Darcy frowned. In truth, he did not like the fact that Georgiana was so indulgent. Surely Mrs. Annesley had time to shop on her many hours off. But he did not wish to upset his sister nor appear churlish in front of Elizabeth and her aunt.
“Of course not,” he answered before turning to face Elizabeth’s relation. “Mrs. Gardiner, it is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance. I understand you hail from Lambton, very near Pemberley.”
Before the woman could answer, Georgiana slid forward in her seat. “Truly?” she asked and Mrs. Gardiner nodded her confirmation.
“Yes, indeed. I have visited Pemberley many times. Most recently this past summer.”
“Oh, I wish we had known! We would have had you to tea, wouldn’t we, Fitzwilliam?”
“Undoubtedly,” Darcy answered, but when he spoke, his eyes were on Elizabeth.
“That is very kind, Miss Darcy,” Mrs. Gardiner continued, “but I do not believe you or your brother were in residence at the time.”
“Mr. Darcy, I hope you are in good health?” Elizabeth interrupted, her gaze wandering to the leg he had stretched out along the floor of the compartment.
“Yes,” added Mrs. Gardiner, “we heard from Elizabeth’s eldest sister that you were in a rather bad carriage accident. I hope you are recovering well?”
“I thank you, madam, I am. Fortunately, I have a wonderful staff and my own excellent sister to see to my every need, although I am still not able to get around as easily as I would like.” He paused for a moment before adding seriously, “Indeed, my physician has informed me that the care I received directly after the accident is likely the reason my recovery has been so swift.”
Elizabeth flushed and briefly looked away, but returned his gaze when he addressed her directly.
“It is a pleasant surprise to find you here in London, Miss Bennet. Have you been in Town for some duration?”
“For several months, sir,” Elizabeth answered quietly. “I traveled to Longbourn for a week at Christmas but was persuaded by my aunt and uncle to return with them for the remainder of the season.”
“I trust you are enjoying your visit?”
“Yes, sir. Very much.”
Silence descended, but after several moments Darcy and Elizabeth spoke at once.
“Miss Bennet—”
“Mr. Darcy I—”
“I beg your pardon, Miss Bennet. Pray, continue.”
“Oh. I was only going to say that my aunt and I should let you carry on with your shopping. It was not our intention to take up your entire afternoon.”
“Not at all. We are completely at leisure today. As a matter of fact, my sister and I were just about to return home for tea.” After a brief pause he cautiously added, “It would be our pleasure to have you join us if you have no prior engagements. Our townhouse is just around the corner.”
“Yes, do come!” Georgiana interjected hopefully, while Darcy held his breath in anticipation.
Mrs. Gardiner’s gaze settled briefly on Elizabeth’s flushed countenance before she turned to face the gentleman on the opposite seat. “We thank you, sir and would be most happy to accept your invitation. My niece and I have no fixed engagements for the remainder of the afternoon.”
Chapter 7
A SHORT TIME later, the Darcy carriage pulled up before an elegant townhouse set back from the busy street. Almost immediately, a footman materialized to hand the three ladies down, but when it was Darcy’s turn to exit, he waved the man aside, leaning upon a polished wooden cane and limping through the gate.
“Brother, may I assist you?” Georgiana asked, her voice laced with concern, but Darcy shook his head.
“No. I can manage. Pray, show our guests inside. I will join you shortly.”
Georgiana nodded before leading Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner up the handful of steps and into a tastefully appointed front hall. Upon their entrance, Darcy’s butler arrived to collect their outer apparel, and Elizabeth took a moment to study her surroundings. Even from the marble vestibule, it was clear that the home was both large and expensively furnished; however, it did not feel in any way imposing. Turning to follow Mr. Darcy’s sister, Elizabeth craned her neck to peer into a lavish dining parlor, before ascending to the next floor. Her feet sank into the thick carpet as the party made their way into a comfortable drawing room, where they were joined a few minutes later by Mr. Darcy.
“Georgiana, perhaps the ladies would like to refresh themselves. Would you show them the way while I ring for tea?”
“Yes, of course,” Georgiana murmured, beckoning to her guests.
“That would be most appreciated,” Mrs. Gardiner answered, and Elizabeth smiled over her shoulder as she and her aunt followed Georgiana from the room.
***
Darcy had scarcely made it across the floor when his butler appeared.
“Will you be requiring anything, sir?”
“Ah. Yes, thank you, Stevens. If you would, pray, have Mrs. Guilford send up tea.”
The butler nodded, moving to the door.
“Oh! And Stevens, perhaps some chocolate, for the ladies…”
“Very good, sir.” The servant turned to go, but paused at the threshold. “Was there something else, Mr. Darcy?”
“Actually, yes. Do you know if Mrs. Parker has made any lemon biscuits?”
Despite his best efforts, the butler’s eyebrow twitched. “I shall inquire in the kitchens, sir,” he answered evenly.
Darcy nodded. “Er, yes. Good. And Stevens, when you return, there is a package on the desk in my study. If you would be good enough to bring it to me?”
Settling into his chair, Darcy’s gaze swept the fashionable front-parlor, taking in the silk wall hangings, the tall French windows, and the crystal chandelier. Everything looked as it always did, but suddenly he was seeing it all through Elizabeth’s eyes. Would she be comfortable here? Would she find the furnishings tasteful and refined, or would she consider the décor gaudy and uselessly fine?
Tugging at his cravat, Darcy wished Georgiana had chosen to take their guests to the cozier morning room, but there was nothing to be done about it now.
Muffled footsteps caused him to look up. Elizabeth stood in the doorway, her expression uncertain.
“Miss Bennet!” Reaching for his cane, Darcy hastened to his feet as Elizabeth stepped into the room.
“Forgive me, Mr. Darcy, I did not mean to startle you. Your sister is showing my aunt a painting in the upstairs hall. I expect they will be down momentarily.” Moving gracefully across the floor she took a seat as Darcy looked on.
In truth, when he had seen Elizabeth standing there, he had not given a thought to the whereabouts of his sister and Mrs. Gardiner. Now he only hoped viewing that painting took a substantial amount of time.
“Ah, yes,” he answered, slowly regaining his seat. “There is a fine likeness of the high street in Lambton outside my sister’s sitting room…” his voice trailed off, his gaze fixed upon Elizabeth’s heart-shaped face. His eyes moved to her left temple where there had once been a deep gash, but the skin there was smooth and unmarked. Leaning forward in his chair, he said softly, “Miss Bennet, are you well? I hope you have suffered no lingering effects… from your injuries?”
At the allusion to the accident, Elizabeth flushed, her gaze dropping to her lap. “No, I am quite recovered.”
“I am glad. I did not wish to inquire earlier. I take it from your aunt’s comments that you have not informed them of what occurred in Kent?”
“No, sir. I have not.”
Darcy nodded, taking a deep breath. “As it happens, I am pleased to have a moment alone. There is something of yours I wished to return, but I have been unsure how best to accomplish it.”
Elizabeth leaned forward in her seat as Darcy retrieved the small parcel from a nearby table. Darting a glance at the open door, Elizabeth rose, crossing to where he sat. Claiming the package, Darcy watched as she returned to her chair, peeling back the plain brown paper.
&n
bsp; Elizabeth gasped, staring at the volume bound in rich mahogany leather. “Gulliver’s Travels!” Raising her eyes, she met Darcy’s gaze. “It is exquisite. But you must know I cannot accept this.”
“I do not see why. It is not a gift, Miss Bennet. The book belongs to you. As I stated, I am merely returning it.”
Elizabeth angled her head, one eyebrow arched in his direction. “Mr. Darcy, I think we both know that this is not my book.”
Darcy briefly looked away, but when he spoke his voice was level. “No, it is true that it is not the exact volume you lost. Although I was able to retrieve your copy from the scene, I am afraid it was ruined by the snow.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I thought as much. And I appreciate your efforts, sir. You are very generous. Nevertheless, it would be wrong for me to accept this.”
He studied her intently for a moment before speaking. “Miss Bennet, it is only a book. And besides, this volume does belong to you.”
He motioned for her to open the cover and Elizabeth did as he directed. There, neatly written across the flyleaf were the letters E. BENNET.
Her bright eyes lifted, and Darcy regarded her with a satisfied smile. “So you see, I cannot return it. Nor would it be prudent for me to keep it here in my own library.”
Elizabeth’s lips curved at the corners. “There is one small problem, sir. The volume I lost did not belong to me but to my father. And his name does not begin with the letter E.”
“Yes, I had thought of that. But I wanted you to have a copy of your own, since I know how much you were enjoying it. I would be happy to procure another for your father, if you would like.”
Elizabeth opened her mouth to answer, but stopped at the sound of voices in the outer hall. Hurriedly setting the book aside, she stood as her aunt and Miss Darcy entered the room, directly followed by two maids bearing large silver trays laden with food and drink.
The group exchanged pleasantries as the maids set out the tea. When the servants had finished and left the room, Georgiana stepped up to pour, asking everyone’s preferences before turning back to the large assortment of cakes and sweets. “Oh! Mrs. Parker has sent lemon biscuits! You must both try these. They are one of our cook’s specialties.”
Elizabeth regarded Darcy out of the corner of her vision. “What a coincidence. Lemon happens to be a weakness of mine.” Accepting the plate Georgiana offered, Elizabeth lifted one of the glazed biscuits, her expression transforming into one of delight as she took her first bite. “Miss Darcy, these are indeed delicious. I can see why they are a family favorite.”
Reluctantly pulling his attention away from Elizabeth, Darcy turned to face her aunt who was calmly sipping her tea. “Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet mentioned that your father was a physician. Did he practice in Lambton?”
“He did, sir. I believe he attended some of the tenants at Pemberley on occasion. Perhaps you may remember him? My family name was Harper.”
Instantly, Darcy’s face brightened. “Indeed, I do! I had the privilege of making his acquaintance when I was a boy of ten or eleven. My cousin and I were fishing and… Well, it is a long story, but I managed to get a hook caught in my hand. Our family physician could not be reached, and so your father came and looked after me.” Extending his palm, Darcy indicated a thin white line near the base of his thumb. “You see? Four stitches.”
To Darcy’s surprise, Elizabeth’s teacup rattled against its saucer and she quickly set it aside. A soft flush made its way up the column of her neck as she peered down at his outstretched hand.
Mrs. Gardiner laughed, breaking the tension. “That must have been quite a traumatic experience, Mr. Darcy. I hope he was gentle with you?”
Darcy withdrew his hand, settling back in his chair. “Yes. I remember he was most kind.”
“I am glad to hear it,” Mrs. Gardiner answered.
Elizabeth inhaled a shallow breath, turning to face Georgiana who had been sitting quietly throughout this exchange. “Miss Darcy, I hear you are fond of music and that you play the pianoforte exceedingly well. Do you practice often?”
Georgiana raised questioning eyes, darting a brief glance in Darcy’s direction before answering. “I would not say I play very well, Miss Bennet. But I do enjoy music, and I practice whenever I can. My brother recently purchased a new instrument for me, so I have been playing more often of late.” All at once, her expression lightened. “Would you like to see it? The music room is just next door.”
Before Elizabeth could respond, Darcy turned to his sister. “Perhaps Miss Bennet would prefer to finish her tea first, dearest,” he said gently, causing his sister to blush.
“Yes, of course! I did not mean to rush you, Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Not at all. I should love to see your pianoforte, Miss Darcy. The tea will keep.”
Georgiana looked to Darcy and he nodded his consent before flashing Elizabeth a smile of gratitude.
“We shall only be a moment,” Georgiana said, rising from the sofa. “Would you care to join us, Mrs. Gardiner?” she asked, but Elizabeth’s aunt shook her head.
“I appreciate the offer, Miss Darcy, but I will stay and keep your brother company. This way we may reminisce about Derbyshire without boring poor Lizzy.”
Darcy watched as Elizabeth leaned down to kiss her aunt sweetly on the cheek before turning to follow Georgiana into the corridor.
***
Upon entering the music room, Elizabeth noticed that, like the drawing room, the salon was tastefully furnished. In one corner, an enormous pianoforte took center stage, with several comfortable sofas and chairs arranged in small groupings nearby.
Elizabeth approached the instrument, running her fingers gingerly across the glossy wood, and a sigh of admiration left her lips. Although she was not an accomplished player herself, even she could see that the piano was of the highest quality.
Georgiana grinned. “My brother is far too good to me. And it plays beautifully. Would you like to try it, Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth lowered herself onto the carved wooden bench, her fingers tentatively plucking out a simple tune on the ivory keys. Glancing up at Miss Darcy, she smiled. “It is lovely. You are lucky to have such a devoted brother. I can see he cares for you very much.” To Elizabeth’s surprise, Georgiana paled, briefly casting her eyes to the carpet.
Elizabeth stood. “I beg your pardon, Miss Darcy. Have I said something to upset you?”
“Oh, no! It is only… I have been so worried about Fitzwilliam lately. The carriage accident he was in was quite serious. He… he might have died. And the worst part of it was that I could not even be with him…”
Elizabeth regarded her curiously. “Did Mr. Darcy not return here after the accident?”
Georgiana shook her head. “No. At least not directly. Tragically, the coachman was killed, and William insisted on accompanying the body back to Pemberley—even though my brother’s physician warned him he should not travel. I begged to join him there, but he did not wish for me to be on the roads in the poor weather. He stayed at Pemberley a month before returning to Town, just before Christmas.”
“I see, Elizabeth murmured. “I had not realized…”
“Yes. It was difficult to be away from him. And since his return, I know he has been in a good deal of pain, but I somehow feel it is more than that. I know he blames himself for the coachman’s death. Part of the reason he returned to Pemberley was so that he could settle the man’s affairs and offer aid to his widow.” Georgiana flushed, lowering her lashes. “I beg your pardon, Miss Bennet. I should not be burdening you with all of this. My brother would be angry if he knew I had shared so much with you.”
Elizabeth smiled, reaching for the young girl’s hand. “It is no bother, Miss Darcy. It seems you could use someone to confide in, and I am happy you felt comfortable doing so with me. We need not inform your brother of our conversation.”
Georgiana offered up a shaky smile. “Thank you, Miss Bennet. And you are correct. I have wished f
or a confidant. I am afraid I have only Mrs. Annesley, and she is more like a mother than a friend. You are so easy to talk to. And after everything Fitzwilliam wrote to me from Hertfordshire, I feel as if I have known you a lifetime already.”
Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. “Your brother wrote of me?” she asked incredulously, and Georgiana nodded.
“Oh, yes. Many times.” She paused for a moment before continuing. “I am so pleased to have run into you and your aunt today, Miss Bennet. I have not seen my brother this happy for a very long time. He has left the house but once since he arrived from Pemberley and that was only for a brief trip to the booksellers.”
“The booksellers?” Elizabeth repeated, a strange sensation prickling at the back of her neck.
“Yes, shortly after he arrived. Given his injuries, I expected he would send a footman to pick up anything he wished for, but he insisted on going himself. I thought at the time it was to purchase a Christmas gift for me, but as you see, I received this lovely pianoforte and no books.”
Elizabeth palms dampened as Georgiana continued, “In truth, I have been worried about William since last spring, when he returned from my aunt’s home in Kent. I have never seen him so… lost. I feel something must have happened there but he has refused to speak of it. I am afraid my brother holds a great deal inside. He does not show his feelings easily, even to me.”
Elizabeth ran her fingers along the smooth surface of the piano. “I am sure he simply does not wish to burden you. Perhaps there are others he feels more comfortable confiding in.”
Georgiana shrugged. “Only Richard; that is, my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. They are extremely close. But Richard is always off with his regiment, so I fear my brother is often left to his own devices.”
To Conquer Pride Page 8