Darcy’s good manners forced him to offer Hardesty a bow. “You have recently returned to Meryton, Captain Hardesty?” Darcy asked, keeping his tone even as he observed Hardesty’s longing look at Elizabeth.
“Two days ago, Mr. Darcy.” Hardesty continued to make eye contact with Elizabeth. “My father has several hundred acres five miles south of Meryton. Growing up, your future wife and I shared countless adventures. Miss Elizabeth’s cousin and I were close friends. Even signed up together. Unfortunately, as Elizabeth learned many months ago, I left Edgar Linscomb on the fields at Salamanca.”
Darcy said automatically, “Yes, I was sorry to hear it.”
“Thank God you made it back to us, Matthew.”
Matthew! Darcy thought it ironic that this man’s Christian name came so easily to Elizabeth’s lips, but she often called him—her betrothed—Mr. Darcy.
“I am blessed. I had hoped to exit with a major’s title before my name, but Bony—Bonaparte—had other plans. I am thankful to have made it out alive. Many others did not.”
Elizabeth impulsively touched the man’s shoulder and went on tiptoe to kiss Hardesty’s cheek. “Well, all of Meryton is pleased you are among us again.”
Hardesty bowed to Darcy. “I should go. I wish you well, Mr. Darcy. You have stolen a breath of fresh air: Meryton shall grieve its loss.” With that, the man exited the shop.
Darcy bit the inside of his cheek so as not to lash out at Elizabeth for her foolish display. Instead, he directed her to a table containing yard goods and ready-made blouses.
Oblivious to how Darcy’s heart raced with anger and sadness, Elizabeth fingered the material of a cloak hanging on a wooden stand. “What do you think of this one?” She stretched out a section of the cloth for his perusal.
Darcy barely looked at her. “I will bow to your taste, Elizabeth. You know better than I in such matters.”
Elizabeth gazed up at him. Although he had tried to plaster a smile on his face, he could tell by her reaction that he had failed miserably. “Fitzwilliam,” she hissed. “What is it?”
Before he could stop himself, he snarled, “At least, you finally remembered my given name.” He placed Elizabeth’s hand on his arm. “Tell the proprietor to place the item on Mr. Bingley’s bill. I will settle the account with Charles.”
Surprisingly, Elizabeth offered no objection. When he returned her to the borrowed gig and turned the carriage toward Longbourn, she finally spoke. “I meant no offense, Fitzwilliam. I forgot myself.”
“How often must I explain? When you are my wife, you must have a detachment. You cannot fling yourself into another man’s arms.” He seethed with anger.
“What can I do, Fitzwilliam? Matthew Hardesty is a dear friend. I will not snub him just to be your wife.”
“The man holds a tendre for you,” Darcy charged as he halted the gig.
Elizabeth’s cheeks turned a fiery red. “I will not deign to respond to such a preposterous accusation.”
“I saw his face, Elizabeth. Captain Hardesty holds you in his heart.”
Elizabeth stiffened. “I believe you should take me home, Mr. Darcy.”
He heard the tears hidden in Elizabeth’s words, but Darcy ignored her distress. “As you wish, Elizabeth.” He gave the horse its freedom.
“Where is Miss Elizabeth?” Georgiana asked as Jane Bennet disembarked at Netherfield.
“I fear my sister is indisposed.” Jane shot a glance at Darcy. “A megrim.”
Georgiana looked concerned. “We should see to Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam. I cannot bear to think that she is alone at Longbourn.”
Darcy took his sister’s arm to direct her through the main door. “It is too close to the supper hour to rush off to call on Miss Elizabeth,” he whispered. “Besides, I am well aware that when Elizabeth claims a headache, her condition is due to some other cause. I made that mistake before. I will not go rushing to my future wife’s side again, only to be turned away.”
“Did you argue with Elizabeth?” Georgiana accused him.
“You might better ask when do we not argue,” he countered.
“I shall be happy to sponsor your come out,” Caroline Bingley assured Georgiana. Charles Bingley had escorted Miss Bennet back to Longbourn.
Only Darcy, Caroline, and Georgiana sat in Netherfield’s drawing room. Mr. Bingley’s oldest sister, Louisa, and her husband were due to arrive with the morning. Bingley and Miss Bennet would marry in four days. In three, Darcy and Elizabeth’s last official calling of the banns would occur. As such, he could not keep his mind on the conversation at hand. He knew, without a doubt, that Elizabeth did not have a headache. She was avoiding him.
“I appreciate your offer, Miss Bingley, but that honor should go to my brother’s wife,” Georgiana said calmly.
“You jest, Georgiana. Miss Elizabeth may have captured Mr. Darcy’s heart, but even he cannot think she is capable of launching you into society. The ton would chew up and spit out the future Mrs. Darcy.”
Georgiana shot him an imploring glance, but Darcy was still smarting from Elizabeth’s snub. “The ton can be cruel. You might take some instruction from Miss Bingley.”
“I mean no offense, Miss Bingley, but I would prefer to make my debut with Miss Elizabeth. She is to be my sister, and I find her opinions on certain individuals very astute.” Georgiana raised her chin in defiance.
Darcy glared at his sister. “Georgiana, apologize to Miss Bingley.”
Her head down and her hands trembling, Georgiana rose. “I have spoken out of turn. I beg your forgiveness, Miss Bingley. Please excuse me. I will retire if I have your permission, Fitzwilliam.” She turned on her heel and exited the room.
“You must take Miss Darcy in hand, sir,” Caroline chastised him. “Miss Elizabeth is a poor influence on Georgiana.”
Darcy rose in anger. “Miss Bingley, I have tolerated your criticism of my future wife because you are the sister of one of my dearest friends. But I can tolerate your remarks no longer. I think it best if my sister and I remove ourselves from Charles’s house. I shall instruct Mr. Jordan to see to the packing.” Darcy made a speedy exit.
“Miss Elizabeth!” Bingley’s butler appeared surprised at her coming unchaperoned to Netherfield.
“Mr. Branson, might you tell Mr. Darcy that I am here?” She tried not to sound as nervous as she felt. She had done Darcy a disservice the previous evening, and Elizabeth had come to apologize.
“I believe Mr. Darcy is in the library, miss. Shall I announce you?”
“That will not be necessary. I shall be only a moment,” she assured him and started down the long hallway. If Mr. Branson objected, he did not say so.
Elizabeth hurried along, but the sound of male voices brought her up short. She knew she should not eavesdrop, but they spoke of her.
“Caroline’s behavior was beyond the pale when she spoke disparagingly of Miss Elizabeth,” Bingley declared.
“I agree,” Darcy added. “But what did your sister say that I myself have not thought? I am not angry with Miss Bingley. I am angry with myself for not considering Elizabeth’s inability to see Georgiana through a London season. Perhaps I will seek Lady Matlock’s sponsorship.”
“You cannot mean to ignore Miss Elizabeth? She will be your wife. If you ask the countess to shepherd Georgiana about London, your wife’s reputation will suffer.”
Elizabeth felt the air being sucked from her lungs.
“What can I do? By ton standards, Elizabeth is incapable of being a proper chaperone for Georgiana.”
Elizabeth could bear to hear no more. She tiptoed away. Thankfully, no servants lurked about the halls. Elizabeth turned toward the nearest door. Within a minute, she had escaped the main house and was circling the greenhouse. Away from any prying eyes, the tears began in earnest. “What have I done?” Dejected, she sank down on an abandoned wagon bed.
Thirty minutes later, the tears had lessened, and Elizabeth pulled herself together. “By the time I reach Longbourn, m
y face will have assumed its usual happy expression.” Determined, she set off at a steady clip. The sound of a carriage behind her made Elizabeth want to run away—and to pray it was Darcy.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Hardesty said as he pulled up on the reins. “You are out early.”
Elizabeth dropped a halfhearted curtsy. “I called at Netherfield…to spend time with Mr. Darcy’s sister.”
“I see.” Hardesty eyed her with some curiosity. “And the gentleman did not steal the opportunity to spend time with his affianced? I cannot imagine a man of Mr. Darcy’s reputation allowing you to walk to Longbourn while he leisurely spent hours at Netherfield. Would you like a shoulder on which to cry, Miss Elizabeth?” he said boldly.
“I fear that I have no more tears.”
Hardesty climbed down from the carriage to take her hand. “Let me see you home, Miss Elizabeth. Remember, if you wish to speak of this, I am available to listen.”
Elizabeth allowed him to help her to the gig’s seat. When he climbed up beside her, she graciously said, “Thank you, Matthew.”
He smiled at her broadly. “You were always my favorite Bennet sister. Always full of adventure. Of spontaneity. Of a passion for life.” He set the gig in motion.
“All the things Mr. Darcy does not wish in a wife,” Elizabeth grumbled.
Hardesty did not respond immediately. “I imagine that for a man of Mr. Darcy’s stature, spontaneity comes at a high premium. I am sure he plans each detail of his life.”
Elizabeth added ruefully, “Probably schedules every minute of every day.”
Hardesty leaned closer, as if sharing a secret. “And you are willing to accept such a life?”
Elizabeth sighed deeply. “I am willing to share such a life because I am hopelessly in love with Mr. Darcy. My aunt Gardiner says Mr. Darcy wants for nothing but a little more liveliness. I had thought that as his wife I might teach him to enjoy life more.”
“It is a great gamble, Elizabeth. What if your Mr. Darcy does not change? What then? Once you are married, you cannot change your mind. Marriage is forever.”
“Even if I wished to terminate the engagement, Mr. Darcy would never cancel our arrangement. He is too much of a gentleman. If I took such a step on my own, I would be ruined socially, as would Kitty and Mary. It is an impossible situation.”
Hardesty maneuvered the gig onto a side road. “Now, why do you not tell me everything that has happened of late?”
“What can I do? By ton standards, Elizabeth is incapable of being a proper chaperone for Georgiana. Yet I cannot live without her. Elizabeth is my other half. We have fought a great deal in the past few weeks, but I am of the mind that when we are alone at Pemberley, everything will come together nicely. If Elizabeth cannot adapt to the ton’s standards, then Georgiana will find a husband in a less traditional setting.”
“My money is on Miss Elizabeth. The ton has been known to appreciate quirkiness. I believe the beau monde will embrace your wife,” Bingley declared.
Darcy nodded. “It should be an interesting experience.”
“Then you will stay at Netherfield? Four days before my wedding is not a convenient time for you to disappear, old friend,” Bingley said.
“Georgiana and I will stay,” Darcy said grudgingly.
Bingley rubbed his hands together. “Good! Now, tell me about this Hardesty character.”
“How did you know?” Darcy asked. “Never mind. I do not want to know what Miss Bennet has shared with you of my and Miss Elizabeth’s private life.”
Darcy had called several times at Longbourn, but Elizabeth had refused to see him on either Friday or Saturday. She had accepted Georgiana’s calls, but his sister had promised Elizabeth not to discuss their visits with him. At a quiet supper on Saturday evening, Miss Bingley ventured, “I expected to dine with only Georgiana this evening, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy swallowed his frustration. “I am sorry to disappoint you, Miss Bingley.” He spoke not another word throughout the rest of the meal.
As he undressed for bed, he said to the empty room, “At least, she cannot ignore me at services in the morning. It is the last day for the calling of the banns. Elizabeth must be present. If she is not, I will ride to Longbourn and demand that she see me. This craziness must end. We are meant to share a life. And if we are not, then I must know now.”
Darcy waited outside the church for Elizabeth to make her appearance. Finally, the Bennet coach came into view, and he breathed a bit easier. When Elizabeth exited the carriage, she walked directly to where he stood.
“Elizabeth, I am pleased to see you.” Darcy caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “I have missed you.” She winced but he pretended not to notice.
Elizabeth smiled weakly. “I never meant to give you cause for concern.”
Darcy thought that concern was too calm a word to describe the emotional seesaw he rode. Yet he refused to voice his reaction. “Will you join me in Mr. Bingley’s pew?” he asked as he placed Elizabeth’s hand on his arm.
“Papa has asked Jane and me to remain as part of the family today. With Jane’s nuptials tomorrow, I believe he is quite melancholy.” She bit her bottom lip. “You will forgive me, sir.”
“Only if you call me by my name,” he teased.
Elizabeth shot a glance at the deacon, who was motioning the congregation to their seats. “We should go in, Fitzwilliam.”
Darcy tried to believe that Elizabeth was sincere. However, a shiver shot up his spine. She was too docile. He walked her to the Bennet pew. After saying, “Good morning” to her family, he reluctantly left Elizabeth on the end of the bench.
“Has Miss Elizabeth recovered?” Georgiana asked as Darcy slid in beside her.
He growled softly, “You and I both know my intended was not ill.”
Mr. Pinncatch’s opening remarks cut short their conversation. The congregation had settled in the pews in preparation for the sermon. The vicar cleared his throat to silence the last of the parishioners who entered. “Tomorrow, it will be my great pleasure to conduct the ceremony that shall unite Miss Jane Bennet and Mr. Charles Bingley in marriage. They are both of this parish and have met all the requirements to marry.”
The vicar paused, giving the congregation a moment to react. When silence fell again, he continued. “I publish the banns of marriage between Miss Elizabeth Bennet of this Meryton parish and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of the Lambton parish of Derbyshire. This is the third time of asking. If any of you know cause or just impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in holy matrimony, you are to declare it.”
Silence followed, but then Darcy felt the hair on the back of his neck stand on end—a suspicion stung his scalp. A rustling announced the so-called impediment. Darcy turned to see Captain Matthew Hardesty rise to his feet. “I have an objection,” he announced to the faces gawking at him. “Miss Elizabeth accepted my suit two years prior. She is betrothed to me.”
Part 4
He went cold inside; Darcy was on his feet immediately. “Elizabeth,” he demanded, “tell me this is not so.” He stared at her intently, his jaw set in fury.
Her mother hysterically called, “Oh, my nerves, Mr. Bennet!”
Sitting with her hands clasped in her lap, Elizabeth refused to look at him. “It is as Captain Hardesty says.”
Darcy felt the bitterness swell in his chest. “Why?” His voice rang into the dead silence. “Why, Elizabeth? Why would you perpetrate such a farce?” She does not wish to share my life.
Her chin came up in defiance. “It is not a farce. Captain Hardesty and I have a long-held preference for each other.” The members of the congregation were quiet. Mrs. Bennet collapsed into Mary’s arms.
“I am well aware of the gentleman’s preference,” Darcy growled. He never looked at the former captain; Darcy’s eyes rested on Elizabeth.
“It is for the best,” she asserted. “By ton standards, I am incapable of being a proper chaperone for Georgiana’s debut. You see, Fitzwil
liam, I am well aware of how you judge me. Captain Hardesty is not so censorious.”
For a moment, Darcy could not speak. Rallying, he said, “Eavesdropping—somehow—my dear? I thought it beneath you!”
Elizabeth’s lower lip trembled. “I do not hear you denying the words, Mr. Darcy.”
“Why should I deny it?” he retorted. “However, did you stay to hear what followed?” Darcy paused, but when Elizabeth did not respond, he spit out, “I thought not.”
“What did you say?” Elizabeth said angrily. “Did you explain to Mr. Bingley how I am too impulsive? Did you tell my sister’s intended that my manners will be the joke of the ton? Did you bemoan my poor connections?”
“Miss Elizabeth,” Bingley rose to face her. “It was nothing like that. In fact…”
But Darcy cut him off. “No, Bingley. Miss Elizabeth has the answer she desires. The lady deserves no other response.”
Mrs. Bennet urged her, “Lizzy, tell Mr. Darcy that you are sorry.”
Mr. Bennet rose to defend his daughter. “Mr. Darcy, you will speak to Lizzy in a proper tone. I realize this is a shock for everyone, but I expect you to do the gentlemanly thing. You and Elizabeth will marry. Captain Hardesty never sought my permission. His claim has no merit.”
Darcy took a deep breath. “Mr. Bennet, if you will observe your daughter and Captain Hardesty, you will notice no shock on either of their faces. The captain sports a smirk, and your daughter has not shed a tear. This was planned to hurt me enough that I would end the engagement. Miss Elizabeth plans to teach me a lesson in embarrassment. In shame. In mortification. She assumes that I have judged her too harshly in the role she would play as my wife. Elizabeth wishes to emphasize her independence.”
Miss Bingley harrumphed.
Darcy took a step to the aisle. “Come, Georgiana.” He extended a hand to his sister.
“Fitzwilliam, we cannot!” she protested. “Tell Elizabeth that you love her, and then everything will be as it should be.”
The Road to Pemberley Page 5