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Chapter 1 ~ Revised
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire led a relatively comfortable life.
At least, it was so to all outward appearances.
When Elizabeth was but three years old, there was a great fire at Longbourn. It happened in the early night, when a servant accidentally let a parlor fire get out of control. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, but that night, Elizabeth Bennet lost her sight.
Nobody realized what had happened until Elizabeth woke up the next day, and kept asking why everything was so dark. Immediately her mother went into hysterics, while her father summoned the local apothecary, and her elder sister Jane comforted her.
Mr. Jones arrived on the scene and confirmed what everyone by then already knew: Elizabeth was stone blind, and was not likely to regain her sight anytime soon. This information did nothing to relieve Mrs. Bennet's nerves, and was confusing at the least to Elizabeth.
She was much too young to understand what "blind" entailed. All she knew was that the world she had once thought so lively and beautiful was now dark and scary. Elizabeth became dependent on human touch. During her waking hours, she had to be in contact with someone, be it Jane, her father, or one of the maids.
Elizabeth's mother refused to see her. She did not understand why of all people, her daughter had to be thus . . . disabled. Her grief rose to such a point that she who had once been the pride and joy of Fanny Bennet's heart became disgusting and repulsive. Elizabeth did not need to hear her mother shouting, "I will not see that child! No child of mine would be so careless as to lose her sight! She has ruined us all!", to know that she was not wanted. She knew by her mother's touch, a touch she had once felt warm and inviting; now, when she grasped her mother's hand, Elizabeth felt it shrink away, and turn cold.
With each arrival of the three younger Bennet sisters into the Longbourn household, Elizabeth was greeted with a variety of new sounds and touches, none of which she especially liked. The first younger sister, Mary, was quiet, and while Elizabeth sensed a reserve in this sister, she never felt too enthusiastic about drawing Mary out of her shell - partly because she wished to spend her time taking long walks and thus monopolizing the ever-faithful Jane, and partly because she did not wish Mary to become like her younger sisters, Kitty and Lydia. Elizabeth was able to discern the presence of these two only by sound, because they were always moving much too quickly for her to touch them, and their sounds were so easily identifiable. Kitty was constantly whining, and Lydia always screeching and laughing. Elizabeth liked to have her share of fun, but she thought her two youngest sisters were much too silly and air-headed to acquaint herself with. Within a few years of their existence, they had become as much strangers to her as their mother was.
However alienated she was from the other members of her family, Elizabeth found that the noise they produced was too much for her ears. Just as she had become dependent on touch, Elizabeth relied on sound as well to make her way through society. Her ears were extraordinary in that they could pick out the smallest sounds conceivable in the midst of chaos. Because her hearing sensibilities were so strong, the shrill cries that were painful to the rest of the Bennet family were torture for her.
By the time she turned five, Elizabeth and her mother barely exchanged ten words within the course of one month.
Elizabeth did not mind the alienation from her mother. It allowed her to grow closer to her father, who was always kind to her. He loved her all the more for her lack of sight, and did everything he could to make her life sunny and happy. Mr. Bennet also encouraged Jane in this behavior, and the two sisters started a tradition of long walks in the Hertforshire countryside. During these walks, Jane quickly became her sister's eyes, describing everything she saw to Elizabeth, so that the world became less dark and frightening to her.
Yielding to his wife's pleas, Mr. Bennet did not let the general populus of Meryton and its surroundings know of Elizabeth's blindness. All immediate family was informed, as well as the servants of Longbourn. While servants are generally wont to gossip, this particular group knew that the imparting of such information was a sign of trust and respect, and nobody wanted to break that.
Elizabeth grew from child to woman with her infirmity, and soon it became clear that it was more of an aid than an impediment. Mr. Bennet did extensive research on education opportunities for the blind, and found that the only resources available at the time were exclusively open to boys. Not disheartened, he continued on in his work, often remaining in his library for nights at a time, perusing whatever information available to him. Soon he found that some blind people managed to read by using raised script. Before trying this theory with his daughter, Mr. Bennet tried it for himself, and found it impossible to distinguish one letter from another. Again, he pushed on, looking for a way to educate his child. In the end, he decided to take on the task himself, by reading to Elizabeth every night, on the subjects that her elder sister learned. Holding her hand in his, Mr. Bennet taught Elizabeth to write, using a straightedge for a guide. Her first attempts were clumsy, naturally, but she soon developed a unique style that was, though looking like that of a very young child, quite legible. As Elizabeth grew, so did her interests, and by the time she was fifteen, she and her father had exhausted the volumes of the Longbourn library. Mr. Bennet began to send to London for books to satisfy his daughter, still continuing their nightly ritual.
Mr. Bennet also taught his daughter about what everyone else considered "simple" tasks. He showed her how to use the numerous forks and knives and spoons required at meals, how to feel her way around the house, how to make her bed, and other such things. Elizabeth soon became as adept at these skills as any other human being would, and as she found out later, it greatly helped in disguising her ailment.
By virtue of being her father's daughter, Elizabeth had an incredible gift for analyzing and often times ridiculing human nature. Her blindness gave her the gift of an enhanced physical sense. Being so dependent on human touch, Elizabeth quickly learned how to judge people by touch. She was amazed to learn how much of human nature was based on how a person's hand might feel. Elizabeth generally kept her assessments to herself, but whenever she encountered a warm hand with a firm grip, she wasted no time in placing her friendship and trust in the owner of that hand.
Of course, she never revealed her secret to any of these friends, however steadfast her faith in them was. Not even her younger sisters detected anything lacking in her inability to see.
In Elizabeth's opinion, she could see quite well. Little did she know how much her secrecy and her ability to judge people would both help and hurt her in the year to come, when, on her twentieth birthday, she learned, completely by accident, that Netherfield Park was let at last.
Chapter 2 ~ Revised
On one such walk, Elizabeth and Jane were in a nearby meadow, walking slowly and enjoying the warm sunlight. It was late August, and Elizabeth's twentieth birthday. They had escaped out of the house without being noticed, except by their father, who merely smiled and waved them on. The sisters had barely entered the meadow when Elizabeth said,
"Jane, let's have a race!"
"A race? But -"
"I won't hear any of your buts today, Miss Jane! I want to race!"
This meadow was a familiar one to them, and in their younger years, they had often run across it, hand in hand. In their early teens, they had progressed to racing each other, races in which Elizabeth usually won. Now that both were of age (or as good as, in Elizabeth's case), Jane thought it not prudent that they behave in such a manner, and promptly told her sister so.
"Oh Jane, we are in the middle of nowhere!" Lizzy shouted, her voice rising with each word. She lifted her arms to the skies and twirled about, enjoying the warm breeze playing around her.
"Besides, it is my birthday, and you must do as I wish!" she said smilingly. She felt Jane's hesitation, and pouted.
"Please? I shall not ask for anything else, and you may put away my present until Christmas!" she said pleadingly, but with a tone that implied she would get her way.
"Oh, all right. I do not know why you wish to race with me of all people, dear Lizzy. You know I shall lose!" said Jane.
"You only lose because you do not try. On my count, then. One, two - go!" Jane let Lizzy get a good head-start, then started running slowly after her, so as not to ruin her skirts. Lizzy's muddied clothes went unnoticed by Mrs. Bennet, but not Jane's. All of a sudden, Jane stopped in her tracks and shrieked "LIZZY!"
Lizzy, who by this time had covered half of the meadow stopped too, and whirled about in confusion, as she heard her sister's cry mingled with another, louder sound, which seemed to belong to some sort of animal - what was it called again? Oh yes, a horse! The sound was one of fear, and instinctively, Lizzy backed away from it, hoping it would not follow her. All of a sudden, the back of Lizzy's foot connected with something hard, and she fell backward. She had tripped over a rock. She heard the horse becoming louder, and coming closer. Even though it was useless to do so, she shut her eyes tight. The pounding of the horse's hooves on the ground resonated in her ears, and she covered them. She wanted to cry out, but could not find her voice.
Suddenly, she heard a new sound. Another horse. But this new horse sounded calm, and under control. Now she heard a man's voice, a deep, strong voice, speaking in soothing tones to the horse that threatened her life. Soon, the panicked hooves beating against the dirt slowed, and came to a standstill. Elizabeth felt a strong firm hand pulling her up until she was upright again.
Then Elizabeth felt something, a strange, new sensation, unlike any other she had ever experienced. It was that of a warm, heavy breath mixing with hers, which gave her an odd, heady feeling. For a moment she thought it was her own breathing patterns, but then she realized that that which was making her feel light-headed and dizzy was emanating from someone else - a man, in fact. Elizabeth tentatively placed her hands in front of her, and came in contact with something solid, that was moving up and down in sync with the breaths. She realized that she was touching the chest of the man who had saved her, but she made no move to extricate herself from his awkward embrace. She lifted her head upwards, as if to see with her sightless eyes, and sighed gently.
"Thank you, sir," she whispered, so that he alone might hear her.
"I - Are you injured in any way?" The man moved back, and the feeling of warmth and safety he created left her. Suddenly, everything seemed a bit more chilly. Elizabeth dropped her hands, then brought them up around her arms, an indication she was cold. The man sensed this immediately, and Elizabeth heard the rustling of fabric and felt something itchy but warm cover her shoulders. She smiled, and whispered a thank you. No reply was received, and Elizabeth began to think she was saved by a ghost, when Jane finally appeared.
"Oh, Lizzy, are you quite all right? I was so worried you had hurt yourself!"
"Jane, as you can well see, I am fine. The only injury I sport is a dirty bottom!" Elizabeth replied gaily, and frowned when she heard a repressed chuckle which seemed to come from her mysterious rescuer. She decided to encourage him by laughing at herself. Not surprisingly, it did the trick. Soon all three people were laughing at Elizabeth's soiled dress.
"Oh, what a fit Mama shall have when she sees you!" cried Jane. Smiling somberly, Elizabeth replied, "At least she shall notice me. Good sir, I thank you again for saving me, and -" Elizabeth removed what she supposed to be his greatcoat from her shoulders and handed it to him. "I am much warmer now." His fingers touched hers briefly during this exchange, and Elizabeth blushed. She curtsied in his general direction, held out her hand for her sister, and turned around to walk away."
"Wait!"
"Shall you not grant me the pleasure of knowing the name of the beautiful young lady I have just saved?" said the man suddenly. "I should like to have someone corroborate my story when I tell my good host why I was late for luncheon." Elizabeth turned and smiled in reply to the smile that she felt must be on her stranger's face. She grinned wickedly and said, in the manner of a child,
"I shall tell you mine if you tell me yours!"
"Fitzwilliam Darcy, at your service, madam."
"Elizabeth Bennet, sir, here for the rescuing!"
And with that, Elizabeth grabbed her sister's hand once more, and ran off, pulling a very confused Jane behind her.
Chapter 3 ~ Revised
"Oh Lizzy, I was never more terrified in my life!" cried Jane, whose sweet features were still lined with concern. Elizabeth smiled wryly, and replied,
"You were terrified?? You weren't the one with a mad horse raging towards you!" After a moment, she dryly added, "One that you couldn't see, either!"
Jane frowned. Elizabeth had never been uncomfortable about her blindness, nor did she ever make references to it, even in private.
"Well, at least you are safe now, Lizzy. Thank goodness that the horse's rider had such presence of mind and control over that beast!"
Elizabeth pursed her lips in contemplation. "Yes, Mr. Darcy." The strange, heady feeling she had felt in his presence returned.
"Tell me, Jane, was he handsome?"
Jane grinned. "The most handsome man I've ever seen, without a doubt."
"And strong, too!" Elizabeth remembered his firm grip on her hand as he pulled her up from the ground, and the
feel of his muscular chest.
"I think you like him, Lizzy!" Jane said slyly.
In spite of herself, Elizabeth blushed. "When he saved me, I experienced an odd, new feeling, Jane. It is much too early to decide whether I like him or not, but I may safely say that I look forward to meeting him again."
"And that you shall do, as Kitty and Lydia have informed us that the party from Netherfield is to attend the your birthday celebration on Saturday. We must assume that your Mr. Darcy is a member of that party, as we have never seen or heard of him before this morning."
"He is not my Mr. Darcy, Jane!"
"Not yet!"
Elizabeth threw a pillow in the direction of her sister's voice. She heard a replying woosh and easily caught the pillow aimed at her. A pillow fight ensued between the two sisters, escalating until Elizabeth accidentally rolled off the bed while in the process of defending a blow from Jane. She landed on the floor with a huge thud. Jane scrambled off the bed to sit next to her sister, who was frowning, and rubbing her bottom.
"Lizzy! Are you all right?"
Elizabeth smiled and said, "Where is Mr. Darcy when I need him!"
The two girls laughed heartily, until they heard a knock at the door. The housekeeper, Mrs. Hill, came in, and politely requested that the girls snuff out their candles and go to bed. They acquiesced, and as Elizabeth and Jane began to put the room to rights, they heard Mrs. Bennet screeching, "Nobody has any compassion on my poor nerves! What with all this commotion at night I have such beatings at my heart and trembling of my arms that I can get no rest at all!"
Elizabeth wisely held back the chuckle that sprang to her lips, but grinned at Jane, then ran off to laugh quietly in the privacy of her own room.
Saturday could not come early enough for Elizabeth. As news of the new tenants of Netherfield Hall spread, she listened eagerly for mention of her rescuer, but found none. By Saturday evening, she was ready to scream. She had heard more than enough of Mr. Bingley's blue coat, and how he declared he loved to dance, and was bringing quite a large party with, as she believed, too many ladies. With a sigh and a grumble, Elizabeth called for her maid, and began to prepare herself for the night's events, all the while contemplating what had happened earlier that afternoon.
It had been decided long ago that if the Bennets wished to keep Elizabeth's condition secret, hiding her from society was the worst way to go about it. The residents of Meryton had known Elizabeth Bennet for three years, with her sight, and there seemed no reason to reveal anything otherwise. So, just like Jane, Elizabeth came out formally into society when she was eighteen. This was all done, surprisingly, under the guidance of Mrs. Bennet. Although she refused to acknowledge her second child while in private company, Mr. Bennet refused to display to society an estrangement between mother and daughter. Besides, it would have led to questioning, which was what they all wanted most to avoid. Mrs. Bennet resigned herself to this, and was only barely civil to her daughter when they were out in company. Through Jane's kind instruction, however, Elizabeth learned how to deal with society's pretensions, proper decorum, and even dancing. Her heightened sense of hearing helped Elizabeth determine the steady beat of a dance, and she always made sure to dance in large numbers, so that the steps of the other dancers were audible to her, in order to coordinate her steps with theirs. Word soon got out that while Miss Elizabeth was by all means an excellent dancer and an even more magnificent conversationalist, she refused to speak to any of her partners ( she realized early on she could not dance and speak at once, and thus refrained from engaging in such activity ). While this drove away some of her "prospects", there was still quite a number of men willing to lead the beautiful Miss Elizabeth in a round or two.
One would think this would have encouraged Mrs. Bennet to be more civil to her daughter, and sometimes it did, when Elizabeth was able to attract a gentleman of large fortune. For the most part, however, Elizabeth was left to her own devices when at balls and assemblies. When Elizabeth did not dance, she attached herself to Jane, who always refused to dance in a set if her sister did not have a partner of her own. Mrs. Bennet discouraged this activity at first, but realized that her efforts were futile, especially when her husband was present.
This particular night, Mr. Bennet was eager to renew his acquaintance with the new owner of Netherfield, and so he surprised his family at dinner by declaring that he intended to go to the assembly that evening.
"Well, I must say, Mr. Bennet, this is a great surprise! What a good joke, isn't it, girls, to keep this from us!" cried Mrs. Bennet happily.
"There, there, calm yourself down, Mrs. Bennet. I see no reason why I should not go, especially considering that the assembly tonight is being given in honour of one of my own children" replied Mr. Bennet, with a squeeze of Elizabeth's hand.
Mrs. Bennet snorted.
"I confess I do not see the purpose in celebrating a twentieth birthday. If the person is married or at the least engaged, it is all well and good, but to be unattached at such an age! It is insupportable! It certainly does not endear anyone to such a person who would declare their age for the world to know!" she said testily, without so much a glance at Elizabeth, who was eating silently, ignoring everything that came out of her mother's mouth.
"I see the purpose quite clearly, madam. It seems to me an excellent reason to honour a person who has brought so much life and merriment to a community, and who rarely receives affection from those who ought to give it her!" said Mr. Bennet sharply, and with that, the room fell silent.
As the maid finished primping Elizabeth's hair, she heard a soft knock on her door. "Come in," she called, and the door opened to reveal her father. He entered the room, and immediately Elizabeth recognized the heavy tread that distinguished him from other members of the household. She smiled, and rose to offer her cheek for a kiss, which was promptly delivered.
"Elizabeth, my dear, you look absolutely magnificent tonight!" said Mr. Bennet as he embraced his daughter. Elizabeth blushed and thanked him. "Now, my child, I wished to speak with you about -"
"What Mrs. Bennet said?" his daughter cut him off. She turned around, and grasping the back of her chair, she sat down in it again. "Do not worry, Papa, I am used to it." she said shortly, as she reached for a pin in her hair that was pricking her. As the maid assisted Elizabeth in changing the placement of the pin to a more comfortable position, Mr. Bennet sat on the edge of Elizabeth's bed, so that he was facing her.
"That is the problem, Lizzy. I wish the two of you could get along. It pains me to see her cast you off, and you ignore her entirely."
"I cannot help it, Papa. At the risk of sounding childish, she was the one who started it."
"True, but she still loves you."
Elizabeth let out a derisive snort.
"I'm sorry, I have the wrong room. Please excuse me, Lydia." said Mr. Bennet dryly.
"Forgive me, Papa, but ever since - you know - she's never spoken one word to me. Whenever she did touch me, her hands were cold and uninviting. It's a sharp contrast from the time when her hands always made me feel sunny and happy."
"If only there were some way for the two of you to reconcile your differences."
Elizabeth smiled pityingly. "The only difference between us is that I can't see."
"Literally. Your mother is blind, too, in a way. She can't see the beautiful, intelligent daughter right in front of her."
"Thank you, Papa."
From downstairs, Mrs. Bennet interrupted the tender moment with a shrieking demand for them to hurry up.
"Well, Lizzy," said Mr. Bennet, as he placed his daughter's hand on his arm, "I suppose that being late for engagements is something else insupportable at such an age!"
The pair laughed as they exited the room, and went down the stairs to join their waiting family.
Chapter 4
Elizabeth, as usual, never paid any attention to the ramblings of her mother, and was determined to enjoy herself, as well as search for the mysterious Mr. Darcy. She released her hold on her father's arm and took hold of Jane's. As Jane led her sister around the room, Elizabeth received many warm wishes for her health and happiness. Jane was always careful to greet the well-wishers before they could lavish attention on Elizabeth, so that Elizabeth knew who she was thanking. They made their way through the crowd, and soon found a solitary corner, where their mutual friend, Miss Charlotte Lucas, was sitting. As close as the three women were, Jane and Elizabeth never told Charlotte their secret. They were able to trust her with most anything, but Charlotte had the habit of relating the things she heard at Longbourn to her mother, Lady Lucas, and within the hour the news was all over Meryton.
"Many happy returns, Lizzy!" cried Charlotte, as she rose to embrace her friend. Elizabeth smiled and returned the embrace. "Thank you, Charlotte. I hope you and your family are well?" she inquired. Charlotte rolled her eyes and laughed. "Oh, we are fine, except for Papa. He has been simply raving over Mr. Bingley ever since he called at Netherfield some days ago. The talk at the dinner table is always 'Mr. Bingley this' and 'Mr. Bingley that'!"
Elizabeth laughed. "I'm afraid that is all you will be hearing anywhere you go in Hertfordshire. Mr. Bingley has become the newest country rage, and I daresay he shall soon outshine even the new fashions from Town!" All three women laughed at this, and then a hush fell over the entire room. Elizabeth wanted to ask what had happened, but the chances of what had happened being obvious to everyone were too great, so she lightly pinched her sister on the arm. Jane whispered in her sister's ear, "Mr. Bingley and his party have just entered the room, along with your Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth's breath stuck in her throat as Jane added, "And he's looking at you, Lizzy!"
Mrs. Bennet was, above all things, an opportunist. That is why she wasted no time in gathering as many of her daughters as she could around her, to prepare for an introduction to Mr. Bingley. At that moment, "all of her daughters" included only Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary. When Mrs. Bennet saw Elizabeth she frowned, but then she realized that it would be better to attach Elizabeth to someone as quickly as possible, so the girl would no longer be a trial to her. Mrs. Bennet's hopes were answered as she saw her husband leading not only Mr. Bingley over to her, but another, taller, more handsome man as well. "Smile, girls, smile!" was her last order of attack.
"My dear Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bingley and his friend Mr. Darcy have expressed a wish to meet our daughters." said Mr. Bennet, and he added under his breath, "and I can't imagine why!".
"Oh, you gentlemen do us much honour!" cried Mrs. Bennet shrilly, not noticing the winces of all three gentlemen at the sound of her high-pitched voice. "This is Jane, my eldest, and . . . Elizabeth (with a pointed, disapproving look in that girl's direction), Mary, and Kitty and Lydia you see there dancing." All the Bennet daughters curtsied in turn, in response to the gentlemen's bows. Mrs. Bennet was pleased to see that Mr. Bingley's attention was entirely fixed on Jane, and Mr. Darcy's on Elizabeth.
As the music began for a new dance, Mr. Bingley burst out suddenly, "Miss Bennet, would you do me the honour of dancing this dance with me?" Jane smiled modestly and replied that she would be glad to. Mr. Darcy needed no prodding on Mrs. Bennet's behalf, and promptly asked Elizabeth to dance. She gladly assented, and the two men whisked their partners out onto the dance floor, leaving Mr. Bennet alone to defend himself against the oncoming attack of his wife.
"Mr. Bennet, I insist you tell me more of this Darcy fellow! Why did you not mention him earlier?" his wife hissed in his ear. Calmly, he replied, " I do not know much of Mr. Darcy. He was not present when I called at Netherfield. I have just met him tonight. All I know is that he hails from Derbyshire, and has a sister in London who is coming to join him by the end of the week." Mrs. Bennet was not pleased with this answer, and told her husband that she expected him to find out more about him. Mr. Bennet acquiesced, and before he left her to find more suitable company, he leaned over and whispered in her ear, "By the way, he also has a fortune of ten thousand pounds a year!"
"Ten thousand? Oh, sister!" cried Mrs. Bennet. Her sister, Mrs. Phillips rushed to her side, smelling salts at the ready. "Mr. Bennet has used me very ill indeed! He let that girl dance with Mr. Darcy, and his fortune is twice Bingley's! Jane is ten times as pretty as her, she deserves the richer man! What has she done to merit such a prospective husband, I'd like to know! That girl is perfectly useless, he should not want anything to do with her!" Mrs. Phillips was quite dumbstruck, as was anyone close enough to hear Mrs. Bennet's rant, which included Jane, Elizabeth, Bingley, and Darcy.
Jane coloured, Bingley's mouth dropped open, and Darcy reddened with rage. Elizabeth, accustomed as she was to her mother's attitude toward her, was shocked at this public display. She tried to walk away quietly, but Darcy held her arm fast. She pulled, but he was too strong for her. "Mr. Darcy." she whispered. Elizabeth hesitated, then tried again. "Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy, I could use a bit of fresh air just about now." Darcy's grip relaxed, and soon Elizabeth felt herself being led outside.
Once away from the stuffiness of the dance hall, Elizabeth lifted her face heavenward, and let the cool night breeze play over her. "Mr. Darcy, about my mother - she meant well."
"She meant well, did she? Insulting her own child like that in front of everyone!"
And at my birthday celebration, too! Elizabeth thought.
"I have half a mind to take you back to Netherfield and not let you ever return to Longbourn!"
Elizabeth smiled. "I see you have taken it upon yourself to be my knight in shining armour, sir!"
Darcy was silent. "Is she always like this? With you, I mean."
"She has been for most of my life."
"If you do not mind my asking, why?"
Shortly, Elizabeth replied, "I do mind your asking!" Then, softly, "I am sorry. I did not mean to be rude. It is a personal matter that I do not wish to share. Besides, I hardly know you!"
"As you continually point out, madam, I saved your life! That entitles me to certain rights, you know. But I will not intrude on your privacy."
"Thank you."
The pair were silent for some time, Elizabeth trying not to feel sorry for herself, and Darcy admiring the beautiful woman next to him. After a while, Elizabeth suggested they return inside. "People will begin to talk. Anyway, it is my birthday they are celebrating!"
"Today is your birthday?"
"No, it was Wednesday."
"Oh."
Silence ensued. Elizabeth stopped and put her hands on her hips. She felt Darcy's inquiring gaze.
"Well, won't you wish me many happy returns of the day?"
"But your birthday was Wednesday!"
"So? It is never too late to receive wishes of goodwill!"
Darcy did a grand, sweeping, bow, and said in his most regal, stuffed-shirt voice, "Miss Bennet, I would be honoured if you accepted my best wishes for your health and happiness, as well as many happy returns for your birthday."
Elizabeth giggled at his false stateliness she heard in his voice, and tried to match his tone. "I most humbly thank you, Mr. Darcy, for your kind sentiments."
Darcy heaved a sigh of relief and said, in normal tones, "Well, thank goodness that's over and done with! Miss Bennet, won't you allow me to escort you back into the dance hall?"
Elizabeth laughed. "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, sir!" As Darcy placed her hand on his arm, he whispered, "And may I dance the next set with you?"
The strange, dizzy feeling returned as Elizabeth felt Darcy's proximity. Breathlessly she said, "Yes."
Fortunately, for all parties involved, the rest of the evening passed without any great scandal. Of course, at one point, Mr. Bennet was seen to have taken his wife outside, supposedly for some fresh air, but when they returned, he looked grim and she looked annoyed and abashed. Mr. Darcy had his second dance with Elizabeth, as did Bingley with Jane. Both gentlemen became very put out when the set finished, because propriety prevented them from dancing further with their partners. They consoled themselves by asking for the hand of the sister of their first partner, and much to Mrs. Bennet's delight, Jane danced the next two with Darcy, and Elizabeth danced the same with Bingley. Before she could remark to her sister Phillips that everything was working exactly as she planned, the set was over and the chances of either of the Netherfield bachelors dancing with any more of her daughters disappeared. Bingley found a partner in Miss Lucas, and Darcy was unable to escape Miss Bingley's advances.
Being two of the most beautiful women present, and Elizabeth being the guest of honour, the two eldest Bennet sisters were in high demand that night, and were never in want of a partner. However much they smiled and laughed with their partners, both ladies were thinking of their first partners of the evening. It would have comforted them greatly, had they known that Bingley and Darcy were entertaining similar thoughts. All four were appeased when dinner was called, and they found themselves seated together. More of the meal time was passed in delightful conversation, rather than repast, and only stopped when Sir William Lucas called upon the company to join him in giving Elizabeth a birthday toast.
Throughout Sir William's speech, Elizabeth blushed profusely, and was on the point of turning beet red, when she heard Darcy's deep voice joining in the toast, "To Miss Elizabeth Bennet!".
When the song was over, Elizabeth gave a pretty speech, and sat down promptly. Though she was in pleasant company, she couldn't help thinking the same thought she had every year. There goes another year with my secret well-kept. While thinking along this vein, her thoughts turned to Darcy. He seems like the perfect gentleman, and he always has a way of making me feel warm and sunny. Wait. What are you thinking of, Lizzy? You've only met the man twice. You hardly know him, and he doesn't know anything about you! Did you think you were in love with him, and that he reciprocated your feelings? Impossible! Even if he did, you would have to tell him. Then what? Is love so strong it can overcome blindness? Look at your parents. Love wasn't enough for them, who's to say it won't be the same with him? Control your emotions. Don't give in. Don't hurt yourself like that, or him.
After this train of thought, Elizabeth became more withdrawn. She hardly contributed to the conversation, and when she did, it was short. Up until this point, she and Darcy were keeping the conversation afloat, as Jane and Bingley were more than content to just stare into the other's eyes. Darcy sent several glances in her direction, but Elizabeth was unresponsive. Soon, all talk ended. Jane and Bingley gazed at each other, Darcy gazed at Elizabeth, and Elizabeth continued to berate herself. Not one more word was spoken between any of them until the end of the evening, when they parted ways.
"Goodnight, Miss Bennet."
"Goodnight, Mr. Bingley."
"Goodnight, Miss Bennet. Many happy returns."
"Goodbye, Mr. Darcy."
Chapter 4
Within half an hour, the Bennets entered the Meryton Assembly Rooms. As Elizabeth entered the hall on her father's arm, a great shout was given, and many happy returns were given to her. Elizabeth smiled, blushed, and curtsied as was expected of her, and even Mrs. Bennet acknowledged that should she be fortunate enough to marry a man of fifty pounds a year, she would acquit herself quite well among her husband's acquaintances.
Elizabeth, as usual, never paid any attention to the ramblings of her mother, and was determined to enjoy herself, as well as search for the mysterious Mr. Darcy. She released her hold on her father's arm and took hold of Jane's. As Jane led her sister around the room, Elizabeth received many warm wishes for her health and happiness. Jane was always careful to greet the well-wishers before they could lavish attention on Elizabeth, so that Elizabeth knew who she was thanking. They made their way through the crowd, and soon found a solitary corner, where their mutual friend, Miss Charlotte Lucas, was sitting. As close as the three women were, Jane and Elizabeth never told Charlotte their secret. They were able to trust her with most anything, but Charlotte had the habit of relating the things she heard at Longbourn to her mother, Lady Lucas, and within the hour the news was all over Meryton.
"Many happy returns, Lizzy!" cried Charlotte, as she rose to embrace her friend. Elizabeth smiled and returned the embrace. "Thank you, Charlotte. I hope you and your family are well?" she inquired. Charlotte rolled her eyes and laughed. "Oh, we are fine, except for Papa. He has been simply raving over Mr. Bingley ever since he called at Netherfield some days ago. The talk at the dinner table is always 'Mr. Bingley this' and 'Mr. Bingley that'!"
Elizabeth laughed. "I'm afraid that is all you will be hearing anywhere go in Hertfordshire. Mr. Bingley has become the newest country rage, and I daresay he shall soon outshine even the new fashions from Town!" All three women laughed at this, and then a hush fell over the entire room. Elizabeth wanted to ask what had happened, but the chances of what had happened being obvious to everyone were too great, so she lightly pinched her sister on the arm. Jane whispered in her sister's ear, "Mr. Bingley and his party have just entered the room, along with your Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth's breath stuck in her throat as Jane added, "And he's looking at you, Lizzy!"
Mrs. Bennet was, above all things, an opportunist. That is why she wasted no time in gathering as many of her daughters as she could around her, to prepare for an introduction to Mr. Bingley. At that moment, "all of her daughters" included only Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary. When Mrs. Bennet saw Elizabeth she frowned, but then she realized that it would be better to attach Elizabeth to someone as quickly as possible, so the girl would no longer be a trial to her. Mrs. Bennet's hopes were answered as she saw her husband leading not only Mr. Bingley over to her, but another, taller, more handsome man as well. "Smile, girls, smile!" was her last order of attack.
"My dear Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bingley and his friend Mr. Darcy have expressed a wish to meet our daughters." said Mr. Bennet, and he added under his breath, "and I can't imagine why!".
"Oh, you gentlemen do us much honour!" cried Mrs. Bennet shrilly, not noticing the winces of all three gentlemen at the sound of her high-pitched voice. "This is Jane, my eldest, and . . . Elizabeth (with a pointed, disapproving look in that girl's direction), Mary, and Kitty and Lydia you see there dancing." All the Bennet daughters curtsied in turn, in response to the gentlemen's bows. Mrs. Bennet was pleased to see that Mr. Bingley's attention was entirely fixed on Jane, and Mr. Darcy's on Elizabeth.
As the music began for a new dance, Mr. Bingley burst out suddenly, "Miss Bennet, would you do me the honour of dancing this dance with me?" Jane smiled modestly and replied that she would be glad to. Mr. Darcy needed no prodding on Mrs. Bennet's behalf, and promptly asked Elizabeth to dance. She gladly assented, and the two men whisked their partners out onto the dance floor, leaving Mr. alone to defend himself against the oncoming attack of his wife.
"Mr. Bennet, I insist you tell me more of this Darcy fellow! Why did you not mention him earlier?" his wife hissed in his ear. Calmly, he replied, " I do not know much of Mr. Darcy. He was not present when I called at Netherfield. I have just met him tonight. All I know is that he hails from Derbyshire, and has a sister in London who is coming to join him by the end of the week." Mrs. Bennet was not pleased with this answer, and told her husband that she expected him to find out more about him. Mr. Bennet acquiesced, and before he left her to find more suitable company, he leaned over and whispered in her ear, "By the way, he also has a fortune of ten thousand pounds a year!"
"Ten thousand? Oh, sister!" cried Mrs. Bennet. Her sister, Mrs. Phillips rushed to her side, smelling salts at the ready. "Mr. Bennet has used me very ill indeed! He let that girl dance with Mr. Darcy, and his fortune is twice Bingley's! Jane is ten times as pretty as her, she deserves the richer man! What has she done to merit such a prospective husband, I'd like to know! That girl is perfectly useless, he should not want anything to do with her!" Mrs. Phillips was quite dumbstruck, as was anyone close enough to hear Mrs. Bennet's rant, which included Jane, Elizabeth, Bingley, and Darcy.
Jane coloured, Bingley's mouth dropped open, and Darcy reddened with rage. Elizabeth, accustomed as she was to her mother's attitude toward her, was shocked at this public display. She tried to walk away quietly, but Darcy held her arm fast. She pulled, but he was too strong for her. "Mr. Darcy." she whispered. Elizabeth hesitated, then tried again. "Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy, I could use a bit of fresh air just about now." Darcy's grip relaxed, and soon Elizabeth felt herself being led outside.
Once away from the stuffiness of the dance hall, Elizabeth lifted her face heavenward, and let the cool night breeze play over her. "Mr. Darcy, about my mother - she meant well."
"She meant well, did she? Insulting her own child like that in front of everyone!"
And at my birthday celebration, too! Elizabeth thought.
"I have half a mind to take you back to Netherfield and not let you ever return to Longbourn!"
Elizabeth smiled. "I see you have taken it upon yourself to be my knight in shining armour, sir!"
Darcy was silent. "Is she always like this? With you, I mean."
"She has been for most of my life."
"If you do not mind my asking, why?"
Shortly, Elizabeth replied, "I do mind your asking!" Then, softly, "I am sorry. I did not mean to be rude. It is a personal matter that I do not wish to share. Besides, I hardly know you!"
"As you continually point out, madam, I saved your life! That entitles me to certain rights, you know. But I will not intrude on your privacy."
"Thank you."
The pair were silent for some time, Elizabeth trying not to feel sorry for herself, and Darcy admiring the beautiful woman next to him. After a while, Elizabeth suggested they return inside. "People will begin to talk. Anyway, it is my birthday they are celebrating!"
"Today is your birthday?"
"No, it was Wednesday."
"Oh."
Silence ensued. Elizabeth stopped and put her hands on her hips. She felt Darcy's inquiring gaze.
"Well, won't you wish me many happy returns of the day?"
"But your birthday was Wednesday!"
"So? It is never too late to receive wishes of goodwill!"
Darcy did a grand, sweeping, bow, and said in his most regal, stuffed-shirt voice, "Miss Bennet, I would be honoured if you accepted my best wishes for your health and happiness, as well as many happy returns for your birthday."
Elizabeth giggled at his false stateliness and replied with a great deal of the 'condescension' she had heard expressed by members of elite society. "I most humbly thank you, Mr. Darcy, for your kind sentiments."
Darcy heaved a sigh of relief and said, in normal tones, "Well, thank goodness that's over and done with! Miss Bennet, won't you allow me to escort you back into the dance hall?"
Elizabeth laughed. "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, sir!"
As Darcy placed her hand on his arm, he whispered, "And may I dance the next set with you?"
The strange, dizzy feeling returned as Elizabeth felt Darcy's proximity. Breathlessly she said, "Yes."
Fortunately, for all parties involved, the rest of the evening passed without any great scandal. Of course, at one point, Mr. Bennet was seen to have taken his wife outside, supposedly for some fresh air, but when they returned, he looked grim and she looked annoyed and abashed. Mr. Darcy had his second dance with Elizabeth, as did Bingley with Jane. Both gentlemen became very put out when the set finished, because propriety prevented them from dancing further with their partners. They consoled themselves by asking for the hand of the sister of their first partner, and much to Mrs. Bennet's delight, Jane danced the next two with Darcy, and Elizabeth danced the same with Bingley. Before she could remark to her sister Phillips that everything was working exactly as she planned, the set was over and the chances of either of the Netherfield bachelors dancing with any more of her daughters disappeared. Bingley found a partner in Miss Lucas, and Darcy was unable to escape Miss Bingley's advances.
Being two of the most beautiful women present, and Elizabeth being the guest of honour, the two eldest Bennet sisters were in high demand that night, and were never in want of a partner. However much they smiled and laughed with their partners, both ladies were thinking of their first partners of the evening. It would have comforted them greatly, had they known that Bingley and Darcy were entertaining similar thoughts. All four were appeased when dinner was called, and they found themselves seated together. More of the meal time was passed in delightful conversation, rather than repast, and only stopped when Sir William Lucas led the company in a birthday toast to Elizabeth. Throughout this performance, Elizabeth blushed profusely, and was on the point of turning beet red, when she heard Darcy's resonant voice join in her praise, and instinctively felt his eyes locked on her.
When the song was over, Elizabeth gave a pretty speech, and sat down promptly. Though she was in pleasant company, she couldn't help thinking the same thought she had every year. There goes another year with my secret well-kept. While thinking along this vein, her thoughts turned to Darcy. He seems like the perfect gentleman, and he always has a way of making me feel warm and sunny. Wait. What are you thinking of, Lizzy? You've only met the man twice. You hardly know him, and he doesn't know anything about you! Did you think you were in love with him, and that he reciprocated your feelings? Impossible! Even if he did, you would have to tell him. Then what? Is love so strong it can overcome blindness? Look at your parents. Love wasn't enough for them, who's to say it won't be the same with him? You must control your emotions. Don't give in. Don't hurt yourself like that, or him.
After this train of thought, Elizabeth became more withdrawn. She hardly contributed to the conversation, and when she did, it was short. Up until this point, she and Darcy were keeping the conversation afloat, as Jane and Bingley were more than content to just stare into the other's eyes. Darcy sent several glances in her direction, but Elizabeth was unresponsive. Soon, all talk ended. Jane and Bingley gazed at each other, Darcy gazed at Elizabeth, and Elizabeth continued to berate herself. Not one more word was spoken between any of them until the end of the evening, when they parted ways.
"Goodnight, Miss Bennet."
"Goodnight, Mr. Bingley."
"Goodnight, Miss Bennet. Many happy returns."
"Goodbye, Mr. Darcy."
Chapter 5
"Lizzy, why did you say 'goodbye' to Mr. Darcy tonight, instead of 'goodnight'? We shall surely meet him again."
Elizabeth sighed and plopped onto her bed. "You will, Jane, but I won't." Before Jane could utter a protest, she explained her rationale. "It's too dangerous. What if I - we - were to let our feelings become more than friendship? I know it's an impossibility, but still, after tonight, I feel myself dangerously close to falling in love with him. Then I'd have to tell him that I can't see, and he would, no doubt, break off all relations with me. A man of his station shouldn't be burdened with a blind wife, Jane."
Dryly, Jane commented, "Hmm, if I didn't know any better I'd mistake you for our mother!" Elizabeth sent a fist flying out, but it missed its target. She sighed as she felt Jane add her weight to the bed and take her sister into an embrace. "Oh Lizzy, you've only met him twice. It's much too early to think about love, much less marriage. And should the two of you ever reach that place, I think Mr. Darcy is much too set in his principles and emotions to cast you aside. He displays a strong loyalty to his friend, that may well be reciprocated in feelings of a stronger sort. I would not trouble myself with such worries, Lizzy, were I you. I know this is all new and strange, and even exciting at times, but it is part of life. You cannot run away from existence, Lizzy, nor the emotions that control it."
"What would I do without you, my sweet, angelic, sister? You always know what to say to make me feel better. Although, I cannot help but feel -"
"Do not worry, Lizzy. Enjoy the friendship he offers and most clearly wishes to cultivate. You'll cross that bridge when you reach it."
"I suppose you're right. Suppose, mind you. I'm not entirely convinced yet." Jane smiled and stood up. She lifted the sheets for Elizabeth to get under them, and went through the now less performed ritual of tucking her sister in for the night.
"Charlotte told me that her family is planning to have a party at Lucas Lodge, and they wish to invite the Netherfield party. Perhaps you will be convinced then." said Jane as she kissed her sister on the forehead. This time, Elizabeth pinched her sister, then kissed her. As Jane left the room, Elizabeth called out,
"Jane?"
"Yes, dear?"
"Could you get me a glass of water? I'm a little thirsty."
Jane smiled. "Yes, of course." With that, she left the room.
A few minutes later, Jane reentered Elizabeth's room, with the requested drink. She knocked on the door lightly, but received no answer. "Lizzy?" she called out. Jane walked over to the bed, and saw that Elizabeth was sleeping. She sighed, and took a sip of the water. "Oh, Lizzy, if only you could see that there are so many people in this world who love you, who will love you in spite of everything. Your blindness is not your fault. You should not condemn yourself for something you cannot help. You are brilliant as you are, and I doubt Mr. Darcy would ever think otherwise." She leaned over and kissed her sister's cheek, then blew out the candle that was still burning on Elizabeth's nightstand. Next to the candle, Jane placed the glass of water down, and then left the room.
The next day, after breakfast, Elizabeth found herself sitting on the ground in the garden near the house, while Jane picked flowers. For a while, she was content to sit in reflective silence, enjoying the warm breeze play over her face and through her hair, but soon she remembered something that Jane had said last night.
"Jane, dear, I never got around to asking you - what did you think of Mr. Bingley?"
There was a moment of silence as Jane walked over to her sister, and sat down. She handed some flowers to her sister, and as Elizabeth breathed in their scent, she replied,
"I like him, a great deal."
Now it was Elizabeth's turn to grin wickedly. "I daresay you do! You did not speak ten words together last night, because, as papa informed me, you spent most of your time gazing at Mr. Bingley!"
Jane had her answer all ready for this battle. "True, perhaps, but I still think I am nowhere near to possessing such a great . . . admiration for Mr. Bingley as you obviously do for Mr. Darcy!"
Elizabeth blushed. "Jane, I never knew you could be so wicked!"
Jane grinned beatifcally and replied, "I've had a good example in you, Lizzy!"
The girls laughed together for a while, and then Jane declared she had plenty of flowers for the vases, so the she stood, and pulled her sister to her feet as well. Jane picked up the flowers, and they trudged back into the house, continuing to tease each other about the Netherfield gentlemen.
Chapter 6
The topic of Netherfield and its inhabitants was not mentioned again between the two sisters until a few days later, as they were preparing themselves for a dinner party at Lucas Lodge. However, this time, it was not of the gentlemen that Elizabeth and Jane spoke.
"Jane?"
"Yes, Lizzy?"
"You never told me about the rest of the Netherfield party."
"Hmm?"
"The rest of the Netherfield party. You know, the ladies of whom there are too many?"
Jane laughed. "Oh, there were only two ladies after all, both sisters of Mr. Bingley. The younger is Miss Bingley, and the elder is Mrs. Hurst. Her husband was also there."
A long silence ensued. "Well," Elizabeth demanded, "aren't you going to tell me what they were like?"
"I found the Bingley sisters to be very agreeable women. As for Mr. Hurst, he seemed to be very shy."
"Shy?"
"Yes. He never spoke to anyone, except -"
A grin began to form on Elizabeth's face. "Except?"
Jane sighed. She knew her sister would drag it out of her sooner or later. "The servingman, only to tell him to bring more wine. I think he must have had two bottles, at the least!"
Elizabeth laughed heartily, tempting her sister to join in. "Lizzy, it is not funny! He was . . . inebriated!"
This only caused Elizabeth to laugh even more. "Goodness, Jane, you sound as if he had the plague! Oh, I wish I could have seen it! But now you must describe the sisters to me!"
"I thought they were very elegant, agreeable people. They did seem a little uncomfortable, though. Perhaps it was because they are strangers here."
If Elizabeth could have thrown a pointed look in the direction of her sister, she would have done it now. "Jane."
Her elder sister was the picture of innocence as she replied, "Yes?"
"You're not telling the truth." Jane was rightfully shocked, but before she could say anything, Elizabeth spoke again. "You have a tendency, dear sister, to see the best in everyone. Somehow I have the feeling that the Bingley sisters are not as amiable as you claim. Tell me what they were wearing."
"What?"
"Tell me what they were wearing. It is a truth universally acknowledged that one may tell a great deal about a person by the way they dress. Oh, and by the way, I believe the proper term is 'I beg your pardon', not 'what'."
Jane dragged a nearby chair over to Elizabeth's vanity, and watched the maid put up her sister's hair. "Well, Miss Bingley was wearing a bright orange dress."
"Bright? And orange?" A smile played about Elizabeth's lips.
Jane's eyebrows furrowed as she tried to think of . . . nice words to describe Miss Bingley's appearance that night. "Yes. Very bright. Almost blinding,really -"
"Pity I could not see it." Elizabeth deadpanned. "Well, Jane? Continue!"
"Umm, let's see . . . her turban was orange, too, I believe. She . . . she . . . oh, I ought not say it!"
The smile from before turned wicked. "Say it!"
Silence.
"Jane!"
Jane looked at her toes and said quietly, "She reminded me of a chicken."
For the second time in less than five minutes, Elizabeth laughed, this time so loudly that her peals were heard all over the house.
Heads all over the house were turned as Elizabeth continued to laugh, until finally Mrs. Bennet marched into the room, glaring at her second child, saying nothing. Jane softly called her sister's name. There was no response - as usual - so Jane performed the age-old effectual method of pinching Elizabeth's arm.
"Ow! Jane, that hurt!"
Mrs. Bennet spoke in a stiff voice. "Girls, if you are done primping, we are waiting on you downstairs." She turned on her heel, and just as stiffly as she spoke, left the room.
Jane and Elizabeth were completely silent. Jane looked at her sister. Elizabeth rubbed the spot on her arm that Jane had pinched. After a few moments, Elizabeth said petulantly,
"You needn't have pinched so hard!"
Jane smiled, and stood up. "Oh, you chicken!" Without waiting for the inevitable connection that Elizabeth would make, or the laughter that would follow, she placed her sister's arm through the crook of her own, pinched the same spot on the same arm, and guided her sister out of the room.
Chapter 6
The topic of Netherfield and its inhabitants was not mentioned again between the two sisters until a few days later, as they were preparing themselves for a dinner party at Lucas Lodge. However, this time, it was not of the gentlemen that Elizabeth and Jane spoke.
"Jane?"
"Yes, Lizzy?"
"You never told me about the rest of the Netherfield party."
"Hmm?"
"The rest of the Netherfield party. You know, the ladies of whom there are too many?"
Jane laughed. "Oh, there were only two ladies after all, both sisters of Mr. Bingley. The younger is Miss Bingley, and the elder is Mrs. Hurst. Her husband was also there."
A long silence ensued. "Well," Elizabeth demanded, "aren't you going to tell me what they were like?"
"I found the Bingley sisters to be very agreeable women. As for Mr. Hurst, he seemed to be very shy."
"Shy?"
"Yes. He never spoke to anyone, except -"
A grin began to form on Elizabeth's face. "Except?"
Jane sighed. She knew her sister would drag it out of her sooner or later. "The servingman, only to tell him to bring more wine. I think he must have had two bottles, at the least!"
Elizabeth laughed heartily, tempting her sister to join in. "Lizzy, it is not funny! He was . . . inebriated!"
This only caused Elizabeth to laugh even more. "Goodness, Jane, you sound as if he had the plague! Oh, I wish I could have seen it! But now you must describe the sisters to me!"
"I thought they were very elegant, agreeable people. They did seem a little uncomfortable, though. Perhaps it was because they are strangers here."
If Elizabeth could have thrown a pointed look in the direction of her sister, she would have done it now. "Jane."
Her elder sister was the picture of innocence as she replied, "Yes?"
"You're not telling the truth." Jane was rightfully shocked, but before she could say anything, Elizabeth spoke again. "You have a tendency, dear sister, to see the best in everyone. Somehow I have the feeling that the Bingley sisters are not as amiable as you claim. Tell me what they were wearing."
"What?"
"Tell me what they were wearing. It is a truth universally acknowledged that one may tell a great deal about a person by the way they dress. Oh, and by the way, I believe the proper term is 'I beg your pardon', not 'what'."
Jane dragged a nearby chair over to Elizabeth's vanity, and watched the maid put up her sister's hair. "Well, Miss Bingley was wearing a bright orange dress."
"Bright? And orange?" A smile played about Elizabeth's lips.
Jane's eyebrows furrowed as she tried to think of . . . nice words to describe Miss Bingley's appearance that night. "Yes. Very bright. Almost blinding,really -"
"Pity I could not see it." Elizabeth deadpanned. "Well, Jane? Continue!"
"Umm, let's see . . . her turban was orange, too, I believe. She . . . she . . . oh, I ought not say it!"
The smile from before turned wicked. "Say it!"
Silence.
"Jane!"
Jane looked at her toes and said quietly, "She reminded me of a chicken."
For the second time in less than five minutes, Elizabeth laughed, this time so loudly that her peals were heard all over the house.
Heads all over the house were turned as Elizabeth continued to laugh, until finally Mrs. Bennet marched into the room, glaring at her second child, saying nothing. Jane softly called her sister's name. There was no response - as usual - so Jane performed the age-old effectual method of pinching Elizabeth's arm.
"Ow! Jane, that hurt!"
Mrs. Bennet spoke in a stiff voice. "Girls, if you are done primping, we are waiting on you downstairs." She turned on her heel, and just as stiffly as she spoke, left the room.
Jane and Elizabeth were completely silent. Jane looked at her sister. Elizabeth rubbed the spot on her arm that Jane had pinched. After a few moments, Elizabeth said petulantly,
"You needn't have pinched so hard!"
Jane smiled, and stood up. "Oh, you chicken!" Without waiting for the inevitable connection that Elizabeth would make, or the laughter that would follow, she placed her sister's arm through the crook of her own, pinched the same spot on the same arm, and guided her sister out of the room.
Chapter 7
The Bennet family arrived at Lucas Lodge not too early, and not too late, and were one of the first families to be introduced to Colonel Forster of the ---th Regiment, as well as some of his officers. Kitty and Lydia found great delight in this introduction, and quickly made friends with many, if not all the officers. Mrs. Bennet, also having a penchant for men with red coats, attached not only herself, but her husband as well, to Col. Forster. Jane was eager for Mr. Bingley's arrival, and so she refrained from engaging in conversation with the officers - as for Elizabeth, wherever Jane went, she followed like a lost puppy.
Jane felt Elizabeth's discomfort and agitation at having to confront Mr. Darcy, and decided it was wiser not to deliver yet another soliloquy on her sister's virtues, and Mr. Darcy's goodness. She merely gave Elizabeth an encouraging pat or two on the arm every once in a while, as well as the seclusion from her neighbors that she instinctively felt Elizabeth was desiring.
Elizabeth was grateful for her sister's insight, but did not communicate that feeling. She was too absorbed in her thoughts about confronting Mr. Darcy. Will he want to see me again? That night, at the assembly, I said goodbye instead of goodnight. Will he take that as a sign and avoid my company? Should I avoid his company? Her thoughts went on in this same vein, until she realized how absurd she sounded and nearly laughed out loud. Think sensibly, Lizzy! There's nothing you can do about it now. Leave everything to Fate, and all will turn out as it should be.
At this very moment, a hush fell about the room. Jane let out a small gasp of surprise, and clutched at Elizabeth's arm. Elizabeth clutched with her free arm at the arm that was firmly attached to her other. "Jane?" she whispered in a low tone. "Jane, what is it?" Jane was on the verge of replying, when she was spared the responsibility by a cheerful voice saying,
"Miss Bennet! Miss Elizabeth! How do you do! Do you, I am really happy to see both of you tonight!""
As Jane curtsied, she brought Elizabeth with her, who was still trying to grasp the fact that the Netherfield party had arrived, and stumbled in the process. As the two girls blushed becomingly, they tried to stand up, with their arms still linked. Elizabeth's surprise was great indeed when she felt a familiar strong hand steady her, and heard the deep voice of its owner.
"Miss Elizabeth."
"Mr. Darcy!" Although Elizabeth's tone was one of surprise, Darcy mistook it for one of annoyance. He still felt injured at her cold farewell on the night of the assembly, and was particularly desirous of gaining her good opinion. His own tone was subdued as he replied,
"I hope you are in good health, Miss Elizabeth."
"Excellent. Health, I mean. That is . . . I am very well . . . thank you." Suddenly Elizabeth had found it difficult to speak. She felt herself becoming very hot, and began to fidget.
Darcy frowned a little as he watched Elizabeth reply. To him, she was always beautiful, but as to good health . . .
"Miss Bennet, you look a little unwell. Might I persuade you to take a walk about the room? I've heard it is quite refreshing."
"A walk would be wonderful!" Elizabeth blushed, realizing she might have appeared too eager. In a more demure voice, she continued,
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I think a walk would be perfect."
Darcy did not stop to congratulate himself on working his way back into her good graces. Without another word, he placed Elizabeth's right arm in the crook of his left, and led her away. So eager was he to walk with the object of his increasing affections that he did not notice her hurried explanation to her sister as to where she was going, the excited murmurs of the local gossips, and the pointed glares of the Bingley sisters, not to mention Bingley's cheesy grin.
Elizabeth followed Darcy without a word, trying to think of a way to apologize for her stand-offish behaviour at the assembly. Without her knowing it, Darcy managed to weave his way through the crowd and bring them both to a balcony that was connected to the drawing room. Elizabeth gave a little gasp at the feel of the cool night breeze that played around her.
"Are you cold, Miss Bennet? Shall we return inside?" asked Darcy worriedly.
Elizabeth tilted her head upwards in Darcy's direction, and smiled. "No, not at all. I am well, thank you."
Darcy, still holding her arm in his, led Elizabeth to the end of the balcony and unhooked his arm from hers. He leaned against the railing, looking up at the sky. Elizabeth cautiously put her hand out in front of her and was met with cold stone. She rested her hand on the railing, thinking about the great contrast of warmth from Darcy's arm it provided.
"Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth swallowed. Darcy's voice hinted at something foreboding.
"Yes?"
"Did you enjoy your birthday celebration?"
Elizabeth laughed, masking a small sigh of relief. "Yes, I did, very much so. Thank you."
"I -" Darcy was interrupted by Charlotte, whose small figure created a shadow in the doorway.
"Eliza, I wanted to warn you. Papa has opened the instrument, and what follows is inevitable!"
Elizabeth let out a most unladylike groan. "Oh . . .bother!" she cried, as she turned around so she was facing Charlotte. "Must I really?"
Darcy was amused at Elizabeth's groan, but also very confused. "Must you really what?"
It was Charlotte who gave him his answer. "Play, sir. Miss Eliza is quite accomplished at the pianoforte."
"Not quite accomplished, Charlotte. More like not at all!"
Darcy smiled. "I am sure you are not as terrible as your portray yourself, Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth said mock-innocently, "Oh no! I assure you, Mr. Darcy, I am much worse than you could possibly imagine!"
"Then I insist on hearing you play. I haven't had a good laugh in ages!"
Elizabeth's mouth gaped open for a moment, before she realized he was only teasing. "I think it is rather ungentlemanly to poke fun at a lady, sir!" she responded archly.
As Darcy took her arm back in his, and led her back into the room, he whispered in her ear, "And I think it is rather unladylike to be running around in fields where horses run rampant!"
Chapter 8
Elizabeth allowed herself to be taken by Darcy to the pianoforte, and sat down at the bench. She gingerly touched the keys, locating the different notes. She heard Darcy next to her, shuffling through the sheet music that had been laid out previously. He found a piece that satisfied him, and placed it in front of her.
"There you are, Miss Elizabeth. I await your performance."
Elizabeth pretended to examine the music, and smiled archly. "I had no idea you were such a connoisseur of music, Mr. Darcy."
She felt him lean in and whisper in her ear, "Indeed I am not. I simply chose the piece that had the most notes cramped in together!"
Charlotte, who had followed the couple, laughed. "Then, Mr. Darcy, you may find yourself at quite a loss, for a piece does not require many notes to be complicated.
"Besides, I had no intention of performing this particular piece." Elizabeth added.
"It doesn't? And you didn't?"
"No, for you see, the greatest accomplishment that I may own at the pianoforte is that I play pieces by memory. Sheet music is too much trouble for me. What with selecting the piece, and turning the pages, and such nonsense."
She wisely chose not to laugh at Mr. Darcy's deflated "oh", but immediately commenced playing a short, but difficult piece she had recently memorized. As she played, Elizabeth revealed that she had greatly overexaggerated her lack of talent. While she occasionally tended to hit the wrong key, she had a strong sense of dynamics, which allowed the piece to remain pleasing to the ear, whatever key she happened to change it to. When she finished, small spatters of light applause were heard all over the room, Darcy's being the loudest.
Elizabeth turned to Darcy, who had not moved from his spot beside her. "Well, sir?"
There was a slight pause. "Yes, Miss Bennet?"
Elizabeth frowned. "Don't you wish to make a critique of my performance?"
"I have no recollection of wishing to make a critique. I do believe I was in search of a laugh."
"And did you find it?"
Darcy paused again, then said somberly, "No, I did not. However, I did find someone who greatly undermines her own talent."
Elizabeth felt like squirming when she heard his voice, indicating his close scrutiny of her. She decided to lighten the mood by saying gaily, "I wonder who you are speaking of sir. Such a person is not known to me!"
"Then, pray, let me make her known to you. Miss Elizabeth Bennet, may I present . . . Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Elizabeth giggled as she stood up, and played along with Mr. Darcy, curtsying twice - once to her left, and once to her right. However, when she turned to her right, she collided with her sister Mary, who has been less than patiently waiting for her turn to play.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Elizabeth said, not even knowing whom she was apologizing to. She was even more surprised to hear a low reply of,
"You ought to be! Mozart would have been ashamed of that 'performance'." Mary continued her grumbling as she seated herself at the pianoforte and began to play what sounded like a dirge, most likely to commemorate what she thought had been the tragedy that was Elizabeth's performance.
Elizabeth suppressed a grin as Darcy took her arm and led her as far away from the murderous-looking Mary as possible.
"You must excuse my sister, sir. Music is her one great love, and she prides herself on being the only proficient in our family."
"I see. I suppose everyone must have something to pride themselves on."
"And yours would be, sir?"
"Saving young ladies from wild horses?"
Elizabeth grinned. "You won't ever let me forget that, will you?"
Darcy shook his head. "No. I won't ever let me forget it, either." He said with a meaningful look.
Elizabeth couldn't see the look, obviously, but she felt it, and heard his implication through his words. Suddenly, she felt someone move up next to her, while another someone sidled past her to, she supposed, join Darcy.
"Mr. Darcy! Where have you been?" drawled Miss Bingley as she grabbed his arm, completely ignoring the two people behind her. Darcy looked a little shocked, and drew back a bit. He struggled to find something more proper than "Away from you, thank goodness!", but Jane, who was the someone who had joined Lizzy, saved him a reply.
"Miss Bingley, I should like you to meet my sister, Elizabeth."
Miss Bingley whirled around distractedly, until she found Jane and Elizabeth standing together. She looked Elizabeth up and down, as if she were appraising an antique vase. Nose in the air, she replied haughtily, "Mmm. Pleasure, I'm sure." Elizabeth curtsied in response. Before Miss Bingley could turn back to Darcy, her brother approached the group.
"Darcy, won't you come with me for a moment? Mr. Bennet and I have had a disagreement - trivial, really - but I think you are just the man to settle it."
Darcy bowed to the ladies, and followed Bingley to where Mr. Bennet was waiting. An awkward silence fell over the trio of women. Elizabeth could think of nothing to say, Miss Bingley felt she was in inferior company and thus could not be prevailed upon to speak, and Jane simply did not wish to be the one to break the silence. All three women fidgeted uncomfortably for several minutes, throwing each other uneasy smiles every once in a while. Soon, Lady Lucas appeared.
"Why, look at all of you standing here so quietly! I hope we are not boring you?"
Miss Bingley laughed a false, high-pitched laugh, causing minor aural bleeding to anyone within ten feet of her. "Oh no, not at all, my dear Lady Lucas! After all, I was just telling my dear friends the Miss Bennets how we should all have such . . .jovial evenings as this more often! I simply must speak to my brother about at the first available opportunity, don't you agree?
Lady Lucas smiled - or was it winced? - sweetly, nodded, and sailed on. However, the facade was not yet over. Miss Bingley continued,
"My dear Jane and Eliza, I think we ought to have an evening such as this - just for ourselves. It shall be perfectly marvelous, don't you think? I shall speak to Louisa about it first thing tomorrow morning, and send you your very own invitation shortly after. Won't we have such fun? "
Elizabeth said dryly, "Oh yes, ever so much!"
Jane pinched her sister's arm before replying "That sounds lovely, Caroline, we should be pleased to join you and your sister."
As Miss Bingley rambled on, not even realizing what she was saying, a small voice in the back of Elizabeth's head said, "Somehow I do not like the sound of this . . ."
Chapter 9
"Miss Bennet!"
"Mr. Darcy."
Silence.
"Have you come to visit your sister, Miss Bennet?"
"No, Mr. Darcy, I have not."
"You haven't?"
"No. I have been in her sickroom all last evening and this morning. Mr. Jones is with her now and requested that I take my chance for a bit of fresh air."
"On foot?"
"That generally is the best way to expose oneself to fresh air, sir."
"Oh."
"..."
"Miss Bennet?"
"Yes, Mr. Darcy?"
"Why is your sister . . . but you . . ."
"Simple, sir."
"Simple?"
"Simple."
"Well?"
"As you must already know, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were kind enough to invite us for dinner last night. Unfortunately, the carriage was not to be had yesterday, so we decided to make our way here on foot."
"On foot?"
"On foot. I'm afraid I'm not very fond of horses."
"I wonder why."
"If you want to hear my tale, sir, you musn't interrupt! It's quite rude, you know."
"Oh, so sorry. Please, continue!"
"Now where was I? Oh, yes, on foot. Well, it started raining, and my sister, sweet angel that she is, lent me her coat to use as an umbrella. As a result, she became very wet and very ill, while I remained relatively warm and healthy."
"Oh."
"You must not think me selfish, Mr. Darcy, for I refused the coat when it was offered, but my sister can be stubborn."
"Can she?"
"Yes, sir. That is why she sent for our maid this morning. She does not wish to trouble Mr. Bingley about her care. Besides, Sarah has been in the family since we were children, haven't you?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"I beg your pardon, Miss Sarah, I did not see you there."
"It's quite all right, sir."
"You mean to tell us, Mr. Darcy, that you have been standing here this whole time without noticing my companion?"
"If you will allow me to explain, Miss Bennet . . ."
"Of course I shall allow you to explain. Proceed!"
"I - that is - "
"Yes?"
"My mind was more agreeably engaged."
"..."
"..."
"I think I have had enough fresh air for now. Sarah, shall we return to the house?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Mr. Darcy."
"Miss Bennet."
Chapter 9
"Miss Bennet!"
"Mr. Darcy."
Silence.
"Have you come to visit your sister, Miss Bennet?"
"No, Mr. Darcy, I have not."
"You haven't?"
"No. I have been in her sickroom all last evening and this morning. Mr. Jones is with her now and requested that I take my chance for a bit of fresh air."
"On foot?"
"That generally is the best way to expose oneself to fresh air, sir."
"Oh."
"..."
"Miss Bennet?"
"Yes, Mr. Darcy?"
"Why is your sister . . . but you . . ."
"Simple, sir."
"Simple?"
"Simple."
"Well?"
"As you must already know, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were kind enough to invite us for dinner last night. Unfortunately, the carriage was not to be had yesterday, so we decided to make our way here on foot."
"On foot?"
"On foot. I'm afraid I'm not very fond of horses."
"I wonder why."
"If you want to hear my tale, sir, you musn't interrupt! It's quite rude, you know."
"Oh, so sorry. Please, continue!"
"Now where was I? Oh, yes, on foot. Well, it started raining, and my sister, sweet angel that she is, lent me her coat to use as an umbrella. As a result, she became very wet and very ill, while I remained relatively warm and healthy."
"Oh."
"You must not think me selfish, Mr. Darcy, for I refused the coat when it was offered, but my sister can be stubborn."
"Can she?"
"Yes, sir. That is why she sent for our maid this morning. She does not wish to trouble Mr. Bingley about her care. Besides, Sarah has been in the family since we were children, haven't you?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"I beg your pardon, Miss Sarah, I did not see you there."
"It's quite all right, sir."
"You mean to tell us, Mr. Darcy, that you have been standing here this whole time without noticing my companion?"
"If you will allow me to explain, Miss Bennet . . ."
"Of course I shall allow you to explain. Proceed!"
"I - that is - "
"Yes?"
"My mind was more agreeably engaged."
"..."
"..."
"I think I have had enough fresh air for now. Sarah, shall we return to the house?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Mr. Darcy."
"Miss Bennet."