“Something I did often as a child, but have not attempted in a few years.
He remained staring, and she rolled her eyes. “Very well.” With a swift turn, she removed her house slippers and tossed them out the window.
Mr. Darcy’s eyes widened, and he took a step forward. “Miss Elizabeth! I must object! You might do yourself an injury!”
She ignored his protests and climbed upon the sill, placing her feet onto a limb that ran parallel to the house just below where she made her exit. Once she had a firm grasp on two smaller branches above, she lowered herself onto the limb. Would it still hold her weight? She had been considerably smaller the last time she had made the attempt.
The gentleman launched forward to the window. “You must return to the library. It is too risky!”
She lifted a shoulder as she watched her feet on the branch below her. “Then you should have stopped me before I climbed out.”
The way down was quick once the method returned to her. One foot to a lower limb followed by a hand to another. Soon, she was on the ground grinning at Mr. Darcy above. “Now neither of us is forced into an unpleasant situation!”
She glanced in either direction and with no one about, returned her slippers to her feet. “Millie will not appreciate having to clean these!” There was no use for it, however. She could not very well approach the front door of Netherfield with her slippers in her hands.
Mr. Darcy watched Elizabeth stride around the side of the house and drew himself back inside. Once he closed the window, he retrieved the books from the floor, returned them to the side table, and placed a hand upon the back of the closest chair.
He had been inclined to dismiss Miss Bingley’s assertions as to Miss Elizabeth’s dislike of him, but could it be true? Miss Bingley alluded to a comment he had made at the assembly. He often offended people at balls, but he was uncomfortable in those settings with the mothers and daughters measuring his wealth and seeking introductions. The people he insulted were often those he had no interest in befriending much less maintaining a connection.
Images from the assembly played before him as though he were walking through a gallery, looking at a series of paintings in a specific order. Miss Elizabeth had been present when her mother inquired whether he liked to dance, but his response and exit could not have caused such insult, could they?
Then, he groaned. Bingley had goaded him about dancing with Miss Elizabeth, and what had he said? She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me.
She had been watching. He had caught her eye when he looked to see whom Bingley meant, yet her behaviour afterwards had not been one of a hurt or outraged woman. She had smiled when she passed him, and then laughed with Charlotte Lucas. Could they have found humour at his expense?
The remark was below him, but Mrs. Bennet had been obvious in her designs. He came to Hertfordshire to help his friend and enjoy the sport—not find a wife. He had walked into the assembly unworried of giving offence, and ironically, insulted the one woman he now, in fact, found tempting.
So, did she despise him? If so, did he care? Would he wish to change her view of him? Her opinion of him could not be favourable. After all, she climbed from a window and down a tree to avoid marriage to him! Was falling to her death preferable to life as his wife? Lord, but she must despise him!
He leaned against the mantel and blew out a breath. What did he desire? Did he want Miss Elizabeth with her low connections and vulgar family, or to continue as he had for the past few years, drowning himself in work and caring for Georgiana?
Why did that notion create such an empty sensation in his chest?
Elizabeth set off, rounding the house in no time at all, and was approaching the front just as Miss Bingley stepped forward to enter her carriage with Mrs. Langford awaiting her within.
“I hope you have a pleasant journey, Miss Bingley.” Elizabeth wore a grin that likely revealed every tooth in her mouth, but it helped prevent her from laughing, which was a struggle with the dropped jaw and bulging eyes of the lady before her. She made a quick curtsey, then strode inside where she let loose her giggles.
Her amusement was short-lived by necessity—Mr. Darcy was still trapped. Without much of a pause, she made her way back to the library and attempted to open the door, which was, of course, still locked. If a servant were nearby, she would arouse suspicion if she did not try the door first. Fortunately, no more than five steps down the corridor were required before she happened upon Mrs. Nicholls.
“Mrs. Nicholls, do you know why the library would be locked? I hoped to select a book, but was unable to gain entry.”
The housekeeper peered around her at the bolted door and lifted her chatelaine from where it was fastened to her waist. “How strange. I am unaware of any reason why it would be locked.”
When she opened the door, Mr. Darcy stood with his forearm upon the mantel, staring into the fire.
“Mr. Darcy! Forgive me if I have disturbed your solitude. Miss Elizabeth wished for a book, so I—”
“Please do not worry yourself, Mrs. Nicholls. I am not upset. I was reading with the entry quite open until Miss Bingley locked me in here not five minutes ago, but rather than spend my time pounding upon the door, I calmly waited for someone to notice. Thank you for freeing me, madam.”
The housekeeper’s eyebrows lifted. “Then I am glad Miss Elizabeth was present to facilitate your recovery. With Mr. Bingley’s reading habits, you could have remained undiscovered for hours if not days.”
His lip gave a slight curve. “Quite so.”
Elizabeth motioned towards the front of the house. “I passed Miss Bingley before she entered her carriage. I imagine she has departed by now.”
He nodded. “I am relieved to hear it.”
“Well, if you’ll forgive me saying it, the staff shall be relieved as well,” stated Mrs. Nicholls matter-of-factly. “If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”
Mr. Darcy nodded. “Of course. Thank you again.”
The housekeeper gave a dip of a curtsey and departed, leaving them to the company of one another.
“I underestimated your accomplishments, Miss Elizabeth.”
She lifted her eyebrow. “I admit to not having practiced that particular skill in some time, but I hesitate to include tree-climbing amongst my accomplishments.”
A slight smile graced his lips. “In this instance, I beg to differ. I am certain a few ladies in London might find such a skill useful. The gentlemen would as well if they chose to remember it.”
“If I may speak plainly, I believe neither of us wish for a forced marriage, Mr. Darcy. I could not live my life resented for circumstances beyond my control. After all, my dreams would also be forfeit in such a situation.”
“But your mother…”
A groan escaped her lips. “My mother may be on a determined pursuit of husbands for her daughters, but how amenable we are to her wishes is another matter. She may push and mortify us to the end of our wits, but Jane and I shall not bow to her demands unless they match the sentiments of our hearts.”
“Brave words in today’s world. If you do not marry, your life would be changed irrevocably upon the passing of your father.”
“Truer words have never been spoken, but my Uncle Gardiner has promised to aid us should that day arrive.”
She bit her lip as she considered the man before her for a moment. “Both of us should find spouses we find more than tolerable, I believe.”
His shoulders dropped. “Please accept my sincerest apology for my words that evening. I was in a ghastly mood, and after hearing the whispers and titters of the mothers and daughters in the room, became annoyed at Bingley’s entreaty to dance.
“You are, in my opinion, a handsome lady. I do not believe I would find marriage to you a hardship, by any means.”
Her cheeks burned as she reached down for the books on the table. “Thank you,” she whispered. She selected Evelina from the pile before her. “May I read this book?”
“
Please. I believe Clarke mixed that one into the titles I selected to travel with me.” He reached over and opened the cover. “It belongs to my sister.” A nameplate bearing the name Georgiana Darcy adorned the inside cover.
“Oh! I can choose another. I had not realized…”
His hand stayed her wrist so she could not withdraw, leaving an unknown frisson in its wake. “Do not worry on my sister’s account. She would be pleased to share it with you. She may be painfully shy, but she is kind.”
“You are certain?” Her hands clutched the book as she drew it closer and away from him.
“Quite. She will have no objection. I assure you. The remaining two volumes are in my trunk when you have completed the first.”
She stared at the fine calfskin binding. Why could she no longer hold his eye? “Thank you. I promise I shall return them before we depart for Longbourn.” With a gesture towards the exit, she bit her lip. “I should return to Jane. Thank you again.”
Her feet bustled her from the library and up the stairs until she was safe within the confines of her sister’s bedchamber.
What just happened? Mr. Darcy complimented her? She drew the book down from her chest. He had loaned her his sister’s book!
Who was this man? One moment he was haughty as he was at the assembly, and the next a perfect gentleman.
Whoever he was, she had to maintain some distance. Her responses to him were a mystery, but she could not afford to form an attachment to him. He would depart Netherfield one day and she would not be going with him. He was a risk she could not afford!
Chapter 6
Darcy woke the next morning, tired and agitated from the constant dreams he endured the night prior. Clarke, bless him, brought coffee directly, which revived him a bit before he descended to the dining room for breakfast; however, another cup or two was required.
Miss Elizabeth sat silent across from him as she took great care in spreading jam on her toast. He took a drink from his latest cup and examined her while her attention was occupied elsewhere. Dark lines framed the undersides of her eyes as she sipped her own coffee. Had she been required to remain awake for the sake of her sister? She would make herself ill should she not rest from time to time.
“You appear worn, Miss Elizabeth. I hope your sister has not taken a turn for the worse?”
She lifted her eyebrows. “You do know how to compliment a lady, sir.”
His eyes closed. How could he have phrased it in such a fashion! “Forgive me.”
“I knew you meant no harm, but I could not let the opportunity pass.” Her lip lifted on one side, prompting his to follow suit. “Jane is much improved, thank you. Mrs. Hurst requested trays for Jane and herself and offered to keep Jane company for a time. My sister shooed me from the room, claiming I required some fresh air and solitude.”
“And do you? Require solitude, that is?”
Her teeth nibbled at her bottom lip as her eyes narrowed just a bit. “Not necessarily, but I do appreciate the opportunity to do as I choose.”
“The weather is agreeable for this time of year. I would be pleased to escort you around the gardens when you have finished your meal.”
The smile fell away from her lips, and she stared at him, her eyes wary. “I confess I had hoped to walk before I returned to Jane, but if you have business, I do not require your presence. I often ramble about Longbourn without a chaperon.”
Did she not wish for him to accompany her? She appeared as a deer when it notices a hunter’s rifle aimed in its direction.
“Miss Bennet, I feel you and I have misjudged one another on a frequent basis since our first acquaintance. After the events of the past few days, I would welcome the opportunity to ask a few questions, and since I know you overheard us speaking of your family, I feel certain you would appreciate the opportunity as well.”
“I confess I have attempted to sketch your character, yet you have puzzled me exceedingly.” Miss Elizabeth tilted her head as she appraised him. “I thank you for your invitation. I should be pleased to have you as my escort.”
“Splendid.” This was nonsensical. What was he doing? He continually vowed to avoid Miss Elizabeth’s company, but upon drawing near to her, his resolve vanished into the mist.
When she had sipped the last of her coffee, they left the house for the gardens where they began to walk side by side.
“Am I free to ask any question I wish, Mr. Darcy?”
He grinned. “You may ask, but I may choose not to answer.”
“Touché.” She turned so she walked backwards. “Why did you defend my family to Miss Bingley? I am still amazed Mr. Bingley did not object. You were hardly complimentary of his family, his roots.”
He stopped, and she halted after one more step. “The answer is simple. Miss Bingley was impolite and insulting. She has a decided contempt for anything related to trade, yet her father was a tradesman, which Bingley has never denied or scorned. Her false sense of superiority has infuriated her brother for years, but other behaviours in the last two years have prompted him to take measures to restrain her.”
“Restrain? I do not understand.”
He shifted on his feet. “At one time, I was unfailingly polite to Miss Bingley. Out of respect for her brother, I would have never raised my voice or corrected her behaviour, yet she attempted to force me into a marriage with her. Bingley, rather than lose my friendship, formed Miss Bingley her own establishment. Since she failed at her attempt to entrap me, Bingley has ensured she is unable to use a connection to either of us, and she is not allowed to reside within the same home as her brother.”
“Yet, she came to Netherfield.”
He scuffed the bottom of his shoe along the ground. “She ignored her brother’s express instructions not to journey to Netherfield.”
She lifted her eyebrows. “I am amazed he did not send her back directly.”
“Bingley did try, but she travelled without a maid or a companion. They both left her service in the month prior to her journey here.” A bark of laugher escaped his throat. “Miss Bingley is in for a shock as she comes to know her new companion. I have it on good authority that she does not accept nonsense. Bingley was almost giddy with excitement when he read her references.”
“You make her sound more of a governess than a companion.” She shook her head. “I would never have imagined Miss Bingley venturing to such lengths! May I inquire of Mrs. Hurst? Was she a part of her sister’s machinations?”
“Mrs. Langford may be a companion by title, but by Bingley’s direction, she is to ensure Miss Bingley’s proper decorum by whatever means available to her. As for Mrs. Hurst, she has been told not to support her sister’s schemes. The Hursts did convey Miss Bingley to Netherfield, but Mrs. Hurst claims to have had little choice in the matter since she felt she could not leave Miss Bingley without a maid and a companion.”
“Do you believe her?”
He lifted a shoulder. “No, though I feel Mrs. Hurst should have sent an express warning her brother of Miss Bingley’s pending arrival. Matters were poorly handled in my opinion. Miss Bingley could have remained in the Hurst’s home, which has more servants, but Hurst does not allow her to live with them either.”
Miss Elizabeth plucked a vivid amber leaf from a nearby hedge, spinning it in her hand. “I appreciate your defence of my sudden appearance here at Netherfield. I confess I was distressed upon hearing of my sister’s illness, and wished to determine her condition for myself. The horses could not be spared for the carriage.”
“Miss Bennet is a fortunate lady to have such a devoted sibling. I know my own sister has oft times indicated a desire for such a sister, and I have oft thought of how it might be beneficial to her, especially now.”
Her attention returned to his face, and her eyebrows drew together. “I do hope she is well.”
“She has had a difficult time as of late. I pray she will rally, but I am, as of yet, uncertain.”
“With such a devoted brother, I believe she wi
ll be well.”
His cheeks warmed. “You are too kind. I failed to protect her when it mattered. It is why she…”
The sympathetic eyes of Miss Elizabeth stopped his tongue. He could not reveal Georgiana’s secrets! He might find Miss Elizabeth irresistible, but could he jeopardise his sister on such a short acquaintance?
“Should you need to speak of your sister, you can be assured of my discretion.”
“I thank you for your consideration, but I cannot—not yet at least. Perhaps…”
Her hand upon his garnered his attention. How long had he been twisting his fingers? “If you have the need or feel you can speak of it, you know where to find me. I will not push or pry.”
A nod was all he could manage before he gestured toward the path. Miss Elizabeth took the place at his side as they walked in silence for a few moments.
“It must be difficult to be apart from your sister at such a time.”
He swallowed hard. If only the dreadful lump in his throat would disappear. “I found it particularly trying when I first arrived, but my aunt, Lady Fitzwilliam, has been of great aid to Georgiana, who requested to stay with my uncle and aunt while I was away.”
“It must be a comfort that your sister can confide and trust in your relations.”
How true her statement was! Aunt Charlotte’s care and concern had been irreplaceable!
“I must confess my aunt has been of great help. Since my mother’s passing, Lady Fitzwilliam has been more of a mother to us than an aunt.”
“In some fashion, my Aunt Gardiner is the same.” Miss Elizabeth wore a warm smile as she watched two squirrels frolic under a tree. A laugh bubbled from her lips at the pair’s antics, sounding like the happy tune of a rambling brook. Did Miss Elizabeth not have one trait he would find unappealing?
“This is your uncle and aunt in London?”
“Yes, though Miss Bingley did not realize that the local gossip of my uncle is not all it appears.”
His eyebrows rose. “Your statement stirs one’s curiosity. Will you share the information the local matrons lack?”
Particular Intentions Page 5