Chapter 11:
Elizabeth's first week in London was blessed with glorious weather, which meant she had every excuse to spend most of the days outdoors. It was in one of those outings, with Jane, that they met up with the Rochesters at Hyde Park.
"Mrs. Bailey" said Miss Emily Rochester, greeting her friend, "I have not seen you for some time."
"It has been too long," said Jane sweetly, "May I introduce you to my sister, Miss Elizabeth Bennet? She is visiting from Longbourn."
"A pleasure" said Emily, bowing slightly. She was dressed in a delicate and expensive light blue muslin gown, with blue trimmings and a matching bonnet. A perfectly dressed gentlewoman, from an entirely different circle than Jane was currently in.
"Lizzy, this is Miss Emily Rochester, I met her at the Opera, when I went with the Gardiners" explained Jane, knowing Lizzy would be confused at how their acquaintance led to be.
"My brother was looking to invest with your uncle" explained Emily, adding in a whisper, as if sharing something scandalous, "Which I believe he now has. My brother feels the life of the gentry is short-lived and as the world expands, we too should expand with it. I do not know much on the subject, however, I do keep it quiet because you know how people view business" she explained, rolling her eyes.
Lizzy knew at once that she would like Miss Rochester, she was kind like Jane, and yet had a certain spark that most gentlewomen lacked. Jane smiled for though Emily spoke her mind, she was as sweet as she was blunt, "There he is over there—the tall and handsome one" she teased.
"Indeed" said Elizabeth, smiling. Mr. Rochester was indeed tall and handsome and for better or for worse, he was coming their way.
"Ah, Emily!" he said jovially, "Who are your lovely friends?"
"Oh Robert!" she said smiling, "This is Mrs. Jane Bailey, and this is her sister, Miss Elizabeth Bennet who is visiting from Longbourn."
"A pleasure" he said to both, bowing lightly. "Shall we continue walking? The weather is so lovely. I miss the country on days like these." The Bennets agreed. Jane linked hands with Emily and Lizzy took Mr. Rochester's offered arm.
"And how do you like London?" he asked politely, turning his head slightly to look at her face, which was slightly covered by the bonnet.
"On days like these, with such glorious weather, very much so" said Lizzy.
"Indeed!" said Mr. Rochester, smiling widely. "Your Aunt and Uncle have made quite the impression. They are quite remarkable! Knowledgable and carry themselves with such ease and grace, I would venture to say better than most of the ton."
"Yes, they truly are remarkable" agreed Lizzy, "Though I think if we judge people based on majority of the ton, then most people truly are remarkable" teased Lizzy. Mr. Rochester laughed and they continued on, admiring the trees and lovely animals that rustled and fluttered around them.
"Where in the country do you live?" asked Lizzy, enjoying the easy and small conversation.
"I am near Derbyshire—have you heard of it?" he asked.
"A little" said Elizabeth quietly, feeling her heart skip a beat. She wanted to know if he knew Mr. Darcy for no other reason than to allow herself to say his name out loud but it would only draw questions and she did not think it wise.
"My family's state is called Weston Park. It is near Derbyshire and quite lovely. I prefer to stay in the country but alas, I am here on business and have joined my mother and sister for the season, though I long to be back" he explained. "Do you prefer the country or London?"
"Oh the country!" asked Lizzy, as if that was an easy question, "Though in all fairness, I have not had much opportunity to spend significant time in London. We do sporadically visit my Aunt and Uncle in Cheapside but we have never spent a Season in the other part of London. And I have not been back in two years..."
"I see" said Mr. Rochester politely. He was intrigued by Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She was beautiful and carried herself with such grace. He had heard from his sister that there was a scandal a few years ago in their family but the ton rarely bothered themselves with scandals from less known families. "Would you like to sit?" he asked politely stopping by a nearby bench.
"I thank you" said Elizabeth politely and sat down, now taking a look behind them to see that Jane and Emily had trailed behind, "Oh, I did not realize they were so far behind!" she exclaimed, seeing them walk slowly.
"One could say we walk fast" said Mr. Rochester, sitting next to Elizabeth.
"Or one could say that they walk slow" teased Lizzy, causing Mr. Rochester to laugh.
"Indeed!" he remarked, now smiling at Elizabeth in a way that made her nervous and flattered all the same.
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They saw the Rochesters twice after that, once at the Opera and once at Hyde Park, once again. Elizabeth was flattered with Mr. Rochester's attention, but did not think much of it until he asked her for the first dance in the next day's ball. Mr. Rochester had secured an invitation for Mrs. Bailey and for Miss Elizabeth Bennet for his Aunt's Westminster Ball. It was the event of society, anyone who was anyone, or perhaps anyone who was defined by anyone, was to be present. The Bennet sisters accepted the invitation, though they were surprised, Jane more than Elizabeth.
"This is surely a compliment to you, dear Lizzy" said Jane softly, when they had first received the invitation. It came in a yellow paper with gold writing and smelled of flowers, surely a taste of what was to come. "This invitation is lovely" said Jane, admiring the effort they had put in it.
Elizabeth wanted to point out how silly it was to spend so much on a simple invitation, but she did not. She was learning to not share every thought that materialized in her head and to think level headed, specially when in the presence of members of the ton. It was for this reason that Mr. Rochester's interest was confusing. Elizabeth had been with him a water down version of herself, not quite knowing how to be herself which conforming more within the rules of society. She often held back from her witty remarks when with him—until she was sure that they would be received well. In those moments that she would let out an unfiltered remark, he would smile and then a slight frown would appear on his thin lips. Lizzy did not know what to make of it and she could not know that he was saddened that she was holding back in front of him. He had hoped she would be different than the proper young ladies and in those moments where he saw her—he felt he could love her—but he did not understand why she held back. He thought it might be a reflection of how comfortable she felt around him and he was determined to make effort possible to get to know the real Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
The day of the Westminster Ball arrived and Elizabeth and Jane looked every bit as beautiful as their reputation was once known, the beautiful Bennet sister. Jane had not yet confided in Lizzy about her husband and it was with effort that she dressed as beautiful as she could, eager to accompany Elizabeth and hope to secure a match for her. Jane could tell Mr. Rochester was smitten and she only hoped with time, the mutual interest could evolve.
Elizabeth came down the stairs of Jane's beautiful and simple home, and Jane gasped, remarking how lovely she looked.
"Is that the same dress you worse to the Netherfields Ball?" asked Jane, laughing that she even remembered.
"Indeed" said Lizzy, twirling, "I even asked your maid to help me do my hair similar to that night. I have not had a reason to wear this dress since then, so it is still in good condition."
"You look beautiful" said Jane, looking at Lizzy quizzically, "However, I believe it is missing something..."
Jane hurried off and came back a few moments later, carrying a delicate dark green satin ribbon.
"James has been investing in textiles and he brought some samples home the other day. This one is quite exquisite and I think will accentuate just enough color with such a delicate and light gown" said Jane, bringing it over to Lizzy and motioning with her finger for her to turn around, so she could tie it.
"It is beautiful" said Lizzy, softly touching the satin with her hands. Lizzy caught her reflection in the mirror and seeing herself brought memories of the last time she danced with this dress holding back a tear, she touched the dress again and felt a determination to enjoy tonight's Ball and create new memories with this very dress.
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The Ball was shimmering. The gowns, the candles, the music, and even the hanging chandeliers were stunning. Lizzy had to hold back from openly gazing at every little detail, feeling very self conscious as this was her first Ball in a very long time, where she was hoping that no mention of her family's former scandal would be made.
Jane gave her a light squeeze with her hand and a reassuring smile, as if knowing what Lizzy was thinking. She then nudged her to look forward where a very handsome and sharply dressed Mr. Rochester was rapidly approaching them.
"Mrs. Bailey, Miss Elizabeth, I am so happy you have come" he said, bowing lightly. "Allow me to introduce you to my Aunt" he added, offering an arm to each of the lovely ladies and making introductions with the hostess of the night.
Soon they were joined by Miss Rochester, who stole Jane away with a meaningful look towards her brother and Lizzy held back laughter, for Emily was lovely and yet so very obvious.
"She is charming" said Mr. Rochester, as if reading her mind.
"Indeed" said Lizzy laughing, she took Mr. Rochester's offered arm towards the refreshments where he gave them both lemonade and they drank in silence admiring the ball.
"I am looking forward to our first dance" he said meaningfully, "I hope you have remembered to save it to me."
"Would not dream of doing otherwise" teased Lizzy, feeling more like herself. She let out a heavy sigh, took another sip and asked, "Your sister told me you recently went to Greece. I would love to hear about it."
"I never know when young ladies are truly interested or merely polite" he teased, raising an eyebrow.
"I shall not divulge all of our secrets" teased Elizabeth, laughing.
Elizabeth was mid-laugh when she saw from the corner of her eye a gentleman entering the ballroom. She did not know what caused her to turn but it was as if the air had been sucked away from the room and she forced to look at the source. It reminded her a few years ago when she first saw him enter the assembly at Meryton and her laughter turned into a smile and blushing cheeks, as she remembered her silliness even then. Her current companion looked towards the direction of the entrance, to see what Miss Elizabeth was so engaged by. He saw an array of emotions on her face and he was not pleased to see the source was a very handsome gentleman.
"Do you know the gentleman?" asked Mr. Rochester.
"A little" said Elizabeth, blushing as she spoke and forcing her attention back to him, "So pray, tell me more of your recent travels for I do love to hear of nature." Mr. Rochester smiled and obliged, recounting his most recent trip to Greece.
Elizabeth heard him speak but could not make out the words for all she could think was Mr. Darcy is here.
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I'm excited and nervous to continue this story...what did you think?
Thanks for all the reviews! They give me motivation to sit and write!