Enjoy 😉
~MoL~
Words of Wisdom
When Elizbeth arrived in her room, she realised that she had taken the book, which she had been reading the previous night, with her when she went down for breakfast. Since Darcy had been there already, she had put the book onto a sideboard and forgotten about it.
Not wanting a repeat of the previous evening, she hurried back downstairs while the others and the servants were still moving about. She could not see the book immediately but gave a sigh of relief when she spotted that it amongst a few others on a small table by the window, rather than having been returned to the library by a servant. Knowing from a casual remark that the gentlemen liked to sit in the library while indulging in a nightcap, she would have been reluctant to intrude.
Elizabeth had just retrieved the book and replaced the one from the top of the pile, when a tenor voice said from right behind her, 'Have you come looking for me?' followed by the sensation of someone blowing on her neck.
Being accosted yet again in such a manner, caused Elizabeth to react angrily.
She whirled around and, forgetting that she was holding the book, she raised her hands to defend herself against the rogue who dared to importune her.
Unfortunately for Henry Fitzwilliam, he was standing much too close, and the book, which Elizabeth held, extended her reach far enough that it connected with his cheek with considerable force. Henry was fortunate in one respect… he was hit with the front of the book instead of an edge.
The impact was noisy, but his shout of surprise and pain was even louder.
'How dare you importune me,' Elizabeth snarled while tears of pain streamed from Henry's eyes. 'You, sir, are no gentleman.' Once again, she drew herself up to her full height and her eyes were flashing with anger, while she muttered under her breath, 'What is it with these men? Can a woman not get some reading material without being accosted?'
'Why did you do that?' Henry asked in bewilderment and pain as he staggered back a few steps.
'Because I do not allow liberties,' Elizabeth replied in her haughtiest manner.
She was about to turn away and return to her room when another door opened, and Darcy entered the dining room from the adjoining parlour.
'What happened?' he asked, having heard a commotion, as he glared suspiciously at Henry.
'I came to get that decanter of brandy,' Henry said pointing at the article on the table. 'I tripped and my face hit the door.'
Darcy, having recognised Elizabeth's posture, merely sighed as he gave him a disbelieving look, but he only said, 'You should be more careful.'
During this exchange, Elizabeth used the opportunity to quietly slip out of the room. She had enough of awkward situations.
~MoL~
Once Elizabeth was gone, Darcy said, 'You might as well bring the decanter and two glasses to Bingley's study. I want to talk to you.' He then stalked out, leaving the door open.
Henry, recognising that tone of voice, decided that it would be better to acquiesce.
When they were settled in the chilly room, with the door firmly shut, Darcy demanded, 'What did really happen?'
Squirming in his seat, Henry related the very brief encounter and its aftermath, concluding with, 'I do not know what happened. I am certain that she has been flirting with me ever since we met. Yet suddenly she turned on me and I did not even touch her.'
'Are you certain that she was flirting with you? Could you have misinterpreted her teasing?'
'Of course, I am certain,' Henry huffed. 'They all flirt with me. Especially when they are pretending not to be interested. I know that you would not recognise such behaviour since you are too dour and staid for such fun.'
Henry had been having a wonderful time flirting with the vivacious Miss Elizabeth. This time, his flirtation had had the added entertainment of demonstrating his prowess with the ladies to his boring cousin, whose only attraction to the ladies was his large estate and his wealth.
He thought that he had made progress with the lady, and it was only a matter of time until she succumbed to his charm. He had even gone so far as to think that it was a pity that her dowry was not greater, as he had habits of expense which required him to seek a wife who could add to his eventual income.
Yet, after the events of this evening, he was indifferent about her financial situation. Now he hoped that his priggish cousin would not insist on him being honourable towards the lady. He did not wish for a wife who could use words as a weapon in the way Elizabeth did, especially as he remembered the book.
Darcy took a sip of brandy, hiding a grin since he was about to shatter his arrogant young cousin's illusions. 'I am afraid, Henry, I have news for you and it is all bad. I have it on excellent authority that the teasing you enjoyed so much, was the lady telling you what she truly thought of you.'
'You cannot be serious. No lady has ever thought me too young and immature. They have all quite delighted in my boyish charm.'
'I am afraid that this time your boyish charm, as you call it, did not find its mark. Which is why she imparted those words of wisdom to you,' Darcy said with a pointed look to Henry's cheek and had the satisfaction of seeing the colour rise in his cousin's face.
His embarrassment would not allow Henry to back down. 'You must be wrong. I merely startled her. Who else in this backwater could have the slightest interest for her? She is much too vibrant for the local clodhoppers.'
'That is irrelevant. I would say that Miss Elizabeth made her feelings quite clear as far as you are concerned. You will therefore treat her with the utmost courtesy and respect. Her guardian is my good friend and if he takes exception to your treatment of his cousin, he will have my full support.' Darcy pinned his young cousin with a cold stare. 'Is that understood?'
'You know that I have never and would never force my attentions on any woman… be she a duchess or a chambermaid,' Henry protested.
Darcy ignored the protest and reiterated, 'Is that understood?'
Henry threw his hands in the air. 'Yes, cousin, I will treat the lady with the utmost respect and courtesy.'
'See that you do,' Darcy said. 'But now I wish to go somewhere where it is warm.
~MoL~
The following day, it was still raining, and the residents of Netherfield found a number of ways to pass the time.
Henry waited for an opportunity for a private word with Elizabeth. When everyone was engaged in various activities, he approached her, making a point to do so openly and from the front.
When he had her attention, Henry said simply, 'Miss Elizabeth, I wish to apologise for my behaviour of last night. I had not meant to insult or importune you in any way. It appears that my understanding had been faulty, having mostly dealt with ladies of the ton whose interpretation of propriety is, shall we say, more flexible? I offer that as an explanation, not an excuse. You deserve nothing but respect and I acted in a disrespectful manner. I hope you will be able to forgive my lapse. I can assure you it will not happen again.'
Elizabeth was astonished at his words and rather impressed by his respectful manner. 'Yes, Mr Fitzwilliam, I will happily accept your apology. There was no harm done… other than to your face, for which you have my apology. It was quite unintentional, I assure you.'
'Please, think nothing of it. If I had not startled you, it would not have happened at all. It was quite my own fault.'
Having settled the issue, he wandered off, to turn the pages for Miss Bingley when she offered to entertain the company with music.
~MoL~
While Caroline played, Darcy came to sit with Elizabeth.
'I noticed my cousin speaking to you,' he said carefully, not wishing to embarrass Elizabeth with questions.
Elizabeth responded with an amused smile. 'He came to apologise for our misunderstanding. I was all astonishment and have since wondered if that was your doing.'
'Not at all, although I am pleased to hear that he has done so. Henry does have pretty manners when he remembers to employ them. Unfortunately, as much the youngest of three brothers, he has been rather indulged by his parents. He sometimes forgets that he cannot have everything his own way.'
'I am quite aware how the youngest in a family can be overly indulged. My youngest sister was in the same situation until our cousin came to live with us. Since then, We all have learned to improve ourselves.'
'Surely, you did not need much improving,' Darcy said gallantly.
'I feel flattered that you think so, but I am afraid that I must disagree with you. I needed improvement just as much as Lydia, simply in different ways,' Elizabeth replied, and Darcy noted a faraway look in her eyes. 'I used to be, what I thought was my father's favourite, and because of that adopted many of his mannerisms, never realising that what is barely acceptable in a grown man, is quite objectionable in a girl or young woman.'
In response to a questioning look by Darcy, she added, 'Sarcasm aimed at belittling people is not an attractive quality.'
Darcy nodded and said, 'Your cousin has had a beneficial influence on many people. I used to be overly proud.' Ignoring the raised brow, impish smile and her murmur, 'Used to be?' he continued, 'But your cousin pointed out to me how wrong I was when I only considered rank and wealth in judging people. Thanks to him, I now judge people on their character rather than their station.'
They spent much of the afternoon reminiscing about their families and speaking about their experiences as well as hopes for the future.
~MoL~
After his apology to Elizabeth, Henry spent the day casually interacting with the rest of their party, while watching the lady unobtrusively.
Much of the night he had wondered if Darcy could have been correct in his assessment of the lady's opinion.
For several years Henry had known and enjoyed that he was more popular with the ladies than Darcy due to their difference in nature. During all this time it had never occurred to him that any lady could prefer his cousin's company unless she was motivated by greed. Yet as he watched the interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth, he perceived an honest admiration on both sides.
In the end he decided that if the lady had no interest in himself, he was pleased that his cousin had at last met a lady whom he could esteem and who appeared to return his sentiments.
The one thing he did not realise was that on this day he started to grow up.
~MoL~
That evening, Elizabeth ensured that she had sufficient reading material before she retired to her room. She did not wish to risk yet another unexpected encounter with any member of their party.
After an uneventful night, the morning dawned bright and clear.
The sunshine drew Elizabeth out of the house even before breaking her fast. Even though she could not go far due to the mud everywhere except for the gravelled paths in the formal garden, she relished being out in the fresh air. Being cooped up inside the house for several days never agreed with her.
She had been outside only a short time when she was joined by Darcy. They exchanged greetings and Elizabeth granted permission for Darcy to accompany her. 'Although I do hope that you are not inclined to dawdle, for I need to stretch my legs.'
'Not at all, a brisk walk is also my preference,' Darcy agreed and offered his arm which Elizabeth was pleased to accept. While both knew that Elizabeth was quite capable of walking without support, they both relished the contact.
For a few minutes they walked in companionable silence until Elizabeth commented, 'Now that the rain has stopped, I believe that the roads will soon be dry enough for us to leave on the morrow.'
'While I enjoy being able to be outdoors again, I almost wish the rain had continued indefinitely because it would have allowed me to spend more time in your presence,' Darcy said and already felt the loss.
Elizabeth felt a warm tingling suffuse her at his words. She had been careful not to allow her hopes to rise that Darcy could return the feelings which she had been unable to suppress. And even if he did, would he ignore the difference in their stations? He was related to the Earl of Matlock and extremely wealthy, while she was the daughter of a minor gentleman from a small estate. Even though her dowry was quite respectable for her circumstances, it was nothing compared to the sort of money considered normal in his circles.
Still, there was this flicker of hope. Gathering her courage, she replied, 'I confess that I too have enjoyed getting to know you.'
'In that case, would you allow me to call on you when you return to Longbourn?' Darcy stopped their walk and turned to face Elizabeth. When he saw the brilliant smile spreading across her lovely features, he could not help but ask, 'I know we have not known each other for very long but perhaps you would even consider a courtship?'
It had seemed impossible, but Elizabeth's smile became even more dazzling. 'Since a courtship is designed for a couple to get to know each other better, I would be delighted to enter into a courtship with you.'
Darcy's answering smile was breathtaking as he raised Elizabeth's hands to his lips. Even through the fabric of her gloves she felt a spark which sent a tingle all through her body.
'Thank you. When you return to Longbourn, I shall accompany you and request permission from your guardian.'
Both came back down to earth as Darcy suddenly groaned, 'I just remembered, Collins is your guardian.' It would be rather awkward asking permission to court Elizabeth from a man younger than himself.
Elizabeth could not resist a chuckle as she said, 'Be grateful that you will be dealing with my cousin. My father would have teased you mercilessly.'
Darcy looked into those sparkling eyes and decided that even the teasing would have been worth it.
~MoL~
A/N: I really appreciate your comments.
Although I must confess to some confusion.
Why do so many people think it is okay for Darcy to accost Elizabeth in the middle of the night, but when you thought it was Henry, there were cries of outrage from quite a few readers? Words like cad and lech were thrown around and some even suggested that he would force himself on her – despite having made it clear all along that he would never do that.
Sorry about this rant, but I am afraid that I am a strong believer in equality – between everyone.
~MoL~
Master of Longbourn (working title) by Sydney Salier, Copyright © 2023