Among other reasons for his hesitation, Darcy had a very strong one: Elizabeth Bennet. He remembered that her father’s estate was in Hertfordshire, the same county as Bingley’s new estate. He did not remember the exact address, and he had no time to make further enquiries, but he wrote to Georgiana, mentioning Bingley’s new home and enquiring about Miss Bennet’s precise location. Of course, Hertfordshire was large enough to avoid the risk of an unexpected encounter. But at least he would know if he happened to be in her proximity. He couldnot call on her, as he had been warned that of her family, only her father was aware of her employment at Pemberley, so he could not possibly just appear at her door. But still, he wished to know her exact whereabouts.
And there he was, in the carriage with four people—Bingley, Caroline, Louisa Hurst and her husband—out of whom he enjoyed only the company of the first. Bingley spoke continuously, Caroline Bingley tried to draw his interest as she had done for the last several years, but Darcy’s thoughts were wandering far, far away, with their own aim.
After he had hired Mrs. Annesley and taken her to Pemberley, Darcy had been called back to town by his aunt, Lady Catherine, citing problems in Rosings’ affairs and concerning his cousin Anne’s weakening health. He had suspected it to be another of his aunt’s schemes to bring him closer to Anne, in the hope of an engagement that, as far he was concerned, would never occur. But, faithful to his duties and family, he responded to her call, only to be proved right in his previous assumptions. What followed was another dull and unpleasant discussion with his aunt and his uncle, Lord Matlock, who suggested it was time for him to marry and to provide an heir for Pemberley.
Unlike previous times, the argument about marriage brought a clear image into Darcy’s mind, one of a forbidden desire, of a passion that would be forever repressed, of a love that could never be more than mere friendship. The image was the fine and dear portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet.
In a way, he felt relieved to leave Pemberley. There, everyone spoke of her, mostly his sister. Georgiana had recovered from the painful events in Ramsgate far better than Darcy could have hoped. Furthermore, she seemed to have grown in self-confidence and strength, to the point where she informed him—rather than asking for his approval—that she had decided to invite Elizabeth to visit her during the winter. He only nodded,with his heart torn between joy and pain. He missed Elizabeth, he longed to see her again but hoped that would not happen until he had healed his heart from that wound.
He knew that Elizabeth was fond of him too. At least, that is what he truly hoped. He could see she was not at ease in his presence, but their small interactions, short conversations, their exchanges of opinion, everything suggested she held him in some regard. Yet nothing indicated that it was anything more than that, or that she favoured him more than any other man she esteemed—a friend or her friend’s brother, perhaps.
And if she did, it would be even worse; as much as he admired her, he could not consider her as the next Mrs. Darcy that everybody was expecting to see. In terms of personal qualities, she was everything he desired in his wife. In terms of social position and connections, she was everything that society and his family despised and would certainly reject. Any contemplation in that direction made him consider the scandal that would arise and could harm his sister, his other relatives and ultimately, Elizabeth herself.
“Darcy, what do you say? Surely you cannot refuse! You will come with us, I am counting on you,” Bingley said.
“As you wish, Bingley; I agreed to come, so I am at your disposal for the duration of my visit,” he replied sternly.
“Oh dear, I cannot believe it. Mr. Darcy, you will attend the country assembly tonight? Quite shocking!” Caroline Bingley laughed in a false manner, joined by her sister.
Darcy felt the blood draining from his face. He stared at his friend Bingley, whose large smile seemed then most vexing.
“Come now, Darcy, do not look so supercilious! It is not like I am forcing you to be tortured!” Bingley tried to joke. “Besides, you owe me this, since I have already delayed my return for one day and I will barely have time to change my clothes and rest a little before the ball.”
“Bingley, why on earth do you need my presence at a ball, where you know only too well that I will not dance, not carry on much conversation and will likely annoy everyone in attendance? You seem to enjoy torturing yourself.”
“Darcy, I will be alone in a room full of strangers staring at me! I barely know a few of the gentlemen, and that is all. I would like a little bit of company from a trusted friend…”
He then noticed the offence and turned to his brother-in-law, adding with embarrassment, “In addition to my brother’s, of course.”
Darcy took sudden pity on him. “Very well, Bingley, I shall come, as long as you do not expect me to behave any differently from what you know of me from other balls.”
“Excellent! Excellent! Oh dear, I am sure it will be a lovely evening! I have heard that there are some uncommonly pretty young ladies in the town.”
“My God, Charles, you are so silly sometimes. Country balls, country girls… What could be more appalling? My tastes are closer to Mr. Darcy’s than yours,” Caroline declared decidedly.
Darcy doubted that statement very much, but he chose not to reply. He had a dreadful night ahead of him, and he surely did not need any more irksome arguments.
Bonus Story – Chapter 8
Elizabeth dressed for the assembly without much enthusiasm, trying to force herself to enjoy the prospect of the ball as much as she used to in the past. She barely succeeded in looking like she was in good mood, but at least her sisters and mother did not notice her low disposition and they appeared highly interested in what that lovely evening potentially had to offer.
They arrived at the assembly rooms—already filled with people—and Elizabeth instantly felt it was very crowded and the air warm and heavy, although the music had not even begun.
Lydia and Kitty ran to join Maria Lucas and some other friends, Mrs. Bennet moved towards Lady Lucas, Mrs. Long and Mrs. Phillips, while Charlotte Lucas—her lifelong friend—came to greet Elizabeth. They withdrew into a corner, a little separated from the crowd, to be able to speak with some privacy, and found two chairs next to the balcony door. While the other ladies—Mrs. Bennet included—preferred to stay as far as possible from the chilly air of the autumn evening, for Elizabeth and her friend, it was a delight.
“Everybody is speaking of Mr. Bingley, and everybody expects to dance with him,” Charlotte said.
“If only the ball had twenty or more sets and Mr. Bingley possessed excellent feet,” Elizabeth jested.
“Well, he may benefit from the help of his friends. The rumours are that his party consists of twelve ladies and seven gentlemen, who will all come with him to the assembly.”
“Too many ladies, it seems. This fact will surely diminish the slight chance that the ladies in Meryton might have had to partner him for a set,” Elizabeth laughed.
“True. Well, some of us are already accustomed to sitting out some sets since gentlemen are scarce, so we would not be offended. But you look very pretty, Lizzy. You seemed a little tired when you returned home, I was a bit worried for you.”
“Thank you, my dear Charlotte, but you know you must not worry for me. I am enduring, resourceful, and patient.”
The music started, gradually covering the voices and laughter, and the gentlemen were already in search of their partners. But then, the riot suddenly ceased, when one gentleman, followed by another and then two ladies, entered.
