The ride to Lucas Lodge was tiring at best. Miss Bingley was spouting nonsense, as was her wont, and her jarring perfume assaulted his senses. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the owner of Pemberley and responsible for hundreds, was being bested by a lady's fragrance. A migraine was building in his head, and he could not wait to escape the confines of the carriage. Yet, the prospect of conversing with those small-minded people at the so-called soirée felt like a punishment in itself.
The soirée, it turned out, was not as dreadful as Darcy had anticipated. The ladies were moderately talented, the food was commendable, and while the company was mediocre at best, Miss Elizabeth Bennet stood out remarkably. Everyone she conversed with left with a smile, her conversation intelligent and engaging. She shared her true opinions without hesitation, a trait that set her apart from any society lady he had ever encountered, making the evening far more enjoyable than he had expected.
Darcy found himself unconsciously following Elizabeth around the room when he realized he was standing near the wall and could hear Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth whispering to each other. His position allowed him to hear each word clearly.
"Jane, do not fret. I redid the drains, and now I'll get to the Carlsons' house," Elizabeth said.
"I hope you do so soon. Mrs. Carlson is going to deliver twins, and they have five other children. If we do not do anything soon, they will suffer," Jane replied with concern.
"Oh, so you saw it! They are going to be twins! We must make more infant clothes. We must tell Mama to be discreet, and I will finish the roof even before Uncle Gardiner's work," Elizabeth assured her.
"I trust you, Lizzy. I just worry," Jane sighed.
Once again, the conversation between the sisters left Darcy mystified.
He was beginning to feel there was something peculiar about it all. He himself had checked the drains when he toured the estate with Bingley and had found them in disrepair. Then mere weeks later he had checked them again a couple days ago and discovered they had been redone and repaired so soon
"But how is Miss Elizabeth involved in this? And why do her sisters imply that she herself repaired them?" Darcy wondered, his mind whirled with questions.
Sir William was determined that his esteemed guest, Mr. Darcy, should have a good time, which was how Darcy found himself in conversation with Mr. Bennet.
Sir William performed the introductions and quickly left to attend to another guest.
"Please do not take offense. Sir William cannot abide seeing anyone standing on the sidelines without enjoying some conversation. He thinks I might entice you to a game of chess. Alas, I do not know if it is appropriate for me to commandeer a handsome young man's attention away from the ladies," said Mr. Bennet
Darcy suddenly perked up when he heard Mr. Bennet mention chess.
Darcy suddenly perked up at the mention of chess. "Sir, I assure you I would rather prefer chess to dancing, so commandeer away."
"Very well, young man. There is a board set up in the study, we can head there." Mr. Bennet laughed.
"Papa! Are you going to hide in the study again? And taking along Mr. Darcy too?" Elizabeth commented, a mix of teasing and concern.
"It will not do, Papa, to keep Mr. Darcy in the dark about your chess prowess," Elizabeth commented mischievously.
"And there goes my surprise element," muttered Mr. Bennet under his breath.
"What do you mean, Miss Elizabeth?" asked Mr. Darcy curiously, his interest piqued.
"Papa was the chess champion at Cambridge," Elizabeth said proudly
"Ah, so you must be the T. H. Bennet! Your name is on the board to this day," exclaimed Darcy, impressed.
"Guilty as charged, sir," said Mr. Bennet with a modest smile.
"It would be an honour to play with you, sir. But I must warn you, you might find it difficult to win, for I was the champion of our year," declared Darcy with a confident grin.
"Well, well, now we must play," said Mr. Bennet decidedly, with a grin.
"And I would not want to bring an end to you excellent scheme , but it must be postponed as dinner will be served shortly", Elizabeth interjected, her tone both firm and polite.
"Very well, my dear" Mr. Bennet said "Mr, Darcy do come for a game at Longbourn at your leisure."
"It would be my pleasure Mr. Bennet, count on my attendance." confirmed Darcy
"Lady Lucas likes all her guests in one place before dinner, she will be happy I managed to intervene before you both disappeared to the study. " Lizzy said with a smile
Darcy was starstruck, like he had never seen her before. The gentle smile, sparkling eyes filled with affection as she spoke to her father.' That, that was how darcy wanted his daughter to look at him' Darcy thought .
Darcy was jolted out of his day dream when dinner was announced and Mr. Bennet left to escort Mrs Bennet. Mr. Darcy naturally asked Miss Elizabeth
Darcy felt a warm tingle where her hand rested on his arm, he could feel the gentleness of her hand on his arm and its pleasant weight. Through all this he was thankfully ignorant of Miss Bingley's jealous looks.
'The meal was not too bad, acceptable for a small-town soiree,' thought Darcy.
"Mr. Darcy, I hope you are enjoying the dinner. Lady Lucas' saffron rice is quite famed around here," Elizabeth said, breaking the silence.
"Yes, it is good enough for the occasion," Mr. Darcy replied tersely.
"Indeed." There was a brief pause before Elizabeth continued, "I have observed that you are a man of few words. Is it a quality you recommend your fellow men should emulate?"
"I am no one to recommend such a thing, Miss Elizabeth. Rather, I have been told I do not express enough. I apologize if I am being tedious. I am quite unable to respond with much grace as I have had the pleasure of seeing you do," Mr. Darcy responded, his tone earnest.
Elizabeth smiled at his candidness. "You need not apologize, Mr. Darcy. I appreciate your honesty."
"Mr. darcy, I have met much worse conversationalists , you put me to shame, by offering an honest answer to my rather impertinent question" Elizabeth said with a playful smile.
"It is to your credit that you have introspected much about your qualities" she added
"There is no great praise required. I am responsible for a great number of men, hence it is imperative for me to know my own faults." replied Mr. Darcy.
"I am afraid, I have a different view, with no time for reflection but with four sisters one gets to know all their worse qualities regardless whether they want to or not", Elizabeth commented.
"Indeed?, Does having four sisters much affected your understanding of self? Then I must have missed a great deal for I have only the one", Mr. Darcy responded with alacrity.
"Not if one introspects, as you do, Mr. Darcy. You seem to be the perfect serious young man who reflects on oneself," Elizabeth observed.
"Yes, I do," Darcy replied, a bit taken aback. After a pause, he said, "You are a studier of character, Miss Elizabeth. It is a rare quality, even amongst the ton. There are only a few people who like to study character, let alone those who value it."
"By your words. Should I presume you are one of them?", asked Elizabeth curiously.
"Yes I am, the Darcy's have always prided themselves on judging people based on their character than wealth and consequence ", answered Darcy with utmost seriousness.
Elizabeth sighed inwardly. She had just begun to think he was an alright sort of person when he revealed his arrogant side once again. Trying to hide her disappointment, she forced a polite smile.
"That is a noble heritage, Mr. Darcy," she said, her tone carefully measured. "However, one might argue that understanding character is a complex task, influenced by many factors beyond one's control."
"Indeed, Miss Elizabeth," Darcy responded, sensing a shift in her demeanour but unable to pinpoint its cause. "It is a task I undertake with great care."
Just then, they were interrupted by Mrs. Bennet's loud laughter as she conversed with Mrs. Long across the table. She was speaking animatedly to Mrs. Long, drawing everyone's attention. Darcy's gaze swept the table, noting the rampant disregard for manners among the Bennet family.
Miss Lydia was laughing raucously, Miss Catherine wore a cross look, ignoring everyone, and Miss Mary sat in the middle of the table, deflecting any attempts at conversation.
The only one displaying any sense of propriety was Miss Bennet, who was engaged in a pleasant conversation with Bingley, her usual smile gracing her lips, the two appearing lost in their own world.
Alarmed by the scene, Darcy resolved to warn Bingley about the potential unsuitability of Jane Bennet. Bingley seemed halfway in love, and Darcy felt it his duty to protect his friend from a potentially imprudent match.
Following the separation of the sexes, the young ladies began to display their musical talents. An impromptu dance commenced, and Darcy, captivated by Miss Elizabeth's musical performance, found himself drawn to her.
As an eligible bachelor, Darcy was quickly intercepted by Sir William, who, eager to see him dance, offered Elizabeth's hand to him. To Darcy's surprise, she refused. No one had ever turned him down before. Saying he was intrigued by her was an understatement.
Determined, Darcy asked her himself. After a moment's hesitation, Elizabeth finally agreed
Elizabeth was puzzled by Mr. Darcy's behaviour. Despite her initial refusal, he had persisted. She found it difficult to understand him; his actions baffled her, and she struggled to sketch his character, finding the whole exercise increasingly vexing.
"I had heard you do not care much for dancing. I hope you find it tolerable today," Elizabeth remarked, her eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
Darcy felt a faint sense of familiarity, as if he should remember something important. "Usually, I do not. However, tonight's event is well-appointed and invites one to enjoy it," he replied.
"Then you must convey your appreciation to Lady Lucas. She will be delighted to know her efforts have pleased her guests," Elizabeth suggested with a gracious smile.
"I will," Darcy assured her.
"And how are you finding this evening? Sir William is particularly proud of his punch. Have you tried some?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, not yet," Darcy admitted.
Elizabeth felt a growing frustration as she tried to engage Darcy in conversation. He answered her questions with no more than three words each time. "Perhaps," Elizabeth mused, "this is the fashion in the ton."
The dance soon concluded, and Darcy escorted her to where Charlotte was standing before bowing and departing. Slightly disconcerted by his dance with Elizabeth, he made his way to the refreshment table in search of Bingley, hoping to find a different subject to contemplate on.
Darcy sampled Sir William's punch and found it to be quite excellent. As he searched for Bingley, he spotted him deep in conversation with Miss Bennet. He took a step in their direction, but Miss Caroline Bingley quickly sidled up beside him, winding her hand around his arm. Alarmed, Darcy swiftly stepped away, freeing himself, but Caroline persisted and moved closer.
"Mr. darcy what are we to do about Jane Bennet, Charles has already named her 'His angel'. How are we to separate him from her?" She whispered
Fortunately, Darcy was spared the need to respond as Bingley and Miss Bennet approached them.
No one noticed Mrs Phillips at the refreshment table. Oh but that dear lady had heard just enough of Miss Bingley's scheming words. By the time Bingley had spoken his first words, Mrs. Phillips was already halfway around the room, eagerly spreading the gossip she had just heard.
The carriage ride back was filled with conflicting emotions. Miss Bingley had aimed her venomous words at Miss Elizabeth, and Darcy was perplexed. What had Elizabeth done to warrant such animosity from Miss Bingley?
Mr. Bingley, on the other hand, was all cheerfulness, delighted to have danced with his "angel" again and basking in the warmth of her smiles.
"Miss Elizabeth expresses her opinions far too decidedly for a woman. Did you see how she cornered Colonel Forster during their conversation?" Miss Bingley remarked sharply.
Darcy couldn't recall any such incident. He wasn't proud to admit it, but he had been following Elizabeth's movements from the moment he stepped foot in Lucas Lodge until their party left, and he had seen nothing of the sort.
Darcy focused on the passing scenery to drown out the voices in the carriage, and he was pleased to find himself quite successful at it.
Too exhausted for company but maintaining his gentlemanly demeanour, Darcy joined the gathering in the drawing room. As he entered, tea was being served, and he gratefully accepted a cup. He was relieved that he wouldn't have to wait for the tea service and hoped this meant he could leave soon.
No sooner had the party settled than Miss Bingley resumed her relentless tirade of Meryton, with today's focus squarely on Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
"She is far too forward and opinionated for a woman. A lady should be modest and reserved. But oh, such hoydenish ways Miss Eliza has! She will gain no respect from anyone of consequence," Miss Bingley said with a scathing remark.
"Come now, Caroline, you are exaggerating. I found Miss Elizabeth perfectly pleasant," Bingley interjected. As usual, his sisters ignored him, so he resigned himself to sitting back and watching Darcy handle Caroline. It was always entertaining, he thought with a hint of amusement.
"Hoydenish, indeed. Her laughter was so loud; she wouldn't survive a London drawing room. The matrons would tear her apart. What do you think, Mr. Darcy?", Mrs. Hurst asked, turning her attention to him.
Darcy sighed inwardly and responded, "I cannot agree with your choice of words, but I do acknowledge that she lacks the airs, values, and manners typically esteemed by the ton." Perhaps that is why I find her so captivating; she is refreshingly different, he mused silently.
"Of course, Mr. Darcy, you are, as always, correct," simpered Miss Bingley.
"It would not do to always believe one is right, Miss Bingley. It can be quite detrimental to one's ego," Darcy replied dryly.
"Indeed, I overheard your conversation, and I must say, she tries to appear intelligent, but her opinions are so common and unladylike. It's unbecoming for a woman to think she knows more than the men around her," Miss Bingley stated firmly.
Darcy was irritated that Miss Bingley had been eavesdropping on his conversation. His tolerance for her had worn thin, so he decided to give her what she wanted, he couldn't help but marvel at how completely she missed the irony in her own statements.
"Indeed, Miss Bingley, I believe women can express their opinions, but the more pressing question is whether they should," Darcy said pointedly.
Bingley, catching the nuance in Darcy's words, laughed at his friend's rejoinder.
Miss Bingley, however, was gleeful, mistakenly thinking her statements had been validated. She was so absorbed in her perceived victory that she completely missed Mr. Darcy bidding everyone good night as he retired to his rooms.
A soft knock on the door signalled Jane's arrival, and Lizzy promptly invited her sister in.
"Come in," Lizzy greeted warmly. Jane slipped into the room and exhaled deeply, settling in beside her sister.
"What's on your mind, Jane? You have that dreamy look again," Lizzy teased lightly.
Jane hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Lizzy, what if... what if the man I saw in my vision isn't as significant as I first believed?"
"Then why did you see him?" Lizzy countered, logically.
"Maybe he's someone I'm simply meant to help," Jane pondered aloud. "He seemed hurt, limping... perhaps..." Jane speculated, her voice tinged with empathy.
"You really like Mr. Bingley, don't you?" Lizzy interjected with a knowing smile.
"Oh, Lizzy, I do!" Jane gushed with a smile. "He's so kind and amiable."
"And handsome," Lizzy added playfully.
"And handsome," Jane agreed, blushing slightly.
After a comfortable silence Lizzy asked Jane.
"So, I suppose this mysterious man from your vision was not very good looking?" asked Lizzy.
"I couldn't see his face clearly; it was dark," Jane admitted.
"How will you recognize him then?" Lizzy pressed gently.
Jane sighed deeply, her shoulders lifting in a shrug that was uncharacteristically casual for her. "I just hope I'll somehow know it's him when the time comes to help."
It was clear her sister's heart was deeply invested in Mr. Bingley, yet Jane's compassionate nature extended even to a mysterious figure from a dream.
"Now, Lizzy, I saw you deep in conversation with Mr. Darcy. You seemed quite oblivious to everything around you," Jane observed gently. "I sense you're starting to realize that he isn't as disagreeable as you once thought."
" A very vexing man. Now I see him mere as a very proud one", Lizzy countered with a touch of humour.
"Doesn't he have reason to be?" Jane asked, her tone thoughtful. "After all, he does have a vast estate in Derbyshire. Aunt Gardiner speaks highly of him, you know."
"We shouldn't have confided in her. She always takes your side," Lizzy replied grumpily
"He is a decent young man, though reserved and perhaps socially awkward. I can't fault his character otherwise. I understand it's hard to reconsider your opinion once it's formed, but do give it some thought," Jane suggested gently, her concern for her sister evident in her tone.
Jane bade Lizzy goodnight, silently closing the door behind her and leaving Lizzy in a contemplative state. Lizzy had not liked the expression on Mr. Darcy's face when she saw him observing Jane and Bingley together, and it was evident that he disapproved of her mother and sisters. Despite this, Lizzy could honestly say she looked forward to Mr. Darcy's visit to Longbourn for the promised game of chess with her father.
Feeling protective of her elder sister, Lizzy's thoughts swirled, but before they could fully settle, she drifted into sleep. As she slept, a cloud in the shape of a rook formed over Longbourn.
It was a clear, cloudless night, and a soft breeze flowed over the ploughed fields. After such a long day, Darcy finally allowed himself to relax, inhaling the fresh scent of soil and grass.
Darcy could not get Miss Elizabeth Bennet out of his mind. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence and happiness, her laughter was free of any encumbrance or care, and her conversation was both studied and knowledgeable. Darcy had begun to respect her, finding her to be a worthwhile acquaintance during his stay in Netherfield.
Yet, any union between them was out of the question. Though he had detected no impropriety in her elder sister and father, her younger sisters and mother were decidedly unsuitable. But how had he arrived at the question of a union between them?
Darcy looked up one last time before preparing to sleep. He saw a single cloud shaped like a rook. That is appropriate, he thought. "I must talk to Bingley about Miss Bennet's unsuitability," Darcy decided.
"Well, there is always tomorrow," he thought, "perhaps on the way back from dinner with the officers". With that thought, Darcy turned in for the night, determined to address these matters on the morrow, intent on protecting Bingley from his own imprudent inclinations.