“And you should not be! No woman should be,” Elizabeth said, anger rising within her. “Sarah, take the rest of the night off. I will deal with Mama. Tell Mrs. Hill you are unwell, and Jane and I have sent you to bed.”
“I believe I would like to continue working, miss. Otherwise it will happen over and over in my thoughts.”
“Very well, then. As you wish. But, if at any time, you are unwell…”
“Thank you, Miss Lizzy. Miss Bennet,” she said, curtseying before retreating down the hallway.
Both girls looked at each other in wonder, uncertain how to proceed.
“And to imagine, we will be dining with the master of Pemberley,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “I am still in awe.”
The flurries of snow swirled about the window, and Mr. Gardiner chuckled. “I imagine my sister intends for this snow to increase and detain us at Netherfield. Then you would more than be in his company a day earlier than anticipated.”
Cringing at the idea, Lizzy ignored her uncle’s comment. “Really, Aunt. You are just as worthy to speak to him as any woman from London.”
Mrs. Gardiner tsk’d. “My dear, Lizzy. I am no more Mr. Darcy’s equal than I am the Prince Regent’s! I grew up in the long shadow of his great estate, and although I will converse with him tonight as someone of consequence, I am aware of his pedigree.”
Within, the carriage grew silent, save for the soft dusting of snow sliding down the windows and the cheerful bells on the horses.
“Why must he be given consequence over others? You are not in awe of Mr. Bingley—”
“No, Lizzy, I am not.” Mrs. Gardiner gave a slight nod to Jane. “Mr. Bingley is my equal.”
Elizabeth knew by the smirk on her uncle’s lips, she was giving him amusement.
“I believe, my dear,” Mrs. Gardiner said, “you have allowed your pride and the words of someone wholly unconnected to you to affect your judgment.” Her aunt continued. “I had a letter before we left for Longbourn from a girlhood friend. She remains in Lambton, which as you know is only five miles from Mr. Darcy's estate. I had asked her about your friend Mr. Wickham and was not pleased with the reply. Needless to say, your uncle has spoken to your father, and I do not expect to see him around Longbourn much.”
“I do not believe I lament that fact.”
Mrs. Gardiner raised a brow at her niece. “Emily told me about Sarah and Nanny. She informed me that you know.”
“The story Sarah expressed tonight was frightening. Both Jane and I were at a loss and are grateful you are aware.” Elizabeth tugged at her gloves. “How can a man with such goodness in his countenance act with such disregard for a young woman?”
“Lizzy,” Mr. Gardiner said. “You and Jane live amongst such nice people. How would you know of such dangers?”
“How are we to discern goodness from artifice?”
“You have those of us who love you and will protect you, dear girls. And now,” Mrs. Gardiner said, “what else do you think my friend told me in her letter? The village of Lambton received word Mr. Darcy is going to build a school and employ a teacher at his own expense!”
Jane gasped. “That is commendable.”
Elizabeth remained silent, her thoughts crushing the world she had previously created.
“I have been thinking upon Mr. Darcy’s words at the assembly. You are more than tolerable, but to a man of his consequence, do you not think society exhausts him? That every beautiful face he meets does not have intentions of being the next mistress of Pemberley?”
“I thank you for the compliment, Aunt. However, my intention has never been to judge the measure of a man solely by the size of his estate.”
“You, my dear girl, are one of the few women of character in the world. Other than our dear Jane,” Mrs. Gardiner said, reaching across and squeezing Jane’s hand, “there is no one like you. Mr. Darcy has not met your equal.”
“And,” her uncle said, speaking again, “I know the look in a man’s eye when he finds someone more than tolerable. Mark my words, dear Lizzy, you have misjudged him.”
Chapter 4
Comfort and Joy
The dinner had been…delightful. Elizabeth had discreetly observed Mr. Darcy but had remained silent. Silent until she and Miss Darcy began to discuss different topics of interest—music, novels, and all things that delighted young women.
But the man himself remained a mystery. She had taken her aunt’s words to heart, and although she believed her aunt’s girlhood friend was likely biased toward Pemberley, she recognized they held merit.
With the information regarding Mr. Wickham from my aunt’s letter, as well as Sarah’s story, it is obvious I put too much faith in the words of a stranger. Although Mr. Darcy has been offensive, I have never witnessed his behavior as anything other than proper. She worried her lip while studying her reflection in the mirror. After tying the ribbon at the end of her braid, she carried her candle to the bedside table, before slipping under the blanket with her book. Mr. Darcy might find me more than ‘tolerable’ as my uncle says, but what is that to me? And as my aunt said, he is a man hunted by women who are ten times the consequence of anyone in Hertfordshire!
“He might help the community of Lambton but, of people wholly unconnected to him, he is indifferent,” she told the darkness. She picked up her book and leaned back into the pillows willing the words on the page to capture her attention. However, the book could not halt the image of him speaking to her father and uncle from flitting through her mind.
He is a handsome man. More so than Mr. Bingley even. A small smile teased at the corners of her lips. He was so animated when discussing Cambridge with my uncle and father. That they had some of the same professors was unexpected. But that he and my father belonged to the same societies? Maybe he is a man possessing substance as well as good looks.
She ruminated on the thought for only a moment before her brow furrowed. “Unwelcome thoughts! Just because he is handsome, does not mean he deserves your regard, Lizzy, nor does he seek it.” She sunk down lower against the pillows and took up her book again. He does not care three straws for anyone except those in his own circle.
“But what about Emily and Victoria?” Yes, what about them? She had been quite surprised when he had asked Aunt Gardiner about the children, then mentioned he and his sister were delighted to have young ones at Netherfield for Christmas.
“Delighted!” she said aloud in confusion. “Why would Mr. Darcy be delighted? He appears to me a man who would find children a nuisance.”
She exhaled slowly and determined to think no more of the man from Derbyshire. I will give him no further consideration as I am certain his thoughts are far from the likes of Elizabeth Bennet!
The glow from the fire bathed the library as Darcy set down his book and raised a glass to his lips. The evening had been…delightful. He had observed Miss Elizabeth as often as he could without drawing her notice.
She looked lovely. The same gown she wore to Lucas Lodge all those months ago. Her confidence and indifference to the latest fashions is refreshing. Instead, she prefers to weigh the merit of the company she keeps.
He took another sip. And what a curious man her uncle is. Trade does not bother me as much as gauche behavior. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are as refined as any in the first circles. “It astonishes me he and Mrs. Bennet are from the same family.” But, then, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth did not take after their mother. Nor do I take after some of my relations.
He added a log, stoking the fire, and rested his foot on the fender. The silence settled around him but for the crackling of the flames.
Her father is well-read. I have not enjoyed a discussion on such varied topics since Cambridge. And that we were both in the same societies? Astonishing!
What had been more astonishing was Mr. Bennet’s cryptic remarks that the Bennet family, and namely the second eldest Miss Bennet, did not hold him in regard, that she found him lacking. I am all astonishment. He must be mistaken. I have al
ways behaved as a man of good breeding should.
The wind outside picked up and blew the snow against the pane. Besides, there were moments when I caught Miss Elizabeth glancing in my direction. Not with contempt but with curiosity. Would a woman who holds me in such a light look at me in that manner? No, she would not. He raised his glass again. Yes, it was a delightful evening, indeed.
At that moment, Mrs. Taylor walked into the library and stopped upon seeing the gentleman. “Mr. Darcy, you have yet to retire for the evening.”
“Mrs. Taylor,” he replied, standing. “I found I was in need of a good book.”
“And yet,” the lady said, sitting near the fire and patting the chair next to her for him to sit, “you abandon your book to stare into the fire.”
Her crinkled smile reminded him of his dear grandmother, and he found himself easing more than he ought. “Some thoughts are more pleasant than the written word.”
She gave a knowing smile. “I do not wish to pry, and although your affection is obvious to me, it is not apparent to all parties involved.”
He took a sip from his glass, eyeing the older lady with curiosity. “Yes, but there are only two parties involved, and I assure you, we are both aware of the circumstances.”
“I would not be so certain, Mr. Darcy.”
He raised a brow and leaned forward in his chair. “What are you saying, Mrs. Taylor?”
She looked over her shoulder before turning back to him. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet does not like you.”
He choked on his drink before setting his glass down and wiping his mouth. “Why would you think that?” I had thought to discount Mr. Bennet’s words as those of an unobservant father, but maybe there is truth to them.
“I wish I were, but I have it on good authority that the Bennets believe you to be proud and arrogant, most especially the second eldest Miss Bennet.”
“Miss Elizabeth is never anything but civil and cordial. She is perfection itself.” He realized he was declaring his feelings to Bingley’s aunt.
“Yes, she is.” The older woman raised an eyebrow. “Yet, have you noticed any partiality toward you? She treats you with the same consideration she treats everyone from Mrs. Long to Sir William Lucas.”
Sir William Lucas! Darcy was stunned. Had he not used that same comparison weeks before to dissuade his impressionable friend?
“I know I am speaking out of turn, but I am old and can be forgiven my impertinence.” She adjusted her widow’s cap and continued. “Her smile, although present, does not reach her eyes. She looks at you in curiosity, not adoration.”
“She is prudent, madam.” His words held more conviction than he felt, but he pressed on. “It would be unseemly for her to display her emotions. She is a lady of character.”
“Of that she is,” Mrs. Taylor said, standing. “I would advise you to work on changing her opinion. At present, you are only ‘tolerable,’ and your actions are not ‘handsome enough to tempt’ her.” With that, she made her way out the door, leaving Fitzwilliam Darcy with his mouth agape.
Sunday
It had been three days since the Bennets had dined at Netherfield, and two days since the Gardiners had taken up residence. There is felicity in the house which I forgot could exist. I have not enjoyed the company of children in many years. Observing Georgiana’s pleasure in being asked to play the piano by the young Miss Gardiners or their interest in her drawing, allowed him to see his sister in an entirely different light: she was no longer a child.
Darcy handed the reins to the stable hand as the snow began to fall and cling to his coat. He wasted no time in dashing up the stairs into the house to make himself more presentable. After church that morning, Bingley had invited the Bennets to tea. Darcy had to check his disappointment when Mrs. Bennet informed him they had a previous engagement. However, his emotions turned to elation when the matron assured Bingley that Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth were free to accept his kind invitation.
He had been considering his conversation with Mrs. Taylor from three nights previous and had to admit Bingley’s aunt might have the right of it. Although his pride smarted, he was willing to accept he needed to make amends for the disparaging comment at the Meryton assembly. If Mrs. Taylor knows of it, then it is obvious Elizabeth and her entire family knew as well. “Not handsome enough.” I am truly daft!
“Are you disappointed not to be returning to Pemberley for the holidays, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked. The snow had ceased, and, with only a light dusting on the ground and the clouds clearing, the blue skies had beckoned them outside.
“I am but am also grateful Bingley offered us hospitality. It has been many years since my sister and I have been in the company of others for the holidays.” At her quizzical look, he continued. “At Pemberley, we are quite alone. With only the servants to keep us company, Christmas is a quiet affair.”
“How unfortunate.” She felt a hint of sadness for the proud man from Derbyshire. No one should be bereft of family. Especially during the holidays.
“My mother made Christmas beautiful. Our house would always ring with her laughter and music. I regret I have not been able to replicate it, even with the help of my sister.”
At that, both looked up to hear the giggles of Miss Darcy with Emily and Victoria walking ahead of them. Her cousins had attached themselves to the young woman, and she did not appear to mind in the least. She skipped with them after a rafter of turkeys which came from Netherfield Woods to cross their path.
Elizabeth laughed and was surprised to hear the same echoed from her companion. “I find it difficult to separate the woman she is becoming from the child I see,” he said. “She will soon be out in society. That I could protect her from the hounds of London….”
They walked in silence, Elizabeth contemplating his words. “I think,” she said, weighing her own, “a young girl like Miss Darcy would welcome the protection but might also hope for an opportunity to prove she is not fragile. I daresay she is at such a puzzling time. Not quite a woman but no longer a child.”
He looked up sharply, and Elizabeth prepared for the onslaught of anger from the proud man she remembered from Netherfield weeks before. Instead, she was surprised by his soft question.
“Fragile?”
“When we first met at Longbourn, she seemed forlorn. But, now, she appears to thrive with my young cousins.”
Another round of giggles met her statement, and Mr. Darcy smiled, his features easing. “You know not how that sound is a balm to my soul.”
Elizabeth was taken aback by the depth of feeling in his voice and had to look away before he detected the unexpected sentiments welling within her. He truly loves his sister.
“Sir, I have been pondering a question of great import of which I hope you can answer?”
His body tensed. “I will do all in my power to assist you, Miss Elizabeth.”
They walked a few more steps. “Did your mother approve of you sliding down all four banisters at Pemberley?”
He chuckled. “To be sure, my mother was quite proper. However, she had a husband who believed boys should not be confined to the schoolroom but, instead, allowed to roam across the countryside and through the woods at breakneck speed on horses.”
“Truly?”
“Yes,” he laughed. “My mother would tell Nanny Flora to keep me safe, while allowing me to scrape my knees. However, when I did get hurt, she preferred not to know the particulars.”
“Were you ever so daring?” she asked with an impish grin. “I find it hard to separate your character from that of a rough and tumble lad.”
“It is true I did nothing so dangerous as to increase my mother's worry, but my youthful plights were numerous and painful. However, sliding down four banisters was not the most daring feat.”
She grinned at his words. “I assure you, Mrs. Bennet would have been very unforgiving of little Lizzy Bennet had she made the same choices. With skinned knees and torn skirts, sliding down the banisters would have sealed
my fate.”
Glancing at her from the corner of his eye, a slow smiled pulled at the edge of his mouth. “It seems to me ‘little Lizzy Bennet’ has reappeared in the form of ‘little Emily Gardiner.’”
She caught her breath at the dimple in his cheek. My, but he is a handsome man. She shook her head to dislodge the unwelcome thought. “I would say you might be correct. But Emily is more reserved than I.”
“Of that, I have no doubt.” They walked in silence over the small bridge and through a stand of pines; the air was thick with unspoken thoughts. “And what, sir, was the most daring feat you have ever attempted? And you must tell me how you succeeded.”
A warmth fluttered through her as he reached for her hand by a small creek where patches of ice were visible.
“May I?”
They stepped cautiously around, walking further down the path. He did not immediately release her hand, instead, tucking it snuggly into his arm. Blowing air from his mouth in a soft puff, he finally said, “I have yet to accomplish the most daring feat, and I am uncertain if I will succeed. But, I will keep you abreast of my progress.”
He squeezed her hand before releasing it. Her shock turned to a hot blush as they walked on.
“Victoria, look at Lizzy and Mr. Darcy.” The Gardiner sisters had wandered down the path with Miss Darcy, giggling and singing songs when she turned back to see where her favorite cousin was.
“Oh my,” Victoria said, covering her mouth with her mittened hand. “I never thought it possible!”
“What possible?” Miss Georgiana asked, turning back to look at her brother and Miss Elizabeth.
“Mr. Darcy is making Lizzy turn pink!” Emily clapped her hands, then clasped them to her heart.
“He is?” Miss Georgiana asked, peering at the couple. After a moment, she clapped her hands as well. “Oh, wonderful.”
“Yes! And, he has hearts in his eyes! Oh, let’s not interrupt them but wander toward the stables instead. I overheard the maids that a litter of puppies was born a fortnight ago. I would love to see them.”
An Unexpected Merry Gentleman Page 4