by Jann Rowland
It was at that moment Darcy saw the full measure of the woman’s beauty. It was not mere physical comeliness, though Darcy’s appreciation for what he was seeing continued to increase the more he spoke with her. No, it was the full measure of Miss Elizabeth which was so appealing. She combined a beautiful face with a lively manner, humor, intelligence, and the ability to speak about any subject. Darcy could not wait to know more about this intriguing creature.
The epiphany ended as soon as it began, and through no fault of Miss Elizabeth’s. At that moment, a group of men wearing scarlet entered the room; among their number strutted the form of Darcy’s detested nemesis, the man his cousin sought to reform.
Wickham became aware of Darcy’s presence only a moment after Darcy discovered his, and the man paled, though whether it was with embarrassment or fear, Darcy could not say. It was fortunate he said nothing, for he bowed and turned away, joining Mr. Collins and Miss Bingley, though Darcy was uncertain he was acquainted with either.
“Georgiana,” said Darcy, pointing across the room. “Wickham is here.”
Darcy was proud of his sister, for her reaction was nothing more than a slight paling of her countenance and a glance at the officer. Wickham, Darcy was certain, noticed it, but he did a credible job of affecting ignorance.
“I hope he behaves himself,” replied Georgiana, and then turned to Miss Elizabeth to speak again.
It was clear Miss Elizabeth had not failed to notice the exchange between them, not to mention that it was Wickham who had caught Darcy’s attention. Good manners, however, were ingrained in her, for she ignored the questions which must have leaped into her mind.
As Mrs. Bennet rose, doing her duty as hostess and introducing those who were not acquainted, Darcy considered the matter before him. Wickham would know better, he thought, than to attempt something with Georgiana, for he knew how Darcy—and perhaps, more importantly, Fitzwilliam, whom he had always feared—would react. Regardless of his cousin’s assurances, however, Darcy was not convinced Wickham would behave himself; there was too much history between them for him to trust the cur.
Thus, Darcy determined that he would inform Miss Elizabeth of Wickham’s conduct at the earliest opportunity. Better that she should be forewarned than to have her misled by anything Wickham might say or do.
“If I am not very much mistaken,” said Georgiana, catching Darcy’s attention, “it seems Miss Bingley now has another admirer.”
Darcy followed her surreptitious motion and noted Wickham’s proximity to the pair. Wickham, it seemed, had released his charm, as he had done so many times in the past, and was now speaking with an even more disgruntled Miss Bingley. Miss Bingley, it appeared was not any more pleased with his attention than she had been with Mr. Collins’s.
“My cousin is not best pleased,” said Miss Elizabeth.
Though Darcy had focused on Wickham, he saw in a moment that Miss Elizabeth was correct, for the parson was watching Mr. Wickham with barely concealed fury.
“Well, well,” said Darcy, to no one in particular. “It seems this visit has become more interesting.”
His companions laughed. For Darcy’s part, he knew Wickham would bear watching, for the man could not be trusted to act with honor and integrity. Then again, any distraction he provided to Miss Bingley could not be unwelcome.
Chapter IX
Weather was an unpredictable force of nature. Sometimes that unpredictability worked to the detriment of those who struggled under its influence, and at other times, it worked to their benefit. One of the latter occasions occurred on the morning after Elizabeth first met Mr. Darcy.
Arising early as was her custom, Elizabeth looked out her window that morning, only to see a low, grey sky, gloomy and uninviting. After looking at it for a few moments, Elizabeth decided she had too much energy to sit at home reading all day, and as a result, she decided to risk it. A few moments later, after tying her hair in a simple knot and donning one of her older dresses for her excursion, she slipped from the house and made her way down the lane toward the path which led away to the north.
For a time, Elizabeth watched the sky, concerned the heavens might open at any time to release its bounty on her head. But before she had gone more than half a mile, she noted a thinning in the clouds to the west, and soon the sun broke through, smiling down on her like a benevolent goddess full of warmth and promise. And soon after, the clouds were nothing more than a memory, conceding their power to some greater force than they. The morning began to warm, becoming more pleasant by the minute, a fine early September day to carry her along in its grasp.
When Elizabeth reached the furthest extent of her path and began the return loop back to her home, she heard the clopping of hooves against the hard-packed turf, and became aware she was not alone. Soon, from around a bend, a horse and rider appeared, tall and imposing in the morning sun. As they approached, the face of the rider came into focus, and Elizabeth saw that it was Mr. Darcy, sitting erect on a magnificent beast of a stallion, his top hat on his head making him appear even taller and more forbidding.
“Miss Bennet,” said the gentleman as he cantered his horsed close to her. With a smooth motion, he swung himself down from the saddle and bowed to her curtsey. “How are you this morning?”
“Very well, Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth with a warm smile. “I see you were not exaggerating when you spoke of your interest in riding.”
“Nor were you in your professed love of walking.”
A smile passed between them, a sign of common interest. “What of Miss Darcy? Is she not riding, or does she prefer not to subject herself to the terror of such great creatures?”
Mr. Darcy chuckled and said: “Georgiana rides, but she is not an enthusiast like I am. This morning I left before she emerged from her room; her preference is to sleep a little later, time I often use to my advantage.”
“Then your preferences are again similar to mine, Mr. Darcy, for I left before my family awoke.” Elizabeth paused and amended: “Well, I am certain my father was already in his bookroom when I departed, for he is not accustomed to staying abed late either.”
“A man after my own heart.” Mr. Darcy paused and motioned to the path. “Shall we take this way together?”
Acquiescing, Elizabeth took the man’s offered arm, noting he held his horse’s reins in his other hand while the beast plodded obediently behind them. For a time, they spoke of nothing in particular—the land about them, the morning and the weather, typical subjects any recent acquaintances might discuss.
“If you walk these paths often, you must have an accurate notion of the lay of the land,” observed Mr. Darcy.
“The land surrounding Longbourn, yes,” replied Elizabeth. “As I ride little, I do not range far from home, but within the boundaries of my father’s estate, I am knowledgeable.”
“Are there any interesting features I might see during my morning rides?”
“There is not much of particular interest,” said Elizabeth, thinking of the paths of her home. “Though I understand Derbyshire to be rugged, Hertfordshire is a much softer, friendlier sort of place. There are a few places where lovely forest streams flow, but the one particular favorite of mine is the low hill to the north.”
Elizabeth turned and pointed to the prominence which they could see along the corridor of the path, adding: “That is Oakham Mount, though it is a grandiose name for what is nothing more than a hill. It is the tallest bit of land in these parts, and while the north is forested, one can see a fine view in any other direction, including toward Netherfield and Longbourn.”
“Then I shall turn my mount’s steps there when I have the opportunity,” replied Mr. Darcy. Then he turned back to Elizabeth. “Have you ever seen Derbyshire, Miss Bennet?”
“No, though I have heard reports of it. My aunt lived there when she was a girl, and she is always going on about how lovely it is and how she would like to return. I believe she wished my uncle to purchase an estate there, but as Nether
field was empty so long and the price so low, it was an opportunity he could not refuse.”
Mr. Darcy turned to Elizabeth with surprise. “Your uncle owns Netherfield?”
“He does,” replied Elizabeth. “He made the purchase in the spring, but as his business interests are still demanding, he has not moved here yet. The year lease gives him the time to divest himself of the daily concerns and prepare to move his family.”
The odd look which came over Mr. Darcy’s countenance preceded the gentleman’s chuckle. “Your uncle is a man of business?”
“He owns an import business that supplies many merchants in London,” replied Elizabeth.
“It seems Miss Bingley knows of it, for when I first arrived, the subject of your uncle arose, and it was not palatable to her at all.”
“I know, Mr. Darcy, for I informed her of the matter myself!”
A laugh arose between them, one of companionship and comfort. It gratified Elizabeth that Mr. Darcy did not appear to be a man who would look down on her for an uncle engaged in the detested realm of trade, even if he had purchased an estate. As Elizabeth’s experience with Miss Bingley proved, not all were so minded.
“Then he is further along in his quest to become a gentleman than Bingley,” remarked Mr. Darcy. “Bingley only leases an estate, whereas your uncle already owns his. Though Bingley still has interests in his family business, he no longer manages it, unlike your uncle.”
“Perhaps Mr. Bingley will purchase his own estate next year,” replied Elizabeth. “My uncle plans to move to Netherfield when the lease has expired.”
Mr. Darcy nodded. “You mentioned your aunt lived in Derbyshire for some years. Do you know where?”
“In a town called Lambton, I believe,” replied Elizabeth. “Her father was the parson there.”
An expression of surprise came over the gentleman. “Why, Lambton is not five miles from my home!”
“Then you must know many of the same people,” replied Elizabeth. “If you are here until Christmastide, my aunt and uncle always visit during the holidays. Perhaps you will have much to discuss.”
“Believe me, Miss Bennet,” replied Mr. Darcy, “I am eager to meet your aunt.”
As they continued to walk, they continued to speak of such matters of interest, but this time Mr. Darcy spoke of his impressions of his home. It seemed to Elizabeth, however, that the reminder of Derbyshire caused a measure of quiet reflection to come over the gentleman, for his manner grew more introspective. After a time of this, he seemed to come to a resolution, for he turned to Elizabeth with purpose in his manner.
“Excuse me, Miss Bennet, but I believe I should speak of a matter of some import. There is a man in your midst, an officer of whom you and your family should keep at arms’ length.”
The memory of the previous day flew back into Elizabeth’s mind, and she recalled Mr. Darcy’s reaction to the militia’s arrival, and of one officer in particular. Elizabeth had exchanged few words with the man, and what little they had spoken, she had thought him to be a genial man. But the reaction of the two men to the other, and Mr. Darcy’s solicitation to his sister, their departure soon after, had stayed on the edge of Elizabeth’s thoughts.
“I must own, I had wondered about your reaction when he came into the room. Is Mr. Wickham known to you?”
Mr. Darcy nodded. “Please understand, Miss Bennet, that I would not speak but for the sincerest wish that you have the tools at your disposal to protect your family. Fitzwilliam has assured me he can control his officer and I believe he has his men watching too. I would prefer matter did not become common knowledge, for I would not provoke Wickham to desperation, but I wish you to be forearmed against him.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. Is there anything in particular of which we must take care?”
With a sigh, Mr. Darcy looked away. “Wickham was the son of my father’s steward, who was himself an honorable man. Unfortunately, Wickham did not live up to his father’s example, being both a profligate spender and an indolent. Among his vices include gambling, accumulating debts without the ability—or intention—of honoring them, and an unfortunate tendency to use his manners to ingratiate himself with young ladies.”
The thrust of Mr. Darcy’s assertions Elizabeth understood at once, though fairness prompted her to clarify. “You suspect him of attempting seduction?”
“I have seen it many times,” replied Mr. Darcy. “Though I do not think you and your sisters would be easy prey, he would find the challenge irresistible. Even your youngest sister’s tender age would not protect her against him.
“It is true he plies his trade with an eye toward acquiring a woman’s fortune, but that does not protect those lacking a substantial dowry. He is altogether without morals and thinks only of himself and his own desires. Though I trust my cousin, I would not have you defenseless against Mr. Wickham.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” replied Elizabeth. “I shall ensure my sisters know to take care when in company with Mr. Wickham.”
That disagreeable subject behind them, they continued to walk, speaking of other, more interesting subjects. When Elizabeth parted from the gentleman some moments later, it was with a sense of regret. Though she had known Mr. Darcy only two days, she had already come to esteem him. In fact, Elizabeth wondered at the speed with which she had come to appreciate him.
Darcy accomplished his return to Netherfield with an absence of mind, as he considered Miss Elizabeth Bennet. There was an attraction between them, one which Darcy could not deny, though they had only met the previous day. Where it would lead, he did not know, for it was still too new. But Darcy was anticipating their closer acquaintance, for he knew he had discovered a rare gem here in the hinterlands of the kingdom where he would have expected to find little of interest.
Upon entering the sitting-room after changing his clothes, Darcy found himself the focus of Miss Bingley’s gimlet eye. The woman was sizing him up, wondering where he had gone and if he had met anyone. That Darcy was not about to allow her to interrogate him became clear when he did not respond to her questions. That did not mean she would accept defeat.
“I see you appreciate this neighborhood, Mr. Darcy.”
“On the contrary,” replied Darcy, “I do not know enough of the neighborhood to be in any position to judge. However, the area is fine for riding, and as that is a pastime I enjoy, I do not doubt I will enjoy many more such mornings.”
Miss Bingley fixed him with a critical eye. “Surely you do not suppose anything in this shire compares with Derbyshire. Is it not the best of all counties?”
“I believe so,” replied Darcy with a chuckle. “But Derbyshire is my home, so I will own to bias. I am certain you prefer your home, and those who live here will give this place their allegiance. There is nothing surprising about that, Miss Bingley.”
Miss Bingley sniffed with disdain. “There is nothing extraordinary about this place, and there is nothing special about anyone who lives here.” Turning to her brother, Miss Bingley said: “There is nothing tying us to this place, Charles, for the lease ends next year, and you will not be purchasing. It would be best if we kept the neighbors at arms’ length, for we would not wish them to influence us.”
“I am sure I do not know what you mean,” said her brother. “The people here are welcoming and obliging. I have never met friendlier people.”
“What of the Bennets?” demanded Miss Bingley. “Were you so consumed with your interest in Miss Bennet that you failed to notice the poor behavior on display in Longbourn’s sitting-room? Why, Mr. Collins was such a buffoon that I nearly lost my countenance more than once!”
“While I cannot disagree with you,” replied Bingley, “you cannot blame the Bennets for their relations. As to the family, there is nothing the matter with them. I challenge you to point to any specific instance in which their behavior was lacking.”
“What of the youngest girls wishing to take part in society when they are in no way ready to do so?”
> “Has Georgiana not also been present during our visits?” asked Darcy mildly. “Is she not also to attend our amusements?”
“Your sister is far superior to those hoydens,” snapped Miss Bingley, ignoring Darcy’s second statement.
“There was little amiss with their behavior, Caroline,” said Bingley in a tone which brooked no opposition. “Part of my reason for wishing to lease an estate was to learn what to do, but it is also, in part, to mingle in society with other gentlemen. Please desist, for I have no intention of snubbing my neighbors. We are to hold a ball next week; do you not remember?”
The scowl with which the woman responded told them all she wished to forget. It was a relief to them all when she rose, informed them all that she had much to do to show this backward society how a family of quality behaved and stalked from the room with her sister in tow. Bingley shook his head, informed Darcy he was returning to his study and left Darcy in his sister’s company.
“I cannot understand Miss Bingley,” said Georgiana, shaking her head at the antics of her hostess. “Though some members of the higher sets act like they are more important than anyone else, we do not associate with most of them. Why, then, would she suppose such behavior would endear her to us?”
“There is something in Miss Bingley which makes her wish to believe,” replied Darcy. “It is because she wants to have the excuse of behaving that way herself.”
Georgiana huffed. “She already behaves that way.”
“So she does,” replied Darcy with a grin. “That she has little reason for doing so must fill her with chagrin.”
The siblings laughed together, after which Darcy was eager to leave the disagreeable subject of Miss Bingley behind.
“When I was riding today, I met Miss Elizabeth on the path.”
“You did? I wish I had gone with you, for instead, I endured Miss Bingley’s company here.” Georgiana stopped and regarded him. “Was the meeting by chance?”