Mrs. Bennet was surprised when she saw her husband waiting in the foyer, dressed for the assembly. It was not his practice to indulge in this common merriment. He always told her he looked forward to assemblies only for the solitude they offered when most of the females of the house were occupied away from Longbourn.
"Mrs. Bennet, you are looking well this evening, as are my girls." He referred to Elizabeth and Mary, who descended the stairs behind his wife. "I shall be the envy of all, with such handsome companions."
Mrs. Bennet looked at Mr. Bennet through narrowed eyes, trying to discern his joke. He appeared good-natured and calm, though. This contradicted his behavior for every assembly they attended since Jane came out, usually he was anxious for the attendees to depart and for the younger girls to retire to their rooms.
"You are coming with us, Mr. Bennet? That is not like you."
"You have encouraged my attendance these many years, I hope my presence is welcome. I will even exert myself to dance. Mrs. Bennet, may I have your first?"
Mrs. Bennet's mouth dropped open in amazement. "What? I do not, that is, Lady Lucas and I-"
"You have promised your first set to Lady Lucas? That is unfortunate. I shall have to settle for your second." Mr. Bennet winked at his daughters, who stood and watched in wonder.
"Of course, I am not dancing with Lady Lucas. I am not accustomed to dancing at all, having no partner these many years. The other ladies and I usually converse throughout the evening. We leave the dancing to the young people. And tonight, the Darcys will be in attendance, as their nearest neighbors we must aid their entry into Meryton society."
"No dancing," Mr. Bennet tsked. "That is a shame as you are as handsome as any of the young ladies, why Mr. Darcy might like you the best of the party."
"Mr. Bennet, you flatter me. I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I do not pretend to be anything extraordinary now." Mrs. Bennet's thoughts were confused, torn between pleasure and suspicion at her husband's attention. "Oh, the time! Girls, into the carriage with you. We must be earlier than usual tonight." Mrs. Bennet would not lose the opportunity to introduce Lady Anne Darcy to the neighborhood and losing to Lady Lucas was not acceptable.
As their carriage made its short journey to the assembly hall, Mr. Bennet watched Elizabeth. He knew she was looking forward to dancing with William, and she appeared unaffected except for the rosy blush of anticipation on her cheeks. He would try to ensure she would be able to enjoy it without her mother's interference. However, as soon as the carriage stopped, Mrs. Bennet was out and entering the hall with a speed he had not seen in years. Amused, he followed with Elizabeth and Mary.
"I do not know what has come over my brother and sister in London." Keeping a wary eye on the Lucases, Mrs. Bennet was already sharing her complaints with her sister, Mrs. Phillips. "An eligible gentleman in our neighborhood and they will not send Jane home so she may meet him. I am sure it would take but one glance and he would be smitten. But it is as though they are ignoring my demands altogether. Their most recent letters do not address the situation at all."
"It is almost as though they did not receive those demands at all," Mr. Bennet whispered to his daughters.
"Papa! Did you hold Mama's letters?" Mary asked, surprised. Her father usually gave way to their mother, and she had never known him to deny her mother when she was so adamant about something, but she thought his expression was entirely too innocent.
"Of course not, child. But, as we all know, in a household as chaotic as ours, the sending and receiving of letters can be unreliable and things are often delayed," Mr. Bennet said.
"And did you contribute to those delays?" Elizabeth could not help but laugh.
"Not at all, why, I had Hill post them this very morning, along with my own correspondence to the Gardiner home." Satisfied with himself, he kissed each of them on the cheek and shooed them away. "Now, off with you, go find your friends."
As the room filled and neighbor greeted neighbor, Mr. Bennet's unprecedented appearance was the topic of much conversation. Everyone almost forgot that the Darcys would be in attendance. However, when the mother and son arrived, the room went silent. Sir William assumed precedence and hurried to introduce Lady Lucas and Charlotte. Mrs. Bennet made to interrupt but Mr. Bennet placed a hand gently on her arm and shook his head. Mrs. Bennet was left to quietly fume as she hovered on the periphery of the group.
"Lady Anne, Mr. Darcy, you will see tonight that our little town is very lively, and its many daughters are very lovely. The perfect conditions for a country dance." As Sir William spoke these words, his wife nudged Charlotte closer to William.
"Yes, I am certain all the young ladies of Meryton are quite pleasing. William and I anticipate a most enjoyable evening. I fear I will not see much of my son this evening given such agreeable company."
"Our Charlotte is among the most agreeable ladies in the county. She will be a delightful partner for the first dance." Lady Lucas, never known for her subtlety, inched Charlotte right in front of William. As each year passed without a suitor, Charlotte's reaction to her parents' practiced machinations shifted from embarrassment to gratitude. At twenty-five she could not begrudge their efforts to find her a match. She now took it as her due that she would be the first dance partner for any eligible gentleman who found himself at one of Meryton's assemblies. Her father's position and bluster did have its advantages, as she often held that place of privilege even over Jane Bennet.
To the Lucas's disappointment, William did not follow where they led. "I look forward to dancing with Miss Lucas. However, I am engaged for the first two dances. Perhaps she will honor me with the third?"
"The third? How can that be!" Sir William was surprised, and his relentless cheer faltered for a moment.
"I am partnering Miss Bennet for the first and Miss Mary Bennet for the second. They are charming company and I have no doubt Miss Lucas will prove the same. If you are already engaged for the third, I will happily accept one of the later dances." William sketched a brief bow to Charlotte.
They are charming company. With those words, and the knowledge that arrangements had already been made for the first dance, Lady Lucas understood this was not the first meeting of the Darcys and Bennets. Mr. Bennet's social reluctance usually served the Lucases well, allowing them to exploit their family's social standing in the neighborhood. Now, not only was Mr. Bennet present, but it seemed he had already cultivated a relationship with the William. Lady Lucas had such hopes for this evening given Jane Bennet's absence. With that realization, those hopes were dashed, and she groaned quietly at the thought of falling short to the Bennet family. Unfortunately for Lady Lucas, Mrs. Bennet heard her. The mistress of Longbourn smiled smugly at her friend's distress upon learning of the Bennets' greater intimacy with the newcomers.
"It is not polite to gloat, my dear," Mr. Bennet whispered and turned his wife away a bit so the Lucases could not see her expression. He waited until Charlotte accepted the invitation for a dance before he ushered William off to meet some of the other gentlemen, with Sir William scurrying and sputtering behind them. The ladies made a circuit around the room and introductions were made until the sounds of the musicians warming up drew William to Elizabeth's side.
"Miss Bennet, I will apologize beforehand. My willingness to dance does not match my skill. It has been some time since I have found myself with the time or desire to attend a ball or assembly." William held her gaze a moment before glancing around the room at the other gentlemen finding their partners. "My only opportunity of late has been with Ana, during her lessons. Her dance master was far more critical of me than my sister. Apparently, while every savage can dance, I can only aspire to achieve their level of prowess."
"How very…savage," Elizabeth laughed. "That was not very kind of him. I am certain you are not so bad as he suggests."
"And I am certain you are far too kind to inform me if he is correct. I assure you; I am quite hopeless, but I think it is because I never had the proper incentive before me." He led her to floor, and they assumed their places as the music began.
Elizabeth thought William had a masculine grace that resulted from a natural athleticism. However, his movements were often a bit too precise. She thought he was most likely an excellent fencer, and his training in the sport was instilled in him, making his movements fluid but too sharp at times. She enjoyed the experience all the same. As his shoulder skimmed hers, as her hand slid through his, she relished in the closeness.
It was only when the steps parted them for the second time that she noticed her father made good on his promise to her mother. They were standing up together further down the line of dancers. And despite what she said back at Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet seemed pleased with her husband's attention.
When the steps returned her to William, he saw the direction of her stare. "They look very handsome together. They must have been striking pair in their youth."
Elizabeth never really thought of her parents being young, or striking. Of course, her mother was only a few years shy of forty, and still an attractive woman. She knew Mrs. Bennet was the reputed beauty among her peers, just as Jane was. And with that beauty she managed to secure the most eligible young gentleman in the neighborhood. This despite the fact her father was simply an attorney in Meryton and left her naught but four thousand pounds. With these thoughts, Elizabeth allowed herself to be distracted, which did not go unnoticed by William.
"My talents are tolerable, I suppose, but not skillful enough to impress you, I see. It is a good thing I have already engaged other partners for later dances, they have no choice but to give consequence to a poor gentleman who is slighted by another lady." William said, trying to get a reaction from her. When she finally redirected her attention, she looked directly into his eyes.
"Oh, Mr. Darcy, I apologize for my earlier distraction. But I am also very pleased to learn you do not take yourself so seriously."
"Apology accepted if," William paused as if an idea just occurred to him, though it was always his intention. "If I may have your full notice for another dance, perhaps the final one of the evening."
~~PoR~~
"That sounds familiar." The morning after the assembly, William encounter Elizabeth on her morning walk. As he moved closer, he heard her humming the music from their dance, their second dance. He hummed along with her and, finding his place, repeated the steps from the last evening. Elizabeth joined him and they completed their third dance.
Elizabeth could feel the heat rise to her face and she was breathing quickly. It was only because they were dancing a reel, she told herself, and she was pleased to see William was also flushed. "If one were to come upon us now, they would think were behaving most improperly."
"A private dance is most scandalous, but I cannot regret it." William's smile held a bit of mischief. "There was a question whether we would even have one dance so now I am determined to appreciate every chance we get."
"I do not regret it either, but I am sorry you did not have the chance to dance with Jane. She is a much better dancer than I."
"You do not have to do that," William said.
"What do you mean?" Elizabeth was puzzled by his comment.
"Miss Bennet, will you do me a favor?'
"Of course, if it is with my power to do so."
"I am going to say something, and I would like you to respond by saying 'Thank you, Mr. Darcy'."
"Very well," Elizabeth was uncertain what his aim was, but it seemed such a simple thing she had to agree.
William stood before her and waited until her eyes locked with his. "Miss Bennet, I cannot remember when I enjoyed a dance more. The only ones that come close are my other dances with you. I have also never had a more agreeable, charming, and beautiful dance partner."
"I am sure that is not tr—" She stopped as William narrowed his eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Darcy."
"Come, let us sit." William looked around for a suitable spot. The ground was still wet from the morning dew. "I wish it was possible to just sit and have a conversation without worry for comfort or intrusion. Here." He took off his great coat and spread it on the top of a stile crossing in the fence. He gestured for Elizabeth to sit while he leaned against the fence in a casual manner. It was not the best arrangement but with their height difference at least their faces were fairly even.
"Allow people to pay you a compliment. Your worthiness is not measured in comparison to your sister." William held up his hand to stop her from challenging his statement. "During our brief acquaintance, I have heard much of how beautiful, kind, and good the elder Miss Bennet is. I promise I believe you. And I want you to believe me when I tell you that you are all of that as well. Your sister alone does not embody those characteristics. After all, I like to think I am good and kind too."
"And beautiful…I think you are beautiful, I mean, handsome." Elizabeth wished she thought before she spoke more often.
"Do you think?" Mr. Darcy asked, with a surprisingly shy smile. "I am not blonde, nor do I comb my hair as the gentlemen in the beau monde do. I am far too tall than is fashionable."
"You are teasing me." Elizabeth smiled back at him.
"A little. I hope you will excuse me, but I do not like that you measure yourself against your sister and believe yourself wanting."
"I suppose when one is made to feel inferior all one's life it becomes ingrained. I cannot imagine you have ever felt inferior to anyone."
"Unfortunately, I have. But I am curious, you seemed able to leave all that behind last night. Has something occurred to make you feel-."
"My mother," Elizabeth blurted out. "It is always my mother. She has a way of making me feel small and unworthy next to Jane. It all seems so foolish."
She did not tell him of the snippet of conversation she overheard between her mother and Aunt Phillips towards the end of the evening. Her aunt was questioning her mother's insistence on bringing Jane home to meet William.
"Mr. Darcy seems to like Lizzy well enough. Would it not be better to encourage an attachment that may have already taken root?"
"Oh no, sister, that will not do. Mr. Darcy may very well purchase Netherfield Park. If he is to marry one of my daughters, I would much rather have Jane stay near me than Lizzy."
Elizabeth was philosophical about her mother's words. After all, if not for her budding feelings for William, she would have no desire to remain so close to Longbourn. Any Bennet daughter so triumphant as to gain the tenant or, perhaps, owner of Netherfield Park as a husband would also gain their mother as a permanent houseguest after her father's death. While that was not a future she looked forward to, it still hurt that her mother held her in such disfavor and would actively seek to direct William's notice to Jane as a result.
"Miss Bennet, my father made me feel small and unworthy next to his steward's son, though I later learned that he was my father's illegitimate nephew. It threw my life and that of my family into utter turmoil. Based on my own experience, I feel I must warn you that you may never understand your mother's feeling and motivations. There is no satisfaction to be achieved if you try to apply rational thought to irrational behavior."
"That is excellent advice, but I must return to your earlier words. The steward's son was your cousin? I am not a gossip but that is a most provocative statement."
"One day I will tell you the rest of the story, but suffice it to say, I am well acquainted with having a parent who demonstrates an obvious preference, with little thought to the damage they do. But I have decided to heed the advice of a good neighbor." He brushed a gloved knuckle lightly across her forearm causing her to shiver. "Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure. The assembly is the past, its remembrance gives me great pleasure, as does our dance this morning. Every moment before this very one is the past. And any moments spent with you is very pleasant, indeed."
Elizabeth did not say a word, only watched his finger move against her arm. She suspected it was an unconscious action on his part, but his touch brought her comfort, nonetheless. Suddenly, he pulled his hand away when he realized what he was doing. "Please pardon my behavior, it was not my intention to disrespect you so."
"Disrespect? I feel not even a glimmer of disrespect from you Mr. Darcy. If anything, I think we are both perhaps a bit too familiar but there is no insult."
"I do not want you to ever think I am too glib or forward and I fear I was, in not just my actions but my words as well."
"Mr. Darcy, your past words were received with pleasure, I assure you. However, we must look forward to the future as I must return to Longbourn." Elizabeth looked back toward her home. "Would you care to walk with me?"