Dearest, Loveliest Elizabeth Read online

  He shifted through the hall, watching as Bingley approached Jane Bennet once more, bowing slightly as he kissed her fingertips, “If your behavior is any indication, I do not think that Mrs Bennet has a thing more to fear when it comes to the future of her daughter’s welfare,” Darcy murmured to himself.

  “Hm,” the sound of a female’s voice behind him brought Darcy’s attention away from the scene, “Is that how you feel about it?”

  “Oh, hello again, Miss Bennet. I apologize. I thought I was alone,” Darcy muttered.

  Elizabeth quirked a brow. “Do you make it a habit to speak to yourself when none other is present, Mr Darcy?” she asked quizzically.

  “No, Miss Bennet. I just felt the urge to speak my mind to the walls. On occasion, such things do happen,” Darcy remarked.

  Elizabeth chuckled slightly. “From your behavior, Mr Darcy, one would think you do not feel my sister is an appropriate match for your friend. Is that true?” Elizabeth asked.

  Darcy shifted nervously, stepping back slightly as he pursed his lips. “Miss Bennet, pardon me, but I really must excuse myself. Is it possible for us to continue this conversation later?” Darcy asked her.

  “No, do not concern yourself with any further conversations between the two of us. I simply do not see the reason for it,” Elizabeth muttered as she turned to walk away.

  He frowned as he thought to himself, I will never understand why fate is such a cruel and unfortunate mistress.

  Chapter Two

  Bingley strode across the ballroom floor with Jane Bennet’s arm laced through his, escorting her from the dance with a bright and cheery grin; if ever Darcy had seen one. His eyes flashed from the couple back over the crowd of exiting dancers and quickly found the smirking countenance of Miss Caroline Bingley; his dear friend’s haughty, fashion-minded sister. As his eyes met with hers, Darcy sucked in a quick inhalation of breath, and regarded Miss Bingley with a nod as the young woman began sauntering toward him. “How lovely,” he muttered under his breath, knowing that Caroline obviously had full intentions of asking him to dance, a task he had yet to find amusement in even after having been forced to learn all the proper movements to entertain young ladies. It was yet another mark of societal expectation; a way to force eligible bachelors, and young maidens, to meet. All of it amounted to one big and incredibly tiresome fiasco as far as Darcy was concerned.

  “Good evening again,” Caroline said as she finally approached. “How are you, Mr Darcy?” she asked, her lips curving into the genteel, and utterly fraudulent, grin she had become renown for.

  Darcy tipped his head slightly, and bent into a bow. “Hello, Miss Bingley. I am doing quite fine, thank you for asking. How, may I ask, are you doing this lovely evening?” Darcy inquired, knowing obligation and etiquette required he at least acknowledge her statement, even though he would have much rather disappeared into the night than suffer another dimwitted conversation about dancing and amusement.

  Caroline tilted her head slightly and smiled even wider, revealing brilliant pearl teeth as she peered back at him. “Oh, Mr Darcy, I fear you may not be revealing the truth. I have yet to see you dance this evening. May I ask why?” she asked.

  “Oh, I have yet to find myself capable of such a thing, Miss Bingley. I think my feet are far too insensible to do so properly,” Darcy said with a slight chuckle.

  “Oh, well, were you not speaking with Miss Bennet a great deal of the evening? Did you not care to ask her to dance?” Caroline asked, her tone turning eerily icy as she spoke.

  Darcy quirked a brow and inhaled deeply. “Miss Bingley, I do not think Miss Bennet is the sort who would enjoy dancing with myself. I am certain that her stubbornness has made it exceptionally clear that she would much rather never dance with me,” Darcy stated.

  Caroline pursed her lips, resting her hands before her skirt as she looked him over. “I see, Mr Darcy. Well, it seemed my brother felt you and Miss Bennet were going to be dancing. However, her misfortune may be to my benefit. Would you care to escort me across the floor?” Caroline asked.

  Darcy rolled his eyes back toward Bingley and Jane Bennet, and sighed nervously when he spotted the two of them deeply engaged in conversation – with the soft tone of Jane’s laughter floating across the room.

  “I truly do not think you understand, Miss Bingley. I am by no means talented at dancing,” Darcy murmured.

  Caroline tilted her head and averted her gaze. “Oh, please do not deny me a bit of fun, Mr Darcy. I have never been rejected for a dance request,” she muttered.

  A pang of guilt suddenly hit Darcy in the center of his stomach. He closed his eyes briefly. There is no sense in being rude to Bingley’s sister. Get ahold of yourself, Darcy. It is just a simple dance, he thought anxiously.

  “You are most certainly right, Miss Bingley. I apologize for being a bit rash. I would be delighted to dance with you,” Darcy muttered, offering his arm to Caroline as he smiled back at her.

  Caroline smiled, her demeanor taking on a new and proud appearance as she straightened her spine, and lifted her chin highly. She slid her arm into Darcy’s as his hand gripped her own, and began to parade across the room.

  Darcy lead her through the crowd, casting a passing glance at Bingley. As Caroline passed her brother, she shot him a knowing stare, and Darcy swore he could see the rage flicker across her eyes, as if a look in itself could say so much more than any word could do. Darcy immediately took note of it, wondering what Bingley had done to afford being regarded so severely with such an injurious glance by his very own sister.

  “Have you enjoyed the ball thus far?” Caroline asked, as Darcy released her hand and lifted his arms. She took position, fitting her hands with his own as they awaited the music to begin.

  Darcy coughed slightly, clearing his throat as he looked back at her. “If I am completely honest, Miss Bingley, no. I must admit I am not very fond of these sorts of functions,” Darcy confessed.

  Caroline perked a brow. “Oh, I had not known that you did not enjoy balls. Is it simply because we are here at Netherfield?” Caroline asked.

  Darcy tilted his head. Never before had he even considered that being in the country might be what had him so apprehensive. Of course, he knew that even in the city he experienced the very same headaches. And yet, something seemed a bit more tranquil about this ball over the countless others he had been made to attend.

  “You know, Miss Bingley,” Darcy stated as the music began, “I have never been one to fully enjoy any ball. There seems to be a great deal of commotion that does not at all appeal to me. I feel they are obligational. I cannot see any obligation in being entertaining, but perhaps that is just me,” Darcy muttered.

  Caroline tilted her head, coming in a bit closer to Darcy’s ear as they spun across the dance floor. “Oh, Mr Darcy, that is a pity. Do you not find any amusement in anything?” she asked.

  Darcy shook his head. “No, I do find it enjoyable to go on solitary rides. My horse and I frequently go on walks as a way to clear my mind,” Darcy remarked.

  “Oh, I suppose I can understand that. I enjoy a walk with a parasol from time to time. Though, the wintry time of year does make that a bit difficult. This is why I so much prefer the spring time,” Caroline murmured.

  Darcy smiled slightly. “Indeed,” he remarked, as his thoughts shifted. Are all young women so incredibly dull? She seems to have nothing to talk about except the seasons.

  Caroline seemed to notice Darcy’s sudden lack of attention and tilted her head once more. “Is something wrong, Mr Darcy?” she asked coolly, as she watched Darcy’s line of sight shifting over the crowd and the resplendence of one particular Bennet daughter, Elizabeth.

  Darcy glanced away from Elizabeth quickly as the music came to a dwindle and he and Caroline halted.

  “Oh, yes. I am perfectly fine, Miss Bingley. Thank you for the lovely dance, and for your great consideration,” Darcy murmured as he broke free from her embrace.

  Caroline quirke
d a brow; her face taking on a solemn expression as she peered back at him. “Were you not going to dance anymore?” she asked.

  There was a hint of rage hidden in her tone as she spoke, and Darcy knew she was disappointed that he had only privileged her with one dance. He sighed slightly as he looked back at her.

  “Miss Bingley, I truly did enjoy your companionship, but I do not wish to dance anymore,” Darcy murmured. He began to lead her off the dance floor.

  Caroline lifted her head and cast a downward glance before nodding politely. “Very well, thank you for the dance, Mr Darcy. I pray you feel better,” she muttered.

  Darcy nodded as he watched her turn and walk back toward a group of her friends, including the redheaded young woman he had briefly been introduced to, Miss Victoria Brewton. Darcy gave a sigh and moved to find a moment’s reprieve from the passing curious, and sometimes glaring, glances continually passed his direction.

  ***

  Caroline’s eyes filled with fury as she watched Darcy exit the ballroom after only granting her a single dance. Never before had Caroline been so publicly humiliated; worse yet, rejected. She crossed over to her brother, who still seemed to be doting on every single word or giggle that Jane Bennet offered him. Caroline rolled her eyes in agitation as she approached the two. Jane lifted her head curiously as she glanced back at her.

  “Good evening, Miss Bingley,” Jane murmured as she nodded curtly toward her.

  Caroline forced a smile and dipped her chin slightly.

  “Good evening, Miss Bennet. Would you mind if I have a word in private with my brother?” she asked politely.

  Jane perked a brow and smiled graciously. “Oh, but of course. Please, pardon me. I should like to speak with my own sisters a bit myself,” Jane muttered.

  Bingley glanced back at Caroline with an aggravated expression, his eyebrow quivering slightly as he glanced back at her. Choosing to bite his tongue, Bingley watched as Jane disappeared through the crowd.

  Caroline scoffed slightly, once she was certain Miss Bennet was far out of earshot. “Tell me something, brother,” she began, narrowing her eyes at Bingley slightly as she spoke, “Do you intend on being a thorn in my side for the rest of my life, or is it merely at any given social function that you wish to make a fool of me?” she asked in irritation.

  Taken aback by her words, Bingley arched his eyebrow, shaking his head as he scoffed. “I will not apologize for speaking frankly with you, Caroline. I hope you understand that I know Darcy in ways you could never; and I assure you, I would not recommend Miss Bennet if I did not look out for my friend’s interests. Not that any of it should really matter to you, as we both know the matter of your betrothal has long ago been settled,” he replied in annoyance.

  “You must truly enjoy causing me distress. I will never understand it,” Caroline hissed as she looked back at her brother.

  Bingley chuckled lightly. “Oh, please, you did not honestly think you were going to abandon that commitment in favor of obtaining Darcy’s affection. You already have enough privileges, Caroline,” Bingley remarked with a sour expression.

  “Brother, I do not think you understand the notion behind a woman being scorned and the burn of her wrath. I would not test me. I fully intend on making Fitzwilliam Darcy my future husband, and not you, nor any other, shall prevent me from it,” Caroline muttered matter-of-factly.

  Bingley shook his head. “Caroline, you may be stubborn, but I assure you that Darcy is much more stubborn. I do not think you possess the patience needed to undertake this task,” Bingley remarked.

  “You know, I was kind enough to ask Miss Bennet to depart so we could speak privately. However, if you continue to present such a challenging resistance to my attempt to be civil with you, I cannot be held accountable for my actions; including humiliating outbursts that would definitely reflect upon the Bingley family in a poor and embarrassing light,” Caroline said.

  “You would not dare,” Bingley murmured.

  Caroline’s lips twisted as she grinned fiendishly. “Do not tempt me, brother. Nothing is off limits when it comes to securing a prosperous future,” Caroline remarked.

  Bingley shook his head and inhaled sharply. “Sister, you are wasting your time, but do not say I did not forewarn you when you brandish yourself with a reputation that may not be so easily shaken. Once you tarnish yourself you cannot return to former grace. I truly hope you understand that,” Bingley muttered.

  Caroline shook her head. “Your sentiments are properly acknowledged, brother,” she replied flatly as she moved to walk past him. “For now, I think it should be rather nice to engage in conversation with the one young woman who seems to have occupied most of your time this evening.” As she moved past Bingley, Caroline’s eyes flashed knowingly at him.

  Bingley sighed and bit into his lower lip. “Oh, good God,” he murmured as he followed after his sister who had, by now, already penetrated into the small crowd that seemed to be congregating around the three Bennet sisters he could see; Jane, Elizabeth and Kitty. Caroline’s back now stood between Bingley and Jane, preventing him from lifting his eyes to meet with hers. He instantly feared what his sister might be about to say. As he approached the group, Bingley immediately moved in as closely to Jane and Caroline as possible, considering the small space.

  “So, is it true that your mother is readily searching for husbands for you all?” Caroline asked, a slight chill in her tone as she spoke.

  Jane; the oldest and most beautiful of the five Bennet sister, and the object of Bingley’s affection; glanced back at her curiously and tilted her head. “I do believe every mother wishes for their daughters to wed well, Miss Bingley. Our mother is indeed very worrisome over my sisters’ and me. Our welfare is of great importance to her,” Jane muttered.

  Caroline scoffed. “No, as I have heard it, she even speaks out of turn regarding each of you. Surely, that would not make finding a suitable husband any easier a task, would it?” Caroline asked.

  Bingley’s eyes shot at her; fiery darts practically sparking from his eyes as he glared back at his sister. “Caroline, I think that is quite enough,” Bingley murmured, tilting his head as he looked at her warningly.

  Caroline smirked and turned to face her brother. “Oh, I do apologize, I am merely curious. I suppose it cannot be easy trying to marry off country maidens when educated and eligible ladies seem to pick off the best candidates with ease.”

  Bingley sighed, noting his sister’s anger getting the best of her. Darcy broke through the crowd and Bingley’s eyes flashed to his; his eyes widening as he nodded toward his sister.

  “Is everything well?” Darcy asked as he glanced past Caroline, his eyes instantly meeting with Elizabeth’s.

  Caroline’s demeanor seemed to quickly shift, and she spun around to look on the countenance of Darcy with a pleasant and enchanting grin. “Oh, Mr Darcy, we were just discussing the benefits of a proper marriage. Would you care to join in?” Caroline asked.

  “No, he would not. Honestly, I think it is getting quite late and nearing your bedtime, sister,” Bingley remarked coolly.

  Caroline’s eyes flickered toward him and she nodded. “Indeed, perhaps you should call for my carriage,” Caroline muttered.

  Bingley nodded and Darcy offered Caroline his arm. “Miss Bingley, I would be happy to escort you to the door, if you would like?” Darcy asked.

  Caroline’s lips widened as she smiled with an enthusiasm that Bingley knew to be authentic, despite every other feigned emotion save rage that his sister had shown throughout the night. Still, he knew that Darcy’s attempt to distract her was exactly the thing he needed to avoid further humiliation before the one woman he actually enjoyed spending time with; Jane Bennet. He closed his eyes and thanked God above for the miracle of his friend’s presence, even though he knew his sister had meant every word of her threat. One way or another, Caroline would find a way to become Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy. Bingley only hoped it would not occur at the expense of his ow
n happiness.

  Chapter Three

  Caroline awoke early the next morning with an overwhelming urge to call upon Mr Darcy the first moment she could, but she also knew that she was walking a thin line when it came to her own brother, and her anger at his betrayal had still not ebbed away. How could he do such a thing to me? And at the ball of all places? She simply did not understand what it was about Elizabeth Bennet that made her brother feel she, of all persons, was the most suitable candidate for Darcy. The woman was practically an urchin as far as Caroline could see it.

  She knew that her brother felt she had everything lined up for her with the Bingley family fortune, but such things were trivial to Caroline. She had been counting on convincing Darcy to marry her ever since childhood after overhearing her brother and Darcy discussing his lifelong betrothal to his cousin, Anne de Bourgh, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s daughter.

  Crossing over to her water basin, Caroline bent at the waist and splashed water across her face. She peered back at her reflection in the looking glass and sighed briefly. Why would Darcy not find her suitable? Worse yet, why did her brother feel she was so wrong to want to become Mrs Darcy? “You do not know Darcy like I do,” she murmured as she stared back at herself. Her thoughts shifted to what Bingley had told her about his beloved friend, and the man she had been smitten with since the moment she had met him. “Besides, the matter of your marriage has already been settled,” she repeated, recalling all the words her brother had stated the night before. It sent yet another shiver of disgust and frustration through Caroline’s body, and she groaned as she shook her head, spinning around as she huffed. Am I so unfit a woman that I am not good enough to become Mr Darcy’s wife?

  Her thoughts were interrupted by a pounding on the door. “Good morning, Miss Bingley, have you awakened?” the voice of the servant girl she had recently been assigned rang through her door.