Apologies for the long delay between chapters. This past autumn, COVID hit particularly hard and close to home. I haven't had the time nor the inclination to write for a while.
It has also been brought to my attention that somebody placed a record for this story on Goodreads. It has received a few low reviews because the story is incomplete. I really don't mind receiving one-star reviews. They are great ways to grow as a writer. However, I prefer that such reviews be based on the content and not on the fact that it is incomplete. It is not marked as a completed story on this site so I'm sorry if anybody on GR was led to believe it was. If the person who added it to GR happens to see this, can you please remove it? Thank you.
~~~OJ~~~
Jane turned her attention to Mr. Wickham. Objectively, he was handsome, she had to admit. However, she did not feel the same immediate fascination that her sisters did. But then she and Elizabeth had never once found themselves attracted to the same young man. Even when they were Kitty and Lydia's age, their youthful infatuations always diverged.
If she were honest, there was something about Mr. Wickham that made her uneasy. As she had no possible explanation for such feelings, she felt she was being unfair to the gentleman. She told herself she must be cautious if she were to follow through with where her mind was leading her. In rescuing Elizabeth from Mr. Collins, she needed to ensure she did not thrust her sister into a situation that might be equally objectionable, if not worse.
Distanced as she was from the larger party, Jane watched Mr. Wickham with her sisters. She noticed the man rake his eyes up and down Elizabeth's form. Jane gasp and took a step back. It was nothing short of lascivious. Jane did not think she had ever had cause to use the word lascivious before, and certainly not to describe anyone of her acquaintance. Then, Mr. Wickham, sensing Jane's scrutiny, looked at her over the top of Elizabeth's head. He flashed a small smile and winked at her. Jane was taken aback. Mr. Wickham is very forward!
Her thoughts were interrupted as she was hailed by Mr. Bingley. Turning, she saw the master of Netherfield riding toward her, with Mr. Darcy trailing behind. Dismounting, Mr. Bingley turned a dazzling smile to the group, with Jane being the principal object of his attention. She could not help but respond with her own radiant smile. Jane felt her heart pierced by dual arrows, utter joy at the sight of this man and utter loss that she would not marry for love.
Mr. Bingley, seeing the open esteem on Jane's face, hurried to her side. "Miss Bennet, it is very fine to see you. Darcy and I were making our way to Longbourn to inquire after your health." Mr. Darcy corroborated Mr. Bingley's claim and greeted her with a bow.
"Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley. I am feeling much better. And I thank you again for your good care during my illness. It is very kind of you to check on my wellbeing. I hope you remain well and none of your party have suffered any ill effects from my presence."
"You must not worry. We are all hale and hearty at Netherfield, are we not, Darcy?
"Quite so, Miss Bennet. Do not concern yourself on that account." Mr. Darcy was everything that was polite.
"You do look well, Miss Bennet. The brisk air has only enhanced your complexion, giving you a rosy glow." Mr. Darcy cleared his throat quietly, reminding his friend to maintain propriety.
Jane felt her face warm in delight at his words. She was all the more convinced that she could not marry Mr. Collins. Lizzy deserves to be happy but so do I. Between her mother and her closest sister, Jane had received constant assurances that she was the most deserving of happiness, due to her beauty and her goodness. And she wished for it to be so. However, she did not feel beautiful or good at the moment. She felt selfish and guilty. Lizzy would have never given up so quickly. She was slightly chagrined to realize her thoughts of self-imposed sacrifice were of such short duration. I will find a way through this mess for both of us. I cannot think rashly. Encouraging an attachment between Lizzy and Mr. Wickham may be just a foolish as attaching herself to Mr. Collins. But what can be done!
Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy had noticed the sudden turn her countenance had taken and once again sought to ensure her well-being. "Miss Bennet, you should sit." Mr. Bingley wandered a bit, looking around to see if there was a bench or any other seating to be conveniently had.
Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy came to her side. "Miss Bennet, please, take my arm. Steady yourself."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I am fine. I will just join my sisters."
"Of course. Shall I have Bingley summon Miss Elizabeth? We would be happy to escort you home." Jane thought he sounded almost eager. He was distracted as well. His eyes would quickly dart toward the rest of her party. Perhaps he thought them rude for not introducing Mr. Collins and the other gentlemen. As she followed the trajectory of his glance, Jane saw it landed squarely on Elizabeth to the exclusion of all else. She observed what she thought to be a hint of admiration on in his expression. After all, had she not just seen a similar expression from Elizabeth, directed toward Mr. Wickham? Well, this is unexpected and quite fascinating.
Mr. Bingley interrupted her thoughts, voicing her concerns that she should return home. Jane persuaded him she was well, but she, too, was distracted as she tried to hide her examination of Mr. Darcy. No longer content with sneaking looks, his gaze settled on Elizabeth and his expression was that of unguarded warmth. Goodness, what happened at Netherfield while I was ill?
Her hand still resting on Mr. Darcy's arm, she felt it tense suddenly. He dropped her hand unceremoniously. And likely unintentionally, Jane surmised. His hand was now clenched into a fist at his side. The warmth of his expression was gone. She had heard the term "face like thunder" once. This was the most perfect display of it she had ever seen. Did Mr. Darcy just growl? She and Mr. Bingley shared shocked glances. Mr. Bingley moved closer to Jane, as if in protection. Neither one knew what protection may be required, certainly not from Mr. Darcy, but both took comfort from the action.
Jane could not see any cause for the change. Mr. Wickham, previously blocked from view by Mr. Denny, was smiling charmingly at Elizabeth. They were both listening as Mr. Collins rambled on beside them. Kitty and Lydia were laughing too loud and too long at something Mr. Denny said. Ah, that is it. He disapproves with our youngest sisters' behavior. However, Jane did not think their behavior was at all growl-worthy. She had seen them far worse.
As if feeling the burning rage emanating from Mr. Darcy, the others looked toward Jane and gentlemen from Netherfield. Jane met Elizabeth's eyes and inclined her head toward their sisters. Elizabeth shook her head slightly in return. They both then noticed the alteration to their new acquaintance.
Mr. Wickham's face was white, with what Jane thought was fear. However, the veneer he had presented to everyone else slipped. Jane saw smug contempt and…malevolence. It made her shiver. When she glanced back at Mr. Darcy, she saw fear on his face as well as he looked between Elizabeth and Mr. Wickham.
Suddenly, a furious Mr. Darcy was striding forward, bearing down on the group. Elizabeth stood her ground while both Mr. Collins and Mr. Wickham scampered backwards a few feet. Mr. Wickham's face went…green. He looked ill. His surprise and fear at Mr. Darcy's presence was obvious. That didn't stop him from speaking first.
"Ah, um, Darcy, it has been some time since we last met, my old friend. I never thought to see you in Meryton." Wickham said rather breathlessly. "Is your sister well?" Jane wondered at the sickening smirk that twisted his face. His tone was mocking. According to Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, Miss Darcy was a delightful and accomplished girl. Mr. Darcy doted on her. Why would he use Miss Darcy to taunt her brother?
"Given how we last parted, I am certain neither of us wished to meet again. I trust your time in the neighborhood will be brief." Mr. Darcy was brusque in his comments, his tone dangerous. Everybody, including Mr. Bingley, Jane noticed, was startled at the animosity between the two men.
"I am suddenly of a mind to visit the local magistrate. It is always wise to do so when one enters into a community for an extended time. It is important to know if there are any local characters of a questionable nature about. Of course, I have met the magistrate before, but I have been remiss in having that particular conversation. I shall have to remedy that with Colonel Forster, as well, best not to wait until we next dine with the officers." Mr. Darcy had been staring straight into Mr. Wickham's eyes. Jane did not think he even blinked.
When Mr. Wickham broke the contact, Mr. Darcy's expression shifted to one that was more impassive, settling into his normal countenance. Mr. Darcy shifted his attention to address them all. "However, you will all excuse me. I must make my way to the book shop. I have purchases to make and I must make sure I have no outstanding debt on my account. It is a very serious thing to fall into arrears with the local merchants or any others who may hold your debts." Jane was sure she was not the only one to hear the deliberate emphasis Mr. Darcy placed on his words.
Mr. Wickham had been growing increasingly uncomfortable as Mr. Darcy spoke. At the mention of debts, he started sweating. He quickly bade farewell to his friends, promising they would meet at a later time. Mr. Darcy gave a satisfied snort as Mr. Wickham made his scurrying escape, for Jane could only think it as such. Mr. Wickham's strides were much too long and fast for nonchalance. Jane thought it quite the diverting sight.
"Bingley, perhaps you might see the Bennet sisters and their companion to Longbourn. I do, indeed, have some calls to make. Mr. Denny, would you like to join me?" Mr. Denny felt he could do naught but agree, uncertain though he was if they would actually be visiting the book shop and magistrate and, perhaps, even his colonel.
The others were left behind to consider that had just occurred.
Lydia spoke for all of them, when in her bewilderment, she simply asked, "What was that?"