Thank you so much for all your very valuable feedback from last week, which I’m trying to incorporate into my writing! I hope you enjoy this longer episode, and although all your suggestions may not be here, there may still be a chance to get them in later. If you’d like to read the other parts, they are all posted in Writer’s Workshop. I’d love to know what you think and if you have any suggestions!
Elizabeth was glad of the brief respite before dinner, a chance to dress and prepare herself for the forthcoming evening. Earlier, she’d welcomed her parents and sisters, Kitty and Mary, who all seemed excited to see her, and even managed to give them a little tour of her new home, which proved almost too much for Mrs Bennet whose exclamations grew louder and more effusive with every new novelty and turn in the passages of Pemberley.
Now, Lizzy flopped in the chair before her dressing table, pressed her palms to her temples and took a few deep breaths. She knew the greatest challenges were to come, and the feelings that stirred inside, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety at the prospect of an evening spent in the company of such a diverse set of characters, did nothing to ease her mind or the aches in her head that were starting to throb. But, all she could do was hope for the best; there was little time to contemplate what might be said or what might happen, as her maid arrived and set about helping her to dress. Her evening gown surpassed all expectations; a round robe of gossamer net over a white satin slip fell in soft folds from a pink velvet bodice, laced in peasant style with silver ribbon. The same gossamer sleeves in Spanish style, slashed to show puffs of white satin were finished in bands of silver, cut to show off her upper arms and there were long elbow-length gloves of white kid to hide the rest, laid out on her bed. Pink kid slippers, a Mechlin lace veil, and an ivory fan were the accessories chosen to finish off, and with a simple silver bandeau in her hair, Lizzy felt her look was complete. All apart from her jewels, of course.
‘Rebecca, I’ll wear the diamond necklace this evening.’
‘Yes, of course, ma’am, it will be most becoming with your new gown.’
Lizzy watched Rebecca cross the room to the laquered Japanese cabinet where she unlocked the ornate doors to reveal several inner doors and drawers, beautifully embellished with crane birds and peonies. Drawing out the leather jewel box, she presented it to her mistress with a flourish, opening the catch to reveal the sparkling diamonds glistening on its lustrous velvet interior. The sight of such splendour made Lizzy catch her breath. She was sure she’d never get used to wearing such a magnificent necklace. To tell the truth, her preference and taste were altogether much simpler, but these were the Darcy jewels, and she knew with what love and pride they’d been given to her. Fitzwilliam’s mother had been the last person to wear the jewels, and with that knowledge she felt the weight of responsibility. She wanted so much to prove to her darling husband that she was worthy of such treasures, but as she gazed at them now, she felt overwhelmed.
Rebecca saw her hesitation and immediately took the diamonds up in her own slender fingers, bringing the necklace over Elizabeth’s head to rest it on her collar bones before clasping it at her neck. ‘Mrs Darcy, if I may say so, you were made to wear this necklace. Your skin brings out the wonderful colour of the stones.’
Elizabeth turned her head one way and then the other, scrutinising her reflection. She professed herself quite pleased and smiling up at Rebecca, thanked her for all her help. Instinctively, she reached for her finger, eager to see how her precious ring looked alongside the necklace. To her absolute horror, she felt nothing, and saw that the diamond ring was missing. Her heart stopped beating for a few seconds, she was sure. Holding out all ten fingers she looked frantically from one to the other as if it might appear by magic or sheer longing, but to no avail. It simply wasn’t there. Leaping from her seat, she twirled round, her eyes scanning the floor. Perhaps it had slipped off her finger when she was dressing.
‘Oh, it must be somewhere here,’ she cried.
‘Mrs Darcy, have you lost something?’
‘My ring, my beautiful diamond ring! I cannot believe it – how could I be so careless? Rebecca, you must help me – what can have happened to it?’
‘Now, don’t worry, Mrs Darcy, I’m sure there’s a ready explanation. Did you not take it off? I thought you said you were not going to wear it all the time. You must have removed the ring and put it somewhere safe.’
‘No – I was going to, but I adored the feeling of it on my finger so much, and Mr Darcy said he so loved to see me wearing it, that I decided to keep it on. Oh, how silly I am. And now, Lady Catherine has been proved right. I am not worthy to have such a prized possession or to have been entrusted with such an historical artefact. Whatever am I to do? What am I going to say to Mr Darcy?’
Rebecca put her arm round her mistress, and tried to reassure her. ‘We’ll find the ring, my lady. Let us not act or say anything too soon. Neither Mr Darcy nor Lady Catherine needs to be any the wiser this evening. You have your gloves to wear, for one thing.’
‘But at dinner the gloves will be taken off …’
‘And everyone will be too busy talking to notice anything. Wear another ring in its place so everyone will assume the bump under your glove is your diamond one. You can always keep your hands in your lap between courses when you remove the gloves.’
‘Yes, that is true.’
‘And whilst you are at dinner, I will search Pemberley from top to bottom … the ring will be found, and all will be well before you go to bed tonight.’
‘Rebecca, you are wonderful, and so generous to do all of that for me. I cannot thank you enough, though it is a dreadful task for you to undertake.’
‘The ring will turn up – it’s probably just rolled under the bed, something as simple as that. Do not worry any longer or let it spoil your evening. All your family will be gathering, and I’m sure they cannot wait to see you.’
Elizabeth pulled on her gloves just as a knock at the door produced Mr Darcy looking handsome in evening dress. Rebecca greeted her master with a curtsey before she left the room, pausing at the door to catch Lizzy’s eye with a reassuring nod and wink.
Fitzwilliam took a moment before he could speak. Elizabeth’s beauty was undeniable, though perhaps he’d been too proud to recognise it completely when he’d first met her in Hertfordshire. But here, in Derbyshire, in his ancestral home, he thought she’d never before looked quite as remarkable as she did now. The heightened colour in her olive skin, contrasting with the chestnut curls held in place by a silver band, and her cheeks flushed to a becoming shade turned her into a rare bloom. Dressed in petal-pink, diaphanous layers swathed her slight form, so he could hardly tell where her skin melded into soft gauze. Mr Darcy was reminded of an English rose opening under a summer sky, exuding its heavy fragrance from a secret source. The Darcy diamonds glittered against her skin, and he was overcome by a desire to wrest it all away, to hold her in his arms, succumb to her sweet caresses, and to lose himself in all her hidden places.
‘Good God, Elizabeth, what are you trying to do to me?’
Elizabeth wondered for a moment if he’d guessed her plight, but then recognised the expression he wore as one she was coming to know very well. She clasped her hands behind her back, thus hiding them, all the while knowing his eyes would be drawn to more than the stones sparkling against her skin. She was aware of her quickened breath, the rise and fall of lustrous diamonds, and did nothing to avert his gaze. ‘I cannot think what you mean, Mr Darcy.’
In two strides Fitzwilliam was at her side. He took her in his arms and met with no resistance.
‘Kiss me,’ whispered Elizabeth.
Fitzwilliam traced a finger along her cheek and down onto her throat.
Lizzy closed her eyes, her lips parting in expectation. She felt his mouth lower onto hers, but lips alone were not enough. Pecking lightly as a feather across her jaw, he moved down to her neck, exploring the hollows at the base. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, sinking into rapture with every tender touch.
Dinner was a rather quiet affair, at first. By some miracle, Mr and Mrs Darcy were on time to greet their guests and did their best to keep the conversation flowing. Elizabeth was very aware of her husband’s eyes watching her from the other end of the table, and with his fragrance still lingering on her skin she couldn’t help but recall the last hour they’d spent together, which caused her to blush even more. She was a little distracted, and tried not to catch his eye too often, but it was as if they were joined by an invisible thread that pulled every now and then, to remind them how very attached in heart and mind they were. Which made agonising over what had happened to the ring even worse. Fortunately, in her chamber, there’d been no need for removing gloves – Fitzwilliam’s ardent attentions and the lack of time with the dinner hour encroaching had meant her secret was still safe, but Lizzy felt uncomfortable not telling her husband what had happened, knowing she would not be happy again until the matter was resolved. She was glad that Lady Catherine was seated next to her husband and could only hope that failing eyesight, and a curiosity in everyone else’s business would prevent Mr Darcy’s aunt from noticing her lack of diamond ring.
It was pleasing to look around the table at all her guests. Mr Darcy had invited two local landowners, Mr Eansworth and Mr Hunter, to make up for the lack of gentlemen. When Mrs Bennet found herself on one side of the youthful Mr Hunter who also had Kitty on the other side, she was beside herself. Mr Hunter was very good-looking and tall, both attributes she considered essential, though the most important matter of whether he was rich or not was yet to be discovered. Mr Darcy had mentioned his estate, Ashbourne Hall, which certainly sounded promising.
‘Mr Darcy mentioned you reside not far from here, Mr Hunter. Is Ashbourne a large estate?’
Mr Hunter looked askance at the directness of her question. Kitty wished she could fade into the background. Why did her mother always speak so loudly?
‘Ashbourne is considered to be one of the finest estates in the county, Mrs Bennet,’ he said, a slight smirk forming at the corners of his mouth. He’d met this type of mother before, but couldn’t help being amused by her transparent questioning. ‘I believe I heard Mr Darcy say you reside in Hertfordshire. He tells me the ladies in that county are excessively pretty, and I can see his effusions have not been exaggerated.’
Mrs Bennet laughed in what she considered to be a girlish manner. ‘I do not speak for myself, of course, having long given over thoughts of beauty, but my daughters’ charms have often been remarked upon. Why, I believe it was Lizzy’s fine eyes that first attracted Mr Darcy!’
Elizabeth’s attention was caught, and she saw Darcy look up from his plate. And was that Miss Bingley sneering in her usual manner?
‘Of course, Kitty’s eyes may not be as fine,’ Mrs Bennet continued, ‘but her figure is very pleasing, Mr Hunter, do you not think?’
Mr Hunter could see Kitty’s mortified expression. He turned his head away from her mother and winked surreptitiously in her direction, with such stealth that she wondered if he’d really done it.
‘Miss Bennet is a delightful young lady, I am very pleased to make her acquaintance.’
Kitty could not think where to look, and when she raised her eyes from the hands in her lap, she met Mr Hunter’s. Fringed with dark lashes, his piercing blue eyes looked straight into hers with such a teasing expression, she didn’t know what to think. She felt her cheeks burn and dropped her eyes, determined not to look at him again.
Mrs Bennet was really warming up to her subject. ‘I do not like to boast, Mr Hunter, but having two daughters so well married is such an advantage for my younger ones, putting them in the path of other rich young men like yourself. And their sisters are so obliging! It is so pleasant at my time of life to be able to consign my single daughters to the care of their married sisters, that I might not be required to go into company more than is necessary. Kitty and my other daughter, Mary, will be here long after I am gone, giving you many opportunities to get to know them better. Now, will that not be most desirable for you and Mr Eansworth?’
‘I cannot think of anything that would make me happier,’ said Mr Hunter. ‘I am sure my friend will agree.’
Elizabeth had heard her mother’s last speech and was sure she saw more than one amused glance pass between Mr Hunter and Mr Eansworth. Mrs Bennet could always be relied upon to say the most inappropriate things. It was time to step in and change the subject. But before she had a chance to speak, Lady Catherine, who’d been quietly muttering to Mr Darcy at the other end of the table spoke up in a loud voice that bellowed across the table.
‘What is that you are saying, Antoine? What is it you are talking of? What are you telling Miss Georgiana?’
‘We were talking of Pemberley, madam,’ he said, ‘and of its wonderful grounds. My sister and I are keen to go exploring, with your kind permission, of course, Mr Darcy.’
Elizabeth saw Georgiana look up, bright-eyed and more animated than she’d seen her for a while.
Mr Darcy opened his mouth to speak but Lady Catherine ploughed on regardless.
‘The appreciation of landscape and the picturesque are pleasures I endorse wholeheartedly. Pemberley Park is the culmination of great thinking and superlative design. The late Mr Darcy and my dear husband, Sir Lewis de Bourgh, were the masterminds behind the evolution and plans for much of the estate. The new gardens laid out at Rosings twenty five years ago, were the model for the inspiration and much of the improvements at Pemberley.’
‘C’est magnifique! I could not imagine where to start with such a vast project,’ said Antoine.
‘I believe my father had some help from a man of great vision, a Mr Thomas Smith, a student of ‘Capability’ Brown. We believe in maintaining the landscape in as natural way as possible, Monsieur de Valois. New ‘improvements’ are always to be carefully assimilated … we desire that the effects of man’s work on his environment should never be jarring.’
‘And if I may say so, what was created is sublime, a true testament to nature in all her glory,’ Antoine replied.
‘Thank you,’ said Mr Darcy, ‘my father left a lasting legacy. Pemberley’s grounds are a true reflection of his sense of style and taste. I think you will appreciate some of the ‘man-made’ additions also. There is an artificial lake, though I hope none would suspect so, and the odd temple scattered here and there, occasionally a little folly.’
‘And that’s precisely what we saw on our way here … a little folly … though not of the decorative kind,’ Mrs Bennet interrupted, her face rather flushed, as she brandished her fork in the air.
‘Mrs Bennet!’ her husband cried in as commanding a voice as he could muster. It was his turn to grow pale, but his wife paid no heed to the grave calling of her name.
‘Oh, fuss and nonsense, we’re amongst friends, Mr Bennet. I must admit we were rather shocked by such an exhibition, a little piece of folly, indeed! A courting couple, Lizzy, in your grounds, as bold as brass! And not the least bit ashamed – I never saw anything like it in my life. No daylight between them, if you take my fancy … and another thing, there was a coach with the Darcy crest parked not a quarter of a mile away.’
Lizzy caught her husband’s eye. For a moment, she thought he would explode with anger, his face was turned so red, but in the next instant he was laughing with such great guffaws that Lady Catherine looked fit to burst.
‘Fitzwilliam, control yourself. What on earth can be the meaning of this display?’
Mr Darcy caught his wife’s eye again. She looked petrified and although he was longing to ask them all why it should be considered a piece of folly to show his wife that he loved her, he knew that for her sake he could not.
Mr Bennet saw his opportunity. ‘I think you were mistaken, my dear.’
If looks could have killed, Mr Bennet would have been laid out on the table with the jugged steaks, the fricandos of veal and the dressed breast of lamb. His countenance wore an expression Mrs Bennet had witnessed many times during the course of their marriage, and she knew later on he would be telling her she’d overstepped the mark. Her ringlets shook, she pursed her lips instead and raised her eyebrows so that no one was under any illusion that she was quite sure what she’d seen was exactly as she’d described.
Lady Catherine cast withering looks down at the other end of the table; narrowing her eyes in such a scornful manner that Elizabeth almost trembled. She could hear Darcy’s aunt proclaiming that she’d never understood the bawdy humour of the lower orders, asking him to assure her that such discussion at the dinner table would not be endured again. The evening was not going exactly as she’d planned. She felt unkind to think it, but she couldn’t help wishing that her mother stuck to her sentiments more often. If she really didn’t like going out into society as she claimed, why did she take such pleasure in doing so and humiliating all those connected with her.
As if Caroline Bingley could read her thoughts, Elizabeth saw a wry smile forming on her lips, as she looked straight across at Lizzy. ‘I am so looking forward to the ball tomorrow evening, Mrs Darcy, especially if it affords such entertainment as its preceding dinner. A scintillating party … such genteel topics of conversation, I do not think I have ever witnessed so much refined discourse in my life. I declare, I am excessively diverted!’
Elizabeth knew Miss Bingley delighted in being satirical whenever the opportunity arose. But she was not going to let her add to the misery she was feeling. Indeed, Miss Bingley’s bad behaviour in the past had only made Lizzy stronger, and keener to defend herself and her family. Her courage rose at every attempt to intimidate her.
‘I am delighted to welcome you to Pemberley, Miss Bingley. It has been my greatest desire that you should attend the very first ball, as the guest of my darling husband and myself. It simply would not be the same without you, though I seem to recall you once told me that you preferred conversation to dancing – that a ball would be rather a punishment than a pleasure to attend. But, I sincerely hope you will enjoy dancing at Pemberley, though I am certain you must have danced here before.’
Miss Bingley looked rather flustered. ‘I have danced here many times, I thank you.’
Elizabeth took the chance to spear a slice of salmon from one of the many delicious dishes of food arranged about the table. Her satisfaction knew no bounds. It was rather uncharitable, she thought, but she couldn’t help taking pleasure in the knowledge that despite all her efforts, Miss Bingley’s plans to dance her way to becoming Mrs Darcy had come to naught. There was no need to say anything else. She glanced across at Miss Bingley to give her the benefit of a wide smile. Having the upper hand, no matter how badly her mother, Miss Bingley and Lady Catherine behaved, filled her with an intense feeling of pleasure, something between pride and satisfaction, which she knew she must keep under good regulation if she were not to be carried away. Of one thing she was certain. Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, all had their place at the dinner table and despite earlier misgivings, and moments of fleeting embarrassment she’d enjoyed it all very much, and could not wait for the ball on the morrow and a night spent in her husband’s arms. As if reading her mind, she saw him raise an eyebrow to gain her attention, and the look of longing she witnessed in his eyes, melted her insides. There was only one more thing to complete her happiness and in that endeavour, Rebecca held all the cards.
Please leave a comment below if you’d like to suggest ideas or tell me what you think! I’m never sure how much romance to include as Jane Austen really didn’t go there. Do you think a little romance improves or distracts? I’d love to hear what you have to say – Jane
Part Six coming 18th April-
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I for one don’t mind a little romance, Jane. After all, Darcy and Elizabeth are newly married. This probably isn’t the place for anything more….. explicit, shall we say, so I think you got it just right.
So satisfying to see Elizabeth giving Miss B. a good set down. Mrs B. certainly lived up to expectations at dinner! .Poor Lizzy and her ring. Where has it gone? Who is responsible? I can’t imagine for one minute that it will be just a case of a simple misplacing of it. And we have not one but two new gentlemen thrown into the mix in addition to the French cousins.
Looking forward to the next chapter. Thanks so much for this one.
Thank you, Anji, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your opinion on the romance-I wouldn’t normally write anything more explicit-it’s not my style. I enjoyed giving Lizzy the upper hand!
I have enjoyed this chapter immensely. As Anji said I too love a little romance. Nicely done.
As for the ring…I’ve never had a ring slip off since they are fitted. I am sure Darcy would’ve had it sized for her to fit properly. He pays attention to such details, I am sure. Did Lady C give her maid a bonus to sneak into Elizabeth’s rooms and remove it while she napped, after she came back? A mystery.
The conversation at dinner was true to character. Glad Mr. Bennet put the brakes on Mrs. B when she was speaking of follies. Loved Lizzy’s put down of Caroline. Very nicely done.
I wonder how it will happen after dinner. Will the men separate and if do…what will happen during the women’s conversation between the antagonists. Can’t wait to be a fly on the wall. Maybe Lady C will hint at or let something slip about the ring, just as Darcy and the men walk in….
Anyway, impatiently anticipating the continuing ring saga. So far I am loving it. Thank you fit sharing your WIP.
Thank you, Deborah, for your kind comments!
The only thing I would say about the ring slipping off is that it has happened to me-I’m not sure where you live, but here in the UK it can get very cold in winter and my fingers have a habit of shrinking. My mother lost her engagement ring when she was gardening…but I take your point-it would have been sized to fit.
I really like the idea of the after dinner conversation-plenty of opportunity for some sparring with Lady C and Caroline B!!
In New York State and, yes, it can get quite cold here. Gloves always when it’s cold…sometimes even indoors. I can’t stand bring cold. I guess I am quite fortunate in that respect. I have misplaced things before, though. One time I couldn’t find a necklace for 2 years (& I have a small house). I puy it in a safe place and forgot where. There was also my wedding ring I lost when helping a sheep during lambing (I took it off and put it in my pocket & never found it again). The marriage survived thst , thank goodness. My Mr Darcy was quite forgiving. Speaking of which Lizzy’s Mr Darcy will be too as well as very understanding. I am sure he will be supportive. Since this seems yo be common, perhaps it happened to hid mom too. Hopefully Lady C doesn’t find it first.
So if it slipped off, perhaps it’s in the sheets and slipped off when she was resting . Eagerly anticipating the next installment.
No, I can’t bear the cold either-I spend as much of the winter inside next to a fire!
That’s the worst thing-taking a ring off and then misplacing it-it might have been better to have written something like that, and then the mystery opens up-has she mislaid it or has it been taken? I shall have a think about that one! Sorry to hear about your ring-wedding rings are so precious.
Yes, I’m sure Mr D would be very understanding…thank you fro your thoughts, Deborah!
Could it have fallen off in her glove when she came back from being at the home farm?
That’s an inspired suggestion, Deborah!
I am really loving this story more each time a new chapter is added. It is charming, romantic, and has just enough villains sprinkled throughout. What would P&P be without Miss Bingley and Lady Catherine? What is a fairy tale without the dragons after all?! My first thought about the ring was that it was Lady Catherine herself, or Miss Bingley trying to ingratiate herself. That would be a very uneasy alliance since they have too much in common to ever be friends for long. Thank you so much for this lovely story. Darcy and Lizzy are just wonderful, and it is lovely to read about them. For me, it is a seamless transition from the original, and it is a pleasure to have something to look forward to every week. I hope the ring turns up before the dragons cause problems with it. Since no one has mentioned it yet, maybe Darcy himself took it to add something to it?
Thank you, Mari, for your very kind comments! Yes, there is always the possibility that someone has found it, but they are not yet saying so…
I love the characters of Lady C and Miss B-they are fun to write even if they aren’t very nice! It’s especially gratifying to have Lizzy get her own back!
Will Mrs. B ever get the chance to lord it over Lady C that while Mrs. B has three daughters well married, Lady C hasn’t been able to get her one daughter to the altar? Mrs. B is, of course, ignorant of the notion Lady C had of the cradle engagement. Not that that would make a difference in her mind..
Follies divert Elizabeth in more ways than one – nice touch.
Ooh, yes, I think Mrs B would love to do that, Leslie! Thank you for the suggestion-that’s definitely going in next week’s episode!
Oh, please include the romance as you have. It is the kind I like–hinted at and not overt. 🙂 It’s sweet.
My first thought about the ring was the male French cousin. Perhaps he is a jewel thief?
And, Mrs. B was hilarious. She is so clueless at times…I wonder if everyone else has figured out who the people were…especially Miss Bingley? Will Mr. B enlighten his wife later? And then will she make an inappropriate apology to her daughter–loudly and in company?
Loved Elizabeth’s set down of Miss Bingley….always like it when Caroline gets told off.
Thank you for this chapter. Can’t wait to read the next one. I am thoroughly enjoying this story.
Writing Mrs B is a real dream, Eileen-she’s such a fab character. I like the idea of the others working out who the courting couple were, and love the thought of a loud, inappropriate apology by Mrs B-inspired!
Thank you for all your lovely comments and suggestions-especially regarding the romance. I don’t want it to be over the top, but definitely hint at what’s happening! ; )
I am enjoying this story. My guess is that Lady C somehow stole the ring off Elizabeth’s finger while she was napping.
That made me giggle, RMorrel-the thought of Lady C tiptoeing round, struggling to get the ring off…
Thank you for stopping by!
I am in the camp that says that Lady Cat had her maid steal the ring. I think she gives it to Anne “because it was bequeathed to her by her sister,” and that Anne wears it to the ball. Now that will be quite a confrontation when the Darcy’s see it!
Ooh, Cindy, you’re after some real trouble, I see! Well, it’s food for thought. Thank you for your comment!
I love the idea of the confrontation at the ball, although if I remember correctly that Anne was embarrassed over hr mother’s wanting the ring. So the confrontation would probably be after Lady C sees Elizabeth with the ring back on her finger after Anne returns it to Elizabeth because Anne feels Elizabeth is the rightful owner.
Another fascinating chapter! Thank you, Jane! And I agree that your sense of romance is just right… very sweet and enough to make my heart go “pitter-pat” but without more explicit description! I too prefer the looks, blushes, thoughts and hints of feelings only. I did love the consciousness between them at dinner, and her awareness of his lingering smell on her skin.
I’m afraid I always cringe with Mrs. Bennett around, and prefer the daggers exchanged with Miss Bingley where Elizabeth is free to exercise her wit and talent of expression! And it is in good hands with your writing! The loss of the ring is also angst producing, but I have faith you will conclude it most satisfactorily… Some interesting ideas, presented! I prefer that Lady C. has something to do with it… and keep our lovely French relatives for better things! 🙂
Carol, thank you for your very kind comments. I know what you mean about Mrs B-most cringe-worthy! Yes, I agree, Lady C is really the one to watch here-I think she’s going to cause trouble. And thank you for your input on the romance-very helpful!
Lovely – just enough romance – after all they are still on their honeymoon, in my mind. I had my ring fly off my finger once while working with bubble solution at a Girl Scout camp. It rolled and then went through a crack between the boards of the platform. The maintenance man had to pry the board up and, luckily, found the ring on top of lots of dead leaves. Fortunately, I had refused to let a friend stir the leaves up with a branch in an attempt to locate the ring that way. BUT then years later my rings were stolen and never regained! I still miss them.
One thing that jumped out in this passage – olive skin???? I am sorry, but an “English Rose”, with olive skin? Just doesn’t fit in all the pictures I have of our Elizabeth. Ivory skin, yes. And especially when you are putting pink on her.
Loved that Lizzy got in her shot at Caroline…dancing around, trying to snag Darcy – nice innuendo! Mrs. Bennet wouldn’t be Mrs. Bennet without her gushing inappropriate remarks in public, particularly re: the folly. So glad Darcy could laugh at that point. And Lady Catwitch trying to insinuate that her husband was (even in part) responsible for the landscaping at Pemberley! As we know, she is all about overdoing and ornate decor while Darcy’s family’s tastes fit in with nature, not in opposition or awkwardly.
Mr. Hunter sounds charming. Could romance be in the air for Kitty? Even with Mrs. B.’s remarks and throwing her daughter at him, he seemed to take it with the right amount of humor and a wink at Kitty.
Thank you for a pleasant morning’s read. Looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you Sheila-I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Well, that was fortunate that you found your ring, but how awful for you to have had your rings stolen-I had some jewellery taken once, and it’s so horrible on many counts to suffer the loss and intrusion-so sorry to hear that.
We’ll have to agree to disagree on the shade of her skin, Sheila, but not all English roses have very pale skin and we know that Elizabeth tans easily, so I do not think she is the pale kind. I am English through and through, (despite my name, which is my married name-I was once a Taylor) and my skin has olive undertones. If you tan easily and do not burn, the skin’s natural melanin level is higher, which gives a warm olive undertone. Here’s the passage from P&P-
“How very ill Eliza Bennet looks this morning, Mr. Darcy,” she cried; “I never in my life saw any one so much altered as she is since the winter. She is grown so brown and coarse! Louisa and I were agreeing that we should not have known her again.”
However little Mr. Darcy might have liked such an address, he contented himself with coolly replying that he perceived no other alteration than her being rather tanned — no miraculous consequence of travelling in the summer.
But, of course, I wouldn’t want you to stop imagining your Elizabeth just as you like her!
I think Kitty deserves some romance, as you say, and Mr Hunter could well be the man to provide it, though whether Kitty will cope with his teasing ways is another matter. Thank you for all your thoughtful comments!
Ah…but tanned is different from Olive. I have Puerto Rican best friend who has olive skin and would never wear pink. I do know of those passages but olive has different tones.
There are different shades of olive-from quite pale to quite dark. Lizzy would have a pale olive skin and dark hair, and dark eyes, in my opinion. Sheila, my point is that an olive skin tans more easily than a pale skin. I think if Lizzy was very pale, she’d probably keep out of the sun in case she freckled.
I’m sorry you don’t agree with me-it’s just individual interpretations of semantics, I suppose. I completely respect your opinion, but at the end of the day, everyone sees their heroine differently. Jane did not specify exactly what Lizzy looked like so we could imagine her as we like!
My last point- here’s a link to a photo of Livia Firth wearing a pale pink dress, the shade I’ve described- a pink not far from flesh colour. I know Livia is Italian but she has my idea of Lizzy’s colouring! http://thinkboutthings.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/oscars-colin-and-livia-firth-in-gary-harvey.jpg
I am of mostly northern European descent and have brown (graying) hair and olive toned skin so that I tan very easily, but most colors make me look sallow and ill so I wear mostly shades of pink or red.
I’m sure you look lovely in those colours, Deborah!
I went back and read this again. Mrs. B reminds me of Harriet Oleson on Little House on the Prairie and Mr. B reminds me of Nels… only raising his voice when she crosses the line. 😉 Made me giggle.
Thank you, Cindy! So glad it made you laugh. I used to love Little House on the Prairie-I remember crying at every episode. Perhaps I’m channelling Harriet and Nels from all those years ago!
That makes Miss Bingley – Nellie Oleson. Ha!
: )
An enchanting chapter, Jane! I love the hints of romance. I can’t decide whether I suspect the French cousins or Lady Catherine more in the disappearance of the ring – or perhaps the French cousins on the orders of Lady Catherine. 😉
I loved Darcy’s response to Mrs. Bennet’s faux pas in mentioning the courting couple – both guffawing and concerned for Lizzy.
Thank you, Abigail-I’m really thrilled that you enjoyed it and loved the romance! I shall say no more on Lady C or the French cousins…
I like to think Darcy has a sense of humour and can be sensitive when he needs to be : )
Wonderful chapter Jane! I loved every little hint of romance between Darcy and Elizabeth! I am completely sure either Lady Catherine or Miss Bingley have that ring! Please let Rebecca find it for Elizabeth!
And the reaction Darcy had to Mrs. Bennet’s faux pas eller description of that “courting couple” had me laughing my head off!
Can’t wait for the next chapter! 😀
Thank you, Sophia for your kind comments! I’m so glad you enjoyed the romance and had a laugh too. I’ll do my best to resolve everything and tie up all the ends nicely…I promise!
Lovely chapter Jane. Just the right touch of romance!
Could that lovely ring loosened and fell off while that couple were ” courting ” by the tree? I am quite positive the loss a ring would never had been noticed at that time!
Love the set down to Caroline !! Please don’t hesitate to add more of these!!
Can’t wait to see where your story flows next!!
That’s definitely another possibility-in fact, there are so many places it could have fallen off! Thank you for your lovely comments and feedback, Carol.
That was really lovely. It is so nice to see the affection between Elizabeth and Darcy. Despite all her anxiety at dinner, it was nice for Lizzy to get a few moments of triumph and realize that Caroline can be as unpleasant as she wants, it doesn’t change the fact that Elizabeth and Darcy are together. I’ve somewhat lost track of everywhere Lizzy has been, but I’m guessing that the ring could have gone missing at the sad visit to the farm family? I just hope that it doesn’t cause suspicion and unfounded accusations for the servants, who are often the first suspected when something is missing. I’m also now wondering about the French cousins… could there be some espionage involved?
Yes, Kathy, that’s another possibility-Lizzy has had a lot to think about so she might not even have noticed. Thank you for your very kind comments-I shall keep the romance going!
Oh, no…. someone stole Lizzy’s ring? Would it be Lady Catherine, Antoine and his sister, Miss Bingley…
The embarrassment of Mrs Bennet! I wonder if Mary heard anything. This should be the last time Mrs Bennet is ever permitted near Pemberley. I can only hope that she keeps silent about Lydia and Wickhead.
Thanks for the new post!
June, the suspects are many! ; ) Mrs B is a one, isn’t she-wouldn’t it be awful to have her for a mother? I am surprised Mary didn’t put in her thoughts too-she can be quite like her mother when she wants to be. Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
You do a beautiful job with the romance aspect!
I wonder what’s become of the ring? I think the first person to make a comment about it may just be very telling…hmm…unless it’s Darcy, of course – pretty sure he didn’t steal his own wife’s ring lol.
Poor Kitty – nothing like your mother fishing for compliments for you to strange men at the dinner table. And Lady Catherine would’ve brought up the “courting couple” also, had she been the one to witness it, I’m sure of it.
I like the way Lizzy handled Caroline.
Thank you, Monica-I’m glad you’re enjoying the romance! Yes, I feel for all Mrs Bennet’s daughters, and especially Kitty and Mary who are going to be the focus at the moment. Thank you for all your thoughtful comments.
I would like the ring to be found on lady Catharines distant French relations.
Arodriguez- we’ll have to see what happens! Thank you for stopping by!
I love the romance depicted between Mr and Mrs Darcy and I would love to read more of their intimate scenes. I would like to think that it improves the story if scenes are well written.
I think Lady Catherine is a strong suspect in this case as she had voiced out that the diamond ring belong to her daughter. I also don’t want to rule out Miss Bingley for causing mischief and distress to Mrs Darcy because her dream of becoming the mistress of Pemberley is dashed. Then the is the French cousins whom we know so little of. Or the ring could be misplace somewhere in the rooms in Pemberley.
Thank you, Luthien-I hadn’t really appreciated quite how much people like the romance-I shall carry on!
So many possibilities-I’m not giving anything away just yet. Thank you for all your thoughtful comments!
I too enjoyed the ‘romance’. It was just right. I can feel the angst Elizabeth has over losing her ring. I lost a lovely ring in January and searched high and low at the the stores I went to while shopping. Unfortunately, it has not turned up though I provided my name and number to the stores. It certainly didn’t help having to attend dinner with Lady Cat. I’m wondering if Lady Cat had her maid steal it and then gave it to Anne. But knowing how embarrassed Anne was at the earlier mention of it, that she finds time after dinner to quietly return it to Elizabeth? Wouldn’t that help Elizabeth to see Anne in a different light? I just hate for her to have to worry over the ring very long. She has enough on her plate!
I loved how Darcy responded to Mrs. Bennet’s ‘folly story’. I think it was just what was needed. Poor Kitty, however, took the brunt of the embarrassement though. My heart went out to her!
As for the French cousins, the verdict is still on them for me. Can’t wait for the next chapter and what you have in store for us!
Carole, thank you for your kind comments and lovely ideas! I’m so sorry to hear about your ring-I still wonder about some jewellery I had stolen many years ago. I hope your ring turns up one day!
I am extremely obsessed with this series. I have absolutely nothing to add…well, other than I am counting the mins till the next installment. I am enjoying this storyline very, very much. JA would be proud to see how beautifully, crafty & faithfully you have continued this love story. It has such charm and it’s warmth is welcoming & endearing. I’m so happy you have continued the next chapter development of such beloved classic. Thank You Jane Odiwe! Thank you!!!
Ada, you’ve made my day! I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying it so much-it’s such a pleasure to write for you all-and to know that it’s appreciated is a huge compliment. Thank you-
I just read (thanks to facebook) a news article about a Swedish woman that lost her wedding ring 16 years ago and just found it. Apparently, it had gone missing in her kitchen all those years ago. She found it growing on a carrot in her garden! Hopefully, Lizzy doesn’t have to wait 16 years to find her ring. 🙂