A Life Apart

by Harriet Knowles

  Mr. Bingley bowed extravagantly. “Mrs. Darcy! I cannot tell you how delighted I am to meet you at last! You are very good for my friend. I have never seen him look so well.”

  Elizabeth curtsied. “I am delighted to make your acquaintance, sir.”

  She was introduced to his sisters and brother-in-law. She might have been intimidated at their supercilious expressions, had William not warned her, but she was able to smile sweetly at them and not let it distress her.

  “You are very welcome. Perhaps you would care to come through and meet some of my family who are dining here for the first time.”

  There was a discernible sniff from Miss Bingley, but she ignored it, although she could feel the anger from William.

  Entering the drawing room, she smiled at her family. “It appears we have some extra guests for dinner! Might I introduce one of Mr. Darcy’s great friends, Mr. Bingley?”

  She watched with great satisfaction as Mr. Bingley appeared to be utterly smitten at first glance. Jane, also, blushed prettily on being introduced.

  “Miss Bennet, I am most honoured to meet you!” Mr. Bingley barely glanced at her aunt and uncle, or Georgiana and Richard, and Elizabeth could feel the smugness of William as he stood beside her.

  Richard drew the superior sisters away to sit with him and Georgiana, and Elizabeth was able to sit with her aunt and apologise in a low voice for the intrusion.

  “I don’t think Jane is concerned too much about the disturbance.” Aunt Gardiner was smiling as she watched them talking.

  “I’m so glad.” Elizabeth was watching them too. She caught sight of the glare of Miss Bingley from across the room and she glanced at Mrs. Hurst, who also looked angry.

  A moment later, Miss Bingley suddenly appeared to swoon. “Oh, Charles! Charles, I am so sorry, but I am most unwell! We will need to go home at once!”

  Elizabeth had to bite her lip to keep from laughing, Miss Bingley’s act was so outrageously obvious. But she had the attention of the room and Mr. Bingley was looking anxious and unsure.

  “Of course, Caroline, of course.” He glanced unhappily at Jane, who had also crossed the room and sat beside Miss Bingley, looking most concerned and anxious to help.

  “I am sorry, Darcy, at causing such disruption.” Mr. Bingley would have wrung his hands if he had been a lady, Elizabeth thought.

  He turned to the servant. “Call my carriage at once!” He glanced down at Jane.

  “I am dismayed, Miss Bennet, that I have not …”

  But William clapped him on the shoulder. “Let the ladies assist Miss Bingley to your carriage, Bingley.” He drew him away. “Mr. Hurst can perhaps escort your sisters home. I have a matter I must discuss with you after dinner and then you may use one of my carriages to Grosvenor Street afterwards.”

  Chapter 61

  It had been a masterful move, Elizabeth acknowledged to herself as they sat over the remains of the final course. Mr. Bingley’s sisters were gone and their brother remained. It was a very pleasant evening. She smiled to herself. Miss Bingley had been furious, unable to suddenly say she was well again and totally unable to show her anger. The only person who had seemed distressed by the whole incident was Jane, and that had only increased Mr. Bingley’s solicitude towards her.

  She watched Mr. Bingley talking animatedly to Jane and was delighted that Jane seemed to already be exhibiting some signs that she might also be beginning to feel some affection for him.

  Her aunt was beside her. “Had you met Mr. Bingley before, Elizabeth?” she whispered.

  “No, Aunt, I had not, but Mr. Darcy did say that he wondered if he and Jane might find each other’s company agreeable.”

  Aunt Gardiner laughed. “It was a very clever ploy of his to keep Mr. Bingley here. I do not think his sister was very happy.”

  “I think not, Aunt.” Elizabeth was delighted to see the twinkle in her aunt’s eye.

  A short while later, Elizabeth rose to withdraw with the ladies, leaving the gentlemen to their port.

  In the drawing room, coffee and tea were served to them, and Aunt Gardiner teased Jane a little on finding such good company that she had barely spoken to Elizabeth.

  “Aunt! Do not scold Jane! I am glad she could meet someone so amiable — and we will have much time together.” Elizabeth beamed at her.

  Aunt Gardiner laughed. “Well, we have some time now.” She became serious. “Elizabeth, we were most concerned yesterday when your uncle told us of Mr. Darcy’s concern for your security.” She glanced at Georgiana.

  Elizabeth was puzzled. “My security?”

  “Yes,” her aunt said. “Yesterday morning. Edward said he asked Mr. Darcy if you could stay with us for the rest of the day to catch up on all the news and he said that he had promised to stay with you until you were secure — something about the Darcy family?”

  “Oh.” Elizabeth pondered. “Yes. I am sure there is nothing to be concerned about, but William has been very good at reassuring me until I am more confident.”

  Aunt Gardiner looked as if she wanted to say more, but Elizabeth turned hastily to Jane.

  “Jane, I know we have a few more moments before the gentlemen rejoin us. I have the letter I wanted you to read.”

  “Yes, please, Lizzy. I have been curious.” Jane took the letter Elizabeth passed to her and moved closer to her aunt so they could read together.

  Elizabeth sat back and smiled at Georgiana. “It was amusing, wasn’t it?”

  Georgiana smiled and nodded. She spoke quietly to Elizabeth, not wishing to disturb the reading of the letter. “Will we play for them when the others rejoin us?”

  Elizabeth nodded. “We might take turns, so that neither of us miss out on the conversation.”

  “Will your sister wish to take a turn?”

  “No, I think not,” Elizabeth said, glancing at her sister, who was reading with a disbelieving expression. “Jane is not so confident a player as to perform in front of those with whom she has only recently become acquainted.”

  “Oh, Lizzy!” Jane did not seem to know whether to laugh at the letter she had just read, or to look disapproving that Lizzy had laughed at someone who could not defend themselves.

  She passed the letter to Aunt Gardiner, who turned back and commenced rereading it, a smile playing around her lips.

  “Jane!” Elizabeth remonstrated. “I hope you do not think I should have left you at Longbourn to receive the advances of such a pompous and conceited man — and the pressure from Mama to accept the heir of the estate?”

  Jane looked doubtful and Elizabeth leaned forward.

  “And then you would not have met Mr. Bingley!” She laughed as she watched Jane blush, and then sat back.

  “Oh, thank you for letting me read such a wonderful letter,” exclaimed Aunt Gardiner, refolding it and giving it to Elizabeth. “I do hope you have an opportunity to let your uncle read it. He would appreciate it very much.”

  “I will endeavour to ensure he has the chance, Aunt.” Elizabeth placed it on the small table beside her. “Now, who would like some fresh tea?”

  Chapter 62

  “It was wonderful, William!” Elizabeth stretched and he felt his breathing catch as her robe fell back and her long, elegant arms were revealed.

  He crossed her bedchamber and took her in his arms. It was so very hard to remain formal when they were downstairs and in company. But at least he now had these precious times when they could share their love.

  He remembered how hard it had been that time at Pemberley, when he had known he loved her but hadn’t been able to go to her at night, and the fear she might wish to leave, to make her life alone.

  He shuddered at the memory and she turned to him with sudden concern.

  “William, are you well?”

  He pushed his thoughts away. “I am very well, dearest Elizabeth. I was just remembering the time before I knew you returned my love and my fear of losing you forever.”

  She lifted her arms again and twined th
em round his neck, pulling him towards her. “You need not worry, William. You will never be able to lose me now.” She lifted her face, inviting his kiss. “I love you so very much.”

  “As I love you.” He lowered his lips to hers, their sweet ripeness drawing his ardour. His arms round her, his heart enmeshed with hers, he knew he could not live without holding her close.

  He groaned slightly and buried his face in her neck. The warmth of her body, the smooth line of her throat and the scent of lavender was all around him. His legs felt weak and he tightened his grasp. He could never let her go. Never.

  They lay in bed, limbs entangled, sated with their passion, and he drew her closer, his throat tight with emotion.

  “Are you well, Elizabeth?”

  She smiled in the faint firelight. “You are beside me. How could I be anything but well?”

  He chuckled, feeling most contented. “Are you satisfied with the way the evening progressed? I cannot think but that it was fortunate that Bingley appeared and that Miss Bingley became — unwell.”

  She laughed. “I was wondering what matter of business you had thought of that required Mr. Bingley to stay, even though his sister was unwell.”

  He smiled broadly at the heavy drapes above the bed. “I have not yet decided what that business should be. Mr. Bingley was far too occupied with thoughts of Miss Bennet to remember to ask me about the subject.”

  She rubbed her head against his shoulder. “You must have something ready. Miss Bingley will most certainly ask him what it was that was so important. He will call in the morning to discover it.”

  I don’t think so.” Her movement had put a lock of her hair within reach, and he toyed with it idly. “I heard him asking Miss Bennet where she was staying. I think he will call there this morning. I have rarely seen him so affected.”

  She twisted in his arms. “Oh, do you think so?” She settled back next to him. “I think he is the perfect gentleman for her - so amiable and pleasant.”

  “Better than Mr. Collins, certainly!” He felt quite complacent. “But our next task will be harder. We must find a suitor for Miss Bingley. I think your sister will find life in their home rather more pleasant without her being there.”

  “Hmm.” Elizabeth seemed to be deep in thought. “Have you had no hint from her as to who she favours?”

  “Oh, but, yes! She has been quite obvious as to her partiality up to now.”

  She looked up. “So who is he? Might he be worked on?”

  “I am afraid not. He was always quite convinced that he would never marry her, and, in any event, he is now married.” He knew his voice was full of laughter, and she looked puzzled for a moment before she divined what he meant.

  “William!”

  He rolled over towards her. “I must confess, it is not me that is irresistible, but my fortune and Pemberley.”

  She dissolved into fits of laughter and he embraced her again, delighted that they could have such a close friendship as he had never known before.

  She sighed. “It has been a perfect day.” She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “And with the perfect ending.”

  She worked her way closer to him. “I think I will sleep well tonight.”

  He smiled lazily. “I will be here for you, Elizabeth.”

  He waited as she drifted into sleep, before allowing himself to relax. He could imagine no greater joy than his life as it was now.

  Chapter 63

  Elizabeth climbed the stairs to her bedchamber. She had instituted the practice of retiring for a short rest after lunch each day, and William was finally seeming less concerned for her.

  He still asked her sometimes about her health. “Elizabeth, there must be something. You were far less tired when we were in Scotland, and there you were walking the hills all day.” His anxious eyes watched her, and she turned back to him.

  “William, I am far more distressed by your worry for me than I am about my own health.” She pressed her finger to his lips. “I am well, and I am resting so that I stay well while I am in London. I cannot wait to get back to the country, the clear air of Pemberley —and then I will be very well.”

  His expression softened. “Perhaps we need to return to Pemberley soon.”

  “I’d like that, but I think it will not be possible just yet.” She smiled at him. “I am content, William. Especially if you might call on me in an hour or so to see if I am awake?”

  He nodded. “I will do that, Elizabeth.”

  She turned and climbed the rest of the stairs, smiling to herself. In the ten days they had been here in London, so much had happened, not least of which was the increasing affection between Jane and Mr. Bingley.

  Elizabeth went into her chamber and Emilie helped her off with her shoes and gown, and loosened her hair so it was comfortable for sleep.

  She was so glad to climb into bed in just her shift. It was hard to acknowledge this tiredness she felt. But she must try and seem much as usual for as long as she could. As the door shut behind Emilie and she was alone, she turned over and smiled to herself.

  She now had a hardening suspicion as to why she was so tired. But it was still so early, anything could happen and she was determined not to give William any possible hint of it, or he would be beside himself with worry much sooner than he needed to be.

  She closed her eyes, remembering the previous evening, when they had dined at Matlock House. William had been beside her, his voice proud as he introduced her. The event had gone so much better than she had thought possible, mostly because of the Countess. Richard’s mother was like her son, amiable and even-tempered and Elizabeth had taken to her at once.

  But things had probably been helped by the Earl calling at Darcy House the day before, when he had vanished into the library with William. Then they had come to see her in the drawing room again, and the Earl had mumbled his welcome to her joining the family and that he hoped she would find contentment therein.

  “So what was that about?” she had asked William, when he had seen his guest out of the door.

  “He has finally seen his duty.” William smiled wolfishly. “He has been presented with the signed depositions and evidence I have, which will now be deposited with my lawyer. If any attempt is made — by anyone — he is in no doubt that his disgraceful actions against an innocent lady will be made public. He is under no illusions how that will appear.”

  He had sat beside her. “I think he intends to call on Lady Catherine tomorrow — and we are invited to dinner tomorrow to meet his family.”

  Elizabeth rolled over in bed. She was so fortunate to have William beside her and so protective of her. The dinner was over and she looked forward to a few quiet weeks now — apart from a longed-for imminent announcement from Jane. She hoped she’d feel much better soon, and that William would be reassured.

  She woke an hour later as the mattress sagged under the weight of her husband as he sat beside her, his hand smoothing over her hair.

  “Elizabeth.”

  She rolled over onto her back, her hand covering his. “William. This is always the best way to wake.”

  He smiled lazily, turned his hand in hers and captured it, bringing it to his lips. “My own Elizabeth.”

  She tried to pull him down beside her, but he resisted. “Much as I would like to comply, Elizabeth, I have instructed your maid to be ready.” His eyes were dancing. “We have guests.”

  “What?” Elizabeth scrambled to sit up, pulling the covers higher.

  “Don’t hasten too much.” William folded her into his embrace. “Georgiana is performing the duties of hostess very well.”

  “Oh, she is wonderful.” Elizabeth rested her head against his chest. “But who are our visitors?” She had some idea, his sense of duty meant there were only a very few he would leave to come up to her chamber himself.

  She looked more closely and rather suspiciously. “You look very complacent, William.”

  “Come,” he said. “Or you will discover me,
and I need you downstairs.”

  “Very well.” Elizabeth moved to sit on the edge of the bed. “Did you say you had summoned Emilie?”

  “Yes, she is waiting outside.” William leaned over and kissed her. “I will see you downstairs.”

  Chapter 64

  Darcy descended the stairs, a new worry in his mind. A disturbing suspicion was firming in his thoughts, one which would explain all that he had been concerned about. But there was no one he could speak to about it — except Elizabeth, and if she did not raise the subject, he hardly could.

  He pushed his cares aside with an effort, and turned into the drawing room. Georgiana was talking to Bingley and Miss Bennet, who had called unexpectedly. Miss Bennet had been in the Gardiner’s coach, accompanied by her aunt’s lady’s maid, and Bingley had been on horseback alongside it.

  Darcy had a shrewd idea what they wanted to say, especially when Miss Bennet had asked if she could speak to Elizabeth.

  She looked at him now, a slight flush on her features.

  “Elizabeth will be here in a few minutes, Miss Bennet.” He bowed his head at her and joined them. Georgiana poured him a cup of tea. There was silence as Darcy cast desperately around for something to say, and he was very glad when Elizabeth appeared in the doorway. She looked very lovely and he rose and went to her, a sudden protectiveness within him.

  His suspicion sharpened, she had an inner radiance he’d not noticed before.

  She smiled at her sister. “Jane! How lovely to see you.” She turned to his friend.

  “And Mr. Bingley. I am delighted to see you.” She glanced at the tea. “And I see Georgiana has been looking after you very well.” There was a silence for a moment. Miss Bennet was twisting her hands in her lap.

  Elizabeth sat forward briskly. “Jane, would you come up to my chambers, perhaps? I have a question regarding the choice of ribbons on a new hat that I am not sure about.”