Elizabeth and Charlotte stood as one. Having spent the early morning in the study of Anne de Bourgh’s journals, each felt they should speak but knew not where to begin, particularly with the young Miss Darcy present.
It was this youngest lady who spoke first. “Am I to understand that my cousin was…” She glanced nervously at her brother and did not finish her thought.
Elizabeth moved to sit beside her and spoke gently. “Indeed, she was, Miss Darcy.” Darcy turned to listen, and the colonel also leaned towards them. “Your cousin left journals, which are with Mrs. Collins and me. Miss de Bourgh had some uncommonly forward notions of the world, perhaps somewhat naïve, but she was strong willed as we have all heard. Much stronger in mind than in body…” Elizabeth took Georgiana’s hand, watching the girl’s eyes.
“But who…?” Georgiana whispered.
Elizabeth looked at Charlotte. After a moment, Charlotte nodded. Elizabeth leaned to whisper in Georgiana’s ear.
“Oh!” Georgiana paled. “How horrid! How wretched of him! Did she pay him? He does nothing except for the love of money.”
Elizabeth nodded with a lifted eyebrow. “That she did.”
Georgiana began to tremble and twisted to embrace Elizabeth with dry sobs. Elizabeth glanced at Darcy, who watched unhappily. Elizabeth patted and rubbed his sister’s shoulders, hoping to offer some comfort, and quickly Georgiana drew in a restoring breath and sat upright. She nodded her head as if coming to some conclusion and held Elizabeth’s hand as it remained upon her shoulder. She spoke quietly, “Thank you, Miss Bennet. You were kind to be honest—to treat me as a fellow woman and not a child. I have always wanted a sister, and I have imagined she would treat me as you have with just your sort of gentle sympathy. How did you know I could bear it and be brave in the face of this?”
Elizabeth glanced at Georgiana’s brother before saying with great purpose, “You are a Darcy.”
Darcy was wholly engrossed in the scene before him. He thought he could guess the name whispered in his sister’s ear, but he set that consideration aside once his sister was being consoled in Elizabeth’s arms. He heard Georgiana say she had always wanted a sister, and Darcy’s heart clambered against his ribs, feeling his failure with Elizabeth all the more painfully. And now, Anne wished Alexander to be Elizabeth Bennet’s bridegroom; she would never be Elizabeth Darcy. It is best for her.
When Elizabeth had made her final response after meeting his eyes for a weighty moment, Darcy knew not what to think except to return to her velvet voice again and again. Elizabeth Bennet had said, “You are a Darcy,” as if it were no small thing and nothing she despised.
3 April 1812
This day is most interesting. Mr. S received my changes to the will with only the barest comment and must think me a weathercock, but as long as I do not make requests insupportable in the law—oh, that I could disinherit my mother completely, but that was my father’s doing—he takes down my words and sees they are witnessed. The clerks draw the documents, and they are sent express to the Archdeacon’s Court of Doctor’s Common in London for registration. It is all most properly done.
After Darcy’s abrupt departure from last night’s little party, I had not seen him until this morning. I do not believe he has slept! His eyes at breakfast were hollow and dark. He said nothing other than yes or no to anyone. When Alex suggested they take their leave of the inhabitants of the Hunsford vicarage, I saw a distinct cast of distress about him, but he covered himself quickly, merely nodding. Alex looked quizzical, I thought. I made sure to be present when they returned, but Darcy returned alone and as melancholy as I have ever seen him. He would not sit with us. His excuse of seeing to his packing was patently specious. Alex returned a good deal later. Mama asked how the household did, and he admitted he had not seen Miss Bennet, that she was out walking.
What am I to make of this? Why would EB still be abroad during the morning calling hours? Assuredly, she knows my cousins intend to leave on the morrow. I heard Mama tell her so when we were about in the carriage the day before yesterday.
It is bedtime, and I feel as sluggish as I ever have, but I have pondered more on the day’s events. There was no activity in the billiards room today. Darcy went to ground in the library and would not be moved. Throughout dinner, he said little, and if he swallowed so much as a mouthful, I did not see it. He is discomfited and wholly out of sorts. I looked a question at Alex, and he mouthed “Elizabeth Bennet” when Darcy was glowering at his plate. What can possibly have occurred, and when? Did he seek her out after she did not come here last evening? Mrs. Collins was eyeing him when she gave EB’s excuses; surely, she would not attempt to encourage Darcy by her shrewd looks. Can it be? Has Darcy, of all men, suffered a rejection? Can Elizabeth Bennet have brought him to this? Not in the deaths of his parents, not after Georgiana’s near scandal…no, never have I seen him so low. Perhaps I might get Alex apart for a moment before their departure. —A de B
4 April 1812
I had only a brief word with Alex. He knows not the particulars but believes Darcy and EB have quarrelled. He does not know whether Darcy made her an offer. I asked whether Alex had any interest in this, and he said Darcy had warned him off—chased him off is more like it. Alex said that, although he finds her good company, he has allowed himself nothing more. Given her considerable physical charms, I cannot say I believe him. They are both besotted in their way. Evidently, we are to see the Hunsford party for dinner after church tomorrow. I look forward to observing EB. —A de B
Chapter 7
The Colonel’s Marriage Prospects
Tuesday, 14 April 1812
Hunsford village
With funds came confidence, and Mrs. Jenkinson stayed with Mr. Steventon after the reading of the will to discuss her future, secure in the knowledge that she could afford to hire a carriage to return to The Bell in Bromley and thence to wherever her heart desired with her presumed income of 200£ per year. She was not at all sure of the propriety of becoming a lady of independent—if modest—means, but she meant to try.
The day had turned fair with a slight breeze, and the carriage that had brought the Darcys and Colonel Fitzwilliam to the reading was dismissed. When the colonel suggested escorting Elizabeth and Charlotte to the vicarage, an odd party was formed. The colonel fell in beside Mrs. Collins while Georgiana and Darcy walked on either side of Elizabeth.
Where Colonel Fitzwilliam had developed the habit of laughing at Darcy’s arrogance when they were in the neighbourhood previously, Darcy now caught the idea and was just as likely to laugh at himself. His manner was dry and droll, to be sure, but he would now stop himself when in the midst of some conceited proclamation and shake his head, wondering at his presumption.
The first time Elizabeth beheld this spectacle, she was all astonishment. The topic was Anne de Bourgh’s will.
“Will you assist your cousin in estate management, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked. She already knew the answer—of course, he would—she was merely casting about for a safe subject for friendly discourse.
“He had better return to university,” came the reply. “I have not the least notion how to direct an estate in so mild a climate. I am accustomed to more challenging work in Derbyshire.”
Elizabeth looked down and raised an unseen eyebrow.
There was an awkward pause before Darcy started, realising he might appear proud. “Listen to me! I only give orders. That cannot be called work.” He laughed a little.
Georgiana looked at her brother. “No one works more tirelessly for Pemberley’s success than you, Brother, even though you are not the one thrashing the grain or shearing the sheep.”
He gave a mild snort that bobbed his head. “You are kind, Sister. Too kind.”
Elizabeth hid her surprise and wondered whether the presence of his beloved sister inclined Darcy towards self-deprecation.
&nbs
p; At reaching the garden gate of the vicarage, the group entered a general conversation, but Elizabeth noticed when Darcy turned ill at ease. He cleared his throat and asked, “Miss Bennet, when will you call to collect the de Bourgh jewels?”
Elizabeth blushed and stammered, “I-I had not thought of it. I can scarce believe they are mine and feel they ought not to be. Should they go to you, Miss Darcy?”
“I have my mother’s jewels. How many broaches and bracelets have I need of? Precious few, I can tell you. It is years until I come out, or so I hope. You will not force me next year, will you Brother?”
Darcy looked fondly at his sister. “No, indeed, I shall not. If you care to wait, I leave it in your hands.”
Again, Elizabeth looked at him with surprise. Although not directed at her, the warmth of his smile and tenderness in his voice seemed to strike a harmony within her chest. His devotion to his sister’s comfort was most pleasing. No matter what he might think appropriate, this was evidence that he would allow Georgiana to choose the moment of her entrance into society. Elizabeth thought this wise, and unusually liberal, after the girl’s ordeal of the previous summer. His forbearance was not what Elizabeth would have assumed a fortnight ago.
Colonel Fitzwilliam suggested Elizabeth accompany Mr. Collins in the morning for his daily visit to Rosings. “Georgiana and I shall present you with your jewels, madam!” He made a most cavalier bow, sweeping his hat over his toes. “Though you might wait until your birthday, which is soon, I understand?”
“It is, sir. I arrived in the world on May Day.”
“Well, come along tomorrow and meet your booty anyway.”
“You make me sound quite a pirate, sir!” Elizabeth laughed and noticed Darcy’s eyes dancing with amusement.
The colonel glanced between them. “You do steal things,” he said with a lowered voice, although all heard him.
It was Charlotte who quickly filled the uncomfortable silence by providing clarification. “Booty is taken on land, Lizzy, not at sea.”
The colonel turned his gaze to the speaker. “Indeed, Mrs. Collins, you are correct. How do you know this?”
Charlotte raised her brows. “One hears things. One remembers.”
He laughed. “A lady of mystery, Mrs. Collins! Well, to Miss Bennet’s jewels, I daresay they are safer where they are for now. No thieves or pirates at Rosings, not on my watch! Perhaps I, or Darcy, might assist you in finding a reputable jeweller for the sale, and you will want to decide whether there is anything you might wish to keep.”
“Thank you, sir, you are most kind.” Elizabeth smiled in return.
“Miss Darcy,” Charlotte said, turning to the girl. “Would you care to join Lizzy and me for tea? I could do with refreshments.”
Georgiana turned to her guardians with a hopeful look.
“Of course.” Darcy nodded, his eyes meeting Elizabeth’s. “I shall send your maid to return with you. Or would you have a carriage?”
“I shall walk, Brother. I hope the exercise will improve me as it does Miss Bennet.” Georgiana turned a smile to Elizabeth.
Darcy paused. “As you wish…” He faltered before adding, “Enjoy your time with your friends.”
Elizabeth’s stare after Darcy as he walked off with the colonel was so marked that Charlotte was required to call to her twice to proceed to the house.
Once inside and settled, Elizabeth ventured a suggestion. “Charlotte, would it be too much of a crush, or would my cousin disapprove, were I to invite Jane to stay? I very much wish her counsel about Miss de Bourgh’s clothing, and then, perhaps, I shall not feel so much like a rag picker. The room you have spared for me would be ample for us both; we are accustomed to sharing, you know.”
“Jane is your eldest sister?” Georgiana asked. A timorous look filled her expression.
“Indeed! Oh, Miss Darcy, if you can tolerate my company, you will adore Jane’s. Everyone does. She is everything kind and benevolent, generous and sensible. She does not run about a place as I do, at a mad dash and venturing pert opinions. Am I not correct in this, Charlotte?”
“Oh, yes.” Charlotte laughed. “Lizzy might teach you misdirected confidence with lively conversation, but to learn truly genteel behaviour, you have only to look to Miss Jane Bennet.”
“A fine thing you are, by way of a friend!” Elizabeth exclaimed. The two women laughed.
Georgiana looked at them in astonishment. She longed to have sisters and such friends as these with whom to tease and jest. She sat up straight and decided that, to enjoy the company of these delightful ladies, she must unbend. Clearing her throat, she blushed as she requested, “Mrs. Collins, Miss Elizabeth, would it be too forward of me, do I ask too much, that I might have you call me Georgiana? In a small party such as this, amongst friends and family, those close to me call me Georgie…” Her voice trailed away as she feared she had put herself at risk. Would they surmise she truly had no confidants beyond her brother, her cousin, and a paid companion?
Charlotte nodded amiably.
Elizabeth’s bright smile was all that could be wanted for a response. “I fully apprehend the honour, Georgiana! I hope you brother will approve.”
“How could he not when…?” Georgiana started to assert that her brother felt much more than mere approval for Elizabeth but managed to silence the impulse.
Elizabeth pretended not to notice the girl might have said more and stood to curtsy to her new friend, making everyone laugh. “It is settled then! And do call me Lizzy. Charlotte only calls me Eliza when she means to scold!”
There followed a pleasant hour, passed in the discussion of all the benefits accruing to the friendship of like-minded women.
Wednesday, 15 April 1812
Rosings Park
The cousins paused in their morning ride to watch Elizabeth from afar, as she gracefully bent to pick wildflowers and grasses, making a loose bouquet. She seemed to wander idly, paying no particular attention to what she was creating in her hands and appearing lost in thought.
“Are you inclined to court her, Alex? Have you made up your mind?”
“Did I tell you of the conversation she and I shared Thursday last after Easter? You had informed me that she is a lady of little fortune with unfortunate connections. I let her know that any second son of an earl must be circumspect as to marriage. She instantly made a proper joke of it, saying I could not expect to fetch more than 50,000£, unless my brother is sickly.”
“She said 50,000£?” Darcy dropped his guard and stared.
“Yes. Oddly enough, that was the sum she pulled from the air.”
Darcy mused a moment before saying, “It would not surprise me to find Miss Elizabeth employing any proceeds from the sale of her jewels to improve the likelihood of her sisters settling with men of consideration in the world at the expense of saving enough for herself, no matter our late cousin’s wishes.”
“Will she be able to accomplish so much?”
“Oh, yes. I have seen the de Bourgh jewels. You may well imagine our aunt dangling them before my eyes to increase my appraisal of Anne.”
The colonel barked a shocked laugh. “No, Darcy! She did not!”
Darcy merely shrugged. He knew, in spite of his cousin’s surprise, that he was believed. “In any case, you now find yourself well able to purchase your own happiness with a quite remarkable partner in life, who will have more dowry than we previously supposed. You could not wish for a more conversable companion, even though not a soldier. Let me be the second to wish you joy.” Darcy stopped his speech abruptly. His throat tightened, and he found he could not carry the joke. He realised he had heard those words once spoken at himself—Caroline Bingley wishing him joy after his praise of Elizabeth’s fine eyes.
“Except you do not.” The colonel met Darcy’s troubled gaze. “You do not sincerely
wish me joy. So you see, I still do not have a clear plan of attack.”
“What? The military man has no strategy? But she visits Rosings this afternoon!”
“No, she does not. I have heard that her call to see the jewels is set for tomorrow. But the material point is that I cannot attempt to win the affection of the lady who holds you in such sway, much as I might wish to. Your eyes betray you, Darcy, each time you look at her or speak of her or hear her spoken of.”
“But she will not have me. I love her enough to wish her settled with a man she can like, who will amuse her, as I, it is obvious, do not. And you said yourself she is the best marriage prospect we have seen in years.”
“Glib talk when I thought I was furthering her suit with you.”
“You need not have exerted yourself. She won my heart months ago.”
“And she has it still,” the colonel stated resolutely. The horses were restless, but the colonel had a sudden question for his cousin. “Darcy, if you were openly courting Elizabeth Bennet and I asked you to choose between myself and her, which of us would you choose?”
“Of all of the balmy suppositions I have ever heard, Alex, that is, without doubt, the most foolish.” Darcy was staggered and confounded.
The colonel merely raised his eyebrows, waiting for an answer.
“If she had accepted me and if you were so momentarily unhinged as to ask such a sacrifice of me, I would choose Elizabeth.” Darcy followed his words with a curt nod. “And so should any man choose when approaching matrimony. If you would not value the lady you are to spend your life with over every other consideration, well, then you should think on it again, sir.
A Will of Iron Page 7