Page 13 of Body and Soul (Darcy and Elizabeth Variations #8)

Chapter Thirteen

December 10, 1811 Longbourn Fanny

F ive more days had passed since she and Lizzy had spoken late at night. Their daily tasks occupied them, forcing them to converse only after everyone else went to bed. Elizabeth seemed subdued much of the time, and Fanny noticed she avoided Mr. Bennet with more purpose. When she asked her daughter for an explanation, Lizzy confessed it all.

“I have never felt as though I am losing myself,” she told her daughter. “This situation forces you into a more trying role than me.” Fanny’s attempts at comfort were not very successful, unfortunately.

She worried about how Elizabeth’s actions would affect her future when she once again became Mrs. Bennet. Would her husband treat her worse? She had not the wit to spar with him as her daughter did! Determined not to think on it until necessary, Fanny threw herself into learning everything she could about Mr. Darcy. He also questioned her, forcing her to be creative in her replies. She would tell stories about Elizabeth, things she had done as a child, all the while pretending to be her second daughter. And though Mr. Darcy did not touch Fanny’s heart, Elizabeth secretly listened to their conversations, and her interest grew.

In the evenings before she retired, she would compile a list of questions for her mother to present to the gentleman. Mr. Darcy did not seem to mind that Fanny read from a list. Indeed, it seemed to please him she put so much effort into their conversation. It reminded Fanny very much of her own courtship. She missed the Mr. Bennet who had wooed her so carefully. She longed for the man who gave her flowers for no other reason than because the sun was shining. And for the first time in many years, she wished to understand how to earn his regard again. Now was not the time to dwell, though. There was entertainment aplenty tonight!

“Good evening, Charlotte!” Fanny walked over to Miss Lucas, though she wished to skip. Mr. Bingley had proposed to Jane, and both now accepted the well wishes of their neighbors. Sir William happily announced the engagement at his party, beaming with pride as if Jane were his daughter. Yes, today had been a marvelous day!

“Good evening, Eliza.” Charlotte squeezed her hand. “I am very pleased for Jane!”

“We all are. I believe she took your advice seriously and showed Mr. Bingley the depth of her feelings.” Fanny could see the wisdom in showing more than one felt. Charlotte had said something about it on a call a week ago.

Charlotte sighed. “Whatever will you do when both Jane and I are gone from Meryton?” she teased.

Fanny frowned. “I suppose I shall miss you both dreadfully, though Jane will stay at Netherfield, at least until the lease ends next year.”

“If they last that long. Your mother will certainly call every day and drive them to distraction.”

Charlotte sounded very serious. What is wrong with that? Fanny wondered. She turned an inquiring gaze on Miss Lucas. “Do you think so?” she asked, hoping her questions were not so contrary to what Elizabeth might say so as to raise suspicions.

“Oh, I do! Your mother is altered, but she will surely be overjoyed to visit her eldest in her fashionable home as often as possible. I do not envy Jane! I shall at least be far enough away to prevent frequent calls.”

Fanny fell silent, considering Charlotte’s words. She would have called every day. Indeed, she already planned to, even if she remained trapped in Lizzy’s body. Was it so wrong? How many calls a week were too excessive? What about dining? Would it be proper to have Bingley and Jane to dine thrice a week? I shall have to ask Lizzy, she resolved.

“Have you heard the tales the servants are carrying?” Charlotte continued, not having noticed Fanny’s confusion. “Mama’s maid, Nora—her sister works in the kitchens at Netherfield Park. She reports that Miss Bingley dismissed all the extra staff without paying them a penny!”

“No!” Even Fanny knew that was in poor taste.

“Yes. And then, less than three days later, Mrs. Nichols received notice that Mr. Bingley would be returning. However, he has made it right. The staff were told to expect something extra in their Christmas box.”

Fanny sighed in admiration. “Jane is marrying a wonderful man,” she said satisfactorily. “I am very pleased for her.”

“She is, indeed. It is a very good thing he returned. We all feared he would not.”

“Jane would have been distraught,” Fanny agreed. “I did not believe Miss Bingley’s note for a moment! Spiteful woman.”

Charlotte chuckled. “What about you and Mr. Darcy?” she asked. “I urge you, Lizzy, to think long and hard before dismissing him out of hand. He has twice the consequence of Mr. Bingley and he shows you a marked interest.”

Fanny smiled. So, Charlotte saw it, too. Perhaps this will make Lizzy see! “I promise I will do nothing foolish,” she said. “At the very least, I shall take your advice and think before I decide.”

“Really?” Charlotte looked surprised. “I thought you would protest at least a little! What has come over the residents of Longbourn?” The lady looked baffled as she gazed inquiringly at Fanny.

She felt panicked. “What do you mean?” she asked, cognizant of how her voice pitched up in anxiety.

“Fear not, dear friend. I only meant to comment on your mother’s new resolve. No Lydia again tonight? And Kitty is so well behaved! She has not drifted to the officers once! Mary’s playing has improved, too!”

Fanny breathed a sigh of relief. “Lydia is no longer out,” she said. “She tested my—Mama’s resolve and is now exiled to the nursery. The peace at home is unprecedented. And Mrs. Bates instructs Mary.” She hoped Charlotte would not note her hesitation. She also did not mention how Elizabeth, posing as Mrs. Bennet, had threatened Kitty with Lydia’s punishment if she strayed even a little close to the officers. Fearful of being locked in the nursery with an unruly and petulant younger sister, Kitty had promised to behave.

“And Mr. Bennet? Is he not in attendance?”

Fanny grimaced. Elizabeth had asked Mr. Bennet if he wished to come, but he had replied that evenings of frivolity happened far too often in December and he would stay at home for the night. “He is unwell,” she replied. Mr. Bennet had taken to spending even more hours locked in his study, such was his discontent. Fanny suspected he knew something was not quite right, and it bothered him because he could not name it.

Charlotte’s mother called her away, leaving Fanny standing alone, with a glass of punch in her hand.

“Refreshments, Miss Elizabeth?” Mr. Darcy appeared at her side holding a plate with two apple tarts. She hummed in pleasure. Lucas Lodge’s cook made the best apple tarts!

“I thank you, sir,” she said, selecting one and taking a dainty bite. “Apple tarts are my— one of my favorites.” Pleased to have caught herself before making an error, she smiled at him. “Lemon is the best, though.” Lemon was Lizzy’s favorite.

“I believe I agree with your assessment. I find apple to be best in the autumn and winter. Lemon tarts are perfect for a summer afternoon.” He smiled charmingly, and Fanny replied in kind.

“Do you prefer tarts or cakes?” she asked next, preparing to mentally record his words to tell Lizzy later.

“I do not know if I can choose one over the other. Like my preference for apple in the autumn and lemon in the summer, I prefer cakes for tea and biscuits with chocolate.”

Fanny nodded. “That is sensible.”

They continued speaking for half an hour, perhaps a little more, before Elizabeth beckoned to her across the room. “My mother has need of me,” she said, hoping she appeared regretful. In truth, pretending to be Lizzy was exhausting! She knew her daughter’s preferences, but Fanny lived in fear that she would say something wrong, destroying all chances Elizabeth had at winning Mr. Darcy’s regard. This was certainly an odd way to conduct a courtship!

Elizabeth

Elizabeth walked around the room, greeting the matrons her mother spoke with regularly. Mrs. Long kept her by her side for half an hour, regaling her about her son’s latest accomplishments at university. When she could break away, her attention was almost immediately seized by Lady Lucas. Her hostess sat with Mrs. Goulding and Mrs. Nielson, two of the foremost gossips in the neighborhood.

She felt relieved that her Aunt Phillips was not in attendance. Elizabeth did not think she could keep the truth from her mother’s closest sister. Aunt and Uncle Phillips had lately come down with a cold and were not well enough for a night of revelry.

“Mrs. Bennet! How very fortunate your family is! Dear Jane deserves nothing less than the best. After all, you have often said she could not be so beautiful for nothing.” Mrs. Goulding grinned, and Elizabeth thought she could see bitterness and jealously behind her eyes. Mrs. Goulding had a daughter, Mildred, who at twenty-four years of age had not yet married. She currently lived with her elder sister in London, in hopes that she would find a husband there.

She smiled pleasantly, masking her irritation. “Yes, Jane and Mr. Bingley are well-suited. And so very much in love! I am very happy.”

Mrs. Goulding’s smile widened. “I heard tell that Mary King has inherited ten thousand pounds,” she continued.

“There goes any chances for our girls!” Mrs. Martha Norris joined the conversation. “A dowry like that will draw every man in the county! Though I have heard Mr. Wickham pays her a great deal of attention.”

“Does it not worry you, Mrs. Bennet, that Mr. Bingley might abandon your daughter? Such a sum is a considerable attraction.” Mrs. Goulding looked very pleased with herself, and Elizabeth wondered how long she had spent crafting that argument in her mind.

“No amount of money can take the place of love, Mrs. Goulding,” she said evenly. She turned to her hostess. “Lady Lucas, have you set a date for the wedding? We are so looking forward to welcoming Charlotte into our family!”

Mrs. Goulding did not look pleased that the topic of conversation had changed.

“Oh, I think January,” Lady Lucas replied. “Mr. Collins will need to finish with his responsibilities until Twelfth Night, before Lady Catherine can spare him.”

“I find it difficult to believe you, Mrs. Bennet, let an eligible man slip through your grasp.” Mrs. Goulding’s pouting irritated Elizabeth.

“The happiness of my girls is paramount,” she said stiffly. “Mr. Collins and Charlotte suit each other wonderfully, and will do very well as husband and wife.”

“Yes, it has all worked out nicely for you! I am certain losing your husband’s heir is no trouble now that you have secured a wealthier alternative. Only I must ask what you would have done if Mr. Bingley had not returned. I heard a tale that Netherfield Park was closed up! And then Mr. Bingley miraculously came back. You almost lost that prize, my dear friend. It is clear his family does not approve! His sisters remain in London, or so I have been told.”

“I would not say it is so,” Elizabeth said, feigning little concern. “I understand that Miss Bingley and the Hursts prefer London in the winter and so returned to town. His aunt keeps house for him now. Mrs. Emma Bingley is a dear woman.” She looked fondly across the room at the elderly lady. She sat in a chair with others of a like age, speaking and waving her hands simultaneously. Her captive audience looked to be enjoying the conversation.

She turned back to Mrs. Goulding and smiled serenely. “If Mr. Bingley is worthy of the title of gentleman, then he will allow no one to persuade him away from his inclination. He clearly overcame any concerns he may have felt regarding my daughter, for they are now engaged and the wedding articles are being prepared.”

Quite finished with the conversation, she once again asked Lady Lucas about her plans for Charlotte’s wedding, allowing her to detail everything. Elizabeth listened with half an ear, her focus looking around for her daughters— sisters. She really must remember the difference!

Mary played the piano with John Lucas, Sir William’s heir, at her side. He turned the pages carefully, leaning a little too close for Elizabeth’s comfort. Mary blushed prettily, and she thought she saw genuine admiration in John’s expression as he gazed at the third and most forgotten Bennet sister.

Kitty spoke quietly with Maria Lucas, both seated far away from the officers. Good, Elizabeth thought. I am pleased she is behaving herself.

Mama spoke with Mr. Darcy, keeping a proper distance between them as they had agreed. Elizabeth contemplated the gentleman. Everything her mother told her painted him as an honorable man, dedicated to taking care of everyone he loved. Her heart did not beat faster when he was near, but she found she liked what she learned of him. If she ever returned to her body, she would not be averse to knowing him better. When, she reminded herself. Not if. It is when I return to my body.

Still, a way to change back alluded her. Mama had no better ideas, either. They both felt their attempts to fix their problems with each other had been successful. Mr. Bennet still acted as he always had, and Elizabeth had a niggling suspicion that his behavior was the key to the entire thing. Yet, he was as stubborn as his second daughter and would not yield to change easily.

Elizabeth reflected on all she had learned from listening to Mr. Darcy’s conversations with her mother. She had misjudged him—she knew that now. He was an estimable man—honorable and kind. His manner had softened since he began to call at Longbourn. Though he spoke to her mother, she imagined it was she to whom he directed his remarks. She would relive the conversations each night as she closed her eyes, picturing it as though she were in her mother’s seat, sitting across from him. Mama was right. He is not objectionable.

Lifting a finger to signal her mother, Elizabeth excused herself from the gossip circle. Lady Lucas she had no issue being around. She had no ill intent and was a true friend. But Mrs. Goulding! No, Elizabeth had taken her fill of the lady and her mean-spirited comments.

Mama came to her side immediately. “Have you seen Jane and Mr. Bingley?” Elizabeth asked.

Mama frowned. “I have not seen them for over half an hour,” she said slowly. A slow grin spread across her face. “Oh, naughty Jane! I never would have imagined her to sneak off!”

Elizabeth shook her head. “Never mind that! We need to find them. Go quickly and discreetly, if you will. See if you can discover where they have hidden themselves before someone else notices they are missing.”

Mama went immediately, moving through the crowded room with ease. Elizabeth enjoyed being taller, for it allowed her to see across the parlor, but she also missed her body. She missed being herself. Suppressing a sigh, she moved toward the refreshment table for a glass of punch. As she drank, she wished it contained something a little stronger.