by Head, Gail
“We should be going,” Elizabeth announced as she looked at the sky. “We have been out much longer than I planned. Mrs. Moore will worry if we are too late getting back.”
“What?” Rebecca remarked absently, then looked up as well. “Oh, yes! I see what you mean.” Hurrying to gather her several sketches, she quickly tucked them into her notebook and stood with a joyous smile. “This has been a wonderful day. Thank you, Elizabeth!”
“You are quite welcome, but we should hurry. If Mrs. Moore sends someone out looking for us, his lordship is sure to find out and then we shall be in for it!”
Rebecca froze in horror. “Do you think he will find out?”
“There is no need to worry; but we should hurry all the same.”
Gathering their things, they started back to Everton, making good time with the help of their downhill course. Soon they were approaching the first scattered trees that marked the edge of the forest.
Elizabeth looked to the sky again, gauging the sun's position. With any luck, they would be home and dressed for dinner before anyone would have time to be alarmed. She made a mental note to talk with Mrs. Moore. It had been an innocent venture, but all the same, it was probably best not to bring it to Lord Grissholm's attention. Not that it really mattered for herself, she thought ruefully. She would be leaving soon anyway; but she did not want to make things any more difficult for Rebecca.
Coming around a bend in the path, Elizabeth came to a sudden halt causing Rebecca to bump into her.
“Elizabeth! What are you do-ing…” Rebecca's voice trailed away as she followed Elizabeth's frozen gaze.
“Lord Grissholm.” Elizabeth made a nervous curtsey. “What a surprise to see you! We were just on our way home. Are you on your way to Everton as well?”
She knew he was not. If the look on his face had not told her as much, the fact that he was holding the reins of a gig instead of his great black horse would have been enough.
“No, Miss Bennet, I am not. I am looking for a pair of females who have foolishly gone out alone.”
“Really, my lord,” Elizabeth bristled. “I do not see the harm in a pleasant walk.”
“Please get into the carriage, madam. Rebecca.”
Elizabeth wanted to say more, but the look of devastation on Rebecca's face stopped her. She would not do anything more to anger the viscount as Rebecca would surely feel the repercussion.
The gig was barely large enough for the three of them, but small enough to negotiate the path through the forest. The canopy of treetops overhead filtered the sun's rays, casting a gloomy light all around. Elizabeth could not decide if the unease she felt was from the lack of sunlight or the man sitting next to her, but the sudden darkness of the forest made her more than a little glad they had not been obliged to walk through it.
The small coach sailed through the forest with breakneck speed. Somewhat alarmed, Elizabeth looked to Lord Grissholm who sat between the two women. He seemed unaware of anything but the road ahead. She then looked to Rebecca, sorry that she could not be next to her and offer some comfort. The girl was gripping the edge of the carriage with both hands, eyes closed in terror. Just then, the gig found a rut, jostling its passengers violently. Rebecca stifled a cry and Elizabeth winced in pain as something hard struck her hip. Looking down, she was surprised to see the handle of a pistol jutting out from beneath Lord Grissholm's coat. The viscount glanced down in time to see the shocked look on Elizabeth's face, but his only response was to quickly close his coat over the pistol and flick the horse to a faster pace.
When they emerged from the forest, Lord Grissholm slowed the horse somewhat, still keeping a brisk pace which did not encourage conversation. Not that Elizabeth was eager for any. She rubbed her bruised hip, wondering why he would be carrying a weapon and why he would be out looking for them at all. He was obviously displeased, but she would not let Rebecca take any blame for their breach of conduct; not if she could help it.
Coming to a stop in front of the manor, Lord Grissholm wordlessly handed the reins to the waiting footman and helped the ladies down, then led them up the steps. Elizabeth was reminded of the day she had come to Everton and first ascended these very steps. She was confident that she would only see them once more – as she was leaving. Reaching the main hall, she was startled from her thoughts when Lord Grissholm suddenly turned and addressed them.
“Rebecca, you look a fright. Freshen up before you come to dinner. Miss Bennet, come to my study. I would have a word with you.”
“Of course, my lord,” Elizabeth answered quietly as Rebecca scurried away. “I have something to say as well.”
“This way, if you please.”
He took Elizabeth's elbow and steered her down another hallway. Although he was by no means pleased with her recent behavior, he was happy to find that she no longer flinched at his touch. Her arm sat comfortably in his hand as he guided her to his study and sat her in a chair near the hearth. His happiness, however, was fleeting, and his satisfaction dissolved into an impatient sigh when he saw the familiar, obstinate lift of her chin.
“Miss Bennet, I wish to discuss your position here at Everton – and with Rebecca.”
“My lord, I realize that after my, um, display yesterday, I have not met your expectations of a companion for Rebec, I mean, Miss Ballard; but I pray you do not allow it to reflect upon her. Our outing today was entirely my doing. She has done nothing wrong.”
“Miss Bennet…”
“I know she should have been doing things more befitting a lady, but it was such a beautiful day and it seemed a pity to waste it in…”
“Miss Bennet, it is not the fact that you went out for a picnic. It is that you went alone.”
“But I walk alone quite often at home. I cannot see why that should be such a problem.”
“I will tell you why that is a problem, madam!” Grissholm exploded in a tightly controlled anger. “You are not in Hertfordshire, you are in Cumberland. If you were not so confoundedly independent, you might have taken the time to enquire as to the appropriate route for your outing this afternoon and not place my ward and yourself in danger.”
“Danger? It seemed harmless enough. Grey's Fell is not so steep as to be any real danger.”
“Have you considered there are other dangers besides the possibility of taking a fall? Imagine my concern when – directly upon returning from a meeting with my neighbors to discuss the problem of a band of Irish gypsies in the neighborhood – I find the two ladies under my protection have gone out on a picnic – alone! Are you familiar with Irish gypsies, Miss Bennet? Have you any idea what they might do to a young woman they find alone and unprotected? The gypsies were seen within that very forest not three days ago!”
Elizabeth paled, thinking of their wild ride and the pistol Lord Grissholm had carried. “I had no idea.”
“That much is obvious,” Grissholm said coldly. “You and Rebecca were very fortunate this afternoon.”
“Thank you, my lord, for coming after us. I am very sorry for the inconvenience I have caused. If you will tell me what arrangements have been made, I shall pack my things.”
“Arrangements? Pack? What are you talking about?”
“Considering my impertinence yesterday and my reckless care for Miss Ballard's safety today, I naturally assumed that I would be leaving.”
“You are not leaving.”
“But, sir, you said you wanted to discuss my position here.”
“I do. Until now, your duties have been confined to that of Rebecca's companion. There is now a need for additional responsibilities. I am having a dinner party in three weeks and she will need to learn her duties as a hostess. It will not be a large affair – something small and private. Just enough to give her a taste of what will be expected of her in the future. Are you able to instruct her in this?”
Elizabeth was stunned. “A dinner party? Then I am not dismissed?”
“Of course not. Your questionable – shall we say conduct –
of yesterday and today are forgotten,” Grissholm gave her a crooked smile, but the eyes beneath his arched brows were serious. “However, I will not tolerate any repetition of these failings. There are certain standards expected of all the members of my household – you included, Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth's head was spinning. His forbearance was beyond anything she ever expected from him. She was not dismissed! There was yet time to ensure Jane's happiness! He had forgiven her impertinence and reckless behavior. How was this possible? Her heart swelled with relief and gratitude.
“Well, Miss Bennet?” Grissholm called her back to the conversation. “Is it possible for you to have Rebecca ready for a taste of society in three weeks' time?”
“Yes, Lord Grissholm, Rebecca is still very shy in company, but I believe she is up to the challenge. I would be happy to assist her.”
“Your – enthusiasm – is appreciated. Now that that is settled, I am sure you are wanting to prepare for dinner.”
Grissholm held out his hand to Elizabeth and helped her to her feet, holding on to her hand a bit longer than would have been considered polite; but she was too happy at the unexpected turn of events to notice the liberty he had taken or the shrewd smile that tugged at his mouth when she did not pull away.
Chapter 16
Rising from her chair, Kitty stifled an impatient groan as she went to fluff her mother's pillows for the fifth time in almost as many minutes. Jane gave her sister an understanding smile and turned her gaze back to the view outside their mother's bedroom window. A great sense of loss tore at her heart as her eyes followed the path winding through the rose garden below. She could not stop her mind from reliving those moments when she and Mr. Bingley had walked that path a few short weeks earlier.
He had very nearly declared himself, and she had been too afraid of being hurt by his impetuous nature to encourage it. If only things had turned out differently, perhaps his affection would have proved true. But she would never find out now that the cruel, ruinous gossip had reared its ugly head. She stared pensively at the roses, their faded and wilted state seeming to reflect her family's own declining fortunes.
Jane's melancholy thoughts were interrupted as Kitty dropped back into her chair with a discontented sigh. Jane sighed as well. A dreadful gloom had settled over the entire household.
As if realizing she was no longer the object of their attention, Mrs. Bennet gave a low protracted wail and began her catalog of ills once again.
“What a dreadful state I am in, my dears – I am frightened out of my wits; and have such tremblings, such flutterings all over me; such spasms in my side, and pains in my head, and such beatings at heart, that I can get no rest by night nor by day.”
“Do not distress yourself so, Mama,” Jane reassured her in a calming tone as she moved to the chaise where her mother lounged amidst the lace and ribbons of her dressing gown. “Uncle will be here in a few days and he will know what is to be done.”
“Oh, I do hope so, for I cannot bear this much longer. That your father should be so ill was bad enough, and now to have such a calamity be brought upon us by my own daughter! I told your father she was always far too independent for her own good, but he would do nothing to curb her! And now look at us! We are shunned by all– not one visitor this whole week save your Aunt Phillips.” The recollection of their degraded social standing brought on a fresh volley of moans. “Oh, it is too much, too much indeed!”
“Perhaps some fresh air will help you feel better,” Jane suggested.
“I do not want any fresh air,” her mother muttered crossly.
“We could see how your new jasmine and honeysuckle plantings are doing,” Jane pressed softly. Trying to lift her mother out of the mire of self-pity was a necessity if she were going to retain any sanity at all, and her mother's pride in her carefully-planned gardens was the only thing she could think of that would rouse sufficient interest. “A turn in the garden would help, I am sure. Kitty and I will help you dress.”
Drawing her mother up in spite of the half-hearted protests, Jane motioned for Kitty to bring some fresh clothes. Together, they worked quickly, Jane coaxing and praising her mother in the distracting manner she employed with her young cousins.
They were very nearly done when Hill knocked at the door and announced there was a visitor downstairs. Surprised at the announcement, all three women stopped what they were doing and turned to the housekeeper in unison.
“A visitor? Who is it?” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed with a mixture of wonder and anxiety.
“It's Mr. Bingley, ma'am. He's waiting in the parlor.”
They all stared at Hill in stunned silence. In the next moment, Jane saw her mother's dark despairing mood transform into an air of pure ecstasy.
“Hill, tell Mr. Bingley we shall be down directly,” her mother quickly instructed the housekeeper, then gleefully snatched the shawl from Jane's outstretched hands. “Oh, Jane! We are saved! Look smart, my dear; and pinch your cheeks a little for you look quite pale. You must look your best.”
“Mother,” Jane's voice held a note of disapproval, “I am sure Mr. Bingley has come for another reason altogether.”
“That may be or not. The point is, he has come. And there is a possibility that he is ignorant of our troubles. If you could get him to propose right away, there may be some hope for us yet.”
“No!” cried Jane, stepping back in horror. “I could never do such a thing to him.”
“You must do as I say,” there was a desperate, almost hysteric edge to her mother's voice. “It is the best chance we have of keeping this family from total ruin, no thanks to your sister. Would you break my heart as well? Now come along, Mr. Bingley is waiting!”
With trepidation, Jane silently followed her mother down the stairs and into the parlor where Mr. Bingley was found waiting with an anxious smile upon his face. At their entrance, he eagerly stepped forward to be received. Her mother did not waste a moment in welcoming him.
“My dear Mr. Bingley, how good it is to see you!”
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Kitty…Miss Bennet. I hope you are all well.”
An attractive blush washed over Jane's face as soon as Mr. Bingley spoke her name, effectively dismissing any concern her mother might have had for the state of her complexion.
“Well enough, Mr. Bingley, well enough.” Mrs. Bennet replied, encouraged more than ever by his warm greeting. “It is so good of you to visit us. Do sit down.”
“Thank you, ma'am.” He cast a cautious glance in Jane's direction before sitting. “And may I enquire after Mr. Bennet?”
“He is much better, thank you; although not as well as we would like. His speech is still very much impaired and he has not yet regained the use of his limbs.” Mrs. Bennet allowed a small, martyred smile to cross her face before brightening visibly. “And what of you, sir, have you been away – to London perhaps? We have not seen you for some days now.”
“Mary and I saw him just yesterday, Mama,” Kitty declared. “In the village. Did we not, Mr. Bingley?”
Mrs. Bennet shot her daughter a quelling glance.
“What did I say?!” Kitty complained. “It is the truth!”
“Yes, so it is, Miss Kitty,” Bingley smiled a little nervously. “On the square, I believe. I was very happy to see you both.”
There was an awkward lapse in the conversation as Mrs. Bennet appeared to be re-ordering her thoughts. Mr. Bingley cleared his throat quietly and studied the handle of his walking stick. Jane blushed again, hoping Mr. Bingley did not comprehend that Kitty's unwanted interruption had mired her mother's original plan, whatever it had been.
At last, Mrs. Bennet seemed to have found a new direction and pursued it enthusiastically.
“And have you done much fishing since your return?” she inquired.
“Fishing? Er…why…no, ma'am…I have not. I…that is to say, I have yet to learn the best spots at Netherfield.”
“I am not certain what you have at Nethe
rfield Park, sir; but Mr. Bennet could tell you, if he were able, that we have the best spot in the county for trout right on our very own property. Yes, we do!”
Jane was mortified at her mother's effusive liveliness, but Mr. Bingley seemed not to notice.
“I am happy to hear that,” he answered. “I shall ask Mr. Bennet if he is willing to show me the spot as soon as he recovers.”
“Oh, no! You must try it out now, for the season is at its peak. It is not known when Mr. Bennet will recover enough for such an outing. Jane and Kitty can show you the way. It is a charming spot on the river just before it turns toward the village.”
“I would not want to inconvenience the ladies,” Bingley stammered.
“Nonsense! They would love an outing on such a lovely day. Right, girls?”
“Mama,” her mother's transparent maneuvers brought a deeper color to Jane's cheeks, “perhaps Mr. Bingley does not have the time for such an endeavor.”
“Oh, but I do!” Bingley replied quickly, holding Jane's embarrassed gaze. “As a matter of fact, I have all afternoon.”
Jane looked to her mother and saw her beaming with the satisfaction of a job well done. She could do nothing but agree to the outing. It only took a few minutes for Jane and Kitty to retrieve their bonnets, and then their mother was joyfully waving them off at the front door.
The party left the gates of Longbourn and traveled along the lane toward Meryton at a leisurely pace. After nearly ten minutes, Bingley began to despair of having any opportunity to speak with Jane privately. The time had been passed in stilted conversation as Kitty commented on the weather and other trivial subjects while he and Jane offered what little observations they could bring to mind.
Things improved, however, when they left the lane and turned toward the river, following a path which divided Longbourn's lands from those of Lucas Lodge. Kitty begged leave to visit Maria Lucas. When Jane hesitated a moment too long, Kitty hurried off across the field before she could be told no. Looking to Mr. Bingley with a nervous smile, Jane slowly walked on in silence.