Page 23 of To Go Against Her Heart
I wish I had earned her regard during my time there, but she never gave me a chance. Perhaps, as she indirectly warned me, she is unwilling to do so due to her past experience. Why am I unable to forget her?
He silently cursed the man who had wounded Elizabeth’s heart, unaware that he had dined with the same gentleman but anhourbefore.
Chapter 10
Once Jane mentioned her meeting with Mr. Wickham, Elizabethfelt a strong curiosity to see him with her own eyes. She finally had the chance to meet him and the other officers in Lucas Lodge. Mr. Bingley and his sisters were also in attendance for the evening.
“It is wonderful to meet you finally, Miss Elizabeth,” Wickham said, smiling at her charmingly.
“It is good to meet you, sir,” she replied, and sensing Mr. Collins’s unrest next to her, she introduced him.
“Allow me to introduce my cousin, Mr. Collins.”
“Thank you, my fair cousin; it is indeed generous of you to take sole responsibility for introducing me to your society, though Mr. Wickham is fairly new here as I am. I must agree with your mother and compliment you on your kindness and genteel manners. Kind sir, I am delighted to make your acquaintance tonight; I am honored to inform you about the position I hold in Kent as the parson serving the Parish under the guidance of my noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
“It is indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Wickham replied, immediately understanding his connection with the Darcy family. As his cousin spoke, Elizabeth observed Wickham with curiosity, and she had to admit that he was indeed handsome and had a pleasant smile. However, she cared nothing about his looks; her only interest in him was in his acquaintance with Darcy. Unfortunately, Mr. Collins remained by her side for the greater part of the evening, and she grew tired of his unwanted attention. Charlotte at last attempted to rescueher friend, and Mr. Bennet invited Mr. Collins to accompany him, thereby releasing the ladies from his company.
“Charlotte, I have never been this uncomfortable in Lucas Lodge. He seems determined never to quit my side.”
“I could see that he was boring you to death, but tell me, did you get a chance to converse with Mr. Wickham?”
“No, unfortunately not.”
“What is your impression of him?”
“Clearly, he has captured the attention of my youngest sisters, but I cannot give him credit for that as they are quite taken with every red coat in the room,” she said with a hint of shame.
When Mr. Bingley and his party entered, Charlotte, observing his immediate search for Jane, directed a smile towards her friend. They watched Mr. Bingley’s introduction to Mr. Wickham and could not but wonder why the gentleman looked beyond shocked.
On the other hand, Wickham looked distressed, and his expression clearly indicated that he was uncomfortable in Mr. Bingley’s presence.
“I wonder what makes them both so uncomfortable?” Charlotte whispered to Elizabeth.
“I am astonished as well; Mr. Wickham almost looks alarmed,” she observed. She could see that he disguised his feelings skillfully as he moved away from Mr. Bingley and became the center of attraction for the women.
“I suspect something is amiss between Mr. Bingley and Mr. Wickham. Could they have met previously, through Mr. Darcy?”
“Maybe in town, who knows? He has charmed almost every young woman I know. All I can hear is praise for his impeccable manners.”
Elizabeth was silent.
“What is it? Do you not like him?”
“I do not know why, but I feel that something is amiss with him. My only interest in him is understanding his association with Mr. Darcy.”
“Of course!” Charlotte said with a smile, and Elizabeth gave her a warning glare. Ever since Darcy had left Hertfordshire, Charlotte had subtly teased Elizabeth about his absence. As much as it annoyed her, Elizabeth struggled to admit that the manner of his departure was strangely cold, and somehow, it pained her. The rest of the evening passed swiftly, and Elizabeth was vexed being hounded by Mr. Collins until the end. She breathed a sigh of relief as the carriages were ordered. As they waited along with the Bingleys, Lydia confronted Mr. Bingley with a request.
“You promised a ball, Mr. Bingley, and I remember you said once my sister was better, you would host one. I cannot wait for it. Have you set a date in mind?” she asked, not caring about Elizabeth’s look, warning her not to be impolite.
“Yes! Of course, I did. I was very much engaged in managing the estate and could not plan for one. Since you brought it up now, I promise you, Miss Lydia, we will host the ball soon,” he assured.
“That is so gracious of you, Mr. Bingley. I am certain you wanted Jane to be in good health for the ball. We would be delighted to grace the occasion,” Mrs. Bennet cried with joy. Before Mr. Collins could start his views on the subject, the carriages arrived, and Elizabeth bid goodbye to Charlotte, promising to call on her soon.
“It has been a terrible evening, Jane. If not for seeing you happy in Mr. Bingley’s company, I could easily name this evening one of the worst in my life so far,” she cried as they reached home.
“I do not understand why Mr. Collins never left your side, although I am beginning to suspect his intentions as you do.”
“Do not suspect it; the man is convinced I would make a wonderful addition to his life.”
