To her surprise, in attempting to formulate an answer, his cheeks blushed scarlet. After a pause, he simply replied, “I would like to think it is comfortable and inviting.”
She immediately sensed her mistake. After having previously accused him of vanity and excessive pride, he hardly felt comfortable extolling the virtues of his furnishings. She tried another tack. “The lake near your home sounds delightful. Do you utilize it much in the summer?”
“Yes, we do. It is large enough to swim in, and there is also fishing, although the stream that flows into it is better suited for that endeavor. We actually use the lake more in the winter. It almost always freezes over, and we skate upon the ice.” In the hope of taking the focus off himself, Darcy then added in a hurried manner, “Do you skate, Miss Bennet?”
“Actually, no, I have never tried. There is not much opportunity in this area for it.”
‘Well, you must learn; you cannot be at Pemberley in the winter without partaking in the exercise… I mean, that is to say, anyone who visits the area would find that it is a much-favored winter pastime.”
With her brow raised in challenge, she replied, “That and, apparently, billiards.”
Heartened by her response, he smiled back. “That reminds me; you never did tell me if you play.”
As their eyes locked, she detected movement at her elbow. Leaning in even closer, she whispered in a conspiratorial tone, “I am afraid, Mr. Darcy… that the main course is being served.” At that, she leaned back in a fluid motion to give the server room to exchange her plate. She did so while smiling broadly at Mr. Darcy and without breaking eye contact. After a moment, she turned her attention to Caroline Bingley. “Miss Bingley, the meal looks superb. I must extend my compliments.”
Darcy continued to stare at her with a faint smile on his lips as the server attended to his needs and the others began to eat. It was only after a few more minutes that he looked down at his food. He then addressed Charles and, by unwanted extension, Miss Bingley about the wedding plans. It was only after the main course was coming to a close that he saw the opportunity to again engage Elizabeth in intimate conversation.
“Miss Bennet, I have told you a great deal about my preferences for the outdoors, but you have not told me yours. Do you prefer Hertfordshire to the exclusion of other locations, or are you more at home in town?”
“I have not traveled extensively, but I would say that I prefer the country to the city. And while Hertfordshire is quite beautiful, I have a general desire to see as much of the rest of the country as possible. Until I do, I cannot say that I have a decided preference.”
“By your response, should I gather that you do not enjoy London?”
“I think my answer might mirror one you recently gave. I do enjoy London, but mostly because it contains within it people whom I love. My aunt and uncle reside there, and my time with them has always been pleasurable. As a result, town has a special appeal for me.”
“Are they your maternal or paternal relations?”
“I am afraid only Mr. Collins bears the distinction of a relationship on my father’s side of the family. My uncle Gardiner is my mother’s brother, although he is several years her junior and bears no other striking resemblance, either physically or by disposition. My aunt is closer to my age than not, and as a result, she is both a friend and a role model for my sister Jane and me.”
“Then she must be quite an extraordinary woman. Do you have the opportunity to visit them often?”
“Only on occasion. When I do, there is the added benefit that my uncle enjoys the theater and always takes us. The lure of that, added to the felicity of seeing my dearest family members, makes London a destination I would never willingly forgo. But my heart mostly resides in the countryside. Later this summer, I hope to have the best of both worlds. My aunt and uncle are planning to travel to the Lakes region and have invited me to join them. I am greatly anticipating that area’s beauty.”
“I have visited the Lakes on several occasions, and I think you will be justifiably impressed. But in the meantime, hopefully the beauty of Hertfordshire will be sufficient to entertain you. I remember from Kent that you enjoyed daily walks. Is that your custom at home?”
“Yes, I do try to walk out whenever I am able.”
“And where do you find the most pleasant vistas?”
“The walk to Oakham Mount is quite nice.”
Hoping he was not being too obvious, he then asked, “And when is it best to view?”
“I would say it is lovely at any time of the day, but as with the majority of elevations, it is most dramatic either early in the morning or before sunset.”
After an awkward silence befell them, Elizabeth was the first to speak. “Mr. Darcy, you said your sister is not at Pemberley. Is she in London?”
“No, actually, she is visiting Bath, but I expect her in London soon. She has expressed an interest in attending the wedding here. I am presently considering whether she should come.”
“And what have you decided?”
“Nothing at present. I need to give it more consideration.”
Puzzled by his behavior, she stated, “I would think the request is a simple one. What other factors need be considered?”
“In the past, I have learned that my responsibility to my sister is great. As a result, I endeavor to mediate with great seriousness any action that concerns her.”
Elizabeth’s reply was interrupted by the sound of Caroline clearing her throat. She stated that the ladies should retire, but before that occurred, she would be remiss in letting the announcement of her brother’s betrothals go by without acknowledgment. Caroline then said, “In honor of the occasion, I would ask Mr. Hurst to speak for our family.”
That gentleman’s surprise could not have been greater. He had barely been listening, and even the most disinterested observer could see his obvious confusion. It was clear to Elizabeth that Caroline had not notified Mr. Hurst of the honor she had assigned him. After several uncomfortable minutes, Mr. Hurst stated, “Yes, er, Charles, now that your engagement has been announced, may you be happy, and Miss… Bennet too.”
Elizabeth thought she heard an audible sigh of relief from Louisa Hurst when her husband correctly remembered Jane’s name. Seeing Caroline’s smug expression, Elizabeth knew that this had been accomplished by design and wondered at the other surprises she had in store for Jane during their long engagement.
To their added embarrassment, Elizabeth then heard her mother whispering to her father, in a voice clearly discernible in the foyer, that he should say something for their family as well. Her father’s voice was then clearly heard to say, “Fanny, that is enough. I will, but only if you promise to be quiet for the rest of the evening.” Elizabeth could feel the hot color rising to her face. Her father then said, “I believe that someone once said, that ‘Marriage is an evil that most men welcome.’ Given Mr. Bingley’s obvious enthusiasm for the affair, let us wish the couple every happiness.”
As everyone murmured their agreement, Elizabeth could not help but be mortified by her parents’ performance. But more than that, she was deeply grieved that the joy surrounding her sister’s impending wedding had not been recognized with the respect or reverence it warranted. Jane deserved better. To her surprise, she was roused from her sad reverie by Mr. Darcy’s voice. “Miss Bingley, I would hope that you would forgive my forwardness, but with your leave, I would like to add my wishes for Miss Bennet and Mr. Bingley’s happiness. I know that I am not actually a part of either of the two families represented here tonight, but I feel moved to add my own sentiments to what has been said.”
With a shocked expression upon her face, Caroline managed a perfunctory, “By all means.”
Darcy looked to Jane at one end of the table, and then to Charles. “I wish you both the joy you deserve. Charles, while I have not always warranted your friendship, I have always required its steadfast support. I count myself lucky to call you my friend, and nothing could give m
e greater pleasure than to see you happy. I know that with Miss Bennet as your wife, your contentment is guaranteed. While Petrarch warned that ‘rarely do beauty and great virtue dwell together,’ Charles, you have found the exception that proves the rule. I have seldom seen a couple more suited to each other. Your even temperaments and genial dispositions make you ideal partners, and your obvious affection and regard seem destined to secure your happiness. I am doubly blessed to know you both, because through Charles’s great fortune, I have undeservingly acquired a most gracious friend as well. My wishes for a long and happy life together.”
As the women abandoned their chairs and began to move toward the drawing room, Darcy took Jane’s hand and bestowed a warm kiss upon it. He then bowed to Elizabeth, who gave him a dazzling smile. But before he could speak to her, Caroline Bingley interceded. Having been thwarted at dinner, she was not to be deterred now. She moved between them and exclaimed, “Mr. Darcy, that was so lovely. It was very thoughtful of you to speak. Your kindness to my brother is exemplary. It was also nice of you to mention our dear Jane. But enough of this! We will leave you to enjoy yourselves.”
Another opportunity to speak to Elizabeth did not arise, but as he watched her carriage drive away at the end of the evening, his heart was full. He knew that whether sleep came easily or not, his dreams would be pleasant.
Chapter 14
BOUNDARY LINES
The day after the Bennets dined at Netherfield, Darcy woke early and went to the stables. As his horse was saddled, he asked the groomsman for directions to Oakham Mount. He was not sure if Elizabeth would have understood his intentions in asking about her favorite walks, but he planned to wait there in case she did. He was buoyed by their easy interaction at dinner the night before and hoped to continue in that vein.
As he waited for her, he reviewed their troubled history and tried to make out her present state of regard for him. He knew that she no longer held him in contempt and had, in fact, forgiven him his prior mistakes. He also thought that as their relationship had slowly progressed, she had noticed the changes he had attempted in response to her reproof. As a result, he felt that she now thought of him as a friend and did not find his company a burden. During dinner, he had felt, at times, that she had enjoyed herself and that she looked at him with some affection, but he was not sure if that was her overriding opinion of him, or if she were just displaying the warm regard of friendship that she might bestow on any companion. He knew he should be grateful for her friendship; a few weeks ago he would have thought it unimaginable. But no matter how much he appreciated the progress they had made, it was not enough, and he longed to have her for his own. He just needed to remind himself that the path to that goal needed to be tread with caution and patience. As he waited for her, and she failed to appear, he attempted to keep that thought in the forefront of his mind. Despite the beauty of the sunrise, he returned in a sullen mood. As he reentered Netherfield, he was immediately accosted by Caroline Bingley, who had apparently just risen.
“Mr. Darcy, I see you are returning from a ride about the grounds. How industrious. As always, your timing is impeccable. You can join me for breakfast. You must be famished from the exercise.”
“Actually, Miss Bingley, I ate before I left and am quite content. May I inquire, though, is your brother about? I wanted to speak to him about his visit today to Longbourn.”
“I saw him talking with his steward just now. But there is no rush, sir. His solicitor is visiting this morning, so he will not be scurrying off to Longbourn today. I am sure you would agree that his constant visits there are rather unsightly. While his engagement is now public knowledge, there is still no reason to act the lovesick puppy over it. There are appearances to consider.”
Trying to mask his disappointment that his second plan to see Elizabeth was also unworkable, Darcy simply replied, “Oh, I see.”
“Yes, I, for one, am quite relieved that we will all be together for a change, without the burden of entertaining the entire neighborhood in the process. I am certainly exhausted from the spectacle of last night’s socializing, if you can call it that. I am determined that today we will have a more genteel environment. It will just be our party, with perhaps the addition of Charles’s solicitor. I am planning a special menu for us.” Batting her eyelash, she added, “Do you have any preferences, sir, that I could satisfy?”
Thinking quickly, he replied, “Actually, Miss Bingley, I see that your brother and I have the same idea. I desperately need to catch up on my estate business as well. I plan to lock myself in the library and give myself over to it completely. As a result, I am sorry to say that I will be unable to lunch with you. Please accept my apologies.”
“But, Mr. Darcy, you cannot work all day. I will not hear of it. You will make yourself sick.”
“Thank you for your concern, but I will be fine. But if you insist, I will not work the whole of the day. Before sunset, I will take another ride to clear my head.”
Flattered that he had taken her advice, she nonetheless added, “But, sir, in the meantime, you must eat.”
“If I require anything, with your leave, I will order a tray brought to me.”
“Why, of course. I will instruct Chef myself to await your orders. But could you not join us for just a small visit?”
“I am afraid that if I do not attend to the mountain of correspondence awaiting me, I will eventually have to cut my visit short.”
Torn between the hope of immediate gratification and long-term success, Miss Bingley finally relented. “I will instruct the staff to be at your disposal. But would you not be more comfortable in the parlor?”
“Thank you, no. If Charles is meeting with his steward and then his solicitor, I would be in his way. If I may use the library, it would be more than sufficient.”
With sickly sweet solicitude, she replied, “By all means, it is yours.”
***
Elizabeth awoke from her dreams a little startled over their content. Mr. Darcy had figured prominently in all of them, and their vivid nature made her blush. Her mind immediately traveled back to the events of the previous evening. She had to admit he had been a most charming dinner partner, and she had enjoyed his company exceedingly. While she had clearly enjoyed herself, she wondered how he had perceived the evening. As she began to dwell on the various things he had said and the manner in which he had said them, she chastised herself for her foolishness. She then vowed to put such thoughts aside and concentrate on dressing. For once her mother’s meddling had turned to her advantage. As a result, she would more than likely see him again today, and when she did, she could judge for herself.
On the previous night’s carriage ride home from Netherfield, her mother had waxed on about the courtesies that the Bingleys had shown them at dinner. She insisted that she needed to return the favor by hosting the Netherfield party at Longbourn as soon as possible, to show her own good breeding. She settled upon the idea that she would extend the invitation to Mr. Bingley herself when he visited in the morning. When Jane let her mother know that the gentleman’s business concerns would keep him at Netherfield for the whole of the day, she determined that Jane would have to call on Miss Bingley to personally extend the invitation. Despite Jane’s pleas, her mother would not relent.
“Jane, it is not as if I am sending you there alone. Lizzy or Mary can go with you. I am sure neither of them have plans of their own. If you do not see Mr. Bingley, then you can invite him through Miss Bingley. You will simply have tea and come home. If you see him, all the better.”
“But, Mama,” Jane begged, “we will surely see him on the following morning. Can we not wait and invite him then?”
“No, it will be too late; I want them to dine with us the day after tomorrow. No, you and one of your sisters can take the carriage tomorrow as early as it is appropriate.”
With a panicked look on her face, Mary said, “But, Mama, I am far too busy with my studies to ignore them again tomorrow. I have already wasted th
e whole of last night.”
Exasperated, Mrs. Bennet spat, “Fine, Mary, stay at home. It is unimportant which of you goes. Lizzy can do it. But, Lizzy, do not go walking all over the countryside beforehand. I don’t want you looking like some wild creature. You would be wise to take a lesson from Miss Bingley. Her appearance is always impeccable.” Elizabeth nodded her assent. While she had planned to walk to Oakham Mount in the morning, she had to admit that her mother’s idea to accompany Jane was not without merit.
When Jane and Elizabeth were announced, Caroline Bingley could barely control her temper. The day was definitely not turning out as she had planned. After venting her frustration to her sister, Louisa, she prepared to greet her visitors with cold civility. She would entertain them for as little time as possible and then ship them off before Charles learned of their presence and prolonged her agony. After pleasantries were exchanged and tea served, Jane once again thanked them for the kindness that they had shown them the previous evening and extended the dinner invitation that her mother had requested.
Elizabeth tried to hold her tongue as she watched Caroline formulate an answer. Her superior attitude was truly difficult to accept. That Caroline had the audacity to treat Jane with contempt, when she should be grateful that Jane did not hold a grudge toward her for all of her previous scheming, made her smugness unforgivable. For Jane’s sake, however, Elizabeth attempted to stay quiet.
Looking bored, Caroline replied, “Thank you for the compliment. I will have to check our social calendar to see if we can fit it in. But I do not mean to keep you; I will just send a note.”
Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman Page 19