14. Chapter Fourteen
“Has the viscount left for London?” Elizabeth asked as soon as she and Darcy found a private moment to speak upon his arrival at Longbourn the next morning. The day was bright and sunny and they decided to walk in the prettyish little garden by the side of the house before joining the others for breakfast.
“He did. Bingley also decamped from Netherfield.”
Startled by this unexpected information, Elizabeth looked to Darcy to gauge his reaction, and she wondered if the rest of his family would soon follow. It was no secret Miss Bingley abhorred everything about Hertfordshire and more specifically, Meryton.
“He made no mention of leaving when we spoke last night.”
“There were some pressing concerns regarding one of his ships and he wished to speak with the captain when it docks later today,” Darcy explained. “However, I have a confidential source who told me he left earlier than planned because a certain lady turned down his offer of marriage and he is not willing to remain in the company of my cousin for any length of time. He did not even ask to travel with Ashton, but took his own carriage.”
“Poor Mr. Bingley,” Elizabeth mused, thinking the gentleman was devastated that last night did not go as planned.
“You would not feel such compassion if you knew how poorly he treated your sister.”
Elizabeth canted her head to one side and frowned. While Jane had been almost unbearably giddy over accepting Ashton’s proposal, she had not said a word about Mr. Bingley other than he had made her an offer and she had refused him.
“I take it he did not behave the gentleman?”
“Not exactly. The only way I can describe it without becoming vulgar is that he did not expect a refusal from your sister and his reasons for marrying did not reach the high standards any decent woman should expect from a suitor.”
“In other words, he fully expected Jane to fall at his feet and thank him for saving her from penury?”
“Your definition is much more precise than mine, but yes, that is what he expected.”
Elizabeth could not understand the Bingley family. They seemed to have everything a reasonable person could ever want – wealth, a comfortable social status for their background, and good looks. Yet, they were constantly dissatisfied with their lives. It was perplexing to her how someone could have so much and remained unhappy.
“I imagine this has put a dent in your friendship with Mr. Bingley.”
“For five years I have enjoyed his company and never witnessed such careless demeanor until we arrived in Hertfordshire. I must confess I am utterly disappointed in his conduct.”
“Mayhap, in town, his behavior was not scrutinized as closely as in a small community. There, he did not have the social consequence he enjoyed in Meryton. Also, had he shown such tendencies, he blended in with the other rakes and rogues that prowl the ballrooms of London.”
“He does have a reputation of falling in and out of love quite easily.”
“Am I correct in presuming no one ever speaks of the women that he dangles at the end of a pretty ribbon?” At Darcy’s brief nod, she felt a growing anger at the younger man’s sense of entitlement. “Of course not. A lady can only wait for a gentleman’s attention while Mr. Bingley is allowed – nay, expected to prance around society, flirting and making love to innocent young women, and when he finally abandons them for his next angel, they are the ones who are exposed to the censure of the world for caprice and instability. ‘Tis a good thing he fled to London. I am of a mind to set my father’s hounds on him.”
“Enough of Bingley. I came here to whisper pretty words in your ear and make you blush.”
She did that very thing and he smiled.
“You shall behave, Mr. Darcy,” she said as they entered the house and began divesting themselves of their outerwear for the waiting footmen. “What of yourself? Are you anxious to leave our little shire for a few weeks?”
“Not exactly, however, I am looking forward to being with Georgiana. I have not seen her since September.”
“I will not begrudge you any time spent with your sister.” She dared to look up at him. “I cannot say the same about your social calendar, knowing what your plans are for the tenth of December whereupon you must dance with three different women.”
Darcy stopped walking and she turned to face him.
“I will not go if it gives you distress, I am confident Ash will treat Arion in the manner he deserves.”
“You would forfeit your horse to ensure my happiness?”
Darcy lifted her hand and kissed the back of her knuckles.
“I would forfeit many things to make you happy.”
“Go on, you silly man. Attend Lady Kildair’s ball and get this chapter of your life over with. I am not a jealous woman.”
“Mayhap I want you to be jealous.”
“No, you do not, because then my character would not be one you admire.”
“True.” He dropped his forehead against hers and whispered. “I want you to know my thoughts will be centered solely on you the whole night.”
“Oh, that will not do.”
“What?”
“I am quite concerned for those poor women who will be your dance partners.”
“For what reason?”
“If your thoughts are centered solely on me when you attempt the second turn in the Boulangère, you may tread on your partner’s toes. You promised to treat those ladies, who are not always asked to dance, with care.”
She kept her gaze fixed on him, heat wafting beneath the surface of her skin as his eyes darkened with some emotion she did not understand. The light grip he’d kept on her fingers tightened marginally.
“Elizabeth, I wish to speak with Mr. Bennet and let him know I have plans to marry you.”
“He already gave his permission for a courtship, and after us partnering for three sets last night, the rest of Meryton is aware.”
“That may be so, but it is only right I have a proper discussion with him before I leave for Town and tell him my intentions are honorable.”
He leaned in and brushed her cheek with a soft kiss. The arrival of Lady Lucas and her daughters was the only reason Elizabeth abandoned her solitary post in the vestibule, following Darcy’s departure to speak with Papa, wishing she were in the room with the two most important men in her life.
Soon, Elizabeth and Charlotte were settled on a small couch, hot chocolate on the small table before them, and, as close friends are apt to, began conversing in a warm, familiar manner.
“Did you enjoy the ball last night, Charlotte?”
“I did. Almost as much as you,” her friend teased. “Dancing with handsome gentlemen has caused the tongues of Meryton’s gossips to nearly fall out of their mouths.”
“The day has only begun! How can you know this already?”
“Mother has already welcomed two sets of ladies at Lucas Lodge to discuss last night’s event.” Charlotte set down her cup and leaned forward. “We came to help mitigate some of the more exaggerated claims.
“I knew allowing Mr. Darcy to dance with me three times would be like waving a red flag in front of a crazed bull,” Elizabeth conceded with a heartfelt sigh.
“You have it all wrong, Eliza. They are not only talking about you and Mr. Darcy. They are talking about Jane, Mr. Bingley, and the viscount.”
Elizabeth frowned at this revelation.
“Jane danced once with Mr. Bingley and twice with the viscount. I do not understand why this would have the gossiping grannies so excited.”
“It is not the number of sets she enjoyed, but about the gentlemen themselves.”
“You have lost me completely, Charlotte. You must tell me the details.”
Both ladies glanced up when Jane entered the room and joined them.
“Good afternoon, Jane,” Charlotte said in a pleasant voice. “Eliza and I were discussing the ball and the excitement that has swirled around your dance partners.”
“My dance partners? The only person I danced with more than once was Viscount Ashton. What else could elicit gossip?”
“You know I abhor idle talk as much as you, but you should know what is making the rounds in most of Meryton’s parlors today.” Charlotte glanced at their mothers and satisfied they would not hear what she was about to impart, continued. “Mr. Bingley was heard complaining you had not set aside the first set of the night for him. He felt that since the occasion was held in your honor, the least you could have done was open the ball with him.”
“The ball was not held in my honor!” Jane declared, her eyes flashing in anger. “Elizabeth and I know for a fact he hosted a ball while here in Hertfordshire because of a wager between Mr. Darcy and Viscount Ashton.”
At Charlotte’s raised brow, Elizabeth elaborated.
“Mr. Darcy must dance three sets at twenty balls before the end of the year. One must be the supper set.”
Charlotte chuckled and shook her head.
“I can imagine how tortuous it must have been for Mr. Darcy. Was the ball at Netherfield the last one he had to attend?”
“He has one remaining, which is why he returns to London later today. He and the viscount will attend Lady Kildair’s ball on the tenth of December, and once over, the terms of the wager are satisfied.”
Charlotte set down her cup and huffed out a soft whoosh of air.
“I shall do my best to mitigate gossip and let the mavens of our little society know the truth of Mr. Bingley and his ball. ‘Tis the least I can do for my two best friends.”
“You truly are our closest friend and will miss you dearly once we remove to Twelve Oaks. Please say you will come and visit sometime in April or May.”
Charlotte hesitated slightly before giving her answer.
“That may not be possible. Mr. Collins has asked for my hand in marriage, and I said yes.”
“He has?” Elizabeth could not keep her surprise in check and saw the moue of distaste that twisted Charlottle’s lips. “Forgive me, I am startled by the quickness of your romance. I had hoped he would ask you for a courtship. That he jumped straight over the stile into the field of marriage caught me by surprise.”
“I am not romantic, Eliza. I never was. Mr. Collins is an honorable man with a good living and when your step-father passes, I shall become mistress of Longbourn. Mr. Bennet told me, upon learning our news last night, that he was very pleased Longbourn would have a capable mistress at the helm when he was gone.”
Impulsively, Elizabeth threw an arm around Charlotte’s shoulders and gave her a light hug.
“I am happy for you and also glad you will be here when that terrible day comes upon us.” She leaned back on the sofa with a heartfelt sigh. “Now, do not take this personally, but I truly hope you are old and gray when this occurs. I do not wish to lose Papa anytime soon.”
“I, too, pray that day is far in the future,” Charlotte replied with a soft chuckle. “Such a morbid topic of conversation, especially in light of the fact I am a newly affianced woman.”
“Yes, you are!” Elizabeth exclaimed with new delight.
She was pleased with the blush that graced her friend’s cheeks. Charlotte may think she was not a romantic, but the fact she was a bit shy of her new status told a different story.
They heard a noise in the hall and Elizabeth turned her attention toward the entrance, hoping Mr. Darcy would come through the doors. Instead, Mr. Collins entered in his normal, frantic manner.
“Miss Elizabeth, did I hear a carriage earlier this morning?”
Mr. Collins had slept later than normal, which was not surprising as he was unused to staying up so late to attend a formal ball.
“Mr. Darcy came to farewell Papa.”
“Oh?” Mr. Collins looked surprised. “Such an honor he bestowed upon my cousin. I regret to have missed him. My patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh would expect me to give him a proper farewell.”
“He has not yet departed Longbourn, Mr. Collins. You can still wish him good health before he leaves.”
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. I shall do that very thing…” His gaze then lit upon Charlotte and his expression softened. He gave her and Lady Lucas an elegant half-bow. “Lady Lucas, Miss Lucas, I am very pleased to see you both this morning.”
“Good morning, Mr. Collins,” Charlotte replied while her mother only nodded her head and remained chatting with Mamma.
“You have acquitted yourself very well, Mr. Darcy. At first, I worried my stepdaughter would hold her first impression of your character for a long time. However, you proved yourself to be a true gentleman and made the appropriate apologies promptly. I believe she was quite put out that she could not test your mettle in this manner.”
“Are not my heartfelt apologies test enough? Anyone who knows me well can tell you that Fitzwilliam Darcy is not one to apologize or grovel, yet your step-daughter had me nearly on my knees more than once.”
“I am aware, young man. It is one of the reasons I approve of this alliance. Lizzy needs a man who will test her will and stretch her mind. At times, I despaired she would find anyone who was not put off by her intellect.”
“To my shame, if she had not bumped into me at Lady Montrose’s ball, I may never have met her until it was too late and she arrived at a family gathering on the arm of another man. I shudder to imagine my life without her in it.”
“I had a full expectation of your cousin darkening the door to my study this morning.”
The piercing gaze of the older man let Darcy know that not much escaped his notice.
“Unfortunately, Ashton had always planned to leave on the twenty-seventh. He has several appointments with his solicitor that cannot be put off any longer. I fully expected to return with him, but, as you know…” he held his future father-in-law’s steady gaze with his. “I had personal business to attend here.”
“You have yet to engage me in a promised game of chess. Do you have time to indulge me today?”
“Sadly, I do not. My man is at this very moment on his way to London with my belongings and after I bid Lady Elizabeth adieu, I shall be on my way.”
“What is the great rush? Most gentlemen do not abandon their lady the very day they are granted permission to pursue her hand in marriage.”
“There is a valid reason, and if you grant me but fifteen more minutes of your time, I will tell you all.”
“I am all ears, Mr. Darcy.” Bennet leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers over his stomach. “Tickle my ears with your tale.”
With that, Darcy told him of the wager, the balls he was forced to attend, his terrible first meeting with Elizabeth, all the way to their third unexpected meeting at the assembly in Meryton.
“And that, sir, is a faithful narrative of why I must leave today and attend my final ball, hosted by Lady Kildair on the tenth of next month.”
“Must be some horse.”
For some unknown reason, this ignited Darcy’s sense of humor and he began to laugh. Bennet joined him and after a few minutes, they both settled, still sporting wide smiles.
“I have raised Arion since he was a foal. He is more like an extended family member. At times, I think he can read my mind.”
“I am like that with Bucephalus.” Darcy raised a brow at the name of Mr. Bennet’s horse. “At his birth, his dame accidentally nicked his thigh. While it looks nothing like a bull’s head, it struck my fancy that he may be a reincarnation of Alexander the Great’s horse, and the name stuck.”
“The origins of Arion’s naming are not as dramatic. My sister was eleven when he was foaled. At the time she had just begun studying the romantics in poetry and was enthralled with the story of Arion. I had promised she could name my next horse and the rest, as they say, is history.”
The somber tones of the hall clock striking the hour reminded the gentlemen they had been holed away for quite some time.
“I had best let you say your farewells to Lizzy. She will not appreciate me taking up so much of your time when she craves it for herself.”
“She does?”
“Fishing for compliments or a stroking of your ego?”
“Neither. I have learned to not take anything for granted when it comes to Elizabeth… erm… I mean, Lady Elizabeth,” he corrected at the arching of her father’s brow. He stood and gave Mr. Bennet a proper half bow and opened the door, pausing in the doorway long enough to add, “When I next see you, Mr. Bennet, I hope it will be with certain documents in hand that we shall both have to agree upon and sign.”
“Any time, Mr. Darcy. I am quite at my leisure.”
At the sound of the Bennet patriarch chuckling, Darcy made his way to the family parlor, whereupon he sought out Elizabeth, seated by Miss Charlotte Lucas. He politely acknowledged Mrs. Bennet and Lady Lucas, then crossed the room and sat next to Elizabeth. Before he could utter one word, Mr. Collins bustled up to them and began prattling on about a letter he had received from his noble patroness who admonished him to remind Darcy of his betrothal to Miss Anne de Bourgh.
“Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth, I must address Mr. Collins”s concerns. Can I ask that you meet me at the front entrance in fifteen minutes?”
“Certainly, Mr. Darcy. Shall I call for your horse to be saddled?”
“Yes, thank you.”
They both stood. Elizabeth called for a servant to relay information to the stablemaster, while Darcy asked Mr. Collins to accompany him outside. They had barely crossed the threshold of the terrace doors when he rounded upon the misinformed pastor.
“This is the last time I will speak on this matter of my aunt and her daughter, Mr. Collins.”
“I must follow her ladyship’s dictates. She is quite distraught over your blatant disregard of your mother’s greatest wish.”
“Do you know my mother’s greatest wish?”
Darcy loomed over Mr. Collins, who visibly gulped, his Adam’s apple bobbing convulsively.
“No, sir, I do not.”
“She wished for me to marry someone I love and specifically said she did not want me to marry her sister’s daughter. Does that sound like a cradle betrothal to you?”
“Your mother must have misunderstood—”
“You dare to impugn my mother!”
Mr. Collins involuntarily stepped back and nearly stumbled down the front portico steps.
“Lady Catherine is most insistent in this matter and demands I tell her the name of the woman who has used her arts and allurements to sway you from her daughter.”
“You have not told her of Elizabeth?”
“I thought to save my cousin’s daughter the ignominy of having an earl’s daughter take her to task. Once you come to your senses and accept your future bliss with Miss de Bourgh, Miss Elizabeth will find someone within her social circle to marry.” Mr. Collins brought out an ill-used handkerchief and wiped his perspiring brow. “Of course, she will have to learn how to cook and do laundry. Most farmers cannot afford more than one manservant and a maid of all work.”
“Mr. Collins, I am going to give you one last piece of advice and it would behoove you to follow it carefully.” Darcy paused, wanting to make certain he had the cretin’s complete attention. Satisfied he did, he continued. “When you next write my aunt, please inform her who I am courting.” He held up a hand to stay the reverend’s mouth. “I am courting Miss Elizabeth, not dallying with, not looking to lift her skirts. Courting, as in hoping to ask her to marry me. Make certain you tell my aunt Miss Elizabeth’s father was the son of Trenton Hamilton, married to Lady Minerva Fitzwilliam. I am confident that any concerns she may have about my courtship will be withdrawn upon receipt of this information.”