Page 22 of What Comes Between Cousins

“A RE YOU CERTAIN, LIZZY ?”

“Absolutely,” replied Elizabeth. “When I informed Mr. Darcy of the matter he was quite emphatic in his response. Not only has Miss Bingley misrepresented her brother’s intentions and his very constancy, but he informed me that Mr. Bingley informed him of his fraternal feelings for Miss Darcy. There is no reason to concern yourself on that score.”

Jane thought on the intelligence for a few moments before she attempted to make a response. “I refuse to believe your assertion that Caroline is so bad. I am certain it is all simply a misunderstanding. She must have thought her brother favored Miss Darcy. Furthermore, she has a right, knowing her brother as she does, to expect certain behaviors from him. If he behaves contrary to how she expects, then perhaps it is simply a facet of his character which she has not sketched properly.”

Never before had Elizabeth felt so exasperated with her sister’s propensity to look for the best in others. But Mary, who had been listening to their discussion, interjected before Elizabeth could respond.

“If you prefer to believe the best of Caroline, then so be it. But the point of this conversation is that you do not believe her assertions of Miss Darcy or the possibility of Mr. Bingley staying in London.”

“You must confess that, at the very least, Mr. Darcy’s understanding of his sister must be superior to Miss Bingley’s.”

Jane responded with a slow nod. “In that, at least, you must be correct. As to the matter of his return, I believe that will soon be decided.”

“Indeed,” replied Mary. “So there is no need to belabor the point.”

And thus, each sister left the discussion satisfied with the result, though Elizabeth wished as she never had before that Jane would throw off this na?veté and see others for who they were. Mary seemed to see through Elizabeth’s pique, for it was not long after when she approached Elizabeth and spoke to her in a quiet tone.

“You will not change her, Lizzy. Now is not the time to be angry.

“But she will be ruled by that virago if she does marry Mr. Bingley,” replied Elizabeth.

“I think you overestimate Mr. Bingley’s tolerance for his sister. And perhaps our Jane might yet surprise you.”

“I hope so, Mary. For her sake.”

The following day saw the resumption of society in Meryton after the ball held at Netherfield. Before that, however, a denizen of that same estate came to visit the Bennets, and the way she entered the sitting-room told Elizabeth that she was uncertain of the reception she would receive. Mrs. Bennet’s greeting dispelled any concern she might have had

“Mrs. Hurst,” said Mrs. Bennet. “How good of you to visit. We hope you have been well.”

“Very well, I thank you,” replied Mrs. Hurst. The light of relief lit up her eyes, and she stepped forward and greeted them all warmly. They sat at tea for some moments before she moved to the true reason for her coming.

“I understand that my sister, Caroline, visited you the day after the ball.”

“She did,” replied Jane for the family.

“You have my apologies for her conduct,” said Mrs. Hurst. “Had I known of her intentions, I would have argued against her coming. I hope it will not affect my friendship with you all.”

“You have proven yourself a true friend,” said Elizabeth. “I will not attempt to disguise the fact that your sister made some offensive comments, and I do not appreciate her attempt to hurt Jane, but we do not hold you accountable for her actions.”

Mrs. Hurst closed her eyes in mortification for a brief moment. “Then you are very good to forgive me. Caroline has always . . . well, let us simply say that she has a vaunted opinion of her own position in society, as well as an ambition that will not be quenched. I am certain I do not have to say more.”

“No, Mrs. Hurst,” replied Mrs. Bennet. The topic had, it seemed, unsettled Mrs. Bennet a little, for she was waving her handkerchief in distress. “It is simply best to leave it in the past where it belongs.”

“I agree.” Mrs. Hurst turned to Jane. “Please allow me to say that Charles has no amorous intentions toward Miss Darcy, and Mr. Darcy would not allow it if he did. We expect him to return from London tomorrow. Mr. Hurst and I will not be quitting Netherfield at present, and I expect we will be here for the remainder of the year.”

“That is excellent news, Louisa,” said Elizabeth, attempting to turn the conversation. “Does your family have any particular traditions you observed during Christmastide?”

“We have a few,” replied Mrs. Hurst. “Is it much celebrated in Hertfordshire?”

“There are always many functions,” replied Mrs. Bennet. “The Lucas family always hosts an enjoyable Christmas party, where we sing carols and share the spirit of the season. My brother and his family always join us from London as well.”

“The Gardiners,” said Louisa. “Yes. I have heard of them. I hope I shall be fortunate enough to be introduced to them during their stay.”

“I dare say that may be arranged,” replied Elizabeth.

They visited for some time, and then Mrs. Hurst went away. The Bennet sisters were happy their friendship with the woman had survived Miss Bingley’s behavior.

That evening, they left Longbourn to attend a function at one of their neighbors’ houses. The Robinson family, their estate situated south of Meryton, had invited several families of the neighborhood to dine, of which the Bennets were one. Thus, they entered the family carriage the following evening for the journey to their friends’ estate, welcomed there with friendliness when they arrived. It was only then Elizabeth discovered that the officers had also been invited and were present.

“Denny! Sanderson!” greeted Lydia in a loud and rambunctious tone, proving that her improvement had been the result of her injury rather than any change in manners. “You must come to attend me, for I have so much with which to acquaint you!”

The younger girls were soon huddled with several other young women and several officers, including the two Lydia had greeted. Of what their conversation consisted Elizabeth could not say, but she did not suppose they were exercising any restraint. At least the detested Mr. Wickham, who was also in attendance, was not among their number. The lieutenant was, in fact, standing with several other officers with a cup in his hand. When he noticed Elizabeth watching him, he raised his cup as if in toast, a mocking sort of gesture. Elizabeth ignored him.

It was not difficult to avoid Lieutenant Wickham that evening. Given what Elizabeth had heard of the man, she thought him capable of any behavior which would stroke his vanity and suit his selfish nature. But he seemed content to keep his distance from her, and though she felt the weight of his eyes upon her more than once, Elizabeth was not about to be intimidated. In addition, while he attended that evening, it was clear he was not trusted. The Robinsons had no young daughters to protect, but Elizabeth could see Mr. Wickham was watched carefully, both by the gentlemen of the regiment and the men of the militia.

“Has Wickham been troubling you, Miss Elizabeth?”

Pulled from her contemplation of the lieutenant, Elizabeth turned to see the colonel standing nearby, his gaze shifting from Elizabeth to Mr. Wickham in turn. She had been considering Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth realized, for some time now, and her scrutiny must have drawn Colonel Forster’s attention.

“No, in fact,” replied Elizabeth. “He seems content to stand by his fellow officers at present. He has not approached me, and I dare say my sisters have been free of his society tonight also.”

Colonel Forster directed a long look at the lieutenant himself—to which Mr. Wickham feigned ignorance—before he turned back to Elizabeth. “Wickham has made few friends in the militia, no doubt due to the intelligence provided by the gentlemen. Most of the men are wary of him, and there has been a . . . falling out between him and Denny, though it was Denny who brought him to the regiment’s attention.”

“Oh, I hope Denny will not suffer for introducing Mr. Wickham to the regiment,” said Elizabeth. “He could hardly have known what kind of man Mr. Wickham is.”

“No, you are correct there. Furthermore, theirs was a slight acquaintance. Denny might have shared some censure had Wickham been allowed to accumulate debts with the merchants. As that has been averted, there is no fault to be found with him.

“How Wickham managed to obtain the commission I do not know for he will not say. He has not the resources to purchase one for himself, however, so I know it must have been in a game of chance or by persuading another to purchase it in his stead. As he has not had the opportunity to misbehave, I can do nothing against him at present. But I wish he was not a member of my regiment—I am certain he will cause trouble in the end.”

“Then I suppose we have no recourse but to be watchful,” replied Elizabeth.

“Vigilance is, indeed, the key.” Colonel Forster smiled and bowed. “If you have any trouble with my officer, I hope you will inform me, Miss Elizabeth. Now, if you will excuse me.”

For most of the rest of the evening, Elizabeth found herself engaged in pleasant diversions with close friends she had known all her life. The thought of Charlotte once again intruded, reminding Elizabeth of her friend with a pang of regret. But she was finding that the immediacy of Charlotte’s absence was fading, as was the longing for her friend.

“I will not forget her,” determined Elizabeth to herself. “I will not forget the choice she was required to make. I will see my friend again.”

The party was a pleasant diversion with several activities for the enjoyment of those that attended. Kitty and Lydia primarily played at cards and lottery with the officers, while the matrons gossiped and the gentlemen spoke of their estate concerns. Elizabeth drifted among several groups, at times agreeing to join in the games with the younger girls, at times giving her attention to others in attendance. Overall, it was an agreeable evening, an atmosphere of laughter and peace which allowed Elizabeth to forget about some of the objectionable events of the past several days.

But that did not mean she forgot about those happenings. In fact, the subject was never far from her mind, and at one point later in the evening, Elizabeth found herself discussing it with her dearest sisters. It came about in a discussion of members of higher society, and Elizabeth, thinking of the viscount and how he had changed, could not hold back a caustic comment.

“Perhaps he should simply find himself a mistress.”

“Lizzy!” exclaimed Jane. “I cannot believe you believe that of Lord Chesterfield! He had never given us any cause to think him prone to such behavior.”

“Perhaps you are correct,” replied Elizabeth, amused all over again for Jane’s belief in the goodness of others. “But . . . Well, let us simply say that Lord Chesterfield has been behaving oddly. I cannot make him out. We have heard so many stories of those in his position and some of the vices to which they descend that it seemed possible that he was trying to procure a mistress.”

“But you quickly learned otherwise,” observed Mary.

“It seems to me that this is something that has already occurred,” said Jane, glaring at them both with suspicion.

“It has,” replied Elizabeth. She had not informed Jane due to all that had happened.

For her part, Jane looked between them, her gaze demanding, prompting Elizabeth’s laughter.

“I am sorry, Jane. I will tell you all. But I would not wish this to become readily known, so we should speak in softer voices.”

They all agreed and the three sisters huddled close. Elizabeth explained what had happened at the ball, from her experiences with Mr. Darcy to those with Lord Chesterfield, and her subsequent understanding of why the viscount had begun to behave toward her the way he had. When she was finished speaking, Jane looked at them with wonder.

“You and Mary have grown much closer these past months. I used to be the one to hear of such happenings.”

“We have grown much closer, indeed,” replied Elizabeth. She felt all the justice of Jane’s charge, and a feeling of shame stole over her. “I am sorry, Jane. You are completely correct. In my defense, I can only say that you have been occupied with Mr. Bingley’s attentions of late, and I have been distracted by Lady Catherine, Miss Bingley, Mr. Collins, and everything that has occurred. Still, that is no excuse for not confiding in you.”

“Do not be alarmed, Lizzy,” cried Jane. “I had no intention of chastising you.”

“I know you did not, dear sister,” said Elizabeth, catching Jane’s hand in an affectionate grasp. “But that does not mean I do not feel I have neglected you.”

Jane chewed her lip, her thoughts already returning to the intelligence Elizabeth had just shared with her. “You think the gentlemen both have interest in you?”

“As strange as it may seem,” replied Elizabeth, “that is exactly what I think. Mr. Darcy has all but declared himself. While the viscount has not, I have noticed his dark looks at Mr. Darcy, and he seems to be going out of his way to flatter me.”

“I have no doubt of the truth of what you speak, Lizzy,” said Jane. “It should not be any surprise to anyone that you are able to draw the attention of any man.”

“Here, here,” said Mary, her tone playful, as Elizabeth blushed.

“What I wish to know, however, is what you intend to do about it.”

Elizabeth frowned. “I do not know there is anything I can do. Lord Chesterfield will behave in whatever manner he sees fit.”

“That is not what I asked, Lizzy,” said Jane. “I know you are not drawn by riches or status, so the viscount’s greater standing will mean nothing to you.”

“No, indeed,” replied Elizabeth. “In fact, I find myself annoyed by his lordship’s behavior.”

“And Mr. Darcy?”

That was, indeed, the question. “I can find nothing amiss in Mr. Darcy. As I told you, when he speaks to me, I can feel his genuine interest. He is not an eloquent man, but when he speaks, I find my heart responding to his overtures.”

“Then your decision is made.” Elizabeth turned a shocked glaze on her sister, but Jane only laughed and patted her knee. “I am not suggesting you know you want to marry Mr. Darcy at present, Lizzy, but it seems to me your choice between the two gentlemen is a simple one. In the end, we Bennet sisters have naught to offer a man but ourselves. It would be best to marry where there is true affection, where a true measure of respect exists. Given what you have told me, it seems like the viscount views you through eyes of infatuation, not true love. I would not advise you to allow his continued addresses, should he choose to offer them.”

Then Jane smiled, and she rose and walked away, greeting some of their acquaintances and standing with them. Mary also shot Elizabeth an amused smile before she went away, leaving Elizabeth to her thoughts. Jane’s advice was nothing she and Mary had not discussed before. But somehow Jane’s wisdom at this moment meant more to Elizabeth than it would have in any other time of her life.

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

The sound of her name on a man’s voice startled Elizabeth from her thoughts. She looked up to see the smirking countenance of Mr. Wickham looking down at her.

“It seems to me you Bennet sisters travel in packs,” said Mr. Wickham as he sat nearby. “I have rarely had the opportunity to speak with any of you this evening.”

“Oh?” asked Elizabeth, against her better judgment, more than a little scorn coloring her voice. “Must we be alone before you approach? Are you fearful that if you were forced to speak with more than one of us your sensibilities might be offended?”

The man laughed at her sally, but Elizabeth could sense it was false. “No, indeed. But where women gather, laughing and talking together, a man must beware lest he is burned by the flame of their combined wit.”

“I think, Mr. Wickham, that you have more with which to concern yourself than merely the wit of a family of five daughters.”

“Do you, perhaps, refer to something in particular?” Mr. Wickham’s eyes glittered. “Speak plainly, Miss Elizabeth, for I would not have misunderstanding fester between us, driven by vague words and innuendo.”

“I assure you, Mr. Wickham, that I meant nothing more than your duties as an officer. For are they not the first concern of a military man such as yourself?”

Mr. Wickham directed a long look at her, in which Elizabeth could see him attempting to discern whether her words were spoken with sincerity. It was doubtful he believed her; he had to know that Mr. Darcy had already warned the Bennets away from him, given Mr. Bennet’s warning the only time he had visited Longbourn. In fact, given what her father had said then, Elizabeth had already made an error in speaking with this young man at all.

As she was thinking to excuse herself, Mr. Wickham spoke again. “In my opinion, one of the greatest failings of our society is the tendency to speak in innuendo. Is it too much to ask to speak in language which cannot be misunderstood? Do you not think that much confusion may be avoided if we only speak clearly?”

“Perhaps you are correct,” replied Elizabeth. “But then again, you have already heard someone speak in a clear fashion in language which was not, in any way, ambiguous. Have you not?”

“I wish it were so, Miss Elizabeth,” replied Mr. Wickham. His manner was mournful, as if a great weight was sitting upon his shoulders. “But I have found that I have been the recipient of words spoken against me since my coming, words that are without foundation and prompted by naught but envy.”

“I cannot say anything as to the veracity of what has been spoken of you, and I will not discuss that matter any further. In fact, the incident to which I refer was when my father warned you against speaking with his daughters and informed you not to return to Longbourn. Do you not remember the concise way in which he spoke then ?”

Mr. Wickham’s eyes seemed to bore through Elizabeth, but he did not respond. “And yet you have approached me tonight.”

“You responded to my overtures.”

“I did. And I should not have. If any apologies are required, I offer them, sir. But I will do what I should have from the beginning.”

Elizabeth rose to leave, but Mr. Wickham rose with her, his countenance anything but friendly.

“You know nothing of me, Miss Elizabeth,” said he, his voice nearing the snarl of a wild animal. “You should not presume to think you know everything.”

“In fact, I have claimed no such knowledge,” replied Elizabeth. “But I have clearly made a mistake by replying to your words.”

“Miss Elizabeth, you should reconsider your faith in certain gentlemen.” The man’s eyes raked up and down Elizabeth’s form, sending shivers down her spine. “Darcy is a proud man, one who is accustomed to obtaining what he wishes. If you are so foolish as to think you can capture him, you will not emerge unscathed in the end. Darcy has no compunction about ruining such as you. His position in society will protect him.”

“You are a liar and a rake, sir,” replied Elizabeth, her ire rising in response. “I have no doubt in Mr. Darcy’s upright nature. It is you I do not trust.”

“You should watch yourself, Miss Elizabeth. Choosing sides is a dangerous business. You never know when you might be hurt by stepping in between warring factions.”

“That is enough!”

Out of reflex, Elizabeth pivoted and stepped to the side, noting her father standing, glaring at Mr. Wickham. Mr. Wickham’s returning look was no less stony than Mr. Bennet’s. He had a malevolence about him which was in stark contrast to his affected courtly manners. Whatever he said about himself and Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth could not imagine ever having been fooled by this man, even if they had not been warned in advance.

“It seems, Mr. Wickham,” said Mr. Bennet, “that you are possessed of a short memory, for you have already forgotten the strictures I laid upon you when last we met.”

Mr. Wickham’s sneer prompted a tightening of Mr. Bennet’s already severe brow. “Then you neglected to inform your daughters, sir. Miss Elizabeth was quick to respond to my greeting.”

“Though I would not exonerate this man in any way, he is correct. I should not have responded to him, Papa.”

“No, you should not have,” replied Mr. Bennet. He did not even look at Elizabeth, and while she knew he was not angry with her, she knew she had disappointed him. “But your lapse notwithstanding, Mr. Wickham knew not to even address you. Thus, the greater fault lies with him.”

The derision in Mr. Wickham’s manner became all that much more pronounced. “Yes, it is, indeed, a grievous sin for a man to address a woman who is attending the same event. All men who commit such heinous depravity ought to be drawn and quartered at dawn!”

While Elizabeth gasped at the man’s disgusting words, Mr. Bennet only smiled in response, though it was devoid of any good feeling. “I shall not bandy words with you, Mr. Wickham. I have previously informed you that you are not to speak with my daughters. That should be enough for you. I shall take this to your commanding officer if you do not comply.”

“Then I shall keep my distance from your insipid progeny. As for Forster, he can do nothing. There is nothing in my conduct in Meryton to give him justification to act against me. There is nothing in your words more concerning to me than the snapping of a cowardly mongrel.”

Mr. Wickham turned away then, but as he did so his gaze swept over Elizabeth, and she felt all the disquiet of having provoked the man’s malice. Then he was gone. When Elizabeth turned her attention to her father, she noted that her nearest sisters were witness to the confrontation, but it was in a far enough corner of the room that it seemed to have been missed by most of the rest of the company.

“Lizzy, you are my cleverest, most capable daughter. I trust you to know your limits as I trust none of your sisters. I know you are able to protect yourself as well as any woman in England.”

There was nothing of jest in Mr. Bennet’s manner, nothing of the father she had always known. He was as serious as ever she had seen, and it was this which caused her to respond with the gravity he himself displayed.

“Thank you, Papa. Sometimes, however, my determination overcomes my good judgment.”

“I dare say it does,” replied Mr. Bennet, and this time a hint of his usual humor reappeared. “As I said, I have no doubt for your competence. But this Mr. Wickham is a completely different manner of man. I do not like the way he watches you. Please, Lizzy, for my sake—do not reply to him again, even if he should address you. I wish all you girls to stay strictly out of his way.”

“I shall, Papa.”

The rest of the evening, Elizabeth stayed close to Mary and Jane, and she rarely spoke to any of the officers. She often felt Mr. Wickham’s eyes upon her, and his countenance seemed to suggest he knew something she did not. But he kept himself away from all Bennets, and Elizabeth was relieved. Her father was correct. Mr. Wickham was a dangerous man.