She smiled at him. “No apology is necessary. I quite forgot my place.”
“No, you were advising me out of concern for my sister and spoke forthrightly rather than out of deference. I expect no less from my friends.”
A part of Elizabeth swelled with pride, but the notion of friendship with Darcy could not entirely satisfy. She took a calming breath. “In that case, I will tell you my thoughts. I have taken the time to consider that, as she is not fully out in society, she should not attend other functions. However, a lady’s holiday should be much more than a respite from lessons but include appropriate amusements. She should not be confined to bending over her needlework.”
“You suggest outdoor exercise, I am sure.”
“I do.” She nodded enthusiastically. “She should have time to speak with other young ladies of various ages and temperaments. Once she has come out, others will be thrust upon her. She ought to take this time to learn how she might handle herself in difficult situations, how to deal with difficult people and differing opinions. She has known the school room; now she must learn society before being thrown into the sea.”
Darcy heaved a sigh. “Your metaphor is very apt. I would hate for her to suffer as I have.”
Elizabeth wondered what he meant. Miss Darcy was left in the custody of her elder brother, and although she knew Darcy’s parents had passed, she had not supposed it was so long ago that they had little help guiding him into society. Now was not the time for such questions. “Miss Bingley praises her accomplishments. Does she often play for others?”
“Never.”
“Is that by choice or lack of opportunity?”
“Both, I daresay.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I trust you and Mrs. Annesley see to all the education she needs. Undoubtedly, she has masters aplenty and surely has seen household accounts, but our country society might be the best way to teach her all the things ladies do not find in books.”
Darcy gave her a gentle smile, and she was held captive by the intensity in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but just then Mr. Bennet and Mr. Bingley returned.
“Well?” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, practically bouncing in her chair.
“It is my great privilege to announce that Mr. Bingley has requested a formal courtship with our daughter, Jane.”
“Courtship?” Mrs. Bennet asked, and Elizabeth could have echoed her confusion. In another instant, Mrs. Bennet could not be contained. “Oh, gracious! Jane, a courtship!” She hugged her eldest and dearest daughter before running to Mr. Bingley’s side and flattering him profusely. Kitty and Lydia giggled at the display. Both Jane and Mr. Bingley had eyes only for each other.
She wondered how she might give them privacy when Miss Bingley’s voice cut in. “My congratulations, Jane dear.” She walked to her friend, kissed her cheek, and then turned to her brother. “This news is simply wonderful, Charles.” Before either could reply, she curtsied to Mrs. Bennet. “It would not do for us to stay beyond civility, though. Thank you for allowing us to visit.”
“Oh! Do not stand upon ceremony now. We are to be family!” Mrs. Bennet cried.
“Indeed,” Miss Bingley said with little enthusiasm.
Rather than allow Miss Bingley to insult her family, Elizabeth approached. “I am sure Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst will be calling more frequently due to the increased intimacy between our families, but we cannot expect to take up all of their time, or his lordship and Mr. and Miss Darcy’s time. I believe other calls were to be made.”
“Oh, in that case...” Mrs. Bennet trailed off.
Darcy approached as well. “Yes, thank you for your hospitality.”
Elizabeth smiled to hear a note of warmth in his voice. She was uncertain if he meant it, but she perceived he was attempting to be more genial. Soon all the guests were leaving the drawing room, and Elizabeth scolded herself for being so silly as to want another moment with Darcy or at least some idea of when they might meet again.
Just before leaving, Miss Darcy stole to her side. “I regret I did not get to speak with you more, Lizzy, but your other sisters are delightful.”
She laughed. “Oh...they are certainly something. I am not sure that delightful is quite the word I would choose, however.”
Miss Darcy smiled at the tease. “I know how fond you are of walking. Would you join me tomorrow?”
Elizabeth glanced to Darcy, who watched the scene from the other side of the room near the gentlemen. “I would love to, but you had best consult with your brother and then send me a note.”
“Oh, but we arranged it all before arriving. If it pleases you, we may all meet here after breakfast.”
“That sounds marvellous! The path is well maintained, and even Miss Bingley may manage to enjoy it.”
“It shall only be us, my brother, and my cousin,” she said softly.
Elizabeth blinked, trying to make sense of the latest information. His lordship mentioned wishing to walk with her, but her heart hoped it was all Darcy’s doing. “Then we shall have the most pleasant time!”
Miss Darcy said her goodbyes, and Elizabeth dared not even look at Darcy to escape blushing.
*****
Darcy’s heart pounded as he sat in the carriage on the way to Longbourn. How did Bingley and Arlington do this all the time? In his last letter from Richard, even he was paying court—and to Lady Belinda! Richard did not believe the lady would accept his suit, convinced as he was not to trust a lady again, but neither did he see the harm in flirtation. Darcy could not disagree more. Lady Belinda had been open and frank with him; her disappointment and pain at her beloved’s death was plain to see. If she flirted with and encouraged Richard, she would accept his suit. Richard only needed to discard his prejudices.
Darcy could not idly flirt like Arlington and Richard or even be open and friendly like Bingley. He was loath to admit it, but he was used to deference. He was confident enough in his own character and honour, but typically by the time an acquaintance discovered that about him, they had already viewed him as the superior in the relationship. The fact was very few people had use of him if not to gain something from him. Although he was not titled, he was rich and related to a powerful earl. Attempts at appearing ordinary were fruitless, and he had never before had to truly court the good opinion of someone. He knew enough of Elizabeth’s character to know that she would not be taken in by pretentious things. He regretted he lacked the charm and amiability of his two friends.
On their last visit to Longbourn, Bingley was a ball of nerves. Now he sat contentedly, his smile growing by every mile that brought them closer to Longbourn. More than once in his friendship with the man, Darcy envied him but never more so than now. The only thing that brought relief was the presence of his cousin. Arlington intended to observe Elizabeth again but had said he thought she was “inclined to be partial to Darcy.” He was growing quite indebted to his cousin. Being six years older than Darcy, Arlington often ignored the younger boy as a child. By the time Darcy reached adulthood, the viscount had indulged in a lifestyle of which Darcy wanted no part. Instead, he grew closer to his cousin in the army, Richard, who was also Georgiana’s co-guardian. However, Darcy was impressed at Arlington’s agreement to leave London and assist Darcy with Georgiana. Perhaps his cousin was, at last, accepting responsibility.
Georgiana fidgeted beside him. “Are you well?” he asked her.
“Yes.”
Darcy raised his brow at her, unconvinced by her curt reply.
“Are you not looking forward to calling on Longbourn?”
“Of course, I am!”
“Then explain your anxiety.”
She cast her eyes down and took a deep breath. “I did not sleep well.”
“Should we return?”
“No, I was too excited about today to sleep last night. Do not fret.”
“Darcy quit being her nurse,” Arlington said.
He rolled his eyes at his cousin and assessed Georgiana again. She did not look ill, but he thought he dete
cted anxiety behind her eyes. Deciding that remarking on such would only heighten her feelings, he turned his attention to Bingley. “You did well to keep your sisters at home.”
“It was Arlington. He had everything arranged with Caroline by the time I came down for breakfast.”
“I merely suggested that she could set a better table than Mrs. Bennet and how after a morning of calls I look forward to a good meal,” Arlington said while shrugging his shoulders. “She is not so terrible if you actually speak to her instead of treating her as a bother.”
“I have had a lifetime of trying and have yet to learn that trick. You have a gift, Arlington, truly,” Bingley said.
“The natural politician in you,” Darcy said with a smirk.
Arriving at Longbourn, they set about to their pre-ordered duties. Worried that the younger sisters would desire to walk with them, Georgiana asked to speak with Elizabeth alone in the garden. Darcy did not know what Georgiana planned to talk about, but after several minutes, Arlington stood and suggested Darcy go with him to check on the horses.
“They are my best racing greys. I could not leave them in London lest my brother use them for his own devices.”
“Racing! That sounds terribly adventurous!” Miss Lydia exclaimed.
“It is, and when I return, I shall tell you about the time I broke my arm leaping from certain death.”
“Oh!” Lydia and Catherine exclaimed in unison, and the gentlemen took the opportunity to leave the room.
“Excellent plan, Arlington.”
“Those silly girls would not know the first thing about racing or horses.”
“Missing London?”
“No, it is really not so different there where there are so many insipid ladies with a lot less innocent arts and motivations vying for your attention. I suspect you know that, of course.”
“Indeed.” It was why Elizabeth was so rare, although he recalled being surprised by his conversation with Lady Belinda. “However, there are some ladies in Town who may surprise you.”
“Changing your mind?”
“No, no. I only meant that I did not find the lady your mother wishes you to meet to be so terrible.”
“I am not the marrying sort,” he said. Darcy chose to remain quiet until they found the ladies.
At first, they went unnoticed as they approached. “I do not think I understand, Georgie. Could you tell me more?”
Georgiana furrowed her brows and then noticed the gentlemen. “Here they are!” She smiled at them. “Now lead the way, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth looked confused but nodded. “I thought I would show you all Oakham Mount today.”
“Are you fond of mountains?” Darcy asked nervously.
“I have not experienced very many, as there are none in Hertfordshire,” she confessed. “I have seen sketches of the peaks in Derbyshire. They seem breathtaking.”
Darcy smiled. “Perhaps one day you may journey there. They are far better in life than in books.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Indeed! I do hope I can convince you that I am more than a great walker and reader.”
“You enjoy music,” he put forward.
“How politic of you! You do not say that I excel at performance, just that I enjoy it.”
She raised a teasing eyebrow, and her eyes twinkled. Darcy felt a smile tug at his lips. “I have had the pleasure of hearing you play many times now. Do not pretend to be afraid of my opinion. You must know you play well.”
“Your brother paints too nice a picture of me.” She turned to Georgiana. “Perhaps he is fishing for me to return the favour.”
“Oh no! He would never…” Georgiana ceased as Elizabeth winked at her. Darcy wondered what Elizabeth was playing at.
“I have determined he is a most accomplished gentleman. Why, as a brother, cousin, and friend, he is constantly given a good name. And to all this he adds something more.”
“What is that?” Arlington broke in, enjoying Elizabeth’s high spirits.
Meeting Darcy’s eye, she held it before replying with a smile, “He excels at dancing.”
The others laughed along with her, for it was no secret to his sister or cousin that he hated dancing, but Elizabeth’s laughter rose above the rest. It settled in his heart. Suddenly, he had no use for Arlington’s presence. He believed she quite welcomed his attentions, and whether she did or not, he would fight until he won her heart. He was sick of timidity. Belatedly, he realised he had not replied with more than a smile, and Elizabeth awkwardly turned and rushed ahead. Arlington followed her, and Darcy stepped forward, but Georgiana touched his arm.
“I told her about Mr. Wickham,” she said.
The euphoria Darcy felt came crashing down. “What?”
“I…I needed a lady’s opinion on falling in love.”
His heart began to beat again. “And what did she say?”
“She said true love creates only beauty around it. That if I was feeling sorrow or inadequacies, then it was not love.” Darcy nodded as Georgiana continued speaking. “She said love was selfless.”
He cast his eyes over the path as Elizabeth and Arlington drifted out of sight. “She sounds as though she has been struck with Cupid’s bow before.”
“I cannot say for sure, but I think she may be quite smitten with someone.”
“Oh?” His heart thundered in his ears so loudly that he worried he would not hear Georgiana’s words.
“You, silly!” She smiled brightly, and Darcy grinned back. “But I was worried her opinion of you might alter if she spoke to Mr. Wickham. That is when I told her that sometimes people who claim to be friends are quite untrue. I suggested that a young man she recently met may be dishonest.”
Darcy furrowed his brow, recalling what he overheard her say. “Did you ever mention Mr. Wickham by name?”
“No, I could not bring myself to do it.”
They were interrupted by Arlington bounding towards them. “I have been instructed by Miss Elizabeth to retrieve you two. She believes there is a view Darcy shall quite enjoy.”
He smiled and clapped Darcy on the back in clear congratulations. Desiring to end talk of Wickham, he walked briskly back to Elizabeth’s side. Surely she was intelligent enough to understand Georgiana meant Wickham. As they continued on their trek, thoughts of his enemy disappeared entirely. Life was too full of light and laughter to consider such darkness.
Chapter Twelve
Four days later, Bingley sat in the breakfast room awaiting Caroline. He had called on Longbourn each morning before breakfast, and Darcy, Arlington, and Georgiana had come later in the day, but thus far Caroline had refused to come. He would have it no more. Jane would be his wife in time, and Caroline would not be allowed to treat her badly. Their privacy was assured. Louisa and Hurst always took breakfast in their rooms, and he had asked the others to do so as well this morning.
“Charles,” Caroline said upon entering, pulling him from his musings.
“Good morning, Caroline.”
“I am surprised to see you. Tired of Jane and Mrs. Bennet already?”
“Hardly.”
She gathered her breakfast items and frowned at the empty room. “Where are the others? I hope Lord Arlington is not ill.”
Bingley tossed down his napkin. “That is precisely what I wanted to speak to you about.”
“I will send for a physician at once!” She stood and moved to call for a servant.
“Arlington is perfectly well. Sit down.”
Although clearly confused, she complied. “That was a cruel joke.”
“It was no joke. You misunderstood me. Just now, you cared only for Arlington’s health and did not spare a moment to ask after Darcy or Georgiana. I would point out that you have known them much longer and have claimed deep friendship with them both.”
“What are you saying?” She would not meet his eye and instead stared at her coffee.
“You have to cease these grasping ways.”
“What?” She jerke
d her eyes away from the cup and met his.
“It is no secret you believe Jane Bennet beneath me. You treated her nicely enough when we were first in the county, but you were terribly rude to the rest of the Bennets.”
“They are intolerable!”
“No. They are—”
She interrupted him. “Do not dare make them into something they are not. They have no fortune, fashion, or extreme beauty. Their relatives are in trade.”
“So are ours!” Had she always been such a hypocrite?
“I know!” she screamed.
Bingley was no stranger to Caroline’s high dramatics, but she was louder and more forceful than usual with her last statement. Tears pricked her eyes, and he allowed her to calm.
“I am very aware that we have relatives still in trade. I know our fortune will never remove the stain of its source. It is our duty to marry better, to find a better position in society for our future generations.”
“Our duty to whom, Caroline? Mother and Father are dead. Do you know why they died so young?”
“If we had lived in a better area in London, perhaps they would have survived their illnesses. Or if we could have secured a more expensive doctor.”
“Do you truly think that? You think a street address protects one from illness? It did not protect Darcy’s parents.” At last, she was silenced, so he continued. “I believe they were weakened long before the fevers struck. They allowed no true happiness into their lives. Mother always worried about society and how to do better. Father was terrified of making a mistake; that is why he never bought an estate. They never followed their hearts. You know they barely tolerated one another.”
“So you would tell me to marry any man, regardless of rank? Do you not wish for me to have security? Women are entirely dependent on men. Tradesmen expect loving and doting wives; the upper circles allow women to lead their own lives.”
“You mean take lovers!”
She vehemently shook her head. “I would never dishonour myself so much, but it is the only way some ladies ever know love or happiness.”
She looked so sad, and at last, Bingley understood. “It would not be that way if you accept the right gentleman from the start.”
Sufficient Encouragement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (When Love Blooms Book 1) Page 14