“On the contrary, Miss Elizabeth is one of the most handsome women of my acquaintance,” he said, hoping to silence her criticism.
“Well, then, it is decided and you shall be the most fashionable couple in London. You must replace her entire wardrobe, unfortunately, and—”
“There you are,” said Louisa, who had come up behind them with Elizabeth. Darcy hoped that Elizabeth had not overheard their conversation.
The mocking sneer vanished from Caroline’s lips. “I did not know you intended to walk out today.”
“You used us abominably ill, running away without telling us,” Louisa said, feigning indignation. She then took Darcy’s free arm, leaving Elizabeth to walk alone on the narrow path.
Darcy felt their rudeness and suggested they move to the avenue where the entire party could walk together.
Showing no hint of offence, Elizabeth offered a bright smile. “No, you must not trouble yourselves for my sake. You are charmingly grouped. The picturesque would be spoilt by adding a fourth,” she said, then walked off in the other direction.
Darcy would have preferred that she had stayed, but perhaps it was best to give no further fuel to Caroline’s insolence. While he knew it was not his place to correct her, he could not approve of her vindictive abuse of Elizabeth, nor was it the type of behaviour he admired in a woman. Certainly, he would never allow such a negative influence on his sister. If Georgiana were to emulate someone, he hoped it would be a woman like Elizabeth Bennet.
“How does Miss Bennet fare this morning?” he inquired.
“She is much improved,” Louisa said. “In fact, it was she who insisted that Miss Elizabeth get some air today.”
Darcy perceived the ladies’ fond affection for Jane Bennet and hoped to inspire the same for Elizabeth, or at least thwart any further mistreatment. “Do you not find it remarkable that Miss Elizabeth has devoted herself to her sister’s care these past three days? To be confined to the sickroom while she might be enjoying her own pursuits in the comfort of her own home shows a most becoming sisterly affection.” Both ladies kept their heads down and murmured their agreement. “Under similar circumstances, any other woman might easily have taken advantage of the situation, and attempted to put herself forward to the single gentlemen in their midst.”
He stopped walking and freed himself from their grasp. “I am pleased that you have made her feel welcome in your home. Surely, she could not be more comfortable in the company of people whose acquaintance is of such short duration.” Both women appeared shamefaced and averted their eyes. Satisfied with his success, he suggested they return to the house. For a few glorious minutes, he enjoyed the blessing of their complete silence.
***
Much to Elizabeth’s relief, Jane’s fever broke on Friday, and she declared herself well enough to leave her chamber for a short time. After supper, Elizabeth wrapped a woollen shawl around her sister’s shoulders and escorted her to the drawing room. Caroline and Louisa welcomed her with genuine adulation, expressing their admiration and pleasure at her advancing recovery. They spent an hour together, and Elizabeth was certain she had never witnessed them so agreeable, conversing with no hint of false pretence.
However, as soon as the gentlemen joined them, they diverted all their attention to the men. Ignoring them, Darcy greeted Jane, expressing his sincere hopes for her complete recovery. Bingley welcomed her with warm profusions of relief and conducted her to the hearth, insisting that she sit near the fire. His bright smile while they talked proved what Elizabeth already knew—he was smitten with her. Jane, too, glowed with affection, pleased with his attentions. Delighted, Elizabeth observed them from the opposite side of the room, making herself busy with her stitching project, while Darcy reached for a book. Mr Hurst, having no other entertainment available, stretched himself out on the sofa and fell asleep.
Caroline chose to read the second volume of Darcy’s book, but frequently interrupted him to inquire after his progress. She made several attempts to engage him in conversation, but when he steadfastly adhered to his book, she abandoned her own. It seemed to Elizabeth that her hostess appeared at a loss unless she was the centre of attention.
“How pleasant it is to spend an evening reading. I declare there is no better enjoyment!” Caroline said, fixing her eyes on Darcy. While she expounded on her love of books and libraries, a grey haze emanated from her, as Elizabeth had previously observed.
Sadly, no one replied to her commentary. Her shoulders drooped at this neglect, but her brother’s comment to Jane about holding a ball caught her attention. “Are you seriously considering a dance at Netherfield, Charles? I assure you, for some amongst us, a ball would rather be a punishment,” she said, her brows drawn together in a stern frown.
Bingley released a bark of laughter. “If you mean Darcy, he may go to bed, if he chooses,” he said, in lively tones. “As for me, it is quite settled. As soon as Nicholls has made the white soup, I shall send round my cards.”
Scowling, Caroline rose to walk around the room, frequently glancing at Darcy, who studiously adhered to his book. Placing another stitch in her embroidery, Elizabeth could wish for no better entertainment, until Caroline approached. “Miss Elizabeth, let me persuade you to follow my example and take a turn about the room,” she said with a pleasing smile. When Elizabeth hesitated, Caroline held out her hand. “I assure you; it is very refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude.”
Although suspicious of her hostess’s intentions and reluctant to follow any of her examples, Elizabeth put her stitching aside and accepted. They walked together, weaving around the furniture and passing by Darcy, who closed his book to observe them. Sensing that this must have been Caroline’s primary object, Elizabeth attempted to return to her chair, but Caroline held fast to her arm. Darcy declined an invitation to join them, claiming that they could only have two motives for walking, and he would interfere with either.
Caroline raised her eyebrows and pulled Elizabeth closer. “What can he mean, Miss Elizabeth?” she cried.
Although uncertain why she was being drawn into this drama, Elizabeth responded in her usual humour. “He means to be severe on us, no doubt. Our surest way of thwarting him is to ask for no explanation at all.”
However, Caroline did request his explanation.
Darcy paid close attention to their progress around the room. “You choose this method of passing the time, either because you have secret affairs to discuss or you are conscious of your figures. If the first, I would be in your way; if the second, I can much better admire you from here.”
While Bingley laughed heartily, Caroline gasped, feigning offence. “How shall we punish him for this shocking speech,” she said, retaining her hold on Elizabeth but keeping her focus on Darcy.
When Elizabeth suggested laughing at him or teasing him, Caroline declined. “I am unequal to teasing such calmness of manner and presence of mind,” she said, and the shadowy grey haze reappeared.
Wary of the close proximity of the nebulous air, Elizabeth wrested her arm away from Caroline’s grasp. However, Darcy’s smug smile spurred her to retaliate. “Mr Darcy—immune from teasing? That gives him an uncommon advantage and me a disadvantage,” Elizabeth said, in the highest spirits. “I dearly love a laugh.”
“Miss Bingley has given me more credit than I deserve,” he said, then turned serious. “The wisest and best of men may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke.”
Elizabeth had intended no offence to anyone. “I hope I would never be accused of such ridicule. I admit, I do love to laugh at people’s follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies; but I suppose these are exactly what you are without.”
***
This turn of events amused Darcy. He could not comprehend Caroline’s refusal to tease him; she had willingly done so on numerous occasions, specifically about Elizabeth. Perhaps she hoped to reserve that honour for herself. Whatever her objective might have been in dragging h
er guest around the room, Darcy supposed that making Elizabeth Bennet the centre of attention could not have been her desired result.
In answer to Elizabeth’s challenge, he denied having no weaknesses but insisted he chose to avoid anything that would expose him to ridicule.
“Such as pride and greed, or perhaps sloth,” she said with a playful smile.
“Where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will always be under good regulation, and I certainly hope I have never been afflicted with greed. As for sloth,” he said, glancing at Henry Hurst’s inert form on the sofa, “my time might be more industriously spent than others.”
Elizabeth pursed her lips together as if attempting to prevent a laugh, and he delighted in evoking her mirth.
“I trust your examination of Mr Darcy is over,” Caroline said with a snappish tone. “Pray what is the result?”
“Mr Darcy has no defect whatsoever. He owns it without disguise.”
Elizabeth’s mischievous expression made it impossible to be offended. However, Darcy was reminded of a recent offence against him; his sister had nearly been persuaded to elope with a fortune hunter. Darcy had thwarted the plan, but his anger at Georgiana’s seducer lingered. “I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against myself. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.”
A fetching pout formed on Elizabeth’s lips. “Resentment is a failing indeed, but you have chosen your defect well, and I cannot laugh at it. You are safe from me.” When he supposed aloud that everyone had some deficiency, her eyes gleamed. “Yours is to resent everyone,” she said.
“And yours is to wilfully misunderstand them,” he said, allowing his gaze to linger on her longer than he ought. In return, she kept her attention fixed on him for a prolonged moment of bliss, and he revelled in her enchanting impertinence.
Caroline interrupted their spirited banter. “Do let us have some music,” she said, then opened the pianoforte and played.
Fearing he had said too much, Darcy returned his attention to his book. What in the world has come over you, Darcy? he thought, chiding himself for openly flirting with Elizabeth Bennet. When she had flashed her impish smile, he had been unable to prevent himself from responding in kind. How ironic that he had engaged in the same behaviour that he had abhorred in Caroline. Even though she had employed the same arts, he had not found her remotely compelling; however, he had defied her by flirting elsewhere.
Unfortunately, by paying Elizabeth too much attention, he had exposed himself to danger. Worse yet, if he had raised her expectations, he had exposed her to the danger of disappointment. Resolving at that moment to resist further temptation, he vowed to put an end to all flirtations.
Chapter 7
By Saturday morning, Jane Bennet had recovered well enough to go home, but for some reason unknown to Darcy, no Longbourn carriage was available to her and her sister. Furthermore, Bingley would not take her in his own carriage, nor hear of her leaving so soon. “You are by no means fully recovered,” he said, urging her to stay at least one more day. The Bennet sisters agreed to defer their departure until Sunday, and the Netherfield party settled in for another day.
Determined to avoid any unwanted encounters with unattached females, Darcy took shelter in the library. Caroline had amended her behaviour, at least she had not abused Elizabeth while in his presence, but he doubted she could be trusted to maintain a civil discourse. However, Elizabeth had attracted him more than he liked. Since there could be no possibility of an alliance with her, he decided that no sign of his admiration should escape him, nor any attention elevate her expectation. His ill-advised flirtation had been a pleasant pastime but must now be at an end.
His resolve remained unshaken when Elizabeth entered the library, curtsied, then sat in an oversized wingback chair with a book. He diligently adhered to his own book of unknown title and subject, refusing to pay her any further notice. Although her soft floral fragrance tempted him, he did not allow it to divert him. The room was silent except for the ticking mantle clock, her soft sighs, and the pages as she turned them. Conscious of his own failure to turn a page, he focused more studiously on the printed words.
From the corner of his eye, he watched her close her book and put it aside. “Mr Darcy, I know not when I will have another opportunity, so I must speak my mind.”
Dear Lord, preserve me from outspoken women.
“Please allow me to apologise for my mother’s boldness. With an entail on Longbourn and no sons, she can be quite relentless,” Elizabeth said with a pained expression. “But you and your friend need not fear the Bennet sisters. My mother is strong willed, but so are we. We shall never be compelled to…” She paused for a moment, then released a deep breath. “We make our own choices.”
Admiring her even more for her courage and honesty, he thanked her and assured her that he held no ill will against Mrs Bennet. He had heard of the entail on the estate and knew well what disaster could befall an unprotected woman who lost her home.
As for apologies, Darcy had one of his own. “I must apologise for my insufferable remark at the assembly. It was unaccountably rude, and I beg your pardon.”
Her exquisite eyes flew open wide, and she shook her head. “You must not give it another thought, Mr Darcy. I knew you did not mean… Or rather, we all have our defects, do we not?” she said with a sly smile.
Her gentle teasing touched his heart. Instead of flattering him, she’d alluded to his flaws, and her own. “You and your sister will be missed, Miss Elizabeth. Netherfield has never seen such lovely company.”
She offered a meek grin, bobbed a curtsy, and left the room.
Gazing at the empty chair, Darcy felt her absence acutely. However, he convinced himself, this was for the best. Although he had never been more bewitched by any woman, he could not allow himself to succumb to Elizabeth’s charms. She was in no way suitable for a man of his elevated rank. With the passage of time, he would probably forget all about her.
***
Once they were alone that night, Elizabeth disclosed to Jane everything that had occurred at Netherfield, including the conspicuous misty air that had surrounded Caroline while in Mr Darcy’s company. “Securing him has been her primary occupation these past few days,” she said as she removed the pins from Jane’s hair.
“Oh, Lizzy, how disheartening. I had no suspicions of her duplicity,” she said, her brows drawn together.
Elizabeth could not disagree. “I daresay, I was disposed to dislike her from the start, but this aspect of her is even more unbecoming.” Although relieved to have her sister back in her confidence again, she could not resist the temptation to jest. “I am afraid this bodes poorly for your match with Mr Bingley.”
Jane laughed. “How you love to tease me, Lizzy, but do tell me, does he admire me?”
She knew for certain that Jane was enthralled with Mr Bingley, and he appeared to be also taken with her. How wonderful it would be if they were to fall in love. Jane could want no better match. Besides his wealth, Mr Bingley was an amiable gentleman who loved dancing. While Elizabeth knew better than to voice her opinion on the matter as her mother had boldly done, Elizabeth secretly hoped for that same happy outcome. “Anyone with two eyes can see that he is absolutely besotted.”
Jane beamed with delight. “I hope you may be right; he is so kind and amiable. But what about Mr Darcy? Is he also sincere?”
“I believe so; I saw nothing to the contrary.” His mannerisms had not betrayed him these past few days.
Jane remained quiet while she brushed and plaited her hair. “I think Mama is right; he does admire you. He watched your every move last night.”
Elizabeth could not deny that she had noticed the same; however, she would not wish to seem presumptuous, even to her trusted sister, until she had determined the meaning of the glowing air around him. To form suc
h a conclusion, only to have it proven false, would be the height of folly, especially since Darcy had undergone a drastic change. “He is infinitely appealing, but why has he become so aloof? He has barely glanced in my direction or spoken to me since then.” Jane had no answer for his sudden distance. “Never mind,” Elizabeth said, shaking her head to dispel any notion of him. “Once we leave tomorrow, I shall most likely never see him again. Then I shall place all my hopes on you and Mr Bingley. I should warn you that I intend to become a devoted aunt and completely spoil your children.”
“You may laugh, Lizzy, but I shall not give up hope. Mr Darcy cannot help but admire you.” Despite Elizabeth’s protests, Jane remained firm to her conviction.
After retiring to her own chamber, Elizabeth reflected on her last day at Netherfield. While she would not be sorry to lose Caroline’s company, she would miss Darcy. Before he had reverted to his former distant and pensive attitude, he had been everything warm and engaging. And there had been that confounding light emanating from him, which could not have meant what she imagined. He had gone from openly admiring her figure to deliberately ignoring her. Since their brief conversation in the library that morning, he had not spoken a word to her all day. She supposed that something had compelled him to resume his cautious reserve, but his reasoning escaped her.
Tossing and turning in her bed, she convinced herself she had no hope of attracting a man of Darcy’s consequence. Although she could not help admiring his quick wit and charming flirtations, men of his consequence rarely allowed their hearts to be touched by women of little means. Had he not proven so this past day? What’s worse, she had almost slipped and told him she knew he had lied when he’d insulted her at the assembly. For fear of being considered peculiar or ripe for Bedlam, she dared not disclose her deepest secret to someone she hardly knew.
A Certain Something Page 4