*****
April 12, 1813
Jane collapsed on the settee in the Darcys’ London house. She was exhausted. Eleven weeks in London and she was looking forward to the respite Easter would allow. In years past, Darcy visited his aunt in Kent for Easter. Lady Catherine was unhappy with his marriage to Elizabeth, and while Elizabeth had encouraged the breach to be closed in recent months, they were not yet close enough for a visit. Instead, they would visit the Bennets at Longbourn. They were to leave tomorrow.
Christmas had passed quickly once the Gardiners arrived. Jane was thankful for the presence of her aunt, as the attentions of Viscount Arlington were growing tedious. He and the other Fitzwilliams returned to London before even Fifth Night as they planned to visit Lady Catherine in Kent before returning to London for Parliament’s return to session. January passed slowly but idyllically at Pemberley for the Darcys and Jane. She had quickly fallen in love with the Derbyshire countryside and loathed to leave it for London.
Once in London it was an endless barrage of soirees, balls, theatre engagements and morning calls. She had suitors aplenty. Some had admired her throughout her debut in London; others paid their attentions to other ladies given her lack of encouragement. Viscount Arlington, always civil to everyone, had a clear preference for her.
“Oh, Lizzy. I will be so glad to return to Hertfordshire. Would you mind terribly if I stay there after Easter?”
Elizabeth frowned. “You do not wish to finish the Season?”
“What would be the point? I am exhausted.”
“No one has caught your eye?”
“My eye, perhaps. There is so much more to making a match than a few pleasant conversations, I understand that now. How am I to know their character in only a few weeks on usual civilities in the company of so many others?”
Elizabeth’s face took on a dreamy countenance. “Yes...something like long walks with talks on serious matters would be a better form of courtship.” She shook her head. “If you truly wish to stay at Longbourn, of course you can, dear. But let us return for a week before you decide. In the meantime, should you decide you enjoy someone’s company you know I will do everything in my power to assist you.”
“Thank you,” Jane said as she rose before leaving for her chambers. Alone in her room, however, she began to concede a fact she hoped never to admit. Perhaps someone had caught her eye already. Someone she experienced long and serious conversations with. And she let the opportunity pass her by.
Mrs. Bennet met her two eldest daughters with enthusiasm. Kitty and Lydia flocked to Jane. Darcy and Elizabeth shared a smile before he followed Mr. Bennet to the library.
“Have you had any flirtations?” Lydia asked.
“Flirtations!” Mary, who travelled with them from the Gardiners’, scolded. “She should only entertain serious suitors.”
“Suitors! I expected her to catch the Viscount by now!” Mrs. Bennet screeched.
“I think Miss Darcy would like to rest,” Jane declared.
“Oh, certainly. She will share with you, Jane.”
“Mamma, she can take the other guest room…” Elizabeth trailed off as her mother began to flutter her handkerchief in the air. She should have anticipated a mention of sharing her husband’s bedchamber would cause such an attack.
“I would be delighted to share with Jane,” Georgiana said, calming the situation.
Jane smiled. She really was quite fond of the young lady. She had once been concerned she held Mr. Bingley’s affections but now she could only think that if he did return and meet with Georgiana again, they would be well suited, and their union would be blessed. Showing Georgiana to her old bedchamber made her smile. She could not recall the last time she thought of Mr. Bingley at all, and as it was she could only wish he still lived to ease the pain his family and friends felt at his loss.
As the days wore on at Longbourn, it became clear Jane could not stay and be happy. Her mother was already disappointed with her; she would never accept her decision to not return to London. Nor could Jane deny the excitement she felt when they called on Netherfield and Mr. Burton was discovered to have just arrived to visit.
“He came only this morning. He cannot stay long, and so Sophie remained at home.” Mrs. Rutledge said to Jane.
Jane tried to show her surprise. “She is well, I trust?”
“Very, thank you.” The man himself entered the room.
Jane turned to look at him and inhaled sharply. Had it truly been four months since she had seen him last?
“Mr. Burton,” her mother said coldly. “We did not expect to see you again after your last visit when you left so suddenly. Few diligent men of business may have such freedom to come and go so frequently.”
He gave her a tight smile. “I am sure you are correct. I am, fortunately, one of the few.”
Mrs. Bennet was silenced for a minute, and Mrs. Rutledge joined in. “Isaiah, allow me to introduce Mrs. Bennet’s second daughter, Mrs. Darcy.”
“A pleasure, madam,” he said and bowed.
“Mine as well. I have heard much about you from my family.”
Jane felt her cheeks heat at Elizabeth’s words. She could only mean from her. She dare not even look at Mr. Burton.
Mrs. Bennet cut in again, “Lizzy is lately married to Mr. Darcy of Pemberley, perhaps you have heard of him?”
“I think, perhaps…”
“He is nephew to the Earl of Matlock, of course. Jane has been with them since Christmas and experienced all the wonders of a London Season.”
“How splendid for you, Miss Bennet,” Mrs. Rutledge said.
Despite his lack clear lack of enthusiasm on the subject, his sister took it up with earnestness. All of Jane’s attention was required for the remainder of the visit. She could only hope Mr. Burton still rode in the mornings but had no way of asking.
Happy was she when she found him the next morning. After the usual civilities, they talked of how they spent their time since their last meeting.
“I trust you have not neglected your riding since our last meeting,” Mr. Burton said.
“No, Mr. Darcy allowed me access to his stables and I rode nearly daily. He was trying to teach Elizabeth, but she still does not have much patience, and little enthusiasm for such. But I often rode with Mr. Darcy and his sister.”
“Did you ever have solitary rides?”
“Indeed, some of my favourite. Not that your company is taxing, sir.”
“I envy you. The parks in town are certainly not as peaceful.”
Jane frowned. “No, certainly not. Nothing in town is quiet. I confess I am extremely taken with Derbyshire, even more than Hertfordshire and certainly more than London.”
Mr. Burton only smiled at the information. They discussed the variances of their travels. Jane had once visited a resort with her aunt and uncle. Mr. Burton talked of when he visited Jamaica for business shortly after they first met.
“It must be fascinating to see the different parts of the world. And you sailed too! I have never even seen the sea.”
“You sound like quite the wanderer at heart, Miss Bennet. You enjoy the wild peaks of Derbyshire first, and now you wish to visit the sea.”
She shrugged her shoulders. “My mother would say it is because I have a good disposition, but that would only make me content in life instead of thirst for new things, would it not?”
“I think I would agree.”
“There once was a time when I thought I would always live near Longbourn, even after I married.”
“Now you no longer wish to be close to family?”
She gave him a wry smile. “Some family may be better meant to visit. If I could settle anywhere, it would be near Elizabeth.”
“Perhaps one day you may have your heart’s desire.”
She smiled brightly as her heart rate increased. “My heart’s desire is only the love of an honourable gentleman.”
He pulled his horse to a stop and earnestly met her eyes. “Miss
Bennet, I…”
“Miss Bennet!”
Jane nearly unseated herself whirling at the unexpected voice. “Lord Arlington,” she said in surprise.
“You are just the person I wished most to see. Everything was so dull at Lady Catherine’s I thought I would call on Darcy.”
Jane looked at the sky. “You will scarcely have a visit before you must leave for London again.”
“Oh, I sent my carriage and valet ahead to the Inn.”
Jane blinked. The Viscount would stay at their small inn? Worse, her mother would not allow it. Jane’s eyes went wide as she considered just how her mother would rearrange the rooms to accommodate their newest guest.
In her silence, he had surveyed the area, and his eyes settled on Mr. Burton. “May I have the honour of being introduced to your friend?”
Growing more confused as the gentlemen watched each other she hastily made the introductions.
“Excuse us, Mr. Burton. Lord Arlington and I ought to return to Longbourn. I wish you a good day.”
She saw his hold on the reins tighten, and June stamp her hooves from the tension. “Of course. Good day, Miss Bennet, Lord Arlington,” he completed with a slight bow before turning toward Netherfield.
Jane could scarcely understand it all. Upon returning to the house, there was much fawning over the Viscount. The younger girls made themselves as ridiculous as ever before him, and Mrs. Bennet’s machinations were patently clear to even Jane. She kept her fears to herself, but she was certain Georgiana was clever enough to see things for what they were.
The next morning she was, unexpectedly, the first to the breakfast room. Lord Arlington came down not soon after her.
“I trust you slept well, my lord?”
“Very. Which one of your sisters’ room did I take?”
Jane blushed as she looked to her plate. “It is always a guest room, sir.”
He smiled and then broke out into a low laugh. “I see what you are not telling me, Miss Bennet. For I am certain that room had been made up for someone before me. Well, I daresay my cousins have no complaints.”
She nearly choked on her tea. Immediately he rose and came to her side.
“Take care, Miss Bennet, for I do not know what I would do without you.”
Her eyes widened, but she could not cease coughing into her napkin.
“From the first moment I saw you, your beauty overtook me. It has been many months now that I have given you every attention. Your disposition and character are as delicate as your beauty. I am convinced you will be the perfect countess. I came just to see you; I had to see you.”
Alarm was rising in her bosom but still she could barely speak. “Please, sir…”
“Allow me to finish, love.” He knelt in front of her. “My heart has searched for many years to find a woman worthy, and it has loved none but you. My life will be blessed if only you will give me your hand.”
Jane instantly saw he was quite sure of his acceptance, and indeed he had not truly asked. Memories of Elizabeth’s offer of marriage from Mr. Collins in this very room came to her, and she began to laugh. She sincerely prayed Lord Arlington would take her refusal seriously.
“I know, dearest. I can scarce contain my joy as well.” He joined in her laughter.
She did hate to pain him, but she must. “My lord, forgive me. First I cannot cease coughing, and then I break into laughter.”
“I would wish you always so happy.”
“If that is truly the case then you can feel no real remorse when I thank you for your kind offer but tell you I must refuse.” She was rather amazed at the strength of her own words.
He immediately rocked back on his heels, entirely stunned. Rising, he asked, “May I ask why? Do you find our attachment too short?”
“The attachment you mention is not equal. It was never my wish to cause you to think so. My heart is attached to another.”
“Yes, I have heard of him, but he is unworthy of you.”
She rose from her seat in anger. “How dare you!”
“You have to put him behind you and move on. You live!”
She deflated and sat again. He had thought she meant Bingley. A terrible thought occurred to her, and she rose again.
“I am sorry, sir, that you feel you cannot accept my refusal. If you will excuse me…” she groaned as she heard a shriek from the direction of the door.
“Jane Bennet! You take it back! You will not throw your life away!” Mrs. Bennet came rushing toward them.
“My lord, please forgive her. She is usually of the sweetest disposition in the world. But he is nothing to her, nothing. I am certain she will not even remember him once he is gone away again.”
“Again?” Lord Arlington asked in confusion.
“Her heart was touched by him years ago but it is nothing. Just the memory of a youthful infatuation.”
Lord Arlington suddenly understood the matter and quickly excused himself.
“You stand right there and we will settle this matter with your father!” Mrs. Bennet shouted at her now least favourite daughter. “Mr. Bennet!” her shrill voice rang out again.
Darcy was the next to enter the room, wincing.
“Oh, Darcy! You must talk some sense into Jane. I see how you handle Lizzy, such a clever, intelligent man you are.”
His lips twitched in amusement. “What am I to talk Jane into doing?”
“Why, marry your cousin, of course!”
He looked to Jane. “You have refused him?” She nodded her head. “I am unsurprised. I told Lizzy you did not care for him.”
“He is a viscount! She can learn to care for him later,” Mrs. Bennet rejoined.
“Pardon me, but I believe one ought to marry where the heart dictates and not according to wealth and rank. Such is the lesson I learned and followed and one that my family has wished for all its members to do as well.”
Mrs. Bennet was silenced, but her anger continued. She fled the room, and Jane sat once more. Darcy brought her some tea.
“Jane, would you care to leave this afternoon?”
She numbly nodded her head.
“You are welcome to stay with us as long as you like.”
“Thank you.”
He twisted his signet ring for a moment. “Would you care to return directly to Pemberley? Or did you wish to go to London once more?”
Allowing herself a small smile she replied. “Yes, I would love returning to Pemberley above anything.”
“I will inform Elizabeth and we shall make our plans, then.”
He quickly left and before she could lose her resolve, she gathered her outdoor things and rode to Netherfield. She could not ask for an audience with Mr. Burton, of course, but she could visit with his sister and hope to send some kind of signal. At the door, she was told Mrs. Rutledge was ill, and the gentlemen had left at dawn for London. Sending her wishes to the mistress of the house she dejectedly returned to Longbourn. She could not alter their travel plans now. In any event, she had no hope of seeing Mr. Burton in London; their paths had not crossed in all the weeks before, and they had no common acquaintances. So, to Pemberley they would go.
Chapter Eight
May 10, 1813
The wet spring weather slowed their travels, and it took five days to reach Pemberley instead of the usual three. As none of the party were the sort to talk incessantly, Jane had many hours to her own private thoughts. She left things undone with Mr. Burton. Their very conversation had been interrupted in a most untimely matter by the Viscount. As acquainted as she was with her own feelings now, she did not know Mr. Burton’s. He may never return to Netherfield; it may be months before she was welcome at Longbourn again. They had no common acquaintances.
Despite this hopeless state, she did not feel gloom and despair. She was not the Jane Bennet from a year before. She would chart a new course.
Spring was making a vast difference at Pemberley and in the Derbyshire countryside. Jane continued to delight in daily rid
es. The estate was large and the nearest town miles away. Mr. Darcy always sent a groom to follow behind her, but Jane still relished in the freedom she felt. On a warm day in early May, she rode slowly into Lambton, the village near Pemberley. In the last fortnight, she had often travelled to the town, often with Elizabeth or Georgiana accompanying her. Today she shopped with only a groom. Her purchases would be small, and there was no need for the carriage.
Dismounting she smoothed her gown and straightened her hat then stopped still in shock. Only a few feet from her was the distinct outline of Isaiah Burton’s frame. He was speaking with a townsperson who then nodded in her direction and Mr. Burton turned. Their eyes met. He acknowledged her and then made excuses to his companion. Her own legs carried her in his direction without thought. They met halfway.
“You are here,” she breathed in astonishment.
“I am. I was sorry to miss you when I returned to Hertfordshire.”
“And I you. We had to leave very suddenly. I tried calling on Mrs. Rutledge but she was ill, and it was explained you and your brother-in-law had gone to London.”
“You have been at Pemberley since, then?” he asked hopefully.
“I have. Forgive me for the bluntness, but what brings you to Lambton?”
“I have bought Chester House. Do you know it?”
“I have not visited it, as I was here last during the winter, but I have been told it has a very pleasant park and…” she trailed off before anxiously meeting his eyes.
“What else have you heard?”
“That the elderly owner prided himself on his stables and riding grounds.” She could scarcely breathe. Although logic pointed to the fact that he enjoyed riding her heart whispered he bought a house in Derbyshire but fifteen miles from Pemberley with room for horses for her.
“I hope you will be able to see it one day soon, Miss Bennet. It is lovely in the spring.”
One Autumn with Darcy Page 30