by Jann Rowland
The visit continued for some time, though the words exchanged were strained, no doubt due to the mean-spirited attack. Elizabeth affected a nonchalance and endeavored to speak with her friends much the same as she ever had. Clara continued to glare at Miss Russell and Miss Campbell, and for their parts, Miss Russell’s aura of disdain for Elizabeth never diminished, though Miss Campbell had the sense to hide her feelings from the group.
At length, the two ladies whose presence had become unwelcome rose to depart, leaving behind six relieved women. No sooner were they out of the room than Clara vented her displeasure.
“Those odious chits!” exclaimed she. “How dare they come into my house and attack my friends!”
“Do not concern yourself, Clara,” said Elizabeth. “I was uninjured by their barbs. The only thing they accomplished was to make themselves appear more than a little ridiculous.”
“They are not usually this spiteful,” said Miss Allen softly. “I am usually happy to be in their company, but at times they speak when they would best remain silent.”
Miss Grant snorted, her disdain evident. “The only reason you do not hear more of their vitriol is because they are often circumspect in your presence. They know you do not appreciate it, so they restrain themselves.”
Miss Allen appeared to be more contemplative than surprised.
“Apparently, they did not feel the need to do so today,” said Fiona.
“Or their worse natures got the better of them,” responded Clara. “It will be some time before I invite either of them into my house again, I assure you.”
“Their behavior was reprehensible, of course,” said Miss Grant, turning her gaze on Elizabeth. “But I am curious. It is said that Mr. Darcy is courting you, Miss Bennet. I understand if you do not wish to confirm or deny, but his behavior is enough to set tongues wagging, as he has always been most circumspect in showing attention to any young lady.”
Elizabeth could feel her cheeks blooming, a problem exacerbated even more when Olivia, who had fallen silent when she recognized the hostility in the room, blurted: “Of course he is! He likes her very much and can hardly take his eyes off her when he calls!”
“Olivia!” exclaimed Elizabeth. The other ladies only laughed, though it was with true mirth, rather than any spite.
“Oh, come, Elizabeth,” said Clara, true amusement flowing off her. “We have all witnessed his attentions and heard of his calls to Kingsdown. You must allow us our curiosity, though we will attempt to restrain our jealousy.”
“I assure you that I am not being courted,” replied Elizabeth. “You may lay your envy aside.”
“Having only met Mr. Darcy,” said Fiona, “you cannot understand his previous behavior or his legendary reticence. Though we are teasing, nothing we say is not the absolute truth.”
“And you must understand the jealousy,” added Miss Grant. “Though we are not gauche enough to behave as those two harpies did, still we all feel it, at least a little. Can we be blamed? Mr. Darcy is handsome,” Miss Grant began to tick the points off on her fingers, “kind, he possesses a great estate and a mighty fortune—which is rumored to be only part of his wealth—and we have all dreamed of claiming his attention for our own. But you come to Derbyshire, an unknown relation of a minor landowner—I am sorry, Miss Drummond, but it is the truth—and steal all his attention away from us. Of course, we are jealous!”
The other ladies laughed, but they all nodded their agreement, including the restrained Miss Allen.
“In fact,” continued Miss Grant, humor and playfulness in her manner, “we have all wondered if perhaps there is some peer to whom you have a connection, or some elderly relation who will soon die and leave you fabulously wealthy which makes you so irresistible to Mr. Darcy.”
“I assure you,” said Elizabeth, desperate to end this mortifying conversation, “that I have none of these virtues to my name. I am naught but Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a country girl from a small estate in Hertfordshire.”
“Which makes it all that much more puzzling,” said Miss Grant.
Elizabeth decided at that moment she liked Miss Grant very well, indeed, though she had not truly known the woman previously. She wished that she would cease her teasing, but she thought that in essentials they were much alike, though Miss Grant appeared to be somewhat more cynical and much more vocal.
“I think it is because Miss Bennet does not behave any differently to Mr. Darcy than she does to anyone else,” opined Miss Allen quietly. “Mr. Darcy has no doubt had his share of fawning ladies, looking to garner his attention and, though Hillary stated it ineloquently, praising his sister, for nothing more than his benefit. But Miss Bennet treats everyone the same and does not give him any undue attention or flattery.”
The room was silent for a moment, as they all considered Miss Allen’s words. Then Clara said: “I believe Miss Allen might have the right of it.”
“It makes sense,” added Miss Grant, looking at Elizabeth with open speculation. “Most young ladies look at Mr. Darcy akin to how a starving man gazes on a fatted calf.”
Elizabeth could only laugh. “Including you?”
Miss Grant only waved her off. “My father was a close friend of Mr. Darcy’s, so I have known him for years. Neither Mr. Darcy nor myself sees the other in such a way.”
“I did not know,” replied Elizabeth. “I have not seen you at Pemberley, or speaking with Mr. Darcy, for that matter.”
A shrug was followed by: “We do not speak much. Since Mr. Darcy’s father died, we have been at Pemberley but rarely. We do exchange some words on occasion, but as I said, we do not really interest each other.”
“Not like our Elizabeth interests Mr. Darcy,” said Clara with a sly look at Elizabeth.
It was time to put an end to this talk. “I would remind you all that there is nothing between Mr. Darcy and myself. There is no courtship, and he has not approached my uncle. Please do not create rumors, for I am certain there are more Miss Russells in the district, and I would not wish to give them a reason to despise me.”
“I suppose we should end our teasing,” said Fiona, though her look clearly showed that she enjoyed it. “But you must excuse us if we continue to envy.”
The laughter produced by this statement lured Elizabeth into responding in like fashion. By the time Elizabeth and Olivia left Heath Hill, she was on a first name basis with all the ladies present. But the incident taught Elizabeth an important lesson. There would be detractors—particularly should Mr. Darcy’s intentions continue or even intensify—and she would need to have her entire arsenal of wit and composure with her to deflect their jealousy.
Chapter XVI
A more idyllic spring Elizabeth had never passed, and though she missed her family, she was quite content to be in Derbyshire. There was something magical about the place, she decided, and though she knew she would be required to return to her father’s home eventually, she thought she would be quite happy to remain in Derbyshire for the rest of her life, if the opportunity presented itself.
Her father, never a great correspondent, exerted himself to write on occasion, though his letters were long overdue and shorter than Elizabeth might have wished, as was his custom. She did not receive anything from Jane, whose absence Elizabeth still felt keenly, or Mary, from whom she had not expected to receive anything, but Kitty and Lydia’s letters were full of comments about the officers, parties, dances, and other such frivolities, and her mother’s were often nothing more than ill-concealed attempts to induce Elizabeth to inform her if she had found a man willing to propose to her. Elizabeth still enjoyed them, regardless of how frustrating they sometimes were.
But though there was always work to be done at Kingsdown and her aunt continued to be distant and disapproving, there was still more than enough society for Elizabeth’s taste. Her friendships with the young ladies of the area were becoming closer the longer she lingered at her uncle’s home, and she thought they were friendship
s she would keep for the rest of her life, even after she returned to her father’s home.
She and Olivia were also becoming very close to Georgiana Darcy, who was a sweet and angelic soul, and who often reminded Elizabeth of Jane. The three young ladies often visited each other at their homes, Georgiana even gathering the courage to visit Kingsdown on occasion. As her aunt was still a source of frustration, Elizabeth and her cousin preferred it that way, as they did not wish to subject the young woman to the bitter elder woman.
Mr. Darcy’s attentions, however, grew apace, and soon he could be found at Kingsdown several times a week. He was agreeable to them all, but it was clear—even to Elizabeth’s eyes, determined, as she was, to avoid hoping unreasonably—that he came to see her. He would sit with her, speaking of literature, music, or any other subject which crossed their minds, or they would walk out on the pathways of the estate. Olivia was usually claimed as their chaperone, and the girl was happy enough for Elizabeth that she was pleased to provide this service for them. It was especially surprising to Elizabeth that Mr. Darcy did not simply walk and allow her to tail behind them—rather, he would often speak to her and ask her opinion. The first time this happened, Olivia was almost overcome with awe and shock.
“What say you, Miss Drummond?” asked Mr. Darcy.
It was clear Olivia had been caught by surprise. Elizabeth herself wondered what was happening, for she had not thought that Mr. Darcy had truly even noticed Olivia’s presence, so focused he had been on Elizabeth.
“I-I beg your pardon?” Olivia managed to stammer in reply.
“Miss Bennet and I were just speaking of my offer to teach her—and you—to ride, and I suggested we begin next week. Will that be agreeable to you?”
It was quite clear that Olivia had expected to be ignored. For her part, Elizabeth was not certain if she should be pleased that Mr. Darcy was thoughtful enough to include her young cousin in their conversation or annoyed that her suitor’s attention was not fixed solely on her.
“I am happy with whatever Lizzy decides,” said Olivia, after a long pause.
“Have you much experience?” asked Mr. Darcy, his tone soft and kindly, designed to persuade her to speak. “Your cousin informs me that she has some experience, though she will likely need practice before she is proficient.”
“I have only ridden once or twice, Mr. Darcy,” replied Olivia, the beginning of a shy smile appearing on her face. “I am afraid I will be a much more difficult pupil than my cousin. She is capable of anything; I do not have her courage, I am afraid.”
“You do not deserve such censure, and I do not deserve such praise,” said Elizabeth, wondering why her cheeks suddenly felt so hot. “You are capable of a great deal, Olivia. You simply need to have confidence in your own abilities.”
Mr. Darcy watched her gravely. “In fact, I am of the same mind as you, Miss Drummond, though I also agree with Miss Bennet. She is capable of anything to which she puts her mind.” He turned to Olivia. “But I am certain that you are capable of great fortitude as well.”
Elizabeth was certain they presented an amusing picture at that moment, for the man had prompted them both to blush at the same time!
“Come, Miss Bennet,” said Mr. Darcy, gathering her hand again and placing it on the crook of his arm, “let us speak more of this. Then you may help me as to the best method of teaching your cousin.”
“I have already owned to a lack of skill, Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth. “I cannot think how I would be in a position to advise you.”
“I am sure you are more than adequate, Miss Bennet,” replied Mr. Darcy. “You are, after all, capable of accomplishing anything, are you not?”
The teasing glint in the man’s eye forced Elizabeth to re-evaluate him. He was laughing at her.
“For shame, Mr. Darcy!” cried Elizabeth. “You are aware what you just caused, and you meant to do it!”
“I was reasonably assured of my ability with Miss Drummond,” replied Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth was annoyed to see that the man was positively smug. “You, however, are a much more difficult target, for your self-assurance is much more developed than Miss Drummond’s.”
This was not the only time Mr. Darcy spoke with Olivia during their walks. He would often speak with her, asking her opinion on various matters, asking her more of herself, of the things that brought her pleasure and little details of her life. Often, he also asked about Elizabeth, though Elizabeth wondered why the man did not ask her himself. Then she realized that he enjoyed hearing about her from another’s perspective. It prompted Elizabeth to ask of Georgiana for stories of her brother, but though Georgiana readily obliged, nothing she said could induce the man to respond with anything other than an indulgent smile.
The exception to this was, of course, his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. It was apparent the men had been close for many years, and that there was much undiscovered information to be gleaned from his stories of his cousin. It was also fortunate that Colonel Fitzwilliam was more than happy to oblige Elizabeth’s curiosity.
“You may not believe it, Miss Bennet,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam when Elizabeth asked, “but my cousin was actually quite a mischievous scamp when we were young.”
“Please, Fitzwilliam, I do not believe that Miss Bennet and Miss Drummond are interested in hearing of our escapades.”
“If she did not wish to hear, she would not have asked,” replied Colonel Fitzwilliam, and from his smirk Elizabeth knew he had no intention of obliging his cousin by remaining silent.
“Of course, I wish to hear,” said Elizabeth, directing a teasing grin at Mr. Darcy. At her side, Olivia and Georgiana watched with amusement, entirely unsuccessful in controlling their laughter.
“You should know, Miss Bennet,” said Mr. Darcy with an entirely straight face, “that Fitzwilliam is not to be trusted. He is known throughout our family as the bearer of tall tales. We have all learned to ignore him completely.”
“I’ll have you know that I never embellish,” replied Colonel Fitzwilliam with mock affront. Then he turned and winked at Georgiana and Olivia, prompting their giggles yet again. “At least not much, and never when it comes to stories of my youth. If I say that Darcy and I let loose a grass snake in the dining room of Pemberley, it is nothing more than the absolute truth!”
Mr. Darcy only glared at his cousin. “That was at your instigation. You were the one to receive a thrashing, as I recall.”
“That is only because you managed to convince your father that you were not involved. I seem to remember you actually catching the creature and then running when I began to put the plan into motion.”
“We should ask James the next time he is here. He would remember the sequence of events as I do.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam only waved his hand. “You cannot trust James. After all, he is naught but a viscount.”
“Snakes?” squeaked Olivia. Elizabeth had watched as she had listened to the conversation with growing horror, her eyes darting around the room nervously.
“Ah, you should not worry, Miss Drummond,” replied Colonel Fitzwilliam with evident amusement. “Darcy has long outgrown such childish pranks. Why, I do not believe he has brought a snake into the house in the last several weeks at least!”
Eyes round with fright, Olivia stared at him. Mr. Darcy, however, took pity on her, and after impaling his cousin with a withering glance, said: “Fitzwilliam is, as always, fond of a good yarn, Miss Drummond. There are no snakes in the house.”
“But do not go out by the lake,” said Georgiana with a laugh. “They seem to consider it their own particular domain.”
“You have snakes at Pemberley?” asked Olivia, aghast at what she was hearing.
“I believe snakes are found in many places,” said Elizabeth, grasping Olivia’s hand and squeezing it fondly. “Grass snakes are not harmful and will be more afraid of you than you are of them. Surely you have seen snakes about your father’s estate.”
“I
have,” said Olivia, shuddering uncontrollably. “But I always give them a wide berth.”
“Then you must do the same here.” Elizabeth turned back to Colonel Fitzwilliam—who was grinning at them as if he had never seen anything more diverting—and said: “For shame, sir. Bringing snakes into a house where young ladies might be frightened by them.”
But far from being repentant, Colonel Fitzwilliam only laughed. “As I recall, the thrashing I received was made worse by the fact that it was Darcy’s mother who discovered it. I never saw anyone jump so high as she did.”
“And you telling her that snakes could climb the chair she stood on to escape it did not help matters either,” said Mr. Darcy.
They all burst into laughter, even Olivia, though hers was hesitant. Colonel Fitzwilliam, however, was thoughtful. “I had forgotten about that. I thought Aunt Darcy would expire right on the spot.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam then turned to Elizabeth. “I must own to being intrigued, Miss Bennet. Our own Georgiana is quite used to snakes, though she will not go near them, and Miss Drummond appears to have quite the fear of them. But you do not seem to share your cousin’s aversion.”
“Snakes are not pleasant creatures, I will own,” said Elizabeth. “But I do not fear them, though I have a healthy respect for adders and other dangerous creatures. But the choice to use a snake of all things was quite poorly done, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Quite clumsy, in fact.”
It was clear Colonel Fitzwilliam did not quite know what to make of her assertion, but he gamely continued. “Your comments become more fascinating all the time. Do you have another opinion of the proper way to execute a good prank?”
“I have always preferred frogs, sir,” replied Elizabeth with exaggerated unconcern. “Frogs are even slipperier than snakes, and though ladies view them with revulsion, they do not fear for their lives.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam stared at her for a moment and then burst out laughing. “I suppose you have experience in the matter of using frogs for pranks?”