In a More Amiable Light Read online

  In a more amiable light

  TABLE OF CONTENT

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Epilogue: 5 Years Later

  Copyright © 2019 Marley Fulton

  All rights reserved.

  This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events or persons is purely coincidental.

  Acknowledgement

  My special thanks to Regina McCaughey-Silvia for her invaluable help in publishing this book.

  Dedication

  To the wonderful members of JAFF community, who supported and encouraged me to write and publish my first Austenesque attempt.

  Chapter 1

  Mrs. Gardiner’s invitation to spend some time in London had been received with reservation by Jane and with relief by Elizabeth. The former was too sad to find enjoyment in anything, the latter hoped that the journey might be beneficial to her eldest sister in more than one way.

  The three other Bennet sisters had been jealous as they bid their farewell, as they too would have loved a trip to London. However, Mr. Bennet had stood firm. The invitation had not been extended to them, and as such, they could not impose themselves on the Gardiners.

  Elizabeth and Jane had packed their trunks, talking about the up-coming travelling plans, and avoided discussing the matters which were weighing so heavily on them as of late. Jane had been miserable since Mr. Bingley, the source of her distress, had suddenly left Netherfield with very little explanation, leaving Jane to wonder if his affections had ever been sincere.

  Elizabeth, on the other hand, could not shake her disillusionment and disappointment when it came to Mr. Darcy. She had found him pompous and insufferable from the start, but now, she felt that he had played a hand in Mr. Bingley's sudden departure. She was unsure of what she should do with her disdain towards him and her new-found suspicions, but she was certain he was the most hateful man she had ever met.

  The time with the Gardiners promised to be a welcome respite for them both, and with any luck and with the Lord’s help – perhaps Mr. Bingley was somewhere in town and they would happen upon each other. Even if it were unlikely, such a scenario was surely not impossible. Perhaps he would even find out about Jane’s arrival and would call on them while they were there, and all misunderstandings and uncertainties would correct themselves. But such a thought was only a hopeful dream and more harmful than useful for everyone, so Elizabeth did not dare share it with Jane.

  The weather had not been kind to them during their journey to London, thus, it had been a long and arduous trip. By the time they arrived at their destination, their tiredness defeated their excitement. They had retired early that evening, and both pondered separately over their thoughts and feelings, tossing and turning into the night.

  The rain came and lasted for the first days of their stay in town and Elizabeth grew restless and eager for a walk. Jane had written to Miss Bingley to let her know of their presence in London, in the hopes that Mr. Bingley would discover the news and would shortly visit them. However, in the days that followed, there was no response to Jane’s letter, nor any sign from the Bingleys. The lack of response only added to the restlessness and irritation of both sisters but, while Jane tried to find excuses, Elizabeth was frustrated and angry.

  The sun had burst through the clouds briefly on their fourth morning, and for a passing moment, it seemed as though things might turn out in their favor. But the sunshine had been short-lived, and the cloud cover had returned, keeping them inside.

  During tea time in the parlor, the conversation had turned, as it had so many times over the past few days, to Mr. Bingley.

  "Perhaps his affections were not sincere?" Jane sighed, looking out the window. "Why else would he have left in such haste?"

  Elizabeth shook her head. It tormented her to see her sister in such a state of distress. Jane was heartbroken, but still refrained from saying a single bad word about any gentlemen or ladies involved in that mischievous scheme.

  All Elizabeth could do was reassure her over and over that Mr. Bingley had, in fact, been sincere in his affections.

  "No, dear Jane. He truly loved you. I believe it to be so. He wanted nothing but to stand near you, to be with you," Elizabeth repeated, taking her hand. "There has to be another reason for his departure."

  And although Elizabeth did not know for sure, she had a feeling that she knew what the reason was. As the eldest daughters from a family of modest means, she and her sister were in a difficult situation. Mr. Bingley had fallen very hard for Jane, Elizabeth knew that much. However, Elizabeth only suspected how Mr. Bingley's family and friends, namely his sister and the awful Mr. Darcy, would disapprove of such a connection. Since the day Mr. Bingley had left Netherfield, Elizabeth suspected that the reasons for his departure were not a result of his choosing, but rather the influence of those he held dear - Mr. Darcy and his own sister, Caroline. And Elizabeth detested all of them. They were pompous and overly prideful, and they did not accept anyone whom they deemed to be beneath them, including her dear sister, Jane.

  "You have written Miss Bingley, Jane. Surely she will let her brother know that you are here," Elizabeth offered, although she was not so sure of her statement. In fact, it was highly unlikely that Miss Bingley would tell her brother anything of the sort if Elizabeth's suspicions were true.

  Jane nodded. "Yes. But that was days ago, Lizzie. And I have not received any answer."

  "Indeed, neither of them sent a word, much less called,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “Perhaps they are out of town. There can be many reasons behind their silence.” Mrs. Gardiner felt for Jane, she really did. And like everyone else, she was at a loss as to what to do. She was also growing a bit weary of having the same conversation. She had the sinking suspicion that perhaps Mr. Bingley's affections had not been so sincere after all. Jane was so beautiful, the most beautiful in both face and figure of the five Bennet girls, and, as such, it was far too easy for men to fall briefly for her outward appearance. Mrs. Gardiner had suspicions that Mr. Bingley had been charmed by Jane's beauty, with no intention of following through.

  Mrs. Gardiner placed her tea delicately on its saucer and leaned back in her seat. To be young, she thought to herself. She had her own two children, but she had grown to love the Bennet girls since they were very young, and it was difficult to see Jane in so much pain. And then there was Elizabeth. She had expressed, quite vehemently, her distaste for Mr. Darcy. But this baffled Mrs. Gardiner, as she had known Mr. Darcy's parents since she was a young girl growing up in Derbyshire, only five miles away from the Darcy family.

  "We should enjoy our time in London anyway," Elizabeth offered again, taking a sip of her tea but scalding her tongue. She winced and then shook her head. All three women looked out the window in silence as the rain fell hard and fast. There was really nothing else to say.

  &&&

  The next day, the weather improved and Mrs. Gardiner decided to take the girls shopping. She suggested that some fresh air and a day out was exactly what they all needed to break up both the mood and the tedium that had somehow descended on their house. Elizabeth agreed, but Jane was reluctant. She said that she did not feel up to it, and would rather just spend the day at home reading and playing with her young cousins. Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth looked at her quizzically. Both women knew the real reason that Jane did not wish to leave the house; she was waiting for Mr. Bingley, and she could not take the chance that she might not be there if he should happen to call.

  They decided it was best not to ar
gue, so respected her choice and left by themselves.

  They took the carriage to the other side of London – toward Hyde Park.

  The shops, the people, the animation, everything raised Elizabeth’s spirits.

  As always, her aunt had been right. A day out in the bustling city was exactly what Elizabeth needed to divert her attention from her angry and unsavory thoughts about Mr. Darcy. And although they did not purchase much, it was entertaining to try on bonnets and walking shoes.

  The two of them were walking out of a bonnet shop, arm in arm, looking through the window of a book shop. They decided to enter, and walked toward the door chatting absently. They were startled when they ran into a gentleman who brushed against them, causing Elizabeth to almost fall. They recovered and apologized and so did the man; a moment later, Elizabeth froze in complete astonishment, as she recognized the man as being none other than the intolerable Mr. Darcy.

  She felt all the blood draining from her face and was at a loss as to what to do or say. She stood still, while he stared at her in disbelief. Elizabeth noticed his steadfast face and her breath caught in her throat. Mr. Darcy was the last person she expected or wanted to see. She tried to move forward; he opened his mouth to say something and only then did she notice the beautiful young woman holding his arm and looking at her.

  The nerve of that man! What was he doing there – and in her path again? Elizabeth eyed the beautiful woman, who was clad in expensive clothing. Upon closer look, she observed that she was young, likely younger than she. The young woman lowered her eyes as Elizabeth searched her face.

  For a brief moment, Elizabeth felt a flutter of distress that she did not recognize. But why should she think of anything related to him, except how to leave sooner? She loathed Mr. Darcy! He had insulted her, and likely interfered with her sister's happiness. Why should she care whom he was with?

  Mr. Darcy was also shocked to come across Elizabeth. He had no prior knowledge that she had come to London, and yet, here she was. He wished to depart but also to stay. He met her again, in the most unexpected way. How did such coincidences occur? He stared at her, and she lifted her chin defiantly. He quickly forced a smile and finally said politely.

  "Miss Bennet! Good day! What an extraordinary surprise! "

  "Good day, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said, bound by her manners to acknowledge their unfortunate encounter. She hoped she could use that opportunity to inquire after Mr. Bingley, so she waited for him to say something.

  They stood in awkward silence for a moment, then Mr. Darcy bowed and turned to leave, without even an introduction to the woman on his arm. Elizabeth felt the fury in her rise. He was as rude and unpleasant as always.

  It was then that Elizabeth noticed another man with Mr. Darcy and the young woman. He, too, was handsomely dressed, with a pleasing figure and an amiable smile on his face. He was nodding and smiling warmly.

  "Darcy," the unknown man said. "Where have your manners gone? Surely you will introduce us to your acquaintance!"

  Mr. Darcy looked to the man, and then back at Elizabeth. Torn between his desire to leave and the demands of decorum, he realized his lack of manners. It was, of course, Elizabeth's fault; her presence, as well as her absence, troubled him as much as ever. He had not expected to see her, and when he had, all of his past emotions had come flooding back, prompting him to make a quick exit.

  "Yes, yes of course. Miss Bennet, this is my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam," Mr. Darcy said, sweeping his hand towards the smiling man. "And this is my sister, Georgiana. Georgiana, Colonel, this is Miss Bennet and -" he stopped, looking towards Elizabeth's companion. He mumbled the introductions, still confused by this accidental encounter. What was Elizabeth doing in London?

  "I am delighted to meet you, Colonel, Miss Darcy. This is my aunt, Mrs. Gardiner," Elizabeth responded. If she had not known better, she would have thought that Mr. Darcy was a little disconcerted by the encounter. However, she assumed that he simply wanted to leave, and that is why his introductions seemed so rushed.

  Georgiana and the ladies curtseyed to each other properly. Miss Darcy looked less impressive than her brother, but was equally unwilling to engage with them more than was necessary.

  The Colonel stepped towards Elizabeth and her companion and smiled broadly. He had a handsome figure and joyful eyes. And even though it was an uncomfortable situation for Elizabeth, she could not help but appreciate the colonel’s manners, so different from his cousin’s.

  "Miss Bennett," the Colonel uttered. "So pleased to finally make your acquaintance. I have heard much about you.”

  She smiled, assuming he was only being polite “May I ask from whom? I wonder if we have common friends.”

  “We do. Mr. Bingley! He speaks of little but his time and his acquaintance in Hertfordshire."

  Her smile widened.

  "If Mr. Bingley was the source of your knowledge, I would suspect he spoke of my sister, Jane."

  "Oh, I see," the Colonel stammered, embarrassed by his fumble. "I apologize for my mistake."

  Elizabeth laughed then. The Colonel looked so upset by his error that Elizabeth could not help but put him at ease. "Think nothing of it, sir. I am pleased to hear that Mr. Bingley did not forget his friends," Elizabeth answered, glaring at Mr. Darcy.

  Darcy felt Elizabeth's eyes pierce him. He held her gaze, but said nothing for a moment. The tension between the two was uncomfortable for the others. Finally, Mr. Darcy continued:

  "I hope your family is in good health."

  “You care nothing for my family,” Elizabeth was tempted to reply. She struggled to answer as politely as she could.

  "Yes, they are all in excellent health. They are only a little surprised that Mr. Bingley did not return to Netherfield in a week as he first said. But perhaps we can find the answer as to why he changed his plans so utterly. My sister, Jane, is in town, too. We hope to have the good fortune of meeting our acquaintances, including Mr. Bingley.”

  She knew she could not completely conceal the anger in her voice. They held glances briefly, then Elizabeth continued.

  "Mr. Bingley is well then, I hope?"

  "Yes..." Mr. Darcy answered.

  The way that Elizabeth was smiling made him feel very uncomfortable, indeed. In fact, it seemed as though she was accusing him of something, but of what, he could only guess.

  "Well, I will tell him about this fortunate meeting," the Colonel interjected. "I am sure that he will be very happy to know that you are in town."

  "I believe he already knows," Elizabeth said, fixing her eyes again on Mr. Darcy. Once again, Mr. Darcy felt the accusation in her look. "My sister Jane wrote to Miss Bingley and informed her."

  "Oh really? And he has not called on you yet? This is surprising," the Colonel replied, with apparent sincerity.

  Mrs. Gardiner felt the need to interject. She could sense Elizabeth's animosity towards Mr. Darcy, and she was fretful that a scene would ensue. She loved Elizabeth dearly, as a daughter of her own. However, she knew too well of Elizabeth's propensity for speaking her mind, especially when she was upset.

  "I am sure Mr. Bingley has other business that requires his time and attention. We will be delighted to receive him if he decides to visit us. As we would be honored to have you, too, if you happen to be anywhere near Gracechurch Street," Mrs. Gardiner politely offered.

  "I doubt Mr. Darcy has any business in that part of London," Elizabeth added sharply. Mr. Darcy was taken aback. Elizabeth was barely hiding her contempt now, and her strong distaste for him was both surprising and repellant.

  The Colonel laughed then. "True, he would likely have no business there. In all honesty, I have no business there either. But I would be happy to keep Mr. Bingley company when he calls on you," the Colonel declared genuinely.

  "If he calls on us," Elizabeth stated, regretting her words only a moment later. She did not want to make the Colonel feel uncomfortable, and she certainly did not want to entangle him in her cross-fire with Mr. Darcy. El
izabeth had liked the Colonel instantly. He was amiable, well-mannered and enjoyable in every sense of the word, very much unlike his cousin, the arrogant and unkind Mr. Darcy.

  "Is there any reason he should not?" the Colonel asked. "Call, I mean," he added.

  "None that I can think of," Elizabeth said. She glanced briefly at Mr. Darcy, and then at Miss Darcy. Miss Darcy had barely spoken but a word. She was silent and reserved. Elizabeth took notice of her then. She seemed unwilling to join the polite conversation, and Elizabeth wondered if it was because she was very proud or very shy. Since she was Mr. Darcy's sister, Elizabeth had assumed she would be prideful, like her brother. However, there was something about her demeanor that did not speak of pride. She looked away when Elizabeth made eye contact with her, and she stood in an uneasy manner. Elizabeth wondered if Mr. Bingley favored her over Jane, as Miss Bingley declared in her letter when she left Netherfield. Elizabeth, for a moment, could see why if that were the case. She was beautiful, much like her sister, Jane. Perhaps she was also reserved and sweet, like Jane, and surely had an impressive dowry as well as the position and connections that Jane lacked.

  With introductions and the allotted polite conversation aside, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner were now ready to take their leave. They announced that they were just about to do so, when Mrs. Gardiner unexpectedly said:

  "Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, please allow me to take this opportunity to tell you how much I admire Pemberley. After all these years, I still find it to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen."

  The Darcys were both stunned.

  "Mrs. Gardiner, have you visited Pemberley? I apologize. I do not recollect meeting you before," Mr. Darcy responded.

  Mrs. Gardiner shook her head. "No, no," she said. "We have not met. I grew up in Lambton as a child, you know. My father owned a shop there. I only entered the house once, with my father, when he delivered some merchandise for Mrs. Darcy. That is the only time I had the pleasure of seeing the house from the inside. All other times, I only ever admired it from afar. But how could you not? " Mrs. Gardiner explained all of this with a warm smile.