Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Chapter 15
The following day saw William reluctantly taking a walk in the shrubbery with Miss. Bingley. The lady was trying to provoke him into disliking her guest by talking about their supposed marriage. How shocked and embarrassed she would have been to know that they were already far better aquatinted than she knew.
"I hope," said she, "you will give your mother-in-law a few hints about the advantages of holding her tongue, when this desirable event takes place. Also, do try and cure the younger girls of their infatuation with the officers. And, if I may mention a delicate subject, do try checking that thing, bordering on conceit and impertinence, which you fair lady possesses!"
"Have you anything else to propose for my domestic felicity?"
"Oh, yes. Do let the portraits of you uncle and aunt Phillips be placed in the gallery at Pemberley! As for your Elizabeth's picture...Do not attempt to have it taken, for no painter could capture the expression that is on her face."
"Especially her eyes," said William, determined to give Miss. Bingley even more cause for worry, "Have you ever seen such fine eyes! It would not be easy to catch their expression. Their color and shape, and the eyelashes, so remarkably fine, might be captured."
This seemed to quiet the lady. She was about to say something when at that moment they were met from another walk by Mrs. Hurst and Elizabeth herself.
"I did not know you intended to walk," said Miss. Bingley with some confusion, lest they had been overheard.
"You used us abominably ill, " answered Mrs. Hurst, "For you ran off with out even telling us you were coming out."
Mrs. Hurst then took the disengaged arm of William's, she left Elizabeth to walk by herself. William felt their rudeness towards his wife and immediately said,
"This walk is not wide enough for our party. We had better go into the avenue."
Laughing, Elizabeth said, "No, no, stay were you are. You are charmingly grouped and the picturesque would be ruined by admitting a fourth. Good bye."
With that she ran off in the other direction. William was very much surprised by this that he turned to watch her retreat, as he did his eye was caught by Elizabeth's scarf lying on the ground. Breaking free from the ladies he bent down to retrieve it, "Excuse me, ladies. I must return this to Miss. Bennet." With a hasty bow he left them in pursuit of his wife.
It did not take him long to find his wife, for she had stopped a short distance away. Obviously she had hoped he would see the scarf and bring it to her.
"I must thank-you my dear, for saving me from those two!"
"My motives were entirely selfish, I assure you. I wanted you all to myself!"
"I am happy to be of service, madam," said William with a gallant bow.
The rest of the morning was spent pleasantly. They walked through the grounds talking solemnly when someone was near. And laughing at private jokes when they were alone, or so they thought. For all through the afternoon they were being observed by Mr. Black.
Later that day, the ladies had removed after dinner, Elizabeth ran up to see her sister, and seeing her well guarded from the cold, attended her into the drawing room. She was welcomed by her two friends and until the gentlemen arrived Elizabeth had never seen the 'Superior Sisters'' in better humor.
When the gentleman arrived Mr. Hurst gave Jane a quick bow saying he was 'very glad' she had recovered. William said kindly, "I am glad to see that you are well again Miss. Bennet. Certainly your sister is much to be thanked for her attentions to you!"
"Indeed, Mr. Darcy, Lizzy is always good to me...Sometimes she is perhaps too good."
William just smiled. The greatest exclamations of joy, on Miss. Bennet's recovery, came from Mr. Bingley who then spent the next half hour making sure she was comfortable and even then, he talked mostly to her.
No one, except Mr. Hurst, wanted to play cards that evening so soon that gentleman had stretched on the sofa and was snoring, rather loudly. Mrs. Hurst played with her bracelets and rings and occasionally joined into her brother's conversation with Miss. Bennet. William, Elizabeth, and Miss. Bingley were all engaged in reading. However, Miss. Bingley seemed more interested in William's book than her own.
At length, quite exhausted by the attempt to be amused by her book Miss. Bingley cast it aside with an exaggerated yawn. She then went on to say something about how unhappy she would be, if she did not have an excellent library, when she had a house of her own. Since no one made a reply she started search for some other way of getting William's attention.
Miss. Bingley began a slow walk around the room, hoping to draw William into some sort of conversation, this didn't work. Finally after much thought she approached Elizabeth, "Miss. Eliza Bennet, let me persuade you to take a turn around the room...It is so refreshing!" This was said as she glanced at William, she was somewhat disappointed to realize they now had his full attention.
After a moments hesitation, Elizabeth joined the lady. They had just turned around when Miss. Bingley turned to Mr. Darcy and said, "Would you care to join us, Sir?"
"That would defeat the object."
"What on earth can he mean?" cried Miss. Bingley to Elizabeth.
With a saucy look to her husband Elizabeth replied, "I think we would do better not to inquire."
"Nay, we insist on knowing you meaning!"
"Well, either you chose this method of spending the evening because you are in each others confidence, or you are aware that your figures appear to the greatest advantage when walking. If the first I would be completely in the way and if the second, I can admire you much better from my present position."
"Shocking! Abominable reply! How shall we punish him Miss. Eliza?"
"Nothing so easy! Tease him...Laugh at him."
"Laugh at Mr. Darcy, impossible! He is a man without fault," declared Miss. Bingley.
"A man without fault...Is he, indeed?" asked Elizabeth, with a small smile.
"That is not possible for anyone," started William, "But it has been my study to avoid such weaknesses that expose a strong understanding to ridicule."
"Such as vanity and pride," said Elizabeth, becoming serious.
"Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride...where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will always be under good regulation."
Elizabeth turned away to compose herself, she was unsure as to how to continue. She was spared any need of replying for William continued.
"I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding, Miss. Bennet," William was beginning to feel uncomfortable with her so ready to laugh at him, "My temper I dare not vouch for. My good opinion once lost is lost forever, it might be...Perhaps my temper could be called resentful."
"That is a failing indeed! But I can not laugh at it," said Elizabeth quietly.
"Shall we have some music?" asked Miss. Bingley, not liking the fact that this conversation was one in which she had no part in.
Soon after, Elizabeth escorted Jane back to her room. Elizabeth did not go back downstairs, instead she went to her own room. William had given her much to think about, she realized that he had been in earnest when he said his temper was resentful, this caused her pain, for she saw that he had been getting somewhat angered by her teasing. Her last thought as she drifted off into an uneasy sleep was, 'I think it best if Jane and I leave tomorrow.'
Chapter 16
Elizabeth did, indeed, carry out her plan that she had made the night before. She rose early and hastily scribbled a note to her mother, asking if the carriage could be spared. An hour or so after she had sent the servant to Longbourn, she received an answer from her mother.
Lizzy,I will not hear of you and Jane returning. The carriage can not be spared until next Tuesday, besides it would be unwise for Jane to travel so soon. She might catch cold again.
Your loving Mother
PS. Should Mr. Bingley and his sister invite you to stay longer I can spare you very well.
Elizabeth was determined not to stay any longer. Going to Jane, it was agreed between them that they would ask Mr. Bingley if he would be so kind as to lend them his carriage. Mr. Bingley concurred with the plan, somewhat reluctantly, he managed to convince them to stay until the following morning.
Though she was not in the least bit angry with her husband she feared that he was angry with her. Something else gave her cause for concern and that was how much trouble she was having when it came to letting things slip, such as calling 'him' William instead of the proper 'Mr. Darcy'. She was certain that Mr. Bingley already knew that there was more to the relationship between William and herself, than met the eye.
The day was spent quietly, enough. Elizabeth learned that, 'Mr. Darcy was catching up on some correspondence'. So you may imagine her surprise when she found him reading in the Library. She had gone in the room to get a book to entertain herself with and had come across him, William barely acknowledged her presence. All he did was look up, nod, and continue reading.
Elizabeth settled herself in the window seat and tried to concentrate on her book. Finally she could stand it no more, she turned to William and said,
"I am truly sorry, Mr. Darcy, if I have offended you in some way!"
William was very surprised by this sudden outburst. He had been ignoring her, for, he was still smarting from some of the remarks she had made the previous evening.
"You have not offended me, Madam," replied William coolly.
"Then why are you acting like I am not even in this room?"
"I was not doing that!" William defended himself.
"Then what were you doing?" asked Elizabeth forcefully.
"I was merely enjoying being in your company and reading," said William trying to keep the edge out of his voice.
After a small pause Elizabeth said quietly, "I am sorry. It's just that..."
"Think nothing of it. Oh! I just realized what time it was I have some business to catch up with. Do excuse me," cried he in a hurried manner and left the room.
As he closed the door, he thought, 'Women!'
They hardly conversed the rest of the visit and when it came time for Jane and Elizabeth to leave William merely said, "Good-bye, Miss. Bennet," to Jane and a cold, "Good-bye, Miss. Elizabeth."
Chapter 17
The day following Jane and Elizabeth's return to Longbourn, Mr. Bennet announced that there would be an addition to the family party. His cousin, Mr. Collins would be joining them later that day. Mrs. Bennet was, not surprisingly, against this plan, but nothing she said could change what was coming.
That evening at supper, Elizabeth was well aware of the stupidity of their cousin. She could hardly keep herself from laughing at the description Mr. Collins gave of, Lady Catherine. She knew very well, that the lady was not such a saint. Elizabeth was still suffering from the embarrassment she had experienced earlier that morning, when at the mention of 'Mr. Darcy' she had blushed and when she had dropped her fork when her father read the name 'Lady Catherine'.
It was obvious to Elizabeth that her father was keeping a close eye on her, as if he was waiting for some indication that something was different. Little did any of them now that something was different.
The following morning Elizabeth and her sisters were enjoying the air, while Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bennet took a turn around the garden.
"I must confess, Mrs. Bennet, that I am quite taken with the charms of your daughters," he just oozed charm.
"Well, they are pleasant girls, though I say it myself."
"Perhaps, the eldest Miss. Bennet," Mr. Collins hinted.
"Ah, yes! Jane is admired wherever she goes, but I think I should tell you that it is very likely she will be soon engaged. As to my younger daughters, I know of no prior attachment at all!" Mrs. Bennet did not see things progressing very well between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, so she thought her second daughter may have more luck with Mr. Collins, should he choose her.
"I see," replied Mr. Collins as he started to look at the other Bennet girls.
'Too loud and silly,' he was looking at Lydia.
'Too much like, Miss. Lydia,' thought he looking at Kitty.
'Eeeeeewwwwww!,' he glanced at Mary.
'Well, now! That is a pleasant surprise!' thought Collins with a gasp as Elizabeth smiled.
"We are going to walk into Meryton, Mama. To see if Denny has returned from town!" called Lydia.
"Perhaps you would care for some exercise, Mr. Collins," suggested Mrs. Bennet.
"Yes. Yes, indeed I would! Cousin Elizabeth, would you do me the very great honor of walking with me into town?"
Elizabeth could hardly refuse, though there was nothing she wanted more than to push this greasy little man off Oakham Mount.
As they walked to Meryton, Elizabeth was stuck having to listen to all Mr. Collins had to say. He was obviously not in the habit of walking farther distances than from his 'own humble abode' to 'Rosings Park'. Mr. Collins was huffing and puffing before they were even half way to Meryton!
They had reached the town and now Kitty and Lydia were searching the street for any sign of Mr. Denny. They saw him across the street with another man, who much to Lydia's disappointment was not dressed in regimentals.
"Denny!" hollered Lydia.
"Lydia!" gasped Jane, ashamed of her youngest sister's lack of manners.
The two gentlemen sauntered over to the group and Mr. Denny addressed them,
"Well, this is fortunate! Allow me to introduce my good friend, Mr. Wickham."
"Wickham this is Miss. Bennet, Miss, Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Mary Bennet, Miss Catherine Bennet, and Miss Lydia Bennet."
'So, this is Darcy's little wife!' thought Wickham as he eyed Elizabeth.
"Wickham has just taken a commission in the regiment," Denny informed them.
"There, Lydia! He will be dressed in regimentals!" Kitty whispered to Lydia.
They giggled for a minute, before Kitty looked up and saw two riders approaching, "Jane, Lizzy look! It is Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy!"
Mr. Bingley came towards them eagerly, as did William. William was about to dismount when he saw that man! And to make matters worse he was standing near Elizabeth. Wickham touched his hand to his hat in salute, while William glanced in Elizabeth's direction, before riding off.
Elizabeth noted the behavior of her husband. Was he still angry at her? She didn't see Mr. Wickham's relieved expression, though she had seen the 'interesting' greeting exchanged between the two men.
Chapter 18
The next day, in the evening, the Bennet girls, accompanied by Mr. Collins went to their Aunt Phillips. When they entered the drawing room, Mrs. Phillips informed her nieces that Mr. Wickham had accepted their uncle's invitation, Lydia and Kitty were most pleased with this information.
Elizabeth did everything in her power to find a way out of Mr. Collins company. After Mr. Collins had insulted his hostess, and then rectified the situation, Elizabeth was finally free of the man, since Mrs. Phillips had asked him to come play at whist.
Elizabeth had been sitting by herself for a while, watching the people and praying Lydia would not make a complete fool out of herself, when her thoughts were interrupted by Mr. Wickham taking the seat opposite her.
"I confess, I thought I would never escape your younger sisters!" cried he good-naturedly.
"They can be very determined. Lydia , especially."
"Well, they are charming girls. I... ah... I do not see Mr. Bingley or any of his friends here this evening." Wickham was rewarded with a slight blush.
"I believe some of Mr. Bingley's friends would consider it beneath their dignity," Elizabeth was feeling a little miffed at William's greeting, so she was completely ready to give her husband a verbal bashing, even if he wasn't there to here it. Also, she was anxious to learn the history between her husband and Mr. Wickham.
"Really!"
'One thing Black didn't tell me! Husband and wife appear to have had a little disagreement!' thought Wickham. He plotted how to use this to his advantage.
"Do you... that is... How long have you been aquatinted with Mr. Darcy?"
"About a month," answered Elizabeth refusing to blush.
"I've known him all my life," replied Wickham cautiously trying to ascertain how much Darcy had told his wife of their dealings.
Elizabeth was unable to say a word. Never, during all the time she and William had been writing to one another, had she heard tell of a Mr. Wickham.
'Why is that?' Elizabeth thought.
"You may very well be surprised, Miss. Bennet. After, as I am sure you did, witness the coldness of our greeting."
'That is not very nice, Darcy! Concealing things from your wife, thankfully I am here to protect her!'
"I confess, I was surprised. I have spent three days in the same house with him and I must admit I found him to be quite agreeable. Should I think differently, Mr. Wickham?" Elizabeth was beginning to feel slightly uneasy.
"Indeed! I do hope that... No I dare not say, for it is not proper."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at this, though she did not want to appear to be anything less than a lady, she could not help but asking, "What is improper?"
Glancing around him Wickham leaned in closer and said, "I don't know whether I should be discussing such matters with a lady, but I feel I must warn you of his true character. He has a mistress, Miss. Bennet. Lady Claudia Ashby, she is a women who moves in the finest circles, everyone in London knows it."
Chapter 19
'What had Mr. Wickham just said!? A mistress! William! I can't believe it!' thought Elizabeth.
"Miss. Bennet are you ill?" Mr. Wickham asked, but secretly glad that his plan was working.
"I am well," she whispered.
"Are you sure?" his voice was dripping with false concern.
"Yes, I am fine. I... ah... I just need some air," with that she stood up and walking on unsteady legs made her way outside.
Elizabeth didn't even notice the slight chill, she just replayed Mr. Wickham's words in her head, over and over again, 'He has a mistress, Miss. Bennet.'
"I won't believe it!" she muttered, yet she knew very well that she was already doubting her husband's loyalty.
Stopping, in her walk, she looked up at the sky, praying that Mr. Wickham was wrong. The stars blurred as tears welled up in her eyes, try as she might she couldn't deny the possibility. They had not seen each other in four years, he could have been tempted.
"But can I forgive him?" she asked through her tears, a voice in her head answered, 'No. He should have remained faithful to me, as I remained faithful to him.'
As she walked back to the her aunt and uncle's, her tears drying, Elizabeth made up her mind. She was not going to feel sorry for herself. When she entered the drawing room, those who knew her well observed a change, her face showed none of the turmoil that her heart and mind were in, her eyes, however, held a different story. The liveliness and love of life had, in the space of minutes, disappeared from her 'fine eyes', only to be replaced by an unyielding and determined glare.
Chapter 20
Jane observed her sister from across the carriage. She wondered what had happened to Elizabeth that would upset her so much. Her sisters face was like stone and during the ride home, all Elizabeth did was glare into the darkness.
When the carriage pulled to a stop outside of Longbourn, instead of going to the drawing room, Elizabeth rushed upstairs to her room. Jane seemed to be the only one who heard the amount of force, Elizabeth used to shut her door.
All Elizabeth wanted was to be left alone... 'No! What you really want to do is go tell him what you think!' she told herself. In an attempt to rid her mind of such thoughts, she readied herself for bed. She was about to blow out the candle when she heard a quiet knock at the door.
"Lizzy," Jane opened the door and came in.
"Yes, Jane!" cried Elizabeth irritably.
"I'm sorry, Lizzy. I thought you were looking a little upset, I was wondering if I could help."
"No one can help!"
"Lizzy! I can tell you are angry about something, would you like to tell me what it is?"
"No, I am not angry! Or at least I wasn't and I do not want to talk about it! Jane... just leave me alone..."
"If that is what you want, Lizzy." Jane turned and quietly left the room.
Elizabeth lay awake most of the night, determined not to feel sorry for herself and regretting her harsh words to Jane. Finally, she gave up, Elizabeth did not want to remain strong, she started crying. She cried into her pillow for fear of waking anyone, it was in this way that she finally drifted off into an uneasy sleep.
Meanwhile, at Netherfield, William spent a second night worrying. Ever since he had seen Wickham standing that close to Elizabeth, he had feared that Wickham would tell all the usual lies, though he was certain Elizabeth would not believe them. However, there was a matter that William prayed that man would not mention. That was by know old news, in London, but to Elizabeth it would be something very different. Something the he had hoped to conceal, forever.
Chapter 21
The next morning, Elizabeth awoke feeling horrible, and not looking much better. Her eyes showed signs of her crying and lack of sleep.
She had decided the first thing she was going to do was apologize to Jane. Once she was dressed and Sara had fixed her hair, Elizabeth set out to find her sister.
"Hill, where is Jane?"
"I believe she is in the breakfast room Miss. Lizzy."
"Thank-you." So far Elizabeth found that she was not having too much trouble putting in a cheerful face, what she did not know was that her smile never reached her eyes, as it always had.
"Good-morning, Lizzy," said Mr. Bennet upon her entrance.
"Good-morning, Miss. Elizabeth," said Mr. Collins, smiling widely.
Everyone else acknowledged her presence, then went back to their meals.
After taking her seat she glanced across the table at her sister, she tried to convey in a look to Jane, that she was sorry.
Not long after breakfast, Jane was heading in the direction of the shrubbery, Elizabeth took this opportunity to follow her sister.
"Jane, I want to apologize for my behavior last night. You were only trying to help and I should not have been so mean."
"Oh, Lizzy, there is no need, I realize now that I should have let you have some more time alone. I just don't like seeing you upset."
"Thank-you, Jane. Someday, I may tell you what was bothering me."
The sisters walked around the shrubbery for a while, until Jane returned to the house and Elizabeth continued to wander around the grounds. Alone with her thoughts proved to be a dangerous thing, all she could think about was William and Lady Claudia Ashby... together.
Once more, she resolved to not have such thoughts. With that she went back to the house. Just before she entered the sitting room she heard her mother say,
"Lizzy, she is out walking," Mrs. Bennet paused, "Oh! Lizzy we were just beginning to wonder where you had gotten to. Mr. Bingley has come to invite us all to a ball at Netherfield!"
Elizabeth didn't even hear her mother, she just looked at him. 'How dare he come here!' thought she as William stood up and bowed, he looked like he was wanting to talk with her. Elizabeth would have none of it. Without a second thought she turned on her heel, vigorously closed the door, and went to her room.
She emerged when Mrs. Bennet was bidding her guests good-bye. Elizabeth went to stand by Jane, who was the farthest from William. When she bid him good-bye it was cold and quick, William went away fearing the worst.
"Lizzy!" cried her mother, "How could you be so rude to Mr. Darcy?" Mrs. Bennet lived in hopes that either Mr. Collins or Mr. Darcy would win over her least favorite child.
"Very easily, Mother," replied Elizabeth shortly.
They were interrupted by Hill announcing Mrs. Phillips.
"Oh, Sister!" cried Mrs. Bennet glad that finally a sympathetic listener had arrived.
"How are you, Sister?"
"My nerves are acting up again! Thanks to, Lizzy!" moaned Mrs. Bennet.
Elizabeth and Jane exchanged a look that said they were both thinking now would be a good time to leave and that was just what they did.
"Oh, Jane! If I ever start behaving like Mama, I give you permission to shoot me!"
"Lizzy!" laughed Jane before they heard their aunt say excitedly.
"Sister! I really must say I am glad the girls are not here, for I have some news from Meryton that is dreadful and certainly too much for them!"
"What is it sister?" asked Mrs. Bennet, her eyes gleaming at the prospect of a juicy new piece of gossip.
"I am afraid it concerns, Elizabeth."
On the other side of the door, Jane and Elizabeth glanced at each other before they stepped closer to the door so they could hear.
"What!? About Lizzy! SHE will be the death of me! Is it very bad sister?"
"Indeed! I heard it when I was in the dress shop, Mrs. Snow said her housekeeper had heard it at the butchers, from Mr. Bingley's housekeeper."
"Heard what?" Mrs. Bennet asked impatiently.
"She said that while your daughters were staying at Netherfield, Lizzy engaged in some less than honorable behavior. She said, that the maids had said, that Lizzy had spent the night in Mr. Darcy's bedchamber! The maids said that, Miss Elizabeth's bed had not been slept in, while Mr. Darcy's had been... ah... well."
"Ohhhh!" howled Mrs. Bennet.
"Now, Sister! It must be a scandalous falsehood!"
"Yes! Yes, it MUST be! That girl will be the death of me!" Mrs. Bennet wailed into her handkerchief, "Sister! I need the smelling salts!"
Meanwhile, Jane had turned to look at her sister, who was blushing, deeply. This would not do, for such things to be going around Meryton.
"Lizzy! It isn't true! Whoever would say such a thing?"
"I... I don't know what to say, Jane! Do excuse me!" Elizabeth quickly left the door and ran up to her room, for the second time that day.
She heard her mother yell from below, "This will be all over Meryton! We won't be able to hold our heads high! And Mr. Bingley will certainly not marry, Jane! Oh, Sister! She has spoiled all the other girls chances with this risqué behavior."
Chapter 22
Dinner that evening was a quiet affair. Mrs. Bennet was sending her daughter looks that were filled with hostility. Mr. Bennet was far from pleased with the news, for he knew that behind ever rumor there was an element of truth. Jane worried for her sister, Mary was dying to quote some thing about lose of virtue in a female, Kitty and Lydia were giggling at the thought that their sister should do something such as this. Mr. Collins was reconsidering his choice of wife, and it would be none of the Bennet girls!
Elizabeth, felt all their eyes on her, yet she did her best to eat the food on her plate. The fact that gossip, concerning her, was flying all over Meryton only added to her misery.
After they had broken up, Mrs. Bennet retired to her bed chamber with her only friend, the smelling salts, which in her head she lovingly called 'Melly'! Jane, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia along with Mr. Collins retired to the drawing room.
"Elizabeth, come with me," Mr. Bennet told his daughter sternly.
"Yes, Papa."
Wordlessly, Mr. Bennet led Elizabeth, from the Dining Room, to the Library. When they were both seated, be began,
"Elizabeth, would I be right in assuming you know the rumor that is going around concerning you and Mr. Darcy?"
Elizabeth nodded. Her mother had given her an earful. Mrs. Bennet preferred the phrase 'a piece of her mind', not a wise action since Mrs. Bennet did not have much to spare.
"Well, I am not going to beat around the bush. Is it true?"
Elizabeth didn't want to lie to her father, but her situation as it was, left her no choice, "No, it is not true."
Mr. Bennet sighed in relief, then asked, "Did Mr. Darcy ever kiss you or behave indecently?"
"He was always a perfect gentleman, father," whispered she, not really trusting her voice.
Taking a deep breath before he began his next sentence, Mr. Bennet said, rather firmly, "You shall attend the Netherfield ball, next Tuesday, like nothing has happened. Should Mr. Darcy ask you to dance, accept him. Since you are innocent of all these charges, you have nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of. Is this understood?"
"Yes, Papa," said Elizabeth, secretly she was revolted by the very idea of dancing with William, but what could she do?
"Good. You may go."
Elizabeth did as she was told. She hoped she had been able to convince him, Elizabeth was not a good liar.
Mr. Bennet, suspected that Elizabeth was not telling the entire truth. Poor, Mr. Bennet could have been knocked over with a feather, had he known the whole truth.
Chapter 23A
The gossip flying around Meryton was getting worse, and as it happens with gossip the tales were becoming even more exaggerated. Mrs. Long and her good friends would sit for a good hour in their respective parlors wondering at many endless possibilities. They were welcoming the Netherfield ball with a great deal of excitement, hoping to prove one or more of their theories concerning the couple.
"Lizzy!" cried Lydia running into her sister's bedchamber, "What do you say? Kitty, says not but I think it becomes me rather well," Lydia held up a dress for her sister's approval.
"I wonder that you ask me!" Elizabeth said in an exasperated voice, she was using that tone very often these days.
"You look very nice."
"Thank-you," it was Elizabeth intention to look as nice as possible and then torment William all... but it would do not good to think such thoughts.
"Kitty and I are very grateful to you, Lizzy!"
"What for?" asked Elizabeth scowling.
Luckily, Lydia did have the sense to whisper her next words out of the hearing of Sara, "Why, Lizzy, you have saved us from dancing with Mr. Collins! He would not dance with one of the 'tainted' Bennet Sisters, now!"
"OUT!" Elizabeth ordered her sister.
"I was just saying..."
"Yes! I know very well what you were saying! How many times do I have to say it is not true?"
"What is all this noise?" cried Mrs. Bennet popping her head into the room.
"It is nothing!"
"Don't you take that tone of voice with me, Elizabeth Bennet!"
Elizabeth just glared at her mother and sat down in a huff at her dressing table.
Chapter 23B
When they stopped in front of Netherfield, Elizabeth had the misfortune to look up and see William watching her from one of the windows. She pretended not to noticed him, Elizabeth could not have know what fear and sadness she was causing William by ignoring him.
As they were being welcomed by Mr. Bingley, Miss. Bingley, and the Hursts, all Elizabeth wanted to do was scratch Miss. Bingley's eyes out with those ridiculous feathers. The insincerity of their greetings, excluding Mr. Bingley, was enough to make Elizabeth even more determined to detest this evening.
Elizabeth observed that Mr. Wickham was absent from the ball, this discovery did not improve her mood, for she had hoped to dance with him. She was startled out of her thoughts by Mr. Bingley coming up to her, with Jane, and saying,
"Miss. Bennet," as he offered her his arm.
She accepted, but remained alert for any signs of William, she was going to avoid him at all costs. The three of them made their way into the Ballroom, where Elizabeth discreetly glanced around, looking for William. She realized that Denny was approaching them, and while Jane and Mr. Bingley left, Denny said,
"Miss. Bennet, I must say you look very lovely this evening."
"Thank-you."
"I am asked to convey my friend Wickham's most particular regrets, that he was unable to attend this ball, he had a matter of business to see to in town."
Before Elizabeth could reply, Lydia came rushing up.
"Denny!" cried Lydia, "I hope you have come prepared to dance with us this evening."
After, some annoying comments from another one of the officers, Elizabeth made her way over to Charlotte.
'Thankfully, I can talk with Charlotte and escape, William,' or so she thought.
"I see Mr. Bingley still continues his attentions to Jane," said Charlotte.
"Indeed, I hope that it will end happily. Even when one marries for love, there is little happiness."
"Lizzy! You have certainly changed you opinion!" cried Charlotte quite shocked at the sudden change in her friend.
"I think I have changed my opinion, or I have just had my eyes opened."
"Oh."
The two friends stood watching the dance, neither really knowing what to say, they were spared the trouble by a man stepping toward Elizabeth.s
Chapter 23C
"Miss. Bennet. If you are not otherwise engaged, would you give the me the pleasure of the dancing the next with me?" William asked.
"Why I... Had not... Yes, I will dance with you," said she quickly, once she remember her father's words.
After, William had bowed and turned away, Elizabeth turned toward Charlotte and said angrily,
"Why do I have to dance with him!" She knew very well, she had promised her father that she would, but Mr. Bennet may have changed his mind, had he known what all the old biddies were now thinking about his favorite daughter.
As she waited for the dance to start, a thought crossed Elizabeth mind. 'What if William doesn't know about the rumors going around Meryton?' From what she knew of him, had he known, he would not have asked her to dance, this offered her some comfort, until she wondered if he was embarrassing her on purpose. After all she now knew he was not such a gentleman as she had once believed, this was a possibility!
William came forward to claim Elizabeth's hand, and they joined the set. The music started and yet there was no conversation between them. They danced for a while before William said in a calm voice, though he did not feel very clam.
"I believe we must have some conversation Miss. Bennet... A very little will suffice," William felt horrible as he saw not the slightest hint of amusement cross her face, for she had said practically the same thing to him when they had danced at the ball the Burnley's had given, four years ago.
She said nothing, but merely turned away from him in the dance, when he took her hand again he said,
"You should say something about the dance perhaps, I could remark on the number of couples."
Once more Elizabeth said nothing.
"Do you find it amusing to carry on a conversation with yourself?" asked Elizabeth acidly.
"She speaks!" he cried sarcastically, before regretting it. If Elizabeth was already angry with him, it would not do to make her even more upset.
They went down the dance without saying anything else to one another, finally William asked, quietly,
"Have I done something to offend you?"
"Nothing at all, Sir," replied Elizabeth coldly.
As the dance required, they now stopped. It was at this moment that Sir William Lucas choose to talk to them.
"Indeed, Sir! I must congratulate you, such superior dancing is rarely to be seen! Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you and that I hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event takes place, eh Miss Lizzy!" he indicated Jane and Bingley, "What congratulations will then flow in! But let me not detain you any longer, Sir, from your bewitching partner."
They once more continued on in silence until, William turned and asked,
"Of what were we speaking?"
"We were speaking of nothing, Sir."
"How often do you walk into Meryton?" asked he, once more, trying to get her to talk pleasantly with him.
"Quite often. When you met us the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance."
William would have been happy to know that she was now speaking to him, had he not known who she was referring to, "Mr. Wickham has the happy manners which enable him to make friends, whether he is equally capable of keeping them is less certain." William hoped he had made his point clear.
Soon after, the dance ended. William lead Elizabeth off the floor and that was that, he barely noticed the people looking, but he did see Mr. Bennet carefully scrutinizing him.
William stalked around the room for some time, trying to get Elizabeth off of his mind.
'She must know something!'
He watched in torment as she started flirting with one of the officers, something told him she was doing that deliberately. There was nothing he wanted more than to take her aside and sort out the misunderstanding, which, unbeknownst to him they had had.
'Alright! There was that day at Netherfield! And that was my fault!
Turning his attention from Elizabeth, William watched Jane and Bingley. Something was not quite right in his opinion. While he was trying to figure out just what was not right between his sister-in-law and Charles, he saw Elizabeth take to the floor with one of the tedious officers. This proved to much for him,
'Two can play at this game!' he thought.
He looked around for any suitable partner, his eyes came to rest on Bridget Howard. Without a second thought he approached her and asked her, most charmingly, to dance. Although, Miss. Howard was a good dancer and impressive conversationalist, William could not keep his mind from dwelling on what was bothering Elizabeth. As the next dance started he saw that Miss. Lydia was, for once, without a partner. Maybe, she could enlighten him as to what was bothering her sister.
"Do you like dancing Mr. Darcy?" asked she distractedly, looking longingly at a red coat.
"I enjoy it," he replied, devising a plan to get this young lady to talk about her sister.
"Harumph," he heard Lydia mutter.
"Are you well, Miss. Bennet?"
"Oh! I'm fine. I just don't see why she need be in a snit, just because I'm dancing with you! Especially, after she denies all the rumors!"
"Who? And what rumors?"
"You mean you haven't heard!" cried Lydia with a glance at Elizabeth.
'So, it is Elizabeth you are talking about!' thought William. He asked,
"What have I not heard?"
"The rumors going around about you and Lizzy!"
William nearly missed a step in the dance, "Ah, Miss. Bennet. What would be the nature of these rumors?"
Lydia had the sense to be embarrassed by this question, she was not so sure how she should answer, "Well... ah... It would seem... um... They are not of a proper nature, Sir."
William was by now really worried. Does Elizabeth think that I started these rumors? Is that why she is angry at me?
"Thank-you, for telling me, Miss. Bennet," said William woodenly.
As the dance ended William, escorted Lydia back to her seat before turning and heading in the direction of the Library. He needed to be alone, since it was to cold outside he really had no other alternative.
Elizabeth had been watching him closely, she watched jealously as he danced with Bridget and then with anger as he asked Lydia to dance. She was sure her sister's tongue was not going to help matters.
She had been, for sometime, toying with the idea if following William and asking him to explain Wickham's information.
'Knowing him! He would deny everything! But something has to be done! I need to know once and for all!' With that she set off in the direction she had seen him go.
As she opened the door to the Library, the sight that greeted her gave her all the needed proof. There was William kissing Bridget Howard!
Elizabeth turned away and ran out of the room. Fighting the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes, she stole along the edge of the Ballroom, hoping she could hide herself away from everyone. She took a seat in the corner, not far from the door, this was where Jane found her, not ten minutes later.
Jane noticed, that her sister was frightfully pale.
"Lizzy? Are you ill?"
"I'm well," whispered Elizabeth.
"You look very pale, Lizzy. Do you want something to drink?"
"No... I... I just want to go home!"
"We can leave now..."
"No, Jane. I don't want to ruin everyone else's enjoyment. We haven't even dined yet."
"That is no matter! If you are ill, it would be better for us to return home."
Elizabeth was about to say she would stay, when she saw William enter the room.
"Jane, I believe we should go."
Not long after, the whole party set off back to Longbourn.
Jane and Mr. Bennet were truly worried about Lizzy. Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins were sorry to have missed their dinner. Kitty and Lydia hated having to part with the officers so soon, and Mary was disappointed to have missed playing for the company.
Chapter 24
Elizabeth could not sleep that night. Whenever she closed her eyes she saw William and Bridget kissing. Then she just lay awake, thinking of Mr. Wickham's words. With a defeated sigh she rolled over for the seventh time in the last five minutes, once more she closed her eyes. As she envisioned William holding 'that' Lady Claudia, kissing her and saying things to Lady Claudia that Elizabeth had thought were meant for her, and her alone!
'Why do I have to have such a vivid imagination!?' she thought.
Rolling over once more, she stared at the dying flames of the fire. Another image flashed into her mind, an image that had once brought her such joy. The memory of her and William making love at Netherfield, even now, she blushed at the remembrance. She groaned quietly as she allowed her mind to dwell on all of the hopes that were now gone.
The following morning saw Jane entering her sister's bedchamber. It was not like Lizzy to sleep in.
"Lizzy. It's gone 10!"
"Jane, I just want to stay here," cried Elizabeth ducking under the blankets as her sister opened the curtains.
"Without breakfast?"
"I'll just starve," Elizabeth muttered.
Jane sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled the blankets away from her sister, "Deja vu!'"
"What?"
"This just reminds me of trying to get you to wake up when you were younger."
"Hmmm."
"Lizzy, it is a beautiful day!"
"Good for it," said Elizabeth sarcastically.
Jane realized that this was getting no where, she was determined not to pry, however, much she was tempted. She knew prying would not get her anywhere with her stubborn sister.
Not long after, Elizabeth finally convinced herself to face the day. After a small breakfast she went for a walk, hoping it would help her think and give her a chance to sort out the mess that her life was now in. She caught herself smiling at the way William had talked to her when they were dancing, using the conversation that she had once started.
"Argh!" cried Elizabeth. She hated this, she hated having to get him off her mind. There was once a time when she could easily spend and hour just thinking about him. Now two minutes of dwelling on past memories almost made her cry.
When, Elizabeth returned from her walk, she was informed, by her mother that Mr. Collins had gone to dine with the Lucas's.
"Lizzy! How could you? Last night you wanted to leave the ball early missing your chance of dancing once more with Mr. Darcy! And keeping Jane and Mr. Bingley away from each other. Now, Mr. Collins has left without making an offer of marriage to you or any of them! Do you not realize that you are spoiling all of your own chances as well as your sisters'! In more than one way as well! Why... The only reason that Mr. Bingley likely danced with Jane, and Mr. Darcy danced with you, was because they didn't now the gossip that is going around!"
"Yes! I'm sure that is the case Mama!" cried Elizabeth.
The week passed with nothing out of the ordinary. Mrs. Bennet constantly criticized Elizabeth, about anything that came to mind, especially about 'driving Mr. Collins away with your bad behavior!' Elizabeth was to wrapped up in her own troubles to notice her mother's hurtful words or, that Mr. Collins hardly spent the day with them.
Jane and Elizabeth had been sitting in the drawing room concentrating on some needlework, when they heard Lydia's voice yelling from outside,
"Jane! Lizzy!"
Lydia and Kitty rushed up to their sisters, who had come to meet them, "What do you think?" gasped Lydia, "Mr. Collins has made and offer of marriage to Charlotte Lucas!"
"And she has accepted him!" cried Kitty.
"Charlotte! Engaged to Mr. Collins! Impossible!" said Elizabeth, in a shocked tone of voice.
It was not long before Elizabeth set out to Lucas Lodge, thankfully she met no one on the way. She was beginning to fear all these people, for there were many who believed the gossip.
When she arrived at Lucas Lodge, Elizabeth was almost afraid that they would shun her. Lady Lucas, did not look on 'such behavior' with a friendly eye. However, without any embarrassment she was shown into the drawing room, where Charlotte was.
"Lizzy, how pleasant."
"Indeed," muttered Elizabeth, wondering how to approach the subject.
"No doubt you have heard that I am to be married," said Charlotte.
Elizabeth raised her eyes in shock, not knowing how to hide her embarrassment at being found out.
"I see that you are surprised."
"I confess I was. But if Mr. Collins has been so fortunate as to secure your affections, I'm delighted for you, both."
Charlotte looked knowingly at her friend, "I see what your feeling... I'm not romantic, you know. I never was! I ask only a comfortable home and considering Mr. Collins's situation, I think I will be as happy as any can boast upon entering the marriage state."
Elizabeth said nothing. If truth be told, Charlotte's words made her think of her own marriage, which was in a way similar to her friends. A marriage of convenience. She stayed only long enough to hear her cousin congratulate himself on his happy situation. Elizabeth could not stand anymore.
"Jane! It was the most ridiculous spectacle! She knows she is marrying on of the stupidest men in England!"
"Lizzy. Our cousin, is not the cleverest of men, perhaps, but he is respectable. He is not vicious. It is an eligible match."
"Very eligible! You would never marry to secure your own comfort!"
"But, Lizzy, not everyone is the same."
Elizabeth refused to answer, she just sat, fuming. It was at that moment that, Hill came in the room.
"A letter came just now from Netherfield, Ma'am," she said as she curtsied and gave the letter to Jane.
"Thank-you," Jane answered, blushing. A moment later she said, "It is from Caroline Bingley... She writes: 'that the whole party will have, by now, left Netherfield and without any intention of coming back again.'"
Elizabeth looked up from her scowling at the carpet to her sisters shocked and sad face. She scarce knew what to think. William was now gone, no doubt because of his quilt... But Mr. Bingley? Elizabeth had been certain that he cared for Jane and that he should go without proposing seemed very odd.
"What else does she say?"
"I will read it to you. 'When my brother left us yesterday, he imagined that the business that took him to town might be concluded in a few days, but we are certain that this can not be so, we are convinced that when Charles gets to town he will be in no hurry to leave it. Mr. Darcy is anxious to see his sister and to confess the truth, we are scarcely less eager to see her again. She inspires such a great affection in Louisa and myself, this is heightened into something more from the hope we dare to entertain of her being hereafter our sister. Am I wrong dearest Jane to indulge in the hope that will secure the happiness of so many?'"
"Is it not clear enough? She means, most kindly to put me on my guard, for she is convinced of her brothers indifference to me. Can there be any other opinion on the subject?"
"Yes, there can! Miss. Bingley sees that her brother is in love with you and she wants him to marry Georgi... Miss. Darcy! She follows him to town in the hopes of keeping him there, while trying to persuade you that he does not care about you."
Jane shook her head.
"Indeed, Jane, you ought to believe me. No one that has seen you together can doubt his affection."
"I can not believe Caroline capable of willful deceit."
"Jane..." Elizabeth stopped, she knew Jane's nature would not allow for anyone to be truly bad. Therefore, she stopped trying to convince her sister, Elizabeth hoped that Jane would see the truth, eventually.
Chapter 25
"You see, Lizzy! What you have done! You have driven Mr. Darcy away, and with him Mr. Bingley! How could you harm your sister so? Only look at how poor, Jane, suffers! And to think that Charlotte Lucas will be mistress of this house... It is all your fault Elizabeth!"
"Mama! I am very well aware that you are angry with me. Trust me, I do not need to be reminded daily."
Elizabeth then left the room.
This was often the way days passed at Longbourn. It was during this time that the only comfort Elizabeth had was the knowledge that the Gardiners would be coming soon, to spend Christmas with them. And it was in this manner that another week passed and the preparations for the Gardiners visit were now underway.
Twice, since the Netherfield party had left, did Mr. Wickham, along with Denny and Sanderson come to tea at Longbourn. Seeing, Mr. Wickham brought Elizabeth no joy, for she always remembered his words... 'He has a mistress, Miss. Bennet.' That would then lead her to remember seeing William and Bridget together at the Netherfield.
On the day that the Gardiners were to arrive, Elizabeth woke from a deep sleep. She found it rather odd that she could sleep so well when her mind was in such turmoil. As she made to get out of bed a feeling of nausea overwhelmed her and she immediately lay back down, curling herself into a tight ball. This queasiness had been happening every morning for the last week, she thought it was very strange.
"Lizzy! My Lord girl! You were always awake early, now what has happened to you," screeched Mrs. Bennet, "Hurry down, breakfast is waiting!" With that Mrs. Bennet left her daughter's room.
The mere thought of food nearly made Elizabeth lose control of her already uneasy stomach. With a determined effort, Elizabeth dragged herself out of bed and started dressing. She glanced at her face in the mirror, she was very pale.
'What is wrong with me!?' she thought.
"Are you ill, Lizzy?" asked Jane, when she saw her sister.
"I am fine, Jane," Elizabeth said clenching her jaw.
Instead of eating any of the food on the table, Elizabeth sat for a minute regarding it with a look of utter disgust.
"Are you not eating this morning, Elizabeth?"
"Why is everyone asking me questions?" snapped Elizabeth, "I will eat when I am ready! Right now, I just want some water."
Angrily grabbing the glass that was before her, Elizabeth excused herself and left the room. Going up to her room, she sat down on the bed, putting the glass on the bedside table. It wasn't long before Elizabeth had fallen asleep, again.
Meanwhile, in the Breakfast Room, everyone had stopped eating and talking. All of them were in shock over Lizzy's behavior, Mrs. Bennet was the first to recover,
"The insolence of that girl! It is because you favor her so very much Mr. Bennet! She thinks she can get away with anything!"
"Perhaps..." started Jane.
"Yes, Jane," urged Mr. Bennet, ignoring his wife's tirade.
"Did you ever think that she might love Mr. Darcy? Maybe she is sad because he has left."
"In love with, Mr. Darcy!" cried Mrs. Bennet.
"Why is that so hard to believe?" asked Jane, "They got along very well, when he was here."
"Well, she can be in love with him, if she wants, but his absence is no excuse for her behavior."
"Mrs. Bennet..." he was interrupted by Hill opening the door.
"Mr. Howard to see you, Sir."
"Howard, what do we owe the pleasure?"
"I am most sorry to have disturbed your meal, but I need to speak with you on a matter of some urgency. I need to talk with you alone, Bennet."
"Of course. Shall we go to the Library?"
Elizabeth woke with a start, once more her stomach felt uneasy, though it was not as bad as it had been. A little time later, she made her way downstairs, just as she was about to go to the drawing room she heard a voice she recognized to be that of Mr. Howard's.
"I must insist on knowing his whereabouts! And I thought that with your eldest daughter being a friend of Miss. Bingley, she may be able to find out, where he is."
"Why should you want to know where Mr. Darcy is? If you do not mind my asking."
Elizabeth crept up to the door.
"I'll tell you why! My daughter, Bridget is with child and the father is..."
"Mr. Darcy."
"Exactly, I must find the scoundrel and make him marry her!"
On the other side of the door, Elizabeth was frantically working out something. Then all became clear to her. She too, was expecting a child.
Chapter 26
Elizabeth, turned from the door in a daze and slowly made the way back to her bedchamber. She was so surprised and frightened.
'Bridget is having a baby! I'm having a baby! Oh! How could he?'
She walked to the window seat and sat down. Curling herself up she started crying. Everything was going wrong, there was no one she could turn to. No one to help her. No one to comfort her. All she wanted was William to come back to her, to tell her that Wickham had heard wrong, that it was someone else who had kissed Bridget, that Bridget's baby was not his, that all would be well... However, she knew it was a hopeless dream.
She must have cried for a half an hour, letting all the anger, sadness, and fear that she had been holding, out. Elizabeth finally dried her eyes. She remained at the window for some time. A hour passed. Elizabeth spent that time looking, unseeing out the window at the surrounding countryside.
Some hours later, five to be exact, Elizabeth woke when she heard the door to her room open. Jane entered quietly,
"Lizzy," she began, "Aunt and Uncle Gardiner have arrived."
"I'll be down in a minute, Jane," Elizabeth said still looking out the window.
"There is no need, Lizzy!" Mrs. Gardiner's cheerful voice called, "I have come to see you, but you should come and greet your uncle."
"Aunt." Elizabeth cheered slightly, as she rose to embrace her favorite aunt and Jane quietly left the room.
"How have you been?"
"Well."
"Your mother said you feeling ill this morning, I hope you have recovered."
"I..."
"Lizzy! Sister! We must get ready, we are leaving for the Phillips' in half and hour!" Mrs. Bennet shouted from below.
"How long have you been here?"
"Two hours, dear. I came and looked in on you, but as you were sleeping, I did not disturb you. Jane and I only came up just know, since we will be going soon."
"Oh! I do not want to go out tonight, I just want to stay home," complained Elizabeth putting a hand to her now throbbing head.
"You still don't feel well. Perhaps we should send for the doctor."
"NO!" Elizabeth said forcefully, she knew the doctor would just confirm what she already knew was wrong. Then her parents would find out...
"Lizzy, we won't send for the doctor if you do not want us to. I know, why don't we both stay home. I really don't feel like going either."
"That would be pleasant."
"Well, then, I will go tell, Fanny. Do you want to come down and see your uncle?'
"Yes."
The two of them went downstairs and before long they were seeing everyone else off.
"Aunt," Elizabeth began once they were seated comfortably in the drawing room, "Have you ever heard of a Lady Claudia Ashby?"
"Yes..." replied Mrs. Gardiner cautiously.
"What sort of person is she? Honorable?"
"She is rumored, by some, to be slightly less than honorable."
"Tell me, does she have a lover?"
"Lizzy! What a question!"
"Please... I need to know! Does she or doesn't she?"
"Yes. It is a well known fact in town, no one knows who, but some say he is a rich gentleman from Derbyshire... Now, tell me all of the latest gossip in Meryton!" she tried to change the subject.
Elizabeth's teacup clattered dangerously on the saucer.
"Oh, Lizzy! I am sorry... How thoughtless of me!"
"You know!"
Sighing, Mrs. Gardiner, answered, "You mother told me. She also told me that she suspects you to be in love with, Mr. Darcy."
Elizabeth turned away from her aunt, but Mrs. Gardiner already saw the tears in her niece's eyes.
"Elizabeth, don't cry. What they are saying about you is a scandalous falsehood, I should not have said anything! Come you should be in bed."
Gently and discreetly, Mrs. Gardiner took Elizabeth to her room.
"Now, tell me," directed Mrs. Gardiner as she lead her niece to the bed, "Do you love him?"
"I... *sniffle*... did... Maybe a part... *hiccup*... of me still does..."
Mrs. Gardiner waited for Elizabeth to calm herself before she asked any more questions.
"Oh, aunt! I need to tell someone, but I can't..." Elizabeth cried into her pillow.
"Tell, someone what?"
Sitting up, Elizabeth looked at her aunt, "Promise me, you will not tell a soul!"
"Yes, but whatever you tell me, it can not me so very bad."
"It can. Aunt... I'm... ah... I'm... with child."
"What!" exclaimed Mrs. Gardiner jumping up, "Lizzy! I would have thought you had better sense... The rumors are true, then! Mr. Darcy is the father of the child... Lizzy, you must tell him... He must be made to marry you!"
Mrs. Gardiner was very surprised by Elizabeth laughing bitterly.
"It is too late."
"Too late?"
"Aunt, I am not so bad as you think," stated a surprisingly calm Elizabeth, "I am not having this child out of wedlock... Let me continue... Aunt, Mr. Darcy is my husband. We have been married for four years."
"I... don't... I don't see how..."
"I will explain. When I was sixteen, you may remember, I went to Scotland to visit my good friend Harriet and her husband. Well, John's friend, a Mr. Darcy was also staying with them. I fell in love with William and I consented to an elopement. You may wonder why we went to the trouble of concealing it, but it was absolutely necessary. His aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, had been in charge of his fortune, since his father's death. She was sure to disapprove of our marriage, should she have found out she could have disinherited him. We have been corresponding over the last four years, through our friends. I, however, did not know that he was to come to Meryton... Aunt, you can imagine the rest of the story."
"I see."
"Aunt?"
"You must forgive me, Lizzy. I am just so shocked by your news. You will tell him though, about the baby?"
"No."
"Why not? He has a right to know."
Elizabeth then went on to explain about Lady Claudia Ashby and Bridget Howard. She told her aunt everything she knew.
"I should not have told you about Lady Ashby!"
"Aunt, that is not what concerns me. What will happen to me if Will... if he is forced to marry Bridget!"
"Speaking plainly, we can only hope that you will not be found out. I know he will be committing bigamy, but as I see it nothing else can be done."
"True," Elizabeth said quietly.
"Lizzy, what are you going to do about the baby?"
Chapter 27
"I was hoping you would help me decide what to do."
"Let me think."
Mrs. Gardiner paced for a while, thinking of what could be done. She had many ideas, but it seemed impossible that her stubborn niece would agree to any of them. Finally, she hit on one that seemed at least, reasonable.
"Lizzy, the only thing I can think that you might agree to means letting your uncle in on this secret."
"What is the plan first of all?"
"The plan is this: When my father died he left me a small cottage in Scotland. It is a very secluded place... What if your uncle and I take you there and you can have the baby, without anyone being any wiser?"
"It sounds fine, but what happens after the child is born?"
"Just this. What if, your uncle and I announce in February or so that I am having another baby. Then as soon as Jane arrives back from her visit with us we come pick you up and take you to Scotland with us, hopefully your parents will consent. Then, when you have had the baby and we return to England, your uncle and I take care of the baby, until you have had time to decide what to do."
"You mean raise my child as your own."
"I can see no other way, Lizzy."
"I suppose you are right. Are you certain that uncle will help?"
"I think he will, when all circumstances are explained."
"Then, that is what we shall do."
"Now, we must think of a story to tell, anyone who should be nosy in Scotland. This place is secluded, but not that secluded."
"Would saying that my husband is away in the regiment and that he wanted me to be as comfortable as possible when our child was born, sound plausible?"
"Yes, but what are we going to be to you?"
"You could still me my aunt and uncle, that way there would be no mistakes, if I was trying to remember to address you as something else and forget."
"That will work, we can work out the particulars later. Now, what else?"
"What do we do when I start getting... ah... bigger?"
"Now, Lizzy. When is the baby due?"
"July, I think."
"We won't be able to take you to Scotland, until April. Thank-God, for these fashions! They hide a multitude of sins! What time is it?"
"6:00. Why?"
"They will probably get back around 11:00. That will give us plenty of time to make adjustments to the dresses you will be wearing."
The two of them got to work immediately, guessing, as best they could, how much Elizabeth would have grown by that time. They had made all the necessary adjustments and Elizabeth was already in bed and asleep, by the time the rest of the Bennets and Mr. Gardiner arrived home.
The following day, Mrs. Gardiner informed her husband of everything. He was a tad skeptical at first, but eventually he came around to their way of thinking.
They were also told by Mrs. Bennet, that Charlotte Lucas had invited Elizabeth to come and visit her in March, along with Sir William and Maria. Mrs. Bennet said she had accepted on her daughter's behalf.
This was caused some worry for the Gardiners and Elizabeth, since she would be showing then. One thing that Elizabeth decided to keep from the Gardiners, was the fact the March-April was usually the time her husband and his cousin paid a visit to their aunt.
Christmas came and went. The news that Bridget was marrying a young man named Mr. Clement came as well, Elizabeth wondered what had happened, perhaps, William had paid this man to marry, Bridget. The thought that the baby wasn't his, never crossed her mind. The thought that, someone else had only just started his revenge never occurred to her, either.
Jane returned to London with the Gardiners. Elizabeth received a letter from her sister that did anything but lift her own spirits, for it detailed how Mr. Bingley seemed to no longer care for Jane, it also mentioned William, that only increased her misery.
In February, as planned, the Gardiners announced that another baby was on the way. Elizabeth was happy that all seemed to be going it should. This happiness was disturbed when she received a letter from William. He wanted to know why he had heard nothing from her and why she had been so distant at Netherfield. She didn't write back, all she did was set the letter on fire.
Elizabeth began to wear the dresses that had been altered. She began to take care how she sat, for if she sat a certain way, her condition was fairly obvious. She dare not risk her mother finding out.
Then before Elizabeth knew it, spring had arrived and she was preparing for her journey into Kent. She only hoped that all would be well with the baby, on the way.
Chapter 28
"Maria, all that land to the left of us belongs to Rosings Park," Sir William told his daughter.
"All of it! Lady Catherine must be very rich, indeed!"
"I believe so! I believe so! Your sister has made a most fortunate alliance" Sir William caught Elizabeth's eye, he seemed embarrassed by his words, "Well... ah... I believe the next turn takes us on to Hunsford."
When they drew up in front of the Parsonage and had left the carriage, Mr. Collins came forth saying in his slimy voice,
"Sir William! Maria! Cousin Elizabeth! Allow me to welcome you to my humble abode."
He went on to talk with Sir William and Maria, while Elizabeth stepped forward to greet her friend.
"I am happy to see you, Elizabeth."
"And I you."
Elizabeth was very fatigued by the journey, and would have liked nothing better than to rest, however, Mr. Collins insisted on giving a tour of his 'humble abode'. He rambled on about his staircase and such, if he said, 'for her Ladyship has several' one more time, Elizabeth would not be responsible for her actions.
When, Mr. Collins showed Elizabeth to her bedchamber, he did so with such arrogance. It truly annoyed her, then it became clear. He still believed the rumors that had been going around Meryton during his stay, she was a disgrace to have in his house!
Afterwards, while Mr. Collins showed Sir William and Maria his garden, Charlotte gave her friend a much nicer welcome to the house. Charlotte described in a discreet way how she was able to avoid her husband.
Two days later saw them on their way to dine at Rosings. As they walked there Elizabeth straightened her dress, Mr. Collins took this to mean she was uneasy about meeting his fine patroness, and so he said,
"Do not make yourself uneasy, cousin, about your apparel. Lady Catherine is far from requiring that elegance of dress in us which becomes herself and her daughter. Lady Catherine will not think the worse of you for being simply dressed. She likes to have the distinction of rank preserved."
"Thank-you, Mr. Collins. That puts me at ease," she had really been making sure her dress hid what is was supposed to.
Once the introductions had been made, Lady Catherine immediately started asking about Charlotte's domestic concerns. She began to dispense advice, of which Mr. Collins gave every assurance of following. Elisabeth watched her discreetly, she could hardly believe what an arrogant woman she was,
'No wonder she would not have approved... I will not think that!' Elizabeth thought.
Unfortunately, it was not long before she turned her attention to Elizabeth.
'Were I not so well mannered... I would advise her to lose some weight!' thought Lady Catherine, while she said out loud,
"Your friend appears to be a very pretty, genteel sort of girl, Mrs. Collins. Her father's estate is entailed on Mr. Collins, I understand."
"Yes, indeed, it is, and I am..." began Mr. Collins before Lady Catherine interrupted him.
"Pray, how many sisters do you have?"
"I am the second of five."
"And are any of your younger sisters out?"
"Yes, Ma'am, all."
"All! What, all five out at once. The younger ones out before the older are married. Your youngest sisters must be very young."
"Yes, my youngest is not sixteen. Perhaps she is full young to be out much in company, but really ma'am, I think it would be very hard upon younger sisters that they do not have their share of society or amusement because their older sisters do not have the means of inclination to marry early."
"Upon my word! You give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person. Pray, what is your age?"
"With three younger sisters grown up, your ladyship can hardly expect me to own it."
That was mainly how the evening passed and it was not long before the party started back to the Parsonage in one of her ladyship's several carriages.
Sir William stayed only a week at Hunsford, just long enough to be assured of his daughters good fortune. With, Sir William gone, they saw more of Mr. Collins, not something that brought joy to Elizabeth, for she was already on edge with the news that Lady Catherine's nephews were to arrive.
When the news of their arrival came, care of Mr. Collins, he immediately departed to greet them. Half an hour later, Charlotte came running into the sitting room where Maria and Elizabeth sat with their needlework.
"Lizzy! I must thank-you for this honor!"
"What honor?"
"Mr. Collins is just now arriving and he has with him Mr. Darcy and another gentlemen! Indeed, Lizzy, Mr. Darcy would not have come so soon to wait upon me!"
Elizabeth paled. She could hardly believe the audacity of that man.
Chapter 29
Colonel Fitzwilliam entered the sitting room first followed by Mr. Collins and William. The Colonel was introduced to Elizabeth and she greeted him warmly. When William bowed to her, Elizabeth's manner changed noticeably. She curtsied stiffly (trying to hide her condition) and talked to him in a tone bordering on uncivil.
"I am very pleased to meet you at last, Miss. Bennet," began Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"At last, Sir?"
"Yes, I have heard much of you and none of the praise has been exaggerated."
"Oh, I can well believe that! Mr. Darcy is my severest critic!" She took this opportunity to see that William was watching her from across the room and practically ignoring Mr. Collins.
"I understand you play and sing, Miss. Bennet."
"A little and very ill, I would not wish to excite you anticipation."
"I am sure you are too modest, but anything would be very welcome, I assure you."
Elizabeth smiled. Once more she realized that William's eyes were on her and decided to say something of the sort to his cousin.
"Can you tell me why Mr. Darcy keeps staring at me? What do you think offends him?"
They both turned to look at William. He must have taken this for an invitation to join them and he did so.
"I hope your family is in good health."
"They are, indeed. My eldest sister has been in Town these three months have you never happened to see her there?"
"No," he paused and seemed to be searching for the right words, "I have not had that pleasure."
William, looked at Elizabeth a moment before wandering over to the window.
'What is bothering her? She never replied to my letter, perhaps she didn't received it... I do hope she didn't somehow find out about Bridget Howard.'
William heard Elizabeth say to his cousin,
"You see Mr. Darcy and I are not the best of friends."
"I'm very surprised to hear that."
"Why should you be? I always believe in first impression and Mr. Darcy's good opinion once lost is lost forever. So you see, it is a hopeless case, is it not, Colonel Fitzwilliam."
Elizabeth was rewarded by a startled William turning to look at her. It was not long after this that the gentlemen took their leave.
During the next week Colonel Fitzwilliam came everyday to the Parsonage and almost everyday his cousin accompanied him. William would sit and stare at Elizabeth while she talked with his cousin, there was something different about her appearance, but he could not figure out what it was.
On these occasions Elizabeth would ignore William and when she did look at him it was with a cold reserve that he had never seen in her before.
As it happened it was nearly a week before the people from the Parsonage were invited to dine a Rosings. It was clear that they were not Lady Catherine's first choice , for she spent most of the evening talking with William. She praised Georgiana and dropped many, non-discreet, comments about her daughters splendor.
Elizabeth had a secret enjoyment in watching William being tortured by his aunt, yet she did feel a pang of remorse, for if it had not been for him she would not be having a baby. No matter what her feelings were towards her child's father, nothing could diminish the love she had for the baby.
Later in the evening, Colonel Fitzwilliam managed to convince Elizabeth to play for them. Lady Catherine listed to half the song before turning her attention to William, who after a short while left her company and went to the pianoforte.
"You mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by coming in all this state to hear me? But I will not be alarmed, my courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me."
"I know you find great enjoyment in expressing opinions which are not your own."
"You profess to have a great understanding of my character."
"I do nothing of the kind," replied William somewhat bitterly, considering Elizabeth's recent behavior, he could hardly say he knew her character.
Ignoring, William's last remark she turned to the Colonel and said, "Your cousin will teach not to believe a word I say. It is ungenerous of him, is it not?"
"Yes, indeed," cried the Colonel looking at his cousin.
"Impolitic too, for it provokes me to retaliate and say something of his behavior which may shock his relations."
"I am not afraid of you," said William smilingly, after all this was the closest they had come to talking like the old days in quite some time.
"Pray let me hear what you have to accuse him of. I should dearly love to hear how he behaves among others."
"You shall hear then, but prepare yourself for something very bad. The first time I saw Mr. Darcy was at a ball where he danced only four dances though gentlemen were scarce and more than one lady was in want of a partner." Elizabeth related the story from when they had genuinely, first met. It had been at the little Assembly that John and Harriet had taken her to.
"At that time I had not the pleasure of know any of the ladies save my hostess and her three sisters. I... I find myself ill qualified to recommend myself to strangers."
"Shall we ask him why?" Elizabeth addressed the Colonel, "Shall we ask him why a man of sense and education who has lived in the world, should feel 'ill qualified to recommend himself to strangers'?"
"I do not have the talents, which some posses of conversing easily with strangers."
"My fingers do not move over this instrument so well as I should wish, but I have always supposed that to be my own fault because I would not take the trouble of practicing."
"You are perfect right. You have employed you time much better. No one admitted to the privilege of hearing you could think anything wanting. We neither of us perform to strangers."
They were interrupted at that moment by Lady Catherine demanding to know what they were talking about.
The following day Elizabeth was writing a letter to her sister when she heard the doorbell. She assumed it was the Colonel and possibly William, though she hoped it was not the latter.
Standing up and smoothing her dress she waited for the door to open. It was to her great surprise and fear when she realized that it was just William.
After addressing him she said looking out the window, "You find me all alone today, Mr. Darcy. My cousin, Mrs. Collins and Maria have gone into Hunsford village."
"I see. I did not mean to invade you privacy."
'Why is she doing this? Calling me 'Mr. Darcy' instead of William and acting like she wants nothing more than to be out of my company. All I want to hold her and talk with her, we have not seen each other in such a long time!'
When he had taken a seat the sat for a moment, neither of them knowing what to say. Finally, she said,
"How suddenly you all quitted Netherfield last November. Mr. Bingley and his sisters were well, I hope, when you left London."
"Perfectly so, I thank-you."
"I understand that Mr. Bingley does not have much idea of ever returning to Netherfield again."
"It is probable that he will spend little time there in the future."
"If he means to be there but little, it would be better for the neighborhood that he give up the place entirely."
"I should not be surprised if he were to give it up as soon as any eligible purchase offers... Damit! Elizabeth, what is bothering you?"
She looked up at him regarding him coldly for a minute. She was about to reply when Charlotte and Maria entered the room, they were surprised to see Mr. Darcy by himself. William stayed for a few more minutes, then excusing himself, he left, much to the relief of Elizabeth.
Elizabeth remained in the house for the rest of the week and if she did venture out it would be in the company of someone else. One day, a little less than a week later she received a letter from Jane that proved her sister had not written in the best of spirits, the Parsonage was not a place were she could quietly dwell on the letter therefore she was determined to go for a walk, whatever the consequences.
Elizabeth was walking in the park when she looked up the sound of footsteps. She was afraid that it was William but was very much relieved when she realized it was the Colonel.
"Miss. Bennet!"
"Colonel Fitzwilliam! I did not know you ever walked this way."
"I have been making my annual tour of the park, as I do every year. Shall we take this way together?"
"With pleasure."
They walked in silence for a minute or two until Elizabeth asked,
"Do you know Mr. Bingley and his sisters?"
"I know them a little. Their brother is a pleasant gentlemanlike man... He is a great friend of Darcy's."
"Oh! Yes. Mr. Darcy is uncommonly kind to Mr. Bingley and takes a prodigious deal of care of him."
"I believe Darcy does take care of him."
"What is it that you mean?"
"Well, he congratulates himself upon having lately saved Mr. Bingley from the inconvenience of a most imprudent marriage."
"Did Mr. Darcy give his reason for this interference?"
"I understand that their were some strong objections to the lady."
"Why was he to be the judge?" Elizabeth had a very good idea who the lady was.
"You are disposed to call his interference officious?"
"I do not see what right Mr. Darcy had to determine in what manner his friend was to be happy! But," she realized she should not go on in such a manner, "as you say. Perhaps there was little love in the case."
"Perhaps not, but that would lessen the honor of my cousin's triumph very sadly don't you think."
Elizabeth paused, she wanted to be alone so she could think over all that the Colonel had told her. She was called back to reality by Colonel Fitzwilliam saying,
"Miss. Bennet, are you unwell?"
"A sudden headache... Perhaps I've walked to far today."
"Then let us take the shorter way back," answered the Colonel offering her is arm.