Many thanks again for the reviews, favourites and followers, each notification is a joy (and a nudge to get writing) - I need the prod every now and again to get my stories into writing, If I could take you all on a mental journey in my mind I would do so, alas you are all stuck waiting for me to get my butt in a seat and my fingers typing. Unfortunately, all those other Fanfictions and TV shows don't read or watch themselves!
I have had a few reviews that have pointed out the darker tone of Mr Darcy. Yes, unfortunately that will continue within this story, and may not be to every-ones tastes. If you find this character change too disconcerting, understandably, this story will probably not be for you. But there are plenty of amazing stories out there for you to fall in love with Mr Darcy…this however will not be one of them I'm afraid. No this will not be a love story, but, I hope, an accurate representative of a man of this era in a privileged position, and a woman a victim of her era. Any scenes of a particular dark nature will be provided with the essential warnings as I deem necessary.
Hope you enjoy!
Elizabeth was being watched. She wouldn't have been able to describe it if anyone had asked, but she felt it, the exact moment Mr Darcy had returned to the ballroom. She was being watched, by Mr Darcy, in particular, she was sure of it. When the dance had turned to allow her to look around the room, she spotted him. Yes, Mr Darcy was staring at her with no disguise to hide his attentions. Whatever could the man mean, Elizabeth though, by staring so accusatory at her, in a society ballroom none the less!
She was currently dancing a second set with Mr Henton, an offer she had taken to warmly. She would admit, though only to herself, that she had made an extra effort on her appearance when getting ready with him in mind. He was a kind gentleman who had recently purchased a small estate in the next town over. She had felt his favour towards her grow over their short acquaintance, evidenced even more by his repeated attendance in Merryton society as opposed to his more local circle. She hadn't quite painted his full character over the last few weeks or knew her own feelings regarding the gentleman, but their conversations were so consistently lively and warm that she welcomed any further chance to get to know him better.
Even with all this possibility, she had unconsciously abandoned this direction of thought tonight. Her mind was now firmly distracted. She should have felt excited by the attention of her back to back dances with a possible suitor, but instead she'd spent the last half an hour wondering what on earth her father and Mr Darcy had to discuss. Now she was equally distracted by the same man and had spent the last fifteen minutes in her dance partner's arms trying to ignore Mr Darcy whose evident gaze was determined to be fixed upon her as she and her dance partner finished the remaining steps of the set. Mr Henton, to his credit, hadn't faulted with his less than attending company and tried his best to carry Elizabeth through their conversations, even when his own attention shifted to the rather insistent gentleman staring at his dance partner.
With the dance coming to an end the couple dispersed from the floor. Elizabeth was adamantly not looking over to where Mr Darcy was stood, still observing the couple, and smiled gently at Mr Henton to tell him she'd enjoyed the dance.
"Yes, it was lively wasn't it, I think now I should see you safely back to your mother though Miss Elizabeth, even the great Elizabeth Bennet is in need of some refreshment after two dances I would think?" Mr Henton teased. Miss Elizabeth smiled kindly, appreciating his attention.
"That would be much appreciated. I boast a lively constitution Sir, but even for the great Elizabeth Bennet," She joked, "two dances consecutively has me scouting out a seat, even from a worthy dance partner as yourself. My toes have never faired so well from the exertion, for that sir I must express my sincere thanks." Mr Henton laughed fondly, looking pleased his partner's wit and at the credit she had bestowed on him.
"I am only sorry to hear you have been cruelly abused in the past then Miss Bennet, I can only advise that you pick your dance partners with careful consideration in future, perhaps a known experienced dancer such as myself?" his eyes sparkled with mischief as he walked her back to her mother.
"Alas us females have little choice in polite society but to accept all dance offers, even those that put our toes at risk." she winced dramatically as if remembering a painful memory, an energetic Mr Collins sprang to mind for her inspiration.
"It's a trying world indeed for young ladies, forced so precariously into battle, toes unprotected against such violent assault." Mr Henton teased.
"We weather it the best we can Sir, as do our toes." she joked back. They had reached her mother who for once was showing a level of decorum at her daughter successfully achieving two dances from an eligible gentleman.
"I'll return, fair warrior, with your refreshments," he bowed and left Elizabeth with her family.
"Oh Lizzy, that was well done, well done indeed! What a fine gentleman Mr Henton is!" Mrs Bennet rejoiced, "He seems so fond of you dear, even with your peculiar manners. But do try and watch that sharp tongue of yours child, no gentleman wants a bluestocking for a wife!"
"Yes mother, I will do my very best to remove any sense of my personality for fear of scaring away Mr Henton." Elizabeth rolled her eyes, sharing a pointed look with Jane who simply smiled at her sister's sarcasm.
"Oh shush Lizzy, you know perfectly well what I mean. If only he was interested in you Jane dear, you Jane at least know how to act among potential suitors. " she glared at the younger daughter who simply rolled her eyes again.
"He obviously favours Lizzie's cleverness and lively temperament mother, as well all do" said Jane while Elizabeth gave her a grateful look, "and while I like Mr Henton much from our short acquaintance, I feel he and Lizzy are much better suited." Elizabeth shot Jane a soft look of betrayal.
"Not you too Jane, we are all new friends with Mr Henton, and he has simply shown an interest in…continuing the connection, I'm sure he'll be asking you to dance next Jane," said Elizabeth, decidedly wanting to brush off any preference so early in their acquaintance, however, she might enjoy his company and whatever little good it would do to stop her mother hearing wedding bells after a few meetings and dances.
"Continuing the connection indeed, if you are not careful Lizzie this will be Mr Collins all over again," Mrs Bennet sighed in suffrage, "I am too old to have all my daughters unmarried, you do not know how I suffer, my nerves girls. And if it was not for that scheming Miss Lucas-"
"Mother!" corrected Elizabeth, but was swiftly ignored.
"at least one of my daughters would have been married. But you have always been a selfish creature Lizzie, no thoughts of your family. Now I have to spend my weeks hearing Mrs Lucas crow again and again about how Mrs Collins fares. It is more than any mother should have to take."
"Mother you are upsetting yourself," calmed Jane, keeping her voice low, "our situations isn't what it once was Ma, none of us needed to be married to Mr Collins or any such man anymore. Even you have admitted on occasion you found his mannerisms somewhat insulting Mama, remember how he described our day room."
"I suppose that is true, that was a remark too far as I said at the time," both Jane and Elizabeth exchanged a look, remembering quite vividly how Mr Collins could do no wrong in Mrs Bennet's eyes at the time, "but it does not help me with Mrs Lucas does it, not when your own father has forbidden me to discuss it with her. Forbidden me I say! Instead I have five daughters, far more beautiful and accomplished than hers, and no weddings to speak of! And not a one of you has any sympathy for my nerves," Mrs Bennet fanned herself, acting agitated, ignoring all attempts by her daughters to soothe and shush her.
"Ma please-"
"Oh shhh Lizzie, he's coming back," she gave Elizabeth a little push forward as she herself had a miraculous recovery from her agitation, and was now ready to receive Mr Henton who could be seen carrying refreshments.
"Oh how kind you are sir, so kind, my Lizzie will be most grateful for your attentions. See look Lizzie, look at what Mr Henton has brought you, thank the gentleman Lizzie," said Mrs Bennet.
"Yes, Mr Henton, as my mother has most thoroughly expressed," She gave him a look of apology, "I am indeed thankful for my drink." Elizabeth took the offered beverage, a pink tinge on her cheeks in embarrassment. Mr Henton simply seemed amused at the matchmaking woman's words, and smiled softly at Elizabeth as she took a drink.
"I hope it aids in your recovery quickly, I have no doubt you'll have another dance partner lined up after me." Mr Henton was no longer looking so jovial as he stared past Elizabeth. "of that I believe I can be certain."
"Actually no, my next one is thankfully empty, but I think I shall -"
"Miss Elizabeth, you are looking well this evening." spoke the familiar baritone voice from behind her.
"Mr Darcy," she greeted, surprised to find him closer than expected as she turned around to face him, "I'm surprised to see you return to Merryton." The remembering her manners, she dropped her head in greeting to which Mr Darcy returned before turning toward her family.
"Mrs Bennet, Miss Bennet a pleasure to see you again." Thankfully her mother seemed too surprised at Mr Darcy's return to do anything but return the greeting. "I have business in the area Miss Elizabeth, and thought I'd take the time to reacquaint myself with society here." Mr Darcy said pausing to look straight at her for a moment before moving his gaze to Mr Henton who stood behind her. "And those new to Merryton of course."
"My apologies," Elizabeth blushed at her society faux pas, "Mr Darcy, may I introduce Mr Henton, he is new to our society but very welcome." She gave Mr Henton a warm smile, which did not go unnoticed. The gentleman both gave polite bows as society demands, but were clearly observing each other.
"Mr Darcy, " spoke Mrs Bennet, over her short-lived stupor, "you are most welcome back in Merryton. Do you return alone? We have missed your friend Mr Bingley's delightful company, haven't we Jane?" Jane looked like she'd rather be anywhere else, "and he still will be welcome to dine with us if he would choose to visit, what is time between old neighbours… you'd be welcome too of course Mr Darcy, if you'd like, should Mr Bingley decide to visit." Mr Darcy again had the delightful experience of being reminded of the exact reasons he had so laboured over his first proposal to Miss Elizabeth, to be connected to such a…woman.
"Mr Bingley and his sisters have not accompanied me and I don't believe they have any plans to visit the area. When I do see him again I shall pass on your…kind words," he turned away from Mrs Bennet swiftly dismissing her, "Miss Elizabeth, I believe you have the next set free, would you do me the honour?" He held out his hand expectantly.
"I -Mr Darcy I," Elizabeth tried to decline.
"My daughter would be delighted, wouldn't you Lizzie, all my daughters are fine dancers, including my Jane Mr Henton, should you be inclined of course to continue dancing yourself sir," declared Mrs Bennet, and for once, Mr Darcy though, he found Mrs Bennets foul manners bearable now they worked in his favour. The band was setting up to play the next set and played the chime to announce the dances should make their way into formation.
"Shall we, Miss Elizabeth?" not removing his offering hand. She gave a reluctant nod, taking his hand. She heard Mr Henton make an amicable offer to Jane to dance to Mrs Bennet's joy.
"I guess we shall," she mumbled to herself, feeling Mr Darcy's hand tightening over hers as he directed her over to the dance floor.
Thank you for reading, feedback most welcome x