The Gypsy Blessing (20 page)

Seeing a sketch of Elizabeth and Darcy walking together in a garden, Jane smiled brightly. “Oh, Lizzy! You are wearing a wedding ring!”

“Sometimes I think the gypsies are only teasing me.” Elizabeth fought to keep sadness from entering her tone.

“This garden is so beautiful. Do you know this place?”

Although she felt the garden was at Darcy’s home in Derbyshire, Elizabeth shook her head. “Now, brace yourself, Jane, for the next two are disturbing.”

Jane gasped. “Mr. Wickham in front of the bookshop in Meryton—speaking to us! How can this
be
?”

“I do not know. Do you recognize this man standing between us?” Elizabeth pointed to a short, rotund, red-faced clergyman.

Jane shook her head.

Elizabeth hesitated before showing her sister the last. It was the same scene, but Wickham was leering at their sister Lydia in such a way that made Elizabeth shudder. The colour drained from Jane’s face as she examined the drawing.

Elizabeth said, “Wickham is wicked, is he not?”

“The way he is looking at Lydia—at times, I have noticed some young men gazing at ladies in a way that is not entirely proper, but I have never seen such an expression as
this
! We must tell Papa!”

“We cannot warn Papa that Wickham will be a danger specifically to Lydia, but we must find a way to warn him that this man is no good. Perhaps I can write to Aunt Gardiner now, telling her that I understand Wickham may soon be arriving at Meryton. I shall ask her to have Uncle write to Papa about what he knows.”

~%~

As they dined that evening, Bingley asked, “Darcy, did I understand correctly—Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth are friends of your sister?”

Darcy nodded and took a sip of wine to wash down his supper. “We met the Misses Bennet at Ramsgate this past summer.”

“Do not forget, Charles, that Miss Darcy has been a particular friend of Caroline’s for
ages
,” Mrs. Hurst stated.

“Dear, sweet Georgiana. I cannot wait to see her again,” Caroline stated with a pout she displayed so often that Darcy was certain she thought it to be attractive.

“It is a shame,” continued Bingley, “that Miss Darcy could not come with you to Netherfield; it would be such an opportunity to visit with so many friends. Is she still at Matlock with your aunt and uncle?”

“Yes, and my cousin. I received a letter from Richard just today. He will soon return to his regiment, and as he must pass through Hertfordshire, he is planning to stop off at the inn at Meryton for a night so that he may call on us here.”

“Nonsense—Colonel Fitzwilliam is most welcome in my home. Please extend my invitation to stay at Netherfield for as long as he is in the area.”

Darcy nodded his appreciation.

“What a delightful plan you have hatched, Mr. Darcy!” Caroline exclaimed. “Georgiana will be able to accompany the colonel as far as Netherfield. Simply perfect! We all miss your sister dreadfully—you most of all, I am sure.”

Darcy’s eyes widened slightly.
I did not mention sending for my sister; Miss Bingley’s scheme is plain. She always thinks that if she can become a particular friend of Georgiana’s, I will welcome her as my wife.
Having known that Georgiana had never enjoyed the company of Bingley’s sisters, he had not even asked if she would like to accompany him to Netherfield, but he was certain she willingly would contend with Mrs. Hurst and Caroline Bingley if it meant she could visit with Miss Bennet and Elizabeth.
As a result of Georgiana’s coming, I would see Elizabeth more often, making my task harder still.
He tried to conceal his sigh.
But now that Georgiana has already spent weeks with my aunt and uncle, I have no excuse to offer that would not disappoint Georgiana and Elizabeth... and Miss Bennet, as well, of course. If only I could order Richard not to come. Ha! I see no way around this.

“Thank you for the invitation. I will send letters to Richard and Georgiana in the morning post.”

Why did I ever agree to assist Bingley?

Chapter 14

October 8, 1811

The clock on the mantelpiece chimed the quarter hour, and Louisa Hurst rose to pace the floor of the sitting room. “This is intolerable. How typical of country manners for the Bennets to be late to our appointment. Are we to wait indefinitely? This shows no consideration for their hosts,” she huffed. “I am hungry.”

“You are
always
hungry, Louisa.” Caroline giggled.

“I do not understand why you invited them in the first place, Caroline!”

“While I
can
comprehend what attracts our brother to Miss Bennet—she seems a sweet girl, though quite naïve—I must confess I do
not
see what the Darcys see in Miss Eliza. Under normal circumstances, I would wish to have nothing to do with her... but in this case, we must.”

“I would not mind had you invited Jane Bennet—alone,” Louisa sniffed. “Mr. Darcy must have known very little about their family and connexions before allowing his sister to attach herself to them.”

“That is obvious and precisely why
we
shall befriend them—for the time being. I do not wish to
think
of what manner of sordid behaviour Miss Eliza must have employed while at Ramsgate in order for Mr. Darcy’s unnatural attraction to have developed.” Caroline shuddered visibly. “We must protect both of the Darcys and Charles, Louisa! Georgiana’s friendship with them must be based solely on her brother’s approval, for I cannot fathom any other excuse. I trust Mr. Darcy was affected by them at Ramsgate due to there being a decided lack of fashionable ladies to which they could be compared. By discovering as much as possible about the Bennets now, we will be able to put Mr. Darcy’s opinions to rights. After he is familiar with
all
the facts and sees for himself how the Bennets’ behaviour contrasts with our own superior breeding, Mr. Darcy will forbid his sister from seeing them again.”

Louisa nodded. “And once that is done, Mr. Darcy will be exceedingly grateful to us.”

“Especially to
me
,” Caroline added. “And when Charles sees that Mr. Darcy pronounces the leading family in this forsaken area as
unsuitable
company, our brother will give up the lease at Netherfield and find a more appropriate property... preferably near Pemberley.” Caroline smiled knowingly. “All of our hopes will be satisfied at once, Louisa.
That
is why I invited them here.”

Louisa’s smile matched her sister’s sly grin. “Shall we mention that Miss Darcy is coming to visit us?”

“Absolutely not! After all, Mr. Darcy has not yet heard that Colonel Fitzwilliam will bring her. And I hope to succeed in convincing Mr. Darcy of the Bennets’ unworthiness
before
Georgiana arrives.”

~%~

Elizabeth had utilized every bit of her strength of will to prevent herself from snapping at Mr. Bingley’s sisters as they interrogated Jane and her during their visit. When Elizabeth attempted to steer the subject in a different direction, they changed tactics. One sister would keep Elizabeth engaged in conversation while the other continued her examination with Jane alone.
Poor Jane.

Upon exiting the house, Elizabeth acknowledged to herself that she could remain civil no longer and climbed into the carriage first, making certain she slid across the bench to the side opposite Netherfield so that Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley could not possibly expect that she should wave goodbye as Jane was doing now.
Jane has an infinite amount of patience. I do not!

As Jane turned back from the window, Elizabeth said, “
That
was a very strange and exhausting visit.”

Jane looked surprised. “In what way, Lizzy?”

Elizabeth’s jaw fell open in shock. “Do not tell me you actually
enjoyed
that inquisition! I barely endured it.”

Jane furrowed her brow. “While they
did
seem overly curious, I saw it as a good sign.”

Elizabeth raised both eyebrows. “I know you tend to look back upon events differently from the way I do—but really Jane! You will never convince me to think of this afternoon in even a
slightly
positive light. We spent the last few hours answering endless questions about our family and connexions, which obviously they felt to be far inferior to their own.”

“I understood it only as their being interested in their new neighbours.” Jane paused. “Oh, please do be nice to them, Lizzy...” Jane’s voice trailed off as she blushed. “For me?”

Jane is the best person I have ever known!
As Jane blushed further under her gaze, Elizabeth thought,
Ah, ha! She also hopes their abundant curiosity indicates that Mr. Bingley might be interested in her and that they are just being protective of their brother. I believe it to be the opposite—they look for a reason to convince him that Jane is unworthy of his attention.
Elizabeth sighed quietly. “I can promise to remain civil, Jane—nothing more.”

“Thank you, dear Lizzy. I know you will do your best.” Jane displayed a satisfied smile and turned to look out the window.

If Mr. Bingley’s sisters
can
persuade him to look upon Jane in the way they desire, he does not deserve her, no matter what the gypsies’ drawing foretold.

~%~

October 11, 1811

In order to welcome the Netherfield party to the neighbourhood properly, the mayor, Sir William Lucas sent a card to each landholder in the area surrounding Meryton, inviting them to a gathering at Lucas Lodge. After seeing the ladies of the Bingley family and noting their elegant attire at the assembly and various morning calls, the ladies of Meryton were responsible for an increased flurry of female activity at the haberdasher’s shop in the village during the few days leading up to the event—all in an attempt to makeover party gowns to fit the current London style of dress.

On the morning of the dinner, Elizabeth received a summons to see both her parents.

First answering the call to her mother’s private sitting room, Elizabeth was surprised to find that Mr. Darcy was the subject of discussion.

“Lizzy, you will hold your tongue this evening,” Mrs. Bennet said. “I have seen that Mr. Darcy appreciates your company, as many intelligent men do, but you must know nothing can come of it. It is only because you think like a man and are willing to discuss subjects gentlemen enjoy talking over between themselves that you garner such attention. But when it comes to selecting a
wife
, they will always choose a
lady
—like Jane. You will stay near Jane all evening so that when Mr. Darcy seeks you out for conversation, you will take advantage of the opportunity by inviting Jane to join in, as well. When in
your
company, your sister always seems twice the lady in contrast.” Mrs. Bennet smiled to herself. “If you follow my plan, I predict Mr. Darcy will offer for Jane’s hand before many weeks have passed!”

Her mother’s speech left Elizabeth utterly dumbfounded. After regaining her senses enough to realize that she had been excused, Elizabeth closed her mouth, curtseyed, and then went to see her father.

“Come!” Mr. Bennet called out in answer to Elizabeth’s knock on the door to his study. He gestured to the chair she usually sat upon when she came to see him. Once she was seated, he asked, “Elizabeth, you do not look well. Is something wrong?”

She tilted her head and furrowed her brow before answering, “I had the strangest conversation with Mama just now...”

“Ah! Your mother has approached you with her scheme about Mr. Darcy and Jane, after all, has she? I should have realized she would not listen to me.” Mr. Bennet shook his head. “I know it is not in your nature to go against your mother’s wishes, no matter how ridiculous those instructions may be, but you will
not
follow her orders this time, Lizzy. Mr. Darcy has no interest in Jane at all except as his sister’s friend. Mr. Bingley is the man for Jane, and he needs no encouragement in that quarter. We will not put Mr. Darcy and Jane—or Mr. Bingley, for that matter—in an uncomfortable position because of your mother’s greed.” He looked away from Elizabeth and out the window. “Ten thousand a year instead of five, indeed! What difference does it make if they are not suited?’ No, I will not allow my daughters to make
that
mistake.”

Relieved, Elizabeth took a deep breath and nodded. “Is that what you wished to speak to me about, Papa?”

Mr. Bennet’s attention refocused, and he lifted a few pages of paper off his desk. “No, it is a letter from your Uncle Gardiner. I hear you and Jane were exposed to a depraved soul whilst at Ramsgate—a Mr. Wickham—and that you have heard he will soon be coming to Meryton.” He put on his reading glasses and scanned the page. “Your uncle has now educated me about the man’s past, so worry not, dear Lizzy. If he comes, I will speak to your mother and sisters. Mr. Wickham will pose no danger to our family.”

She wondered if Mr. Gardiner had told her father about Georgiana’s history with Mr. Wickham, but she could think of no way to ask without giving the secret away. “What about the shopkeepers and other families, sir?”

He nodded. “Yes, I will speak to my neighbours as well, but there is no sense in frightening the neighbourhood
before
the man has actually entered the area. Tell me, why do you believe he is coming?”

Elizabeth did not wish to lie to her father, but was she was also determined
not
to tell him about the drawings. “Everyone is speaking about the militia’s plans to winter at Meryton. During the summer, Mr. Wickham told us he would join the militia.”

“But why do you believe he is enlisted in the same regiment that will be at Meryton?”

Elizabeth shifted in her seat. “I have it on good authority that he will come, sir.”

Mr. Bennet narrowed his eyes and stared at his favourite daughter, making Elizabeth quite uncomfortable in the process. She knew he was suspicious of her evasiveness but prayed he would trust her and let it pass. After a time, the worry lines on his face smoothed, and he said, “That will be all.”

Elizabeth quickly left the room. Feeling a headache coming on, she headed directly to her bedchamber.

~%~

Lucas Lodge

Elizabeth and Jane sat with Charlotte Lucas when the rumble of many voices invaded the room, attracting the young ladies’ attention away from their conversation.

“What is it? Can you see?” Charlotte asked from beside Elizabeth on the sofa.

“I see nothing out of the ordinary,” Elizabeth answered. She looked to Jane, who was sitting in a chair across from them.

Jane’s eyes twinkled before she turned back to them. A brilliant smile spread across her lips as she rose from her chair. “It is the party from Netherfield. Lizzy, you will never guess who is with them!” Jane reached for Elizabeth’s hand to indicate she should stand, as well. Charlotte joined them.

Once Elizabeth was standing, she could see through the crowd of spectators watching the arrival of the newcomers. “Oh, how delightful! Charlotte, it is Miss Darcy! I recognize the gentleman in uniform from the drawing...” At seeing Jane’s eyes widen and quickly glance at Charlotte, Elizabeth corrected herself, “Um – a
miniature
Miss Darcy displayed at Ramsgate. He is Colonel Fitzwilliam, a cousin to the Darcys.”

The trio watched as Sir William introduced Miss Darcy and the colonel to those standing near them. Even from across the room, Elizabeth could see Georgiana was holding tightly onto her brother’s arm, her eyes open wide as if she were overwhelmed at meeting so many new people at once. “It looks as though Georgiana needs rescuing. I will return with her. Excuse me.”

Elizabeth could tell the moment Georgiana saw her as she crossed the room—the younger girl’s expression changed from the wide-eyed terror of a frightened deer to an open, friendly smile. Elizabeth glanced at Darcy, who was just following his sister’s gaze, meeting Elizabeth’s briefly before looking back at Georgiana. With relief, his countenance reminded Elizabeth more of his behaviour towards her at Ramsgate than at Meryton thus far.

As soon as introductions were made and greetings were exchanged, Georgiana stepped away from her brother and reached for Elizabeth’s hand. “Lizzy, it is so good to see you!”

“Jane is sitting with a good friend of ours of whom you have heard, I believe—Miss Charlotte Lucas. Would you like to meet her?”

Georgiana glanced at her brother, and after seeing his nod of approval, she agreed. “I have been looking forward to making her acquaintance.”

As they were just about to walk away, Miss Bingley joined them, taking Georgiana’s arm in a way that seemed ideal to keep her from walking away.

Georgiana startled, and her smile changed to one that was clearly forced.

Poor Georgie!
Elizabeth thought.

Miss Bingley asked, “Miss Eliza, is it not delightful that Colonel Fitzwilliam would escort dear Georgiana all this way to visit with my sister and me?”

Elizabeth smiled politely and answered, “Yes, Miss Bingley, it is.” She hesitated a moment. “I was just about to introduce Miss Darcy to Miss Lucas. Will you join us?”