by Kay Bea
Elizabeth could not let such a sentiment stand. “The events of that night are, perhaps, of no credit to either person involved. If we are to form a better understanding, perhaps it would be best not to dwell overmuch on that which can bring happiness to neither of us. You must adopt my philosophy and think on the past only as its remembrance gives you pleasure.”
“I shall cede to your judgment in this, Miss Bennet.” He felt a smile cross his lips and the pair continued in silence.
Darcy escorted Elizabeth the remainder of the way to the gates of the parsonage. There he took his leave, saying he hoped to see her at dinner the following day and sent his regards to the Hunsford party.
A few days before he and his sister were to depart for London, Darcy was enjoying a moment of peace in Rosings’ study after finishing the estate business that had kept him occupied during much of his stay. He was reflecting on Georgiana’s improvement since spending time with Elizabeth and hoped he had not forever ruined any chance of their becoming sisters.
He was roused from his thoughts by one of their subjects. “I thought you would be in here. May I interrupt?” his sister asked as she took the seat across from his.
He laid aside the book he was reading. “An interruption from you is always welcome, Georgie. I have seen remarkably little of you this visit. Have you enjoyed your time?”
“Far more than I expected to if I am to be honest. I find a few moments’ conversation with Miss Bennet can sustain me through an entire evening of my aunt’s strictures. I think I am not too forward when I say it is as I always imagined having a sister would be.”
“I hope you are not too disappointed to be leaving tomorrow. Or am I correct in guessing that the source of much of your amusement is also departing Kent in the morning?”
Georgiana gave a small smile at her brother’s words. “I confess, Miss Bennet has made this visit far pleasanter than I could have hoped.” Darcy arched his brows in surprise. “It is for her sake that I wished to speak to you.” Georgiana looked fixedly at the floor.
Realising his sister was waiting for some response, he said, “Whatever would you need to say on her behalf that she could not say for herself?”
Georgiana replied, “It is nothing like that. In fact, I do not know that she would even wish me to say anything.”
Darcy’s head spun. He thought of his proposal, his interference between Bingley and Miss Jane Bennet, and what might have been said to his sister of those things. He wondered if he was mistaken in his belief that they had made a new beginning between them. Realising he had been too long silent, he said to his sister, “I would not wish you to break a confidence, Georgie.”
“You are too good, Brother. I am not breaking a confidence. I simply do not wish to make my friend uneasy. I would like to ask Miss Bennet to journey to London with us Saturday. We have more than enough room, and with Mrs Annesley and me both in the coach, there can be no risk to her reputation.”
Darcy hoped Elizabeth had not betrayed his confidence by speaking to his sister of their private affairs. “I know not what has transpired that would lead you to believe Miss Elizabeth would be uncomfortable,” he began.
“Nothing, Brother. It seems an unnecessary expense for her to travel post when we are travelling on the same day, and as Miss Lucas is to stay with Mrs Collins for another fortnight, she would also have to travel with only the company of a maid. There is more than sufficient room in our coach.”
Mr Darcy’s relief on hearing the source of Georgiana’s concern was overshadowed only by his shame in not offering it himself. He really must teach himself to think better of others and especially of Miss Bennet if he ever wanted to be able to think of her as his. “Invite her, as your particular friend, to join you in the Darcy coach for the journey to London. I believe she will travel to her aunt and uncle’s home. We will take her there to meet her sister, Miss Jane Bennet. I am sure she will welcome the invitation and your company.”
“I do not want her to think me proud or high-handed,” Georgiana said anxiously.
Darcy stood and kissed her forehead. “She will think you a good and kind friend. It is not in Miss Bennet’s nature to think otherwise.” As Georgiana left the room, Darcy thought of what Elizabeth had told him: “It is not kindness she lacks, only confidence.” What a wise woman! Not for the first time, he found himself cursing George Wickham.
Forcing his thoughts away from Wickham and onto more pleasant subjects, Darcy could not believe his good fortune. Here was an opportunity to show Miss Elizabeth that he could be civil to all her relations. He would take her to her family in London. If he remembered correctly from the conversation at Netherfield, the aunt and uncle lived near Cheapside. It was not a part of London which he frequented, but for the sake of proving that he was not who she thought him to be, he would call there every day if necessary. Surely her London relations could be no more tiresome than those with whom he was already acquainted, and if he wanted to someday make Elizabeth his wife, then they would be his relations as well. Best to get in some practice dealing with them. He tried to remember what she had said of her plans. He thought she meant to stay in town at least a week. Perhaps it was time to host a dinner party at Darcy House. Yes, that would do nicely, and maybe he should invite Bingley.
“Well done, Darcy!” Anne emerged from the window seat where she had been quietly looking at a book of sonnets. “You shall have her in the Darcy coach, and you did not even have to issue the invitation personally. This could not have worked out better had I planned it myself.” She gave him a little self-satisfied grin.
“Eavesdropping does not become you, Anne, and I suspect you did indeed plan this yourself.” Darcy tried to sound stern but found he could not. Though he was not pleased to discover he had been masterfully moved about like a chess piece, he could not deny being happy with the results.
“I did not intend to eavesdrop, and you cannot be angry with me for this turn of events. Having Georgie here these past days has given you many opportunities to speak with Miss Bennet in company, and it has given her the chance to see you in much more pleasant circumstances. Now, let us talk about the carriage ride to London. Of what shall you speak? For you cannot sit and stare at the poor woman all morning. You will frighten her away.”
“Cousin Elizabeth!” Mr Collins’s voice carried through the parsonage.
Elizabeth raised her eyes heavenward and breathed a quick prayer before responding. “Coming, Mr Collins.” She had finished pinning her hair and was gathering her bonnet and gloves for the journey to London. Her trunk was packed and ready to be loaded. She had no desire to be the cause of any delay. In truth, she did not want to subject poor Mr Darcy to her ridiculous cousin any longer than was necessary.
Her final breakfast at the parsonage passed slowly, and when at last the Darcy coach arrived, her goodbyes to Charlotte were heartfelt, those to her cousin slightly less so. His parting civilities were effusive, and he implored her to pass on a good report of their situation to her neighbours in Hertfordshire. Elizabeth agreed to do so and expressed her thanks and assurances of having had a pleasant visit.
Darcy was handing Elizabeth into the coach when Mr Collins called out. “Cousin Elizabeth! You have not left a message for the ladies of Rosings. Certainly, you will wish to thank Lady Catherine in particular for her condescension to you these past weeks.”
Elizabeth was on the point of responding when Darcy spoke. “I assure you, Mr Collins, Miss Bennet performed the office yesterday, and my aunt requires no further thanks.” Mr Collins clearly disagreed but did not dare to offend Darcy. The pain of indecision made a comical mask of his face, and Elizabeth had to turn her head quickly so he would not see her smile.
In only a few more minutes the carriage was underway. Elizabeth had never ridden in such comfort. “I thank you again for the kind invitation, Miss Darcy. And you as well, Mr Darcy. I confess this is much more agreeable than my original plans.”
Darcy gave her a smile and Elizabe
th was struck by the transformation in his appearance. She already thought him handsome, but the addition of dimples and light in his eyes rendered him thrillingly so. “We were glad to be of use, and I always enjoy the opportunity to accommodate any request that will bring Georgiana happiness.”
“How fortunate for you that this time my request caused you so little expense or inconvenience!” Georgiana adopted a rare teasing tone with her brother.
“Yes, much better than the pony, the harp, the fabrics…”
“You insisted on the pony, and the harp was Richard’s idea!” Georgiana made a show of looking exasperated.
Despite his effort to look sombre, on catching his sister’s eyes, Darcy could not help but laugh. “No, you are correct, Georgie. This is no inconvenience at all.” Turning to Elizabeth, he said, “I believe you are to stay with your aunt and uncle while you are town, are you not?”
“I am. My sister Jane has been staying with them in their home near Cheapside this winter.”
“Will you be with them long?” Darcy inquired.
“We will stay but one week. My father is anxious for us to return to Longbourn. He insists he has not heard a word of sense in our absence.”
“I think it as likely that he misses your lively mind, Miss Bennet.” With those words, he again flashed that broad, disarming smile at her. “Tell me, might I secure an introduction for Georgiana and myself to your aunt and uncle?”
“Oh yes”—Georgiana joined her plea to her brother’s—“and I must meet your sister as well, for you have told me so much about her that I feel as though we are already acquainted.”
Elizabeth laughed. “How can I decline such a well-phrased request? I shall be pleased to introduce you. I do not know what entertainments my aunt Gardiner has arranged, but I am certain there are not so many that you could not come for tea. The only thing Jane mentioned in her letters is that there is to be an evening at the theatre. I believe Hamlet is scheduled to be performed.”
“Do you enjoy Shakespeare?” asked Darcy.
“I do. Though I confess I prefer his comedies. I dearly love to laugh. I dare say, however, that to see any of his works performed will be a great treat.”
“Have you never been to the theatre?” Darcy asked.
Elizabeth shook her head. “No, sir. I have not. My aunt and uncle often treat us to musical performances, but this will be the first time we have gone to the theatre.”
“It would better if you were to see a comedy then. Your first visit should be memorable.”
“It will be memorable because it is my first visit, and the more so because I shall be with people I love,” Elizabeth insisted.
Darcy smiled at her response. “You are a credit to your family.”
Miss Darcy joined the conversation. “I believe attending the theatre, music hall, and opera are the only things I truly look forward to when we are in town! How grand it will be to see the great works performed on stage by true masters.”
“And will you attend with your brother or with the colonel?” asked Elizabeth.
“Either, I suppose. Or maybe both if I am very lucky.” It was plain from Miss Darcy’s reply that she was anxious to be out in company.
“I think you shall have all the luck you require,” said Elizabeth reassuringly.
“Perhaps we will even enlist your uncle, the earl, to come along.” Darcy had caught on to his sister’s unease and tried to soothe her troubled nerves.
“No! For he will insist on bringing Lady Matlock, as well, and she is the most infamous matchmaker in all the family! She will have me engaged before the end of the first act!” Miss Darcy exclaimed and then coloured.
Elizabeth looked out the carriage window, determined not to laugh. But even as she struggled, she happened to meet Darcy’s eyes and saw a hint of mirth in their reflection. She allowed herself a smile. Then, glancing at Miss Darcy, she saw the younger girl was also holding in a laugh. Soon the two ladies were giggling aloud, and even Darcy chuckled.
For the remainder of the journey, they discussed books, poetry, and philosophy. Elizabeth also enjoyed hearing of Darcy’s travels on the continent and allowed that she would like to go there herself one day.
Elizabeth marvelled at the ease of their conversation. She had feared that a half-day’s ride with Mr Darcy would be all awkwardness and uncomfortable silence. This man in the seat across from her was a near stranger. He had all the appearance of Mr Darcy, but none of the stiff formality or obvious unease she was used to seeing in him. This Mr Darcy was all that was amiable and kind, and he had asked to be introduced to her aunt and uncle. Were these not the relations whose connexion he claimed to be so far beneath him? She dared not hope that he sought the introduction for her sake, yet what other reason could there be?
Time passed swiftly as it is like to do when in good company, and before anyone could account for the passing hours, they had arrived at Gracechurch Street. The Gardiners and Jane had not anticipated her arrival with the Darcys until early afternoon. Therefore, they were leaving for a morning walk when the Darcy coach stopped in front of the house.
When Darcy stepped out to hand down Elizabeth, he found himself facing one anxious sister, one curious aunt, and a most stern uncle. Given what he had observed of her family in Hertfordshire, Darcy was likely surprised at their apparent concern, but he quickly mastered himself and continued on as though nothing was out of the ordinary.
Extending his hand to Elizabeth, he said with a smile, “You seem to have quite the welcoming party, Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth looked at the group gathered on the steps and laughed. “As you can see, Mr Darcy, I am well looked after. I hope you are not too alarmed.” Elizabeth stepped down and went directly to Jane.
“Oh Jane, how I have missed you!” She embraced her sister quickly and with a look let her know they had much to discuss. Darcy made a polite bow and greeted Jane as Elizabeth turned her attentions to her aunt and uncle. She greeted them with all the affection that was their due. After a few moments, she heard Darcy’s subtle “ahem.”
She turned to him and saw Miss Darcy was at his side. “Forgive me, Mr Darcy. I have forgotten myself entirely. Mr Darcy, Miss Darcy, may I present my aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Gardiner? Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire.”
“I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr Darcy,” said Mr Gardiner with a bow.
“The pleasure is all mine, I assure you. I have been acquainted with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth for some months now and it is a privilege to meet more of their relations.”
Elizabeth was surprised at this but also pleased. She was thankful that at last she could show him that she did have some relations for whom she need not blush!
“My wife lived some years in Lambton.” Mr Gardiner gestured towards his wife.
Elizabeth noticed Darcy stiffen, his customary reserve beginning to slip over his features.
“I believe it was where I spent the happiest years of my youth. In my opinion, there is not a finer county in England than Derbyshire,” said Mrs Gardiner, smiling broadly.
Darcy then returned the smile, and his stance relaxed once again. She listened with wonder as he spoke with her family for a few moments longer. He asked for and received permission to call again the following day, and then the Darcys boarded their carriage and left for Mayfair. Elizabeth watched as they departed and was rewarded when she saw him looking back to her through the window. She began to raise her hand in farewell, stopped herself, then brought her fingers to her mouth to cover her smile.
Once inside the house, Elizabeth was greeted enthusiastically by her young cousins and with open curiosity by her aunt and sister. After allowing her a few moments to freshen up after her journey, Elizabeth was pressed to join the ladies for tea in the sitting room.
Deciding that she would much rather wait to discuss the events of her sojourn in Kent, Elizabeth turned to her sister and said, “Jane, I have missed you.”
“I have missed you as well, although I must own, these past weeks have been most enjoyable. I love our home and the peacefulness of the country, but it has been such a relief to be here. I do not think I could have listened to many more days of Mama’s consolations on the loss of Mr Bingley,” Jane said.
Elizabeth’s heart sunk a little at the reminder of Mr Bingley. Even with her improved acquaintance with Darcy, she did not think there was a way to approach so delicate a subject. They may now be better friends, but she surely did not have the right to ask him to take any action with his friend. Besides, his letter made clear he did not regret his advice.
“At least now, you shall not face her alone, dear sister,” said Elizabeth with a gentle pat to Jane’s arm. She then turned to her aunt. “I was pleased to learn we will be extending our stay with you to a full week. It will be a treat to visit the bookshops for myself, and I promised to bring home new music for Mary and ribbons for Kitty and Lydia.”
“You will not want to disappoint your youngest sisters, though, I dare say, they have enough ribbon between them to remake the bonnets for half of Meryton,” said Mrs Gardiner. “Now, Elizabeth. Until your last letter, you had been saying that you found Mr Darcy to still be proud and disagreeable. Yet you accepted his sister’s invitation, and today it was plainly evident that the two of you are on cordial terms. He was everything that is civil and kind. What can be the cause of this great difference between the Mr Darcy of whom you have been writing and the one we met today?”
“I admit to being somewhat bemused myself. He is certainly a complex and difficult gentleman to understand. My attempts to sketch his character have been thwarted at every turn. Perhaps it is simply that Mr Darcy has improved on closer acquaintance. While in essentials he is as he ever was, from knowing him better his disposition is better understood.” Elizabeth was feeling all the discomfiture of having spoken too quickly and too frequently against Darcy.