Chapter XX

D ancing was far from Darcy's favorite activity. This was a commonly acknowledged fact among his friends, those who had a passing acquaintance with him, and even society at large. Many a young debutante attended balls wishing to be the focus of every young and eligible man in attendance, and a fair few had left disgruntled at his unwillingness to oblige them by genuflecting at the altar of their radiance.

? If his friends could see him now, most would not know him. Darcy allowed a chuckle at the thought of the comments they would make, comments to the effect that it had been a woman, in the end, who had pulled down his walls of protection and bared his soul to the sun. It was not just any woman, Darcy reminded himself, but a woman of rare quality, a woman unlike any he had ever met. Though Darcy was still not fond of dancing and did not think that would ever change, he could not consider a night dancing with the incomparable Miss Elizabeth Bennet to be anything other than the most pleasurable activity. If only he could claim her hand for every dance and avoid the misery of seeing her laughing attention on other men.

? This business of love was a double-edged sword, he mused as he allowed his valet, Snell, to banish the final imaginary bits of lint from his jacket. The advantage Darcy had over those other men who would clamber for Miss Elizabeth's attention was their official courtship; while Darcy preferred to keep his private business to himself, he could own to more than a little satisfaction at the notion that while the news of the courtship had not yet made its way through the community, no one who attended the assembly would remain unaware of it by the end of the evening. These next few moments would also mark the last of his residence at Longbourn.

? Darcy suppressed a sigh, not wishing to draw his man's attention to his mood. That evening would see him remove to Netherfield Park, to offer the same aid to Bingley that he had offered to Bennet. More importantly, he would need to endure Bingley's sister, fend off her attempts to ingratiate herself into his notice and tolerate the regret that Miss Elizabeth would not be before him whenever he wished to speak to her. It would be difficult to endure, but Darcy knew it was necessary, regardless of how much he wished it was not.

? "There," said Snell after one last inspection. "You are as presentable as I can make you."

? "Excellent," said Darcy. "Thank you, Snell. Is everything in hand for our removal to Netherfield?"

? The man's lips curled, the only indication he allowed of his thoughts. "It is, Mr. Darcy. The footmen are loading your effects on Mr. Bennet's carriage. The driver will convey me to Netherfield where I will organize everything, and then return to take his master back to Longbourn when the evening concludes."

? "Excellent," said Darcy. "Then I will take myself downstairs so you can finish here. There is no need to wait up for my return."

? "Of course, sir," said Snell, bowing as Darcy left the room.

? It was useless to instruct Snell so, for Darcy knew his man would wait up for him regardless, especially as it was to be his first night in a new house. Yet it was a longstanding ritual between them. Snell, he knew, would do some nosing about among the other servants and learn if there was any gossip of the family in residence. Nothing he learned would ever make its way from his lips, but should he learn anything of the younger sister, particularly anything that involved his master, he would inform Darcy the moment he arrived at Netherfield, taking great care to give Darcy whatever warning he deemed necessary rather than repeating what he had learned.

? "Darcy," said Bennet when he descended the stairs. "I see you are eager to get on with tonight's activity, and perhaps more than that, impatient to join your friend in more comfortable surroundings."

? "If I thought you were at all serious," said Darcy, "I might wonder if you are mad. Netherfield might be the larger estate, but I cannot imagine I will be more comfortable there. As you well know, I would much prefer to stay at Longbourn."

? "Yes, well, I might have had some notion of that," said Bennet, offering him a grin. "Perhaps you will regret your residence there, but I suspect I shall regret it more."

? "You know what is to be done. Should anything of difficulty arise, I am only three miles away and should be happy to help as I am able."

? Bennet nodded and reached out to grasp Darcy's shoulder. "I thank you, my friend, for offering me your expertise. I jested about it at length, but I appreciate your forbearance."

? "Not at all, my friend," replied Darcy. "I received much more from my stay here than I offered."

? At that moment, the sounds of the ladies on the stairs interrupted them, and it was timely too, as Darcy suspected they were about to become maudlin. As one, the two gentlemen turned to greet the ladies, who descended from eldest to youngest.

? Bennet gave a low whistle under his breath. "I do not know about you, Darcy, but I cannot consider myself as anything other than fortunate. Such beautiful ladies are rarely to be seen."

? "With that, I cannot agree more," said Darcy.

? The grins of the others informed Darcy that they could see his attention fixed on Miss Elizabeth, but Darcy was too enamored with her to care for any bantering comments they might make. A cream-colored dress hung over her form, the fabric hugging her torso and hinting at her light and pleasing figure, while a wrap around her shoulders, perhaps unnecessary in the warmth of the early evening, was a darker shade of rose. Ribbons of the same hue adorned her coiffure, holding her hair up in a sophisticated bun, leaving several tiny ringlets to dance at her ears and jaw. The most compelling part of the lovely vision before him, however, was her naturally expressive eyes, deep and dark and peering at him from behind long and lustrous eyelashes as if holding the very secrets of the universe. Though he had known she was a beautiful woman, tonight he was positively entranced.

? "You appear lovely tonight, Miss Elizabeth," said Darcy, catching her hand and bowing over it, lingering over the scent of rose water.

? "Thank you, Mr. Darcy," said she with a glowing blush. "You appear rather dapper yourself."

? "Well, it seems we are all here," Bennet's voice broke the spell. "Perhaps we should depart."

? The company made their way from the house and to Darcy's carriage, and while two men and four ladies were a tight fit, all four ladies were slender, and no one protested. Soon they were ensconced within, and the carriage set off for Meryton in the distance. There was some conversation between them, but Darcy remained unaware, still caught up in Miss Elizabeth's beauty as he was. It was a most pleasant way to spend the brief journey to their destination.

? All too soon they arrived. Darcy assisted the ladies from the carriage, Bennet watching on with amusement, and when they had all gathered, Darcy escorted Miss Elizabeth and Georgiana into the assembly room. The sudden cessation of noise as they entered might have caused a grimace in other circumstances, but on this occasion, the sensation of Miss Elizabeth's slender hand exerting the slightest pressure on his arm provided a distraction.

? They split into separate groups at that moment, the ladies joining their friends in the neighborhood in lively conversation, while Darcy and Bennet stood with the landowners. Not wishing to speak much, Darcy kept his comments short and banal, feeling fortunate he was facing a direction that allowed him to observe Miss Elizabeth with ease. There were enough comments to alert him to some foreknowledge of his courtship with Miss Elizabeth and bring him relief that no one seemed insulted that he had chosen her, or that some young man of the neighborhood felt slighted.

? The dancing was about to begin when the atmosphere in the room once again changed. The ladies had approached yet again and were standing with Bennet and Darcy while awaiting the signal when a hush fell over the assembled. A glance at the door confirmed Darcy's suspicion—the Bingleys had arrived.

"That is most curious, indeed," said Elizabeth, noting Mr. Darcy's inquiring look in her direction.

? "What is curious, Miss Elizabeth?"

? "Why, that we merited the same treatment as the illustrious Bingley party. I did not know we were on the same level as your esteemed friends."

? "You have not taken one important fact into consideration, Elizabeth," said Charlotte who was standing with them, laughter in her voice. "We do not know the Bingleys it is true, but word of your courtship has also made you a further object of curiosity, especially since the novelty of your coming remains in the minds of our neighbors."

? "Is that all?" drawled Elizabeth, again drawing an amused snort from her friend. "Then this must be a dreary sort of place if such a commonplace occurrence can draw that much attention. Do you not agree, Mr. Darcy?"

? "I shall say nothing against this neighborhood, Miss Elizabeth," replied Mr. Darcy. "Since Georgiana and I came, we have received a warm welcome."

? "I should hope so," replied Elizabeth. "Tell me, Mr. Darcy—do you suppose the sudden termination of all sound upon their entrance has gratified the Bingleys' vanity?"

? Charlotte giggled by her side, but Mr. Darcy only offered her a lazy smile. "I cannot imagine that Bingley would care at all for such things. As for his sisters, I do not know them well enough to say."

? "And here I thought you were an intimate!" said Elizabeth.

? "Careful, Elizabeth," said Charlotte. "They are coming our way."

? "Not at all, Miss Elizabeth," replied Mr. Darcy, leaning forward to ensure he was not overheard. "Bingley is my friend. His sisters are acquaintances."

? "Bingley," welcomed Mr. Bennet, drawing Elizabeth's attention back to the approaching family. "We are pleased you joined us tonight."

? "Indeed, we are!" said Sir William, the self-appointed master of ceremonies. "I hope you have settled into your home with tolerable ease."

? "Yes, I believe we have, Sir William," said Mr. Bingley with a grin.

? "Then perhaps you would do us the honor of introducing your companions to us," said Mr. Bennet.

? The way the taller of the two ladies threw a hard glance at Mr. Bennet suggested she thought it her family's right to request the introduction. Elizabeth refrained from shaking her head; if Miss Bingley, as the daughter of a tradesman thought it her right to set herself higher than a gentleman, the woman would be difficult to tolerate and no mistake. Mr. Bingley, however, appeared eager, for he offered the introductions at once.

? The taller of the man's two sisters proved the younger, the infamous Miss Caroline Bingley of whom the Bennets had heard so much. She was willowy, almost approaching thin, and while she was not bereft of charm, Elizabeth had a distinct impression her even regard concealed haughtiness, which ruined whatever beauty she might have possessed. The shorter lady was Louisa Bingley, and while her hair was a lighter shade of brown than her sister's, her features were more pleasant, less angular, and perhaps most importantly, open, and agreeable, welcoming new acquaintances.

? "Ladies," said Mr. Bennet, bowing to them both, "please accept my warm welcome. My daughters heard much of you from Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy; they are eager to claim your friendship."

? "Papa!" chided Elizabeth. "Do you not know that it is a woman's prerogative to take the measure of another woman and decide what level of friendship or enmity she deserves?"

? Miss Caroline's gaze focused on Elizabeth. "Do you judge so quickly as to determine in an instant the character of another woman?"

? "Not at all, Miss Caroline," replied Elizabeth. "It is wise to allow us to come to our own accord, something I do not think the gentlemen always appreciate."

? "Well spoken, Miss Elizabeth," said Miss Bingley, grinning her understanding of Elizabeth's jest. "I will own that we heard as much about you as you must have heard about us. Charles did not stint in his praise of you."

? That seemed to break the ice, as they relaxed in each other's company, engaging in the first tentative steps to understanding their new acquaintances. As she stood and spoke with Miss Bingley, Elizabeth noted not only Mr. Bingley's renewed interest in Jane, but Miss Caroline's polite conversation with Mary and Georgiana. Elizabeth also did not misunderstand Miss Caroline's frequent glances at Mr. Darcy, and those she cast in Elizabeth's direction. Unless Elizabeth was mistaken, she was certain Miss Caroline was already sizing up the competition. Elizabeth could not help but wonder if Mr. Bingley had informed her of the closeness she shared with Mr. Darcy—the gentleman could know nothing of the courtship, for Elizabeth knew Mr. Darcy had not mentioned it in any letter he had written to his friend.

? After a brief time of speaking to Mary and Georgiana, Miss Caroline excused herself at the same time Elizabeth's father joined their group. Thus it was that matters shifted, Miss Caroline with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, while Mr. Bennet spoke with Miss Bingley, Mary, and Georgiana.

? The first thing Miss Bingley did when she approached was to put a hand on Mr. Darcy's arm—even though she did not clutch it, that she wished to show her claim was unhidden. The look she then directed at Elizabeth was nothing less than a challenge.

? "Mr. Darcy, I am happy to see you again. I hope your time in Hertfordshire has not been too taxing on your sensibilities."

? "Not at all, Miss Caroline," replied Mr. Darcy, though Elizabeth thought she caught a hint of exaggerated patience about him. "Longbourn is comfortable and the company excellent. Georgiana and I have been happy there."

? The woman was cool—Elizabeth was forced to confess that much. While Elizabeth might have expected such a statement would displease her, she gave no indication of it. Instead, she turned to Elizabeth.

? "Thank you for taking such good care of Mr. Darcy and his dear sister. I hope you will cede his company to us in the spirit of the longstanding friendship between Mr. Darcy and my brother."

? "Of course, Miss Bingley," replied Elizabeth cheerfully. "We enjoy Mr. Darcy's company, but we recognize his engagement with Mr. Bingley is of some duration."

? Miss Bingley bowed her acknowledgment, and then turned back to Mr. Darcy. "This is a quaint little town Mr. Darcy, and the appointments in this room appear adequate. I hope you have come eager to dance."

? As hints went, this one was less blatant than some, such that Elizabeth felt the urge to laugh. Mr. Darcy, however, gave nothing away as he responded with composure.

? "Indeed, I have, Miss Caroline," said Mr. Darcy. "As usual, I will solicit you and your sister for a dance this evening."

? Miss Caroline accepted this with a nod. A gentleman of the neighborhood—a Mr. Robinson as Elizabeth recalled—approached at that moment, soliciting her hand for the first set, and when Elizabeth informed him of her prior engagement, he converted it to a request to one of her other sets, and she agreed on the third, as she was to dance the second with her father. Then the gentleman turned to Caroline, and at his request, Elizabeth offered the introductions, brimming with mirth over what must come next.

? "Miss Caroline," said Mr. Robinson, "might I solicit your hand for the first sets of the evening?"

? If one knew nothing of Miss Caroline's ambitions, they would have seen nothing untoward in her response, which she gave after an instant of hesitation. Elizabeth, who understood her from Mr. Darcy's testimony, reflected on how very unwelcome the man's solicitation was. Yet she accepted with every arrear of civility, and Mr. Robinson went away, promising to return when the music began. Then Miss Caroline turned back to Elizabeth.

? "You are already engaged for the first set? Dare I suppose you have a most particular partner?"

? Elizabeth could not risk a glance at Mr. Darcy, for she knew to do so would give it all away. The acquaintance was yet new, and Elizabeth had no personal evidence of this woman's unfortunate character and had no wish to embarrass her or provoke her to hate Elizabeth forever. There still existed the possibility of an amiable relationship with her, and Elizabeth had no desire to ruin that with uncaring and unkind actions.

? "Yes, Miss Bingley," said Elizabeth. "Mr. Darcy asked for my hand for these sets, and as he has become important to me, I have accepted him."

? The only sign of surprise the woman offered was a slight widening of her eyes, which shot to Mr. Darcy's face as if to verify Elizabeth's assertion. Mr. Darcy appeared to catch Elizabeth's purpose, for he nodded.

? "I am to stand up with Miss Elizabeth, Miss Caroline. As her sisters and mine take my second to fourth sets, it would please me to stand up the fifth with you."

? "I shall anticipate it, Mr. Darcy," was Miss Caroline's only reply.

? The music started at that moment and the dancers took their places. Mr. Robinson arrived to claim Miss Caroline's hand, and she went, though Elizabeth noted how her gaze lingered upon them even as she moved down the line. Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth noted, led Jane to the floor, Mary and Georgiana took themselves giggling together to the line, and even Mr. Bennet surprised her by claiming Miss Bingley's hand for the dance. Then the music began, and Elizabeth moved in the first steps, catching Mr. Darcy's hand as the gentleman danced about her, never taking his eyes from her.

? "It appears, sir," said Elizabeth, "that we have set the cat among the pigeons."

? "That much is certain," said the gentleman when they joined again in the line. "You handled it very well, Miss Elizabeth. I have often felt stalked by Miss Caroline, but I would not have her embarrassed or discomposed for such a trifling matter."

? Elizabeth regarded the man as he moved away, fixing him with a slight smile. His phrasing left much to be desired, providing Elizabeth with several perfect ways to tease him, of which she took advantage as soon as she was close enough.

? "So, this matter between us is ‘trifling?'"

? "Perhaps I might have put it better," confessed Mr. Darcy, though his grin informed her of his amusement. "Let us say that her behavior would need to become many degrees worse before I would seek to reprimand her. When she has made no overt attempts to state her displeasure, I do not think her worthy of censure."

? "You are correct, of course," replied Elizabeth. "Do you suppose she will make trouble?"

? This time it was Mr. Darcy's turn to consider his answer as they separated in the dance. By chance, the steps took Darcy close to Miss Caroline, leading to a brief exchange before they also separated. Given her proximity, Elizabeth knew he would not respond at once, and contented herself with the light banter the occasion allowed. Then, when Miss Caroline was some distance down the line, Mr. Darcy drew close and offered his response.

? "Not in the manner you are suggesting. I expect her wish to provoke me to offer for her is not extinguished, but she conducts herself well in a general sense. She will not call you out, pull your hair in public, or make concealed cutting remarks at your expense." The gentleman paused for a moment and then allowed: "That last is possible, I suppose."

? "Then I shall endeavor to give her no reason to hate me other than what she already possesses, Mr. Darcy. To see the man of whom she thinks highly paying court to another cannot be easy. Thus, it is proper to allow her to come to terms with it and allow her some flexibility to express her disappointment."

? "You, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, are a most understanding woman."

? Elizabeth offered him a queenly smile. "Yes, I flatter myself that my character is among the most liberal. I hope you will forgive me if I express the hope that she will regain her equilibrium apace."

? Mr. Darcy laughed. "No, Miss Elizabeth. I do not blame you at all."

While Elizabeth had spoken in jesting tones, it might have been no surprise to learn that Miss Bingley considered the possibility of doing what Elizabeth had suggested—hating her forever. As the evening grew late, Caroline Bingley sighed as she watched the dancers, as always watching Mr. Darcy, while observing Miss Elizabeth Bennet with equally assiduous attention. If the woman was only dull or drab, if she were unsightly, or even an unintelligent specimen, then perhaps Caroline could hate her. As it was, she had been considerate in dropping the identity of her first partner when she could have been possessive and rude, especially when Caroline had commented to provoke Mr. Darcy to dance with her.

? For the rest of the evening, Caroline participated, though she had no desire to do so, engaging in the meaningless chatter that so often accompanied such events. As he had promised, Mr. Darcy danced the fifth with her, but though Caroline watched, she saw nothing of the warmth she had seen him display to Miss Elizabeth, his every word and deed proper to the inch. Though Caroline wished to deny what her senses were telling her, she was afraid she had lost Mr. Darcy before she had even had a chance to secure him.

? It was perhaps no surprise, though Caroline rued the circumstances that had led to Mr. Darcy spending two months in the home of a man with three daughters. Caroline could own that she had felt a shiver of dread when she had heard it, though she had told herself that it was no more likely that Mr. Darcy would fall for one of Mr. Bennet's daughters, and unlikely considering his lack of interest in most young ladies. It ought to have been so, yet Caroline could not deny the evidence.

? After a time, Caroline had decided against further dancing, knowing she had done her duty and stood up with the local gentleman. Using the excuse of fatigue after their recent journey, she had refused a local man's solicitation, promising to stand up with him at the next opportunity. Thereafter those in attendance left her blessedly alone.

? Caroline thought she had done her reputation harm that evening. She had always prided herself on her control, for she was a sophisticated and demure woman, one who did not allow petty grievances to cloud her judgment or ill-considered comments to draw her anger. Yet she had done just that when confronted by one of the clucking hens of the neighborhood and in a matter of which she should have thought better. The news had shocked her, however, and she had reacted without thinking.

? "There is so much happening in our little neighborhood of late!" the woman had crowed in that eager manner betrayed by legions of gossips in every level of society. "The Bennets came to the neighborhood, and soon after, Mr. Bennet's friend came to assist him. No one could have expected a man of Mr. Darcy's consequence to pay such attention to a young lady who was not even a gentlewoman three months ago, but there it is."

? Caroline, the conversation with the matron uninteresting to that point, felt the floor disappear from under feet. "Mr. Darcy? And one of the local ladies? Impossible!"

? "Oh, it is quite possible," assured the lady, not noticing Caroline's sudden consternation and anger. "Why, the rumor of it has swept through the neighborhood, and more particularly through everyone in attendance tonight. None of us know the ladies well, of course, but Miss Elizabeth appears to be a good sort of girl. I am delighted for her, though I suppose I might not be so sanguine if I had a daughter I needed to see married."

? The giggling of the silly woman fanned the flames of Caroline's ire and provoked the unfortunate response.

? "That must be nothing more than a pernicious rumor. You would be wise to avoid speaking of it in the future if you do not wish to anger Mr. Darcy."

? Then Caroline turned and stalked away, leaving the woman open mouthed behind her. She could not escape quickly enough to avoid the woman's exclaimed: "Well, I never!"

? Now, after the fact, Caroline wished she had held her tongue. It was not so much that she cared what these people thought of her, for Caroline felt little affinity for them and wished to be back in town among those with whom she was more comfortable. No, her regret was more that she had spoken out of turn when she knew a more temperate response would have served her better. The news, confirmation of what she had observed, had cut her to the quick. Even now, the silly matron was relating the tale to all and sundry with relish, and Caroline was drawing glances she would prefer to avoid. No doubt the matter would make its way back to Mr. Darcy's ears, wounding her in his estimation.

? Caroline Bingley was not some callow youth. She judged her age as perhaps a year older than Miss Elizabeth, and she had the advantage of moving in a higher society than Miss Elizabeth could boast. That must make a difference to Mr. Darcy, must it not? A courtship was not an engagement, and while it was often tantamount to one, breaking the connection without consequence was possible.

? This gave Caroline hope. She was not yet ready to admit defeat, though she knew it would be an uphill climb. The most important point to consider was to keep her wits and her temper in check, prove herself the better woman than Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

? No, Caroline would not concede just yet. Much of the game remained to be played.