Eclipse

Chapter Ten

 

"What do you think she is like?"

"Who?"

"Miss Darcy."

"I thought you never wanted speak of the matter again, especially after the fuss mother has made."

Jane sighed. "I did, but sometimes I wonder..."

"If she is anything like her brother, Mr. Bingley's sisters and his friend will be hard pressed to force his affections on her."

"Lizzy, you should not say such things. Mr. Bingley is friends with Mr. Darcy, who was very kind to me, and certainly to you. Why should he not adore his sister? If he was quiet in the society of others that may just be his character, and of that I can find no fault. I often feel the same."

"But it was not quietness I saw, but disdain for those around him."

"You are comparing him unfavorably to Mr. Wickham who visits us almost daily and speaks to everyone in a jovial manner, mostly about how he was wronged by Mr. Darcy. I find that more disturbing than not idly chatting away in conversation."

Lizzy sighed, "Jane you will upset yourself again. Let's talk of other things. Our aunt and uncle will be here soon for Christmas from London." Lizzy picked up the full basket of holly and berries that they had been collecting for decoration. She took the scissors from her sister, and linked her arm through Jane's. As they walked back towards the house, Lizzy began humming a tune that Mary had played on the piano that morning.

"You are happy are you not, Lizzy?"

"How so?" answered Lizzy.

"Mr. Wickham's visits, he always accepts mother's invitations and is so attentive to the family." Jane opened the garden gate that they might enter.

"Yes, he is amiable and courteous, and enlivens every conversation he hears. And yes, I agree with you, he has become a favorite of the surrounding countryside after everyone heard of his treatment by Mr. Darcy." As they walked into the warm kitchen, Lizzy sat the basket down on the table and followed Jane through the house. "But, I am happy because Mr. Collins left this morning and should not return for several more days." She removed her coat, hat and gloves then sat down in her favorite chair and stretched her toes towards the fire until the tips of her shoes peeked out from under her dress. "At least we have peace for a little while."

 

 

Elizabeth slowly rode Eclipse at a walk through the forest. There might be no one living at Netherfield Park, but she had learned a lesson from her recklessness. Her thoughts were a different story. She pondered her conversation with her aunt that morning; her aunt's caution concerning Mr. Wickham and offer to take Jane back to London with them, which she had accepted. She would be sorry to see Jane go, but knew that she needed a change of scenery. There was also the slight chance that Jane could see Mr. Bingley when calling on his sister. Lizzy had never doubted his affection for her, and blamed his removal on his family and his friend.

About Mr. Wickham her aunt had been correct in offering caution, and had been surprised that Lizzy had concurred. It was her mother who insisted that he be at Longbourn nearly every evening. While he was pleasant and attractive company, she knew there could be no real attachment because of their joint lack of fortunes. But that was not all, I do not care for him... not as I should if there were to be more. Without a thought to any other circumstances, Lizzy now saw were she ever to accept a proposal of marriage from him, that is if one were ever to be offered, it would be akin to Charlotte marrying Mr. Collins. Charlotte's words echoed to her,

"I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic, you know. I never
was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character,
connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him
is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state."

Were Mr. Wickham to have a comfortable situation, there was still not that happiness that Elizabeth sought. She sighed, I suppose I am the romantic to whom Charlotte referred.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Eclipse halted abruptly and snorted. They were in the middle of the forest path, and she could see only trees to the front and back. She patted his neck and spoke soothingly to him at which he relaxed a little. Still with his head held aloft, he nickered once and then again softly. Elizabeth turned and looked behind them, but there was no one, only the leaves being blown across the path by the wind. Clouds had covered the sun while she rode and the short winter day was becoming colder. She pulled her cloak tighter about her and then stopped when she heard a faint answering nicker from where Eclipse was still staring.

Holding her breath, she quickly turned Eclipse's head and urged him forward toward home. While naval press gangs were rare near Meryton, they were not unheard of this close to London, and Lizzy did not want to meet a group of men in search of new recruits. She lost her patience and kicked Eclipse in the ribs, causing him to jump forward and break into a slow canter. While it very well might not have been a press gang, and could have even been a neighbor, she did not want to linger in any case. Finally she resorted to something she rarely did, she raised her crop and lashed Eclipse hard upon the flank causing him to gallop home.

He watched her from the trees. If it were not for her horse, she would have passed without noticing him. Those days when she walked were easier, as she had no horse to warn her. It had been foolish of him to get so close, but he could not constantly be by her outside of polite company. And there were times when she was alone that her thoughts were spoken to what she believed was only the wind listening.

While she rarely spoke of Darcy unless he initiated the conversation, he had seen them together at Longbourn that day. Having known the haughty and arrogant man since childhood Wickham understood his moods and recognized his affection for Miss Bennet. The very fact that he initiated conversation with her revealed his sentiment. He had failed once, but for his humiliation at the hands of that man, he would endeavor to do all he could to injure him and those he held dear.

 

 

Christmas Day was bright and sunny at Longbourn with just a slight chill to the air. Mrs. Bennet had as always invited a few of the militia to keep company with the Gardiners, and the festive occasion had everyone in a jovial mood. Even Mary was induced to play a joyous tune, and soon the furniture was moved and dancing was encouraged under Mrs. Bennet's ever matrimonial gaze.

Elizabeth soon found herself accompanied by Mr. Wickham, who as usual was very attentive to her. "Miss Bennet, will you accept an offer to dance with me. I believe there is just enough room for us."

She smiled and taking his hand, joined the others. Even Jane was smiling, as she twirled about and met her partner again.

"I finally receive the dance I requested a month ago at the Netherfield Ball. I am sorry there have not been more occasions betwixt then and now."

"Yes...but living in a small village, that is to be expected."

They turned and walked separately down the line before meeting again, and Mr. Wickham clasped her hand firmly in his. "I understand your sister will be leaving to London with your aunt and uncle soon."

"Yes, she shall. I should like to accompany them, but I think it will do Jane good to be away for a while.”

"I am glad you will not be leaving." He smiled at her, and continued, "I assume there has been talk of Miss Darcy and Mr. Bingley. I can only say that having known her, and just meeting him, it will be a mistake on his part. Your sister has a sweet disposition that endears her to all.”

They were apart at opposite ends of the line for a moment as the others maneuvered between them. Elizabeth tried to change the subject when they met again. “You and my aunt have spoken at length about Derbyshire. Do you miss it so much?"

Taking both of her hands in his and facing her, he added, "Yes, were circumstances different, I would go there now when I could, but I will never be able to return to my home again."
Elizabeth shook her head, "That is a shame Mr. Wickham, I do pity you in that regard."

“While I am glad to be in your company, were it not for that gentleman, I should be visiting my old home this Christmas. But unable to do so I forfeited my leave that some other might have a chance.”

Remembering her conversation with Jane in the garden a few days before, Elizabeth cast a quick glance at him, "That was very generous of you Mr. Wickham, was there not somewhere you could visit, some old friends perhaps?”

“Yes, I have old mates from my university days, but I have found that I much prefer the new friends I have in Meryton.” Although not required by the dance, before releasing her hand at the turn he intertwined his fingers through hers and while he could not bring it to his lips for fear of being seen, he brought it to his chest and pressed it there.

He released her hand when the dance required Elizabeth to walk around Jane as her sister turned her back to the gentlemen. As she did so, Jane gave her a puzzled look and she shrugged barely shaking her head.

When the dance ended he led her back to where she had been sitting and joined her. "Do you still ride often Miss Bennet?"

"No, the weather has been too cold lately." She did not tell him of her experience in the forest recently as she preferred to ride alone to collect her thoughts.

"Oh." He seemed genuinely surprised. "I thought I saw you one day when we were exercising our horses. I must have been mistaken. I thought to join you if ever I saw you out?" He asked tentatively, but never heard her answer as Lydia came up at that moment laughing.

"Mr. Wickham, I need you to settle a dispute between Mr. Denny and the others.” She tugged at his coat sleeve and he reluctantly arose to go. Elizabeth only smiled at him after giving Lydia reproving look for interrupting and watched as he followed her away.

Soon the meal was served and Mrs. Bennet gazed around the table at her arrangements. Elizabeth was seated next to Mr. Wickham, Lydia was near Mr. Denny and Kitty and Mary were near the other officers. She still had a faint hope for Jane and Mr. Bingley, but just in case Mrs. Bennet had seated her next to a new officer that had accompanied his friends. Over a supper of curry of rabbits, goose, vegetable and muffin puddings, pastries, and open tart syllabub for dessert, Mrs. Bennet sat very pleased with herself for providing such a lovely meal. She was sure the soldiers never had such fare at their barracks, and seldom other places they might visit.

After they had been served, Mr. Wickham turned to Elizabeth, "Christmases at Pemberley were always a merry affair until Mr. Darcy died. Afterwards the younger Mr. Darcy did not allow such festivities, although I believe his sister would have enjoyed them."

"Does his sister differ much from him then?" questioned Elizabeth.

"No, she has the same temperament, but being a child would have enjoyed the festivities. I pity her in that she has only her dour brother for an example." He paused to answer a question from Mr. Denny who sat to his right, then smiled at Lydia's laughter to Mr. Denny's reaction before continuing. "Do you hold the opinion, Miss Bennet that Mr. Bingley and his friends will return in the summer to Netherfield? I should like to be aware of Mr. Darcy's presence, should I visit Longbourn."

"Even if the Bingleys were to return, I doubt Mr. Darcy could be induced to revisit this area that he so obviously disliked."

"I observed he visited Longbourn often when they were here."

"Only to accompany his friend who came to see my sister."

"And did he act in your company as he was wont to act when I knew him?"

"In my company..."

Mr. Wickham hastily amended his question. "In the company of your family."

"He spoke rarely and most often could be seen staring out of the window, but why must we speak of him. It is a joyful night that should not be marred by unpleasant remembrances." She raised her glass and took a drink before speaking to her aunt across the table about the latest news from London.

After supper they played at cards and board games and soon the night was over. Upon taking his leave of Miss Bennet, Mr. Wickham stood near her and while the others were donning their coats, he quickly took her hand and smiling over it bid his goodbye. After they were gone the family sat around the fire speaking of the day, before retiring to their rooms.

When Lizzy went to her room, she went to a candle and opened her hand to read the folded note that had secretly been pressed there. Jane would be coming in soon, and her eyes quickly scanned the words.

Those lips that love's own hand did make
Breathed forth the sound that said "I hate,"
To me that languished for her sake.
But when she saw my woeful state,
Straight in her heart did mercy come...
..."I hate" from hate away she threw.
And saved my life, saying "not you."*

She stood for a moment, unsure of the meaning. Was it a thank you for her compassion of his reduced station at the hands of Mr. Darcy? She thought, surely it was nothing more. At the sound of the door knob, she stepped quickly and threw the note to the flames, then turned to see Jane wearily entering their room.

* Shakepeare, Sonnet 145

 

 

Elizabeth was helping Jane pack for her trip to London, and was happy to see some color on the cheeks of her sister. No matter the circumstances, it was exciting to visit the city. "I am sending you an extra scarf, you never know which way the weather might turn this time of year."

"Thank you Lizzy for helping me, I can not seem to gather my thoughts." Jane sighed.

"Jane, do not worry. I am sure if he knows you are in London, you will see him. I have not given up hope that he did have a rare fondness for you."

Elizabeth helped until they were finished and left Jane resting to find her aunt that they might visit one last time before their departure. She found her in the drawing room. "Aunt, where is mother?" She entered the room after having looked through the empty house.

"She has gone with your younger sisters to Meryton for last minute purchases, but come sit by me." She patted the bench near the window, and laid her book aside.

Afterwards, her aunt retired to her room to gather her things, and left Elizabeth to her thoughts. Their conversation had strengthened her resolve that Mr. Wickham was not and must not in the future be in love with her. She had restated her own feelings toward him, and admitted that while one of the most pleasant acquaintances she had ever known, she felt nothing more towards him. They both agreed her mother encouraging him to visit could be treacherous to his feelings. Fortunately her aunt and uncle would be leaving soon, and the problem could be alleviated. She did not inform her aunt of the secret note she had received, and declined to think about it further.

 

 

January and February passed peacefully for Elizabeth after the merriment of Christmas. She felt lonely for Jane but anticipated her letters with alacrity and those from Charlotte also. She saw less of Mr. Wickham as her mother had no houseguests to invite him and the other officers to keep company. Often she went for long solitary walks or rode the gentle Eclipse when the weather was warm, but she did not wander far from the house alone. She had an uneasiness that she owed to her new separation from her sister and dear friend that prevented her from enjoying nature as she once had.

She wrote them often and finally accepted an invitation to join Sir Lucas and his younger daughter on a visit to the newly married Charlotte. They would stop in London on the journey and spend one night with her aunt. Lizzy was delighted that she might see Jane after almost two months apart.
The day was windy, and Elizabeth had waited until the sun had warmed the land before riding out. Soon she would be leaving and thought this might be her last chance for a ride. She chose to walk the faithful Eclipse or trot slowly, keeping close to the house that she might not have any more accidents, like that awful one last autumn.

Not that it would happen again with Netherfield vacated. The thought of Mr. Bingley leaving when it had seemed so evident that he liked Jane still angered her. If he had only come without his friend, she doubted that Mr. Bingley’s sisters could have influenced him in such a manner as Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy...he had to be the most infuriating person she had ever met. Even now her face burned with his remembered comments and his insufferable disposition.

As she came within sight of Longbourn Eclipse's head rose and he whinnied a greeting to the horses tethered at the post. Elizabeth rode around to the stable, dismounted and after giving her horse to a stable lad went into the house through the kitchen. The maids informed her who the visitors were, and Elizabeth joined the others in the drawing room.

When she walked in all heads turned to her and she curtsied to the guests. She went and sat by Kitty and was soon joined by Mr. Wickham. "I have brought a book of poetry to share with you Miss Bennet." He said to Elizabeth. "Perhaps we might go and sit in the garden and read."

Elizabeth's face lit up at the offer as she did dearly love a new book. She arose to collect hers and Mary's wraps. "I believe my sister might also enjoy some fresh air."

"Of course, the poems are some of the newest available, I am sure you both will be delighted."

They made their way across the garden and chose a spot with two facing benches near the hedge border. When Elizabeth sat down, Mr. Wickham claimed the seat next to her, while Mary continued her exercise about the garden. "It has been some time since last we met."

"Yes it has." Elizabeth agreed. "It has been quiet since my sister left for London."

"And do you have good news from her concerning anyone?"

"Umm...no, there has been no news." She was unsure what prevailed on her not to divulge any information about Jane to him. "She is enjoying her visit with my aunt."

Mr. Wickham produced the small blue, gilt book and fanned through the pages looking for a poem. "Are you familiar with Lord Byron and his poetry?"

"Yes, I believe I have heard of him." She smiled.

"Ah, here is an excellent one." And he began.

"...Still thine own its life retaineth,
Still must mine, though bleeding, beat;
And the undying thought which paineth
Is - that we no more may meet..." 1

When he had finished, and before either could speak, they heard others approaching on the gravel path on the opposite side of the tall hedge. It was Lydia and one of the young officers who had accompanied Mr. Wickham. Overhearing their conversation could not be helped and Elizabeth glanced awkwardly at Mr. Wickham who was smiling conspiratorially.

"You do realize what today is?" Lydia asked the officer.

"I believe I am aware there may be some significance to the special date as this is a leap year."

"If I were to ask you your plans for the future, what would you say?"

"I should say no, of course, therefore allowing you to collect the Ladies' Privilege."

"Will you then?"

"No..." he paused for a moment in his answer and Elizabeth heard Lydia began to giggle, "but for that you may ask me again." The sound of steps could be heard hurrying away amid Lydia's and the officer's laughter.

Mr. Wickham broke the awkward silence, "Today is February twenty-ninth, do you have a question you might like to propose to me?" He was smiling at her, but there was another look on his face of which she could not quite grasp the meaning, but nevertheless it unsettled her.

"No, Mr. Wickham, I can think of none." She answered truthfully, confused at the question and at what she had just overheard. At that moment only one question came to her lips. "I assume you will be in attendance tonight at Croslynn Downs?"

“Of course,” He leaned towards her, his hand brushing against her skirt. “and I will claim the first dance with you. If you are certain you have nothing further to inquire about...” Elizabeth shook her head, “...then may I read you another?" Elizabeth silently nodded, feeling as if she wanted to call Mary to sit near them.

"Farewell! if ever fondest prayer
For other's weal availed on high..." 2

He stopped reading suddenly and looked around the garden for Mary. Seeing her walking with her back to them, he reached for Elizabeth's hand. "Miss Bennet, there is an important matter about which I should like to speak with you tonight."

He seemed so concerned for her answer that she hastily replied. "Sir, if it is so important a matter that it cannot wait, please tell me now."

"No, it is not so important that it cannot wait, only difficult. But I have said too much already." He looked down at the now closed book of poetry and handed it to her. "I must go now, but I have marked a passage that I wish you to read after I am gone. It will better help you understand what I must tell you tonight." Before he stood he did as he had at the Netherfield Ball and kissed the back of her gloved hand, only this time his lips lingered. Then he stood and strode to the door entering to bid goodbye to the rest of her family and collect his friends who had accompanied him and were now entertaining Kitty and Lydia.

When he had gone, Elizabeth sat until the sound of horses' hooves could be heard leaving down the road. If I had not been wearing my leather riding gloves, I could have felt his breath on my hand. He had acted very peculiar. She opened the book to the marked passage and bent her head to read.

"...Alas! they had been friends in youth:
But whispering tongues can poison truth...

But never either found another
To free the hollow heart from paining -
They stood aloof, the scars remaining...3

Elizabeth looked up with a scowl. All of the poems he had chosen today seemed to have this same theme. In a way it frightened her. Elizabeth closed the book and called to Mary. Taking her sister's arm they walked into the house.

She called Kitty to join her in her room for a moment and when the young girl had entered she motioned for her to sit in the chair by the window. "Kitty, I have a question that needs to be answered. What is the Ladies’ Privilege and why is it given today?”

Kitty looked astonished, “Why Lizzy, you didn’t...”

“Didn’t what?”

“Didn’t ask him just to receive one?”

“Kitty whatever are you talking about? Did I not ask who to receive what?” Elizabeth gave her sister a very exasperated stare.

“So you don’t know what it is?” Lizzy shook her head. “I did not either until Lydia told me. She had read the Scots law concerning the Ladies’ Privilege in some newsprint of father’s. Apparently because February twenty-ninth only occurs in leap years it is special. A woman may ask a man to marry her, but if he refuses he must give her a kiss to soften the refusal.” Elizabeth gasped and her hand covered her mouth. “What is it Lizzy?”

“Lydia, I overheard her...” Kitty’s eyes widened, “while we were sitting on the bench she walked by and was talking to that officer.” Elizabeth related all that she had heard to Kitty who was as upset as she was. “Must we tell father or should I speak to her?”

Kitty thought for a moment, and then answered, “You talk to her, if father hears of it I would hate to think of the circumstances and certainly not mother." She shook her head. "Lydia can be so foolish at times.” With a collective sigh at the unpleasant task before them, they stood and went into the house to confront their wayward sibling.

1 Lord Byron, Fare Thee Well
2 Lord Byron, Farewell! If Ever Fondest Prayer
3 Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Christabel

 

 

Elizabeth was dancing with a young officer when she noticed Mr. Wickham walk into the room. He immediately sought her out and smiled when their eyes met. As soon as the dance was over he was at her side. She curtsied and blushed at the obvious attention he was paying her. "I am sorry to be late. Is the next mine, or shall I be required to wait?"

"Mr. Wickham, it is good to see you again. I have just finished a set, but yes, you may have the next." She held out her hand and he took it as the music began. He gave her hand a firm squeeze and smiled broadly at her, making her blush deepen.

He was an excellent dancer, and was always very attentive to his partner. They had danced on a few occasions, but this time he was much more personable she thought. His eyes and hands lingered on hers and his body brushed hers as they completed the steps. While not a little uncomfortable, she was bewildered by these attentions.

When the dance was finished he led her to a bench along a secluded wall and hurried to get them refreshments. Soon he rejoined her on the bench. "Miss Bennet, I am afraid I cannot stay long as I am required elsewhere tonight with a few of the other officers, but I did want to attend to see you...one last time." He looked down and rested his hand on the bench between them slowly drawing a fold of her skirt between his thumb and forefinger and caressing it slowly.

She watched him do so in silent vexation. "One last time..." Elizabeth echoed her mind elsewhere, "but, Mr. Wickham, are you being transferred?"

"Well no, that is not the case entirely, I only wished to see you again before you left for Kent. I shall not be able to see you when you return." He seemed so despondent, that Elizabeth laid her hand upon his arm, and upon doing so felt it strongly clasped in his hand. "I am sorry...but I have become acquainted with another."

"Oh?" Elizabeth felt his fingers tightening upon hers.

"Yes, it was not who I would have chosen had I been free to choose, but being reduced to where I am now by...well I have told you how my circumstances came to be and the gentleman..." He paused and gave a little derisive laugh before continuing, "...the gentleman who was the cause. This lady does not have to consider her circumstances as I might and is therefore free to choose at her leisure, and it is an honor that she chose me."

"I see." Elizabeth gently squeezed his hand and removed hers from his grasp. "I wish you well then." She looked out at the dancers and saw Kitty and Lydia laughing as they were turned in the La Boulangere circle. "Mr. Wickham you have been a good friend since we met some few months ago and an agreeable dancing partner." She turned and smiled at him, then reaching into her bag she withdrew his book. "I brought your book to return to you tonight. It is very beautiful and I thought you should like it back." She did not mention his poetry selections.

Mr. Wickham took the book. "Miss Bennet a word of warning for your trip. The Lady Catherine de Bourgh as I have spoken of to you before, I would advise you to be judicious as always in your conversations with her. And perhaps while you are there the betrothal announcement will be made between her daughter and the gentleman I mentioned before." He grinned at her and she returned his smile, thankful that they could part on such good terms. “Do you think he will be in attendence at Rosings, and if so should you see him?”

“I would not know Mr. Wickham, but even were it so I doubt that I should have an occasion to have an audience with him. We have so very little in common, but thank you for your word of warning, I am looking forward to the new scenery and feel that Hunsford will bring me many delights this spring." Her smile was warm and friendly as they parted and he returned it in kind before leaving for the night.

 

 

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