Fault or Virtue: An Imaginative Retelling of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' (16 page)

A queer feeling in the pit of her stomach rendered Elizabeth unable to enjoy the
affectation the supper brought before them at Netherfield, nor the jovial company of
Colonel Fitzwilliam. Not even the redness in Caroline’s cheeks as it was made obvious
that the second eldest Bennet needed no introduction to either the Colonel nor Miss
Darcy was enough to restore her spirits.

It was useless to fight it, Elizabeth realized. She was nervous. She was unsure of
how to behave towards Darcy and she was equally nervous to see how he would behave
towards her. He seemed to keep his distance also, letting his cousin and his sister favor
her with conversation, occasionally shooting the Colonel a look or two of warning.
Elizabeth could not know what these looks meant, other than a reminder to keep her at a
distance. She was somewhat pleased, however, that Georgiana received none of these
silent scoldings, and was therefore allowed freedom with Elizabeth. Caroline, however,
was threatened by the fall into easy conversation between them, and therefore abandoned
her plan to impress Darcy and his relatives with supper and instead sought to humiliate
the Bennet family as best she could.

Miss Darcy,” she chirped coolly from her seat besides Mr. Darcy.
“I am not surprised, it has been a short acquaintance, but in every way a pleasant
one,” she met the appreciative gaze of Colonel Fitzwilliam and they smiled at one
another, which prompted Caroline further.
“And how, might I ask, did this fortuitous meeting come about in the short length
of time since I quit the neighborhood?” she asked Elizabeth pointedly.
Before Elizabeth could reply, the Colonel jumped in, “If I might answer, it gives
me the greatest pleasure to recall when I first met Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bingley. You see,
I was visiting, along with our cousin, our Aunt Lady Catherine to whom Mr. Collins has
been appointed rectory of her estate. Mr. Collins is blessed to be related to Miss
Elizabeth, and she was a guest in his home visiting with his new wife, recently known as
Charlotte Lucas, of this neighborhood, I believe.” The Colonel fixed Elizabeth with a sly
expression and Elizabeth silently thanked him for his intervention.
Miss Darcy, quite unaware that Elizabeth was a target for Miss Bingley, spoke up
next to explain how she had become acquainted with the lady.
“My brother and I had the pleasure of entertaining Miss Elizabeth and her Aunt
and Uncle while they were visiting Lambton, Miss Bingley. They were only in the
neighborhood for a few days, but we were able to enjoy their company a few times.”
“I was a guest at the Darcy home at that time as well,” added the Colonel.
“What impeccable timing the Bennets have!” Caroline exclaimed, nearly losing
her resolve, “and here I did not even know you left the neighborhood, Miss Eliza. But
you timed it well, and you no doubt made the best of your travels. How lucky you are.”
“It was I, who thought myself lucky, Miss Bingley,” Mr. Darcy spoke up
suddenly. Besides his polite greeting, it was the first time he had spoken all evening.
“You are too kind, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said and held his gaze. She felt her
stomach quiver and she dropped her eyes suddenly to her soup.
At nearly every turn
Darcy comes to my defense! My debt is increasing!
Now that Mr. Darcy had allowed himself one look at Elizabeth, he could not tear
his eyes away from her form. The stress, no doubt from her sister’s precarious situation,
had made an impression on her. She looked more tired than he had ever seen her, more
pale. He was certain that this was temporary, but he was no less worried for her. She
carried herself too in a different manner than he had witnessed before, almost as if she
were nervous or uncomfortable. It could very well be Caroline Bingley who caused her
discomfort, but he had a nagging feeling in the back of his mind, a cool and dark thought
that swept over him, what if it was his presence that made her nervous?

They made eye contact several more times over the meal and her pallid
complexion made it easy to discern that she blushed becomingly each time. Perhaps,
Darcy began to hope, it was nerves and not discomfort.

Elizabeth was surprised when Darcy sat beside her as soon as the gentlemen were
allowed to join the ladies. She glanced quickly about the room to see if they were the
object of any study, but only a red-faced Caroline seemed to give them any thought.

Darcy said not a word, and Elizabeth was reminded of when she had first seen
him, when he had only appeared tall, dour, unreadable. She risked a glance up at his face
now, wondering if she would find that man beside her. She found no sign of cruelty that
she used to, no sign of disapproval either. His expression was the same as it had been the
evening of the Meryton assembly, but her understanding of the man had changed. Darcy
turned, meeting her eyes.

In the silence, all she could hear was the beating of her heart.
Finally, she felt compelled to speak, “We have a great deal to discuss, Mr.
Darcy.” She referred, of course, to his involvement with Lydia’s wedding, but, as she
quickly realized, he would be unaware that she knew of it. She searched for something
else to say to make her statement more clear, but everything that came to mind was far
too impertinent.
He looked at her in surprise and answered, “I realize my skills at conversation
have not improved.”
“No, it’s just…” she attempted to explain when Fitzwilliam interrupted.
“I daresay they have not improved, Darcy. Though you were never one to take our
aunt’s advice about practice.”
Caroline shot daggers in their direction, but turned to faithfully ensnare Georgiana
in conversation in hopes that her brother would join them. The action only succeeded in
capturing Elizabeth’s pity, however, and she moved to Georgiana’s aid.
“Excuse me, gentleman, I’ve only just heard Miss Bingley discussing Italian
poetry and I would enjoy having a part in the conversation, if you will excuse me.” She
bowed somewhat awkwardly and moved to the other side of the room as both men’s eyes
followed her.
“What exactly do you find so difficult, Darcy?” Fitzwilliam asked in hushed
tones.
“I was not yet prepared to broach the subject, Fitzwilliam, and you interrupted
us,” Darcy replied, frustrated.
“I did not interrupt much. She is the most talented conversationalist I have ever
met and yet your presence seems to do away with that quality in her. I don’t know how
you do it.”
“We have shared a great deal of conversation, on the contrary. Though much of it
has occurred while we were alone together.”
Fitzwilliam raised an eyebrow, “A waste then, if that is how you choose to spend
time alone with a lovely lady.”
“Fitzwilliam.” Darcy warned.
“I surrender,” Fitzwilliam raised his hands in a gesture of peace, “so long as there
are ladies present,” his eyes shone wickedly.

The day of the wedding arrived, and Elizabeth began to sympathize with her
mother’s nerves. It had all been taxing: the preparations, the cooking, the constant
arrangements and worry, but it was nothing compared to the knowledge that when it was
all over, it would mean the loss of her favorite sister.

The thought was just as unbearable to Jane, who had spoken to Bingley days
before about bringing Elizabeth. Elizabeth had insisted that Jane not mention it, but Jane
was adamant. Elizabeth knew that it was done in many families, that the next in line
accompany the married sister on her honeymoon in order to make matches beyond their
sphere, but she did not wish to intrude upon their travels and celebration. It was not yet
decided when or where the honeymoon would take place, however, so Elizabeth hoped
there was still a chance of convincing Jane to leave her.

Until their coach approached the Church where the ceremony was to be held,
Elizabeth had not given a thought to seeing Darcy. She decided, for the sake of their
future as mutual friends of the bride and groom that she would neglect to mention her
knowledge of his interference with Lydia. He had not wanted her to know, and her
mentioning it would surely cause him pain and embarrassment. They needed no further
complications. Besides Bingley and Jane, they would no longer have anything in
common. They would be nothing to one another but acquaintances, just as she had said to
Lady Catherine. They could be nothing more.

But for the towering form of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth enjoyed the ceremony
immensely. No one could question the attachment of bride and groom, as there was no
one smiling so eagerly in all of England. Jane had never looked more beautiful and Mr.
Bingley complimented her very well with his bright eyes and dashing coat. Mr. Darcy,
Elizabeth could not help but noticing, looked very well. His dark coat complimented his
eyes beautifully, and Elizabeth caught herself admiring his form, accentuated by his
formal wear. He had not noticed, she knew, but she felt as though she was the object of
his gaze as soon as she looked away. The idea made her shiver, not altogether
unpleasantly.

After the ceremony, Netherfield hosted a magnificent wedding breakfast that
nearly the entire town attended. Even Mrs. Bennet admitted the logic in such a scheme,
for she had, up until that moment, wished it had been held at Longbourn.

Elizabeth felt at a loss as to what to she should do. Her family was scattered
about, socializing or otherwise boasting of the match. Jane and Bingley were acting as
hosts, greeting and thanking everyone in attendance. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Darcy
were nowhere in sight. Just as she spotted Maria Lucas and was making her way towards
her, Darcy cut her off, offering her refreshment. Wine, she realized.

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” she smiled politely and took a large sip to squelch the
tingling sensation of nerves fluttering in her stomach. How was she to school her natural
response to him if he remained so attentive and handsome?

“It was. I have never seen Jane so happy,” she peered across the crowd at her
sister who was shining with joy.
“Nor I of Bingley,” Mr. Darcy responded.
They were silent for a moment, and then Darcy spoke again.
“Have you given any thought to Bingley’s offer?” he asked, sounding as though
he were not giving the subject much attention.
“I have not been aware of any offer, so I am afraid you can have no answer from
me.” She worried that this would be about their honeymoon, if anything had been settled.
“I apologize, Miss Bennet, I thought that Bingley and your sister would have had
time to speak with you.” He looked panicked.
“Please do not distress yourself or apologize. We will both have our answers soon
enough, for here they come,” she spotted Jane and Bingley moving towards them.
Bingley patted Darcy on the back and gestured for him to follow him.
“Ladies, if you will excuse us.” He and Jane shared knowing smiles and Elizabeth
turned to Jane, prepared already for what she was to hear.
“Oh, Lizzy! Mr. Bing- Charles, has given me the most wonderful news. Surely
you cannot decline us now. Mr. and Miss Darcy have asked that we join them at their
home in Derbyshire for our honeymoon. You see, Charles has been eager to purchase an
estate of his own and he has been made aware of some prospects near Pemberley. We are
to spend a few months at the estate while we look for a home for purchase. Once we are
settled we are to travel, most likely to Italy. Oh, Lizzy! I am so happy!”
Jane grasped Elizabeth’s hands, imploring her to answer.
“Jane, I am happy for you both and I believe it is a very good plan. However, I
must decline the invitation. I am sure that Mr. Darcy extended the invitation with no
knowledge that I would be joining you.”
As she said the words, she realized what Darcy had been asking her. What else
could he have meant when he had referred to, “Bingley’s offer?” But why would he have
invited her to Pemberley? Surely it would be an uncomfortable situation for both of them.
“I assure you, Elizabeth, that Mr. Darcy knew of our intention to take you with us
and would be delighted to have you. He has said as much to Mr. Bing- Charles, and
myself. And Miss Darcy has said much the same.” Jane said.
“Perhaps he knew of your inviting me with you and thought to extend the
invitation when he invited you to Pemberley out of politeness. Mr. Darcy is always the
gentleman and I cannot accept under the circumstances. When you and Charles are
properly settled in a home of your own, I will happily come to you.”
Bingley and Mr. Darcy returned with Miss Darcy, only to find the sisters at odds
with one another. Miss Darcy was the first to speak, eager to hear an answer and not as
eager to guess.
“Elizabeth, I trust that our invitation has reached your ears. I would have extended
it to you personally, but I had thought it best for Mrs. Bingley to propose it,” Miss Darcy
said. It was one of the first times Jane had been addressed by her new name, and she let a
shy giggle escape before covering her mouth.
“I am ever so grateful for your kindness, Georgiana,” Elizabeth had nearly
forgotten they agreed to call each other by first names, “but as I have just been telling my
sister, I would like to suspend my visit until a time when all is more settled. I would not

!
($!
wish to be a burden of anyone, least of all to you and your brother, or my sister on her
honeymoon.” Elizabeth dared not look towards Mr. Darcy.

“I truly hope you will reconsider,” Georgiana almost pleaded. Elizabeth was
touched by her emotional entreat. Georgiana looked to her brother for strength and
continued.

“Even if the Bingleys’ plans change, even if their plans had never included
Pemberley, you still would have been invited. Please do not trouble yourself with the
notion of being an inconvenience for, as it is my wish, you will be nothing of the sort.”

Elizabeth wondered what Mr. Darcy’s true opinions of the proposal were. Though
she was sure that he could not be happy with the arrangement, what she knew of him
convinced her that he would not have been able to deny Georgiana anything.