A Wife for Mr Darcy

his leave.

After watching the gentleman ride down the lane, Jane asked her sister, “What are we to think about Mr. Darcy?”

Lizzy shook her head, confused by the whole visit. But some things were clearer. Mr. Darcy was more handsome than she had remembered and had eyes that were more green than gray, attractive legs, and a voice that was very pleasing to the ear, especially when he used it to say that she was handsome and intelligent. Because of these things, she found that her determination never to think well of him was faltering and that might not be a bad thing at all.

Chapter 2

It was during the ride from the assembly to Netherfield that Darcy had recognized the need to apologize to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. The carriage was barely out of sight of the assembly hall when Bingley had begun a litany of praise for all that he had experienced that evening. The food was delicious, the music lively, the men agreeable, and the ladies handsome, and of all those attractive ladies, the most beautiful was Miss Jane Bennet. Although Darcy found little to admire at the assembly, he had refrained from commenting as he had no wish to dampen his friend’s recollections. His sisters were less generous and had used Darcy’s comment that Miss Elizabeth was “not tolerable enough to tempt him to dance” to support their low opinion of their neighbors.

Darcy had been in ill humor the whole of the evening, and his unhappiness had been reflected in that thoughtless statement. He realized that if Bingley’s sisters had overheard his remark, then others may have as well.

On the ride to Longbourn, Darcy had planned out exactly what he would say. He would acknowledge that the remark may have given offense. He would make an apology, which she would accept, and he would leave. But that was not what had happened. Having never been in such an awkward situation before, he had been uncomfortable, so much so that he had actually repeated the offending remark. After laughing at his ineptitude, Miss Elizabeth had taken him to task for his contradictory statements regarding what conversations were appropriate in a ballroom.

Sitting across from her, he had noted a playfulness in her manner that indicated she was not in the least bit in awe of his rank, wealth, or connections. This interlude also provided an opportunity to truly and honestly appraise her beauty. Although her face lacked symmetry, she was quite pretty with expressive dark eyes that reflected her intelligence and curiosity, and her smile was a reward in itself. By the end of their visit, he found that he wished to know her better, and despite plans to return to London, Darcy decided to accept Sir William’s invitation to come to his home.

Because Bingley was so eager to see Miss Bennet again, their party was one of the first to arrive at Lucas Lodge. In an attempt to soften the harsh impression he had left on those who had attended the assembly, Darcy joined Bingley in circulating about the room. In doing so, he learned that the Robinsons’ best milk cow had mastitis, Mrs. Long was still unhappy with just about everything, a certain Miss Conyers was visiting relations in London, and on and on. But there was only so much goodwill he was willing to impart, and he had sought refuge in a corner of the room where Sir William lay in wait.

“Mr. Darcy, I noticed at the Meryton assembly that you are a fine dancer, and you and Miss Bingley gave a polished exhibition earlier this evening.” Darcy acknowledged the compliment, but here was another of those pointless discussions for which he had so little patience. He would rather talk about Mr. Robinson’s cow. But not wishing to offend anew, he appeared to be listening with great interest when Sir William announced that the Bennet family had arrived.

Once Bingley saw the Bennets, he nearly tripped over his feet in his efforts to cross a crowded room so that he might greet Miss Bennet. With her sister thus engaged, Miss Elizabeth walked toward Sir William and the gentleman from Derbyshire.

“Miss Elizabeth, we were just speaking of dancing. Mr. Darcy was commenting that it is an amusement appreciated by many cultures around the world, and with his quick wit, he noted that ‘every savage can dance,’” a remark that caused Sir William to laugh heartily. He was clearly delighted to have such an august personage as Mr. Darcy as a guest in his home and thought that with his elevation to the knighthood, the presence of people of rank might be a less rare occurrence at Lucas Lodge.

“What did Mr. Darcy have to say, Sir William? Was he knowledgeable on the subject?” Lizzy asked. “I would not be surprised if he was as it is my experience that those who observe an activity have more to say about it than those actually performing it.” Turning her attention to Mr. Darcy, she continued, “Although we do not have the grand settings of the London balls nor the finest musicians in the land, I believe you will not find us lacking in skill or enthusiasm.”

“Once again you are correct, Miss Elizabeth, and as an observer rather than a participant at the assembly, I can testify that there was no lack of enthusiasm in the hall. In fact, the room could barely contain all the energy given off by the dancers.”

Unsure if that was praise or censure, she looked at him with a quizzical expression that seemed to amuse him, and she was preparing to question him about his comment when Sir William suggested that they dance. “Mr. Darcy, considering the inducement, you cannot refuse when so much beauty is before you.”

“I would be honored, Miss Elizabeth.”

Lizzy would have accepted him, but at that moment, Mary had given in to Lydia and Kitty’s pleas to play a jig, and after the first chords were struck, numerous guests flocked to the small dance floor.

“That is very kind, sir, but as you can see there is little room for another couple, but hopefully you will ask again.”

With Sir William believing he had brought the pair together, he departed in search of the few guests who might not have heard his story of being knighted at St. James’s Palace, leaving the couple to make their own way. And then there was the silence Mr. Darcy dreaded. These pregnant pauses were a particular irritant to him because he was ill-equipped to fill them.

“I was beginning to think you might not come, Miss Elizabeth.”

“Yes, I can imagine. Since you are new to the neighborhood, you do not know our family’s history. We are always late. You have no idea of the complexities of having five daughters and their mother leave a house all at the same time.”

“I may have some idea of your situation as my sister recently came out into society. I must say armies have marched with fewer provisions and less fanfare than that required of a young lady making her debut.”

And then he smiled, and Lizzy felt her heart flutter. Alas, Mr. Darcy was someone who was far beyond her reach. She would have to be grateful for just the one dance. Unfortunately, he did not ask again.

Although Mr. Darcy did not claim his dance, the evening passed agreeably. Lizzy had found partners in John Lucas, Colonel Forster, and Captain Denny, and after dancing with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Long, Mr. Darcy had joined Charlotte and Lizzy, who were urging the colonel to host a ball in Meryton. When Lizzy noticed that Mr. Darcy was listening to their conversation, she asked, “Will you add your support to my efforts, Mr. Darcy?”

“That is unnecessary as you expressed yourself with great energy. The subject of dancing always renders a lady eloquent.”

“That is because there are few things I enjoy as much as dancing, sir.”

“Would teasing be among the few?” he asked.

“Only when the person being teased has little experience with it.”

Sensing the levity in their exchange, Charlotte took Lizzy’s hand and explained that she was leading her friend to the pianoforte so that she might exhibit her talents. “It is her turn to be teased, Mr. Darcy.”

“If that is the case, then I shall not move from this spot.”

Lizzy was not a proficient, but the delight she experienced in playing was evident, and her performance merited a request for another. While she performed her second piece, Miss Bingley came and stood next to Mr. Darcy, and he felt as if a sinister shadow had darkened his path.

“Is it not insupportable that we must pass an evening in such society because my brother insists on having a