An Unusual Compromise: a Darcy/Elizabeth story | IF-NC_Entry| Ch3-pg.5 - Page 2

The assembly hall of Meryton Inn was bursting to the seams with gentry and common folk alike mingling and dancing the night away. It was not often that the bridge between the classes was so blurred or forgotten, but the monthly assemblies were a time of revelry, and it was an unspoken agreement among the inhabitants of Meryton and the surrounding villages to lay rest the stifling rules of society for that one night. Farmers could be glimpsed dancing with young ladies who were worth a few thousand pounds in dowry, and young gentlemen led the shy and bashful daughters of tradesmen and merchants in a round of quadrille.

Elizabeth Bennet, a young lady not yet one and twenty, had barely 1000 pounds to her name, but she was the second eldest daughter of one of the leading landowners of the area, a Mr. Thomas Bennet who owned the estate of Longbourn which had been in the family for more than a century. Miss Elizabeth, as she was often called by her neighbors, for her elder sister was bestowed the title Miss Bennet, was dancing with the young son of a farmer who was also a tenant of their estate. Mr. York was his name, and he was a popular partner among the young ladies that evening, for gentlemen were scarce and he was an enthusiastic dancer, if not a very talented one.

Elizabeth was enjoying herself very well that evening, and though her partner did not supply her with stimulating conversation, at the very least he was amiable and cheerful, both qualities she considered important in a dancing partner. All too soon, the set came to an end and Elizabeth joined her closest friend and neighbor, Charlotte Lucas, near one of the corners of the room, where they could observe the other dancers.

"You appear to be enjoying yourself this evening, Lizzy, Charlotte observed keenly, giving her friend a knowing look. "You have hardly sat out a set.

"Neither have you, my friend, Lizzy responded teasingly, "Mr. Sanders appeared to be quite taken with you. He asked to stand up with you twice!

Charlotte blushed. "I cannot expect anything from that quarter, for he is a widower with two children and requires a wife with a considerable dowry. He could do far better than me.

"He is nearly as old as your father, Charlotte! He would be lucky to win your hand in marriage, Lizzy defended her friend fiercely.

Charlotte shook her head but thanked her friend for her support. "And yet, the world does not work that way, Lizzy.

Elizabeth bit back a retort, but before she could say anything, a commotion near the entrance sent the entire hall into a hush.

"It appears our wealthy neighbors have arrived, Charlotte remarked. She proceeded to introduce the newest tenant of Netherfield Park, an estate that bordered Longbourn and Lucas Lodge, Charlotte's home. Mr. Bingley was his name, and as Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth's mother had proclaimed earlier that day, he was a single gentleman in possession of a good fortune who must be in want of a wife'. Mr. Bingley had arrived a week earlier accompanied by two sisters, a brother-in-law, and two friends. Sir William Lucas, Charlotte's father, had called on them earlier and thus, Charlotte now proceeded to identify them to her friend. Mr. Bingley's elder sister was a Mrs. Louisa Hurst, married to Mr. Rupert Hurst. His younger sister was Miss Caroline Bingley, and she was assuming the duties of hostess for her brother.

"Who are the two dark-haired gentlemen? Elizabeth asked, for the remaining two gentlemen of the party shared similar dark features, though one was tall and imposing with a stern countenance, the other short and sporting a grin.

"They are the Darcy brothers, Charlotte said, "Mr. Bingley's close friends who are to stay with him until Michaelmas. The taller one is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the elder of the brothers who owns a large estate in Derbyshire. The shorter one is the younger Mr. Darcy, Mr. Jonathan Darcy who I believe is working as a barrister in London.

Elizabeth observed that both brothers, though sharing similar features, were vastly different in personality. Mr. Jonathan Darcy, like Mr. Bingley, was eager to please and be pleased by everyone present. He eagerly made introductions with nearly everyone and engaged many young ladies in dance. He was amiable and courteous, and Elizabeth was disposed to like him for he overlooked the immature behavior of her mother and younger sisters, who tended to embarrass themselves and the family in public. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy on the other hand, was the complete opposite of his younger brother. He had a formidable countenance, appeared to look down on all the company, and sneered at those who made any attempt to engage him in conversation. He danced with no one but the ladies in his party, and he made the unforgiveable error of insulting Elizabeth in her proximity.

In his defense, perhaps he did not know that Elizabeth was near, but when Mr. Bingley attempted to convince his taciturn friend to participate in the dancing, and be introduced to Elizabeth as a desirable partner', Mr. Darcy proclaimed her to be tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me'. Elizabeth attempted to laugh off the insult, for she was not made to be unhappy, but she felt the sting nonetheless. She had always been slightly sensitive of her looks, for next to her elder sister Jane, known as the beauty of the family, she was always unfavorably compared by their mother. As a result, Mr. Darcy's insult became lodged in her heart and she was determined to dislike him.

"I must apologize for my brother's words, Miss Elizabeth. They were poorly said, and quite untrue.

Elizabeth turned and saw Mr. Jonathan Darcy, with whom she had been introduced earlier, giving her an apologetic smile.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth answered, "And yet I thank you for your words.

"You must understand, Miss Elizabeth, my brother is out of sorts this evening. That does not excuse his behavior, but he is usually not so discourteous in company.

Elizabeth hesitated but then nodded. "I take your words to be true, for you know your brother better than anyone, she answered, willing to give the elder Mr. Darcy another chance for the sake of his younger brother.

"I thank you, Jonathan Darcy smiled at her, "May I take this opportunity to request your hand for the next set?

"Yes, you may, Elizabeth smiled at him, and he led her to the floor next to the other couples.

Elizabeth and Jonathan Darcy shared an enjoyable dance together, talking of inconsequential things and yet getting to know one another. Elizabeth found him to be amiable and everything a young man should be. He was also quite handsome. At times, Elizabeth glimpsed Jonathan Darcy's elder brother to be glowering at them, but she decided to ignore him for the time being. She had no interest in getting to know the arrogant and taciturn Mr. Darcy. Jonathan Darcy was far more enjoyable to converse with, and Elizabeth felt she would like to know him better. Perhaps there might be hope for something more in the future. Elizabeth knew it was too soon to think such things, but as she danced the night away in the presence of such a handsome young man, she felt giddy and hopeful.

Little did she know just what life had in store for her. The next few weeks would throw her into such turmoil the likes of which she had never before known.

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