Elizabeth could not remember the last time she had so much fun. At first, she was aware of the passing looks they drew and wondered what Darcy would make of them. But she soon grew too involved in the game to care.
So did Darcy. He had removed his jacket and cravat and seemed entirely indifferent to the stares they attracted. He shouted encouragement to Robert and even praised Alicia when she scored a goal, earning himself a sharp scolding from Robert who reminded him he was on his team.
To Elizabeth, he took great delight in attempting to distract her when she approached him to take the ball, telling her that her face was dirty with mud and grass and she looked a fright, that all of London would talk of the strange sight she made.
“They’re all staring at you,” he teased her as she ran around him, trying to reach the ball. “Your hair is standing out on end. Look how they gasp and point? Look, right over there. A crowd is forming, and I shouldn’t wonder.” He held out an arm to catch her, and for a moment, he held her against him. Elizabeth laughed to cover her confusion at the fluttering that went through her and darted around him, successfully taking the ball from him to pass to Alicia.
“I should think they will revoke your Almacks voucher when word travels that you conducted yourself thus,” she said as she chased after him to prevent him from taking the ball again. He deliberately ran slowly to allow Robert to run ahead and tackle Alicia.
“Good,” he said. He looked down at her, and for a second, Elizabeth’s breath caught. His hair was tousled and his eyes bright with elation. His grin was mischievous. “Tiresome crowd anyway. Be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You’ll have to try stronger threats than that.”
“No need. Well done, Alicia!” Elizabeth called with a triumphant grin as her little cousin kicked the ball past Tommy, eliciting theatrical groans from all the rest. “Well, you have been bested by a seven-year-old child. What would your old friends say if they knew? Or would it surprise them at all?”
“It would not surprise them at all,” said Darcy with a laugh. That was not true. Elizabeth noticed he was skilled at the game, but he slowed down and made mistakes to allow the children to win. She did not know he had it in him to be humble, but it seemed he could be where children were concerned. “Come here, Robert. You and I shall get the next goal. Catch the ball, good boy!”
Elizabeth watched as he encouraged the little boy and when he cheered Alicia as he allowed her to take the ball from him. She did not expect Darcy to be good with children. When he called to the house before, he did not interact with them much but then, the children had often been in the schoolroom when he arrived, and when they were present, it was only for brief moments, too short to allow either party to grow comfortable with one another. She did not realise he could be so much fun. He was so involved in the game he was not thinking of himself, his name, his family or his pride. He was merely a young man enjoying himself with no regard for what anyone else thought. Elizabeth could not deny he was very engaging when he behaved thus.
Chapter 18
The game was settled as a draw. The children raced across the grass to Elizabeth and Darcy, exuberant with high spirits that were not even hampered by their lack of breath.
“Your mama will wonder what I have been doing with you when she sees how exhausted you all look,” said Elizabeth with a laugh. “She will think I sold you into the navy after all.”
Rather than giving her one of his odd looks as she expected, Darcy nodded.
“That is not a bad idea. It is just what they deserve after costing me a win.”
The children rounded on him at once to deny they were at fault while Darcy grinned at Elizabeth.
“Well, never mind. I suppose I can forgive you. This time. I will save my letter for Captain Blackheart for another day. But I think we are all hot so how would you like to go to Gunter’s?”
The children almost shrieked in their excitement. A visit to the finest tea shop in London was a rare treat, saved for birthdays. To go on a normal day was something they never expected.
“I cannot wait for you to marry Cousin Lizzy, Mr Darcy,” Robert piped as they strolled in the direction of the tea shop.
Elizabeth blushed and shushed him, but Darcy looked amused.
“Oh? And why would that be? Because I taught you a new game or because I am taking you for ice cream?”
Robert tilted his head and squinted as he considered the question.
“Probably the ice cream,” he decided.
Darcy fell into step beside Elizabeth as the children bounded ahead. They watched them run with a smile.
“They are pleasant children,” he said. “I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed myself so much.”
“Nor can I,” Elizabeth admitted. “I did not realise you liked children.”
“Of course I do. I hope to spend much time with my own when I have them.” He hesitated, and his words trailed off, but the thought gave Elizabeth a warm glow.
“Well, let us hope they are better football players than you,” she said with a smile. She was not sure how he would take it. Theirs was an unconventional match, and though he was the one who introduced the topic of children, she continued it, and she wondered if he would take offence at her forwardness. Instead, Darcy laughed.
“Oh, with you as their mother, there is no hope for that, I am afraid. I am resigned to watch them fall over their own feet and forget which direction the goal is in.”
Elizabeth was surprised and pleased he joined in her teasing.
“And I am resigned to watch them declare themselves superior players while not knowing one end of a ball from the other. They are great disappointments to us already, are they not? Perhaps you might want to save your letter for Captain Blackheart for them.”
“Excellent plan. We shall give them five years, and if they don’t improve, it is off to sea for them.”
“I am glad we agree on such an important subject.”
They smiled at one another and Elizabeth was surprised to feel a small flutter in her stomach. Who knew Darcy could be so entertaining when he forgot his pride? His friends always expressed surprise at his aloof behaviour in Meryton and for the first time, Elizabeth started to feel they were right. She hoped the side to himself he showed now would become a more permanent part of him once they grew more comfortable with one another.
“Mr Darcy!”
Elizabeth and Darcy turned at the sound of a well-bred voice. Elizabeth called to the children to not run ahead and turned to see who spoke.
Sitting up in a splendid lacquered carriage was the couple from the night before. They were as fashionably dressed as ever and everything, from their gloves to their carriage to their highly bred, spirited horses, spoke of their wealth.
Darcy had no hat to touch to them, so he merely inclined his head. The couple looked him up and down and burst out laughing.
“My word, Darcy! What on earth happened to you?” the man demanded. “Did you have an accident?”
“You look as though you have been rolling in the grass,” cried the woman. “I never thought I would see you like this.”
“You would have no reason to,” said Darcy coolly. He was once again formal and reserved, his former playful demeanour having melted away at once. Elizabeth had a sinking feeling it was due to being ashamed to be seen as they both were. “I have never seen you unless it is on a social occasion and I daresay I will never encounter you playing football.” He nodded towards the children. The couple looked at them in confusion then back to Elizabeth.
“Forgive me. Allow me to introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” Darcy paused. “Miss Bennet is to be my wife.”
There was just enough reluctance in his voice that Elizabeth was offended. Darcy continued speaking, introducing the couple as Mr and Mrs Metcalfe from Surrey.
“Well, Miss Bennet. We have heard a lot about you, but none of it satisfies our curiosity,” cooed Mrs Metcalfe. She looked Elizabeth up and down, taking in her grass-stained skirts a
nd her unruly hair. Elizabeth held her head high, refusing to be intimidated by this woman.
“I am terribly sorry to hear that,” said Elizabeth in a tone that suggested quite the opposite.
“Miss Bennet is from Hertfordshire. We met last winter,” said Darcy. He still looked put out. Elizabeth could only suppose it embarrassed him to introduce her as his bride.
“And what is your father’s estate, Miss Bennet? Who do you stay with while in London? I heard it was with relatives in Gracechurch Street,” Mr Metcalfe asked. He gave her a friendly smile, but Elizabeth did not miss the brief knowing look he exchanged with his wife.
“I am afraid you will have to delay your acquaintance with Miss Bennet for another time,” said Darcy brusquely. “We have another matter to attend to. Come, Miss Bennet.” He held out his arm and Elizabeth took it. The eyes of the Metcalfes flashed with anger, but they quickly covered it over with charming smiles.
“We look forward to learning all about you, Miss Bennet,” said Mrs Metcalfe. “I am sure you’ll be the toast of the season when you marry. Mr Darcy will be keen to show you off, will you not, sir?”
“Good morning, Mrs Metcalfe,” said Darcy with a brief bow of his head.
They walked on as the carriage overtook them, Mrs Metcalfe craning in her seat for another look at them.
Darcy’s face was grim with annoyance. All the warmth and good feeling Elizabeth had felt between them had drained away, leaving her with a sense of dread. How could she endure a husband who would always feel ashamed of her? Who would rush her away before anyone could speak to her and discover her low origins? He might talk with her and be pleasant when they were alone, but he would not lower himself to do so when others are about.
They reached the tea shop. Elizabeth and Darcy still spoke little to one another, but the children were a welcome distraction. They talked and laughed and were so excited about their treat that the silence between Elizabeth and Darcy was relatively unnoticed. Darcy spoke to the children and teased them as before, and Elizabeth rallied enough to do the same, but she was relieved when it was time to leave.
“How will you return to Gracechurch Street?” Darcy asked after they left the shop.
“Lizzy hired a hackney,” said Tommy. “Look, Lizzy. I think I see one now.”
Darcy raised his hand to stop the cab. He handed Elizabeth and the children in, then to Elizabeth’s dismay, he gave the address to the driver and climbed in after them. They exchanged few words and mostly addressed themselves to the children who were drowsy after their exciting day.
“Mrs Gardiner will be pleased with how well they sleep tonight,” said Darcy.
“I daresay she will,” said Elizabeth. She directed her gaze outside the window as they traveled along the Strand. Robert was asleep in her arms, and Alicia rested her head against Darcy’s shoulder. Elizabeth could feel Darcy’s eyes upon her, but he said nothing.
They gently woke the children when they arrived at Gracechurch Street. Mrs Gardiner came out to meet them and exclaimed in pleasure to see Darcy. He declined an invitation to join them for dinner. No doubt his meeting with the Metcalfes reminded him of the inferiority of their connections. Elizabeth was about to follow her aunt into the house when Darcy caught her hand. She looked up at him in astonishment. Mrs Gardiner looked back and seeing them, she ushered the children into the house to give them privacy.
“Is something the matter?” he asked. “I thought we were getting on very well today. I rejoiced in it. But you have been grave and silent all evening.”
Elizabeth had not expected him to confront the matter so directly. She was at a loss for words. What could she say? That his behaviour in the park hurt her? She already knew what he thought of her. He would probably respond as he did in Kent when he made it plain he considered her connections inferior and could not be expected to rejoice in it. She did not wish to give him an opportunity to insult her like that again. God, how could she marry a man who would see her in such a light?
“I am tired, sir,” she said shortly. “It has been a long day. I wish to retire.”
Darcy’s eyes searched her face. He nodded, but he still did not release her.
“I wish to apologise for my behaviour when we met my acquaintances. I am sure you noticed my behaviour towards them last night as well. I hoped to avoid an introduction.”
Elizabeth gasped at him for stating it so plainly.
“I am sorry you failed,” she said tartly. She turned to go. He frowned.
“I think you misunderstand me. I did not wish to avoid an introduction because of you but because of them.” He looked at her earnestly. “In truth, I cannot stand them. I never have. They are vain, silly, self-satisfied people with little of value to say. They live for gossip and scandal, and I knew they would be avid about you. I would not allow them to do so if I could help it.”
Elizabeth stared into Darcy’s eyes, her heart pounding. The anxieties she had been carrying around all afternoon melted away to be replaced by a sweet rush of relief.
“You dislike them? I thought they were your friends?”
“Not at all. We move in similar circles so I cannot avoid knowing them, more’s the pity. But friends? No, never that. You have met some of my friends. Mr Bingley and my cousin Richard. They are the sort of people whose friendship is valuable to me. As is yours as I hope you know. The Metcalfes cannot be compared to any of you.”
“Oh.” Elizabeth did not know what to say. She tried not to smile, but it was difficult. “Well then, I am sorry you came upon them twice in such a short amount of time.”
“As am I, Elizabeth. I am sure they hope the scandal of our engagement will overshadow their own.”
“Really?” Elizabeth was avid. “What scandal is that?”
“Er — I will tell you the details after we are married.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “Does it involve needing a nursery in a far shorter time after the wedding than is traditional?” she asked.
Darcy looked at her in surprise and smiled.
“Something of that sort. I am glad to see you smile again. Truly, all is well with you?”
This time, Elizabeth could not hide her smile. “It is. Thank you for a day I enjoyed more than I expected. The children will talk about it for months to come.”
“They are not the only ones who will remember it fondly,” said Darcy. He still held her hand. He looked down, then bent over and kissed it. Elizabeth drew in a sharp breath to feel his lips on her skin. He looked up at her.
“Good night, Elizabeth. Sleep well.”
“Good night, Darcy.”
Elizabeth ran into the house with a heart lighter than she could ever remember having.
Chapter 19
The following evening, Darcy made a visit he had been delaying since he arrived in London. Bingley’s house stood close to his in Conduit Street. His friend rose in astonishment when Darcy was shown into the drawing room.
“How are you, Darcy?” he said in surprise. “I did not know you were in town. How long have you been here?”
“A few days. I apologise for not calling sooner. Bingley, I have news, and I also have a favour to ask that I hope you will not think impertinent of me.”
“Ask it. Whatever it is, it is yours.”
Darcy requested a drink first, and when Bingley had poured them both stiff brandies, he told him the whole story of his engagement to Elizabeth Bennet. Bingley stared at him with his mouth open as Darcy told him the whole affair.
“My, what an adventure you have had. I cannot believe it. But marrying Miss Elizabeth, eh?” Bingley’s smile was pained, and Darcy knew he thought of another Miss Bennet. “Well, I cannot say it is the worst fate in the world. She is a delightful girl even if you have not always recognised her worth.”
Darcy grimaced. “I do not like to think of my opinion as it was then.”
“No, I am sure you do not. Especially as I believe she improved on you after a while, did she not? I think you grew to ad
mire her. And now you will marry the woman you admire.”
Bingley tried to look cheerful, but he did not convince Darcy. Darcy sighed. If Miss Bennet had cared for his friend as Bingley hoped, Darcy would have been willing to overlook her unfortunate background and give the match his blessing. But he had seen nothing in Jane’s countenance that suggested she cared for him. She received his attentions with pleasure as any young woman might have done but no feelings beyond that. If Jane received Bingley’s attentions, it was under her mother’s instructions. Darcy would not see his friend lost to such a fate. Married to a woman he loved who did not love him in return — it was a fate he was worried about enduring, but he would not see his dearest friend in that situation for anything.
“This is not how I would like a marriage to come about, Bingley, no matter how I felt about the lady,” said Darcy. “But there was nothing else to be done, and now Elizabeth and I are required to make the best of it as well as we can.”
“I am sorry, Darcy,” said Bingley at once. “I did not mean to jest. You are both people I admire deeply and of whose worth I am well aware. I hope you will soon value each other as a husband and wife ought.” He smiled, but it did not quite reach his eyes. He rose from his chair and walked to a sideboard where he poured another drink for both of them. “To think you are to marry into the Bennet family,” he said. “You and I might have been brothers if… if…”
Darcy took the offered glass. It was a strange turn of events. And even stranger that he tried to save his friend from marrying a woman who did not love him, only to find himself in the same situation. To him, he had been kinder than towards himself.
“You will also be Miss Bennet’s brother,” said Bingley. Darcy stirred as he took himself back from his own musings.
“Pardon?”
“Miss Jane Bennet. You will be brother and sister. I may never see her again while you may welcome her to your home. The woman who must be a stranger to me will be the sister of my closest friend.” His smile was wistful. “Life is extraordinary, is it not?”
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