by Jan H

Rating: PG-13

Summary: Elizabeth and Darcy have finally declared their love. But will she and Jane be able to have their double wedding in spite of numerous obstacles and the obstructions of a obstropolous father?

Chapter Six

Dinner at Longbourn that evening was a merry feast. Elizabeth and Jane bubbled with happiness and Bingley and Darcy were thoroughly pleased with themselves and their future wives. Kitty was all agog with thoughts of her sisters’ wedding dresses and trousseaus and whether she could have her own new dresses made for the occasions. From time to time Mary enlightened the company with various adages on the gravity of wedlock meant to either edify or impress them with her knowledge, but for the most part they simply embarrassed Jane and Lizzy and puzzled their intendeds. At first Mrs. Bennet had been absolutely speechless, quite beside herself with shock at Lizzy’s engagement to such a proud, disagreeable man, but after reconsidering and mentally refiguring Darcy’s income, she gushed with pride over such an advantageous match to befall her least favourite daughter. Through all of this Mr. Bennet remained for the most part silent, attending to his plate with an unusual thoroughness while observing his family with amusement.

Darcy had actually begun to relax a little, warming to the obvious joy in Lizzy’s manner and contemplating that he might be able to bear his future wife’s family with equanimity as long as the exposure came in small doses. However, Kitty’s next words introduced a subject of contention.

“Have you set your wedding date, Lizzy?”

“Not yet,” she smiled. “After all, we have been engaged but two days.”

“I have never believed in long engagements,” Darcy stated firmly.

“Nor I!” Bingley agreed.

“I know!” Kitty squealed. “Why not a double wedding?”

“Double wedding?” Mrs. Bennet echoed. “Are you suggesting that Jane share her wedding day with Lizzy? No, no, no, that will not do. The 26th of November is Jane’s day – well, hers and dear Mr. Bingley’s,” she conceded, beaming at her future son-in-law, “and it shall not be complicated with another bride and groom. My poor nerves could never stand up to such an onslaught. Besides, there is no time to have Lizzy’s dress made by then.”

“But, Mama,” Jane said, “why not? We have not yet had the first fitting for my dress. If the dressmaker can make me a dress by then, why not Lizzy, too – that is, if you want to share your wedding day with me, Lizzy.”

Before Lizzy could say a word, Darcy spoke up. “The 26th of November would be perfect as far as I am concerned.”

Lizzy smiled at him, squeezing his hand under the table. “A double wedding sounds delightful to me,” she said.

“No, no, no!” Mrs. Bennet reiterated. “I missed poor Lydia’s wedding and I will not be deprived of planning separate weddings for the both of you. I have dreamed of these events since the days you were born. Mr. Bennet, will you not support me in this?”

Lizzy rolled her eyes at Jane and looked to her father for support, but she was astonished at his reply.

“This is one time that I agree wholeheartedly with Mrs. Bennet.”

“You agree?” Lizzy cried. “But, Papa . . .”

“Lizzy, this family has been the talk of the neighbourhood since Lydia’s unfortunate escapade and although I rarely care what sport our neighbours make of us, I believe you understand after our discussion this morning,” he said, looking pointedly at Darcy, “that I will not have you exposed to gossip. Jane and Mr. Bingley have been engaged for a few weeks, and although I would prefer to see them wait, I have approved their wedding date. You and Mr. Darcy have only this day announced your intentions. When the news gets out, that, in itself, will cause talk enough to satisfy every old biddy for miles around, but I will not have the area believing you have cause to marry quickly.”

“Cause to marry quickly!” Mrs. Bennet snorted. “I have no idea to what you refer, Mr. Bennet, but I am glad to see you take my side for once. Lizzy, just think of the engagement parties and honours you will receive if you give yourself time for them. Why, I am certain that your Aunt Philips will want to hold a tea for you and then you have always been a favourite of the Longs, so I am sure they will want to do something, and Lucas Lodge would be perfect for an engagement ball. No, no, no. You must wait and enjoy this engagement and,” here she let out an obvious sigh of contentment, “let me savour my friends’ envy as long as possible.”

Beneath the table Darcy’s handholding had turned into hand gripping and Lizzy glanced at him quickly, feeling the tension rise and observing the mask of disapproval descend upon his countenance. No more was said about the date and Darcy said little more for the remainder of the meal. As the men adjourned for their after-dinner drink, Darcy asked Bingley to remain behind, as he would have a few words with Mr. Bennet and, of course, Bingley was all too eager to forego a drink in favour of spending more time with his Jane. Lizzy had looked to Darcy for some sign of what he was thinking, but none was forthcoming, only a deliberate darkening of his expression.

Jane and Bingley invited Lizzy to play cards, but she refused, too restless to concentrate on a game. As Kitty and Mrs. Bennet joined them at the card table instead, Lizzy wandered about the parlour and out into the anteroom with anxious glances at the closed door to her father’s study. Returning to the parlour, she and all of its inhabitants were surprised to hear raised voices emanating from Mr. Bennet’s office. Oh, no, please! No more strife between her father and her fiancé. Lizzy turned back to the anteroom just as Darcy strode forth, obviously angry.

“Bingley, I do believe it is time to take our leave,” he stated.

“But we have just sat down to cards, Darcy,” complained Bingley.

“As you wish. I shall see you at Netherfield,” and bowing to Mrs. Bennet and turning on his heel, Darcy almost bolted for the front door.

“William,” Lizzy began as she rushed to keep up with his rapid gait, “is something wrong?”

Darcy turned and took her hand, kissed it quickly, and then bowed to her. “Not now, Elizabeth. I must leave or I shall say more than I should.” Without waiting for Bingley, Darcy was out the door and on his horse before Elizabeth could utter another word. By this time, Bingley, Jane, Mrs. Bennet and the other girls had hurried from the parlour to see what had caused Mr. Darcy’s abrupt departure, but upon witnessing the obvious pain in Lizzy’s eyes, Jane and Bingley ushered the family away from her.

Lizzy immediately knocked on her father’s door and was bidden to enter.

“Papa, what has happened? Surely you and Mr. Darcy have not quarreled again.”

“Shut the door, Lizzy, and come here,” Mr. Bennet said, indicating a seat on the small chaise. He sat down beside her and took her hand in his. “My dear, are you absolutely fixed upon marrying Mr. Darcy?”

“Father, how can you ask such a thing? I have already told you how I feel about him.”

Mr. Bennet gave a deep sigh. “Lizzy, you are very dear to me and I would hate to see you have to spend your life with such a man.”

“Such a man? Papa, have I not told you of what a good and amiable gentleman he is? You have already given us your approval.”

“Yes, I have, but I think it was an error in judgment on my part. Lizzy, that man is stubborn and willful, determined to have his way in every endeavour, and extremely hard to get along with. I would ask you to please reconsider your decision. Even though you were seen in public with him in a less than honourable position, I would rather you bore the brunt of a bit of gossip than spend a lifetime with such a man.”

Lizzy had never seen her father so definite in his disapproval. “Father, pray tell me what has happened,” she said softly, as tears welled up in her eyes. “I have to know.”

“Very well. It seems that Mr. Darcy feels a great amount of consternation at your parents’ wishes for your wedding date. In fact, he presumed to tell me that he insisted that you wait no longer than a month. A month! Did you hear me, Lizzy? Only a month! When I demanded to know just why there should be such a hurry to the altar, he stated that it was because he loved you too much to wait any longer.”

Lizzy could not help but smile at these words, but seeing the scowl on her father’s countenance, she kept her face down, trying to spare him her feelings. But oh, the very thought of it. Darcy loved her too much to wait more than a month for them to be united! She felt a blush begin, born of a longing for what she did not know except that it involved the intimacy of marriage to such a man.

Mr. Bennet continued, his voice rising with emotion. “When I told Mr. Darcy that he had well better learn to contain his desires before he took my daughter in marriage, he bounded from the room like the roar of a cannon! Lizzy, I am pleading with you. This man will not be easy to live with. I beg you to reconsider.”

“Father, how long do you want us to wait?”

“Three months at least, and I prefer that you wait until late spring or early summer.”

“Oh, Papa,” Lizzy cried, “surely not spring or summer! Can you not see that it would be torture for the both of us?”

Mr. Bennet sighed again, shaking his head. “Well then, three months at the very least. I will not be persuaded otherwise, Lizzy. And I hope that you will use these three months to make absolutely certain that you have made the correct decision. Engagements can be broken, my dear.”

“I will, but I can assure you that this engagement will remain. And Papa, I would hope that you will spend these months acquainting yourself better with Mr. Darcy. If you but knew him as I do, you would harbour no ill feelings toward him.” She kissed her father’s cheek and left the study, and bypassing the parlour and its inhabitants, she ran lightly up the stairs to her room.

Would the men in her life ever learn to get along?


Chapter Seven

The next morning Mrs. Bennet and her four daughters found themselves at the couturier’s establishment in Meryton. They spent some time selecting silks, satins and laces, all the while listening as Mrs. Bennet cornered each and every person entering the store with her excited exclamations of her daughters’ fortuitous alliances. Lizzy was measured for her dress as well as Jane, but with explicit instructions from their mother that Jane’s dress be completed first. New dresses were also ordered for Kitty and Mary, which caused Mrs. Bennet to become tearful when the idea suddenly struck her that Lydia would not be able to return for Jane’s wedding.

“Perchance she and Mr. Wickham may make the trip for yours, Lizzy,” she comforted herself. “After all, your father said your wedding will not occur for at least three months from now, so it may be possible and I do so long to see my dear Lydia.”

Lizzy and Jane looked at each other with an opposite hope unspoken, but refrained from spoiling their mother’s mood with their objections.

Kitty wandered over to the window and suddenly cried, “Jane, look! It’s Mr. Bingley.”

Sure enough, the gentleman had just dismounted from his horse and was walking toward the shop. He ducked inside just long enough to invite the family to dine that evening at Netherfield. Lizzy was disappointed not to see Darcy with him, but comforted herself with the anticipation of seeing him that evening. She did hope that he was over his anger with her father by then.

The afternoon was taken up by calls from Mrs. Long and Lady Lucas and Lizzy was made to sit through their repeated congratulations upon such an advantageous match, while her mother went on and on about Mr. Darcy’s fortune. At last the dinner hour approached and the family was driven to Netherfield. Lizzy was somewhat uneasy about seeing Darcy in the presence of her family. She had no idea what to expect from his mood and would have much preferred to see him alone to ascertain his feelings, but he had not called at Longbourn all day and there simply had been no time to slip away in the hopes of meeting him on a solitary walk. With that gnawing feeling at the pit of her stomach becoming all too familiar, she climbed the steps to Netherfield, all the while hanging on to the comfort of Jane’s hand.

Bingley met the party just inside the door and welcomed them into the drawing room where Lizzy was surprised to see Caroline Bingley and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst stand in greeting. They had just arrived from London. Caroline had a definite pinched look to her face that caused her nose to resemble a beak even more than usual, but she fawned over Jane as though her brother’s engagement to Miss Bennet was the delight of her life. Mrs. Hurst was, likewise, all cordiality while Mr. Hurst simply nodded and offered Mr. Bennet a glass of port, which he refused, saying he preferred to partake after dinner. Caroline gave a curt bow to Lizzy, while Mrs. Hurst congratulated her on her recent engagement. Lizzy’s eyes searched the room for a certain person, but Darcy was nowhere to be seen. As soon as possible, she approached Bingley and asked about his absence, but before Bingley could answer, Darcy appeared at the door. Lizzy’s relief was apparent when he greeted her family in a perfunctory manner, and then took his place at her side. No one would ever suspect that anything was amiss unless they knew him as well as Lizzy did. He met her eyes only once and the look was penetrating. He is still angry, she thought, letting a deep sigh escape in spite of her resolve.

Dinner progressed smoothly enough and for the most part, Mrs. Bennet monopolized the conversation with talk of wedding dresses and the like. When Bingley announced that he and Caroline would host an engagement ball for Darcy and Miss Elizabeth the following week, Mrs. Bennet’s joy knew no limits and her profusions of happiness elevated to a state that could only be described as utter rapture. To Lizzy, however, the thought of Caroline Bingley being forced to preside at her engagement celebration caused her no small amount of amusement. From the look on Caroline’s face, Lizzy thought that it should not surprise her at all to see the woman stricken with an ailment that precluded her attendance at the ball. After dinner, while the men congregated for their drinks, Mrs. Bennet continued her monologue on the upcoming parties for Jane that were even now being planned by Mrs. Philips and Lady Lucas. Lizzy did not fail to discern the looks of disdain Mrs. Hurst and Caroline exchanged as they murmured their appropriate comments to her mother. Poor Jane – to think these women are to be her sisters.

When the men rejoined the ladies, tables were set for cards and Mary took her place at the pianoforte, much to the chagrin of Bingley’s sisters. Fortunately, Jane had quietly persuaded her not to sing, but only play, assuring her that the company would delight in the new piece she had practiced that afternoon for hours on end. Neither Darcy nor Lizzy preferred to play cards. Instead, Darcy roamed around the room like a caged tiger while Lizzy desperately longed for an opportunity to be alone with him.

He finally approached her and speaking clearly enough for her father to hear, he said, “Miss Bennet, I believe you requested the loan of William Blake’s new collection from Mr. Bingley’s library. If you would accompany me, I shall be glad to find it for you.”

Mr. Bennet attempted to rise and join them, but his wife’s complaint that she would no longer have a partner in the game caused him to refrain. Lizzy, however, did not miss the definite warning in his look as she followed Darcy, and she vowed that nothing would occur this evening to further the misunderstanding between her father and her future husband.

Once inside the library, though, Lizzy had little time to keep her vow, as Darcy kicked the door shut with one foot while at the same time pulling Lizzy into his arms and kissing her with an ardor that could only be likened to that of a starving man sating his hunger with a sumptuous feast. To her credit, she attempted not to succumb to his desire, but it was a hopeless task. She loved this man too much to stop his advances and soon found herself responding with equal fervor. When at last Darcy slowed his passion and stepped back enough to see her eyes, Lizzy could see the beginning bruises on his mouth. Had she done that and if so, how must her own lips appear?

“Elizabeth, I cannot endure much more of this,” he said, his voice ragged with emotion.

“Then perhaps we should restrain ourselves,” she whispered, smiling up at him with glittering eyes.

“I was not referring to this,” Darcy stated firmly, as he pulled her to him once again and tasted her sweet mouth over and over.

Breathless with feelings Lizzy had never imagined, she finally broke away from him. “If not our kisses, then what?”

Darcy frowned and looked away. “This insupportable stance on your father’s part. I am sorry to speak so of your parent, Elizabeth, but waiting until spring or summer to marry simply will not do. Can he not see how we feel about each other?”

“He understands, William,” she answered softly, “but can you not see his point of view?”

“I cannot. I fail to see what postponing our wedding will do to erase the talk caused by your younger sister and that rascal she married. What do they have to do with us? I believe the root of the problem lies in your father’s stubborn will and insistence on his way. Try as I might, I can only conclude that he is extremely hard to get along with.”

Lizzy fought to keep a straight face when she heard him describe her father in almost exactly the same words that Mr. Bennet had used about Darcy. She attempted to conceal her amusement by adopting a somewhat serious tone of voice. “In my entire life I have never pictured my father as stubborn or insistent upon anything. He has always been a most amiable, pleasant man and, though sometimes neglectful in curbing my younger sisters’ behaviour, since Lydia’s marriage he has displayed a much greater sense of responsibility in such matters. Unfortunately, in the untimely sequence of events, we seem to be the ones who shall bear the brunt of his new resolution.”

Darcy began to pace back and forth. “I do not agree,” he said flatly. “I believe he holds a personal bias toward me.”

“If that is true, it is only because he does not know you. William, if you would consent to my telling him of your role in Lydia and Mr. Wickham’s marriage, I believe it would effect a profound change in his opinion of you.”

“No, Elizabeth,” Darcy commanded. “Absolutely not. I shall not have your father feel beholden to me. You well know my reasons for interfering in your sister’s life. It was to right a wrong that I caused and your father owes me nothing.”

“Then your only recourse is to win him over.”

“And pray tell me how I am to do that. I have never been one to recommend myself to others.”

“Yes, I remember,” Lizzy teased, now helpless to prevent a slight smile from playing about the corners of her mouth, “but observe how my opinion of you has altered and apply the same procedures to changing my father’s opinion of you.”

She saw the slightest shadow of a smile flicker across his handsome face. “My love,” he said, drawing her near once more, his lips close to her ear, “I refuse to kiss your father even for you.”

“Well, I should hope not,” a male voice interrupted the couple. They both looked up quickly and Lizzy stepped away from Darcy as her father advanced into the room.

“Papa,” she began, “we did not hear you open the door.”

“Obviously,” he answered dryly. “I know not of what you are speaking and my better sense warns me not to ask. I have come to collect you, though, as we are about to take our leave.”

“Mr. Bennet,” Darcy said, his voice strong, “I must be allowed to have a moment of your time once again. Miss Bennet and I wish to set a definite date for our wedding and she agrees with me that spring is far too long to wait. I would respectfully request that you alter your decision in this matter.”

“Respectfully?” Mr. Bennet queried. “As opposed to the manner in which you last spoke to me of such things?”

Darcy looked away and Lizzy could see his jaw tighten, but he took a deep breath and said, “If I was remiss in my attitude last evening, sir, I do apologize and ask your gracious permission in allowing me to rectify the situation.”

“Well, well,” Mr. Bennet said with just the hint of a twinkle in his eye, “perhaps rectification is needed on both our parts. As to the wedding day, I will agree to three months from now, but not a day sooner. In that, I am resigned and shall not vary my opinion.”

“Agreed,” Darcy said, shaking his hand.

“And in the event that anyone even cares for my opinion,” Lizzy laughed, “I am also in agreement.”


Chapter Eight

The following days found Lizzy and Jane soon caught up in the hurly burly of wedding preparations. Mrs. Bennet’s nerves surprisingly behaved once she began in earnest to plan Jane’s wedding. Trips to the dressmaker were frequent and consultations between the girls and their mother as to trousseaus were numerous and sometimes quite heated. Jane’s and Lizzy’s tastes were considerably less fussy than their mother’s. At her insistence, Jane acquiesced as to her wedding night attire, but privately she vowed to Lizzy that Mr. Bingley would never see her in the confection of lace and ruffles her mother had devised. Fortunately for Lizzy, her mother had not progressed that far with plans for her.

Bingley and Darcy called daily at Longbourn and the Bennet family of girls soon grew accustomed to the fact that these two handsome young men were becoming a permanent part of their family; no one was inclined to be displeased at such additions, with the possible exception of Mr. Bennet.

He welcomed his daughters’ fiancés, certainly, but perhaps his greeting was a shade more tolerant of Bingley than it was toward Darcy. Since Lizzy and Darcy’s wedding date had finally been set, an uneasy and unspoken truce seemed to have taken place between Darcy and Mr. Bennet, but it was plain to see that neither sought each other’s company. While Bingley eagerly discussed current news of the country and local events with Mr. Bennet, Darcy never asked his opinion on any subject or even approached him with his own. As for Mr. Bennet’s actions, if Darcy visited Longbourn without Bingley, he buried himself in his newspaper, content with half-listening to his family and guest. Lizzy longed for her father and Darcy to be friends and sought opportunities for the two to be together, but with little encouragement or cooperation on their parts, she failed to see the achievement of unity that she so desired.

In the company of Elizabeth’s family, Darcy often found himself once again resorting to his former defensive behaviours – silence and staring out the window. A rare moment alone with his beloved found him all ease and friendliness and, in truth, he acted the same toward Jane and Bingley, but his reserved demeanor took over whenever he felt himself outnumbered by Bennets. He was also quite frustrated by the rarity of times alone with Elizabeth. What with the sheer number of Bennets with which to contend, much less the constant stream of friends in and out of their house, along with Mrs. Bennet’s demands for her daughter’s attention to wedding preparations, isolated periods with Elizabeth had virtually ceased. And to cause further anguish, Darcy perceived a new obstacle appearing without fail whenever he did succeed in securing some short period of privacy with his beloved.

If, perchance, an appropriate opening occurred whereby the young couple might finally venture into the garden, whom should they find but Mr. Bennet engaging in an entirely new preoccupation of solitary walks around his property. When Darcy asked Lizzy if daily walks were a habit of her father, she replied that no, such never had been in the past, but that she was glad to see him do so as walking was very beneficial exercise. Darcy, on the other hand, entertained quite dissimilar thoughts on the matter. At times he would suggest a walk to Oakham Mount and what should Mr. Bennet do, but immediately summon Kitty and Mary to accompany Lizzy and her fiancé. If the couple retreated to the swing at the back of the yard, they never failed to see the outline of Mr. Bennet standing sentry at the window of his study. Even sitting down to a game of cards, Mr. Bennet would suddenly develop an urgent desire to also play, and in so doing always situate himself next to Lizzy, forcing Darcy to sit on the opposite side of the table. Fortunately, her father had not yet discovered that this simply provoked Lizzy to stretch her leg across the expanse below the table and rub her bare foot up and down Darcy’s leg, although he did wonder why a game of cards never failed to elicit such a smile of satisfaction to settle upon the young man’s face and often changed the entire colour of his complexion.

Mary seldom found opportunities to play the pianoforte during Darcy’s visits because he often urged Elizabeth to play so that he might sit beside her and turn the pages. At least from that position they were compelled to share the bench and sit close enough that leg and shoulder could touch, and it did provide a beautiful view of her lovely neck and all that lay directly below it. When Mr. Bennet detected Darcy’s maneuver, however, he would immediately fetch a chair for his future son-in-law so that “the two of you will not be crowded together on that small bench and thus impede Lizzy’s performance.” Her father’s obvious ploys to keep them separated amused Lizzy, but Darcy unfortunately suffered from an inordinate amount of frustration.

One afternoon as Darcy and Lizzy joined Bingley and Jane in walking through the garden, Darcy leaned down and spoke words that no one but Lizzy could hear. “Do you realize that since our time in the library at Netherfield I have been allowed to kiss no other part of you but your hand?”

Lizzy made no answer other than to blush and look down.

“Much as I love your beautiful hands, Elizabeth, I am in serious want of something more,” he said, suddenly steering her into the wilderness area of the lawn. There, sheltered behind the stone entrance wall, he pulled her to him and placed his lips upon hers. Intending only to steal a quick kiss, once he tasted the sweetness of her mouth, he was helpless to stop. Instinctively, his arms surrounded her, pulling her closer and closer as though he would meld their very bodies into one. Lizzy surrendered to his embrace, as she felt the blood rush to her head and that wonderful heat begin to emanate from deep within her body.

Less than five minutes later, Jane’s voice called to the couple from the other side of the wall. “Lizzy, our father is approaching.”

Darcy groaned and as he removed his hands from Lizzy’s waist, he uttered an oath without thinking. “Forgive me, my love,” he said, “but your father has the most unfortunate timing.”

Lizzy smiled as she walked through the stone entrance back out into plain view of the house and of her father as he trod briskly across the green expanse.

“At least tomorrow night your father cannot prevent my holding your hand,” Darcy muttered under his breath. “I do assume that he will allow me the privilege of dancing with you at our own engagement ball, will he not?”

“I anticipate that with pleasure,” Lizzy answered, her eyes sparkling from their recent encounter, “but I know how little you care for dancing, sir. Shall it not be a great strain for you to endure?”

“Go ahead and mock me, my dear. I can see that you have no pity for a man so besotted with love that he would endure hours of public fawning for the chance to merely hold your hand during musical interludes.”

“You mistake me, dear sir. I have an extraordinary amount of pity for your situation and I will summon my very best endeavours to relieve your suffering whenever it is in my power to do so.”

Darcy smiled down at her. “You may be assured that I shall claim that promise at the earliest possible moment.”

By that time, Mr. Bennet had crossed the lawn and proceeded to inform Lizzy that she and her sister were wanted in the house by their mother. “Something or other about laces, I believe,” he said, pleased at Darcy’s apparent discomfiture.

As Lizzy and Jane walked to the house, Mr. Bennet struck up a conversation with Bingley and to his credit, he did attempt to include Darcy. The latter, however, was in no mood to converse with the person he blamed for depriving him of his pleasure. Indeed, as he thought further about it, Darcy became aware of a strong resentment toward his future father-in-law rearing its ugly head within his heart. Thus, he remained silent except to answer in monosyllables when directly questioned, never adding to the conversation, and so once again enforced Mr. Bennet’s prior judgment that this man who was to marry his favourite daughter was indeed a proud and disagreeable being. What could Lizzy see in the man?

The day of the Netherfield ball proved to be a beautiful crisp November date.

Longbourn’s family began early that morning to prepare for the coming evening. Mrs. Bennet fussed and fretted over her daughters’ attire, insisting that Jane and Lizzy try on at least three separate gowns each before she would cede her approval of one. Then she, herself, modeled gown after gown for Mr. Bennet, seeking his guidance which he was in no mood to give. When she appeared at his study for the fourth time in yet another selection, he declared, “No more, Mrs. Bennet, I implore you! Would that you don your flannel nightgown for this blasted ball! Just leave me in peace!”

Mrs. Bennet pooh-poohed his words, as she had learned long ago to ignore most of what he said, and hurried up the stairs to once more consult Jane’s excellent eye. Mr. Bennet closed the door to his room, hoping to muffle the high-pitched clamour from the second floor. He sank into his chair with a feeling of dejection. There was no getting around it now. Tonight Lizzy’s engagement to Darcy would be publicly announced and there was nothing to be done about it. Why did he have such misgivings about the match? To be sure, Lizzy would want for nothing materially and it was a most prudent alliance in that regard, but what was it about the man that he did not trust? Could it be that because Darcy and Wickham had shared a childhood, he feared that perhaps Darcy might be cut from the same cloth? No, that was absurd. Darcy was every bit the gentleman and no snippet of unsavoury gossip had ever been uttered about him; still, there was that episode on the horse when Mr. Bennet had surprised Darcy with his arms around Elizabeth. The memory of it still rankled him.

Ah, perchance I am just an old man regretting the thought of losing my lovely daughter, he thought, and with that he resolved to put away his worries for the evening and enjoy his neighbours’ good wishes. There was no doubt that Mrs. Bennet would do so and had been since the day she learned of Lizzy’s engagement. Still, he concluded, the evening’s festivities would not prevent his keeping an eye on Darcy.

At Netherfield, Darcy joined Bingley for a stiff drink before the party’s guests arrived. He was sorely tempted to down a second but, at Bingley’s raised eyebrow, he thought better of it. On occasions such as this Darcy truly envied his friend’s amiable manner, his ability to mingle freely with people he knew but little, and his actual enjoyment of such company. The whole idea of visiting with people, who for the most part, still thought of him as that proud, disagreeable friend of Bingley's, was abhorrent to Darcy. He wondered if after Mr. Bennet announced their engagement to the assembly, he could persuade Elizabeth to slip out the back door with him and head for Scotland. A slight smile graced his countenance as he toyed with that idea and all of its pleasures, but of course he was well aware that it was only a dream. His reverie was interrupted by the sound of guests arriving and with a sigh, he followed Bingley into the ballroom.

As Lizzy had predicted, Caroline Bingley came down with a dreadful cold the day of the ball and had to forego the evening’s merriment, keeping to her bed while nursing an extraordinary amount of hot toddies. Louisa Hurst took her place as hostess and she and Bingley welcomed their guests with many smiles, most of which were forced on the part of Mrs. Hurst, but truly sincere on Bingley’s part. Darcy did his usual stalking about the room, moving quickly whenever Sir William Lucas drew near, and growing more and more bored until at last Elizabeth and Jane arrived with their family. The sight of Elizabeth in a pale green gown with flowers intertwined among her dark curls took Darcy’s breath away. He hurried to her side and after kissing her hand, tucked it inside his arm for safekeeping. Rewarded with a brilliant smile from his betrothed, the strain of performing to strangers lessened in its intensity.

“You are bewitching, my love,” he whispered in her ear.

“Then you approve of my choice of gowns?” she smiled.

With his eyes hungrily devouring her entire body, he readily agreed, “It is perfect for you.”

“My mother does not share your preference,” Lizzy laughed, “for this is not the dress she chose.”

“Indeed? And why ever not?”

“This dress was far too simple for Mama’s taste. She much preferred me in a confection of lavender lace and ruffles, but I prevailed.”

His dark eyes once again sweeping her form from head to toe with obvious enjoyment, Darcy replied, “You need neither lace nor ruffles in my opinion, nothing that would distract from your natural beauty.”

Lizzy felt a warm glow beginning at her toes and working its way up her entire body. “Ah, how you talk, Mr. Darcy. You could turn a poor girl’s head with such words.”

“As long as it turns toward me, I have no objection whatsoever.”

Those were the last private words permitted the couple, as the music began and, although they did not join the dancers on the floor, they were besieged by well wishers from all of Hertfordshire. Bingley had extended an invitation to the regimental officers who were wintering in the area, and many of them who knew the Bennets crowded around the couple to extend their congratulations, as well as old friends of the family who had known Lizzy since she was but a child. Mrs. Bennet was in her element, savouring the attention she received from snaring such an important and wealthy man for her daughter’s hand and declaring that she had never doubted such an outcome from Mr. Darcy’s first appearance in Hertfordshire.

At the appropriate time, Mr. Bingley quieted the musicians and introduced Mr. Bennet to the assembly. This was his cue to announce his daughter’s engagement and with a sigh of resignation, he stood before the audience. His remarks were brief, stating only that his daughter had consented to become the bride of Mr. Darcy of Derbyshire. There was much applause and many cheers and smiles, but Darcy found himself frowning. Why had the man not included their wedding date in his announcement? Was this another stalling tactic on Mr. Bennet’s part?

His thoughts were interrupted by the very audible suggestion of Sir William that Miss Eliza and Mr. Darcy lead the next dance, for he had never seen a finer exhibition of dancing than when he had observed them dancing together almost a year ago in this very ballroom. At yet another round of approving applause, Darcy led Elizabeth to the floor as the opening chords of Mr. Beveridge’s Maggot sounded from the musician’s corner. They were soon joined by Jane and Bingley, Kitty and Captain Denny, Maria Lucas and Lt. Sanderson, and other neighbours and friends. Lizzy smiled at Darcy and hoped that he recalled that this was the very air played the first time she and Darcy had danced together, but from the look in his eye she could tell that music was the last thing on his mind. A deadly serious glare had descended upon his countenance, which caused Lizzy no little distress. Now, what is wrong? Surely dancing with me cannot be the cause of such a black look.

As they approached each other in the steps of the dance, she tried to read his look but found herself at a loss to explain it. When he failed to respond to any of her smiles, at length she resorted to teasing.

“I believe we must have some conversation, Mr. Darcy.” He took her hand and circled her but made no response.

“A very little will suffice,” she smiled, recalling the same situation from a year ago. “You might remark on the number of couples,” she began again as she passed him once more, giving him her cheekiest smile, but upon receipt of no answering look, she prepared herself to dance in silence when he surprised her.

“Do you talk by rule, then, while you are dancing?”

“Sometimes,” she replied, laughing and tossing her head, “for the advantage of some, conversation ought to be so arranged, so that they may have the trouble of saying as little as possible.”

Darcy took her hand and turned her again before replying. “Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do you seek to gratify mine?”

“Both,” answered Elizabeth, archly, “for I am at a loss to explain the turn of your countenance.” They passed each other again, circling the next dancers before clasping hands and stepping forward in time to the music.

“There is no need to concern yourself with my countenance,” Darcy said quietly. “It is simply a mood that will pass in time.”

Lizzy detected the grim set to his mouth and knew that something had occurred to cause this dark mood, but she was baffled at its cause as they had been together all evening and she had observed nothing that could possibly distress him. As they turned one last time, she spoke again. “William, please tell me what is wrong.”

“Not here,” he replied, bowing to her at the conclusion of the dance. Taking her hand, he led her to the side of the great room and hoped against hope that no more well wishers would descend upon them, but it was not to be, as Mrs. Long and Lady Lucas proceeded to surround them, offering their congratulations and asking about a wedding date. Before Lizzy could reply, Darcy spoke sharply and louder than necessary.

“Miss Bennet and I shall be married three months from now and not a day later!”

The ladies blinked in surprise at the tone of his voice and Lizzy looked up at him quickly, trying to ascertain from where this outburst arose. Unable to interpret the cause, she turned to the ladies and gave them her warmest smile. “You can see that Mr. Darcy is an eager bridegroom,” she laughed and the ladies joined her in the merriment and were soon joined by Mrs. Bennet, who once again proceeded to tell them what an advantageous match had been made by her daughter.

Darcy took Lizzy’s arm and began to steer her through the maze of guests to the French doors at the back of the room, which led outside onto a balcony. With a fleeting look at her father, who was highly engrossed in conversation between Mr. Philips and Mr. Long, he opened the door and pulled Lizzy out into the cool night air.

“William,” she protested, “we will be missed.”

“Enough!” he almost shouted. “I must have a moment away from that throng, Elizabeth, or I shall not be responsible for my actions.”

“What is wrong? Why are you so upset?”

Darcy turned away from her, walked to the balustrade and peered out into the dark night. “Elizabeth, did you fail to notice the unmistakable lack of a wedding date in your father’s pronouncement? Does that not give you some cause for concern?”

“No, perhaps it was just an oversight. In the excitement of the moment he may have simply forgotten it.”

“And perhaps not,” Darcy frowned. “I believe tonight’s oversight is simply one more attempt on your father’s part to disavow the actuality of our future union, and on my part, I am growing exceedingly angry at such conduct.”

Lizzy looked away, stricken by the idea that Darcy could fathom her father’s intent. Why could these two men who were so dear to her not find a meeting of the minds? She took a deep breath and said in the most soothing of voices, “William you must have misunderstood. My father is well aware that we will marry and I am sure that he did not mean to infer otherwise. Can you not afford him the benefit of the doubt?”

“I fail to see the necessity for me to bestow such charity,” Darcy answered shortly. “It is your father who refuses to grant me a measure of civility. He is the one who when we are together follows my every movement as though I were an intruder. I see no such treatment of Bingley, for he welcomes him as though he were already his son, whereas I appear in his eyes as one no better than George Wickham.”

Lizzy rushed to his side, placing her hand upon his arm. “Oh, William, no. I am certain that my father does not consider you in the same light as Mr. Wickham. If he gives that impression, it is false I am sure.” With a catch in her throat, she continued, “I think that he is simply enduring distress at the thought of parting with me. We have been particularly close all of my life, somewhat like you and your sister. Can you not identify with that feeling?”

Darcy’s eyes softened as he saw the wisdom in Elizabeth’s words. He thought of the love he felt for his young sister and the thought of giving her to a husband some day awakened a slight sensibility toward Mr. Bennet. Perhaps he could acknowledge the man’s feelings, but it was still difficult to swallow his anger. He continued for some time to look out into the darkness, searching his heart for a measure of understanding. Beside him Lizzy shivered and drew closer to him, leaning against his arm for warmth. As he looked down into her lovely eyes, he inhaled her delicious scent and a sudden wave of desire beset him. He gathered her into his arms, pulling her close.

“I can recognize your father’s emotion,” he said, kissing her tenderly. “I never want to let you go, either, my dearest Elizabeth.”

Lizzy smiled at the love so evident in his eyes and reached up to kiss him once again. How she loved this man! Dark moods and unsociable behaviour could be borne as long as he took her in his arms and kissed her like this.

Lost in their mutual embrace, the couple failed to see the door open and Mr. Bennet step onto the balcony until they heard him clear his throat. Lizzy attempted to step out of Darcy’s arms, but he held onto her, all the while meeting her father’s eyes with an unblinking stare.

“Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet began, “I believe the festivities are inside and not out here on this very public balcony. I also remind you that I will brook no behaviour on your part that will cause my daughter embarrassment.”

Mr. Darcy’s tone was respectful but definitively earnest, as he continued to hold Elizabeth. “I mean no disrespect, sir, by the words I am about to say. I am well aware of your feelings, but I desire that you also acknowledge mine. Elizabeth and I are now formally and publicly engaged. I shall conduct my deportment in her presence with great sensibility of her good reputation; indeed, I have no intention of sullying her good name, but . . . I will from time to time express my physical affection for her. I shall be as discreet as possible, but I tell you in as clear a manner as I can devise that I will convey such affection in a manner that is agreeable to my future wife and myself. Her wishes in this regard are my singular concern.”

With that, Darcy led Lizzy back into the ballroom, passing Mr. Bennet without a second glance. The remainder of the evening passed uneventfully and Darcy was surprised to find that he actually enjoyed it.


Chapter Nine

Upon arriving home from the ball, Mr. Bennet shut himself in his library, while his wife and daughters proceeded above stairs to relive the party with their separate memories. Mrs. Bennet, of course, remained ecstatic at her own success as the mother of two such fortunate daughters and related each and every congratulatory remark she had received. Kitty felt slightly giddy at the fact that Denny had danced with her four times and Mrs. Bennet encouraged her to relate every detail of their conversations, while she privately contemplated the possibility of such an attachment for her fourth daughter. Her only dismay of the evening was that Mary had failed to attract even one dance partner. Oh well, she comforted herself, a possible securement of four out of five daughters is a better record than that of Lady Lucas.

Lizzy retreated to her bedroom as soon as possible, for although she had enjoyed the ball, she needed solitude to contemplate all that had happened. Darcy’s encounter with her father preyed upon her mind. She could understand why he said what he did. His feelings were natural and just, but then so were her father’s. Perhaps during the last few weeks Mr. Bennet had exceeded the supervisory capacity of the father of the bride in his unrelenting watchfulness over his daughter, but then these actions were all so new to him. He had no prior experience and after having failed so miserably to check Lydia’s behaviour, was it not natural and just for him to go overboard now? Back and forth she vacillated between the two men’s viewpoints, and because she loved them both, she could not fail to see both sides. Oh, why could they just not get along?

In the following days Mr. Bennet never mentioned to Lizzy what had occurred on the balcony at Netherfield, but she often found his eyes following her with what she sensed as a hint of sadness. In spite of Darcy’s declaration of independence, her father grimly maintained his same guard duty actions toward the young couple. This resulted in Darcy’s acceleration of affectionate displays toward Lizzy, which, although pleasant to receive, caused her to feel like a pawn between the two men. Nothing she did seemed to lessen the breach between them and she found herself growing almost morose about the situation.

At length, one evening she mentioned it to her sister in the sanctity of Jane’s bedroom. Jane naturally sympathized and did acknowledge Lizzy’s accounting of the situation as truthful, for she and Bingley had also noticed the tension between the two men. As for a remedy, she had little to offer.

“Perhaps, Lizzy, if Father and Mr. Darcy could find a common interest in something, it might draw them closer,” she offered.

“I am afraid that I am their only common interest,” Lizzy sighed.

“Of that we have daily proof,” Jane agreed. “I have it, Lizzy. What about shooting? If Charles invited Father to hunt on his estate with Mr. Hurst and Mr. Darcy, would that not be the perfect activity? That is one exercise they could partake of which would exclude you.”

Lizzy shook her head. “Jane, think about it. I would not dare tempt Papa to have a loaded gun in his hand and Mr. Darcy within his sight.”

“Oh, Lizzy,” Jane laughed, “their relationship is not as bad as all that.”

“Sometimes I wonder,” Lizzy said, sighing once more. “I am just so weary of it all. I find myself wishing to run away to London and visit the Gardiners just to remove myself from the situation.”

“That reminds me,” Jane said, “Mama said that our father and Mr. Philips will be traveling to town once again to seek our Uncle Gardiner’s advice. Indeed, I believe she said they would be leaving tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? How wonderful! That will give Mr. Darcy and I some respite from Papa’s constant forbidding presence. Oh, Jane, why did you not tell me that earlier?”

“I confess I had quite forgotten it. If I had known that it would produce such a happy reaction, I would have done so. It is so good to see you smile, Lizzy.”

“Oh, yes,” Lizzy cried, jumping up from the bed, “this makes me very happy. Where can we go tomorrow, Jane? Where can we take Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy for a private walk?”

“Private walk?” Jane asked. “How so? You know that Kitty and Mary accompany us everywhere.”

“Only because Father tells them to. If he is in London, we shall be free. You know that our Mother could hardly care whether we are chaperoned. Oh, Jane, I can hardly wait for tomorrow. You have made me exceedingly happy.” With a quick kiss goodnight, Lizzy hurried to her own bedchamber.

In Mrs. Bennet’s bedroom, Mr. Bennet sat watching his wife apply her evening facial potions. While doing so, but with very little anticipation, he also mulled over the fact that he would be leaving for London in the morning. He dreaded the trip, but there was little he could do to prevent it. The management of his estate required more skills than he possessed, as was evident by the business problems he had encountered in the past and was even now experiencing once again, and he required not only the legal advice of Mr. Philips, but also the financial expertise of his brother-in-law whose success in management far exceeded his own. But drat it, he hated leaving Lizzy in the hands of Darcy with no one to look out for her but her mother.

With no other resource, he approached his wife. “Mrs. Bennet, I would have a word with you about our girls.”

“Our girls?” she rejoined, as she applied her nightly creams to her face with much patting in a grand up-sweeping motion, endeavouring with all the encouragement she could muster to keep time’s inevitable sag from her jowls.

“Yes,” Mr. Bennet went on, while wincing at the strange contortions on his wife’s face resulting from her vigorous ministrations, “in particular, Jane and Lizzy.”

“Jane and Lizzy?” Mrs. Bennet echoed, not paying close attention to her husband. “What about them?”

“Have you . . . that is . . . has the opportunity arisen for you to . . .” his voice trailed off.

Mrs. Bennet ceased her patting and plumping and turned to him. “Have I what? What are you hemming and hawing about, Mr. Bennet?”

He took a deep breath. “Have you spoken to the girls about their wedding nights as of yet?”

Mrs. Bennet’s eyes widened like saucers. “Their wedding nights? Of course not, Mr. Bennet. What a strange question! Why should I speak of such things at this time?”

“They will be married before we know it, especially Jane, and it is your duty to inform them as to what their husbands will expect,” Mr. Bennet replied, extremely uncomfortable in discussing such a subject with his wife, but determined to do so.

Mrs. Bennet rolled her eyes. “Do not fear, Mr. Bennet. I shall tell Jane what she needs to know on the night before her wedding, but not a day sooner, and I shall do the same for Lizzy before she becomes a bride. There is no need for them to worry themselves now with such unpleasant surprises. Let them enjoy these days of bliss with their young men.”

Mr. Bennet sighed, remembering a time in his own marriage when Mrs. Bennet would not have referred to the intimacy of marriage as unpleasant, but that was before her nerves had taken over and her various aches and pains had caused them to grow apart. But he digressed; he spoke once again with a renewed resolve.

“I think that you should inform the girls of the marriage act now and not wait until the eve of their weddings.”

“Now?” Mrs. Bennet was incredulous. “Whatever for? What canyou be thinking of?”

“If the girls are educated in such matters, they will be in a better position to protect themselves.”

“Protect themselves? From whom? Of what are you speaking, Mr. Bennet?”

“Their young men. And especially Mr. Darcy!” Mr. Bennet said forcefully.

“Oh, Mr. Bennet, this is insupportable. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are gentlemen. Our girls are in no danger from them. They have nothing to be protected from. Have you taken leave of your senses?”

“Madam, I grant you that I have little to fear from Mr. Bingley, but if you would open your eyes once in a while, you might see what I mean in reference to Mr. Darcy. The man cannot keep his hands off of Lizzy!” By this time, Mr. Bennet’s voice had risen and his face had turned a definite shade darker.

Mrs. Bennet blinked several times and looked directly at her husband. Is he serious? Has this man lost his wits?

Mr. Bennet continued, “I will be gone at least two days and you must promise me that you will pay attention when Mr. Darcy visits, that you will permit no liberties on his part of which I would disapprove. Fanny, you must swear to me that you will do this.”

I do believe he has gone round the bend, Mrs. Bennet thought. If he thinks I am going to interfere in any way with Mr. Darcy’s attentions to Lizzy and take the possibility of breaching such a fortunate alliance . . . well . . .

She spoke to her husband, however, in as soothing a voice as possible, assuring him that the girls would be well chaperoned while he was gone and especially Lizzy. Although he had little confidence in his wife’s words, Mr. Bennet had no other recourse. He sighed again and bent to kiss her good-night, but seeing the layer of cream on her face, thought the better of it and made do with a pat on her shoulder before retiring for the night.

After Mr. Bennet left the next day, Lizzy and Jane told their mother of their wish to walk out with Bingley and Darcy. She thought this an excellent idea and suggested further that they have Cook prepare a picnic lunch to take with them. When Mary complained of having to accompany her sisters on yet another walk, as she much preferred time at the pianoforte, Mrs. Bennet agreed that she stay at home. As Mrs. Bennet was bidden to Mrs. Philips for luncheon and Kitty suggested she go along on the chance she might meet Captain Denny on the streets of Meryton (and Mrs. Bennet was certainly not adverse to that possibility), that left Lizzy and Jane and their young men free to enjoy the day together.

Lizzy offered a new picnic site, one they had not previously introduced to the gentlemen, and Jane quickly agreed that Skyler’s Crossing would be a beautiful setting for their lunch. The two couples laughed and talked as they left the public lane and followed Lizzy’s lead through the woods. Obviously pleased to be alone with their fiancées, Bingley and Darcy were in high spirits although Bingley teased the girls repeatedly that they were going to be lost as they trekked deeper and deeper into the thick woods.

“Be patient, Charles,” Jane laughed, “we are not lost.”

Darcy said he truly did not care if they did get lost, for they could not be in better company nor prettier for that matter.

“You will not get your wish, sir, no matter how flattering your words,” Lizzy smiled, “for Jane and I know the way to Skyler’s Crossing as well as we do to Meryton. Since childhood this has long been one of our favourite escapes.”

Only a few steps later, the woods gave way to a lovely opening wherein lay a small, clear stream shaded on either side by giant chestnut trees and soft, lush grass beneath, perfect for their picnic. There was no bridge across the brook, only large smooth stones that had been placed in formation to provide a means of crossing. Jane led the way as she stepped lightly from rock to rock and the others followed in single file.

“This stream is hardly deep enough to wade in,” Bingley commented.

“Farther downstream, sir,” Lizzy said, “there are much deeper pools perfect for fishing.”

Darcy was interested in seeing them and he and Bingley wandered off to explore, while the girls spread the blanket and opened the picnic basket. When the men had not returned after some time, Jane suggested they go and find them, but Lizzy had another idea.

“It is so warm today, Jane. Let us take advantage of our solitude and go wading.”

“Lizzy!” Jane exclaimed, shocked that she would suggest such a thing. “What if Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy return while we are in the water? How can we expose ourselves in such a manner?”

By this time Lizzy had pulled her sister down to the riverbank and was laughing at her modesty. “Jane, in less than two weeks Mr. Bingley will have seen much more of you than your ankles! I do not think he will be scandalized by a glimpse of them now, and, besides, we can hear them coming and return to the bank before they draw near. Come on, the water looks lovely today. Do you not recall how much fun we had playing here as children?”

She had pulled off her stockings by this time and gathered her skirts up around her knees and with a laugh, she splashed into the water, squealing at its coolness. Jane peered in the direction the men had gone and seeing no sign of their return, she, too, discarded her shoes and stockings and, hitching up her skirts, she slowly waded into the water.

“O-o-o-h, Lizzy, it is so cold!”

“Come in deeper. You will grow accustomed to it. Oh, Jane, is it not a glorious day?” She tilted her head back, gazing up through the leafy arbor provided by the trees lining the bank and hanging over the stream.

“It is,” Jane agreed, also looking up to the sky.

The two young women had not the slightest idea what a picture they presented to Darcy and Bingley, as they walked back up the riverbank. Sunlight dappled the trees above and streamed through the branches to highlight Jane’s golden hair and Lizzy’s creamy skin. Standing there, their skirts drawn up about their knees, they appeared as luscious milkmaids in an old painting. The men stood perfectly still, taking in the lovely scene, Bingley’s mouth hanging open, and a definite fire kindling Darcy’s eyes. When Bingley started to speak, Darcy put a finger to his lips in a signal to remain silent.

Once Jane waded closer to her sister, a twinkle of mischief lit up Lizzy’s eyes, and she began to kick water at her. Jane shrieked and turned away, trying to escape, but Lizzy followed, continuing to tease her with sprays of cold water.

“Lizzy, stop! You are getting my frock wet!”

This only fueled Lizzy’s laughter and she chased her sister all the way to the riverbank. As Jane attempted to climb out of the water, she looked up to see Bingley running toward her, offering his hand in assistance, and she was highly mortified. “Charles!” she cried, “how long have you been standing there? And Mr. Darcy, too?”

“Long enough to see that you need rescuing, Miss Bennet,” Darcy said, walking down to the water behind his friend, both of them laughing. “Where did this mischievous hellion come from who attacks you so?”

“Hellion!” Lizzy cried. “I am nothing of the sort!”

“She is exactly that, Mr. Darcy,” Jane agreed. “First, she entices me into the creek against my better judgment and then she takes advantage of me once I am there. Just look at how wet my gown is!”

“Jane!” Lizzy exclaimed. “How can you speak so? Is this truly my angelic sister who never says a word against another?”

“You have gone too far this time, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Bingley laughed. “When you get Jane’s dander up, you have trespassed exceedingly.”

“I agree,” Darcy said, attempting to strike a stern pose, but unable to keep from laughing along with Jane and Bingley. “Badly done, Elizabeth. You had better come out and take your punishment for such behaviour.”

“Punishment!” Lizzy said. “No, Mr. Darcy, if I am to be punished, I shall stay in this refreshing pool all day rather than risk such danger.” She began to back away from him, walking farther into the stream, her laughing eyes compelling him to come after her.

“You think you are safe there, do you?” he said, as he began to pull off his boots.

“Darcy, I say, are you also going to wade?” Bingley called, as he helped Jane climb towards the picnic spot.

“Not for long, Bingley,” Darcy answered, tossing his second boot aside and stepping into the rocky stream. “Now, Elizabeth, it is time to come to Papa.”

“No!” she cried and attempted to run from him, kicking up water as she did. She was no match for his long legs, however, and when his strong hands grabbed her waist and held her tightly, she squealed, squirming and fighting against his grasp.

“Stand still, you little minx!” he commanded.

When she laughingly refused, he reached down and putting his arms right below her knees, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. She shrieked in earnest this time, as her head and bosom fell over his shoulder and she had to grab for his back, lest she fall all the way over.

“Cease that senseless clamour!” he yelled, swatting her bottom, but she continued to cry out as much in delight as anything else. Darcy turned and marched out of the stream, one arm securely around her legs and his hand resting squarely on her bottom. Bingley and Jane could do nothing but laugh at such a spectacle.

When Darcy reached the bank, he allowed Lizzy to slide down his body until her feet reached the grass below, but he refused to release her. Holding her securely, he attempted a stern frown. “Now, young lady, are you going to behave yourself, or must I turn you over my knee?”

“Mr. Darcy!” she cried, raising her eyebrows and feigning a shocked expression. “You forget yourself!”

“On the contrary, I know myself extremely well,” he growled, “and you, my pretty bit of mischief, are asking for it.”

“Asking for what, sir?” she asked, her expression wide-eyed and seemingly innocent.

Darcy took a deep breath and murmured in her ear, “If we were married, my love, I would be more than happy to show you!”

“William!” she cried, and then giggled and he, in turn, began to laugh with her. If they had been alone, how he would have kissed her at that moment! Knowing they were not, however, Darcy restrained himself and gathering up her shoes and his boots, they made their way to the picnic site.

Later, after they had their fill from the contents of the basket, the couples spent no little time conversing with ease as they lounged upon the cloth spread beneath the great shade trees. The men had removed their hats and the women their bonnets and they had all left their coats at Longbourn, for the day had proved unseasonably warm. Bingley stretched himself out on his back, watching the patterns of the leaves as they glistened in the sun. Jane sat near him, feeding him the last of her grapes one at a time, and smiled as, with each bite, he took every advantage to kiss her fingers. Darcy sat leaning against the tree trunk, content to hold Lizzy’s hand while she reclined against his chest. A peacefulness settled upon each of them that worked its magic like a tonic, granting them a much needed rest from the tumultuous preceding weeks. Darcy and Lizzy both felt themselves growing drowsy as they listened to the low hum of Bingley and Jane’s conversation, but Lizzy roused herself when Jane directed a question to her.

“Do you think it is still there, Lizzy?”

“Is what still there?” Lizzy responded, unsure of her sister’s subject as she had ceased to follow the conversation.

“The grapevine we used to swing on as children,” Jane replied. “You remember, Lizzy, the one near old Skyler’s cottage.”

“Who is this old Skyler?” Bingley asked.

“The man for whom this crossing is named, obviously,” Darcy offered.

“You are correct, Mr. Darcy,” Jane said. “He was a dear old man who lived out here in the middle of the woods. Lizzy and I often accompanied our father when he came out to check on him. While Papa saw to his needs, we children played on the grapevines.”

Rising to his feet, Bingley said, “Let us go and find it, Jane.” She quickly agreed and asked if the others would join them, whereupon Lizzy leaned forward in order to rise, but Darcy pulled her back against him.

“You two go ahead. Elizabeth and I shall remain where we are, for at the moment I am far too comfortable to move.”

“Very well,” Bingley said as he and Jane laughed at his indolence. “Are you content to stay with this idle fellow, Miss Elizabeth?”

“I fear I have no choice,” she smiled, as Darcy encircled her with his arm, holding her securely. “Perhaps we will join you later.”

“And perhaps not,” Darcy muttered, as Jane and Bingley tramped off through the trees.

Lizzy turned her face to his and smiled. “You are the picture of contentment, sir.”

“I have never felt more happily situated, my dear. There is only one thing lacking.” And with a familiar look in his eyes, he inclined his head toward hers and Lizzy felt her heart skip a beat as he began to kiss her with exquisite slowness, lingering over her lips with deliciously warm caresses. There was no urgency, nor demand for satiation from his mouth, only languid and loving touches that proved to be intensely passionate to Elizabeth. When at last he drew back, he smiled to see the desire he had provoked reflected in her eyes, but he made no further demands. It was enough to see that his attentions could arouse such passion in this woman.

“Oh, William,” Lizzy sighed, “why can it not always be this way between us?”

“It always is, my love, in my heart,” he replied, as he played with the curls that had escaped and trailed along her neck.

Yes, but not in your actions, Lizzy thought. He is at such ease in this place. There is no stiffness in his manner, no disapproval in his look. His attentions to me possess no haste, nor is there any need to flaunt them in front of those who disapprove . . . meaning my father, of course. I prefer him when he has nothing to prove, she thought, when he can just be my sweet William.

She lowered her head and then asked shyly, “Is this how it will be when we are married?”

“No,” he smiled while raising one eyebrow, “it will be even better.” This prompted Lizzy to raise her face for another kiss and he was not at all averse to complying. How can anyone taste as sweet as she does, he wondered. Upon releasing her, he pulled her head back down to his chest. It feels so right to hold her close to my heart, he thought, but when he heard her sigh, he lifted her face to his with a questioning look.

“Why the sigh, my love?”

“It is nothing . . . except that I would wish you to be at ease like this whenever we are together.”

“I shall be once we are married, my dear. Until then you will just have to bear with me. If I am not as serene at Longbourn or Netherfield, be assured that it has nothing to do with you. It is simply because we are bombarded with people. Their presence is constant; our privacy is non-existent; and then there is always . . .” but here he broke off, not wishing to disturb the sanctuary of his place with talk of Mr. Bennet. Lizzy, of course, knew exactly to whom he referred but she, likewise, did not wish to cause a quarrel on this day, not this day that was so very special. She was spared such intrusion, when from a distance they both heard Jane scream and Bingley yell.

Jumping up immediately, they ran through the trees in the direction of the voices. By this time Jane’s screams had turned to giggles, while Bingley could be heard muttering mild oaths. On the other side of the trees they discovered the couple in the middle of a grapevine thicket, trying to extricate themselves from the mass of brush and vines. Dangling in front of them hung a large broken grapevine.

“Jane!” Lizzy cried. “Are you all right?”

“Perfectly, Lizzy,” her sister replied, striving to suppress her laughter.

“The only thing damaged is our dignity,” Bingley added.

“What happened?” Darcy exclaimed.

“Is it not obvious? The grapevine broke!” Bingley snorted. “The fault is mine. I should have thought twice before joining Jane for a swing.”

“I do not understand it,” Jane said. “Lizzy and I sat on it together and used it for a swing for many years.”

“Yes, my dear, but you and Miss Elizabeth were children at the time, were you not?”

“Well, yes. I guess I did not think about that.”

Darcy shook his head and could not hide his amusement as he waded into the weeds to offer his hand to Jane. Bingley was still busy trying to pull the burrs from his breeches, and he uttered another oath when he discovered they were torn slightly by one of the many dried brittle sticks protruding from various parts of his clothing.

“Here, Jane, let me help you,” Lizzy said, as she picked dried leaves from her hair. By this time, Bingley had emerged from the brush and Jane reached up to brush the debris from his hair, as well. None of them could fail to see the humor in the situation, and there was much laughter from all four as Darcy persisted in tormenting Bingley with comments of how closely he resembled a scarecrow. Bingley could not help but be relieved when his notice of a small dwelling not far away finally diverted his friend’s attention.

“What is this, a cottage out here in the middle of the forest?” Darcy remarked.

Lizzy explained that it could not actually be called a cottage, as it consisted of only one large room, but it was a solid building with a stone exterior and thatched roof. This was where the man called old Skyler had lived until his death about six months ago. They walked to the structure and peered through the window beside the front door. A few sparse furnishings could be seen inside surrounding the stone fireplace. Everything still looked neat and clean, as though it had been left in perfect order.

“Why would anyone choose to live out here in the middle of nowhere?” Bingley asked.

Although Darcy said nothing, he could remember recent times when such a hideaway would not have been without merit. He listened as Lizzy took up the narrative. She told how old Skyler had been their father’s steward and a faithful servant for many years until he had been injured in an accident that resulted in a severe head injury.

“He was kicked in the head by a horse,” Jane explained.

“One more reason to refrain from close association with such animals,” Lizzy murmured, with an obvious look at Darcy.

Jane continued the story. “He was never quite right after the accident. He became very eccentric and somewhat frightening in his manner to certain people in the village. He was no longer able to fulfill his duties as steward, but our father refused to dismiss him. He gave him light work on the grounds at Longbourn, usually cleaning something because after the accident he developed an obsession with cleanliness.”

“Yes,” Lizzy smiled, “one morning we awakened to see him washing down the stable, which would not have been so strange in itself, except that he insisted on washing the hay.”

Jane nodded and then continued, “More and more of the townspeople complained of his strangeness. One woman, in particular, convinced the majority of our neighbours that he ought to be placed in the asylum at London.”

Lizzy shook her head. “It would have been far better if that woman had been sent to the asylum!”

“Lizzy, that is unkind,” Jane said quickly. “She did not understand that old Skyler was the most gentle of men. He would not harm a fly.”

“How did he come to live out here, though?” Bingley asked.

Jane explained that their father would not hear of his being committed and, since Skyler loved the woods and was constantly slipping off and spending the night sleeping under the trees, this dwelling was the perfect place for him to live. The building, itself, had been here forever. It needed very little refurbishing, and Mr. Bennet had ordered it done immediately and then had Skyler installed there. He was perfectly happy to live in the woods for the rest of his days with regular visits from his sister, Hill, who was housekeeper at Longbourn, and from Mr. Bennet. Jane and Lizzy were favourites of his and they had never feared his strange mannerisms, but rather delighted in visits to his tiny house.

“Did you say he died a few months ago?” Bingley asked.

“Yes,” Lizzy answered. “Our father found him lying beside the stream. He said he looked perfectly natural, as though he had just lain down for a nap. It appeared that his death was an easy one and that brought some comfort to Papa.”

“Mr. Bennet was very kind in his concern for the old man,” Darcy said quietly.

“Yes,” Elizabeth agreed, looking directly into his eyes. “My father is a very kind man.”

By this time, the afternoon sun was lowering in the sky and the couples walked back to their picnic site and gathered their belongings, as they prepared to return to Longbourn. Their mood was somewhat subdued after the story of old Skyler, but all in all, they had enjoyed the day together, and their good humor quickly resumed on the walk home.

Upon taking his leave that evening, Darcy spoke quietly to Elizabeth as he kissed her hands. “Thank you for this day, my love. It has been a gift.”

“For me, also,” Lizzy murmured, returning the love reflected in his eyes with the softest of looks.

“And when your father returns,” Darcy continued, “I have decided I will make every effort to win his friendship.” Lizzy looked at him, wondering what had caused this change. “I can see how much you love him,” he explained, “and if he is worthy of your love, then he is deserving of my consideration.”

“Thank you, William,” she whispered, her eyes beginning to glisten with tears. “That would make me the happiest of women.”


Chapter Ten

After Bingley and Darcy left that evening and Mrs. Bennet and their sisters had retired, Jane and Lizzy met in Jane’s bedroom to reminisce about the day.

“Oh, Jane,” Lizzy began, “did you enjoy today as much as I did? Was it not absolutely perfect?”

“I confess I did, Lizzy. I do not recall ever seeing your Mr. Darcy quite so much at ease.”

“Oh, yes, he was very much at ease and how I would love for him to always be as he was. I have rarely seen him laugh as he did when pulling straw from poor Mr. Bingley. It was like watching two young boys.”

Jane laughed along with Lizzy at the remembrance of Bingley and Jane’s rescue from the grape vines.

“Do not forget the mirth Mr. Darcy provoked when he waded into the stream after you,” Jane added. “What possessed you, Lizzy, to provoke such playfulness on his part?”

“I know not,” Lizzy laughed, “but you must think me the worst of sisters.”

Jane smiled and shook her head. “There is nothing you could do that would make me think badly of you.”

“Probably so, my dear Jane, for you are such a kind and loving soul, I believe it impossible to cause you to think evil of anyone.”

Jane looked away and began brushing her hair. “That is untrue, Lizzy, but I do know that I shall never think evil of you. You are the dearest to me of sisters.”

Lizzy smiled at Jane’s reflection in the mirror, a depth of tenderness sweeping over her. “Oh, Jane, you know how I feel about you. I love Mary and Kitty and Lydia, but we both know that the bond between you and I is far deeper.” She took the hairbrush from her sister and began brushing her beautiful long hair for her; she stopped her actions, however, as a thought struck her. “Do you realize you will be married in less than two weeks?”

“Yes. To be honest, the very thought of it makes me quite nervous.”

“Truly, you have nothing to be nervous about. You are marrying a man who adores you and whom you love; he is rich and handsome and exceedingly amiable. What more could you ask?”

“It is not Charles who makes me nervous. It is . . . well, it is the wedding night, Lizzy.” Jane’s face turned quite pink and she averted her eyes from her sister, but Lizzy could see them reflected in the mirror.

“Oh,” Lizzy replied softly. “Well, it is not as though you do not know what to expect. I shall always be grateful to our Aunt Gardiner for explaining to us the intimacies of marriage when we asked. How old were we when we questioned her?”

“I cannot remember, but I do know that it was when Hill’s poor niece was left in a compromised position by that traveling tinker and we could not understand how she was to have a baby when she was unmarried.”

“Yes, and remember when we asked Mama,” Lizzy rolled her eyes, “she had such an attack of the vapors that we were afraid to ever bring up the subject again. Thank goodness our aunt was visiting at the time, for she was so sensible in her explanation. Jane, has our mother said anything to you about the wedding night?”

“No,” Jane sighed, “but I feel certain she will be paying me a visit on the night before my marriage to engage in ‘the talk,’ and oh, Lizzy, how I dread it.”

Lizzy emitted an even bigger sigh as she flopped on the bed. “I do not even want to think about how she will go on and on about ‘our duty.’ My advice is to just think about something else while she talks, and resolve to come to me as soon as she leaves you and I shall reassure you that Mama’s advice is useless and remind you that you can trust Mr. Bingley and nature to take care of things.”

“I do trust Charles; it is myself that I worry about.”

“You? But why?”

“What if I disappoint him? What if I am not all that he has hoped for?” Jane’s eyes portrayed her fear, growing big and round.

Lizzy rose from the bed and embraced her sister. “Dearest Jane, it will be impossible for you to disappoint Mr. Bingley. He loves you with such devotion that I am convinced you will be everything he could ever desire and more.”

“Oh, Lizzy, you are such a comfort to me. What would I do without you?”

“And I you?”

“I shall miss our late night talks.”

“As shall I,” Lizzy agreed. “We have very few left.”

“True,” Jane sighed, “and when you marry Mr. Darcy we will no longer even have the benefit of regular visits, for you will live so far from Netherfield.”

“But you and Mr. Bingley will come and visit us at Pemberley and often,” Lizzy declared.

“I look forward to that, but I still shall miss seeing you on a daily basis. We have been together for almost one and twenty years, Lizzy. Separating from you will cause such an ache in my heart.”

Lizzy kissed her sister on the top of her head. “I know and I, too, shall suffer but have no fear, for according to our one and only married sister’s knowledge of the institution, marriage will keep us far too busy to miss anyone or even to correspond, for that matter.”

Jane laughed as she took Elizabeth’s hands. “Now, Lizzy, be serious and promise me one thing.”

“Anything.”

“Vow to me that we will spend as much time as possible together during the time left before my wedding. Charles and Mr. Darcy will, of course, take precedence on our activities during the day, but let us make a pact to visit very night in our bedrooms and share our thoughts as we have always done until . . . until the night I no longer return to this room.”

“Oh, Jane,” Lizzy smiled, “I have no qualms about making such a promise and I shall call upon Mr. Darcy to allow me to be with you as much as possible during the daytime as well. I am sure that he will understand.”

They embraced and bid each other goodnight and Lizzy stopped at the door for one last glimpse of her most beloved sister. Marriage would change so much about their lives.

Returning from London with Mr. Philips, Mr. Bennet stared out the window as the carriage rocked along. He turned and smiled, seeing that his brother-in-law had fallen asleep in the seat opposite him. He watched his head fall forward from time to time and then suddenly jerk backward when he emitted a particularly noisy snore. After observing this repetitive dance for some time, Mr. Bennet returned to the passing landscape, wishing he could fall asleep as easily, but thoughts of the last two days would not allow his mind to rest.

Mr. Gardiner’s excellent business advice had given him some relief as to the management of his estate and the plan assembled by his two brothers-in-law was sound and should solve the problem. Mr. Gardiner’s other advice, however – advice about Mr. Darcy and Lizzy – had caused uneasiness in his mind and provoked him to search his heart.

After dinner on the previous night and after Mr. Philips had retired early, pleading a headache, conversation had turned to the upcoming nuptials of Mr. Bennet’s daughters. The Gardiners were excited about traveling to Longbourn for Jane’s wedding and they expressed their delight with the choice of future husbands for both girls. To say that Mr. Bennet was surprised by the Gardiners’ opinion of Darcy was an understatement. According to both Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Darcy was a most pleasant fellow, a virtual prince among men. When he ventured to speak of the man’s arrogance and pride, they professed complete ignorance of such characteristics. Darcy had been all ease and friendliness with them, a gracious host when they visited at Pemberley, and a good match in temperament and intelligence for their niece.

After referring to Darcy’s extraordinary generosity several times, Mr. Gardiner said, “Frankly, my dear brother, if my daughters were anywhere near the marrying age, I could not pick a better man for either of them if I searched all of Britain.”

His remarks baffled Mr. Bennet. This description did not fit the man he had seen almost daily for the last few weeks, nor did it coincide with the general opinion of Darcy that all Hertfordshire had held the past year. “Then you never observed any false superiority in the man’s demeanor?” he asked his brother-in-law.

“Not at all,” Mr. Gardiner answered. “And for a man in his position, for he is quite wealthy and owner of a vast estate in Derbyshire with a great number of servants as well as tenants dependent upon his trust, I found him surprisingly humble.”

“Humble?” It was impossible for Mr. Bennet to keep his mouth from gaping.

“Yes, I would consider him to be an humble man, would you not, my dear?” Mr. Gardiner replied, turning to his wife for support of his statement.

Mrs. Gardiner agreed with her husband. “Oh, yes, for a man of his position in society, I found Mr. Darcy’s honesty and humility quite astonishing. And dear Brother,” she went on, placing her hand gently on Mr. Bennet’s arm, “you cannot fail to see how he adores your Elizabeth.”

“I have no doubt that he is passionate about my daughter,” Mr. Bennet conceded, “but as to whether he truly loves her or not, I fail to know.”

“Loves her?” Mr. Gardiner cried. “How can you doubt it, man? His every action declares his ardor.”

“Oh, I agree that his actions are fervent, but do they stem from love or simply from lust?”

Mrs. Gardiner blinked quickly at such a question and gave her husband a startled and questioning look. Mr. Gardiner spoke quickly. “Sir, you must acknowledge that Mr. Darcy is a gentleman. How can you doubt his intentions toward Lizzy?”

Mr. Bennet sighed. He wondered why he had ever brought up the subject with his wife’s relatives, but it was too late now to refrain from expressing his entire distress at Lizzy’s choice of husbands. “I do not question the fact that Mr. Darcy’s breeding causes him to be a gentleman in society’s eyes, but we all have known gentlemen who did not act as such.”

“And have you ever seen any evidence of such actions on Mr. Darcy’s part?” asked Mr. Gardiner.

Mr. Bennet was silent for a moment, doubting the wisdom of placing his fears into words, but at length he plunged forward. “From what I have observed, Mr. Darcy appears to desire my daughter with every fiber of his being. He besieges her with his physical affection to the point that I fear for her chastity remaining intact until her wedding day! I question whether these actions are those of a gentleman.”

Mrs. Gardiner turned slightly pink and lowered her head, but she could not keep a slight smile from gracing her face as she saw her husband fight to curb the same impulse.

Suddenly realizing the inappropriateness of his remarks in the presence of his sister-in-law, Mr. Bennet spoke quickly. “Forgive me, Sister, I have said far too much. I did not mean to offend you.”

“There is no offense taken,” she replied softly, “for we are all family and Edward and I love Lizzy as though she were our own daughter. If Mr. Darcy appears impetuous and eager for marriage, I have no doubt that it is because his love for Elizabeth absolutely consumes him. He feels a great attachment for her. We discovered that as soon as we saw them together last summer. But my dear brother, I have no fear that Mr. Darcy would ever do anything to harm her. She owns his heart and he is a man who cares and protects those that he loves with a ferocity whose equal I have rarely witnessed.”

Mr. Bennet was amazed at the intensity of Mrs. Gardiner’s words and he was silent for a few moments, taking it all in. He acknowledged silently that her judgments might possibly contain some merit, but he had further objections to the man. “Just because a man loves his wife does not mean that he will be a good husband, though. From what I have seen, Mr. Darcy is a man used to having his own way. He possesses a quick temper and he told Lizzy, himself, that his nature might be termed resentful. You know as well as I do that my second daughter is not one who cares to be ordered around. I cannot see smooth sailing in a marriage between a beautiful, witty and sanguine young woman tied to a moody, unsociable darkling.”

It was now Mr. Gardiner’s turn to reassure his brother. “I know of no marriages where smooth sailing is the only course of events. We are all aware that conflicts between personalities arise in the best of unions, but I feel that Mr. Darcy’s love for Lizzy along with his extremely generous nature will enable them to work out whatever problems arise. Let us face it, Brother, there is no perfect man on this earth and even if there was, he still would not be good enough for your Lizzy.”

“Well, I cannot argue with your last statement. She has always been special to me. Her wit and intelligence, as well as her vivacity, are unequaled in my eyes and I believe she deserves better than Mr. Darcy.”

“Is not Mr. Darcy the man she wants, though?” Mr. Gardiner asked.

“Apparently so, but this delusion in her reasoning certainly does not cause me any less worry,” Mr. Bennet responded, unconsciously rubbing his forehead. “I cannot shake this feeling deep inside me that she is making a terrible mistake.”

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner exchanged looks and she nodded at his raised eyebrows. “I believe you must tell him, Edward,” she said softly.

“Tell me what?” Mr. Bennet asked.

And then Mr. Gardiner began to recount the true situation surrounding Lydia’s wedding to Wickham and Darcy’s involvement in bringing it about. He explained that Darcy refused to allow him to bear any of the expense involved in persuading Wickham to marry her, but insisted upon paying all of it. He told of the depth of Darcy’s remorse at failing to prevent the elopement from ever taking place by not warning Mr. Bennet or Colonel Forster of Wickham’s true character. Wickham’s similar treatment of Darcy’s own sister was a humiliating fact that he was humble enough to share with the Gardiners. Mr. Gardiner went on to tell how Darcy had not rested day or night, but searched the lower parts of London until he discovered the couple and how he had personally escorted Wickham to the church on Lydia’s wedding day, as well as purchasing him a military commission.

Mr. Bennet was shocked. “But why was I not informed of this?” he demanded.

Mr. Gardiner then revealed that Darcy had sworn him to secrecy, vowing that he never wanted Mr. Bennet to feel indebted to him in any possible way. Mrs. Gardiner told how Darcy did not even want Elizabeth to know of his involvement, but that Lydia had let it slip and Lizzy would not rest until her aunt told her everything. “I am sure that Mr. Darcy has also refused to allow Lizzy to tell you any of this,” she said gently.

Mr. Bennet had been unable to speak for a full 10 minutes after the Gardiners completed their story. At last, Mr. Gardiner told him goodnight and he and Mrs. Gardiner left him alone in the library where he sat for some time, trying to absorb all that he had learned of this man who was to become his son-in-law.

Now, as the carriage began to slow upon its approach to Meryton, Mr. Bennet closed his eyes and sighed once again. How I have misjudged this young man, he thought, and how much I need to do to make things right.

Early on the same morning that Mr. Bennet was returning home, Darcy was en route by horseback to Longbourn. He was so eager to reach his destination that he had not even waited for Bingley to join him. He had exciting news to tell Elizabeth. A post had arrived late last night with an invitation from Colonel Fitzwilliam’s parents, inviting him to bring his fiancée to London that weekend for a ball. Lord and Lady Matlock wished to meet their nephew’s intended and, in turn, introduce her to their friends in society. Normally, Darcy would not have anticipated attendance at a London ball with any degree of elation, but the fact that this invitation confirmed his relatives’ desire to welcome Elizabeth to the family as opposed to the definite disapproval of Lord Matlock’s sister, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, filled Darcy with satisfaction. Fitzwilliam had written him in an earlier missive that his parents refused to listen to Aunt Catherine’s disparagement of Elizabeth, but until now Darcy had received no definite word from his aunt and uncle corroborating their son’s feelings.

Mrs. Bennet and her daughters had just sat down to breakfast when Hill announced Mr. Darcy and he, of course, was invited to join them. He took a seat near Elizabeth and kissed her hand, as she flashed him a brilliant smile. Their good moods from the previous lovely two days still enveloped their dispositions. Not even Mrs. Bennet’s complaints about the unseasonably warm weather could disturb their outlooks.

“I cannot believe it is this warm in November,” she cried. “If it does not cool off by next week, I shall be extremely uncomfortable in my new frock at Jane’s wedding.”

“Why, Mama?” Kitty asked.

“Because, you silly girl, it is lined with fur! Do you not ever see anything beyond the nose on your face?” As her daughter began to pout, Mrs. Bennet continued, “Kitty, do not cry at the table, you will ruin your eggs. But it is not just my clothes I worry about, you know. Here we have ordered this beautiful velvet cape that matches Jane’s bridal gown, but if the sun continues to glare as it has lately, she will have no use for it, and she does look so lovely in it.”

Mr. Darcy had borne all of this with unusual grace this morning and even now he tried to alleviate Mrs. Bennet’s worries. “Mr. Bingley’s steward told me this morning, ma’am, that he believes we are due for a change in the weather and soon.”

“Indeed?” she asked.

“Yes, the livestock, apparently, are showing all the signs of a definite cold spell arriving shortly.”

“Well, just so it arrives before the end of next week,” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. “If not, you shall all see a perspiring pink lady, for I refuse to wear anything other than my lovely new fur-lined ensemble! I must remember to take my fan.”

Most of the assembled smiled to think of such a sight, while Lizzy rolled her eyes at Jane and Kitty immediately began to voice her hopes for snow. As the meal was about over, Darcy asked Elizabeth if she would join him for a turn about the garden and with a cheeky smile, she asked if he was sure that she should not need her pelisse or perhaps something heavier. He returned her smile and assured her that the weather was still quite sunny.

“You seem quite happy this morning, William,” she observed, tucking her hand inside his arm as they walked around the hedge. “Is there some particular reason and do not tell me it is the weather.”

“Believe me, the weather has nothing to do with it,” he smiled. “Seeing your lovely face always makes me happy, but I do have further reason. I received a communication from my uncle, Lord Matlock.” He went on to relate the invitation for the coming weekend and how it pleased him that his relatives were so eager to meet his future bride and welcome her to the family. “I care nothing for balls, as you are well aware,” he continued, “but this one is special. This means that Lady Catherine’s displeasure with our match has had no persuasion on her brother. He and Lady Matlock look forward to meeting you.”

Lizzy was silent, trying to take in all that this meant to Darcy. Unfortunately, of all that he had said, only two words actually resounded within her brain. “Did you say this weekend?” she asked.

“Yes, the ball will take place on Saturday night.”

“Is this not short notice for such an important occasion?”

“It is,” he agreed, “but the postman explained that the letter was misdirected and had taken twice as long as it should have done to arrive at Netherfield.”

Lizzy withdrew her hand from his arm and looked away, unconsciously running her fingers across the shrubbery leaves as they continued to walk. Darcy went on, though, explaining that the timing would be perfect, for he needed to go to town anyway to retrieve Georgiana in time for Bingley’s wedding, and that Mr. and Mrs. Hurst had already agreed to make the trip with him because Bingley had forgotten to get Jane’s wedding ring from safekeeping with his solicitor, and they offered to make the trip in his stead. They would provide the perfect chaperonage required for Elizabeth to make the trip and could she not stay with her relatives in Grace Church Street, making it an enjoyable time for all that weekend? He looked forward to seeing the Gardiners, as well.

“Elizabeth?” he said, suddenly noticing that she had turned her back so that he could not see her face. “What say you? Are you not excited about this as I am?” When she failed to respond, he walked in front of her and lifted her face to his, but she looked away again, slowly biting her lip.

“What is it? Is it your father? Do you fear that he will not let you go, for if you do, I promise you I will find the words to convince him.” Darcy’s voice began to rise, as well as his colour.

“It is not my father,” Lizzy replied, averting her eyes, “for I am quite certain that, as you say, you would find the words. You have proved quite masterful at that.”

Unsure of her meaning, Darcy once more raised her face to his so that he could see her eyes. “Then tell me what you are thinking. It is apparent that you are not as pleased as I am.”

Lizzy took a deep breath. “I fail to see how you cannot possibly see in what a predicament this plan of your relatives places me.”

“Predicament? What predicament? Elizabeth, make yourself clear.”

“Sir, my sister’s wedding is now less than 10 days from today and a great number of things remain to be accomplished before then. For me to leave my family in the middle of this critical time would be impossible. My mother’s nerves are on edge even more than usual and my sister needs my assistance to shield her from such onslaughts, along with all of the other preparations. Jane, herself, is somewhat nervous about the wedding and it is an emotional time for all of us. How can I leave her?”

“It is only for the weekend.”

“No, I beg to differ with you, it is not only for the weekend. It is now Thursday. When did you presume that we would leave for London?”

“Why, late this afternoon, at the latest.”

“So, we would leave on Thursday and return when, exactly?”

“Well, Mr. Hurst must meet with Bingley’s solicitor on Monday, so I would say that we could be ready to make the trip back by early Tuesday morning.”

“And the major part of Tuesday would be spent traveling. By this account, Mr. Darcy, your weekend has now grown into five and a half to six days’ absence from Longbourn.” Lizzy’s voice by now had also risen in volume. “It is insupportable. I will not leave Jane for that long at this important time in her life just to meet your relatives who have shown no prior interest in making my acquaintance.”

Darcy began to pace up and down in front of the hedge. “I fail to see why you are upset. We have been engaged less than a month. My relatives did not even know of our alliance until a few weeks ago. How could they be presumed upon to have made your acquaintance any earlier?”

“You are mistaken, sir. I would not presume upon them in any way and by the same token, I do not wish to be presumed upon by them or by you for a command performance at this late date, of which evidently I am not supposed to have any response other than extreme gratitude for their magnanimous condescension!” By this time Lizzy’s hands were clenched in fists and she began to pace, also.

Darcy stopped and tried to take hold of her hands, but she pulled away from him. “Elizabeth, this is ridiculous!”

“Ridiculous! Is it ridiculous that I want to spend these last few days with my sister and my family?”

“That is not what I mean and you know it! But if you are going to count numbers of days spent with family, I would remind you that both of us have provided your family with our unabated presence for the entire term of our engagement, while spending absolutely none with mine.”

“That is not due to any fault on my family’s part, sir. Prior to this time and with the exception of Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam, your relatives have made no overtures toward meeting me, other than Lady Catherine, and we both know what came of that acquaintance.”

“Is that it? Are you afraid that they will treat you as Lady Catherine has done, for if so, I can assure you that . . .”

“I am not afraid,” Lizzy interrupted. “Not of Lady Catherine, not of Lord and Lady Matlock, and not of you.”

“Of me? I would not have you so!”

“Then do not try to bully me into making this trip, sir, because I assure you that nothing you say will persuade me to do so.” Lizzy was very near to tears, but she refused to show such weakness; however, when she saw Darcy’s jaw tighten and watched him bring his hand to his mouth in the same manner she had observed in prior times of great agitation, she knew that she would be unable to contain her emotions much longer. She looked away, searching for some place of refuge, no longer able to meet the darkness of his look; in doing so, she failed to see him bow quickly, turn his back and stride away.

“Insufferable!” she exclaimed, as she looked up just in time to see him straddle his great horse and gallop away from her.