Chapter 15 - Uninvited Guests
Georgiana was enjoying herself, the Middletons' house was beautiful and all of the ladies and gentlemen were elegantly dressed. So many colours, feathers, silks and jewels. It was just what she imagined a ball would be, and this was her first ball with Fitzwilliam.
His presence was reassuring. She stood near him in the foyer, looking around at all of the people milling around them. She had seen her cousins and smiled across at them. Lady Rowena looked particularly handsome tonight, but Lady Henrietta, however, seemed rather upset about something.
Mr Bingley and his sisters joined them, Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst were both in high spirits. Mr Bingley too was in a good mood, although he was continually looking at the door every time someone new arrived. Fitzwilliam too seemed to be waiting. Georgiana suspected that they were both waiting for the Bennets to arrive.
Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst left them to greet some other friends of theirs. Fitzwilliam sighed slightly in relief as they moved away. Mr Bingley moved slightly closer to her brother and said something quietly to him, Fitzwilliam looked up and smiled. Georgiana turned to see what he was smiling at, she saw Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet making their way through the room. They had not seen them yet and were walking towards where Lady Rowena stood with her brother, the Colonel.
Both of the gentlemen seemed content to watch the ladies for a few moments. No, as she looked at the expression on her brother's face she knew very well that Elizabeth could not marry Mr Collins, her brother would not be able to survive it. Mr Bingley also seemed to have lost his entire heart to Miss Bennet.
Georgiana was very interested to meet the rest of the family, see how the eldest two had had such an effect on these two young men, would Richard lose his to one of the younger girls?
Lady Henrietta joined her brother and sister just then, seeming to ignore the Bennets. Richard smiled at Georgiana from across the room and said something to Miss Elizabeth Bennet who glanced over at her and likewise smiled. While she was not as pretty as her sister, there was something about the way she move and the expression of her eyes. The green of her dress brought out the colour and shape of her eyes, seeming to make them dance even more than before.
The two sisters left her cousins and made their way over to them, Mr Bingley had step away for a moment to speak to someone, but soon rejoined them. Fitzwilliam led Georgiana and Miss Elizabeth Bennet into the ballroom, Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet followed behind them. The room was much larger than Georgiana had been expecting, and she could see the musicians at the end of the room getting ready to play. Servants were moving about the room with glasses of wine and jugs of lemonade. Although it was the middle of winter the room would soon be very warm. Georgiana could hardly contain her excitement. She glanced at her brother and realised that he would be very little help to her for the rest of the evening. No, he would be spending as much of it as was proper to do so with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. And she was glad for it. Her brother deserved to be happy.
The music started and Mr and Mrs Middleton took their places, ready to open the ball. Other ladies and gentlemen began to join them. Mr Bingley took Miss Bennet by the hand and they took their places. Fitzwilliam smiled at Miss Elizabeth Bennet again, taking her hand as they took their places slightly further down from Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet.
As Georgiana watched her brother dance with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, her attention was drawn to the wider ballroom. The swirl of colourful gowns and the lively music created a festive atmosphere. Lady Rowena appeared at her side, as they watched her brother and his handsome partner. "They make a very fine couple, don't you think?"
"Yes, I do." Georgiana smiled at her cousin. They watched in silence for a minute or two before Georgiana spoke again. "They are to leave town tomorrow."
"He will follow her, you can see it in his eyes. He is completely under her spell."
"I had hoped that he would take me with him when he leaves town, but he does not want me to go into Hertfordshire. Not yet anyway."
"I'm sure he will let you go soon. But it is likely to be a difficult time for all involved." Lady Rowena said soberly "I am just glad that she is already known to my father and mother. If they approve of the match, which I think they will, there is little anyone else can do to prevent it from taking place."
"Do you think she is," Georgiana flushed slightly. "How did you put it? Do you think she is as much under his spell as he is hers?"
"That is a hard question to answer." Lady Rowena said thoughtfully watching them dance together. "I think she enjoys his company very much, but there is something more about her. Some secret that she holds very close to her heart."
Georgiana looked at them and they were smiling at each other, just as Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet were doing. "A secret you say. She seems sad to me. Like Fitzwilliam was when our father died."
As the dance progressed, Georgiana found her attention wandering from her brother and Elizabeth. It was then that she noticed a stir near the entrance, a ripple of surprise moving through the crowd.
Lady Rowena, standing near Georgiana, suddenly stiffened. "Oh no," she murmured, her eyes fixed on the entrance. Georgiana followed her gaze, and what she saw made her heart sink for her brother's sake.
Lady Catherine. There was an expression on her face that Georgiana had never seen before.
"Oh Henrietta what have you done?" Lady Rowena said quietly.
Lady Catherine had seen them and was walking towards them. She nodded to them slightly, "Good evening Rowena, Georgiana."
They returned the greeting and waited for her to speak again. "I am looking for Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, where is he?"
Georgiana was trying very hard not to look at her brother, luckily she had Lady Rowena with her, who replied for her.
"He is dancing at the moment, Lady Catherine." She said with a smile. "Mama did not mention that you were going to be here tonight. It just slipped her mind?"
"I did not mention it to the Countess that I was coming." She was looking at the dancers, looking for Fitzwilliam. The dance finished, Georgiana was expecting them to join her. She thought she had seen Fitzwilliam glance at least once in their direction. However, she was surprised to see them take their places for the next dance.
Mr Bingley and Miss Bennet were taking a break, he went to get them a glass of wine each. She could see them standing close together speaking quietly.
"How is Anne, is she with you?" Lady Rowena asked pleasantly, her eyes firmly on their aunt. Georgiana was always impressed with her cousin at these moments.
"No, she has remained at Rosings. London air does not agree with her as you know. I see Fitzwilliam. Who is that he is dancing with?"
"Where is he? Ah, there he is. With one of the Miss Bennets, I believe." Lady Rowena said, she turned to Georgiana as if for support. "The eldest if I am not mistaken?"
Georgiana was amazed by her cousin's cool delivery, but she remembered that she was the youngest of the Fitzwilliams and she must have had to make up for her age in other ways.
"I am not sure," she replied, "it could be, I do not know them very well." It was at that moment he noticed that man standing behind her aunt. Lady Catherine turned to him and asked: "Is that the lady in question?"
"Yes indeed that is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the young lady I am engaged to," he said. His face was red.
Georgiana could hardly believe it, this was Mr Collins. The man who stood between her brother and Miss Bennet. He was not what she had expected, yet Anne's descriptions of 'slightly ridiculous' and 'pompous' suddenly seemed apt. She had thought he would be short and slightly rounded at the middle. However, before her stood a tall thin man, with a slightly reptilian face. His hair was dark, and his nose slightly bent.
Mrs Bennet was hurrying towards them, "Oh, Mr Collins. What a surprise it is to see you here. I'm sure Lizzy will be very pleased." She looked around for her second eldest daughter as if she expected her to appear out of thin air. When she did finally see her daughter she turned slightly pale and then turned back to Mr Collins.
"You will be very pleased with all of the arrangements we have made for the wedding. Lizzy's gown we are having made, and they will be sending it to my brother and his wife. And they will be bringing it to Longbourn for the wedding. The dressmaker in Meryton can make the final adjustments."
Mr Collins said little as he listened to Mrs Bennet while they all waited for Fitzwilliam and Miss Elizabeth Bennet to finish their dance. Georgiana stood silently, very glad that her cousin was there with her. For she did not know what to do.
As Georgiana watched her brother dance with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the ballroom continued to buzz with activity. Couples twirled across the floor, their colourful attire creating a kaleidoscope of movement. It was in this moment of general merriment that an unexpected hush fell over the room.
ooOoo
Mr Darcy called Elizabeth's attention back to the dance, as they went down the set further from the door and the newly arrived guests. She could feel Mr Collins' eyes searching for her, Mr Darcy seemed likewise uneasy. The lady standing next to him she assumed was Lady Catherine, of whom she had heard so much.
The joy Elizabeth had felt moments ago while dancing with Mr Darcy had completely vanished, replaced by a cold dread that seemed to seep into her very bones at the sight of Mr Collins.
"You were not expecting Mr Collins to join you this evening?" Mr Darcy said, his eyes on her face.
"Not all. He was to join us in Hertfordshire in a few weeks." She blushed, she had not thought that she would have to see him again until much later.
She they turned she saw her mother moving towards the door. She had clearly seen Mr Collins and was going to greet him. Elizabeth dreaded the dance ending. She knew that this would be the last time tonight she would be without Mr Collins at her side. She felt that it was most unfortunate that she was dancing with Mr Darcy at the moment of his arrival. She could not understand why he had come.
As Mr Collins drew nearer, Elizabeth was acutely reminded of the promise she had made - to her family, to herself. The weight of that commitment seemed to press down on her, making it hard to breathe.
As the music ended she readied herself to speak to Mr Collins and was about to bid Mr Darcy adieu and half turned away when she realised he had not released her hand.
"You agreed to dance two dances with me, Miss Bennet. Not one."
She saw that Mr Collins had seen them and was walking towards them. Mr Darcy nodded his head and lead her back to the floor. She was surprised, but pleased. He was not going to give her up easily. He bowed slightly to Mr Collins before taking his place. Lady Catherine did not look at all pleased. Lady Rowena however had headed her off and turned her way from her cousin and Elizabeth towards Miss Darcy.
"Poor Georgiana," Mr Darcy said as they started the dance. "I'm afraid Miss Elizabeth you might be about to witness something unpleasant and on behalf of my aunt I do apologise."
She smiled at him then, "She does not scare me Mr Darcy, although I think your sister is more than a little uncomfortable."
He turned his head to look over at her, "She will be alright, I see Lady Rowena is there with her."
When the dance was over, Mr Darcy led her off the floor to where Lady Catherine stood with Lady Rowena and Miss Darcy. Mr Collins and Mrs Bennet stood not far behind.
Elizabeth was suddenly, painfully aware of Mr Darcy beside her, of the curious glances from other guests. Her cheeks burned with a mixture of embarrassment and frustration as Mr Collins approached. Elizabeth's mind raced, torn between the desire to flee and the obligation to face Mr Collins. She felt a surge of resentment - towards him, towards the situation, towards herself for agreeing to this engagement.
"Good evening." Mr Darcy said to his aunt who merely nodded and he then turned to Elizabeth whom he had still not released. "Thank you for the dance, Miss Elizabeth, may I introduce my aunt to you?"
"Certainly Mr Darcy, I would be very pleased to meet her."
"Lady Catherine may I present Miss Elizabeth Bennet?" he said to his aunt, then turning to Elizabeth. "Miss Elizabeth, this is my mother's sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh."
Elizabeth smiled, "Lady Catherine, I am very pleased to meet you. I have heard so much of you, from Mr Collins and your nieces."
Lady Catherine looked at her for a moment, her eyes narrowing as they swept over Elizabeth from head to toe. Her lips pursed as if she had tasted something unpleasant, and when she spoke, her voice was cold and clipped. "Good evening Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth felt herself bristle under Lady Catherine's disdainful gaze, but she maintained her polite smile, determined not to show how much the older woman's obvious disapproval affected her. She could feel Mr Darcy tense beside her, clearly aware of his aunt's rudeness.
"Darcy, if you would, I need some fresh air." Lady Catherine took a step towards Mr Darcy. However, Lady Rowena interjected.
"Oh Aunt, I was about to step outside to get some fresh air myself. Please let me." She took her aunt firmly by the arm.
"Rowena, I wish to speak to Fitzwilliam." Lady Catherine said looking at him directly.
"Surely it can wait Lady Catherine? We are at a ball are we not?" Mr Darcy said.
"No, it cannot wait. I really must insist."
"Very well." He turned to Elizabeth. "Thank you again Miss Elizabeth." He squeezed her hand very gently before releasing her.
Mr Collins came forward as Lady Catherine and Mr Darcy disappeared through the door. Lady Catherine firmly gripping Mr Darcy's arm.
"Ah, my dear Elizabeth." He said smiling as he took her hand in his. He led her away from the others. She looked back at Miss Darcy and Lady Rowena. Miss Darcy looked terrified, Lady Rowena however looked thoughtful for a second and then very angry. She took Miss Darcy by the hand and pulled her behind her and she moved across the room.
"Mr Collins," she greeted him politely. "I am rather surprised that you are here. I thought we would be seeing you in Hertfordshire?"
"Yes, Lady Catherine thought it was very important that I come with her." Mr Collins began, his voice a mixture of pride and nervousness, "Lady Catherine, in her infinite wisdom, felt it necessary to ensure that our engagement was progressing satisfactorily. She was most concerned about certain… rumours she had heard."
He drew himself up a little. "And I am very pleased to see you, your letters seemed a little out of spirits."
She blushed slightly but did not reply.
"I was astonished to see you dancing with Mr Darcy," he said suddenly, glancing around to see if the gentleman, his sister or cousin were in earshot.
"And why would you be sir?" Elizabeth returned, "he is a gentleman. Surely you did not think that I would not ever dance with another man?"
"No, but while we are engaged surely-"
Elizabeth did not let him finish his sentence.
"Surely what sir? I would not dance with another man?" She was angry now. How could he come all the way to town to ruin one of the few good evenings she had left? Very soon all that she found pleasurable would be ripped from her, her father was going to die and she was going to locked into a marry to a man she could not stand.
He was surprised by her anger, nor he did know how to deal with it, he stood looking at her for a moment unsure what to say.
She, however, turned away from him and walked quickly from the room.
ooOoo
Darcy couldn't fathom why his aunt had chosen this moment to descend upon London. Was it merely coincidence, or had she somehow learned of his growing attachment to Elizabeth? The thought filled him with dread.
As Elizabeth disappeared into the crowd, Darcy found himself being steered away from the ballroom into an antechamber and then out doors into the cold night air, by his aunt's firm grip on his arm. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the confrontation he knew was coming. He shook her off and straighten his coat.
Darcy was annoyed, very annoyed. He had been dancing happily with Elizabeth when his aunt and Mr Collins had appeared from nowhere. He was in no mood to put up with his aunt.
"I am sure you can be in no doubt of the reason for my visit here?" She said, her eyes, usually cold and imperious, now blazed with fury, boring into Darcy with an intensity that would have made a lesser man flinch.
"I have an idea," he said with a faint humourless smile. "But my dear Aunt I will remind you that I am not a naughty school boy you will be cowered by you."
Lady Catherine's hands, adorned with expensive rings, clenched and unclenched at her sides, as if she were physically restraining herself from shaking sense into her nephew.
"Don't smile at me like that, Fitzwilliam. Do you have any idea how serious this is? To be behaving like this with that woman, who is not only beneath our notice but who is engaged to be married to your aunt's clergyman?"
Darcy felt a surge of indignation. Beneath their notice? Elizabeth was worth ten of his aunt's so-called "proper" acquaintances.
"I have not been carrying on with Miss Bennet. I have merely been spending some time in her company. Which as she is a gentleman's daughter cannot be considered by anyone as inappropriate."
"I have heard things, Fitzwilliam." Lady Catherine's nostrils flared with each breath, reminding Darcy of an enraged bull about to charge.
Darcy's patience wore thin with each word. The urge to defend Elizabeth, to proclaim his feelings for her, was almost overwhelming.
"There is nothing you can say that will scare me, Lady Catherine. I have done nothing wrong in my conduct to Miss Elizabeth Bennet and if she does not decided to continue her engagement with Mr Collins, that is her business not mine."
The feathers on her elaborate headdress quivered with each emphatic shake of her head, mirroring her agitation.
"Break off their engagement! I have never heard of anything more ridiculous. What of your own engagement?" A vein pulsed visibly at her temple, throbbing in time with her increasing agitation. "Have you forgotten that you are engaged to Anne?"
Darcy suppressed a groan. This tired argument again. How many times would he have to refute this imaginary engagement?
"There is no engagement between the two of us. And neither of us have any mind of becoming engaged to one another. My mother meant well, but she would never have wished me to enter into an engagement so against my will. We were still children when you talked of it. She would have liked me to marry Anne, but she would not have forced me into it if she knew my reasons. Just as you should not be trying to force Anne into a marriage she does not want."
"What of your honour? Your duty to your family?"
Her voice, usually so controlled, rose in both pitch and volume, taking on a shrill quality that set Darcy's teeth on edge.
The irony of her words wasn't lost on Darcy. His duty to family? What about his duty to his own happiness, or to Georgiana's? A marriage to Anne or anyone other than Elizabeth Bennet would turn him into a miserable beast fit for neither family or friends.
"Has my behaviour in anyway indicated that I have forgotten either of those things?"
"You met her in the street for long unaccompanied walks in the dark. You were seen, you were holding her hand! Georgiana practically begging Rowena and Henrietta to help her find a way to dissolve her engagement to Mr Collins. What can you say to that?"
With each accusation, Lady Catherine jabbed a bejewelled finger in Darcy's direction, the gesture becoming more forceful as her tirade continued. Darcy's heart raced at the memory of that walk. How dare his aunt taint those precious moments with her accusations?
"I will not deny that I met her alone in the street. However there was nothing improper about the meeting."
Her lips pressed into a thin, white line, disappearing almost entirely as she struggled to contain her fury. "When I got Henrietta's letter I knew I had to come at once to see for myself. And I discover that you are dancing with her. Duty and honour demand that you give up the acquaintance entirely."
Darcy's patience wore thin with each word. The urge to defend Elizabeth, to proclaim his feelings for her, was almost overwhelming.
"Do you not see that if you continue with this course you will ruin not only your own reputation, but the reputation of the entire family! What would your father think? If he knew that you were planning on throwing away everything that his forefathers had worked so hard to create? What would your mother think if she knew what you were going to do to dear Georgiana?"
A pang of grief hit Darcy at the mention of his parents. Would they truly be disappointed in him for following his heart?
"Do you think anyone will ever go near her?" Lady Catherine continued.
Darcy could stand it no longer and he turned re-entered the house. Lady Catherine's voice following as he went.
"Think what your mother would say, think of your sister."
He paused in the antechamber before entering the ballroom again. He could feel his control slipping. If he stayed a moment longer, he might say something he'd regret, no matter how satisfying it would be. Darcy paced the small room, his mind racing. He needed a plan. First, he would find Elizabeth and apologize for his aunt's behaviour. Then, he would speak to Bingley about cutting the evening short. Finally, he would deal with the fallout from Lady Catherine's interference. With a grim smile, he straightened his jacket and prepared to face the music.