by Lilian, Lory
She slowly turned to the back of her chair, looking for her shawl, but she could not find it—surely, it had fallen down. Trying not to draw attention towards herself, she blindly searched around the chair on her left. She remembered seeing it there during the interlude, and she proved correct as she felt it immediately. The next moment she frowned—the shawl was picked up and handed to her by Darcy, so the moment she took it, her fingers touched his and remained still.
They were both seated on their chairs, apparently attentive to the scene; only their left hands were joined lower, on the shawl, waiting. His fingers moved slowly, searching for hers through the soft fabric; she did not dare move her hand—she did not dare even breathe. But her fingers, of their own will, slid along and met his and then entwined, but only for the length of a heartbeat. He withdrew his hand, together with the shawl, stretched the fabric and gently tried to place it on her bare shoulders. She leaned forward a little to allow him enough space; while arranging the shawl, his fingers briefly caressed her neck, and his touch felt softer than the fabric that finally covered her. His hands lingered on her shoulders a moment longer than needed and finally withdrew, reluctantly. She was no longer cold as every spot on her skin burned.
Elizabeth needed some time before she was able to breathe steadily again. She slowly looked around, but everyone seemed enchanted by the play; she wished to see what he was doing, but did not dare turn her head to him. Her head was whirling with reproaches to herself while her heart seemed overwhelmed with joy.
She allowed herself to be rapt by the music and hoped it would calm her turmoil. When the play came to an end, she was no calmer, but at least she was able to present an appearance of composure. Yet, she did not dare meet Darcy’s eyes.
However, the moment they left, without a single word, Darcy gently took Elizabeth’s hand and placed it on his arm. He briefly looked at her to search for a sign of disapproval, but she could not hold his gaze. Instead, her hand tightened the hold of his arm and a shy smile twisted her lips.
The carriages were waiting patiently; Lady Selina and her husband were the first to depart. Lord Matlock and the colonel helped Georgiana and Mrs. Gardiner into the carriage, while Darcy handed in Elizabeth.
, the bright sky filled with stars and a shining moon. The streets were silent; only a few carriages could be heard.
“What a wonderful night,” Elizabeth suddenly exclaimed.
“I was prepared to say the same thing,” said Miss Darcy. “Just look at the stars! It would be a perfect time for a long, night ride, would you not agree?”
“I cannot say; it never crossed my mind to ride at night.” Elizabeth laughed. “However, I trust your word completely.”
“It would also be the perfect time for a walk,” Mr. Darcy intervened, a small smile on his face. “For those who are not fond of riding, I mean…”
Though she felt her face colouring, Elizabeth daringly held his eyes for a moment and did not attempt to conceal her laughter.
“Thank you, sir. You are very considerate to those of us who are not fond of riding.”
“But, Elizabeth, what will you do next week?” Georgiana asked in concern. Elizabeth laughed again.
“At the hunting party, you mean? I do not hunt and I do not ride; so I have only two choices—to stay in London or to go and take care of the children as my aunt suggested.”
“Or you may learn to ride,” Miss Darcy said, and Mrs. Gardiner approved her immediately while Elizabeth laughed, a little nervous.
“Of course I may; in five days I can easily become proficient in riding.
“William could easily teach you to ride. He taught me when I was three years old.”
“I am sure Mr. Darcy could easily teach anyone anything,” Elizabeth concluded, trying to laugh, and Georgiana chuckled.
“Matlock is a beautiful estate, and perhaps the best way of enjoying its beauties is by walking,” Darcy said in earnest. “Its surroundings are exquisite in the spring.”
“This is an excellent suggestion, thank you.”
“Besides, no matter how fond we are of riding and hunting, I doubt very much that we will spend the entire ten days in such a way. I am certain you will find someone to keep you company on your walks.”
“I shall keep you company, Elizabeth. Hunting is not my favourite way of spending time, after all,” Miss Darcy said, and though the conversation was mostly in jest, Elizabeth could not be insensible to Miss Darcy’s generous offer nor to Mr. Darcy’s subtle one.
***
Jane’s arrival in London the next day was a moment of joy. Miss Bennet looked more beautiful than ever, and Elizabeth could easily see that Mr. Bingley’s presence had been beneficial for her. In addition, Mr. Bingley seemed more bewitched than ever. His adoring gazes and smiles directed at Jane, his hurry to guess her small wishes and comply with them—everything was undoubted proof that Jane could expect a happy future.
The journey began early in the morning and lasted until late afternoon.
As Georgiana had told her, the Matlock estate was one of the most beautiful places Elizabeth had ever seen. It had all the grandeur of Rosings and the same wonderful gardens, but it possessed what Rosings lacked completely: warmth, joy, and liveliness.
The moment they arrived, Lady Selina’s children climbed from the carriage and started to scamper along a path, followed closely by Mrs. Gardiner’s children. The governesses attempted to scold them, but Lord Matlock stopped them.
“Let them play—there is nothing more lovely than children’s laughter. Just keep your eyes on them; the grounds are extensive, and you could easily lose them,” he said, entering the house and giving specific orders to the servants.
“And please keep them out of our way,” Lady Sinclair said harshly. “I do not remember joining my parents at hunting parties when I was an infant.”
“Indeed, I have to agree with you, Lady Sinclair,” said Miss Bingley, casting a reproachful glance at the children who were rolling on the grass, in the small, front garden. “Children are nice as long as they can be seen but not heard.”
“Seen, but not too much,” Mrs. Hurst intervened with a meaningful look to her sister.
Elizabeth looked at her aunt who was only a few steps away from their exchange and was positively pale—then to Lady Selina, who turned red. Lady Selina stepped towards the other ladies. When she spoke, her voice admitted no contradiction.
“Eve, please remember that this estate is my children’s home. They may do whatever they please, together with their friends and with their parents’ permission. My family will do everything to ensure that you all have an excellent time, but we shall not keep our children locked away to gratify your inane sensibilities. If there is anything that bothers you—or you,” she said, turning to Bingley’s sisters, “this would be the perfect time to alter your plans for attending our party. The carriages await your pleasure.”
Elizabeth could see Lady Sinclair colour with anger, while Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst seemed unable to breathe. Mrs. Gardiner tried to maintain her usual, elegant temper, while Jane and Georgiana became pale with embarrassment.
“So, ladies, shall we enter?” The colonel was the first of the horsemen to approach, a happy expression on his face. A moment later, he noticed the tension on their faces.
“Are you well? You seem preoccupied and too serious for my taste.”
“We are perfectly well, Brother. We were just discussing the children.”
The gentlemen turned to watch the noisy, laughing children, who were playing carelessly, closely watched by their governesses.
“I just love my boys,” Lord Brightmore declared, with a loving smile at his wife. “In fact, I love all children, but then again, it is easy for me to say that as long as my wife is the one who takes care of them. And I love my wife, too,” he whispered, while he placed a soft kiss on his wife’s hand, and was rewarded with a loving glance.
The servants arrived and invited them to their chambers, so the
discussion ceased, but Elizabeth continued to think of it even after she entered her splendid room.
She admired the furniture for some time, then opened the balcony and stepped out to enjoy the view. Yes, Mr. Darcy had been right once more: Matlock was a wonderful property, and the gardens, the groves, the hills deserved—nay demanded—to be known on foot, step by step.
She unpacked and lay on the bed a moment; it was established that they would all meet downstairs for dinner, so she had time to rest, but she did not feel tired at all.
She wondered what her aunt was doing and was tempted to search for her then changed her mind. Most likely she was resting. She went to the balcony again and looked along the outside wall. There were a few windows open, but she could not spot where the others’ rooms were. The Manor seemed to have countless rooms all around.
Her attention was drawn by a mix of voices in front of the house. She looked down and stood still, her sight held by the image in front of her. There was her aunt, walking around the yard with Lord Matlock, Lady Selina and Georgiana; in a near garden, all four children were laughing and clapping. Near them, two ponies waited, and a few steps away stood Lord Brightmore and Mr. Darcy. Each of the gentlemen took two children and put them together on a pony, then held the reins and walked them around. Thomas Brightmore, the eldest, who was riding with Edward Gardner, demanded that his father release the reins, as they were grown enough to ride alone. His father refused to listen, and the boy insisted until his mother stepped away and whispered a few words to him and the boy became silent immediately, enjoying the peaceful and safe ride.
From the balcony, Elizabeth covered her lips with her hand to stem her laughter. Mr. Darcy lifted his eyes and saw her. He waved to her with a small gesture, and she waved back. It was all that was needed for Georgiana and Lord Matlock to spot her. After a brief hesitation, Elizabeth took her spencer and left the room.
The joyful party in the yard welcomed her. Edward and Eleanor, her little cousins, barely had time to breathe while they told her everything they saw since they arrived.
“How is your room, dear Miss Bennet? Are you comfortable?” asked Lord Matlock.
“Surely your lordship is mocking me. I do not think the mere word ‘comfortable’ could be fairly used in regard to your estate. My room is magnificent, thank you.”
“I am glad you like it,” the earl replied, pleased by the compliment. “I confess I love my home, and I am glad my children seem to maintain a strong affection for it.”
“I have rarely seen a place so beautiful. I saw Rosings, too, and it is impressive, but Matlock is much more…alive. I do not know if you understand my meaning.”
“I do understand your meaning, Miss Bennet. I thank you; your words bring me joy.”
“It is beautiful,” she repeated while turning around.
“You must see Pemberley; you will absolutely love it,” Lady Selina intervened. “I love my home, but I have to admit, Pemberley is the most perfectly situated place I have ever seen. Besides all the care my uncle and my cousin have put in it, nature has given it everything one could hope…perfectly situated, indeed.”
“I cannot deny that,” the earl admitted, and Elizabeth had little to reply. She saw Mr. Darcy watching them with interest, but she was not certain whether he heard their words.
“Will the children not disturb the other guests?” Mrs. Gardiner inquired. “I know they are resting before dinner; perhaps we should take the children inside until—”
“The other guests have rooms in the opposite wing; their windows are to the back gardens. This wing is for family only,” the earl explained.
Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner quickly looked at each other, their surprise obvious while trying to properly comprehend the earl’s words, neither of them finding anything to say.
Lord Brightmore approached together with Mr. Darcy. The children had been taken off the ponies to resume their play in the grass.
“Darcy, when do you plan to go to Pemberley? We were just talking with Miss Elizabeth Bennet about it,” asked the earl.
He hesitated a moment, then answered as his eyes turned instantly to Elizabeth.
“I am not certain yet. I promised Bingley I would stay at Netherfield for a while. I have some business to discuss with Mr. Bennet, and I think this would be a perfect time. It is likely that we will go to Pemberley for the summer.”
“Seems a well thought plan, indeed. Bingley will be thrilled that someone finally accepted his invitation. That is—if he does not decide to take the step in the mean time.”
The conversation stopped abruptly as the children became tired and restless. Mrs. Gardiner and Lady Selina, together with the governess, retired to their rooms. Lord Matlock had some business to attend to, while Lord Brightmore followed his wife.
As there were only the three of them, the moment turned slightly awkward. Elizabeth needed to gather herself after the revelation that he planned to return to Netherfield. He had business with her father?
“Ladies, would you care to join me for a short walk? If you are not very tired, I mean.”
“I am not tired, but it depends on Georgiana. If she wishes to…” Elizabeth said.
The girl hesitated a little then looked from Elizabeth to her brother.
“I am a little tired, I confess. I would rather rest before dinner. But you should not abandon the walk because of me.”
There was another moment of silence; Darcy looked at her, but Elizabeth was unable to decide. She wished to have a few moments with him, but the house was full of people. If they were seen, the gossip and speculations would never end—especially from Miss Bingley and Lady Sinclair.
“Perhaps I should go and rest, too. Maybe another time would be better,” she said.
The expression of disappointment on his face was unmistakable, and she immediately regretted her decision, though she knew it was the only acceptable one. Before realising her own words, she continued.
“I am sorry; it would have been lovely to…but I think another time would be better.”
“Then I shall come,” said Miss Darcy.
“Pardon me?”
“I know you wished to go for a walk, but you cannot because of my absence. I shall go.”
Stunned, Elizabeth looked at the girl who barely dared to express her opinion only a few months ago. The determination in her voice was equally touching and amusing.
“Georgiana, you may go and rest, dearest. Miss Bennet and I will go for a walk. We will return shortly,” Darcy said with a voice that admitted no contradiction, and before any of them had time to reply, he put Elizabeth’s hand on his arm and started walking.
After a short glance at them, Miss Darcy returned to the house at a slow pace with a contented smile that lit her eyes. She was not tired at all.
***
Both of them looked straight ahead while the path took them towards a small grove at the end of the side garden.
“Are you upset?” he asked. “That I forced you to come?”
She smiled. “You did not force me, sir. And no, I am not upset.”
“I will come to Netherfield after we return to town.” His tone was hesitant. “I hope it is not an inconvenience for you?”
“No, no…I am just a little surprised. My father did not mention—”
“We discussed this possibility, but it was not settled until recently. And…there is another thing I would like to ask you. I have wanted to ask you for some time now. I shall write to Mr. Bennet, too, but I need to be certain of your answer first.”
He stopped, and she had to do the same; they faced each other for a moment, and she felt all her strength abandon her. Her knees were unable to support her, and she briefly looked around for a support. Did he intend to propose to her again? Was it possible? So hastily? It never crossed her mind that he might do that. How did it happen? She looked at him, searching for the proper words.
“I would be honoured if you accept my invitation to spend the summer at Pemberley�
�in July and August. Georgiana and I would be happy for you to be our guest. Not just you alone— I shall send an invitation to Mr. Bennet…for the entire family. It will be his decision… I hope Mrs. Gardiner will be there too. I wished to be certain that this idea would be agreeable to you before asking Mr. Bennet.”
She had already stopped breathing, so when he finished his question, she continued to look at him in disbelief. He invited her to spend the summer at Pemberley. And she thought— She was such a simpleton! If he only knew how ridiculous she had been…
She needed some time to regain her composure before she was able to reply.
“I thank you. I would be very happy to accept your invitation if my father agrees to it.”
“Excellent.” All the time they spoke, his gaze never abandoned her face; she could feel his eyes searching for her feelings, and the fear that he understood her foolish thoughts embarrassed her deeply.
He resumed their walk at a slow pace; she still held his arm, but her hand barely touched it.
As they walked, she noticed they were tracing a circle. They had departed a little, but now the path was taking them back. She startled again when he spoke.
“We shall be back in a few minutes. I thought it would be best if we do not go too far…today. It is quite late, and we should prepare for dinner.”
“It is for the best, indeed.”
He pointed out another path that left the grove and seemed to go towards a hill.
“That road would make a wonderful walk. This path travels up to the hill in front of us—there—see? It goes along up to the peak; you cannot see it very well from here because the hill is covered in woods. But the view from the top of the hill is spectacular. I could not describe it to you. You must see for yourself someday.”
Elizabeth leaned her head and tried to follow the path with her eyes. Mr. Darcy tried to show her where to look, and in doing so, their heads almost touched. He gently put his arm around her shoulders for a moment.
“I would like very much to see it…someday…” she whispered.