When she finished she looked at Elizabeth with admiration. “How did you know I would be able to perform so well despite my fears?”
“You mean besides the fact that I already know your brother would not allow any harm to ever befall you?”
Her words caused Georgiana to blush. “He is the very best brother.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I knew if you could focus on the emotion of the piece you would not worry about the mechanics. You play so beautifully. I have rarely heard anything that gave me greater pleasure.” She looked up from Georgiana just then and caught Darcy’s eye. He was drawing near to praise his sister.
“I cannot help but agree, dear. Tonight’s performances gave me more pleasure than I have heard in London’s best concert halls.” All the ladies blushed at the praise and Darcy hoped Elizabeth accepted his genuine compliment.
Next Mr. Darcy recommended a tour of the home which ended in the library. Elizabeth gasped in delight at the largest private collection she had ever seen.
Mrs. Gardiner laughed, “Now we shall never get her to leave!”
Darcy was surprised at how well he liked the very notion, but managed to push the thought aside. “I took you for a great reader, Miss Bennet. I am happy to see I was correct.”
Elizabeth replied laughingly, “I am unsure whether you mean that as censure or praise! Yes, I do enjoy reading. I have my father’s tastes.”
“It could only be praise, I assure you. Please, feel free to borrow anything you find appealing. You can see they are arranged by category.”
Darcy was surprised to see her browse a shelf devoted to agricultural methods. Across the room Georgiana engaged Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner on more discussions of her parents and Derbyshire. She was at perfect ease with them on the subject and Darcy was already glad to have made the acquaintance, if for no other reason than the return of his sister’s cheer. Something in the back of his mind told him there was another reason to rejoice in the acquaintance and she was walking about his library in wonder.
Darcy approached Elizabeth. “And what appeals on this subject?”
“My father and I have been searching to find a particular title on the rotation method and I wondered if you might have it. The ________, have you heard of it?”
“Indeed, it is in my study now, allow me to fetch it.”
“Oh, no! I would not wish to importune on something so favoured for your private use.”
“Nonsense, Miss Bennet, I shall not need it in Hertfordshire and would like to be of service.” Elizabeth nodded and Darcy quickly retrieved the book.
Upon returning he asked, “Are you very familiar with agricultural practices and theories?”
“Nearly as much as my father, I confess. You will not think me very accomplished, but I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a curiosity on nearly all topics. Much to my mother’s chagrin, I cannot be occupied by the pursuit of ribbons, lace or embroidery for any length of time at all.”
“I would rather Georgiana have a more substantial accomplishment than most ladies, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.”
“And I suppose most ladies of your acquaintance can claim a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing and the modern languages and she possesses a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions? Pray, how many truly accomplished young ladies do you know?”
Elizabeth recalled a list of accomplishments recited by Miss Bingley during her stay at Netherfield. Elizabeth firmly believed these ridiculous standards for measuring a woman’s worth.
“I cannot boast to knowing more than half-a-dozen, in the whole range of my acquaintance, that are really accomplished.” Darcy could easily see Elizabeth felt her list of accomplishments as absurd and believed she understood he referenced his own statement.
“I rather wonder at you knowing any,” Elizabeth said sharply.
“Are you so severe upon your own sex as to doubt the possibility of all this?” Darcy was incredulous and stared at her in disbelief.
She confessed to being a great reader only moments ago!
Elizabeth attempted to encourage the debate. “I never saw such a woman. I never saw such capacity, and taste, and application, and elegance, as you describe united.”
Realizing she was intentionally twisting his words Darcy happily clarified. “Ah, but you are the one who made the other list, mine was only of extensive reading. Allow me to add I appreciate a fine voice and skill on the pianoforte.”
Dropping his voice to a whisper he boldly stated, “I assure you Miss Bennet, I indeed know at least one truly accomplished young lady, though I must admit the acquaintance is only of a matter of hours.”
There! Let us see if you can wilfully misunderstand that, Miss Bennet!
Elizabeth blushed again but before she could reply was called to the carriage. Darcy was struck with the unique shade her eyes took on during their debate. They hung between green and brown. It reminded him of a ride through the woods on a sunny day.
“Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, it was an honour to dine with you this evening. You must inform us of your return to Town so we might host you next.”
“Mrs. Gardiner, it was very pleasant to speak with you about my parents. I fear I quite neglected Miss Bennet.” Georgiana looked at Elizabeth and continued. “I truly desired to get to know you better and it would ease my mind considerably if I knew I had at least one true acquaintance in Hertfordshire when we arrive. I know this is rather forward but might you travel with us tomorrow?”
Darcy watched in amazement as Georgiana turned her eyes upon the others of the group. He recognized the expression instantly, because he could never deny her a thing when she used it. From the looks they gave each other, clearly the reaction was shared by the Gardiners and Elizabeth. His guests shared a look. It was obvious they were such a close family they needed no words.
Mrs. Gardiner answered. “It will save us having to send a maid and manservant to travel with her. What time shall you fetch Elizabeth tomorrow?”
Darcy replied looking at Elizabeth, “Would nine be too early? Georgiana prefers several hours of rest after travel before dinner.”
“Oh, for Elizabeth nine is mid-morning! She is quite an early riser and enjoys taking morning walks.”
“Truly, Miss Bennet? William and I rise early and enjoy a morning walk or ride as well. Perhaps in Hertfordshire you could accompany us sometime. I am certain you must know all the best paths.” Georgiana showed her excitement over her new friendship with enthusiasm.
“I would be delighted, Miss Darcy. I look forward to furthering our acquaintance.”
After the appropriate leave taking Mr. Gardiner was about to hand the ladies in the carriage when he realized he left his gloves in the hall. Mr. Darcy assisted the ladies instead, rather than have them wait out of doors. When his hand met Elizabeth’s, he felt a shock even through her gloves. Elizabeth blushed and seemed as affected. Her hand lingered on his for just a moment too long until Mr. Gardiner approached.
Chapter Three
Georgiana was now perfectly convinced Elizabeth was the answer to the very prayer she made earlier in the day. Her brother was impressed with Elizabeth’s intelligence; that was quite obvious. If his staring at her the entire evening was any clue, Georgiana hazarded a guess her brother was enraptured with Elizabeth’s beauty as well.
Normally her brother was nearly as shy as she when meeting a new acquaintance and yet Elizabeth and the Gardiners worked their magic on both siblings. Neither sibling was nervous or reserved in their presence. Darcy even flattered and teased Elizabeth, something Georgiana knew him to never do with another lady.
She was glad Elizabeth first met her brother at the park and with a small group of strangers instead of at a crowded gathering in Hertfordshire, as he was certain to offend in such a place. A smile graced her face as she fell asleep. Her romantic heart had not been entirely crushed by her ill advised foray of the summer.
She was insensible to any obstacle between her brother and her new friend.
Darcy’s sleep was not as contended. He was a man prone to reflection; it suited his fastidious nature. And this evening, he found his character wanting. He had told his sister, and it was true, he had always known birth did not make a person superior. But aside from displaying this in his choice of friends, he had been largely silent on the issue.
Darcy realized his actions were due to pride and vanity. He knew such opinions were not well accepted by the first circles of society and he was afraid if he should make his feelings known then his family name might be besmirched.
A lesser man might be resentful a woman was able to enlighten him so, but Darcy could only marvel that Elizabeth could do what his peers and tutors had not. He resolved to judge people by their actions and characters and not be prejudiced by their rank at all. It may prove to be a difficult lesson, but one worth the learning.
Darcy quickly realized Elizabeth had more to recommend her than just intelligence and wit. He determined her to be a devoted and loyal sister and delightfully genial. She was enchanting twirling a child while wearing muddied petticoats. Despite her protestations, she behaved the proper lady and he could not find her accomplishments wanting.
He recalled her words to her aunt about her lack of fortune and her family, and though the relations he met were respectable, even without knowing their background, they certainly could not further his situation in life.
Ah, there is the pride and vanity again. What do I need for more wealth or a higher standing in society? In vain have I struggled to find a companion of mind and spirits that met society’s expectations of wealth and connections, and it will not do. I shall not condemn myself to loneliness to satisfy the opinions of others.
The only problem with his new resolve for a possible courtship with Miss Bennet was he had absolutely no idea how to go about it. The very thought kept him awake most of the night.
In Gracechurch Street Elizabeth reflected on the day and she could not help but smile. She found Miss Darcy quite agreeable and was pleased with her treatment from Mr. Darcy. She enjoyed he was neither intimidated by nor resentful of her intelligence and impertinence. She greatly looked forward to furthering the acquaintance. And while she noticed his eyes upon her frequently she could not suppose to be an object of admiration to so great a man. She was also not so vain as to fancy admiration to mean more than it did.
Elizabeth was perfectly convinced no sensible man should desire her for a wife. Five seasons in society had persuaded her of the truth of this sentiment. If she was dissatisfied with that answer more than usual and found it difficult to sleep, she cared not to investigate any deeper cause than the nerves she usually acquired before travelling home.
*****
The Darcy party was quite punctual and arrived at the Gardiner home a few minutes before nine. Darcy was pleased to see Elizabeth was prepared for their departure and did not keep them waiting. The Gardiner children, however, did.
As Elizabeth hugged her aunt farewell, Mrs. Gardiner remarked on the weather. “How warm it is for the first of October. I hope it will not affect your travels.” She looked toward the sky. Unseasonable changes in temperature frequently brought storms but the day was cloudless.
“It has been unusually warm lately. What is it called again, Brother?”
“I have heard it called many things. St Martin’s Summer, for St Martin’s feast in November and St Luke’s Summer for the corresponding feast in October. I think the most relevant one for now is St Michael’s Little Summer, as we are only a few days past Michaelmas.”
“How interesting! I have never heard it before!” Mrs. Gardiner replied.
“It is what the Welsh prefer to call it. I heard it called thus while attending to one of my estates, just outside the Welsh border in Shropshire. Many of the workers have a Welsh heritage.”
“Mama! Mama! Tell him!” Michael was suddenly pulling on Mrs. Gardiner’s skirts.
“What dear?”
“Tell Mr. Darcy I am not a saint, I’m an angel!” Michael demanded in all seriousness and all of the adults except Mr. Darcy broke out in laughter.
Seeing his confused face Elizabeth managed to explain between chuckles. “Michael is named after the archangel, as is his brother Gabriel. His sisters are named for their grandmothers who have passed. We have explained to him they are now angels in Heaven watching down on us. Incidentally, nearly everyone he knows is named for a passed relative. Only he is quite convinced he is an angel. I suppose he believes they cannot be punished.”
Finally understanding the situation, Darcy chuckled. Elizabeth felt her heart rate increase when she saw his broad smile, complete with devastating dimples, again.
“And it is not summer. Miss Fields told us it is now Odd…odd…Oddum!” Michael grinned, immensely proud at remembering the unusual sounding word.
“Oddum?” Darcy paused, thinking over what word the little one was attempting to pronounce.
“Oh, Autumn. Yes, it is, Master Michael. But sometimes the weather acts differently than we expect and we come up with silly names for it. It has been so warm it is like a little summer and since it is close to St Michael’s feast day we have come up with the name St Michael’s Little Summer. Do you think you can share your name with the weather?”
“Yes, sir! Angels always share.” Michael beamed again.
Mrs. Gardiner felt it best to prod Michael along while he proved compliant. Another quick farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and the Darcy carriage was finally headed towards Hertfordshire.
*****
Inside the carriage Elizabeth grinned at her companions. “Thank you again, Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy for conveying me to Longbourn in your carriage. I apologize for Michael delaying us; I am his godmother and he is quite attached to me. I admit he has a special place in my heart, though I dearly love them all.”
“I am very pleased to have you ride with us, Miss Bennet. It was no trouble at all to properly farewell the children. They are simply adorable.” Georgiana replied.
“And it is no wonder the lad enjoys your company, you seem perfectly natural with them.” Yes, you are made to have a brood of children. I must stop this ridiculous thinking! I barely know her!
“Thank you both. You do well with them too, sir.”
Darcy blushed but Georgiana replied for him. “William has raised me almost entirely on his own. My mother died shortly after my birth. Father grieved for her and though he was always kind, he could withdraw from us at times.
“Father did not send William to school and instead he stayed at home with tutors and although I had my nurse and my governess, it was William that showed me affection. Once at University he was forever arranging to take exams early with his professors so he might have more time to visit with me.”
Darcy blushed and Georgiana paused for a moment. Elizabeth saw a shadow fall across their eyes, remembering some unpleasantness. ”Father died five years ago and William and our cousin are now my guardians. William is very good with children.”
Elizabeth wondered at why there was no mentioning of help from female relatives. Wanting to lighten the mood and bring a smile to her new friends, Elizabeth asked, “Miss Darcy, would it be too forward to ask you to call me Elizabeth or Lizzy? And Mr. Darcy you must begin to call me Miss Elizabeth, as my eldest sister is Miss Bennet.”
Darcy could not contain his smile and Elizabeth felt her heart rate increase again. That is happening all too frequently. I am either no better than silly Lydia or should speak with the apothecary.
“I would love that, Elizabeth. And you must call me Georgiana.” She seemed grateful for the change of topic. “I believe I heard you say last night that you have four sisters? I have always desired a sister.”
Elizabeth laughed. “They are not always blessings, I assure you. One is always taking a gown or an accessory. I have often wished for a brother instead! But, yes I do have four sisters.”
“And wha
t are they like? Do they all play pianoforte and sing as you?”
Elizabeth smiled at Georgiana’s enthusiasm and hoped again the Darcys could withstand her family’s silliness.
“Jane is very beautiful and serene. She sees only the best in everyone, and unlike my cousin Michael, one could truly mistake her for an angel. Jane prefers riding to the pianoforte but my sister Mary enjoys playing very much. She dedicates many hours to practicing. I fear she is sometimes a bit lost amongst us and is given to the unsociable practice of reading even in the presence of others.
“Kitty and Lydia are quite silly young things. It might be indelicate of me to say this of my own family, and to new friends, but you will see it soon enough. They need a stronger hand but my father was raised in a very strict household and is convinced that does more harm than good.”
She let out an exasperated sigh. “My mother’s family had unfortunate experiences with their governesses and so we have never had one, and though my father has encouraged all of us to read and we have had all the masters that are necessary, my youngest sisters have chosen idleness and gossip as their main means of employment. But whatever their faults, I do love them dearly. They are young yet and I hope can improve with time.”
Georgiana and Darcy shared a look which Elizabeth could not decipher and she held her breath, preparing for the worst.
“Lizzy, we know firsthand how difficult it is to find the right balance of authority and liberalness. It is a trying age, to be sure. I am certain with a sister such as you to guide them they cannot be so very bad. But you will find the Darcys are a loyal bunch. You have earned our friendship and you shall not lose it due to your family.”
Stifling a giggle she added, “We are still friends with Mr. Bingley even though it means we both must suffer Miss Bingley’s insincere flattery and attentions.”
Elizabeth grinned at the picture painted. “Put that way, I understand perfectly!”
Seven Days With Mr Darcy Page 3