by Webb, Brenda
Both having finished a cup of tea and a biscuit, Clementine Hedges had been observing the people on the street while Caroline surreptitiously observed her. Thus, she was startled a bit when the object of her analysis turned to address her.
“I am so pleased that you agreed to accompany me today, Caroline. I could not stay cooped up in that house one day longer without a diversion. It seems everyone must be out of Town, as I have received no invitations lately.”
Who in their right mind would want your company? Only someone like me with no other choice!
Caroline’s pasted on smile was getting tiresome. “You were so kind to think of me, Clemmie, and I really needed to restock our supply of chocolates. It is a pity that Colonel Hedges is on duty in Sussex at the moment, and Charles is still out of Town.”
“Harold. He wishes you to call him Harold.”
“Of course. It is a pity that Harold could not be with us.”
Goodness, she is forward! I am just glad he is not here! I must accomplish everything I desire before Charles returns and that idiot asks to court me. At that point, when I refuse, he will know I have no interest in him and so will Clementine.
“You must be aware that I am very pleased that you and he are getting along so well. I would be pleased to call you sister one day.” Clementine’s gentle face glowed with sincerity.
“How kind of you to say!”
Caroline could not bring herself to echo the other woman’s sentiments. That was asking too much. Luckily, at that very moment she spied Mr. Darcy and his sister entering a bookshop across the street. It provided a welcome distraction.
“My dear, I have just remembered that I promised Charles I would purchase something for him in that shop across the street. Unless you are particularly interested in books, perhaps you could pick up your bonnet at Madame Dupree’s while I am in the book shop.”
“That is a splendid idea. Whoever is finished first shall just walk to the other shop. Agreed?”
Agreed.”
~~~*~~~
Hatchards Bookshop 8
“Brother, I shall be in the poetry section, if you do not mind. I believe I have had my fill of history and astronomy this week!” Georgiana teased as she pulled away from William’s arm. “Aunt Audrey is a hard taskmaster, and I feel the need for something lighter.”
William smiled. “That is perfectly acceptable as long as you stay in that section until I return. I have to enquire as to whether the books I ordered have arrived and then look for one selection in the maps before I join you.”
After making her way to the area reserved for poetry, Georgiana was pleased that it seemed deserted. It was only after she hastily turned a corner around a tall bookshelf that she encountered another person—a young woman— with whom she collided.
“My goodness! Please excuse me. I thought I was alone. I was not paying attention,” she declared.
A sincere smile mirrored hers. “You have done no harm, and it was as much my fault as yours. My father says I am blind to everyone else whenever I enter a bookshop. And I have to confess that, fascinated by the large selection available here, I have hardly lifted my eyes beyond the book titles.”
Georgiana visibly relaxed. “I appreciate your understanding, but it was definitely my fault.”
Elizabeth reached out to take her hand. “Let us consider it Fate’s way of introducing us. I am Elizabeth Bennet.”
Georgiana beamed. “Georgiana Darcy.” Her face paled as she watched Elizabeth’s smile fade.
“Oh my, I have seen that look often enough. You must have met my brother, Fitzwilliam, when he was in one of his moods. He is really very sweet, but he can appear quite haughty at times because he is so shy. Did he insult you? I will be glad to explain if—”
Elizabeth’s smile returned and she interrupted. “No, no. Please do not be anxious. I assure you it is nothing like that. I was just surprised to hear the name—that is all.”
No matter her heartache over Mr. Darcy, she would never let this shy young girl think she had hard feelings towards him.
Georgiana quickly rejoined, “Please do not say anything to my brother about my defence of him. He would be mortified to know I spoke to you of such things and so disappointed in me. It is just that I love him so much, and he is so often misunderstood and…” She stopped abruptly, looking at Elizabeth with a puzzled expression. “For some odd reason, I felt that I should tell you.”
Elizabeth smile was warm and sincere as she patted Georgiana’s hand. “Your secret is safe with me.”
Suddenly, William rounded the same bookcase calling out, “Georgiana?”
He stopped abruptly at the sight of Elizabeth. Nonetheless, no observer, and certainly not Georgiana, could miss the attraction that flowed between her reticent brother and this pretty young woman as they stared at one another, both speechless.
Seeing that neither was going to say anything, Georgiana ventured, “Brother, I came around this bookshelf just as swiftly as you did and—“
“I was right in her way, so we collided,” Elizabeth finished cheekily, winking at Georgiana. “I am afraid that your sister is unaware that I am a terror in any bookshop.”
William smiled, though it did not reach his eyes. His heart began a relentless drumming and he wondered if his face reflected his feelings. “On the contrary, Miss Bennet, I did not find you a terror, but a delightful source of aid.” Then addressing his sister, he explained. “Miss Bennet and I met in a bookshop in Meryton while I was visiting Charles at Netherfield. She helped me to find the section of first editions of poetry.”
“Then you are acquaintances!” Georgiana said effusively. “How fateful that you should meet again in London! You simply must join me for tea tomorrow, Miss Bennet, so we may discuss Meryton and Netherfield. I so want to visit there while Mr. Bingley is in residence. Where are you staying in Town?”
Elizabeth’s heart was doing an admiral job of imitating William’s and she felt a bit faint. Reaching to steady herself by taking hold of the bookshelf, she smiled as naturally as possible. “I was staying with my aunt and uncle in Cheapside, but this week my aunt is out of Town, so I am the guest of Lady Alfreda Wilkens at the Holmes’ townhouse.”
At the mention of Wilkens’ name, William stiffened, but Georgiana did not notice as she was focused on Elizabeth. She fairly shouted with delight, “Just across the park from where we live! So convenient for our tea party!”
Elizabeth tried not to show any apprehension, though she feared that Fitzwilliam would be mortified to have her as a guest in his home. “I appreciate your kind invitation, but I am afraid I am at Lady Wilkens’ disposal since I am her guest. She is just now in the shop next door and will return for me shortly.”
“Oh, I am sure my aunt, Lady Ashcroft, can persuade both Lady Holmes and Lady Wilkens to accompany you. Please say you will.”
There was no polite way to decline. “I shall be delighted to attend if they accept your kind invitation.”
If she had been inclined to glance at Fitzwilliam Darcy at that moment, Elizabeth would have seen great joy and longing reflected in his clear blue eyes. As it was, she was too nervous to look. However, Georgiana had seen his expression and it confirmed her first impression of their encounter only moments before. Her brother cared for this woman.
~~~*~~~
Searching for the Darcys from the moment she entered the building, Caroline Bingley spotted William near the end of an aisle and quickly moved one aisle over, intending to intercept him at the end of the bookshelves. She hoped it would appear just a coincidence. Instead, upon hearing another woman’s voice, she stopped to peer through the small space between some books and was infuriated at what she found—a conversation taking place between Mr. Darcy, Georgiana and Eliza Bennet. And all she could do was eavesdrop as that woman secured the invitation she had desired. Caroline was livid.
That little chit is so cunning! And look how moonstruck Mr. Darcy appears. One would think— instantly her mind flew to t
he night at the ball when the man she had always coveted had so eagerly stood watch over Miss Bennet. Instantly, she knew what she must do.
Apparently Eliza does not mind that he is married, so it is time I informed Mrs. Darcy of her plans to seduce her husband!
~~~*~~~
Chapter 16
Liverpool
Bingley’s Warehouse
Silas Kelly watched with great interest as his employer busily gathered the papers scattered across the top of his desk and stuffed them into the open satchel sitting on the chair behind it. Surely, he thought, this signifies that Mr. Bingley is actually going to return to London!
That gentleman had worked very long hours ever since his arrival, which had meant lengthy hours for himself as well. As manager of the facility, he had had to be on hand to explain the entries in the ledgers whenever Bingley had a question. He did not mind, as that was a part of his job, but he had missed his family dreadfully with the schedule he had been forced to keep lately. Still, he held no ill will towards the amiable owner, as he was only doing what must be done. After all, if the business made money, he made money. Charles Bingley was a benevolent master.
Waiting until Charles looked up at him, the young man smiled sincerely and ventured an enquiry, “Sir, are you still planning on leaving in the morning?”
Bingley returned his smile—something Kelly had seen little of in the first days of his visit. “Yes, I think I have everything in hand now. And the letter I received yesterday from Mr. Carter was most informative, but it signifies that I must return to London. You remember Carter, do you not? He is doing a splendid job of investigating the lost ships.”
“Yes, we met when he came to inspect the invoices and bills of lading.”
“Ah, yes. He was compiling a list of what was supposed to arrive on that last ship. By the way, I must single you out for praise as well. You have done an excellent job of running the warehouse. Your records are meticulous.”
“That is very kind of you to say, sir.” Kelly flushed a deep red. “I try to look after the business as though it were my own.”
“Indeed! That is obvious, and when I have things running smoothly again, do not think I will forget your efforts. Now, it is late, and I know you have scarcely seen your two boys since I have been in Liverpool. Off with you! Enjoy your evening!”
“But there is yet two hours before we close.”
“I am fully aware of that. I think I remember how to manage a warehouse,” Bingley teased. “Go to your wife and children. I will see you in the morning before I leave.”
Kelly hesitated. “Sir, my wife and I would be honoured if you would eat dinner with us tonight. After all, this is your last day in Liverpool, and the missus has enjoyed your compliments on her cooking.”
“Tell Mrs. Kelly that I would be honoured to dine with you. The meals she has provided while we have laboured have been the highlight of my trip. I have not enjoyed better cottage pie or apple tart in all of England!”
Kelly chuckled. “She spoke of stewing a rabbit and her rabbit is just as delicious! We shall expect you then at seven sharp.”
“Seven it is!”
~~~*~~~
Meryton
Longbourn
“Jane? Jane?”
Mrs. Bennet pushed the door to the parlour open to find that it was empty. She considered checking in her husband’s library, but thought better of that idea when she heard him swear loudly about a missing book, or some such nonsense, just when she took hold of the doorknob. Thus, she headed in the direction of the kitchen.
“Now where has that girl gone? She is getting as headstrong as Lizzy, wandering here and there without a word to me. I shall put a stop to that today! John Lucas will not have a wife who is so flighty.”
Entering the kitchen, she found it empty as well, though the smell of bread baking caused her to pause and savour the moment. A noise in a nearby pantry caught her attention.
“Hill? Is that you?”
The elderly servant backed out of the pantry holding a large pan. “Yes, I was just trying to find this—”
“Never mind!” Mrs. Bennet interrupted. “Have you seen Jane today? Do you know where she went?”
“No, madam. I have not.”
Mrs. Bennet said nothing more, but continued to huff as she searched the rest of the house looking for her eldest. Nonetheless, Jane was nowhere to be found. Realising that she could just as easily scold her daughter when she came to the table for dinner, she headed upstairs. There were places to go and things to do, and there would be plenty of time to deal with Jane later.
“Lydia! Kitty!” she shouted breathlessly upon reaching the second floor, the effects of hurrying up the stairs becoming evident. “Are the two of you ready? We must be off to Meryton, as I have promised Lady Lucas I would call on her before we return. She and I have much planning to do if there is to be a wedding in Jane’s future.”
Hill could not help but hear her mistress as she went about the rest of the house seeking Jane and, suffering a pang of conscience, her expression fell. She had not been truthful. She had seen Jane very early that morning just as the girl had started to slip out the back door and she had pressed a piece of bread, with a portion of ham tucked inside it, into her hand. Jane had smiled appreciatively. There was no doubt in her mind that the eldest Miss Bennet was endeavouring to disappear before her mother awakened and came looking for her.
~~~*~~~
Meanwhile, Jane was in her usual hiding place—the one she had adopted since Lizzy had deserted Meryton for London—sitting on the backside of the large oak tree on Oakham Mount. Her knees were pulled to her chest, and her head lay across them, eyes closed. It took all her effort not to cry.
Taking a lesson from her favourite sister, she had managed to stay out of her mother’s sight for most of the day by walking out just before dawn. Fanny Bennet was nothing if not a creature of habit, and Jane, like Lizzy, had found that if she avoided her for the first hour of each day, she stood a good chance of evading her until dinner.
Each morning, after the family broke their fast, her father would disappear into his library while her mother would instruct the servants before setting out with Mary, Kitty and Lydia for the shops of Meryton. And as usual while in town, she would also call on her Sister Phillips before returning home.
However, lately it was her mother’s accounts of frequent stops by Lucas Lodge on their way back from Meryton that caused Jane the most concern. Her mother and Mrs. Lucas talked of nothing else but a match between her and John Lucas. And while Jane liked Mr. Lucas, her heart had never been touched by his attentions. In fact, the more she had gotten to know him, the more disillusioned she had become. He might be the heir of Lucas Lodge but, outside of Mr. Collins, their cousin, he was the most obsequious man she had ever known and completely dependent on his mother’s instructions for even the simplest things. No, he was not the man of her dreams.
She had lost track of the times that she had almost written to the Gardiners to say that she was coming to London. Almost. Only one niggling aspect to Lizzy’s letters had made her refrain—though her sister’s missives were always cheerful, it was as though the cheeriness was forced. Then two day ago, her mother had shared news that Lizzy had failed to disclose to her in the last letter—she was being courted by a Lord Wilkens. An earl, for heaven’s sake! Suddenly all her misgivings had been validated.
Why would her beloved sister not have told her? Why must she learn of it from Aunt Gardiner’s letter to her mother? There was only one logical answer. Lizzy was being forced into a courtship she did not desire. A sinking feeling deep inside caused Jane to wonder if she was about to lose what little she had eaten that morning.
Would Lizzy marry someone she did not want in order to further my prospects? And, if Lizzy is willing to sacrifice, should I not do the same and marry John Lucas for my family’s sake?
Taking a ragged breath, Jane pulled her knees even tighter to her chest and sobbed in earnest now. T
here seemed no other course. She must accept her lot in life and give up the fantasies that she and Lizzy had clung to since they were old enough to dream of being married. The next time John Lucas asked if he could court her, she would assent.
There is not going to be a prince on a white horse to rescue either of us!
~~~*~~~
London
Darcy House
William’s Study
While he feigned occupation with his estate problems, every fibre of William’s being was aware of who sat merely a few doors down in the music room—Elizabeth! With her arrival this morning, it had taken all of his strength not to walk into the foyer to greet her, so eager was he to see her again. But Georgiana had been adamant when they spoke this morning! These were her visitors, and she would brook no interference from him as she and Aunt Audrey entertained their guests.
Interference! He fumed. As if I would disturb them!
Directly after Georgiana’s spontaneous invitation at the bookshop, a formal invitation for tea at Darcy House had been delivered to Holmes House, but after an answer had not arrived that afternoon or the next day, William had begun to wonder if she would actually accept. Nevertheless, the following day the reply came—Elizabeth, Lady Holmes and Lady Wilkens would be delighted to have tea with Georgiana and Lady Ashcroft.
Forced to stay in his study and attend his affairs, William had nevertheless opened his door in hopes of catching a bit of their conversation when they moved from the parlour to the music room, as was Georgiana’s plan. Fortunately, his strategy had worked. When the ladies had made the transition about an hour ago, he had heard Elizabeth’s melodious laughter, and it had warmed his heart. Even now, with the sounds of the pianoforte echoing through the house, he was plotting how to accidently encounter her when they gathered in the foyer to take their leave. Surely his sister would not begrudge him a chance meeting!