Page 25 of Elizabeth’s Choice

Wishing to remain a gentleman but unable to refrain from responding, Darcy retorted, “Your conjecture is entirely wrong. I am pleased to be in Hertfordshire and am waiting to familiarise myself with some of the residents nearby. I plan on sending for my sister soon and will be in a better mood then. Here is Bingley,” he announced as soon as his friend stepped into the sitting room. “Let us depart for Meryton now.”

“My apologies for the delay,” Bingley stated, “Writing my letter took longer than I expected but I am ready now.”

Miss Bingley, Louisa Hurst, and her husband Mr. Hurst stood to make their way to the carriage but Darcy held back Bingley for a moment and asked, “It is done, then? You let your solicitor know to spread word that any rumours about your financial troubles and needing to retrench are entirely false?”

Bingley grinned as he nodded, “All of London will hear about it and everyone will know that Miss Grantley broke off the courtship because she is mercenary. I will certainly enjoy myself as a free bachelor tonight!”

Darcy nodded his approval, “I am glad your troubles with Miss Grantley are over. I can only wish for my own to be resolved soon.”

“Is there anything I can do for you? I thought you would be pleased to be here but you have been in poor spirits the entire time. If you want, I can send Caroline away, since I know she has not given up on becoming Mrs. Darcy,” Bingley nudged his friend.

Darcy shook his head, “No, I can manage your sister and have kept my distance but am only anxious for an acquaintance to arrive who has been delayed. I am looking forward to meeting some of your neighbours tonight and we shall see if my mood improves then.”

Bingley smiled, “Well, let us get to it! I hope the dancing ladies will be plenty!”

The group loaded into the carriage and departed for Meryton’s monthly assembly, with two gentlemen eager, while the others were dreading the evening’s gathering.

~*~

As soon as the Netherfield party entered the assembly hall, utter silence fell, with the musicians pausing their instruments and the dancers standing still to look at the newcomers. Bingley grinned to be greeted by Sir William but the rest of the party scowled at the indecorum, and soon, the music began to play again and dancing resumed while the knight introduced them around the room.

Bingley happily greeted Mr. And Mrs. Bennet, “It is such a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Bennet. My father spoke highly of you many times in my youth and I know you were very good friends for years.”

Mr. Bennet only curtly responded, “It is only unfortunate that you did not inherit your father’s amiability, Mr. Bingley. My daughter told me about your insult at the scheduled meeting last Spring and I pray you will behave more gentlemanly, now that we are neighbours.”

Mrs. Bennet, on the other hand, flattered the young man, “But you are a rich, young man and must be in want of a wife, are you not? I have told my Janey to look her best tonight and surely you will find her beautiful now, Mr. Bingley. Your own father wished for the match and you must give her another chance.”

Darcy was struck by the vulgarity of this woman and could not fathom Elizabeth being related to her. But knowing that there was confusion about Bingley’s meeting with Miss Bennet, he was about to speak up but a young blonde lady rushed towards them.

“Mama, papa….” she tugged Mrs. Bennet’s arm, “Mr. Bingley is innocent of any wrongdoing and it is a misunderstanding. We did not actually meet in London…”

Bingley, suddenly remembering that there had been deception on his part, apologised profusely, “I am so sorry about that; I had been unavailable so Darcy, here, went to the Monument in my stead.” He looked at the tall gentleman who bore no expression at all to clarify the situation.

Darcy stoically addressed the group with a quick bow, “It is true. I went to the Monument in Bingley’s place and was met with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I did insult her but did apologise and received her forgiveness for that infraction. I was unaware that you were not informed of the event.” He eyed the young lady and asked, “Are you Miss Bennet? Miss Jane Bennet?” She nodded without a word. “I am Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. I heard much about you from Miss Elizabeth.”

Jane curtsied as she replied, “My sister told me of her friendship with your sister, Mr. Darcy. I am very sorry about the confusion. Lizzie wanted to tell my parents in person but she has been delayed…”

Darcy abruptly asked, “Where is she? Why has she been so delayed?”

Jane opened her mouth to reply but could not say a word further as her mother shrieked, “Lizzie? What has that hoyden done now? I hope she has not ruined your chance with Mr. Bingley! She went to the Monument instead of you, Jane? Does that mean that you are meeting Mr. Bingley for the first time?” She tittered, “Well, this means that you have another chance, Jane! Sir!” She turned to Bingley, “You must ask my daughter for a dance. Immediately!”

Bingley laughed in his usual light-heartedness, “But, of course! May I have the next dance, Miss Bennet? I am so very pleased to meet you!”

Jane agreed and Sir William proceeded to introduce the rest of the party. Darcy could only take another deep breath to calm himself after listening to Mrs. Bennet disparage Elizabeth and did not notice Mr. Bennet’s eyes on him until Bingley left to dance with Miss Bennet.

He was about to move to the back of the hall with Bingley’s sisters and Hurst when Mr. Bennet asked, “May I have a moment, Mr. Darcy?”

Darcy promptly agreed, “Of course, sir.” He wanted to be in Elizabeth’s father’s favour in the slim chance that she might forgive him.

Mr. Bennet began, “It has been surprising that Jane never met Charles Bingley and it makes more sense to me that you met my Lizzie at the Monument. She did not say a word about it to me when she was in Hertfordshire last June and I will get the truth out of her eventually, but I am disappointed that you were so rude to my daughter and can see that you are a proud man. It is a shame. You look so much like your father and he and I were good friends. Better than most are aware and I miss him dearly. I had heard only yesterday that you were in residence at Netherfield and hoped to speak with you further to reminisce about your father but I suppose you will not wish for it. I hope I will not hear of your speaking ill of my Lizzie again. Good evening,” and he began to turn away.

Darcy blurted out, "Please, sir. I do wish to speak with you about my father and would like for you to know that I have apologised to Miss Elizabeth many, many times. I have the highest respect for her and pray that she can forgive me. Eliz… Captain Sabrina Fairfax has done what few ladies could ever achieve and I will never speak ill of her. Never, sir, and I will protect her from any dangers or gossip. She has been a great friend to my sister and we both owe her a great debt.”

“You know… you know her that well? About her being a… captain and all the other sordid details?” Mr. Bennet asked in awe. “I am so glad to hear it. I hope you will call on me soon at Longbourn, Mr. Darcy,” his eyes were moist, “You are the spitting image of your father and I would be very pleased to speak with you.”

Darcy finally smiled and replied, “Yes, sir. I look forward to it.”

Mr. Bennet tapped Darcy’s shoulder pleasantly with his hand and returned to his wife’s side. Darcy contentedly stood to watch Bingley dancing with Jane Bennet and was amused that his friend appeared smitten with the eldest Bennet daughter, with her tall, willowy frame and a pretty face. He knew Elizabeth had frequently praised her sister’s beauty but he could quickly determine that Jane Bennet was shy and nothing like his Elizabeth. He missed her and prayed that her father would reveal her location so that he could run to her side to beg for forgiveness, when there was a loud commotion after the assembly hall’s doors opened.