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Chapter 3 - The Netherfield party (Bingleys, Hursts, de Bourghs, Mr Collins, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy) are on their way to Hertfordshire. The Colonel was in a grumpy mood because Anne would be acting as Netherfield's Mistress but Darcy is even grumpier. We also found out that Darcy and Lizzy's last meeting did not go well - he accused her of lying to him. Background about our Lizzy's childhood: Used by Mr Bennet, abused by Mrs Bennet and accused of almost every bad thing that happened in the family. She was close with Mary, Kitty and the Lucases as well as her abigail, Alexa. Darcy was also revealed to be a Marquess.

© 2019 Zest Layne


Anne de Bourgh couldn't find a word to describe how her three days of stay in Netherfield Park went. Being a sickly child, it was rare for Anne to travel. Her mother was too overprotective to let her out of the house during her younger years. She couldn't even visit her Fitzwilliam or Darcy relatives. Instead, they were the ones to visit Rosings – mostly during Easter – to see her and her mother.

Even at the age of nine, when Anne didn't tire as easily or caught a cold as often, Lady Catherine still refused to bring Anne into her travels. She did let Anne roam more areas of the Park at home, though. It was only when Anne reached the age of two and twenty, about three years ago, that Lady Catherine let Anne come with her to Town.

Despite that, other than their estate at Rosings, Matlock House and Darcy House were the only other houses she was used to staying. She didn't really have many friends to visit except her cousins. Simply put, Anne was new to the feelings curtailed when staying in an unfamiliar place in a new county; but that didn't mean that she was oblivious to take note of the fact that the people around her were acting strange.

For starters, there was Richard, who made it his mission to corner her every time he can in hopes of giving up the position as Netherfield's Mistress. But Anne was used to Richard being his annoying self so that didn't really count. She had predicted that he would react this way so she shouldn't really be surprised.

And even if she would acquiesce to his pleas, er requests, eventually (Anne didn't really want to be known to the village her promised role to Netherfield, knowing that it could cause a scandal to her and Richard's relationship especially if it reached London) she wanted to follow the advice of her mother and see if Richard would give in first and if he would try to secure her hand.

Speaking of her mother, Lady Catherine de Bourgh had barely shown herself to the rest of the party since they've arrived. Anne was curious as to why her mother would do this. After all, Lady Catherine's primary objective was to get Miss Bingley away from her nephew.

Said Lady Catherine's nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy or better known to the crowd as Lord Ashbourne, was next on the list after her mother. It was obvious to everyone that her eldest Darcy cousin was not in the best moods during their travel, but his mood had only gotten worse during their stay. While Anne was used to her cousin's aloofness and stern demeanour, this was taking it to a whole new level. She could not be certain but she thought that she had heard him talking to the wind.

The cousin Anne knew was observant, always paying attention. The one staying with them in Netherfield seemed to get lost in thought so often. From time to time, Anne had also seen him shake his head in frustration, but he was not talking to anyone. What's going on?

It seemed that everyone with her that had Fitzwilliam blood in them had been put into some kind of spell that made them act unusual. The only normalcy she found in the house was by the Bingleys, Hursts, and Mr Collins.

However, among these people, she only found herself comfortable around Mr Bingley (because he was generally an amiable man) and Mr Hurst (simply because he did not bother her and was only ever in their presence to eat or drink). The Bingley sisters, on the other hand, were only tolerated by Anne.

Why, with their simpering, they could rival Mr Collins. The latter had somehow taken them as competitions in an unspoken game of 'who could say the most compliments' and now, Anne had to deal with three people constantly following her around and praising everything she did. At first, she did try to count who could compliment herself the most but after bearing it for half an hour, she gave up and only smiled up at them not really paying attention to the words coming out of their mouth.

Unfortunately for Anne, their unofficial competition that had started the day of their arrival continued for the following days. Thank goodness for the upcoming Assembly that Sir William Lucas (one of the first people who visited them) informed them of and invited them to. Perhaps she could finally get away from the simpering trio. And if she was lucky, her mother and cousin might be back to their former selves at the time of the event.

The night of Anne's most awaited Assembly, however, didn't go as she had hoped. For one, Richard had gone from pestering her to completely ignoring her. She had guessed that it might have to do with the fact that Richard had yet to know about the arrangement she had made with Mister and Miss Bingley hours before the ball.

The said arrangement would've made Richard back to his own self because it was agreed upon by the two ladies that the people of Hertfordshire would know Miss Bingley as Netherfield's Mistress. However, all the decisions that she would make would still go through Anne because she was still the 'real' Mistress of Netherfield. In that way, Anne and Richard would worry no more and they could still make sure that their Darcy cousin was protected from any attempts of compromise.

At first, Mr Bingley was confused at the idea, but Anne explained it to him in a way that implied Anne and Miss Bingley's 'budding friendship.' Anne knew that Miss Bingley wanted to get close to her (in hopes of gaining the attention of a certain Marquess, no doubt) so she used that information to her advantage. Miss Bingley was so pleased with Anne's proposal that she didn't even suspect a thing.

Of course, proposing the same thing to Mrs Hurst had crossed Anne's mind, but Anne had also noticed that Mrs Hurst followed her younger sister around too much that Anne decided to make a deal with the domineering Bingley sister instead.

The second thing that bothered Anne was her mother's absence. Lady Catherine had claimed a headache just before they left for the Assembly. Not once had her mother left her alone in attending gatherings even when she reached legal age. Even when Lady Catherine was feeling unwell, she would never let Anne attend an Assembly with anyone other than herself – even if Anne would be in company with her cousins. Why would she let Anne go without her now? What had changed?

The third and worse thing that bothered Anne though (which made her forget her previous thoughts about Richard and her mother) was her Marquess cousin's remarks.

Anne de Bourgh was reserved and quiet in a new environment like her Darcy cousins, but even she knew that Ashbourne's words tonight were beyond rude.

Having an overprotective mother like Lady Catherine de Bourgh was hard. That was why ever since her mother let her out in society, whenever she attended balls or any social gathering, the first thing she looked for was how mothers interacted with their daughters. And since she could only count on two hands the events she had attended, she had yet to see something out of the ordinary.

Not until tonight.

When she'd entered the room with the rest of her party, it did not take long before her eyes caught sight of a woman who was instructing her daughters to line up properly. While matchmaking mama's attitude towards their daughters was not new to Anne, the way the woman spoke to her daughters had taken Anne by surprise.

While the woman (whom Anne now knew as Mrs Bennet) was nice to her blonde-haired daughter, she spoke to her other daughters as if they were not her children.

"Stand behind my Jane's back with Mary and Lizzy, Kitty. Oh, if only my Lydia was here she shall also be on the front with my Jane, they are the beautiful ones after all." That was what Anne heard from the matron when she'd passed by earlier.

What kind of mother insults her own daughters? At least, Lady Catherine, while overprotective, was good to Anne. She even said many times that if Anne's health had allowed it – any particular skills mentioned by other people – she just knew that her Anne would be proficient in it, even if it were not really true.

Having seen the way Mrs Bennet treated her daughters was what led Anne eager to strike a conversation with the trio of sisters whom their mother seemed to love to criticize. After three attempts, she managed to finally get introduced to them through the help of Lady Lucas. And much to Anne's pleasure, she found herself enjoying the Assembly more than any other event that she had attended before.

That was the case until her Darcy cousin ruined it.

-p&p-

"She is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me. I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me." The moment those words left her cousin Ashbourne's mouth, four things occurred: at the corner of her eye she saw her newfound acquaintance, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, stood frozen in her spot; Richard shook his head, more than three sets of eyes glared in her cousin's direction (Anne was one of them) and Mrs Bennet walked towards the source of the comment.

However, to Anne's surprise and disgust, Mrs Bennet's response was not what she expected. "Oh, I absolutely agree with you, Sir. Why, I have been telling that girl for years that she will never be beautiful in anyone's eyes. And that attitude of hers, such stubbornness! Indeed, I am heartily ashamed to call her my daughter. Perhaps now, that it came from the opinion of a respected Lord, such as you, then that girl can finally get it in her head." Before the matron could say more, however, Lady Lucas rushed to her side and led her away.

Anne then fixed her eyes at Miss Elizabeth, who stood a few feet away from her by the punch area and looked for any sort of reaction. But to Anne's surprise, Miss Elizabeth straightened her spine and raised her head (though, she did so with a prominent blush). Holding two glasses of punch in her hand, Miss Elizabeth walked towards Anne's direction.

"I apologise I took longer than expected." Miss Elizabeth said handing Anne the punch. "If you'd like to search for better company, I would understand Miss de Bourgh."

"Oh, but I find that this is the best company for myself, Miss Elizabeth. Thank you for getting me a punch but I believe my headache has been replaced with anger as of now. And as much as I would like to hear more about Oakham Mount, I think I would need to talk with my cousin first."

Miss Elizabeth smiled understandingly but Anne could see that it did not reach her eyes. Oh, cousin you better ready your ears for I am my mother's daughter…

"I am truly sorry for my cousin's behaviour."

"'Tis alright, Miss de Bourgh. I believe all I needed was a little fresh air and I shall be back to my old self."

With that, the ladies parted ways.

Anne de Bourgh wasted no time discreetly dragging her cousin with her towards the balcony where no one could eavesdrop on them. "Fitzwilliam Darcy! How dare you slight Miss Elizabeth Bennet? And in public! You were lucky only a few people heard your words but after Mrs Bennet's spectacle your rude comments might have as well been announced to everyone!"

Meanwhile, as Anne was busy whisper-yelling at her cousin, Mary and Katherine Bennet were watching the exchange. After insulting their elder sister, Mary and Kitty's eyes never left Lord Ashbourne's. That was why they were aware when Miss de Bourgh cautiously led said man towards the balcony.

Fuelled by their anger, at this point, Mary and Kitty cared very little for propriety. They were not going to watch silently as Miss de Bourgh lectured her cousin. No, they were going to teach that arrogant Lord Ashbourne a lesson for speaking about their beloved sister in such a manner. It mattered not if they had not been introduced to the man. They knew his words hurt their sister more than Lizzy would care to admit.

Being daughters of Fanny Bennet, nay being daughters of Fanny Bennet who were not Jane and Lydia, Mary and Kitty knew and felt the hurtful insults of their mother every day. And among the three of them who were Fanny's least favourites, Lizzy had it worse; all because she survived while their brother did not.

Adding more to their anger, was that when their sister came back from London over a week and a half ago, she had been in a sombre mood. They only saw Lizzy's lively self again when they had mentioned the Assembly and because of Charlotte Lucas's last visit. The two sisters were trying their best to lift their elder sister's mood, though they knew not what had occurred in London for their sister to become sad in the first place.

What they knew, however, was that Lizzy grew up having low confidence in her physical appearance no matter how much their sister tried to hide it. So after hearing it from their mother who disparaged Lizzy's looks at almost every opportunity she got, hearing it from another person must be painful for their dear Lizzy.

Ergo, as loyal and loving sisters to Lizzy, Mary and Kitty would not just stand idle and let that Lord Ashbourne get away easily after slighting their sister. They might not be able to defend Lizzy from their parents but they sure would stand up for Lizzy against the stranger before them.

Lizzy had stood up for them plenty of times and it was time that they return the favour.

-p&p-

Fitzwilliam Darcy could not deny that he was affected by Anne de Bourgh's scolding. He knew his cousin didn't get many opportunities to make friends and knowing that he probably ruined one of Anne's chances at that made him feel guilty.

If that was not enough, two girls (whom Anne later informed him of to be the younger sisters of the person he had insulted) made it their mission to remind Darcy of his mistake. When Anne left him alone at the balcony, Darcy thought he was going to be left alone by silence so that he could ponder more on his cousin's words.

He thought wrong.

As soon as he was alone as if by design, the two young ladies stood near the balcony and started talking about how a proper gentleman should conduct oneself in a gathering.

"You know, Kitty, I once thought that you and Lizzy made me stopped reading Fordyce's works because you thought it was dull but now I think that, perhaps, there might be another reason…"

"And what other reason might that be, Mary?"

"Due to some events that happened this evening, I've concluded that perhaps some of Fordyce's words were opinionated. That was why you and Lizzy convinced me to read other books, was it not? Because I was becoming too dependent on the sermons I had been reading."

"But how could you say that?" Miss Kitty asked.

"You see, dear sister, in one of his works, Fordyce stated that: 'Next to the dispositions and manners of Young Women, those of Young Men may be regarded as of the greatest consequence, both to the present and future generations.'[1] I found his statement hard to believe."

"But why?"

"Did you see how that Lord Ashbourne slighted Lizzy earlier?" He heard Miss Kitty answer in the affirmative before Miss Mary continued. "Do you believe that his manners may be regarded as of the greatest consequence, both to the present and future generations? Was that how a gentleman supposed to behave?"

Darcy knew he had a choice. He could leave if he wanted to. He could escape any time he wanted. However, his body stayed rooted on his spot. The part of him that was mad at himself (not just for his recent actions but all the wrongdoings he had done to a certain young lady) would like to hear what the two girls have to say against his person. He felt guilty; so he thought that it was only right for their insults to reach his ears. After all, he had done much worse to their sister.

"I see your point, Mary, but perhaps it wasn't Fordyce's words that were false. I think that Fordyce only wrote in his works what he thought young men ought to be. Perhaps if men in similar disposition to Lord Ashbourne learned to behave in a gentleman-like manner, then Fordyce's words would be proven true."

Miss Kitty's words took Darcy by surprise. His parents raised him to be a good example of a gentleman so hearing as if he did not even deserve the title of being a 'gentleman' bothered him greatly.

"Perhaps… And now that I've thought about it Lord Ashbourne's actions are, indeed, of great consequence. Why, his behaviour reflected poorly upon his friend Mr Bingley!"

"Do you think Mr Bingley was really amiable or was he only hiding his rudeness behind a cheerful attitude?"

"Do not think of such a thing, Kitty. You know how Mama was prone to embarrassing us. You should not judge a person based on the people surrounding them."

"But with Mama, we have no choice. She is our mother. Lord Ashbourne is only Mr Bingley's friend. Surely he could choose whether to be in his friend's company or not."

"Kitty, you forget that Lord Ashbourne has a higher ranking in society. Did you ever think that perhaps it was Lord Ashbourne who holds control in their friendship?"

The conversation of the two girls came to a sudden stop that Darcy could not help but turn his head in their direction to know what could've prompted them to cease speaking. He was not prepared for what he saw next. There, standing in place of the two girls, was Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She was as beautiful as he remembered her; though he could not help but think that the moonlight enhances her features. It made her eyes stand out even more as if they were orbs of light shining in the dark.

However, before he could call her name or step towards her to offer his apology, she turned around, not even acknowledging his presence. He couldn't believe she had cut him. He, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Lord Ashbourne, only son of the Duke and Duchess of Derbyshire! How dare she – a country girl with relations to trade – cut him?

Yet… a very small part of him couldn't help but feel that he deserved it.

-p&p-

His words hurt more than Lizzy would care to admit. How dare he accused Lizzy of lying when he was the one who's a liar? During the second week of their encounters at the Gardiner Warehouse, he had grown more comfortable with her and none of their meetings went by without him paying her a compliment. Most of it didn't have to do with her appearance but more on her wit and intelligence, yet some of his compliments addressed her beauty.

Not that she believed him. Since she grew up with her own mother belittling her looks, she always had a difficult time accepting praises regarding it. When he had first done it – complimented her – she had switched the topic of their conversation immediately. The second time he had done it, she had done the same thing in response. By the third time, he must've noticed her discomfort and he'd decided to address the matter.

"Do you not trust me?" He had asked her with a frown, brows furrowed and eyes serious.

Though she had been confused at his sudden question in the middle of their debate about which book was better: Pamela or Shamela, she had answered him in a firm "I do trust you."

"Then you believe my words?"

"Yes."

"If that was the case, then why do you not believe me whenever I tell you that you look lovely?"

She remembered lowering her head and looking away from him when he'd asked this. She didn't want to tell him of her doubts about her beauty or anything about her mother. Still, she didn't want to leave his question without an answer so she settled for a half-truth. "It makes me feel uncomfortable."

"I thought one of the ways to gain a lady's good opinion is flattery?"

"My mother did once say that I'm not a lady." Though her mother's comment stung, Lizzy had told him of the jab in a teasing manner that concealed her true feelings on the statement.

"Then she was right about that." That was the first time his words had hurt her. But that was only for half a second, for his next sentence had taken away any offence he had brought her. "You aren't just a lady because you're so much more."

Not really knowing how to respond to his words, she had changed the subject.

"Very well, since compliments do seem to make you uncomfortable, I shall make it my mission to sing you praises every time we meet. That way, you can get used to it and learn to accept it."

At that, she had raised a brow at him. "Shall I prepare myself for a bunch of false flattery in the coming days?"

He'd shaken his head. "I thought that you trust me, therefore believing the credibility of my words? Are you the one who's being untrue, madam?"

Sighing, she had turned to him with a light smile on his face. "Alright, I will concede defeat this time." She had let him return her smile before she'd crossed her arms at her chest and said, "However, I believe our debate is not yet over and I promise to win in that subject."

Before she could relive the memory any further, Charlotte came to her side. "Eliza, I just overheard Mary and Kitty near the balcony. I think they're giving Lord Ashbourne a taste of his own medicine."

Charlotte Lucas watched the expression of her friend turned into a frown. While Charlotte knew that the man's words had hurt her friend, she also knew that Lizzy wouldn't want her younger sisters to delve more into the matter. What Eliza needed at times like these, were time alone to herself. That was why when Charlotte saw Eliza headed outside after talking to Miss de Bourgh, she didn't follow her.

Not until she had overheard Kitty and Mary's conversation. While a part of her approved of what the two girls did to retaliate, a bigger part of Charlotte knew that their action would also reflect on their family as well (not that Mrs Bennet had done a good job at making a good impression). And while Charlotte had stopped caring about other members of the Bennet family on how they were treating Eliza, she didn't want Mary and Kitty to get in trouble with their mother if not with the Marquess himself.

"Where are they?"

Instead of answering, Charlotte led Eliza inside to where her younger sisters were.

Lizzy was glad that she didn't even have to say a word for her sisters to stop talking and give her an apologetic look. She sighed telling them that they would discuss it later before pushing them towards Charlotte, who led them to the other side of the room. Lizzy couldn't resist taking a peek at him whose name should not be spoken, but at the last minute changed her mind knowing that she couldn't meet his eyes so she turned away and left.

-p&p-

When they got back to Netherfield, Darcy headed to the private sitting room connected to his chambers and poured himself a glass of brandy.

Ever since he had arrived at Netherfield, he had been unfocused. All he could think about was how he was going to make amends to the lady he had parted with so badly in London. Hours after their last meeting in the Gardiner Warehouse, it didn't take long for Darcy to realise his mistake.

He had accused her of being a liar because he thought she had deceived him. But she didn't. She never had. And even if she did it was he who had let her hide her identity. He was the one who had deceived himself. If he really wanted to, Darcy knew he could send some men to investigate her background. He had the power and connection but he didn't use it; because he, too, had participated in hiding their true selves.

"Cousin, I could not believe you had behaved yourself in such a manner at the Assembly." As always, his cousin Richard seemed to have impeccable timing. "I know that you're uncomfortable and in a bad mood, but that does not excuse your actions."

Darcy didn't reply, he had nothing to say after all. It was like what Richard said, there was no excuse. He couldn't even remember why he had insulted her in the first place. Her presence just... caught him by surprise. And when Bingley suggested for him to dance with her, he wasn't prepared. The next thing he knew, his defence mechanism kicked in and lies started spilling out of his mouth.

His lack of response did not deter Richard, for the Colonel kept on talking. "Worry not, old chap, I had talked to Bingley regarding his behaviour as well." Patting Darcy on the shoulder before filling a glass of brandy for himself, Richard continued. "Everyone knew you were in a bad mood since we got here, Bingley should've known better than to pressure you in public like that."

Darcy only nodded in agreement.

He knew Bingley's intentions were well-meant, but sometimes Darcy wished that Bingley would pay more attention to the world around him. He didn't want to change his friend's disposition on the world, no. Bingley's outgoing and friendly attitude was what started and strengthened their friendship after all. Yet, Darcy felt that it was time for Bingley to see the world; not as a playground for kids but as the world was, wherein dancing with a pretty lady was not the solution to everything.

'Though perhaps, it depends upon on which pretty lady one is dancing with.'

Shaking his head from his thoughts, Darcy forced himself to pay attention to his unusually quiet cousin. "Was that all you have to say, Richard?"

"I thought I was the interrogator between the two of us?"

"Well, then perhaps it was my time to retaliate and return the favour," Darcy said after gulping the contents of his glass. "You had your fun at teasing me this past month and now, I believe, it's my chance to make fun of you."

-p&p-

At the Longbourn study, another conversation was happening. But unlike the gentlemen at Netherfield, there was no camaraderie or brandy involved.

"I hope you realised how poorly you acted tonight Fanny." Lady Lucas, despite the presence of her husband and Mr Bennet, did not hesitate to narrow her eyes at Mrs Bennet. "Remember that Claire's Will has very specific conditions. If you want more pin money than what Mr Bennet is giving you and have the monthly allowance that Claire has left you and the other girls, then Eliza must be treated right. After the scene you made tonight, you will not receive anything for the rest of the month or the next because I have already sent a letter to Mr Milton about your behaviour."

"But I had too much wine when I have said those things! Surely, Mr Milton could be persuaded to –"

Lady Lucas interrupted the woman. She really had no time for this. It was late. However, she wanted to deal with it quickly that was why she chose tonight rather than early on the morrow. "My cousin will not be persuaded. And don't even bother to get Mr Philips to help you because we both know that he'll be on Eliza's side, therefore my side."

At that, Lady Lucas stood up only nodding to Mr Bennet. (If she really had no manners, she wouldn't even bother acknowledging that man.) She let her husband do all the pleasantries and they left the Bennet Household with satisfaction. That'll teach Fanny a lesson in embarrassing Eliza. At least, for a couple of months… I shall also write to Madeline about this in the morning.

Seeing as they had boarded the carriage and they were still able to hear Fanny Bennet's complaint of her poor nerves, the Lucases smiled. There might not be able to do much with Thomas but if Fanny would not leave him in peace, then they would count it as punishment enough.

Upstairs, before Fanny Bennet started her rants about her poor nerves, Elizabeth Bennet wanted to talk with Mary and Kitty as well. However, seeing as they were already asleep after changing, she decided that it could wait for tomorrow.


[1] This was taken from a line on one of Fordyce books, "Fordyce Address to Young Men."

Thanks for reading and stay tuned!

Thoughts?

So… I had a hard time deciding whether Darcy will use the "tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me" (since it clearly was a lie seeing that he was attracted with her in the first chapter) or just the "I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men." So, in the end, I decided to include the first sentence, it's one of my favourite lines after all. Let's dig Darcy some bigger hole, I just hope we can get him out of it.