannot claim to have had heart touched, nor have I ever believed myself to be in love… have you?" he asked his frown deepening. He had not thought of it before, and his heart fluttered in his chest at the thought that she could be pining for another when married to him.
"No, I have not." She answered quietly. "It also sounds as though you are admitted to not having a heart, sir." She said in a slight tease in the aim of regaining their lighter atmosphere.
He nodded in relief. "As for romance. One can have romance or be romantic in the absence of love is something that happens. Love is not needed for romance to exist."
"Depending on what one's definition of romance is." Elizabeth responded archly.
"And depending on one's experience." Mr Darcy shrugged.
"As a woman you assume that my experience to limited to distinguish the difference?"
"That is not what I said." he replied arching an imperious brow.
"But you implied it." Interrupted Elizabeth.
"I do not believe I did. Why should either sex be singled out?" he asked in apparent confusion.
Resisting the urge to roll her eyes she spoke in hushed tones so as not to be overheard. "It is ungentlemanly of you to speak to me in such an improper manner, Mr Darcy. Betrothal or no."
Realisation dawned upon him, his features smoothed out and he looked down, in what she hoped was mortification… she was mistaken. After a pregnant pause he straightened looking back at her, he held her gaze a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth before he squashed it. She winced as she thought of her ignorance of knowledge and worldly experience. Her father had raised her more like the son he had so craved and in that moment, it was as though he saw the real reason for her quick tempers. That her father who had always treated her as his equal had at the hint of a scandal been quick to hand her off and give her away.
They had always laughed at silly women. The vapid sorts groomed to be ornamental rather than useful. How many times has they sat and poked fun at their Neighbour's together thinking herself enlightened and intellectually on the same level as any Oxford educated gentleman! It turns out she was one of those silly women after all. And she has worked so hard to be more than prettily embroidered cushions and pale in complexion. Watching she saw as he replaced his teasing look with a kind expression, patient, as if sensing her internal battle, one she had managed to keep hidden under the quite of whit and a teasing nature.
"I simply meant to infer that we often speak of courtships as romantic. It is true that there is an affection or attraction before any forms a real attachment involving deep emotions such as love. Thus, proving that there can be romance without love."
Elizabeth fought down her deep embarrassment with the sheer strength of her being willing her blush not to rise. Thinking quickly, she responded to say, "And I sir, meant only those women do not have the power to be able to choose the person they wish. Any forwardness is considered shameful. So, instead we have to settle with the gentleman our families decide are best for us."
"I will both agree and disagree with your statement." He said graciously and she hated that she still felt he had the upper hand. He looked away as Charlotte Lucas approached and stood offering her his seat. Elizabeth upon seeing her friend, released a soft exhale, she retreated from her emotions and smiled at Miss Lucas. After a quick bow and curtsey in greeting he excused himself and retreated to look out of the window opposite.
Both ladies remained silent as they watched him walk away with his characteristic erect posture and purposeful stride. Sunlight from the windows glinted on his chocolate brown hair and his hands moved to clasp behind his back.
As he stood across the room, he watched Elizabeth's reflection in the window. She was now in conversation with Miss Lucas and throwing the occasionally meaningful glance at his back, but she was smiling and laughing as he preferred her. Her eyes were alighting with feeling and humour as she once more made her friend laugh. Something had passed over her before when they had been speaking... he could not put his finger on what had happened or what she had been thinking but he saw real pain flash in her eyes. The vulnerability and scrutiny he saw there shook him and had almost made him squirm, leading to him saying the flippant answer he had intended initially when he should have taken a moment reconsidered his words. She was to be his wife afterall. He clenched his hands when he remembered the embarrassment she had felt at his words. There was something more, but it was neither correct time nor place to question her farther. It was badly done of him.
A short while later the gentleman took their leave and the date for the ball had been set for a fortnights time. They had accompanied the gentleman out, with Elizabeth and Darcy at the back of the procession. Lightly touching her elbow, he stopped her before they exited the front door and turning her to face him he looked at her intensely.
"I would beg that you do not regret what we shared in your father's study, nor would I like you to think that I would press for more in that regard without your consent." He said, instantly putting her at ease, and before she could comprehend him, he bent and gave her a quick peck on the cheek with a grin pulling at his lips as he straightened.
"I will await your return eagerly, Mr Darcy." She whispered before they strode to where the others waited.
He quickly mounted Domino and touched his hat in farewell and was gone.
Later that night when the house had fallen quiet in slumber, Mary laid in bed and allowed her mind to travel back to the life altering moment she experienced earlier that day.
She recalled how she had been sitting stiffly in Kitty's dress, which was bolder in colour and a tighter fit than she was used to, when the gentlemen had entered their drawing room, Mary had only spared them a cursory glance. Seeing three heads of reddish-brown hair and tall statures, she had hardly paused before her gaze had drifted and rested up Mr Darcy's handsome mein. But it was when Sir Percy had been introduced that the world tilted on its axis and her heart had stuttered.
She had been a little hurt when he had bestowed wink upon her younger sisters, however, the truly amazing part to all this was that he had seated himself with her and spoken with her almost exclusively for the entirety of their visit. Sir Percy had praised her to the room, when she had made her declaration on embracing one's imperfections and had even secured the first set at the Netherfield ball with her before he left!
Plain Mary Bennet, who was never asked to dance, had been secured for the opening dance at a ball!
And so it was that Mary fell asleep, sorting through the music sheets that would show herself to be most accomplished, dreaming that Sir Percy might even sit with her to turn the pages!