Page 71 of Penned By Mr Darcy
Elizabeth tried not to laugh; she wondered at her sister sometimes. She did not even think to question why Mr Wickham would be leaving, nor why Elizabeth would be privy to this information. For one so inquisitive, she was very easily placated.
The Bennet house was always in upheaval before an event. With five girls to ready for a public event, there was much to be done. They had not attended such a grand ball as a family since theyoungest two had made their debut, and their mother was even more on edge than she usually was. As the time to depart neared, she pulled Lizzy aside.
“Now, Lizzy, you must pay particular attention to Mr Collins. He has taken a great deal of interest in you, and it is my suspicion that he may yet propose.”
“Propose?!” Lizzy said in horror. “What on earth would possess him to do such a thing?”
Her mother frowned.
“Have you not noticed that he has paid particular attention to you?”
She had scarcely noticed the man at all.
“Mother, I am sure you are quite wrong!”
“I am not! I know these things. Why, Lizzy, one would suppose you are not thrilled about the prospect!”
“No, I am not! You must put paid to this fanciful notion at once, Mama, or I shall tell him myself.”
“How dare you even joke of such a thing?!” Mrs Bennet said with horror. “Lizzy, what has gotten into you?”
“A joke? You are the one who must be joking! I will not marry Mr Collins! The very thought of it!”
“Well, Jane cannot! Mr Bingley will propose any day. Of that I am certain! As the second eldest, is you who must secure all of our futures, and keep Longbourn secure within our line. What will become of us otherwise when your father is dead?!”
“I will not entertain this, Mama. I will marry for love, or not at all.”
I will marry Mr Darcy.
The thought came to her unbidden – but it did not feel wrong. It felt entirely natural, for she had come to know him so intimately that to be his wife felt like an inevitability. She could not speak the words out loud, for she was sure it would sound absurd.
“Love! Love, indeed!”
Her mother left, muttering to herself.
Jane slipped her arm into Lizzy’s as they walked out to the carriage.
“You look very beautiful, Lizzy.”
“So do you.”
“I heard what you said to Mama. Have you someone in mind?”
“Hush, Jane. Teasing does not suit you.”
Jane simply smiled.
Netherfield was exquisite at night. Flaming torches lined the drive, their light glancing off the glossy sides of the waiting carriages. The clipped ring of hooves and the murmur of well-dressed arrivals blended into a hum of anticipation. The Bennets were late, it was true—entirely by Mrs. Bennet’s design. To be early was unspeakably rude; to arrive in the middle of the stream, entirely forgettable. No, the last to arrive were the ones remarked upon, their entrance just in time for the first strains of music.
By the time their carriage came to a halt before Netherfield’s grand steps, the night air was sharp and bracing. They shivered as they ascended the stone staircase, the golden spill of candlelight from the open doors beckoning them inside.
Mr Bingley and his sister stood as the receiving line. Mr Bingley was enthusiastically greeting each guest with a bright smile,whilst Caroline curtsied as little as she could. By the time the Bennets reached her, she barely moved at all.
“Good evening to you all.”
“Good evening. What a beautiful evening you have prepared, Mr Bingley. And I must thank you for extending the invitation to our guest, Mr Collins.”
“But of course. I do hope you all have a wonderful evening.”
