A Most Attentive Father Chapter 25, a pride and prejudice fanfic

~O~

Engagement

As the couple returned to the ballroom. Colonel Fitzwilliam was waiting just inside the doorway to claim Elizabeth for the second dance of the set.

'You cannot deprive me of the pleasure of dancing with my future cousin,' he said with an impish smile to Darcy.

'Are you not jumping to conclusions?'

'You deprive me of the company of this lovely lady for the length of a dance and return smiling like I have never seen you smile before. What else can be the cause?'

Before Darcy could object, the music started for the second dance of the set and Fitzwilliams whisked Elizabeth onto the dancefloor.

When they could speak, Elizabeth laughed and said, 'You are a bad man, Colonel. Treating your cousin so shamefully.'

'It will do him good. He is too used to having his own way, that an occasional reminder that he is but a man, is good for him.' Fitzwilliam was unrepentant.

But due to his good humour Elizabeth changed the subject and the two enjoyed the rest of their dance.

~O~

Since he was at lose ends, Darcy sought out Bennet, who was standing off to one side of the room, chatting pleasantly with some of his neighbours.

As Darcy approached, he was in time to hear Mr Long comment, 'I always knew that this was a substantial house, but I was always under the impression it was about half the size. And I never realised you had such a ballroom.'

Mr Goulding chimed in, 'Yes, Bennet. Why have you kept us in the dark? Surely, you knew us well enough to know we would never take advantage of your girls.'

'Look, you all know what Fanny is like. If she had known the true state of affairs, we would have had constant arguments because she would have wanted to spend us into bankruptcy. At least, as long as she thought this was Longbourn, I could contain the situation.'

Bennet shrugged and looked from one friend to the next. 'You must see that if you and your wives and your children had known, Fanny was sure to hear as well.'

'But surely, seeing this ballroom would have given her some idea.'

Bennet's lips twitched. 'Fanny thought this was the stable.'

'How could she have come up with such a ridiculous idea?'

'Perhaps because I told her so?'

'You told her…' Goulding gasped before he burst out laughing.

'She would never demean herself by setting foot in a stable,' Bennet said while maintaining an innocent expression.

Soon, all the men around him joined Goulding in the laughter.

'You know, it is most impolite to laugh at my wife,' Bennet said with the mildest reproof.

~O~

Now that they had answers to the Bennet conundrum, the men drifted away in search of their wives to share the information, leaving Bennet on his own, except for Darcy who now claimed his attention.

'Bennet, could I have a word with you?'

'Let me guess, Lizzy said yes,' Bennet stated without moving. The light-hearted mood was gone, replaced by melancholy.

'Yes, she did. Do you disapprove?' Darcy searched the man's expression.

Bennet shook his head and merely said, 'I always knew it would happen sometime, but I hoped I would have her company for longer.'

Darcy had some sympathy for Bennet as he dreaded having to grant permission for Georgiana when she was ready to marry. 'I fully realise what a treasure I am asking you to relinquish. I assure you that I will do my best to make her happy.'

That statement restored some of Bennet's good humour, although he was still somewhat wistful as he said, 'You could not have chosen better.' He hesitated a moment before he added, 'But neither could she.'

'So, we have your permission to marry?' Darcy asked to be certain.

Bennet shook himself out of his despondency and smiled at Darcy. 'Yes, I suppose you have my permission and my blessing. Do you wish me to announce it at dinner?'

'I would greatly appreciate that.'

~O~

The set ended and Fitzwilliam escorted Elizabeth to her father and Darcy, who claimed Elizabeth's hand and bestowed a kiss on it.

'Your father has granted his permission,' he said with a happy smile.

'So, I was right. I shall be happy to welcome you into the family,' Fitzwilliam claimed.

'You forget, I am already part of the family. Just ask your grandmother.'

Fitzwilliam grimaced and shook his head with a laugh. 'I keep forgetting about that.' As another thought occurred to him, he grinned. 'At least, as third cousins your consanguinity is not a problem. Not like it would be if you followed Aunt Catherine's orders and married Anne.'

Darcy shuddered. 'You really should not bring up such unpleasant subjects at a ball.'

'My apologies. But I had better collect my next dance partner.'

As he walked away, Elizabeth's next partner came to claim her.

And even Darcy, who had been encouraged by Elizabeth requested dances with several ladies before the supper set.

~O~

Despite not being allowed to dance, Lydia had a wonderful time.

Part of the reason was that Mrs Hurst had mentioned to her guests that much of the credit for the decoration belonged to Lydia. It was a heady experience for the girl to have her neighbours come up to her to congratulate her on her exquisite taste.

Another reason for her enjoyment was because Lady Susan was willing to dispense advice when no one else could hear.

'Now it would be atrociously impolite of me to say these things in public, as it could be construed as malicious gossip. But if you are willing to learn, I shall se your guests as examples what not to do in society when you come to London.'

The lady chuckled. 'I must also warn you that those so-called ladies of high society are often the most vicious gossips and would say what I will tell you as a means of denigrating their rivals.'

She then proceeded to critique the manners, conversation and fashion of the revellers. Fortunately for Lydia's peace of mind, she did it with such humour and in such a droll fashion, that it was obvious that the lady meant no harm.

There was one exception. 'Miss Bingley's dress is exquisite, unfortunately the colour, while fashionable does not really suite her. A more subdued shade would have been better. Also, I would recommend she should choose a simpler style for functions in the country. While this is a formal ball, we are not in London where almost everyone attending would be similarly dressed. It is bad manners to deliberately upstage your hosts or your guests.'

'You really do not like the lady.'

'I hate the way she has chased my grandson. If she were in love with him, I could forgive such determination, but all she is interested in is his wealth and status. I despise social climbers like her.'

'It must be difficult for her to be looked down upon by everyone because of her background.'

'While her background does her no favours, her brother has gained a measure of acceptance because he is a pleasant young man.'

Lydia would always cherish this evening because Aunt Susan had treated as a sensible almost adult.

~O~

At last, it was time for the supper dance.

This time, Darcy had much to discuss with Elizabeth. 'How long an engagement would you like?'

'What do you think of a June wedding?' his beloved asked with an innocent expression.

'JUNE? Now that I found you at last, do you truly wish to make me wait so long to claim you for my very own?'

'If we marry too quickly, people might make some incorrect assumptions.'

'I would rather marry you tomorrow and take my chances with the gossips.'

Elizabeth laughed, 'That would most certainly cause gossip.'

'Perhaps we could find a middle ground? Please, do not make me beg.'

It was fortunate that the dance separated them for some moments to allow Elizabeth to regain her equilibrium after that heartfelt plea had nearly overset her. As they came together again, she suggested, 'Would the thirtieth of December suit you better?'

For the smile of heartfelt joy which spread over Darcy's features, Elizabeth would have done just about anything. 'And start next year with you as my wife? That would be almost perfect. But since tomorrow is not an option,' he paused and she shook her head, 'five weeks from now will be almost as good.'

~O~

All the Bennets gathered around the table together with the other members of their extended family.

The gentlemen were attentive to the ladies seated next to them, bringing them plates from the buffet and pouring wine for them. Even Lydia was allowed a small glass of wine, although hers, like Cathy's, was well watered.

Lydia asked in surprise, 'Wine for me, papa?'

Bennet smiled as he explained, 'While one can make a toast with lemonade, wine is preferable.'

Before Lydia could blurt out her assumptions, she received a small nudge and a significant look from Lady Susan.

Conversation was lively at the table until they finished eating.

Bennet rose to his feet and tapped an empty glass with a spoon to gain the attention of the assembled guests.

The room quickly quieted, and he addressed the gathering. 'As most of you have deduced, for many years we have obscured the fact that Longbourn is somewhat bigger than generally known. This was done to give my daughters a better chance to meet their future partners in life for the right reasons. I hoped they would meet men who would love and respect them for themselves rather than for any financial considerations.'

Bennet paused while some of the guests commented on his speech. Once they quieted again he said, 'Circumstances forced me to come out of hiding sooner than I had hoped, but at least one of my daughters has found a man who has seen her for the treasure she is.'

Bennet raised his glass. 'Earlier this evening, I did the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I granted permission for Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy to marry my beloved daughter Elizabeth. I would like you to raise your glasses and toast their current and future happiness.'

The announcement was met with vocal approval by most of the guests.

Only Caroline Bingley, who was sitting with her family and the Lucas family, wore a sour expression. It was now abundantly clear that she would never be Mrs Darcy, the mistress of Pemberley. That title would go to Eliza Bennet.

~O~

Miss Catherine Bennet looked around uncomfortably. After supper she had gone to the ladies retiring room to wash her hands and was returning to the ballroom when she encountered Lieutenants Denny and Pratt.

Miss Catherine,' exclaimed Denny as he stepped in front of her, preventing her to rejoin her family. 'I have been hoping to request a dance from you all evening. The next set is about to start. Shall we join the line?' He held out his arm as he stepped closer.

'Cathy flinched back a little as she said, 'I am only allowed to dance with gentlemen my father approves,' and tried to walk around him, but found her way blocked by Pratt.

'Perhaps you would rather dance with me?' Pratt eyed her in a way which made the young girl uncomfortable.

She managed to say, 'You too are not on my father's approved list,' as she looked around frantically to spot her father.

'Surely, he could not object to a couple of officers of the militia,' Denny pressed his attentions as Catherine backed up.

Unwilling to go against her father's strictures or to be backed into the corridor behind her, Catherine squared her shoulders and despite nervousness making her mouth dry, she demanded. 'You may be officers, but you are no gentlemen if you cannot accept that I cannot dance with you. Now stand aside or I will be forced to call for help.'

'Miss Catherine, surely you know that such an action would not look good for you…' Denny left the threat hanging.

~O~

Bennet looked on with a benign expression as their neighbours came to congratulate Darcy and Elizabeth on their engagement.

He was about to make a quip about libraries while glancing at Darcy, when he glanced over his shoulder to see Catherine standing near the entrance to the ballroom looking frightened at the two officers blocking her way.

With a quick glance at his companions and a nod towards the entrance, he barked, 'Darcy, find Colonel Forster and bring him to the entrance. Colonel, with me.'

Darcy looked in the direction indicated by Bennet and could see the problem. While Bennet and his cousin were certain to deal with the immediate issue, Darcy used his height to good effect in locating Colonel Forster.

Bennet and Fitzwilliam, both being fairly tall men, they quickly made their way through the dancers who were lining up for the next set and arrived just in time to hear the last two statements.

'It will look even worse for you, Lieutenant,' growled Bennet, grabbing the officer's shoulder and turning Denny to face him. 'My daughter is correct; you are no gentleman.'

'I was just asking the lady to dance. This is a ball after all,' Denny tried to excuse his behaviour.

'It is indeed a ball. But it is a private ball, and you are in my home where you have no right to importune my daughter or anybody else's daughter. I am certain she told you that you needed my permission to dance with her.' Catherine nodded vigorously. 'Yet you did not come to me, instead, you tried to bully her into dancing with you. What makes you think that any lady would look favourably on a bully?'

Fitzwilliam, who had grabbed hold of Pratt's arm, added his own comment. 'As officers you are supposed to behave like gentleman, even if technically you are not entitled to that title. You are a disgrace to the uniform you wear.'

'I could not agree more with Colonel Fitzwilliam's statement,' interjected Colonel Forster as he arrived with Darcy, who had informed him about what seemed to be the problem. 'With behaviour like that, you do not belong in polite society. You will therefore return to camp. I shall send Captain Carter with you to ensure that you go there directly and do not stray.'

Once the men had been sent off, Colonel Forster addressed the young woman who was slowly relaxing in the care of her family. 'Miss Catherine, I apologise for the conduct of my men. I should have realised that they were unaware of the rules of polite behaviour. I can assure you that they will not have another opportunity to misbehave.'

'Thank you, Colonel. I appreciate your apology, but I am aware that no commander can control the behaviour of his men at all times. Please, think no more of it as, thanks to my father, no harm was done.'

~O~

The rest of the ball held no further particular excitement until the final dance which most of the guests only watched.

Bennet insisted that of his daughters only Elizabeth would be allowed to dance.

As the first strains of the waltz wafted through the ballroom, Darcy gathered Elizbeth in his arms to lead her gliding across the almost empty dancefloor.

Before they became to busy to care, Darcy murmured to Elizabeth, 'Remind me to thank your father for this treat.'

~O~

A/N

Just a heads up.

There are only a few more chapters to come. After I post the last chapter, the story will remain available for about two days before I will have to remove it for publication to Kindle Unlimited.

Sorry about that., but Amazon demand exclusivity.

~O~