Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge (12 page)

"Lizzy, I am not even acquainted with any such gentleman. You, apparently, are and were just now thinking of him. Jane, who is this dreamy man who has your sister now blushing so furiously? Does she actually have
two
gorgeous and amiable suitors?"

"Why, yes, Charlotte. I do believe she does."

"Jane! No, Charlotte, Mr. Darcy is merely an acquaintance. Actually he is the elder brother of our new friends, Miss Georgiana Darcy and Miss Anna Darcy. You simply caught me off guard while engrossed in Beethoven's moving music. I now realize you were speaking of Lieutenant-Colonel John Dun, who, by the way, is also merely an acquaintance."

Jane teasingly reminded, "An acquaintance who is due here at any moment for the purpose of a private conversation with Miss Elizabeth."

Elizabeth quickly arose from the bench. "Charlotte, I have an excellent idea. Why do we not take one of the carriages and go shopping now? Your trip to London would not be complete without an excursion to its fine stores. You plainly cannot return to Hertfordshire without making at least several purchases."

"Sister! You cannot possibly leave before meeting with the Lieutenant-Colonel, and you would merely be postponing your dilemma. You must deal with your quandary today and be done with it. Lizzy, have you decided what you will say to him?"

"Jane, I can hardly decide what
I
will say when I do not yet know what
he
will say. What do you suppose he
will
say? What do
you
think I should say? Oh, why can we not just go shopping? Then neither he nor I will have to say anything to the other at all today."

Charlotte was incredulous. "Elizabeth Bennet! I cannot believe you have any hesitation in regard to that desirable soldier's regard. From what I understand, he is obviously either going to ask to court you or request your hand in marriage. I would certainly jump at either of the officer's offers, you awfully fortunate girl!"

"You saw him for a half-hour here yesterday, Charlotte. That is not quite enough time to make you understand his character."

"If you were to marry him tomorrow, I should think you had as good a chance of happiness as if you were to be studying his character for a twelve-month. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance, and sometimes it is better to know as little as possible in advance of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life."

"You make me laugh, Charlotte; but it is not sound. You know it is not sound."

They were startled by the sound of a servant as he cleared his throat and announced the arrivals of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Mr. Charles Bingley, and Lieutenant-Colonel John Dun. Elizabeth Bennet abruptly sat back down and turned as pale as the embroidered white muslin dress she wore.

C
hapter IV

How to Accept or Reject a Marriage Proposal:
In One Easy Liaison

Three eager gents had separately presented themselves at the door of the Bennet townhouse within seconds of one another; and an astute servant, by the name of Sharp, recognized friction between at least two of the ar-rivals. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Lieutenant-Colonel John Dun swapped the same sort of jealous, resentful glares Sharp and another footman, Baines, who was the bane of Sharp's existence, frequently exchanged because of a rivalry over a charming chambermaid. He wisely had both the Master and Mistress summoned to the music salon; and when Mr. and Mrs. Bennet met in the hallway, they rolled eyes at one another and entered to find six stylish young people sitting in awkward silence. The couple took control of the situation, ensured everyone had been properly introduced, and initiated the usual polite small talk.

Ten minutes later, Sharp announced to the assemblage yet another gentleman caller; and although the servant was quite amused, he projected a proper outward mien of composure. "Sir and madam, a Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam wishes to pay a visit to Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth."

Mr. Bennet said, "Why, this is an afternoon of wonders, indeed! Very well, Sharp; and if twenty such callers should come into our neighbourhood, send them in, for we are quite at leisure."

The footman was often confused by the Master's remarks, and he wondered whether the family actually did expect a score of eligible young males to arrive at the door. He would not be surprised if that were the case, because the two eldest daughters were remarkable women, both beautiful and kind. Later when no further callers arrived, Sharp second-guest that his employer had not been serious about such visitors after all.

Colonel Fitzwilliam was amazed to find Darcy, Dun, and Bingley all in attendance; and he thought the visit could prove to be quite entertaining. As he looked around the room again, the soldier caught Miss Jane Bennet staring brazenly, and somewhat appraisingly, in his own direction. Fitz glanced behind his shoulder to see if someone else was there; and when he looked back, her face was red and her gaze lowered.
Well, well, now. That was certainly uplifting. But why is she not bestowing such admiring glances on Bingley? I thought ... hah! ... well, too bad, old chap; and thank you, indeed, Miss Beautiful Bennet, for such flattering regard
.

Darcy was not surprised his cousin had called, and, for that matter, neither was Bingley; the latter, however, was not at all happy about his presence.

As for Dun, he was taken aback at the arrival of a superior officer and sincerely hoped Colonel Fitzwilliam was not there as well to see Miss Elizabeth.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennet sat together on a settee, and the husband clandestinely reached for his wife's hand and gave it a quick squeeze as he whispered, "An Englishman's home is his castle, in a manor of speaking; yet this home seems to be suddenly suffering from a surfeit of suitable suitors, specifically soldiers. Whatever were we thinking, my dear, in bringing our lovely daughters to Town? It is all your fault, you know, for Jane and Lizzy received their good looks and fine qualities from you."

Even after all their years together, Mrs. Bennet blushed and whispered back, "Such flattery will get you somewhere later, Thomas."

The observant Charlotte Lucas could hardly contain her laughter at all the little comedies and dramas being played out in the room. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet flirted with one another; Jane was red because she had been caught mentally undressing one of the brawny soldiers; Lizzy was still ashen due to the prospect of a marriage proposal; Mr. Darcy and Lieutenant-Colonel Dun held a staring contest over which had the biggest ... ego; Mr. Bingley enviously glared at Colonel Fitzwilliam for having the gall to receive Jane's regard; and the latter gentleman was obviously very pleased about being the recipient of same. When the civil whiskers ground to another uncomfortable standstill, four gentlemen, speaking at once, broke the silence.

Dun: "Mrs. Bennet, yesterday, as you remember, I requested a private ... "

Darcy: "Miss Elizabeth, would you do me the honour of standing up ... "

Bingley: "Miss Bennet, may I request that you save your supper ... "

Fitz: "Miss Bennet, please may I have the very great pleasure of you ... "

Dun and Darcy looked daggers across the room at each other; Bingley glowered at Fitz, who smirked back at him.

Mr. Bennet caught the scowls between Mr. Darcy and the Lieutenant-Colonel and bestowed a fond gaze upon his second-eldest child.
Are we to lose one of our precious girls so soon? Where has the time gone? It seems like only last year Lizzy was still climbing trees. Oh, wait. Of course, it was just last year
.

He went out on a limb and said, "Mrs. Bennet, I believe you did, indeed, promise the Lieutenant-Colonel a private audience with our cherished Elizabeth. Perhaps those two should proceed to the drawing room, where the door will remain open." He gave Dun a look the young man could not fail to understand.

Elizabeth's smile wavered as she shakily stood and proceeded across the floor in the direction of the officer. She started to glance backward to another gentleman, but Dun quickly offered his arm, which she took as they moved toward the door.

Fitzwilliam Darcy sat in absolute agony and watched his world fall apart.
No, no, no! Do something, you bumbling buffoon. Immediately if not sooner! Do not allow this attachment to happen. She is mine, and I love her! Stop them! Now! Before it is too late! Quickly, man
!

He stood, cleared his throat, and ... sat back down. He could think of no sane reason to halt their departure; and, in fact, he could not think at all, except for what his subconscious had just revealed.

I love her? Good God, yes, I do love her; and that blasted army officer is walking away, both literally and figuratively, with my perfect woman. Be that as it may, I certainly cannot declare myself in front of the present company.

He was utterly devastated; and for the first time in his adult life, he felt his wretched stiff upper lip begin to falter and his lower lip begin to tremble. Darcy was just about to arise again, pace to the window, and hide his emotions as he had been taught, when suddenly Elizabeth spun around and looked directly at him. Their eyes locked; hers silently asked a question of him, and Darcy allowed his to openly express everything he felt. She smiled reassuringly and made his heart skip a beat, and then she turned back to the other young man who impatiently awaited her. As they walked out of sight, Darcy hoped against hope he was reading her expression correctly and all was not lost.

Elizabeth sat rigidly on the edge of a wingback chair and watched Lieutenant-Colonel John Dun pace. He finally came to a halt in front of her, flashed a warm, gorgeous smile, and said, "I must admit I am more nervous facing one beautiful young lady than I have been facing a whole horde of enemy soldiers; and in both situations my life has been in the other's hands. Miss Elizabeth, we have been acquainted for nearly a year and a half. You know I am respectable, have easily earned promotions, and can provide for a family. We are quite compatible; and although the life of a soldier is not always an easy one, I would very much like to share mine with you. I confess, as recently as twenty minutes ago, I merely intended to ask permission to court you; but I have grown impatient to make you mine." He reached for her hand, placed a gentle kiss on her bare knuckles, and looked deeply into her eyes. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet, will you do me the great honour of becoming my wife?"

Elizabeth felt a momentary thrill rush through her body. John Dun was extremely handsome, his touch excited her, and his emerald eyes held such hope and promise. A marriage proposal was a heady experience, indeed, and Lizzy grew quite woozy. The fact she was suffering from a lack of oxygen suddenly occurred, and she released the breath she had been holding. Still and all, she also realized he had not once expressed his regard or feelings for her; and although she would not have accepted even if he had, she was still a bit disappointed and perturbed.

"Sir, I am overwhelmed and flattered by the compliment you are paying me; and I thank you for the offer ... "

Dun captured her other hand, pulled her from the chair, and shouted with elation, "Oh, Elizabeth, you have truly made me the proudest man in the world!"

Because both the drawing room and music salon doors were open, the occupants of the latter could not help but eavesdrop on the young man's enthusiastic, if premature, exclamation of joy. The overheard words proved too much for heartbroken Fitzwilliam Darcy; he quickly choked out his excuses, bowed, and made haste for the door. No one heard Miss Elizabeth's next words except John Dun.

Lizzy was momentarily distracted by the sounds of long, hurried strides along the hallway, the startling slam of the front door, and a carriage quickly pulling away.
Mr. Darcy, no!
As she was about to speak, another footfall was heard; and the door to the street had scarcely shut, when more footsteps meant the third visitor was also exiting. She turned back to the final young man; and she knew, although he was certainly not the last man in the world whom she could ever be prevailed on to marry, he was not the first and only such man.

"Sir, you are too hasty. You forget I have made no answer. Let me do so without further loss of time. Please accept my thanks, for I am sensible of the great honour of your proposal; but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline."

Lieutenant-Colonel Dun lost colour, released her hands, and staggered backward. "You are ... refusing me?"

Lizzy sat down and spoke very softly. "I am truly sorry, sir. It would not at all be proper or fair for me to enter into a marriage with you under the circumstances."

"Do these circumstances involve another man?"

The young lady turned crimson, looked down at her lap, and refused to answer.

"I have my answer, then. Blast it! Pardon me, Miss Elizabeth. I am afraid I must take my leave. I would not be very good company right now. Please extend my apologies to your family and friends for my sudden departure." He curtly bowed, donned his hat, and strode toward the open door.

"John, please wait."

The young officer was startled and halted by the use of his name, and he turned back to face the woman who had wounded his pride. The fact his heart was neither engaged nor broken did not occur to him.

Elizabeth Bennet stood and looked at him with tear-filled eyes. Her voice trembled as she spoke. "Sir, please, stay just a moment longer. I do not wish to part from you in this manner. We have been friends for too long to allow this awkwardness to come between us. I beseech you to understand I did not intend to hurt you. Nevertheless, only the deepest love could persuade me to enter into matrimony. I do care for you and hope you are still somewhat fond of me. Despite that, I know we do not truly love one another."

"Miss Elizabeth ... Elizabeth ... of course, I am, indeed, very fond of you. So I hope you will, someday soon, find the perfect love you are seeking." Dun was unaware the other gentlemen callers had departed; and so he said, "Perhaps you do not even have very far to look. I begrudgingly suggest you begin your search in the music room." He gave her a slight smile and a bow. "Good day, my dear friend."

Had Charles Bingley not postponed his long-overdue talk with his sister, he might have prevented Caroline from experiencing the most mortifying and cataclysmic moment of her life. He fully intended to have the important discussion with her but spent far too much time trying to find the most non-confrontational way of broaching such an unpleasant subject with his rather volatile sibling. He had already removed any breakable objects from the room in case she decided to throw a tantrum. Bingley sat in his study and studied the blotter on his otherwise empty desk. Not finding inspiration there, he stood and stretched, straightened his spine, and rang for a servant. "Fossett, please have my sister immediately summoned here. Quickly, man!"