Preview #3 of My Latest WIP, by Jack Caldwell

Greetings everyone. Jack Caldwell here.

I am sorry I have been out of commission for a while. I had complications from my cataract surgery last Fall. To be honest, I could not see well enough to write. However, things are much better now, and I have gotten back in the saddle. You’ll be hearing a lot more from me. Whether you enjoy it or not remains to be seen.

You may wish to reread the previous posts. Link to Chapter 1 is HERE, Chapter 2 is HERE.

THE COURTSHIP OF ELIZABETH DARCY

A brief synopsis:

Two days after the Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth Bennet is assaulted by Lt. George Wickham. Fitzwilliam Darcy is riding by, and in the process of stopping Wickham, Elizabeth ends up in Meryton Pond. Darcy wants to get Elizabeth back quickly to Longbourn, so Wickham gets away. They are seen riding together on Darcy’s horse. This guarantees all of Meryton will soon know that Elizabeth is compromised. When the pair reports this to Mr. Bennet, he is at first angry but soon turns it into a joke.

We now resume our tale…

 Chapter 3

DARCY TURNED ANGRILY TO Mr. Bennet. “Why did you do that?” he cried with more feeling than politeness.

Bennet waved him off. “There is no harm done. My Lizzy will storm and pout for a short time before she sees the humor in the matter and return. What are we for, sir, but to make sport for our neighbors and laugh at them in our turn?”

Mr. Bennet could but sink in Darcy’s estimation after such an outlandish statement.

“Besides, I only repeated what you declared at the assembly last month.” Bennet eyed Darcy closely with a grin. “You find her more tempting now, I trust.”

It took Darcy a moment to recall the assembly and his conversation with Bingley. He was mortified to learn that Elizabeth had overheard him at that blasted event. He had been in no mood to make merry and dance, for his mind was filled with worry over Georgiana. His intention was for Bingley to leave off; he certainly did not want anyone else, particularly Elizabeth, to hear his admittedly rude statement!

“As I assured you earlier, Mr. Bennet,” he managed, “I consider your daughter an exceedingly handsome lady.” But it became clear why Elizabeth seemed disinclined to take the steps required to save her reputation and his. Did she truly think he did not find her attractive? Had she misconstrued his constant gazing, his attentions, their lighthearted bantering? Perhaps Darcy had been more successful at hiding his interest than he thought.

“That is gratifying, sir, and I am happy you see her worth.” Mr. Bennet sat back. “This is an unfortunate happenstance. I assure you I am quite angry about it. But what can be done? If we approach either the magistrate or Colonel Forster and attempt to bring charges against Mr. Wickham, the story would spread through the whole of the whole neighborhood. Lizzy and my other girls would be ruined. We must keep this quiet.”

Darcy cleared his throat. “I may be too late for that, sir. In my haste to protect Miss Elizabeth from the dangerous elements, I wrapped her in my overcoat and rode with her back to Longbourn. During out journey we met up with the Goulding carriage.”

Bennet’s face fell, all humor gone. “Oh, no! I assume Mrs. Goulding was within.”

“Yes, and her two daughters. Do you think you can inform Mr. Goulding of the importance of not speaking about this matter for the time being?”

The older man rested his face in his hands. “It would do no good, Mr. Darcy. The preferred sport of ladies of Meryton is gossip, particularly of people who are in disfavor. Currently, my wife and Mrs. Goulding are at odds over a silly disagreement.”

“Miss Elizabeth mentioned something to that effect.”

“I suppose she did.” Mr. Bennet sighed. “Mrs. Bennet is an affectionate mother and a tolerable mistress of my house, but she is perhaps the silliest woman in Hertfordshire. Among her other shortcomings, she cannot help but pick a quarrel with one of her friends. It seldom lasts longer than a quarter-year, and by the end of it the pair act as if the disagreement had never arisen. But by then, Mrs. Bennet would already offend another of her friends. It is a never-ending cycle.”

Mr. Bennet looked up. “Five months ago, Mrs. Goulding would never say a word except to Mrs. Bennet. But as things stand now, nothing would give her greater joy than to spread the news as far and fast as she can. The damage has been done. Talking to Mr. Goulding would be a waste of time.”

Darcy was amazed at Mr. Bennet’s intractability. The man never tried to correct his wife’s behavior, and now could not be moved to even try to be of help to his daughter! “Then,” Darcy said carefully, “there is but one solution to this matter.”

“Mr. Darcy!” Bennet leapt to his feet. “I will not marry my Lizzy to Wickham!”

“Wickham!? Are you mad?” Darcy seized control of his emotions. “I beg your pardon; I was referring to myself.”

“You?” Bennet gaped like a fish. “You would marry Lizzy?”

Darcy drew himself up. “It would be an honor, sir.”

“But…but she does not like you, and you do not like her!”

“Mr. Bennet, you are mistaken in the matter. Your daughter and I are friends, and I have always admired her.”

Bennet’s countenance changed from astonishment into something Darcy could not quite identify. “Is that so?” He covered his mouth with a hand as he returned to his chair. “You are truly in love with Lizzy?”

The effrontery of the man to ask such a personal question! Upon reflection, however, Darcy realized that Mr. Bennet had the right to know his feelings. The trouble was: what were his feelings? He was infatuated—that was certain. He was painfully aware that he desired her. But did he love her now, like his father loved his mother? He doubted it, but affection could grow. Darcy could not lie, but had to be careful. It would not do to offend Elizabeth’s father.

“In marrying me, your daughter would be well cared for. My single purpose would to see to her happiness. I mean no offense, but her situation would vastly improve. She and our children, should we be so blessed, would want for nothing.”

Bennet frowned. “My girl is not for the ton or it’s…particular practices.”

“Then we are of a like mind. London has its attractions and diversions—gardens, theatre, musical performances, scientific presentations, and numerous opportunities to purchase necessaries and fineries. The greatest booksellers in the country are there. Other than that, I prefer my estate of Pemberley.”

“I noticed you did not mention Almack’s.”

Darcy offered a small smile. “No, I did not. Your daughter enjoys dancing and I would not deny her the pleasure. But that would be the only reason I would be seen in a ballroom.”

“So, you would hide her away in the country.”

Darcy shook his head. “That was not my meaning, but you may think as you will.”

Bennet waved a hand. “That was no slight, young man. Lizzy is a country girl and is most happy out of doors. I was concerned about society.”

“Among my relations is my mother’s family. Her brother is the Earl of Matlock.”

“Matlock…” mused Bennet. “I have read of him. High in the government, is he not?”

“Yes, but I was thinking of his wife, Lady Matlock. Once she meets Miss Elizabeth, she cannot but be charmed by her. My aunt will protect her.”

“What of your other aunt, my cousin’s ‘honored patroness?’”

Darcy colored. “You speak of Lady Catherine de Bourgh? She will be disappointed, but she has no influence in Town.”

“So, you are not to marry her daughter, your cousin?”

Darcy started. “What? Has that rumor traveled to Hertfordshire? It is untrue, I assure you.”

“My cousin Mr. Collins says otherwise.”

Darcy grew angry. Who was this fool Collins to bandy about his family’s business? “I again assure you, Mr. Bennet, I am not engaged to my cousin, and I never shall be. I hope my word is good enough for you.”

Bennet grinned. “It is, sir, but I am not the one you must convince.”

~~~

Elizabeth flew into her room and threw herself upon her bed. How could all this have happened? Mr. Wickham, Mrs. Goulding, Papa­—and Mr. Darcy! How this could be the same man she spent a week with at Netherfield? There he had been cold and distant. Now…oh how could she describe him? Decisive—strong—curt—rude—supportive.

And stupid! How could she explain riding his horse in a close embrace? In full sight of Mrs. Goulding, of all people! If it had been Lady Lucas, she could explain herself, but now? Mrs. Goulding would enjoy ruining her and all her sisters! It was Mr. Darcy’s fault!

No, it was not. It was Mr. Wickham’s fault. Mr. Darcy saved her.

Why? He…he liked her?

The door opened and Jane rushed in. “Lizzy, what has happened?” she cried. “Mrs. Reynolds said you needed me. Why is your hair damp—and what happened to your face?”

“One’s hair usually becomes wet when one finds herself in Meryton Pond,” Elizabeth drily responded as she powdered her face. She then explained how she ended up in the pond and how she returned home

“Mr. Wickham!’ cried Jane. “Oh no, it cannot be!”

“I assure you, Jane it is.”

“But he has such an air of goodness! There must be some mistake.”

Elizabeth looked incredulously. “Mistake? Jane, I was there!”

“Are you certain he was not trying to help you? That you slipped?”

“Mr. Wickham struck me and attempted to…he…he was no gentleman. If not for Mr. Darcy—”

“And Mr. Darcy! I thought he did not like you.”

“Does a man need to like a lady to come to their aid?”

“But to force you onto their horse—”

“Jane! He wanted to get me home a quickly as could be.”

“If he had not, you would have not shocked Mrs. Goulding.”

“That is so, but Jane…Jane, why are you defending Mr. Wickham and attacking Mr. Darcy?”

“I am not attacking Mr. Darcy. I just believe there must be some misunderstanding. For there to be such wickedness in the world—I cannot believe it. We know there is some grudge between the gentlemen. Perhaps Mr. Wickman was trying to protect you and you slipped—”

“Jane.” Elizabeth looked hard at her sister. “The only accident, the only mistake here was me placing my trust in Mr. Wickham.” She held up her hand. “Believe what you will. I no longer wish to hear it.” She took a deep breath. “I must return to my father’s bookroom.”

“Lizzy! I meant no insult. I am just confused—”

“I had hoped you would believe me. I see I was wrong.” With that, Elizabeth left the room.

~~~

Upon entering the bookroom, Elizabeth beheld her father and Mr. Darcy in deep discussion. Darcy stood while Mr. Bennet only looked up. “Ah, there you are, Lizzy. The powder is a great improvement.”

“Thank you, sir.” She noted Mr. Darcy’s glare. “What shall we do about…all this?” She waved her arms as she took her usual seat.

Darcy glanced at Bennet, and his expression grew serious. “We have discussed the matter. Might I have the honor of a private conversation?”

Eyes wide, Elizabeth exclaimed, “What? You do not mean—!”

“Lizzy,” said Bennet sternly, something he rarely did, “I require you give the gentleman a few moments of your time.” More gently he added, “Recall yesterday, my dear.”

Elizabeth nodded. Her father would force her into nothing. Five minutes to hear Mr. Darcy out before rejecting him would do no harm. “Very well.”

Bennet stood. “Mr. Darcy, I place my trust in your honor. Pray do not make me regret it.” At Darcy’s nod, Bennet left the room.

I think you think you know what will happen next. Will you be right?

Maybe—maybe not.

Until next time, this has been the Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles.

It takes a real man to write historical romance, so let me tell you a story…