33. Chapter 30: A cheerful heart is good

Ch 30: A cheerful heart is good medicine*

Lizzy sat before her dressing table, watching in the mirror as Mattie put the finishing touches on her hair.

"It looks lovely, Miss." Mattie smiled at her mistress' reflection. "Will there be anything else?"

"No, you have done a lovely job. Go see to Mary and Kitty. If there is anything else, Jane and I will assist each other."

Mattie curtsied and left. Lizzy turned to her elder sister. "Jane, you are truly a vision tonight. Kitty has done wonders with your gown, but the smile you wear—you are truly radiant!" Rising, she went to stand behind her sister. "Shall I guess who it is for?"

Jane blushed, but could not suppress her smile. "Am I being too forward? He was such a gentleman! I know he is not handsome, but his conversation and manners were all that Mr. Carver's were not."

"A smile such as yours is never too forward, Jane. You are all that is proper and ladylike, have no fear. Your colonel will find you an angel," Lizzy teased, straightening a bow on her sister's dress.

"Do not say such things, Lizzy! Not where anyone can hear, please! He is not my colonel…"

"But you would like him to be!" Lizzy giggled, dancing away.

"Only so much as you would like a certain gentleman to be yours…" Jane countered with a knowing smile.

"Jane!" It was Lizzy's turn to blush.

Hill appeared in the doorway, "The carriage has arrived. Your father asks that you come now."

"Coming!" Jane called, taking Lizzy's hand. She whispered in her sister's ear, "You can rejoice that your dances with Mr. Collins will be over with early so that you can look forward to dancing with Mr. Darcy. I fear the colonel will have his dances first then I will have to endure our cousin."

Lizzy stared at her sister. "Jane! I have never heard you speak of someone so." They giggled as they made their way downstairs. "But you were indeed fortunate to have been out of the house when he began soliciting us for dances at the assembly. I hardly know what to make of it. Papa did not seem at all pleased by it."

The Bennet sisters followed their father and cousin into the Meryton assembly rooms. Already the room was filled with people and the musicians were tuning up. Sir William, the evening's master of ceremonies, greeted them as they entered.

"Good evening, Mr. Bennet. It is a rare privilege to have you join us tonight!" Sir William gushed. "Mr. Gardiner, it is good to have you with us as well."

"Thank you, sir," Gardiner replied, glancing about the room.

"Sir William, this is my cousin, Mr. Collins," Bennet gestured at the vicar who bowed graciously. We should not have come. He has already asked each of the girls to dance tonight. I do not want him any nearer my daughters than he already is. At least Gardiner is here to help me watch.

"Indeed, indeed, it is good to have you, sir." Turning to the girls, he continued, "Miss Bennet, would you take a number please so that each of our fair ladies will have an equal chance at leading a set tonight." He offered numbered paper slips to each of the sisters before they even removed their light wraps.

Turning to Jane, Lizzy whispered, "He is even more enthusiastic than usual tonight!"

"I suppose the number of visitors tonight has him anxious to see that all are partnered for the dances," Jane replied graciously, her eyes searching the room for her promised partner. She and her sisters walked away from the doorway to join Charlotte and Maria at the far side of the room. Several minutes later, they watched Mr. Bascombe lead the Bingleys, Darcy, and Fitzwilliam into the hall.

Gardiner elbowed his brother. "There is a gentleman who looks as ill-at-ease as you do!"

Bennet harrumphed, crossing his arms over his chest. "I cannot see how this is a profitable way to spend an evening. How is this preferable to a quiet evening spent in the company of one's own family and friends? The lace and feathers and perfume alone are enough to make a man's head spin!" He glared disdainfully toward the dance floor. "I cannot bear all the talk of lace."

With a gentle hand on his brother's arm, Gardiner whispered, "I wish Fanny was able to be here for you, Thomas. I know how uncomfortable you find such gatherings."

"To be forced to endure such drivel and frivolity!" Bennet muttered, "Too much noise and too many people talking at once for there to be any meaningful conversation. How does one know what to say in such a place?" I cannot help but resent such a gathering that makes me feel so awkward and unwelcome.

"It will all be well, Thomas. Do not be uneasy. We are here to watch the girls, not to make merry ourselves. Besides, we are old men. No one expects anything of us. Relax."

Sighing, Bennet grunted his assent.

"Miss Bingley," Bascombe bowed, "may I have the pleasure of the second set? I thought perhaps it best to take time during the first to make introductions for you and your party."

Louisa glanced at her brother. Bingley replied, "Yes, yes, perhaps that is best. I had thought to first dance with my sister, but since we know so few here, introductions should come first."

Darcy said nothing, a familiar glower on his face. If I do not see Miss Elizabeth, I shall certainly leave this place. Already there is too much noise and too many people. I do not know that I can do this, even for the sake of seeing… there she is! How lovely she looks this evening.

"I see her!" Fitzwilliam exclaimed in his ear. "You see, in the blue gown. It is the color of her eyes!"

"Yes, I see. Do not stare, Richard!" Darcy's glare grew deeper as he watched Collins approach Lizzy.

Bascombe made his way into the assembly rooms, his party following. He paused several times to introduce his guests to various Meryton residents. Finally Richard lost his patience.

"I thank you for the introductions, sir. But with all due respect, I have asked a young lady for the first set, and I must go to her and claim my dance." With a bow, the colonel strode purposefully toward Jane, who by this time was only separated from him by a refreshment table.

"So he has made the acquaintance of the Bennets already, has he? Your cousin does not delay his conquests, eh?" Bascombe sniffed disdainfully. "Without a reasonable dowry, they have little enough to offer. Though, I grant you, the eldest is a lovely girl. Her company is certainly pleasant for a half hour. The next one, Miss Elizabeth, standing beside her, is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who have so little to recommend them. I would strongly recommend that you do the same, Darcy. You would not want…"

Darcy's heart stopped when he saw Elizabeth turn to look at him. Her eyes made it clear that she had heard every one of Bascombe's uncharitable words. A blush rose to her cheeks. Alarmed, Darcy shook his head, trying to absolve himself of complicity with Bascombe's slight. However, Sir William called out Lizzy's number, and he watched in agony as Collins took her arm and led her to the top of the set.

Turning back to Bascombe, Darcy glared, "I hardly think that is a proper way to speak of a gentlewoman in so public a place."

The portly landowner did a double take. "Well, I never…"

Unwilling to continue in his current company, Darcy bowed and excused himself. He forced himself through the milling crowd until he found Bradley and Pierce speaking with Bennet and Gardiner. He immediately made his way in their direction.

On the dance floor, Lizzy's mortification was only beginning. Noticing her blush, Collins stepped in close to whisper, "Your modesty becomes you, my dear cousin. Lady Catherine speaks of modesty as the highest virtue any woman can attain."

"I… I… thank you, Mr. Collins. Now, the music is beginning. Watch your step. No, start with the right, sir!" she stammered, nearly missing the first steps of the dance herself. Her color deepened with her near misdirection and the sense that the entire room was looking at her. Come to your senses, Lizzy! Just complete this dance and you can leave the floor to gather your wits! "Ouch! Do watch your step, Mr. Collins!" she exclaimed painfully.

"Oh, my dear cousin, I am dreadfully sorry!" he muttered, trying to bow midstep.

"Mind the dance!" the woman beside him hissed as Collins collided with her.

Lizzy was greatly relieved when the next movement in the music allowed her to dance a few steps with Fitzwilliam.

"Your cousin does not seem to be an accomplished dancer," Richard commented archly.

"I am afraid he is not, sir," she demurely agreed, wincing as she heard her sister yelp in pain.

"We would all be better off if he would simply fall and break his ankle!"

"Do not say such a thing!" Lizzy gasped in horror.

"Forgive me. It was not a gentlemanly thing to say," Richard quickly apologized.

"No, you must understand, he is staying with us, so if he were to break his ankle, we would have to tend to him…" Lizzy's eyes twinkled merrily as she watched a smile break out over her partner's face.

"Say no more, Miss Elizabeth. I fully understand."

Her reprieve did not last long enough, and soon she was having her toes once again abused by her ungainly cousin. She was relieved when the musicians brought the song to a close and she could bow to her partner and leave him behind.

Unfortunately, Collins immediately rushed to her side, standing far too close for her comfort. "My dear, dear Miss Elizabeth," he gushed, bowing deeply. "Do allow me to apologize for my clumsiness. Studying for my ordination, I have had little time these last few years to engage in the luxury of a dance."

Lizzy edged away from him. Can he not keep his distance? Why does he seem to get closer and closer? "It is quite all right, sir. There is no harm done…"

"Then may I make it up to you during the next set?"

Stepping back again, she replied, "I am afraid I must decline. My father made it clear, did he not, that you were to have no more than a single dance with each of us? Did not Mr. Pierce and Mr. Bradley emphasize that a clergyman in your position should not risk appearing…"

"Yes, you are quite right. In my haste to make amends I had forgotten," Collins smiled ingratiatingly. But they shall not dissuade me. I will have what I came for.

"I am afraid I will not dance the next set at all, sir. I need a bit of a rest. My feet…"

"That is quite my fault, I am afraid to say. Let me keep you company so that you will not suffer isolation while you are unable to dance." Collins offered her his arm, but she ignored it.

"There is no need," she protested, taking several steps in the direction of her father and uncle.

"It is my pleasure." He followed her as she continued to edge closer and closer to Bennet and Gardiner. She finally stopped within earshot of the men, breathing a sigh of relief. I do not know what makes me so uncomfortable around him. Although he is a clergyman, there is something about him that I do not trust. She glanced over her shoulder and noticed that Darcy, Bradley, and Pierce were also there watching her and Collins. Suddenly she felt much more at ease.

"…what do you know of that, Miss Elizabeth?" Collins looked at her expectantly.

Doing a double take, she shook her head and looked at him. "I am sorry, Mr. Collins. I am afraid in all the noise, I did not hear your question."

"I am relieved to hear that it was the noise that kept you from attending me. Lady Catherine is so severely vexed by those who do not pay attention when another is speaking. It is such poor manners in a lady." Collins raised his brows judgmentally. "I was asking, dear cousin, what you might know of a situation I heard of concerning a young man who was caught stealing, from a young girl, I believe."

Billy Thompson? Where would he have possibly heard about that? No! It must have been the maids gossiping. How vexing! "Yes, I have heard of it, sir."

"Do you know they did not call the magistrate?" Collins looked deeply affronted.

"Do you realize that he is a boy barely more than nine years old?" she replied sharply.

"The law declares that anyone over the age of seven…"

"He is a child, sir!" She stomped her foot lightly, but immediately regretted it. "A child! He should be treated as a child who needs to learn better ways."

"Lady Catherine says a child like that is a bad seed and should be removed before he spreads his ways to others." Collins crossed his arms over his chest.

"He is working to pay off his debt two fold, sir. It is not as if he is walking away without punishment!"

"The law…"

"Is too harsh and unyielding. Does not the Good Book say blessed are the merciful?" Lizzy's eyes flared angrily as her hands found their way to her hips. "Is it not kindness that leads to repentance?"

"Lady Catherine insists that the lesser minds of those in the lower classes are only taught by the harshest of consequences. Such kindnesses are lost…"

"Does not the Good Book instruct that the Lord shows no partiality and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?**"

"Here is where you show your ignorance, dear cousin, for only…"

"Perhaps sir," Darcy's deep, resounding voice cut in. Both turned and looked up at the approaching gentleman. "...it would be wise of you to remember you are a clergyman. You seem to quote my aunt freely enough, but I have yet to hear you quote from the Good Book. Perhaps it would serve you well to spend more time studying what the good Lord has said instead of your good patroness."

Collins' mouth gaped open like a fish out of water as he found himself at a complete loss for words.

Lizzy's eyes grew wide. Her hand flew to cover her mouth, shocked.

Bowing to her, Darcy extended his hand, "Miss Elizabeth, I do believe you promised me the honor of this set." How could I have spoken to her cousin in front of her that way? Certainly she has every reason to cut me publicly just as I did him. How could I have been so rude?

"Why thank you, yes, Mr. Darcy. I believe I am sufficiently recovered from the first set to dance again." She took his hand. "If you will excuse me, Mr. Collins." She allowed Darcy to lead her away, leaving a red-faced Collins staring after them.

Unbeknownst to them, several steps away, Pierce turned to Bradley in shock. "Did he say what I think he said?"

Grinning widely, Bradley nodded, "Indeed he did, sir. A right proper set down if I have ever heard one!" What has gotten into you, young master? Your mother would be so proud of you right now.

Stifling laughter, Pierce admitted, "I cannot say I was not thinking the same thing myself!"

"As was I." Bradley clapped the younger man's shoulder. "So what think you of my esteemed patron now?"

"I believe, sir, that we have a great deal to talk about if you had a hand in raising such a gentleman." Pierce finally allowed himself the luxury of a laugh. "But, if you do not mind, that will have to wait. I would very much like to find a lady…"

"Miss Mary?" Bradley leaned in to whisper as his blue eyes sparkled teasingly.

"Am I that transparent?" Pierce straightened his cravat. "Yes, I secured her for a pair of dances, and I should very much like to make good on that promise."

"There will be plenty of time to talk later. Go and enjoy the company of a fine young lady." Bradley sent him on his way.

On the dance floor, Darcy bowed rather gravely to his partner, anxiously awaiting the opportunity to speak. Finally he said, "Miss Bennet, please forgive me. My conduct was ungentlemanly at best."

Taking his hand lightly in the dance, she shook her head. "There is no need to apologize, sir, truly." She glanced at him briefly, the barest hint of a smile on her lips. "For what did you say that I was not thinking myself? I was at that moment wishing for a man who would deliver such words as you did." Looking up at him, she saw his smile budding, and she blushed. "But I suppose it rather unladylike of me."

"Not at all, Miss Elizabeth. I find it a singular show of good sense."

"I must apologize that my family has caused you such discomfort."

"Do not repine for your cousin. His presence reminds me that his patroness is my aunt. " He smiled sheepishly.

How remarkable he looks when his eyes smile! She felt her breath catch and for the second time that night nearly missed her step in the dance.

He, too, nearly missed a step, entranced by her fine eyes. Quickly he caught himself. "I must also ask your pardon for Mr. Bascombe. I fear you heard his untoward remark earlier this evening."

She dropped her eyes for a moment. "You are correct, sir, I did. But it was his remark, not yours. I do not begrudge Mr. Bascombe his opinions. It does not do well for me to dwell upon his idle words. I have long known his feelings toward me are not favorable. He took offense to me several years ago when I had the audacity to disagree with him." Why did I say such a thing? How easy it is to talk with him, far too easy. I must take more care.

"Forgive me, but I must ask what you disagreed with him over?" He watched as the fire returned to her eyes.

"We disagreed on a point of philosophy. He found it quite singular that a lady should read any words of substance, let alone have the impudence to form opinions on what she read." Lizzy raised an eyebrow teasingly.

"Now I am intrigued." Darcy smiled openly as he bowed at the end of the dance. "Might I invite you to share refreshments with me so that you may tell me more of this reading that so captured your attention?" He offered her his arm.

"Gladly, sir. I would welcome your opinions on the matter." She laid her hand upon his arm and allowed him to escort her off the dance floor.

Kitty sat at a table, enjoying refreshments with Louisa. "I must confess, I am relieved to have survived my set with my cousin free from any broken toes!" she giggled conspiratorially.

Louisa's eyes grew wide at the confession. "I suppose I ought to caution you on the unsuitability of such a comment from a lady." She pursed her lips, containing her laughter. "But I confess, I thought the same thing as he left the dance floor."

"Please," Kitty grabbed her friend's hands, "promise me that you will not hold against me the fact that he is my cousin."

"Only if I may extract the same promise from you once you have met my sister." Louisa hid her face in her hands, laughing.

"So you have succeeded in making my quiet, serious sister laugh?" Bingley teased, sitting down beside Kitty.

"Indeed, brother, she has, but I dare not tell you why!" Louisa's eyes twinkled merrily. "Oh, I cannot wait until we take Netherfield so that she can come to stay with us!"

"It will be soon; I expect a fortnight or so."

"How wonderful" She turned to Kitty. "You will come to stay with me, to help me settle in and decorate and…"

"Most happily!" Kitty clapped her hands in excitement. "That is, of course, if it pleases you, sir," she quickly added, blushing.

"How could I deny my sister something that brings her such joy?" Bingley smiled broadly. How different she is from her eldest sister. Miss Bennet is so serene and calm, I find I am afraid of offending her each time I speak. Dancing with her was such a pleasure, she is so uncommonly pretty. But I could not shake the concern that I would trod upon her toes. Not that she would ever complain, she is far too much of a lady for that! But I would rather have a companion with whom I can relax. Miss Kitty is so lively and open! She makes me feel so at ease. Her sister is certainly the loveliest girl I have ever known, but I believe I find Miss Kitty's disposition far more agreeable.

"It is decided then." Louisa nodded happily.

"Thank you both. I shall ask my father's permission directly." She glanced over at her father, who still stood with her uncle. "I am certain he will consent though."

The musicians played the opening notes of a particularly lively country dance. Bingley turned to Kitty, "May I have this dance? I am exceedingly fond of this particular music." He offered her his hand.

"I am as well, Mr. Bingley." She took his hand as he led her to the floor.

"I hope I have not deprived you the pleasure of your cousin's company." He glanced at Collins, without a partner, standing with Sir William.

"I am grateful, sir. Although my sisters would scold me for saying so, nothing about my cousin is a pleasure." Kitty laughed lightly.

"I fear that all families contain difficult relatives," he replied wistfully.

"You have such a cousin, sir?" Kitty circled around him, light and graceful on her feet.

"Not a cousin, but an older sister. She has written to say that she will come with our possessions from town. We are to expect her in just a fortnight's time, when we take Netherfield."

"You do not seem anxious for her arrival." Certainly your sister is not. I wonder if she is anything like Lydia?

"She can be a bit difficult. Caroline is nothing like Louisa." Bingley replied hesitantly. He quickly regained his smile. "Louisa told me all that you did to alter her gown. It quite delighted her to have something that felt new to wear tonight. She could not say enough of your talent."

"She is too kind, sir." Kitty blushed and tried to be demure, but her smile broke through.

She has a delightful smile! "You have made her feel very welcome. I cannot thank you enough for that kindness. She is of a quiet nature, and often finds it difficult to find friends. I am pleased that she has found them in you and your sisters. To see her laughing with another young woman truly eased my heart. I have felt no small guilt at taking her away from a place she knew to come and keep house for me."

"I am very glad to count her among my friends."

"Might Louisa and I call upon you and your sisters at Longbourn?"

"We would be delighted to receive you." Kitty's heart fluttered.

* PR 17:22** JOB 34:19