Chapter 11: Revelation
Upon their return to Netherfield, Mr. Bingley led the trio to the drawing room where the ladies and Mr. Hurst were assembled. Mr. Hurst had fallen asleep on the sofa while the ladies tittered about with their sewing. The flush on the ladies hinted that they had not been sewing before the gentlemen had been announced. Elizabeth also smiled mischievously, giving the game away to only Mr. Darcy, who often wondered what women preferred when men were absent. He loved that look, with her eyes glowing, her cheeks flushed, and her lips just barely hiding a smile. He hoped to inspire a similar look while she lie under him in his bed.
Mr. Darcy was enjoying his fascination with Elizabeth so well that he missed his opportunity. Lord Devon claimed the seat beside her, striking up a conversation. "Sewing is so tedious. There is no chance I could ever have applied myself to learning to sew. Thankfully, it is not deemed fashionable for men."
"I believe I could have guessed such a concept without your input. Anything that involves sitting for more than five minutes is indeed far too tedious for you. It is a wonder you manage house calls when you are in London."
"I do avoid house calls in London, for certain. Now, have you rested enough for us to fall in love?" Lord Devon asked.
Elizabeth nearly choked on her cough. "Benedict may fall in love when told to do so, but I suspect you would never fall so easily."
"I believe I can fall in love as easily as the next person, when the perfect woman presents herself." Lord Devon claimed her hand and lifted it for a kiss at this pronouncement. He seemed about to place it on his thigh, but Elizabeth deftly pulled it away in time.
"I believe we ought to retire to the library, if we are indeed all ready. Miss Bingley, would you come with me. A fresh pot of tea will not go amiss." To put space between her and Lord Devon, she happily pulled Miss Bingley away from her sewing.
"Very well. Tea will be just the thing to warm the gentlemen from their ride." Miss Bingley answered.
Mr. Darcy watched the two depart with mixed feelings. He only desired one of their company, but he did not like how Lord Devon flirted with her. In order to be able to spend time in her presence as Mr. Bingley was with Jane, he needed to propose as soon as possible. The colonel pulled him aside, preventing him from planning. As soon as they were out of earshot, the colonel asked why he had ridden to Longbourn.
"I wished to be out of the house," he lied. He wanted to ask for Mr. Bennet's blessing. A formality that ought to be observed, though it would not prevent him from asking Elizabeth first, if a situation presented itself.
"As you are not angry with Bingley, you are either enamored of Miss Bingley or Miss Elizabeth. One has a dowry. One is interesting." The colonel probed.
Mr. Darcy did not take the bait. "Miss Bingley has charms of her own. She is learning to tend to an estate. Miss Elizabeth is quite the proficient at tending tenants."
The vague answer did not daunt the colonel's intuition. "Indeed. And when do you plan to propose? Your aunts will not be pleased."
"My aunts do not dictate my future. I only need to please myself." Mr. Darcy huffed as he evaded the question.
Thankfully for him, the ladies returned quickly with the tea trays following them. As the maids placed the trays, Miss Bingley served everyone to their satisfaction without needing to ask for anyone's preferences. A true requirement of mistress of an estate. She beamed when she sat down, until she noticed Mr. Darcy was now sitting beside Miss Elizabeth. He smiled while she sat politely. With a huff, she turned to Lord Devon and engaged him in a discussion of the play.
"When did your father teach you archery?" Mr. Darcy asked Elizabeth.
Elizabeth responded politely, "He gave me my first bow when I was seven. He always wished for a son, though my mother despaired of my ever becoming a lady with his filling my head with nonsense no husband would wish for. I was the first to learn, since my sister was too kind to disobey her mother. Mary was the better shot for some time, but she does not appreciate the sport because it is not mentioned as a reasonable talent in Fordyce. Lydia and Kitty giggle too much to really become proficient. I am the only one who stood sensibly for years listening to father's instructions."
"And how often do you host a competition with your neighbors?"
"Rarely, for most of our neighbors do not believe women should shoot. Tomorrow, we shall see if the same holds true for this party."
"You doubt our sincerity in wishing to shoot with you."
"History has shown me ample evidence. If a woman bests you at a masculine sport, how shall you behave?"
"With dignity and grace, I should imagine. It has been a few years since I have handled a bow, so I anticipate you might have a greater chance of success."
"So, you already admit that should I win, it would be for your lack of practice, rather than my skill as an archer."
"I implied no such thing." Mr. Darcy huffed in frustration. He had never had to watch his words so closely before. A nearly impossible feat at the best of times, much less while sitting with such a beguiling woman. Perhaps after a year of marriage, he would be comfortable with his words.
Elizabeth's smile was forced as she replied, "Of course."
"If you win tomorrow, it will be a testament to your skill and your diligence to practice."
"Thank you for your pretty words. I hope you truly mean them."
Mr. Darcy bristled. "I do not have the ability to mince words for the sake of others."
Elizabeth chortled. "No, you never mince words. Perhaps that is why I am not bothered by your criticisms. You are very critical of me, but as you are critical of all persons, I should consider it more of an affront coming from someone like Lord Devon who praises everyone."
"I could not find fault with you to criticize." Mr. Darcy stammered slightly. His heart was pounding, and he feared that he would declare himself too soon.
Elizabeth laughed lightly before she said, "That stance is new. I have it from your own lips that I am only tolerable. Have no fear of me, for I shall never desire you enough to be slighted by such an insult." She looked over at her sister. "I believe I shall relieve you of your duty to tolerate me and sit with Jane and Mr. Bingley." Without waiting for a response, she did exactly that.
Mr. Darcy stared at her. Only years of practice keeping his face passive kept his jaw from dropping at this revelation. She believes he dislikes her! He only tolerates her! Inconceivable. He watched with envy as she easily took a seat beside her sister and entered their conversation. He would never have that ease in company.
The colonel took the seat beside him while he was too distracted to notice. "She seems worthy of you, my cousin."
"Hold your tongue." Mr. Darcy's head turned so quickly; they could hear a creak in his neck.
The colonel chuckled before he added, "No one is paying attention to us, and I am very curious how a young maiden with few accomplishments so swiftly hooked your attention. What arts did she use to enthrall you so. If she is in the room, there is no keeping your eyes away from her."
"Considering she believes I dislike her, and she is relieved by the notion, I garner she did nothing at all." Mr. Darcy spat with quiet venom, upset at her placid rejection.
"If only the debutantes of the season would learn that practice."
"If only…" Mr. Darcy agreed. He would have turned the topic, but Mr. Bingley let out a violent sneeze, turning all eyes toward him.
"Pardon my sneeze, Jane. I do not know what has come over me."
Elizabeth exclaimed, "I believe I do. It seems Pudding has escaped his quarters again." She then tapped her leg a couple of times with the palm of her hand. Pudding, who stood in the middle of the room staring at Mr. Bingley as though he might grow another head, followed the direction and jumped onto her lap. He then curled into a ball, purring softly. Elizabeth rubbed his chin gently, making him purr loudly enough to be heard by everyone.
"I thought Pudding did not like strangers." The colonel announced. "He never goes near me when I visit."
"Apparently there are exceptions." Elizabeth smiled.
Lord Devon smiled devilishly. "The cat has good taste. I know few men who would not be jealous of such a position."
"Devon!" Mr. Darcy admonished. "Miss Bennet, would you be so kind as to hand Pudding to me?" He walked over to her and outstretched his hands. He longed to pick up the cat himself, but Devon's words still burned in his mind with images to which he dared not give energy to.
Elizabeth began to lift the cat up, but Pudding had other ideas. He crawled up Elizabeth's chest and nestled his head at the crook of her neck, a few loose curls flopping around his ears. Mr. Darcy swallowed, knowing how full his dreams would be. "Allow me." He began to stroke Pudding's back, looking for a way to grab him while not touching Elizabeth.
The cat growled to show his disdain.
Elizabeth laughed. "Perhaps I ought to walk him to your room, Mr. Darcy." Aware that she ought not be alone with him, she turned to the crowd. "Miss Bingley, would you join us?"
Miss Bingley leapt with alacrity, leaving Lord Devon slack jawed and alone. "Very well. It is nearly time to dress for dinner, at any rate."
Elizabeth rose gingerly, ensuring the cat could not escape her. Mr. Bingley let out another violent sneeze and excused himself, cursing silently that he had to call a footman to escort Jane back to her room instead of carrying her himself.
Mr. Darcy attempted to offer Elizabeth an arm as escort, but she needed both arms to hold Pudding securely, so he grudgingly gave his arm to Miss Bingley instead. She walked quickly, so that they could have some privacy from Elizabeth. Her hopes were dashed. Every time Elizabeth chuckled or cooed at Pudding, Mr. Darcy had to stop and turn to see his cat enjoying the attentions of the one person he would never be able to get out of his head.
Knowing she disliked him made him want to retreat and heal his wounded heart. But his heart beat ever faster, resisting being thought wounded. Would he earn her affections? Could he attempt such a feat. He had to try, at least. Perhaps a drink with the colonel after dinner would give him a clearer mind. Colonel Fitzwilliam always had an easy time with ladies.
At Mr. Darcy's door, the trio stopped. Miss Bingley and Miss Elizabeth ought not to enter, but Pudding still growled at Mr. Darcy's attempt to separate from Elizabeth.
"Come now, Pudding, I dare say Mr. Darcy's company will be adequate until dinner."
Mr. Darcy was certain it would not be. No one could wish for his company after getting to know the vibrant Elizabeth Bennet. Pudding was as lost as he was, only Pudding did not have society norms to contend with.
"Here, I shall open the door. If you would be so kind as to place him on the floor just inside. I shall take him from there." Mr. Darcy stated calmly.
With a little kibble in his hands, Mr. Darcy was able to coax the cat away from Elizabeth and into the room. Once the door was shut, Elizabeth took her companion's arm and asked if she made any impression on Mr. Darcy. "Hah!" Miss Bingley said sarcastically. "As much as I wish for his standing in society, he seems to believe I would bring nothing to a marriage."
"Well, if he has been interested in me, as you have implied, who gives him no flattery, perhaps you should ignore him for a few days and see how he does. I suggested the tactic before. I reminded him today that he said I was barely tolerable enough for him, and he could not deny it. I believe you still have more chances than I to encourage his affection. Did you order a simple dinner, or are you still of a mind that he would prefer elaborate dinners?"
Miss Bingley took the change in topic in stride and explained that she was beginning to see that a simple dinner would be more suitable. At Jane's chambers, they parted ways.
Elizabeth and Jane enjoyed helping each other to dress, despite Jane being confined to a chair. Elizabeth bemoaned a rip in her gown caused by the cat, but Jane declared it would be easily mended.
As soon as they were ready, a footman entered to carry Jane to the dining room, where the gentlemen had already assembled. With Jane's ankle, they did not wish to move her too often, thus foregoing assembling in the drawing room.
Dinner was a more pleasant affair. Miss Bingley silently seethed while Miss Bennet and Mr. Bingley talked quietly together. Her hopes of escaping Netherfield without the marriage were erased completely. She would need to learn to tolerate the Bennets, as they would be a fixed presence in her life until she married. She also watched Mr. Darcy as he ate and watched Miss Elizabeth and Lord Devon speak quietly together. Who knew what they wanted to talk about, but Mr. Darcy seemed rather frustrated. Seated between Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, she could not distract him from his seemingly less and less innocent reveries.
When dinner concluded, the footman entered again to assist Jane as the ladies moved to the music room. Jane gasped upon entry. The sofa closest to the fire, where she would usually sit, was draped over the back with holly and mistletoe. The footman set her down gently and Elizabeth took up their sewing as she joined her sister. "This must be Mr. Bingley's doing. He is eager to spend time with you."
Miss Bingley took up the sewing, but moments later she threw it down. "I am so bored. I do not wish to sew garments for tenants. If this is what a mistress of an estate is required to do, I want no part in it."
Elizabeth laughed lightly, not surprised by the admission, only in the length it took to get there.
Jane, ever the angel of serenity, held out her hand for the garment. "These shall be my responsibility when I marry, so do let me take over the chore."
Elizabeth scoffed. "What would Mr. Darcy think of this admission. I thought he was beginning to warm to your achievements."
"I shall not marry Mr. Darcy. I wish for a husband who lives in town chiefly and visits friends in the summer months."
Elizabeth stifled an I told you so and said politely, "Perhaps Lord Devon is more to your taste. He will inherit his father's estate one day, but his father is young and healthy. He told me at dinner that he resides chiefly in town. If you were to marry him or someone like him, you would not be mistress of an estate for some years. You would gain the society title you covet without the work associated with it."
"Lord Devon likes to gamble. I will not have my dowry wasted on such frivolities." Miss Bingley huffed.
Jane replied optimistically. "Surely, he cannot be much of a gambler if your brother esteems him so. They would not be friends."
Miss Bingley seethed quietly before she finally admitted, "I encouraged the connection when I realized he had the opportunity to improve our station through him. Mr. Bingley has covered some of his debts."
"You need not think of marriage at this moment. Your marriageable options are not confined to those living in Netherfield. When you return to town, you should know more gentlemen that could be a possibility. You may have thought of Mr. Darcy for the past few years, but that does not mean there are no other prospects."
"My brother is quite fixed here." Miss Bingley declared, annoyed.
"But we are not." Mrs. Hurst interrupted. "My husband wishes to return to town. I have delayed for your benefit with Mr. Darcy, as you requested. If you have done with him, we may return to town at any time."
"But I would appreciate if you would wait until my sister can safely be moved to Longbourn." Elizabeth added. "We would be ever so grateful not to be stuck in a home with only gentlemen. My parents are counting on your presence to aid our security and comfort."
"Of course." Miss Bingley stated calmly while her thoughts ran through her mind faster than she could fully catch them. Dropping the idea of marrying Mr. Darcy was easier than she had thought. While she coveted him and his status, she had never truly loved him. He would ever be a good friend of her brothers. Replacing him in her mind was less easy. Few of her society stood so proudly as him.
Mrs. Hurst took up Miss Bingley's share of the sewing while Jane and Elizabeth talked quietly about Mr. Bingley and the future. Miss Bingley simply kept her own company.
After about a quarter of an hour, the gentlemen entered. Mr. Hurst took his place beside his wife and promptly fell asleep. Elizabeth rose to greet Mr. Bingley and ensure he had the place beside Jane. "I suppose it was you who decorated Jane's seat. It is lovely."
Mr. Darcy claimed her arm before she could select another chair. "I believe tonight would be a good night for a little music. Would you indulge the party with a lively tune?"
Elizabeth stared at him as though he had grown two heads. Why would he wish for her to play? Unsure how best to respond, she merely nodded. He escorted her to the instrument. The carols were already prepared, so she chose her favorite and settled in. Mr. Darcy sat beside her to turn the pages. Lord Devon stood and began to sing the carols along with her. The others joined in before Mr. Darcy could do more than scowl at his rival.
After a small round of carols, Lord Devon suggested they continue the play. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy moved to a more comfortable sofa. Mr. Bingley declared he forgot where they had ended in the hopes they would reenact his last scene with Jane.
Elizabeth, at Jane's nod, opened the scene by repeating her last line. "Speak, Cousin, or, if you cannot, stop his mouth with a kiss and let not him speak neither."
Jane lifted the mistletoe that sat on the back of the sofa over Mr. Bingley's head and gave him a soft kiss to his cheek. They both blushed as the room applauded.
Colonel Fitzwilliam then began his line. "In faith, lady, you have a merry heart."
"A merry heart is a source of joy." Elizabeth broke character for her small retort, then she continued the play. "Yea, my lord. I thank it, poor fool, it keeps on the windy side of care. My cousin tells him in his ear that he is in hear heart. And so they are whispering quite contentedly." She added as she looked over at Jane and Mr. Bingley. They were completely caught up in the moment of their kiss and were now contentedly gazing at each other without a care to the room.
"Oh yeah." Mr. Bingley coughed as the colonel handed him his copy of the play. "And so she doth, cousin."
Elizabeth continued her line as Beatrice declares she would never marry. "I am not very sunburned now, of course. This play would make more sense in the summer, when I am much more likely to be sunburned than any of my sisters as I detest walking with a parasol."
The colonel moved forward. "Lady Beatrice, I will get you one! For indeed, I know many who would have you, I am certain." The colonel broke character as he glanced at his cousin. Having been close for most of their lives, the colonel thought Miss Elizabeth would make the perfect wife for his too serious cousin.
"I would rather have one of your father's getting." As she continued, she also turned to Mr. Darcy at her side. "Hath your Grace ne'er a brother like you?" She noticed his eyes darken as she spoke and wondered what the cause could be. He looked thoroughly pleased to be in the moment. Hurriedly, she finished, "Your father got excellent husbands, if a maid could come by them."
The colonel took it upon himself to bend down in front of Elizabeth. "Would you have me, lady?"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "I am tired of so many proposals." She declared, remembering her time with Mr. Collins. But she continued her lines easily enough, and the moment passed without awkwardness. There were no more interruptions until Mr. Bingley as Claudio announced that he would marry Hero the following day.
Mr. Darcy said his lines with more firmness than he had so far. "Not till Monday, my dear son, which is hence a just sevennight, and a time too brief, too, to have all things answer my mind." With a pause, he shook his head with disbelief. "You really should wait more than a week. This is the problem with Shakespeare. Love is instant. Surely it takes longer than a week to truly know someone to be in love enough and willing to die for that love. Just look at Romeo and Juliet. They meet and die in the span of less than a week."
The colonel piped in with, "Yes, yes, but now I must plot to encourage the woman I just proposed to and was rejected by, to fall in love with Lord Devon, with Darcy's assistance."
Lord Devon smiled devilishly and moved to take the open seat on Elizabeth's other side. "Has our time come, my dearest?"
"Not yet." Elizabeth said, making sure her hands were busy in her lap so that he could not claim one again. "I believe that is enough for one day. I am tired and we ought to retire."
Jane agreed with Elizabeth, and the party split for their rooms. Mr. Darcy offered to carry Jane so that the footman could rest. "They shall have enough to do carrying water for baths at the moment." He declared.
Elizabeth admitted to herself that he was kind to servants, despite his proud demeanor, as she led him to their joined chambers. Jane was deposited on the bed swiftly, but Mr. Darcy fumbled as he attempted to speak with Elizabeth. With a huff as every idea to stall fell inside his throat, he bid her a good night and departed to the library for a whiskey with his cousin.
One whiskey turned into two, and then three, before Mr. Darcy finished telling his cousin about his dilemma with Elizabeth and asked for advice.
"Well, it would seem that you must be more open with her. Tell her more about your past so that she can make out your character. You cannot let Wickham be her only source of information. You know he will have tried to turn the heads of the villagers, Elizabeth included, against you. She is likely too smart to fall for his lies, but I would not blame her even if she did believe half of what he says." He paused to pour another drink. "I cannot believe you did not tell me where he was a month ago when you found him. I could have spared you much agony from the man's lies. I shall speak to his colonel tomorrow."
Mr. Darcy sat and stared at the fire while his cousin continued to describe all the pain he would give to Wickham.
"As you are clearly barely even listening," The colonel declared, "I shall be off to bed. We have an archery contest to win in the morning and I wish for a clear head. Are you coming?"
"I shall be along directly after I finish this glass." Mr. Darcy said absentmindedly as he took a slow sip from his half full glass of whiskey. He was glad to be left alone. He watched as the flames danced around the coals, wondering if he would ever convince Elizabeth to love him. It would be so easy to love her in the many ways she deserved. She would be as passionate as the flames he watched so intently.
AN: My mind came up with another story today. A fantasy with soul mates. Hopefully, I can set those characters aside so that I can finish this story first. I am getting very close to my hunsford scene. In fact, it may be the next chapter. It will of course be vastly different, for Darcy has fewer charges laid at his feet. After all, he is in support of Bingley marrying Jane. Wickham must be dealt with, but I think E understands Darcy better than she did in the original story at this point.