Chapter 8
Outside, Darcy wondered if he would be able to come to his senses and hoped he would be able to shake himself.
"Darce!" Richard had finally slipped out of his duty and joined Bingley smoking, away from the coachmen and stable boys.
"My goodness, man! You look like you've seen a ghost." Richard took a hearty puff. The smoke faded into the night.
"A ghost indeed, perhaps an apparition of my future in ruins." The men found this amusing, but Darcy kept the same serious expression.
"Are you in trouble, friend?" Said Richard, taking the cue to take him seriously. Bingley had been quietly observing the interaction.
"Perhaps a smoke break may help with your nerves?" Bingley offered a cigar which Darcy politely declined, fearing the smell of it had already made him feel as if he might be sick.
"As a matter of fact, I am in great trouble, no thanks to your cousin, Bingley." Darcy was surprised at the anger that had come out of him involuntarily.
"Caroline? What could she possibly have done?" Bingley nearly choked on his cigar.
"As we were on the dance floor, she threatened to ruin my reputation if I didn't propose to marry her. She threatened to expose Georgiana's escapade, disguised as a boy. My life's happiness may be lost because of your cousin, Bingley. What am I to do? "Darcy said in a low voice.
To Darcy's utter amazement, the two men began to laugh. Their faces turned an impressive colour of red, and they could not contain their laughter; it took them a few moments to gain composure.
"I don't see what is to be laughed about. How might I stress the seriousness of this situation?"
"Well, did anyone see Lady Georgiana's discovery in the market, Darce?" Richard whispered.
Darcy shook his head, still confused, still not seeing the humour of the situation.
"I assure you people only saw me grabbing a street urchin by ear and shoving the young lad and his companion into MY carriage." Richard continued, emphasising his involvement in the event at the market.
"But Ms Caroline has been a menace ever since I laid eyes on her. I saw her talking to Gore and darting some calculating eyes at me. What if she has already started spreading rumours about Georgiana?"
"You have nothing to worry about," said Bingley, cooling, pulling out another cigar from the inside of his waistcoat.
"How can you be sure?"
"Do you think anyone would believe her?" Richard interrupted. "Do you think anyone would take her seriously, against the word of an honest titled gentleman from a respectable family, against a desperate widow who sometimes acted oddly? She would do more damage to herself than what it would be worth. And I would not hear of it. The moment Ms. Caroline started spitting outrageous rumours, I would ask my wife and mother to help declare her an imbecile and hint at her rightful place in an asylum." Richard stopped himself from saying anymore and realised the insensitivity of what he had said, given the rumour regarding Darcy's mother, the moment he said it.
"I am sorry, Darcy. I did not mean to be insensitive."
"It's nothing. Forget you mentioned it. As long as I know nothing will come of this wretched business and our family's reputation is safe, I am fine." To his surprise, Darcy felt himself finally relaxing. The air was cool, with a slight breeze; the night sky was still bright, and he looked up again to enjoy the stars. He even thought about smoking to relax his nerves further. He never understood the masculine social etiquette of smoking. The club of men huffing and puffing away from the women, talking about fist fights, carriage chases, horse racing and fast women. Don't they have an estate, tenants and servants to care for?
The sea of guests dazzled in waves of dances, people intertwining, jumping to the melody and interlocking eyes and arms. It was an absurd ritual, Darcy thought. He had returned to the ballroom and wavered along the edges, keeping close to those he knew. He had already shown poor etiquette by staying outside for too long after Richard and Bingley had left, missing the opportunities to be introduced to potential young women. Most of the men there seemed utterly eager, and not only that, they seemed to thrive on the idea of turning young women mooncalves just by offering them a dance.
The possibility of it all, the intimacy of the courtship ritual on the dance floor - it all made Darcy feel sick. Even Bingley, as feeble as he might have been, had already asked several ladies for their hand to dance. Darcy didn't want to join in the such foolish pursuit. Why couldn't Richard host a lecture, a debate or a chess game instead? At least Darcy could listen to some learned people about valuable ideas to improve Pemberley. That would have been better than pacing the place, getting off states, and introducing himself. He would feel utterly bored by the conversations; about the social scene, the weather, and how the various businesses were going.
"Fitzwilliam, I hope you aren't purposefully avoiding the sole purpose of you being here." Darcy heard a familiar voice. Cecilia looked just as concerned as Richard about Darcy's lack of progress in dancing for the night.
"Darce, there was a delightful young lady we had come across earlier. Whilst her dowry isn't sizeable, I think her nature and intelligence might -"
"Richard," he stopped his friend from speaking further on the matter. "I appreciate your help and kindness, but you are not my parents. I will find a wife. How hard might it be? It's like choosing a sheep." The words slipped out before he could speak.
Cecilia looked thunderous.
"Cecilia, that's not what I meant, I-" Darcy stammered.
"Very well, if that's how you feel about this, Lord Ripley," Cecilia growled. "But if God forbid you do find a wife, I pray for her with your views. Nevertheless, I'll be by her side when you treat her like an animal you own as you've made it clear." She took her leave. Richard followed after her.
"You really do have a way with women, don't you." Said Bingley, slurping on his drink; the foam collected on his moustache, making him look ridiculous.
"This ordeal is taking years off of my life. Bingley, do me a favour, my friend and put me out of my misery. Find someone who looks slightly tolerable and introduce me to dance."
On the horizon of the ballroom, Miss Bennet made her way with her mother.
"It seems someone is listening to you." Bingley signalled his head towards the two approaching women.
"Lord Ripley, how good to see again, Mrs. Bennet of Longbourn, Hertfordshire. I trust you are well." Mrs. Bennet shrill voice startled him.
Darcy tried to determine when he was introduced to this woman but couldn't remember the occasion. Did the woman just pretend they had met before? He was about to reply with an icy tone when he saw the young lady by the woman's side. The breathtaking Miss Lizzy! He schooled his feature to a more friendly one and replied politely, "Yes, very well, Madam. A pleasure to see you."
"I was very saddened to hear the rumours about your family. Truly, it must have been a lie …" Darcy watched as Miss Lizzy went to speak, but her soft mouth opened and closed like a baby bird. It seemed she was at the mercy of this Mrs. Bennet. Miss Lizzy looked radiant in her gown, Darcy thought. Such a difference to the old brown rag she was wearing whilst doing charity work, disappearing into the crowd of vagabonds or street urchins she was helping. He didn't know which outfit was more attractive. Darcy was tempted beyond his character by both visions of the young lady. He didn't want to antagonise a friend or relative of Miss Lizzy too much. Still, he gave a pointed look at Mrs. Bennet and said, "A person's state of mind is very delicate. Some suffer a toll due to true sickness. Some due purely to malicious nature of their character."
"And that poor darling sister of yours, only fifteen years of age without a mother. I am sure, Your Lordship, if ever you need any help, I am most happy to oblige, as I am raising four beautiful daughters. My Lydia…"
"Lady Georgiana is doing fine. I have made sure of that." He cut Mrs. Bennet off immediately with an intense look at Miss Lizzy, willing the older woman to stop babbling on and introduce them.
"Very well, may I introduce you to my second youngest daughter, Elizabeth."
"A pleasure, miss." They gazed at each other for a moment. Sharing an odd look of mutual understanding of the strange ordeal they met. They stared at each other for perhaps too long, as Mrs. Bennet had her mouth gaping open at the awkwardness.
"Are you here to ask something, Your Lordship?" She said shrilly.
"Oh, yes, I wonder if I may request a dance with you, Miss Elizabeth?"
"Of course, Lord Ripley, it would be my pleasure." They smiled genuinely at each other. Darcy thought he might have finally made a breakthrough in what was expected of him.
They stood for some time without speaking a word. Darcy began to imagine that their silence was to last through the two dances when Miss Lizzy said.
"Did you go to the market often, Your Lordship?"
Darcy was surprised by Miss Lizzy's choice of topic. "You can call me Mr. Darcy in private, Miss Elizabeth. I still thought of Lord Ripley as my father."
"You have not answered my questions, Mr. Darcy?"
"Whenever I am in town, I would like to visit the market."
"Why?"
"My father liked to go with his men to oversee the transport of our produce to the market. He said he wanted to ensure our produce was passed onto good hands. He also went to the market to check on new breeds of sheep. He often brought me along. And of course, Father tackled a protestor, saving Queen Charlotte from being hit by a stone at the market during a riot over the price of bread in 1796."
"I have read about the incident."
"Father was knighted for his bravery."
"Ah, the market evokes a happy and warm memory of your childhood and your father," Elizabeth nodded. "I admired your father's idea of passing the fruit of our land onto good hands. We are, after all, only a custodian of our land for a short period."
"For someone so young, it seems senseless to think about our mortality."
A shadow passed across Miss Lizzy's face. Darcy thought, was she thinking of the other older woman she was with at the church? The woman with a walking stick did have a sickly pallor on that day.
"I thank you for the chastisement, Mr. Darcy." She shook her head and smiled. "that topic was indeed too heavy. Now, it is your turn to say something. I expect something outrageously humorous or comical, seeing that you should be a gentleman of sense and education."
"Or else?" Darcy raised his eyebrows in a challenge.
"You will owe me a forfeit!"
"What is the nature of this forfeit, and when do you expect to collect it?"
Elizabeth pretended to be deep in her thoughts for a few moments. "You could be the impressive genie in Aladdin's story."
"To make your wish for wealth and power come true?"
"I am thinking more of you with a turban on your head. The headpiece would go very well with your beard."
Darcy was enchanted by her smirk. "I don't believe how I look should affect this forfeit. Perhaps you hope to get a wizardry lamp or a magic ring that could send your mother and sister flying to the Orient?"
"…only if they have no way of returning to England!" They both laughed at the absurdity of their conversation.
At that moment, Ms Caroline appeared close to them.
"Mr. Darcy! There you are. I have been searching for you all evening!"
Darcy stopped with a bow. His face turned a shade of grey.
"Won't you introduce us, Lord Ripley? You wouldn't want to be perceived as rude, would you?" She was red in the face, determined to make a scene to no doubt upset everyone around her. Elizabeth's eyes widened at the recognition of her.
"Haven't we already met, Madam?" Elizabeth said. Caroline's eyes widened with realisation.
"Oh no, I don't think we have."
"Ms. Caroline, you were introduced by Lord Ripley at the market."
"I'm afraid I don't know what you mean." She laughed desperately, fanning herself and placing a hand on Darcy's arm. He feared he might lose circulation there.
"But you are right. You didn't know my name. I'm Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn. I do hope your orange dress wasn't destroyed." Said Elizabeth. From the sparkle in her eye, Darcy could see that she knew exactly what she was doing.
"Miss Bennet, did you not hear me? You must be mistaken."
"No, I'm quite sure you were the one I helped, you remember? I thought you were about to faint. Lord Ripley was with you."
"Both of you in that old church? Were you in desperate need of help?" Somehow Elizabeth's mother saw Darcy, and Elizabeth stopped the dance and rushed to join in. Mrs. Bennet listened to the exchange and couldn't stop herself from interrupting. She laughed harshly.
Caroline's lip quivered in anger. "Ah yes, I remember now. I was feeling desperately unwell. Thankfully I had His Lordship by my side."
"Pray tell, how did the two of you become acquainted?" Mrs Bennet eyed the odd couple up and down. Caroline blushed.
"Well, if you must know, and if I may be so bold as to announce we are both -"
"Not we, Ms Caroline. Just I. I am about to get some punch for Miss Elizabeth!" Darcy interrupted. "We stopped the dance because Miss Elizabeth felt quite perched suddenly." He raised an eyebrow at her as if to say that his situation was not entirely his choosing and prompted her to collaborate with his story.
"Is that right?" Caroline turned, choosing her icy words.
"Excuse me," Darcy said as he tried to go past Caroline, with Elizabeth on his right arm.
"I am afraid I am quite perched as well. Shall we, Lord Ripley?" Caroline grabbed his left arm.
"Oh Lizzy, stay," Lydia seemed to appear out of nowhere and eyed Caroline with a calculated look. While Lydia didn't like Ms. Caroline by sight, she didn't want more that Lizzy might gain a suitor in Lord Ripley, who was so much more wealthy than her Robert. The eldest Miss Bennet decided to help Ms. Caroline in her pursuit instead. "I need to consult you about something. I am sure Lord Ripley would be fine with Ms. Caroline's company and return with a glass of punch in no time."
"Yes, do as your elder sister say!" Mrs. Bennet added, not entirely sure about her eldest daughter's rationale for intervening but happy to assist her favourite. "Lord Ripley could spare you a minute with Mrs. Caroline on his side."
Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged a look of frustration, and Elizabeth let go of Darcy. She saw him move away with Ms. Caroline, who smiled brilliantly.
"What on earth do you think you're doing?" Darcy snapped. He could no longer contain his rage.
"My Lordship, I do hope you shouldn't keep that tone with me all evening."
"What business do you have interrupting me like that?"
"What business do I have? Perhaps I'd need to remind you of what I mentioned previously?" The snarl that had formed on her face was menacing. Darcy knew now she had no standing in the blackmail she had created for him.
"I'd no sooner marry a mule than a ridiculous, desperate woman like yourself." Darcy spat.
"Need I remind you, Sir, of everything we had discussed."
"You are not in your right mind. Do you think anyone would believe you against a respectable gentleman? Do you think they'd believe a hysterical widow? One who cannot keep her hands to herself, let alone her atrocious thoughts."
Caroline scoffed." A respectable gentleman?"
"You may not believe this, but yes. I am from a respectable household too. The grounds of which you should never have been on."
"A respectable household with a family member who ended up in an asylum?" These words cut into Darcy more than anything she had ever said.
"You do not speak of my mother again."
"Oh, so it was your mother? I wondered where you'd get it from. Still, I intend to marry, even if those genes might carry - I'm sure it can be nipped in the bud."
"We will never be married. I'd no sooner marry a dumb sheep than someone as vulgar as you. With no manners and nothing to show for it."
Caroline looked at Darcy very carefully. She took in what he had just said and held on to every word as if she were creating a plan around it. "You called me a hysterical widow earlier? I will show you how frenzy I could be!" Then, suddenly, she gave out a horrible laugh and did what Darcy never imagined she could do. She started wailing, tears streaming down her face in front of the entire congregation of ballroom dancers. Ms Caroline ran past those trying to see what was the matter and straight out the door to the garden. She'd made a public display. It was clear that Darcy was the cause of this scene and, indeed, the one who had caused her upset.
Darcy was flabbergasted. He had not a word to say. Despite Richard's protest for him to stay, Darcy gave a bid to his party and had tunnel vision only for his exit. He had had enough of Ms Caroline! That infernal woman ruined his dance with Miss Elizabeth and a chance to get to know Miss Elizabeth better.
Dear Jansfamily4, Saralee, Joan, Dizzy Lizzy.60, ChrisM0519, Colleen S, Levenez, SamH294, xpochakkox, tnet, Motherof8, Make Garmendia, Joan G. Brand, kukinini, RHALiz, KurukiXV, JohnnyFlynnFan, Cari1201, PixieKayGirl, Sallyb25, thank you for the lovely comments. I read and re-read them all the time. They shaped my stories. So keep them coming!
Sorry I was MIA last week. January is my tennis month. I usually lazy around in front of the TV watching Australian Open Tennis. And Caroline was very annoying. She tried to prevent ODC to dance. I managed to push her aside for a bit but the crazy woman was persistent...Well you saw what happened. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Don't forget to review, speculate or commiserate Mr. Darcy!