She must change the topic, and she took a deep breath. “Mr. Darcy, may I introduce you to my aunt and uncle? They are down from London for the occasion.”
“Certainly.” He followed her through the throng of guests, and she smiled happily as she saw them.
“Aunt and Uncle, may I introduce Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley’s great friend and groomsman?” she half turned to Mr. Darcy.
“Mr. Darcy; Mr. Edward and Mrs. Gardiner, my aunt and uncle from London.”
She listened as they made polite conversation, and was puzzled by him. She understood his reticence in social situations, and the closed look in his eyes was always there. But he was making a great effort to be gracious and kind today. She did not understand it in the least. Had she been in error, thinking that he was her secret correspondent? That gentleman had written of his discomfort, his difficulty in social ability. Yet here was Mr. Darcy, holding a light conversation with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.
She concentrated harder, wanting to be sure he was not too uneasy. Aunt Gardiner had begun talking of Derbyshire, and he had replied of Pemberley. Now she understood. A familiar topic, and a conversationalist who admired the county, had made things easier for him. It was a good idea, and when the guests began to sit down for the wedding breakfast, she arranged it so they sat down at table with the Gardiners.
He leaned down towards her as he took his seat beside her. “I wish to thank you, Miss Bennet, for choosing our companions so carefully.”
She smiled back at him, and echoed his earlier words. “I cannot take the credit, Mr. Darcy. But my aunt and uncle are the kindest of people. I often stay with them in London.” As she glanced at him, she decided now was her best chance. She lowered her voice. “I do have one anxiety, Mr. Darcy, but I do not know if you are able to help me in this.”
His eyebrows lifted slightly, and he looked concerned. “Please inform me, Miss Elizabeth, and I will do my best to assist you.”
She drew a deep breath. “I am sorry that the weather is too inclement for Mr. Bingley to take Jane on a short tour. I think she wished it mainly to have the chance to be properly Mrs. Bingley before needing to entertain at her new home.” She felt rather breathless after saying it, thinking she should perhaps have taken more care in ensuring his understanding of the reasons why she was asking.
He cast a quick glance at her aunt and uncle, who were politely not paying them any attention, before he looked back at her, speaking in a low voice.
“I think I understand you perfectly, Miss Elizabeth. I agree that the weather is not really conducive to even a short tour, but perhaps you might be relieved if I tell you that, as part of my groomsman’s duties, I have arranged accommodation for the rest of the party — Miss Bingley, the Hursts, and myself — at Amwell tonight, before we continue to London tomorrow.”
His eyes showed some amusement. “I think they were rather startled yesterday evening when I informed them we would be leaving Hertfordshire from here at the end of the day.”
He appeared gratified at her gasp of delight. “Oh, Mr. Darcy,” she whispered, “that is absolutely perfect! How did you know such an arrangement was needed?”
He looked a little abashed. “My cousin said something in London that made me think, and then Bingley expressed concern yesterday. So I decided to act.”
Her hand touched his for just an instant. “I am exceedingly grateful to you, Mr. Darcy. And I thank you on behalf of my sister.”
Chapter 26
The weather was improving, although still dreadful, considering it was now the middle of May. Darcy considered he had waited long enough, and he called on Richard at his apartments, happy that his cousin was back in town.
“Come in, Darcy!” Richard led him into his library, small, but suitable for a bachelor household. “Whisky?” He held up the decanter.
“Thank you.” Darcy walked to the window, which overlooked the Matlock House park.
Richard came to stand beside him. “What can I help you with, Darcy?”
“I’m here to ask your advice, Richard.” Darcy kept his features impassive. He’d had enough practice this last month, after all. “I wish to return to Hertfordshire, and call on Miss Elizabeth Bennet. It has been difficult waiting, but as I had insisted to Miss Bingley and her sister that they must not soon return, I thought I ought to stay away also.”
He took a deep breath. “But I cannot wait longer, it is months ago that you convinced me that I would find no other like her, and I am determined to court her. Would it be correct to visit and stay with Bingley, given that her sister is now Mrs. Bingley? Or should I stay at the inn in Meryton?” He tried to mask his distaste at the thought of that. But Miss Bingley might come to Netherfield if he stayed there, and that, too, would be unconscionable. “Or I might rent an establishment.”
Richard regarded him seriously, and Darcy had to look away.
“Sorry.” Richard walked to his chair. “I’m very glad you wish to move to court Miss Elizabeth Bennet before she quite despairs of you.” He contemplated the fire and shook his head. “I have never needed a fire in May before.”
“Why would she despair of me?” Darcy stood over his cousin. “I do not believe she expects me.”
“No, I suppose you’re right.” Richard sounded tired. “I think you need to begin afresh.” He sat up. “All right. Firstly, you will have to convince her of your regard. Then you must win her father’s consent.” He thought. “It is as well her sister is married to your friend. I think that will help.” He frowned at the fire.
Darcy was bemused. “I do not understand you, Richard.” He shook his head. “With the pursuit of me by so many ladies, I had not thought there would be any difficulty in gaining the hand of any lady I offered to.”
“Sit down, Darcy.” Richard indicated the seat opposite him. “That is where the problem might arise. I know how difficult you find it to imagine that other people have feelings and wishes and dreams, but if you are to have a happy married life, then you must consider who Miss Bennet would wish to marry.”
“But …” Darcy was astonished. “I can offer her comfort, luxury, and security — more than she could ever have imagined.”
Richard looked exasperated. “You don’t know much about young ladies, Darcy. You must own that, at least.”
“I thought all young ladies wanted comfort and security.” Darcy was beginning to regret calling on his cousin. All he had wanted was to be told that it would be permissible to visit Hertfordshire.
“Let me try something different,” Richard sighed. “You know that Georgiana has comfort, luxury, and security already. So why do you think she consented to elope with Wickham?”
Darcy growled at the thought.
“No! I am serious here, Darcy. You don’t understand. Georgiana wants love, affection, and attention showered upon her. She wants to be told that she is loved, doted upon — oh, I know you assure her of your affection, but that is as a brother. And she, along with all young ladies, wishes for love.” He stood up, and paced around the room.
“Before I tell you that is it quite in order for you to visit Bingley now, I would earnestly ask you to consider carefully how you court Miss Elizabeth. Now,” he faced his cousin. “I will say no more, Darcy. I will merely wish you the best of luck.” And he held out his hand.
“Thank you.” Darcy rose, not at all sure whether he had really received quite what he had asked for. He had a lot to think about, and not least of it was Georgiana. He was appalled to think that he had not thought more about her feelings, or why she had been beguiled by Wickham.
At the door, he turned. “Richard, I am concerned about what you have told me of Georgiana. But I do want to go to Hertfordshire. Would you take Georgiana with you to stay with your parents for a few days?”
By the time he had ridden home, it was all decided. He would dine with Georgiana that night, and explain to her why he wished to return to Hertfordshire. She would be happy at Matlock House, and Aunt Alice would welcome her,
and be a feminine influence for her.
* * *
His coach rolled along the road towards Netherfield Park, and Darcy sighed. He felt his usual unease at calling on his friend, even though his mind knew that Bingley would welcome his visit, and the new Mrs. Bingley would be amiability itself.
Darcy had sent his steward quietly to Grosvenor Street yesterday afternoon, and a quiet enquiry had discovered that Miss Bingley was still staying with her sister. That had been a cause of considerable relief, and he smiled at the thought.
But he was not at all prepared for the guest currently staying at Netherfield with Mr. and Mrs. Bingley.
He stopped abruptly in the doorway of the drawing room as he saw Miss Elizabeth rising to her feet, a slight smile playing around her lips as she curtsied. Of course she must often visit her sister, it had been most remiss of him not to have even considered it. He forced his pounding heart into a corner of his mind as he bowed.
“Good afternoon, Miss Elizabeth.” He could think of nothing more to say.
She smiled reassuringly at him, but waited for her sister to speak.
Mrs. Bingley smiled calmly, too. “Would you like tea, Mr. Darcy, or …?” and she glanced at her husband.
“Perhaps the ladies will excuse us first,” Bingley seemed different, somehow. “Come to my library, Darcy. You can tell me the news of London.”
Darcy nodded. “Of course.” He bowed to the ladies, and followed his friend to the sanctuary of his library.
As he watched Bingley pouring him a drink, he tried to ascertain what was different about him. Then he realised the man was confident and relaxed.
Darcy nodded his thanks as he accepted the glass. “Marriage suits you, Bingley.”
Bingley laughed. “If you can see it, Darcy, then it must be a great change indeed.” Then he stopped laughing. “Marriage indeed suits me very well. I cannot tell you of my contentment and happiness.” He looked slyly at Darcy. “I hope you will forgive me when I tell you that it was the best thing I ever did, ignoring your advice that Jane was not a suitable marriage partner for me.”
Darcy nodded silently. He turned to the window. “I am glad you are happy, and I apologise for having tried to prevent your marriage.”
Bingley moved beside him. “It is forgiven and forgotten, Darcy. I know you acted in what you thought were my best interests, and I was delighted you were able to welcome my choice, once decided, and be my groomsman — and that you forced my sisters away to London!” He shook his head. “That one act made such a difference to me and to my dear Jane. I cannot thank you enough.”
Darcy glanced at him. “Has Miss Bingley called here since?”
“Not yet.” Bingley laughed loudly. “You are the first to honour us with your company — apart from Miss Elizabeth, of course. She is often her with her sister, and is delightful company.”
Darcy felt tightness in his throat. Should he tell Bingley why he was here? He was unused to sharing his intentions with others, but he supposed once Miss Elizabeth knew he wished to court her, she would tell her sister. She would share it with Bingley, who would wonder that he had not spoken.
But he had taken too long to think. Bingley had changed the subject and was asking of business matters. Later would have to do.
Chapter 27
Elizabeth walked through the muddy fields, wondering at her own stubbornness. Why had she decided to walk back to Longbourn this morning? It would have been so easy to change her resolve. The clouds were lowering, depressing her mood.
Yet here she was, and at least she had time now to think about what had happened. Yesterday afternoon, she had been quite startled to see Mr. Darcy arrive at Netherfield. He had been equally surprised to see her.
Her lips twitched as she remembered his expression. Of course, he would not even have imagined she would visit Jane, and she was reminded of the difficulty he had in understanding the nuances of family life.
She had exerted herself to entertain him at dinner, but there had not been very much need to be alert for difficulties, Jane and Mr. Bingley — she was still having difficulty in learning to call him Charles — had been amiability itself.
After dinner, they had all importuned her to play for them, so she had sat at the pianoforte quite prepared to play for the evening. To her surprise, and inner turmoil, Mr. Darcy had come across the room to sit beside her and offer to turn the pages for her.
“By all means, Mr. Darcy!” She had been brightly cheerful, partly to cover up her own confusion.
He had smiled, looking a little strained. “Perhaps you could indicate to me when to turn the page, Miss Elizabeth? I confess I do not read music.”
“Then do not worry, Mr. Darcy. I am playing from memory at the moment, so I hope you can relax and enjoy the music.”
He had nodded solemnly. “I have rarely listened with such pleasure, Miss Elizabeth.”
She knew she had blushed, and she continued to play in silence.
Yes, it had been quite an uncomfortable evening, and Elizabeth was happy now that she had decided to take the long way home. As she stepped out of the woods at the top of the hill, she knew he had wanted to speak to her, ask or tell her something. But he had not, and she was still unacquainted with what he wished to speak about.
But it had not just been the evening. As she tried to sleep in her guest bedchamber, she was acutely aware that he, too, was in a bedchamber in the guest wing within the house. It meant her sleep was disturbed, and her dreams troubling.
So at breakfast she had stated her intention of going home that day. Jane was as calm as ever, Elizabeth travelled often between the two houses, but Mr. Darcy looked disconcerted.
After a few moments, he had laid down his knife and fork. “Miss Elizabeth, I would like to ride out this morning. May I accompany your carriage, to assure your safe return home? I fear the weather may worsen.”
Her heart had jumped into her throat, but she was determined to remain expressionless. “Mr. Darcy, there is no need at all. I always walk home, and I am quite safe. I have travelled between Longbourn and Netherfield several times in the last few weeks.”
He had not been able to deny the fact. After all, he must recall that she had walked to Netherfield before, when her sister was ill, and had come to no harm. But his expression was vexed, and he seemed displeased.
But he said nothing further, and, when she left Netherfield, only Jane was there to bid her farewell.
“Do not stay away too long, Lizzy,” she said quietly. “You have not stayed as long this time as you did before.”
“No,” Elizabeth replied, thinking quickly. “But I think Papa misses me more, now you are not there.” She smiled. “He tells me he is surrounded by silliness all the time.”
Jane laughed. “Well, come for dinner one day at least, Lizzy. I will need you if Charles and Mr. Darcy talk business too long.” She glanced at the sky. “Are you sure you don’t want to take the coach?”
“No, I’m sure the rain will hold off until later.” Elizabeth had been confident she was right, but she was also sure that when the rain did begin, it would be heavy and last some hours.
* * *
Once home, Elizabeth was instantly thrust into the hurly-burly of Longbourn. She could hear Lydia’s shrieks of rage as she approached along the drive, and sighed. Poor Kitty was undoubtedly the object of her younger sister’s ire, and as she got closer, Elizabeth could hear her mother’s voice rising over both her sisters.
She grimaced, what had she come home to? Almost she wished she had stayed away, but this was her home, and, despite the noise, she loved her family. Papa would welcome her home, and she thought Mary was always glad when she was there.
“Good morning, Mama!” Elizabeth shook her hair as she took off her hat. “It is a little warmer this morning. I really think that the weather may finally be going to warm up although I do think we will have a spell of rain later, before spring finally begins.”
“Oh, Lizzy!” Her mother lifted h
er face to be kissed. “Is Jane well? I am thinking of calling for tea today. I have not seen her this week.”
Elizabeth smiled and rang the bell to order tea. “Perhaps tomorrow, Mama. Mr. Darcy has called, so Jane may have to entertain him today. Tomorrow she might be able to pay you more attention.” She frowned slightly as her sister continued to shriek.
“Lydia, what’s happened? Please tell me quietly, I might be able to assist.”
“Yes, Lizzy, I’m sure you will agree.” Lydia cast a look of dislike at Kitty. “I want to go to Meryton and buy a green ribbon. Look, my bonnet needs a green one, but Kitty will not come with me, she says …”
“I didn’t say that!” Kitty broke in. “It’s my bonnet! You took it from my closet yesterday!”
Elizabeth put out her hands, and shook her head, wondering why she ever tried to intervene. “Lydia, Kitty, I can’t hear when you are both so loud.” She looked at the bonnet. “I think that one is Kitty’s. But you do have one just like it, Lydia — it’s already got a green ribbon, and I’m sure I saw it hanging by the front door just now.”
“Oh, well,” Lydia fell into a chair beside their mother. “Perhaps you’re right.” She waved her hand dismissively. “It doesn’t matter, anyway.”
Kitty snorted in disgust, snatched up the bonnet and ran out of the room.
Elizabeth sighed and sat beside her mother. Even though it had been more than a month, she missed Jane most acutely. But at least she wasn’t living too far away.
“So, has anything of excitement happened in these last two days, Mama?”
Her mother waved her handkerchief. “No, I don’t think so.”
“Yes, Mama,” Mary looked up from her book. “Lizzy won’t have heard the news from Mrs. Long yet.”
“Oh, yes!” Mama was galvanised into leaning forward and taking Elizabeth’s hand. “I thought you had heard. One of her nieces has been sent away to stay with an uncle — in Hartlepool!”
A Rare Ability: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation (A Pemberley Romance Book 10) Page 11