by Wells, Linda
“These are deep thoughts.” She laughed and he seemed struck by her statement. “Does that surprise you?”
“Nobody has ever accused me of thinking deeply, Miss Martin.”
“Well then, it is time that your friends see that you are quite capable.”
He smiled. “I like that you never thought to question that capability. For a very long time I have been regarded as a puppy.”
“A puppy!” She was affronted on his behalf. “How could that be so? Look at you! Your parents are gone, but you continued through with your education on your own. You entered into this overwhelming society, somehow you proved yourself worthy to befriend someone the likes of Mr. Darcy, and brought your family with you up to these new heights. And look!” She turned and waved at Netherfield, “You have fulfilled your father’s desire! I have heard of your father’s plans for you for years, Mr. Bingley, my father talked of it, wondering if that is what he wanted for his sons who never came. You could have taken all of that money your father saved and lost it in a card game, but here you are preserving it, caring for it, making that future he dreamed about while continuing the business that your forefathers created. Puppy indeed!” She sniffed. “Your friends may be quite impressive Mr. Bingley, but I think that they should be quite impressed with you.”
“Well!” He stood still and laughed. “That was quite a speech!”
“Heartfelt.” She blushed and looked down, then back up to him. “I suppose that is my fault, I tend to be effusive at times.”
“So do I, but on silly things.”
“I like silly things.” Abbey smiled and looked down at her hand on his arm. “Would you like to hear some of them?”
“Oh Miss Martin, I think that I would like to hear anything you would like to tell me.” He squeezed her fingers. “But please tell me before our chaperones come closer!”
Chapter 25
“Ah, Mr. Bingley, good, excellent, come in! We have been expecting your party! Mr. Darcy! It is an honour sir, an honour! Mrs. Darcy!” Sir William stopped and looked her over. “I would never know you for the girl scampering across my lawn on her way to some adventure or another!” Elizabeth smiled and just caught Darcy’s cough. “Ah, Mrs. de Bourgh! My goodness, two of you here, who would have guessed you and my Charlotte would marry brothers! Captain!” He bowed and bobbed, passing on each guest to be greeted by Lady Lucas before moving inside.
“Nothing changes.” Elizabeth whispered as they made their way through the drawing room and Sir William’s voice was lost in the murmur of the crowd.
“Effusive.”
“I remember Robert once describing him as the model of the genial host.” They looked back to him at the door and exchanged glances.
“Are you well? He whispered. “I will not leave your side, love.”
“We have been here before.”
“And they have all been such successful occasions.” He smiled at her when she looked down. “Besides you know how I react to situations like this, no matter who is invited. A crowd is a crowd.”
“But you have all of your friends, too. I can imagine you will be itching to go play with them and escape me before long.” She watched him looking to see where De Bourgh had gone. “Or do you truly wish to listen to talk of babies and matchmaking all night?”
“Surely you will find better subjects?”
“I can, but I know the company we are in. I grew up here.” She looked around the room and hugged his arm. “Oh dear, here we go, Mr. Collins.”
“Cousin Elizabeth.” He bowed and came up staring at Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, it has been far too long since we last met, I am most pleased, most pleased indeed to renew our acquaintance.” Collins saw nothing of the frozen expression on Darcy’s face and continued on. “I understand that I have you to thank for the improvement to my future home.” He bounced and nodded meaningfully. “I heard that you have condescended to labour upon an abandoned cottage on Longbourn, a marvellous whim on your part sir, no doubt gentlemen such as yourself grow weary of sport and look for other amusements to pass your time! How generous of you to pour your resources into a home that will one day be mine simply for entertainment! I assure you sir; I did not hope for any recompense for the loss of the living at Hunsford, after all, your aunt hardly could have expected to lose her place at Rosings before she could appoint me as the pastor! But what poetic justice, she is moved to the dower house and you, her good nephew, have refurbished the dower house on my … what will one day, sadly of course, Mrs. Darcy, be my land. You are too kind, sir. How exciting it will be to join you in such noble pursuits in the future when we are equals!”
Elizabeth stared at him in disbelief and looked up to see Darcy’s eyes were cold. “Mr. Collins are you labouring under the delusion that I aided my wife’s father and my brother out of some favour or obligation to you?”
“I … I only thought that you would consider how I was stripped of …”
“Mr. Collins, do you take the sermons you deliver to heart?”
“Of course sir!”
“Then why is it that every time I speak to you, the only people I hear you praise are your betters or yourself?” Darcy demanded. “Further, I understand that my brother and father-in-law have met with you, and confirmed that Mrs. Bennet’s settlement names that cottage as her home should Mr. Bennet predecease her, is that not correct?”
“Um, yes, yes …”
“Rent free.”
“Oh.” He fidgeted. “Yes, of course.”
“And you will honour this? I will be most unhappy if you do not.”
“I certainly understand that, sir. And as we are cousins, I could not possibly make my family unhappy!”
Darcy felt Elizabeth squeeze his arm as he flinched. “Mr. Collins, our relationship is tenuous at best; if you are trading on family affection, then care about the Bennets. Until then, I suggest that you stop presuming that any work on that home was done for your benefit and go about your business. It may be a very long time before you occupy that estate.” Collins bowed and scurried away. “Good Lord.” Darcy breathed and raised his hand to his temple.
“Bitter little toad, is he not? He certainly changed his tune with me, but it looks like he hasn’t lost his touch for pious fawning.” De Bourgh grinned. “I put up with his suggestions for quite some time before I finally had Michael in place at Hunsford.”
Still staring after the pest, Darcy murmured, “I think that if he were our vicar, we would be avoiding services religiously.” Elizabeth started to giggle and then laughed, warm and bubbling. Darcy looked down at her and smiled. “There is my Lizzy. I was afraid that you had decided to remain at Netherfield tonight.”
“Oh Will, seeing you become the master is truly inspiring.” She leaned against him. “Nothing can touch me when your eyes take on that steely glare.”
“I know that look.” Mary smiled up at de Bourgh. “Peter has it, too.”
“I do?” He laughed. “When?”
“The last time I saw it, you were dressing down some poor young man who was lackadaisically dressed.”
“His suit was incorrect, his boots and buttons unpolished, his cravat poorly tied. An officer takes pride in his appearance.”
Darcy smiled. “I wonder if he knew you were once a captain.”
“He did by the time I was through with him.” De Bourgh growled.
“Good evening.” Michael and Charlotte joined them. “I see that you had the pleasure of Collins at your side?”
“Pleasure.” Darcy snorted.
“He avoids me.”
“We waited for him to leave until we approached, so we could avoid him.” Charlotte nudged Michael.
Darcy sighed and looked around the room as it filled. “I see that Bingley and the Hursts have been captured by the neighbourhood.”
“Of course, they are residents, we are mere illustrious visitors.” Elizabeth laughed.
“And he is a man in want of a wife.” Charlotte noted. All eyes turned to her and she
shrugged. “He is. Look at Mama, pushing poor Maria his way.”
“Kitty will likely get the same whenever they come. Have you seen my parents?”
“No, but Jane is watching for them, Papa put her and Robert on greeting duty so that he could start circulating.”
“And Robert looks vastly pleased with it.” Elizabeth noted. “Well Jane is doing fine.”
“She looks tired.” Mary whispered.
“So does Mrs. Hurst.” Elizabeth agreed and noticed Darcy looking at her closely. “I am fine, dear.”
“As soon as you are not …”
“I will tell you. Perhaps it will be about five minutes after Mama arrives?”
“You will need that long?” De Bourgh winked.
“Where is Robinson?” Darcy asked and scanned the room. “Oh, he found a display of fruit.”
“He was unsure of coming tonight.” De Bourgh noted. “We will have to roust him out of his corner.”
“I have no doubt that you will.” Mary smiled at him and he laughed. “Oh look, there are the Longs and Miss Martin. They will never get near Mr. Bingley.”
“No, see, they have been noticed, look how the mothers have closed ranks around him! And he is far too polite to shake them off. He is trapped.” Darcy shook his head.
Elizabeth gasped. “Oh, how terrible!”
“They will need cannon to blast that fortress away from him.” De Bourgh noted. “Do you see all those feathers, Darcy?”
“The resemblance to a crowd of hens is remarkable.”
“The clucking carries to here.” Michael laughed.
“They are doing right by their girls.” Charlotte glared at him.
“They do not know the man and they are throwing their daughters at him! For all they know he could be a rake, a gambler, at the least a bore!”
“Mr. Bingley a bore?” Elizabeth raised her brows at Michael. “I concede that they do not know him.”
“But that does not matter; they have a lifetime to know him! They must express interest to gain his favour and secure him.”
“Oh Charlotte, do you still hold by that?”
“It worked for me.” Michael winked and taking Charlotte’s hand in his, gave it a squeeze. “I was overwhelmed.”
“I remember being rather impressed with her determination.” De Bourgh grinned at his sister.
Charlotte lifted her chin. “You see.”
“But none of this matters. Miss Martin has expressed her interest and so has he.” Elizabeth turned back to watch as Abbey was relegated again to being on the outside looking in. “Well this will not do. He cannot even see her over that crowd.” Letting go of Darcy’s arm, she stepped determinedly across the room.
“What is she doing?” Mary asked for the group.
“I believe that she is helping a sister in distress.” Darcy admired as Elizabeth easily cut a swath through the guests, smiling and nodding, but never being distracted from her course.
“She has docked.” De Bourgh noted for the women who were unable to see.
“Uh-oh, she is surrounded!” Michael cried. “Abandon the mission!”
“No, no, she is coming about,” De Bourgh tilted his head and impatiently waited for some neighbour to move out of the way. “Darcy what do you see?”
“Rescue in progress.” He said slowly. “Where will she take her?”
“Bring her to harbour, we will keep her safe until Bingley weighs anchor.”
Darcy shook his head. “No, look at her, she is, Lord she is magnificent!”
“What is she doing?” Charlotte and Mary stood on their toes and looking at each other set off across the room.
“Reinforcements underway, Captain!” Michael cried.
“Abandon hope all ye scurvy pirates, the Royal Navy is upon you!” De Bourgh cried.
Darcy stood with a dazzling smile on his face as he watched Elizabeth, completely unaware that he and the other men were attracting attention as well. At last Charlotte and Mary arrived at Elizabeth’s side in time to hear her complimenting Abbey.
“I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all of the time and effort you have given to my little charity. You have helped tremendously.”
“It has been my pleasure, Mrs. Darcy.” Abbey smiled.
“The next time you come to Pemberley, I will be glad to take you around and show you all of the good people who have benefitted from your father’s and of course Mr. Bingley’s generosity.” She smiled into the crowd where Bingley, now aware of Abbey’s presence, was desperately trying to escape the admiration of the neighbourhood matrons.
“You have visited Mrs. Darcy’s home?” Mrs. King asked Abbey.
“Oh, yes, both in London and Derbyshire. I am sure that you heard my cousin, Mrs. Wilcox; speak of visiting Pemberley while on her wedding trip last year? I was along then.”
“Yes, and we were so glad to make your acquaintance.” Elizabeth smiled. “How fortunate that you had the opportunity to meet our guests the Hursts and Mr. Bingley there. He has spoken of that afternoon many times.”
“Mr. Bingley is all politeness.” Abbey blushed.
“He is the kindest and best of men.” Catching Louisa’s eye, she saw how helpless they were to break away from the attention. “Have you greeted them yet?” Elizabeth asked Abbey.
“No, they are occupied …”
“Nonsense, how can they be occupied when there are such friends to be met?” Holding Abbey’s hand, she dove right into the thick of things. Mary and Charlotte followed, keeping the vacuum of space from closing up around them as they walked through. Elizabeth smiled and exclaimed happiness to see everyone that they passed, leaving them admiring her manner and dress more than feeling affronted with her obvious commandeering of their object. “Mr. Bingley! There you are! I was afraid that the entire evening would pass and you would have no opportunity to meet other ladies of the neighbourhood!” Bringing Abbey alongside she pushed her forward, “You do remember Miss Martin, do you not?”
“Miss Martin.” Bingley’s smile glowed from him, and he reached forward to take her hands. “Such a pleasure to see you.”
“The pleasure is mine, sir.” She blushed and looked back to see that Elizabeth, Charlotte, Louisa and Mary had all turned their backs and were speaking to the women around them. “We seem to be in a cocoon.”
“It is rather safe in here.” He spoke softly and his eyes twinkled at her. “Do you think that they will remain here for the evening?”
“That is unlikely.” She looked down to see that her hands remained within his grasp. “Sir.”
“I will not let go until it is absolutely necessary, so do not ask, nobody can see.” Their eyes met and smiling, he leaned forward, “In less than three days, this armband will be gone. At the Assembly, I will make it quite clear that I am not …”
“On offer?”
Bingley laughed. “Very well.”
“None of them catch your eye?” She looked at his gloved hands over hers.
“Miss Martin.” He said softly. “I have met many lovely young ladies, angels. You are not one of them.”
Immediately she tugged her hands away. “Let go sir! You insult me and expect me to continue …”
“You are the only woman I have ever met who I have always thought of as a woman.”
Abbey looked up to him and from behind her; she barely heard Elizabeth’s whispered cheer, “Yes!”
“And you, Miss Martin, have gifted me with the confidence that comes from knowing that you see me as a man.” He laughed softly, seeing Elizabeth’s head bobbing as she pretended to listen to Mrs. Long. “How could I walk away from that?”
“You would be a fool.” Abbey smiled and looked behind her to see Elizabeth’s brilliant smile as she talked animatedly with another neighbour. “Is Mrs. Darcy a matchmaker?”
“Mrs. Darcy is paying back a favour, I believe.” He let go of Abbey’s hands and leaning forward, tapped Elizabeth’s shoulder. “Are you not?”
She turned and
smiled at them. “I am sorry, I was not listening. Did I miss something?” Bingley snorted and Elizabeth turned away to nod at her grinning companions.
Just as quickly as they had appeared, the three ladies moved back out into the room. Mr. and Mrs. Long joined Abbey and Bingley, and fell into conversation. Darcy, a head above nearly everyone, kept his focus on Elizabeth and guided her safely home. He reached out his hand to her. “What was that all about?”
“I was doing a service for a friend.” She laughed and he kissed her hand. “How are they doing?”
“Hmm.” He lifted his chin and tilted his head. “Miss Martin remains at his side, but the ranks are closing in again.”
“But the point is that she is by his side.” Elizabeth’s eyes closed and he pulled her gently to lean against him. “That was a worthy distraction.”
“Your parents have just arrived, dear.”
“Oh.” She looked up to him and saw his concern. “We will stay.”
“If she says one thing that upsets you …”
“No Will … I need to face her.”
“Lizzy, Mrs. Darcy!”
“Aunt.” Elizabeth straightened. “How are you?”
“Fine dear, just fine. Now I have to ask you, all the ladies are wondering, what is happening with Mr. Bingley and Miss Martin? Why it was as if the red sea parted when you came through there with her! Everyone was so excited to meet him and he was so very accommodating, the then there you were, oh and so well done, my dear! How ever do you know just what to do? Well, I was saying to Mrs. King, who was terribly put out to see her Mary rejected so quickly, no small wonder with those freckles, but I was saying to her, mark my words, that Miss Martin has my niece’s favour and she will undoubtedly make sure that Mr. Bingley sees her, and there you were! Does Mr. Bingley like her? Are you wishing for a match? Surely you know some local girls who would do very well for him? Your sister Kitty … look there she is!” Mrs. Philips waved her over. “Where have you been?”