The Darcys of Pemberley Read online

  Mr. Darcy and Georgiana echoed similar sentiments.

  “Thank you for receiving me,” said Anne. “Fitzwilliam said you would not mind.”

  “Mind?” said Elizabeth. “We are delighted!”

  The colonel added, “As you see, Anne is now strong enough to undertake such a journey, which is another cause for celebration, is it not?”

  “Indeed it is,” said Darcy, locking eyes with Fitzwilliam for a long moment as they shook hands. Then, turning to his other cousin, he continued, “Anne, you look quite recovered. I understand the credit for your newfound health belongs in part to a clever young physician.”

  Anne dropped her eyes and her voice. “I daresay I owe my recovery almost entirely to him. Dr. Essex is an uncommonly kind and learned man. I shall be forever in his debt.”

  “Then I am grateful to Dr. Essex as well,” said Georgiana, “since it is apparently due to his care that we have the pleasure of your company now.”

  After this exchange, Miss de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam released their hosts to attend to other guests whilst they moved on to the ballroom. Elizabeth was relieved to see that the pair did not by their manner advertise themselves to be an engaged couple, even if in fact they now were. She took it as a sign that the colonel did not intend an announcement of the sort she was dreading, at least not for the moment. In any case, she had no time to dwell on it; other matters soon demanded her attention.

  When all the guests had arrived, Mr. Darcy signaled the orchestra to begin the dance. Lord Talbot, as the man of highest rank, exercised his right of precedence by claiming Georgiana’s hand to lead off the minuet. Sir Frederick Clark begged the honor of Mrs. Darcy’s company, and Mr. Darcy escorted Lady Talbot to the floor. Other couples formed up the long set, and the ball got underway.

  For the second dance, Georgiana was obliged to stand up with Sir Frederick before being released to more eligible partners for the remainder of the evening. With no shortage of admirers, she never sat out a dance except by choice. Elizabeth watched with curiosity to see if any particular young man held her interest more than another, but she could detect no sign of partiality on Georgiana’s side. Her sister-in-law appeared equally courteous to every partner, and pleased to dance with any gentleman who asked her.

  Elizabeth suffered no want of partners either. With her husband’s attention so much required elsewhere, she accepted an invitation to dance with Colonel Fitzwilliam. The colonel seemed himself again, his easy, cheerful manners restored and his countenance free of torment. Elizabeth surmised that he must have reached a decision with which he was comfortable. The time for inquiries would come later. For the moment, she was content to simply enjoy his company.

  The supper break afforded more opportunity for conversation. Even the host and hostess found time to exchange a few words together.

  “What is your opinion of the ball, Darcy?” asked Elizabeth.

  “Look about you, my love. Everything goes along exceedingly well, just as I predicted. Georgiana is clearly enjoying herself, and you are quite a success as well, Lizzy. The compliments I have received on your behalf – for your beauty and for your proficiency as a hostess – would surely make you blush were I to repeat them. I shall spare you that embarrassment for now.”

  “You are too kind, sir.”

  “So, you see, you need not have worried. The only irregularity thus far has been the two unexpected guests,” Darcy added with an edge to his voice.

  “Under other circumstances, I would welcome both my sister and your cousin, but their presence tonight strikes me more as portent than pleasure. At least Georgiana is undisturbed; for that I am grateful.”

  “Yes, indeed. Let us get through this evening without incident. That is all I ask. I will not tempt fate by borrowing trouble from tomorrow. Now, Mrs. Darcy, we had best get back to our guests. But remember, as chief among your scores of admirers, I must insist that you save the last dance for me.”

  “I would have it no any other way, Mr. Darcy.”

  As her husband had suggested, Elizabeth paused to look about herself, to survey the splendid scene spread before her. Light from a dozen score of candles sparkled on crystal chandeliers and gleaming tableware; the aroma of sumptuous food and exotic perfume wafted through the air; the sounds of laughter and music permeated every corner of the room. “A true feast for the senses,” she reflected, with satisfaction.

  Snatches of conversation caught Elizabeth’s ear as she strolled amongst her guests.

  “I did want to thank you again, sir, for your kindness to Mrs. Sanditon and to myself when we first arrived,” Charlotte Collins was saying to Mr. Thornton. “You made us feel truly welcome.”

  “It was my privilege and my pleasure,” he replied. “I hope you are settled comfortably at the cottage now.”

  “Yes, thank you, Mr. Thornton. We are quite content. Pray, tell me, how long have you been the rector at Kympton?”

  “For nearly five years. I was very fortunate to receive such a fine parish; Mr. Darcy has been enormously generous. Now, Mrs. Collins, I remember you saying that your late husband was also a clergyman – in Kent, was it not?”

  “Yes, that is correct…”

  Next, the sound of Miss Bingley’s sharp voice penetrated Elizabeth’s ear. Caroline’s inclusion on the guest list represented a compliment to her brother rather than to herself. On her own merit, she had yet to earn such an honor. Her former ill-treatment of Elizabeth could not so soon be erased by more recent civilities.

  Despite all her past offences, Miss Bingley was a creature to be pitied. Nothing had turned out the way she once hoped it would. Her brother’s modest marriage was a major disappointment to her and, even more vexing, her own ambitious designs on Mr. Darcy had come to nothing. Still, Miss Bingley had not yet despaired of making a good match for herself, even if it was too late for her brother. Like cream, a woman of taste, elegance, and education must always rise to the top in the end, she reasoned.

  Currently, Miss Bingley directed her considerable charms at Mr. Sanditon, seated beside her at table. “I believe I heard that your estate is called Reddclift, sir. Is that so?”

  “Yes, you have heard correctly.”

  “What a distinctive name. Reddclift. I like the sound of it. It gives one the impression of a stately old place, full of history and romance, somehow set apart from the everyday world. I would love to visit it sometime, to see for myself if it is at all the way I imagine. Where exactly is Reddclift?” she asked in dulcet tones.

  “About nine miles outside of Kympton.”

  “And Kympton is quite near here, is it not? To the north, I believe.”

  “Just so.”

  “You have no doubt heard that my brother has recently acquired an estate in Staffordshire. I am so eager to see it. We go tomorrow, in fact. According to the way I have heard it described, it must be very fine indeed. It is only fitting that a man of consequence, like my brother, should have his own estate at last. Have you ever been to Heatheridge?”

  “I am afraid not.”

  Caroline Bingley was by no means discouraged with the brevity of the gentleman’s answers. On the contrary, his taciturn tendencies reminded her very much of Mr. Darcy, with whom she had been carrying on conversations of a similar character for years. Confident that her powers were more than equal to the task, she continued her efforts.

  “I know that Mr. and Mrs. Bingley would be happy to receive you there at your convenience. In fact, do allow me to extend you an invitation to Heatheridge on their behalf. I expect to spend a good deal of time there myself from now on. Of course, we do have a house in town as well, in Grosvenor Street. Do you go to London often, Mr. Sanditon…?”

  Mr. Bingley and his other sister, Mrs. Hurst, along with their spouses formed another conversation group. Mr. Hurst lived only to eat, drink, and play cards, so his wife was continually in want of other society to add interest and liveliness to her existence. Mr. and Mrs. Bingley often served to fill that void, as
they did on this occasion.

  Elizabeth could see Colonel Fitzwilliam across the room entertaining a group of ladies. She presumed he was telling a very droll story of some sort because his companions looked quite enraptured and then all burst out laughing at once. Elizabeth found herself laughing too, at the sight of Fitzwilliam in such fine form.

  Henry Heywood had captured Georgiana’s attention for the moment. The two were well acquainted through Mr. Darcy’s longstanding business and social connections with the young man’s family. As heir to his father’s fortune and in line to become head of the bank, Henry had the prospect of an excellent future. Elizabeth knew that her husband approved of young Mr. Heywood, and so it pleased her to see Georgiana spending time in his company.

  “When do you come to London next, Miss Darcy?” he asked.

  “I really cannot say, Mr. Heywood. I imagine we will be in town for at least a portion of the social season.”

  “But that is still a long way off. I had hoped to see you again much sooner than that.” Then he added quickly, “What I mean is, my family is very fond of you, and it would be a shame for you to miss all the diversions available in town. It must be unbearably tedious to be fixed here in the country for months at a time.”

  “If you knew me better, Mr. Heywood, you would appreciate that I prefer the quiet of the country. It is not dull to me so long as I have my friends about me and my music to fill my time,” Georgiana explained.

  “Yes, yes, your music,” Mr. Heywood remembered. “May I have the privilege of hearing you play, perhaps tomorrow before we leave, Miss Darcy? Nothing would give me more enjoyment, I assure you…”

  Just then, a disturbance erupted in the entry hall, shattering the idyllic spell that had been cast over the evening. Elizabeth could not see the cause of the trouble. Mr. Darcy, who was across the room and nearer to it, hastened to investigate, taking two male servants with him. The guests withdrew en masse from their meals and conversations to attend to the commotion. All heads turned toward the hall where the sounds of raised voices and scuffling could be heard above the music. In an effort to drown out the din, the orchestra played all the louder, which only served to reinforce the impression of growing chaos.

  Within the space of a few minutes, the uproar was over. The noise soon diminished, moving away into the night along with the apparent cause of the disruption. Once order was reestablished, Mr. Darcy returned, silenced the orchestra, and made a brief announcement.

  “My dear friends, I do apologize that the evening’s entertainments have been so rudely interrupted. It was only a harmless, local rascal under the influence of too much ale. The poor soul wished to come in and make merry with you.” Darcy chuckled and others responded in kind. “He has now been sent on his way. I beg you would return to your supper and to your companions, and think no more about it.”

  Although Darcy smiled and affected an air of good humor as he reassured the company, Elizabeth was not taken in. She followed his lead, however, encouraging the guests to resume their amusements as she made her way toward him to ascertain the truth of the matter.

  “This is beyond the pale!” Darcy told her in a carefully controlled whisper. “It was Wickham! Apparently, he took exception to being left behind at Heatheridge. So, after fortifying his spirits with much wine, he followed on horseback. I have had him taken to the stables to be made sober and reasonable. He will not disturb us again tonight.”

  Meanwhile, Mrs. Wickham continued in a blissful state of ignorance. Having no notion of her husband’s proximity, and too little penetration to suspect him of the mischief in any case, Lydia suffered no embarrassment or fit of conscience to spoil her night of felicity. Her tenacious party spirit withstood the brief unpleasantness admirably. She joined everyone else in passing off the incident as of next to no importance, and soon returned to revelry. Darcy and Elizabeth did not recover as quickly, being reminded once again of the considerable inconvenience of having Wickham for a brother-in-law.

  As the dancing recommenced, Colonel Fitzwilliam claimed Georgiana’s hand, Mr. Sanditon asked Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy stood up with Miss Bingley. Elizabeth imagined she could guess Caroline’s thoughts. She no doubt considered that, were there any justice in the world, this should have been her place always – at Pemberley on Mr. Darcy’s arm.

  Despite any such bittersweet reflections, Miss Bingley made the most of the opportunity. She wore a particularly dazzling smile, spoke attentively to her partner, and danced with a style to show off her figure to best advantage, making quite a favorable impression on more than one man’s mind. Her efforts were completely thrown away on Mr. Darcy, however, who had long since become immune to her wiles. By dancing with Miss Bingley, he performed a duty in which he took no pleasure. The chore completed, he excused himself with a curt bow and swiftly returned to his wife.

  Elizabeth could not resist having a little sport at his expense. “How well you looked dancing with Caroline, my dear,” she said, her eyes twinkling with fun. “It was quite a pretty picture, I must say. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.”

  “You know perfectly well that I did not,” he muttered, “but I am gratified that I could once again be a source of amusement to you. That is always my first object.”

  “As indeed it should be.”

  “Still, it does put me in mind of another time, when our situations were more or less reversed. I recall a different ball where I had the very great pleasure of seeing you dance with Mr. Collins. Then I was the one amused by your discomfort. Perhaps the remembrance of that occasion will give you more sympathy for me now,” Darcy suggested.

  With a hearty laugh, Elizabeth acknowledged that her husband’s shot had hit its mark. He had bested her wit, and not for the first time.

  Chapter 10

  Aftermath

  The Darcys’ guests began to take to their leave after the fireworks display that capped off the night, but it was not until nearly dawn that the last of the company had boarded their carriages and gone. Those who lived nearby departed under a full moon for the comfort their own beds, and others, such as the Applewhites and Williamses, went to lodgings in Lambton and Kympton. The Heywoods, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Miss de Bourgh, and the entire Bingley party were to be housed overnight at Pemberley. None of these lingered long downstairs after the others had gone, and Georgiana shortly said goodnight as well.

  Darcy and Elizabeth were the last to retire. With the party not finishing until the wee hours, no one would expect them to make another appearance before midday. Still they did not tarry unnecessarily. They retreated upstairs, exhausted and quietly content, agreeing that despite Wickham’s interruption the evening had been an unqualified success. When they finally awoke and came downstairs again, they found Mr. and Mrs. Bingley in the breakfast room ahead of them.

  “Darcy, Elizabeth, I congratulate you both,” said Mr. Bingley. “What a capital ball – good company, spirited dancing, excellent food. I must say, I enjoyed myself immensely. The only imperfection was not being allowed to dance with my beautiful wife,” he said turning to Jane.

  “I wish I could have joined in, and yet it was very agreeable just to watch,” she replied. “With people dressed in their finery and Pemberley looking its best, it was a beautiful sight to behold.”

  “I am very glad that you both enjoyed it,” said Elizabeth. “All things considered, I think it went off pretty well. I am especially pleased for Georgiana; she was definitely the belle of the ball. Ah, here comes our birthday girl now. I was just saying what a success you were last evening, dear. How are you feeling after your big night?”

  “I never danced so much in my life! I am thoroughly exhausted, and it may take me a week to recover, but I could not have asked for a better birthday. It was altogether wonderful, was it not?”

  Gradually, the others drifted in and helped themselves from the tempting variety of dishes set out on the sideboard. A great deal of wine had been consumed during the ball, and a couple of the men were clea
rly suffering the consequences of their overindulgence. With that notable exception, everybody appeared in good spirits. They casually collected, ate, and talked amongst themselves, mostly about the particulars of the night before.

  The Bingley contingent prepared to depart shortly thereafter. Mr. Bingley’s sisters had long cherished a darling wish that there would one day be a family estate to lend distinction to the Bingley name. Now that the dream had been realized, they were extremely keen to see the place. As soon as the whole party could be made ready, they set off for Heatheridge, surreptitiously going by way of the stables in order to collect Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy, being careful to conceal the transaction from his sister, had privately informed Mr. Bingley of the whereabouts of his brother-in-law and assigned the rogue over to his supervision.

  The Applewhites and Williamses drove back to Pemberley to spend the day. They, along with the Heywoods, took advantage of the opportunity to sojourn a little longer with their friends before starting back to London. With Colonel Fitzwilliam, Anne de Bourgh, and Kitty Bennet included, they made a party of fourteen in a comfortable gathering, with none of the pomp and ceremony of the previous night.

  That evening, those who remained moved to the music room. Miss Heywood was desirous of exhibiting her talent, and, at Henry Heywood’s particular request, Georgiana agreed to play as well. Although the young man apparently found his sister’s performance not to be worth listening to, he attended with uncommon interest and admiration whilst Miss Darcy played. When she finished, Henry responded enthusiastically and rose to escort the self-conscious young lady back to her seat.

  That night, Elizabeth could not resist commenting to her husband about the episode. “Young Mr. Heywood seems to be taking a serious interest in our dear Georgiana.”

  “Yes, I think that fact could hardly have escaped the notice of anybody in the room this evening. Although they have known each other for years, this is the first occasion that I have seen him so determined to please her and to be pleased by her.”