A Rare Ability: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation (A Pemberley Romance Book 10)

by Harriet Knowles

  “I saw her say something to Mr. Wickham, and then he looked angry and pushed her into the river.” She heard the hiss of two sharply indrawn breaths, but didn’t wait for them to speak. “Lydia clutched at him to try and save herself, so he tumbled in, too. And then … then he was trying to push her head under the water.”

  She looked up at her father appealingly. “I called some farmhands on the lane for help, and ran to the riverbank. But I had no time to think. I threw a stone at him. It hit his head, and he let go of her, but lost his footing.” She clutched her hands together. “If Mr. Darcy had not rescued him, I might have been the cause of a man’s death.”

  Papa looked almost as pale as she thought she must be. “But if you had not thrown the stone, Lizzy, then your sister might now be dead, and yourself at some risk.” His voice grew stern. “Did he know you had seen what he was doing?”

  Elizabeth had never thought Mr. Wickham might want to silence her, and she didn’t know what to say, so just shook her head.

  She knew Mr. Darcy wanted to say something, but was hesitant to interrupt. She was about to ask him what he wished to say, but her father spoke again. “Do you know what Lydia was saying to Wickham?”

  “No, Papa,” she said quietly.

  “Can you think what it might have been?” He was implacable.

  She hesitated, she would not say, would not say out loud that she was certain they were all ruined, ruined by the sister her mother would not control. How could she say it when Mr. Darcy was listening?

  She looked down. “No, Papa, I do not know.”

  Mr. Darcy had settled back in his chair, Papa must have asked what he had wished to. She sat quietly, sadly. After a long pause, she looked up.

  “I am concerned if Lydia were to go into Meryton. Mr. Wickham might try to harm her again.”

  Papa patted her hand. “Be reassured, Lizzy. The militia have gone to Brighton. Mr. Wickham is no longer here, so Lydia is safe.”

  Elizabeth was relieved. It seemed she had missed a lot during the last few days. “Are you certain he has gone with them? I — do not trust him. And …” she bit her lip. “And I am not certain that she might not pursue him to Brighton, Papa. You know that she does things without necessarily thinking of the consequences. I would be distressed if she did something foolish.”

  “Lizzy,” her father sounded firm. “You are not to trouble yourself. I am much relieved in my mind that you are better, and I’m very glad you are well enough now to have told me what you did. But you must now trust me to ensure your sister’s safety.” He smiled, to rob his words of any seeming rancour. “Perhaps you have been downstairs long enough so early in your recovery.”

  Elizabeth acknowledged to herself that she was tired, but she would not admit it to anyone. “I am well, Papa. I do not wish you to be anxious on my behalf, and I’m sorry for any concern that you have suffered these last days.”

  “Very well, Lizzy.” Papa glanced over at Mr. Darcy. So Papa had known he was there and hadn’t minded. Elizabeth had an instant to puzzle about that, as her father drew breath to continue what he was about to say, but there was an urgent rap on the door which caught everyone’s attention.

  As the housekeeper entered with a letter, Mr. Darcy pushed his chair back out of the way.

  “Mr. Bennet, sir.” Hill curtsied. “Mr. Bingley’s carriage has arrived with Mrs. Bingley’s maid, and this note. The coachman says it is urgent.”

  “Thank you, Hill. Please ask Jane to come and see me, this must concern her.” Papa was quite calm, and Elizabeth stared at him as he broke the seal.

  She knew Mr. Darcy was watching her as she watched her father, and her lips twitched despite herself.

  “Well, this changes things,” Papa murmured. He raised his voice a little. “It concerns you as well, Mr. Darcy, so I will tell you.”

  Elizabeth smiled at Jane as she slipped into the room. Their father nodded at his eldest daughter. “All right, Jane. It’s a note from Mr. Bingley, who’s sent your carriage and maid for you. He asks that you be spared at once to return to Netherfield as guests have arrived and he wishes you to be there.” He looked at Mr. Darcy. “He also says that if you are here, I am to tell you that the guests are your uncle and aunt, the Earl and Countess of Matlock.”

  Chapter 33

  Darcy rode behind the carriage as he escorted Mrs. Bingley back to Netherfield. He must listen to what his aunt and uncle had to say and ensure they returned to London forthwith.

  If Elizabeth had not been so much recovered, he was not sure he would have been able to view his relations’ arrival with quite such equanimity.

  He did wish, though, that Richard might have come with them. He would be on Darcy’s side. The earl would be completely set against Darcy considering marriage into the Bennet family, and he was not at all sure that he wished to explain why he had made this choice.

  But he had made his choice, and now Elizabeth’s illness had brought home to him quite how much he had grown to rely on the thought of her always being there for him, always being beside him.

  And, since his actions at the river, he had suddenly felt as if he was accepted into the family, accepted by them, not viewed with caution or coldness. He rather liked it, although he still viewed Mrs. Bennet and the younger girls with considerable embarrassment.

  Elizabeth loved them, however, and he would never wish to tell her how he felt about them. He scowled; if the youngest girl was ruined — no, he would not consider that until he had to.

  Bingley ran down the steps to greet his wife as she descended from the coach, and Darcy dismounted from his horse and handed the reins to the waiting groom.

  After speaking to his wife, Bingley turned to him, looking harassed. “I’m sorry to call you back, Darcy. But I did not wish them to arrive unannounced at Longbourn with Miss Elizabeth still so unwell.”

  Darcy clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m sorry that they have turned up here unannounced, too. But Miss Elizabeth is very much improved this morning, so I cannot be downcast about anything.”

  Bingley looked delighted. He glanced at his wife, standing beside him. “Is that so?”

  She nodded, smiling serenely. “I, too, am less anxious about returning home after seeing her improvement.” She frowned slightly. “I do hope she does not do too much, though. I think you saw, Mr. Darcy, how determined she can be.”

  He chuckled. “I did, indeed. I hope your father has some influence over her.”

  Mrs. Bingley nodded. “She did promise to go back to bed before I left, if I promised to write her a note later as to what was happening here.”

  Darcy nodded glumly. “I can tell you what is going to happen. My relations will demand that I return to London forthwith, that I am betraying my duty by remaining here.”

  She looked at him with sympathy. “You must do what you think is best, Mr. Darcy. I hope they do not cause you much trouble.”

  Bingley nodded. “I agree. Your cousin is also with them. If you wish to talk to him first, I will ensure that Jane and I engage them in conversation to allow you privacy.”

  Darcy’s heart lifted. “I would be most grateful for the opportunity. But not if it means that you might suffer rudeness.”

  Mrs. Bingley smiled more naturally. “All families have their embarrassing members,” she commented, and Darcy thought about what she had said as he followed them up the steps. It was a perspective he had not considered before.

  He hesitated at the door, wondering if they would see him as he entered, but the drawing room door was shut, and he surrendered his hat, gloves, and stick to the butler.

  “Wait here, Darcy, if you want us to try and detach your cousin for a moment — no, go into the library if you prefer.” Bingley was most definitely master of the house now.

  Darcy shook his head. “Thank you, no. It was a tempting thought at first, but I must confront them. Waiting will do no good, and if Richard leaves the room, they will suspect him of conniving with me. He does not deserve th
at.”

  “Of course.” Bingley took his wife on his arm and nodded at the footman to open the door.

  Darcy walked in behind them, seeing Richard rising to his feet. His aunt and uncle did not, although Aunt Alice did dip her head to her hostess.

  Jane Bingley curtsied to them. “I regret I was at Longbourn when you arrived, but I’m happy to make your acquaintance now.” She nodded at the footman, who departed for tea, Darcy thought.

  Richard came to meet him and shook his hand. “I will do whatever you need me to, Darcy, just signal somehow what I need to do,” he whispered. “And how is Miss Elizabeth?”

  Of course, he’d known that she was ill from the express Darcy had sent, asking about the propriety of sending for his own physician.

  “Everyone has been most concerned, but this morning there is great improvement,” he murmured, as he went to greet his elders.

  “I’m glad,” Richard’s murmur was almost inaudible.

  Darcy stopped near the sofa on which they sat. “I am surprised to see you, Uncle Henry, Aunt Alice.” He kept his voice neutral.

  “Sit down and don’t look so disapproving, Darcy!” snapped his uncle. “Why have you been here for so long? Your aunt has arranged for you to meet several young ladies at Almack’s; the season is coming to a close, and you are not there!”

  Darcy drew a deep breath. He had not yet had his chance to speak to Elizabeth, ask if he might court her. Until she knew, he was not inclined to give them any intimation of the direction of his affections. And now, of course, the situation of Miss Lydia had changed everything. He didn’t know what was going to happen.

  “I was in London for a month quite recently, Uncle Henry. In fact, I only returned here to see Bingley last week.” He glanced at his cousin. “Richard will tell you that we attended Lady Effingham’s soirée, two other balls, and dined at Mrs. Simpson’s as well.”

  His uncle looked a little deflated, and glanced at his wife. “Well, I did not know that.”

  Richard had moved to stand beside Darcy. “I told you, Mother, when I came home with Georgiana last week, remember? I said that we had been out several times, but that business called Darcy back to Hertfordshire.”

  Aunt Alice looked a little discomfited. “Yes, I remember, but I thought you would be back sooner, Darcy. I have been talking to Lady Beresford. It seems you were calling on her daughter last spring. They do not know why you didn’t persist. Lady Louise is very suitable.”

  Darcy walked deliberately over to the chair by the fire, and sat down. He would say nothing for a moment, while he tried to think of the best way around this difficulty.

  “Hmmph!” His uncle seemed lost for words, and had to turn a little to look at Darcy; a reaction Darcy had anticipated, and noted with satisfaction. “Well, is your business here concluded? I need you to return to London with me. There is another most urgent matter I need to discuss with you.”

  Darcy glanced at him. “How long do you require me in London? I could leave here for a day or two, Uncle Henry, but my business is not concluded.” He must send a note to Bennet and explain he would be returning. He must also see Mrs. Nicholls, and ensure the kitten would be properly cared for. He came back to the present with a start, the earl was speaking.

  “Well, you’d better come back with us, and I will discuss it with you after dinner tonight.” His uncle had clearly had enough. “Let us leave after luncheon.” He looked at Bingley, seemingly for the first time.

  “Is that in order, sir?”

  “You would be most welcome to stay for lunch.” Bingley beamed at his guests, his usual good-humour being his way of dealing with any uncomfortable situation.

  “Good.” Uncle Henry sat in stolid disapproval. The tea arrived, and Mrs. Bingley tried to make conversation with Aunt Alice.

  Richard came and sat beside Darcy, who lowered his voice.

  “Why are they so disapproving?”

  “I don’t know,” Richard sounded wary. “They haven’t said anything. I was hoping if you felt able to come to London, we might hear something over the port tonight.”

  Darcy frowned. “I will come, but I am not saying anything about Elizabeth. I have not been able to speak to her yet, and I will not mention it without having her understanding first.” He glanced up. “Have you said anything?”

  “No,” Richard shook his head. “They instructed me to come today because they think it will persuade you to return to London.” He grinned boyishly. “They are sure I know the nature of your business because I took Georgiana to Matlock House.”

  Darcy couldn’t help an answering smile. “Is Georgiana all right there?”

  Richard nodded. “David and Susannah are there today.”

  Darcy was relieved. Richard’s older brother and his wife were calm, gentle people, and Georgiana loved their children, too.

  “Well, we will go to London, and discover what they are about. You might travel with me in my coach, Richard. We can then talk freely.”

  Chapter 34

  As his coach rolled towards London, Darcy sat forward and told Richard what had been happening since his arrival in Hertfordshire.

  Richard frowned. “So you saw Miss Elizabeth that first evening, because she was staying at Netherfield with her sister?”

  Darcy nodded. “It was difficult. I did not know quite what to say.” He looked up. “I sat with her as she played, and I enjoyed her company. But it was not comfortable. I think she knew I wished to speak to her, but I could not think of how to say it. I wish to heaven I’d had my say before everything happened as it did.”

  He ran his hand through his hair. “Just knowing that she was in the house that night caused me a bad night, I will admit that, Richard.” He grimaced. “But the next morning she said that she would return to Longbourn. She walked alone, refusing my offer to escort her carriage.” He shrugged. “The Bingleys seemed unsurprised, so I supposed it to be a regular occurrence.”

  Richard chuckled. “I wonder if she’d had a bad night, too?”

  Darcy scowled, not liking to think of that. He ploughed on with his story. “The weather broke that afternoon and it was not possible to go to Longbourn for the next two days. The very next morning, I was riding to Longbourn behind the Bingley’s coach along the lane from Meryton beside the river, which was much in flood.”

  He shuddered, the memory of that time too vivid in his mind to be comfortable to tell.

  But they only had two hours, so he must force himself to tell the story.

  When he got to the part where he dragged Wickham from the water, Richard guffawed.

  “How did he like having to be grateful to you?”

  Darcy smiled reluctantly. “He did not, as you would imagine.”

  “But I do not understand. Why would you have risked your life to save him? It would have been simple to look at the river when you had rescued the younger sister and say to Miss Elizabeth that he must have been washed downstream entirely.”

  Darcy shook his head. “I could not. Miss Elizabeth was distressed. Remember how I told you that she said throwing that stone might have caused the death of a man? I could not allow her to have that upon her conscience.”

  Richard settled himself back on the seat and put his feet up on the cushions opposite. “Well, I now have my conclusive proof that your affections are fully taken by the lady.” He looked smug. “And I tell you this, Darcy — she is already helping you, changing you. The old Darcy would never have considered the conscience of another and taken action to assist.”

  Darcy bristled, not liking the conversation. Then he forced himself to relax. Richard had earned the right to speak in whatever way he wished, and Darcy must learn to adapt his mood accordingly.

  “So, continue with your tale, Darcy. What happened after Wickham walked away from you?”

  Darcy thought back. “We all returned to Longbourn and the ladies went upstairs — the apothecary was there to tend to them.” He sighed. “I did not see them again, even though I re
turned that evening. They had been advised to rest in their chambers.” He shifted on the seat.

  “By the time I returned the next morning, Elizabeth had developed a high fever, and could barely be roused. The apothecary had been called and the house was in uproar.”

  Richard nodded, his face serious. Darcy took a deep breath and continued.

  “I spent much time there over the next three days. As you know, I sent an express to you, asking whether I might cause offence if I suggested calling my own physician in to consult with the local man, but I am afraid I could not bring myself to wait for your answer, and spoke to Bennet about it the following morning.”

  “And did he take offence?” Richard was a good listener.

  “No, but he did ask what my intentions were,” Darcy groaned.

  “Did you tell him?”

  “I had to.” Darcy shrugged. “I was afraid of not being permitted to wait at the house.” He glanced at his cousin. “I had to be nearby.”

  At Richard’s nod, he continued.

  “I was surprised that he seemed to know already. I explained that I had not wished to approach him for permission until I knew whether Miss Elizabeth would approve of my request.” He knew he could not keep the hope from shining in his eyes. “He said he knew very well that her answer would be yes, but that he would not say anything to anyone until I could speak to her.”

  “I’m very glad,” Richard said quietly. “I can see how much it all means to you.”

  Darcy nodded. “But you’ve not heard what she told us when she appeared so very unexpectedly this morning.”

  “Oh! I did not know she had been well enough to appear. So you saw her?” Richard leaned forward.

  “I did.” Darcy knew he was smiling. “I don’t know that she was really recovered enough. But she has a strength and determination about her. … Anyway, apparently she woke suddenly this morning, and instantly insisted on being permitted downstairs, as she had something important to say to her father.” He frowned, concentrating on trying to remember the actual words she had used.