“There he is at last! Only there is another gentleman with him. Heavens! It’s that tall, proud man that used to be with him. The wealthy one, from Derbyshire.”
“Mr. Darcy,” Jane and Elizabeth answered in unison, exchanging glances of alarm as Mrs. Bennet called frantically for extra tea things. The result was that the gentlemen entered amidst a bustle of harried servants and clattering teacups and never were properly announced.
“Mr. Bingley!” Mrs. Bennet rushed to greet her future son-in-law. “How glad we are to see you at last! We were beside ourselves with concern when you did not arrive at your usual hour, you know! I said to my girls, Mr. Bingley is the soul of punctuality, as he is everything gentlemanly, and if he has missed his appointed time to call, then we may be assured that he is either detained by business of the highest importance, or he has been befallen by some dreadful circumstance!” Here she paused and regarded Mr. Darcy, as though uncertain to which category he belonged.
Throughout her mother’s excessive display, Elizabeth had slowly gathered the nerve to turn her gaze toward Mr. Darcy. When at last she was able to glimpse his countenance, she viewed with relief that it was characteristically composed, and what little emotion he displayed resembled amusement rather than offense.
“Of course,” Mrs. Bennet continued, “We know now that you have been welcoming your visitor. Mr. Darcy, any friend of Mr. Bingley’s is always welcome at Longbourn.”
Mr. Darcy nodded politely, and upon lifting his head, he met Elizabeth’s gaze. The unspoken question in his eyes carried clearly across the room. Elizabeth inhaled deeply and went to her mother’s side, wearing her best impression of calm.
“Indeed, Mr. Darcy,” she said clearly, venturing a brave smile in his direction, “any friend of Mr. Bingley’s is a friend of ours, as well.”
Chapter Eleven
Longbourn
The meeting Elizabeth had both anticipated and feared was quickly over, leaving little but half-empty teacups to bear witness. For all her weeks of worrying over how to comport herself in Mr. Darcy’s company, the gentlemen stayed only a short time, as they were bound for London directly. Mr. Bingley explained, so much as Mrs. Bennet’s voluble lamentation would allow, that Mr. Darcy had arrived in advance of the wedding in order to accompany him to town for a few days. The gentlemen would see to the final wedding settlements with Mr. Bingley’s solicitor, and Mr. Darcy had additional business of his own to conduct, having been away from town this past month.
Mr. Darcy attended to the conversation politely, but as was his usual manner, he himself spoke little. During one close conference between Jane, Mr. Bingley and Mrs. Bennet on some matter of the upcoming ceremony, however, he drew near to Elizabeth and offered his teacup for refilling. She complied slowly, anxious that her hands should not tremble and Mr. Darcy be scalded for his efforts.
“Did you arrive just this morning, Mr. Darcy?”
“Yesterday afternoon,” he said. “My sister traveled with me from Pemberley.”
“Indeed? I hope she is well.”
“Yes, thank you.” The business of tea-pouring concluded, there seemed little reason for him to continue hovering over her. Perhaps cognizant of the same fact, Mr. Darcy proceeded to spoon an alarming amount of sugar into his cup, stirring slowly between each spoonful. Elizabeth was certain she had never seen him take sugar in any beverage before.
“Would I be too forward to ask a small favor of you, Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth regarded him quizzically, but nodded in encouragement.
“Might I ask you and your sister to call on Georgiana at Netherfield in my absence? I would prefer to introduce her to you myself, but she is most anxious to meet you both. If it pleases you, I believe Miss Bingley may be relied upon to make the necessary introductions.”
“Yes, and you may rely upon us to get along exceedingly well despite her.” Elizabeth’s arch smile was rewarded with an expression of warm gratitude. “It will be our pleasure to make Miss Darcy’s acquaintance.”
“Thank you.” He bowed and resumed his place by the window, setting his cup of tea on a nearby table, where it remained untouched until the gentlemen took their leave. Later, as Elizabeth stood at the same window and watched them depart, she picked up the tea and sipped it gingerly. It was, as she suspected, thick as syrup and completely undrinkable.
Jane and Elizabeth called on the ladies of Netherfield the following day. They were ushered into the salon, where Miss Bingley welcomed them with warmer spirit than usual and made a great show of introducing them to her dear friend, Miss Darcy. With her rather advanced height and slender build, the young lady resembled her brother more in bearing than in countenance. She was as fair as he was dark; her features naturally soft, where his might be called stern.
Elizabeth judged quickly that Mr. Darcy had not overestimated his sister’s tendency toward reserve. Demure greetings having been exchanged, she appeared perfectly content to assume the role of silent spectator.
Certainly, Miss Bingley spoke sufficiently for both, preempting every question posed to Miss Darcy with an ingratiating remark. Whatever affection existed between the two ladies appeared to be all on Miss Bingley’s side, however. While Miss Darcy tolerated an undue measure of physical closeness from Miss Bingley and made politely deferent replies when prompted, she regarded the lady with bemused indifference.
Miss Bingley clearly had no wish to share her pet, but Jane and Elizabeth persisted in their attempts to draw Miss Darcy into conversation. Their efforts were rewarded by the young lady’s increasingly willing replies. Elizabeth was happy to make Miss Darcy’s acquaintance for its own merits, but observing Miss Bingley rankle at their quick rapport provided additional inducement.
“Did your companion not travel with you, Miss Darcy?” Elizabeth asked.
Miss Darcy shook her head. “My brother gave Mrs. Annesley leave to visit her own relations while we are here in Hertfordshire.”
“As well he should,” Miss Bingley said, patting Miss Darcy’s hand superiorly. “You will suffer no lack of companionship at Netherfield.”
Elizabeth felt a great deal of pity for Miss Darcy, having experienced first-hand the stimulating society afforded by Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst during her own stay at Netherfield. “Yes, Miss Darcy,” she said, “I believe you will find the neighborhood in general to offer many pleasant diversions, and you shall have many opportunities to form new acquaintances, if you wish. Our own youngest sisters are close to your age, as is one of our nearest neighbors, Miss Maria Lucas.”
“I should be very pleased to meet your sisters, Miss Elizabeth. My brother has spoken warmly of your family.”
Miss Bingley snorted in disbelief. “Miss Darcy, do not allow Miss Eliza to raise your expectations excessively. You will find country society different from your circle in London.”
“One may hope,” Miss Darcy replied. She spoke sweetly enough, but to Elizabeth’s mind, Miss Darcy’s complacent smile strongly recalled her brother. It seemed the Darcys, by family rule, suffered flattery most unwillingly. Considering how her arch teasing and forthright opinions had so improbably engendered Mr. Darcy’s affection, Elizabeth supposed his sister might also respond favorably to a more direct approach. If only Miss Darcy could escape the confines of Netherfield and Miss Bingley’s cloying companionship!
Elizabeth invited the three ladies to visit Longbourn the next day, suggesting they walk to Meryton together so that Miss Darcy might become acquainted with the town. Miss Bingley looked less than pleased with this proposed outing, but had no method of polite refusal at her disposal, especially in the face of Miss Darcy’s marked enthusiasm. Plans made and hour appointed, the Misses Bennet took their leave. They spent the ride home discussing Miss Darcy in appreciative terms.
“She is a bit shy,” Elizabeth said to her sister. “But who would behave differently, given Miss Bingley and a paid companion for her closest confidantes? Her sense and good nature are evident; she wants only encouragement. I am
sure Miss Darcy will prove perfectly delightful on further acquaintance.”
“Much like her brother?” Jane asked slyly.
Elizabeth refused to oblige her with an answer.
The ladies of Longbourn waited patiently the following morning for the ladies of Netherfield to make their appearance. At length, the carriage that approached from the lane was not the familiar one of Mr. Bingley, but an even grander conveyance in both style and size. To Elizabeth and Jane’s great surprise, Miss Darcy alone alighted from the carriage and approached the house. A servant showed her into the sitting room, and Jane introduced the impeccably attired young lady to Mrs. Bennet, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia.
“I am so pleased to make your acquaintance,” Miss Darcy said softly.
“But where are Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst?” Elizabeth asked once all were seated.
Miss Darcy’s cheeks flushed pink. “At breakfast, Miss Bingley complained of a headache, and Mrs. Hurst seemed fatigued. They wished to cancel our engagement.”
“They suggested that you come by yourself, unescorted?” Jane was incredulous.
“No,” Miss Darcy replied with a shy satisfaction. “It was my idea. I was so disappointed at the thought of breaking our appointment. As you see, my own family’s coach and horses are also at Netherfield. I simply spoke to the footman to request they be readied, and then I came by myself.” Upon viewing the Bennet ladies’ disbelieving expressions, Miss Darcy’s blush deepened. “Have I acted wrongly? Please do not tell my brother. He might find my impulsive behavior reason for reproach.”
Elizabeth moved closer to reassure the young lady, who upon arrival had been bursting with pleasure and now seemed close to tears. “Miss Darcy, we are delighted to have you join us this morning. Please do not concern yourself. It is but three miles of country road, not the dark alleys of London—and here you have arrived, completely unharmed. As for your brother, I imagine he would credit your commitment to honoring our engagement. He wishes only your happiness—of this, I am certain—and we may best oblige him by enjoying our outing to the fullest.”
Miss Darcy’s smile was all relief and gratitude. In truth, Elizabeth was not at all certain that Mr. Darcy would approve of his sister’s actions, or her own words of reassurance. However, no harm had come to Miss Darcy, and the gentleman need never hear of the particular circumstances of his sister’s visit. To be sure, Miss Bingley would not own to letting Miss Darcy slip unnoticed from Netherfield. Jane wisely suggested, however, that Miss Darcy’s coach be sent back to Netherfield with a note for Miss Bingley informing her of Miss Darcy’s visit. Someone from Longbourn would see her back later in the day, so she would not once again travel unescorted.
The note and coach having been dispatched, the ladies thus began the pleasant walk to Meryton. They stopped briefly by Lucas Lodge, where they were joined by Maria Lucas. Maria, Lydia, and Kitty led their procession to town, closely followed by Mary, who was as usual relegated to the fringes of their conversation. Jane and Elizabeth, on either side of Miss Darcy, brought up the rear. They kept up a polite discourse for the duration of the journey, but Elizabeth thought she noticed Miss Darcy envying the younger group’s merry laughter. When they reached town, she encouraged Kitty and Lydia to personally acquaint Miss Darcy with their favorite shops.
“Will you attend the Lucases’ ball, Miss Darcy?” Kitty asked, threading her arm through Miss Darcy’s and steering her toward the millinery.
“I am not aware of any such invitation.”
“Oh, but you must come!” Lydia grasped Miss Darcy’s free hand. “It is a farewell for the officers of the ______shire Regiment. They have been stationed here for many months, but now they are bound for Brighton,” she said glumly.
“Please do join us, Miss Darcy,” chimed Maria Lucas. “I know my father has invited Mr. Bingley and all his guests to attend. You will be most welcome.”
Miss Darcy looked a bit overwhelmed at the center of this persuasive trio, but also pleased. “It sounds delightful, thank you. But I do not think my brother would allow me to attend. I am not yet out in society.”
Lydia dismissed her objections with a snort. “I am glad we do not have brothers, if they would be as stern as yours. I am younger than you, and I would not sit at home for a dozen fine carriages!”
“Lydia!” Jane reprimanded, pulling her sister from Miss Darcy’s side.
Elizabeth gently intervened. “It is but a small country assembly, Miss Darcy—a far cry from London society. If you wish to come, Jane could ask Mr. Bingley to speak with Mr. Darcy. Perhaps he will allow you to attend, so long as you do not dance.”
Miss Darcy looked doubtful. “I would be much obliged to Miss Bennet, but I dare not expect any concession from my brother. He is very protective.”
“As would be any guardian so devoted to his charge. If he refuses to allow it, of course everyone will understand. But there can be no harm in asking.” It did not escape Elizabeth’s attention that Miss Darcy’s presence at the Lucases’ ball would necessitate her brother’s. She was therefore a bit puzzled by her own determination to press the issue. The two balls Mr. Darcy had previously attended had proved distressingly awkward affairs. She would enjoy this event far better in his absence, would she not?
The ladies left the shop and, upon entering the street, met immediately with a pair of red-coated officers—none other than the Bennet family favorites, Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham.
“Misses Bennet, Miss Lucas! What a delightful coincidence.” Mr. Denny bowed gallantly.
“Can it be?” asked his friend. “Miss Georgiana Darcy, here in Meryton?”
Elizabeth watched Miss Darcy’s reaction closely as she encountered Mr. Wickham. Whatever acrimony lay between her brother and the man, she did not appear party to it. Their greeting was warm and familiar, and it seemed Mr. Wickham had not exaggerated when he claimed an intimate connection with the Darcy family.
Lydia quickly sidled up to Mr. Wickham and brazenly presented her hand for a kiss. He complied, though less eagerly than was his wont. “Miss Lydia, I was not aware that you claimed Miss Darcy among your acquaintances.”
“Oh, but we have only been introduced today! But you know one another already, I forgot. To think, if not for her brother, you would not be here in Meryton with the regiment. Lord, what a laugh!”
Miss Darcy looked puzzled; Wickham, ill at ease. Lydia’s oblivious twittering masked all discomfiture, however, and Mr. Wickham deftly changed the topic of conversation.
“Pray, ladies, what is our errand today? Bonnets? Handkerchiefs?” He flashed his charming smile in Jane’s direction. “Perhaps Miss Bennet seeks items to complete her trousseau.”
Lydia answered for her sister. “Oh Lord, no! Jane has had all her things from London shops.”
“To be sure,” Wickham replied smoothly. “Of course, the future Mrs. Bingley requires a finer selection than Meryton can offer.”
“Meryton goods would be perfectly sufficient to my needs,” Jane assured him, “but my dear aunt was kind enough to take me shopping in town.”
“I do hope your aunt took you to Bond Street,” Miss Darcy said. “All my favorite shops are there. Bond Street merchants carry only the finest wares.”
“I am sure they do,” Jane said, “but we confined ourselves to the shopping district nearer to my aunt and uncle’s home, in Cheapside.”
Miss Darcy blushed and went silent, obviously concerned that she had given Jane offense with her presumption. Jane, of course, felt nothing of the kind and continued gently, “Perhaps, Miss Darcy, when next we are both in London, you might be so kind as to acquaint me with your favorite shops there.”
“Oh, I would like that very much.”
It took but an hour for the party to complete their survey of Meryton. The ladies having made all necessary purchases and several others besides, Elizabeth suggested that they must take their leave of the officers and return to Longbourn.
“Do walk with us and stay for tea,” Kitty implo
red Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham. Her invitation was rapidly seconded by Lydia, and Elizabeth and Jane exchanged looks of concern. When Mr. Darcy asked her to make his sister’s acquaintance, Elizabeth was certain he did not intend giddy flirtation with officers to be a suitable amusement, especially when one of them was a man he plainly held in contempt. There seemed no way to rescind the invitation, however. Lydia was already clinging to Mr. Wickham’s left arm as he offered Miss Darcy the right, and the whole party seemed set on returning to Longbourn together.
“Look, Jane!” Kitty cried, standing on tiptoe to peer above the crowd. “Is that not your Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Darcy with him?”
The ladies craned their necks to see for themselves, but soon the crowd parted of its own accord as Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy approached on horseback, followed by a driver and team at the helm of a handsome, sparkling-new barouche. It was as fine a carriage as Elizabeth had ever seen, and for perfect elegance, it appeared to lack nothing, save passengers.
Mr. Wickham cleared his throat and began to extricate his arm from Lydia’s grasp. “Forgive me, ladies, but I have just remembered that Mr. Denny and I have a previous engagement this afternoon. We must beg your leave.” He bowed quickly and disappeared into the crowd, but none of the ladies gave a moment’s further thought to him. All their attention was occupied by the gentlemen and barouche approaching them in grand fashion.
Mr. Bingley dismounted and greeted his intended as affectionately as he might in a public street. “Does it meet with your approval?” he asked, indicating the barouche.
“Oh, it is beautiful! The finest carriage to ever pass down Meryton’s streets, I am sure!”
“It is our wedding gift from Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bingley said as his friend dismounted and bowed slightly. “Although, perhaps I should call it your gift. Mr. Darcy made perfectly clear that the carriage is particularly intended for the future Mrs. Bingley’s use, that she might not catch her death of cold from traversing the countryside on horseback.”
Elizabeth and Darcy- Ardently Yours Page 11