“In the past, I have tried to no avail to temper my wife’s tongue. The ruin of her own daughter would not concern her if Franny thought she could have Lizzy married.”
“I should be loath to lose our morning discussions, but I understand your concern, sir.”
Her father’s stare moved to her. “At one time, Jane walked with you. Do you think you could persuade her to adopt the practice once more?”
Her heart leapt. A courtship under the ever-present watch of her mother would be a nightmare. If Jane would agree to chaperon, they would not lose the time together she had come to anticipate.
“I shall ask.”
Mr. Darcy sat forward in his chair. “Sir, are you saying…”
“As long as Jane accompanies Lizzy, you are free to walk with my daughter in the mornings. I can understand her wish to speak without the interference of her mother, and I daresay, you will not miss the experience either.”
“I thank you for your consideration, sir.”
As they had spoken, her sisters and mother arriving in the breakfast parlour created a din that carried into the book room.
“Have you eaten, Mr. Darcy?”
He shook his head. “Not as of yet. I departed Netherfield early this morning.”
Her father rose, and slapped Mr. Darcy on the shoulder. “Then why do you not join us. We are a noisy lot, but my wife does set a generous table.”
“I thank you for the invitation. I shall be pleased to accept.” Mr. Darcy’s shoulders were rigid. Despite his polite words, he likely did not relish a meal in company with her mother and sisters. Even to the most patient man, her mother’s enthusiasm was difficult to tolerate.
Upon their entrance, those assembled stopped to stare.
“La! What is he doing here so early?”
“You may choose to sleep the day away, Lydia,” chastised their father, “but there are people who rise with the sun.
“Before you return to your plates, Mr. Darcy has requested to court Lizzy, and I have granted my permission. I hope one day he will not rue the moment he made this decision.”
“Papa!”
“Oh, Lizzy, let an old man have some fun.”
“Congratulations, Mr. Darcy.” Miss Bennet stood beside her mother, whose mouth was agape. “I am pleased for you, Lizzy.”
“Thank you, Miss Bennet.” Mr. Darcy gave a slight bow. “Mrs. Bennet, I hope you are well this morning.”
Her mother’s mouth shut with a click, and she swallowed. “Yes.” The tone was not normal for her mother; it was quite faint. “Mr. Bennet,” she whispered loudly, “I have promised Mr. Collins—”
“Mrs. Bennet, you are not head of this household. I have not given Mr. Collins my permission, so Lizzy is free to be courted by Mr. Darcy. Am I understood?” Her mother made to speak again, but her father held up his hand. “I said no more, Mrs. Bennet.”
“But Mr. Darcy is betrothed to Miss de Bourgh!” Mr. Collins stood at the opposite end of the table. His mouth was full, which made understanding his words a challenge.
Mr. Darcy tensed. “Mr. Collins, this is not the first time I have been forced to censure you for spreading rumours and idle gossip. Though it has not been announced, my cousin is attached and betrothed to another. I happen to know my uncle is to intervene and an announcement should be in the paper before the end of the month, so I insist you desist in your errant proclamations at once.”
Mr. Collins’ mouth snapped shut as Mr. Bennet gave a hearty laugh. “If my presence is no longer needed, I shall return to my book room. Mr. Darcy, should you require an escape for some sensible conversation, you and Lizzy are welcome to join me when you have concluded your meal.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bennet.”
Darcy held out a chair for Elizabeth and took the seat beside her. The table was quiet when one considered the usual behaviour of the Bennet girls. Miss Lydia whispered and tittered into the ear of Miss Kitty. Miss Mary returned to the book she had been reading when they entered, and Mr. Collins, who had stuffed his remaining food in his mouth, hastened from the table and up the stairs upon begging to be excused.
“He is sure to be penning a letter to Lady Catherine,” whispered Elizabeth. “He has made a point of telling us how he keeps her apprised of all his activities.”
He rolled his eyes. “I can well imagine based on my aunt’s personality. She enjoys declaring herself attentive to all matters. His subservient behaviour is identical to that of her previous parson.”
“Oh dear!” Elizabeth’s hand covered her mouth as she giggled.
What was it about her laugh that soothed him so? The manner in which it bubbled from her lips and the tone could bring an unbidden smile to his face in but a moment. When her eyes regarded him with that twinkle of humour, his troubles disappeared—he was happy.
“What is it that amuses you so?”
She bit her fingernail as she stared for a moment. “It is just that your aunt’s choices of parson do not speak well of her. Please forgive me for my blunt assessment. I should have refrained from laughing in the first place.”
“Do not fret. I happen to be of the same opinion.” His attention was captured by Mrs. Bennet, who gaped in their direction.
Elizabeth turned and pressed her lips together when she took note of her mother’s expression. With a quick movement, Elizabeth took a piece of toast and began to eat.
Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty soon were back to their usual high spirits, joking and braying, while Miss Bennet and Elizabeth pinked at their youngest sisters’ antics and brash statements.
As they were rising from the table, Mr. Collins entered and bowed to those assembled. “It has occurred to me that I have been remiss in requesting a set from each of my lovely cousins for the ball.” He turned to Elizabeth, and Darcy’s fist clenched. “Cousin Elizabeth, might I request your first set?”
“I thank you, sir, but that set is taken.”
The snivelling parson’s face fell for but a second. “Then, might I request the supper dance?”
Elizabeth cleared her throat. “I am afraid that set is spoken for as well.”
Mr. Collins’ nose crinkled and his lips pursed. “May I inquire as to what sets you have available?”
Darcy cleared his throat. “I have claimed the first set and the supper set. My cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam is to arrive in time for the ball and asked that I reserve Miss Elizabeth’s last dance of the evening.”
“Has he?” She peered up with a mischievous glint in her eye. “I suppose I shall have to agree. I would not wish to snub the son of an Earl.”
Mr. Collins eyes widened. “Of course you would not!”
Thank goodness! The last thing he could bear was Mr. Collins claiming any set that might have some significance. The little toad had to be put in his place. Whether Mr. Collins liked it or not, Elizabeth would not be his.
The youngest Bennet girls stepped closer. “A colonel?” asked Miss Lydia.
Miss Kitty stepped in front of Miss Lydia. “Is he handsome?”
Elizabeth ignored her sisters. “My card is free for the remaining dances of the evening, Mr. Collins. When you have decided which set you would prefer, I shall reserve the spot.”
“Very good of you, cousin.” He scanned each of the Bennet daughters and turned to Miss Bennet. “Might I have the honour of the first set?”
Poor Miss Bennet was gracious in her acceptance, yet the manner in which her eyes shifted to Elizabeth during her answer and how she adjusted her shawl bespoke of her awkwardness.
Elizabeth took his elbow and squeezed. As they began to stroll towards the drawing room, she leaned closer. “Thank you!”
When she lowered from her tiptoes, she lost her balance and her breast grazed his upper arm. A hand to his chest helped her to right herself while he held his breath. How could he observe propriety when accidents such as this tested his will power! Lord help him!
Chapter 10
November 26th 1811
Elizabeth secur
ed one last curl and rushed through the door that connected her bedchamber to Jane’s. When she entered, her eldest sister turned her head as Elizabeth fastened the back of her gown.
“Where is your spencer?”
“On the hook,” Jane said with a laugh. “Lizzy, calm yourself. I am certain Mr. Darcy will be there when we arrive.”
“But we are late!” She held out her coat, which Jane buttoned, and passed Jane her reticule and her shawl.
“I do not require both my shawl and my spencer.”
Elizabeth threw up her hands and departed, hurrying down the stairs with the sound of Jane’s boots just behind her. She snatched her bonnet from a peg and donned it as she rushed out the rear door of Longbourn.
“Lizzy! Slow down! I cannot keep your pace!” With a heavy footfall, Elizabeth stopped and awaited Jane while her fingers fumbled with the ribbons of her bonnet. When her sister approached Elizabeth’s side, Elizabeth forged ahead.
Mr. Darcy came into view when she rounded the hedgerow. He was pacing back and forth, his shoulders tense as he whipped his crop against the trunk of an apple tree.
“Has the tree offended you in some fashion?”
He halted and stared with furrowed brows.
She pointed to his hand. “You struck the trunk.”
“Oh!” He glanced down and then back to her. “No, my mind is occupied by a number of issues, and I was not attending until you spoke.”
“We can postpone our walk if you require time for business?”
He stepped forward. “No! I would not miss this time with you for anything.”
She took his arm but resisted the urge to pull it closer. “I hope you have not waited long.”
With a glance behind her, he gave a dip of his chin. “Good morning, Miss Bennet.”
“Good morning, Mr. Darcy”
After clearing his throat, he began to lead her towards Grayson’s Pond. “To answer your question, no, I arrived perhaps five minutes ago.”
“I told you he would not leave without seeing you,” called Jane.
Elizabeth’s cheeks burned as she pivoted and widened her eyes. “Thank you, Jane.”
Her sister grinned.
“You must know I would wait. Even should I have business to attend, I would not have departed for Netherfield without speaking to you.”
Were her cheeks to be warm for the entirety of their morning? “Is your distress due to your sister? She is well?”
His hand covered hers. “I received a letter from her yesterday. Her spirits seem improved, and she has expressed a desire to meet you. I am content that my aunt’s company and counsel have proven beneficial, so no, Georgiana is not the source of my disquiet.”
“A trouble shared is a trouble halved.” Why had she used that singsong voice? She must have sounded ridiculous, though not any sillier than one of Mary’s favourite proverbs!
He looked at her askance. “Pardon?”
“Mary uses that saying frequently.”
“Ah.” He paused. “I am concerned about Wickham.”
“But Sir William Lucas and Papa have had some success in Meryton. The owner of the local inn and several shopkeepers have decided not to extend credit to the militia, and as a result, the officers remain closer to their camp. I have seen very little of Mr. Wickham since my Aunt Philips’ party, and when I have, it is at a distance while I am in the village.”
“Do you remember when I mentioned my cousin might journey to Netherfield?”
“Colonel Fitzwilliam, correct?”
He nodded. “He is not in London at the moment, but on an errand for his commander. I hoped he could have Wickham moved elsewhere. Without Richard, I am unsure how to proceed.”
They stopped at the edge of the water. “Then we must go on as we have. I am certain your cousin will respond when he returns to town.”
“I suppose you are correct.”
“You suppose?”
His lips slipped to a sort of half-smile. “Do not be impertinent, Miss Elizabeth.”
She placed her hands on her hips. “I live to be impertinent, Mr. Darcy.”
A horse’s neigh startled her, and she glanced to where a familiar stallion was tethered on the other side of the pond. “Boreas appears to have noticed you.”
“He is an impatient beast.”
“But that is your preference, is it not? Do you not desire a horse who will run without fear or restraint when you race or hunt foxes?”
“There are some excellent mounts who are not as spirited, yet I learned on an animal with a similar temper. Boreas was born at Pemberley a fortnight after I finished Cambridge. I helped train him.”
“He is dear to you.” His deep laugh brought gooseflesh to the back of her neck.
“In a fashion, yes, though not as dear to me as some.”
Unable to maintain his gaze, her eyes shifted beside him to watch a small flock of pheasants pecking along the opposite bank of the pond.
He pulled out his pocket watch. “I am loath to leave you, but I have letters to post before this evening.”
“I am sure Mama will be bemoaning our lack of compassion for her nerves should we not be home by breakfast.”
He gestured behind her. “I believe your sister is attempting to give us a moment alone.”
Elizabeth turned, but Jane was not nearby, as was her wont. Instead, she stood at the edge of some trees, facing the trail towards Longbourn. “I shall have to accuse her of becoming Mama.”
“Do not do Miss Bennet such a disservice.” His bare knuckles grazed a tingling trail down her temple. “I am thankful for her consideration. She has been an agreeable chaperon.”
“She follows a few steps behind, she does not listen, and she does not speak.” Her voice was incredulous, but his notion of an agreeable chaperon was laughable.
“Quite right, she allows me all of your attention.”
Elizabeth made to push his chest, but his hand grasped hers and tugged her forward. His warm palm cupped her face as her breath hitched. He was coming closer! His exhalation warmed her cheek and she closed her eyes just as his lips pressed against hers.
What should she do? Should she just stand there? Why was every hair on her body standing on end?
He withdrew and whispered her name in a voice that made her toes curl. Then, he kissed her again.
His lips were so soft and full as they cradled hers, and she used the hand upon his lapel to balance as she lifted to her tiptoes. His colour was high when he drew back, trailing his fingers through a few curls that had fallen from her bonnet, and she covered her mouth. How could she meet his eyes now and remain composed?
His lips brushed her forehead before he released her and stepped away. A sudden chill was a cruel reminder of the comfort she had found in his arms.
“I shall meet you in the hall tonight. I wish to escort the loveliest lady into the ball on my arm.”
Her palm remained over her mouth as she nodded. He pulled it away and placed a kiss upon her knuckles. “I look forward to being in your company once again.”
She tried to speak, but no sound came from her lips. What was wrong with her? All she could do was watch him walk to his horse. When he mounted, he lifted a hand to wave before he rode away.
Once he was cantering up the hill, Jane rushed over. “Lizzy! Did Mr. Darcy just kiss you?”
Elizabeth threw her arms around her eldest sister. “Oh, Jane! I do not know when it happened, but I am in love with him. I want to marry him!”
She withdrew and began to bite her thumbnail as Jane placed her hands upon Elizabeth’s shoulders. “I am overjoyed for you, dear sister. How long before he offers you his hand, do you think?”
“I do not know.” She began to bounce in place. “I do hope he will not tarry too long.”
Jane giggled and looped her arm through Elizabeth’s, pulling her in the direction of Longbourn.
Elizabeth halted. “What if he changes his mind?”
A tug from Jane propelled her
back in the direction of home. “Mr. Darcy is besotted. Something truly dreadful would have to occur for him to abandon you now—even then, I believe he would attempt to move heaven and earth if it were to be of aid to you.”
“You exaggerate, Jane.”
Jane squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. “I have seen how Mr. Darcy looks at you. He even observes you when you are not attending him. The softness in his expression at those times is noticeable to anyone who is looking.”
“You are in earnest?”
“I would not lie to you, Lizzy. I only pray a gentleman will regard me with such affection one day.”
Elizabeth wrapped her arm around Jane’s shoulders. “You are so beautiful and kind. I am certain it will not be long before Mr. Bingley bestows adoring gazes upon you.”
Her dearest sister was quiet for a moment. “Tell me what it is like to be kissed?”
Elizabeth almost tripped she made such a quick halt to glare at her sister. “No!”
Jane began to laugh. “Lizzy! We share everything. You know I shall not speak of it to a soul.”
“No, I cannot.” She began to head toward Longbourn once more, but as fast as her legs could carry her without running.
“You will tell me eventually!” called Jane.
“Never!”
“Lizzy, wait! I shall not press further. I promise!”
When Jane approached, she wore what was for her a mischievous smile. “Just answer one question.”
Elizabeth placed her hands upon her hips and waited.
“Does he have good breath?”
She dissolved into peals of laughter as Jane followed. When she regained some of her equanimity, Jane pushed her towards Longbourn.
“When you have sufficiently recovered, I do expect an answer. In the meantime, we should hasten home before Mama sends all of Meryton to find us.”
Darcy reined in his horse at the top of the rise and looked down towards the pond. Elizabeth slowed from a run to a walk as Miss Bennet strode at her usual sedate pace, following behind. The sisters knew to keep one another in each other’s sights, but he would remain until they disappeared into the trees. They would be almost to Longbourn by that point, close enough to ensure their safe return.
Particular Intentions Page 9