Goodly Creatures: A Pride and Prejudice Deviation (51 page)

Becky was of medium height, with a lovely figure, natural grace, warm brown eyes, and hair the same colour. Her features were delicate, but what distinguished her from most other young women was her seriousness. Her earnest demeanour and lack of frivolity turned many young men away. Becky loved Jane and Elizabeth Bennet as sisters, and spent time with them whenever possible. Five years ago, when she and her father removed to Bath, she had been miserable their first Christmas away. Both she and Sir Walter were of the same mind on the issue of spending the holiday season in Hertfordshire with their dear friends every year since. This year she arrived early for the unlikely possibility of attending a ball being given at her childhood home.

All five Bennet daughters, Rebecca Trent and Mr Collins walked to Meryton two days before the ball. As they were crossing the main thoroughfare, Lydia saw a group of officers on the other side and called out to them. She quickly moved in their direction. Among the group was George Wickham, and his face became all smiles as he observed Miss Elizabeth crossing the road after her sister. Lizzy’s intention had been to persuade Lydia to behave a little more seemly, when she noticed Mr Wickham. She hid the dread she felt from him, and fixed him with a false smile. Cringing inwardly, she allowed him to take her gloved hand and kiss it in greeting.

Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley had arrived at Longbourn, only to be told by the housekeeper, Mrs Hill, that all the young Bennet ladies had gone to Meryton. They rode in that direction, and arrived in town just as Lydia and Miss Elizabeth crossed the road toward the group of officers. Mr Darcy watched in horror as he recognized the man kissing Miss Elizabeth’s hand. He said not a word to Bingley, but turned his horse abruptly and rode off toward Netherfield.

36 DANCING WITH THE GREEN EYED MONSTER

Mr Darcy had slept little since he had seen Wickham kissing Miss Elizabeth’s hand in front of almost the entire town of Meryton. Both their faces, wreathed with smiles for each other, came to him when he closed his eyes. He would demand she explain her behaviour at the ball.

He awoke the morning of the ball filled with anxiety, but within a few hours his emotions were inching toward anger. Usually it was only Charles and he at breakfast, but this day the entire household was assembled when he arrived.

Miss Bingley was full of local gossip about Miss Eliza and George Wickham. She inquired, and received confirmation that he was indeed the same George Wickham who was the son of Pemberley’s former steward. The information gave the sisters a hearty laugh. Their speculation reached hilarious heights as they tittered over one Bennet sister marrying Pemberley’s housekeeper’s nephew and another who might perhaps marry the son of the late Mr Darcy’s steward.

Miss Bingley chose not to tell Mr Darcy of the rumours of his denial of a living to Mr Wickham. That information was nothing to her. Her goal was to become mistress of Pemberley, not to marry a man with scruples. She hoped her information would go a long way toward her goal of persuading her brother to abandon this estate and his angel in what she was sure was the most unfashionable corner of England.

Mr Darcy sat in stony silence as they chattered on about the vulgarity of the Bennets. He shared some of their views, but in no way found the revelations to be humorous.

Despite his misgivings, he dressed with care for their waltz. Bingley, who fancied himself a fashion trend-setter, not precisely a pink, but still much more aware of what those forward thinkers in the
ton
were wearing than his best friend—had decided to dress in something he felt would be more in keeping with the decision to host a waltz. Not for him the old-fashioned uniform that Almack’s mandated—black tailcoat, old-fashioned black satin knee-breeches and white stockings. That venerable establishment did not allow waltzes so why should he dress in such an antiquated manner. In keeping with his friend’s decision, Darcy had made a trip to London to have a new double-breasted tailcoat made in dark green wool—as close as possible to black. Bingley had heartily approved his more daring waistcoat. It was a paler green that looked positively jaunty peeping over the collar of his jacket.

He arrived early for the ball, and was determined to minimize the novelty of their dance for onlookers by uncharacteristically joining each set during the evening. He solicited Miss Bingley, Mrs Hurst, all of Miss Elizabeth’s sisters and Mrs Forster for dances. He was introduced to Miss Rebecca Trent, and requested of her the set before supper. She had impressed him when they were introduced as a very serious and knowledgeable young woman with regards the running of Netherfield. He was certain they could find much to discuss as partners for the meal.

Lydia was perturbed she was not dancing with an officer during her turn with Mr Darcy. She wished he had not asked her, but most of all she wished that politeness allowed her to refuse. She had always been a bit intimidated by the severe man, and thought he seemed in a particularly foul mood tonight. She initiated no conversation until Mr Darcy insisted they must have some. The only thing she could think to comment upon was her admiration of his new jacket and waistcoat. She told him it would complement Lizzy’s gown beautifully. The idea seemed to give her dour partner some fleeting pleasure. As soon as the set ended, she quickly curtsied, and practically ran in the direction of a group of officers.

Becky considered it most unlucky that she and Mr Darcy were seated next to Mrs Bennet at supper. She had wanted to have a quiet conversation with him to learn more of Mr Bingley. Mrs Bennet’s sister and friends, Lady Lucas and Mrs Long, were within easy conversation distance of her. For the first quarter hour, the conversation was mostly on the fineness of the food and the beauty of the decorations. The next topic of conversation was about the participants’ clothing; which gown was adorned with especially exquisite lace and how the colour of certain gowns enhanced certain young ladies’ complexions. Once again, they were in awe of Miss Bingley’s gown, which they were certain was the latest the finest London modistes had to offer. Mrs Bennet in an attempt to bring Mr Darcy into their conversation complimented him on the colour of his jacket and waistcoat. He accepted her compliment with grace, but wished the conversation would move on to something other than fashion. It did.

Mrs Bennet turned to her former neighbour and said, “Well Rebecca, it appears Jane may still become mistress of Netherfield. I have known since she was four it was her destiny.”

Becky knew the topic was inappropriate in Mr Darcy’s presence, and it made her mission of discerning Mr Bingley’s feelings for Jane nigh impossible. She tried to end the topic by saying, “My father has not yet decided to sell Netherfield. Mr Bingley currently has a lease only.”

“I am certain Mr Bingley will persuade Sir Walter. With such an inducement as Jane to seal the agreement, how could he not. An offer of marriage is soon to be expected… for once again he favoured her by asking for two sets tonight, including the supper set. He is such a charming young man, and so rich, and once he purchases Netherfield, they will be situated just three miles from Longbourn.” She gestured in the direction where the two were talking as they enjoyed supper. Mrs Bennet whispered to her cronies, “I have heard a rumour that the last dance is to be a waltz, and Mr Bingley has asked her for that dance as well.”

The ladies all gasped. Mrs Bennet turned to Darcy and asked, “Are you able to confirm that this scandalous event is to take place?”

Darcy was unsure what to say. It was, indeed, going to take place, and he had been instrumental in his friend’s decision to take such daring action. Oh, what a disaster he had set in motion. He had simply wanted to dance with Elizabeth… it had seemed like such an enticing notion at the time. Believing she would never have agreed to any dance that required her to touch anyone but him had been his justification. Why was he so reckless around her? Over and over again, she caused him to do and say things that were most uncharacteristic. Now Bingley was totally besotted with her sister and had thought of nothing else the past few days but putting his hand on her waist. He had no choice but to tell Mrs Bennet the truth.

“Yes, Madame, the last dance is indeed a waltz. I know it is shocking here in England, but in Vienna it has been popular for thirty years.” He decided to gain some good will by telling the ladies of Richard’s contention. He looked at Lady Lucas as he said, “My cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, who is a close friend of Colonel Forster, believes the waltz will change dancing as we know it. He and I learned to waltz in Vienna a few years back. This age is characterized by remarkable new inventions, extraordinary new ideas and delightful new diversions, and the waltz fits these times. It is a most invigorating endeavour, and I quite enjoy it, even though I am not often inclined to dance.”

Mrs Bennet beamed at him as she spoke, “Oh Mr Darcy, it is, I know, a very scandalous thing to waltz, particularly for an unmarried woman. Mr Bingley is such a fine gentleman; and I am sure he is aware of the repercussions of his actions, and would not make such a request if he was not serious in his intentions. As her mother, I probably should object, but I also do not want to stand in the way of true love. I am such a lucky woman to very soon have three daughters so well situated. What an honour it will be to have one the mistress of Netherfield. Oh, and ladies, I know you observed at my sister Philips’ party, Elizabeth, who swears she will never marry, appeared to be quite taken with Mr Wickham, as he was with her. They spent close to a half an hour conversing, all alone, about something quite engrossing.”

She gave Mr Darcy an accusatory look. “Unfortunately that young man was called away on some business and is not in attendance tonight. Perhaps if he had been able to be present, my less-than-tolerable Lizzy might have made an exception and come here to dance. This new development has me hopeful of four being well situated. That would only leave my youngest; and she is, as we can all see, very popular with the officers.” She directed her audience’s attention down the table.

Darcy looked in the direction Mrs Bennet pointed and saw Lydia flirting outrageously with Mr Denny. She was allowing the young lieutenant to feed her an ice. In disgust, he turned his attention back to her mother and listened as a new wave of delight for her girls’ situations was proclaimed.

Nothing Becky could say had any influence on Mrs Bennet. She was determined to talk of her impending good fortune. Her main topic was how rich and important her daughter, Jane, would be. Becky could not help frequently glancing at Mr Darcy, and noticing that his face changed gradually from indignant contempt to a composed and steady gravity. He had made a decision, and she was certain it did not bode well for Jane or Elizabeth.

Elizabeth saw Mr Darcy across the room and walked in his direction. The admiring glances from those assembled caused her to smile with both appreciation and the anticipation she felt for their dance. In her mind’s eye, she envisioned their whirling bodies appearing as one. Even the quizzical looks at her presence did not deter her. Her hope was he would agree to a private discussion after their dance. It was becoming urgent she acquaint him with the story Mr Wickham was spreading. She had been relieved when the cunning lieutenant had disclosed he would not be in attendance tonight. This dance would be solely about enjoying herself with Mr Darcy. As she approached, she noticed her partner was not smiling, and instead had that haughty look of disapproval she had seen so often in the past.