Scotch and Sirens - Lizzy and Darcy - Scotch and Sirens

Darcy wordlessly offered Elizabeth his arm and they walked along in silence. She seemed to be haunted by the beauty of their surroundings, and Darcy by his own thoughts. Some notorious feeling of disappointment did not allow him enjoy her last performance. His mind could not find anything wanting in it, yet his heart desired so much more. Eventually he had realised that even though her remarks aimed at him used to be teasing and often unfavourable, they were at least about him. He would like to know that, though his place in her heart was by no means safe, he was at least in her thoughts. As much as he knew he should not have expected her to ever choose to dedicate a poem to him, even a most witty one, he could not help but silently hope for it.

Finally he berated himself for his own insecurity. There were many other things that could be in his favour, and it was not so very long ago that he had not even hoped for them. He just wanted too much, that was all.

“Miss Bennet, may I presume that you find the view to your satisfaction? I guess there are no waterfalls to be seen in Hertfordshire.”

She looked away from the falls and addressed him.

“There are none near my home, unless you count the one I create at the garden pump. I cannot get over the beauty of this one, but some day I would wish to show you one on the Isle of Skye. It falls most dramatically and picturesquely to the sea. One cannot walk right up to it as one can to this one, but it is breathtaking all the same. Do you like waterfalls, Mr. Darcy?”

“It is difficult not to like them, but I take it you like islands as well.”

“Well, I must say it would depend upon the island, but yes, overall I find them most intriguing. Surrounded by water on all sides, isolated from the entire world, untouchable. Standing on the shore with the wind and salt spray blowing and the waves lapping at the rocks and sand is a luxurious experience.”

Her eyes grew dreamy as she continued.

“If I could live on an island I think I would feel safe from all the troubles of the world. I would walk from end to end and all the way around it if I could, proclaiming it sacred territory where no strife was allowed. It would be the most romantic thing to have a house so happily situated.”

Darcy’s eyes lit up upon observing her withdrawing into her dreams.

She said nothing for a moment and then her eyes gained focus and she laughed at herself.

"You must think me silly, I am sure, the way I go on. I must insist you rid your memory of my ranting before you would wish to be rid of the company of such an empty headed dreamer!”

“Miss Bennet, though I would not wish you to ever guard your dreams from me, I feel I have to warn you that if you really want me not to remember them you should learn to censure your words, for I can hardly forget anything you have ever said.

“And now I will not rest knowing that the sight of a mere waterfall cannot truly satisfy you when it is not properly situated on an island. Pray, could you give me more directions? How large should the island be? Truly, I would not like to disappoint you once more.”

She smiled at his teasing words, but then her face and voice grew most serious.

“Well, Mr. Darcy, I must say it is highly sensible of you to not wish to disappoint me. It is very wise, for you would not long survive my displeasure, and you know how hard I can be on you when I am unhappy.” She peered sideways at him to gage his reaction to her words.

“Let me see... I think this island should be at least a half-mile long and a quarter-mile wide, if not larger. And it simply must contain a house, a waterfall or two, wild flowers of course, a wooded area, and at least one very nice secluded beach so I may perform my siren impression in privacy.”

She stared at him with the still serious look on her face, one that did not quite reach her eyes, waiting for his response.

Darcy could hardly conceal his own smile.

“Why, I thank you for that most informative answer, Miss Bennet. I think I should also warn all of your suitors not to waste their time unless they can produce evidence of such a most satisfying settlement that might meet with your approval.”

Vian’s sojourn with Mrs. Tournier and the others had been playing on his patience. He quickly grew bored with his chosen plan. His companions seemed to have no sense of adventure or interest in anything but entertaining Mrs. Tournier and seeing to her needs. He had assumed they would all walk together when they had started out and was disappointed that Miss Bennet and Mr. Darcy had lagged so far behind the rest. It seemed that Mrs. Tournier was just as disappointed in that outcome, since she continually looked behind her and grew very agitated in her party’s conversation when the two disappeared from view altogether.

Finally, after that lady had mentioned her lack of enjoyment in nature and the uselessness of a walk in the hot sun by the river for the third time, he took the opportunity to notice how tired she seemed and how bored with the view, and suggested he take her back to the shade where she might occupy herself more pleasantly with a book.

He escorted her back to her seat and noted with pleasure how happy it seemed to make her when he informed her he was not sure where Mr. Darcy had stowed her book, but that he would be happy to go and find that gentleman so he might fetch it for her.

He mulled over this piece of information with much amusement and merriment as he went in search of the errant couple. He had been correct, then, in his guesses about Mrs. Tournier’s dislike of Mr. Darcy. He had seen it in almost all of her actions and comments, but especially in the way she had of always making sure he himself accompanied Mademoiselle Bennet so she would not wander off alone. It seemed she must somehow know of her niece’s tête-à-têtes with Mr. Darcy and meant for them to stop. All the better for himself and his own desires, he thought, especially since Mrs. Tournier seemed to trust him implicitly with the young lady in question. He was certain Miss Bennet would come to understand that she, too, could trust and rely on him just as much as her aunt did. He would do her bidding to her satisfaction, he was sure.

He spotted the two he was searching for near the falls and slowed his steps as he approached them to reveal his errand.

As soon as Darcy excused himself Vian addressed Elizabeth.

“Mademoiselle Bennet, I see your eyes are not indifferent to the beauties of the falls. Pray, are you not intimately acquainted with them?”

“No, Sir, I am not. This is my first visit here.”

“I think you will be very much surprised and delighted by what I can show you then. I remember the place from my visits to ma tantine as a child. There is one spot that a young lady with such a curious mind as your own should find very much to her liking. Please, let me show you, but you must close your eyes to make the revealing of it have the best possible effect on your senses.”

“It is very kind of you to want to surprise me,” she hesitated, “but you did tell Mr. Darcy we would wait here. Perhaps you can show us both when he returns?”

“Do not concern yourself. It is not far. Actually it is in the range of sight, only that one must know where to look to discover it. That is why the surprise is so great. Mr. Darcy will not have any trouble finding us.” Seeing her still hesitate, he took a different tact in his encouragement. “You understand I cannot lead two persons with their eyes closed at the same time? So if you like my surprise, and I am sure you will, you can decide for yourself later if you would like to show it to him as well.

“Miss Bennet, I am certain you have never seen such a thing as this in your life.”

She knew she should not agree to such a plan, and they should wait, but the temptation to have something special to show Mr. Darcy was too great for her to overcome. After some further hesitation she found herself giving in to the idea. She closed her eyes, ready to be led.

Darcy felt anxious about Elizabeth being left alone with the Frenchman. He had fetched the book for Mrs. Tournier and, after assuring himself that it was indeed all the lady needed, he hurried back to the falls. The bigger was his disappointment when, after his return, he found the spot he had left them empty. He looked around and saw Elizabeth being led by Vian along a very narrow rocky shelf on a path leading behind the waterfall. The path’s edge was almost being washed by water. Her eyes were closed and Vian was steering her with his arms.

It was evident that she was oblivious to the danger she was in. Darcy was just about to call to her and warn her, but he thought better of it after realising his voice might only cause her to rashly turn around, resulting in her losing her balance. When they reached the falls Vian helped Elizabeth ascend a step that was situated much higher then the shelf, and the two then disappeared behind the wall of water.

Darcy started to pace back and forth while waiting impatiently for their return.

She knew she was very close to the falls now because the sound was deafening. Vian had made her promise to keep her eyes closed or she would spoil the surprise for herself, and he had yelled that warning to her repeatedly as they had gotten closer, so she carefully complied. She was sure he would not let her come to harm.

When they stopped he put his mouth next to her ear and told her to open them now. She found herself facing a stonewall in a small enclosed cave. He was standing in front of her and gestured for her to turn around. Upon doing so, she beheld the most wondrous sight she had ever seen.

There was a solid flow of water in front of her. It was falling with such force that it coalesced into a liquid wall. The light was coming through the water dimly, but was enough to clearly see her surroundings. She imagined it would appear this way to a mermaid looking up from her home toward the sky. Not being able to see through it, but seeing the light of it reflected on the water. The cave was dry because the water's flow bent out and down. She was like a child in a toy store, the wonder in her eyes never ending.

She wanted to reach out and touch the curtain of water and found that she could not refrain from doing so. Gently putting her hand forward, she put one finger into the flow. She withdrew it quickly as the water immediately changed course and splashed onto the front of her dress. She jumped back, startled, then burst out laughing at her own stupidity. Monsieur Vian laughed with her, smiling at the obvious joy she felt at this new experience.

Darcy’s apprehension grew since the sound of the stream masked their voices and he could not know what was happening behind the wall of water. Just then a large branch came down in the flow of the stream over the falls and many more soon followed. It seemed there must have been a heavy storm somewhere up stream. The water started to surge rapidly covering the narrow rocky path. Darcy shouted to call Elizabeth back, but he realised she could not hear him. Not knowing if there would be space enough for another person, he was afraid that his following her might make the situation even worse. Just when he decided to risk it anyway he saw her coming out.

She looked down and gasped upon seeing nothing but water surrounding her. She supported herself on the rock with her arm to regain her balance. Vian put his head out to see what had stalled her forward progress.

“O, Mademoiselle Bennet,” he called, “it seems I will have to carry you all the way back.”

“I will thank you for your assistance, Mr. Vian.” Darcy yelled to him, “but I think you have done quite enough. I will help Miss Bennet by myself.”

“Why, Monsieur Darcy, I do not see a problem here, really. And I am already in the right place.”

“But I can see one, and there is definitely no sense to lose more time. Please, let us then ask Miss Bennet to decide.”

She made her decision without even having to think about it. There was only one man there that she completely trusted to carry her.

“There is nothing to decide. Mr. Darcy must come and get me immediately!”

Darcy’s eyes smiled at her decision. He took off his shoes while waiting for Vian to cross the path. He shivered upon entering the cold stream with his bare feet. The water reached his ankles. Elizabeth went back behind the falls to make room for him. He entered the cave and looked at her. She did not seem to feel comfortable with the situation, and he decided to make an attempt at teasing her to lighten her mood. He smiled and leaned closer to her so that she might hear his voice in spite of the noise of the falls.

“Miss Bennet, it seems you have a remarkable inclination to find yourself in the company of young troublesome gentlemen.”

“Why Mr. Darcy, I believe you are quite right, as I find myself in your company even now.”

Darcy was glad to see that she had regained her humour. “I see. Maybe I should leave you alone then. You do not need to be caused any more trouble than you already have.”

“Perhaps that would be wise. I am sure I will do quite nicely right where I am. I was just thinking I might play like a siren, what with all of this water we now experience, but then you would only stay for the show, so I will think better of it just to punish you.”

“I can still stay and recall my memories of a previous show. I must say they are vivid,” he answered.

“Yes, they would be vivid. You must have woken up right after that dream for it to remain so fresh in your memory instead of fading as most dreams do.”

“ Very well then, but would you not miss the prior object of your punishments too severely were I to leave now?”

“I suppose… You are right. I need someone around to help keep my wit sharp. I have no other one to practice on. You had better stay.”

Darcy laughed. “Come here.”

He pulled her to himself and lifted her up in his arms. His breath quickened upon feeling her hands on his shoulders. He brushed his lips lightly against her hair and moved them near her ear.

“Now put your arms around my neck,” he whispered. “No, not like that, much tighter. Elizabeth, you must hold me really tight.”

Darcy realised he had called her by her Christian name. He quickly searched her face to see her reaction, and she looked up at the same moment. Their eyes met. His then wandered down to her lips…

He trembled with the sudden wave of cold water, which had just reached his feet.

“Miss Bennet, we have spent far too much time here. Please, make sure that you feel comfortable and secure. You can trust in me. I will not allow any harm to come to you.”

She nodded her understanding and let him cuddle her in his arms. He held her high, carefully descending the step to the narrow shelf, which could hardly be seen now. The water reached his knees. He kept his back close to the wall and began to slowly feel his way along the rock ledge.

Their bantering had done much to relieve the embarrassment she had felt for being so stupid as to allow herself to be led behind the falls and then get trapped there like that. She had felt silly and was sure he would think her irresponsible in her actions. But his teasing had somehow reassured her that he was not as totally disgusted with her as she had thought he would be.

When he had taken her into his arms there was a moment she found she could not breath. It was not from fear, but from the fact that she thought he would kiss her. Time seemed suspended and she willed that he would, but the moment passed, the opportunity missed. As he began to carry her out she realised she must have been mistaken, and it was just an awkward moment for him while he adjusted physically to holding her weight.

When he carried her across the ledge, the water so high that he had to feel for the path with his toes before taking each step, she buried her face against his neck and clung to him as tightly as she could. It was partly out of fear, and partly because she tried to make herself as small as possible against him to help him balance her own weight that he had to hold before himself over the edge. But if she were to be honest with herself, it was also because she liked being held by him in this way and depending upon him to keep herself safe. She did feel so very secure when he was near.

Darcy had trouble with not allowing his emotions to obscure his senses when he felt Elizabeth’s hair brushing his chin. It felt so good to hold her in his arms that even the freezing water could not be an obstacle if he was allowed to never release her.

Eventually his fear of her safety won over his own feelings. He carried her to the bank and once more leaned his head down to memorise the sight of her in his embrace.

There were so many emotions in the look on her face that he had trouble discerning them all. He wanted to say something but could not find the proper words. He then put her down slowly and smiled timidly.

Vian chose that moment to speak. “I say, Mr. Darcy, you certainly took your time. Mademoiselle Bennet would do much better to think twice before using your help in an emergency situation in the future.”

Darcy gave Vian a long stare before responding. “Mr. Vian, you would do much better thinking twice in the future before making any resolution of yours.”

Both gentlemen collected their shoes and followed Elizabeth back to their picnic spot.

Although Mrs. Macaulay's History of England never failed to engage Mrs. Tournier's mind and attention, she was made conscious in of the corner of her eye of three figures silently approaching across the lawn. Lifting her eyes from the page slightly, she could see her niece followed by Mr. Darcy and Monsieur Vian coming towards her. The fascination for the book, however, faded rapidly as she discovered the gentlemen walked on bare feet and were carrying their shoes, and her niece's hem was wet. Both of the men seemed to shirk her own company and took a detour in under the trees, no doubt to compose themselves, but Lizzy approached her aunt, abruptly sat down on the blanket after having given her a smile and, in Mrs. Tournier's eyes, miserably failed in casually trying to pour herself a drink and nibble at a few grapes.

Mrs. Tournier watched her for a while until she could restrain her curiosity no longer.

“Lizzy, would you mind enlightening me and explaining what in particular you find so alluring and irresistible about waterways?”

Elizabeth looked at her aunt, knowing full well that the lady was highly amused at what she had observed of the returning troop of wet characters, and was only being her irascible self by asking the question.

“Why, Aunt, without waterways the world would have no ready supply of water and no easy way to transport goods. I am excessively fascinated by all things related to such topics, however, as you know, I sometimes find I am a rather hands-on learner. I always like to experience my subject of study up close.” She then turned back to the food to continue her search for just the right grape.

“I am very glad to hear it, Lizzy. I do believe your cousin would be envious of your talent of inspiring your pupils to adopt your enthusiasm for hands-on knowledge – if she could be prevailed upon to tear herself from whatever fancy has caught her attention, that is.”

Mrs. Tournier watched as the gentlemen return, now fully clothed but looking extremely uncomfortable and put out.

“Well! And what have you learnt today under the excellent tutelage of Miss Bennet about Scottish waterways, gentlemen? Very wet, are they not?”

“I am afraid the fault is mine, Ma Tantine. It seems that the memories of childhood play have too great an advantage over me in these beautiful Scottish surroundings.”

Vian gave a quick glance at Darcy. “Why, no matter how pleasant and innocent they might be, I am certain Monsieur Darcy is ready to hold them against me.”

Before Darcy could respond to Vian’s remark the situation was diffused by the arrival of the rest of their party.

After half an hour of further conversation Mrs. Tournier declared herself quite finished with the outdoors, suggested that they had gleaned all of the pleasure there was to be had from the day and their surroundings, and stated that it was time to be gone.

They packed up the remnants of their feast and climbed into the carriages for their homeward journey.

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