Page 58 of Master of Himself

Charles recoiled at his friend’s harsh manner, doubting he used that same abrupt manner with his own sister.

“I refuse to endure another assembly dancing with the butcher and the fish monger. Besides, there is no point in remaining. The reason for coming no longer exists,” she said, casting a scornful glare at Charles, believing him to be Darcy. “If you had any sense, Charles, you would come with Louisa and me.”

Charles could only assume that Caroline was cutting her losses. Despite her relentless attempts to win Darcy’s favour, she must have finally realised that her efforts had failed, and that he would never offer for her hand.

Darcy merely shrugged. “Suit yourselves, but please do so quietly. I’m going back to bed.” He left her standing in the hall and returned to his chamber, where Charles and Henry followed.

“I wish you would watch your temper, Darcy. I know it’s nothing less than she deserves, but I would never speak to Caroline so harshly.”

Darcy raked his fingers through his unkempt hair. “I’m sorry, Charles, but she has been a thorn in my side since the day we arrived.”

“But how will we explain their absence to the neighbours tonight?” Charles inquired, knowing they would have questions at the assembly.

“We’ll think of something.”

“I’m sorry I won’t be here to help you,” Henry said.

Charles would allow no regrets. “You’ve already been an enormous help, Henry. I’m certain we would have gone mad by now without your assistance,” he said, shaking his brother’s hand. “Besides, it’s better that they go. With them out of the way, there will be less pressure on us.”

Darcy shook Henry’s hand. “You shouldn’t tolerate their nonsense, Henry, especially at Grosvenor,” he said. “You are the master of that house, and they must not usurp your authority.”

Henry nodded in earnest. “Believe me, I’ve learned my mistake and will allow no harpies under my roof,” he said, then offered a regal bow. “May the gods find favour with you.” After a final glance, he was gone.

Charles returned to his chamber wondering how he and Darcy would manage their dilemma on their own. They had been fortunate to have Henry as an ally, but with their luck, there was no predicting what new challenges might befall them.

However, after waiting over a sennight for the rain to return, he began to suspect that the weather wasn’t the answer to this riddle.

***

Darcy scowled at his dandified reflection in the looking glass. Although Charles Bingley looked precise to a pin in the blue floral waistcoat, Darcy felt ridiculously overdressed for a country assembly. Henderson had rigged him out in the latest style, with the usual fobs and seals, and had insisted on tying his cravat in a waterfall design. Naturally, given the drudgery he had foisted on the valet these past few days, he wouldn’t dim the man’s enthusiasm for dressing Charles in the height of fashion.

Despite last night’s debacle, Darcy was determined to keep his temper in check tonight. He had allowed his irritation to consume him at the last assembly, and had given the community a disgust of his manners, especially Elizabeth. Under no circumstances would he disappoint her again, or Charles, for that matter. What’s more, doing so would cause everyone to remark on Bingley’s altered demeanour, which could be their undoing. No, he would do his utmost to behave in a Charles-like demeanour. Perhaps not with as much effervescence, but with some degree of interest.

If he were being honest, he didn’t entirely dread the evening’s events. Although he had never danced every set at a ball, he did look forward to seeing Elizabeth, being in her company, and dancing with her. In addition, he would set things right with Charles for involving him in this catastrophe. Thankfully, Caroline and Louisa wouldn’t be there to complicate matters, nor would he miss their constant complaints.

The carriage was ready at the appointed hour, and he and Charles boarded for the short ride to the village. They set off down the driveway, and as they approached the lane, he held his breath. Although the mud lingered, they were now able to pass through it.

Still, he couldn’t be easy. Would the crowd be as rowdy as last time? Would he be able to successfully pass himself off as Charles, and vice versa? Would Wickham notice a change in his behaviour? Would Elizabeth accept a dance with him? Would the neighbours ask questions he couldn’t answer? What if he couldn’t remember their names?

“Good God, Darcy, I hope you don’t intend to scowl all night,” Charles said with a laugh. “Everyone will wonder if I’ve lost my sense of humour.”

Once again, he’d been lost in a brown study. “Sorry, Charles. I’m just a bit apprehensive. This is the first time we’ll be in a large, unruly crowd. It wouldn’t do to have you overly enjoying yourself, when everyone knows I am usually more sedate.”

“True,” Charles said, nodding. “I’ll try not to have too much fun.”

He ignored his friend’s mocking tone. “If Wickham attempts to speak to you, you must cut him. There’s no other way to deal with him.”

“You needn’t worry. I won’t acknowledge him.”

The carriage turned onto Meryton Road and stopped at the assembly hall. Upon alighting, Darcy noticed the numerous conveyances in the road. He inhaled deeply to settle his nerves, then assumed a calm façade.

Once indoors, he despaired at the noisy crowd. Similar to last month’s event, every resident in the community seemed to be in attendance, including Elizabeth, whose radiance sprang from her twinkling eyes. He knew from her crooked smile that she was enjoying a joke with her friends. He decided then that her expressive eyes and genuine smile were her most engaging qualities. Unlike the other women of his acquaintance, she never used them to allure, entice, or to feign shyness. Someday, if he were lucky, she would have a smile meant only for him.

***

Charles spotted Jane the moment he entered the assembly hall. With her angelic countenance, how could he possibly miss her, even in a crowd such as this? She wore a blue gown to match her eyes, and had woven a blue ribbon into her hair. As he and Darcy made their way through the crowd, they greeted the neighbours. He stopped to exchange civilities with Sir William Lucas, who welcomed him with his usual jovial reverence.

“Are your sisters not with you this evening, Mr Bingley?”