Page 13 of Heiress of Longbourn (Pride and Prejudice Variations)
Lucas Lodge
2 nd December, 1811
Evening
Sir William and Lady Lucas were well known for their hospitality, and thus it was a large crowd which had gathered for dancing and conversation.
At the moment, the merry sounds of the pianoforte complemented the chatter of many voices. Mary sat at the instrument, playing a cheerful Scottish reel so that the younger attendees had the option of dancing. The center of the floor was occupied by the dancers, while the rest of the drawing room was filled with matrons and their husbands and sons and daughters. Several bright red coats flashed on the dance floor, while the officers’ partners twirled in their colorful gowns. Alexander Wickham sat in enjoyable discussion with Mrs. Allen, the parson's wife. On the far side of the room, George Wickham lurked with wine glass in hand, speaking with Maria Lucas.
The room was warm with the glow of the fire and many candles, though rays of chill silver shone through half-drawn curtains. The moon was large and bright, easily illuminating the path to Lucas Lodge for the still-arriving guests. Another spate of laughter and talk arrived in the hall, and those closest to the drawing room door turned eagerly to greet their friends as the music started for the next set.
Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley stood across from one another, with the gentleman peering into the lovely face of his partner, while Miss Bennet beamed back at him, her face aglow. Bingley’s heart swelled with adoration, and he found himself wondering if there was any way he could find a quiet spot to speak with her alone tonight.
His few days in London had been lonely ones, with his thoughts continually turning to the enchanting Miss Bennet of Longbourn. During his journey back to Netherfield Hall, he had realized that he was madly in love with Jane and wished to make her his wife.
Of course, she might not accept him. She was an heiress in her own right, and they had only known one another for less than two months. But he intended to ask for her hand in marriage as soon as possible. Or should he merely ask for a courtship? Would an offer be too precipitous?
The music came to an end, and Bingley clapped along with his love and then offered his arm to her, relishing the feel of that slender gloved hand as the pair made their way off the section of floor designated for dancing.
“Would you care for some punch?” he asked, eying the table along one wall, which held drinks and lavish spread of tarts and treats.
“No, thank you, Mr. Bingley,” Jane said, using her free hand to fan herself. “I am rather warm; would you be willing to retreat from the fire?”
Bingley’s eyes lit up at these words, and he said, “Of course!”
He had been in the house several times before and guided his companion down a short corridor and into a parlor, which was both empty and much cooler, though there was a small fire in the grate.
“Oh, that is much better!” Jane declared, drawing in a deep breath of air. “It is quite warm in the drawing room, is it not?”
“Miss Bennet,” Bingley said impetuously, holding out his hands toward her. She stared at him in wonder, even as she took those strong hands in her own.
“Yes?”
“I know we have not known one another long, but I am in love with you, and if you will have me, I wish to make you my wife.”
He stopped, his gaze intent, as Jane stared up at him with wide eyes
A protracted thirty seconds ticked by, and Bingley’s heart sank.
“Or, if it is too soon for that,” he said nervously, “perhaps a courtship…”
“No,” she interrupted and then shook her head as her lips curved up in delight. “I mean, yes! I do not need a courtship, because I love and respect you, and I wish to become your wife beyond anything else.”
His initial shock at hearing her say “no” gave way to ecstatic joy, and he pulled her a little closer and planted a kiss on his new fiancée’s lips. For ten seconds, twenty seconds, then thirty, the kiss held, until they retreated from one another, both faces rosy with pleasure.
“I look forward to when we are wed,” Jane said with a smile, and Bingley felt his face flush more and he could not disagree.
“Is your father here?” he asked. “I would like to speak to him as soon as possible and ask for his blessing.”
“He is not,” Jane replied, “and though I dislike waiting even twelve hours, I think it would be best to keep our engagement quiet until you can speak with Father. My mother will not be pleased, you see.”
Bingley’s joy gave way to concern, and he frowned. “Is there any chance that your father will refuse my suit, Miss … Jane?”
She shook her head and smiled reassuringly. “No, my father is entirely in favor of our courtship. As for Mother, she will be well enough in time. She has a peculiar and incorrect understanding of the law regarding Longbourn, and is fearful of losing her home to my husband after my father dies. We have tried to explain it to her, but she is not … a very clever woman, though of course I love her.”
“And I will love her because she is your mother,” Bingley vowed, “and will also do my best to bring her comfort and security.”
“I know you will,” Jane said and rose to her tiptoes to plant another brief kiss on her beloved’s lips. “I know.”
***
Drawing Room
Lucas Lodge
“Good evening, Mr. Darcy,” Alexander said.
Darcy, who was staring at the ladies and gentlemen twirling on the dance floor, turned a startled look on him, and then relaxed. “Mr. Wickham, good evening. I hope you are enjoying yourself?”
“Very much,” Alexander replied calmly. This was more or less true. On the one hand, he was a congenial man, and the inhabitants of Meryton had been very welcoming. On the other, he was uneasy about his brother, George, who continued to flirt and charm the young ladies of the area with worrisome success. As far as he knew, the only heiress of note in the area was Miss Bennet, who was obviously attracted to Darcy’s friend, Bingley. It was therefore unlikely that George would try to run off with any of the local ladies, as he needed an heiress for a bride. However, George would not hesitate to ruin a woman if he could manage it, and that provoked some anxiety.
“How long will you be staying in the area?” Darcy asked.
“I am not entirely certain yet, to be honest. I trust my curate at Kympton to oversee my flock, and I am worried about … well, you know what I am worried about. I am not quite sure how to manage the situation, but I am praying for wisdom. And what of you, Mr. Darcy? Will you be visiting here in Hertfordshire through the New Year?”
Darcy turned his gaze toward the dance floor. “I am not certain yet, Alexander. I promised to help Bingley settle into his position as master of Netherfield, but I also yearn for Pemberley.”
“I understand,” the parson said courteously, though inwardly he was curious. There was an odd expression on Mr. Darcy’s face and, unless Alexander was mistaken, his patron’s gaze was fixed on the lovely and clever Miss Elizabeth Bennet, currently dancing a reel with Captain Denny of the militia. Moreover, he had already observed that when Darcy was in company with the second Miss Bennet, he spent much of his time either listening to her conversation or talking to her.
It was rare for Darcy to show any interest in a woman. Very rare indeed.