Eclipse

Chapter Nine

 

The next few days passed in a whirlwind of activity at Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet was determined to provide her daughters with the best advantage in style as could be had from Meryton, and therefore was constantly sending for some new embellishment to their costumes. To escape the bustle of the house, Jane and Lizzy frequented the quiet edges of their property bundled against the cold. There they would sit and talk of the Ball and Jane’s fondness for Mr. Bingley. “Your bruise is almost gone, do you think you shall dance often with Mr. Wickham...or maybe Mr. Darcy?” Jane asked as she scattered some seeds for the winter songbirds.

Lizzy lay on a bench, her head pillowed on her scarf. “I shall as often as he asks with Mr. Wickham, but I doubt that Mr. Darcy has any inclination to propose a dance.” She giggled and Jane smiled shyly. “How many has Mr. Bingley spoken for?”

“He asked for the first two, before Lydia interrupted this morning asking where her ribbons were. Oh Lizzy, I do like him. He is so nice and so…so…well nice.” She smiled softly at Lizzy’s expression, “He is witty too and tells the funniest stories. It is all I can do not to laugh aloud.”

“Then I am sure you will be very happy and tomorrow this waiting shall be over. Lydia will finally be quieted by attending the ball.” She closed her eyes as she heard an overly loud shriek from the house. “And we may have some peace by Christmas.”

“Lizzy, I believe Mr. Darcy may have changed his thoughts from those he first expressed at the assembly.”

“Really Jane, but what of the other occasions we have been in his company? He seems much the same in my opinion. Just this morning he sat by the window staring as if there was no one else in the room. And do not forget Mr. Wickham's treatment at his hand, which was deplorable.”

“Do you not think Mr. Wickham spoke too soon about what should be a personal matter between him and Mr. Darcy to you, a mere stranger?" Jane had a dubious look on her face, but when Lizzy shrugged she continued. “If you would like I can ask Mr. Bingley about the difficulty between them.”

“Oh Jane, that would be kind of you to think of me when you will be most pleasantly engaged.” She arched an eyebrow causing her sister to blush.

Jane smiled, “I will then and perhaps we may discern some parts of their characters that make them act as adversaries.” She threw another handful of seeds and the small winter flock of robins fluttered about pecking at the offered food. "Mr. Darcy did accompany you when we were outside this morning.”

“Only because I wandered too near his horse…” Elizabeth paused when a pair of blue chaffinches, one of her favorites, alighted to join in the buffet Jane was spreading. “…did you see him Jane? He had the most beautiful coat, it shone so in the sun, like dark, polished copper. I thought he would be malicious after what happened before, but he was very well-mannered and took a piece of apple from my hand. He must have just been in an ill-temper that day he lunged at Eclipse. He let me stroke his neck...until Mr. Darcy walked up, then he was excited and began to toss his head.”

“I saw you speaking together, what did he say?”

“He asked me if I was recovered. I told him I was. Then he stood there staring down the road with that stern look on his face, and..."

“…and what Lizzy?” prompted Jane.

“And...I don’t know, it was nothing.” Lizzy sat up and rearranged the scarf under her head.

“Lizzy!” Jane said exasperated, “tell me.”

“I tell you it must have been only my imagination. I felt as though I was being watched, that is all. I looked at Mr. Darcy but it was not him, and you and Mr. Bingley were talking nearby. I turned and looked at the house, but there was no one in any of the windows that I could see. But it was not that sort of feeling, it was...odd…and I think Mr. Darcy felt it too, because that is when he announced they must leave. It seemed he had been about to say something when suddenly he vaulted into the saddle and they left." Lizzy shivered and pulled her coat tighter around her shoulders.

"Mr. Darcy did seem in a haste to leave." Jane lowered her voice to a whisper, "I thought perhaps he had seen Mr. Collins coming his way." Lizzy laughed and Jane continued, "He was very pleasant when we were at Netherfield, and again today, but I have noticed how he acts when in your presence, though he is usually quiet.”

“How he acts in my presence?” Lizzy asked shocked. “When he does speak and does not stare out a window, he makes insolent remarks and attempts to intimidate me whenever possible.”

“I don't think you are being fair. You have an affability that others do not, including myself. It could be he...”

There was a crunch of gravel stones and they saw a black hat moving above an evergreen bush. Lizzy hastily sat up to allow Jane to reclaim her seat next to her, and groaned as Mr. Collins rounded the corner into view. “Ah, ladies just for whom I was looking.”

 

 

It was just past noon when the two gentlemen rode up the drive to Netherfield Park. "I know you dislike the officer Darcy, and the conditions under which he asked for dismissal are lamentable, but he did seem to be a friendly sort when we were introduced in Meryton." said the fair headed rider.

"Bingley, I have sound knowledge that he is not to be trusted."

"Are you sure the source is reputable?" questioned Bingley.

"Very," replied Darcy, besides my own knowledge on the scoundrel, there is Fitzwilliam, as reputable as he can be...at times, he thought and chuckled to himself. "I tell you I saw him in the forest watching us at Longbourn."

"Maybe he was paying a call, and thought to wait until after we left?"

"Why would he do so, if not to avoid us?"

"Perhaps it was to see one of the younger sisters, and the house would be too crowded..." Bingley trailed off at the look on Darcy's face. "Alright, I agree, it was odd. When we left did you see where he went? Did he go on to Longbourn?"

"No, he fled through the forest back toward the town. I do not believe he went to the house. I could see his red coat disappearing through the bare trees." Darcy dismounted and tossed the reins to a groom, then followed Bingley up the steps into the house. It was a pleasant day for November, but they were eager to be inside sheltered from the wind that still chilled the skin during a ride.

Netherfield enveloped them in warmth, but not quiet. Bingley and Darcy sought refuge in the study and closed the door to the preparations for the ball. They were left alone for a time until others in the household might be made aware of their arrival.

"I have been granted the first set of dances by Miss Bennet."

"And of the next set?"

"They are my intention also."

"Careful Bingley, lest you be seen as too solicitous, especially by the mother." Darcy laughed but there was an admonishing note to his tone. "You would regret another scene similar to that of last summer, which I thought was your motivation for letting here in Hertfordshire away from London."

"Must you speak of that incident," He groaned, "it was perfectly innocent and she understood..."

"It was the understanding of which I speak, we have been here less than two months, there should be no understanding as of yet."

"But, I enjoy her company."

"You have enjoyed others, in far less time."

"And will you never enjoy the fellowship of one of the fairer sex?"

"I have on many occasions, but I do not make it so evident that it should be witnessed by everyone."

Bingley not a little bothered by the reproval indulged himself in teasing Darcy. "Would it even be evident to the lady, or should it pass her notice also?"

Before Darcy could answer the quip, a knock at the door requested Bingley's presence in the drawing room to meet his sister. Darcy wished to stay behind but at the urging of his friend decided to attend also for the sake of politeness.

Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were seated near the fire when the gentlemen entered the room. "Mr. Darcy, are you as weary as I am of this folly? Why Louisa and I were just discussing how tiresome it will be until this is finished."

"But sisters, it would be improper to not host an event when we live near such an enjoyable society. I myself am eager for tomorrow evening." Replied Bingley. "What about you Darcy? I am sure this time you are eager to request a dance from someone other than those in our agreeable, but small party."

Darcy finished pouring himself a whisky and handed Bingley his before he answered, "I believe I agree with you..." He paused to look at the suddenly expectant face of the eligible young miss, "...Bingley." and watched with solemn gleefulness as she turned back to the fire with a flounce. "I feel as though we should enjoy ourselves and I eagerly await to see what the night has to offer." He held his glass to Bingley in salute and took a healthy drink of fortitude.

 

 

Midmorning the next day found the Bennets in a flurry of excitement and eagerness. The maids were assembling gowns, the ladies were making last minute adjustments, and Mr. Bennet was sequestered away in his study with instructions that there be no talk or sound of the impending gathering heard in his part of the house. Unfortunately, this could not be as Mrs. Bennet was determined to see Miss Bennet exquisitely arrayed as the guest of honor, or so she vehemently stated to the rejection of any other suggestions as she ordered everyone about the house.

When at last they were prepared to Mrs. Bennet's satisfaction, Jane and Lizzy stood together in front of their mother's mirror and smiled girlishly at each other's reflection.

"Lizzy you look..."

"Jane your hair...I'm sorry...you go first."

"Lizzy, I'm glad you wore the pale blue satin with the white netting, it makes you look like a wintery princess." Jane said in awe. "And your hair...those clear gems are accentuated by your dark curls and go with the gown better than ribbons." She reached out and tucked a curl back into place, before handing Lizzy her gloves.

"Nonsense Jane, you're being too kind." Lizzy said laughing as she struggled to get the glove up past her elbow. "You will be the focus of everyone's attention tonight to Mother's delight, especially after you lead off with Mr. Bingley. She was correct, you look stunning in white, your complexion seems paler and your hair more golden."

After the short three mile ride, tucked into the carriage with warming pans and blankets, the Bennet family ascended the stairs into Netherfield wrapped against the cold night air. Soon they were divested of their cloaks and mingling among the many known guests. Lydia and Kitty immediately were drawn to a corner where they were greeted exuberantly by a host of red-coated young men and where presently their laughter could be heard about the room.

As Elizabeth and Jane wound their way through the crowd, she discovered that Mr. Wickham would not be in attendance. Surmising that Mr. Darcy was the motivation behind his decision, she was unable to speak to him when he approached her and her sister accompanied by Mr. Bingley.

When the latter saw her sister, the joy of doing so was evident on his visage. "Miss Bennet, I am glad you have arrived."

"Thank you sir for the invitation." Jane replied and was lost to other conversations that may have occurred in their presence.

Mr. Darcy bowed at Elizabeth's curtsy but looked up to see her quickly turning to go before he could speak. He watched as she escaped his proximity and soon found her friend, Miss Lucas. He was determined to solicit a dance that night and found himself constantly near her waiting for the moment to present itself.

Elizabeth was not anticipating the beginning of the ball as she had promised Mr. Collins the first two dances. And soon her mortification was realized as Mr. Collins collected her. Elizabeth, who was not easily embarrassed, was appalled at his dancing skills, or lack thereof. When not treading on her toes instead of his own, he was misguiding her in the wrong direction. Her only consolation was that their location near the musicians allowed her to feign deafness to his conversation. At last the final notes were hanging in the air from the second dance when he turned her blindly from the floor and into a mass of crowded onlookers. In the confusion, her hand fell from Mr. Collins’ arm and was gently squeezed by another who led her from the melee.

When they at last rounded a corner and stopped, Elizabeth flushed from the dancing looked around for her rescuer, but he had disappeared. She walked slowly about the drawing room which was less crowded and over to the tall doors in the far wall which led outside. The panes of glass were frosted with the cold night air, but she could see the twinkling of torches lighting the way to the road.

Suddenly in front of her there appeared a cup of punch. Elizabeth gratefully accepted it and turned to look at her champion who was smiling warmly at her. “I am sorry I did not request a dance sooner Miss Bennet, for now I must leave without one.”

“But sir, you have yet to request one.” Elizabeth’s brow arched and she smiled.

“Then consider this a request, when next we meet at a dance, you must save at least one for me.” With that he took her gloved hand from her cup, brushed his lips across her knuckles and opening the tall door slipped out into the night.

She watched as he hurried to the waiting horse and vaulting into the saddle, turned to gallop down the drive. Elizabeth jumped as a quiet voice spoke in her ear. “Lizzy, where did he go?”

“Oh Jane, it’s only you. I don't know, he did not say.”

“But you didn't get to dance with him.”

“Yes, but he requested for the next one...where ever that may be.” And she sighed as she watched the red coat be enveloped by the night.

 

 

Ever a popular dancing partner, Miss Elizabeth Bennet was sitting in the shadows of the staircase pleading a headache to avoid her cousin. Her dear friend Charlotte Lucas had gone to retrieve some punch, when a shadow fell across her feet. She looked up into the tall form of Mr. Darcy. He bowed slightly and then frowned as he asked, “Are you feeling well Miss Bennet? I hope you are not still feeling the effects of our accident?”

She smiled and reclined her head in acknowledgement and replied, “I am well Mr. Darcy, only a small headache. Miss Lucas has gone to get us some punch. I shall feel well momentarily I am sure.”

“Then if you feel well by the next set, I would like to request a dance.”

“Mr. Darcy,” Charlotte had returned with the punch. She curtsied to Mr. Darcy and handed Lizzy her punch. “Then you are feeling better Elizabeth?” Lizzy could only nod, and then watched as Mr. Darcy bowed again and walked away.

“I don’t want to dance with him.” Lizzy said somewhat shocked.

“Yes, but he wants to dance with you, and is by far a more agreeable partner for you than your cousin. I daresay he is the most agreeable here.” She smiled at Lizzy, “You can not sit in the corner all night bemoaning the departure of Mr. Wickham.”

When the time came for the next set, Miss Elizabeth Bennet was collected by Mr. Darcy and shown to the floor. She noticed the admiring glances of the other guests as she stepped out with the gentleman. She had seen him dance before, though not with her, she thought and tried not to smirk. He took her hand and the dance began. He was an excellent dancer, but too quiet. Well, that she could remedy. “Mr. Darcy, you seem to remember my fondness for dancing. I thank you for your request.”

“Miss Bennet, had I known of your fondness prior to our conversation in the garden, I would have asked you when first we met.” The dance required him to turn at that moment, and she missed his cordial smile. When he returned to her, he was silent again, lost in his thoughts of her. He had first seen her standing by the tall doors in the drawing room slowly sipping her punch. She had been gazing out lost in thought. Her face was lit by the flickering torches and a small smile played at the corners of her lips. Twinkling gems shown like stars in the dark curls that crowned her head with a few escaping to lie against her slender neck. The pale blue gown she wore had a translucent overskirt that in the candlelight flowed about her form like shimmering water. He thought she could not have been more beautiful after seeing her at breakfast that one morning, but he had been mistaken. Aware that his thoughts were taking a dangerous turn, he focused intently on not squeezing her gloved hand, as he was so used to caressing the glove he cherished.

When next they faced each other in the dance, she was looking at him expectantly. When he did not speak, she did.

 

 

He stood near her whenever he could the rest of the night listening to her speak, but dancing with Miss Bingley was as close as he came to her again. She was partnered with a young man from the village and as they rotated in the dance his shoulder touched hers briefly and he was required to hold her hand for only a moment. It was enough. She did not look at him, but the stiffness of her graceful neck and forced smile belied that she suffered his nearness.

When Miss Bingley had reclaimed his side she continued her maligning comments on all those in attendance, especially one dark haired local beauty. "Your eagerness for the dancing seems to have waned Mr. Darcy." They turned and the beauty was again in their sights. "I have only seen you dance with one other, and she only once. She seems to be looking for someone who is not here. I wonder who it could be."

"I had not noticed."

"I am sure you have, you have been in her presence nearly the whole evening."

"It is crowded. These small rooms are not best for hosting a ball. Do you not agree that London is better suited for such?" Darcy groaned inwardly, was it that obvious?

Miss Bingley delighted that Darcy had noticed the inferiority of this place, and continued her censure of the countryside without realizing that she had lost her audience. When the dance ended he returned her to her sister, and excusing himself escaped to the side terrace. It was cold outside, but the air cooled his heated skin. He walked away from the doors around the corner and leaned against the stone balustrade to calm his thoughts.

When he heard the doors open again he stiffened and stepped back against the building. In the clear, cold air he could hear distinctly two ladies speaking and recognized instantly their identities.

"That is all Mr. Bingley can say of Mr. Wickham?" asked Elizabeth.

"Yes, even though he has heard of the account on multiple occasions, he can not remember the particulars and believes Mr. Darcy to be faithful to the truth." replied her sister.

"Of course, Mr. Bingley has only heard the one interpretation and I dare say he is prejudiced to his friend."

"But Lizzy, do you not think you judge Mr. Darcy too harshly? You yourself have only heard the one interpretation."

"But I have met both gentlemen, and only one of them is courteous and considerate. I have never seen Mr. Wickham not offer to dance with a lady and he is at all times sociable to everyone to whom he is introduced." Her voice was shaking from the cold when she continued. "It is too cold to be out here, tell me of Mr. Bingley. You have hardly danced with another tonight."

"I spoke to you earlier how nice he was, but..." They opened the door and the remainder of their conversation was lost to Darcy. He stood, not feeling the cold, his hands clenched at his sides watching them through a window. Elizabeth found her friend Miss Lucas and they proceeded into another room. When at last he ventured inside, it was with a solemn countenance that offered no inducement to conversation to anyone that crossed his path.

Elizabeth and Charlotte walked through the rooms admiring the furnishings and art. Elizabeth did not desire to dance, and her dear friend Charlotte chose to stay by her side lest Mr. Collins should find them again. After the rector's lack of propriety with Mr. Darcy and her mother's loud discourse at supper, she relaxed in the thought that she would never have to expect Mr. Darcy's attentions again. He most certainly would avoid her in the future.

 

 

Darcy sat alone in his room. It was late, he could see the streaks of red already highlighting the eastern sky. His thoughts were continuously of how Elizabeth had ignored him the remainder of the night after their dance. He had wanted to speak to her again, but the proper time had not presented itself and instead he had seemed to follow her about like a moth to flame waiting for a chance that never occurred. Then the overheard conversation on the terrace had incensed him beyond measure.

He grimaced remembering her mother's frivolous conversation at supper which obviously embarrassed Elizabeth, and the effrontery of her cousin to approach him without a proper introduction. He rubbed his face with a rough gesture. Even now he still seethed with anger at her remarks concerning Wickham. He should have known someone with such exemplary manners as Elizabeth would only become prejudiced against himself by the lies of another, that other being a licentious, villainous deceiver. If ever he thought he might receive her affection, tonight had shown him his error.

He had knowledge that Wickham's regiment would soon be transferred, and he did not doubt that Elizabeth was not a pecuniary trophy worthy of Wickham's esteem. Therefore she should be safe from him. The previous day's experience of seeing Wickham in the wood around Longbourn also confirmed Darcy's suspicion that the man was only attending to Elizabeth to poison her against himself, since it would be common knowledge that he and Bingley visited often.

This night had also validated his uncertainty of Miss Jane's feelings toward Bingley. As always she was courteous, but she did not respond to Bingley as he did to her. Neither of the sisters would care for them as they desired, which was a blessing as they were not seemly attachments in any case. He had decided. It would be better for both of them if he took Bingley and left Netherfield for good.

 

 

Two days past the Ball, Jane received a letter from Miss Bingley explaining their departure from Hertfordshire. Later that afternoon, Lizzy also received a package addressed to her in a neat, even hand with no return. She tore the plain brown paper and opened the box to find her riding crop wrapped in tissue. Inside written in the same hand there was also a card. It said but a few words:

A fine pacing-horse wi’ a clear chained bridle,
A whip by her side, and a bonie side-saddle.*

F. Darcy

“Well, that is nice of him to return your crop.” Jane had peered over Lizzy’s shoulder and Lizzy handed her the card. “What a friendly verse, and it does describe you.” Jane continued, “I do believe your assumption that Mr. Bingley will return is correct, and with Mr. Darcy perhaps.” Jane smiled at this gentle teasing.

“While I do hope Mr. Bingley returns for your sake, I do hope he returns alone.” Lizzy held her crop out like a sword and slashed the air causing Jane to giggle. “I never did find my other glove.”

* Robert Burns 1793, Meg O’ the Mill

 

 

This story is written by Cristal, and she owns full © copyrights to it.

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