Darcy, Knight Errant (Elizabeth and Darcy True Love Multiverse)

9. Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

It was very well possible that Darcy’s teeth would shatter before the end of his stay in Netherfield. As it was, his whole jaw ached horribly from gritting his teeth while in the company of Miss Bingley. Being confined in the carriage with her on the way to an assembly had made the evening even worse.

It had seemed silly to ride his horse when everyone else was riding in the carriage. The gathering was not twenty minutes away, and yet it seemed like the torment would not end. At least she had not tried to fall across the carriage towards him. Though her perfume was so potent in the confined space, she might as well have been sitting in his lap. He was going to arrive at the assembly with a pounding head and a stomach churning with nausea.

Closing his eyes in the shadowed interior of the carriage, Darcy tried to relax the muscles in his neck and jaw. In the last week or so, he had gotten a lot accomplished with Bingley. He had to admit, if only to himself, that they had mostly accomplished so much because it had given him the opportunity to stay away from Miss Bingley. While he was out surveying a poorly draining field or checking the tenant cottages for needed repairs, the harpy that was Miss Bingley could not corner him.

He had explained to Bingley more than once that he would never offer for his sister and his friend understood, even if his sister was in denial. Darcy’s valet, Chambers, had several safeguards in place just in case she got it into her head to compromise him. Not that he would bow to her wishes, but why cause a scandal if he did not have to?

He had been dreading the assembly the whole week. He only rarely attended the assemblies near Pemberley and only attended balls in town when he absolutely had to. The very notion of all the gossip floating around the room regarding his ten thousand a year made him extremely uncomfortable.

Before he was ready, Darcy was stepping down from the carriage and making his way into the hall. He would have preferred to arrive early, or even on time, but of course Bingley’s sisters seemed incapable of showing up anywhere on time. So now all eyes were on him, weighing him and his worth. Darcy struggled to not swallow convulsively as the rest of the party came up behind him.

In no time at all, a very gregarious gentleman was introducing his group to those about the room, but Darcy was so consumed with trying to put distance between himself and Miss Bingley that he paid not a whit to anything the man said. Darcy managed to keep her from clutching his arm like a limpet by clasping his hands tightly behind himself.

When another guest caught Miss Bingley’s attention, Darcy finally slipped away and took refuge in a poorly illuminated corner of the room, hoping if he just held still enough, she might mistake him for an oddly shaped potted plant. Despite his efforts at camouflage, Bingley approached him with a grin lighting up his face.

“Come, Darcy,” said Bingley, “you really cannot hide this way. I would prefer to see you enjoying yourself. Join the merriment and dance!”

Shaking his head with a grimace, Darcy grunted, “I shall not. You know I detest dancing when I am unacquainted with my partner, as I never know what to say, and trying to come up with a response to conversation makes me lose my step in the dance.”

“Come now, this is the country. It is not as if they will gossip about a few missteps. There are so many pleasant girls and several of them are uncommonly pretty.”

With a nod to the pretty blonde, Darcy said, “You are dancing with the only handsome lady present.”

While tracking the woman with his eyes, Bingley said, “Oh! She is the most beautiful creature.” Then he smiled and continued, “Her sister is sitting just behind you, and she is also rather pretty, and I dare say she is very agreeable. Let me ask my partner to introduce you so you may dance.”

Turning to follow Bingley’s gaze, Darcy spotted the young lady his friend was looking at. He was at first surprised that she looked so different from her fair sister, but then he noticed her smile. Her smile froze him with its warmth, and he could do nothing for several heartbeats, but then he remembered how easily young ladies mistook his kindness for something more. He did not want another misunderstanding. He found himself saying, “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.”

Wincing, Bingley looked at the young lady and tugged at his cravat before chuckling weakly and saying, “You always make the worst jokes, Darcy. What have I told you about your sense of humor?” Then clapping Darcy on the back, Bingley gestured to the far wall where there was a line of ladies chattering. “My sisters are here, somewhere. Dance with one of them.”

Glaring at his friend, Darcy said, “Bingley, Mrs. Hurst has retreated to the card table in search of her husband, and as for Miss Bingley, I have already told her I will not dance with her this evening. It is time for her obsession with me to stop. I will no longer feed it by dancing with her or being seen talking with her in public.” Then, rubbing at his aching forehead, Darcy added, “With all the perfume she is wearing tonight, dancing with her would certainly not be something I could enjoy. It would be a punishment. The headache I received from the carriage ride with her is already causing me great discomfort. I know you enjoy dancing, and you want me to be happy, but it simply will not work for me.”

Georgianna had been right—her brother was obviously uncomfortable at the assembly. He had even said something quite insulting. If Elizabeth had not been observing his face, she would miss his grimace once the hurtful words left his mouth, and she suspected that he might not have truly meant what he said.

When he continued speaking with Mr. Bingley, she found herself feeling sorry for the gentleman. Elizabeth had, after all, only spent a few minutes in the company of Miss Bingley, and he was having to live with her. It did not surprise her that he had developed a headache. Searching in her reticule, she found the headache powder that she always brought in case she or one of her sisters fell ill. She found a servant and entrusted them with the powder, requesting that it be delivered to Mr. Darcy, accompanied by a cup of soothing peppermint tea.

Having completed her quest of good will, Elizabeth went in search of her sisters. Catching sight of Jane with Mr. Bingley and Lydia, Elizabeth walked in their direction.

Once she arrived, Mr. Bingley turned to her with an obvious wince, saying, “Miss Elizabeth, I apologize for my friend’s words. I should have known better than to try to goad him to dance when he was already feeling unwell.”

Shaking her head, Elizabeth replied, “Think nothing of it, Mr. Bingley. I could tell that he was out of sorts. It is not uncommon for someone to speak out of turn when feeling unwell. I can’t criticize him for speaking in a way he may regret later, as I have made the same mistake myself in the past.” While she stated her forgiveness, Elizabeth couldn’t shake the lingering doubt that perhaps her knowledge about the man influenced her forgiveness. It was not something she wanted to dwell on, however.

Ever compassionate and concerned for others, Jane asked, “Is Mr. Darcy unwell?”

Sighing, Mr. Bingley said, “My sister’s copious amounts of perfume have given him a headache. Which, in turn, has made his unease in the presence of strangers worse.”

Reaching out, Elizabeth squeezed Jane’s hand and explained, “I have asked a servant to bring him some headache powder and some peppermint tea.” Hopefully he would be well enough to survive his trip back to Netherfield intact.

“How kind of you to help him in such a way,” commented Bingley with a touch of surprise tinting his voice.

Jane was quick to inform Mr. Bingley. “My sister is always looking out for others. Your friend Mr. Darcy is not the first person she has aided with one of the many things she keeps inside her reticule.” Glancing at Elizabeth with a smile, she added, “She works hard to anticipate and plan for any eventuality that could affect those in her vicinity adversely.”

Elizabeth hoped that the warmth in her cheeks would be mistaken for something besides a blush. The hall was quite warm, after all. The rare occasions when she received even the slightest compliment always left her feeling awkward. Fortunately, those moments were few and far between.

By the time she felt she had herself back under regulation, she realized the next dance was starting, and Johnathan Lucas was coming to collect her. Having been out for several years at that point, it was quite easy for her to follow the pattern of the dance and even chat lightly with Charlotte’s younger brother.

Mrs. Bennet had at one time tried to contrive a match between the two of them, but quickly realized that it was a hopeless case. For one, Elizabeth and her intelligence overwhelmed the poor boy. For another, they saw each other as siblings and nothing more. When Mrs. Bennet tried to get Lady Lucas and Sir William on her side, they refused.

It had been odd to see the normally jovial Sir William become stern and unmoving in the face of her mother’s persistent whining demands. He had put his foot down, saying that he would never, under any circumstances, permit such a match. However, he had kindly approached her afterwards when her mother was not present and reassured her that his decision was not because he did not think well of her. Unlike her parents, he had higher aspirations for his children’s love lives—he wanted them to not only find a partner, but to be truly happy and fulfilled. He knew she and Jonathan did not suit one another, so he had acted in both of their best interests. Elizabeth had been grateful that someone—anyone—wanted what was best for her.

The resulting argument between their two families had put a kink in the friendship between her mother and Lady Lucas. And even two years later, her mother did not fully approve of her friendship with Charlotte and Johnathan, and the name Lucas was never uttered at Longbourn with kindness.

At the end of the dance, Elizabeth curtsied to Johnathan and thanked him before she went in search of her two youngest sisters. Without a parental figure present to guide them, Elizabeth, Jane, and Mary always liked to keep a careful eye on them at the assemblies whenever possible.

Lydia was the easiest to find. She was laughing with the Long girls and Maria Lucas. Walking up to the group, she asked, “What has you all so merry this evening?”

Lydia smiled in response and linked her arm with Elizabeth. “We have been talking about the newest arrivals to Meryton—the ones who are staying at Netherfield.”

“Yes, Miss Elizabeth, you would not believe their behavior!”

“Whose behavior?” asked Elizabeth. She hoped no one had seen Mr. Darcy’s faux pas earlier in the evening.

A chorus of giggles answered her inquiry before Helena Long tittered, “The woman with the turban dressed to attend a ball with the Queen.”

Understanding the giggles more, Elizabeth said, “I believe her name is Miss Bingley.”

Lyda said, “Since her arrival, Miss Bingley has made it a point to complain about and shoot disdainful glances at everyone and everything here.” Looking at her sister with her eyebrows raised, she added, “We may all be nobodies from the back of beyond , but at least we know it is not good manners to speak of our dowries and the annual income of the gentlemen we know as much as she does.”

“She has been talking about money?” asked Elizabeth in shock. Yes, she knew the woman was pretentious, but she did not know she would be so without basic manners as well. Looking at the woman standing nearby with her nose in the air, Elizabeth shook her head.

Nodding, Maria Lucas added, “Yes, her sister even tried to get her to keep her voice down, but she said that there was nobody here who knew anybody important, so it did not matter who heard her.”

Sighing, Elizabeth watched Miss Bingley criticize all her neighbors. Elizabeth knew they might not all be lords and ladies, but they were mostly good people. None of them needed the derision of a small-minded woman. One thing was certain: she would have a long letter to write to Georgianna in the morning.

Georgianna studied the menu for the week before handing it to Mrs. Annesley to look it over. She was enjoying making up the menus at Darcy House, even if she was only picking what she and Mrs. Annesley were having. She had progressed as far as making up a few menus for a time when William would be back with them, and even a menu for if they were to host a dinner party for friends. Though besides her cousin Richard and Elizabeth, she did not much know who else would ever be in attendance.

Nodding, Mrs. Annesley said, “You have thought of everything. You even have well-matched wines listed to go with each course. I expect that once you return to Darcy House with your brother, you will have acquired the skills to entertain small groups.”

“Do not get carried away, Mrs. Annesley. I do not have enough people I would feel comfortable hosting to host multiple dinners.” Tilting her head, Georgianna considered the possibility of having Elizabeth over often. That would certainly be enjoyable. Smiling, she said, “Though I suppose I could just invite all the same people over repeatedly.”

“You know that is simply not how entertaining is done,” Mrs. Annesley chuckled. “Though I am sure that by the time you are out, you will have plenty more friends and acquaintances to arrange dinners for.”

Georgianna considered her words with Elizabeth in mind. Before she had met Miss Bennet at the charity, Georgianna had thought she would never gain a genuine friend. Too many of the people that approached her were like Miss Bingley, snide and full of cruel gossip. Now that she had one excellent friend though, it seemed possible to find others.

A footman entering the room interrupted her thoughts as he brought her the day’s mail. Thanking him, she sorted through the stack. There was a missive from her aunt, Lady Catherine, most likely commanding her to spend more time practicing the piano and chastising her for imagined misbehavior. She would read it later, or possibly have Mrs. Annesley read it in case there was something of genuine import. Georgianna no longer wanted to cater to the cantankerous woman.

There were also letters from her brother and Elizabeth. With just a hint of hesitation, she carefully unfolded William’s letter, reserving Elizabeth’s for later. She read it with a smile on her face, only for Mrs. Annesley to ask, “What does your brother have to say that would put such a smile on your face?”

Giggling, Georgianna explained, “It is not a long letter—mostly it tells of his arrival at Netherfield and how he has spent the last week helping Mr. Bingley survey the property. He also speaks of hiding from Miss. Bingley and asks for any suggestions to keep her at bay. He ends by stating that there will be an assembly that he will have to attend, or else Miss Bingley has said she would stay home and keep him entertained.” Shaking her head, Georgianna looked at Mrs. Annesley and added, “I believe the only way Miss Bingley will ever leave him alone is if he tells her he has taken up gambling and has lost his fortune and Pemberley. Or perhaps he could say he has had a calling from God and would like to teach the heathens in Africa, then ask her to join him.”

Mrs. Annesley smiled at Georgianna’s comment, then with a shake of her head she said, “It’s a shame that Miss Bingley is so focused on pursuing Mr. Darcy, as she could use this time to find a husband who truly values her. Surely there is someone out there that shares her tastes, or at least needs her dowry for their estate. As it is, she is nearly a laughingstock among the ton as they watch her ever worsening antics.”

Georgianna only shook her head before unfolding Elizabeth’s letter.

Longbourn, Meryton

Dearest Georgianna,

There was an assembly last night in Meryton and you will never guess who I finally saw. Or maybe you can guess because he is visiting. I saw your brother last night, though we never spoke directly to one another. He avoided being introduced to me and even insulted me when he caught me smiling at him. Though he said, “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men,” be assured that I am not offended.

To be fair, he told his friend, Mr. Bingley, he was suffering from a headache from his sister’s perfume. She was wearing far too much of the stuff. If I had not known of him through you and your letters, I might have thought him proud or contemptuous. However, knowing what I did, I could see that he was just as you said—shy and uneasy. I am sure that being in pain did not help him. I managed to surreptitiously provide him with headache powder and some peppermint tea to help him somewhat.

The person who was contemptuous was Miss Bingley. That woman—I will not call her a lady—insulted everyone and everything present at the assembly. Her attire was more befitting of a grand ball with royalty in attendance than a casual country dance. An even more ornate feathered turban was present, if you can believe it. While she might have thought that her appearance was gaining notice because of her sense of style, it most certainly was not. Most of the ladies and gentlemen there were agog at her horrible use of feathers and burnt orange.

The one benefit of the evening was that my youngest sister, Lydia, did not get into any mischief because she was so busy watching Miss Bingley be an example of all the wrong things to do. I am at least reassured that Lydia is aware of what poor manners look like. At only fifteen, she has no business being out, but my mother is so terrified of what will happen to us when my father dies, she has demanded all of us be actively trying to catch husbands.

I could continue telling you of last night for several more pages, but I must get downstairs for a walk before breakfast. I will need all the serenity that nature has to offer to handle my mother’s complaints of sore heads and her incessant gossip about what she heard and saw last night. Suffice it to say, the party at Netherfield will be at the top of their list to discuss.

Your loving friend,

Miss Elizabeth Bennet

Georgianna set Elizabeth’s letter down with a huff. She was glad to hear from Elizabeth, but she was very put out with her brother. How could he insult a young lady in such a way while at a public assembly? If Elizabeth heard his ill manners, of course others could have. What was he thinking?

Pushing back from the table, Georgianna paced the room. She had made a single circuit and began another of the room when Mrs. Annesley asked, “What in Miss Bennet’s letter could have you so upset?”

“He called her tolerable! That addle-brained brother of mine said that she was tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt him to dance with!” Going back to the table to pick up the letter, Georgianna read aloud the second part. “He said, I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. He calls himself a gentleman and yet he said that at an assembly, loud enough to be heard by everyone. William said it loud enough to be heard by Lizzie .”

With a wince, Mrs. Annesley admitted, “That was very badly done by your brother. What are you going to do?”

Sitting down, Georgianna took up a sheet of paper. “I am going to write him a letter. He helped me after my near disaster at Ramsgate, the least I can do is help him see the error of his ways. Even if I must pound it into his head word by word.”