Darcy was by now offering his future father-in-law a toothy grin and trading elated glances with his fiancée. “Truly, sir?” He asked in a near whisper, as though he could not believe his ears. “We may marry so soon?”
“I give you until December the fifteenth, Mr Darcy, not one day longer, else I shall not be held responsible for what elaborate arrangements my wife might impose upon you. I, personally, would rather not find out.”
“That… that is only eight days from today!” Darcy nearly leapt out of his chair in his burst of pleasure and shock. “How can it possibly be contrived so quickly? And… if you will forgive me, sir, can you possibly be well enough?”
“Well enough to manage my affairs without the help of my Lizzy? Certainly not, but if I am not mistaken, she has suddenly become rather useless around here. Her thoughts are elsewhere. The sooner you get the affair over and done with, the sooner I can send Mary or Kitty to live with you and set to work training Lydia. My youngest daughter also has quite a sharp mind, if one can only divert it from her thoughts of officers. She may make a suitable replacement for you about Longbourn, Lizzy.” He smiled at Elizabeth, and she clasped a loving hand over his.
“And now, if you will be so good, sir, I believe there is another eager young man waiting below. Do send him up on your way out.” Mr Bennet winked at his blushing daughter and picked up his book, ignoring Darcy completely.
The couple exchanged half-laughing shrugs of resignation and rose to go. As Darcy was holding the door open for Elizabeth, Mr Bennet called their attention back. “Lizzy! Do be sure to close the door when you tell your mother of your wedding date. I am still recovering from a head injury, after all.”
Chapter 35
Thefollowingweekbroughtmuch improvement in Mr Bennet’s strength, as well as an event much dreaded by Caroline Bingley.
She stood between her brother and sister, a wooden smile fixed upon her face, as the Netherfield party welcomed their host of tenants. Charles beamed hugely, greeting each family with his accustomed graciousness and making each feel welcomed in his ballroom. It was to be a relaxed affair, an event which would grant the local families a special evening of recognition without causing the discomfort which usually comes with mingling stations.
Caroline swelled a little with pride as she observed each guest’s impressions of her arrangements. She could host a soirée to make any Londoner envious, but this evening of understated hospitality had been challenging for her. Though the concept was still foreign to her, she complimented herself that somehow, she had managed to achieve a rustic kind of elegance.
She had even gone so far as to provide nosegays and shoe roses for the young people in attendance, sparking high praise for the master’s sister among the guests. None need know that suggestion had truly come from Mrs Nichols, nor would Caroline care to know whether that lady had received her inspiration from observing the annual events held at a nearby estate.
Charles, at one point, turned to her with a highly satisfied expression, and she knew she had managed to redeem herself somewhat. Still not fully able to relinquish her desire to impress Darcy, her eyes trained steadily on him until he accidentally turned his head. He caught her look, offered a small bow, and returned his gaze unflinchingly to the door. The next guests to enter were the Bennet family, who had been invited because their complement of daughters boasted among them the future Mistress of Netherfield. Charles had also managed to obtain a special license, so a joint wedding of the sisters was planned. Jane would take up her mantle in a mere three more days. This would be the last event at which Caroline would preside in this house, and the realization was bittersweet.
Caroline’s eyes remained on Darcy, trying to discern any play of emotions across his granite features. No flicker of anything beyond his usual civility emerged until he found the one he was waiting for. His stiff countenance finally melted when Elizabeth Bennet drew near and allowed the footman to take her wrap. Darcy could not bound to her side eagerly enough, and as the couple exchanged tender greetings, Caroline at last surrendered. Nothing would ever tear the besotted Darcy from his Elizabeth. She would do better to turn her attentions elsewhere.
Swallowing her pride, Caroline presented herself before the couple just as they had been about to slink away from the crowd at the door. “Miss Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, I do not believe I have taken the opportunity to properly congratulate you on your engagement. May I heartily wish you both every joy?” Her eyes were cast down, but she meant what she said.
It was with great astonishment that she saw Elizabeth’s hand reaching to cover her own. Her gaze flashed up in awe. “Thank you, Miss Bingley,” the other young lady replied gently. “As we are to be sisters soon, would you do me the honour of calling me Elizabeth?”
Caroline blanched somewhat. She shifted her gaze to Darcy, finding his expression composed and neutral. A glance back to Elizabeth showed the other’s manner to be everything sincere and welcoming.
Elizabeth smiled, not discouraged by Caroline’s reluctant silence. “May I also compliment you on your gracious arrangements for this evening? I shall be sure to report back to our Mrs Hill, as I am certain she might like to adopt some of your ideas. Jane, I believe, is very inspired at what you have accomplished this evening.”
Caroline took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “Yes, well... I am quite sure that you will have much to discover much about entertaining as Mrs Darcy. Should you ever find yourself in need of advice, I would be most pleased to oblige... Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with something akin to mischief as Darcy took her arm and firmly directed her toward the refreshments. Caroline drew a long breath. The mortifying confrontation was over and done with, and with any luck, she might still be welcomed into the Darcys’ homes. She would have need of the connection if she were to meet with eligible men.
Darcy placed his hand low on Elizabeth’s back as he guided her away. Elizabeth darted him an amused glance, and his cheeks dimpled as he returned her smile. No words were needed to convey their thoughts. Caroline would always be Caroline, but she was no more than a benign trial at worst. Elizabeth, in truth, began to hope for much more genial relations than had previously existed between them.
Darcy had just helped his future bride to a drink when the young lady was approached by his smiling cousin. Colonel Fitzwilliam returned already for their wedding three days hence, was flanked by both of his female cousins. That fact did not deter him from soliciting Elizabeth’s hand for the first set. Bingley had apparently arranged for a lively evening of country dancing, much to Darcy’s chagrin. Lacking the formality and order of a proper ball, a swirling, raucous evening of barely organized cavorting with Bingley’s farmers was everything dreadful to him.
Elizabeth glanced furtively at her betrothed with a wicked gleam in her eye. “I apologize, Colonel, but I find myself engaged for the entire evening. Mr Darcy had requested the honour some days ago to redeem himself on the dance floor. I expect it will take him many attempts to get it right.”
Richard burst into laughter, punching his cousin in the shoulder. “It just may! You shall be forgiven for keeping your fiancée all to yourself this once, Cousin, but you cannot hide forever. One of these days, you will have to dance with someone else again!” The music struck up a sprightly melody at that moment, and with a bow, the colonel released Georgiana and extended his arm to Anne. He had never truly expected to win Elizabeth’s company, but it had been worth the trip across the ballroom to witness the reddening of his cousin’s face.
Darcy turned to his love with a relieved grin. “I believe I am in your debt. How shall I begin to repay you?” He held his hand out to her, intending to invite her to the floor.
Elizabeth caught Georgiana’s look over his shoulder, and her eyes twinkled. “Before I consent to dance with you, William, I must know that you have improved somewhat in civility since our last endeavour. Is there some other lady present upon whom you might practice?”
Darcy’s eyes narrowed slyly. “One handsome enough to tempt me? There are only two women in the room it would not be a punishment for me to stand up with. As you have denied me your hand for the first set, I shall inquire of the other.” He turned to his sister with a wide grin, flashing his rarely seen brilliant teeth. “Georgie, may I have the honour?”
Georgiana flushed in pleasure. Her brother had expressly forbidden her to dance with any but himself, Charles, or Richard, but she was giddy at the chance to experience one of her first social events. This casual evening of entertainment was a perfect opportunity to set her at her ease, and she intended to relish every moment. Her cheeks pinked as William took her arm and led her to the floor.
Elizabeth found her way to her father, who had perched himself near the refreshments and in full view of the dance floor. He raised a glass to his lips, chuckling at the expense of the young couples in the room. At the moment, his primary diversion was a rosy-cheeked Charlotte Lucas, who had accompanied the Bennet family, and her shy young doctor. The couple had nearly patched things up with Charlotte’s family, but that young lady had determined to remain with the Bennets until her marriage. Charlotte had been a welcome draught of common sense in a house full of romantic excitement.
“How are you feeling, Papa?” Elizabeth drew a chair near him, her eyes finding the tall, dark-haired Adonis on the dance floor just as that gentleman happened to be craning his neck in search of her.
Mr Bennet studied his daughter. “I would answer you if you truly seemed interested in my reply.”
