‘You are right to feel so.’
As they took their positions back in line, Elizabeth met Darcy’s gaze. ‘You make me quite anxious, sir.’
‘It is not my intention.’ The dance was drawing to a close, and Darcy felt relief at knowing a second was to follow. As the movements ceased and the last note faded, he bowed along with all the other gentlemen, then raised his eyes to meet Elizabeth’s. Her faith in him meant everything, and though these precious moments in her company were exquisite, his mind could not help but turn to the morrow once more and to his doing everything in his power to assist the Bennets with whatever troubles were about to visit them.
~o0o~
After enjoying the second dance of her set with Mr Darcy, with the conversation decidedly lighter, Elizabeth then partnered Colonel Fitzwilliam, followed by Mr Bingley, after which time she expressed the desire to seek some form of refreshment.
Mr Bingley willingly led her over to the room where drinks were being served, only to find Mrs Latimer watching out for her and beckoning her over to join her daughter and Jane, who had assembled there for the same reason.
‘It is rather warm, is it not?’ Mrs Latimer smiled as she waved her fan. ‘Come, you must take some sustenance if you are to endure the course.’
Excusing himself, Mr Bingley left to find the gentlemen and, soon furnished with a chilled glass of wine, Elizabeth took a seat beside Eleanor Latimer.
For a moment, they both watched the milling of the ladies going to and fro, for this seemed to be their domain. Then, Elizabeth turned to the lady at her side.
‘Do you enjoy yourself, Miss Latimer? I will own to being as much a stranger to the majority of the guests as you are.’
There was no response for a moment as the lady’s gaze continued to roam the room. Then, she turned to Elizabeth. ‘I have oft found myself preferring a crowd of strangers; it is easier to maintain an air of... disinterest.’
Elizabeth laughed. ‘And this is your preferred air?’
‘It is unwelcoming, is it not?’
‘Most certainly.’
‘Then you understand my purpose in so doing.’
Studying her for a moment, Elizabeth took a sip from her glass. ‘You do not wish to seek attention; the attendance of others.’
‘I am tired of being played like a pawn ever since I came out.’ Eleanor Latimer glanced at Elizabeth. ‘I wish the game to cease, to be over. I went along with my father’s persuasion this time out of resignation. And though I have no desire to be tied to a man who is clearly in love with someone else,’ She looked pointedly at Elizabeth, who could feel the warmth filling her cheeks. ‘I do long to escape into the care of someone who is not like my father.’
Feeling rather awkward at the turn of the conversation, Elizabeth sipped her drink.
‘Are you close to your own parents, Miss Bennet?’
To her surprise, Elizabeth hesitated. Never had she done so before when speaking of her father, and she sighed. ‘To my Papa, yes; my mother—she died last year—but we were not close.’
‘I am sorry for your loss.’ Eleanor glanced over to where Mrs Latimer stood in conversation with Jane. ‘My mother is the only person I have ever loved, or whom I felt loved me.’ Then, she looked back to Elizabeth. ‘Will you ride with me on the morrow?’
‘I?’ Elizabeth was taken aback; then, she laughed. ‘Gladly, Miss Latimer, if you are not seeking a swift gallop! My skill as a horsewoman is not oft on display.’
‘I wish to see something of the local neighbourhood; the nearest town: Lambton, I believe?’ Faint colour washed the lady’s cheeks, and Elizabeth suspected she was not in the habit of issuing invitations. ‘I would appreciate your company.’
Elizabeth smiled warmly. ‘And I appreciate your request, Miss Latimer. If Mr Darcy’s stables can provide a suitably staid mount to match the level of my expertise, I will gladly ride into Lambton with you.’
~o0o~
‘Latimer is on the prowl.’ The colonel inclined his head towards the far corner of the card room. ‘Putting some new bait on his line, I suspect.’
Darcy followed his cousin’s gaze to where the gentleman could be seen laughing with three younger men. ‘I begin to feel sorry for the lady, Cousin.’
The colonel grunted. ‘His wife seems to be paying particular attention to the Miss Bennets this evening, Darcy. Does she do his bidding, do you think, in keeping such a keen eye upon them?’
Darcy turned to accept the glass offered to him. ‘Mrs Latimer has simply appointed herself chaperone to the ladies in the absence of their father.’
‘These Latimer women have hidden depths the father would do well to emulate.’ Colonel Fitzwilliam glanced to his right. ‘Ah, Bingley, there you are!’
Bingley joined them, his smile soon fading. ‘I have left the ladies to their refreshments.’ He eyed his two companions. ‘So—what is the plan?’
The colonel looked around before turning back to address his companions. ‘We cannot be seen to be orchestrating a search, especially under Latimer’s watchful eye.’
Darcy’s gaze drifted towards Sir Charles Seymour who was holding court with his wife near the doorway into the card room. ‘I think our host may be able to assist with the Latimers. Leave it with me.’
‘Capital. Then we must hope for the other ladies to keep themselves adequately occupied, so as not to miss our captivating presence!’
Bingley smiled ruefully. ‘We must also hope for dry weather.’
Darcy met his friend and his cousin’s gaze with a steady eye. ‘If we must hope, it is for finding this girl, whatever the elements may throw at us.’
Excusing himself, Darcy walked over to where Sir Charles and his wife stood.
‘Sir Charles, did I hear correctly earlier – you are planning a day’s shooting on the morrow?’
‘Once we are up and about, yes, Darcy. Joining us?’
‘I must decline on this occasion, sir, but I wondered if you might offer some sport to Latimer?’ He gestured towards the gentleman across the room.
‘Capital idea, Darcy! I know how challenging it can be to always be finding entertainment for visitors. We have a houseful just now, with the ball, and it will be a large party which can easily accommodate one more.’ He turned to his wife. ‘And you, my dear. Can you fit Mrs Latimer in on your jaunt?’
Lady Araminta smiled widely. ‘We are taking the ladies by carriage to Dove Dale, Mr Darcy. They have heard much of its reputed beauty. Would Mrs Latimer care to join us, do you think?’
‘I am certain she would. May I leave you to extend the invitations?’
Returning to his cousin and Bingley, Darcy smiled grimly. ‘That is the Latimers disposed of for the day. What of the rest?’
Bingley shrugged. ‘Miss Bennet mentioned calling upon Mr Wentworth. She says she used to help out around the parish a great deal and has missed doing so.’
‘And what of your sisters?’
He laughed, though Darcy was unsure of his friend’s amusement. ‘After their attempt to sneak out to ghost hunt, followed by their antics at the stables earlier, they are confined to the house for at least the next four and twenty hours. I suspect the patience of Miss Darcy and Mrs Annesley will have been sorely tried by the time they are set free again!’
The colonel snorted. ‘I hope we find Miss Lydia Bennet without delay. There are only so many days of subterfuge one can stomach!’
Bingley’s expression sobered as he turned to Darcy. ‘I have never forgotten your words in London, Darcy: to protect the girls with my life if Wickham were in the vicinity. With his threats towards Bennet, I am not inclined to let the twins out of Pemberley’s grounds until the matter is resolved.’
Darcy met his gaze solemnly. ‘You are wise to be on your guard, Bingley, though I believe we shall see neither sight nor sound of the man, not until Bennet does not show at wherever the appointed place is on Thursday.’
They all looked up, then, as a footman entered and struck the
gong in his hand, announcing the serving of supper, and as the room began to empty, the colonel held his cousin back for a second.
‘We must be on our guard, all the same. Wickham’s mind does not work as others’ do; who knows what his intent is, or his present connection with this girl.’
Chapter Sixty
With supper complete, the dancing resumed until the Seymours gathered everyone out on the long terrace running alongside the ballroom, in readiness for a characteristically flamboyant ending to proceedings courtesy of several acrobats and the jesters, and culminating in the promised display of fireworks.
It was during the latter that Darcy found himself drawing near to where Elizabeth stood. Or rather, if he were honest with himself, it was where he had consciously taken himself. Despite the evening holding such moments of unanticipated pleasure, it was impossible now, as it faded, not to be consumed by his concerns for what they might discover the following day. It felt as though time was of the essence; short in duration, as though change was upon them, and he knew not in what form.
Edging closer to where she stood beside her sister, Darcy drew in a steadying breath. Elizabeth had made it clear her opinion of his character had altered. Though he wished for more, it was a beginning, and he did not intend to make the same mistake as in the past, when she had held no notion of the depth of his admiration for her. He wished somehow, within the constraints of such a public setting, to let her know his wishes had not changed.
Perhaps Elizabeth detected the intensity of his stare, for she turned her head and saw him before he reached her, her smile welcoming.
‘Are you enjoying the display?’ Darcy gestured towards a spray of light in the night sky.
‘A little. Perhaps only a very little!’ Elizabeth laughed, though it did not linger, and her gaze when it met his was serious. ‘All I can think of is those poor young deer and what they must make of such noise and spectacle.’
‘It does quite shatter the peace, does it not?’ They turned to watch the latest shower of sparks for a moment. Then, as the noise subsided, he lowered his voice. ‘Miss Elizabeth, might I have a word with you?’ He gestured back towards the house, and Elizabeth whispered something quickly to her sister before turning to follow him.
They fetched up beside one of the full-length windows to the ballroom, its light spilling out over the terrace, and turned to survey the scene, visible to all but out of hearing, the noise of the fireworks themselves providing further cover.
‘Miss Elizabeth, I spoke earlier of secrecy, of something preventing me from saying something I wished to. Yet they are not connected.’ He stopped, his gaze dropping to his feet, uncertain how to proceed. ‘Nothing has altered, yet I would not have you wonder...’
‘Mr Darcy.’ He looked up. ‘You are under no obligation to speak to me of anything.’
‘Yes—yes, I know.’ Darcy leaned back against the wall, frustrated with himself. He could be inarticulate around Elizabeth at the best of times, and having to speak in what felt like riddles, yet also ensure she understood him was a trial he could do without.
‘I am quite intrigued now, sir!’
With a sigh, he turned to face her. ‘I would have you remember something from Hunsford.’
Elizabeth’s eyes widened. ‘I think, sir, I shall never quite forget Hunsford!’
Darcy acknowledged the hit. ‘Nor shall I; yet I would wish for your not recalling all that took place, merely some of it, for it may serve a purpose.’ He drew in a calming breath. ‘I spoke few fair words amongst the foul that evening, Miss Elizabeth; but such as those were, they hold as significant a meaning today as they did then.’
Elizabeth frowned, and Darcy released a frustrated breath. Was this truly the best he could do?
‘I believe we both spoke many words that evening, sir.’
Darcy’s opening words were etched upon his memory, there to taunt him for all time of his inability to secure the woman he loved. After all, he had practised them often enough, had he not?
‘I meant some of the first words I spoke to you; before we descended into our, er, debate on the merit or otherwise of my... suggestion.’
There was a further silence. Then, a hint of humour touched Elizabeth’s eyes.
‘And these words.’ She bit her lip. ‘They would not be about struggling in vain?’
He shook his head.
‘Or perchance, being unable to sufficiently repress one’s feelings?’
He almost laughed at the amusement now filling her countenance. ‘You remember every word, then. I would not have you recall them, but for...’ he hesitated. ‘For those that followed soon after.’
Elizabeth said nothing at first as he willed her to recall the declaration of his ardent love and admiration for her, but if the colour rising in her cheeks was any indication, perhaps she did. The humour faded from her eyes, replaced with something... if only he could understand what it was, yet he was certain it was not aversion.
Tilting her head a little to one side, a small smile touched her lips. ‘I believe I understand you, sir. Perhaps better than you understand yourself?’
Darcy smiled ruefully. ‘I always feared it to be so.’
‘Then on this occasion, we are in harmony.’ Elizabeth met his eye solemnly. ‘I cannot begin to comprehend what it is that prevents you speaking openly, sir, but I hope whatever troubles you is soon remedied, for I do not like to see you so.’
It warmed his heart to hear her say it. ‘You have my word; it shall be resolved.’
~o0o~
With the fireworks drawing the evening to its conclusion, the party from Pemberley soon reassembled under the turreted archway to Froggatt Park to await their carriages.
Much as he tried to hold onto the pleasure of the past few hours in Elizabeth’s company, to delight in the progress they had made, Darcy’s thoughts were being consumed more and more with his purpose. What would this forthcoming day bring?
‘Darcy! Make haste, man!’ Looking up, Darcy frowned. The colonel was handing Miss Latimer into the Darcy carriage, and he glanced over at Latimer’s conveyance, only to see Bingley doing the same service for Miss Bennet.
‘Cousin?’ He walked over to where he stood. Elizabeth and Miss Latimer were now installed inside, and Darcy lowered his voice. ‘Did I miss something?’
The colonel grunted. ‘No more than the usual, old man.’ He gestured towards where Latimer was now joining his wife and the others in his own carriage. ‘He was pushing again for Miss Latimer to travel with you; this seemed the best compromise.’
Darcy rolled his eyes. ‘He is as tenacious as we suspected. It will be to no avail.’
‘I think he knows that; he is merely making things as difficult as he can in the meantime. Come. It is late, and we have an early start ahead.’
He turned to enter the carriage and Darcy followed his cousin inside, resuming his seat from earlier opposite Elizabeth.
They set off in procession, back down the winding driveway, and the colonel turned to his cousin.
‘It was good to see you putting your education to good use this evening, Darce.’
Darcy frowned, and the colonel grinned. ‘When you are so reluctant to enter into the dance, as is your habit, people must wonder if that aspect of your tutoring had been lacking.’
Darcy met Elizabeth’s gaze in the faint light of the lamps. ‘Sadly, my practise of it is all too infrequent.’
She smiled. ‘Speaking of infrequent practise, Mr Darcy, may I ask a favour? Miss Latimer has proposed riding into Lambton later this morning. Could I be so bold as to request the loan of a steady mount?’
Exchanging a swift glance with his cousin, Darcy agreed. It was opportune timing.
‘I will send a message to the stables at first light. I—we,’ he gestured between himself and his cousin. ‘Propose being out for most of the day with Bingley and will not, I am afraid, have the pleasure of your company at the breakfast table.’
The remainder of the short
journey was completed discussing the bridleways on the estate, and before long, Darcy was taking Elizabeth’s hand to assist her from the carriage. Not wishing to let her go, he retained his hold for a moment, and she gave him a smile which warmed his heart.
A light rain had begun to fall, and leaning forward, Darcy raised the hood of Elizabeth’s velvet cloak and draped it over her hair.
‘Thank you, sir.’
‘It would not do for you to catch cold.’
‘I think I shall survive the journey from here to the door, Mr Darcy, but I appreciate your concern.’
Darcy smiled, then watched as she turned to walk up to where a footman held the doors ajar. He looked around. The Latimers stood talking to Bingley beside their carriage, and his cousin was offering his arm to Miss Latimer. Glancing at the skies, which appeared thick with cloud now, the moon having long abandoned them, he brushed a few fine drops from his face and turned to take the steps two at a time.
When he entered the hallway, however, Elizabeth was already hurrying up the stairs. Olivia and Viola, their leaf-clad boots clasped in their hands and their cloaks hanging from their shoulders, were part way up the staircase, staring at Elizabeth in trepidation as she approached.
‘Make haste; make haste!’ She urged them, and after meeting Darcy’s gaze with wide-eyed ones of their own, they both turned quickly and hurried ahead of Elizabeth onto the landing and out of sight, just as Latimer and Bingley walked through the doorway.
Chapter Sixty-One
Elizabeth smiled as she closed the door to the twins’ chambers. She had returned to Pemberley wrapped in a cocoon of wishful dreams. The ball had delivered so much, as had her set with Mr Darcy. His words to her during the fireworks display, though awkward in delivery, held a message both to please and charm her, a message which brought such comfort, drawing her tentative hopes out into the open.
Even Olivia and Viola, up to their usual mischief and disregarding the restrictions placed upon them, could not disturb her feelings of anticipation for her next chance to speak with Mr Darcy.
A Quest for Mr Darcy Page 39