Rumour Has It

By AnnL

Posted on Monday, 16 July 2007

Chapter 1: Meryton Assembly Rooms 1812

I truly abhor assemblies such as these. This was the thought at the forefront of Mr. Darcy's mind as he exited the carriage and looked upon the building housing Meryton's finest. It was not the fact that they were attending a country dance in an inconsequential town that most disturbed his equanimity; it was the actuality that their party would be the center of attention. There was nothing Darcy hated more than being the center of attention, especially when he was in such a mood.

"Will we be quite safe do you think, Mr. Darcy?" He felt Miss Bingley's breath upon his ear as she whispered her cutting remark and he involuntarily shuddered. The familiarity that woman had taken to his person was becoming most disturbing, and he directed a withering look at her to put her off. But, alas, she either did not notice or chose to interpret the look as a remark against their planned activities for the evening.

The party entered the assembly hall just as the music ended, and as if on cue, all eyes turned towards the three gentlemen and two ladies whom the town was all eagerness to see. Darcy cringed, for he knew what would come next. Immediately his ears picked up the hushed and not so hushed tones of gossip running rampant around the rooms. He heard much of what was expected, Mr. Bingley's name linked with the income of 5 thousand per annum, Mr. Hurst's possession of a house in town and of course the reported dowry of $20,000Ł for Miss Bingley.

What caught the young man's attention, however, was not so much what he had heard, but what he had not. Not a single word concerning his own fortune had come forth. He expected at least a whisper of "ten thousand a year" --though the ton's estimates were generally closer to 15 nowadays. Neither estimate was in fact, very close to the mark, he thought to himself, but that was of no consequence.

Could it truly be that he had finally ended up in a place where the Darcy name was not known and he might escape the prying eyes of society? It was indeed too much to be hoped; he decided to do his best not to call attention to himself and to wait and see what the evening brought. So Darcy took his place along the wall, stoically observing the people of Meryton, only speaking when spoken to, and constantly listening in anticipation. The wait was not long, for while Bingley was dancing with the prettiest lady in the room, he overheard a most intriguing conversation.

To his left a beautiful dark haired girl with the most exquisite blue eyes was speaking with an older lady who was apparently her mother. The mother's whispers reminded him a bit of a donkey's bray.

"Lizzy, do you see that taller gentleman over there, Mr. Bingley's friend?"

"Yes Mama" The daughter's voice was quieter, and he had to strain to hear it. Obviously she at least was mindful of the rudeness of gossip.

The older woman continued. "He is Mr. Bingley's friend of longstanding, according to Mrs. Philips he is destitute! Mrs. Philips said that Mrs. Long informed her that Mr. Darcy's grandfather lost their entire fortune in a card game and he has nothing; he lives off the kindness of Mr. Bingley and his relations. Look at the cut of his clothes; Mr. Bingley must be very generous indeed! It is so unfortunate for he is quite handsome. I thought you should know his situation so that you need waste no time courting his favor."

Darcy bristled at this. Not that he wished any woman to throw themselves at him--he experienced enough of that distastefulness in town--but this mother was so obviously mercenary. However, the young lady's reply lessened his ill humour at the mother and even made him smile.

"Yes Mama, it is a truth universally acknowledged that that any man without a fortune cannot possibly be in want of a wife!"

Darcy caught the sarcasm in the daughter's tone and nearly laughed out loud. Here was a woman who had more sense than most, and certainly more sense than her own mother. He determined that he must find out more about this intriguing young woman. He observed her throughout the course of the evening and often caught her directing her eyes towards his own person. Intriguing indeed…

Midway through the festivities, Bingley could take no more of Darcy's reticence and told him so. "Darcy I will not have you standing about in this stupid manner. Come, I must have you dance!"

Bingley, you know how I abhor the activity and you have been dancing with the only beautiful girl in the room."

Lizzy who was sitting close by overheard the conversation and smiled, knowing Mr. Bingley's friend to be complementing her dear sister Jane.

"Miss Bennet is an angel. Look there is one of her sisters over there, allow me to introduce you." Darcy turned, expecting to see one of the wild flirtatious girls he had seen Miss Bennet with earlier, but was surprised when his friend pointed to the lovely brunette whom he'd admired."

Elizabeth realized that Bingley was pointing her way and tried to appear disinterested, but she was keen to hear his friend's reply.

"Bingley, what an excellent idea, lead on."

Elizabeth had barely a moment to compose herself when the gentlemen appeared before her.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet, allow me to introduce my dear friend Mr. Darcy. Lizzy curtsied and Darcy bowed.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Elizabeth."

"And you, Mr. Darcy."

"I had hoped I might secure the next two dances with you, if you are not otherwise engaged."

"It would be my pleasure to dance with you, Mr. Darcy, thank you." She smiled at him with a twinkle in her eye, as if something greatly amused her. He was unsure if her inward laughter was directed at him, but he intended to find out.

Darcy took her hand and led her onto the floor as the couples gathered and took their places. Elizabeth, sensing Darcy's discomfiture, took pity upon him and initiated the conversation. "Come Mr. Darcy we must have some conversation. It would not do to spend an entire half hour together without speaking a word." There was that damned glint in her eye again.

"You are of course correct; what shall we speak of, Miss Bennet?"

"You might comment upon the dance; then I could remark on the number of couples. That should satisfy our duty for the moment."

The corners of his mouth turned as he responded. "Come, Miss Bennet, I somehow doubt that you would speak by rule in such situations, and certainly not concerning such mundane matters. I have a feeling you have something you want to say that may be of import, and I grant you the floor." She smiled at his perceptivity and decided to push him further.

"I must tell you, Mr. Darcy, how honored I am to have been asked to dance by someone who abhors the activity so decidedly." Darcy colored at this, realizing she had most definitely overheard his conversation with Bingley. He recognized her teasing tone however, and decided to respond in kind.

"Is that the latest gossip about my person, Miss Bennet, that I abhor dancing? How dull that is! I was under the impression the rumours revolved around a card game of some kind." This time it was Elizabeth's turn to blush, but she recovered quickly. "Touché, Mr. Darcy! I suppose we have both been abominably rude to each other by eavesdropping. We must either forgive each other's indiscretions without reservation, or else storm away in resentment and resolve never to speak to one another again. Which do you choose Mr. Darcy?"

The dance separated them with this question dangling in the air, and when they met once again, Darcy had an answer at the ready. "Well, Miss Bennet, as I believe neither of us would wish to forego the pleasure of intelligent conversation as so little is generally to be had in a ballroom, I believe we must be satisfied with complete forgiveness, I therefore offer my most humble apologies."

"Well this will never do, Mr. Darcy. I had been so set upon disliking you for refusing to dance with anyone, or at the very least following my mother's advice and paying you no heed, and now I find you to be one of the most gallant men of my acquaintance! Politeness requires that I accept your apology and offer my own, as I now most sincerely do. You must know that you have not only caused me to risk my mother's ire, but you have also injured my reputation as an excellent judge of character!"

"I again apologize, Miss Bennet; but I hope, now that we have completely forgiven each other, that I may have the opportunity to make amends for these other injuries. If we had vowed to never speak to each other again, I believe you may have still faced your mother's ire and questions to your judgment for even dancing this one set with me. Now at least I might be your defender."

It is a kind offer, Mr. Darcy, but my poor judgment is my own flaw to bear, I could not put it upon you. And unfortunately, unless you have 'five thousand a year' to go along with Mr. Bingley's, my mother's ire will not be avoided." Despite his smile at her teasing, Lizzy noticed Mr. Darcy's embarrassment at this remark and realized she had gone too far.

"Forgive me, Mr. Darcy; that was abominably rude."

"Tis nothing, Miss Bennet, think no more of it."

The dance ended with each feeling a little guilty--Elizabeth for insulting the gentleman's station, and Darcy for holding back pertinent information. However, despite feeling personal culpability, each was well pleased with the other and resolved to continue the acquaintance at the earliest opportunity.

Posted on Thursday, 19 July 2007

Chapter 2: The following day, Netherfield Hall Breakfast Room

Darcy entered the breakfast room after his morning ride to find the entire party gathered and discussing the assembly of the previous evening.

"Did you see the fashion, Louisa---or should I say lack thereof! I believe the last La Belle Ensemble they've seen was from 1800!"

Louisa nodded as Caroline cackled, continuing her attack on the manners, style and person of all those present the previous night until their brother could take no more of it.

"Caroline, I found the evening uniformly charming, Meryton is a lovely town and the ladies were everything I could have hoped."

"The elder Miss Bennet was grace herself I grant you, but what of her sisters! The second eldest, Miss Elizabeth, was all impertinence and no real beauty! And to think the Bennets are the talk of the town--my word they have low standards here. Darcy, you danced with Miss Elizabeth, what did you think of her?"

The question brought Darcy out of his reverie, and he answered as noncommittally as possible. "She was a pleasant enough partner." He hoped dearly that the smile in his heart did not reach his face, for it would do no good for Caroline to suspect any real interest on his part.

"Well, I for one saw no beauty in her---oh! I had nearly forgotten, I overheard the most amazing rumour last night, Darcy! Do you know what it is?"

"I haven't the slightest idea or interest, Miss Bingley." Darcy hoped his curt response and dark look that he directed her way would silence Caroline, but she was never one to take a hint.

"I heard that the people of Meryton believe you penniless, Mr. Darcy! How singular. Well I, of course, wanted to set them all straight, but as no one questioned me, I had not the chance----" Before she could continue further, Darcy's commanding voice interrupted her.

"Miss Bingley, you will do no such thing! I want no talk of my income or my estate while we are here, do you understand? It is none of their business, nor is it your business." Darcy returned to his breakfast while the rest of the table stared in amazement. His pronouncement had effectively silenced Caroline, and it was not long before each member of the party went their separate ways for the day.

The Netherfield and Longbourn parties did not meet again until the next week at Lucas Lodge. Upon his arrival, Bingley immediately sought out the companionship of the eldest Miss Bennet, leaving his sisters, brother-in-law and Darcy to fend for themselves. For his own part, Darcy was pleased to find himself often in the conversation with the ever charming Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

When the youngest Bennet sisters initiated an impromptu dancing party, Darcy, without a second thought, asked Elizabeth to join him on the floor.

"Miss Bennet, I do believe I have a sudden urge to dance a jig, would you be so kind as to join me?" Darcy bowed and reached out his hand to her.

Elizabeth smiled saucily in response. "Why Mr. Darcy, I distinctly recall you informing Sir William that 'every savage can dance'---if I agree to partake of the activity with you, will it not set me up for ridicule from your own lips?"

"Ah, but Miss Bennet, I cannot ridicule when I happily join you in the scheme. Please?" The sincerity in his eyes caught Elizabeth and she smiled, nodded and took his hand.

Indeed, Mary was playing an Irish jig, and the couple joined the raucous fray. Darcy spun, twirled, and danced with more enthusiasm than he had ever recalled. He knew not whether it was the lady's proximity or the exertion of the activity, but his head spun as if he were intoxicated on the finest Scotch.

Elizabeth too, enjoyed the moment immensely, and nearly fainted dead away in the middle of the dance when she looked up at Darcy to find upon his face the most dazzling smile, complete with dimples! She now knew why he rarely bestowed a smile upon the populous, for its effect would devastate the hearts of every young lady within fifty miles, she was sure!

The persons assembled at Lucas Lodge certainly took notice of the clear affection between Miss Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, but his lack of fortune and questionable connections allowed them to surmise the attraction to be a passing fancy for each, with no real impact. Certainly none of the Miss Bennets could afford to marry a man without fortune, or at least a profession, and clearly Mr. Darcy would be seeking a sizable dowry from his betrothed. No, the center of attention in Meryton was focused on Mr. Bingley and Miss Bennet, leaving the Darcy and Elizabeth to their own devices.

(Path between Longbourn & Netherfield--three days later)

Elizabeth strode purposefully towards Netherfield. She was angry with her mother and a bit disappointed in her father. If it weren't for her mother's scheming or her father's indolence, Jane would not be ill and stuck at Netherfield with no one but the superior Bingley sisters to care for her. So distracted by vexation at her parents was she, that Lizzy did not spot Mr. Darcy until she had nearly run into him as he walked the grove of trees at the edges of Netherfield's park.

"Mr. Darcy!"

"Miss Bennet, pardon me, I hope I did not frighten you." He bowed gravely noticing the concern etched upon her every feature

"No, no, I must have been so caught up in my own thoughts I did not see you at first. I have come to see my sister; can you apprise me of her condition?"

"Indeed, allow me to escort you to her." Darcy offered Elizabeth his arm and they walked companionably toward the house. "Your sister, from what I gathered from the apothecary, has come down with a cold and slight fever. She was resting comfortably this morning before I left the house."

"That is somewhat of a relief, though it was the folly of her family that put her in such a way. Do you believe my mother forced her to come on horseback, for it looked like rain, and if it rained enough, she would have to spend the night? And my father--I do love him dearly, but he should have put a stop to Mama's scheming--" Elizabeth stopped her rant abruptly, realizing just what she had said and to whom.

"Forgive my impropriety, Mr. Darcy; I should not speak of my family in such a manner." She looked down to where she stepped, ashamed of her words.

"Miss Bennet, think no more of it; I have several family members, and one aunt in particular, with whom I often find myself equally exasperated. I do understand."

"I do not know what comes over me in your presence, Mr. Darcy; I seem to be honest to a fault." Elizabeth smiled charmingly at him and he returned the gesture uneasily, thinking of the fact that he had not been all that was honest with her. "Honesty is never a fault, Miss Bennet." His comment was directed as much to himself as to her.

Having been shown to the entry, Elizabeth and Darcy parted as a maid showed the young lady to her sister's room and Darcy headed to the breakfast room to acquaint the other residents of Miss Bennet's presence.

At the insistence of Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth spent the next few days at Netherfield, nursing her sister back to health. She joined the family in the drawing room in the evenings while Jane slept. This evening she picked up a volume which included the Bard's Hamlet and quietly enjoyed it while the rest of the room was otherwise engaged.

Elizabeth was amused to observe that Miss Bingley could not spend a quarter hour without being the center of attention before she would make a comment or gesture to bring everyone's eyes upon her.

Observing Darcy writing diligently at the corner desk she spoke up. "What do you do so gravely over there, Darcy?"

He looked up from his work and Elizabeth thought she saw the faintest touch of annoyance before the gentleman schooled his features. She did her best to suppress a smile.

"I am writing a letter to my sister."

"Oh dear Georgiana, do send her my regards. What a lovely young lady she is, has she grown much taller since I saw her last at P---at the party?"

Miss Bingley could not help but notice Darcy's searing glare at her near mention of his family estate before he responded. "She is now about Miss Elizabeth Bennet's height--or rather a little taller." This response combined with the look upon Darcy's countenance effectively silenced Caroline Bingley's attempts at conversation as she could not trust herself to refrain from speaking of Pemberley.

The remainder of the evening passed without further incident and Elizabeth soon returned upstairs to care for her dear sister.

Posted on Monday, 23 July 2007

Chapter 3: Still at Netherfield

The next day brought Jane much relief from her sufferings and she encouraged Elizabeth to take a break from her nursing to walk around the gardens.

"Lizzy, my fever has broken and I will indeed be fine alone for a half an hour or so. Please enjoy the fine weather, for there will be few more this year as winter draws near."

With only a little protest, Elizabeth agreed and shortly found herself in Netherfield's wild garden. The wild garden was a section of the park designed as a sanctuary for wildflowers, hedges and ivies whose growth was not strictly managed and maintained by the gardeners. Instead the plants were allowed to grow freely within the bounds of the wild garden, giving it the aura of the natural beauty of the wilderness. This had always been Elizabeth's favourite part of Netherfield and she hoped Mr. Bingley would allow it to continue and not tear it out and extend the manicured French-style garden.

While musing over the beauties of nature, relatively untouched by human hands, she heard footsteps on the gravel behind her and turned to find Mr. Darcy a few steps away.

"Miss Bennet, I had hoped to find you out enjoying this fair weather. How does your sister?"

"She is much improved, thank you."

The two fell in step together along the path. "I am glad to hear it, though for my own selfishness, I will be sorry to see you both go. Once you are back at Longbourn, I doubt I shall hear two words of sense spoken together here."

He looked perfectly serious in his declaration and Lizzy could not help but laugh. "O dear, you sound just like my father!"

Darcy assumed his haughtiest posture as he continued in explanation. "I am not teasing, Miss Bennet, you know not what I suffer. Bingley does nothing but go on about your angelic sister, and his sisters have not a thought in their heads other than what is "fashionable." Mr. Hurst is the least offensive as he keeps to his food and drink and utters few words aside from nondescript grunts of approval or disdain."

Despite protesting to be completely sincere, the wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth belied his true intentions. "You cannot lie to me, Mr. Darcy; I know you are indeed teasing! But I do thank you for the compliment you have bestowed upon my sister and myself."

"Well, if I do tease, it must be all your influence. My sister would hardly recognize me."

"Tell me about your sister, Mr. Darcy; Miss Bingley seems so impressed by her, she sounds like a very fine young lady."

"Please, do not listen to Miss Bingley's fawning. Georgiana is indeed, a dear and sweet girl, but she is very shy and is not yet out in company. She has many accomplishments, but playing the pianoforte and devouring the contents of the library are her favourite pursuits. My cousin and I have joint guardianship over her since my father's death five years ago, and I often despair over my ability to provide the social direction and guidance a young woman of fifteen needs. Truly, through no fault of her own, but from the deficiencies of her guardians, I fear she is not yet a confident young woman like yourself."

"Mr. Darcy, do not think yourself deficient. Few fifteen year old women are truly confident in themselves yet, except perhaps my youngest sister, and I think we may both agree she is perhaps a bit too confident. Trust me, in just a few short years, your sister will have society eating out of her hands." Lizzy smiled at him and he returned the gesture, consoled by her sincere words.

Sensing a change of subject was in order, Lizzy remarked on the beauties around them.

"I dearly love this wild garden, Mr. Darcy; I do hope Mr. Bingley has every intention of keeping it as such?"

"I do not know that he has given any thought to it, but I do share your preference for it, Miss Bennet. This is the way nature should be enjoyed---it reminds me a little of the wild and untouched beauties Derbyshire."

"You are from Derbyshire are you not?"

"I am." Darcy grew uneasy and Elizabeth sensed it, but misinterpreted it to be reticence at speaking of the home and fortune he has supposedly lost, so she did not push him further on the subject. For Darcy's part, he abhorred disguise and guilt tugged at him. In his silence he was considering whether he should tell her about Pemberley and reveal the truth, but he held himself back, not wanting to forgo the pleasure of knowing that such a delightful young woman enjoyed his companionship, not his property.

The pair walked on, indulging in their own silent thoughts of the other for several moments before Elizabeth broke the quiet with a very unladylike oath.

"What is the matter, Miss Bennet?" Darcy stopped and turned to her in urgent concern over her welfare.

"I am sorry I alarmed you Mr. Darcy, it is just that, well, as you can see before us, the path is completely obstructed by a large puddle and it has put me in a terrible quandary."

Noticing her mischievous tone, Darcy decided to play along. "Please enlighten me, Miss Bennet, perhaps I can be of assistance."

"Oh no, Mr. Darcy, you cannot help, for you are part of the problem."

"The problem!--please tell me at once, and I will remedy it."

"You see, there is a Golden Chain Tree just on the other side of that bend and I have been looking forward to seeing how it is faring of late. It is my favourite tree; when it blooms in the spring and whenever I have been invited to Netherfield in the past, I have endeavoured to check upon it, to ensure its good health and robustness. If I were alone, I would surely march through the puddle and head to the tree without question, and no one would be the wiser. Anyone who saw me might suppose I had no choice but to walk through the mud. But, with you here, Mr. Darcy, I fear you shall despise me for my unladylike behaviour should I go forward, seeing that you are aware I can easily turn back without risking my petticoat.

"I doubt you fear anyone's censure too keenly, Miss Bennet, but perhaps, if you would permit me, I can assist you by lifting you over the puddle."

Before she could answer, Darcy placed his hands upon her waist and lifted her off the ground, carrying her as he took too large strides through the puddle and to dry ground on the other side. Placing her feet back down on the earth, Darcy continued to hold her waist just a moment longer than necessary, and let his eyes wander the length of her body before he remembered himself and stepped back and offered her his arm.

Still in shock over her companion's bold actions, and the shivers his firm grasp had elicited throughout her body, Lizzy did not look at him directly, but gratefully took his arm, leading him towards the tree in question.

By the time they reached the tree, each had gained a modicum of composure. Darcy spoke first.

"The tree appears in good health, Miss Bennet."

"So it would seem. It blooms beautifully in late May each year, truly a gorgeous site to behold."

"I doubt, Miss Bennet, that it could compare to the beauty before me now."

Elizabeth turned her head to see that Mr. Darcy was not looking at the tree, but rather had his eyes fixed upon her. She blushed profusely as she realized the import of his words.

Darcy could hardly believe what was tumbling out of his mouth, but it was sincere and he would not stop himself midstream. His senses were overcome with her proximity, the scent of rosewater which wafted from her curls, the memory of the feel of waist in his grasp, he could think of nothing but her.

"Miss Bennet, Elizabeth, I--you can have no doubt by now that I have ardent feelings for you---would you--is it too much to ask---may I be allowed to call upon you at Longbourn, to court you?"

Darcy held his breath waiting for her reply. Lizzy hesitated, not trusting her voice. Barely able to look up at him, she smiled shyly and blushed as any young maiden would at such a request from such a handsome gentleman. But Lizzy was not one to be missish or intimidated, and her reply was one straightforward and pleasing to both parties.

"I believe I would like that very much, Mr. Darcy." Her eyes sparkled with the happiness of one for whom daydreams had come true. But the reality of their situation intruded upon Elizabeth's joy for a moment and her mien turned grave as she continued. "But I must tell you, Mr. Darcy--- I thought you should have heard the truth elsewhere by now---I have no fortune to speak of, and my father's estate is entailed away from my sisters and me. Should we--should you make any other formal offer to me, I could bring nothing to the table. Perhaps you want to rethink your most recent request." Elizabeth looked down, unwilling to bear any look of disappointment or pity on the gentleman's face.

Darcy placed his hand under Elizabeth's chin, encouraging her to look into his eyes. "Miss Bennet, Elizabeth, I am well aware of your situation and the entail. I ask you to trust me in this instance; if our courtship should progress to a more formal union, I promise you that I shall provide a comfortable situation for you. Can you trust me?"

The sincerity in his eyes convinced her, she nodded in affirmation and Darcy smiled, placing a gentle kiss on her hand. The heat and softness of his lips made Elizabeth feel as if her insides were melting and she feared her knees might give way at any moment. Despite his strong desire to do so, Darcy dared not kiss her on the mouth for fear he could never stop. They both sensed it was past time to return to the house, but their shoes appeared to have lead in them and they stood in the silence of the garden for a few more moments gazing at each other as Darcy caressed Elizabeth's hand.

"Come Miss Bennet, your sister will be asking for you, and I should find Bingley so I might hear all about his dear 'angel' for a few more hours. The laughter induced by Darcy's remark seemed to break the spell cast upon them both and they turned back to Netherfield. Upon reaching the puddle, Elizabeth feared her heart might explode if Darcy lifted her over it once again, so she did not wait for him, but hiked up her skirts and ran through it, turning to see the gentleman's reaction with a mischievous smile upon her face.

"Miss Bennet, I thought you feared my scorn should you muddy your petticoats?"

"Mr. Darcy, I no longer believe you are capable of scorning me. Besides, I needed a head start if we are to race!" With that, Elizabeth turned and began running up the path. It took Darcy a moment to realize that she had challenged him, but after a brief hesitation, Darcy took off running after her and caught up in just a few strides, his long legs advantageous in such endeavours. Grasping her hand, he swung her around to face him, they laughed together, toe to toe.

Darcy could not resist the picture she presented, eyes brightened and cheeks ruddy from the exercise, a joyous laugh which rang like a bell in his ears. He caressed her cheek, leaning down to capture her lips softly. Her lips felt like velvet and responded in turn to the pressure of his. Darcy could taste citrus from the fruit Elizabeth obviously enjoyed at breakfast. Careful not to overwhelm her, he broke the kiss and stepped back to await her reaction.

Eyes glazed slightly from all the feelings stirring inside her, Elizabeth had to think a moment before anything even slightly witty came to mind. "Mr. Darcy, do you employ such treacherous tactics to gain advantage over your opponent in every competition?

He gazed at her incredulously and laughed in response. "Miss Bennet, I do not believe I was the first to use treachery in this footrace---besides, I believe my efforts to be much more enjoyable than merely trampling through the mud to gain an advantage." Before she could respond, he kissed her soundly again, this time with more force and she met him with equal passion. Without little conscious thought, he deepened the kiss, tasting her mouth more fully. Once again Elizabeth imitated his action until their mouths were entwined in an exquisite dance. The dance ended as it began, with Mr. Darcy initiating the break.

"Miss Bennet, I am sorry I was carried away by the moment." Eyes downcast like a schoolboy caught in a prank, Darcy presented a most amusing picture, though Lizzy could scarcely enjoy it while still trying to catch her breath.

"No need to apologize, Mr. Darcy; however, I do think it best we get back to the house straightaway."

"Indeed." With that, Darcy offered his arm and they walked back to Netherfield, parting at the entrance. Elizabeth went to see her sister and Mr. Darcy to the quiet solitude of the library so he might ruminate on a certain pair of fine eyes.

Entering the library, Darcy picked up a tome on the battle of Agincourt and leafed through it, though his mind was otherwise engaged. That he was giddy with happiness and anticipation was clear, but such feelings were tinged by a nagging guilt of which he was keenly aware. What joy Elizabeth had brought him today when she agreed to a courtship. It brought Darcy the greatest satisfaction to know that he could win his heart's desire because of his character not his pocketbook. That he wanted Elizabeth Bennet as his wife was perfectly clear to his own heart, and it became clearer with each passing moment in her company; but so many other issues were muddied and indecipherable. He would be rejecting duty to his family and inheriting a completely ridiculous set of in-laws in offering for her, but was that not a worthy price to pay to have such a woman to love and be loved in return, despite his fortune and not because of it? If he offered and she accepted, he would of course tell her of his true station; then she would be surprised at her good fortune to find love and wealth. Though he himself despised dishonesty, it seemed a necessary evil for the purpose of determining Elizabeth's true estimation for him as a person. She would overlook it, he was certain.

Posted on Thursday, 26 July 2007

Chapter 4: Netherfield

The light rain that fell over the countryside echoed the melancholy felt by at least four individuals on the morning the two eldest Bennet daughters departed Netherfield for their home. Bingley and Darcy rattled around the house, unable to find amusement in sport or the company left to them.

"I say, Darcy, I am in as bad a humour as you are on a Sunday evening! Let us at least adjourn to the billiard room for a spell before we need entertain my sisters and brother."

Darcy acquiesced, unable to think of anything better to occupy his time.

While the gentlemen were ensconced in the billiard room, Lizzy and Jane were safely tucked away in Lizzy's room discussing the events of their stay in Netherfield.

"He kissed you, Lizzy?!" Jane was all astonishment. "Was it a peck on the cheek or a real kiss?"

"Do you recall, Jane, when we caught Thomas in the stables kissing Mr. Hartley's daughter, Emma? It was THAT kind of kiss."

"Oh dear me!" Jane sat staring wide-eyed at Lizzy with a hand over her mouth in shock. "Well, did you enjoy it? I have always heard kissing to be quite enjoyable, but that little instance between Thomas and Emma appeared quite sloppy to me."

"Jane, it was glorious. I felt all warm and tingly inside, and the feel of his hand on my cheek-oh I cannot describe it, you will just have to kiss Mr. Bingley yourself!"

"Lizzy! I cannot."

"I suppose not, but if he wants to kiss you, I highly recommend you allow him to do so!" Lizzy laughed gaily as much at her sister's exasperation with her as anything else.

"Seriously, do you think he will ask Papa for your hand?" Jane was concerned for her sister's heart and her reputation. Sensing the wisdom of her sister's apprehension, Lizzy turned more serious.

"I know not, Jane. He said he will speak to Papa about courting me. I think I would [i]like[/i] him to, but he made no promises yet and I cannot expect it. I am really not sure what to think of the matter. If he is really as destitute as people say, how can he afford to marry me? He does not seem to have any profession, nor to be seeking one."

"Perhaps he is not so poor. His clothes are quite fine. Perhaps Mrs. Long and our aunt were wrong and he is well off."

"No Jane, even you do not have enough good thoughts to create a fortune for him. He has never contradicted the notion of his poverty, and when I mentioned the practicality of my dowry situation, he had the perfect opportunity to tell me not to worry that he had an income of five thousand a year. But he did not do so, instead he just asked me to trust him."

"Well then Lizzy, he seems a good sort of man; let us trust him until we see reason to think otherwise."

The rain fell heavily over Hertfordshire for several days more, keeping the Netherfield party from calling upon Longbourn, much to the chagrin of many. The weather also postponed the arrival of Mr. Bennet's cousin, Mr. Collins, who was the eventual beneficiary of the entail. Lizzy was in the study with Mr. Bennet when he received news of the delay and voiced his disappointment.

"Tis a shame we shall have to wait another week for Mr. Collins' company, Lizzy. I am much looking forward to the amusement of his visit."

"Do you think him a sensible man, Papa?"

"Oh no, my dear, I am much in anticipation of finding him quite the opposite."

By Saturday evening, the Bennets, with this exception of Mr. Bennet, found themselves settled in the carriage on the way to the home of their Aunt and Uncle Philips, for a party including the officers of the militia newly stationed in town. The eldest girls were pleased for the entertainment, though their delight was tempered with the knowledge that neither Mr. Bingley nor Mr. Darcy would be in attendance. The two youngest were bouncing off the walls of the in anticipation of the officer's company, and even Mary looked forward to the opportunity to exhibit her playing at the pianoforte. In short, each was delighted to be out of the confines of Longbourn.

"Lizzy!" Lydia's voice cut loudly through the din of the parlour. "Come here, you must meet Lt. Denny and his friend."

Rolling her eyes at her sister's general lack of manners, Lizzy made her way over to her sister in part to prevent any further commotion.

"Lizzy, this is Lt. Denny and his friend, Mr. Wickham, who will also be taking a position with the militia."

After exchanging courtesies, Mr. Wickham was well pleased with what he saw, and took the opportunity to further the conversation with the dark-haired beauty. Eventually, Lt. Denny and Lydia left to dance a jig, and Wickham and Elizabeth were left to converse on their own.

"Hertfordshire is lovely country, Miss Elizabeth; I grew-up in Derbyshire where the landscape is a bit more wild and untamed, but I must tell you that I see [i]many[/i] charms around Meryton."

Lizzy found her companion amiable enough, but chose to ignore his blatant flirting to bring the conversation to the topic closest to her heart at the moment.

"You are not the only gentleman from Derbyshire visiting here at the moment, Mr. Wickham, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is here as well; do you happen to know him?"

Wickham's colour turned from white to red before he composed himself and returned the smile to his face in order to speak. "Darcy is here? Well my, I am surprised. I do know him quite well, Miss Elizabeth, my father was actually his late father's steward. We grew up together at Pemberley."

Not having failed to notice Wickham's odd reaction to Darcy's name, and confused by old Mr. Darcy's apparent need of a steward, she pressed on for a bit more information.

"Pemberley? Is that the estate that was lost to Darcy's family? I understood that the current Mr. Darcy's grandfather had lost the fortune."

Evident confusion crossed Wickham's features. "Lost? He hasn't lost Pemberley. He was certainly still living there last summer. Darcy destitute? Now that is quite the joke, Miss Bennet! Ha!"

"But I do not understand. . ."

"Who told you he was broke? Do not tell me that no one here knows of his fortune! Pemberley surely clears ten thousand a year at least, and I am sure he has more from the property holdings in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Mr. Darcy is quite simply one of the richest men in the kingdom."

The shock on Elizabeth's face was impossible to miss, and Wickham suspected there was be a reason for her keen interest in the gentleman.

"Are you alright, Miss Bennet, you appear ill, may I get you something? A glass of wine, perhaps."

"No, no, I just feel a headache coming on. If you will excuse me, Mr. Wickham; I think I may petition my mother to have our carriage take me home." As she walked away, she could not miss the words Wickham whispered to himself under his breath. "I never would have suspected such duplicity from you Darcy, what a rogue you have become! Though I guess I cannot blame you, the sport seems especially good here, beyond just the birds."

Elizabeth was able to convince her mother to allow the carriage to take her back to Longbourn and return for the rest of them later. Alone on the ride home, her mind had no distraction from the horror of the information she had learned that night. Elizabeth equally felt anger, resentment and disappointment. To think that she had thought herself in love with such an immoral, dishonest cad! Clearly, if he had told one such lie, he had told more. She felt the full weight of the knowledge that Mr. Darcy had been using her and amusing himself at her expense. She was nothing but a "bit of sport" during his time in the country. She wanted to forget that he even existed in the world, but at the same time she wanted ever opportunity to express all that she felt at this moment to his face.

"Insufferable, deceitful man!" she cried out to no one in particular. Luckily she met no one on the way to her room and she settled in for the night, although sleep did not come before the wee hours of the morning.

Posted on Monday, 30 July 2007

Chapter 5: Longbourn

Despite the onset of a real headache, Lizzy determined to dress and come down for breakfast the next morning and then perhaps take a long walk to clear her mind. Entering the room, she found only her father and Mary awake.

Looking up from his paper, her father turned a keen eye upon his favourite. "I had a most interesting visitor last night, Lizzy. Do you know who it was?"

In no mood for her father's humour, she replied with little civility, "I cannot venture a guess, Papa."

"I am surprised, for I understood from the visitor you expected him, Lizzy."

"I am sure I have no idea of whom you are talking."

"My visit was from Mr. Darcy. He has asked to court you. He mentioned you had agreed to the arrangement, but if you changed your mind I suppose I can take back my consent." Mr. Bennet fully expected his daughter to be diverted and accept his sport of the topic; nothing prepared him for her actual reaction.

"I have changed my mind; I never want to see that man again! Next time you see him, you can take back your consent, for I can tell you he will be the last man in the world by whom I will ever agree to be courted!"

Mr. Bennet was indeed puzzled by the vehemence of her words. "I thought you got on well with him, Lizzy? No need to be missish. Why do you not talk to him when he and Bingley call this morning, if you truly have changed your mind, I will withdraw my consent?"

At the thought of seeing Mr. Darcy, Lizzy panicked. She rose without finishing her breakfast ands nearly fled the room. "I have no wish to see Mr. Darcy today, if he asks after me, tell him I went to visit his old friend, Mr. Wickham!"

Mr. Bennet and Mary exchanged looks askance as they watched Lizzy escape out of doors.

Fearful of running into any resident of Netherfield, Lizzy chose the path in the opposite direction and set out on a long walk through hill and grove. The sun was falling from its zenith when she again reached the vicinity of Longbourn. She hoped the gentlemen had come and gone and Mr. Darcy had received her message. Surely he was bright enough to realize his charade was up and he would leave quietly and never return.

Her mind was thus engaged when she entered a small grove of trees to the east of Longbourn and nearly ran into the object of her reverie.

"Mr. Darcy!"

"Miss Bennet? I have been wandering this grove some time in the hopes of meeting you. Will you speak to me for a moment?"

His expression revealed that her father had indeed imparted her message.

"I do not care to listen to you, Mr. Darcy. I do not care to be alone in your company."

"Please Miss Bennet, I owe you an apology. I have been to see that blackguard, Wickham, and I know what he told you."

"I beg your pardon, but I do not think you should be labeling anyone with the term blackguard, Mr. Darcy, except perhaps yourself!" Her anger, which had dissipated over the length of the walk, was rising again.

"If you only knew what Wickham has done in the past, you would understand, Miss Bennet. When your father told me you had gone to see Wickham, my heart jumped from my chest, not because he would have told you my secret, but because I feared for your safety. He has importuned himself upon more than one unsuspecting young lady."

"Like you have, Mr. Darcy?" Her fury poured from every word.

"Miss Bennet!" Darcy's temper was beginning to get the best of him as well. "Just listen to me for one moment and I will explain everything!"

"There is no explanation, no excuse, no word you can provide which will induce me to believe you! You have done nothing but lie to me and attempt to seduce me since you entered this country. What for Mr. Darcy? Was I not some sport to be had while you were visiting your friend? Then when you have had your fill, you would flee leaving me broken hearted and I know not what else!"

"So this is what you think of me? By these estimations I have many faults indeed." Darcy sighed heavily, running his fingers through his hair. Elizabeth wanted to leave but her feet remained rooted to the spot, part of her wanting to know what he would say.

"Miss Bennet, would it change anything if I told you how ardently I admire and love you?"

"How in the world can I believe any of this?" Lizzy cried in exasperation.

"From almost the beginning of our acquaintance I have felt a deepening regard for you that I have never felt about any other woman. I need you to understand that I never started the rumour about my poverty. . . "

"Perhaps not, but you never corrected it." The edge was still evident in her tone. "And that, Mr. Darcy, is just as good as lying."

"Please understand, that when I came to Meryton and entered the assembly room without whispers concerning my fortune, without mothers throwing their daughters at me, I suddenly felt a freedom I had never felt in my whole adult life. I was loath to give that up, and I convinced myself that it was no one's business what my fortune was anyway."

"But it became my business when you began flirting with me, Mr. Darcy. How could you engage my heart knowing full well I was out of your circle? How could you be so unfeeling?" Tears stung at Lizzy's eyes and she swallowed hard at the rising lump in her throat. She folded her arms across herself trying to hold herself together.

Darcy, moved by her distress, stepped closer, wanting to comfort her, but knowing he was still not on firm footing and might feel the sting of her hand across his face should he reach out to hold her.

"I remember overhearing you and your mother speaking about me at the Meryton Assembly, Miss Bennet; it was the moment I learned the full rumour of my lost fortune. I was pleased to realize that if I asked a lady to dance, there would be no rumours in the paper the next day about an imminent engagement. But I was also intrigued with you, Miss Bennet. I could tell from your response to her words that fortune hunting was not your game. As I spent more time with you, I found great joy in being with a woman who I knew enjoyed my company, not my bank book." Each word had begun to soften Elizabeth's countenance, and Darcy believed he might finally be winning her forgiveness. Taking a chance, he reached out and clasped her hand, which she did not pull away.

"When you allowed me to court you, you know not the happiness I felt. Your only concern was my expectations about your dowry and you agreed to place your trust in my ability to provide. I fully intended upon having you as my wife. I should have told you right then and there, but I had already deceived you for too long. I craved capturing your whole heart without any assistance from my fortune, and to be truthful I was a little afraid of your reaction."

"But, Mr. Darcy, you had my whole heart, even then. You asked me to trust you, but you did not trust me. Were you really planning on asking for my hand? You were not just toying with me?"

"Oh God, Elizabeth, no! I never toyed with your affections. I had decided during your stay at Netherfield that I would ask you to be my wife."

"Despite my connections and fortune? What will your family say?"

"Elizabeth, I want you as my wife, over and above any objection. Will you have me, Elizabeth, will you deign to marry a wealthy man?"

At this jest, a small smile crept to Elizabeth's lips. "I suppose I could be persuaded, if you are in earnest, as long as your fortune is not too large. Tell me, what do you receive per annum?"

Darcy outright laughed at her teasing, relieved that she has forgiven him. "All told, about twenty thousand."

Shock at such a number did cross Lizzy's face before she could respond, but her wit rose to the occasion. "Very well, as long as it is not a penny more, I will agree to be your wife."

Looking up at him after her acceptance, Lizzy was amazed to see a look of pure delight diffuse across her fiancé's face. He kissed her hand and then pulled her into a close embrace, bending his lips to her ear.

"May I kiss you?" he whispered. At her nod, he feathered a few gentle kisses on her neck and jaw line before capturing her mouth. Instead of the sweet citrus of their last encounter, he tasted the salt of the tears that had fallen and reached her lips, the full force of his wrongdoing hit him. Stepping away slightly, but maintaining his hold upon her upper arms, Darcy looked down into his beloved's beautiful eyes.

"I have hurt you, and I am so very sorry. I promise that I will endeavour to make up for it the rest of my life." The earnestness of his countenance struck her, and suddenly she knew she had completely forgiven his transgressions.

"Mr. Darcy, remember that upon marrying me, my mother will become yours. If you are indeed in need of penance for your actions, I believe that will be penance enough. Do you not?"

A roguish smile crept back to his face. "A young lady should never speak so of her mother, you too are in need of penance, Miss Bennet, and I know just the thing." She had no time to respond before his mouth was again upon hers, kissing her so thoroughly she could neither catch her breath nor stand up straight.

"Mr. Darcy, if that is my punishment, I shall speak so much more often." Deciding then it was time to return to Longbourn, Lizzy suddenly remembered her reaction to her father this morning.

"Oh dear, I believe I have made a mess of things with Papa. He thinks I will not have you after my display this morning at breakfast. We will need to smooth things over with him before you ask for my hand or he will not consent!"

"Do not worry yourself over your father. We have already spoken."

Lizzy look up at him quizzically, as they walked side by side out of the grove. "You explained everything to him?"

"Well, when I visited him last night, I gave him an understanding of my fortune."

"You did?"

"How else do you think I could have convinced him I could provide for you? He certainly was not about to let any penniless rake court you!"

"No, I suppose not."

"I must say, he was quite amused by the wool being pulled over the eyes of all of Meryton society. I believe he chuckled for a full ten minutes. Such a joke seemed to dispose him in my favour at least."

"I can see that it would. He is quite fond of making sport of our neighbours. For the mothers of Hertfordshire to a have a bachelor of your stature right under their noses without a clue must be an immense diversion for Papa."

"When I called this morning, he gave me your message and mentioned your odd behaviour. I knew immediately that Wickham had at the very least told you of my fortune. Your father also suspected as much, and wished me luck in dealing with your temper upon finding you."

"What do you mean 'at least?' Are there more lies you have told that Wickham could expose?" Her eyes narrowed but more in humour than mistrust.

"We have a few more moments before we reach Longbourn, let me tell you a little about Mr. Wickham."

The rest of their walk was spent in a most unpleasant discussion, but the Wickham story needed to be told. Elizabeth declared Wickham to be the vilest creature in the world, and vowed to help her soon-to-be sister in overcoming her bad experiences. When they reached Longbourn, the house was in a flurry looking for Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy went immediately to speak with Mr. Bennet and Lizzy went to calm her mother's nerves.

"You must not be in that man's company so much, Lizzy; you cannot be breaking your heart over a destitute pauper." Lizzy could not help but smile at this, for she surely had her father's sense of the ironic.

"But Mama, he is not so very poor. He has asked for my hand and I have agreed to marry him."

"Marry Mr. Darcy! I shall not have it!" Before Elizabeth could stop her, Mrs. Bennet marched to Mr. Bennet's study, barging in without even a single knock.

Luckily, the commotion in the hall had alerted the gentlemen to her imminent arrival, so Darcy could step away from the door before he was struck with it. In such an agitated state, Mrs. Bennet did not see Darcy behind her, and spoke ignorant of his presence.

"You cannot allow Lizzy to marry Mr. Darcy; she will be starving the hedgerows!"

Mr. Bennet could barely keep his countenance at this. "Perhaps you should like to tell the man himself he cannot marry our daughter, he is right behind you."

Mrs. Bennet's eyes widened in the closest thing she ever came to embarrassment. Even she has the delicacy to recognize the impropriety of such an announcement in his presence.

Mr. Darcy had mercy on her, even where her husband did not. "Mrs. Bennet, despite what you might have heard regarding my lack of fortune, I can safely promise you that Elizabeth will not be starving in the hedgerows if she marries me."

The mistress of Longbourn looked from Darcy to her own husband.

"Mrs. Bennet, I have seen all the papers I need to see, Mr. Darcy shall have no problem supporting our Lizzy, though perhaps not in the style to which she is accustomed." Mr. Bennet's eyes twinkled. Surely he was enjoying this too much.

Mrs. Bennet still appeared skeptical, but she was loath to be disposed against anyone who appeared in the form of a lover for one of her daughters. "If you are both sure and Lizzy is satisfied, then I suppose we shall begin the planning. Would three courses be too ostentatious for the breakfast, do you think, Mr. Darcy."

"No, Mrs. Bennet, three courses would be perfect. And Mrs. Bennet, I want you to know that once your daughter is settled in, you, your husband and your family will be welcome at Pemberley anytime.

"Oh, why thank you, Mr. Darcy." Both gentlemen could see the wheels turning in Mrs. Bennet's head as she turned to go, ready to begin the wedding plans straight away. After she left, Mr. Bennet laughed heartily.

"I do believe you have a devious streak in you, Mr. Darcy. You realize she is even now trying to work out anything she has ever heard of Pemberley."

"I figured there was no need to send her into apoplexy over 20 thousand a year, I thought it best she hear the rumours of my wealth from someone else; it shall be much more palatable."

"I will bet you at this moment she is sitting down to write her sister in London, who hails from Derbyshire. I will hopefully be safely ensconced in my study when she receives the reply detailing your estate and income. You may even hear her effusions at Netherfield if it is a clear day."

Lizzy entered a few moments later to find both gentlemen in good humour. "Lizzy my dear, where is your mother?"

"She is writing to Aunt Gardiner about the engagement, she insisted on being the first to write to her. I included my own letter with hers, why?"

"No reason." But Lizzy became suspicious when Mr. Darcy handed a five-pound note to her father.

"Have you been wagering on Mama's activities? Dear me, now I find I am marrying a gambler! What next?" The three laughed together as Mr. Bennet filled Lizzy in on how they eased Mrs. Bennet's mind on Darcy's income.

It was, in fact, three days later when Mrs. Gardiner's reply letter arrived. Lizzy and Darcy were walking in companionable silence in Longbourn's gardens, enjoying the last of some beautiful fall weather when they distinctly heard a loud screech followed by "Ten thousand a year and a grand estate in Derbyshire!" More exclamations followed including such phrases as "pin money" "carriages" "silk" "Grandson of an Earl" and "four courses at least."

"I suppose I now see why you were so loath to give up the freedom of poverty, Fitzwilliam." Lizzy's face betrayed her embarrassment over her mother's reactions.

"Elizabeth, I cannot escape my station in life, nor do I wish it. I am extremely fortunate to be able to marry for love where others cannot; and I shall never regret any of this no matter what might pass from your mother's lips."

He kissed the hand he was holding, and they continued walking in contemplation until Darcy spoke again.

"I do wonder sometimes what might have happened if all of Meryton had been clamoring over my pocketbook that night in the assembly rooms. I suspect I might not have been in as good of humour, especially under such circumstances of Georgiana's recent trials."

"You would have been justified in any bad humour, I am sure."

"But you would never have known my justification. You may have despised me."

"Never, Fitzwilliam. But, you may have thought me a fortune hunter."

"Even more doubtful." Darcy could not imagine ever having a bad thought of his Elizabeth.

"On the other hand, what if I had known of your wealth? I might have thought your ill humour a sign of pride or arrogance, certainly that never crossed my mind when you were penniless." Lizzy thought for a moment before declaring such a reaction impossible. "You have no improper pride or arrogance, I am sure I am a good enough judge of character that I would have seen through you poor mood that night. We were surely destined for one another, no matter your reported income."

"Tis amazing what affects our impressions. Right now I am immensely affected by the sparkle in those pretty blue eyes of yours." Darcy bent to place kisses on Lizzy's wrists, then moved to her shoulders and neck, continuing on until he reached her mouth. They remained thusly until they heard the footsteps of Mr. Bennet on the gravel path and the sound of a throat clearing. The couple turned to make their way inside, when Mr. Bennet caught up with them.

"Once more unto the breech, I say. I see the reply from Mrs. Gardiner arrived, shall we all face Mrs. Bennet together?"

"Lead on Mr. Bennet; I believe there is strength in numbers."

"You have chosen well, Lizzy; I think I will like your husband as much as Jane's." With that the three entered the lion's den, also called Longbourn.

Finis

© 2007 Copyright held by the author.

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