The never ending prattling was wearing on each of Lizzies nerves. Mr Collins had the ability to speak incessantly whilst actually saying very little. The two youngest of her sisters had, on top of her other woes, decided to chase and flirt with every red coat who passed them. She had long ago given up trying to reign them in, instead choosing to simply block them out, however, when she heard Lydia call out
"Denny, ohhhhhh Mr Denny". In a particularly piercing screech, she couldn't help but take notice.
There were two men across the street, they hurried over to the little group.
" Miss Lydia, Miss Kitty, how nice to see you both again"
Lydia spoke up first.
"My sisters, Jane and Lizzie" she waved a lazy hand in their general direction "oh and our cousin Mr Collins" The girl did nothing to hide her destain presenting the man.
The men bowed politely to one another.
"And may I present my friend, new to the militia, Mr George Wickham"
Lizzie's eyes flew up " Of Derbyshire?" the question, escape her lips before she could stop it.
"The very same" Wickham answered, with what Lizzie was sure he thought was a winning smile. "You know of me?" he laughed joyfully.
Lizzies body stiffened, and her voice hardened steel "Yes, through a very dear friend"
Nobody could pretend not to notice the extreme nervousness that fast overtook their new acquaintance. An awkward silence followed.
" Oh look, Mr Bingley!" Kitty hollered to the relief of all.
" Mr Bingley have you news of the ball you promised?" Lydia joined in.
The man in question dismounted his horse, just as the second joined him. Immediately Darcy's eyes found Lizzies and he offered a smile. She didn't reciprocate instead directing him with her eyes. Upon seeing the awful man Will filled with the deepest anger. She knew she had to act.
"Oh yes, Mr Bingley, do you tell if you've chosen a date?" Lizzie piped up as she closed the distance between the two Will dismounted she addressed him directly. " What a beautiful horse Mr Darcy mayhap you two gentleman would like to walk with myself, my sisters, and our cousin here back to Longbourne. I know Mr Darcy that father has been keen to meet with you for that game of chess you promised him."
"Chess?" Will asked dimly.
Oh goodness, how she wished she could stamp on his foot.
"Yes" She forced through gritted teeth " chess, as you promised him. In his study. On your last visit"
Slow on the uptake, but finally there, he nodded in earnest " Oh yes, chess. Of course"
"We were actually on our way to Longbourne when we saw you here. With invitations for you all to the ball."
"Oh how thrilling, we knew you would not let us down Mr Bingley" Lydia screeched.
" Let us on to the house then. So we can share the news with your mother. I'm sure she'll want to share of the conversation" Will added, his brain having finally caught up. He offered his free arm to Lizzie, as Mr Bingley did the same to Jane. If anyone noticed Mr Darcy is uncharacteristic behaviour, they didn't mention it all. The ladies all far too excited of the news of the ball.
"If you'll excuse us gentleman" Lizzie curtsied to the army men, and led the group away, loudly harping on about the ball to distract her two younger sisters.
As the group left the village behind them Will and Lizzie allowed themselves to fall back. A perfect Plan, except for the presence of one man.
"My dear cousin. Am I right to say that this gentleman friend of your fathers is in fact Mr Darcy of Pemberley?" The small man was near hopping with excitement.
"Oh Mr Collins" She felt the mortification of her own poor manners. "Please do you forgive me. Yes, Mr Darcy, may I introduce our cousin Mr Collins of Hunsford, Mr Collins, Mr Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire." She mightn't like the annoying man, but as a gentleman's daughter she felt the shame of her oversight in propriety.
"A pleasure" Darcy's voice indicated it was anything but.
" Oh Mr Darcy, I must say what are privilege it is to meet you. And I can set your mind at rest. Your illustrious aunt and dear cousin are in perfect health as of last week."
Darcy nodded vaguely, not really taking in anything. His mind full of Wickham. He would have to warn Mr Bennett, of course. It wouldn't do to have such a rogue on the loose. Mr Collins, however, seemed completely unaware of his companions disinterest and continued on talking. He informed Mr Darcy on the refurbishment of his cottage, and all the changes his patroness had been so generous to suggest. He wittered on and on until last Longbourne honed into view.
" Mr Collins. Would you do me the favour of escorting my friend and your cousins to Mrs Bennett? I must see Mr Bennett on an urgent matter, but I'd hate the lady of the house to think me rude. Could you offer her my apologies and assurances that I will pay my respects as soon as my business is done."
Mr Collins puffed out his chest "Of course, sir, and please know just how moved I'm sure Mrs Bennett will be with your mindfulness in the matter"
Unsure on how to respond, Darcy simply nodded.
" Mr Darcy, I shall take you to the father"
Fast taking their leave the two friends hurried to the house.
"Will" She uttered in a low whisper. "I had no idea you could talk thus"
"Well when times must. I needed rid of him, so I thought 'hmmm what would Lizzie do?' And that's what came out"
"I'm glad I could help in my own little way" she deadpanned in response.
" Mr Darcy, what a surprise it is to see you. Lizzie, you didn't hunt the boy down and drag him back here did you?" Truth be told Mr Bennett was only half in jest. He could tell his daughter had been put out by her friends long absence.
"Indeed not sir" Darcy chuckled " though I have no doubt that Lizzie could, and would if she chose too. However" The room instantly took on a distinctively sombre air. " I am actually here to warn that a man has come who I fear will upset your town."
"Indeed?!" Mr Bennett didn't try and conceal his alarm
"Yes, but I must confess now I'm here I scarcely know what to say"
"Tell him it all Will"
"All?!" The young man yelped scandalised.
"All. Papa can be completely trusted. He needs to know to a fully protect our neighbourhood. He will not share what's not his to share, but he needs to know." Will fix her with uncertain eyes " Trust me Will, trust us." She begged him beseechingly.
"You have my word, I will keep your confidence" Mr Bennett offered.
Darcy nodded slowly. "Very well sir. Let me share with you the story of George Wickham. His dealings with myself, my wonderful late father and my darling younger sister"
Mr Bennett felt his heart drop, he knew whatever he was to hear was not good, and quite likely would make him incredibly angry.
The ball was just as beautiful as the Bennett girls had envisioned it might be. The last 10 days, ever since Darcy had had his incredibly awkward though thoroughly necessary conversation with Mr Bennett, had dragged. Lizzie had been on hand, should her father need her, though he chose instead to keep his own council. Will had once again abandoned her, although she now understood why. She did not need, nor want Miss Bingley focusing on her more than she already was. And it helped not a wit that her dreams were once again, empty. But with her characteristic determination, she meant to enjoy this ball. If only she could shake off her determined cousin. He had already solicited her for the first dance and seemed well determined to stay by her side until the music began
" Lizzie" At last, a voice that would help her cling to sanity " Lizzie, I've been waiting for you. Isn't this ballroom magnificent?"
"That it is Charlotte" She turned slightly to her cousin " You remember Miss Lucas?
"Yes I do dear cousin. Wonderful to see you again Miss Lucas I…." Whatever inane wittering he was about to unleash was massively cut short. " Mr Darcy sir, what an honour for you to come to us." The discomfort Fitzwilliam felt was worn like a coat.
"Err, yes, erm. " He turned his attention to Lizzie. " Miss Elizabeth might I ask your hand for the first set?"
"I am flattered sir, but my cousin here has claim on the first"
"The second then?" She nodded, but flitted her right towards Charlotte. He understood immediately. " Miss Lucas. Are you by chance free for the first?" The look of surprise on Charlotte face was quickly hidden by a full smile.
"Why yes, sir. I am quite free"
" Marvellous" He shon his best smile at her as he was offering her his arm.
'See Lizzie' he thought ' I can be gentlemanly and social with your friends'
As the music started up both pairs made it to the line. And Will was most surprised by the enjoyment he received from his companion. She was a wonderful dance partner. He wasn't really used to talking as he danced while awake, as most women merely wanted to agree a flirt with him. In Miss Lucas however, he found sensible, yet spirited conversation. He could see why she and Lizzie were such friends. He had never yet had such enjoyment during a real dance.
Unfortunately, the same could not be said for Elizabeth. She worked through the dance with as much elegance as possible with such a mortifying partner. His stance with severe, his timings unreliable, and her toes. Her poor toes. Each one had been crushed at one time or another during the seemingly endless reel. At long, long last the musicians downed their instruments and a grateful Lizzie was led from the floor.
She and Charlotte reconvened once again, one smiling, one wincing.
"And where has Mr Darcy run to?"
" A true gentleman, he has offered to get me a glass as I awaited your return"
"Cousin, shall I get you some punch?"
"I thank you, Mr Collins, yes." And off the man ran.
Will gripped the two glasses and cast a glance over the room, trying to spot the two ladies. His eyes came upon them, both not far from where he left Miss Lucas. As he stepped away from the table, he promptly collided with the annoying little cousin.
"Oh Mr Darcy, sir, I am sorry"
" No apologies necessary "
"So kind, so kind. How do you find the ball? I'm sure it's nothing to the usual grandeur you are used too. I myself have been hoping to use the time to better acquaint myself with my dearest cousin before I make her an offer."
"You intend to marry one of your cousins?" Will was intrigued.
"Oh yes. It was your own dear aunt who suggested such. As I am to inherit, it's truly the right thing to do." Will was now deeply interested. Which of the sisters would best suit to the man? Of course, there was but one sensible choice. Will couldn't help but nod in some approval. Lizzie had often worried about this one sisters prospects, and as ridiculous as the little man was, they actually wouldn't be a bad match.
"A fine choice, sir. And I must say, my aunt would very much approve. I mean besides, Miss Bennett, whom my friend is rather taken to, she is the only real choice. The other three are far too lively."
"Lively sir?"
" Yes, lively. Miss Elizabeth is too outspoken and independent and the younger two, well they're almost children, barely out of the nursery. But Miss Mary, she's reserved, calm, certainly knows her scripture. Yes, a fine choice Mr Collins, a fine choice indeed."
Mr Collins only took a moment to absorb this information. Would his lady patroness really dislike Miss Elizabeth? She was rather spirited and enjoyed the laugh a little too much. Yes, Miss Mary would indeed be more to Lady Catherine is taste, she was modest, quiet.
"I'm glad you approve sir. I must say that it's an honour to get your input on such a matter and if you'll excuse me, I will leave you now, as I must find cousin Mary." And off he rushed.
'What a bizarre man!' Was Wills last thought on the matter as he headed off to the two waiting ladies.
" Mr Darcy" Charlotte greeted him as he approached, handing her a glass. He offered out the other to Lizzie.
"Thank you, but no, Mr Collins has gone to fetch me a glass"
" Mr Collins? No, he is off in search of your sister, Mary." He lent into her side conspiratorially. "He is going to ask for her hand, you know"
"No" Charlotte laughed " he has been in pursuit of dear Elizabeth here" Fitzwilliam blanched
" Lizzie?"
Charlottes eyes grow wide in surprise at his use of her family's nickname. Neither gave her any notice as Will was now only focused on his friend.
"You can't be serious" he was flabbergasted.
"Indeed. He has been following me about like a stray puppy." She playfully whacked him on the shoulder. " A fact you'd be well aware of if you had come round at all!"
"So why has he suddenly turned to Mary?" Charlotte interjected, she was curious about Lizzie and Mr Darcy's interaction, but decided to corner her friend on it at a later time.
Mr Darcy flush the deep red " I think that was me. He made comment about asking one of his cousins for her hand. I just assumed it was Mary. What was I supposed to think? There is no way he can have Lizzie…..No, I mean…. errrr" he floundered to stop aware and self-conscious. It was so easy before, but now in the real world, he just found it so hard to express his heart to her, but that was a battle for another day. Charlotte couldn't hide her shocked expression, but Lizzie only laughed.
"Well done Will. Mary has been most taken with the man and as much as I think him ridiculous she appears to really like him. I think they'll be truly happy together"
Darcy's face was still somewhat vacant "You Lizzie?"
"Yes Will" she answered in playful exasperation " but as always, when I've lost my footing and fallen you have caught me. And I thank you most sincerely for saving me from what was inevitably to be the most uncomfortable and embarrassing event." The musicians once again picked up their instruments. "Shall we dance?"