Jane in January – P&P Missing Scene – Ball to Forget

Jane in January2

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe it’s already 2015! What better way to start the new year than with Jane Austen! During the month of January, we are having a ‘Jane in January’ event, focusing primarily on “Pride and Prejudice,” with a few exceptions.



January 5, 1812.
Mr. Darcy has left the company of Charles Bingley and contemplates the approach of Twelfth Night in his London townhouse.

The afternoon sunlight tumbled through the windows, laying a neatly ordered path of light through his study, illuminating everything the way he best liked.  Even the well-arranged room could not soothe his soul.  Darcy paced across the front of his desk, eyes never leaving the taunting bit of stationary. Lady Matlock’s elegant hand tormented him with an invitation to her Twelfth Night ball.

The day the dreadful missive arrived, he sent his promise to attend. The act had been automatic, a reflex of politeness, bred into him by a long line of proper, well-mannered Darcy’s. Had he but taken a few moments to consider his actions, he might not be in his current dilemma.

He dreaded balls, this one in particular—loathed it with a fire reserved for all things pretentious and social. He did not perform well to strangers and this ball would be naught but an extended performance to many strangers. He might as well be a circus animal—a wise pig or a counting horse—put through his paces for the peeresses and heiresses by ring master Lady Matlock.

The port decanter caught a glint of sunlight and tipped its hat at him from across the room. What an excellent notion.

The housekeeper’s knock stopped him mid-step.

Botheration.  He squeezed his eyes shut. It was too early in the day to seek solace from port in any case. “Come.”

She peeked in and dropped a small curtsey. “Col. Fitzwilliam to see you, sir. Are you home to him?” At least she recognized he did not appreciate the interruption.

Fitzwilliam? “Show him in.”

How could Fitzwilliam have known how little he wanted company at preset? His timing was remarkable that way. Darcy tugged his coat straight and hurried into a chair near the fire. No point in giving Fitzwilliam the satisfaction of seeing evidence of his discomfiture.

“Good afternoon, Darcy.” Fitzwilliam sauntered in, relaxed and informal, as though this were his own home. How did he do it? Fitzwilliam seemed at home where ever he went.

“Good afternoon.” Darcy rose and offered a small bow. Still probably too formal for the occasion, but it was the most comfortable greeting he knew. “To what do I own the pleasure of your company?”

Fitzwilliam extended his hand and would not withdraw it until Darcy shook it. Yes, their relationship did permit such familiar gestures, but was it necessary to exercise them at every encounter?

“Do try to relax, Darcy. We are family after all.” Fitzwilliam sunk into his favorite chair and balanced one foot upon the other.

Had he any idea of his appalling posture? What a dreadful picture he painted of one of His Majesty’s officers.

“You may thank my mother for the call.”

Darcy clutched his temples. “Dare I ask her purposes?”

“Probably not, but I will tell you all the same.” Fitzwilliam laced his hands behind his head and sniggered. “She instructs me to ensure your attendance at her ball.”

“I already sent—”

“I know—I saw the response myself—she showed it to me to scold my penmanship. Excellent hand you have, by the bye, most elegant.”

“And that is not enough for her?”

“You know how fastidious she is, and she knows how you would rather break your own leg than attend.”

“You think I would manufacture a fall down the stairs to avoid the ball?”

“Not I.” Fitzwilliam touched his chest and shook his head.

“Thank you.”

“But my mother is an entirely different matter.” He punctuated the pronouncement with his characteristic, wry half-smile.

Darcy stared at the ceiling and muttered under his breath.

“Truly, I do not understand your aversion to—”

“Donning a costume—worse yet, one not of my own choosing?” Darcy stalked to Fitzwilliam and towered over him.

“Must you always make the worse of everything? I will have you know, Mother selected your character very carefully. Brooded over it for days, lest it keep you from attending. I am instructed to inform you that there will be no random draw out of a hat for you. Father has strict directions as to the sleight of hand necessary to insure you receive her choice for you.”

Such thoughtfulness. He had done Lady Matlock a great disservice expecting so little from her.  Assuming the best from people, even his own people, was clearly not his strong suit.

“I can see you are surprised.”

“Aunt Matlock is indeed most gracious.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Whilst I appreciate the consideration, it does little to change the material fact that I am expected to perform!”

“She assures me that your character will require no performance on your part, merely act like yourself and you will be ‘in character’ as it were. She has probably crafted Christopher Curmudgeon in your honor.” Fitzwilliam swallowed back a laugh.

Best ignore that remark all together. Darcy stalked across the room, following the faint track worn into the carpet. “I do appreciate her efforts, but still, I am denied my choice of partners for the evening. I must spend my time with whomever she draws from that ridiculous bag of hers.”

“As to that—she wishes me to assure you that if you but indicate a preference to her, she will contrive to ensure your have the partner you desire.”

Darcy stopped and the window and pressed his forehead against the cool class. There in lay the problem.

The partner he desired was not in London and even if she were, her name would be completely unknown to any lofty personages. He pinched the bridge of his nose.

Rot and nonsense! He must regulate his thoughts, not allow them to wander to her. She was most unsuitable in every way—fortune, breeding, connections, even her manners were barely adequate. And her family—truly appalling nearly every one of them! That was what he must focus on…not her fine eyes and informed, if pert, opinions. Not the exhilaration he found in conversation with her or the compelling way she challenged him to consider his own opinions. He ran a finger along the inside of his cravat.

“Darcy?”

“I…I do not wish to be forced to spend the entire evening with any one young lady. People—including her family will get ideas, conveniently forgetting it was an act of chance alone that led to being with her the first place.” He threw his hands in the air.

“What about my sister? Letty is engaged, but her betrothed is on the continent right now. She has no need to use the opportunity to seek out an eligible man, so will miss nothing by being your companion. Not to mention, Lord Blake is known for his jealous streak. You he will not perceive as a rival for Letty’s attentions.”

“But she has accepted his offer—”

Fitzwilliam shrugged. “I know. You need not convince me of the unseemliness of his attitude. Speak to Blake yourself.  All I can say is that you would be doing Letty a favor as much as yourself.”

“I suppose that would be acceptable.”  But only barely. Letty was not unintelligent, but her interests extended only so far as the Ton. He would be forced to listen to her prattle on all evening about the latest on-dit. At least she would not be coy or flirtatious—and she would not expect him to call upon her the day after the ball.

“So then I may assure mother you will come tonight?”

“I can tolerate an evening in your sister’s company, but I will not—”

“Play any games, except a dignified rubber of whist. Yes, yes, be assured, we all know that. I did not expect this would be the year we would see your face deep in a bullet pudding, or silently gesticulating a clue in charades.”

Darcy shuddered. How did any find such pastimes amusing?

“You are fortunate Letty prefers cards to other games. Though you may have to lower yourself and compromise to play commerce with her. She is notoriously bad at whist.”

He had forgotten that. Darcy grunted. “I can accept that.”

“Very well then, I shall bring my mother the news she most desires to hear.” Fitzwilliam rose.  “I do not understand why she works so hard to see you come or why you say you will attend an event that you so clearly dread.”

“Aunt Matlock wishes to see me married and will take any opportunity to present me on the marriage mart, even if it is with your sister on my arm. I have no doubt she still hopes I might dance with some other young ladies and give her the credit of bringing me together with the partner of my future life.” Darcy pressed his eyes with thumb and forefinger. What would she think, seeing him dance with the young lady he truly wished to partner?

Fitzwilliam sniggered. “Why do you put yourself through this when you could so easily decline?”

“It would be improper, impolite and ill-received to decline her invitation.”

“As you will.” Fitzwilliam tipped his head and left.

 

41 comments

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    • LeslieGB on January 5, 2015 at 12:59 am
    • Reply

    Thanks Maria for the excerpt and for all the giveaways from everyone at Austen Variations! I always enjoy reading “missing scenes” or variations of my favorite novel Pride and Prejudice. –Leslie

    1. Thank you Leslie! They are great fun to write as well!

  1. Nice scene. It is always thrilling to be able to read a scene added to Ms. Austen’s great work.

    1. Thanks, Patty! Her characters are a joy to work with!

  2. Oh my! Darcy is up on his high horse about Elizabeth and the ball, but I do pity him being exposed to the matchmakers. Twelfth Night sounds fun.

    1. I can understand why Darcy disliked society, given all he would have to deal with. Thanks, Sophia!

    • Barbara on January 5, 2015 at 2:15 am
    • Reply

    thank you very much Maria for this variation!!! I’ve highly appreciated this scene! hope to read more soon!
    Happy New Year to everybody from Italy!
    Barbara

    1. Thanks, Barbara! I hadn’t planned to write the second pat initially, but the scene seemed to demand to be finished…

    • Deborah on January 5, 2015 at 6:40 am
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    I loved it! Thank you for such a wonderful missing scene. Colonel Fitzwilliam had me chuckling, even though Darcy was suffering. Duty and good manners versus what he wants is always a problem for him. If Elizabeth could see him here she would realize he detests all social occasions. What a fun way to start my morning! I already have the ebooks, audiobook and the magnet with the blue fairy wren. Thank you all for your generosity.

    1. It is always a compliment to ear I have been able to make someone laugh! Thanks, Deborah!

    • Maggie Griscom on January 5, 2015 at 7:18 am
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    I love this! It is so Darcy. Except for Henry Tilney, Jane Austens men are always clueless. Must come from living with a house full of boys. As great writing and this would be a good chapter in a variation.

    1. They are, aren’t they? That is part of the fun of them, isn’t it? A variation including this scene might be fun…hmmmm…

    • Kathy Wallace on January 5, 2015 at 7:52 am
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    Oh, to find out what happens at that ball! It should be a riot.

    1. I hadn’t planned on writing it…but since you insist…

    • BeckyC on January 5, 2015 at 9:43 am
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    A wonderdul glimps into our favorite brooder. Too bad for Darcy that he feels such obligation. The ball shall be interesting indeed.

    1. Since you mention it, I suppose I shall have to make it so…. ;0)

    • Anji on January 5, 2015 at 9:51 am
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    Lovely little scene, Maria. Darcy is sooo uptight about mixing in company and missing Elizabeth and the Colonel is good value as always.

    I’m in the UK so not eligible for some of the prizes. I already have The Darcys of Derbyshire as ebook and audiobook and if Susan’s book is Mr Darcy’s Proposal, I already have that as ebook and audio, too.

    1. Thanks, Anji! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

    • Carol on January 5, 2015 at 2:17 pm
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    Love, love, love. So Darcy: hating a ball, hating to be matched with a woman not his choice, and thinking of Elizabeth who is so right, but so wrong. Cannot wait to see what happens at the ball. So wish his aunt knew Elizabeth and matches her to another man to see Darcy fester under the strain. Cannot wait for the next chapter.

    1. Oh that is a fun idea. I’ll have to put that in my list of fun scenes to write someday!

    • Regina Silvia on January 5, 2015 at 7:27 pm
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    Love this, Maria! You have such a knack for showing Darcy’s “discomforted” side!

    1. Thank you very much Regina!

    • Kattia Campos on January 5, 2015 at 9:03 pm
    • Reply

    Hi, i live in Costa Rica, I really enjoy read the things all of you share. Thank you and keep going with the site.

    1. Thanks Kattia!

    • Kathy on January 5, 2015 at 9:15 pm
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    This really showed Darcy’s self-imposed punishments from his allegiance to his family and duty. He REALLY needs Elizabeth to loosen him up! I’m looking forward to how he contemplates a future Twelfth Night ball that he attends with Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy!

    1. You’re right, he really does need her. It would be fun writing a Twelfth Night Ball with both of them together. Thanks, Kathy.

    • Nicole Millheim on January 5, 2015 at 9:41 pm
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    I am from the US!

  3. A truly exceptional story, Maria, except for some grammatical error here and there. I would so love to see how the ball goes. Thanks for sharing Darcy’s side of the story to us.

    1. Thank you.

    • schilds on January 6, 2015 at 6:45 pm
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    Great scene. Thanks for the giveaway.

    1. So glad you enjoyed!

    • Joana Starnes on January 7, 2015 at 5:16 am
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    I loved the interaction between cousins! Such fun, always. ‘She showed me your letter to scold me for my penmanship. What an elegant hand you have, by the bye’ 😀 Wonderful!

    1. Glad you enjoyed that bit, too. That was one of my favorite lines!

    • Carole in Canada on January 7, 2015 at 11:46 am
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    Well Elizabeth shouldn’t feel so bad now that Darcy has stated he can ‘tolerate’ his own cousin! Always love the interaction between Darcy and the Colonel. Thank you!

    1. You’ve got a great point, Carole! Thanks!

    • Monica P on January 7, 2015 at 3:15 pm
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    Ooh I can’t wait to see what happens at the ball, and what Darcy’s costume will be. Poor guy – I can see why he doesn’t really want to go but I’m hoping he’ll have a tolerable time.

    I’m just catching up on Jane in January but my tardiness means i don’t have to wait to read Part II 🙂

    • Monica P on January 7, 2015 at 3:17 pm
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    I giggled at this : “The port decanter caught a glint of sunlight and tipped its hat at him from across the room.” Teasing, teasing decanter 😉 I also loved the line about the Colonel’s penmanship.

    • Sheila L. M. on January 7, 2015 at 8:09 pm
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    My reply seems to have gone astray. In trying to be so proper Darcy does paint himself into many a corner. I do wonder what costume he is assigned? But his partner does seem a safe one and as a future member of the family he will have to learn to interact at a minimum. Thanks for this “missing” scene.

    • Carol on January 8, 2015 at 11:07 am
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    You can’t help but love an irritated Darcy, and the Colonel has such a knack for bringing it out in him. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if somehow, some way Elizabeth and Jane were at the ball? However I guess if this is considered a missing scene and not a ‘what if’ the ball will only serve to heighten Darcy’s attraction to ODG.

    Looking forward to more,
    Carol

    • Beatrice on January 10, 2015 at 11:17 pm
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    Unless it’s a cloak of invisibility, I cannot imagine any costume that Darcy would feel comfortable in at a ball, so I feel his pain. I’m a romantic and I’d like Col Fitzwilliam to arrange for Elizabeth to be there and have her name drawn. (I live in Canada).

    • Julie on January 21, 2015 at 7:11 pm
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    I can’t imagine what costume Darcy will be given that he is going to find acceptable. And I’m SURE there’s some mischief afoot with the choice of partners… Darcy seems all too easy to manipulate….

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