124Author note: Minor revisions of previous chapters 3, 5, and 6. No need to re read. (12/23/23) Wickham and Lydia's conversation changed at the Phillips to include why Wickham might think Lydia could mark him. Also Lydia's dress color changed.
Revisions to this chapter 1/10/24 Posted 2/12/24 Chapters 8 and 9 are almost ready for posting. Unfortunately my kids got sick with a couple different cruds one right after the other (poor little buggers) and generously passed them along to me too. ::sigh:: It slowed me down quite a bit, hence the lack of posts recently. This chapter gained a couple thousand words, so it might be worth a reread while you're waiting.
Enjoy! - Cognisance
Fate and Folly
By Cognisance
Chapter 7
"There have been a few cases noted where a mark has felt irritated prior to the initial meeting of the marked. In such cases that I have personally studied there have been but two reasons for this: The first is simply that the time of the initial meeting is coming soon. There is a theory that this is because marks may in some way react to each other as the distance between them diminishes. . ." -The Works of Joseph Chambers edited and reprinted in 1648
"Deportment Upon Meeting One's Soul Mate: As is common among unmarked, the man is to take the lead in approaching his potential soul mate. Normally after the first meeting there is little doubt as to whether one has or has not met their match. . ." -Excerpt from -A Guide to the Deportment, Etiquette, and Manners of those Marked and Unmarked of the Most Refined Society by Johan H. Younge
Tuesday, October 16th, 1811
Meryton Assembly
Darcy stared in disbelief at Bingley embracing the stranger in the middle of a crowd of people who were all chattering excitedly. It would happen this way for him. Life for Bingley was a fairytale even with the wicked not-step-sister living with him. Every chapter in Bingley's life had a golden glow throughout it because Bingley just knew that the ending would be Happily Ever After.
Darcy raised a hand to rub his temple against the pain. He was certain that he did not want to get pulled in the introductions and congratulations so after a brief moment of deliberation he chose his most oft used tactic and faded silently away from the group, first looking as if he were heading towards a card room and then switching his focus and studying the room and dancers indifferently while refusing to make eye contact with anyone. He thought he was being successful in this endeavour, although it was difficult to tell as his headache was causing his vision to blur.
A loud, shrill, and happy screech trailing behind him assured him that the right choice had been made.
He was a bit surprised that he had made it without garnering the company of Miss Bingley, but supposed that she had been even more blindsided by Bingley's sudden match than he was. And likely she was enraged too, Bingley was not, after all, likely to have made a grand match (or even a properly suitable one) in such a confined environment. Darcy smirked a bit at that. While he might feel a modicum of pity for the woman who was to get Caroline Bingley as a sister-in-law, he was more pleased that the irritating shrew might have to lower her estimation of herself through this. Another screech rent the air and he changed his mind. Perhaps Bingley's soul mate did not deserve any pity, if the cacophony of high-pitched warbling was any indication, she had her own relatives that Bingley would have to learn to put up with.
There was movement, a shimmer, off to his right and his vision cleared momentarily as he looked over to see a dark-haired beauty with a frustrated look on her face shake her head before moving towards the crowd congregating around Bingley. His heart pounded an uneven rhythm. She looked. . .familiar. Or did she? He blinked and looked over again, but she was gone. Surely there would be no one here that he knew. Why would she look like someone he should recognize? Get ahold of yourself, man. He scolded himself as he turned away and began to catalogue all the exits he could find, it was always good to be prepared, though his chances of convincing Bingley to leave early-which were never good-had now evaporated.
_-F&F-_
Elizabeth winced as she heard her mother's voice rise above the crowds. "Come Lydia, we must see what has happened."
She grabbed Lydia's hand, but Lydia pulled back with a huff. "I am perfectly capable of walking on my own, Lizzy." Lydia pushed ahead and began to make her way through the crowd. Elizabeth spared but a moment to stifle her own irritation before following. Out of the corner of her eye she caught a half glimpse of a tall dark-haired stranger with an aloof expression on his face and an odd sense of rightness mixed with trepidation filled her. She fought the urge to turn, to stare, and forced the feeling to the side as her mother's voice echoed above the crowds again. At least she sounds happy? That is a slight consolation. Following after Lydia should have made it easier to get through the crowd, but her sister was slipperier than an eel and despite her taller stature made it to their mother well before Elizabeth broke through, still apologizing to Mrs. Long for bumping into her.
_-F&F-_
Mrs. Bennet felt such joy that she wanted to shriek. And so she did. Mary clapped her hands to her ears before tugging at her mother's arm.
"Mother! Perhaps one should not shriek in public?"
Mrs. Bennet paid no attention to Mary. When one felt emotions as strongly as Fanny Bennet did they must just come out. Everyone understood that. Or they would if they were as sensitive as she was. "oh, Oh, OH! I KNEW how it would be! My Jane could not have been so beautiful for nothing. Did I not always say she would make a grand match! 4,000 pounds a year and likely more! Oh the pin money, and lace, and carriages she shall have!"
Mary tugged on her mother's arm again, hissing, "Mother! Please restrain yourself, this is no way to greet your future Son-in-law and his family." It did no good. Mrs. Bennet moved forward still exclaiming until she was within feet of Jane who was now standing and holding hands with the gentleman still oblivious to the crowd that had grown around her.
"Oh, Jane, oh JANE!" Mrs. Bennet cried out as she reached her.
"Mother, please!" Mary hissed again, to no avail. She desperately wished that she could fade back into the background, but she had promised to help Elizabeth and Jane. One would think that after years of being embarrassed by one's mother that one would be used to it. She was not. Her palms still began to sweat, her body still shook with tremors. It was not even just the things her mother said, but the attention it drew. If everyone could ignore her mother, then Mary would be able to keep her composure better, but to have the eyes of all assembled focused on her mother (and by association herself) was the stuff of nightmares for Mary.
Lydia broke through the crowd at that point and let out a loud burst of laughter. "Jane has found her match!" she called out, as if everyone in the vicinity had not already seen that. "What a good joke this is! I never thought that Mama could have been proven right in her proclamations of it!" Mary bowed her head as Lydia made things even worse. Where is Elizabeth? She thought rather desperately. As if heard by God himself, Elizabeth pushed through the crowd at that exact moment. Mary saw the moment Elizabeth took it all in. Her eyes widened in shock at the sight of Jane and a stranger smiling beatifically into each other's eyes, a pleased smile graced her lips as she stumbled to a halt. Then as their mother's voice raised again, Elizabeth spun to face her mother's overexuberance and Lydia's crassness.
"Mama, Lydia! What happy news this is." Elizabeth took her mother's hand and squeezed it.
"Oh Lizzy, I knew Jane could not be so beautiful for nothing!"
"Lizzy, isn't it terribly funny!"
They both spoke at the same time, but Elizabeth ignored their words and directed her speech at Mrs. Bennet. "Do you not think it would be proper to gain an introduction?" She pulled Mrs. Bennet forward one more step and tapped Jane on the shoulder. Jane started violently and looked around. Her face whitening at the sight of so many people surrounding her.
"Dear Jane," Elizabeth said with a reassuring smile, "Perhaps we should move off to the side more, I do believe we are impeding the dancing, and introductions are in order." Mary sighed with relief as Sir William came into view and began shepherding everyone over to the edge of the room. The gentlemen seemed already acquainted for Mr. Bingley (she presumed) shook Sir William's hand with gusto as they began to walk together. The man's party followed closely behind the rest of them.
"Mrs. Bennet, may I introduce you to Mr. Bingley," Sir William began as soon as they were far enough over that the dancing could commence again. Mary, content that the spectacle they had created was nearing its conclusion, took this time to study the newcomers. Mr. Bingley seemed a pleasant enough fellow, for even though he was simply gazing (as if star struck) at Jane, he exuded amiability. The couple who were still together, must be his sister and brother-in-law, for the woman had a decided similarity in face shape and coloring. And the other woman. . .Mary's widened slightly as they took in her coiffure and dress. Again, by face shape and coloring, she too must be a sister, but the differences in the clothing and manner of the two women was astounding. The first seemed more similar to her brother, in good fashion, too nice for a country assembly, but not to the extreme. The other, however, appeared as if she ascribed to Mother's line of thinking 'the more lace and accoutrements the better' and probably also 'of the finest material one can afford'. Mary wondered if there was a similar philosophy of life behind Miss Bingley's choices too. She had long thought that Mother-having grown up the daughter of a solicitor-looked at her clothing as her status symbol. The more finery and frippery she wore the more important she acted. Almost as if she had to parade her worth to be able to feel it.
"Oh, oh, Mr. Bingley, it is a pleasure indeed to meet you. Yes, I tell you, I knew how it would be as soon as I heard that Netherfield Park-oh!" Mrs. Bennet's voice cut off abruptly and she turned a scowling face to Elizabeth who looked back at her innocently.
Sir William quickly continued. "And here is the one you are most eager to greet I am sure, Miss Jane Bennet. And her sisters, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty," (for Kitty had joined them at this point), "and the youngest Lydia." Mary did not think that poor Mr. Bingley would be able to even say whether or not Jane had siblings, for upon his introduction to her, he was again lost in her eyes. They did not even flicker towards the others with any type of acknowledgment.
Sir William cleared his throat loudly and Mr. Bingley looked at him in confusion for a moment, before his whole face flushed red. Mary was instantly grateful that her own darker hair and skin tone would never visibly show her embarrassment with quite so much intensity.
"Ah, yes, of course. It is a pleasure to meet all of you." Mr. Bingley bowed deeply to Jane and she curtsied shyly back. Lydia giggled again and Mrs. Bennet who had exchanged her scowl for a beaming smile reached out to pat his arm with familiarity.
Mr. Bingley let his gaze flicker over to Mrs. Bennet and he smiled briefly before his eyes were on Jane again as he continued with, "And may I introduce to you the rest of my party, for I do not believe Sir William has had the pleasure yet. My Brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst and his wife, my sister, Mrs. Hurst of Bineham in Somerset. And this is my other sister, Miss Caroline Bingley. And finally my friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire." He waved over his shoulder, then stopped as all the Bennet's looked at him with confusion, Mrs. Hurst subtly rolled her eyes, and Miss Bingley frowned and began peering around. "Darcy?" He said as he turned to look. That there was no one there seemed to confound him for a moment, before he turned back with a sheepish smile, "Well, my friend is not always the most comfortable in new spaces, I am sure I shall be able to introduce you later to him." Mary nodded slightly in commiseration, she understood that feeling very well. Elizabeth's face turned thoughtful at this information. Miss Bingley had more to add though.
"Oh, please Charles," her mutter was loud enough for the whole party to hear, even over the music that had recommenced, "you would paint him shy. He is not, merely discerning," Her supercilious gaze swept the group, "with his estate and income you could hardly expect him to be thrilled at meeting the locals." Mrs. Bennet looked offended at this assessment, and opened her mouth, Mary cringed in anticipation, but was surprised when Lydia spoke first. It was not much better.
"Does he have a large estate then? How much is his income?"
Miss Bingley looked at the girl with raised eyebrows, "Have you never heard of the Darcy's of Pemberley?" Her tone was scornful.
Lydia shook her head, "Should I have? I have heard of Derbyshire though. My aunt grew up there. Perhaps she would know of him."
"Miss…Lydia…was it?" Lydia nodded again and Miss Bingley continued, "It is doubtful that she would not have heard of him. For Mr. Darcy indeed owns almost half of the county. His income is a clear 10,000 pounds a year." Lydia, Kitty, and Mrs. Bennet's mouths dropped at the sum. Though Kitty grew quickly conscious of it and closed it with a glance around to see if anyone had noticed her ill manners.
"Why that is very well-to-do indeed!" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed when she had found her voice again.
"Is he a good dancer do you know? Is he marked? Perhaps he will meet his match among us as well!" Lydia spoke over her mother again as Mary blushed for her. Miss Bingley looked almost outraged at the thought, but Mr. Bingley took over the conversation at this point, not allowing either party to continue.
"Oh, Darcy is a wonderful dancer, if you can ever get him to dance that is. But enough of this talk. For while he might not be here to ask for dances, I am, and I declare that if possible I shall reserve one for each of my future sisters," (here he and Jane both blushed mightily), "and two for my beautiful Jane, for there is nothing so pleasant as getting to know someone while dancing.
_-F&F-_
Soon after, the second set ended and they all took to the floor. Mr. Bingley danced with Jane in the first position in honour of their match. Elizabeth found a partner in Mr. Lucas the younger. Mary was with Mr. Collins (and looking as if she'd rather be anywhere else). Kitty and Lydia were each paired with an officer. Mrs. Bennet rejoiced by the punch bowl. Elizabeth would, in the future, often think that this single dance was the most normal part of the night. It took a decided down turn after that. When the dance ended Mr. Lucas led her over to where his sister and Mr. Collins were speaking by her mother and she was embarrassed to hear him going on about the mysterious stranger of Mr. Bingley's party.
"Mr. Darcy of Pemberley?!" Mr. Collins exclaimed, "Here tonight?! Oh, what gracious condescension, it indeed rivals his dear aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh's. I shall have to introduce myself to him, to assure him that his beloved aunt and cousin are in good health and spirits. Lady Catherine did indeed inform me that at one time that he was to be betrothed to her own daughter, Miss de Bourgh."
Elizabeth broke in here, "Perhaps it was intended as confidential and you should not share it with us, Mr. Collins."
But he waved her off. "Nonsense, Lady Catherine's wishes were a natural enough thing, there is no shame in this being known. As I was saying, the betrothal was the dearest wish of both his grandfather, aunt, and mother, and Lady Catherine says Mr. Darcy the younger was not averse to it either as Miss de Bourgh is a paragon of feminine virtue. Alas, it had to be set aside as his mark came in and she was left as an unmarked. Lady Catherine laments it as most unfortunate for with the combining of two such Great Estates there would be few even among the Peers of the land who would have the wealth or land to compare. Furthermore, it is likely that he would have gained a title also. Her father, the former Earl of Matlock (sadly, he has since passed) had a petition prepared in hopes of such a union."
Elizabeth tried to cut in here again, feeling somewhat distressed at this bit of gossip, although she could not rationalize why, Mr. Collins, however, continued on without pause. "It was a sad day indeed when Miss de Bourgh's twelfth birthday passed without such a mark as her cousin. However, Lady Catherine is a true Stalwart, and consoles herself that it is likely that since Fate did not see fit to match her daughter and Mr. Darcy, that he shall make an even greater match. She imagines it will be the daughter of a Duke with a splendid dowry."
Charlotte interjected at this point, "I am sure you were able to condole very well with Lady Catherine on this point, you seem, as a minister of the Word, to be well able to offer people comfort through life's disappointments. Tell me," she said with a sideways glance at Elizabeth, "are you frequently asked to attend to her Ladyship?"
"Oh certainly!" Mr. Collins exclaimed, and he was off again speaking of how useful he was to Lady Catherine and of her Great Condescension to him. Elizabeth sighed with relief at the turn of subject and thanked Charlotte mentally for her ability to lead conversations. She hoped that between Charlotte, herself, and the dances Mr. Collins had arranged they could keep him far away from the poor man.
It was a false hope. They couldn't. Neither Charlotte nor Elizabeth were quick enough after the man's dance with Kitty. Elizabeth watched the exchange with a sort of morbid fascination from across the room. There was much bowing and speaking on the part of Mr. Collin's. Mr. Darcy, who Elizabeth had caught glimpses of a time or two and thought had looked well-starched before, became an unbending rod with his body angled decidedly away, clearly searching for the first possible chance of escape. Mr. Collins still seemed to be mid-sentence when Mr. Darcy's patience snapped and with an abrupt nod of his head he moved away. Mr. Collins turned back towards the floor (presumably to find Lydia) with a satisfied smile on his face. And Elizabeth cringed and prayed the night would end sooner rather than later.
This hope was not realized either.
_-F&F-_
The Assembly was nearing its end, and Elizabeth was sitting out for yet a third dance. She was finding herself grateful for the reprieve even as she worried that Lydia might feel too smug in winning this evening given that she had been able to procure a partner for every set.
Elizabeth had found herself unwittingly resting behind the unintroduced Mr. Darcy, and had caught his eye twice by accident already. It had sent the strangest of flutters through her and her mark was at a constant tingle now, as when one hits their elbow and their hand goes numb. She had wanted to smile at him, but his face was so very grave that she could not. Indeed the second time he seemed not to even see her, but to be looking right through her instead. She shuddered to think that he had read her very soul and she had been found wanting.
"Come, Darcy, I must have you dance!" Elizabeth looked up again as Mr. Bingley said this loud enough for her to hear clearly. It was in between the second of the two sets he had promised Jane, so he must have come just to cajole his friend briefly. "I am fulfilling my promise, come, who shall I introduce you to." She ducked her head again, smiling at the joyful simplicity in Mr. Bingley's tone and wondering what his friend would say when confronted by such a cheery personality.
"And I told you not to bother, Bingley, besides you are dancing with the only beauty in the room." Elizabeth felt a small pang at this, although she was very happy that at least her sister had garnered some measure of appreciation from the man. She settled back in her chair a bit and turned her head so she could watch the exchange from the corner of her eye. "Congratulations by the by," Mr. Darcy then added with a wry smile, "you were too surrounded for me to say it before." Elizabeth blinked as the smile lightened the man's face, turning it from sternly handsome to greatly appealing.
Mr. Bingley laughed loudly, and Mr. Darcy's frown returned as he rubbed at his temple and blinked his eyes rapidly. Elizabeth's brow furrowed as she caught the wince it seemed Mr. Darcy was trying to hide. Now that she had seen the difference his smile made she noted the other subtle hints that the man wasn't simply being stand offish but truly felt unwell.
"She is an angel! Truly. And once we are done dancing, I shall introduce you to my future wife! But come, her sister is sitting down behind you and is very pretty also, let me introduce you."
Elizabeth held her breath, certain that this cajoling of an obviously reluctant man could bring forth no pleasant answer.
"No. I beg you would not, Bingley, you know I am in a foul mood."
"Just one dance, it will cheer you right up, I am sure."
"Bingley, everyone here has heard their mother's exclamations." Mr. Darcy's voice lowered, but not enough to stop Elizabeth from hearing and she wished she had moved before the conversation had started. "I do not have the fortitude to endure her shrieks of delight if I should be seen to be dancing with her daughter who could not possibly be my match." Elizabeth froze as he said that waiting with bated breath for the denouement, "She is tolerable, I suppose-". She could bear no more, she stood abruptly even as the rest of his words washed over her, "-but not handsome enough to tempt me. And I cannot be seen giving consequence-" Elizabeth clutched at her side where it felt like the tip of a knife had just been dragged along the edges of her mark, she was unsure whether he finished his remark or not for the whole room had spun suddenly leaving her feeling off balance. As it settled her eyes were involuntarily pulled back towards Mr. Darcy. He was grimacing in pain and leaning heavily on the chair before him.
The realization of who he must be flooded her and she nearly stumbled as she rushed to get away. Mere moments ago she had been nervous sitting so close to him, wondering if he even truly saw her. Moments ago she had felt pity for the man, he had been so obviously unwell. Moments ago she had been ready to laugh off a slight that she had known would be coming as soon as Mr. Bingley offered to introduce her. But now. Now with the revelation of who had just degraded her with less than a handful of words. . .
She was unsure how, but grateful that she made it to the stairs without someone stopping her to ask what was wrong. With a quick glance to make sure no one was watching she fled upwards to a quiet hall, then into a small library. She contained the sob that had been building the best she could as she crossed to a chair next to a cold fireplace and collapsed into it. Her head in her hands she pressed against her eyes to stave off the tears, her whole body trembling with the force of holding herself in check. Her mark felt raw. Her heart felt raw. How. How could he look at me and feel nothing? How could he even speak such words? She had recognized it. Why had not he? Or had he? Was this why the man had stared at her in such a manner?
Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth conjured up his smile as she rolled his name on her tongue. It was a handsome name that seemed well suited to him. And he was to have been her soul mate. It should have been the happiest of circumstances. Perhaps even would have been if only Mama could have kept her voice down and presented herself as a gentlewoman rather than a fishwife. But no, Elizabeth herself was barely tolerable to him. He had made his opinion of her clear before he had even spoken with Bingley, not a smile, not a word, not a single sign of interest. Before her relationship had even begun it had been cut down.
She was unsure exactly how long she stayed in that position fighting down her feelings before she felt able to retrieve her handkerchief from her reticule and tidy her face. The night had yet to end, and there was no way that she would be able to leave early with the excitement of Jane's match overshadowing everything.
She took in a shuddering breath as the thought that she and Jane had both met their soul mates on the same night hit her. She smiled bitterly at the irony of the situation and pressed the handkerchief to her eyes again. A fairytale for Jane and a nightmare for herself. Perhaps her mother had been more right than Elizabeth ever gave her credit for. Jane would be their savior, and Elizabeth would be lucky if her match deemed her worthy to even dance with. After all not only was she not as pretty Jane but she was far too clever for her- No. I must not think this way. He may have rejected me based on my family and looks, but what does he know of who I am?
She sat up and took a deep breath feeling suddenly foolish. The man was clearly feeling ill. Perhaps that had clouded his judgement. Or perhaps they just needed to spend a bit more time together. After all, everyone that had read On Soulmarks knew that not everyone that was marked fell in love upon first sight as had happened to Jane. In fact, didn't it say that that was rare? She would have to check her copy again when she got home. The thought grounded her. His words were ill considered, but that didn't mean he had outright rejected her. No, he has to acknowledge me before he can do that. Elizabeth winced then shook the morbid thought away and stood up, her courage rising as she took another deep breath. This situation, this man, would not intimidate her. The night was not over yet and she would let no hint of her internal turmoil mar this most special occasion for Jane.
Slipping back down the stairs, she made her way over to the ladies retiring room. She was relieved to find herself alone as she wet a cloth and held it to her eyes for a moment. They would be a bit red still, there was no help for that, but as long as she kept her countenance cheerful, surely all would just assume she was just overjoyed for her sister.
With another few deep breaths Elizabeth exited the room, and began walking slowly around the perimeter of the dance floor. It appeared that she had only missed the rest of previous dance and the beginning of the next so it was likely that no one had noticed her absence. Elizabeth was so focused on smiling and nodding at her neighbors while trying to avoid speaking to them that she hadn't realized Miss Bingley was in front of her until she practically ran the woman down.
"Oh, do forgive me, Miss Bingley!" She said, trying to smile politely, "I did not see you there."
"Perhaps, then, you need to see an oculist for some glasses, Miss Eliza? I am not hiding after all."
Eliabeth's polite (and fake) smile turned into a grimace and her attention became fully focused rejoicing slightly in the chance to turn her attention away from her gloomy musings, "Yes." She looked Miss Bingley in the eye and smiled sweetly. "I do think I might need that, I cannot for the life of me see how I missed you." Mr. Hurst who was nearby let out a sudden cough at that and Mrs. Hurst turned her head to hide a smile.
Elizabeth noted both and turned to include them more. "How are you enjoying Netherfield? Is the house not delightful?"
Miss Bingley snorted, but Mrs. Hurst responded with a smile, "Indeed, while some of the décor could use with updating the house itself is wonderful. I have rarely seen a house with such an accommodating layout, and I do adore the views from the family wing. I have always loved ponds and fountains and follies. I am very much looking forward to next summer to see how it all greens up and what the gardeners are able to accomplish!"
Elizabeth leaned forward. "Oh, yes! The gardens there were my favorite place to play when I was younger. They are simply wonderful!"
Miss Bingley let out a huff. "Well, I do not believe that they are all that much to speak of. Certainly nothing even close to Pemberley. I still say that Charles should have found an estate closer to Derbyshire to rent so that we could be closer to Mr. Darcy and dear Georgiana."
Elizabeth tilted her head as she looked at the woman, "I suppose I would say that Fate brought you here at this time." She looked meaningfully out at the dance floor where Mr. Bingley and Jane could hardly take their eyes off each other even as the dance led them apart. Mr. Darcy was just visible across the room behind them and tears rose again to her eyes as he seemed to see her at the moment she saw him, and then deliberately turned away. She sniffed and pulled out her handkerchief again. "It is such a happy sight? Is it not?" She said a bit desperately as she dabbed at her eyes.
There was silence from Miss Bingely, but Mrs. Hurst agreed. "It is. Charles has been looking for so long. And I do think your conjecture likely, also."
Miss Bingley scoffed before saying, "Oh, pish, if my brother and your sister are indeed fated, they could have gotten together in Derbyshire just as easily as here. And then we would have more refined society to visit."
Keeping her handkerchief (which was becoming quite soggy) in her hand, Elizabeth looked at Miss Bingley with raised brows, but decided to steer clear of the most divisive of Miss Bingley's statements, focusing instead on the chance to gather more information on Mr. Darcy instead. "Miss Darcy is at Pemberly then? While her brother is here? How old is she?"
Mrs. Hurst looked at her sister rather sardonically before saying, "Miss Darcy is about sixteen, and far from being at Pemberley is supposed to be making her way to Netherfield tomorrow with her other guardian The Honorable Colonel Fitzwilliam."
Elizabeth glanced between the two women, sensing a tension that had nothing to do with herself. "I suppose you are happy that you will be seeing your friend then, Miss Bingley."
Miss Bingley's nose went up in the air a smidgeon, "Of course, Georgiana is among the most accomplished, beautiful, and discerning young women I know." She smirked at Elizabeth as she rather obviously returned the flavor of Elizabeth's insult by sweeping a glance up and down her person and dress. Elizabeth bit her tongue hard enough to draw blood in stopping herself from an injudicious retort. With a frosty smile and nod of the head she spun on her heel and headed towards the terrace just beyond the row of pillars. Surely she had gained the right to another short reprieve, even if it was just a small one. A furious whispering sounded from behind as she left, Mrs. Hurst scolding it sounded like. Good, the harpy deserved it. Does the woman think she is being subtle? Normally a comment like this would have been easy fodder for her to laugh off or share with her friends as a joke, but the harsh assessment of the one who was supposed to love her immediately and unconditionally had greatly shaken her confidence, and the dig-comparing her to that man's apparently perfect younger sister-cut. After a moments reflection, she grudgingly admitted the insult had been no worse than her own insinuation. It still rankled, but it would be childish to close her eyes to that. Elizabeth, rather lost in thought, sped her pace such that she came around a pillar rather quicker than was wise and bumped into yet another person she would rather have avoided. "Mr. Wickham!" She said in surprise, "I am sorry I did not see you there."
The Lieutenant pulled at his jacket to straighten it and bowed with a practiced smile, "No harm done, Miss Elizabeth. We must put the blame on the pillar, if it had not done such a good job of being in your way, I dare say you would have seen me."
Elizabeth quirked an eyebrow. "Or if you had not done such a masterful job of hiding behind it?"
Miss Bingley's voice floated over the sound of the musicians and general chatter distracting Elizabeth momentarily. "And Louisa, I do not see why-" Elizabeth tuned her voice out, turning her attention back to Mr. Wickham.
Mr. Wickham's grin became more fixed and he seemed for some inexplicable reason to be nervous. "Fie, Miss Elizabeth, what need have I to hide? I was just passing by on my way out. I have decided to call it a night you see. Early to bed and all that, I have morning duty tomorrow."
Elizabeth looked speculatively at him sure that he was prevaricating somewhat. "Well, sir, I wish you good night then," she said, deciding that she was glad that he was going.
"Likewise, Miss Elizabeth," he said as he turned towards the door and walked away.
Elizabeth decided against following him out and looked around for a safe alternative. She saw Charlotte, but Mr. Collins was still monopolizing her. Perhaps she could find Mary to stand by instead. She would not mind silence. Mrs. Bennet was no longer a problem. She had been absorbed by her friends and talk of weddings. Elizabeth had one dance left to make it through, and if her partner found her, she would plead an indisposition. There was no way she would be able to concentrate and follow the steps for a whole dance, to pretend to feel nothing but happiness for Jane. Let Lydia win. Elizabeth wished only for the consolation of her bed and an end to this evening.
Author Note:
MK543: I'm going back through and breaking the wall of text up. Thanks for pointing it out!
Sam H294: Yes, forgot that I hadn't re written the Phillips party to clarify why Wickham thought that Lydia could do this. It's done now. Basically, Lydia doesn't mind stretching the truth if it will bring her more attention. Another reason why those rumours have lasted for as long as they have. Thanks for pointing that confusion out!
I've debated putting this out there the last couple chapters. SPOILER ahead. *** Don't get your hopes up on the epicness of this story. Lydia and Wickham are bad, but they are not going to be able to rip apart the threads of society as they know it. This is more a cozy soulmark story.***