“Ha! Craftier, you mean. She believes she has a better chance of wearing down William’s resistance than actually capturing you long enough to meet with a parson.”
James pinched the bridge of his nose. “You know we spoil you far too much. Out with it. What do you desire my assistance with?”
“A walk. We will call on Longbourn and go for a walk. I shall distract William, and you can wander off with Lizzy. If they seem discontented with our company alone, then we shall know if we will succeed.”
Georgiana held her breath as James stroked his jaw in thought. “We can offer to go for a walk but will need to plan it so the Bingleys and the rest of Miss Elizabeth’s family do not come as well,” he said at last.
“Splendid! I knew I could count on you!” She kissed his cheek.
“What trouble are you helping my sister with?” William walked up just then.
“I daresay I do not understand it myself,” James said with a wink to Georgiana.
William rolled his eyes. “Well, if you are done with your little bit of fun, we must face our punishment now. Briggs said Miss Bingley ordered three courses tonight.”
“Oh no, ‘tis not I who displeased the mistress of the home. That belongs to the siblings Darcy.”
William scowled. “You think you are so clever?”
James stood up straighter. “It must be the title and superior breeding that gives me the intelligence to know you do not anger the woman who orders your meals.”
Georgiana looped her arms through both men’s as they descended the stairs. “I think you should both shower her with favour. She will exhaust herself attempting to impress you both and take to her bed.”
The gentlemen both laughed, but James nodded. “You know, I think that may be a good idea after all.”
Georgiana hardly knew if her cousin was serious. She did know that William would never give Miss Bingley false expectations, but what would be the harm in a pretend flirtation between James and Caroline? As James said earlier, Caroline would certainly know better.
*****
“You are certain this shall work?” Denny asked Wickham.
“It is rather late to question me now,” he replied. “Go.”
“I will be certain to report back,” Denny said and then took his leave. He was going to Longbourn with several other officers.
During his wait, Wickham consulted his calendar. He knew Bingley and Darcy had returned to Netherfield earlier in the week. Information was less forthcoming as to other members of the party. Likely, Georgiana travelled with Darcy. That he returned boded well for Wickham. He took it as a sign of Darcy’s interest in Miss Elizabeth, although it may be nothing more than concern for Bingley’s attachment to the eldest Miss Bennet. He could use that, too, if necessary. Darcy would not want his dearest friend associated with a ruined family.
Wickham would never admit it to Denny, but he was beginning to feel a bit in over his head. Life had seemed black and white. He wanted money and had the patronage of the Darcy family. The son was jealous of the attention his father gave Wickham and was dull and self-righteous. Wickham was certain the younger Darcy must have convinced his father to offer only one thousand pounds in his will and the promise, eventually, of a living. He was brought up nearly like a second son—sent to school alongside the heir —and while the church was a fine profession for many lesser sons, the Darcys were rich enough with homes and estates aplenty. As he was continually thwarted by his old playmate, Wickham’s animosity grew. Eloping with Georgiana would have brought both riches and dealt a devastating blow to Darcy. Now Wickham found himself conflicted.
The surest way to extract money from Darcy was to go after Georgiana, but Darcy had learned not to leave her unattended for long. The plan with the strongest likelihood of succeeding would be to blackmail the Bennet family reputation once Mr. Bingley proposed to or married Jane Bennet. However, Wickham did not know Bingley very well; he always seemed inconstant in the past. Additionally, it brought no pain to Darcy. Seducing a Bennet daughter if Darcy were married to Elizabeth would bring a great personal blow to Darcy and also ensure constant income. Darcy would hate for a relative of his to be in the poorhouse. The greatest humiliation of all, however, would be to steal the affections of Darcy’s lady. A very attractive possibility indeed. Still, a man needed something to live on.
Mr. Bennet was an intelligent man and had eagerly gambled the night of the Netherfield ball. Wickham heard the Bennet ladies had little fortune and knew the estate was entailed away. To Darcy, and perhaps even Bingley, the ladies’ dowries would seem insufficient but might be quite adequate for his own needs. Mr. Collins would never have proposed if there was not enough to offset his salary as a country parson to the miserly Lady Catherine de Bourgh. He rubbed a hand over his face. What was he considering? A year ago, he might have boasted that Georgiana’s thirty thousand pounds was insufficient, and now he was considering a Bennet lady. No, not just any Bennet lady. Why would he connect himself with Lydia or Kitty for a lifetime while Darcy enjoyed Elizabeth?
It was not merely her beauty that pleased him. She was the only lady he had met who did not dismiss him instantly due to his rank, but neither did she fall prey to his charm. She was a woman you could speak to, not just bed. Finding himself no closer to a conclusion, Wickham was relieved when Denny returned.
“So?” he asked his associate.
“Jane and Eliza visited Netherfield yesterday. Miss Darcy was there, but her brother is keeping her under lock and key, with his cousin standing watch whenever Darcy stirs from the house.”
“Cousin?” Wickham had no desire to be run through by the hot-headed colonel.
“The viscount. Mrs. Bennet and the younger girls were all aflutter about it. Sounds like he’s taken a shine to Eliza.”
Wickham wondered if there was a hot-blooded man who did not. However, Darcy and his cousin battling over her would hardly serve his purposes. “Does she return the attachment?”
“Hard to say. They only met once, and she would be a simpleton to fall for Arlington’s roguish charms. They are expected to call on the Bennets soon.”
“I hope you made my excuses. I cannot arrive while Darcy is there.”
“Of course. But what will you do if you meet him on the street? You must continue to court the family’s good opinion of you.”
“It is of no concern. Darcy did nothing last time and never will. His extreme ethics will be his downfall. Thus far, I have done nothing criminal, and Darcy will never abuse his power to be rid of me through unscrupulous means.”
Chapter Eleven
Elizabeth had just returned from a walk, with barely any feeling left in her toes and her nose bright from the cold, when Kitty exclaimed from the window, “Look! He has come!”
“Who has come?” Elizabeth wondered aloud.
“Mr. Bingley, of course!” Mrs. Bennet grinned and then peered out the window as well. “I knew how it would be with Jane being invited to Netherfield the other day. He missed her in London, saw none of the ladies there could hold a candle to Jane’s beauty, and is here to ask for her hand!”
She flitted around the room and then finally looked askance at Elizabeth. “You are not fit to be seen!”
She rolled her eyes. “If Mr. Bingley is here to ask for Jane’s hand, it can hardly matter how I appear.”
“Oh, he has brought that pompous Mr. Darcy with him. And another tall man!” Lydia nearly swooned from near the window.
“Another gentleman?” Mrs. Bennet scurried back to her post.
“I believe it is Mr. Darcy’s cousin, Lord Arlington,” Jane said.
“A viscount! Well, dear me!” Mrs. Bennet collapsed in a chair and cast her eyes about her daughters. Elizabeth had no doubts she now felt a twinge of regret for matching Jane with Mr. Bingley instead of a peer. “Elizabeth, go upstairs this instant and change. You turned down Mr. Collins, and I will never forgive you if you do not do your best to catch the viscount’s eye.”
Eli
zabeth stubbornly sat in a chair. She would not be missing a moment of this call, and she cared nothing for Lord Arlington.
“Ooh, that must be Miss Darcy! Look at the lace on her gown!” Kitty said.
Elizabeth shot Jane a confused look. She peeked out the window before answering, “It seems all of the Netherfield residents are calling on us, and the younger gentlemen arrived on horse while the ladies and Mr. Hurst took the carriage.” She came and sat near Elizabeth.
“All of them? Where shall we put them?” Mary asked, for the first time acknowledging that she in any way noticed the scene unfolding.
“I daresay my drawing room is as nice as any in Meryton. We have no reason to think it inferior at all,” Mrs. Bennet said, not bothering to hide the offence she felt at her own daughter’s words. “Lizzy, go and get Mr. Bennet.”
Begrudgingly, she approached her father’s room through the connecting doors. “Papa,” she said after he called for her to enter, “Mr. Bingley and the others are here. My mother asks that you sit with us.”
He did not look up from his ledgers.
“I think Mr. Bingley is here to ask for Jane’s hand,” she pressed.
“Are you to join your mother’s efforts in matchmaking?” Mr. Bennet asked as he sat back to clean his glasses with a handkerchief.
“Certainly not! But he brings his friends, and it is quite their due…”
Mr. Bennet held up his hand. “Spare me the lecture on propriety for our neighbours. I was told last September that if I called on Mr. Bingley, he would marry one of you, and then he went away without a word for weeks just as all hopes were growing. Simply because he has returned, now I am to wait on him and believe he is on the cusp of declaring marriage for my daughter?”
“Mama is not as embarrassing when you are present,” she said. Or maybe she just felt better having one sensible parent in the room.
“Yes, but I do not have to bear her comments at all when I sit here. I will remain here, and should Mr. Bingley have anything to say to me, he is welcome to visit me in my room.”
Frustrated with her father’s selfishness but having no more time to argue, Elizabeth returned to the drawing room. She had never been blind to her father’s faults, but his incivility towards his neighbours and her mother dismayed her. At the moment, however, she had more pressing concerns.
Realising that the ladies called with the gentlemen brought a moment of regret to Elizabeth. She desired to conduct herself appropriately before Miss Darcy. She squashed the feelings of envy she had about Miss Bingley’s superior mode of dress. Still, recalling the censure she believed her petticoats inspired upon her arrival at Netherfield, she wished she had taken the time to refresh herself. There was no time now to even look in a mirror. Her hands still felt cold, and she had no doubt that her face was still flushed from her walk and her hair untidy. No more thoughts could be had, for immediately their guests were announced. Elizabeth squeezed Jane’s hand to give support.
Lord Arlington greeted everyone amiably and even bowed over Elizabeth’s hand, causing her to blush as she was unused to such displays of gallantry. He sat near her while Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy had been arranged to sit closer to her mother. Elizabeth’s disappointment was acute, although her mother seemed silenced into astonishment at a peer in her home.
“You must have been out walking, Miss Elizabeth,” Arlington said with a smile.
“I was. I am quite fond of walks.”
“My cousins and I would be pleased to walk with you some time, I am sure,” he said.
“Yes, that sounds most pleasant.” She cursed herself for sounding insipid. Their conversation lapsed for a minute, and by then, Mrs. Bennet had recovered and began asking his lordship many impertinent questions.
“I am surprised to hear that you walk much, my lord,” the older lady said. “You must have many fine carriages and horses.”
“I walk whenever I can, especially in the country.”
“My sister in London says the streets are always so noisy and congested, and you never know who you might meet. I would positively fear for myself walking in London, but I suppose you live in such a grand neighbourhood that is no concern. Not that my sister lives in a bad area, just that the common people, you know.” She barely paused for breath. “What did you say was the address of your house? I believe I have read that the earl resides in Park Lane.”
The corners of Lord Arlington’s lips twitched. “I did not say, but I have rooms on Piccadilly Street.”
“Oh, it must be in The Albany, then. Well, they say those rooms are comfortable, but you must admit a real house with a sweet, lively wife to keep it up for you would be infinitely preferable.” Mrs. Bennet glanced at Lydia.
Elizabeth wished she had the presence of mind to interrupt her mother. It reminded her of Mrs. Bennet’s visit to Netherfield where she had the felt the necessity to interject herself into, and dominate, the conversation. She attempted to tell herself the difference was Darcy’s clear affront at her mother’s conversation, whereas the viscount seemed rather amused. In her heart, she knew, however, that she simply cared less for the viscount’s good opinion than Darcy’s. Of course, now it was all for naught. She had always supposed his attention had no serious intention. When Mr. Bingley rose and requested to speak with Mr. Bennet, she feared she had lost her chance to deepen Darcy’s regard. Mr. Bingley would surely request Jane’s hand, and then Darcy’s departure would be imminent.
She could hardly contain her surprise and pleasure when Darcy stood and said, “Arlington, as you are enjoying Mrs. Bennet’s company so much, perhaps we might exchange seats?” His cousin readily agreed, and soon Darcy sat beside her.
“I hope you have had a pleasant morning?” he asked.
“Very,” she replied with an indulgent smile. “I managed an invigorating walk and returned only a moment before your arrival, as you can no doubt tell.”
“Indeed. I confess I am unsurprised.”
“My habits have become well known,” she said, feeling a bit of apprehension.
“Just so, but also there’s this.” He reached towards her hair and removed a small twig. His hand grazed her ear, causing her to draw in a quick breath. Her face burnt crimson, and she could hardly tell if it was from his touch or because she was so unkempt that she had a piece of the forest in her hair.
“I...uh...” She blushed again as she could come up with no ready explanation. She should have at least kept her bonnet on her head. It was a cold morning, but she relished the sun on her face.
“Fear not, I find it charming,” he said quietly for only her ears. Ears that still tingled in memory of his touch.
Mrs. Hill arrived with the tea things just then, and their conversation turned to the refreshments. Mrs. Bennet, with a wink and a nod, requested that Elizabeth serve. When she handed Darcy his cup, their fingers grazed, and her breath caught again. She could nearly swear the man was unsettling her on purpose. Her task completed, they tried speaking again.
“How has your sister enjoyed Netherfield?” Elizabeth asked. It had been two days since Elizabeth and Jane had been invited there to meet Miss Darcy and Lord Arlington.
“She likes it very much. She was very pleased to meet you and Miss Bennet at last.”
Elizabeth grinned. “I assure you, the feeling is very mutual.” She glanced to where Miss Darcy now sat, next to Arlington but under the inspection of Kitty and Lydia. “I fear my younger sisters are too exuberant for her.”
Darcy also watched his sister. “She is quite shy. I doubt she will wish to do much beyond visiting here.”
“A girl cannot always be kept at home,” she said, hoping her words were gentle.
Darcy stiffened. “And so she is not. Last summer, she was sent to Ramsgate, and now she is here.”
“Yes,” she cautiously began, “but there is more to holidays than merely sitting and drinking tea in a new house.” Elizabeth watched in horror as an expression of hauteur overshadowed Darcy’s face.
&nb
sp; “And the shops of Meryton are unique from the shops of Lambton or Ramsgate?”
She pursed her lips and did not answer. Instead, she directed her attention to Jane. She had blushed when Bingley had asked to speak with Mr. Bennet, and Elizabeth easily saw her nervousness. The interview with Mr. Bennet was taking longer than Elizabeth expected, which allowed her a moment to pause and consider.
Elizabeth realised that surely Mr. Darcy knew his sister better than she did. He would also understand what was best for her temperament. Miss Darcy was not out in society, and so it would be unlikely that she would attend any evening events at other places. Elizabeth had never been in such a situation herself, stuck between childhood and adulthood as it were. When Mrs. Bennet believed each daughter finished her education, she put them fully out in society. Certainly, for Jane, she hoped to secure a marriage, but Elizabeth acknowledged that, in her own case, it simply proved easier to allow Elizabeth to attend events with Jane than listen to the pleading to go and insistence upon every detail when they returned. Details of people’s expressions and way of talking, that is. Mrs. Bennet quickly tired of attempting to recount such things but would gladly regale anyone and everyone with ears on the courses of a meal or the lace on a gown. The younger daughters followed suit and could not be kept home when Elizabeth and Jane had come out at fifteen.
Elizabeth realised it was not her place to push for Miss Darcy to be allowed into more adult situations than her brother wished. Indeed, she regretted she had not had time to learn more of herself before she was told to appear a certain way for society’s sake. Several minutes had passed while she ruminated while Darcy sat silently next to her, and just when she resolved to turn to him and speak, she was surprised to hear him instead.
“I apologise, Miss Elizabeth. The truth is that I do not entirely know what I am doing raising a young girl, and while her paid companion is everything proper, she does not necessarily challenge my assumptions. If you think other outings would be beneficial...”
Sufficient Encouragement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (When Love Blooms Book 1) Page 13