by Dixon, P. O.
Darcy continued staring outside the door in silence. Are my unguarded attentions to Elizabeth affording in her a sense of expectation? What was the point in denying it any longer? He wanted her. Of course, he would never have her. Never. Needing to see her, he turned to face the object of his ardent desire. She stood at a window on the far side of the ramshackle structure. How beautiful she is. It was all he could do not to stare.
Powerless to do otherwise, Darcy drifted to where she stood. He fought the urge to trace his fingers along the small of her back. Instead, he stood directly behind her. He clasped his hands behind his back lest his arms take on a mind of their own, reach out, and embrace her. Surely his lips would commence a slow, sweeping exploration of her long slender neckline as they had almost insisted upon doing in the carriage. Elizabeth turned to face him, rendering them even closer. They stared into each other’s eyes with intent.
Darcy’s former state once again threatened arousal. At length, he said, “The storm is letting up.”
Elizabeth nodded. She said nothing.
“Shall we head back to the inn?”
She bit her lower lip. “Perhaps we should.”
His hands still clutched behind his back, he moved aside and encouraged her to walk ahead of him. He silently moaned. It will not do. I must conquer this longing I suffer for this woman. Soon enough, the inn was in view, and Darcy assisted Elizabeth with the removal of his coat.
A stranger approached them. “The roads are impassable, good sir. If you and your lovely wife are planning to head south, I am afraid you would be better served to secure lodgings for the night.”
Darcy nodded in acknowledgment. Placing his fingers along her back, he escorted Elizabeth inside and led her to a comfortable seat by the fire. “I shall locate Richard and Mrs. Annesley and notify them of the change in plans.”
“Perhaps the roads are not as bad as all that. We might—”
Darcy knelt beside her and placed his finger upon her lips to hush her. Remembering himself, he removed it just as quickly. “Miss Elizabeth, I do not rely solely upon that gentleman’s account. You are in no condition to travel. Your things are wet. You are under my protection, and I will not have it said I did not deliver you safe and sound and well to your friends in Kent.”
~*~
Scantily attired in nothing more than her thin linen chemise, she paced back and forth before the blazing hot fire. Mr. Darcy’s behaviour had confounded her, but it was nothing in comparison to her own. What on earth had possessed her to trace her finger along his lips? Surely he must think I am wanton. Or even worse, that I mean to tempt him with my feminine arts and allurements when nothing can be further from the truth.
She ceased pacing and stared into the fire. Mr. Wickham’s words silently echoed throughout the room. “Her daughter, Miss de Bourgh, will have a very large fortune, and it is believed that she and her cousin will unite the two estates.” In light of what Mr. Wickham had said, what would be the point in Elizabeth’s foolish musings? In spite of my ridiculous cousin’s assertion that Miss de Bourgh is of a sickly constitution, what has that to do with precluding a match where there is the matter of combining two great estates?
She caught her breath. Does Mr. Darcy mean to dally with my affections knowing there can never be anything more between us owing to his obligations to his family?
I must stop this at once. I shall not assign nefarious intent to Mr. Darcy’s motives when I have nothing to blame but my own body’s traitorous responses to his every look, his every whisper, his every touch. Yes, he stares at me more often than not, but he is just as likely to be looking to find fault rather than as a means of pleasure.
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her shoulders. She immediately recalled the weight of his great coat draped about her and how wonderfully safe and protected it rendered her during the rainstorm. Most of all she remembered how pleasingly intoxicating it smelled—the scent of sandalwood and spice, which lingered on her body still.
Imagine the stranger assuming that Mr. Darcy and I are married. More than a few times after first seeing his magnificent estate in Derbyshire and studying his likeness in the gallery, she had imagined what it must be like to be mistress of Pemberley. That was before she met him and judged for herself that he was just as her family and Mr. Wickham had proclaimed him: haughty and proud and expecting that everyone connected with him should have an understanding of the first class.
His cousin is nothing like him. What is more, I actually like the colonel, and I think he likes me. Surely her time would be better spent dwelling upon what might be with the colonel, who despite being the son of an earl, could never be accused of anything dishonourable, as best she could tell.
Not long after the maid placed Elizabeth’s wet things before the fire to dry, Elizabeth was fully dressed once again. Feeling quite restless, she decided she would not have dinner in her room as Mr. Darcy had dictated, but she would seek the gentlemen’s company instead. Mr. Darcy is being overly cautious. If she were truly to get to know the colonel better, she planned to take advantage of whatever opportunities presented themselves over the coming days and weeks.
Once the innkeeper and the servant girl quit the private dining room where the gentlemen awaited their meal, the colonel set his ale aside and turned to his cousin. “I was not asleep the entire duration of our journey from town.”
“And you chose to pretend you were, because?”
“I wanted to see what you were about. Your behaviour towards Miss Elizabeth is such that I have never seen before. Why do you pretend to hold the young woman in contempt one moment, and the next you behave the jealous lover?”
Darcy huffed. “Without conceding to your outlandish characterisation of my behaviour, I will say were you privy to the unsettling knowledge of her family, you would understand.”
“You are very hard on her family in general when you spent but a few days in Hertfordshire. Perhaps you misjudged them.”
“What little time I spent in their presence was more than enough. The eldest daughter is a schemer. The mother is calculating. The three younger daughters are silly beyond compare.”
“What of the father?”
“I had no opportunity to make his acquaintance, but I can scarcely allow him to be any more tolerable than the rest of the lot. A father has a great deal of influence over the comportment of his family.”
Darcy went into some detail in accounting for his weariness where the people of Meryton in general were concerned, including how he had admonished his friend Charles Bingley against a most unfortunate alliance.
Why on earth would I allow myself a similar fate? He heard a creak just outside the door and he looked over and noticed it was left ajar by the attending servant. The last thing he needed was to be overheard. Darcy bolted from his chair and went to the door. He opened it. Elizabeth stood there with her hand poised to knock. “Miss Elizabeth.”
“Mr. Darcy.”
An awkward pause ensued. Darcy did not know what to make of her being there. “I thought you were having dinner in your room.”
“I decided I would rather not dine alone.”
“Of course, you are welcome to join us.” He stepped aside and allowed her to pass. Darcy did not know how to look or how to feel. How long has she been standing outside the door?
Chapter 11 ~ The Palings of Rosings Park
Finding it convenient, Darcy and Richard remained at the Parsonage with Elizabeth whilst the carriage conveyed Mrs. Annesley to her friends in the village. As soon as the driver returned, the gentlemen departed. Mr. Collins, who had prevailed upon his esteemed visitors to be allowed to accompany them, left also. Charlotte and Elizabeth made their way to the small parlour.
“I would say that Mr. Darcy is a great admirer of yours, my dear Eliza.”
“You would not say that if you really knew what he is like. I am afraid the gentleman barely tolerates me.”
“I believe you are quite mistaken. I believe Mr. Darcy is quite
taken with you. Have you ever considered what you perceive as a lack of tolerance is merely born of expectations of his family that will not allow him to admit his true feelings, even to himself?”
“Actually, I have given the matter no thought at all. Pray, what do you think of Colonel Fitzwilliam?”
“I think he is a fine gentleman. He is not as handsome and rich as Mr. Darcy. As a second son, I dare say he has no fortune at all. Why do you ask about him when the topic at hand concerns your feelings towards Mr. Darcy?”
“Charlotte, if I am to be honest, after all I had heard about him whilst in Hertfordshire, I was looking forward to meeting him. I found it hard to imagine he could be as bad as everyone said.”
“What is your opinion of him now that you have made his acquaintance?”
“On the whole, I am exceedingly puzzled. One minute he is charming and attentive. In another instance, he is cold and aloof. Then, too, whenever I recall how wretchedly he treated Mr. Wickham, I am reminded of his callous disregard for the feelings of others.”
“Dear Eliza, you must not allow Mr. Wickham’s opinion of Mr. Darcy to influence your thinking. I believe Mr. Darcy likes you very much. Surely you do not suppose he would have called on my husband and me. The gentleman I met in Hertfordshire would never have given himself the trouble. I would say he made an effort to remain in your company as long as possible.”
“Perhaps he meant to protect his cousin from being entangled by my feminine wiles.”
“Why would you accuse him of such a thing?”
“Colonel Fitzwilliam was the one who meant to stay at the Parsonage whilst Mrs. Annesley was conveyed to her friends in the village. Once Mr. Darcy learned of the colonel’s intentions, I suppose he decided it was best he keep an eye on his cousin. He went out of his way to make certain that the colonel and I spent no time alone on the journey from town.”
“You were under his protection. He might feel that way still.”
“My dear Charlotte, you are no stranger to my papa’s plans for my future marital felicity and what awaits me should I return to Longbourn with no prospects. If there is a chance in the world that I might find happiness with the colonel, I am obliged to remain open to it, am I not?”
“And what if the chance you seek is by way of Mr. Darcy?”
“Charlotte, do not be absurd.”
“It could happen.”
“As much as I like and respect Georgiana and believe we would be dear sisters, I do not entirely trust Mr. Darcy. I am exceedingly ill at ease when in his presence. I know he does not like my family. Then, there is the prospect of being Lady Catherine’s niece, which I simply could not abide.”
Charlotte held up her hand. “I think doth protest too much, dear Eliza. You have yet to meet Lady Catherine. Besides, is Lady Catherine not the colonel’s aunt as well?”
“True, I have not met her, but if I am to rely upon Mr. Wickham’s account, then I am certain of her character. She derives the worst part of pride in the notion of her being Mr. Darcy’s aunt, and she intends him for her own daughter. I suspect the colonel’s choice of a bride will be of no significance to her.”
“Again, Eliza, I would caution you against allowing your feelings towards Mr. Wickham to make you appear foolish before a man of Mr. Darcy’s standing, which is better than ten times Mr. Wickham’s consequence.”
~*~
Darcy and Richard barely took their seats before their aunt called them to task. “Why was there a delay in arriving, nephews? I was half tempted to dispatch a scouting party to recover you.”
“Lady Catherine, I assure you that would have been unnecessary. As you see, we have arrived, and we are no worse for the delay,” said Darcy.
“Yesterday, you were prudent to delay your departure, and in so doing, ensure your safe arrival, but that in no way excuses your tardiness in attending me today.”
The colonel rallied to his cousin’s defence. “I beg to differ, your ladyship. It was only fitting that we spend time with the Collinses once we surrendered Miss Bennet to their care.”
Collins squirmed under her ladyship’s sudden consideration. She said, “Yes, well, what is this I hear of her having relatives in Cheapside? I was of the belief that she hailed from the landed gentry.” She huffed. “My nephews accompanying a woman whose family has ties in trade—it is not to be borne.”
“Miss Bennet’s father is a gentleman,” said the colonel.
“I am no stranger to that bit of information. What does it signify?”
“Miss Elizabeth is a gentleman’s daughter. I—” Darcy looked at his cousin and corrected himself. “We are gentlemen. That makes us equals, does it not?”
“I should say it decidedly does not. Your mothers, both of them, are descendants of nobility. Who is her mother?”
Darcy stood, signalling an end to the discussion. “I dare say you will find Miss Elizabeth agreeable. You must, of course, judge for yourself. Pardon me, your ladyship.”
Mr. Collins stood to take his leave as well. “Pray, Mr. Collins, I wish to have a word with you before you return to the Parsonage.”
He bowed with great deference and then resumed his former attitude. “Yes, your ladyship. I am at your service.”
~*~
Collins returned to the Parsonage with such happy news, he could scarcely contain himself. Lady Catherine had invited them to dinner on the following day. His ranting had been profuse—his praise unfettered, for never had he expected such an honour for his fair cousin.
On the day of the auspicious occasion and at the appointed hour, they were shown into the drawing room where the Rosings party awaited them.
Elizabeth observed her surroundings with wonder. Despite its grand staircases and its rich antebellum and massive paintings, Rosings felt more like a mausoleum than a home. So, this is the manner in which Mr. Darcy’s esteemed aunt and his cousin, his presumed intended, live. I can only imagine the excitement in store for us this evening. Of course, the colonel will be here. That alone is cause for joy.
Before they enter the grand parlour, Mr. Collins seized hold of Elizabeth’s arm, thereby halting her progress. “I do not need to tell you to mind your manners and hold your tongue, dear cousin. As I told you before, her ladyship does not countenance insubordination.”
When they were shown into the room, Mr. Collins commandeered his wife and cousin to stand beside him before his noble patroness. The gentleman bowed deeply. The ladies curtsied.
Lady Catherine regarded her youngest guest from head to toe. “So, you are Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Yes, your ladyship, thank you for inviting me to your home.”
Introductions were made to Miss Anne de Bourgh and her companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, and the Hunsford party took their seats.
“My nephews shall join us momentarily. Until such time, I should like to know more about you, Miss Bennet. I understand you made my niece’s acquaintance when you visited Pemberley last summer with your aunt and uncle from Cheapside.”
“Yes, your ladyship, My Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.”
“And you wandered off on your own and happened upon my niece, Georgiana.”
“I suppose you might say that, your ladyship.”
“Well, how else would one describe the circumstances of your meeting my niece? I understand the two of you began corresponding regularly, and that is the basis for your friendship.”
“Our regular correspondence formed the basis for our amity; however, our intimacy has increased, owing to the time we spent together in town over the past weeks.”
The silver-haired aristocrat, who ought to have abandoned any notions of beauty decades ago, regarded Elizabeth with what looked like contempt. “How very convenient your alliance with my niece is for you.”
This inquisition is eerily similar to the one I suffered under your haughty nephew’s disapproving eyes. Elizabeth stiffened her back. What can any of this have to do with your ladyship?
“I hear you are quite delighted wit
h George Wickham! Are you aware he was the son of old Wickham, the late Mr. Darcy’s steward? Let me recommend you, for your own good, not to give confidence to any of his assertions of my nephew’s using him ill, for all such allegations are perfectly false. On the contrary, he has always been remarkably kind to him, though George Wickham has treated my nephew in a most infamous manner. I do not know the particulars, but I know very well that Darcy is not in the least to blame, and he cannot bear to hear George Wickham mentioned.”
Does her ladyship expect to influence me against the gentleman with such an unsubstantiated attack as this? I see nothing in it other than her own wilful ignorance!
Lady Catherine was by no means finished with the detailing of her account of Elizabeth’s affairs. Growing increasingly uncomfortable under her ladyship’s microscope, Elizabeth supposed there was only one person to thank for her current uneasiness. Charlotte is incapable of being such a nuisance. My cousin is not only ridiculous; he is also a busy little bee. He goes about spreading the word of the goings-on in Hertfordshire to someone as wholly connected to it as her ladyship.
Lady Catherine’s discourse was momentarily halted when Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam entered the room. Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief for the reprieve. Surely her ladyship must relish the prospect of lavishing her attentions upon her favourite nephew, Mr. Darcy. It is not often she has the opportunity to see him.
“Good you have joined us, nephews, although I cannot imagine what kept you. I have been getting better acquainted with Miss Bennet.” She turned to Elizabeth. “After dinner, I must insist that you play something for us, Miss Bennet, for music is my delight. There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient. And so would Anne, if her health had allowed her to apply. I am confident she would have performed delightfully.”