Jane’s brows rose at such news. “I had not thought they were acquainted.”
Lydia’s frown deepened. “I introduced him to her at the ball.”
“That was rather quickly done on his part,” Jane observed. She looked at her sleeping sister and, knowing that Elizabeth had preferred Mr. Wickham, was sad for her.
“I heard that Miss King has just inherited a small fortune; if you look at it in that light, it is a prudent match for him,” Jane offered, in her usual way, absolving any wrong doing for any party.
“I suppose you are right again,” Lydia said unconvincingly, though her expression told Jane she was still confused. Jane watched, surprised, as fire lit her youngest sister’s eyes. “Only, how could he have forgotten Lizzy so quickly?”
Chapter 16
Darcy and Bingley mounted their horses the next morning to ride to Longbourn. There was a nervous energy about both gentlemen but for different reasons.
In an attempt to dispel his own nervous anticipation at seeing Miss Bennet again, Bingley offhandedly asked, “How was your cousin, the colonel, when you left London, Darcy?”
Darcy surprised his companion by laughing briefly before answering. “A little worse for wear, last I had the pleasure of his company.”
Bingley raised his brow. “Was Colonel Fitzwilliam not feeling well then?”
Darcy looked sideways at his friend. “If I recall correctly, when I spoke with him yesterday morning, he was suffering under the effects of a night of rather poor judgment with regards to the quantity of spirits he consumed.”
Bingley laughed, shaking his head at the image that came to his mind but not thinking much more on the topic. Darcy glanced behind him to where Elizabeth was floating along. They shared a conspiratorial smile before Darcy resumed his attention on the road ahead of him. Recalling that morning, Darcy remembered Richard’s rather pained attempt at confronting him regarding his strange behavior. Darcy easily convinced the colonel — as he was well in his cups — that he had not observed things accurately. He further stunned his cousin by telling him that he was for Hertfordshire that very morning. This bit of intelligence seemed to calm and satisfy his cousin. Darcy had no trouble believing Richard would come to find the paltry excuses for his behavior insufficient once the throbbing in his head eased, but by that time, Darcy would be well on his way and out of immediate reach.
As they continued to ride, Bingley noticed that his companion frequently turned to look behind them. Turning himself a few times, Bingley noted the empty road. Finally unable to ignore the behavior anymore, despite the amiable conversation, Bingley addressed his friend. “Darcy, do you imagine we are being followed?”
Darcy sat up straighter, his brows lowering in concern and turned in his seat to scour the landscape behind them. The look of amusement that had graced Elizabeth’s face previously now also turned serious as she looked about her while she floated along behind the gentlemen. After viewing their surroundings carefully, he turned to his friend. With a lowered voice and serious tone, he said, “I do not think so. Do you suspect something, Bingley?”
“I had not until I saw you, Darcy. You keep turning in your seat to look behind us.”
Elizabeth’s hearty laugh then reached Darcy’s ears from her position a few feet behind. “I think he refers to your incessant need to check on me, William.”
Darcy attempted to master the smile pulling at his lips. He had argued with her that they should take his carriage, so that she might ride along that way. She was most vexing in her stubborn resolve, arguing that he would be unable make his escape should he need to leave alone. Obstinate, headstrong girl! He had not liked the idea of her traveling along behind him but could not very well suggest they walk when Bingley would surely prefer to ride. His concern for her had become a source of amusement to Elizabeth. Even when she was whole, walking such a distance was accomplished easily and with the greatest of enjoyment on her part. Traveling behind Darcy’s horse, at a greater speed and without the need for exertion was nothing in comparison. Still he could not like riding when she could not; the gentleman in him rankled at the idea.
“Darcy?”
Bingley’s entreaty brought Darcy back from his thoughts and away from the charming smirk of Elizabeth. He turned again in his seat to face the road ahead. “I believe we are quite safe, Bingley. I was only admiring the verdant landscape.”
Darcy sped up upon hearing Elizabeth’s laugh again and to avoid Bingley’s puzzled expression.
“Yes, indeed, the frozen, frost-washed grey earth that marks Hertfordshire in January is most glorious to behold,” Elizabeth teased.
* * *
When the gentlemen were announced at Longbourn, all evidence of amusement had been long erased from Elizabeth’s features. She was overwhelmed by the sight of her beloved home and savored every window, hedge, and stone; each as familiar to her as a dear friend and just as welcome a sight.
Upon entrance, her senses remained fixed for the first glimpse of her family. Each servant that helped with the gentlemen’s outerwear was named with squeals of glee as she acknowledged everything precious around her. They were led to the morning room and presented to the ladies within.
Elizabeth could not speak upon first setting eyes upon her family. Assembled before her were all her sisters, excepting Jane. Her heart hammered in her chest and spoke of the great love she had for each of them. Having not seen them nor knowing whether she ever would again, the moment was all encompassing. Softly she whispered each of their names, reverently, lovingly.
Darcy tried to appear attentive to his host but was transfixed by the look he saw in Elizabeth’s eyes. He remembered then that, while he was first falling for Elizabeth last autumn, he had debated perhaps he might be able to marry her if he could guarantee he would not have to encounter her family afterwards. Now he was filled with shame for such a thought and also a pain most profound at even contemplating keeping Elizabeth from those who could provoke such a look of longing and love. These were her family and he had stupidly — proudly — assumed that they could not mean as much to her as his own small family meant to him. The very thought of never seeing Georgiana again pained him, and he put it out of his mind immediately.
His hostess was now welcoming him, and Darcy again focused his attention.
He bowed to Mrs. Bennet. “Indeed, I am happy to be here, ma’am.”
“She does not mean it, you know. She does not really welcome you to Longbourn,” Elizabeth said offhandedly, almost affectionately with regards to her mother.
Darcy startled slightly and turned to look upon Elizabeth while Mrs. Bennet gushed forth with warm greetings and praise for Mr. Bingley.
Elizabeth smiled at him then and shrugged. “You displeased her when you refused to dance with me and called me merely ‘tolerable’. She has not forgiven you for such trespasses.”
Darcy opened his mouth to protest, astonished to learn the whole of the neighborhood knew of his folly. Before he could speak, Elizabeth shushed him with a slender finger to her lips, reminding him he could not talk to her without looking like a fool. A great fool, I am.
Darcy took up a spot near the window where he might view the room but not have to speak to anyone. His thoughts were in such a jumble with regards to evidence before him of the incredibly poor manners he displayed a few months ago. Ironically, he did not recognize his current behavior as similar.
He watched Elizabeth rush from one sister to the next, looking upon her and declaring differences. She insisted one had grown taller, another’s face looked older and still another was endeared by the way she wore her hair differently. A week could not really bring about such profound changes, but he loved seeing her so happy to be amongst her family again.
A few minutes after they arrived, the door opened again and Miss Bennet slipped gracefully in. Darcy looked at her and then at Elizabeth. Elizabeth stood motionless, her eyes watering and her hand hovering about her mouth as if to hold in a cry. His heart grew mor
e tender for her then, witnessing the great love she had for this sister. He could only imagine what depth of affection could produce such a look and was hopeful that, someday soon, he might claim to see that sisterly affection towards Georgiana. He stepped forward out of his location to greet Miss Bennet and bowed before her.
“Miss Bennet, a pleasure to make your acquaintance again.”
“Mr. Darcy, it is a pleasure indeed. Welcome to the neighborhood, sir.”
“Dearest Jane!” Elizabeth cried as she came to stand next to her sister, her usual spot when visitors called. “I wish I could embrace you and never let you go.”
Darcy smiled affectionately at Elizabeth; his amiable expression noted by her elder sister and interpreted as a kind gesture of friendship.
“I was sorry to hear about your accident, Miss Bennet, and the injury of your sister.”
Jane’s eyes glistened, and she smiled warmly. “I thank you, Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth is recovering, and although she has yet to awaken, we are all confident that she will soon.”
“I have every belief that you are correct and will pray to that end,” he said with compassion.
Standing beside Jane, Elizabeth turned to him and smiled. He returned Elizabeth’s smile, making Jane speculate on his true feelings for her sister. It was something she had wondered during the autumn months, and indeed Charlotte Lucas née Collins had first suggested it.
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” Jane said, allowing herself then to be guided to a seat by Mr. Bingley.
Darcy then took up the window behind them, looking out at the view beyond. He knew not how to understand his own unsettled emotions, being at Longbourn and seeing Elizabeth in her element. Whenever he had called before, they had not spoken, and she had been more reserved in her addresses to him. Looking back at that time, he realized how very little they recognized each other’s honest emotion. She assumed he enumerated her faults when he looked only for the pleasure it brought him.
“I should like to see my father, but I suppose there is little chance of that,” Elizabeth said sadly as she came to stand finally by his side. At his questioning glance, she explained. “He does not often venture out of his study when guests come to visit. And I suppose it would be odd for you to request an interview with him at this stage.”
Darcy smiled at her teasing tone, noting again her habit of turning to humor to dispel an uncomfortable situation. He wished he could find some way to allow her to see her father but could think of nothing reasonable other than restoring her to herself as soon as possible.
He whispered then to her as he feigned interest in the view out the window. “We shall soon see you whole, and then you may not only see your father, but you may embrace him as well.”
Elizabeth’s eyes glistened again and she thanked him, feeling grateful for his understanding. When she had recovered well enough to feel composed, she added, “I think, sir, it is time to implement the beginning of our daring mission.”
Darcy raised his brows at her dramatic phrasing and, yet humored by her enthusiasm, nodded. He too was anxious to see the other part of her again. “Indeed.”
Darcy turned then and looked about the room. He had not been very sociable nor was it in his nature to be so. Apprehension stole into him at addressing the party at large. He looked at Elizabeth and noted that she was eager for their next step. Gaining strength by her confidence in him, he cleared his throat and awkwardly won the attention of those in the room as a result.
“I was noting the beautiful winter sun is out, and I thought perhaps Mr. Bingley and I might accompany any of the Miss Bennets, who so desired, on a walk about the gardens. What say you, Bingley?”
As Elizabeth and Darcy had suspected, Bingley eagerly and immediately seconded the idea, looking hopefully to Jane for consent.
Mrs. Bennet spoke aloud then. “I thank you, Mr. Darcy for the suggestion, but I am sure it is much too cold out.”
“She is determined to dislike you,” Elizabeth chuckled. “Quick, pay her a compliment.”
Uncertain, Darcy turned to look at Elizabeth. It was clear he did not relish imparting any such flattery on Mrs. Bennet.
“Quick sir! Or our whole scheme will be for naught. Look, already Jane is wavering.”
“Mrs. Bennet, I promise that should we find the environs too harsh for the delicate beauty of your daughters, we shall immediately return them to the safety and shelter of the house.”
Both Elizabeth and Darcy held their breath as they watched Mrs. Bennet puzzle through the unexpected attentions from Mr. Darcy. Before she could say anything, however, Mr. Bingley parroted again his approbation for the plan.
“Indeed, Mrs. Bennet, I will personally see to it that Ja — Miss Bennet comes to no harm.”
“Oh, Mr. Bingley, sir. You are too kind. Come girls, go and get your things. The gentlemen will take you for some air.”
Elizabeth looked with excitement towards Darcy when her other sisters protested that they did not wish to go out, leaving them with the unexpected advantage of having only Bingley and Miss Bennet to lose accidently.
While Miss Bennet went up the stairs for her winter cloak and muff, Darcy and Bingley waited in the entry.
“Bingley, I have just felt the beginnings of one of my megrims, I fear. I do not wish to disappoint Miss Bennet or yourself by bowing out just now, but I think if I do not get the better of it while we take in the air outside, I may see myself home. Could you give my regrets should that become the case?”
“Certainly, you should take care, Darcy, but what shall we do without a chaperone?”
“Stay within sight of the house and you will be perfectly proper. Besides, I daresay, Mrs. Bennet will not give you much trouble.”
Bingley laughed in agreement.
“Very tricky, William. For one who abhors deceit of any kind, you are remarkably good at it,” Elizabeth said cheekily.
It was little trouble then for Darcy and Elizabeth to slip away from the other couple whilst in the gardens. Even without the ruse, the scheming pair noted that the attentions of Bingley and Miss Bennet were focused entirely on each other.
“Come this way, William. The door is just around here.”
Elizabeth confidently and with a skip in her step showed him around a hedge to a narrow door in the side of the house. When they reached the door, Darcy attempted to gain entrance but found that it was locked. He turned to Elizabeth for direction.
“It is locked, Elizabeth. We will have to think of another way in.”
“No, there is a trick to it. Lift slightly when you turn the knob and push with your shoulder.”
Darcy looked at her skeptically but nonetheless did as he was told. When the door was maneuvered open, he turned to her with a frown. “That is a security risk, Elizabeth. Your father ought to know that this door can be accessed without a key.”
Elizabeth laughed at his distraction, considering the greater importance of their present task. “After we finish here, sir, perhaps you might wish to tell him that. I can just see it now.” Elizabeth lowered her voice to impersonate Darcy. “Mr. Bennet, while I was attempting to break into your house, I noted that your side door was not secure.”
Darcy could only half smile at her teasing comment and, while acknowledging she had the right of it, still made a mental note to advise Mr. Bennet at some future time. He could not like the idea that someone might be able to break into Elizabeth’s home.
Gingerly, Darcy returned his attention to the door before them and opened it carefully. He peeked around it and sighed in relief to find the small space was empty of any person. Elizabeth indicated he should take the staircase to their left, and he quietly began up the steps.
“This is so very exciting and more than a little shocking!”
Darcy ducked, shying away from her enthusiastic volume. “Shhh!”
Laughing Elizabeth said, “Do I really need to remind you, sir, that you are the only one who can be heard?”
Darcy paused then, realizing how
ridiculous his concern was, and could not hold back a quiet snort. “As ever, Elizabeth, you are right and beautiful.”
“Indeed,” Elizabeth confirmed merrily. They continued up the stairs a few steps in silence. “I have never broken into my own home before nor done anything so nefarious.”
“Nor have I,” Darcy whispered.
“We are quite the pair, are we not Mr. Darcy?”
Darcy sent her a quelling look that did little to hide the amusement he felt at her high spirits. His own heart was beating rather wildly in his chest, and he reached to loosen his cravat. He anticipated at any moment that he might encounter a servant, and the very thought of it sent a thrilling fear coursing through his veins. His ears were alert to any sound, and he ventured perhaps more slowly than Elizabeth wanted.
“Come; at this pace we will surely need to spend the night.”
“Perhaps you might make yourself useful, madam, and go ahead of me to watch for anyone,” Darcy whispered, as he pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and dabbed at the moisture on his brow. Elizabeth laughed loudly, and Darcy winced before again reminding himself that no other could hear her. He groaned inwardly at the easy part she had in this whole, underhanded affair. She would not be seen if they were caught.
Elizabeth reached the top of the stairs and turned down a small corridor, waving behind her for Darcy to follow. He felt much more at ease now that she was ahead of him. At one point, a noise down the hall caused Darcy to have to step into a doorway to hide himself. It was a passing maid at the end of the hall, and he could not like the way this close encounter caused his heart to lodge in his throat. Finally, after making their way up another set of narrow stairs, they reached a rough-hewn wooden door.
Elizabeth turned to Darcy then with a slight pinkness to her cheeks. Looking behind him, Darcy’s anxiety made him question silently why she had stopped.
“Beyond this door, sir, is my chamber.”
“Ahh,” Darcy said, finally understanding her blush and admiring her modesty. “I suppose it is only fair then.”
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