Darcy and Elizabeth What If? Collection 1 (15 page)

‘Oh, Lizzy,’ said Jane sympathetically. ‘It was a very bad letter, I agree.’

Elizabeth’s face softened and she stretched out her hand to her sister, who took it with a friendly squeeze.

‘If even you cannot think of anything good to say about the letter, then it must be very rude indeed!’ she said. ‘Well, what do I care? The Darcys are nothing to me. I liked Georgiana very much and I am sorry for her, but I can do nothing about it. And so let us forget them. I have done with the Darcys. I am fortunate to be with my own family, and I take comfort from the fact that I will never have to see Mr Darcy again.’

August passed and September arrived. Mr Darcy spent the time at Pemberley with his sister. He watched over her carefully and anything he could do for her pleasure, he did. He engaged a new companion for her, a motherly woman by the name of Mrs Annesley. He invited his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and her daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh, in the hope their company would help to lift Georgiana’s spirits. And he invited Mr Bingley, together with Mr Bingley’s two sisters. But although Georgiana played duets with Miss Bingley, and sang with Mrs Hurst, and took turns around the park in a pretty little phaeton with Miss Anne de Bourgh, she remained downcast. So much so, that Mr Darcy became concerned. He consulted the family physician (although he did not reveal the cause of Georgiana’s low spirits) and the physician advised a change of scene.

‘Perhaps some sea air,’ that worthy man said.

Mr Darcy shuddered, knowing that the seaside was the last place Georgiana needed to be. But a change of scene seemed a good idea. Mr Bingley was thinking of renting a country estate, and Mr Darcy thought that, once Mr Bingley’s estate was rented, he would take Georgiana with him on a visit.

It took Mr Bingley some time to find an estate he liked, but at last he settled on a place in Hertfordshire. He was delighted when Mr Darcy accepted his invitation to stay, and he readily extended the invitation to include Georgiana.

Elizabeth had settled into life at Longbourn once more. Her mother was insufferable for the first few weeks after she returned from Ramsgate, bemoaning the fact that neither she nor Jane had returned home with a husband-to-be. But Elizabeth was used to her mother’s complaints and she bore it well. Her life resumed its familiar course, with visits to her Aunt Philips and walks into Meryton. But one morning, everything changed when Mrs Bennet came into the drawing-room with a faced wreathed in smiles.

‘Netherfield Park is let!’ said Mrs Bennet. ‘Mrs Long has just been here and told me all about it. Even better, it has been taken by a man of large fortune from the north of England. A Mr Bingley. And what do you think? He is single!’

Mr Bennet displayed very little interest at the news, but Lydia was suitably impressed.

‘He might marry me!’ she said.

‘I am sure he might, since your sisters are in no hurry to find a husband. You, Lydia, I am persuaded, are far more sensible, and will not waste your chances.’

‘What fun it would be, to be married before either of you!’ said Lydia to Elizabeth and Jane.

‘He might marry me,’ said Kitty.

‘In point of fact, he is unlikely to marry anyone from the neighbourhood,’ said Mary in a moralising tone. ‘He will likely choose a young woman from the north of England, and he will no doubt require her to have a handsome dowry. No one in Meryton will suit him.’

Mrs Bennet ignored Mary, as always.

‘Jane, Lizzy, come with me,’ she said. ‘We must look over your wardrobes. If I can but see one of my daughters happily settled at Netherfield, and all the others equally well married, I shall have nothing to wish for.’

Elizabeth and Jane exchanged long-suffering glances, but nevertheless they followed their mother from the room. They knew there was no way to stop her from matchmaking, and so they resigned themselves to her fussing over them, and they bore it with a good grace.

‘Well, Darcy, have I not found a fine place?’ asked Mr Bingley, as he looked round the drawing-room at Netherfield Park with satisfaction. It was a handsome room, with tall windows letting in the early autumn sunlight. There were three sofas arranged around the fireplace and there were padded window seats covered in gold damask. There were side tables and several upright chairs made out of mahogany. The walls were painted a pale cream with white mouldings, giving the whole room an elegant feel.

‘You have done very well,’ Mr Darcy agreed.

He had travelled from Pemberley the day before, bringing Georgiana with him. So far, she had not seemed to benefit from the change, but it was early days and Mr Darcy still hoped the visit would do her some good.

‘It is not as fine as Pemberley, of course,’ said Caroline Bingley, Charles’s sister.

She was a tall, elegant woman, dressed in a wine-coloured silk gown. Her hair was arranged in an elaborate style, and she wore rubies at her throat.

‘But then, where is?’ asked Louisa Hurst, Charles’s other, married sister.

She, too, was a very elegant woman, though not so tall as her sister. Her clothes, too, were very fine and her gown was made of green silk.

‘It is very pleasant, even so, is it not, Georgiana?’ asked Mr Darcy, drawing his sister into the conversation.

‘Yes,’ she said.

‘And my neighbours are most agreeable,’ said Mr Bingley. ‘They called on me at the earliest opportunity. There was a Sir William Lucas —’

‘Who tried to impress us with his talk of St James’s Palace,’ said Caroline, laughing in a sneering way.

‘And Mr Bennet —’

‘A typical country gentleman, with no fashion or refinement,’ said Caroline.

But Mr Darcy was not listening to Caroline. He had been struck by the name of Bennet and he looked at his sister. She, too, had been struck by it, and for the first time since leaving Ramsgate she seemed alert. She looked towards Mr Bingley with real interest and Mr Darcy’s heart swelled to see it. His sister had been so quiet and withdrawn in recent weeks that he had been concerned for her wellbeing, and he had begun to wonder if she would ever get over her ordeal.

‘And a great many other people besides,’ said Mr Bingley.

‘When are we to meet them?’ asked Mr Darcy.

‘At the Meryton assembly,’ said Mr Bingley. ‘If you remember, I mentioned it to you. It is to be held tomorrow night.’

‘Do not feel obliged to attend,’ said Caroline Bingley. ‘I cannot think a country assembly will afford you any great pleasure, Mr Darcy.’

‘On the contrary. I am looking forward to it,’ said Mr Darcy, surprising everyone in the room.

‘Good, that is settled then. We will go as a party,’ said Mr Bingley.

Alone in his room later that night, Mr Darcy had a chance to think over the present situation and he found that his feelings were mixed. He had not forgotten Miss Elizabeth Bennet, despite his best efforts, and although his memories were not all pleasant, they had nevertheless made a lasting impression.

She had made a lasting impression on his sister, too, if Georgiana’s reaction to the name Bennet was anything to go by.

Of course, it might not be the same family. But there was a chance that it was, and that Mr Bingley had moved into Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s neighbourhood.

Mr Darcy was not sure how he felt about it. He did not like Miss Elizabeth Bennet. No, most assuredly he did not. She had not treated him with the deference that was due to Mr Darcy of Pemberley. He felt himself bristle as he thought about it. His pride was aroused, even just by thinking of her, and it had been ten times worse when he had been in her company. She had spoken to him as she might speak to a butcher or baker or candlestick maker. And yet there had been something about her that compelled his respect, and despite his best efforts to forget her, he had not been able to do so. He still thought about her at the most surprising moments. He would be talking about something quite different, and a little thing that someone said or did would remind him of her. Or he would be walking in the park at Pemberley and suddenly have an image of her. It had been impossible to forget her.

But that did not mean he wanted to meet her again. And, if he met her again, he was not sure how to react, which was an unusual feeling for him because he was usually very decisive. If he acknowledged Miss Elizabeth – always assuming it was the same family – then he would, in effect, be encouraging her, and he was still of the opinion that she was not good enough to be a friend for his sister.

And yet his sister had not shown any great affection for the other women he had put in her way. They had not been able to help her to recover from her abduction, and small wonder, as they did not know about it.

But Miss Elizabeth knew.

He wondered if she would have gossiped about it. If so, he would soon know, because he would hear mention of it. If not . . . well, if she could be discreet, perhaps she was not so unsuitable after all.

He glanced across at his sister. He loved her deeply, even though he was not a man who showed his emotions, and in that moment his decision was made. He would do anything to help her, and if that meant being polite to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, then he would do it.

He gave a soft, inward smile. Despite his pride and his arrogant nature, he found himself hoping it was the same Bennets, and that before long, he would see the impertinent, courageous and thoroughly exasperating Miss Elizabeth Bennet again.

The night of the Meryton assembly arrived. Mr Darcy was ready early and passed the remaining half hour before the carriage was brought round by playing at chess with his sister. She was very quiet and twice he had to remind her that it was her move. She was too young to attend the assembly, being only fifteen and not yet out, but she would have company this evening because Louisa Hurst had offered to remain behind with her. Mr Hurst had offered to stay behind, too. He was a lazy man, and he did not like to make any effort, so staying at home suited him.

Caroline Bingley had arranged a great many activities for Georgiana’s entertainment, but had not offered to stay behind herself. The reason for that was clear. She had set her cap at Mr Darcy and did not want to be parted from him, especially at an assembly ball where she knew he would dance with her. He did not like to dance with strangers and so she was sure of having him as a partner.

At last it was time for them to leave. The carriage drove through pretty country lanes, which were silvered under dappled moonlight, and finally it arrived at the assembly rooms.

Mr Darcy suppressed a feeling of distaste as he stepped out of the carriage. The building was small and the rooms would be also be small and cramped.

‘I know just how you feel,’ said Caroline Bingley. ‘The paltriness of the establishment cannot be expected to delight your fastidious tastes.’

She picked up the hem of her skirt and wrinkled her nose as she walked inside.

Mr Darcy had been feeling the same, but he did not want to agree with Miss Bingley and so he said, ‘It is well enough.’

‘I think it is positively delightful!’ said Mr Bingley with a wide smile.

He was a good natured man and he was of a cheerful disposition. He looked at the world with a view to finding it delightful and so he was always pleased with what he saw. As they went in, everything met with his approval. The rooms, the people – all brought compliments from him.

Mr Darcy thought the room even worse than he had imagined. Its ceiling was low and there was scarcely a chandelier in sight. The people were dressed in homely clothes that were several years behind the London fashions. There was no elegance in their movements and their voices sounded uncultured to his ears.

His gaze travelled round the room and then fell on a face he recognised. Miss Elizabeth Bennet was standing at the opposite side of the room. Even in the dim candlelight there was no mistaking her. But had she said anything about his sister’s ordeal?

As he heard the wave of whispers running round the room, he realised she had kept Georgiana’s secret, for the whispers talked only of his wealth and his country estate. There was not one whisper about his sister.

He felt a sense of gratitude and admiration for her. He knew that people loved to gossip, but Miss Elizabeth had refrained from saying anything, even though she had a particularly juicy piece of gossip at her disposal, and so Georgiana’s reputation was safe.

Mr Bingley quickly found the prettiest young lady in the room and started to dance with her, while Caroline Bingley stood at the side of the room with Mr Darcy.

‘These people!’ she said. ‘How clumsy they are! Without style or beauty!’

For the most part, Mr Darcy privately agreed, but the more he looked at Miss Elizabeth, the more he thought her face improved on acquaintance. She was not beautiful in the common way, but there was a strength in her countenance and an openness in her expression which he found pleasing.

He had an opportunity to study it more closely a few minutes later when a friend claimed her and led her across the room. She walked past him and his gaze was drawn to her eyes, which were just as fine as he remembered them.

The dance came to an end and Mr Bingley approached him.

‘Is it not wonderful?’ asked Mr Bingley. ‘I have never met with pleasanter people or prettier girls in all my life. Everybody has been most kind and attentive. There is no formality, no stiffness. I feel at home already. And as to Miss Bennet —’

Ah!
thought Mr Darcy.
So Bingley’s partner is Miss Elizabeth’s’ sister
.

‘ — I cannot conceive of an angel more beautiful. Come, Darcy, I must have you dance. One of Miss Bennet’s sisters is sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you.’

The words were music to Mr Darcy’s ears. Here was a way for him to be introduced to Miss Elizabeth formally, without him having to ask for the introduction.

‘Thank you, Bingley. I will.’

‘Capital!’ said Mr Bingley with a happy smile. ‘I will ask Miss Bennet to bring her sister over to us and make the introductions.’

Elizabeth was deliberately ignoring Mr Darcy. She had been shocked when she had first seen him and she had let out a startled exclamation, but someone had trodden on the hem of her white muslin gown at that moment, and so the exclamation had passed off. After her first surprise, she had turned away from him. He had made it clear he did not wish to continue the acquaintance and she had no intention of forcing herself on his notice.

Luckily, something much more pleasant soon occurred: Mr Bingley asked Jane to dance. Ever since Mr Bingley had paid a call on their father, soon after his arrival at Netherfield Park, Elizabeth had been aware that Jane admired him. The young ladies had not spoken to him on that occasion, but they had seen him from an upstairs window and he had looked very agreeable. Jane had remarked on his pleasant countenance and his restrained clothes, which had been fashionable without being ostentatious, for he had worn a pair of cream pantaloons and a blue coat. She had mentioned him once or twice since, which was unusual, since Jane – unlike Lydia! – rarely talked about young men.

But when they arrived at the assembly, Elizabeth noticed that her sister’s gaze wandered round the room, and she saw her sister blush at the sight of Mr Bingley. So Elizabeth was very pleased when he asked her sister to dance.

And now Jane was coming towards her.

Elizabeth was disappointed that Jane was no longer dancing with Mr Bingley, but all the same she was relieved to have some company. She was glad to have someone to confide in, for Mr Darcy’s entrance had been a decided shock.

‘Elizabeth! It is so wonderful! I have been dancing with Mr Bingley and he is quite the most agreeable gentleman imaginable,’ said Jane shyly. ‘And now he has asked me to introduce you to his friend.’

She turned and looked over her shoulder, to where Mr Bingley was standing with Mr Darcy.

‘Oh, no!’ said Elizabeth.

Jane looked surprised.

‘Jane, his friend is Mr Darcy!’

‘Mr Darcy?’ Jane’s eyes went wide with surprise. ‘You don’t mean he is the man you met in Ramsgate?’

‘The very same. I was never more surprised in my life than when I saw him enter the room. I cannot dance with him,’ said Elizabeth. ‘He will look down his nose at me and make me uncomfortable. I am surprised he consented to attend a country assembly in the first place.’

‘He does look rather out of place,’ Jane admitted.

His black coat was made of a far finer grade of wool than the other coats in the room, and his cream pantaloons were made of a far superior material, too. They fit his powerful legs without wrinkling, pulling firmly across his thighs. His hair was combed into a fashionable Brutus style and his dark eyes were full of pride. His high cheekbones and firm jaw were a marked contrast to the more homely features around him. He surveyed the room as a king would survey a country tavern and he looked as if it were a punishment for him to be there.

‘Then what am I to tell him?’ asked Jane. ‘Am I to say that you will not dance with him?’

Elizabeth was tempted to say, “Yes, tell him exactly that”. But to do so would be rude, and just because Mr Darcy was rude did not mean that she had to behave in the same way. And so she said, ‘Of course not. You must introduce me. I dare say it will not be so bad.’

‘Thank you, Lizzy!’ said Jane.

Her words were heartfelt, for she liked Mr Bingley very much and Elizabeth guessed at once that she did not want to insult his friend.

Jane led Elizabeth across the room and made the introductions. Elizabeth dropped a curtsey, her long white gown sweeping beneath her as she did so.

Mr Darcy bowed.

The next dance was about to begin. Mr Bingley escorted Jane to their place in the set, and Mr Darcy escorted Elizabeth.

Everyone turned to look and a whisper of ‘ . . . lucky Miss Bennets . . . ’ reached her ears.

But Elizabeth did not feel lucky. Although any other young lady in the room would have gladly swapped places with her, Elizabeth knew that Mr Darcy had a great many faults and that his fortune did not make up for them.

‘You are surprised to find me here,’ he said, as the dance began.

‘I am indeed,’ she said.

‘It was quite by chance. My friend, Mr Bingley, rented Netherfield Park and invited me to stay. I did not know it was in your neighbourhood, or else —’

‘You would not have come?’ Elizabeth enquired.

He shook his head. ‘You misunderstand me. It is quite the contrary.’

‘Oh?’ Elizabeth’s eyebrows raised in astonishment.

‘Yes, I am relieved to be here and now that I am here I realise I should have come sooner. You see, Miss Elizabeth, my sister has been very unhappy for the last few weeks. I hoped that, once we returned to Pemberley, she would regain her spirits, but it did not happen. The physician recommended a change of scene, and so when Mr Bingley rented Netherfield Park I was glad to bring her here for a visit. But even the new scene did not lift her spirits.’

‘I did warn you that she needed young women of her own age to talk to,’ said Elizabeth.

‘And I listened to you.’

Her eyebrows shot up still further.

‘Mr Darcy, you amaze me!’ she said.

He gave a rare smile, and she thought how attractive it made him look. His gaze softened and Elizabeth noticed how handsome his eyes were. They were deep set and a velvety brown. When they were not lit up by arrogance they were surprisingly warm, and a strong intelligence lurked there.

‘I am glad that I am not predictable,’ he said.

Elizabeth was forced to smile.

The steps of the dance parted them and by the time they came back together he said, ‘But despite finding her other young women to talk to, she is still listless.’

‘Forgive me, Mr Darcy, but by “young women” do you mean Mr Bingley’s sisters? For they are older than I am, and consequently much older than your sister.’

He looked surprised.

‘They are still of an age with her.’

‘I think not,’ said Elizabeth. ‘Georgiana is of an age with my sister, Lydia.’

As soon as she said it, she wished it unsaid, for Lydia was laughing loudly at the other end of the room and dancing with wild abandon.

Mr Darcy followed her gaze and looked astonished, then haughty. It was obvious he had no wish for his sister to behave in such a wild manner. Although, remembering Georgiana’s pale, sad face, Elizabeth thought that it would be no bad thing if Georgiana could acquire a little of Lydia’s spirit.

‘Perhaps you are right,’ he said. ‘But it has occurred to me that she needs someone to confide in, and as you are the only person who knows of her predicament, I wonder if I might persuade you to call on her tomorrow? If you would befriend her, I think it might do much to ease her spirit. Her face lit up when she heard mention of your name and it is the first time I have seen any life in her since Ramsgate.’

Elizabeth shook her head.

‘I do not think that will be possible,’ she said.

His face fell.

‘Then you still bear me a grudge for the way I spoke to you in Ramsgate,’ he said in a chagrined tone of voice. ‘I am a proud man, Miss Elizabeth, but, for my sister’s sake I am willing to humble myself and beg your forgiveness.’

‘You misunderstand me,’ she hastened to reassure him. ‘I was going to say, it will not be possible as we are engaged elsewhere, but I would be glad to see your sister the day after tomorrow.’

His brow darkened.

‘So I have humbled myself for nothing,’ he said, clearly wishing it undone. ‘You were agreeable to my suggestion anyway.’

‘If you see it as humbling yourself to apologise, then yes,’ said Elizabeth. ‘If you see it as a normal part of life, then no.’

His eyes widened in surprise, then he said, ‘You have an unusual way of looking at the world.’

‘No,’ she said with an arch smile,’ it is you who have an unusual way of looking at the world, Mr Darcy. No one else would think twice before apologising if they were in the wrong. And you were in the wrong, you know. I do not think less of you for doing it, in fact I think more of you, particularly as you did it to help your sister. I would do anything to help mine.’

Mr Darcy glanced at Jane.

‘She is a very beautiful young woman.’

‘She is, inside and out,’ said Elizabeth. The steps of the dance parted them again. When they met once more, she continued, ‘I think it would do your sister good to meet mine. Jane’s calm goodness always makes me feel better, just by being with her, and I think it would make Georgiana feel the same. I will bring her with me when I call.’