Page 37 of Rumours & Recklessness (Sweet Escapes Collection #1)
Chapter 35
T he following week brought much improvement in Mr Bennet’s strength, as well as an event much dreaded by Caroline Bingley.
She stood between her brother and sister, a wooden smile fixed upon her face, as the Netherfield party welcomed their host of tenants. Charles beamed hugely, greeting each family with his accustomed graciousness and making each feel welcomed in his ballroom. It was to be a relaxed affair, an event which would grant the local families a special evening of recognition without causing the discomfort which usually comes with mingling stations.
Caroline swelled a little with pride as she observed each guest’s impressions of her arrangements. She could host a soirée to make any Londoner envious, but this evening of understated hospitality had been challenging for her. Though the concept was still foreign to her, she complimented herself that somehow, she had managed to achieve a rustic kind of elegance.
She had even gone so far as to provide nosegays and shoe roses for the young people in attendance, sparking high praise for the master’s sister among the guests. None need know that suggestion had truly come from Mrs Nichols, nor would Caroline care to know whether that lady had received her inspiration from observing the annual events held at a nearby estate.
Charles, at one point, turned to her with a highly satisfied expression, and she knew she had managed to redeem herself somewhat. Still not fully able to relinquish her desire to impress Darcy, her eyes trained steadily on him until he accidentally turned his head. He caught her look, offered a small bow, and returned his gaze unflinchingly to the door. The next guests to enter were the Bennet family, who had been invited because their complement of daughters boasted among them the future Mistress of Netherfield. Charles had also managed to obtain a special license, so a joint wedding of the sisters was planned. Jane would take up her mantle in a mere three more days. This would be the last event at which Caroline would preside in this house, and the realization was bittersweet.
Caroline’s eyes remained on Darcy, trying to discern any play of emotions across his granite features. No flicker of anything beyond his usual civility emerged until he found the one he was waiting for. His stiff countenance finally melted when Elizabeth Bennet drew near and allowed the footman to take her wrap. Darcy could not bound to her side eagerly enough, and as the couple exchanged tender greetings, Caroline at last surrendered. Nothing would ever tear the besotted Darcy from his Elizabeth. She would do better to turn her attentions elsewhere.
Swallowing her pride, Caroline presented herself before the couple just as they had been about to slink away from the crowd at the door. “Miss Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, I do not believe I have taken the opportunity to properly congratulate you on your engagement. May I heartily wish you both every joy?” Her eyes were cast down, but she meant what she said.
It was with great astonishment that she saw Elizabeth’s hand reaching to cover her own. Her gaze flashed up in awe. “Thank you, Miss Bingley,” the other young lady replied gently. “As we are to be sisters soon, would you do me the honour of calling me Elizabeth?”
Caroline blanched somewhat. She shifted her gaze to Darcy, finding his expression composed and neutral. A glance back to Elizabeth showed the other’s manner to be everything sincere and welcoming.
Elizabeth smiled, not discouraged by Caroline’s reluctant silence. “May I also compliment you on your gracious arrangements for this evening? I shall be sure to report back to our Mrs Hill, as I am certain she might like to adopt some of your ideas. Jane, I believe, is very inspired at what you have accomplished this evening.”
Caroline took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “Yes, well... I am quite sure that you will have much to discover much about entertaining as Mrs Darcy. Should you ever find yourself in need of advice, I would be most pleased to oblige... Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with something akin to mischief as Darcy took her arm and firmly directed her toward the refreshments. Caroline drew a long breath. The mortifying confrontation was over and done with, and with any luck, she might still be welcomed into the Darcys’ homes. She would have need of the connection if she were to meet with eligible men.
Darcy placed his hand low on Elizabeth’s back as he guided her away. Elizabeth darted him an amused glance, and his cheeks dimpled as he returned her smile. No words were needed to convey their thoughts. Caroline would always be Caroline, but she was no more than a benign trial at worst. Elizabeth, in truth, began to hope for much more genial relations than had previously existed between them.
Darcy had just helped his future bride to a drink when the young lady was approached by his smiling cousin. Colonel Fitzwilliam returned already for their wedding three days hence, was flanked by both of his female cousins. That fact did not deter him from soliciting Elizabeth’s hand for the first set. Bingley had apparently arranged for a lively evening of country dancing, much to Darcy’s chagrin. Lacking the formality and order of a proper ball, a swirling, raucous evening of barely organized cavorting with Bingley’s farmers was everything dreadful to him.
Elizabeth glanced furtively at her betrothed with a wicked gleam in her eye. “I apologize, Colonel, but I find myself engaged for the entire evening. Mr Darcy had requested the honour some days ago to redeem himself on the dance floor. I expect it will take him many attempts to get it right.”
Richard burst into laughter, punching his cousin in the shoulder. “It just may! You shall be forgiven for keeping your fiancée all to yourself this once, Cousin, but you cannot hide forever. One of these days, you will have to dance with someone else again!” The music struck up a sprightly melody at that moment, and with a bow, the colonel released Georgiana and extended his arm to Anne. He had never truly expected to win Elizabeth’s company, but it had been worth the trip across the ballroom to witness the reddening of his cousin’s face.
Darcy turned to his love with a relieved grin. “I believe I am in your debt. How shall I begin to repay you?” He held his hand out to her, intending to invite her to the floor.
Elizabeth caught Georgiana’s look over his shoulder, and her eyes twinkled. “Before I consent to dance with you, William, I must know that you have improved somewhat in civility since our last endeavour. Is there some other lady present upon whom you might practice?”
Darcy’s eyes narrowed slyly. “One handsome enough to tempt me? There are only two women in the room it would not be a punishment for me to stand up with. As you have denied me your hand for the first set, I shall inquire of the other.” He turned to his sister with a wide grin, flashing his rarely seen brilliant teeth. “Georgie, may I have the honour?”
Georgiana flushed in pleasure. Her brother had expressly forbidden her to dance with any but himself, Charles, or Richard, but she was giddy at the chance to experience one of her first social events. This casual evening of entertainment was a perfect opportunity to set her at her ease, and she intended to relish every moment. Her cheeks pinked as William took her arm and led her to the floor.
Elizabeth found her way to her father, who had perched himself near the refreshments and in full view of the dance floor. He raised a glass to his lips, chuckling at the expense of the young couples in the room. At the moment, his primary diversion was a rosy-cheeked Charlotte Lucas, who had accompanied the Bennet family, and her shy young doctor. The couple had nearly patched things up with Charlotte’s family, but that young lady had determined to remain with the Bennets until her marriage. Charlotte had been a welcome draught of common sense in a house full of romantic excitement.
“How are you feeling, Papa?” Elizabeth drew a chair near him, her eyes finding the tall, dark-haired Adonis on the dance floor just as that gentleman happened to be craning his neck in search of her.
Mr Bennet studied his daughter. “I would answer you if you truly seemed interested in my reply.”
“You know I am, Papa!” Caught, Elizabeth steered her gaze firmly back to her father. “I am not certain it was wise for you to come tonight. You must take care not to tire yourself! Remember, Mr Darcy offered his coach to take you home early.”
“How very generous. A true hardship to him, I am sure,” her father gibed. “However, I believe I shall have to deny the good fellow the honour of escorting myself and my daughter home early.” The last bit was spoken with a pointed gleam in his eye. “At present, I am deriving too much enjoyment from watching him look for you. At any moment, that raw-boned lad next in line is going to tread upon his toes if he is not careful. I confess, however, I would find your Mr Darcy far more entertaining had Mr Collins and Lady Catherine seen fit to remain in the area.”
“You are cruel, Papa!”
“Cruel! I am not the one who refused to stand up with the poor man again! Have a heart, Lizzy. If you do not rescue him immediately the dance ends, I predict your mother will attempt to draw him into a conversation on wedding lace. No man should be subjected to such a fate.” He shuddered.
Elizabeth laughed. “Mr Darcy has found the perfect method of appeasing Mama. He lets her have her head, and then makes himself scarce.”
“I could have taught him that strategy long ago.” Mr Bennet raised his glass, savouring the light drink—the first he had been allowed in some while. “Ah, here he comes, Lizzy. If you can convince him to it, I shall keep Miss Darcy company on the wall. We, neither of us, ought to be out in public at present, correct? She shall be quite comfortable here, and I shall be spared the trouble of conversing with Mr Hurst, who is at present also in search of a seat near the refreshments.”
Elizabeth glanced in the direction he indicated, shaking her head. “I believe Georgiana and Mary were going to perform together shortly. They ought to be withdrawing at any moment to make ready.”
Mr Bennet lowered his glass, his eyes wide. “Mr Darcy! Did you make some mention of offering your carriage in case I should feel poorly?”
Darcy, who had in the past few days come to take very little of what Mr Bennet said at face value, peered quizzically at his future father-in-law. Elizabeth’s answering smirk decided it. “Only after I have danced with Miss Elizabeth, sir,” he smiled, releasing his sister and drawing his fiancée toward the floor. He was rewarded with a sweetly arched brow from his bride-to-be and a hearty chortle from her father.
Darcy dipped his head lower, his eyes lingering on those delicious chocolate spirals framing her pretty face. Three more days and I shall stroke those curls whenever I please! He shook himself slightly. He would never get through the night, let alone three more days, if he allowed thoughts like that! Deep breath!
“Mr Bingley just informed me,” he leaned near in a whisper, “that the next is to be a waltz. I am most eager to claim your hand for that dance, but I believe it will be all I will be able to manage for the night!”
“The waltz! I have never danced it, William. Is it very challenging?”
“It will not be so for you. For me, it will be the most exquisite torment imaginable, but I shall bear it if I must.” He angled a suggestive smile down at her.
“Mr Darcy! Your manners have not improved after all!”
The musicians lifted their bows, and Darcy slipped a hand about her waist, tugging her scandalously close to himself. Both of their breaths caught. “Allow me to make amends,” he pleaded, offering his leading hand. “I find you exceedingly handsome and devastatingly tempting. I am utterly enchanted by your fine eyes and your delightfully pleasing figure.”
“Oh!” Elizabeth choked back a mock affronted cry. “Do I detect another insult you are putting to rights?”
“Not at all. Come, my Lizzy, I want to see your cheeks flushed and those eyes brightened by the exercise.” He tightened his arm around her and led her in a spinning, breathless interlude to the music. Elizabeth’s heart was pattering wildly. No one she decided should ever dance this unless they are betrothed, at the very least! Her gaze locked on his compelling dark eyes. How they avoided colliding with the other couples, Elizabeth could not fathom. All she could focus on was the man who had captured her entire heart and the feelings playing across his face as he held her.
Colonel Fitzwilliam, again partnering with the cousin he had barely known before, gave a curt nod in their direction. Anne smiled indulgently as she took in William and Elizabeth’s enraptured inattentiveness to their surroundings. “It is a good thing,” she whispered to her cousin, “that the wedding is not far off!”
H appy for all of Mrs Bennet’s maternal feelings was the day she got rid of her two most deserving daughters. She sat beside her relatives in the family pew, all aflutter with excitement and pride in the fine matches her girls were making. Everyone turned as the rear doors of the church were opened to admit Mr Bennet with his two favourite daughters on his arms. His steps were slow, but his smile was incandescent.
Though Mr Bennet would sorely regret the loss of any sensible conversation to be had at Longbourn, there was no greater gift a father could ask than to know his daughters would be cherished and adored. That, he decided as he looked at each of his eldest girls, was never again to be a worry for them, at least. They both fairly glowed in radiant happiness. Jane was resplendent in soft pink, drawing sighs from around the church, but it was Elizabeth, in her sage green, who took the breath of a certain gentleman away.
Mr Bennet, chuckling a little, kept a close eye on Darcy as he walked his girls down the long aisle. Bingley fairly vibrated in elation at his friend’s side, but Darcy was the very picture of one who has beheld his first masterpiece. His face was awash in speechless wonder, as though he were afraid it was all a dream, and any movement might wake him from it. He had to be prompted twice to take Elizabeth’s hand, so intent was he on staring at her face and catching the reassurances she mouthed silently to him. Once he had taken her hand, Mr Bennet was quite certain that Elizabeth would never get it back again.
Mr Bennet withdrew; his fatherly duties for these two daughters, at least, ended forever. He blinked away the unshed tears, obstinately determining to seek his amusement at the young grooms’ expense. Darcy spent the entire ceremony in a daze, he observed with a merciless grin. Bingley looked ready to jump out of his tailcoat. His girls, however, he observed with unapologetic pride. They were everything gracious and lovely, smiling encouragement to the young men who so hopefully and fervently swore their devotion.
Darcy did not once crack a smile until the vicar announced Elizabeth to be his bride. At that pronouncement, the man’s face underwent the most dramatic shift imaginable. He exceeded even Bingley in his boyish enthusiasm as he swept his new wife into his arms and fairly scandalized the entire congregation. The town of Meryton whispered for weeks afterwards that Miss Elizabeth Bennet must have bewitched that taciturn man from Derbyshire to cause him to commit such a breach of propriety.
Laughing heartily—one of only a handful of voices in the congregation to do so—Mr Bennet peered across the aisle. That young sister of Mr Darcy’s, as well as the colonel and Miss de Bourgh, clapped in glee and laughed merrily at Darcy’s expense as he ushered his bride out of the church. Mr Bennet released a conflicted sigh. Oh, yes, he was delighted for his girl, beyond a doubt. Christmas this year, however, would not be the same without her... and neither would any other day.