Chapter 8
Mr. Bingley was happy when he opened Lady Campbell's invitation. He had really liked the smart and sweet Lady. She was serene but at the same time firm when she talked. He remembered how many times she had put his sisters in their place without being disrespectful. Mr. Bingley was not used to socializing with people who acted like that. His sisters were rude. They did not care to offend others; they only moderate their language with rich people of higher social status. His friend Darcy was not openly rude like his sisters, but he did not mind ignoring people he was not interested in. It seemed that he did not care what others thought about him. Simultaneously, he was so concerned about following the strict social rules that it was evident that he gave more importance than he wanted to admit to what others thought about him.
The day before, he had attended a ball with his sisters and brother-in-law. He had a good time dancing and talking to friends, but he couldn't help remembering the Netherfield ball. That was the last time he saw Jane Bennet, and still, he could not remove her from his thoughts and his heart. Everyone said that he was always in love with a new beautiful lady, but this time he knew it was different and he was not sure if leaving Hertfordshire so abruptly had been a wise decision. He did not even give himself the chance to win Miss Bennet's heart. He simply did everything that he was told to do and assumed that his sisters and his friend knew better than him what was in Jane's heart. He was reflecting on this when Caroline interrupted him.
"Charles, what a waste of time the night before. I knew that we should not attend to the ball of such an insignificant family. There was no one worth our time and attention", said Caroline, visibly annoyed. "We just have to attend events where Mr. Darcy is invited. He would have never thought to attend to a ball full of people in trade and insignificant gentlemen, like the one we attended last night."
"You are right, Caroline. But Darcy is the heir of one of the most prominent states in Derbyshire and an Earl's nephew. I am just the son of an honest, hardworking tradesman, and I do not have any problem in socializing with people like my father". Mr. Bingley reminded his sister about her origins because he knew that she would stop immediately complaining. She hated to hear the plain truth about her real place in society.
"Charles, our family is not in trade anymore, and that is the only thing that matters now," said Caroline hoping to end the uncomfortable conversation.
"Maybe this invitation will cheer you up, dear sister. Lady Campbell has invited us to a dinner party next week as a way to thank us for our hospitality in Hertfordshire. She is a baroness, and for sure, her brother-in-law, Lord Westcliff, will attend. I hope that is good enough for your strict social standards". Charles Bingley enjoyed teasing his snob sister and made fun of her ridiculous comments.
"Marvelous! I hope she has invited Mr. Darcy too. Answering your question," said Caroline defiantly, "Yes, Lady Campbell and her family are people worthy of our company." After saying that, she went straight to her room to check her clothes and decide what to wear for that important event.
Mr. Bingley continued thinking about Jane and what to do regarding his life. For better or worse, maybe it was time that he started making his own decisions.
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Elizabeth could not believe her bad luck. She was wearing a beautiful new dress, and her Aunt's maid had done her hair in a new style that made her feel very pretty. And just now, she had to cross paths with that arrogant man that had publicly humiliated her for not being handsome enough. Now, when she was disheveled, and her dress was ruined from running and playing with her cousins. Elizabeth could see the contempt in his reproving gaze, but one more time, she decided to challenge him.
"Miss Bennet," said Mr. Darcy almost breathlessly.
"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth replied, cursing her bad luck.
"Miss Bennet?" asked General Wagner looking curiously at the young lady in front of him.
"Miss Bennet, what are you doing here?" asked Mr. Darcy vehemently. He realized that he had sounded too concerned, so he decided not to say much until he could control his emotions better.
"As you see, I was trying to learn how to fly a kite." She replied, looking intensely at Mr. Darcy, openly showing him that she did not care about his opinion. "I must say that so far, I am not very good at it, but I have faith that someday I will be a true proficient in the art of flying a kite," added Elizabeth jokingly.
"Indeed, you are terrible, cousin Lizzie" added John, who had joined the group and was standing next to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth and everyone around laughed hearing John's comment. Mr. Darcy could not help ask, "And why do you want to learn how to fly a kite, Miss Bennet?" Mr. Darcy could not resist provoking the most fascinating woman in his acquaintance.
Elizabeth knew very well that Mr. Darcy wanted to humiliate her in front of his friends. Surely, he wanted to impress the woman on his arm. So, she decided to tease him, "Do you remember, Mr. Darcy, when you told me all the virtues that an accomplished woman should have? You see, I also have my own list of virtues, that in my opinion, an accomplished woman must-have. Well, at the top of my list is knowing how to fly a kite".
Mr. Darcy was elated, and he had to make an extra effort to keep his stern face and not start laughing. At that moment, he wanted to take the kite and teach his impertinent and wonderful Elizabeth how to fly it. He wanted to play, run and laugh with the woman in front of him. He could not deny that he was utterly lost. He just wanted to forget everything related to rank and duty and just be with the only woman he could ever love.
"Brother," said Georgiana, reviving Mr. Darcy. She was getting uncomfortable with the situation. The beautiful woman in front of them and her cousins were talking to them, and her brother did not do the polite thing to introduce them to the whole party.
For his part, General Wagner was still trying to understand who was the charming lady. She was so natural, and she was witty and full of life. It was refreshing to see that there were young ladies who were not afraid to enjoy life. He was sincerely entertained listening to how Elizabeth answered the questions that Mr. Darcy had asked her.
When Mr. Darcy heard his sister calling him, he realized that he was acting like a fool and blushed a little. Regaining his senses added. "Miss Bennet, please allow me to introduce to you my sister and my friends. This is my sister Georgiana Darcy. This is General Wagner, and his niece Lady Claire Wagner". Everyone in the group greeted Elizabeth warmly. "Georgina, Lady Claire, General, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet from Longbourn, Hertfordshire."
When Marcus heard that the young lady in front of him was a Bennet from Longbourn, he immediately knew that she was probably one of Ella's nieces. He could not avoid asking, "Are you the daughter of Thomas Bennet?".
"Yes, General. He is my father. Do you know him?" asked Elizabeth, intrigued.
"When I was starting my military career, my regiment was stationed in Meryton for several months. There I met your father..." he was on the verge of saying, and your Aunt. But if he mentioned Ella and Elizabeth asked him any question regarding her, he was not sure he could control his emotions.
"How interesting. I have to confess that I have read about you, General, and it is an honor to have the opportunity to know a true hero like you". Elizabeth said, trying to fix her hair to look more respectable. She was in front of one of the most prominent Generals in all England, and she did not want to look like a peasant.
"The honor is mine, Miss Bennet. I felt flattered that a young lady like you knew anything about an old General like me," said Marcus, smiling. It has been more than twenty years that he did not say that exact same name. Elizabeth Bennet seemed to be a nice lady. He just prayed that his father treated her better than he had treated his sister many years ago.
"My dear General, anyone who hears you would think that you are talking about a really old kind of grandfather. An old man who is sitting in a chair all day because he can barely walk," answered Elizabeth playfully.
Marcus could not help but laugh heartily. "You are right, maybe it sounded a little exaggerated, but I am not either a young soldier anymore." Marcus was very content. Talking to Elizabeth was like talking with a part of his beloved Ella. She was the niece and the cousin of the two people who he had loved the most in the world, his beautiful family who was waiting for him in heaven. Elizabeth also reminded him of himself many years ago, when he was young and full of life like her.
Lady Claire could not believe her eyes. Her Uncle Marcus was talking, joking, and laughing with a strange person. He usually was so severe, and she had never seen him so relaxed talking to anyone but herself.
"I do not know where my manners are," said Elizabeth looking at her two cousins. "Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth looking at the man seriously. "Miss Darcy, Lady Claire, General Wagner, these two brave children are my cousins Laura and John Gardiner." Laura and John greeted everyone politely.
The General could not resist asking, "Excuse me, Miss Bennet, but why did you say that your two lovely cousins are brave?".
"General, I said that because they have tried to teach me how to fly a kite for almost two hours with poise and without giving up. And despite the impossibility of the mission, they continue trying," Elizabeth said, offering her most charming smile to the General.
"I see. They deserve a medal", concluded Marcus. Everyone in the group laughed again, and they converse for a couple of minutes more. Marcus was really impressed with Elizabeth and thought that his Eleanor would have loved her niece if she had had the opportunity to meet her.
Mr. Darcy had noticed that Elizabeth was avoiding talking to him. In a way, he was happy because he was afraid to be carried away by her. But at the same time, he could not avoid feeling a little jealous that General Wagner was the recipient of all Elizabeth's beautiful smiles.
"It is getting late, and it is time for us to go. It was a pleasure to meet all of you," said Elizabeth sincerely.
"The pleasure was mine," Marcus replied. There was something in the charming Elizabeth that gave him peace. He was a troubled soul who could not find joy in almost anything. But the short conversation with who would have been his niece had brought him back a little piece of Ella to his life.
Mr. Darcy knew that he had to let her go and hopefully not see her anymore. But he could not avoid saying, "Miss Bennet, allow me to offer my carriage to take you and your two cousins to your home." He knew that Cheapside was far from where they were, and he did not see any carriage around. Also, because he was a stupid fool, and he was trying to spend a little more time with her.
Elizabeth looked at him and Lady Claire and did not understand why he offered his carriage when it was evident that he was with the young lady. "That would not be necessary, Mr. Darcy. As you know, I do prefer to walk"
Before Mr. Darcy could say anything, Elizabeth and her two cousins said farewell to everyone, and they started walking back to Lady Campbell's home. Mr. Darcy saw how Elizabeth looked at him and Lady Claire, and he felt miserable. For sure, Elizabeth thought that he was courting Lady Claire and was disappointed in him, thinking that he had already forgotten her.
"Lizzie, did you notice that General Wagner has the same eye color as you? Not only the color, the eyelashes, and the shape as well. I always look at people's eyes," said Laura.
"That means that I have really pretty eyes because General Wagner's eyes are beautiful," added Elizabeth laughing as she walked with her two cousins back home.
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Thomas Bennett was furious. He was having dinner with Lydia and Mrs. Bennet, and both talked loudly about the most stupid things in the world. At least, when Jane and Elizabeth were at home, they both tried to moderate the vulgarity of his younger daughter. Without that control, his wife and Lydia were simply intolerable.
"Mama, I think half of the officers are so in love with me. I am afraid that they will start fighting over me. I wish I could be with all of them," said Lydia with a flirtatious and insinuating voice.
"My dear Lydia, what crazy things you say," replied her mother merrily. "But I am sure that everyone is in love with you. You are not just pretty but also smart and lively", said Mrs. Bennet proudly.
"Lydia smart?" Asked Mr. Bennet ironically. But he was ignored by the two women. Mr. Bennet was also concerned because that day he had got a letter from Lizzie. She told him several times the wonderful person who was her Aunt. She dedicated more than one extensive paragraph to describe each of Ella's qualities and how much she admired her. He was counting the days for Elizabeth to return. After this, he would never allow his daughter to be in close contact with Eleanor anymore. He did not know how he would do it, but he would think about that until he could find a solution. For the moment, he decided to have some fun at the expense of his stupid wife and daughter.
"You know, Lydia, today I got a letter from Lizzie. She told me that Lady Campbell hired one of the most prestigious modistes in London to create a new wardrobe for all your sisters. All of them must now have beautiful gowns made with the best fabrics". He was happy to see how Lydia blushed with ire. "I really think that Kitty must look very pretty. I am convinced now that she will be the first to marry. Even Mary now, have better clothes than you", he finalized, smiling.
Mrs. Bennet immediately started complaining about how unfair it was that all her daughters have new clothes, and poor Lydia has to wear the same old gowns all the time. Lydia calmed herself and replied, "How wonderful for you, Papa. Since you have saved so much money, you would not mind buying me a new wardrobe. I would not be that elegant, but our dressmaker knows how to create gowns in the latest fashion, and she can order fabrics to London". She said as she smiled back defiantly at her father. "What do you think of my idea, Mama?".
Mrs. Bennet, at once, began to plan everything. When Mr. Bennet tried to deny the funds, she started to complain, shouting and crying until her husband did not have another alternative than give up. After the pathetic scene, Lydia said that she was tired and decided to retire to her room. Before leaving, she added, "I will go to sleep to dream about how beautiful I will look in my new gowns. Thank you, Papa. Good night".
Mr. Bennet was enraged. He had tried to amuse himself at the expense of his daughter, and she had ended up making fun of him.
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At Darcy House, Mr. Darcy and Georgiana were having dinner, both immersed in their thoughts. Georgiana was thinking about how strange his brother acted in front of Miss Bennet and how he was almost mute after she left. But also she noticed how sad he was. She remembered that when he was in Hertfordshire, he had sent her more than one letter, in which he talked with admiration about Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Having met her, she could understand perfectly why. Miss Elizabeth was beautiful, friendly, and entertaining. At first, she thought that her brother finally had met a woman that he could admire. But after returning from Hertfordshire, he never mentioned her again. Today, seeing how she answered his brother's questions and how she openly defied him, she thought that maybe there was a misunderstanding between them. And she decided to ask. "Brother, you told me that you met Miss Bennet when you were visiting your friend, Mr. Bingley. Was she your friend there?"
Mr. Darcy was not happy to have to talk about Elizabeth and answered briefly. "No, just an acquaintance."
"I see," replied Georgiana.
Mr. Darcy was curious and asked, "What do you see, Georgie?"
"It seemed that you were not friends, that is all. It was evident that she was not happy to see you". Georgiana blushed when she realized that she should not have said that.
They continue having dinner in silence. After Georgiana retired, Mr. Darcy went to the library to try to read something. He poured himself a brandy and seated in front of the fireplace. He looked at the fire absently while thinking about Elizabeth. "You were mad at me, Elizabeth. Of course, you see me with a Lady of my rank, and you assumed that I have already forgotten you. I am sorry if I am making you suffer, but everything between us is impossible. The sooner that we both understand that, the better".
After pacing unceasingly, he also decided that he would try to avoid Lady Claire in the future. After today, he knew that he could never have any romantic interest in her. He needed to forget Elizabeth first, and after that, look for someone who could be the new Mistress of Pemberley.
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General Marcus Wagner was in his small room in his tiny house. He had bought that house several years ago to have a place to call home. He lived with the minimum. He just had two servants, a couple with no kids. They had had two children, and both died in childhood. He understood their pain better than anyone. At least, they had the opportunity to see and enjoyed their kids. He never saw his beloved daughter, and he did not even have a grave where he could go and cry and tell her how much he had loved her over all these years. He always thought about how she would look, and after today he knew that when he would think of his daughter, he would think of someone like the charming Elizabeth Bennet.
He reflected that it was weird that something like what had happened in the park did not cause him pain and sorrow. Usually, when he remembered Ella and his little Ella, he was down for several days. But not today, his niece Elizabeth had provoked in him the desire to be happy and not be the dull, depressed man he had been for the last twenty years. It was like the encounter with that young lady had helped him to see a little glimpse of his daughter and how his life could have been if his most precious gift had never left him.
"Thank you, my dear Miss Elizabeth Bennet, for giving to this old man a moment of happiness. I am sure that my little angel, your cousin, would thank you".
Before sleeping, like always, he prayed to God and talked to Ella and little Ella. "I do not know why, but today more than ever, I feel you both close to me, my dear wife and daughter. Good night".
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The dinner party at Lady Campbell was full of people. Everyone was anxious to meet the new sensation of the Ton. Everyone knew that she was wealthy, independent, still young, and quite attractive. But, she had not started yet socializing, so no one really knew her. When the rumor began circulating that she was organizing a dinner party, everyone hoped to receive an invitation, so they could be the one who can tell everyone how the grand lady truly was.
Matthew Andrews de la Garza had arrived on time, accompanied by his father. Lady Campbel had introduced them to her brother in Law, the Earl of Westcliff, and his wife, the countess. After that, she presented to them her four nieces "Mr. Andrews, Mr. Andrews de la Garza, these lovely ladies are my four wonderful nieces." So Matthew knew that the beautiful blonde woman was Jane Bennet.
When the Gardiners arrived, they immediately went to talk to them. "James, Matthew, nice to see you both," said Mr. Gardiner enthusiastically.
Matthew was excited because Jane Bennet was part of the group at that moment, and he could have the opportunity to talk to her. He was not paying much attention to the conversation, he was just looking at Jane, and sometimes she looked back at him and blushed quite charmingly.
For her part, Jane felt a whirlwind of emotions. She knew that it was not appropriate to be flirting so openly with a stranger. But he was so handsome, and his gaze was so intense that she felt drawn to him in a way that she could not explain.
"My son, you are miles from here. I have asked you a question two times, and you did not answer," said Mr. Andrews to his son. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner could not help but laugh.
"Do not mind your father, Matthew. The question was about business, and here we are to socialize and talk about other things", said Mr. Gardiner.
"I agree with my husband," added Mrs. Gardiner.
"Fine, I understand. So let's talk about other topics but not business," said Mr. Andrews, and added. "Why were you so distracted, son. What were you thinking about?" asked his father with curiosity.
Jane was paying attention to the conversation and was really interested in hearing Mr. Matthew Andrews's response. He looked at his father and said, "I was thinking about how life could be full of surprises," and looking at Jane, he added. "Y en lo hermosa que es la señorita que tengo en frente mío."*
Mr. James Andrew, who understood Spanish perfectly, was shocked because his son had always been a serious man. What he just did was really out of his character. But he thought, "Well, my dear son, I suppose you are as passionate as your mother was," and smile.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were not sure what was going on, but they saw how Jane could not stop looking at the young man in front of her.
Jane did not understand anything, but she never in her life had heard more beautiful words and completely blushed asked, "What did you say, Mr. Matthew" and almost breathless, she added, "I really want to know."
Matthew was like floating on a cloud but regained some of his sanity and tried to explain, "I said..." he could not finish because someone interrupted him.
"Miss Bennet, you do not know how happy I am to see you again." Jane broke eye contact with Mr. Andrews de la Garza and saw Mr. Bingley in front of her with a huge smile looking at her with longing eyes.
At the same time, Caroline observed the scene and murmured to her sister, "What is that damn Jane Bennet doing here?"
* And how beautiful the lady in front of me is.
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Thanks to all who comment and follow the story with enthusiasm. I really appreciate your help and suggestions.
I apologize if this chapter is full of errors, I wrote it in a hurry. I thought of making it shorter to avoid making so many mistakes, but I got carried away by new ideas that I had to add. I didn't realize it when I had another long chapter in front of me. I don't edit because I don't have time, and I'm not too fond of it. When I do it, I am never happy with what I wrote, and I start changing things, and in the end, I end up with nothing. Once posted, there is nothing to do, LoL. But I promise when I am done with the story, I will edit it and try to fix everything that I can.
I must confess that I am loving writing this story (I hope you are enjoying reading it). Those of you who read "Compromised" know I didn't like it that much. I did it as a challenge since the forced marriage scenario is so popular in P&P FanFic.
Anyway, our dear Caroline will talk to Mr. Darcy in the next chapter, and Marcus will be curious to know more about his niece.
See you in two or three more days!
Gracias a los que comentan en español. En esta historia van a tener una ventaja porque nuestro Mateo Andrés de la Garza le da por hablar español cuando se pone romántico. Además les voy a adelantar en exclusiva que nuestro Mateo tiene un secreto en su vida, una parte que no desea pero que vendrá a buscarlo muy pronto (no es una mujer, no se preocupen. Es apasionado pero honorable, es puro trabajo el muchacho).
¡Nos vemos en dos o tres días!
Merci à tous ceux qui commentent en français. J'apprécie beaucoup votre soutien et vos commentaires encourageants.
Rendez-vous dans deux ou trois jours.