Memory: Volume 3, How Far We Have Come, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice) (80 page)

“Yes, and we were so glad to make your acquaintance.”  Elizabeth smiled.  “How fortunate that you had the opportunity to meet our guests the Hursts and Mr. Bingley there.  He has spoken of that afternoon many times.” 

“Mr. Bingley is all politeness.”  Abbey blushed. 

“He is the kindest and best of men.”  Catching Louisa’s eye, she saw how helpless they were to break away from the attention.  “Have you greeted them yet?”  Elizabeth asked Abbey.

“No, they are occupied . . .”

“Nonsense, how can they be occupied when there are such friends to be met?”  Holding Abbey’s hand, she dove right into the thick of things.  Mary and Charlotte followed, keeping the vacuum of space from closing up around them as they walked through.  Elizabeth smiled and exclaimed happiness to see everyone that they passed, leaving them admiring her manner and dress more than feeling affronted with her obvious commandeering of their object.  “Mr. Bingley!  There you are!  I was afraid that the entire evening would pass and you would have no opportunity to meet other ladies of the neighbourhood!”  Bringing Abbey alongside she pushed her forward, “You do remember Miss Martin, do you not?”

“Miss Martin.”  Bingley’s smile glowed from him, and he reached forward to take her hands.  “Such a pleasure to see you.”

“The pleasure is mine, sir.”  She blushed and looked back to see that Elizabeth, Charlotte, Louisa and Mary had all turned their backs and were speaking to the women around them.  “We seem to be in a cocoon.” 

“It is rather safe in here.”  He spoke softly and his eyes twinkled at her.  “Do you think that they will remain here for the evening?” 

“That is unlikely.”  She looked down to see that her hands remained within his grasp.  “Sir.”

“I will not let go until it is absolutely necessary, so do not ask, nobody can see.”  Their eyes met and smiling, he leaned forward, “In less than three days, this armband will be gone.  At the Assembly, I
will
make it quite clear that I am not . . .”

“On offer?”

Bingley laughed.  “Very well.” 

“None of them catch your eye?”  She looked at his gloved hands over hers.

“Miss Martin.”  He said softly.  “I have met many lovely young ladies, angels.  You are not one of them.”

Immediately she tugged her hands away.  “Let go sir!  You insult me and expect me to continue . . .”

“You are the only woman I have ever met who I have always thought of as a woman.” 

Abbey looked up to him and from behind her; she barely heard Elizabeth’s whispered cheer, “Yes!”

“And you, Miss Martin, have gifted me with the confidence that comes from knowing that you see me as a man.”  He laughed softly, seeing Elizabeth’s head bobbing as she pretended to listen to Mrs. Long.  “How could I walk away from that?” 

“You would be a fool.”  Abbey smiled and looked behind her to see Elizabeth’s brilliant smile as she talked animatedly with another neighbour.  “Is Mrs. Darcy a matchmaker?”

“Mrs. Darcy is paying back a favour, I believe.”  He let go of Abbey’s hands and leaning forward, tapped Elizabeth’s  shoulder.  “Are you not?”

She turned and smiled at them.  “I am sorry, I was not listening.  Did I miss something?”  Bingley snorted and Elizabeth turned away to nod at her grinning companions.

Just as quickly as they had appeared, the three ladies moved back out into the room.  Mr. and Mrs. Long joined Abbey and Bingley, and fell into conversation.  Darcy, a head above nearly everyone, kept his focus on Elizabeth and guided her safely home.  He reached out his hand to her.  “What was that all about?”

“I was doing a service for a friend.”  She laughed and he kissed her hand.  “How are they doing?” 

“Hmm.”  He lifted his chin and tilted his head.  “Miss Martin remains at his side, but the ranks are closing in again.” 

“But the point is that she is by his side.”  Elizabeth’s eyes closed and he pulled her gently to lean against him.  “That was a worthy distraction.” 

“Your parents have just arrived, dear.”

“Oh.”  She looked up to him and saw his concern.  “We will stay.”

“If she says one thing that upsets you . . .”

“No Will . . . I need to face her.”

“Lizzy, Mrs. Darcy!” 

“Aunt.”  Elizabeth straightened.  “How are you?”

“Fine dear, just fine.  Now I have to ask you, all the ladies are wondering,
what
is happening with Mr. Bingley and Miss Martin?  Why it was as if the red sea parted when you came through there with her!  Everyone was so excited to meet him and he was so very accommodating, the then there you were, oh and so well done, my dear!  How ever do you know just what to do?  Well, I was saying to Mrs. King, who was terribly put out to see her Mary rejected so quickly, no small wonder with those freckles, but I was saying to her, mark my words, that Miss Martin has my niece’s favour and she will undoubtedly make sure that Mr. Bingley sees her, and there you were!  Does Mr. Bingley like her?  Are you wishing for a match?  Surely you know some local girls who would do very well for him?  Your sister Kitty . . . look there she is!”  Mrs. Philips waved her over.  “Where have you been?”

“Mama was fussing over her dress, Aunt.”  Kitty glanced at Elizabeth.  “She wanted to look just so.”

“Well if she needs advice on dressing she should just speak to Lizzy!”  She reached forward to touch Elizabeth’s gown.  “I have never seen the like, my dear.  What did it cost?”

“Oh at least twenty pounds,” Mrs. Goulding examined it, “look at the details.”

“I am not sure of the cost.”  Elizabeth said with a smile.

“Ah, that is a rich man’s wife right there, no worries over the cost of anything.”  Lady Lucas observed.  “A lucky woman indeed.” 

“I was not bragging, ladies, I simply do not remember.”  She looked at Darcy to see if he was offended, but quickly saw that he was focussed on the progress of Mrs. Bennet across the room.  “Your gowns are lovely; I wish that I had something in that shade of blue, Mrs. King.”

“Oh.”  She preened.  “It is a favourite.”

“Sister!”  Mrs. Philips snatched Mrs. Bennet’s arm.  “Will you not greet your daughter?”

“I have several daughters to greet, Sister.”  She glanced at Elizabeth and walked towards Jane who was talking with Mary and Kitty.

Darcy disengaged Elizabeth’s gripping hand from his arm and placed his on her back, curving his fingers around her waist to draw her close to his side.  The movement was not lost on Mr. Bennet, who moved forward to greet them.

“Good evening.”  He smiled and kissed Elizabeth’s cheek.  “You are stunning, Lizzy, but it seems that the other ladies have already determined that.” 

“Thank you, Papa.”

“I would say that anyway, but Sir William was dying to tell me of the gasps from the hens when you stepped in the door.”  He chuckled.  “Your gown, hair and jewels were examined, judged, and priced before you had finished shaking his hand.”

“Brother, I am affronted!”  Mrs. Philips lifted her chin.

“Papa means no harm, Aunt; you know his sense of humour by now.”  Elizabeth soothed her.

“Well, yes, I do.  Quite amusing.”  She patted him and the women swept away.

Elizabeth glanced around to see that the three were alone.  “Papa, you really have to watch your tongue!” 

“Oh my dear, if you deign to speak to any of them you will be declared a queen.  Look at how you quieted them down?  And if I am not mistaken, were they not in the process of pricing your ensemble when I approached?”  Darcy shook his head and Mr. Bennet smiled. “Shall I tell you what their opinion of you is, sir?  I understand that you have a breathtaking smile.”

“Good heavens, no.”  He let go a deep breath.  “We should greet your mother and be done with it.”

“How will it go, Papa?”

“I honestly do not know.  She ranges from contrition to anger in the blink of an eye; she is most unsettled by this turn of events.”  He shrugged.  “So, let us find out which spirit possesses her at present.”  They walked to the side of the room where Mrs. Bennet was talking alone with Jane.

“Mama.”  Mrs. Bennet startled and turned to see Elizabeth standing behind her.  She took in the gown of pale yellow silk, embroidered with silver thread and highlighted with tiny jewels.  Her hair was dressed with a comb of pearls, and her neck was adorned by the simple beauty of Richard the pearl, the diamonds sparkled in the blaze of the firelight and dozens of candles.  It was simple, it was absolutely gorgeous, and she glowed. Darcy’s hand remained on her back.  It was an impressive sight to see them standing together.  It was everything that Mrs. Bennet had ever wished to see for a daughter, just not this one.   “I hope that you are well?”

“Oh.  Mrs. Darcy.”  She said flatly and looked up to find Darcy’s serious face regarding her.  “Mr. Darcy.” 

“Mrs. Bennet.”  He said coolly. “My wife asks after your health.  I trust you are well?”

“Well enough.”  She addressed him.  “For one who is considered intolerable.” 

Darcy concentrated his strength on Elizabeth, who was stiffening, but kept his eyes on his mother-in-law.  “Choose your words wisely, Mrs. Bennet, and be mindful of your audience.” 

Her voice began to shrill and heads turned.  “My audience?  A couple who are too afraid to meet me in my home?  What do you think I would do to my granddaughter?”

“Lower your voice Mrs. Bennet or return home now.”  Mr. Bennet warned.

“You did me no favours.”  Elizabeth said softly.

Mrs. Bennet hissed.  “I risked my life to give you yours.” 

“And never once let me forget how much you regretted my birth.”  Elizabeth’s hand passed protectively over her baby.  Mrs. Bennet watched the movement. 

“Lizzy you are not helping.”  Mr. Bennet said in her ear and looked to Darcy to take control, but saw only increasing anger.

“You are truly with child.”  There was disbelief in Mrs. Bennet’s voice.

“Yes.”

“As you can see, she is neither fat nor lazy.”  Darcy growled as he entered the fray.  “She is beautiful, as I know I have informed you before.”  Mr. Bennet threw his hands in the air.  Fearless, Mrs. Bennet opened her mouth to retort when Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide.

“Oh.”  She whispered when she felt a movement and Darcy’s hand automatically caressed over the baby, seeking the affirmation for himself.  Without hesitation, he bent and kissed her lips. 

“Lizzy Bennet!”

 Straightening, Darcy focussed on Mrs. Bennet.  “Elizabeth Darcy.  Do not forget it again.”  He stared her down until she shrunk.    “She is my wife, I may kiss her when I see fit, and do not ever chastise her before me.” 

“Will . . .”

Charlotte appeared quickly when Jane beckoned her over to help diffuse the situation before it worsened.  “Eliza, I am going to open the instrument.” 

Elizabeth turned from her husband back to her mother.  “What was that saying you used to tell me so often, Mama?  Save your breath to cool your porridge?”  Mrs. Bennet’s eyes moved from Darcy’s protective glare to meet Elizabeth’s determined face.  “I will save mine to swell my song.” 

“I certainly do not wish to listen.”  Mrs. Bennet said in a low voice to her back. 

“Mrs. Bennet, you provoked that entire encounter, this dinner will set our relationship with our daughter for many years, possibly for the remainder of our lives.  I suggest that you think hard before you speak to them again.”

“He insults your wife and you support him?”

“He was supporting his wife who has kept her thoughts to herself for far too long.”  Mr. Bennet said softy.  “Like it or not, Mrs. Bennet, we are nothing to Mr. Darcy and he does not have to tolerate us.” Mrs. Bennet turned away to go to the opposite end of the room, striking up a loud conversation with her sister. 

Darcy followed Elizabeth to the pianoforte.  “Are you well?  We remain here only at your direction, and frankly dear, I am on the precipice of overruling you.”

“I know.  Forgive me for losing control.”  She said shakily.  “I should not have responded, but I will not let her see that she has reached me.  Not this time.  Not ever again.” 

“Why not respond?  Why not tell her all of the hurt that she has done to you?  Bleed the poison from your memories.”  He urged.  “I did not allow you to confront her when I broke off our ties, I did not even confront her, well go ahead love, just let it out and we will go.  You have tried for so long . . .”

“No, Fitzwilliam.”  She drew a deep breath.  “That is not what I need to put this away.”  Purposefully she sat down and he sat beside her.  She closed her eyes and tried to think of something happy to play, but failed as tears began to well up in her eyes. 

“Your stubbornness is my undoing, Lizzy.”  Darcy murmured with frustration and slipped his arm around her waist.  Hugging her, he concentrated while she leaned into him, and thought of the very first time he saw her. Leaning to her ear, he sang very softly, “When first I saw thee graceful move, ah me, what meant my throbbing breast? Say soft confusion, art thou love?  If love thou are, then farewell rest!”
¹⁶

She looked up to see his mouth ready to embrace hers.  “Fitzwilliam . . .” 

“Just one kiss . . .”  He urged.

“I am afraid that we will become lost if we give in.” 

“Then may we leave, and truly become lost?”  He squeezed her hand.  “Come love, we are not needed here.  There is nothing to prove, she is angry with our decision and she will not let up all night, I know it.  This is her opportunity to react to the humiliation.  Come, let us go.  We can walk home.”

She smiled down to her satin slippers.  “In these?”

“I shall carry you.”  He smiled.  “Like a man.”

“Even you will tire of my weight over three miles.” 

“You doubt me?”  Darcy sat up and threw out his chest.

Elizabeth laughed softly.  “No love, only your stamina.”

“Let me take you home and I will demonstrate my stamina very thoroughly, my love.  Over and over again.”  His eyes were darkening as he whispered, urging her to give in.  “Try me.” 

Sighing, she let herself become lost in his gaze.  “I never resist temptation, because I have found that things that are bad for me do not tempt me.”
¹⁷