Page 50 of A Different Impression

Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckled. “Thank you, Mrs Bennet. You are too kind.”

Mama appeared not to hear him. Nor did she seem to notice the embarrassment upon the faces of her daughters and their guests.

“Of course, Mr Darcy is quite the handsomest man we have ever seen here in Meryton, and his dark looks would complement my beautiful Jane’s fair hair and eyes exceedingly well. I think they would make quite the pair, do you not, Colonel?”

Elizabeth could scarcely believe what she was hearing. Beside her, William went rigid, his hand tightening beneath hers. He looked towards Elizabeth, and she squeezed his hand reassuringly before attempting to direct the conversation towards a safer subject.

Her mother ignored her. Indeed, she appeared not to require a response from anyone. She merely continued listing Jane’s many virtues, addressing nearly every word to William and giving him no opportunity to answer.

Mrs Higgins and Papa both attempted to redirect the conversation, but Mama refused to be diverted. At last, Papa rose, crossed the room, and firmly assisted his wife to her feet.

“I fear Mrs Bennet has overtaxed herself during her first afternoon downstairs,” he said, making their excuses as he escorted her from the room.

The door closed behind her parents, but it did little to muffle their raised voices. An uncomfortable silence descended upon the drawing room as everyone attempted to pretend that they could not hear what was taking place in the corridor.

Her father spoke first, although his words were initially too low for Elizabeth to distinguish. Her mother’s reply, however, carried clearly through the door.

“Lizzy does not deserve Mr Darcy! He would do much better to marry Jane.”

Elizabeth closed her eyes briefly, wishing the floor might open beneath her. William’s hand settled over hers, its warmth providing some reassurance.

“How foolish can you be, Mrs Bennet?” Papa’s voice rose sharply. “If he had wanted Jane, he would have pursued her. He chose Elizabeth.”

The next several words were indistinct, but Elizabeth caught fragments concerning their engagement and the signed marriage articles. Her father’s voice grew clearer again as his anger increased.

“Nothing you say will change that—but it may prevent Mr and Mrs Darcy from ever inviting you to any of their homes. Why should he wish to return to Longbourn if you continue speaking poorly of the daughter he has chosen?”

“Why does he not want Jane?” Mama cried. “She is so much prettier than Lizzy!”

Jane’s face turned scarlet. Elizabeth hardly dared look at anyone else, although she felt William’s fingers tighten protectively around hers.

The words that immediately followed were muffled, but her father’s next declaration carried clearly into the drawing room.

“If Darcy sought only a pretty woman to adorn his arm, he could have chosen one from amongst the ton long before he arrived in Meryton. Perhaps there was something more he desired in a wife, and perhaps Lizzy possesses exactly what he wanted. Have you ever considered that a man might want more than a pretty face to look at across the table?”

The remainder of the exchange fell below their hearing. A few moments later, footsteps receded along the corridor. No one in the drawing room spoke until Colonel Fitzwilliam finally cleared his throat.

“I propose a walk in the gardens to work off some of these treats we have been served,” he said. “I have rarely enjoyed such a delightful afternoon tea.”

Elizabeth and William readily accepted Colonel Fitzwilliam’s proposal, as did Jane and Mr Bingley. Mary, Kitty, and Georgiana hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances, but eventually agreed to accompany them. Mrs Higgins remained behind, and Elizabeth noticed the weary resignation with which she glanced towards the door through which Mrs Bennet had departed.

Once outside, the group soon separated. Mary, Kitty, and Georgiana walked together, whilst Jane found herself between Mr Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth gladly allowed William to draw her away from the others, knowing he had yet to tell her what had happened with Wickham.

As soon as they were sufficiently sheltered from curious eyes, however, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

“I love you, Elizabeth,” he told her.

She smiled and caressed his cheek. “How did it go today, William? I sense that the encounter still troubles you.”

He sighed. “Wickham proved to be as much of a coward as we anticipated. Nevertheless, he has resigned his militia commission and enlisted in the Regulars. He will be sent to Portugal, and, with luck, that will be the end of his interference in our lives. I should not be glad to see him injured, but if he dies in battle, it may be the most honourable thing he has ever done.”

Elizabeth frowned slightly. “How did you persuade him to agree?”

“Wickham resigned his militia commission and enlisted in the Regulars for unlimited service. He resisted until I instructed Colonel Forster to summon the bailiffs, but he eventually signed the attestation. He will be sent to Portugal.”

“You are certain this is for the best?” she asked.

“I am.”