by Kay Bea
Elizabeth was more confused than she had been before. She began to suspect she was the only person in her circle who had not noticed Mr Darcy’s regard. How was it possible that something so obvious to others had completely escaped her notice? Additionally, it appeared that Miss de Bourgh not only did not object to Mr Darcy’s attentions towards herself, but the lady meant to encourage them. What did that portend, and what could she possibly have meant in saying she knew how to act?
“Your mother will be most seriously displeased,” Richard intoned in his best imitation of Lady Catherine when Anne told him of her afternoon’s mission. “And Darcy may never forgive you.”
“What of forgiveness is needed? It is not as if I told Miss Bennet any great secret.” At Richard’s disbelieving look she said, “Honestly, he should thank me. It is obvious, is it not? She does not hate him and likely begins to have some unrecognised regard for him. Where is our cousin?”
“He is meeting with the steward about some dispute with the tenants, and I have just finished an inspection of the park. We hoped to take care of much of the business of the estate while you were, er, resting, and Lady Catherine was out.”
“Excellent. You should speak with him. About your tour of the park, I mean. Since I have been resting, I am sure you have not seen me.” Anne gave Richard a sweet smile that belied the irony of her words. “After he finishes with the steward, perhaps you would be so kind as to inform him that I invited Georgiana to join us until Saturday next?”
“Anne!”
“What? I miss my cousin. Georgiana cannot abide long visits with my mother, and the addition of Miss Bennet to the party should make her time much more agreeable.” Anne fixed an innocent expression on her face as she continued. “You return to your regiment Friday week, do you not?”
“I do.”
“Then Georgiana’s visit can be short as well. She can easily return with Darcy to London the following day, much to everyone’s satisfaction. Mother will be happy to see her niece, I shall see my cousin, and I am certain Georgiana misses her dear brother.”
“What scheme are you concocting, Cousin?”
“I never scheme!” Anne declared. “It does occur to me that Miss Bennet is also to return to London Saturday next. What an unexpected coincidence,” Anne said with a wicked grin. “I believe the Darcy coach is large enough that they may all travel together. If, of course, Darcy thinks to make the offer. Now, off with you. I really must rest before dinner.”
With those words, the colonel was dismissed, and Anne was left to contemplate all the good that could come of her plans for the week.
Dinner at Rosings Park that evening was a painfully awkward affair. Lady Catherine was making evident her displeasure with Mr Darcy; Mr Darcy was somehow at odds with Miss de Bourgh; and Elizabeth was not certain how to conduct herself in the present company. Still embarrassed by her own behaviour of the night before, and uncertain of the meaning of Miss de Bourgh’s visit earlier in the day, Elizabeth was convinced that Mr Darcy must surely harbour only contempt for her, despite what his cousin alleged. It was no great surprise to her that Mr Darcy had barely glanced in their direction when the party from the parsonage arrived. She accepted the perceived loss of his attention as due penance for her scathing rejection. Such was her inner turmoil that she could not even find amusement in the bowing and scraping Mr Collins as he paid homage to his esteemed patroness. But Elizabeth was not designed for discontent and at last she roused herself to conversation. Not being able to face Mr Darcy’s disapprobation, Elizabeth directed her attentions instead to his more amiable cousin.
Turning to Colonel Fitzwilliam, she said, “Am I to understand, Colonel, that you will join your regiment next week?”
“’Tis true. I shall abandon all this luxury for the dreary life of a soldier’s duty.” He gestured broadly as he spoke.
Having heard many of his tales of life on the continent, Elizabeth smiled. “It is fortunate for you then that your relations have allowed you this excellent reprieve.”
“Yes, and I have yet one more treat to enjoy before I return. My cousin Georgiana joins us from London tomorrow.”
Elizabeth noticed from the corner of her eye that Mr Darcy had coloured at this statement, and she speculated he might be considering how insupportable it would be to expose his sister to her company. Before she could put words to her thoughts, he joined the conversation.
Mr Darcy’s voice was smooth and confident, but his eyes reflected something closer to doubt. “I wonder, Miss Bennet, if I ask too much to introduce my sister to you?”
It was now Elizabeth’s turn to blush. She was certain the colour must reach to the roots of her hair. He had remained silent and grave all evening, and he seemed determined not to look her way, yet he asked to introduce her to Miss Darcy. Would she never make sense of this man?
Elizabeth looked up to meet his eyes and saw in their expression that she had been silent too long. Gathering her scattered thoughts, she answered in voice that was sincere, if tremulous, “Pray, forgive me, Mr Darcy. I would be most happy to meet your sister.”
She hoped she did not imagine the relief that passed through his eyes before Lady Catherine called loudly from the other side of the room: “You have returned to spirits, Miss Bennet. Of what are you speaking to my nephews? What amuses the three of you so?”
Whatever openness she had imagined seeing in Darcy vanished at the sound of the great lady’s voice. Colonel Fitzwilliam answered instead. “We were speaking of Georgiana’s visit, Lady Catherine.”
“It has been too long since she was at Rosings. I am certain she misses it a vast deal. How can she not? A young lady needs the presence of her female relations. Had I had my way she would have spent her summers here in Kent rather than scampering about the country. But it is no matter. She will soon be here as much as could be wished.”
“Indeed, madam, for who could but benefit from your grace and condescension?” Mr Collins interjected.
“She will of course stay for at least a month complete. That will suit perfectly,” Her Ladyship continued as if Mr Collins had not spoken.
Here Darcy interrupted. “She will not, madam. Georgiana comes only for a brief visit at my cousin Anne’s request.” He nodded at Anne and continued. “She arrives tomorrow and will return with me to London on Saturday next.”
“But that is not even a fortnight! Why, that is hardly worth the time to travel at all. It cannot be so!”
“Yet it is, Lady Catherine. You shall have to make the most of her company while you have it.”
Lady Catherine opened her mouth as if to speak and then closed it so forcefully as to be audible.
With great difficulty, Elizabeth suppressed a smile and was relieved when Colonel Fitzwilliam prevailed upon her to play and sing. She feared that if she sat listening to Mr Darcy and his aunt much longer, she would give way to all her amusement and laugh aloud. As she played, Darcy came to turn the pages of her music. His presence caused her to fumble the notes as she became distracted by the warmth radiating from his body so near to her own. She noticed his hand trembled as he reached for the page, and she felt some pleasure at the thought he might be equally affected by her person. They were soon joined in the music room by Miss de Bourgh and the colonel, though the latter two seemed content to sit away from the instrument.
The remainder of the evening passed with little conversation and in due time the Hunsford party took their leave. Once Lady Catherine had retired for the evening, Darcy turned suspicious eyes on his cousins. “What are you two scheming?”
“Why, Darcy, I have no idea of your meaning.” Anne widened her eyes in exaggerated innocence. “You did well this evening. I believe you spoke more to Miss Bennet than I have seen in the past weeks, and she seemed to receive your attention, if not with pleasure, then with great civility. How fortunate you had such a cheerful topic as your sister’s upcoming visit to start upon.”
Anne’s smile was all that was gracious and sweet. Darc
y was not fooled for an instant, but recollecting that he had asked for her assistance thought it wise to keep his own counsel.
Instead, he dwelt on thoughts of the evening. He thought of dark eyes framed by long lashes and sparkling with laughter. His Elizabeth, for so he still thought of her, had agreed to meet Georgiana. He had been apprehensive for a moment that she might not, but then her cheeks bloomed beautifully. He knew she must feel all the awkwardness created from his ill-fated proposal, and he determined to do everything he could to set her at ease in the coming days.
Elizabeth had spent a second night in restless sleep and after breakfast took her customary walk, hoping to clear her mind. She could not reconcile Mr Darcy’s behaviour towards her at all. She did not understand how he could be kind after the vile accusations she had hurled at him following his proposal. She certainly did not deserve his notice, yet he seemed determined that she should have it, paying her more attention than ever before. He was a good deal more civil than was his wont. What did he mean by offering to introduce her to his sister and then following her to the instrument and staying there all evening? It was all too much, especially when she considered his opinion of her family and of Mr Bingley’s connexion with Jane. For even if he were to become charity itself, it would not change the fact that he had ruined her sister’s happiness. Nor would it alter her own connexions. Her family must always be abhorrent in his eyes. Still, if the two of them could meet without hostility, that would be something. Elizabeth determined she would do her part and would attempt to think better of the man in the future.
Thus resolved, Elizabeth returned to the parsonage and joined Charlotte and Maria in the sitting room. The ladies were engaged in various employments and speaking of nothing of great significance when Mr Collins burst into the room. “My dear Charlotte, send for refreshments immediately, for we are to have a guest of such importance!”
Charlotte, long used to her husband’s penchant for exaggeration, set her needlework aside and asked with composure, “Who is it, my dear?”
“Mr Darcy is coming even now with his sister! Make haste, make haste!”
Charlotte called for the tea things, then settled herself to await their visitors. Elizabeth’s hands began to tremble, and she chided herself for her unease.
True to Mr Collins’s declaration, it was only a few moments before the servant announced Mr and Miss Darcy. All three ladies rose to greet the callers, and Darcy introduced his sister first to Mrs Collins and then to Maria. Miss Darcy seemed exceedingly shy, and Elizabeth felt the poor girl must have been overwhelmed at meeting so many new people at once. She forced her attention to Darcy as he addressed her. “And finally, may I present Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”
Elizabeth smiled warmly at the young girl before her. “Miss Darcy, I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Charlotte poured tea, and it looked as though there might be little conversation. Maria was so in awe of Miss Darcy that she could do little more than stare, and Charlotte seemed inclined to speak no more than what politeness required. Elizabeth was determined to make the younger girl feel at ease and so began. “I understand you enjoy playing the pianoforte, Miss Darcy.”
The girl gave Elizabeth a shy smile and replied, “Yes. It is my greatest enjoyment. My brother says that you also play and sing quite well.”
“Does he? I am afraid I may disappoint you then, for he has surely exaggerated my talents.” Elizabeth felt her cheeks warm.
“I cannot believe he would do so,” Miss Darcy replied.
Elizabeth smiled at the girl’s earnestness and spared a brief glance at Darcy. “Perhaps I will have the privilege of hearing you play while you are at Rosings.”
“Maybe, if you would join me one evening. I am always uneasy when I play for Lady Catherine.”
“I comprehend why you might be. There are, by her own account, few people in all of England who have more true enjoyment of music or better natural taste. She is a most intimidating audience. But let your courage rise. Together we shall conquer our fear.”
Though Miss Darcy looked scandalised, she seemed to try not to laugh at Elizabeth’s speech as she glanced to her brother.
“Eliza! You must not speak so!” Charlotte admonished her friend, but it was her husband who made his opinion known.
“Quite right, my dear Mrs Collins,” he said. “The greatness of Lady Catherine must be recalled at all times and I am certain she would not approve of my cousin’s influence on her own beloved niece.”
For a moment, Elizabeth dreaded she may have gone too far in her teasing manner, but then she saw the mirth in Mr Darcy’s eyes as he too restrained a laugh. How had she never before noticed those wondrously intense eyes?
Mr Darcy interjected, “While I am certain my aunt would have much to say on the subject, I must insist, Mr Collins, that I and I alone shall determine what is best for my sister.”
“Of course, Mr Darcy. I only thought to remind my cousin of the respect owed to those who are so far above her in rank.”
Elizabeth pressed her lips to forestall a smile and engaged Miss Darcy on a new subject.
“Miss Bennet,” Miss Darcy said after several minutes’ conversation, “Anne tells me you know all the best walking paths at Rosings Park. I dearly love to walk in the afternoon, but my brother does not like me to go out alone. Would I be asking too much to join you?”
“Not at all. As long as your brother approves, I would welcome your company.”
The visit lasted only a few minutes longer and, as Mr Darcy had no objections, arrangements were made for Elizabeth and Miss Darcy to walk together the following day.
“Well, Lizzy, I see that Mr Darcy continues his attentions to you. For it cannot be to any other purpose that he would bring his sister here the afternoon of her arrival,” Charlotte said to her friend when they were again alone.
Elizabeth smiled at this. “Perhaps he intended for Miss Darcy to meet Maria. They are of an age and likely have much in common.”
“Take care, Eliza. Lady Catherine would not be pleased to learn of Mr Darcy’s affection for you. She is determined that he will marry Miss de Bourgh.”
“I thank you for your kind concern, but it is without cause. I can assure you that Mr Darcy can no longer hold me in special regard.” Elizabeth laughed lightly as she dismissed her friend’s remarks. “Besides, I thought you were Mr Darcy’s champion.”
“I do think it an eligible match, Lizzy. I urge you only to be careful that your regard is not discovered. Lady Catherine is most determined to have him for her daughter, and I would not see you injured or your reputation harmed.” Charlotte laid her hand on Elizabeth’s arm as she issued this warning.
“There is nothing to discover, Charlotte. We are acquaintances, and that is all. We are certainly not forming a secret attachment.” All the same, Elizabeth began to wonder if once again her friend was seeing what she could not.
“Is she the same Miss Elizabeth Bennet you wrote of when you were in Hertfordshire, Brother? The one who walked three miles through the mud to see her sister?”
“The very one.” Darcy, steering his sister on the path back to Rosings, resisted asking for her opinion of the lady in question. It would not do to reveal his feelings so openly. Georgiana, however, spared him the need to dissemble.
“I like her. Although I cannot believe she was so teasing about Lady Catherine! I shall not be able to look my aunt full in the face now for fear of laughing.” Georgiana smiled broadly at the memory.
“So now you are not afraid of meeting with your aunt?”
Georgiana paused and looked at her brother. “Maybe Miss Bennet has helped me see that Lady Catherine need not be terribly intimidating, so I am not afraid.” Her voice was full of wonder that matched his own at this revelation. “Do you think we might invite Miss Bennet to dine with us this evening?”
“I believe Cousin Anne intends to invite all of the Hunsford party to tea tomorrow. Tonight will be a family occasion.”
&nb
sp; “Has she been often at Rosings?”
“They come perhaps twice each week.”
“And I may call at the parsonage with Anne, may I not?”
“If that is convenient for Anne, I see no reason why it should not be so.”
Georgiana smiled. “Perhaps this visit to Lady Catherine won’t be so dreadful after all.”
“I thought you enjoyed Anne’s company?”
“I do. But I find that not even the reward of Anne’s company can improve the prospect of time spent under the scrutiny of Lady Catherine. With Miss Elizabeth, I did not feel unease. I saw only kindness in her manner and nothing of falseness.”
“That is a remarkable observance of someone you have just met,” said Darcy, well pleased by his sister’s comfort with Elizabeth. “Do not trouble yourself about your aunt. She is as she ever was and each of us has endured her scrutiny.”
The pair walked the remainder of the way to Rosings in companionable silence. Darcy was beginning to have hope that all was not completely lost and that he may yet be able to redeem himself in her eyes. Since being forced by his scheming cousins to extend his stay at Rosings, Darcy was determined to show Elizabeth that he was capable of gentlemanlike behaviour.
The next morning after a peaceful walk in the Rosings woodland, Miss Darcy and Elizabeth decided the ladies would picnic the following the day. When the idea was presented to Charlotte and Miss de Bourgh, Charlotte declared herself obliged to call on several parishioners. To Elizabeth’s surprise, Maria was eager to help her sister, leaving Elizabeth to join Miss de Bourgh and Miss Darcy alone for a picnic at Rosings. Elizabeth met her new friends at the edge of the wood the next day.
“Miss Darcy, what is your favourite thing to do when you come to Kent?”