by P. O. Dixon
She turned to her daughter. “Kitty, run upstairs and gather your things. I am sure there is room for one more.”
“Oh, Mama! I have no wish to travel to Pemberley. I would much rather remain here with Lydia and walk to Meryton every day for our chance to talk to the officers.”
“You will do as I say, young lady!”
Mrs. Gardiner said, “At the risk of interfering, I am obliged to say there is no need for such measures. I am quite certain there was no mention of Kitty in Mr. Darcy’s invitation.”
“But why on earth would he single out Jane, even though she is the eldest and the most beautiful, when it was Kitty who captured his fancy? Why, you should have seen the way he looked at her. Did I tell you that he danced twice with her at the Meryton assembly? No other woman received such an honor. I was sure he was going to make her an offer of marriage. But then he did not dance with her or any of my daughters, for that matter, at the Netherfield ball, and then he went away.”
“I believe the invitation was extended to Jane in the hope of introducing her to his sister, Miss Darcy, based on the favorable impression our Jane made on him.”
“Do you think I was mistaken? Could Mr. Darcy have secretly admired Jane instead of my Kitty? Mind you, Mr. Bennet was not too keen on the idea of either of our girls traveling to Derbyshire, after what happened before.” she placed her hand on her sister’s. “Well, you must certainly understand his reasoning. However, I insisted this would be a splendid thing for our girls. Did I tell you that Mr. Darcy has ten thousand pounds a year? I contend he shall make an excellent husband for whichever of our girls he chooses. If Jane is his choice, then who am I to argue? I am sure the man knows his own mind.”
Mrs. Bennet spent the rest of the day pontificating on Jane’s future life as the mistress of Pemberley in much the same way that she had supposed Jane would be the mistress of Netherfield, just months earlier. Nothing that was said to sway her happy wishes mattered. She knew what she knew; a mother always did.
Even though it would mean leaving their four small children at Longbourn, the Gardiners could hardly wait to set off the next morning—Mrs. Gardiner in what she thought to be the pursuit of novelty and amusement, and Mr. Gardiner in pursuit of what he hoped would be the truth.
Chapter 24 ~ A Charming Creature
Convinced as Elizabeth now was that Mr. Darcy did not particularly care for Miss Bingley, she was given to wonder at the young lady’s even being there. Then again what an varied party they were. Mr. Charles Bingley and the Hursts were also among the guests.
Upon their arrival at Pemberley, Elizabeth, Avery, and Lady Sophia were received by Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy, the latter who was now sitting beside the lady with whom she lived in London. Miss Darcy was just as shy as Elizabeth first remembered her to be, and that had been several years ago. In that respect, not much had changed, but as regarded the young lady’s appearance, much had changed. Miss Darcy was tall. Although she was little more than sixteen, her figure was formed, and her appearance womanly and graceful. She was less handsome than her brother, but her face reflected intelligence and good humor, and her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle.
Elizabeth could not help but feel sorry for the younger woman who was now tasked with presiding as hostess for her brother.
The thing that surprised Elizabeth the most about the gathering was the presence of the Gardiners and Miss Jane Bennet. Her initial impression, upon seeing these people, was an odd sense of familiarity. How was such a thing even possible? As best she knew, she had never laid eyes on any of them before.
How could I possibly have done such a thing? Though equally as fashionable as and far more pleasant than certain other members of their party, these people were not from her sphere. Their being members neither of the ton or even the landed gentry, Elizabeth wondered at Mr. Darcy’s knowing them. Perhaps I do not know the gentleman so well as I think I do.
Overall, the conversation all around was pleasant enough and soon at least an hour had passed. Having traveled the farthest and in want of repose before dinner, the Gardiners and Miss Bennet were the first to quit the room. Miss Darcy and her companion soon pardoned themselves, as well, with the excuse of needing to speak with the housekeeper.
The Bingley sisters scarcely allowed for the Gardiners and Miss Bennet to leave the room before they felt it was perfectly safe to speak of the possible events that must have led to the latter mentioned guests even being there.
“Surely during their visit to the Lakes, they must be petitioning all the great houses for a tour,” said Mrs. Hurst.
“Why of course,” said Miss Bingley. “Why else would people of their low standing be present at Pemberley?” She looked at Darcy. “Still, I find it unfathomable that you would encourage their untoward behavior with a request that they stay here at Pemberley, sir. Surely such an acquaintance as slight as the one we made with the Bennets while we were in Hertfordshire does not warrant such a gesture. But, on the other hand, I am sure you felt you had no choice.”
Darcy said, “You are mistaken, Miss Bingley, to suppose that the Gardiners’ and Miss Bennet’s being here is by chance. I invited them to Pemberley.”
Charles Bingley said, “Speaking for myself, I am glad you did, for I have longed for a chance to see Miss Bennet after the manner of my leave-taking from Hertfordshire.”
Miss Bingley said, “No doubt you are pleased, Charles. However, what about your other guests, Mr. Darcy? Do you not feel that such a varied mixing of the social classes is abhorrent? What say you, Your Grace ..., Lady Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth had seen in Mr. Gardiner, a sensible, gentlemanlike man. Moreover, in his wife, Elizabeth discerned an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman. She was quick to come to their defense. “I would never dare to presume to have a say as to whom Mr. Darcy should or should not invite into his home, but as for the Gardiners and Miss Bennet, I could not be more impressed. As for the rest of the Bennet family, I am not inclined to speak ill of people whom I have never met. I would like to think I first look to see the good in everyone. I am confident I would find much to recommend the family were I to meet them.”
Darcy and Avery exchanged stealthy glances. Crossing one leg over the other, Avery said, “I must concur with my sister.”
Caroline said, “I wager the two of you would appreciate them far less were you as unfortunate as our party was in having to endure the Bennet family’s country manners.” She turned to Darcy. “I recall your saying you had seen a collection of people in whom there was little beauty and no fashion. Miss Bennet, you did acknowledge to be pretty, but you also said she smiled too much.”
He was resolutely silent, although a bit nettled by Miss Bingley’s antics. If she thought she was recommending herself to him, she was sadly mistaken.
Persuaded as Miss Bingley was that Darcy admired Lady Elizabeth and was only pretending to be more generous than he was capable of, she was determined to make him speak. “I remember when we first knew her in Hertfordshire, how you declared the chance of the Bennet sisters marrying men of any consideration in the world must be very materially lessened owing to their low connections.’”
How earnestly did Darcy then wish that his former assertions had been less disparaging, his expressions more moderate. It would have spared him from the embarrassment of unwittingly damaging the woman he had grown to care about, should a connection with the very people whom he found so unpleasant prove true.
“Yes,” replied Darcy, unwilling to contain himself any longer, “but that was only when I first made the Bennets’ acquaintance. In the many months since, I have considered them as upstanding as any other family. Furthermore, it is but one of the reasons the Gardiners and Miss Bennet can count themselves among my invited guests. Whereas you, Miss Bingley, merely insinuated yourself into all of our company owing to an invitation that was meant solely for your brother.”
He then went away, leaving Miss Bingley with all the satisfaction of having forced him to
say what gave no one greater pain than herself.
~*~
Mrs. Gardiner, a sophisticated woman in her own right, said, “I have often heard it said that everyone has a twin somewhere in this world. I never gave the saying much credence until today.”
“What do you mean, my dear?”
“Pray tell me I am not mistaken when I say that Lady Elizabeth and our niece Kitty bear striking resemblances to each other. Were Kitty a few years older, one might mistake her for being Lady Elizabeth’s twin sister.”
Mr. Gardiner placed his hand to his chin in earnest contemplation of what he might say. Indeed the family resemblance was there, but he had traveled all this way expecting to see it. He immediately attributed his impression to the power of wishful thinking, but his wife had noticed it too. He was about to remark when Mrs. Gardiner turned to Jane.
“Surely you saw it too, dearest Jane. I saw how you looked at Lady Elizabeth when the two of you were introduced, and how she looked at you in turn.”
“Indeed, but it was more than the resemblance to my sister Kitty that struck me. I have the distinct feeling of having met her ladyship before.”
“She is indeed a charming creature,” said Mr. Gardiner as a way of adding to the conversation.
“Indeed,” said Mrs. Gardiner with energy, “she is quite unlike the Bingley sisters, whom I understand you already met in Hertfordshire, my dear Jane. Yet, I fear they made a great pretense of having not known you at all. How ridiculous. Their brother, on the other hand, appears to be quite taken with you. One might say he is smitten.”
Jane said, “Oh, please don’t talk like that, or I shall suppose you have taken up my mother’s bidding. That Mr. Bingley is charming and amiable, I do not deny, but I am sure he has no greater affection for me than any other young woman he meets.”
“I beg to differ, Jane,” said her aunt. “If I am any judge of the way a man behaves with a woman, I would say that young man is more than half in love with you. He merely wants encouragement. Let us see how your time in Derbyshire, away from your mother’s influence, unfolds.”
Later, when Darcy and Bingley were alone and at liberty to discuss the events of the afternoon, Darcy said, “Charles, I know you have a standing invitation to visit Pemberley. However, that does not necessarily apply to your family. Were it just you, I would never ask such a thing, but this time was meant to be for a particular purpose, one which I am not at liberty to discuss. I am afraid I must ask that you take your family elsewhere. I am sorry to appear inconsiderate of the sacrifice, but as you were headed to Scarborough to see family in the North, I really must insist you continue on in your travels.”
Bingley released a heavy sigh. “I realize my sisters can be quite a test of one’s patience, but you are correct. Caroline hardly recommended herself with her attempts to rattle you this afternoon. I shall remove her from Pemberley as you ask. Is there anything more I can do to make amends?”
“Your understanding in this regard is all I can ask for. In light of your hopes for renewing your acquaintance with Miss Bennet, I feel I ought to be offering to make amends.”
“I have to trust that if a future between Miss Bennet and me is what’s meant to be, then all will unfold in time.” Standing, he said, “I shall have my sister Louisa pen a missive to Miss Bennet in my stead, explaining our hasty departure, thus allowing us to take our leave at morning’s first light.”
Chapter 25 ~ Her True Feelings
Elizabeth did not care at all for Miss Caroline Bingley, but she had to admit that the foolish young lady’s reproaches against Mr. Darcy bore a semblance of the truth. Everything she knew about him taught her to believe he was proud. In that respect, he reminded her of her grandfather, who deemed anyone who was not a peer as beneath him, as was certainly the case. The problem had always been his wont of acting upon his belief.
Elizabeth considered that her chastisements of Mr. Darcy’s inclination of thinking less of those whom he considered beneath him in consequence, he evidently had heeded. Despite her distrust of Miss Margaret Hamilton in general, Elizabeth had been appalled that Darcy sided with her grandfather in thinking that the lady was not a good match for her brother Avery, owing entirely to her family’s roots in trade.
What other explanation is there for the inclusion of people in trade among our little country party? Thank heavens my brother is nothing like my grandfather was in that respect. He is much more liberal in his thinking when it comes to such matters. His being the Duke of Dunsmore has not changed him one bit.
I like Miss Bennet very much and I should enjoy knowing her better. I am sure my brother can have no objections to such a scheme.
The romantic in Elizabeth took over her eager imagination. Perchance Miss Bennet will captivate my brother as well. That would certainly resolve the lingering disagreement between the two of them regarding his admiration of Miss Margaret Hamilton.
Elizabeth’s subsequent smile soon gave way to a puckered brow. What if Miss Bennet’s being here is a result of Mr. Darcy’s wish to court her?
Despite her pleasure in being once again at Pemberley, Elizabeth had not entirely forgiven Mr. Darcy for what she considered his part in what had befallen her grandfather. Why then does the prospect of the gentleman’s possible interest in Miss Bennet trouble me so?
The question hardly warranted an answer. The way he looked at me when I arrived told me all I need to know about his true feelings. Perhaps this visit will be the means of healing the breach between us.
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her shoulders as she proceeded along the path. What a beautiful day it’s turning out to be. She had been staunchly opposed to the notion of visiting Pemberley at all, owing to her disappointment with Mr. Darcy. What’s more, she was still in mourning—grieving the loss of her beloved grandfather. Little choice did she have in the matter. Her brother was more than just the head of the family, he was the Duke of Dunsmore. His wishes were tantamount to commands. Still, she was delighted to be once again at Pemberley—a place she loved almost as much as she loved her own home. Elizabeth had never seen a place for which nature had done more or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste.
As she continued to savor the beautiful sights of the park, her mind invariably wandered back to its master—Mr. Darcy. Her grandfather’s dying words that she should not blame Mr. Darcy for what had befallen him touched upon her heart.
Avery bears his friend no ill will as certainly evidenced by our being here. It is time I fully embrace my brother’s example.
Elizabeth soon came upon Miss Bennet, who was sitting alone on a park bench. Hurrying to her side, Elizabeth was immediately taken aback by the other woman’s demeanor. She seemed sad and lost. “Jane, what is the matter?” The thought that she had broken decorum by the familiar manner of her address, Elizabeth quickly dismissed. In a strange way, she felt as though she had known the young woman all her life.
Miss Bennet dabbed her eye with her linen handkerchief. “It is nothing, Lady Elizabeth. You need not worry about me.”
Surmising that the young lady sitting next to her was the sort of person who rarely shared her true feelings with anyone, Elizabeth did not press. In that regard, the two of them were very much alike.
“Dearest Jane, pray let us cease with such formalities. You must call me Elizabeth.”
“I should like that very much, for Elizabeth has long been one of my favorite names.” Jane folded the dainty linen cloth and tucked it into her pocket. “I suppose it has to do with the fact that I have,” Jane’s eyes fell, “rather, I had a sister named Elizabeth. We called her Lizzy.”
A strange feeling washed over Elizabeth upon hearing the appellation that was also her favorite: Lizzy. She recalled longing to be called Lizzy, even arguing with her family at an early age that her name was indeed Lizzy. She shook her head. That was long ago.
“I am sorry for your loss,” said Elizabeth, her hand reaching out to Jane’s.
Jane accepted Elizabeth’s hand. “You are very kind.”
“Pray when did you suffer the loss of your sister? Was she very young?”
“My sister would have been nearly twenty had she lived.” Jane released a sigh. “It feels strange speaking of my sister as though she is no longer with us, when a significant part of me feels she is still alive. I often imagine she is living somewhere … in a beautiful castle, that she is happy and married to a handsome gentleman—one who is everything a gentleman ought to be.”
“Pray what was your sister’s age when you suffered her loss?”
“Lizzy was nearly four years old when I last saw her.” Here, Jane retrieved the handkerchief and dabbed her eye once more. “I have but one real memory of my little sister. I carry it with me wherever I go.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a little rag doll. It was Lizzy’s favorite.”
A smile spread over Elizabeth’s face. “I should love to see it.”
“It’s in my apartment—it is truly a treasure to me, but I do not suppose you would find it interesting.”
“Of course I would. Shall I tell you a secret?”
Jane nodded, thus urging Elizabeth to continue.
“I have a favorite doll that I carry wherever I go as well. I will show you my doll if you show me yours.”
Jane readily conceded, which pleased Elizabeth immensely, for along with Jane’s acquiescence came her warm angelic smile. Indeed, Elizabeth liked Jane very much and she could well imagine the two of them becoming steady friends.
Upon arriving back at the manor house, the two young women went straight to Jane’s room. Jane rushed to her bed, retrieved the doll, and tucked it behind her back before Elizabeth got a good look at it.
Jane said, “You must promise me that you will not be disappointed.”