by Webb, Brenda
Her eyes crinkled with a laugh. “Oh, you shall see that I was not speaking idly!”
She was gone before he could formulate a reply, and once more he found himself staring after her. It was not until Charles began to introduce another of her family that William realised he had not been paying attention.
After being introduced to the rest of the Bennets, he had to admit that Caroline was, unfortunately, mostly correct in her assessments. The mother was strictly interested in making matches for her daughters, but he would grant that she was no bolder than most mothers of the ton. The middle sister was boring and the youngest two were totally out of control. Only Miss Bennet seemed to be like Miss Elizabeth in her demeanour. And as for the neglectful father, it seemed to him that Mr. Bennet took an inordinate amount of time studying him when they were introduced, and from the questions he was asked, the man was certainly not neglectful of his second oldest daughter.
“I could not help overhearing my Elizabeth mention that she had met you before, Mr. Darcy. How is it that a man newly arrived in Meryton knows my daughter?”
William noted the raised brow that accompanied his question, and it brought to mind Elizabeth, as she had the same mannerisms. He almost smiled at the realization before it dawned on him that Elizabeth’s father did not seem amused in the least. So instead, taking on an air of indifference he replied, “I met your daughter when I stopped at the bookshop in Meryton on my way to Netherfield. She was most helpful in pointing out the section of new editions.”
Mr. Bennet’s expression relaxed just a bit, and he nodded in understanding. “Yes, my daughter is a great reader and spends many hours going through Mr. Grant’s merchandise.”
“She is an intelligent young woman. I was impressed with her conversation regarding the authors and works she admires.”
Mr. Bennet chuckled though his eyes did not join the merriment. “Most men would be wary instead of impressed.”
“I am not most men.”
Elizabeth’s father studied William with a sombre expression for a long moment. “I shall remember that.”
William was not sure if that was a compliment or a warning, but from the look in the man’s eyes before he walked away, he was inclined to believe it was the latter. And he did not blame him in the least.
If I had such a daughter, I would be protective of her, too.
~~~*~~~
As he stood against the wall watching Elizabeth dance, it dawned on William that she was not only one of the loveliest women he had ever seen, but the most unaffected. Not afraid to show emotion, she openly enjoyed the gaiety and even laughed aloud at something her partner said. William was mesmerized—so much so, that he did not see Caroline approaching. Often, he managed to avoid her by circling the room and keeping a few steps ahead of her every machination. Thus, when she spoke from just behind him, he was startled.
“I did not mean to surprise you!” She affected a laugh. Then following his line of sight to see what he found so engaging, she saw Elizabeth. Her face instantly fell into a frown, her voice spiteful as she lashed out, “Oh, you have noticed the spectacle that Miss Eliza is making of herself, too. It is little wonder that one so vulgar is popular with the men.”
William turned to study Caroline now, who seemed uncomfortable as his withering glare stayed fixed on her. Before she could make some excuse to leave, he declared, “I have come to the conclusion that Miss Elizabeth Bennet is simply an honest woman without guile. And, I do not believe laughter is evidence of trying to garner attention. I believe it is evidence of a sincere disposition.”
Caroline was incensed and remarked, “In any case, I do not see why a married man, such as yourself, should take any interest in her.”
William, who had turned back to follow Elizabeth through the next dance, did not bother to look at Caroline as he replied, “Just as I do not understand why you have always concerned yourself with my affairs, especially since I am married.”
The rustle of orange silk skirts was the only answer William was to receive as Caroline quickly removed herself from his presence. At that very moment, he met Charles’ eyes as he and Jane made another round on the dance floor. As he shrugged, Charles shook his head in understanding. Insulting Caroline was never William’s objective, but it always seemed to work out that way.
With nothing to occupy his time, he turned his full attention back to Elizabeth. It was evident as he watched her dance with first one man and then another, that she was a very popular young woman. Strangely it caused his heart to ache.
He had long since accepted that he was never to fall in love, being trapped in this nightmare of a marriage with Gisela. And, never the type to disregard propriety or selfish enough to fulfil his own needs, he had resisted every offer made by the widows and wives in the ton who preyed upon dissatisfied men. Nor had he resorted to trifling with single young women’s affections or raising their expectations. It went against his very nature, as he had a sister that he loved and whom he would not want to be treated in such a manner.
Until coming to Meryton, William believed that he had subjugated his desires. He had resisted temptation so efficiently and so often that he had begun to think his heart was untouchable. Thus, these unbidden feelings for Elizabeth Bennet perplexed him. What was so different about her that made it painful to contemplate ending their association? Apparently, a force had gripped his heart the moment he first laid eyes on her, and it would not let go. And while he truly desired not to hurt her, he desired to be in her presence even more.
Just for tonight, he told himself. Just this once I will dance with her and then leave all thoughts of her behind forever and return to London.
Having made up his mind, he decided that he needed a breath of fresh air first and headed to one of the open double doors that led onto a terrace that ran across the back of the house. The cooler air was invigorating, and he took a deep breath. He noted that the wind had picked up since the ball began, and the moon was now going in and out of ever-increasingly dark clouds. Whenever it was hidden, the night was black as pitch, but as soon as it reappeared, he could clearly make out the fountains and statues that graced the gardens.
Enjoying the silence, he was startled to hear the sounds of young women talking animatedly—whether they were happy or distressed he could not tell. Deciding that he should investigate, he went down the few steps to the ground and headed in the direction of the voices. Rounding a large group of hedges, he could see a smaller terrace that led from the ballroom on another side of the room. It was occupied by Miss Elizabeth and another young woman whom he recognised as Charlotte Lucas from their introduction earlier in the evening. Since they had not seen him and they appeared well, he turned to leave. However, he halted after a few steps, when he heard his name mentioned. Though he knew he should not eavesdrop, he found that curiosity got the better of him.
Elizabeth’s voice was unmistakeable. “I do not care how much of Derbyshire Mr. Darcy owns, I refuse to join in the speculation, Charlotte. It is unseemly to talk about people in regards to their wealth. I prefer to judge men in terms of their character and their good nature.”
“Only you would choose a man using such criteria, Lizzy. And, you have to admit that he is certainly a mystery. My father was barely able to get any information out of Mr. Bingley regarding his friend, other than the fact that he owns half of Derbyshire. And, we know from what Caroline Bingley said to her sister that she means to marry him. I think she said that aloud so that the other ladies would realise they had no chance.”
The melodious laughter he had come to expect from Elizabeth echoed across the wind. “She certainly keeps an eye on him.” William could not help but grin at this pronouncement. “But that is his business, I am sure.”
“Well, as I tried to tell you earlier, he certainly has been studying you tonight, and you should take every opportunity to put yourself in the path of eligible men. After all, we are alike in that you have nothing to recommend you, either—no dowry and n
o connections.”
Elizabeth sighed, dropping her head. “Must everything be about money or connections? Cannot the most important decision in our lives be about love?”
“Elizabeth Bennet! Have you not listened to a thing I have said for the last two years! Love means nothing! Get your head out of the clouds, or you shall be left behind as a spinster while your sisters marry.”
“I do not wish to marry unless it is for the deepest love.” She took a deep breath of air, puffing up her cheeks and then blowing it out. “I would rather teach Jane’s children to embroider and play the pianoforte ill than to marry someone I do not love!” William covered his mouth to keep from chuckling aloud.
Charlotte huffed, “Well, I see that I have wasted my time trying to advise you about Mr. Darcy, so I shall return to the ball. Perhaps you need time to be alone and consider that you may be alone for the rest of your life, unless you change your way of thinking!”
With these words, Charlotte disappeared back into the ballroom, and Elizabeth stepped down off the terrace and began to walk the gravel path to the lower garden. William continued to watch her from afar. Suddenly, Mr. Bennet stood beside him.
“Elizabeth knows better than to walk out alone in the night.”
William did not answer, wondering instead what her father was thinking. They both stood watching her silently. The elderly man finally spoke again. “I am grateful that you were watching over her and not attempting to meet with her alone.”
William turned to study Mr. Bennet just as the moon lit up the area. He could see that her father’s expression was sincere, thus he nodded at the truth of Mr. Bennet’s assumption.
“I saw her walk out, and I was afraid for her. I am the guardian for my younger sister and have a tendency to be protective with any woman I fear may be in an unsafe position.”
Now it was Mr. Bennet’s turn to study William, whose eyes were still trained on Elizabeth. Satisfied with what he had just learned of this enigmatic man, he nodded though William did not see.
“I know little about you, Mr. Darcy, other than the fact that Mr. Bingley credits you with being a good and decent man, one who has been his friend even in the face of censure from those members of the ton who would never accept a man from trade. However, the fact that you seemed to watch my Elizabeth a great deal during the ball and that I find you watching over her now concerns me, though you have acquitted yourself by not going into the garden with her. I can tell from your clothes and your coach that you are a wealthy man of a higher society. My Elizabeth has nothing that could interest a man of your stature other than her quick mind.”
William studied the childlike woman still strolling the gravel lanes, her delicate hands outstretched to brush the tops of the flowers planted along the paths. His heart literally ached as he lied, “I have no feelings toward your daughter other than friendship.”
“Good. Then I shall concern myself with your intentions no more. If you will excuse me, I shall retrieve my child.”
As he watched Mr. Bennet walk down the path towards Elizabeth, William knew what he must do. There would be no dance and tomorrow he would conclude his survey of the grounds of the estate and give Charles his evaluation. Then, he would leave this area of England and the sprite of the bookstore forever.
~~~*~~~
Chapter 3
Netherfield
The Next Day
Everyone at Netherfield slept late the day after the ball—everyone but William. He had left the soirée after talking with Mr. Bennet and retired early. But sleep would not come, and after tossing and turning until the early morning hours, he had risen, dressed and readied himself to ride over the balance of the estate. He purposely did not disturb Charles, as he wanted to be alone to consider his feelings for Elizabeth. Leaving Meryton as quickly as possible was now his top priority and he needed a clear head if he was going to get the rest of the tenant houses inspected. If Thomas Bennet could discern his interest in his daughter, then things were getting out of hand, and the best he could do was put plenty of distance between them.
After he heard the staff stirring downstairs, he located Mrs. Watkins and asked her to have food and drink readied so that he would not have to return to Netherfield until late that evening. She had been most helpful and supplied him with a sack of food and a bottle of water that he placed in a pouch and threw across the saddle of the horse that he was going to ride. It was just beginning to get light as he rode out of the paddock, headed in the direction of the farthest reaches of Netherfield—the border with Longbourn. Little did he know that today would definitely not turn out as he had planned.
~~~*~~~
“Elizabeth, that goat of yours escaped again!” Mr. Bennet stood looking into the dining room where his second daughter was wrapping two buns in a serviette for her usual morning walk to Oakham Mount. “This time she ran the ducks out of their pen before she scampered off down the front lane.”
“Oh, Papa, I do not know what I am going to do with Juliet!”
Mr. Bennet tried not to smile at the name Elizabeth had given the kid. The goat seemed anything but a Juliet to him.
“Mama is angry that she got into her flower garden and ate all the blooms from her roses and that she chased the hens until they would not lay eggs. And twice she has run away and I found her near where the wild dogs have begun to gather in the woods. If I cannot keep Juliet in her pen, I am afraid that I shall have to give her back to Charlotte for her own good as the dogs are concentrated in this area. But I would truly miss her if that were the only choice.”
Mr. Bennet patted his favourite daughter’s arm. “It is amazing how something so small can cause so much mayhem. But, if your Juliet is determined not to stay in the barn or the pasture, we cannot let her destroy your mother’s gardens, and it would be preferable to give her back to Charlotte than let her become dinner for the dogs.”
Stuffing the serviette in her pocket, Elizabeth declared decisively, “I shall take a rope and find her. I have an idea that she is just where she was last time—in the meadow right below Oakham Mount.”
“Do not stray too far. It is going to rain today, and I don’t want you to get stranded on the other side of the brook.”
“I will be careful, Papa. I did not enjoy having to stay at Lucas Lodge the last time the stream rose. John Lucas seemed to think that I made the brook rise just so I could be in his company.”
Mr. Bennet schooled himself not to smile. “You do not care for John Lucas? I thought you and he were great friends.”
“We were when we were younger, but now that we are no longer children he assumes too much.”
“Such as?”
“Such as assuming that I will marry him.”
“He would not be a bad choice as a husband, Lizzy. He is to inherit Lucas Lodge when his father passes, and he is a steady sort of fellow. I believe he would treat you well.”
“But I do not love him, Papa. He is like a brother to me.”
“Love has little to do with marriage, my daughter. And besides, compatibility is much more desirable than love.”
“Why do you say that?”
Her father looked wistful as he explained. “Because you can be fooled into thinking you are in love with someone, only to find out that it was just a passing infatuation. If there is nothing more substantial to bind you—friendship, mutual interests—then you can find yourself very unhappy for the rest of your life.”
“Then I will just have to be sure that I marry for the deepest love.”
Mr. Bennet smiled. “I hope that you can, my dear. Now, if you are to have any chance of finding that scamp, you had best be on your way. Remember what I said about the rain.”
As her father turned in the direction of his study, Elizabeth swallowed her last sip of tea, grabbed her cloak from off the chair and slipped past him. “Do not worry. I shall return before the rain begins in earnest.”
~~~*~~~
When William left Netherfield, there was only a light
mist falling, but sometime during the day it had turned into a steady drizzle. Now that it was after noon the rain had begun in earnest with torrents beginning to blow sideways as the wind picked up. In the distance a wall of dark clouds approached with thunder and lightning heralding its severity.
William was very weary, not having slept. Nevertheless, he had managed to visit every tenant dwelling along the northern perimeter, save one, and it was in the furthest corner, where Netherfield’s property adjoined Oakham Mount. The last tenant he called on had given him direction for finding the next house, though he informed him that the tenant, an old woman with a teenage boy, had gone to visit her daughter four months before and had not returned.
With the darker clouds fast approaching, William briefly considered returning to the manor, but it was at least three miles back to Netherfield. And knowing that he had only one empty tenant house to inspect before he could leave Meryton forever, he made the decision to continue. Besides, he reasoned, he could wait out a storm at the cottage if necessary, and if he was any judge of the weather, a severe one was brewing. Untying the cravat that had choked him since early that morning, he wiped some of water from his brow and thanked the Lord that he had worn his great coat. There was no doubt that he would need the protection against what was to come. Hence, kicking his horse into a trot, he headed in the direction of the mountain.
Finally, through the blowing rain, he could make out two small structures at the base of Oakham Mount and he found himself sighing in relief. Not one to be afraid of storms, nevertheless he had a healthy fear of the damage they could cause. He had not traversed far in the direction of the cabin, when he caught sight of a small white animal crossing in front of his steed so quickly he could not identify what kind of creature it was. Regardless, it caused the horse to bolt upright, almost tossing him to the ground as he had not anticipated such an event. He had barely gotten the stallion calmed, when he heard what sounded like a woman’s voice.