Chapter 7: Before the ball
She tried in vain to entice him. To win his affection or tempt him into getting close to her. Nothing worked. She had been trying for a long time now. From the time she set foot on Pemberley, she wanted to become the mistress of that grand estate. Her brother's friend had all that she craved for in life, status, wealth, and looks. Miss Bingley was adamant; she had never been denied anything in her life. But her object of interest had no interest in her.
"Louisa, what am I doing wrong? He did not speak more than two words to me today morning."
"He doesn't seem to be the sort of man who flirts with his friend's sister."
"I have tried all ways. I even flattered the silly sister of his. Nothing seems to capture his slightest attention."
"Why don't you stop obsessing over becoming Mrs Darcy?"
"I cannot. I have a determination of steel. I do not care if he does not love me. I want to become the mistress of that estate. Imagine the status and respect I will earn amongst my friends in town."
"If you want to marry him without love, then the only way would be to compromise him." Her sister said with a laugh, not knowing that she had ignited a plan in Miss Bingley's mind.
While running his errands in Meryton, Darcy saw Elizabeth and Wickham together.
He could not believe his eyes.
That scoundrel. What is he doing here?
Elizabeth noticed how Darcy's face turned red with anger when he set eyes on Wickham.
She also noticed that the person who was so confident in exposing Darcy's character looked white with fear. Without a word, Darcy rode away.
He was agitated. I cannot let her be in his company. Unfortunately, he could not expose Wickham without exposing Georgiana. And he found himself in a moral dilemma. He hoped Wickham had changed his ways after becoming an officer.
He planned to leave Hertfordshire soon. Mr Bingley had insisted on him attending the Netherfield ball. He obliged to his request.
Hertfordshire had done nothing to improve his spirits. He had enjoyed the freshness in the character and mind of Elizabeth, the few times he spent time in her company.
But he was getting tired of Miss Bingley's attempts to secure his favour, and he decided to leave Hertfordshire after the ball. He had no interest in the amusement it offered.
The day before the ball, Elizabeth had a conversation with her sister.
"Jane, would you be able to take care of our baking business with the help of Mary?"
"Why, Lizzy? Whatever is the matter?"
"I have decided to look for a position in town. Once we settle in the new house, I plan to stay in Aunt Gardiner's house and look for a suitable position."
"Lizzy, please. It is not necessary. Uncle Gardiner will support us."
"I do not doubt that. But I cannot sit idle and let him bear the responsibility of our entire family. I am sure Mr Bingley is not the type of person who will look down on you because your sister is employed elsewhere."
"I am not worried about what he would think. I am worried about you. You have not been yourself since papa left us. Leaving our home and family would not do you any good. Please, Lizzy, our situation is not your fault. Mamma has been very harsh with her words. Even though you act as if it doesn't affect you, I know it wounds you. All of us share an equal responsibility in surviving papa's loss. Just because you rejected Mr Collins, it does not fall on your shoulders."
"It is easier to say it, Jane. Sometimes, I wish I had a temperament to choose comfort over love. I would have easily accepted Mr Collins if that was the case. But I still do not think I can live such a life based on material benefits. I have no hopes of getting married."
"You never know what the future holds for us. I have faith that you would find a man who loves and appreciates your character. You are the only one who has kept our family running."
"Jane, papa always gave me the independence to do what I liked. I truly believe finding employment will benefit me personally. You will have to support me and let me leave. Mamma may find it degrading, but I do not."
Jane nodded silently. She knew that she would miss Elizabeth dearly if she left to town. But she could not argue with her reasoning. Jane felt some anger at her father for putting them in a bad situation, which forced his favourite daughter to make such a choice in life.
Meanwhile, Wickham was on his way to London. In his short time in Meryton, he had accumulated a lot of debts. He wanted to go to London to get money from his friends. He also wanted to avoid the Netherfield ball. He did not want to face Darcy in close quarters.
He was still unsure of his plans with Elizabeth. She does not flirt like her younger sisters, but she tempts me.
He planned to ruin her reputation and leave the country for good. He was never happy with the regiment.
It can take the risk. It would destroy Darcy to know that his decision to leave me unscathed after Ramsgate, ruined an innocent woman for life.
He wanted to get back in a couple of days and execute his plan. He was willing to take the risk to satisfy his carnal needs. Who wants to dance at a ball, when there are more pleasures to enjoy? He thought.
The next morning dawned, bright and beautiful.
Longbourn was bursting with activity. Mrs Bennet wanted Jane to be the star of the ball. Elizabeth readied herself with little interest. She had no excitement for the evening. But fate was going to make the evening very interesting, and it was going to alter the lives of Darcy and Elizabeth forever.