The Ball At Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Alternative Novella by Bronwen Chisholm Read online

  Knowing her father must still be awake, she quietly descended the stairs and knocked softly on his study door before entering. She stopped suddenly at the sight of Mr. Darcy in her favourite chair just before he leapt to his feet. His gaze lingered upon her until a blush crept across her cheeks, and he quickly looked away.

  “Forgive me, Papa, I thought you were alone.” She turned to leave.

  Mr. Bennet stood and crossed to her side. “How are you, child?”

  She glanced toward the other gentleman and saw concern and compassion in his expression, before she returned her gaze to her father. “I am well. I was shaken at first.”

  He put his arm about her and led her to the sofa where he sat beside her. “What happened, Lizzy?”

  Again her eyes turned toward Mr. Darcy, wondering why he was still there, before she gave her attention to her father. “I left the assembly for a bit of fresh air. As I approached the milliner’s, a man addressed me. He was standing in shadow and I could not see him clearly. I turned away, but he reached out and grabbed my shoulder. I screamed, and struck at him as you taught us, and then I ran.” Her eyes flashed toward Mr. Darcy before they fell away again, and Mr. Bennet followed her gaze.

  “Mr. Darcy has told me what happened next.”

  She attempted to meet Mr. Darcy’s eyes, but was unable to maintain the contact,and instead looked down at her hands folded properly in her lap. “Thank you, sir, for coming to my rescue,” she said hastily.

  Mr. Darcy’s countenance reddened, “I fear I only made matters worse.”

  She looked at him and then to her father, a sinking sensation settling in her stomach. “What does he mean?” A look of fear crossed her face. Mr. Bennet rested a comforting hand on her shoulder, a gesture she had seen him use on her mother many times, and she pulled away. “Father?”

  He sighed. “Lizzy, we fear there is talk in Meryton.”

  “There is always talk in Meryton. The matrons have nothing better to do.” She stopped to study her father, finally seeing the lines of worry about his brow. Her voice lowered in concern. “What is being said, Papa?”

  Mr. Bennet looked to Mr. Darcy who moved closer to them. “In trying to shield you from a scene, I placed you in a compromising position. My only excuse is that I was thinking what I would do were you my sister.”

  Elizabeth looked at him, not comprehending at first. Suddenly, her memories of the flight from Meryton returned and she realized they had been alone, he had been holding her. The thought of the warmth and security she had found in his arms quickened her heart beat and the colour rose in her cheeks.

  “Sir, you are not responsible …” She glanced at her father. “We cannot require …” She saw the pity in his eyes and turned back to Mr. Darcy. “We have not even been properly introduced,” she ended weakly.

  Mr. Darcy examined her as she spoke. Her dressing gown was modest, but he had not seen a woman outside of immediate family members in such attire. He was forced to acknowledge her figure to be light and pleasing. Her auburn hair hung down her back in a long braid while the colour continued to rise in her cheeks as she stared at him. He found her face was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. Suddenly he wondered how he had ever pronounced her only tolerable. Swallowing hard, he glanced at Mr. Bennet who was watching him closely.

  “Lizzy, may I introduce Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire? Mr. Darcy, my second daughter, Elizabeth Bennet.” He chuckled softly before adding, “and I am Thomas Bennet.”

  He stepped back and watched them as they acknowledged the introduction with the appropriate bow and curtsey as though they stood in a drawing room surrounded by family and friends. “Lizzy, I have been getting to know Mr. Darcy this evening.”

  She looked at him incredulously before turning toward the younger man and drawing back her shoulders. “I know not of what you and my father have been speaking, sir, but rest assured, you have nothing to fear from me. I shall not make any demands upon your honour.” She held her head high, but still would not meet Mr. Darcy’s gaze.

  He glanced at Mr. Bennet who was staring at his daughter, a frown upon his face. “I suppose it would be best that I return to Netherfield,” he said as he collected his things.

  Mr. Bennet started. “Oh, yes, yes, of course. The carriage was to remain ready, sir. I shall walk you out.” He glanced at his daughter again before leaving the room.

  “I shall return tomorrow as we discussed,” Mr. Darcy said and shook Mr. Bennet’s hand when they reached the front door.

  Mr. Bennet nodded and watched until the coach pulled away. Taking a deep breath, he returned inside and entered the study to find his daughter pacing, her anger mounting with every turn.

  “How could you, Father? We do not even know him! If you had seen how he behaved at the assembly, you would never suggest such a thing!”

  “Lizzy, nothing has been said.”

  “No, but it is clear what the two of you were intimating. I will not marry him, Father!”

  “Lizzy, please sit down.”

  She stopped her pacing and looked at him. Though it was her favourite, she purposefully avoided the chair where Darcy had been sitting and returned to the sofa, dropping onto the cushion.

  Mr. Bennet suppressed a chuckle as he crossed to her side. He became serious as he spoke. “The rumours have already begun, Child. Something like this could ruin us. You must think of your sisters. Mr. Darcy is a wealthy man and he will take care of you. And, I like him.”

  The shock was clear on her face. “You like that pompous, arrogant … rude … insensitive …” she stopped. She couldn’t call him insensitive, not after the way he had cared for her and she saw her father raise his brow. “Well, maybe not insensitive.” She straightened. “But he is insufferable. Father, please, you cannot insist I marry him.” She looked at him pleadingly.

  Mr. Bennet patted her hand. “I am not insisting upon anything at this time. Now, go back to bed, child. Mr. Darcy will return tomorrow and you will wish to look well rested.”

  Elizabeth stared at him, unmoving and unbelieving. Only after he motioned toward the door did she sigh and storm out of the room. As the door closed behind her, a grin spread across Mr. Bennet’s face.

  As the evening had progressed, the gentlemen had spoken at length. He had come to know the young man and he truly did like him. They had discussed a number of topics from family histories and running an estate to social expectations and family connections. Mr. Bennet understood Darcy’s dislike of large gatherings and offered his study as a refuge from future events he wished to avoid. They were getting along very well when Elizabeth had entered. He believed Darcy was a good man and suspected the beginnings of an attraction between the young couple. He decided to allow them to find their own way.

  ***********

  Darcy arrived at Netherfield Park to find the butler still at his post. He apologized for the late hour, and was told Mr. Bingley had refused to retire and was awaiting him in the study. Entering the room, he found the master of the house asleep in an armchair.

  Darcy whispered, trying not to startle him, but Bingley jumped unsteadily to his feet. “Darcy, my God, what time is it? What happened?”

  “Go to your bed, Bingley. We shall discuss it in the morning.” Bingley attempted to protest but Darcy yawned, suddenly feeling extremely fatigued, and silenced his friend.

  They said good night as they reached Darcy’s door and he entered to find his valet ready to assist him. Once he was alone, he stared into the flames of the fire as he reviewed what had occurred that evening and how his life would now change. For years, scheming mothers and social climbing heiresses had attempted to draw him into compromising positions. Tonight, he had done it to himself. He shook his head as he stood and crossed to his bed.

  He arose the next day at his normal time, surprised he had rested so well. He was equally surprised to find Charles in the dining room when he arrived. Knowing the others would sleep lat
e, they fixed their plates, dismissed the footman, and sat down to enjoy the private time.

  Darcy explained everything that had occurred after he left the assembly hall. When he reached the point of their arrival at Longbourn and Mr. Bennet’s initial response, Charles looked at him aghast.

  “My God, Darcy, you compromised her.”

  Dropping his gaze to his plate, he shook his head. “I did not think of what I was doing.”

  “I had certainly never seen you act that way before.”

  “I just kept thinking ‘What would I do if it were Georgiana?’”

  “But it wouldn’t be Miss Darcy,” his friend said incredulously.

  “So I am going to Longbourn this morning,” Darcy replied, ignoring Charles’ comment.

  His friend smiled brightly. “Then I shall accompany you.”

  “That is not necessary.” He looked at Bingley suspiciously.

  “Nonsense! I would very much like to visit my neighbours.”

  Darcy raised his brow, “A certain blonde in particular?”

  Charles’ face reddened as he smiled. “What time are we leaving?”

  Chapter Two

  Elizabeth sat at her dressing table, staring absent-mindedly into the glass as she brushed her hair. Jane, who normally assisted her in the mornings, was sitting with their mother, who still remained abed. She could hear her youngest sisters’ voices approaching her door and continuing down the stairs.

  “Whoever could they be?”

  “Two gentlemen on horseback, but I could not see them clearly.”

  Elizabeth stood and rushed to the window. Her hopes were confirmed when she recognized Mr. Bingley riding beside the proud Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bingley had shown particular interest in her sister at the ball. Nothing would please her more than Jane being well settled. Putting her hair up in a quick, simple twist, she called for Hill.

  “Please tell Father Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley have entered the park. Once you show the gentlemen into the parlour, relieve Jane so she can attend us.” Hill nodded and left while Elizabeth finished getting ready and descended the stairs to await their guests in the parlour. Her youngest sisters were already there and she sighed, hoping they would not embarrass her.

  Hill had gone to the study as Elizabeth had instructed, but Mr. Bennet simply smiled knowingly and waved her away. It appeared he had no intentions of welcoming the gentlemen, so she showed them into the parlour. Elizabeth looked at her questioningly, but she shook her head and slipped out of the room.

  Mr. Bingley scanned the room and frowned, obviously disappointed while Elizabeth glanced down in an attempt to hide her smile.

  “Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, I do not know if you had an opportunity to meet my sisters last evening.” She introduced the younger girls who curtseyed and, for the most part, behaved properly. Turning toward the gentlemen, she hoped to distract them sufficiently so they did not notice the whispers and stares of her youngest sisters. “My eldest sister, Jane, will be down in a few minutes.” She smiled openly upon seeing Mr. Bingley’s relieved expression.

  They all sat and Jane joined them shortly afterward. She greeted Mr. Bingley and he introduced her to Mr. Darcy.

  “Mr. Darcy, I wish to thank you for looking after my sister last evening.”

  Mr. Darcy looked uncomfortably toward Elizabeth. “Please, think no more of it. I simply wished to see her home safely.”

  “Which led to us all having to leave early, and it was such a lovely gathering. I think it was dreadful we had to leave when Lizzy was perfectly fine,” Lydia pouted.

  Darcy caught himself before his jaw dropped open in shock at the young girl’s statement. His displeasure was clear as he regained his imperial glare from the previous evening.

  “Thankfully Lizzy was unharmed, but we could not bear to remain at the assembly until we saw this for ourselves.” Jane smiled sweetly as she squeezed Elizabeth’s hand.

  Mary turned a stern eye on their youngest sister. “Lydia, I cannot believe you are so thoughtless that you would wish to remain at a ball when our sister could have been ruined! We must always remember that loss of virtue in a woman is irretrievable, one false step involves her in endless ruin, her reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful, and she cannot be too much guarded in her behavior towards the undeserving of the other sex.” This last was said as she glanced at the gentlemen out of the corner of her eye and sniffed disdainfully.

  Elizabeth lifted up her eyes, praying for divine intervention. She was thankful when Jane interrupted their sister’s moral reprimand. “What a beautiful day it is. Lizzy, have you taken your constitutional yet today?”

  She immediately grasped her sister’s idea and, admitting she had not, asked the gentlemen to join her and Jane as they took a turn about the gardens. She pointedly excluded her younger sisters who did not seem to notice.

  The gentlemen stood quickly, eager to agree, and they all went into the front hall to gather their outerwear. Elizabeth excused herself to notify her father of their plans. Following her normal habit, she knocked lightly at his door before opening it and leaning her head inside. “Father, Jane and I are going into the gardens with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy.”

  The others could hear a male voice, but were unable to make out the words. Elizabeth hesitated, glanced over her shoulder as she bit her lower lip, and then turned back into the room. “Yes, Father.” She returned to the front hall, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

  Once in the gardens, the couples paired off with Jane and Mr. Bingley walking slowly about the perimeter deep in conversation. Darcy watched Elizabeth closely as they strolled silently through the small wilderness, though she seemed determined not to look his way. After several minutes, he softy inquired, “Do you mind my asking what your father said a moment ago?”

  Elizabeth glanced at him from the corner of her eye before turning to examine a late bloom on a nearby bush. “He told me to be nice.”

  Darcy fought the urge to chuckle and swallowed hard as he glanced away. “You appear fully recovered, Miss Bennet. Are you well?”

  She shrugged as she continued her inspection of the flora. “There are a few scratches upon my shoulder, but I have no lasting injuries.”

  “Ah, yes, the scratches. They did not look very deep.”

  Elizabeth turned suddenly and looked at him in horror as she realized he had seen the scratches on her shoulder because he had seen her in her torn gown. This realization was quickly followed by the memory of sitting in the study with him while wearing her dressing gown, and with that came the understanding of how compromised she had been. Her face paled as she finally understood they may have no alternative but to wed.

  Darcy watched as her complexion darkened then suddenly drained of color. “Miss Bennet, are you well?” He feared she may swoon and stepped closer to her which only seemed to increase her distress. Suddenly, he understood she must be remembering everything that had occurred between them in less than a day. He smiled knowingly.

  Elizabeth forgot her distress at his change of countenance. It was the first time she had seen him smile in this manner and she was struck with the realization of just how handsome he was.

  “We know nothing of each other,” he said in a low tone. “Perhaps you have some questions for me?”

  She studied him with one eyebrow raised as she considered what to say. With a decisive nod she asked, “Why?”

  “Why would you have questions for me?” His brow creased quizzically.

  “No, sir. That is my question. Why?”

  “I’m sorry? Why what?”

  Frustrated, she stopped and turned to face him. “Why are you going through with this farce?”

  Completely at a loss, Darcy responded in a similar tone. “Miss Bennet, I apologize for my slowness, but I am not understanding. What farce?”

  Elizabeth sighed as she began to walk again, kicking leaves and stones in her path. “Mr. Darcy, my father has pointed out to me how grim the circumstances appear but, as you
just said, you do not know me. Until we reached my home last evening, I doubt you even knew my name. You are not attracted to me …” He began to speak, but she held up a hand and said harshly, “Please, sir, do not insult me. I am aware you find me only tolerable.”

  “Madam, I am attempting to apologize for my insult.”

  She eyed him skeptically.

  “Moments after making that ungentlemanly comment last evening, I realized you had heard me and I wished to apologize. I believe part of my motivation in leaving the assembly was to find you in order to do so. When you ran into my arms …”

  Her chin lifted indignantly, “I did not run into your arms, sir!”

  He smiled condescendingly while making a slight bow, “Forgive me. When I caught you before you collided with me …”

  She refused to meet his eyes, but her cheeks reddened.

  Releasing the tension which had filled him in a slow breath, he chose a different train of thought and continued. “Miss Bennet, my family has been through a … trying time recently. Perhaps I should not have ventured out into mixed company so quickly. When I insulted you, I was simply attempting to convince Mr. Bingley to leave me be and enjoy his dance.”

  The tone of his voice brought her eyes back to him. He met her gaze and she saw the honesty there. Her brow creased as she asked, “If you did not wish to be there, why were you?”

  “As a favour to a friend. A promise made …” He held out his hands at his sides and shrugged his shoulders.

  “Must be kept,” she finished for him.

  Stopping, she studied him while she considered her next words. She could continue to antagonize him as she had been, or they could begin anew. Elizabeth was accustomed to relying upon her first impressions, but she found herself strangely drawn to him. Was this truly the proud, arrogant man from the ball? Shaking her head in an effort to clear it, she began walking again. “So what is the trying time which put you so out of sorts, sir?”

  He looked at her, shock clearly written on his features at her asking so personal a question.