Scotch and Sirens

Chapter Thirty Nine

 

While she waited for him to return to her a second time she found herself much calmer and now quite resigned to the situation regarding Mr. Vian. She felt there was nothing to fear if he stayed, not only because of what Mr. Darcy had said concerning his opinion, although that was reassuring in itself, but because she was secure in the knowledge that Monsieur Vian would know that Mr. Darcy was keeping his eye on things. That, she thought, should be enough to keep him in line if nothing else would. She was by no means friendless in this situation and Mr. Vian now knew it.

She had questions to ask him though, and perhaps some things to say herself, so once he returned she did not hesitate.

“Mr. Darcy.” She smiled shyly at him. “I found that while you were gone my curiosity grew, and now I simply must know if you actually did duel with Monsieur Vian?”

Darcy looked at her. Her eyes were no longer red, and the tearstains, which had trailed down her cheeks, had disappeared. Her hair, however, was in disarray, and he involuntarily reached toward those loose wisps. Noticing his efforts, she pulled out several pins. Darcy seemed to forget her question as his eyes slowly traced the lines of her curls. She smiled at him shyly, and he slowly moved his sight back to her eyes.

He began to tenderly and reverently help her arrange her hair.

After he was through, and had had ample time to survey the results, she ventured, “And did you?”

The look of confusion on his face slowly dissipated as he pulled his mind back from the sensation of the silky feel of her curls in his fingers and finally recalled her question.

“Indeed, I did,” he said.

She laughed, smoothing the wrinkles of her dress with her hands. “You cannot expect me to be happy with that answer alone! What happened? I need more details if my curiosity is to be satisfied. How was it that no one was hurt? Was it a draw?”

He looked at her, his eyes glittering with merriment. “No, not a draw. But I was always of the opinion that a good fencer does not need to hurt his opponent to win, and besides, I had a promise to keep. It is a good thing that Monsieur Vian did not know how severe you are on me.”

He held out his arm, which she took, and they began to walk, he leading his horse by the reins.

“A promise? I do not recall extracting any promise relating to this duel. Pray, do tell me. How was I severe on you this time? I know I have been most unfair in the past, but this I do not recall.”

Darcy smiled. “Miss Bennet, am I to understand that you demanded a pledge from me only to forget about it all together? Why, you made me promise that no one would be hurt so you could come and watch the duels. True, you were not privy to the last one, but I did not know if I was released from the promise or not. Will you allow me to fence ever again, Madam?”

“Mr. Darcy, I never dreamt that promise would hold you to such stringent behaviour over such a long period of time – and that it would include such unusual circumstances. I will take care what promises I extract from you from this day forward if you keep them even when you yourself are in danger, and I release you from this one immediately!”

“Miss Bennet, my promise to you is sacred. I would never break one I gave you. But please, feel free to ask anything of me. Fulfilling your wishes is a pleasure in itself.”

She blushed and a new thought stuck her then. “Mr. Darcy, if you were indeed fighting with this pledge holding you down, then you may have won the duelling competition today if it had not hindered your movements?”

Darcy gave some thought to her question, trying to recall the duel.

“I do not know whether I could have won if not for the promise. I think I was more concerned that the person whose safety you were worried for, and on whose behalf you extracted it, was Monsieur Vian.”

His answer took her aback. Not only did it surprise her that he would think it, but she was also stunned that he would speak the thought aloud to her. This was something new, but perhaps only due to the recent events. He had thought she cared for the Frenchman!

“I must admit that I thought only of you being hurt. I suppose by extracting that promise, and your interpretation of it, I put you in even more danger.

“Mr. Darcy, I find I must ask another question now in light of what you have just admitted to thinking regarding my feelings. If you thought I was concerned about Monsieur Vian, then surely he must also have thought so. This was all entirely my fault, was it not? I brought these events about by somehow making everyone think I cared for him.”

“Miss Bennet, it was not your fault. You did nothing to encourage Monsieur Vian. I do not believe you did, he himself agreed with me, and I will not allow you to think otherwise or blame yourself. You asked the promise of me as soon as I proposed the fencing. Since Monsieur Vian was involved I had assumed you did not want him to be hurt. I did not think then that there was any deeper consideration on your side other than worry for a guest and a member of your family. However, when I returned yesterday, and also earlier today, I was privy to some gossip referring to you and him. There was probably no more truth to it than the fact that I cannot dance with a lady without stirring all of society's expectations. But, Miss Bennet, I have to confess that I gave some credit to it, and for that I must beg your forgiveness. I think I must have lost my ability to think rationally.”

“Mr. Darcy, I believe that you are your own worst critic and will be harder on yourself than I ever could be, so I will not admonish you for believing such gossip, but I would ask now that you pay me the same favour you once requested of me regarding yourself. I would like you to trust me. I would also wish you to always enquire if you are unsure about anything regarding me, especially if it pertains to something of such a serious nature as that. May I ask who relayed such things to you?”

“Miss Bennet, you are too generous with me. As much as I admire your good character, I cannot forgive myself so easily. I asked you to trust me, and in return I let myself be deceived.

“As soon as I returned Lord Brougham suggested that you seemed to thoroughly enjoy Monsieur Vian’s company during my absence, and then today – and what I am most ashamed to admit to having listened to at all – Miss Lucy mentioned that an understanding between you and him was generally expected soon. Please, do not think me as weak as to base my judgement solely on those reports, but I must confess that Monsieur Vian’s trick with your ribbon had a calculated effect on me. I did fence believing that you cared for that gentleman’s well being. In truth I was ready to leave Scotland as soon as I bid my farewell to you. As you see, I have proven that I do not deserve your credit.”

She said nothing for a moment, only pondered his admission with excitement. That he would have left Scotland because he thought she cared for another… She tucked that piece of information away like the diamond it was and silently thanked the circumstances that brought him to her today before he could carry through on that resolve.

“I would have been extremely sorry to see you go, Sir, especially with a false impression of me or my intentions. As much as I still do not comprehend how everyone’s perceptions went so wrong, I am afraid I will have to bear the many outcomes. I never imagined anyone would think Monsieur Vian was anything but a family member.”

“Please, do not worry yourself, nothing happened that would be irreparable.”

“Yes, but that is only because you have not left.”

A tender smile played on his lips, and their eyes locked for an instant. She looked away, a bit ashamed by her bold admission. Not wishing to discomfort them now with an awkward silence, she composed herself quickly and looked slyly over at him.

“Mr. Darcy, I can forgive you almost anything that you have just confessed, but I cannot forgive that you would listen to Miss Steele of all people.” She laughed. “You shall have to do much to make it up to me I am afraid. You have much to answer for there, and I will brook no argument about the matter. I shall think long and hard on your punishment and will tell you it when I have decided upon just the proper one.”

Darcy laughed softly, “I have already admitted that I am most ashamed of it myself. Although I did not give it too much credit, I should have known better than to allow such a report to affect my mood. I deserve every punishment, Miss Bennet, and I will be only too grateful for your taking the effort and devoting your time to think of an appropriate one to ease my guilt.”

He put his other hand on hers. “Miss Bennet, I believe that my senses became ruled all too much by my emotions. I would never have paid attention to such a report had it not matched my fears. Will you forgive me?”

She smiled tenderly at him. “With all of my heart.”

They reached the road and stopped, silently facing one another. The not so distant buzz of the fair reached their ears. A light tune of a Scotch reel was being played. She looked at him. Her eyes, sparking with amusement, involuntarily moved down to encompass his kilt.

“Do not you feel a great inclination, Mr. Darcy, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?”

He noticed the direction of her gaze and they both blushed slightly. “Very much so.” A teasing smile brushed the corners of his mouth. “If only I could find a gracious partner similarly inclined.”

“I am certain that during festivities such as these more than one lady without a partner might be found.”

“I am afraid I still have not mastered the art of recommending myself to strangers.”

“Perhaps it would be a good opportunity to practice?”

He put his hand out. “Do not refuse me, please,” he whispered.

She placed her own palm on his. “It was never my intention, Sir.”

 

 

The fencing competition was long over and people were now celebrating in their usual manner. It was exactly the kind of event that Darcy had looked forward to with curiosity as a child and with abhorrence as a grown up, but today everything was different. Today he had brought Elizabeth with him. The mere thought of her accompanying him anywhere was quietly tickling his consciousness with a sense of pride, pleasure and protectiveness.

Their joining the dancing was not without general notice, as Mr. Steele, upon seeing them heading to the parquet, asked whether his illustrious guest and his fair partner would do them the honour of calling the dance.

At this point Lizzy worried that he might now regret coming here at all, but he only smiled and asked her opinion. She acquiesced, and so they stood as the first couple.

She was certain that he would be only too happy to leave the creative part of the dance to her, and indeed, she enjoyed calling out the figures very much. However, he was predisposed to be pleased that evening, and so he surprised her by taking the lead almost as often as she did. Yet she arched an eyebrow questioningly after he had called the same steps three times in a row.

“Mr. Darcy,” she suggested, “perhaps I might offer some assistance?”

“Why? I am very pleased with the current outcome.”

“I just thought that you might need help in remembering the names of a few more figures.”

“No, indeed. I choose to remember only those in which your figure appears to its best advantage.”

His response was met with a blush, which added to his pleasure. However, his punishment arrived soon enough when she boldly directed her eyes to his kilt and called out a figure that demanded his feet make a series of quick steps which would cause his attire to fly about swiftly. He laughed and performed his duty with sedated grace. Acknowledging she had entered into a sparring contest with him, he challenged her in turn until the dance was at its completion.

They then slowly walked along the stalls, his hand alighting on the small of her back in a protective gesture. She would stop whenever she found anything worthy of her notice on exhibition, and he would admire the sparkle in her eye that genuine interest unmistakably awakened. They conversed in low voices, he asking her many unrelated questions and simply enjoying her animated answers, she enquiring about details relating to farming and running a property as large as Pemberley.

“I could never imagine you in a place such as this,” she eventually offered.

“I assure you I have never before found myself so well situated.”

“Do you have these in Lambton?”

“In Kympton, yes, we do. And,” he continued, “I thought that perhaps we… we might hold the harvest festivities at Pemberley next year.”

“I am certain Miss Darcy would like that.”

“Would you… would you like some refreshments?”

Elizabeth admitted that she would, and after escorting her to a jugglers’ performance he left her to fetch something to drink.

He observed her from afar while waiting for the wine to be poured, her laughter ringing sweetly in his ears. She clapped with energy, rewarding the performers, and joined others in their plea for an encore.

Suddenly, an obstacle in the form of a gentleman’s rather wide back obstructed his view. Darcy took the glasses and reached Elizabeth just in time to hear Mr. Tidwell’s words.

“I have observed you revel in dancing, Miss Bennet. I am sure you will not refuse a gentleman, unless you are as fastidious in your choice of dance partners as in those of life.”

“I believe,” Darcy cut in, “that the next one is a reel. Miss Bennet has already promised it to me.”

“Very well, I reserve the next two in that case.”

“I am afraid I will not be staying so long,” Lizzy offered. “My aunt will expect me back soon.”

“What difference will a half an hour make?” Tidwell insisted.

“I believe the lady gave you her answer, Sir.” Darcy looked at him coldly. His glare did not falter until they were left alone.

“I am sorry, Miss Bennet. I should not have left you.”

“Please, do not think anything would spoil the evening for me.”

She put her hand on his in a reassuring gesture. He enveloped it in his gently.

“May I then still hope for the dance?”

“You may, Sir. I will enjoy seeing you in a reel.”

They emptied their glasses and joined the dancers. Darcy’s eyes rarely left hers. His every look rewarded with her smile. Before they had danced together, now she danced for him, and even if that were not the case, it was what he wanted to believe, and little would sway him tonight.

“How fortunate that someone who likes dancing so little can perform it so well,” Elizabeth said when they finally left for Rosefarm.

“I fear, Miss Bennet, that it is not education I am lacking but a partner.”

“And all along I thought it was enthusiasm that was deficient.”

“I think I have shown enough enthusiasm. You, Madam, have made the practice of refusing me.”

“Is that a complaint, Sir?”

“No, only sheer frustration.” Darcy smiled at the surprised look she offered him.

“I think I have refused you only twice, if indeed you were asking the second time. Since then I acquiesced every time you requested my hand.”

“I will try to derive every hope from this pattern. However, I have reason to believe that when you eventually did give me your hand, you did not do it willingly.”

“I must then ask your forgiveness for my poor estimation of your skills, Sir. Since then I have learnt to not underestimate you as a partner.”

Darcy smiled and stopped to take his coat off.

“Yet I am afraid,” she continued, “you may find my skills lacking.”

“On the contrary, Miss Bennet. None of your skills are left wanting. What could be lacking other than your own higher estimation of them?”

“Much, I am afraid. I cannot perform every dance. I have recently heard tell of one that is now gaining more and more popularity in the salons of England, yet I have never seen it. Do you think, Sir, that the ability to waltz is necessary to make a dance partner worldly enough?”

“The waltz?” he almost stuttered, suddenly realising from where the information had come. “Monsieur Vian told you of it?”

Embarrassed that she had somehow brought up the Frenchman without meaning to, she turned her gaze to her side of the road, the growing dusk now making it easier to hide a blush. “Yes,” she almost whispered. “He had offered to give us lessons, but now, of course, I would decline.”

“If I may have my say in this matter, I will be the only person to ever teach you to waltz.”

She turned and looked into his eyes, eyes too serious to be teased. “Is there a reason why no one else might attempt it, Sir?” she whispered.

“The waltz requires a close proximity between the partners,” he explained in a low voice, enveloping her in his coat.

“How close?” Her face was turned to his, dangerously near now.

“This close,” Darcy whispered against her lips.

Her heartbeat quickened. Their breaths mingled. Time seemed to stand still as goose bumps formed on her arms despite his coat, still freshly holding the warmth of his body, now snugly wrapped about her own. Feeling almost dizzy, she involuntarily took in a small gasp of air.

“Indeed.” He smiled and offered her his arm. “It must have been a tiring day for you.”

They walked on in an amiable silence. Lizzy was stuck by how happy she was now, when only a short while ago she had felt as if her world were coming to an end.

“Is not life a strange thing? Earlier I would have given anything to begin the day over, and now I would not have it any other way. I thank you for all of your efforts on my behalf. I do not know what I have done to deserve such a protector, but know that I am most grateful.”

“How could I do less when you are concerned? I must say I like the turning of the day very much as well. Surprisingly, I even find I cannot resent Monsieur Vian as I normally would under such circumstances. I must credit that newly found graciousness to you, Miss Bennet. You always have the best influence on me.”

“I am charmed at your kind words. If my influence means that you will duel many times in one day – once for your very life even – and still come out happy and full of charity at the end of it, then at least it is not of the dull kind,” she laughed.

“Oh no, one certainly cannot but be amiably diverted in your presence. Pray, may I take it that your estimation of my skill with the sword has increased?”

She looked at him most seriously. “On the contrary, Sir. It is not my estimation of your skills that has changed, but only my willingness to admit them. Before I would have said anything to keep you from risking your life like that. Since my words had so little effect on your resolve, however, next time – and I hope there is never a next time – I shall tell you that you do not know how to fence at all and would do better to teach your opponent ballet. Perhaps that will do the trick?”

He returned her serious look. “Sometimes I cannot but wonder how it would feel to earn your praise.”

“Well then, Mr. Darcy, you simply must keep trying, and I am sure one day you shall succeed. Every worthy endeavour comes to fruition in its own good time I always say,” and she gave him a very encouraging smile.

“Thank you for your kind advice, I shall try until my death then if necessary.”

She laughed at his answer. “I am sure that will not be required, but I will not discourage your efforts.” More seriously she continued. “You do not have to work so hard in fact, as you already have my highest praise for simply being the kind of man you are.”

“Miss Bennet, that is indeed the highest praise I might ever wish for. I truly hope that I will earn it, for I cannot believe I deserve it already.”

She grew a little shy now. They were coming closer to Rosefarm and the end of their walk together, and she did not want it to be over quite yet.

“Oh, but you do deserve that and more. You must know that you do. You have done so much for me without asking anything in return. You have earned it in my eyes, please do not question that, ever.”

“Miss Bennet, perhaps you are too hasty in your praise, for I may wish to ask something of you. However, for now I would ask only for my coat. As much as I enjoy seeing it wrapped around you, I am afraid we are too close to the house already.”

She reluctantly handed it back and waited for him to put it on again. What would he ask of her that would make her regret her praise of him? She could not bear to think this day might take another turn, and maybe one not to her liking.

“Mr. Darcy, I am sure there is nothing you could ever ask of me that would lower my esteem of you.”

They walked on, each silent now, but when they neared the door she felt she needed to say something more.

“I just wanted you to know how sorry I was for insisting our rides be kept secret. It was silly and led to so many wrong turns. If I had it to do over, I would not be so insistent and stupid. Maybe then we could still... Thank you for everything. Good evening.”

Embarrassed now, she quickly turned away from him and entered the house.

Darcy did not even try to suppress the smile that now spread unrestrained across his face while he watched Elizabeth disappear within. He waited to see which window would now be lit with a candle’s light and watched her approach it and shut the curtains. She looked out before covering it, and he wondered if she knew he still stood there even if she could not see him. He took the indirect way to Clyne to prolong the pleasure of remembering her every gesture, look, and smile.

 

 

This story is written by Laura and Sylwia, and they own full © copyrights to it.

 

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