by J P Christy
Bingley said, “I will call on Miss Bennet in the morning, but afterward I wish to talk with the steward here. I’ve scarcely said a hundred words to the fellow, which is not how one learns to manage an estate. Of course, Darcy and Fitzwilliam, I am grateful for your expertise, but the steward will have information specific to Netherfield. What plans do you gentlemen have for tomorrow?”
“I have not yet decided,” Darcy said.
Fitzwilliam said, “It’s pretty country; I would enjoy exploring it on horseback.”
“Well, I am off to bed,” Georgiana said. Crossing to Darcy, she kissed his brow.
“You are entirely too impertinent,” he murmured in her ear.
“And you have been rather unpleasant this evening. I do not know what is troubling you, but I hope you are happier in the morning.” With a shallow curtsy, she said her goodnights to her cousin and Bingley and, humming cheerfully, she exited.
From his vantage point, Fitzwilliam watched as she climbed the stairs. “Our Georgiana is becoming confident and poised. Are you ready for this change? And how long do you plan to continue baptizing her port?”
Ignoring his cousin, Darcy addressed Bingley instead. “Georgiana should not have inquired about your ‘progress’ with Miss Bennet. And you encouraged her.”
Bingley shrugged at the rebuke. “I found nothing objectionable in your sister’s question.”
“Georgiana is only sixteen,” Darcy added.
“She will be seventeen before summer’s end,” Fitzwilliam said.
“Yes, thank you, I know my only sister’s birth date!”
“Her gentle maturity reminds me of Miss Bennet. Well, I, too, am ready to retire. Should you want more brandy, Norris put a bottle in the cabinet between those windows. Good night.”
After Bingley left, Fitzwilliam teased, “How did you and Miss Elizabeth end up in the stream? I do not have a clear picture.”
“Fitz, why did you visit Meryton before we came here?”
“I wanted a word with Colonel Forster.”
“About Wickham.”
“Yes.”
“What day did you come here?”
“The day after we accepted Bingley’s invitation.”
“So you knew Wickham was here because I mentioned it?”
Ah, this is why you’ve been in a foul mood; you suspect I saw Elizabeth’s letter. “Well, you were one source,” Fitzwilliam said—and waited.
After a long pause, Darcy said, “I believe you read a piece of correspondence I received on the morning we left Rosings.”
“I did, but in a manner of speaking, you delivered it to me.”
“You read my letter? Explain yourself!”
“We were both sleeping in the carriage when that enormous book of yours fell on my foot. I picked it up and saw a document sticking out. When I glanced at the document, I saw a reference to ‘the colonel.’ Thinking I might be him, I read it.”
“Need I say if anyone learns the lady gave me a letter, her reputation would be called into question?”
“Darcy, I know ‘the lady’ is Miss Elizabeth, and I would never reveal her. In my defense, however, when one is mentioned in a document, one has the legal right to read it.”
“Nonsense. The law doesn’t give you that right!”
“Well, it should. Are you in a mood because you thought I read your letter—”
“Which you did.”
“Or did you propose to Miss Elizabeth again and not receive the answer you wanted? I was unaware the two of you were out of sight until Miss Kitty mentioned it. You see, I assumed Miss Kitty was playing chaperone, and she thought Georgiana was.”
“No, I did not propose again. I am not certain whether I will.”
Fitzwilliam gave him a shocked look. “You would leave the neighborhood without making Miss Elizabeth an offer? Then what will she think of your returning, introducing her to Georgiana, visiting the Bennets with some degree of civility, and singling her out? Darcy, it is not like you to toy with a woman!”
“I am not toying with Elizabeth! I now realize that when I proposed to her at Rosings, it was because I saw her as a lovely novelty—so open and playful, so different from the ladies of the ton. Only after reflecting on her letter, did I realize my feelings were merely infatuation. I felt humbled by her assessment of my character. So when I agreed to accompany Bingley here, my only thought was to show I was a better man, a more honorable man than she believed me to be. Yet since our return—good lord, has it only been a week?—my feelings for her have grown into true affection … I do wish to marry Miss Elizabeth.”
“Congratulations, Cousin!”
“But I do not trust myself to know her thoughts; thus, I will wait until I am sure she reciprocates my feelings. I am giving Elizabeth time to decide whether she wishes to encourage me—just as Bingley is doing with Miss Bennet.”
Fitzwilliam noted but did not remark on the fact that Darcy had failed to use the honorific which should have preceded the lady’s name. “As you said, we have only been at Netherfield for a week; it is possible Miss Elizabeth does not know what she feels for you. After all, you have had a month to reflect upon her letter. Yet she had no such communication to keep you in her thoughts.”
After a pause, Darcy asked, “What did you think of her letter?”
“Give me a moment to consider that.”
“Fitz!”
“It has been a month since I read it. And bear in mind, I did not witness your offer to her; nor will her words mean the same to me as they mean to you.”
“Fair enough.”
“She noted some valid criticisms and provided you with the intelligence to make amends. What matters most is what you think of her letter, but I will say I admired her courage to write what was on her mind.”
Darcy nodded. “Today, she said she regretted taking Wickham’s word over mine, and she apologized for doing so. It was a good day.” Recalling their conversation, he smiled, letting go of all petty annoyances.
“In this matter, I declare myself an optimist, certain you will win your lady. However, I am not certain whether I wish to be present when you tell Aunt Catherine.”
“Before my first proposal, I spent months wondering how your family and Aunt Catherine would receive Miss Elizabeth. But I no longer care. I will defend her to the ton, to your parents and your brothers, and to anyone who dares to suggest she is unsuitable.
“Well, I approve of her, and you know I will support you.”
“I thank you for that, Fitz. Good night, and I shall see you in the morning.” Darcy left the drawing room but detoured to the library to take a few sheets of writing paper from the desk. Fitz has the right of it; I gave Elizabeth nothing by which to know me better. Thus, I have a letter to write.
19
“Consider us your brothers for the morning.”
May 29, 1811
When Fitzwilliam rode Laird out of Netherfield’s stables the next morning, he had no fixed destination in mind; he simply enjoyed the peacefulness of a morning ride and was eager to explore Hertfordshire’s gently rolling fields. In time, he turned his horse toward the largest hill in the vicinity, Oakham Mount, and well before he reached the crest, he saw a lady there, gazing at the landscape. This must be Miss Elizabeth on one of her rambles.
Soon, Laird’s hooves were striking the rocks on the path, and Elizabeth turned to see who approached; when she recognized Fitzwilliam, she waved. Dismounting, he joined her, leading his horse. “So, you are an early riser at home as you were at Rosings.”
“There is something delightful about the smell of morning when one is out in nature. As the day ages, the freshness fades.”
“For me, it is the color of the light; it has a purity which also seems to fade during the day as dust and smoke pollute the air.”
“Are you an artist, sir?”
“Neither an artist nor a poet—your sister Kitty inquired once as to the latter.”
“I thank you for your kindness to
my little sister. Kitty says you listen to her as if she has something worthwhile to say. Oh dear, that doesn’t speak well for my family, does it?”
“Sometimes it takes a stranger to show us ourselves. Miss Kitty is more intelligent than she gives herself credit for.”
With an appreciative smile, Elizabeth offered him a gift. “I brought an apple. Would you like half?”
At the mention of an apple, Fitzwilliam realized he was hungry. “You would expect an experienced soldier to provision himself before riding off to explore the countryside, yet I did not. I gratefully accept your offer.” Producing a pocketknife, he sliced the apple neatly in half and offered her the choice. As they ate, she pointed out various features of the landscape and answered his questions. Something in her open manner brought a memory of Lady Penelope to his mind. Where are you now, Master Penn, and what are you doing this morning?
After finishing her half of the apple, Elizabeth said, “I have four sisters and two parents, so I daresay someone at Longbourn is wishing I were home. There is always some task for me to attend to.” Abruptly, she laughed self-consciously. “Which is also true, I suspect, of everyone else in the world. I cannot claim there is anything remarkable about me.”
“Another Bennet who does not give herself adequate credit!”
“You flatter me, sir! Shall we return to the late sleepers who missed this glorious view?” As they walked, she took a steadying breath and broached a topic which had been on her mind. “Do you recall our conversation at Rosings when you spoke of the care Darcy took of his friends?”
“If you are wondering whether I know that Miss Bennet and Bingley were the unfortunate recipients of Darcy’s interference, the answer is yes, although I did not realize it at the time.”
Elizabeth had not expected such directness. With a sly grin, she touched his arm and waited for him to meet her gaze. “And if I had a different question in mind, sir, what then?”
Fitzwilliam burst out laughing. “You do have a talent for keeping a fellow off-balance!”
“I am pleased Mr. Bingley has returned and that he regrets his lack of steadfastness. I am also very grateful his sisters are not with him. Do you know them?”
“Well enough to know that I do not wish to know them better.”
“Goodness, your answer is very nearly a tongue-twister, sir.”
“Are you pleased to see Darcy, as well? Or is that a question I should not ask?”
Does he know his cousin proposed to me? “Mr. Darcy and I understand each other better than we did at Rosings, which pleases me,” she said carefully. “I confess I have no talent for reading his moods, but we have talked through our mutual misconceptions.”
But I can see you have fond feelings for my cousin—if he proposed again, what would you say? Fitzwilliam wondered. However, neither spoke again until they reached the fork where the path to the right led to Meryton and Netherfield, and the path to the left led to Longbourn.
“Thank you for sharing your apple, Miss Elizabeth.”
“My pleasure, Colonel.”
“Is this walk to Oakham Mount your favorite?”
“Yes, when the weather permits, I come here often.”
“If you’ve no objection, I shall share this with friends who also enjoy morning walks.”
“I have no objection at all, sir.”
≈≈≈
Darcy and Georgiana were in the breakfast room when Fitzwilliam entered. “Good morning, cousins. I have just returned from Oakham Mount. It offers vistas not to be missed. The next time I go, Georgiana, you must saddle Samson and join me.”
“It is pretty view,” Darcy agreed.
“Made even prettier this morning by the presence of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“I thought she did not ride,” Georgiana said.
“She said it is a walk she often takes, weather permitting.”
“And how was Miss Elizabeth this morning?” Darcy asked.
“Generous. She shared an apple with me.” Addressing Georgiana, Fitzwilliam said, “When we shared her apple in that wild, garden-like landscape, I was vaguely reminded of a famous story, but I cannot recall the details or where I read it. Any thoughts?”
Georgiana laughed, but Darcy felt uncomfortable at the Biblical reference. You know my interest in her, Cousin. Do not tease me! He was tempted to ride to Longbourn this morning to deliver the letter he had labored over long past midnight. No, I must make certain I have expressed myself well. When I re-read my letter, I will undoubtedly rewrite it. Perhaps I can give it to Elizabeth at Oakham Mount.
≈≈≈
Within moments of arriving at Lady Hopwell’s picnic, Lady Catherine learned Mr. Stafford was also present. Pulling Mrs. Jenkinson aside, she ordered, “Find him, talk to him, and make certain he does not waste Anne’s time.”
Anne, aware of none of this, saw Stafford and went to greet him. Mrs. Jenkinson followed, feeling more than her usual resentment at Lady Catherine’s officious behavior in organizing the lives of others. The gentleman scarcely had time to offer a friendly greeting before Lady Catherine swooped in and pulled Anne away with a vague excuse.
Watching them leave, he asked in an amused voice, “Does her ladyship fear I have designs on Miss De Bourgh? Does she throw you in my path so she can direct her daughter to a better match?”
Mrs. Jenkinson blushed. “Mr. Stafford, you are a good man, and I have no wish to lie you. Therefore, please do not be offended that my reply is silence.”
Stafford chuckled and, although it was a small laugh, he felt a lightness he had not felt in a long while. “You do not offend me. Neither does Lady Catherine for, clearly, she has ambitions for her daughter beyond what a third son could provide.”
Mrs. Jenkinson looked at Anne, noting her discomfort. “If only her ladyship gave as much weight to her daughter’s wishes as she does to her own.” Upon realizing what she had said, she blushed again. “Please pay me no attention, Mr. Stafford.”
He patted the back of her gloved hand. “I assure you that I can keep a confidence.”
≈≈≈
It was late in the afternoon at Netherfield when Darcy finally located Bingley—and in the last place he expected to find him. “I have been looking everywhere, and here you are in the library!”
“Norris has told me that as I am the master of this estate, I can use all the rooms,” Bingley said with a grin. He gestured Darcy to the seat on the other side of the desk he occupied. “Prepare to be surprised, for I have been writing a letter—slowly, so as to avoid those ink blots and incomplete thoughts you call the hallmarks of my correspondence. When one is ordering a curricle, one must be clear and precise. My man of business has found a gently used vehicle for sale, so I am directing him to make the purchase.”
“What has inspired you to make such an acquisition now?”
“I desire something that seats only two.”
“In this fine summer weather, it is a superior choice for a gentleman who wishes to take his lady for a drive.”
Bingley relaxed in his chair, a blissful expression on his face. “Having a second chance to win Jane’s heart and hand makes me feel like the most fortunate fool alive.”
After a pause, Darcy asked, “Did you tell Miss Bennet of my part in discouraging you?”
“Certainly not! Darcy, if I had followed my heart instead of waiting for you or my sisters to give me permission to pursue Jane, I never would have left. Truly, I have come to realize I alone bear the blame for not returning sooner to Netherfield.”
Darcy gave a slight shake of his head. “As much as I would like to absolve myself of any wrong-doing, I cannot deny there are two points on which I failed you as a friend: I interfered when I should not have, and I concealed information you deserved to know.”
“You acted wrongly, but you did so out of concern for me. You also apologized, and you are here to support me in making things right—and you very kindly lent me your sister! I hold no grudge, and I encourage you to hold n
o guilt.”
“Thank you, my friend.” Darcy felt humbled by Bingley’s generous spirit.
“Now, part of me wishes to overwhelm you with details of the curricle I am ordering. But I will refrain for fear of sounding like a green lad demanding approval. No, sir, you will simply have to wait until it is delivered. I will simply say it is a splendid vehicle, and I shall be the envy of the county.”
≈≈≈
May 30, 1811
When Georgiana and Darcy arrived at Oakham Mount early the next morning, Elizabeth was already at the summit. After they dismounted and tethered their horses in a small stand of trees beside the path, Georgiana ran ahead to meet her friend. Facing them, Elizabeth extended her arms wide, seeming to embrace the world. “Is this not a glorious time of day?”
Someday I hope you will greet me with such delight, Darcy thought as he followed. He struggled to accept his sister’s presence with equanimity, for the letter in his waistcoat pocket felt oddly heavy. Will I have an opportunity to give Elizabeth my letter discretely while Georgiana is about?
“Christopher said this spot offered lovely vistas, and Brother said it is a pretty view,” Georgiana remarked.
“A pretty view?” Elizabeth repeated, giving Darcy an arch look. “Are you always so effusive about the beauties of nature, sir?”
Abashed, Darcy made a point of looking around. “You are right, Miss Elizabeth. My words did not do this place justice. It is a very pretty view.”
“Do you usually come here so early?” Georgiana asked.
“It is less than an hour’s walk from Longbourn. My rambles here are a peaceful way to begin my morning, as my home tends to be busy.” She glanced at Darcy to see if had any comments about the Bennet household. He did not.
“What will you be doing today?” Georgiana asked.
“I plan to write a letter to my friend Charlotte. This morning, however, I will visit the Morgans, one of our two tenant families. Mr. Morgan wants to discuss a matter concerning his barn.”
“Does not your father handle such things?” Darcy asked.