Fault or Virtue: An Imaginative Retelling of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' (3 page)

“Well, I suppose if you are not pleased with the company that a place has to offer,
it is more agreeable to go elsewhere,” Mrs. Bennet observed.
No one could manage a response for some time. Elizabeth could feel Darcy’s eyes
on her and her embarrassment heightened. How could she have defended her family and
friends when this is the treatment he received from them?
Darcy’s thoughts were otherwise busied by yet another allusion to his poor
behavior. As inconsiderate and incompetent as he found Mrs. Bennet to be, she had not
failed to notice his displeasure. It must have been obvious. He looked to Elizabeth,
expecting to find a look a satisfaction on her face, but was surprised to find her sickened
with embarrassment. She studied the floor with such fervor that he thought her eyes were
likely to pop out of her head. Her face was bright red and her hands clenched the seat
cushion. It seemed she found her mother’s comments as embarrassing and inappropriate
as he had. Just then, her head snapped up, her large eyes met his for a brief moment, and
she looked around before addressing her mother.
“Mama, preference for one place over another cannot be criticized, for we have
the highest regard of Meryton above anything else because that is where we live. It would
not be fair to expect one to see all of its charms in one night, as we have come to hold in
high regard over time. A country ball could have hardly shown any town or any group of
people in their most complimentary light. Anyone’s good opinion of the place, I hope,
will strengthen and improve with the length of his stay.”
Elizabeth hoped this was a significant enough apology, and that it would be
affective enough to steer the topic away from Mr. Darcy as well as hint upon the
blossoming affection between Bingley and Jane. She intended to glance quickly at Mr.
Darcy to see how her comment was received, but found herself caught in the most
incredulous stare. She did not know what to make of it.
“I suppose so,” her mother continued, “and we will be glad to acquaint you with
all that Meryton and the countryside has to offer, Mr. Bingley.”
Elizabeth winced noticeably, still caught in the Mr. Darcy’s gaze. To her surprise,
it was he who spoke next.
“I’m afraid we’ve trespassed upon your hospitality long enough,” he looked at
Bingley significantly, who had otherwise been staring at Jane. Though Elizabeth did not
know if Darcy’s intention was to relieve her of further embarrassment, it was certainly
the outcome.
Mrs. Bennet looked from one gentleman to the other, desperate to come up with
something that would have Bingley in her house again. Inspiration struck.

“Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, if you are not otherwise engaged we would like to
invite your company to supper. Before Mr. Darcy’s departure, of course.”
Elizabeth need not look at Mr. Darcy to guess that it was a pained expression he
wore. Bingley, on the other hand, could hardly contain his eagerness, and so it was
decided that supper would occur the next day.
One more hour in the company of the Bennet family, Elizabeth decided, and the
defense of her family would be ridiculous.
“Are you to return to Netherfield, Mr. Bingley?” asked Mrs. Bennet delicately.
“Yes, Mrs. Bennet, I believe we shall.” Bingley replied happily, unaware that he
was already lodged in the woman’s snare.
“Jane and Elizabeth will happily accompany you, if that is agreeable. Why they
had been planning an errand to Meryton in any case.”
Too late
, Elizabeth thought,
they were certifiably ridiculous.

Chivalry demanded that the men escort the horses on foot, and in this way, the
gentlemen took their leave of Longbourn accompanied by the eldest daughters of the
house.

“Do you often walk to Meryton? Isn’t it a long way?” Bingley asked the sisters.
“The walk is agreeable enough if the weather coincides. We do not often use the
carriage for such errands so we are all of us skilled walkers, Elizabeth the most
accomplished.”
“Is that so?”
Elizabeth felt both men’s eyes upon her as she answered.
“I suppose my sister has chosen well in telling you of something that is difficult to
gauge. If I say that I am an accomplished walker, neither of you can know for certain.”
Jane and Mr. Bingley laughed while Mr. Darcy studied her in silence. When
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy had again pulled ahead a distance, they could no longer rely on
what they overheard of Jane and Bingley’s conversation to excuse their silence.
“I believe Mr. Bingley is the most congenial man I have ever had the fortune of
meeting,” Elizabeth said, determined to end the awkward silence, and throwing a
surreptitious glance at the gentleman and her sister.
“I agree with you. Wherever he goes, smiles follow.”
Though some, like the eldest
Miss Bennet, smile too often
.
“How is it that you are acquainted with him?”
Opposites attract, indeed.
“You are perhaps curious as to the stark contrasts of our nature, am I correct?”
“I suppose,” she answered, taking the time to study his strong brow, stubborn jaw,
and firm scowl.
Friends of convenience, it must be. Miss Caroline Bingley can be the
only common thread these men have to each other. Why are they not yet engaged?
“We were first introduced at school. Since then, I have seen to it that he was
accepted into society, and he, that I adopt a more agreeable façade.”
Was he in jest?
She would almost swear that his downturned mouth was at odds
with its natural state.
“You have seen with your own eyes,” he continued, “that it is a work in
progress.”
This mask of disdain has a wry sense of humor!
Whether it was wasted on him or
suitable to his character, she could not tell for certain.

“These things take time,” she said, trying to match his dry tone so as not to betray
a hint of humor in her words. “Practice as well.”
Another challenge
, he realized. “That is similar to what I said to Bingley,” he
said, highly anticipating her reaction.
He was not disappointed, her laughter rang delightfully in his ears as he admired
her flushed cheeks, pleasing smile, and bright eyes. He had caught her off guard, and she
did not know what to say next, nor what he might say in the meantime. Caroline Bingley
had been on to something when she had described Miss Elizabeth’s eyes.
Though they
were not quite wild, Darcy
thought.
Exciting, perhaps. Distinct and vibrant.
“I possess neither,” he started, “my friend’s affability nor his easiness with
strangers. My qualities, or lack thereof, cannot justify my conduct at the assembly,
however. So I will therefore endeavor to apologize for any actions and words that may
have been perceived as unmannerly.”
His sentiments softened his features, accentuating his redeeming physical
qualities, but his choice of the words, “that may have been perceived as unmannerly”
soured the entire gesture. It was more than she had been expecting, however, and
admitted to herself that he had surprised her once again, leaving her with the
responsibility of returning the favor.
“It is unfortunate that your removal to London will leave Bingley without the
favor of your instruction, I’m afraid he’s still in need of improvement.” She did not care,
she realized, how he perceived this. This walk would be the last moments spent more or
less alone in his company and after they supped at Longbourn, it would be the last time
she would see him.

“How could Mr. Bennet have done such a thing?” Mrs. Bennet marched ahead of
all of the Bennet girls on their way to Meryton, “To have not told us that he was coming!
What a despicably eager fellow this Mr. Collins is, my girls! He’ll have us out of the
house by sundown tomorrow.”

The impromptu errand to Meryton had been a necessity owing to the imminent
arrival of their distant relation, a Mr. Collins, who required a certain amount of criticism
as well as spoiling. He was the relation that was to inherit Longbourn after Mr. Bennet
passed and he was assuredly come to feast his eyes upon what would be his. Pride,
however, made it necessary for the Bennets to lavish their guest, unwelcome though he
was.

Elizabeth was the first to react to her mother’s tirade. “Mama, I’m afraid Mr.
Collins will be disappointed to find that father is very well indeed. He need not stay until
sundown for he does not stand to inherit yet,” but all was ignored.

“And of course it is on the same day that Bingley will be joining us, to steal all
the attention away,” Mrs. Bennet continued.
“Perhaps we should be glad that you only have to worry about one special dinner,
Mama,” Kitty offered.
“I would have let Mr. Collins eat from the troughs!”

Only in Meryton did the news of the impending arrival of Mr. Collins mean
excitement. Before that very time the next day, Netherfield and Longbourn would house
available bachelors. And somehow, still, Longbourn remained the center of it all.

Before Mr. Collins’ tall figure darkened the Bennets' doorstep, Elizabeth was
quite content to believe that there was a chance that he, a well-positioned clergyman,
could shed a positive light upon her family in front of Bingley and Darcy. Upon
immediately meeting their distant relative, however, she grew more anxious than ever.

“I have long anticipated this meeting, Mr. Bennet,” Mr. Collins said upon gaining
an audience with the entire family.
“As have I, Mr. Collins,” replied Mr. Bennet, having only been familiar with the
man’s late father.
“If I had known that such beauty awaited me, I would have come sooner. Indeed
my cousins are the most beautiful ladies I have ever had the pleasure of seeing.” He
bowed low, pleased more by his statement than by the lovely ladies.
“You are so kind, Mr. Collins,” trilled Mrs. Bennet, suddenly pleased with the
gentleman’s appearance.
“I do find it hard to be away from my well-appointed parsonage, however. My
most esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is very kind to me. My parsonage
abuts her estate, Rosings, and it is one of the finest homes in the country.” Mr. Collins
went on to describe nearly every aspect of the estate from the ornamentation around the
doorways to the variety of flowers on the grounds, making eye contact with all of them in
turn.
“It is a wonder you have been able to tear yourself away, Mr. Collins,” observed
Elizabeth with a quick glance at her father.
“Indeed, Miss Elizabeth, I would not have come except for the urging of Lady
Catherine.”
“And what is so important that Lady Catherine can spare you?” asked Mr. Bennet.
“Family, Mr. Bennet.”
Elizabeth did not appreciate the appraising look he threw at herself and her sisters,
but she did acknowledge the pleasantness of his short answer.
“Does Lady Catherine have any children?” Mrs. Bennet inquired.
“Just one daughter. A fine young lady, of beauty without equal.”
“Is she to be married?” Mrs. Bennet asked.
“She is engaged to her cousin, a fine gentleman with nearly as fine an estate as
Rosings. I have not had the pleasure of making his acquaintance but I hope to be so
fortunate in the future. I have had the honor of dining at Rosings many nights since I was
positioned as rector of the estate.”
Elizabeth dared not imagine how supper would proceed.

!
"#!
Mr. Collins gasped as the dinner introductions were made.
“Excuse me? Mr. Darcy of Pemberley?” he clamored.
Mr. Darcy bowed in response and all awaited Mr. Collins’ explanation.
“Mr. Darcy! I had no idea that I had the honor. Indeed you do not know me, but I

am the newly appointed rector of your most esteemed aunt’s estate, Lady Catherine de
Bourgh of Rosings.” It was the first time anyone had been listening to him since his
arrival. Mr. Collins bowed so low that Elizabeth was surprised he remained upright.

“My Aunt has praised you most highly, Mr. Collins. I am honored to make your
acquaintance.”
Elizabeth reveled in the fact that the most courteous thing she Darcy had uttered
in her company was directed at Mr. Collins.

Mr. Collins’ compliments to Mr. Darcy continued long into dinner and wore
heartily on the patience of all of those around him. Elizabeth could only credit the man’s
portly figure with his living alone, for only then could he concentrate on food instead of
flattery.

Having witnessed Darcy’s temper before, Elizabeth thought he handled it fairly
well and was grateful to him for it. Bingley hardly noticed the annoyance, locked in
conversation with Jane. Elizabeth was unbelievably grateful that Miss Bingley had
remained at Netherfield with complaints of a headache. The Meryton assembly had given
Elizabeth the impression that Miss Bingley maintained harsher opinions of Hertfordshire
than even Darcy had, and she wished to keep Mr. Collins away from her for as long as
possible.

Whilst Collins drew breath between long bouts of praise, Elizabeth sought to
distract him from Darcy. With everything between them now in the open, Elizabeth felt
obligated to relieve Darcy of further bother, and perhaps establish herself as being very
different than what he had assumed, not that it mattered what the gentleman’s opinion of
her was.

“Mr. Collins, as you find yourself so useful to Lady Catherine, I wonder at her
ability to spare you for such a great length of time.” Elizabeth stole a glance at Mr. Darcy
and was happy at his visible relief, even imagining a small smile beginning to light his
face.

“Ah, my dear cousin, you flatter me. I am very fortunate to have the kindness of
such a remarkable Lady bestowed upon me, and it was only after her advice that I came
to look upon my relatives and the property that will some day, excuse me, Mr. Bennet, be
my own, and hopefully offer…propose a compromise that would please everyone.”

He turned his attentions to Jane, but was noticeably disappointed when he found
her caught in a quiet conversation with Mr. Bingley, and with a sigh, he turned to
Elizabeth, who’s attention was caught by her father’s glaring at Collins. The party so
distracted, Collins again had the advantage of renewing his subject, and did so with
possibly a more acute attempt at flattering than ever before.