Page 33 of A Rational Man (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

M r. Bingley, having finally regained control of himself, returned to the ballroom.

His eyes roved the room; he saw Mr. Darcy in deep conversation with his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam.

He saw his dear Jane dancing with a soldier and smiling up at him.

He waited, prowling around the sidelines, until the dance was done.

The soldier escorted her back to her parents, and he was quick to join her there.

“It is done,” he said, grasping her arm.

She began to pull her arm away, but then stopped in surprise. “You spoke with Miss Bingley?”

“I did.”

“And?”

“She has two months to choose whether to live with her relatives in Scarborough, convince Hurst to open his townhouse, or set up her own establishment in Town.”

“And if she does not choose?”

“Then I shall put her in a carriage and send her to Scarborough.”

“You are determined?” Mr. Bennet joined the conversation.

“I have never been more so,” Mr. Bingley replied.

Jane’s innate kindness rose to the fore. “My poor Charles! This must have been so very difficult for you!”

“It was, Jane, but I would do far more to secure your hand.”

“Then you may announce the engagement at supper, Mr. Bingley. But know this – should anything happen to delay Miss Bingley’s departure, I will instruct my daughter not to meet you at the altar.”

“I understand, sir.”

Jane was of age, of course, and did not require her father’s consent to marry, but it was clearly understood by everyone involved that she would never marry against her father’s wishes.

“Jane! Dance with me!” Mr. Bingley’s voice was now ebullient.

His betrothed smiled at him, beatifically, and off they went together.

***

After her dance with Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth had danced two more dances before pleading a headache and sitting behind a pillar. She had managed to hide her feelings for the past hour, but was aware that she could not maintain that facade for much longer.

Mr. Darcy’s words had hurt her deeply. She had known – of course she had known!

– that he would go to London and find a wife.

But to hear it spoken of so easily, for him to then ask for a second dance, which would cause all manner of talk in the neighbourhood!

Was that some sort of sop, a means of placating her for his departure?

How could he not know how much pain she was in?

How could he not understand how very insulting it was for him to tell her that he found her compelling and in the next breath say that he was off to find a wife!

And if he found her compelling, was he not in pain as well, to be leaving her?

Her thoughts whirled around, again and again, and quite soon she had a headache, just as she had claimed.

Charlotte found her there. “You look upset, Eliza.”

“I am, Charlotte, oh, I am!” To Charlotte she could confess her pain.

“Mr. Darcy,” Charlotte murmured.

Elizabeth admitted to it and then recounted the conversation they had had, concluding with, “How can he be so – so callous!”

“I do not think he intended to be so,” Charlotte said, cautiously. “It was something of a compliment for him to tell you that he found you compelling.”

“Not compelling enough to offer for, clearly!”

“Eliza, that was never going to happen.”

“I know, but –“

“But you still hoped.”

“Oh, Charlotte! I did, I did hope, and it was stupid of me to do so.”

“And entirely natural,” Charlotte insisted. “Eliza, I believe that he cares for you a good deal, but he lives in a society that could not accept such a match.”

“I know you are right. And I will be fine, you know that I will; I just need to get through this ball.”

“Give yourself permission to think about Mr. Darcy later tonight, for as long as you like, just not now,” Charlotte advised. “Instead, think about who else you might wish to dance with and who you might sit with at dinner.”

“I promised Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth said, dully.

“He is an excellent man,” Charlotte pronounced.

“He is; if you are not otherwise engaged for supper, you must join us, Charlotte. I am certain he would not mind.”

Charlotte agreed, happy to spend more time with the Colonel.

***

The Colonel found Miss Elizabeth just before the supper dance.

She did her best to look happy and excited, but there was something not quite right.

She accepted his arm at once, and they took their place in the line.

As they began, she said, “Oh, Colonel, I asked Miss Lucas to sit with us at supper if she was not invited by someone else. I hope you do not object?”

“Not at all; that was kind of you, and I certainly have no objection. I enjoyed my dance with her.”

She chuckled. “I knew you would. There is a sort of – well, I suppose I would say practicality about both of you.”

He nodded. “Being in the Army will teach you to be practical.”

“Charlotte has always been so; she would say it comes from being the elder sister of a large family.”

“Miss Elizabeth, I wonder if I might ask a rather impertinent question of you.”

She hesitated. “I would guess this has to do with your cousin.”

“Your guess would be correct.”

“I do not think I have anything to say.” Her tone was unexpectedly sharp.

“I understand, Miss Elizabeth. I will say no more on the subject.”

The remainder of the dance was spent in silence. When it was over, the Colonel escorted her to the supper tables; Charlotte joined them, chattering happily. Elizabeth did her best to join in the conversation, but it was difficult.

Mr. Darcy had not asked anyone for the supper dance; he secured a seat beside Mr. Bingley, who was sitting with Jane Bennet. He looked about for the Colonel, and was astonished to see him sitting with Miss Elizabeth!

How dare he? Had it not been clear that Miss Elizabeth belonged to him? How could the Colonel, his own cousin – but stop, this was completely irrational. Certainly Miss Elizabeth did not belong to him, and if the Colonel wished to court her? No, no, that could not happen.

He stared at her until she evidently felt his eyes on her and raised her eyes to his; then he quickly looked away.

This was complete insanity. There was nothing for it; he would have to leave as soon as may be.

He looked up as Mr. Bingley rose and called for silence. Mr. Bingley raised his glass and called out, “May I have everyone’s attention, please!”

The guests quieted, and he then said, “I am happy to announce that Miss Jane Bennet has agreed to be my wife! Please raise your glasses to the future Mrs. Charles Bingley!”

There was a good deal of clapping and cheering, and everyone raised their glasses of various liquids and drank, as Jane blushed heavily.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennet received congratulations from all sides, and everyone in the room was happy.