Duty and Desire chapter 4: The Assembly

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Netherfield

Due to the late hour I was able to arrive without much notice. I was met at the stables by a servant who, after securing Blackjack, directed me to the house. Upon entering, the housekeeper informed me that the others had already retired for the night. She was given instruction to inform Emmett immediately upon my arrival. I did not want to trouble him needlessly on my account and asked her to let him know I had arrived safely, and would speak with him in the morning.

I was shown to my chambers, with the promise that hot water had already been sent for. My chambers were comfortable and tastefully decorated; all of my belongings had arrived ahead of me. Perhaps this would not be so horrible after all.

I stripped out of my wet clothing, desperately in need of a bath. I needed to clear my head; the consequences of my actions were not lost on me. By honor, I would now have to consider myself bound to Isabella if she wished it. I had been careless and rash for the first time in my twenty-seven years, yet I could not bring myself to regret what happened. Isabella’s fiery spirit called to me, causing me to forget my responsibilities to my family, as well as my duty as Master of Pemberley. I was intrigued and wanted to know more about her, yet I also felt an overwhelming urge to protect her.

I needed to sort through these feeling before I completely lost myself.

The bath had gone cold by the time I felt somewhat composed. I dismissed my valet, preferring to have my privacy. His assistance was not needed as I rarely wore clothing to bed; the exemption was during the cold winter months. I fell into bed and sleep overcame me quickly.

I woke early, as was my usual routine, dressed and went down for breakfast. It seemed everyone was still in bed so I took advantage of the solitude to reflect. I thought a good nights rest would grant me some clarity on the situation, yet it only served to cloud my thinking even more. My dreams offered me no peace and I felt myself grow warm at the thought of yesterday.

Isabella with her long wet hair, dancing in the rain, her stubborn, defiant eyes…

I needed to distance myself from her; it was the only way I could see if this connection was real, or just my desperate imagination. I had been informed of an assembly we were invited to attend tonight; I would start my observations there.

I was convinced Isabella would be nothing more than the same insistent females I fought off on a daily basis. I would go and prove it was nothing more than a minor lapse in sanity. If her family proved to be beneath me I would sever all contact with her. It would do no good to either of us to raise the hopes of a match which could never take place. In doing so, hopefully she would determine I was not worth the trouble, and would not press any obligation I had to her. This sounded like the best course of action.

Yet why did I feel so hollow?

I was so lost in my thoughts, I did not hear Emmett enter the breakfast room.

“Edward, you made it! I was worried we would need to send out a search party when you hadn’t arrived before dark.” He looked visibly relived.

“My business with Col. Whitlock took a bit longer than I anticipated; I got a late start and was caught in the storm.”

I planned on keeping my encounter with Miss Swan to myself. Hopefully till the day I die, I mused.

“I was shown to my room and, since no one was about, I went to bed early. I apologize for any inconvenience I might have caused.” Trying to change the focus from me, I enquired. “Have you heard from any of your neighbors?”

As expected it worked.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I am expecting two gentlemen this morning, a Mr. Swan and Sir William Stanley.”

Ah, a knighted gentleman, maybe this area was not a total loss.

“When do you expect them?”

“They were going to call at ten this morning. I wanted to enquire more about the families in the area, the sport, as well as the assembly tonight.”

Interesting, so far he seemed to have everything under control.

“How did you find Meryton?”

He seemed to hesitate, which was never good.

“It seemed cozy, and the shops were varied and interesting.”

The Harpy could not have timed her entrance at a better moment.

“Emmett! I cannot believe you are serious about staying here. The shops were ridiculous. I can hardly believe anyone would find anything worth buying there. Not to mention the families seem to think it acceptable to allow their daughters to run wild around the streets without proper escorts. Why, there were two chasing after officers like wild dogs, it was absolutely obscene.” she screeched.

At this point I was trying my hardest to tune her out, by concentrating on each bite of my now dry toast. However, it wasn’t working; no matter how hard I tried her shrill tones made their way into my brain causing my head to ache.

“I will have to send to London for everything, really it is most inconvenient. I am sure Lauren would agree. Her husband’s estate is at least close enough to London that she does not have that issue,” she sneered

Had she even drawn breath during that whole tirade? Amazing.

Finally Emmett’s patience snapped.

“Tanya, so far I have been pleased with what I have seen and have every intention of settling here. You will learn to like it, or you are free to leave and stay with the family in Scarborough, I will send you today if you prefer.” His tone had a note of finality, which for once silenced her.

Emmett knew how she felt about that place; it was in the north of England far away from everyone and anything important. To her that was a fate worse than death.

Tanya huffed and turned to complain to her sister, Lauren, who had just come down. Lauren had married a Mr. Tyler Crowley, a semi wealthy gentleman with a preference for drink and sport. The majority his time was spent passed out from too much port, and was little trouble to Emmett and I. After finishing my breakfast, I excused myself. I wanted to tour the grounds, which would also grant me a good excuse to avoid unwanted company.

The grounds were promising; a few years of care and new growth and they would be as good as any other estate. The woods surrounding Netherfield had a wild sort of nature to them.

Similar to Isabella…

I banished that thought; it would do no good to dwell on her right now. I did not want to get attached to what I was certain was only an illusion. All females were the same, Isabella would be no exception.

It was well after eleven by the time I reentered the house. I sought out Emmett; wanting news on how his meeting with the gentlemen went. I found out that Sir William Stanley had two unmarried daughters, one that was of spinster age, the other very young. Mr. Swan had five daughters, ranging in age from twenty three to seventeen.

The sport here was to be mediocre at best, and even though they were gentlemen they would be considered beneath my notice. I was, so far, unimpressed with what Hertfordshire had to offer in terms of society. The assembly tonight was looking less and less appealing.

The Red Lion

We were late due to Tanya and Lauren insisting on a change of clothes. They said it was to make a good impression, but Emmett and I knew better. They wanted to look as fashionable as possible so they could spend the evening looking down on everyone else. I understood the need to preserve distinction within the classes, yet they were being absolutely ridiculous. They were dressed in what I would assume was their very finest ball gowns and jewelry. What did they think this was, St. James court?

I was laughing inwardly at their own perceived self importance.

As the carriage pulled up in front of the Assembly hall, my first impression was that of a decent yet small sized hall, not at all what we were accustomed to in London.

“Edward, are you ready to meet some ladies?”

I sighed.

“Emmett, I have no intention of meeting anyone here, let’s just get this over with. Shall we?”

The harpy descended the carriage, almost falling due to the weight of her gown, no doubt.

“Emmett! What a ridiculous notion. Edward would sooner find a new housemaid among these people than a potential wife. I will personally see to his amusement this evening,” she trilled.

Oh lord…

The possibilities were causing my brain to scream retreat. I was eyeing the horses carefully tied near a watering trough, it would not take much for me to make a quick getaway.

Emmett decided to take pity and save me.

“Tanya, Edward has no intention of being noticed this evening; you will please stay by Lauren. I would like the neighborhood to gain a favorable opinion of us. I know you can make a good impression if you try, please behave.”

I smirked inwardly, how Emmett was able to say that with a composed face was beyond my comprehension.

Tanya stomped her foot showing her displeasure, yet she would never cross Emmett. He held the power over her money and could just as easily cut her off, leaving her destitute.

“Enough! Let us enjoy ourselves shall we!” His enthusiasm always astounded me.

As the doors opened I expected the entire assembly to cease and gawk at us like animals at the zoo. Yet the music continued, and the people paid us no mind. The Hall was filled to capacity, making the air stifling. Groups of people lined the edges to the hall, laughing and talking. The couples in the middle danced excitedly with their partners.

The Banshee, never one to be ignored, or outshone, made her presence known.

“You would think they would know to show proper respect. We have chosen to lower ourselves to attend this…gathering.” Her shrill voice was loud enough for many of the surrounding people to hear.

The silence that ensued was deafening. I could feel every eye straining to get a better look at us. The crowd parted, and we made our way slowly toward the back. Once we reached the end of the hall a gentleman stepped forward and bowed to Emmett.

“Mr. McCarty, we welcome you to our little assembly.” Emmett bowed and returned the greeting. After introductions were made, the music resumed as did the dancing.

My eyes carefully scanned the room in search of Isabella; I knew it was foolish, but I desperately needed to see her again. The sea of bodies made it nearly impossible to distinguish one person from another, even for my tall frame. It was entirely possible she was not even here, and I was being foolish.

“Sir William, may I introduce my friend, Mr. Edward Masen.”

I pulled my eyes from the crowd and turned to give the man a quick bow before continuing my observations. However, that was not to be my lot it seemed.

“Mr. Masen, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. May I introduce my daughter, Miss Jessica Stanley.”

Ah, how predictable.

A young woman stepped forward and curtsied to Emmett and I. She was unremarkable looking, appearing to be on the older side. She would no doubt have a very difficult time finding a husband.

Emmett spoke up. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Stanley.”

Emmett was nothing but polite, yet the poor girl smiled as if she had just been proposed to.

How sad.

Sir Stanley, apparently unaware of our disinterest, went on to introduce the next family.

“And I would like to introduce the Swans, sir.”

A lady, along with what appeared to be a harem of girls, stepped forward.

“This is Mrs. Swan, Miss Victoria, Miss Angela, and Miss Bree.”

As soon as he finished, Mrs. Swan launched into her own welcome.

“Sir, I can not tell you how excited we are about your arrival to the neighborhood! I have five daughters, the two eldest are currently dancing. Victoria is my youngest, Angela and Bree. They are all fine girls.”

Good Lord, she was one of those tabby cat mothers, saddled with too many daughters, trying to marry them off to any gentleman, and if the gentleman had money so much the better. I vaguely recalled Emmett mentioning a Mr. Swan, who came to call this morning; he was a gentleman of little means who had an estate near Meryton. I determined that this family, as well as the others, was not the best choice for Emmett in which to find a potential bride. In general Hertfordshire society was a disappointment.

Just then the crowd parted and a blonde woman walked toward us. Emmett’s eyes immediately went to her. She was tall with a sweet innocent look about her; with her piercing blue eyes she looked up at him and smiled. I could see Emmett falling for this one; she was exactly the type of woman that Emmett was attracted to. She turned to me and I could see her mother pushing her closer towards me. No doubt she had heard the gossip that I was worth considerably more than Emmett. At this point I could not bring myself to care if I offended anyone, I needed to get out of this place; it had tried every nerve I possessed.

“Sir, may I present my eldest, Miss Rosalie Swan, and the second, Miss Isabella Swan.”

My eyes immediately went in search of those familiar brown eyes. She was looking down, avoiding my gaze no doubt. Was she embarrassed?

Emmett answered,

“Miss Swan, Miss Isabella, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” We both bowed to the ladies.

Isabella looked up and I stared into those familiar brown eyes. I was once again lost in her beautiful face; how could I have ever considered giving her up? And then suddenly the horrible truth hit me like a boulder; she was Isabella Swan, and her family was unsuitable. I could not entertain any designs with her, much to my utter and complete disappointment. I bowed in greeting and then turned in a vain attempt to gain control over my scattered thoughts. Hadn’t I already resolved to give her up? Why, then, did I feel sick at the very thought?

Emmett’s uncharacteristically soft voice brought me out of my reverie.

“Miss Rosalie, may I have the pleasure of the next dance?” She nodded shyly as he took her hand and led her away.

I could not look at Isabella, or I would be lost. I turned my back to them and strode away, quickly being swallowed by the crowd. I went in search of something to drink. The brandy was poor in quality, but at this point I was past caring.

With the brandy in hand, I searched the room, looking for Isabella. Watching her from a distance was safe; it would prevent me from repeating my mistake from the night before. I truly did not want to hurt her, but I had no choice in the matter, my family came first. I spotted Emmett easily, his face beamed as he danced, he truly seemed to be enjoying himself.

At least one of us is.

I spotted Tanya and Lauren across the room, their expressions ranging from boredom to general disgust. I was unable to see Mr. Crowley; no doubt he was passed out somewhere, after partaking of too much brandy. I noticed the tabby mothers were gathered, all smiling and pointing to Emmett and myself, it was disgusting. In particular Mrs. Swan stood out as she was pointing in my direction, no doubt discussing my estate and vast fortune. One would think we were breeding stallions on the auction block.

The dance ended and another began, Emmett choosing to dance another with Miss Rosalie. Isabella was dancing and as the masochist I was, I choose to watch. She was as beautiful as I remembered; her face flushed with the exertion from dancing. I had not noticed her dress before, as I was too occupied with her face. She wore a simple yellow linen dress which flowed from her body. The bodice hugged her perfectly and showed just enough cleavage to make my imagination run wild. I could feel my body starting to respond and willed myself under control. It would not do to have an unsightly bulge in my trousers. In need of a distraction, I changed my observation to Emmett and his partner.

She was beautiful, and seemed happy to dance with him. However, her manners seemed to have a certain reserve to them, perhaps she was shy. She seemed to tolerate his attentions, yet was not overly excited by them either. Emmett had a practice of going a tad overboard when he was excited about something. As the dance ended, Emmett led her from the floor and came in search of me.

“Edward, you must come and dance, there are several pretty girls here.”

My thoughts immediately went back to Isabella’s face, her lips, and her smile. It made me angry; I could not have her, so why was I thinking of her?

“Miss Rosalie’s younger sister, Isabella. She is very pretty; you should ask her to dance.”

How is it possible that he would focus on the one person I am trying to stay away from?

Not wanting to be caught in my feelings, my reply came out colder than I wanted.

“Emmett, I have no intention of giving young ladies, who are so far beneath me, undue attention. Now please return to your partner and stop wasting your time with me.”

Shaking his head, Emmett turned and walked back toward the dance floor.

I turned to find myself looking straight into the same pair of eyes that haunted my thoughts. They were full of shock, and anger.

Just then, Sir William decided to make everything worse.

“Mr. Masen, why are you not dancing? There are many desirable partners for you to choose from, sir. Miss Isabella, here, is very fond of dancing, and would make an excellent partner.”

I was caught and had no choice. However, before I could respond, Isabella took the choice from me.

“Thank you, Sir William, but I am sure Mr. Masen has no intention of sullying himself by dancing with those who are beneath him.”

She had heard me, Damn it!

With a defiant look on her face, she turned her back to me and walked toward the crowd. I had lost her, even though she was never mine to begin with. I kept telling myself it was better this way; I had a duty to my family, and Isabella would never be considered suitable. My final thoughts did nothing to help the turmoil of emotions raging through me.

How could something so perfect be so wrong?