Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge (19 page)

Jane Bennet looked across the table at her sister with a smile of such sweet complacency, a glow of such happy expression, as sufficiently marked how well she was satisfied with the occurrences of the evening. Elizabeth said, "Well, Jane, you look very pleased; and if I am not mistaken, you stood up for every set so far. I find it rather diverting, since earlier today you thought you would end up a wallflower tonight. Although my dance card is full, some of the gentlemen have left much to be desired. I certainly do not understand how Captain Rumbold attained his rank and am certain only garden tools rival his intellect. While Mr. Ray Pierre Witt may have been sharp, I believe I foiled his plans to get me alone in a corner. I do hope all your partners thus far have been intelligent, well behaved, and graceful."

"Oh, yes, Lizzy. My last partner was especially skilled at the dance, very good-looking, and charming. He inquired if it hurt; and when I asked to what he referred, he said, 'when you fell from heaven.' He was very attentive and really has the most marvellous smile." Jane blushed and added, "He also asked me if I had a map."

Georgiana asked, "Why would
he
need a map in this ballroom?"

"He said he kept getting lost in my eyes." Jane sighed and added, "Is he not clever and romantic?"

The young lady who had just danced the supper set with Charles Bingley snorted and said, "But Miss Bennet, I thought you just stood up with Colonel Fitzwilliam. Surely you are not describing
him
in such a complimentary manner?"

"Yes, Miss de Bourgh, of course I am referring to your chivalrous cousin."

Anne de Bourgh snorted once more. "Ah, yes, Colonel Stud-muffin strikes again."

Jane blushed anew, stifled a giggle, and asked, "Did you just say Colonel
'Stud-muffin'?'
"

Miss de Bourgh rolled her eyes. "Um, yes. Perhaps I should not have revealed knowledge of that nauseating moniker, so please do not repeat it. I tell you, it has turned me off muffins completely. I am totally at a loss to comprehend the attraction, but apparently he has a following of admiring females who refer to him with that rather dubious pet name. Ugh! Anyway, you Bennet sisters really are quite a
combination
yourselves. I am sure both Fitzwilliam and Richard thought they were
safe
; yet you thieves have surely
stolen
their hearts. Have they asked for
locks
of your hair yet?"

Elizabeth laughed and replied, "Well, I do know of a handsome 'barberin' who could also be a robber if he is good at cutting locks."

A deep voice behind Lizzy startled her. "Ah, Anne and Miss Elizabeth. I know you were introduced in the receiving line, but I have wanted you to become better acquainted with one another all evening. I am glad you have finally had the opportunity to converse. You share a common uncommon sense of humour, and I am sure you will get along like a house on fire. Now, what were you ladies discussing with such hilarity?"
As if I did not know, Miss Lizzy Bennet. Will I never hear the end of it? I do believe I have an unreasonable fear of what might come out of your brother's three-year-old mouth. In what manner do you suppose our own adorable but naughty children will embarrass me? I cannot wait for us to find out.

As soon as supper was over, singing and playing was arranged and they had the great pleasure of seeing Miss Anna Darcy prepare to oblige the company. She was very nervous, her hands shook, and she fumbled with the music sheets. When Elizabeth saw her distress, she joined the young lady at the pianoforte. She soothingly said, "Anna, please allow me to help. May I turn the pages for you?"

"Oh, yes, Elizabeth, thank you. It will be of great comfort to have you beside me. I have never played in front of quite so many people before."

Anna played splendidly and received an appreciative round of applause; when Lizzy returned to her table, she received an appreciative smouldering look from the performer's splendid brother. The other three ladies had been in the process of excusing themselves when Elizabeth arrived, so Georgiana asked if she would care to join them while they freshened up a bit. The four gentlemen stood as the ladies departed; and the Colonel invited Darcy, Bingley, and Fleming to the library for a glass of port. Only the latter gent declined.

C
hapter II

Darcy's Evening Goeth from Werther to Better

While Darcy stared through a window into nothingness, Bingley took the opportunity to quietly speak with Fitz. "I want you to know, my friend, I bear no grudge and wish you and Miss Bennet much happiness."

"Whoa, Bingley! Of what are you talking, man? You speak as if Miss Bennet and I have come to an understanding."

"Have you not? You and the lovely lady have the same look of particular regard as can be seen on the faces of Darcy and Miss Elizabeth as well as Fleming and Miss Darcy. I do believe Jane Bennet has found the man who perfectly
Fitz
her idea of an ideal beau."

"I would very much like to believe you; yet what would such a beautiful woman as Miss Bennet see in me, a second son and soldier? I have nothing much to recommend me and certainly do not expect any attachment on her part. I admit I have witnessed some admiring glances from the lady; however, I believe it is merely the impressive red coat. Some women are undeniably attracted to a uniform. Oh, I
do
wish for her affection, though. Egad, but the fairer sex are difficult to understand, and ... Bingley? Bingley, where did you go?" Muffled muttering came from the depths of the bookshelves, and Colonel Fitzwilliam went in search of his friend.

"Fitz, are these books supposed to be arranged in alphabetical order by author?"

"Yes, I believe so. But Bingley, what are you after, man? We have to return to the ballroom shortly. Are you planning to read out there instead of dance? That sort of behaviour will be frowned upon, you know."

"No, of course not. Just give me a moment. Would Johann Wolfgang von Goethe be shelved as 'V' or 'G'? Nope, not under 'V.' Out of my way. Where is 'G.'"

"
Gee
, I do not know, Bingley. Would you like me to summon a
page
to assist you; or here's a
novel
idea ... try after 'F', as in ... "

"Aha! Here is
The Sorrows of Young Werther
; now I just need to find the right passage."

Darcy joined them and awkwardly said, "I need some assistance but am rather embarrassed to admit ... "

Bingley held up his index finger. "Wait just a moment please, Darce. I need to read this quotation to Fitz: 'We love a girl for very different things than understanding. We love her for her beauty, her youth, her mirth, her confidingness, her character, with its faults, caprices, and God knows what other inexpressible charms; but we do not love her understanding. Her mind we esteem if it is brilliant, and it may greatly elevate her in our opinion; nay, more, it may enchain us when we already love. But her understanding is not that which awakens and inflames our passions.'"

Darcy waited several moments. Bingley and Fitz appeared deep in thought; so he cleared his throat and said, "Pardon me. As I was saying earlier, I need assistance but am rather embarrassed to admit my quandary. Bingley, as I see it, you owe me a favour."

"I probably owe you a multitude of favours, Darcy. So how may I help?"

"Firstly, I need a scheme to arrange a private moment with Miss Elizabeth tonight; secondly, I ... I do not ... remember how to waltz." The other two chaps stared expectantly at him and patiently waited for further elaboration. Darcy stared expectantly back and impatiently waited for their agreement. "Well? Will you assist me?"

The Colonel scratched his head, rubbed his chin, and said, "Ah ... just how, exactly, do you imagine we are to help you remember, cousin?"

Darcy rather testily answered, "You bloody well know how to waltz, Richard. You were there when we learned."

"Yes, my point exactly!
We
bloody well learned. How can you not remember?"

"Perhaps it will come back to me once I begin. Be that as it may, I cannot risk making a fool of myself in front of everyone, especially Miss Elizabeth. I know it is a lot to ask, but could one of you please provide the music and the other show me the steps?"

"Egad, Darcy! Here? Now?"

Tetchy again, Darcy replied, "No, Bingley, out in the middle of the street six hours from now."

"Well, what benefit would that be to you?"

Darcy closed his eyes, hung his head, and counted to ten. "Yes, Bingley, here. Yes, Bingley, now."

Colonel Fitzwilliam thought the whole situation hilarious. In spite of that, he could tell his serious, perfectionist cousin was perfectly serious. "But, Darce, there is no instrument here in the library. How do you expect us to provide waltzing mus ... Oh, no. Under no circumstances. I simply refuse to either waltz with you or sing. This is ludicrous. Count me out."

"Richard, I simply abhor having to stoop low and resort to extortion. That said, I would not hesitate to cry rope to your sister-in-law. She will, no doubt, be horrified to discover you were the one responsible for spreading those ridiculous rumours about her extraneous body parts. Or maybe it is time your mother be told of the rather sweet-smelling, sandy-haired adolescent chap who broke her favourite, and quite expensive, perfume bottle and blamed it on a clumsy servant all those many years ago."

Colonel Fitzwilliam nonchalantly buffed his fingernails against his red-coated chest and inspected them for shine. Darcy frowned at his cousin's unconcerned demeanour. "Is your father yet aware of a particular wild, drunken escapade in Brighton involving ... " He glanced at their mutual friend who was eagerly awaiting further enlightening details. " ... er, never mind. We must guard Bingley's innocence from such indelicate imagery. However, shall I let James know who absconded with his collection of risque etchings?"

The unaffected military officer rolled his eyes toward the ceiling, folded his arms, shook his head, and whistled a tune between his teeth. Unfortunately for his cousin, it was not a waltz. Darcy scowled until his face lit up with sudden inspiration. "Aha! Did Aunt Catherine ever discover who placed her hand in warm water while she slept and caused her to p ... "

"I will hum! Bingley can be the lady."

"Could we not flip a coin, Fitz? Or draw straws?" Charles Bingley petulantly whined, "I do not want to be the lady either. And what happened in Brighton? I want to know!"

Georgiana Darcy noticed her father and Mr. Fleming in earnest conversation and wondered about the subject of their discourse. The gentlemen shook hands, both suddenly turned to look at her, and the younger of the two approached.

"Miss Darcy, your father has kindly permitted me to request a few minutes of private conversation with you. Would you care to accompany me and take the air?"

She agreed and asked for a moment to first fetch her shawl, but he insisted on retrieving it for her; when he returned, he gently wrapped it around her shoulders and offered his arm. They decided on a quick stroll in the garden. As soon as they were on the path and assured some privacy, Fleming stopped and stood in front of Georgiana. He gazed into her beautiful azure eyes and caressed her soft cheek with the lightest touch.

"Miss Darcy, you are the picture of loveliness standing here in the moonlight. I have been head over heels in love with you from the moment you poked Darcy with your frilly pink parasol and called him bacon-brained. I admired your pluck as you stood up to your brother and the way you tried to protect your sister and friends that fateful day at Pemberley. I could go on and on, for I love everything about you; but time is of the essence, and I must do this quickly before your father runs out of patience."

Fleming paced a few steps and carelessly raked a hand through his hair. Georgiana gazed at the thick, glossy black waves that swept the collar of his white shirt; and she longed to run her own fingers through the feathery strands. She admired his broad shoulders in his tight coat, the deep blue of which matched his tantalizing indigo eyes. He stopped pacing and returned, standing very close and speaking very softly.

"A very, very wise American scientist, politician, and author said, 'Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of.'
¹
Miss Darcy, I do love life; and I do love you. I do not care to squander any more time. Will you share with me the stuff of which life is made? Will you consent to be my wife?"

"Oh, of course, Mr. Fleming, yes! I would very much love to be your wife."

"Then why these tears, Georgiana?"

"Do you not know a lady sometimes cries when she is very happy?"

"I hope I never, ever, make you sad, Georgie. Still and all, how shall I ever be certain? If you cry when you are happy, do you laugh while you are sad?"

"Teasing, bacon-brained man! If I had my frilly pink weapon, I would surely poke you with it."

"I would settle, instead, for your calling me Ellis and, perhaps, sharing a ... kiss ... may I?"

Their first kiss was gentle, sweet, and brief. Ellis Fleming was more than a little intimidated by his fiancee's powerful father and did not want to be caught snogging. He suddenly remembered the ring in his coat pocket; and, with her permission, he slipped the small sapphire band onto her dainty finger and kissed her hand.

He said, "The inscription reads 'G ~ Yours for all time ~ E'. Thank you, my dearest lady, for making me the happiest and luckiest man in the entire world. I would prefer to stay here alone with you all night, though I do not believe your father would approve. Shall we return and share our good news?"

The blissful couple entered the ballroom just as Georgiana's father was about to search for them. They related the joyous news to George Darcy, who made the happy announcement to the entire assemblage.

"Are you looking for someone, Miss Elizabeth?"

"Yes, Mr. Fleming. I am looking for Mr. Bernard Lorne."

"Ah. Well, I am sorry to report he became rather drunk as a wheelbarrow and had to be carted away to his carriage. But why are you looking for Lorne?"

Georgiana had been speaking with an acquaintance and joined the other two in time to overhear her fiance's final question. "Ellis, Elizabeth certainly does not look forlorn."

"Oh yes, Georgiana, I was actually looking for Lorne," said Elizabeth.

"But why? Whatever is the matter?"

"There is nothing the matter. He did ask me to stand up with him for the next set, though."

"Who did?"

"Good grief, my friend. Since you became engaged, you have also become somewhat addlepated. We were speaking of my looking for Lorne, remember?"

"Yes, and I am concerned you feel forlorn."

"Georgiana, I do not feel for Lorne. I hardly know the man. You know very well my regard is only for your brother; and, Mr. Fleming, just
what
do you find so amusing, sir?"

Mr. Bernard Lorne did not turn up for the second last set, which was just as well, because Elizabeth Bennet needed to find some privacy. She searched for her sister and saw Jane in conversation with Lady Anne, Anne de Bourgh, and Anna.
If Mr. Darcy and I ever marry and have children, I shall definitely refuse to christen any daughter of ours 'Ann.' Enough already.
She made her way over to the ladies, curtsied, excused herself for interrupting, and asked Jane to accompany her.

"Jane, I need to find some privacy, or I shall simply have to tie my garter in public."

"Elizabeth Bennet, you would not dare do something so extremely shocking and improper."

"Well, most certainly not. But look." She lifted her skirt a few inches so Jane could see the stocking and broken ribbon pooled around her ankle. "I am forlorn, but not for Lorne, and not engaged for this blasted set after all. However, it is unthinkable I might have to sit out the next set and a chance to waltz with Fitzwilliam 'handsome barbarian' Darcy. Please come with me and stand guard while I fix this blasted hosiery. Did you happen to bring any extra ribbon?"

"Yes, in my ... Oh, no! Where is my reticule? I must have left it on the chair during supper. Lizzy, ask one of the footmen for directions to the library, as there should be no one there during a ball. I am just going to fetch my bag and shall be right behind you. Oh, and Elizabeth Frances Bennet, do not say the word 'blasted'; it is terribly unladylike of you. Now go! I must make haste to find my blasted reticule. I do not want to miss a chance to waltz with another handsome barbarian named Fitzwilliam." The pert, saucy smile so often associated with her younger sister was, in this instance, instead displayed on Jane's normally angelic face.