Chapter 17: Scent of a Woman

Sunday 17 May 1812

Elizabeth's habit was to rise with the sun. But after two days of travel and two long nights, she would have slept past her appointed meeting time with Mr. Darcy if not for the need to use the water closet this dawn.

She left at sunrise, just after six. They were to meet at six-thirty. Approaching the cabin at a quarter after, she found herself alone. Being a few minutes early, she made use of the time to rest. Still greatly fatigued, she lay upon the cot and fell asleep.

Meanwhile, Darcy cursed himself as he made his way to the hut. His valet had woken him at half-past five, as asked. Dismissing his man, Darcy dressed for this outing. Finding a quarter of an hour remained before the sun would rise, he decided to rest his head upon the pillow until the clock struck six. The previous night, he had been unable to attain slumber. Not having Elizabeth in his bed, he could find no comfort. He tried substituting a pillow, but he needed her scent. He cursed himself for leaving Ben Key back at his Town house. Having been wrapped around her, it may still smell of her.

The next thing he knew, he was startled awake to the clock striking half-past He was supposed to be there! As he ran from the room, he grabbed an extra cravat and a few handkerchiefs to bring with him.

Arriving a quarter of an hour late to the cabin, the sun already shone brightly. Seeing no signs of her as he approached, he wondered if she waited for him or given up. If she had gone, they would have to find some other way to meet, which would become increasingly difficult as the day progressed.

Still frustrated with himself, he shoved open the hut door to see her sleeping quietly on the cot. She was on her side with her hands tucked under her head. Relieved, but knowing he had left them little time, he gently woke her.

"Elizabeth, dearest, you must wake up," he whispered as he knelt by her head stroking her cheek. He watched her eyes slowly open before she startled awake at realizing how bright the sky was. "I slept longer than I should," he explained guiltily. "We need to work quickly." He helped her up so he could remove her gown, laying it across a chair so it would not wrinkle. When he started to remove her stays, she protested that it would not be necessary with such a short amount of time. He countered that it was vital that it be removed and continued. Once freed from her gown and stays, Darcy was willing to let her chemise remain as he began his kisses and caresses. She opened his fall and assisted his progress, understanding in this instance she may not receive the many pleasures to which she had become accustomed. She would hold his debts until they returned, then have him repay her. With interest.

Upon completion, Darcy removed his extra handkerchiefs to keep from leaving evidence in the cabin or on Elizabeth. He then pulled out the extra cravat. Lifting her chemise, he wrapped it around her body before replacing her stays and robe. "I want you to wear this today. All day. Do not take it off. Sleep in it if you can. Return it to me tomorrow," he ordered.

"Jane will ask if I wear this to bed…"

He curtly nodded while helping place the stays over the cravat. "Then do not wear it to sleep, but be sure you return it tomorrow." He quickly buttoned her robe and straightened her up for her walk home. Giving her a lingering kiss, he gently wished her a good day before sending her out the door. He would wait another few minutes to ensure they were not seen exiting the cabin together.

~~~oo0oo~~~

Elizabeth, thankfully, returned before most of her family had risen. Her father caught her returning from her walk and called her into his study.

"Already out and surveying your holdings, are you dear?" he asked brightly.

"Sir, after so many years, you must know my need to escape in the mornings," she laughed with a tinge of guilt. She could not bear her father's disappointment if he were to know what kept her out this morning. Turning more serious, she shared with him that she had been given no knowledge of the workings of Anne's solicitors before leaving Kent. "Are you angry with me, Papa? I only knew you were injured and not yet well when I agreed. I feared for our future."

Mr. Bennet's eyes moistened as he reached for his favorite's hands. "I am ashamed of how I have left you. That you have taken the responsibility of saving those under my care—it is a great guilt I now bear." At that time, Uncle Gardiner arrived causing him to pull his hands away. "It is nice to have you home, my Lizzy. Now, indulge your Papa. What did Collins do when he learned I was injured?"

Uncle Gardiner chuckled while Elizabeth grinned, deciding to throw her frustrations away for this period of happiness. She told of the packing, the readiness to take quick ownership, and, with a more disturbed countenance, told of the plans to remove the Bennets upon his residence. As well, at Mr. Collin's excitement to have property immediately in exchange for signing away his claims on Longbourn.

"Well, fortunately for him, his esteemed Mrs. Darcy has no friends and holds no value for his company. I fully comprehend her wanting your attendance for her remaining months, but could hardly believe the reward she offered you in return." He looked at her in curiosity. "Do you know why Lizzy?"

Elizabeth faltered, trying to formulate an answer intelligent enough to persuade both her father and uncle without revealing too much of the truth. "I can not tell you, Papa. The reasons are her own. She is an interesting creature. When I try to sketch her, she seems a lonely person. Parts of her feel odd to me, but I can not put them to words."

Uncle Gardiner chimed in, "The ton can be an odd bunch. Their values are very unlike our own. No matter, she must value your humor and goodwill." Looking to his niece in warning, "Just do not allow yourself to be corrupted by her world. They are forgiven their immoral behaviors because they are rich and powerful. If any of us were to behave as such, we would be shunned."

Elizabeth paled briefly, knowing her uncle's warning came too late. Quickly reverting to a countenance of lighthearted humor, she gave a brief laugh. "I am there to entertain the woman. She can not travel and receives few visitors. Thankfully I have Charlotte, who visits me most every day, to remind me who I am."

If she had known how difficult it would be, Elizabeth may well have eschewed her sister's wedding. She now regretted her refusal to stay at Netherfield. The questions brought by her not staying at Longbourn would be no more difficult to answer than these. Before they could surprise her with more, she excused herself to clean up for breakfast.

~~~oo0oo~~~

Darcy made it back to Netherfield long before the residents arose. Making use of the hours for additional rest, he was asleep when his valet arrived to prepare him for the day.

Joining the others for breakfast more refreshed, he spent the meal protecting his sister from Miss Bingley's biting wit, now frequently expressed at his own expense as well as that of the Bennets. Thankfully, they were spared Miss Bingley's company on the ride to and during church, as Bingley ensured she was the first in the carriage, with the Hursts following. He and the Darcys took the second carriage.

Watching the Bennets arrive, Darcy smiled to himself when he saw Elizabeth. She looked lovely in her joy at being near her sister. When she glanced at him for an instant, he smiled and nodded to acknowledge her but she quickly turned toward Georgiana, bestowing one of her glowing smiles upon his sister. Ignoring the twinge of jealousy he felt at her neglect of him, he rejoiced at Georgiana's having an escape from Netherfield, particularly Miss Bingley, during this visit.

Miss Bingley had recently captured the attentions of the baron, Lord Huron, and they had come to an understanding. (1) Knowing herself to soon hold a title, she saw no need to continue courting Darcy's good opinion.

Darcy knew Lord Huron as a reliable friend but with an estate in jeopardy due to his father's extravagance. Huron favored his mother's temperament. She was a sober woman, dedicated in her duty to preserve the estate and advance the position of her children. It would be an interesting match. Huron, much like himself, spent little time in company with ladies of the ton as he also found them petty and irritating. That he might choose Bingley's sister surprised him, but she offered a large dowry, and once married they could produce the required heir and then each lead their own lives while he rebuilt his fortune. Knowing Lord Huron, he would not give Miss Bingley near the pin money or supplements her brother did. There was also his mistress. He had kept the woman at a fashionable address in Town for almost ten years and had children with her.

"May I sit with Elizabeth?" Georgiana asked her brother.

Hesitant to deny her, propriety demanded he must. "We are guests of Netherfield Park, we must remain here." (2) When Georgiana's face fell, he whispered a reminder of her good fortune at not being seated next to Miss Bingley. His sister gave a very improper but gratifying smirk.

Darcy kept his eyes on the pastor throughout the sermon, forcing himself to stay awake. As much as he wanted to entertain himself by watching Elizabeth and trying to gain some small portion of her attentions, he remembered the warnings given before they left.

"You must not acknowledge her outside of the room," Lady Catherine had commanded after she had caught them in the library. "Best for the gossips to believe you indifferent if you have so little control of yourself."

From Anne, he was warned: "Do not speak with her or look at her any more than you must during this trip. Do not stand near her. Better for you to be seen as rude and above your company than for someone to notice your intimacy with her." Darcy objected, but Anne waved him away. "You have changed with her. You are no longer so formal. Do you realize you no longer call her Miss Elizabeth Bennet? You have not for over a fortnight." Speechless, he realized what Anne said was true and agreed.

When had he started calling her 'Elizabeth'? He maintained propriety in her address until…when? He had not wanted the formality for their intimate encounters, it seemed too impersonal. Considering further, after the wedding they rarely used names. There was no need with only the two of them in the room and, as Lady Catherine commanded, he rarely spoke to her outside the room.

Having become so comfortable without his awareness, he took Anne's warning to heart. It was the reason for his lack of speech in the carriage to Hertfordshire. As much as he enjoyed the lively conversation, he refrained from turning his attentions to her. He must also refrain from accompanying his sister on visits to Longbourn.

Returning to Netherfield Park on a beautiful May day, Darcy took Georgiana for a stroll in the gardens.

"We only arrived last evening, but how do you find Netherfield Park?" Darcy asked his sister.

"Oh, it is everything lovely," she exclaimed. "Mr. Bingley's joy makes him easy company."

Darcy grinned. "What of the others?"

Georgiana looked around to ensure none would hear, then lowered her voice. "Mr. and Mrs. Hurst have always been tolerable, but Miss Bingley! She was a trial when she worked to capture you, but now she is unbearable. I am all astonishment at the incivilities she claims as wit."

"So you noticed the alteration as well," he nodded.

"Is she jealous of Anne? Did she hold a tendre for you?"

Studying a moment, Darcy answered. "She may be jealous of Anne, but it would be a jealousy of her inheritance and station. The only tendre she held was for Pemberley."

In discussing their plans for the week, Darcy was pleased to find his sister had arranged to spend much of her time at the Bennet's. Assuring his approval, he informed her that he could not join her. He was needed to help Charles prepare the estate before leaving on his marriage tour of the continent. Georgiana was not displeased, she anticipated the time to gain greater intimacy with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

~~~oo0oo~~~

While Elizabeth spent a joyous evening in high-spirits with her family, most of which—thankfully—centered on Jane's upcoming nuptials, Darcy had quite a different experience.

After dinner, the Netherfield party retired to the parlor with Miss Bingley much affected by the many glasses of wine she had consumed throughout the day to aid her in "getting through this awful affair." She paid particular attention to Georgiana, pressing the shy girl to display her accomplishments at the pianoforte.

While Georgiana played, Miss Bingley sat beside Darcy, her voice dripping with false sincerity. "I finally have a chance to tell you how truly overjoyed I was to hear of your surprise marriage." Taking another large gulp of wine, Miss Bingley leaned toward Darcy with an affected intimacy, confiding bitterly, "Your aunt triumphed. And you have added another asset to your dominion. Only chore left is an heir to make the transaction complete."

Georgiana played a discordant note hearing the shocking speech. She looked at her brother askance. He nodded his permission for her to retire for the evening, his expression thunderous.

Before Georgiana could even rise, Miss Bingley leaned back to her original position, sending a knowing look to her sister. "I count myself fortunate you never had a chance to offer for me." Darcy's face soured at the thought. "Lord Huron has offered me such a position, and how could I deny him?" she waved airily. "He is such a charming man, so clever, and titled too. We delayed our banns until next week as to not disrupt Charles's wedding. But we have begun planning our tour, that shall happen before we begin updating the estate. There is much to do, but Lord Huron feels I am well suited to the task."

The woman was so far in her cups, she failed to realize the embarrassment her siblings were showing at her speech. That she would make such a crass statement about Darcy's marriage, then go on to imply that she had held Darcy's interest—appalling! Mr. and Mrs. Hurst quickly removed their sister to her quarters, amidst her continued expressions of joy for his materialistic marriage and gratitude that "you were not swayed by those fine eyes you once found so distracting…"

Georgiana's cheeks were aflame from the drunk woman's insults to her family. Darcy went to her, wrapped an arm around her shoulder, and escorted her to her room. Ensuring her wellbeing, he wished her a good night.

Charles, humiliated by his sister, apologized to his friend. "Darcy, you know I told Caroline many times you had no intentions toward her?"

Darcy grunted. What was he to say? The social-climbing woman had just called him a fortune hunter!

Charles sighed. "I am having Louisa keep her away from you and Georgiana. After the wedding, she will return immediately to London to live with the Hursts until her marriage to Lord Huron." With obvious relief on his face, Charles sipped his wine. "I was surprised when Lord Huron approached me about an understanding with Caroline. We spoke at length about it. Your own marriage brought about his decision."

This surprised Darcy. "Why?"

"He said you had finally compromised. It was time for him to compromise as well. He desires Caroline's dowry, Caroline desires his title. A fair trade for both. Neither look for affection in a marriage."

Charles again sipped his port, reflecting. "I do feel for my sisters. Neither will know the happiness Jane and I find in each other." Realizing Darcy's situation, he quickly prevaricated. "Of course I know your situation. As sad as it is, you will have another opportunity to find happiness in marriage." Realizing his words were not helping, he simply put a hand on his friend's shoulder and apologized again, then retired for the evening.

~~~oo0oo~~~

Monday 18 May 1812

Darcy rose with the sun, not needing his valet's assistance this time. His sleep was once again restless, but he could rest a few hours once he returned. Bringing the extra handkerchiefs, he made his way to the cabin. He would not be late again.

Opening the door, he found the room empty.

Looking around, he tried to find ways to make it more pleasing for Elizabeth this morning. He owed her additional attention due to his tardiness yesterday. While waiting, he stripped his jacket, waistcoat, and cravat to save time.

Elizabeth arrived a few minutes later. She looked at him with a twinkle in her eyes. He drew her to him without delay. "I have missed you," he breathed into her ear as he held her close a few moments before removing her robe and stays. Running his hands along the sides of her chemise, he felt his cravat wrapped around her torso. Sighing as he grinned, "Ummm, you remembered." Dropping to his knees before ducking under her chemise, he ran his fingers up her legs as he worked his way up. Coming to her middle, he inhaled deeply of her scent on the cloth while he unwound it. As he was already there, he saw no reason to leave his current position without partaking of her soft flesh and starting to remedy his neglect at their previous encounter. All the turmoil of the evening at Netherfield Park combined with another sleepless night, Darcy needed the comfort received from the connection.

Upon completion, he found the small cot provided little room thus forced him to his back and her upon his chest.

Placing a hand under her chin to look up at him, she asked, "Why did you wish me to wear your cravat?"

Lifting a brow, he sleepily looked at her. "So I can sleep," he answered before dozing again.

The infernal woman started tickling his side to halt his slumber! "I'm afraid sir, your answer is not enough," she laughed at him. "Why would a dirty cravat affect your sleep?"

Grabbing her hands to make her stop, he knit his brows while keeping his eyes closed. "Because it will smell of you. Since I am not allowed to have you in my bed, I at least want your scent."

He could feel her laugh, but she was too well mannered to let him hear it. He reached his arms around to fully embrace her while he lazily begged, "Shush, do not tease me yet. Give me a few minutes."

As promised, after his few minutes rest Darcy was better able to answer her questions while they dressed. "I have grown accustomed to sleeping with you. I wish to have something of you to help me rest these next few nights," he told her matter-of-factly.

Elizabeth could only laugh at the childishness of this grown man. "I will find Raggedy. You may sleep with her." She could not stop from laughing when he exuberantly accepted her offer.

Once restored and ready to return, he gave her a parting kiss before wishing her an enjoyable day with their sisters.

~~~oo0oo~~~

Mon 18 May 1812 – Wed 20 May 1812

He avoided Longbourn. He could not risk being in company with Elizabeth. He would be forced to be in proximity to her during the wedding, the breakfast, then the return to London.

When Bingley was available, Darcy helped prepare the estate for his departure. Any time Bingley spent with his betrothed and her family, Darcy spent studiously avoiding Miss Bingley, who drank liberally throughout the days.

After another refreshing morning encounter with Elizabeth, Darcy returned to Netherfield Park to rest until it was time to accompany his sister to breakfast. When they arrived, Miss Bingley was already at the table drinking wine with her scones. "Mr. Darcy! Come, join us." Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, seated at the table with her, glanced at each other. Bingley had yet to arrive.

Famished from his early morning exertions, Darcy filled plates for himself and Georgiana hoping Miss Bingley's brother and sister could contain her.

They could not.

"Are you going to the hovel with Charles to see his country chit today? Lord Huron's estate is so noble, none would be ashamed to be seen at such an estate!" (Darcy knew the Lord's estate had been neglected the past twenty years but choked down ham with a sip of tea rather than comment.) "I never did meet your wife. She was never presented at court, was she?" (Darcy knew Miss Bingley's dearest wish was to be presented.) She turned to her sister, "Unheard of for an earl's niece of such large fortune to never have a season in Town! Though I have been told she's rather frail and the journey would quite damage her." Dripping an acrid smile, she rested her hand on her sister's shoulder. "You know, an estate and a large fortune will forgive so much, no matter how foul the lady. Even being barren." Wearing only evil in her eyes, she turned to Darcy laughing bitterly. "How fortunate for you Eliza is her particular friend. Maybe you can enjoy her fine eyes while your wife …"

"Enough!" Darcy commanded. Rising, he sent his sister out of the room as he ordered trays for them both be sent to the study.

"Mr. Darcy," Miss Bingley said coyly, "We all know when gentlemen of means marry for wealth, they must get … "

"I said enough!" he ordered. "You have insulted me, my wife, and my wife's friend. I have no reason to hear more of your drunken ravings. I would never have offered for you because of the disgrace you would bring upon my name. The disgrace you now show." Throwing his napkin onto the table, he glared into her eyes. "Lord Huron and I have been friends for many years. I know his estate well." Darcy turned, storming from the room.

Caroline paled. She had not realized Darcy and the Lord were acquainted. Her betrothal could still be annulled. She could still be denied her title.

Meeting his sister in the study to finish their breakfast, Darcy asked about her well being after the outrageous outburst by Miss Bingley. Georgiana assured him she understood the hateful words were the product of Miss Bingley's greed and jealousy. "But what did she mean about fine eyes? I did not understand."

Clearing his throat, Darcy explained, "It was a comment I made about Eli…Miss Elizabeth Bennet while staying here in October. Miss Bingley was letting her wit flow at the expense of the local residents. Hoping to stop her, I commented on appreciating fine eyes in a woman." Darcy smirked, "Miss Bingley, of course, thought I spoke of her. When she asked, I told her Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I found her response most amusing. It frustrated her thus she felt she must tease me with it the remainder of my stay."

Seeing the humor, Georgiana smiled at her brother. "I am glad I will be with the Bennets until supper."

"As am I," he sighed. Looking up, he addressed a more serious concern since arriving. "I am considering returning to London after the wedding breakfast on Thursday rather than wait until Friday. I have business in Town I would like to take care of before returning to Rosings. It has the added benefit of removing us from Miss Bingley earlier than planned and will allow you and Miss Elizabeth Bennet a day together. Maybe you can go shopping?."

Georgiana had enjoyed time with the large Bennet family but decided it more agreeable to spending one less night in Miss Bingley's company. Darcy wrote notes explaining to Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet that he would be leaving early, giving the notes to Georgiana to carry with her to Longbourn. He also wrote a letter to include with the day's post. It was to Lord Huron, requesting an audience on Friday.

Retiring to his room as Georgiana left for Longbourn, Darcy retrieved Raggedy, which had been given him this morning, from his lock-box along with Elizabeth's cravat. Smiling as he held the doll in front of him, he placed the cravat to his face. Touching Raggedy comforted him as the doll embodied their growing comfort in each other, but she smelled a bit musty.

Feeling surrounded by Elizabeth, and the corresponding comfort, Darcy considered his request to leave after the wedding. Elizabeth may be angry, she loved her family and would have no chance to see them until April. Maybe he was being selfish, denying her an extra evening with her family. He would be obligated to explain his reasoning to her, but he was not sure how many of Miss Bingley's comments he wanted to share with her.

~~~oo0oo~~~

Miss Darcy met Miss Elizabeth's family with both joy and trepidation after delivering the notes to Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner. They were an energetic party, as she had been warned, but they cheerfully welcomed her into their bunch. After spending days roaming the countryside with Miss Elizabeth, playing the pianoforte with Miss Mary, and making over bonnets with Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia, Georgiana envied a house full of such activity. None could ever be bored or lonely living with so many people.

Elizabeth enjoyed the time with her family, her neighbors, and Miss Darcy. When Elizabeth finally retired with Jane in the evenings, the sisters would giggle over Jane's wedding, the upcoming trip, and Mama's impending visits to Netherfield Park.

When Jane asked Elizabeth about Rosings Park, Elizabeth quickly dismissed it as boring. She could only read, play, or walk—nothing as exciting as Jane visiting the continent! When Jane asked about Anne and Mr. Darcy's marriage if the letter helped? If the necessary heir would happen? Elizabeth squirmed uncomfortably a moment, telling her sister she believed the letter helped but had no further information on such personal areas. The girls giggled. Elizabeth asked Jane if she had shown the letter to Charles. Jane's blush answered for her. Elizabeth buried her face in her pillow to keep from waking the house with laughter. The two kept teasing each other until they could no longer hold their eyes open.

Wednesday night, Mrs. Bennet and Aunt Gardiner came into the room asking Elizabeth to give them a bit of privacy so they could discuss the wedding night with Jane. Elizabeth laughed, made an oblique reference to Aunt Margaret's letter to Jane, and went to spend the rest of the evening in the library with her father and Uncle Gardiner.

"Lizzy!" The screech echoed down the hall and into the library. Mrs. Bennet burst into the room, letter in hand. "What have you to do with this?" she cried as she waved Aunt Margaret's letter above her head. "It is written in your hand!"

Aunt Gardiner tried to soothe her sister and remove the ladies' discussion from the gentlemen's library.

"Mr. Bennet! YOUR DAUGHTER WROTE THIS!" she exclaimed, thrusting the letter to her husband.

Elizabeth's eyes grew wide with mortification. Mr. Darcy reading the letter was embarrassing enough, but her father… She tried to slip out the door, but her mother blocked her exit. Considering the window, she saw her father's eyes bulge as he dropped the letter before him as if burnt. He slowly lifted his eyes to hers. "Lizzy?"

She saw her uncle reading the letter with a similar expression as her father while hearing Aunt Gardiner suppressing a laugh. Thankfully, Aunt Gardiner came to her aide, "I am sure there is a reasonable explanation for this letter having been written in your hand. Now you must share that reasonable explanation with us."

Elizabeth groaned and sank into the chair. "It is Charlotte's," she said, face burning with shame. "Charlotte's Aunt Margaret sent it to her when she married Mr. Collins." She would have to diverge from the truth a bit here. "Charlotte mentioned it to me quite by accident. She told me she received much help from Aunt Margaret, which I teased her about until she showed me. When Jane stayed, I made a copy for her as she was marrying Mr. Bingley." Dropping her head into her hands in disgrace.

Nothing. She heard nothing. She expected ranting. She expected chastisement. She heard nothing. Until she heard her mother huff "I wash my hands of her!" and heard the footsteps of her leaving. The door to the study softly closed.

When she finally peeked out, her father, aunt, and uncle all sat with red faces, tears streaming down their cheeks, shoulders quaking with the effort necessary to hold back their laughter.

When the elders finally composed themselves, her aunt was the only one able to speak. She admonished her niece, as reading such a letter should offend her maidenly sensibilities, but copying it went beyond the pale. However, after having heard Mrs. Bennet's earlier discussion with Jane, she saw the utility of such a letter and could not condemn her. Upon being dismissed, Elizabeth made a hasty exit, but not before hearing her Uncle Gardiner say, in a strangled laugh, "We need to make a copy for ourselves." (3)

~~~oo0oo~~~

(1) Lord Huron is a band. I needed to come up with a name that wasn't a real peerage name and I like their music.

(2) I don't know the exact customs in England at that time, but I am basing the "pew you sit in determined by the house you stay in" from some old U.S. customs in some parts of the country. If you want more information about pew renting in England, John C. Bennett has his doctoral thesis posted online called "The English Anglican Practice of Pew-Renting, 1800-1960". I've only scanned it, but it looks interesting.

(3) And that kids, is how things went 'viral' in the old days.