Caroline Bingley lifted up her nose and listed off what she believed to be accomplishments. “And of course, something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, to be half-deserving of the word.”
“And how do you feel about climbing trees, Miss Bingley?” Lizzy needled. “Have you ever felt the need to see how a mud bath might feel?”
“I have never climbed a tree or touched mud in my entire life, I assure you.” Miss Bingley snapped. “Why do you not cease your nonsense and eat your food, child?”
Lizzy quirked one eyebrow at William who had been listening to the entire conversation and turned to Mary for the rest of the meal for conversation.
After dinner, the ladies excused themselves to the drawing room while the men stayed at the dining table. The younger girls were excused to return to the nursery while Jane and Lizzy had been permitted to stay longer.
Lizzy curtseyed to the gentlemen before leaving, “I am rather tired from staying up so late since I am still a small child, so I will excuse myself with the other girls. Good night, gentlemen.” She turned to the ladies, “Good night. It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Bingley, Miss Caroline.” She immediately left the room.
The ladies separated and spoke genially and Caroline calmed without Lizzy pressing for further attention. She looked at Jane Bennet and although finding her very beautiful, Fitzwilliam Darcy had paid her little attention and was mollified that there was no competition residing within the household.
She was pleased to see young Mr. Darcy take a seat next to herself and finding him quiet, she leaned over and flirted while touching his arm, “A penny for your thoughts, dear sir.”
William asked in all seriousness, “Have you read Tom Jones?”
Caroline was surprised at his line of question. “Tom Jones, sir? Who is that? What has he written?”
William sighed, “Never mind, Miss Caroline. I hope you have had a pleasant evening. I am not in... Perhaps we can converse with Miss Bennet and your brother.” He turned to join Charles and Jane’s conversation, although listening but speaking very little.
The rest of the evening passed, with Miss Louisa Bingley and Miss Caroline performing at the pianoforte and soon the party ended.
“I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Mr. Darcy.” Caroline cooed. “I hope you still plan on dancing with me.”
William thought of Lizzy’s comment about dancing and nodded but did not answer. He bowed to the guests and as soon as the Bingley carriage departed, he bid good night to the rest of the group and hastened to his rooms.
He paced back and forth as he pulled off his cravat and clothes to ready for bed. He was in a foul mood but could not quite place the reason why. He blamed Lizzy for ruining his evening with her incessant daggers of questions at Caroline Bingley and how uncomfortable his lady friend must have felt. He was determined to give Lizzy a piece of his mind in the morning and hopped into bed to sleep most restlessly.
Chapter 15
“Father, have you seen Lizzy? I have been looking for her this morning but she and the Bennets seem to have gone.” William asked as he stepped into his father’s study.
Mr. Darcy replied, “They have gone to the Gardiners. Little Grace is much improved and the rash is gone so they have gone to spend the day together at Gracechurch Street. Did you need something urgently?”
William answered, “No, not urgently. Well, I did wish to speak with Lizzy but it can wait. I am to head to the club soon. Do you know when they will return?”
“Not until after dinnertime, I believe. Your mother wishes to dine first then depart for the Grantley Ball. We might cross paths for a few minutes if you are lucky.” He responded.
William nodded and left for White’s. He was to meet with several of his friends from school then return to prepare for the ball. His mood remained foul during the entire day and he could not rest until he had a chance to speak his mind to the young girl who had ruined his sleep during the entire night. He was indignant that his guest, the woman who could possibly become his future wife, could be treated so callously by his dear friend and was determined that he would give the young girl a stern reproof.
~*~
“You look very handsome, Will,” Lizzy commented as she skipped into the library. “You will be more popular than the debutante herself tonight. All the ladies will be fawning over you for your attentions and you will have to fend them off with that scowl of yours.” She lifted her finger and pointed. “Yes, that one right there. What is the matter with you? Are you not excited about the ball?”
“I was excited all this time until last night, Lizzy!” William snapped. He put down the glass he had been sipping from and stood to glare at the girl. “You ruined my dinner with Caroline Bingley last night and I could not sleep the entire night because I was so angry with you. Why the hell were you so cruel to her?”
Lizzy immediately came to her own defence, “ME?! How was I cruel? I only asked her questions and she kept looking down on me as if I was a stupid child, unworthy to speak to her. Did you not see how stupid that woman was?”
“SHE IS NOT STUPID! SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!” William shouted. “You kept needling her and made her look foolish and she answered you the best she could. I do not expect my future wife to be a bluestocking who knows about politics or reads books after books. Caroline Bingley is beautiful and has a large dowry and... she dresses well... and... and...”
“I never thought you would be so shallow, Fitzwilliam Darcy.” Lizzy huffed as she sat down and crossed her arms. “I was testing
