“Yes, I would. I am surprised at your change in attitude. He is… not—”
“Not what? A marquess? Or are you hoping for a duke for your sister? If she were to choose, Georgiana could not find a better partner in life. Do not be so ostentatious, cousin. Your Fitzwilliam side is showing. He is a good man.”
“So you will not help me?”
“No. I will not break a confidence with Georgiana, as she would never break a confidence with anyone, including you, Mr. Kent, or myself. I will not spy on an innocent friendship. In truth, Georgiana is only—”
Darcy threw up his hands. “Enough. Perhaps I overreacted to the situation. I did not mean to cause you any distress. I will withdraw my request.”
Victoria rose and squared her shoulders. “If I discover him too forward in his behavior, I will let you know. Mr. Kent should not worry you. Your sister has grown this past year, and I think you should allow her to continue along that path.” Victoria lowered her voice. “Do not break her budding spirit.”
Darcy nodded, but when Victoria stormed out of the room with Mrs. Annesley following behind, he called for Geoffries. Darcy was prompt in his directions. His butler was to provide a report on the activities of Mr. Kent and his sister. He expected full details of their interactions, and if there was any hint of impropriety, he demanded an immediate express. He recalled the letter his sister had hidden in her lap one morning. He added the report must identify a list of every letter his sister received, every letter she sent, and if there was a reply. He warned Lady Victoria must not discover what he was doing. Geoffries nodded his agreement and departed, leaving Darcy to mull over his order. Women. Why can they not reason like men?
***
His trunks were loaded onto Darcy’s carriage before Richmond bounded up the steps, two at a time. When he reached the top step, he turned, enjoying the spring morning. After a cold February, the warm air had arrived early this year.
Geoffries opened the door, and indicated the family was enjoying their breakfast. Richmond walked quickly through the house, entered the small dining room, and loaded up his plate with his second morning meal of the day. He nodded to the servant to pour him coffee, and took his usual seat at the table.
“Good morning, Darcy, Georgiana. Father and Mother send their greetings.” They nodded politely. Richmond continued, “They also suggested Georgiana stay with them.”
“She will visit from time to time, but she has made known her desire to remain here. We will only be gone for a week.” Darcy glanced at his sister, who was sitting erect gripping her fork.
“One week? Excellent. I was afraid that Aunt Catherine would force us to stay for a month, well a fortnight at least. I will be able to spend a few agreeable evenings, before I must report back to the regiment.”
“I have urgent business here, that is why the shortened visit. I have made plans for a trip to Birmingham to visit a manufactory.”
“Darcy, do not tell me you are giving up your estate and becoming a... a tradesman?” Richmond held up his hands, horrified, as though he was repelling the Devil himself. “We are ruined.”
“I do not see what is so awful about tradesmen?” Georgiana asked with a sharp edge to her voice.
The two men stared at her. The room was quiet for several moments, until Darcy broke the silence. “Although Richmond’s comment was in jest, what he said had a bit of truth. It is acceptable for a little intercourse and a guarded friendship, but it must not exceed that. It is best to connect ourselves with only those enhancing our position. This is the way it is.”
Looking down at her plate, Georgiana did not respond. As her mood changed, Richmond remembered his walk in Hyde Park. He did not bother to control his scowl when he recalled her defense of Mr. Kent, even then. He relaxed and leaned back into his chair. “Seven days is the perfect for me. And since it is so terribly short, shall I remain here instead and guard our little girl?” He hid his smirk behind his napkin.
“I am not a little girl, cousin. I am sixteen.” Georgiana raised her gaze from her plate and bore into him with the Darcy stare.
“True. But I believe you need guarding from all the ogres and trolls under your bed and hiding… ”—Richmond ducked under the table—“here!”
“Phew. I have not been afraid of them for years.” She dropped her head under the table and wailed, “You treat me like a child.”
“Perhaps you should stay with my parents.”
Georgiana clasped her hands together. “Please, Brother, I prefer to practice on my pianoforte, than on Aunt’s. It is horribly out of tune. No one plays there. Victoria will visit daily; she promised.”
Unbeknownst to Richmond, Darcy had discussed having Georgiana stay with the Fitzwilliams. His uncle had agreed it would be safe enough for Georgiana at Darcy House, and at the same time, it was an opportunity to get Lady Victoria to leave her bedchambers. Georgiana was the only person able to encourage her to do so lately. His uncle promised faithfully to keep an eye on his niece.
“You may stay,” Darcy announced in what he had hoped was his most authoritative voice and all discussion regarding Georgiana ended.
Breakfast finished in friendly banter; although, Richmond appeared more subdued than when he first arrived. Soon, the two men climbed into the carriage and left for Rosings.
With her guardians gone, Georgiana scampered to her bedchambers, penned a message, and gave it to Geoffries for immediate delivery. Geoffries wrote the name of the recipient in his journal, and had a footman deliver it to Miss Sarah Kent. He thought the request was neither improper nor worrisome, since Mr. Kent had brought his sister to meet Georgiana more than a month ago. He had assumed Mr. Darcy was aware of her visit.
The carriage ride began in silence. Darcy carefully shuffled through his papers, trying not to damage the handwritten collection of poems. Richmond pulled out the newest novel written by Rosa Matilda.
Darcy glanced at the title, The Passions. “What, another tale of suspenseful, passionate love set in haunted ruins or an abbey surrounded by wild landscapes?” Shaking with an exaggerated shiver, Darcy laughed aloud. “Oh, the burning desires, the horror, the fear! Is that not reading material for little girls and old dowagers?”
Richmond shook his head. “If you ever thought about what the delightful ladies of the Ton read, then you would realize this is our training instructions for advancement on that particular battlefront. I will lend you my book since you could use a little suspenseful, passionate love in your life.”
Darcy shook his head. “As for reading the book, I think not, but let me not keep you from planning your next campaign.” Darcy studied his cousin when he relaxed and reopened his book. Curious, Darcy asked, “Have you identified a specific battlefield?”
“No, that particular territory has yet to be defined. But, I must be prepared when one appears, and so should you.”
Darcy opened the lone communication he had received from Rawlings. He chuckled aloud and caught Richmond peeking over his book at him. Until he refolded the letter, his cousin had kept up his surveillance, silently. But when he glared out the window and sighed loudly, Richmond reacted.
“What concerns you so?”
Darcy shrugged. “Nothing. I have been meditating over a friend’s despondency of late.” he released a large breath followed by a deep sigh. “I had to step in to ensure an unworthy marriage did not take place. I am afraid it is taking longer than usual for him to overcome his infatuation.”
“Unworthy? How so?”
“Mercenary in every respect. He was unable to see the truth.” Darcy paused and recollected another friend in a loveless marriage. He promised himself that he would never again allow any friend to suffer Rawlings’ fate. He realized his cousin was still staring at him, awaiting further explanation. “The lady would not do for him. He could choose more wisely. One day, he will understand it was for the best, and I am sure he will thank me profusely.”
Richmond merely shrugged and returned to his book.
No further conversation occurred until they neared the boundary of Rosings' property. Richmond stared out the window, showing a curious interest, and unaccustomed to anyone looking forward to a stay with his aunt, Darcy broke the silence. “What interests you, Richmond? You remind me of Georgiana on her birthday, waiting for her present.”
“Oh. Did I not tell you? No, I imagine not, from that puzzled look.” Richmond paused since he enjoyed having information that his cousin did not. When Darcy’s glare did not abate, he added, “Anne writes that the new parson has taken a wife and she has a visitor.”
“By your interest, I can only assume it is a young lady. Do I presume correctly?”
Nodding, Richmond smiled. “A beautiful and witty one, according to Anne’s last letter to Victoria. I believe she is a little envious of her, and more than a little intimidated by one so independent of thought and mind.
“Do you know her? Where is her home?”
“Hertfordshire,” Richmond smirked.
Darcy’s expression changed from boredom to curiosity. “Which one is from there, the wife or the friend?”
“Both. Anne remarks often at Mrs. Collins’ grace, poise, and wit. She is clever.”
“A clever lady?”
“Yes, and she has beautiful, expressive eyes, and is not afraid to express her opinion even to our aunt. Black hair that is spun in curls is another feature. She plays the pianoforte and sings with such tone. She has a sister that is fair haired.”
“When did they marry?” Darcy held his breath.
“Oh, not long after you left Hertfordshire. She was forced to marry him, I understand. Something about an entailment and someplace called Longbourn.”
Darcy gripped the sides of the cushion. “Her name?”
“Mrs. Collins.”
“No. What name was she known by in Meryton?”
“Let me see. Either Elizabeth or Charlotte.”
“Which one?” Darcy leaned forward, his voice rising.
“Oh, wait. I was incorrect. The beautiful and witty lady is the visiting friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Mrs. Collins was Miss Charlotte Lucas. I believe you know her? You spoke of her excessively to Georgiana and me at dinner that night upon your return.”
Releasing a deep sigh, Darcy nodded his head in the affirmative and then smiled. He explained he had the privilege of being in her company at Netherfield Park and at several social gatherings. She was exactly as Anne indicated; she was witty, forceful in her opinions, most attractive, and played the pianoforte with much feeling.
Richmond chuckled at his cousin’s smile every time he said her name, and he laughed when Darcy peered out the window in search of her and nearly leaned his whole head out of the window to get a clearer view when he spotted someone. Shaking his head, Darcy sighed, and leaned back in his seat.
“Darcy, Let us plan to wait on the new parson and his wife soon. It is the proper thing to do.”
“Yes, quite right Richmond. A visit would be proper.”
“And Aunt Catherine would expect us to show respect.”
“I agree.”
The carriage stopped in front of the main doors, and when they entered the house, they were informed that Lady Catherine and Anne awaited them in the drawing room. They visited until time arrived to dress for dinner.
Darcy, pent up since Richmond’s revelation, climbed the steps two at a time, entered his bedchamber, and shut the door behind him.
Miss Elizabeth’s likeness swirled around in his mind. She is here, and Blake is not around to catch her attention. He fidgeted when a vision of Blake materialized, staring directly at him, his glare burning. Moments later, the form of Bingley appeared alongside Blake, and he, too, stared, but his gaze was blank, dull, and listless. As quickly as the images appeared, he dismissed any concerns he felt.
He gazed out the window and located Hunsford over the trees. Tomorrow, Miss Elizabeth, until tomorrow, he thought. I will not let this opportunity pass. He suddenly turned, and with a smile on his face, left his room and descended the stairs for dinner.
Chapter Sixteen
Speak up man. Darcy glared at Richmond and Miss Elizabeth chatting in the parsonage’s parlor. How can this be? He is talking to her and I am here listening to a discussion about the garden? Ignoring the one-way conversation Mr. Collins was conducting, Darcy kept his sight on the small curl bouncing on her neck as Elizabeth smiled, laughed, and shared words with his cousin. Get up and speak to her. Do not let yet another bloody charmer claim her time. Get up.
When Miss Elizabeth glanced towards him, Darcy could not make his lips smile, even though he tried. His neck felt not just damp, but so wet that trickles oozed down his back. Richmond shrugged at something she said. He watched her tilt her chin, raise her brow, and, with the slightest curl of her lip, she turned her head toward him yet again. Forcing the muscles in his legs to react, he pushed himself upright, not realizing the inane parson was in the middle of a sentence until he became vaguely aware of the man’s apologies. He moved closer, with a deliberate intent to speak to Miss Elizabeth, and disregarded the grating tone of the toady man who was almost clinging to his arm. Ten minutes, and I have yet to show proper civilities.
“Good morning, Miss Bennet. How is your family? I hope they are well.”
Elizabeth answered in the usual way and then sat still while she waited for his response. When he did not respond, she raised her brow. "My eldest sister and I have been in town these three months. Have you never happened to see her there?”
“I did not have that pleasure.” Well, I did not actually see her. Miss Bingley informed me she was in London.
“I hope your friends are well.”
Darcy moved his weight from one foot to the other. “Yes, they are all well.”
“Do you engage in competitions in town, or have all your friends retreated to the countryside?
“Lord Blake, Mr. Kent, and I have remained in London. Mr. Bingley is visiting family in the north and Mr. Rawlings has journeyed to America.”
“America? Well, I wish him well. And the stallion; does Lord Blake ride him still?”
“Yes. All our friends wished to see the Andalusian, and he has been busy showing him off. It appears everyone in London was interested in the games.”
“I was interested in you winning, Darcy.” Richmond laughed, and smiled at Elizabeth when she turned towards him. “I believe all the Fitzwilliams were paying attention to the golf game, since we had all wagered on him.” He tipped his head towards Darcy.
Darcy rolled his eyes.
Richmond returned to his discussion about Rosa Matilda’s newest book, but when Elizabeth offered her own lively opinions about the nonsensical purpose of gothic novels and cited The Passions as an example, Darcy chuckled loud enough to cause his cousin to turn and glare at him. He retreated to the sofa, happy to let the parson take control of any conversation, while he kept his attention focused on the colonel and the lady engrossed in friendly banter.
His cousin spoke at length, while she nodded and more than once snuck a peek towards his side of the parlor. The moment the room grew quiet, Darcy stood, making it known it was time to leave. Richmond conceded, and the two left for Rosings.
“Darcy. You were restrained, even for you. I had expected much more talk from you, since you are acquainted with Miss Bennet. If she had not testified to your acquaintance, I would think you spoke a falsehood before. I believe you like her.”
A World of Expectations_Book 2_The Confrontation Page 26