Chapter 10

Humiliations

T hat afternoon, Jane informed Elizabeth that she wished to go downstairs for the evening conversations. Elizabeth thought that if Jane could stand to be carried down a flight of stairs that she could handle the carriage ride to Longbourn, but she did not say as much. “Howes and I will return to retrieve you after supper.”

“Will you call Sally? She will need to assist me with dressing.” Elizabeth pulled the cord and left to meet the other houseguests in the drawing room.

Miss Bingley had ordered three courses for supper. By the time the meal was complete, Elizabeth was too full and wishing for nothing more than quiet, but it was not to be. She had promised Jane an evening with the others.

Elizabeth and her footman climbed the stairs and found Jane sitting with her foot propped on a small footstool near the fire. Her knee was still swollen and sore. Howes lifted Jane with ease. Elizabeth picked up the stool and followed behind.

“Mrs. Collins, it is good to see that you are well enough to leave your room, though I wish you could do so without a footman’s assistance.” Knowing her sister’s love of cards, Mr. Bingley saved a seat at the table for Jane. Miss Bingley and Mr. Hurst joined them, and Hurst began to shuffle the deck. Howes gently lowered Jane to the ground and then helped her hop a short distance to the seat. Elizabeth placed the footstool near and assisted her sister in raising her foot without showing her ankles.

Mr. Bingley hovered nearby, and Jane smiled sweetly at him. “Would you like to partner your sister, Miss Gardiner?” Jane’s mouth tugged into a frown. Elizabeth knew that look. Jane wished to partner with her attentive and attractive host. Happy for the chance to avoid cards, Elizabeth demurred, claiming instead that she preferred to read.

“Eliza Gardiner is a great reader and prefers it above all things.” Miss Bingley rolled her eyes and Jane stifled a giggle.

Mr. Darcy sat reading near the fire, and Elizabeth chose a seat near him. He smiled as she sat down. “Is that true, Miss Gardiner? Are books your only source of joy?”

“I admit that I do enjoy reading, but I take pleasure in many things.”

“She does not enjoy cards. I must beg her to play,” Jane called from the card table.

“If you recall, I offered to play this morning, but you refused.” Jane shrugged and studied her cards.

“Tell us Eliza, what other hobbies do you have? Aside from being a great walker.” Miss Bingley smirked at her partner.

“I do enjoy walking, but I also like to ride.”

Darcy closed his book. “You told me as much once before. Do you have any other pastimes?”

“My friend, Suzy, and I volunteer at a girl’s school in town, which is not so much a hobby, but I do enjoy spending time with the girls. I also like to play the piano and sing, and, of course, I love to dance.”

Darcy chuckled. “I assumed as much. You appeared to be very pleased with the activity on the evening we first met.”

“I also enjoy chess, though I have not had the opportunity to play much on my trip here. Suzy and I play a few times a week. And of course I play my papa and Uncle Paul.”

He set the book on his lap. “Would you like to play now? Bingley is not a fan, but I enjoy a game when I have time for it.”

Before Elizabeth could answer Miss Bingley called out. “Eliza, I insist that you take my place at the table. This group would benefit from some music.”

Mrs. Hurst did not understand her sister’s ploy and suggested that she should take the abandoned chair. A frustrated Miss Bingley took her place at the piano where she began a complicated song. As she had at Lucas Lodge, she demonstrated her technical proficiency but failed to impart any feeling into the music. Elizabeth and Darcy listened for a while before both lost interest.

Elizabeth was pleased when Darcy abandoned his seat and chose one closer to her. “I have walked and ridden out many mornings since we met on Oakum Mount. I had thought I might run into you at least once.”

She cautioned herself to not read too much into his words, but it was difficult to do. “I am afraid I was heavily reprimanded when Mrs. Annesley awoke to find me from the house without a maid or footman. I have chosen to remain inside until a more appropriate hour. I do not like to force Howes from his bed so early. He should not be punished with lack of sleep simply because I arise early and enjoy a ramble before the sun comes up.”

∞∞∞

Darcy sat in quiet conversation with Elizabeth for many minutes. Never before had he found a woman half as interesting or kind as she was. And beautiful, too, he thought. It would be no hardship to spend evenings in such a way. For a moment, he allowed himself the luxury of imagining nights with her. They could share a chess game, she would play and sing, he would read aloud, and then they would end the evening in fascinating conversation. When the hour was late, he would escort her to their suite of rooms, which would lead to a different type of pleasure altogether. Yes, a lifetime with Elizabeth Gardiner would be a joy for some lucky man, but not for Darcy. Why could she not at least be born to a gentleman? Even someone as low as Mr. Collins would be acceptable.

Frustrated with this line of thinking, Darcy changed the topic. “Our conversation this morning gave me reason to think. I believe we met once before. I was a lad of thirteen and you could not have been older than six.” Darcy then conveyed the story of a small, snaggletooth girl who invited him to her mama and papa’s wedding. “You were very sad that I would not attend because there was to be cake.”

Elizabeth wiped a tear of mirth from her eye. “I am very fond of cake, sir. You are lucky that I was in a mood to share.”

Their laughter caught the attention of Miss Bingley. She left the piano and joined them. “What are you two speaking about? I must have my share.”

“It seems Mr. Darcy and I met once when I was a girl of only six years.”

“Shocking! Why would Mr. Darcy have met a shopkeeper’s daughter?”

“Miss Gardiner is not a shopkeeper’s daughter,” Bingley called from the table. “Her father is a successful tradesman, just like our own.” Miss Bingley’s face heated.

“My father had a meeting with her father to discuss business. Miss Gardiner was dusty and missing her two front teeth, but even then, I thought she was a charming girl. Though I must say, I am glad your teeth have grown back.” All but Miss Bingley and Jane giggled at Darcy’s jest.

“Miss Gardiner is certainly a beautiful woman,” Bingley said. “Though I, too, am glad that she is in possession of all her teeth.”

Mrs. Collins laid her cards on the table. “That is kind of you to compliment my sister, Mr. Darcy. But you must know that Elizabeth was not a pretty child. In fact, that is why my mother refused to raise her. She insisted there was only room for one of us, and she wished to keep the prettier of the two. Elizabeth was bound for the orphanage, but my uncle rescued her.”

Darcy looked to where Elizabeth sat. Her face had paled, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. He longed to say something, but how could one respond to such a comment? I am sorry your aunt is such a terrible person. I am sorry your sister is a conceited fool. Neither of those were proper, though both were true.

“It has been a long day. If you will excuse me.” Elizabeth gave a half-smile, but it did not reach her eyes. Those beautiful, alluring eyes. He longed to punish her thoughtless sister.

“Jane, I will send Howes to collect you.” Darcy winced at the tightness of Elizabeth’s words.

Her sister waved her away. “No need. Mr. Bingley will lend a footman to assist me. I wish to finish this round.” Elizabeth nodded.

∞∞∞

The next morning, Elizabeth was called down to greet Mr. Collins. Jane’s husband had arrived with his friend. “I am here, of course, to introduce my oldest friend, Mr. James Greene. And, of course, to check on my dear wife.”

Mr. Bingley welcomed the gentlemen and asked them to sit. “Mr. Collins said you were a man of the cloth. Where do you serve?”

Mr. Collins had not misspoken when he said that he and Mr. Greene were much alike. Both men were tall but soft, though the rector’s chin did not wobble overmuch when he spoke. Like her brother-in-law’s, his hair was coated in too much grease. In this, Mr. Collins was the more fortunate of the two, as Mr. Greene's sparse hair, despite the generous use of product, stuck up at odd angles around his head. More importantly, both gentlemen were fond of talking about themselves.

Mr. Greene went on with enthusiasm, hands waving and spittle flying from his mouth. He spoke about his grand position in Hunsford and the generosity of his patroness, the venerable Lady Catherine de Bourgh — or, as Mr. Collins had once called her, the “venereal” lady. Elizabeth bit back a laugh at the memory.

“Darcy, is that not your aunt?” Mr. Darcy grimaced at his friend’s question.

Mr. Greene’s eyes widened in shock only a second before he bolted to his feet. “Are you Mr. Darcy of Pemberley?” When Mr. Darcy nodded that he was, the minister continued. “Oh my! Oh my, oh my, oh my! I knew that I would be among great men here at Netherfield, but I never expected to meet Lady Catherine’s favorite nephew.” In a sudden and jerky motion he bowed deeply. “Before I go on further, I must tell you that your aunt and betrothed were very well when I left.” Elizabeth could not justify the stab of jealousy she felt upon hearing this.

“I must correct you. I am not engaged, though I am happy to know my aunt and cousin are well.” Elizabeth released a pent-up breath.

Mr. Greene gave a vigorous nod. “Of course, of course. Your aunt has mentioned that your engagement is of a peculiar nature.” Perspiration dotted his forehead. He mopped it with a cloth made gray from too many washings. “Things are not yet official, though you will certainly marry Miss de Bourgh. She is the jewel of Kent, after all. But until you sign the papers, you may call yourself unspoken for.”

“I assure you, sir, I have no plans to marry my cousin.” His tone was serious enough that even Mr. Greene, who appeared to be of mean understanding, was able to comprehend the implication.

Uncomfortable with the silence, Mr. Collins spoke. “I have heard many good things about your intended, Mr. Darcy. I have, of course, never had the pleasure of her company but my friend has written much about her. She must be very beautiful, despite her sickly nature. And, of course, she would have been a great proficient at many things, had she the opportunity to learn.” Elizabeth was mortified by her brother-in-law’s rambling.

“Sir, are you here to see Jane? I can escort you.”

Mr. Collins frowned. “Elizabeth, can you not see that the gentlemen are speaking?” Elizabeth’s face heated at the reprimand. After a moment of awkward silence, he stood. “You have interrogated our conversation and now I forget what I was saying. You may as well take me to see Jane.” Embarrassed further by what Suzy called a Collinsism , Elizabeth hurried the man from the room.

She waited in the hall, while Jane sat with her husband. After ten minutes, he emerged. “No need to escort me back. I can find the way.” Elizabeth was torn. She knew Mr. Collins and his friend would stay longer than was polite. If she returned with him, she might be able to persuade him to leave without wearing out his welcome. If she did not, she would avoid the first-hand embarrassment that was a certainty in any conversation in which the man participated. Deciding that she had endured enough humiliation in the past twenty-four hours, she said her goodbyes and went in to speak with her sister.

As she had done the day prior, Jane sat in bed playing vingt-et-un on a lap desk. “If you have come to remind me of my duty to Mr. Collins and our guest, then you need not speak.”

Elizabeth had not planned to speak on the topic but did not say so. “Are you desirous of leaving? Your knee is less swollen, and you could probably withstand the discomfort of the carriage ride if the driver goes forward with caution.”

“I do not wish to go home today.” The pout that marred Jane’s face was out of place given her normally serene expressions. “Mr. Greene will be well entertained by my husband while I am here. Besides, I am having fun at Netherfield. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst stop in every afternoon to chat with me. And I had such a good time playing cards last night. Longbourn is excessively boring.”

Elizabeth took her sister’s hand. Even though she did not enjoy the ladies’ presence, she could comprehend Jane’s feelings. “I understand, but we cannot continue to trespass on Mr. Bingley’s kindness.”

A single tear ran down Jane’s cheek. “You do not understand. You have been given so many opportunities and have the wealth to stay single if you wish it.”

“I thought you wanted to marry Mr. Collins. Papa would have introduced you to several gentlemen in London had you expressed interest.”

“To tradesmen. I wished to be a lady.”

Elizabeth did not understand her sister’s reasoning and did not try to, for it mattered not. Jane had made her choice, and now as unpalatable as it was to return to Mr. Collins’ home, it was her duty as his wife. “Tomorrow then.” Jane gave a curt nod before flipping over a card. Taking the cue, Elizabeth left. She might as well write Suzy about how she “interrogated” the men’s discussion.

∞∞∞

That night, Mrs. Collins joined the party for supper. Her knee appeared to be less tender. Darcy watched as she hobbled to the dining room, though with great assistance from Mr. Bingley.

Darcy dared not turn his head to where Elizabeth walked on Hurst’s arm. His own appendages had been claimed by Miss Bingley’s clawing fingers on the right, and Mrs. Hurst’s lighter grip on his left.

“My dear Mrs. Collins, it has been such a pleasure hosting you and Eliza while you convalesced, but I dare say you will return to your own home tomorrow. Your leg is much better.”

Mrs. Collins offered her hostess a placid smile. Bingley had claimed her the most beautiful lady of his acquaintance, but Darcy found her face to be rather lackluster, especially when compared with the vibrancy her younger sister’s countenance held.

“Yes, I told my sister that very thing this afternoon,” Mrs. Collins replied.

Darcy could not help but wonder if Elizabeth had been disappointed by Mrs. Collins’ decision to leave. His own emotions were unclear. He would miss her bright eyes and beautiful smile, but he would not miss the roiling feelings of confusion and frustration she created within him. He wanted her and he could no longer deny it, which was the very thing that made her dangerous. Yes, it would be better for her to leave now before his heart became engaged.

Supper consisted of four courses, much to Darcy’s irritation. Miss Bingley missed no opportunity to showcase her hostess skills or her brother’s wealth. Does she think this is an appealing demonstration? Her menus are too heavy and would bankrupt many a gentleman’s coffers. The fish soup was the only light item offered that evening, and Darcy savored every bite, while sampling only the barest amounts of the other items.

“Are you unwell, sir?” Darcy looked up to see Elizabeth looking at him from across the table.

“Mr. Darcy is not one to make a glutton of himself, Eliza. You are used to dining with tradesmen and are unaccustomed to the table manners of the first circles.”

Elizabeth’s eyes lit with humor and Darcy wished to know the joke. “I am sure that is exactly it,” she replied.

Miss Bingley nodded before turning to Mrs. Collins. “Tell me, again, the story of how you came to live with your aunt and poor Eliza was sent to live with your uncle? I have never laughed so hard as I did last night when you told it the first time. I was so diverted I wrote about it to my friend.”

Darcy was as ashamed of Miss Bingley as he was of Mrs. Collins’ willingness to humiliate her own sister. Elizabeth deserved to be cherished. Not only was she engaging and talented, but she was also quite beautiful. He could not imagine an aunt refusing her based on looks. Even if she had been an unattractive child, which Darcy could not imagine, the idea was appalling. Once again, he allowed his eyes to find her. Her head was bent over her plate, and she moved food around without eating. Disgusted, he placed his own silverware down. He could no longer pretend to enjoy the meal.