Happy New Year Everyone! I had planned to post yesterday but got distracted by celebrating NYE. I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2024. Enjoy chapter 3.
Netherfield Park was illuminated with every candlestick in Meryton it seemed to Elizabeth as she cast her eyes around the grounds and on into the entrance hall, every available space was in use making it very inviting, much like Mr Bingley was doing at present in greeting her sister to the exclusion of others, Lizzy noted with a smile. Mr Bingley was so amiable and everyone in Meryton was already predisposed to like that this slight was overlooked and actively encouraged by almost everyone present for they had a fondness for the Bennet girls, especially Jane, who was uniformly loved for her kindness and generosity of spirit. No one was surprised, therefore, when Mr Bingley opened the ball with Miss Jane Bennet.
Upon first entering the ballroom, Elizabeth was actively looking for Mr Wickham but when she could not see him she supposed something had detained him and he could not attend. She was surprised to find that this information did not disconcert as one would think having found someone that was as amusing and attentive as Wickham. Elizabeth was not made for dull spirits and soon sought out her friend, Charlotte Lucas and it was with her that Mr Darcy found her and asked for her hand in the next dance.
Before Lizzy had time to think she found herself positioned opposite Mr Darcy with the music swelling around them. Before long, Elizabeth realised that Darcy was to remain silent and in an effort to draw him out she mentioned the pleasure she found in local dances in comparison with ones in London. Darcy assured her that he was certain she would enjoy London dances just the same as anywhere for she had the ability to make friends with ease. Though shocked at this compliment, Elizabeth could not resist the opening Darcy's remark had given her and her curiosity got the better of her and so she remarked that when last she had met him she was just making a new acquaintance. Lizzy had intended the remark to be a tease but when she looked up into Mr Darcy's face she realised her mistake immediately for his face was infused with anger and he withdrew from her, The rest of the dance was danced in silence and when Mr Darcy bowed over her hand after escorting her back to Charlotte, Elizabeth knew him to be still angry. In that instance, Elizabeth's curiosity was piqued once again. Who was this man and why did he perplex her so? That was the last she was to see Darcy that night.
Meanwhile, Mr Denny was enjoying a dance with Miss Kitty Bennet when he espied Sanderson, Carter and a few others outside. He could hear Miss Lydia Bennet's laughter from where he stood in the doorway. What had drawn them outside? Wickham!
"Wickham, what the devil do you do here? Did the Colonel not tell you that you were not to be anywhere near Netherfield tonight?" Denny fumed as he pulled Wickham to one side so as not to be heard by the others, though he had a nervous glint in his eye. What was Wickham playing at?
"Aye, that he did, Denny but where was the fun in that? I had much rather be here to see the ladies in their finery and such…" Wickham smirked his speech slightly slurred. "Denny, do be kind and ensure this is delivered into Darcy's hand after I have left," Wickham said to him as he handed Denny a letter. Confused Denny looked at Wickham with a question in his eye.
"Oh don't be Missish now Denny and pretend that you don't know what I am about. I intend to garner Darcy's attention and this is the quickest way to do so."
"But how?", Denny could only stutter.
"You must also inform Miss Elizabeth Bennet that her assistance is needed in the stables on a matter of the utmost importance and state that no one is to know as discretion is needed. That should be enough to pique her interest but if she questions you tell her that Darcy has been injured. I shall be ready and waiting when both arrive."
"Wickham, you have lost your mind! Miss Elizabeth will never agree…" Denny gaped at him.
"You must make it convincing because, if not, it will not go well for you, Denny. Must I remind you of why." Wickham threatened quietly.
Resigned, Denny found his way back into Netherfield and searched for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. It did not take long to find her as she was close enough to the entrance. After greeting her Denny intimated that he needed a quiet word and once they were out of earshot he relayed Wickham's story. As he feared, Elizabeth was skeptical and required more explanation. Pleading with her, Denny convinced her to follow him.
As they approached the stables, Elizabeth continued to ask question after question as to how Mr Darcy became injured, why they had not gone for Mr Jones and why they had involved her?
Denny could do nothing but say he did not know all the particulars and it was that Wickham trusted her instincts and discretion. "They are just this way, Miss Elizabeth", Denny said to her as they came upon the carriage.
One moment Elizabeth saw the carriage and saw the carriage door open and then everything turned to black.