AN: You get two chapters today! Only because the ball was quite a lot to put into one, and there was no point in not posting it all at once when it was already written.
Mary joined her elder sisters after her dance. She shared a commiserating glance with Elizabeth and gratefully sank into the small chair Lizzy had saved for her.
"I believe you had the worst of it Mary," Elizabeth teased. "I had no notion Mr Darcy could dance so well, my first two ended on a high. Yours can only have ended on a low."
"It does seem that Mr Collins is not practised in the art of dance," Mary agreed gently rubbing her feet as subtly as she could.
"And how else did you find him?" Elizabeth asked.
Mary sighed. "I cannot say. There are many advantages to his suit."
"Mary! It cannot be about the advantages alone," Elizabeth protested. "I would not have mentioned it if I thought you would resign it to duty!"
Mary shook her head. "I did not say that. But Mr Collins is the only way Longbourn would stay with the Bennet family in some capacity. His living is secure, I had no notion of marriage for myself. I should do as well with him as anyone."
"Oh Mary, no, at least can you like him? I should not wish for you the misery we see daily."
"I cannot think that this is the venue to discuss such a thing, but I shall confess I do not think he is wholly irredeemable."
"Then you shall have our support," Jane said shooting a quelling look at Elizabeth. "If you wish for more time to get to know him then we shall arrange as much as possible between now and when he returns to his parish."
"Thank you for that sisters. I see that your partners have come for you. I shall be quite well here." Mary reached for her reticule then remembered she had left her book at home at Elizabeth's insistence. A small disappointed sigh escaped her, but she pasted a smile on her face so that a casual glance might mistake her for enjoying the spectacle. Her sisters left with their partners, and Mary stayed where she was, watching the dancers her foot tapping along with the music.
Darcy returned Miss Maria to her parents and watched as Mr Collins swapped Miss Kitty for Miss Lydia. He saw the two sisters exchange glances as they passed. He observed as Miss Kitty went to sit by Miss Mary favouring her left foot slightly. The two sisters bent their heads together and presumably commiserated over the injuries the buffoon of a Parson had inflicted upon his partners. Miss Elizabeth returned from the dance with her partner to the small table the sisters were sat at. Miss Elizabeth smiled at her partner who bowed and moved off towards the refreshment table. Elizabeth joined her sisters, and soon the three were laughing. Miss Elizabeth's partner arrived back bearing three cups of punch which he distributed with a bow before leaving the ladies to their conversation.
Darcy wasn't sure he had ever seen Miss Kitty without Miss Lydia. In her interactions with both Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary, she seemed much less flighty and giggly.
They had sisterly solidarity he was sure was born of love, and he thought perhaps it was not always as pronounced as it was in the moments he was observing, but it brought his thoughts back to his own sister. Georgiana lacked female companionship of her own age. While he could not approve of the behaviour of Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia unchecked, Miss Mary, Miss Elizabeth, and Miss Bennet were company that he thought would benefit his sister. She had been so hurt and become even shyer than before. Perhaps the effervescent Bennets could instil some joy back into his sister.
Darcy glanced around the room looking for Bingley a plan forming in his mind. He spied Charles coming back into the room with Mr Bennet. The two gentlemen exchanged a nod and handshake before Mr Bennet made his way around the room towards one of the salons. Darcy noted how Mr Bennet took the circuitous route, passing by the table of his three daughters. Darcy watched as Mr Bennet paused at the table of his daughters and his gaze scanned the room, Darcy had no doubt the man had noted where his two remaining daughters and wife were.
When Mr Bennet's gaze fell on him, Darcy nodded in acknowledgement. Mr Bennet returned the gesture which caused Miss Elizabeth who had apparently been paying her father some attention, to crane her neck trying to determine he was communicating with. Mr Bennet patted her gently and moved away tilting his head toward the salon. Darcy walked towards the salon he had been indicated, willing to pass the time before supper in conversation
Mr Bennet had secured a table, and two glasses were set upon it when Darcy joined him. Mr Bennet picked up his glass raising it in a toast. Darcy followed the action and after taking the required drink queried. "To what have we toasted?"
"To inevitability," Mr Bennet said. "That of foolish young men, of pretty young maids and excitable mothers."
"I see," Darcy said piecing together what was likely to have happened.
"Do not worry, my wife will hear none of it this eve. Your friend has made his intentions clear and has gone to seek acceptance of his suit from his angel. I cannot decide if I hope for a long or short courtship for I anticipate no peace at Longbourn until he comes to the point."
"He has not asked to marry her?"
"No, Mr Darcy. I have no notion how the fashions of London have changed since I last walked its streets, but your friend has been in the neighbourhood six weeks. My daughter deserves to know more of his character before that question is put to her."
"I meant no disrespect towards Miss Bennet. Bingley seemed quite certain of his regard."
"Then he shall find no disadvantage to a courtship to allow Jane to be certain of hers. To which Mr Darcy, I have one more thing to say. The weather has been inclement of late. Should it clear, you will no longer find Lizzy out on her rock at sunrise, or at least not without one of her sisters. I have a notion about you Mr Darcy, but my daughters shall not suffer at the hands of the town gossips. If you wish to accompany Mr Bingley when he visits, which I am assured he will frequently be doing, then you shall be welcome in my book room."
Darcy sat slightly stunned. He had a feeling he had been given tactic permission and a warning all in one cryptic statement. Instead of demanding clarity he decided to broach the subject of his plan with Mr Bennet. "I was considering inviting my sister to join our party over the festive season. She lacks female companions her own age. If you would permit me to introduce her to your daughters?"
"Mr Darcy!" Mr Bennet exclaimed in apparent amusement. The elder man stopped and shook his head. He continued with less humour in his tone but a cryptic look on his countenance. "Bring your sister Mr Darcy, bring your aunt if you so desire it. I can assure you that after Mr Collins raptures over her person, she would be highly anticipated."
Darcy didn't pretend he understood everything Mr Bennet had implied in his last statement, but the dinner bell was ringing, and they both stood to make their way to the supper tables. The gentleman separated at the door with Darcy going to seek Bingley and find out what had taken place between Bingley and Mr Bennet.
Elizabeth was stood with Mary. Mr Bingley had approached and taken Jane away from their conversation promising to return with her shortly. Mary and Elizabeth had exchanged knowing looks and waited impatiently for the couple to return.
Jane came back not fifteen minutes later a smile on her face quite bright enough to illuminate the ballroom for the rest of the evening. Mr Bingley looked flushed but very pleased with himself.
Jane reached out and squeezed Elizabeth's hand stepping closer to her sisters. Taking up one of Mary's hands Jane whispered. "We have agreed to courtship. Perhaps in the New Year, we shall have further news. Papa has requested I have time to know Mr Bingley further, it is the only thing preventing Mr Bingley from offering immediately. We shall make no announcement tonight as Mr Bingley is to return to London to deal with some business matters. It would look strange for him to leave so shortly after such an announcement so we shall wait until he returns, it is but three days. Oh, I am the happiest of creatures. Can you both be this happy for I should wish very much to share this feeling."
"No one can have your happiness unless they should also possess your goodness," Elizabeth said smiling at her sister delighted at the news.
Mary offered her own congratulations to Jane while Elizabeth stepped over to Mr Bingley. "I extend you my congratulations Mr Bingley you have chosen the best of us."
"Miss Elizabeth, I am most gratified for your congratulations. Indeed, Miss Bennet is everything lovely. I shall be the luckiest of swains to court her."
"Your business shall not keep you long I hope?"
"No Miss Elizabeth, it is some small matters that must be dealt with. The roads shall become troublesome as the winter progresses, entirely hampering my ability to return to London and speak to my solicitors. I feel it is best if these things can be dealt with in advance where possible."
Elizabeth blinked at Mr Bingley's unsubtle reference but remembered that it had been Mr Bennet who had requested the time for Jane to know Mr Bingley better. It seemed that Mr Bingley was anticipating that his suit would be successful. She glanced at Jane who smiled in delight at Mr Bingley's words. Elizabeth stepped back allowing Jane to take her place at Mr Bingley's side, Elizabeth squeezed her sister's fingers wordlessly as they passed.
Mr Bingley smiled broadly taking Jane's hand and placing it on his arm. "Miss Bennet, would you do me the honour of escorting me to supper? I believe the bell shall be ringing shortly?"
"Thank you, Mr Bingley, I should like that very much."
Mr Bingley nodded and turned to Elizabeth and Mary. "Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, if you have no previous engagement would you do me the honour of joining your sister and myself?"
Elizabeth flicked a glance at Jane who nodded imperceptibly. A glance at Mary who was blushing slightly but met Elizabeth's eyes communicating her acceptance settled the matter. "Thank you, Mr Bingley, you are most generous. Mary and I would enjoy your company very much."
"Then we shall make a jolly party indeed," Mr Bingley enthused.
The dinner bell rang, and Mr Bingley led Jane towards the doors. Elizabeth and Mary linked arms and followed the couple. Mr Bingley solicitously seated Jane and waited as Elizabeth and Mary took their seats aided by a footman. As they settled Mr Bingley filling their glasses Mr Darcy approached.
"Darcy!" Bingley said. "Join us, that is if you don't have a prior engagement?"
"I do not and thank you. Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary. You are enjoying your evening I trust?"
"Thank you yes," Elizabeth said as Mr Darcy took the open seat beside her.
The conversation between the diners was enjoyable if marred slightly by the strident tones of Mrs Bennet, who despite sitting some distance away could still be heard over the discussions of the other ball-goers. Elizabeth fought to keep the flush from her face as she listened to her mother declare the engagement of her eldest daughter a certainty. Jane and Mr Bingley had lost themselves in conversation on the other side of the table leaving Elizabeth and Mary to carry on a conversation with Mr Darcy.
"Mr Darcy," Mary said hesitantly bringing the gentleman's attention away from the sound of her mother. "I believe you have a sister? Is she in town? I wonder shall you be accompanying Mr Bingley on his business and have the opportunity of seeing her?"
Darcy's attention snapped back from the spectacle Mrs Bennet was making of herself to his companion. "Indeed, Miss Mary, she is in town, and I had thought to call on her."
"Shall you be joining your family for Christmas Mr Darcy?" Elizabeth said with relief at the topic of discussion.
"I had thought to remain with Bingley," Darcy acknowledged.
"You would be welcome indeed Darcy, your sister too if she likes. I understand that she is not out, but we could have a few small parties she could attend could we not? I should very much like to pass the season here amongst my neighbours," Bingley offered genially showing he had been at least paying some attention to those around him.
Darcy nodded. "I shall inquire of Georgiana. If you would permit me I should like to introduce her to you," Darcy said looking at Elizabeth keenly. "And you as well Miss Mary, Miss Bennett. My sister has no other siblings but I, and I fear I do not carry the office as well as I could. Her nearest female relatives are her Aunts who are some years older than she."
"Then we would be pleased to make her acquaintance Mr Darcy," Elizabeth said with a warm smile. Her agreement was echoed by the other Bennet sisters, and Darcy felt satisfied that he might yet improve his suit while also bringing some much-needed companionship to his sister.
Supper ended, and Mr Bingley stood to invite the ladies to perform. He glanced towards his sister realising he had not been aware of who she had sat with for supper. The end of the table Caroline rose from contained Hurst and Louisa with a gap of some places between them and the next persons at the table. Bingley sat down satisfied as the strains of the music began to fill the room.
"Shall you play this evening Miss Mary?" Darcy asked awkwardly. He wished to be polite to all the parties at the table.
"I have chosen a selection," Mary replied her eyes fixed on the table a fierce blush covering her face. "Miss Bingley is quite talented."
"I shall look forward to hearing your selection. I believe Miss Bingley received instruction in London and is fond of fashionable pieces."
"Miss Bingley thinks your sister very talented on the pianoforte Mr Darcy," Elizabeth joined in when Mary seemed unable to think of something to say.
"Yes, Georgiana is but she is too shy to perform in company. In that, I believe both you and Miss Mary have the advantage."
"Then you are lucky to not have to share her talent," Elizabeth teased gently.
They watched the performers, Mary listening to the conversation of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, wishing she had the skill of speaking without wanting the ground to swallow her whole. She did not feel that her contributions to the conversation so far were anything to be proud of but she had at least not embarrassed her family.
Elizabeth nudged Mary gently with her elbow and Mary stood immediately. "If you would excuse me," she stumbled out before curtsying and making her way to the instrument.
Elizabeth had suggested that Mary waited until the end of the performances to play her piece. The light, merry music would shift the mood to that of dancing again, allowing the listeners to anticipate the opportunity to dance once all the performances were over. They would appreciate the piece more. Mary was unsure if her sister's logic was sound, but she had chosen to go along with it rather than fight it. Usually, she received very little in the way of appreciation of her playing. If Elizabeth was even half right, she was set to achieve more satisfaction than she usually would.
Mary sat at the pianoforte and looked out over the room. The faces of her neighbours were turned politely in her direction. Upon seeing her take the seat, she saw some turn away barely holding back grimaces. Burying the hurt, she sought Elizabeth. Her sister was looking on expectantly, on meeting Mary's gaze, Elizabeth gave a small, encouraging nod, and Mary put her fingers to the keys.
The music was familiar, she did not need the score to play it. Mary kept her eyes on her sister, Elizabeth's smile grew as the music rang out and Mary was brave enough to dart her eyes around the room. She saw the looks of surprise on her neighbour's faces and the smiles of pleasure at the lively tune, that buoyed her as much as their dismay had sunk her. Mary applied herself to the tune her fingers dancing and leaping over the keys as she imagined the dancers would to the music.
When the piece ended, and she stood from the seat, she was taken entirely by surprise by the enthusiastic applause. Her cheeks flamed as she awkwardly made a curtsey before heading back to her position by Elizabeth.
The occupants of the supper room started moving back towards the ballroom the merry tune still echoing around the chamber and smiles were directed Mary's way.
"I say, Miss Mary that was excellent," Mr Bingley said warmly. "If you shall excuse me, I shall see that the dancing has resumed now your playing has encouraged us to return to it."
Mary blushed further, her head bowed and fingers twisting tightly together in her lap in embarrassment. "Thank you, Mr Bingley," she managed to say. Her eyes not quite making the full trip to his face.
Bingley stood and made his way to the door jovially greeting and talking to those he passed.
Elizabeth took one of Mary's hands in her own and squeezed it breaking the twisting grip Mary had her fingers locked in. "You played that very well Mary."
"Thank you," Mary whispered.
The strains of the first set came through the door, and the party stood from the table to make their way back to the ballroom.
"Miss Bennet, if you are not engaged might I have this dance?" Darcy asked.
Jane accepted gracefully and allowed Mr Darcy to lead her to the floor. As they joined the set Charlotte joined the two remaining sisters.
"I congratulate you, Mary, that was skilfully played," Charlotte offered kindly.
"Thank you," Mary said blushing once again.
"How has your evening been Charlotte?" Elizabeth asked her friend
"Well enough, I see that you have been spared the company of Kitty or Lydia so far this evening, thus would be unaware of the absence of the current favourite of the officers. Maria was kind enough to ensure I was fully informed throughout supper."
"And to which upstanding gentlemen are they lamenting the absence of?" Elizabeth asked.
"A Lieutenant Wickham I believe, is the principal cause of most dismay. Evangeline has been most put out he is not in attendance. Business apparently called him away although the speculation is that he chose not to confront Mr Darcy."
"That does not offer much in support of his version of events," Elizabeth pointed out. "Why should a man, when wronged by another, fear facing him? It would be Mr Darcy who would feel the embarrassment of the confrontation."
Mary nudged Elizabeth's shoulder drawing her attention and whispered. "Mr Collins is coming this way."
Elizabeth stifled a groan. After her disastrous dance with Mr Collins, she had been happy to forget all about it. "I shall not dance a second with him. Shall you?" she asked Mary.
Mary bit her lip but shook her head.
"My dear cousins how fair you are this evening!" the oozing voice rang out as he approached.
Elizabeth turned to the Parson. "Mr Collins, I believe you have not yet met my friend Miss Charlotte Lucas. Allow me to introduce you. Charlotte this is Mr Collins. Mr Collins, my dear friend Charlotte Lucas."
Mr Collins bowed elaborately and effusively greeted Charlotte. Charlotte shot a bemused look towards Lizzy before kindly accepting the greeting. When the inevitable offer of a dance came, Charlotte accepted with equanimity but gave Elizabeth a look that indicated that explanations would be required.
"Do you think a Parson would have much call to dance?" Mary mused quietly.
"Not if he did not wish it or moved in a quieter society. From what Mr Collins has said his parsonage while well-situated does not suffer from an overindulgence of society such as this. I do not think his patroness who is so esteemed and elevated would ask Mr Collins to attend an event she was hosting, if she hosted such evenings."
"I cannot say that I have much love for dancing," Mary replied.
"But it is pleasurable with a good partner." Elizabeth rebutted gently. "You enjoyed the first."
"Yes," Mary agreed. "But that is not a reason to reject a man's suit."
"No," Elizabeth agreed reluctantly.
"You seem sister, to have forgiven Mr Darcy of his unkind comment," Mary said bravely.
"I have been told that I was becoming a shrew about it all," Elizabeth said with humour she wasn't sure was fully genuine. "After that is discounted, I have little to complain of, he has been polite in company if reserved. Miss Bingley has provided ample example of why a man of Mr Darcy's consequence would become reserved in society. He has favoured me with his company and attention when I have not sought it. To ignore the possibility when it is laid before me, would be foolish indeed."
"Do you like him?"
"I am unsure yet what I think of Mr Darcy, my opinion is regularly challenged and it has not allowed me to form a fixed impression. He seems a good friend, by all accounts a generous master of a large estate which demands much if his time, in person or via correspondence. That shows admirable characteristics. I confess I know less of him than Jane does of Mr Bingley."
Mary considered that response and said no more.
The evening continued apace, Elizabeth danced with her neighbours and once with Mr Bingley. When Elizabeth was not dancing Mary was content to keep her company and provide conversation where she could. Elizabeth found her sister less pious if drawn out carefully and the conversation directed. It took effort on both their parts but Elizabeth was growing in confidence that if Jane should be wed by spring, she would still have one sister with which she could converse when Jane left them.
The ball drew to a close, and the carriages began to be called. Despite Mrs Bennets attempts, the Bennet carriage was not the last to arrive. The family took its leave and travelled the miles back to Longbourn in sleepy silence.