Jane Austen’s Jewel Box – Elizabeth Darcy’s Ring – Part Seven – Jane Odiwe

Jane Austen's Jewel BoxHere is Part Seven of Elizabeth Darcy’ s Ring in my Jane Austen’s Jewel Box collection. If you’d like to catch up on parts one to six, they are posted in Writer’s Workshop! I’ve been really thrilled by the response from everyone – thank you so much for all your input, it’s been so helpful. Every time I write a piece, I think I’m getting towards the end, but it just seems that this ‘short story’ is growing and growing. I’ve decided to flesh it out a lot more and turn it into a bigger book, especially as there is still so much to write. Hopefully, it will be in good shape to be published later on in the summer – so this is to be the last part for now!

Georgiana was standing before the cheval looking glass in her ball gown trying her hardest to suppress the feelings of pure joy that bubbled inside, rising every now and again in waves of such pleasure that she thought she might burst with the excitement of it all. Ever since the episode with George Wickham she was very wary of any young gentleman she met, but there was something about Antoine de Valois that she liked, more than she was prepared to admit, even to herself. The word ‘like’ was rather insipid, she thought, she knew her feelings were rather warmer but she was determined to be sensible. Antoine was good-looking, charming, and the perfect gentleman, but then, so had George Wickham seemed to match that very same description when he’d started to court her. Feelings of shame threatened to overshadow the delicious sensations she’d experienced that afternoon. She was ashamed that she’d let George take advantage of her, however much others said he was to blame.

Her maid broke her train of thought. ‘Would you like the ivory fan or the silk and spangles, Miss Darcy?’

‘The silk I think, Betsy, thank you.’

Georgiana held the fan against her, saw her reflection, a picture of composure, which belied all that she felt inside. Controlling her passionate nature was a daily struggle. Georgiana knew she was apt to fall in love too easily, whether it was with a small bird that had fallen out of a nest, an injured rabbit found up on the moorland, or with newfound friends. Perhaps it was because she’d led such a sheltered existence, she considered, but she knew she’d fallen in love with Antoine and his sister almost as soon as she’d set eyes on them. Louise was like another sister and they seemed to share so many interests in common – their love of music and drawing were the main ones, but it was more than that. Georgiana felt she’d always known this amiable pair who clearly loved one another as she and Fitzwilliam did. Closing her eyes, Antoine’s face flashed before her, his eyes crinkling with laughter, his mouth curved in a generous smile. She felt the heat of his hands through her cloak, gripping her waist, almost as if he was in the room with her, and she couldn’t wait to see him again.

Betsy arranged the cashmere shawl around her shoulders. ‘It’ll be warm once you start dancing, but you’ll catch your death along those corridors, miss.’

‘Thank you, Betsy, you think of everything.’

‘You look very beautiful, Miss Darcy.’

Georgiana looked at the girl in the glass. Cream silk flattered her porcelain complexion, heightened by two soft pink spots high on her cheekbones. She’d grown up in the eighteen months since the awful episode at Ramsgate, which still loomed every now and again to make her feel very vulnerable. Just now, she felt very young and her old timidity was threatening to return.

‘Betsy, you’re too kind. You always make me feel and look wonderful. I hope you don’t mind, but as we are near of an age, I thought you might like one or two dresses I’ve put by.’

‘Mind – I should say not! Miss Darcy, thank you. I shall wear one to the servants’ party.’

‘Of course, you’ll be dancing downstairs tonight. I always loved being included in the parties when I was a little girl, though Mrs Reynolds was always very strict about my bedtime. Betsy, those days were the happiest of my life.’

‘We know how to have a knees-up, that’s for sure, but I know you’ll be just fine. You’ll have your pick of partners, Miss Darcy. That Mr de Valois is very handsome, I don’t mind saying.’

‘He is very good-looking, Betsy, and I have hopes he will ask me to dance.’

Betsy laughed and shook her head. ‘No need to hope, I’m sure, miss. I’ve seen a twinkle in his eye when he looks at you. Stopping him from dancing with you will be more likely, I should say!’

Now the ball was imminent, Elizabeth was nervous. She’d not seen Darcy since his return to Pemberley, but she knew he would come to her as soon as he could in order to escort her downstairs. It was imperative that she should tell him about the ring as soon as she could, and as she dressed, preparing herself for the evening ahead, she tried to think how best to reveal what had happened. As the clock on the marble mantlepiece struck seven, she knew she could not have many more minutes left and when she heard Fitzwilliam’s characteristic knock on the door, her heart turned over. Darcy rushed through the door and she knew as soon as she saw his pale face that all was not well. The very colour was drained from his countenance. He was not yet changed into his evening dress and his explanation for his lateness and the story Wickham had told him were soon started. But, he was hesitant and though his words expressed some fear about a stranger coming to cause a scandal, Lizzy knew she wasn’t hearing the whole story. For whatever reason, he seemed to be protecting her from some truth, some information she was not to know. Elizabeth had never seen her husband look so anxious, and knew, with a sinking heart, that she could not bear to add to his burden. The time was not right, and she decided she would yet again have to postpone telling him about the lost ring.

‘I’ve sent some of the men to keep an eye out for this fellow, though he may already have decided to break in at any number of points around the park. Lord alone knows if it’s a good idea, but I’ve asked Wickham to help. Against my better judgement I’ve invited him and Lydia to the ball. All I can hope is that if an unwelcome guest manages to get in, Wickham will help me give him his marching orders. He owes me that much. Mrs Reynolds has found them a room – I expect your sister will be along to see you in a minute.’

‘Fitzwilliam, you have not told me what hold this man has over you or what he has threatened to do. Why are you so concerned?’

Mr Darcy kissed the top of her head before dashing for the door. ‘There is no time to explain everything just now, though I promise I shall divulge all to you as soon as I possibly can. I must make haste if I am to be ready in time!’

There were but fifteen minutes before their guests were due to arrive. Elizabeth could make neither head nor tail of it. And she couldn’t help thinking that if her sister and her husband were involved in the sorry story, they would not be ‘helping’ Darcy out of the goodness of their hearts. When she heard the unmistakable sound of Lydia’s voice beyond the door Elizabeth couldn’t help but wonder at the wisdom of her husband for inviting her to Pemberley. Yet, she knew he was in turmoil and if an error of judgement had been his momentary failing, she would do all she could to ensure the evening went off as well as possible.

Lydia threw her arms round her sister’s neck as the door opened to admit her, talking nineteen to the dozen, not once stopping to draw breath. ‘Lizzy! This is all so exciting! It seems such an age since I saw you, and Pemberley is a vast deal bigger than I imagined – such a huge place for you and Darcy to rattle about in on your own – I would have to fill it with people all the time. Now listen, I’ve not got a thing to wear, I cannot possibly be seen in this old muslin to dance in – let me see what you have in that huge closet over there.’

Elizabeth fixed a smile in place whilst directing her sister to a choice of her gowns. She knew there would be no peace until Lydia was dressed to her satisfaction and in the interests of all involved, it had to be accomplished with rapidity, though she knew that would most likely be an impossible task. Eager to have her sister on her side Lydia complied with and answered all Elizabeth’s questions, though the latter soon found that Lydia was even less informed than she about the affair. Until Fitzwilliam had a chance to tell her exactly what was going on, the mystery about the identity of the Darcy relative who was to be exposed at the ball, would remain unsolved.

Looking as serene as ever Elizabeth Darcy took her place at the head of the reception party with her husband whose composure and mien was as noble and reserved as ever. Lizzy’s nerves were put to one side as she accomplished what she did best – receiving her guests and making everyone feel welcome. All of Derbyshire were turned out to meet the new mistress of Pemberley, eager to see if the reports that she was a beauty were true. At last, with everyone conducted to the ballroom the dancing was to begin. Elizabeth took her husband’s proffered hand and was led onto the floor – the ball was officially begun.

Caroline Bingley stood watching with Lady Catherine at the side. She had no partner for the first dance though she was trying unsuccessfully to catch the eye of Mr Eansworth on the opposite side of the room.

‘Of course, were it not for Anne’s health she would be dancing now,’ said Lady Catherine to Miss Bingley, as if Anne were not sitting down next to them or incapable of hearing their conversation. ‘To sit out every dance is a trial to be endured but it cannot be helped. The infirm, the elderly and confirmed spinsters of the parish must suffer watching everyone else.’

‘Some young ladies prefer watching to performing, but in any case, the great flurry at the start of a ball often prevents partners finding one another,’ Caroline rejoined.

‘It has been my experience that those soon to be singled out for matrimony find their cohorts quickly enough. It is a great pity you never married, my dear, but I daresay you’ll make an excellent aunt for your brother’s children. Your sister-in-law will soon be breeding if she is not already … I am never wrong in these matters.’

For once Miss Bingley was tongue-tied. She could ignore the veiled insults but could Lady Catherine be right about her brother and his wife? Jane certainly looked very handsome; the sort of woman whose soft curves attracted the attention of every gentleman in the room. How could Lady Catherine know about such intimate matters between her brother and that Bennet girl? Forced to give up her position as mistress of Netherfield, Caroline despised Jane and her family as much as she’d ever done. Playing second fiddle was hard enough but if a child were to be born at Netherfield, she would have no place left in her brother’s heart, she was convinced. With a determination bordering on desperation Miss Bingley knew she would have to act immediately to find a husband. There was no time to lose; leaving Netherfield was imperative.

‘Good heavens, who is that hoydenish miss?’ Lady Catherine was peering through her eye-glass at a young woman just entering the room who seemed to be attracting some noisy interest. Throwing her arms wildly about anyone she recognised, her actions were accompanied by gales of laughter and loud exclamations heard above the sound of the musicians playing.

Caroline could hardly believe her eyes. ‘Great heavens above, it cannot be … Lydia Wickham with her husband George trailing behind her. Mr Darcy will have something to say about that, I’m certain!’

Mrs Bennet was beside herself with glee. ‘Oh Lydia, you sly thing, not to say a word. But, I suppose you thought it would be a jolly jape to surprise us. Mr Bennet! Lydia has been invited to the ball after all!’

Lydia and her father regarded one another warily. Mr Bennet grunted a greeting and shook Wickham’s hand, but excused himself when he could do so without appearing to be overtly rude. He was not one to suffer fools gladly, and like Fitzwilliam Darcy he felt a lowering despondency when he set eyes on both his daughter and son-in-law. George Wickham followed at a careful distance behind, determined to find the nearest card game, which, by tradition, was usually held in the library.

‘Mama, I knew I should get here by hook or by crook! Did I not write several times to you of my intention? Everything always happens just as I like it. But, we would still be waiting on an invitation, I am sure, if not for darling Wickie having found out some dreadful scandal.’

‘Scandal? Lydia, what are you talking about? Slow down, I cannot take it all in.’

‘Oh Lord! It was meant to be a secret, I am sworn not to say a word.’

‘This is your mother, Lydia dearest … there should be no secrets between us. Come, let us find a quiet corner.’

‘What do you think of my gown, Mama? Isn’t it nice? Lizzy let me choose whichever I had my heart set on!’ shouted Lydia, twirling round to show it off. ‘Where’s Kitty? I haven’t yet said hello to her. I’m dying to see what she is wearing.’

‘Oh hang Kitty! I need to know what is going on!’

‘It’s something to do with the Darcy’s, Mama. I don’t know exactly what, Wickie would not tell me the whole tale, but it’s something to with a baby born in France.’

Mrs Bennet’s eyes were as large as saucers. ‘Whose baby – is Mr Darcy implicated? I must say I always distrusted a man too proud to dance.’

‘Hush, Mama. It has nothing to do with Mr Darcy … at least, I do not think so. I think the Darcy in question is a woman or someone connected with them, but more than that I cannot tell you. And now, I must dance … though where Wickie has got to now, I cannot imagine. My husband is as slippery as a fish in a maiden’s hands.’

‘Lydia, must you be so vulgar, dear!’

‘Ah, there’s Kitty, I see her at last! Now, who is that delectable gentleman with whom she is talking?’

‘That’s Mr Hunter of Ashbourne.’

‘Hmm, that certainly has a lovely sound to it.’

‘And he is showing a marked interest in your sister. Kitty has her card marked by him for the first two dances.’

‘Lucky girl, but who will he dance with next, I wonder?’

I hope you enjoyed this episode – I’m off now to write the rest of the book and will let you know as soon as I have plans to publish. Thank you for all your lovely thoughts, wishes and wonderful ideas!

 

31 comments

Skip to comment form

  1. I thought we will learn more of the scandal this time but you like to tease us, Jane. This is a rather short instalment compared to the previous one. I hope you plan to continue posting the story here when you have finish writing it. I can’t wait to find out who is the woman implicated in the scandal. Is it Darcy’s mother, Lady Catherine or some other close relative of the Darcys?

      • Jane Odiwe on April 30, 2014 at 2:44 am
      • Reply

      I am an awful tease, Luthien, but part of the reason is to do with the fact that when I’m writing I tend to go backwards and forwards with my plotting and ideas- and ultimately, I don’t want it to be rushed or for it to come to a conclusion before it’ really finished. thank you for the encouragement!

        • Kelli on April 30, 2014 at 7:58 am
        • Reply

        What is the name of the book & when do you think it will com out?

          • Jane Odiwe on April 30, 2014 at 10:26 am
          • Reply

          Kelli-it will most likely be A Jane Austen Jewel Box – Mrs Darcy’s Ring and other stories – I plan to write some shorter stories to go with this one and put them into one volume. If I can get it out by July or August, I will be happy!

    • Kathy on April 30, 2014 at 1:26 am
    • Reply

    Well, you’ve certainly left us hanging and I’m definitely convinced that the Wickhams are not there to help anyone but themselves. Mrs. Bennet, Lady Catherine, and Caroline Bingley are all available to make any hint of a scandal turn into something much worse! I’m eager to see what’s next… but I’m not sure what’s the right way to convey the sentiment that I hope the rest of your writing of this story goes smoothly, and quickly!

    • Jane Odiwe on April 30, 2014 at 2:51 am
    • Reply

    Kathy, I shall let you know as soon as it’s finished – I want to do some editing on the oieces I’ve already written too, but I think it will be finished by the end of next month, all being well! Thank you for all your support!

  2. Delightful as always, Jane! I am so pleased you will be publishing this story and can’t wait to add it to my collection or to find out the answers to it all!

    Thank you for sharing – just lovely writing, beautiful story. You have made my Wednesday get off to a fab start. 😀

      • Jane Odiwe on April 30, 2014 at 5:01 am
      • Reply

      Thank you, Cassandra-you’re very kind-glad you’re enjoying it!

    • junewilliams7 on April 30, 2014 at 4:37 am
    • Reply

    Oh, you tease! I am on the edge of my seat, wondering about these “French cousins” and their “mother” who has been writing to Lady Catherine. The missing necklace. Lydia and Wickhead who should be thrown out of Pemberley forever. Argh! I hope you write faster. XD

    • Jane Odiwe on April 30, 2014 at 5:02 am
    • Reply

    June, I’m sorry to be a tease, but the truth is I want to write it as well as I can, and with so many threads now I want to make sure it’s all working together. I will do my best to get it written as fast as I can!

    • Deborah on April 30, 2014 at 5:06 am
    • Reply

    Oh, dear. I shall sadly miss these posts. It will be difficult to wait for the release to see what happens with the Darcys and the ring. You have left us all hanging from tenterhooks. What torture! I am eagerly and impatiently anticipating the rest of the book. But, I know the wait will be worth the while. You must let us know when the book is released. I believe you stated there are 6 more stories and with each being as interesting as this with intrigue and possible scandal involved it should be a wonderful read. I am looking forward to devouring and savouring the book, “Jane Austen’s Jewel Box”.

    Thank you so much for the tantalizing glimpse into your new, upcoming work. It has been a treat.

      • Jane Odiwe on April 30, 2014 at 10:29 am
      • Reply

      Yes, Deborah- I hope to write some shorter stories/novelettes to go with this one, and will put it in one volume, I think, unless it grows so big it will have to be in two. I will let you know as soon as possible-thank you for all your support!

    • Eileen on April 30, 2014 at 6:06 am
    • Reply

    Sigh. I have to wait? Waiting to get to the end of a story is so hard. 🙂

    Loved the “pity you will never marry” comment. Imagine Lady C making me giggle instead of wishing for some I’ll to strike her mute. No, that wish was reserved for Lydia this time. Will that girl ever learn?

    I am looking forward to Darcy hearing about the ring and hearing of the scandal.

      • Jane Odiwe on April 30, 2014 at 10:29 am
      • Reply

      Eileen, I’m so tickled that I made you laugh! Thank you for all your encouragement.

    • Mari on April 30, 2014 at 6:34 am
    • Reply

    Jane, I am so sorry to have come to the end of this enchanting, mysterious story, but thrilled to know that it is growing into a book. Please let us know when it is finished, and I will order it. This has been one of my favorite adaptations ever. I can’t wait for the book and for all these fascinating mysteries to be solved. Thank you for a lovely read that piques our interest and makes us smile.

      • Jane Odiwe on April 30, 2014 at 10:30 am
      • Reply

      Mari, thank you for your very kind words and support-I will let you know as soon as I’ve finished!

    • Anji on April 30, 2014 at 7:27 am
    • Reply

    Aaaargh! Jane, while I appreciate your wanting to get the whole story written asap, I want to know all the answers now!!!! Only joking, as “last part for now” leads me to believe you may post more later.

    So, Georgiana’s walk was just a walk with Antoine and Louise (sigh of relief) but Dave McKee will be disappointed there’s no kidnapping after all! One nasty thought just occurred to me as I’m typing this. Are they actually brother and sister at all or is their relationship something else entirely?

    Poor Lizzie, still not feeling able to tell Darcy about the ring. Maybe the delay will give more time for it to turn up, but probably not. It maybe just me but is the loss of the ring, the French cousins and the mysterious Darcy relative all entwined together?

    Aaaargh! (again) Lydia and You Know Who at the ball! Something indiscrete was bound to happen. Now Mrs. B. knows about the mysterious relative and is bound to blab about it. She and Lydia both seem to be pathologically incapable of keeping secrets.

    Poor Miss B. had no partner for this first dance and although Lady C. is not who you’d call one of my favourite characters, it was rather satisfying to see her give Miss B. a bit of a setdown regarding not being married by now.

    Thanks so much for these past weeks of delightful anticipation, Jane. I’ll look forward to reading the rest as and/or when it comes out, not forgetting the other tales in the series that you mentioned right at the start. We don’t get nearly as many stories based on Jane Austen’s other works as we do on P & P so it’ll be good to read them.

      • Jane Odiwe on April 30, 2014 at 10:32 am
      • Reply

      Thank you, Anji-you’re very kind! I shall let you know when it’s all done-I plan to write the other stories to go with it, but hopefully they’ll be not quite so long. Thank you for encouraging me so much!

    • Carol hoyt on April 30, 2014 at 8:14 am
    • Reply

    Jane! Hit out of the ballpark! So many questions I have. But I can be patient as I know the prize after the wait is quite worthwhile!!

      • Jane Odiwe on April 30, 2014 at 10:33 am
      • Reply

      Thank you, Carol and thanks for the great support!

  3. Oh dear, Darcy invited the Wickhams to a ball at Pemberley?! I hope for his and Lizzy’s sake that it doesn’t blow up in his face. I can’t imagine Wickham feeling he owes Darcy anything. I so want to see the scandal exposed, though – and if it happens to be in public, later the Darcys can just say that it was all a deliberate ruse for their guests’ entertainment! It’ll be the new “thing”. lol

    Thanks Jane – happy writing!

    • Jane Odiwe on April 30, 2014 at 10:35 am
    • Reply

    Monica, yes-I hope Darcy doesn’t live to regret that! : ) I like the idea of the scandal being part of the entertainment! Thank you.

    • Sheila L. M. on April 30, 2014 at 11:10 am
    • Reply

    So many mysteries to rattle around in our brains…will look forward to the release of this book. Must know what happens! Don’t trust Wickham, Lydia and Lady C. And not sure about those cousins, but can’t imagine that they are going to turn out evil now that Georgiana has fallen in love with Antoine. Can’t have her heart broken and her spirit crushed a second time. Am really sorry that Wickham is there to upset Georgiana just by his presence. Does she know he was invited? The ring is a HUGH mystery. With every action I keep thinking…Ok, is it caught in Georgiana’s fan or her shawl or in one of the gowns Lydia looks to wear? On my mind constantly. Great episode. Thanks

      • Jane Odiwe on April 30, 2014 at 3:43 pm
      • Reply

      Thank you, Sheila for your very kind words-I love to keep you all guessing! Thank you for your encouragement!

    • Carole in Canada on April 30, 2014 at 11:30 am
    • Reply

    Ah Jane, I hate to see these posts end as I’m so enjoying the mystery! I do, however, liked the idea of more than one book! Flesh it right out and two books would be wonderful!

    As for Georgiana, I do hope that her heart does not get broken and that the Valois family are not part of the deceit. That would just break her confidence in herself which is not completely set yet. True, Elizabeth didn’t have much time to tell Darcy about the ring, but I hope that it can be weaved into the story as part of the ‘scandal’ and it being on someone’s finger? Or I have hope for Anne getting fed up with being ‘invisible’ in her mother’s eyes when she talks that she saves the day!

    Thank you so much for this ‘sparkling’ story! Looking forward to the book(s)!!!!

    • Jane Odiwe on April 30, 2014 at 3:44 pm
    • Reply

    Thank you, Carole-I’m thrilled your enjoying the ‘sparkling’ tale-thank you for all your support!

    • TLeighF on April 30, 2014 at 5:20 pm
    • Reply

    You certainly know how to hook your audience, Jane! I am disappointed to have to wait to find out what happens, but I forgive you because I know you will make it worth the wait. And I like that the story will get the time and attention it deserves. I hope your writing goes smoothly in the next few months!

      • Jane Odiwe on May 1, 2014 at 2:11 am
      • Reply

      TLeighF-thank you-I do really want to get it into good shape. For me, good writing has to go through several edits and polished as much as I can-so glad you understand! Thank you for your support.

    • Ada on April 30, 2014 at 11:22 pm
    • Reply

    Oh my……my heart is breaking into pieces. It took my entire will + several re-reads of all the posts of this series, just to hold on to this one. But you just killed me my dearest Jane. It is a big exercise in patience you are teaching me my friend. I read “Searching for Captain Wentwoth” in 2 days …. It took me that long because I had to get some sleep in. “Project Darcy” was read in 4 days as well as “Mr Darcy Secret” Well, I must wait….Anxiously I shall. Cannot wait Jane. Hugs & thanks for sharing your gift with us!!!

    • Jane Odiwe on May 1, 2014 at 2:13 am
    • Reply

    Ada, I’m so sorry to do this to you, but it’s because I want it to be the best writing that I can do. I wish I could write quicker-unfortunately, my life seems to get in the way-but I shall let you know as soon as it’s finished to my satisfaction!

      • Jane Odiwe on May 1, 2014 at 2:14 am
      • Reply

      I meant to say thank you, Ada, for all your kind encouragement and support over the years!!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.