Mr. Hurst opened a wary eye, but upon Darcy’s gaze meeting his, he returned to feigning sleep.
“You were so concerned with their connections to trade, and while Mrs. Bennet’s father was a solicitor, he was a younger brother. From what Mr. Bennet said, the family still owns multiple properties, including an estate in Cambridgeshire and a smaller estate closer to London.”
“It matters not, they—”
“Caroline, that is enough!” boomed Bingley. “It is this sort of behaviour that I cannot abide. You have been told on numerous occasions that your disdain will not be accepted in my household.
“Our father, God rest his soul, strove to be a part of the ton, but was unable to purchase an estate before his passing. He was a tradesman. I am not ashamed of that fact, and I will not condone the disparagement of the Bennet family because of an uncle who is in trade. You may as well denounce your own father!”
Darcy nodded. “The eldest Bennet sisters comport themselves with more propriety and dignity in a public setting than you. They do not openly sneer or ridicule others for their lack of wealth or connections.”
“I behave no differently than people of fashion!”
Darcy sat forward, bristling on behalf of his family. “My mother never treated anyone with the scorn you display. My uncle, Lord Fitzwilliam, does not behave as such and neither does my aunt, Lady Fitzwilliam.”
“Lord Fitzwilliam would never accept—”
“My uncle has been known to lower rents when times are hard and give food, blankets, and coal to the impoverished elderly and young children. He has good understanding and an amiable disposition. He would not abide your company for a second. Not due to your family, Miss Bingley, but because of your temper.”
Darcy rose from his seat. “I apologise, Bingley. I should retire to my rooms. I fear I will not be good company should I remain.”
“Of course.” His friend continued to glower at Miss Bingley. “We shall still ride out to survey the field at the north end of the estate in the morning?”
“Yes, I shall ensure Clarke is aware of our plans for the morrow.” Without so much as a glance at Miss Bingley, Darcy exited and with a shoulder against the door, he closed it behind him.
A swish of a skirt near the dining room flashed in the corner of his eye. When had Elizabeth Bennet returned from her sister’s suite? Her cheeks were pale and her eyes wide as she stared at him. Had she overheard their argument?
What an awkward situation! Did she expect him to speak? He stood straight and tall and clenched his jaw.
Meanwhile, she looked about as if seeking escape, her eyes settling upon the stairs. Her quick stride did not falter as she made her way to the first step, where she paused and turned to him. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
Her voice was low, almost a whisper. He gave a nod, and she continued on her way.
Chapter 3
November 13th 1811
Elizabeth finished folding the letter she had just penned to her mother and gave a weary sigh. Jane’s rest had become fitful during the evening, and Elizabeth had spent most of the night at her side, tending to her beloved sister.
Her mother needed to see what her conspiring had wrought, not that Jane was on her deathbed, by any means, but her misery could have been prevented. Remorse, however, was not in Francine Bennet’s vocabulary. The visit was unlikely to make an impression, but it would appear strange should Jane be indisposed for a period of time and her mother had never laid eyes upon her. That much was certain.
Once Elizabeth sealed the letter, she stepped into the hall and arranged for its delivery, but upon returning to the library, she stared unseeing at the bookshelves, their offerings blurred before her.
Why had Mr. Darcy come to her defence? He was an insufferable, prideful man who only looked upon her to find fault. At least, that was her initial sketch of his character. Could he be more than she presumed? Could his reference to her fine eyes mean he found her more than tolerable?
He was well known in Meryton for his grand estate and income, but the night prior, he had boasted of his uncle’s good works and his family’s kind manners. What if she was incorrect? He was handsome to be sure, but his manner was offensive at the assembly and not attractive in the slightest. But, what if there was more to Mr. Darcy than any of Meryton presumed? The questions, however, had no answers without further observation of the man himself.
Of course, Mr. Bingley had displayed a new side of himself as well. He was still amiable, yet he had never, in her presence, scolded Miss Bingley in such a manner as Elizabeth had overheard. He was also more determined than he appeared at a first acquaintance.
“Were you searching for a particular title?”
She gasped and jumped, the hand attached to the thumbnail she was biting dropped to her side.
A small crease formed between Mr. Darcy’s eyebrows. “Forgive me if I startled you. You have been standing in the same attitude for a few minutes, and I have no objection to being of aid should you require it.”
She bit her bottom lip. “Oh, I am loath to admit that I was wool-gathering, Mr. Darcy. I am afraid my mind wandered, and I ceased to see the books before me.”
His brows drew together a bit more. “I do hope your sister has not taken a turn for the worse. I heard the servants make mention of a note dispatched to Longbourn.”
“Jane remains much the same. I wished for my mother to visit. She might have some remedy or advice to help alleviate Jane’s discomfort.”
It was doubtful her mother would have any information that might be of use, yet Jane would be more at ease at Longbourn. Her mother had to agree the three-mile journey home would not be a detriment to Jane’s health.
“I am glad she has not worsened. Colds can be nasty beasts. They might seem trifling one day but can progress to something much more serious overnight.”
“Jane passed a trying night, but she has not worsened.” For the first time since she made his acquaintance, his eyes were kind and concerned. Eyes? Miss Bingley had indicated he found her eyes to be fine—they were brightened by the exercise.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he interrupted. “Are you well? You appear a bit flushed.”
A gentle warmth suffused her face, and she began to shake her head. “I am a bit fatigued, but I am not ill.”
He thought her eyes were fine. They were brightened by the exercise.
She shook her head in a futile attempt to clear it. “Pardon me, Mr. Darcy, but I need to see to Jane.” She scooted around him and fled to her sister’s chamber, falling back against the door once it was closed.
Her heart stuttered and her stomach fluttered as if she had several butterflies attempting to take flight within. This was ridiculous! Despite his good looks and his defence of her family, he was a disagreeable, insufferable man—or was he?
With a groan, her head dropped into her hands like a lead weight. “I am so confused.”
“Lizzy? Are you well?”
She started and began to bob her head with more fervour than was perhaps necessary. “I am, Jane. I just ventured to the library to find a book.”
“But you have returned empty-handed.” Her sister’s wan face wore a crooked smile. “You said you are confused. Why do you not tell me what has you at sixes and sevens?”
“You are ill.”
“My sore throat does not render my mind so addled that I cannot comprehend your problem. Perhaps, the opinion of another might provide some much-needed clarity. I could certainly use the diversion after remaining in this bed for the last two days.”
Elizabeth’s shoulders sagged; she stepped over to the bed, and dropped alongside Jane in a less than graceful heap of muslin. “It is Mr. Darcy.”
Jane’s nose crinkled. “But you have such a hearty dislike of Mr. Darcy—at least, you did upon your arrival.”
“I did! He has been haughty and disagreeable since I first made his acquaintance.”
“But.” Her sister’s lips curved up at the very ends.
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“Then, last night happened.”
With her eyebrows drawn together, Jane shook her head. “I am afraid I do not recall much of last night, Lizzy.”
“No,” she responded, a bit exasperated. “You would not, would you? When I looked in after dinner, you were sound asleep.”
“So, you came here, and then?”
“I ventured back down to the drawing room. I thought to read while the remainder of the group played cards.”
“And?” Jane drew out the word, prompting a half-hearted smile.
“Before I could enter, I overheard Miss Bingley discrediting our family. She was criticising Uncle Philips for being a solicitor and Uncle Gardiner for not only living in Cheapside, but also his status as a tradesman.”
“Oh, dear,” lamented Jane. “I thought her so amiable. Are you certain you did not misunderstand?”
“No, Miss Bingley was clear in her disdain.”
“But how does that affect your opinion of Mr. Darcy? Did he agree with Miss Bingley?”
The conversation she overheard played in her mind as she gave a shake of her head. “No... I mean yes.” With a bit of a groan, she covered her eyes.
“Lizzy!” Jane laughed and removed her hands. “You will have to tell me if I am to make any sense of this.”
“Miss Bingley seemed to expect him to agree, but all he said was Uncle Philips and Uncle Gardiner would lessen our chances of marrying men of any consideration in the world.” She curled her feet underneath her. “Other than that statement, all else he said was in our defence.”
“Truly?”
Elizabeth gave a nod of her head in the affirmative to Jane’s questioning gaze. “I never would have expected him to come to our aid as he did, but I heard it with my own ears. His words in our favour were not even the most shocking portion of the argument.”
Jane rose to a seated position, bent her knees, and wrapped her arms around her legs.
“At one point, Miss Bingley sounded as if she was goading Mr. Darcy, asking if my walking three miles altered his admiration of my ‘fine eyes’. He responded by saying that it had not, and that they had been brightened by the exercise.”
Jane began thumping her feet against the bed. “I knew it! I was certain he was enamoured of you and this proves it!”
“You will wear yourself out if you continue as you are,” Elizabeth retorted drily.
“It matters not. I will simply sleep for most of the afternoon.” She bit her lip in an obvious attempt not to giggle with glee. “He did not remove his eyes from you as you performed at Lucas Lodge, and he watched you at the assembly—after his slight, that is. I began to wonder if he was smitten, yet I did not mention it to you since I knew how you disliked him.”
“He has been prideful during most of our acquaintance, but I do not know what to make of his statement about my fine eyes. I just made a ninny of myself with him when he asked if I required help locating a particular book.”
An indelicate sound that could rival Lydia escaped her prim and proper sister’s nose. “He is an exceedingly handsome gentleman, and now you know he is attracted to you. I see nothing unusual about feeling foolish before him. Do you remember when Charlotte was smitten with the eldest Goulding boy?”
Elizabeth grinned. “How could I forget? She could not cease that ridiculous giggle whenever he requested her hand for a set. I still believe the reason he wed Lucy Higgins over Charlotte was because Charlotte was too flustered to speak to him.”
Her sister’s eyebrows furrowed. “What if his temperament is similar to mine?”
“Pardon?”
“What if Mr. Darcy is reserved in company? Might that come across as prideful?”
“I suppose.” The idea was plausible.
Jane took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “He may also not want to excite your expectations. We are not of his standing. What if his family has a match planned for him?”
She started. “I confess I had not considered such a situation.”
“If Mr. Darcy is attempting to spare your feelings, he is very considerate to think of it.”
Chewing the inside of her lip, Elizabeth gave a nod. Could Jane truly have sketched Mr. Darcy’s character accurately and without difficulty? “It does show him in a different light.”
She began to recount every encounter with Mr. Darcy since his arrival, searching for nuances that she might have missed in his demeanour.
“Lizzy?”
“Hmmm?”
“Would you ring for some tea?”
Elizabeth sprang from the bed and moved to pull the bell. “Forgive me! I have been so thoughtless. Here I was preoccupied with Mr. Darcy’s comment and forgot the entire reason I am residing at Netherfield.”
A scratchy giggle erupted from Jane. “Do not scold yourself so. I am not near death, by any means.”
The maid responded with haste to the summons of the bell, and after her departure, Elizabeth resumed her place on the bed.
“What are you going to do about Mr. Darcy?” asked Jane.
“There is naught I can do. If you are correct and he is hiding his feelings, he must have a reason. Besides, it would be improper to ask him, even if he is aware of my presence last night.”
A gasp turned Elizabeth’s attention to her sister’s shocked countenance. “You did not say he knew you overheard.”
“He was furious with Miss Bingley. In fact, he and Mr. Bingley were blunt and unreserved in their reprimand of her words. When he finished upbraiding Miss Bingley, he gave his apologies to Mr. Bingley and departed the room before I could locate a suitable place to hide.”
“We know this house so well. Did you forget the cupboard under the stairs?”
“It was locked! I hurried to turn in the direction of the dining room, but he emerged from the drawing room before I could open the door.”
“What did you do?”
“I panicked and decided to hurry back to you, but I could not leave without thanking him.”
“Did he respond?”
“He acknowledged me, and I hastened up the stairs.” She brought her thumb to her mouth and began to chew on her nail. “What do you think?”
Jane stared out of the window for a time. She was quiet, but those closest to Jane would be aware she was considering every option. With a sigh, she gave her shoulders a slight shrug.
“I believe your first instinct is correct. You should behave no differently than in the past—except perhaps be a bit more polite to poor Mr. Darcy. The best advice I can give is to let his behaviour be your guide. If he remains proper and reserved, then do not press for more of a friendship, yet if he is open and amiable, I do not foresee any harm in furthering the acquaintance.”
Her sister’s hand wrapped around hers and gave a squeeze. “If he does appear to desire friendship, please be careful. He may not intend to pursue more.”
“You are one to talk, Jane Bennet. I happen to know that you are well on your way to being in love with Mr. Bingley.”
A knock at the door announced their tea had arrived. Elizabeth allowed the maid inside and prepared Jane’s cup, returning to her seat once her sister was served.
“I will admit to being hopeful,” confessed Jane, “however, I am attempting to guard my heart. I do not wish to be hurt when he departs for town one day in the future.”
“I do hope you are incorrect, dear sister. I believe Mr. Bingley would be a good match.”
The strident sounds of their mother echoed down the hall, and Elizabeth groaned. “Our mother has arrived.”
“She means well, Lizzy.”
“I know she does, even if I do not understand her methods.”
The door swung open to reveal Mrs. Bennet with her two youngest daughters, and Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst just behind them.
“Jane! Why are you sitting? Lie down, girl, before you make yourself worse!”
Perhaps summoning their mother was not such a good idea.
Chapter 4
November 14th 1811
What a blessed relief! Elizabeth’s mother had finally departed Netherfield!
Even after hiding in Jane’s room for the past hour, the memory of the call still caused Elizabeth to wince. How could she face anyone who had been a party to such a scene? Her mother’s lack of manners and discretion were mortifying!
A servant appeared at the door to announce when dinner would be served, and she placed a hand over her stomach. Not that the simple gesture would quell the current churning, but tears would solve nothing. They would only make matters worse as she would then have red eyes and a red nose with which to contend.
Oh, but to cry off; however, the maid had tended the fire not five minutes ago. If they inquired, the residents of Netherfield would know that Jane slept soundly. They would think Elizabeth rude.
With shaky hands, she changed and prepared for the dreaded meal in the company of Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; those ladies were sure to verbally run Elizabeth through over her mother’s behaviour. No doubt they were having a jolly laugh at the Bennets’ expense while Elizabeth fretted.
As there was naught that could be done, she brushed her skirt, pinched her cheeks, and started towards the dining room. When she arrived, she was surprised by a new addition to their party.
A squat and stern-countenanced woman occupied the seat beside Miss Bingley, and before the meal was served, Mr. Bingley introduced her as his sister’s new companion, Mrs. Langford. Miss Bingley was to depart Hertfordshire in the morning, and Mrs. Langford was to accompany the lady on her return to town.
Elizabeth had not planned on a show with her meal, yet the behaviour of Miss Bingley provided much entertainment. Mrs. Langford’s numerous attempts to rein in Miss Bingley’s poor manners were dismissed or ignored, much to her new companion’s continued vexation. How diverting!
Jane was still sleeping when she looked in on her after dinner, so Elizabeth returned to join the inhabitants of Netherfield in the drawing room. She took up some needlework, but soon was distracted again by the antics of Miss Bingley, this time towards Mr. Darcy.
The lady, if one could refer to her thus, stood near the gentleman while she fawned over his handwriting, the evenness of his lines, and the length of his letter as her companion endeavoured on several instances to draw her attention. Mrs. Langford placed a hand to Miss Bingley’s arm, she attempted a lady-like cough, and even attempted to interrupt; yet, Mrs. Langford was unsuccessful as her charge ignored her companion with apparent ease.
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