Pride Prejudice and Perjury

The Ball

Chapter 3 ~ The Ball

The following morning a letter arrived for Jane, who was seated with Elizabeth in the morning room awaiting the arrival of Miss Darcy. She read it to her sister.

“'Dear Jane,

To my great regret, I shall be unable to call upon you and your sister today as I had intended. My brother wishes me to remain quietly at home today as he fears that I have been exerting myself too much of late, and that I must conserve my energy for the ball tomorrow. I look forward most earnestly to seeing and speaking with both yourself and your sister, Elizabeth, tomorrow night at Lady Netherby's.

Yours, etc…'”

“Yes, a great exertion it would be, indeed,” exclaimed Elizabeth, “to ride ten minutes in a carriage from one sitting room to another, to talk and drink tea and then ride home again!”

“Surely you do not think Mr. Darcy would wish to prevent his sister from meeting with you?” asked Jane.

“There is no other explanation,” replied Elizabeth.

“But it makes not the least bit of sense. Whatever his aunt can have said to Mr. Darcy about your unsuitability as a marriage partner – regarding our family, our want of connections, the occupations and circumstances of our relatives – they apply equally to myself; and Mr. Darcy has not only allowed and encouraged the friendship between his sister and myself, but he has always treated me with the utmost civility and respect. What possible objection could he have to his sister being in your company? I do not understand it,” said Jane, shaking her head.

“Nor I,” replied Elizabeth. “Either he imagines some great evil of me that might contaminate his sister, or he detests me. There is no other explanation, though I cannot imagine what grounds he could have for either.”

“How entirely awful for you, my poor dear Lizzy. How shall you bear it?” asked Jane, rising from her chair and seating herself beside Elizabeth and offering her handkerchief. “How shall you endure being at the same ball as him tomorrow?”

Elizabeth brushed aside the proffered handkerchief, took a deep breath, and sat herself erect beside Jane. “I am determined to cry not another tear for that unfathomable man!”

***

As they entered Lady Netherby's lavishly arranged ballroom, Jane was delighted at how well her blue satin ball gown looked upon her sister. “Why, Lizzy, I do believe it suits you better than it does me. I am determined to make you a gift of it; for you have nothing suitable for such occasions and I have several lovely gowns.”

“Oh Jane, thank you! You are so kind and generous. It is truly a beautiful gown.”

Jane was not the only person present to notice how lovely Elizabeth was looking and compliment her on her appearance. Colonel Fitzwilliam approached with Georgiana on his arm. “Miss Bennet, I have been very much looking forward to renewing our acquaintance, ever since my young cousin informed me that you would be attending the ball tonight,” said the colonel, bowing to her. “Allow me to tell you how magnificent you look this evening.”

Elizabeth curtsied and smiled warmly. “Thank you, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I, too, am very happy to see you. I did not know that you would be in attendance tonight, although perhaps I should have guessed, it being so significant an occasion for Miss Darcy.”

Georgiana blushed, and looked nervously about at all the splendidly attired ladies and gentlemen, knowing that all eyes would be on her in a few minutes when she opened the ball with Lord Netherby. Jane, understanding her friend's anxiety squeezed her arm gently and said, “You have nothing to fear, my dear, you are amongst friends. Charles and I will join you in the set.”

“Miss Bennet,” begged the colonel, “if you are not otherwise engaged, would you do me the honour of dancing the first two with me?”

Elizabeth gladly assented, and the colonel offered her one arm, and the other to Georgiana, in order to escort her to Lord Netherby, as it was apparent from the flourishes coming from the balcony that the orchestra was about to begin playing the first dance. As they crossed the ballroom, Elizabeth noted with alarm that Colonel Fitzwilliam was steering them towards two gentlemen, one of whom was Mr. Darcy. She guessed that the younger gentleman with whom he was conversing must be Lord Edward Netherby.

Despite her earnest resolve to enjoy the ball and not allow herself to become discomposed on account of Mr. Darcy, she felt distressed and in need of the support of the colonel's arm. They were but half a dozen yards from the gentlemen when Mr. Darcy glanced up and saw them approaching. His face coloured as he uttered a brief pardon to Lord Netherby, before turning and walking briskly away. To the others, it might have seemed nothing more than him realising that the dance was about to begin, and thus hastening to find his partner; but Elizabeth was quite certain that it was to avoid encountering her.

Colonel Fitzwilliam introduced Elizabeth to Lord Netherby, a fine-looking gentleman of two and twenty or thereabouts. He was well-spoken and charming, and behaved with the utmost politeness and gallantry towards her. Whatever reason Darcy had for disliking and avoiding her, it was evident that he had not shared it with his sister, his cousin, or his friend, Lord Edward Netherby. In fact, Lord Netherby seemed quite taken with Elizabeth, and before offering his arm to Georgiana to walk to the top of the set to open the ball, he took the opportunity of asking Elizabeth to do him the honour of dancing the third set with him.

Elizabeth's spirits were restored after Darcy's cold snub. He would have to abstain from dancing, entirely, if he wished to completely avoid her, reflected Elizabeth; for the dances would most certainly involve the changing of partners. Regardless of how Mr. Darcy behaved, she determined not to be embarrassed and hide her eyes from him; but rather, she would treat him coolly, as a distant acquaintance of no account. He would doubtless remain silent, and she would likewise make no attempt at engaging him in conversation. Elizabeth's resolve was not put to the test, however; for it being a large ballroom, there were several sets, and Mr. Darcy contrived to always place himself in a different set from the one in which Elizabeth was situated.

While they were dancing, Colonel Fitzwilliam hinted to Elizabeth that Darcy would look with favour upon a match between his sister and Lord Netherby.

“And what does Miss Darcy think of the idea?” asked Elizabeth. “She is yet young; this is her first ball. She is, in all likelihood, very far from ready to find – or to be found – a husband.”

“Yes, I am of much the same opinion; and I would be surprised if Darcy wishes to lose his sister quite so soon; he is very fond of Georgiana. Perhaps it is more in the nature of something he would like to see happen; but not for some years yet. The Netherbys are a very respectable family from Nottinghamshire. Their estate at Fendalton Park is little more than a dozen miles from Pemberley. A union between the two families would be to the benefit of them both.”

“And what sort of young man is Lord Netherby?” asked Elizabeth.

“Due to the proximity of the estates, Darcy has been acquainted with him and his family for much of his life. I believe that my cousin and Lord Netherby attended the same school and university. Darcy has, naturally, made extensive enquiries into Lord Netherby's character and history. On account of my shared guardianship of Miss Darcy, I am privy to the information; the reports are all most favourable. He is an intelligent, well-informed, and serious young man of excellent character.”

“I am pleased to hear it – these are all admirable qualities – and furthermore, he is handsome and charming. However, this does not guarantee that every young lady must fall in love with him or wish to marry him,” said Elizabeth with a smile.

After dancing the second set with Charles Bingley, Elizabeth had the opportunity to form her own opinion of Lord Netherby, for she was engaged to him for the third. She found him everything that was gallant and charming. They conversed with much animation, firstly upon music and then literature. The gentleman owned to literary aspirations.

“Have you had anything published?” asked Elizabeth.

“Some sonnets and an ode or two in one of the quarterlies,” he replied.

“Oh, I should love to read them!” exclaimed Elizabeth. “Pray tell me the particulars of the publications.”

“Forgive me, Miss Bennet, if I do not oblige you; I am not entirely pleased with my efforts to date, and would not wish to place them before your keen and discerning eye.” Elizabeth was surprised, but with not the least disapprobation, at Lord Netherby's modesty, and she keenly felt the compliment he paid her.

When it was time for the supper, Elizabeth found herself seated with Bingley, Jane, and Georgiana. Bingley seemed surprised that Darcy chose to seat himself at a distant table with his own sister, Caroline, and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst.

Georgiana, while not understanding why her brother chose to seat himself away from them, found herself well pleased with the arrangement when the pianoforte was opened after the supper. Her brother had indicated that he wished her to exhibit her considerable virtuosity at the instrument before the assembled company, most especially on account of it being the occasion of her coming out into society. Georgiana averted her gaze from her brother's table while they were being entertained by several young ladies, and sat in dread of his approach, and the inevitable request to which she must accede. But most unaccountably – and mercifully – he did not come. She could scarcely imagine that Caroline Bingley could so engross her brother's interest that he would forget his intention of having her play; yet she was far too afraid of his catching her eye to look in his direction to ascertain what was the reason.

Lord Netherby's sister, Victoria, completed the entertainment by regaling them with some beautiful French chansons. For the final two songs she was joined by her brother, whose voice was every bit as fine as her own; Elizabeth listened with rapt attention. At the end of the performance, Lord Netherby led his sister in their direction, and Elizabeth was surprised when it became evident that his purpose was to introduce her to his sister. Miss Netherby, she guessed, must be around the same age as Jane. Her gown was exquisite; yet despite her very elegant attire, Miss Netherby was no more than tolerably handsome. Her address was pleasing; she spoke with confidence, intelligence, and warmth. Elizabeth found herself immediately well-disposed towards her, but was at a loss to account for why Lord Netherby should take the trouble of coming all the way over to their table to make the introduction.

Elizabeth's alarm increased when Lord Netherby asked her to do him the honour of dancing another set with him, later in the evening. She hoped that he was not developing a preference for her. Despite her high opinion of the gentleman and his good looks and amiability, she felt nothing more than that. In truth, though she would not own to it, despite all her best intentions, it was impossible for her to be in the same room as Mr. Darcy and not be constantly cognisant of that gentleman – where he was standing or seated, to whom he was speaking, or with whom he was dancing.

Elizabeth was relieved to see Lord Netherby lead Georgiana to the dance, for while she was in no way privy to Georgiana's feelings for Lord Netherby, if she did like him, it would be distressing if Georgiana mistakenly perceived her as a competitor for his heart.

“Whatever has happened to Mr. Darcy?” asked Miss Netherby. “He has engaged me for this set – but he does not come!” Elizabeth, who stood facing Miss Netherby, felt her face redden, for she caught sight of Mr. Darcy standing off in the distance, occasionally glancing surreptitiously in their direction, evidently unwilling to approach while she stood beside Miss Netherby. Fortunately, the gentleman to whom Elizabeth was engaged for the set approached to lead her to the dance.

Elizabeth enjoyed her second two dances with Lord Netherby; there were few men whose conversation she enjoyed as much as his. She danced again with Colonel Fitzwilliam and by the end of the night found that she had been engaged for every dance.

***

Upon inspecting her sister's card the following morning, Jane said with a smile, “Last night's ball was, I imagine, a vastly different experience for you to one particular Meryton assembly I can recall.” They were taking tea in the sitting room, recounting the details of the previous evening.

Elizabeth smiled. “I do believe, dear Jane, that you and I shall always have very different memories of that assembly. For you, it was the beginning of so much joy and happiness; yet I will always regret that night, and wish my whole life long that I had never set eyes upon Mr. Darcy.” And despite all her good intentions and resolve, Elizabeth broke into tears.

Jane took her sister's hand, but could think of nothing to say that might comfort her. After a wonderful ball at which she had been much admired and sought after by many a fine gentleman, including the delightful Lord Edward Netherby, Elizabeth's head was still full of Mr. Darcy. Jane resolved to get her sister away from London. The weather was improving; they must begin the wedding tour as soon as arrangements could be concluded.

However, as it transpired, the urgency in beginning the wedding tour soon disappeared. Georgiana Darcy had promised to wait on them that very morning; for a ball is not truly over until it has been talked of at length, the gowns and jewellery worn by the ladies commented on, and a review carried out of who danced with whom – and whether this gentleman or that lady showed an uncommon preference for one or other of their partners.

“I fear that Miss Darcy will not be joining us this morning,” said Elizabeth. “If her brother should learn of her intention, he will almost certainly find a reason to prevent it.”

“Perhaps you are wrong,” said Jane, just at that moment hearing a knock at the front door. But when the butler appeared, it was not to lead Miss Darcy into the room, but to hand his mistress a message which had just arrived from the young lady.

“Good heavens,” said Jane, shaking her head, before reading to Elizabeth.

“'My Dear Jane,

I must confess that I do not understand men – least of all my dear brother. Last night in the carriage, as we returned from the ball, he informed me that it was essential that he depart for Derbyshire without delay; and having no intention of immediately returning to London, he wishes me to accompany him.

There was no time to be lost, he said, and thus regrettably, I am unable to call upon you to bid you and Elizabeth my fond adieus. By the time you read this note, we will be on our way to Pemberley.

I remember you speaking of your plans to take your wedding tour in the Lakes. Pemberley is not very far out of your way; please come and visit us on your return journey. It will be delightful to have you and Elizabeth stay some time at Pemberley, and my brother is always happy in Mr. Bingley's company.

Yours, etc…'”

Elizabeth gave an ironic laugh. “I doubt very much that Miss Darcy consulted her brother before issuing an invitation to Pemberley that included me.”

“No,” agreed Jane. “We shall steer well clear of Pemberley. Evidently Georgiana is unaware of her brother's inexplicable feelings concerning you. I am quite certain that Charles, too, has not the least idea about it. He will be astonished and hurt when he learns of Mr. Darcy's abrupt departure without forewarning or farewell. Do you think I should tell him, Lizzy, that his friend's peculiar behaviour is on account of you?”

“I beg you not to speak of it, Jane; it would only make me feel awkward. You cannot explain Mr. Darcy's behaviour, for it is inexplicable, and I fear that it would lessen your husband's regard for his friend, and might perhaps give rise to resentment and anger. I do not wish to be the cause of the loss of such a staunch and longstanding friendship.”

When the butler brought in the morning post, it included a letter from Mrs. Bennet, announcing the engagement of Mary to Mr. Septimus Tiddlington. Elizabeth had already related to Jane the amusing details of how she had deflected that reverend gentleman's matrimonial aspirations – so effectively aroused by their mother – from herself to Mary. News of the betrothal had long been anticipated by the sisters, and they were unsurprised to discover that the engagement was to be of but a short duration – no doubt in consequence of their mother's counselling the naïve young rector of the propriety of a brief engagement, in her desire to see Mary securely settled as mistress of the parsonage as soon as may be.

“I shall speak with Charles,” said Jane. “We shall delay our wedding tour a little, and make Longbourn the first destination; for it is on our way northwards. Will you mind spending another month in town, Lizzy?”

“No, not all,” replied Elizabeth. With Darcy's departure, there was no longer any need to hasten the beginning of the wedding tour, and Elizabeth wished to see more of her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner and their delightful children before departing London.

“I am very happy for our sister, Lizzy. Do you think they will be happy together? Does Mary love him, do you think?”

“I believe they shall, very likely, be happy, for their characters and interests are quite alike. As to love, I do not know; Mary is the least romantic of us all. Yet even before my little manoeuvre to deflect his matrimonial ambitions in her direction, I had reason to think that she possibly favoured the rector, for I sometimes caught her glancing admiringly in his direction.”

“As I recall,” replied Jane, smiling, “she also used to steal glances at Mr. Collins. At the time I suspected that Mary had hopes that she would be the daughter of our father whom he chose to take as a wife – and I was inclined to believe that she might very likely have accepted him.”

Elizabeth laughed. “I confess I did not notice our sister's interest in the absurd Mr. Collins – most probably because I, myself, was so industriously engaged in parrying his awkward attentions. But even had I noticed, I would never have thought to encourage him to think of Mary, as I did with Mr. Tiddlington, who is far more sensible and vastly superior to our ridiculous cousin in every imaginable way.”

“Her apparent interest in Mr. Collins surprised me at the time,” confided Jane, “for the manifold peculiarities of that gentleman aside, I always believed Mary to be disinterested in marriage, and the most likely of the five of us to end an old maid.”

“Yes, I too,” replied Elizabeth. “Perhaps it is more the attraction of being a clergyman's wife, than a wife per se. Mary is so very fond of moralising; and while Kitty and Lydia provided ample opportunities, soon she will have the conduct of a whole parish to preside over in righteous judgement.”

Jane smiled. “Kitty, I fear, will be annoyed at being beaten to the altar by Mary, especially with Lydia and myself already married. I imagine she must by now be anxious to find a husband.”

“And will certainly receive all possible assistance from our dear mother. And after Kitty is wed, it will be just myself remaining at Longbourn,” said Elizabeth, sighing and shaking her head hopelessly. “Our mother will be forever seeking out suitors – however shall I endure the endless hours of her silly conversation in the parlour? Notwithstanding our excellent father and his well-informed mind, I fear that our mother may at length succeed in inducing me to marry – if only to get away from her! Do you know if Mr. Collins has any brothers or cousins, perchance?” asked Elizabeth.

“Lizzy,” said Jane, becoming serious, “you know that it has long been Charles' intention to purchase a country estate. He is resolved to begin searching in earnest for a suitable property after our wedding tour. It is the fond wish of us both, that it shall be your home, also, for as long as you remain unmarried.”

“Oh, thank you, dear Jane,” said Elizabeth. “I am most grateful to you and Charles; it is just what I would want. But I must warn you that you will have me forever; for I think it very unlikely that I shall ever wish to marry.”

“Lizzy dear, while I sincerely hope that you will one day find a partner as wonderful as my dear Bingley, and know the felicity and joy that we have found together, if it is your wish to remain unwed, then your home must always be with us.”