Chapter 9

Elizabeth could not believe the audacity of that man who crossed her path and spoke to her with a threatening tone. But, although she felt intimidated, she was unwilling to show it. "Yes, Mr. Wickham, I remember it very well. You were Miss Darcy's family friend," Elizabeth said without shying away from the man's menacing gaze.

"That's right, Miss Bennet. The late Mr. Darcy was my godfather, and he loved me very much, as much as he loved his own son. I know he would have been pleased to know that Georgiana and I had met again and were establishing a beautiful friendship." Wickham explained mockingly to Elizabeth. "But Darcy has always hated me, and that's why he separated me from Georgiana." Mr. Wickham talked for almost five minutes straight. He told Elizabeth all the reasons why Mr. Darcy hated him and that he had even gone against his father's wishes, denying him what was rightfully his.

Elizabeth thought that if she hadn't met Mr. Wickham before, she would have believed all his lies. Without a doubt, he had a great talent for lying or believing his own lies. "I'm sorry, Mr. Wickham, for all the hardships you had to face in your life, but Miss Darcy is still very young and in her brother's care. Now, if you excuse me, I think it's time to go home. Good day sir."

Elizabeth decided to go back to her house to prevent that man from following her. But when she was about to move, Wickham stepped in her way. "Before you go, I want to ask you a favor…."

Mr. Wickham's voice was even more threatening, so Elizabeth got very nervous and started to get afraid. "I am sorry, sir, but there is nothing that I could do to help you..."

"Yes, you will..."

"Lieutenant Wickham, what are you doing here? You should be now at your guard post," a firm, commanding voice asked. Colonel Smith had received a letter from his friend colonel Richard Fitzwilliam confirming everything his cousin Mr. Darcy had told him days ago.

"Good morning, Colonel Smith. Colonel Forster authorized me to leave my post," Wickham answered, holding back his anger. He didn't like when people talked to him in a dismissive voice because he was a gentleman, not a servant.

"And I am ordering you to return to your post," David said menacingly. "I hope you are not stupid enough to disobey a superior's order."

"No, Colonel. But I would like to finish my conversation with Miss Bennet first," Wickham replied almost defiantly.

Elizabeth was uncomfortable because she didn't like that man implying they had a friendship, so they met to converse. "I need to go home, Mr. Wickham, and as I told you, I do not have anything else to talk to you."

"If you'll excuse me, Miss Bennet, I'd like to escort you to your house," said a deep male voice. Mr. Darcy had received a letter from Richard and was on his way to Meryton to speak to Colonel Smith.

Elizabeth never thought she would be happy to see Mr. Darcy. "I do not think it is, sir. But thank you for your kind offer."

"I think if necessary, Miss Bennet," David added.

"Alright, my house is pretty close anyway," Elizabeth explained. She said goodbye to Colonel Smith and Mr. Wickham and began to walk.

Mr. Darcy dismounted his horse, and before following Elizabeth, he whispered menacingly to Wickham. "Later, you and I will talk."

Wickham was annoyed and furious, but he had no choice but to accept that his plan to convince Elizabeth to put him in touch with Georgiana hadn't worked out.

When David saw that Elizabeth could no longer see them, he got down from his horse and spoke to Wickham, looking him in the eye. "I don't want you to impose your presence on Miss Bennet or any other young lady in this town again. You understand me?"

"I'm sorry, Colonel, but you can't give me an order like that. I have always been popular among the ladies because I am a kind gentleman…."

David lost patience and talked firmly. "Damn Wickham, My personal friend colonel Fitzwilliam informed me the kind of man you are. Make no mistake about me, I'm not Forster, and if you try to do your old tricks and you put our troops' reputations at risk, I'll see you are sent to the front in the continent. I will repeat it to you for the last time; I do not want you near the ladies of this town, do you understand me?"

When Wickham discovered that Richard was behind it all, he got scared and chose not to push his luck further. "Yes, Colonel, I understand."

"I see you're not such a fool after all." David mounted his horse and rode away.

Wickham planned to stay out of trouble, but he was spiteful, and although he knew he should avoid problems, he would not easily forget what had happened, and when the time came, he planned to revenge.

P&P

Mr. Darcy was a little nervous and felt guilty. That was why he didn't know how to approach Elizabeth. Besides, she seemed nervous, and he preferred to give her a few minutes to calm down before talking to her.

"Miss Bennet, I am so sorry to inconvenience you. But could you tell me why you were talking to Wickham?"

"I wasn't talking to him. I was heading to the top of the mount when he intercepted me to tell me a series of nonsense about you and his relationship with the Darcy family." Elizabeth explained some of the things Mr. Wickham had told her and that he was asking her for a favor when Colonel Smith arrived.

"I see. I imagine he told you the tragic story of his life and how much I have always envied him," Mr. Darcy sneered. "Miss Bennet, please stay away from that man; he is an unscrupulous scoundrel."

"I know, and believe me, I have no intention of being friends with him. Well, Mr. Darcy, thank you for walking me home," Elizabeth said, intending to bid him farewell.

"Miss Bennet, is your family planning to attend the Netherfield Ball?" Mr. Darcy asked impulsively.

"Yes, we like to dance, and it's a good occasion to share with our neighbors," Elizabeth said and couldn't help but make an impertinent comment. "I imagine that you must not be thrilled with the news. Georgiana told me that you do not like to dance."

Mr. Darcy couldn't help but smile. Elizabeth was simply irresistible when she provoked him. "I can't say I love dancing, but I don't dislike it that much either. What I don't like is being in a room surrounded by unknown people; I'm not good at talking to strangers."

"That has a very easy solution, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said immediately.

"And what is that solution?" asked Mr. Darcy intrigued.

"You must organize balls at your house and invite only your family and close friends. That way, you don't have to deal with strangers," Elizabeth explained. She was going to say goodbye again, but Mr. Darcy replied with something that surprised her.

"It's not as easy as you think. I am a single man, and my sister is not out in society yet. So, I don't have a hostess and can't organize balls in my house in London or my estate in Derbyshire."

"I see, and getting married just because you want to throw balls doesn't make sense. I imagine that when you get married, you want your wife to be more than just a good hostess," replied Elizabeth, feeling sorry for that rich but lonely man. At that moment, she got the first glimpse of the kind and good man Georgiana always talked about and thought that maybe he was not all the time severe and arrogant. "I'm sorry, Mr. Darcy, but I need to go. Once again, thank you for your company. Good day, sir."

"Miss Bennet, before you go, I'd like to ask if you can reserve one of your sets and dance with me," Mr. Darcy said impulsively. He always enjoyed conversing with Elizabeth and wanted to extend the conversation a little longer. But he knew he could be sending a wrong message, so he explained his behavior as best he could. "I need to thank you somehow for what you did for my sister, and I also feel a little guilty that Wickham was bothering you."

Elizabeth left her house an hour before to avoid the foolish and vain Mr. Collins. He was convinced he was the best man in the world and that she should feel content listening to him. It was true that Mr. Darcy was much richer and much more handsome than his cousin, but he was just as vain and self-centered. "You don't need to thank me for anything, let alone sacrifice yourself dancing with me because you think you owe me something."

"Please do not say that; it is not a sacrifice to dance with you, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy said to make Elizabeth feel better. That was one of the things he most admired about Elizabeth. She knew their tremendous social differences very well and had never tried to impose her presence on him.

She was about to tell him it would be a sacrifice for her to dance with him. Still, she wanted to end the conversation without committing to anything. "If you feel like dancing on the day of the ball, I promise I'll dance with you. Now I do have to go. Good morning, sir."

"Good morning, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy said as he watched Elizabeth enter her family's estate. He had decided that after the ball, he would return to London. He knew that if he remained in Hertfordshire, he was in danger of giving in to his emotions and making the worst mistake of his life.

P&P

Mr. Darcy and Colonel Smith made it clear to Wickham that they would be watching him and that he was not to come near Elizabeth again. To avoid problems, he preferred to use his days off to go to London to visit a friend whose husband was traveling. He needed money, and he knew she could give him some pounds. For that reason, he declined the invitation to the Netherfield ball without explaining to anyone that he had much bigger problems and quite powerful enemies.

The night of the ball, everything looked beautiful. Louisa wanted to show the people of Meryton the elegance and distinction of her family. For her part, Caroline wanted Mr. Darcy to appreciate what a good hostess she could be. Mr. Bingley only cared about dancing and chatting with Jane because he hadn't been able to see her for the last few days. The previous week it had rained heavily, and most of the roads were impassable, so he had no choice but to stay home.

As expected, as soon as the Bennet family arrived, Mr. Bingley approached Jane and asked her to dance the supper set. That way, they could sit down to eat together.

Mary didn't like dancing, so she stayed close to her mother, waiting for the moment when she could show everyone how well she sang and played the piano. For her part, Mrs. Bennet sat where all the leading ladies of Meryton society were, boasting of the considerable attention Mr. Bingley showed for Jane and predicting a short engagement and a future wedding.

Mr. Bennet preferred to go to the games room to smoke a cigar and play cards with his neighbors. He rarely left home, so he took advantage of the occasions to chat with the few neighbors who tolerated his sarcastic sense of humor.

Elizabeth was amazed by the beauty of the room, but especially by the flower arrangements. She was sure that Mr. Bingley's sisters had ordered those flowers from some greenhouse in town. The only thing that discouraged her was knowing she would have to dance the first set with Mr. Collins. But once she fulfilled that duty, she would do her best to avoid being near him for the rest of the evening.

As Elizabeth looked around, she didn't notice how Mr. Darcy looked at her. She was wearing a beautiful cream dress and a pearl necklace that her aunt Alice had given her. Fortunately, Aunt Alice would be back from her trip to Scotland in two more weeks. Elizabeth was planning to spend the season with her because she was sure her mother was planning something with Mr. Collins, and she did not like it at all.

Colonel Smith arrived as the third set was starting because Colonel Forster was more concerned with his wife's affair and the ball. So, he forgot about the regiment, and David had to take care of everything.

That evening, colonel Smith wore his best uniform and even cut his beard a bit. In the last days, it rained pretty much, and he hadn't been able to bring new chapters of his story to Jane. For several days, he reflected on everything he was doing, writing for a single woman and hiding his identity. Therefore, he decided to have an honest conversation with Jane and tell her the truth.

As he entered the ballroom, he saw Jane happily dancing with Bingley and realized that all the rumors around town were probably true. Also, he observed how Mr. Bingley looked and conversed with Jane. At that moment, he realized that Miss Jane Bennet would soon be an engaged woman. So he couldn't continue playing the mystery writer game. Still, he didn't want to disappear without an explanation, either.

As Harriet danced with her husband, he noticed how David kept looking at Jane and decided not to take his eyes off them. She was sure that night she would get revenge on Colonel Smith for rejecting her and on Jane for being more beautiful than her and stealing the man she desired.

After dancing with Mr. Collins, Elizabeth had done her best to avoid him. Fortunately, her dear friend Charlotte spent time conversing with him, and she could leave the ballroom and go to the drawing room where some ladies were chatting and drinking punch.

Elizabeth was sad because Mr. Collins had hinted to her on more than one occasion that he was interested in her. She knew that her mother would do everything possible to force her to accept him, but she would rather go to Canada with her aunt a thousand times than be that man's wife.

Mr. Darcy saw Elizabeth dance with Mr. Collins and another gentleman. When he saw her leave the ballroom, he followed her to ask her to dance the next set with him. But he was a little intrigued when he saw her so pensive and melancholy. Maybe she thought he had forgotten to dance with her, and that's why she was like this.

"Miss Bennet, I hope you remember that you promised me you would dance with me if I dared to ask you," Mr. Darcy said with something like a smile. He was very nervous and tried his best to mask his marked interest in Elizabeth.

"Good evening, Mr. Darcy. No, I have not forgotten, and we can dance the next set if you wish." Elizabeth was surprised that Mr. Darcy asked her to dance, especially since he looked so uncomfortable. "Are you sure you want to dance?" she asked curiously.

"Yes, I am leaving for London early tomorrow and wanted to take the opportunity to say goodbye, Miss Bennet," replied Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Bingley had received a letter from his solicitor asking him to come to London as soon as possible on an urgent matter, and Mr. Darcy offered to travel with him. Although Mr. Bingley intended to return in two or three days, Mr. Darcy had decided to remain in London for the remainder of the season. He had no business in Hertfordshire and did not wish to be near Wickham and under the constant temptation of Elizabeth Bennet.

"So soon? I thought you and Mr. Bingley would stay for several more months." Elizabeth asked, a little worried about Jane. She was sure her dear sister was in love with Mr. Bingley and would be heartbroken if he had just left.

"I understand that Bingley will be back in a few days. But I have a lot of business to attend to in the city," Mr. Darcy explained a little sheepishly. He saw Elizabeth's worried face and felt like a scoundrel. He knew it was a great achievement for a young lady like Elizabeth to have captured the attention of a man like him, and maybe she thought that something was possible between them.

"I understand," Elizabeth replied, more relieved knowing that Mr. Bingley would return. But she did not want to be impolite, so she added. "I imagine a man as busy as you must always have many unavoidable commitments. I am thinking of spending part of the season in London with my aunt. Maybe we'll meet somewhere."

"I doubt it, Miss Bennet," replied Mr. Darcy flatly. He was leaving that place because he did not want to see her again. He wanted her to understand that he did not want to see her.

"You are right, Mr. Darcy. The chances of meeting in a place as big as London are close to zero," Elizabeth retorted in surprise.

"Especially since you and I move in very different circles." Mr. Darcy wanted to remind Elizabeth of all that separated them.

"You are right, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth curtly. "I think the next set is going to start. We'd better get to the dance room," Elizabeth said to end this absurd conversation. For a moment, Elizabeth thought it might be nice to converse and dance with Mr. Darcy. But the moment he spoke to her like the vain and arrogant man she met in Ramsgate, she lost all interest in the conversation. Dancing with him for half an hour would be just as disagreeable as dancing with Mr. Collins.

After the third set, the musicians rested for fifteen minutes, and Jane took the opportunity to go to the refreshment table to drink some punch. Mr. Bingley was busy talking with some local gentlemen and Colonel Forster. She did not feel like dancing with anyone and wanted to rest. She was very excited because Mr. Bingley had been very attentive to her. But sometimes she didn't understand why he was so different when he talked to her and wrote his marvelous story. It was as if they were two different people.

When David saw Jane approaching the refreshment table, he left a small note for her and stood at a safe distance to prevent another person from finding it.

When Jane went to get one of the cups, she saw a small piece of paper with her name on the table. She got very nervous and immediately recognized the handwriting, so she took the note and hid it in her fist. Then, she poured herself some punch, drank it, and left the ballroom.

Finally, when she was sure no one was looking at her, she hid behind a column in the hallway leading to the living room and read the note while her heart was beating fast.

The name of the story you have been reading is "Hidden Feelings." In five more minutes, I'll be on the terrace to tell you a little more about my story and my love for writing.

Jane waited hidden behind the column for the remaining minutes. Then, she went to the terrace to confirm once and for all the identity of the mysterious writer. David was hiding in the shadows waiting for Jane, and he couldn't help but get excited when he saw her appear on the terrace. The moonlight made her look like a goddess from Olympus.

Harriet pretended that she was conversing with Lydia and Kitty when in truth, she was watching every move David made. She saw when he left the note for Jane how she took it and how they both disappeared from the room. There, she decided to put her plan in motion.

Mr. Bingley was in animated conversation with her husband and other gentlemen. So, Harriet approached them, and as soon as she could, she discreetly told Mr. Bingley. "Miss Bennet must be very tired because she went alone to the terrace to rest. Or perhaps, to wait for some gentleman with whom she can converse more privately."

Mr. Bingley was stunned at first, but he thought that perhaps Jane had said something to the Colonel's wife. "Thank you, Mrs. Forster," Mr. Bingley murmured and excused himself to the gentlemen. He then quickly left, heading towards the terrace.

Caroline was furious. Mr. Darcy danced with her, Louisa, and damn Eliza Bennet. But worst of all was how he followed that impertinent chit with his eyes. "Louisa, I want this night to end, so all these people will finally leave our house."

"I've never seen so many vulgar and unrefined people together, Caroline. Mr. Hurst couldn't resist being in this room for one more minute, and he preferred to go play cards," added Louisa with a disgusted face.

"Excuse me, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, but I would like to inform you of something," Harriet said with pretended concern.

"Sorry, Mrs. Forster, but we're a little busy now…." Caroline tried to explain.

"My dear ladies, I think someone is trying to put your brother in a compromising situation right now. I suggest you go out on the terrace," Harriet murmured, leaving the sisters very surprised.

Then Harriet went to converse with Lydia and told her in a mocking tone. "Lydia, how about you ask the Misses Long and the Newland sisters to join us on the terrace? I have to tell you the latest gossip from the officers."

"Really, Harriet? What a joke! It is the best way to entertain ourselves while we wait for the musicians." Lydia immediately did as Harriet asked, and when the group of six women was assembled, they began to walk towards the terrace. Harriet made sure that Meryton's gossip girls were in the group.

Jane was nervous and couldn't wait to discuss this exciting story with its author. She was looking towards the garden when a voice from the entrance told her with great emotion. "Miss Bennet, you look beautiful in the moonlight."

"Mr. Bingley, it was you; I always knew it was you," Jane said, her voice full of emotion.

"Of course, it's me. Were you expecting someone else?" Mr. Bingley asked in surprise.

"No, I always knew it was you," Jane replied.

Mr. Bingley went over to Jane, took her hands, and kissed them tenderly. "Miss Bennett, I..."

"Charles," Caroline yelled, almost beside herself. "The music will start in two minutes, and you must dance with me."

"Besides, Charles, you are the host, and you must be with your guests," Louisa added, sneering at Jane.

"I'm sorry, Miss Bennet. But we will continue this conversation very soon. I promise…."

"Charles, please," Caroline said exasperatedly. She couldn't believe her brother was stupid enough to expose himself to being compromised like that. Fortunately, she and her sister had arrived in time.

Mr. Bingley had no choice but to return to the drawing room. He was very angry with his sisters, but he understood that he had to wait until the next day to clarify more than one thing to them.

"Charles, I can't believe you're such a fool," Caroline said, trying to scold her brother.

"Not now, Caroline. We'll talk about this later," replied Mr. Bingley, trying to remain calm.

Harriet and her group heard the screams of the Bingley sisters and saw how he and his brothers entered the room arguing and upset. Jane entered the room a minute later with her cheeks flushed and visibly shaken.

"I wonder what happened on that terrace," Harriet said mockingly.

"Nothing, those witches must have said something unpleasant to Jane," Lydia said, trying to defend her sister.

"A decent young lady does not meet a man alone on a terrace," Beatrice Long added scornfully.

"Despite everything your mother has said, Jane is not engaged to Mr. Bingley," added Sophia Newland.

Lydia tried to avoid malicious comments from her friends, but the more she defended Jane, the more they attacked her.

David had watched the entire scene from the darkness of the garden and was very worried about Jane and prayed that this incident would not escalate. Although from the face with which Mr. Bingley looked at Jane, he supposed that very soon he would ask for her hand, and the whole incident would be nothing more than an anecdote.

He also realized that Jane admired his writing but that she was in love with Mr. Bingley. He could not understand why he was so disappointed, but he knew he could not stay in that place any longer. So, he fetched his carriage and returned to Meryton.

The ball continued, but the incident between Jane and Mr. Bingley was the night's big gossip, and everyone commented that an engagement between them was imminent.

P&P

Thank you to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story.

Some of you asked me to make my stories available so you could read and reread them, but when I did that, my stories were published on another site without my permission. I'm sorry, but as long as I don't find a secure place to share them with you, they will have to stay in my archives. Many have suggested that I should publish on Kindle, but I need more editing, and I do not have time to do that. Also, if I'm honest, I think publishing is for professionals. I write the first thing that comes to my mind without much thinking.

I tried posting on AO3 but didn't like it. People there just read but don't comment, and they don't tell you anything. I posted 15 chapters of "You are not alone," and I got two comments, LOL. I don't know, it's like writing for myself, or maybe the people who read it did not like it, and that's why they don't have anything to say. I do not know, but if I do not have interaction, I do not feel motivated to write or share.

In the next chapter, Mr. Bingley goes to London, and the malicious rumors against Jane will intensify.

Gracias a todos los lectores de habla hispana. Les prometo que en cuanto tenga tiempo escribiré el tercer capítulo de "Extraviado."

Saludos,

Yo