Page 26 of I Thee Wed (Pride And Prejudice Variation #2)
Mr. Bingley’s daily visits grew longer and longer, until one day he took breakfast with the family, and that evening, since he was still in Gracechurch Street, they invited him to remain for dinner.
Caroline only accompanied her brother twice.
During the first visit, she went, hoping to break the couple apart if possible, but her efforts were futile.
Her brother did not heed her strictures, and Jane could not be touched with her insults.
Caroline returned home that afternoon and complained to her sister, but Mrs. Hurst only shrugged and said, “You take this too much to heart, my dear. What will be, will be, and nothing you say or do will change the outcome.”
Mr. Darcy had no reason to make any visits to the Gardiners’ home, but he often accompanied his friend.
Elizabeth saw in the second visit that Mr. Darcy’s manner toward her had changed.
He no longer treated her with polite reserve.
He was courteous, and at times even deferential toward her.
And Elizabeth noticed that he listened to every word she spoke.
He often brought Georgiana along on those visits, and she observed that sometimes he even smiled at what he heard.
It was not a real smile, but only a quirk of his lip, which was soon gone from his face.
After every visit that Mr. Darcy made, Elizabeth wondered why he had come. Was it to support his friend, or was it to see her? His behavior was confusing. She remembered the sting of the words he had spoken at the Netherfield ball, and yet here he was, sitting in the home of her uncle, a tradesman.
One afternoon, Elizabeth was waiting in the Gardiners’ parlor for Sir Lawrence when Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley arrived and entered with the man himself. Mr. Darcy was frowning.
“Miss Elizabeth, the day is insufferably hot. I cannot imagine you venturing out in such heat. It would be better if you remained here in the shelter of your uncle’s house.”
Elizabeth, suppressing a smile, replied. “I thank you for your concern, Mr. Darcy. I have my parasol, as you see,” she raised it slightly, her eyes alight with amusement, “and Sir Lawrence assures me it will be but a short drive.”
Her words did little to ease him. He frowned more deeply when Sir Lawrence greeted him briefly, then, with an air of assurance, turned immediately to Elizabeth with the warmest attentions.
Darcy’s displeasure was plain to all, though Sir Lawrence only looked amused, as if he relished the silent contest.
“Miss Elizabeth, you have faithfully promised to join me on an expedition to Gunter’s. I hope you have not forgotten. You also agreed to tell me which is your favorite ice.”
Bingley laughed, but Darcy’s frown only grew deeper. “Late August is no season for such excursions. The heat is scorching.” He stood at the window and watched the curricle with such a forbidding frown that his friend grew concerned lest he had angered him.
Elizabeth’s study of Mr. Darcy’s behavior made her wonder if he was jealous, just as Alexander had been; it was unreasonable for him to feel that way, as he had no designs on her.
But then she realized that Mr. Darcy’s jealousy was not unwelcome, and she knew at once that she was in some danger from the quiet gentleman.
That evening, Elizabeth confessed to Jane, “I know not what to make of him. He is courteous now, indeed; he has even been kind, but I cannot forget what I overheard at the Netherfield ball. I spoke of it to no one then, for I was too wounded by his words.” She then recounted the painful scenes she had endured, concluding with quiet resolve: “His civility may be nothing more than duty to his sister. I shall not be deceived again.”
Jane, speaking gently, answered, “Dearest Lizzy, you misjudge him. I believe Mr. Darcy’s regard is not so easily explained away. Whatever you may think of him, I cannot doubt that his eyes speak a language far removed from indifference. They are often fixed upon your face.”
Elizabeth would not be persuaded, yet in her heart she could not wholly dismiss her sister’s words.
The two men were rivals, and Elizabeth did her best to soothe Sir Lawrence as she had done with Alexander.
Caroline no longer worked against her brother and Jane, as she was too involved in her own pursuit of the Viscount.
The Hursts received several invitations for balls, routs, and soirées from people with whom they were not acquainted.
Caroline accepted them as a compliment to herself, convinced that Viscount Dunwich was asking his friends to invite her and the Hursts.
Mrs. Hurst, ignorant of the Viscount’s influence, wondered aloud why they were suddenly so sought after.
At a rout one evening, Caroline exulted in his attentions. He asked her to dance, and during their set, his conversation strayed ever closer to impropriety.
“Your décolletage is most becoming and seductive, my dear, and such a figure must command admiration. The gentlemen are all envious of me, because this is a waltz and you are in my arms.”
Caroline flushed, but she persuaded herself that such remarks were what might be expected of titled gentlemen of the higher circles. His following remark was even bolder. “A bosom as full and shapely as yours is meant to be worshipped. Believe me, no man could remain indifferent to such charms.”
Caroline was embarrassed, for now she was certain he was making an indecent proposal, but she decided this was his way of courting her. She declared to Louisa that night in the carriage that the Viscount was the most devoted man she had ever met.
Mr. Hurst interrupted her with a grunt. “Devoted? He is devoted to gaming and to ruin. He may admire you, but he will never marry you. This is the second time I have warned you, and yet you will not listen to reason.”
Louisa grew pale. “Caroline, listen to us. You must put an end to this nonsense at once.”
Caroline refused. “Never. He is half in love with me, which you yourself would admit if you could only see the admiration and sincerity in his eyes.”
Mr. Hurst snorted. “Sincere in his pleasures, perhaps, but that blackguard will never consider matrimony with you.”
Caroline became blind and deaf to her relations and could only think of her Viscount.