“That is just what I would have expected,” Elizabeth said in a tone of genuine praise.
Darcy was too shocked to say anything in reply, but Marshall had never been speechless in his life. “I suppose everyone left you alone because you were a Darcy. Then we left University, and suddenly no one could leave him alone, so it all evened out.”
Just before Darcy dropped his eyes, Elizabeth met his gaze again. A softness had entered them. Could she understand now how lonely he had been as a child? Then how guarded he had to be as an adult? Everyone he met desired something out of him. Even Bingley and Marshall had been conscious of who he was. Elizabeth was the only one who had never given a fig about it. Lord, he had been so sick of civility and deference, all the officious attention when he had met Elizabeth. Darcy had never met a woman who had a real brain in her head; they all cared for nothing but his opinion. Then he met Elizabeth and her lively mind burned like a thousand candles in the darkness of his existence.
“Did you ladies decide what you would like to do about the park?” Bingley asked. “Should we leave for a moment to allow you to come to a consensus?”
Georgiana frowned. “I think our meagre sunshine is gone.”
In unison, they swung their heads to the window and saw rain beating down on the street below. Darcy particularly noted Elizabeth’s shoulders slump.
Darcy thought quickly. “Why not make definite plans for the park for the next day of tolerable weather? Today, if you still wish to leave the house, we might tour a museum.”
“Where shall we go?” Jane asked.
“Weeks’ Mechanical,” Bingley suggested, and Jane blanched.
Mrs. Gardiner diplomatically weighed in. “I think some of the displays may not be quite to our taste.”
Darcy nodded. He had seen the giant mechanical tarantula and saw more than one lady actually swoon.
“Art, then?” Marshall looked at the ladies.
Georgiana rolled her eyes. “I am sick of looking at portraits. I’ve never been to the British Museum.”
“We cannot enter today,” Marshall said. “They always make you request a later date.”
“Not always,” Darcy said, biting back a smile. This was one of the few perks of being so well-known. Lest Elizabeth think he was proud or arrogant, he added, “I would be pleased to use my connection for the enjoyment of my friends.”
“That would be delightful,” Elizabeth beamed. “It has been many years since I have toured the place.”
“Excellent,” Marshall clapped his hands and jumped out of his chair.
Soon, they all packed into separate coaches and drove through the crowded streets, arriving nearly an hour later. The porter began to explain the policy of arranging a later date for touring but immediately changed his policy when Darcy mentioned his name. He invited the party of seven in.
To a man of Darcy’s intellect, the Museum housed untold wonders and diversions. He earned his entry today both from frequent visits in his younger years, before he was burdened with the duties of a large estate, and also by donating some manuscripts from a long-ago relative.
Although called the British Museum, much of the displayed collections came from Greece, Rome, and Egypt curiously mixed with British items. The corner stone of all things British, the original Magna Carta, stood on display in the manuscript room. Although damaged from a fire decades before, it continued to command awe and respect. Georgiana gasped at the frescos and marvelled at the vases and remains of ancient life. She had never before conceived history could come alive.
As the group moved to other rooms, their amazement continued. The concept of fossilisation fascinated Darcy. Years and years of pressure impressed two objects together so much that when one disintegrated its image remained fixed in the other object. Elizabeth is etched in my heart like this, Darcy thought as he considered a fossilised leaf. Something so delicate and innocent had left an indelible and immovable mark on a hard, unyielding rock.
Continuing through the animal rooms, Bingley and Marshall gawked at the strange creatures. Consulting his pocket watch and their cards, the officer rushed them through the coin room, and none of them appeared to care. Returning to the great hall, Elizabeth stopped before two black monuments covered in Egyptian hieroglyphics. The others moved to inspect a series of Greek sculptures. Without intention, Darcy walked to Elizabeth.
“What does it say?” Elizabeth asked with a note of awe in her voice. She had not looked up, and yet it seemed she knew who was at her side.
“That is the mystery of it all,” Darcy explained. “There is Greek here,” he pointed to the appropriate section, “while these others are Ancient Egyptian.”
“They read in pictures?”
Darcy chuckled at her tone of incredulity. “At some point. Language evolves over time. We know this area,” Darcy waved his hand over the middle portion, “is a form of Egyptian first used before the first century.”
“And the…images?” Elizabeth’s mouth twisted as she attempted to treat the idea of reading via images seriously.
“They are not certain but thousands of years before Moses led the Hebrew children out of Egypt.”
Elizabeth gasped. “What an incredible time we live in.”
“Indeed,” Darcy smiled down at her.
“These three languages each say the same thing?”
“No, that is the tricky part. Scholars can read the middle area, and they can read the Greek, but it does not match perfectly. As such, they stumble at the hieroglyphics.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I see. They must understand the meaning, the full concept and then they might break down what each of the…what did you call them? Yes, hieroglyphics—what they mean.”
“That is the hope. It has been over a decade since the stone was discovered, however, and it may take many more years before someone understands the key.”
“Is that not like all of us, sir?” Elizabeth turned her eyes upon him. “Words can mean so many different things to each of us. What one considers harmless criticism, another may perceive as a deadly insult. One might try to compliment but only give offence.”
Darcy stared at her. Was she referencing his proposal? Their entire acquaintance? “Yes, that is a misfortune, indeed.”
“You and I begin to understand each other, I think,” she said softly.
“Do you?” Darcy felt himself step an inch closer to her. Was he imagining the air turning thicker between them?
“Perhaps I will keep that secret,” she teased.
Darcy met her gaze, his eyes piercing into hers. “How I wish it were true.” If he could never have her, just knowing someone in the world really saw him made his heart beat wildly.
“Darcy, Miss Elizabeth,” Bingley called to them. “Mrs. Gardiner requires rest. We must go.”
The spell broken, Darcy and Elizabeth turned to leave. The others had already entered the carriages. Outside, the rain had muddied the streets and created puddles everywhere. As soon as they exited, it began to pour, marring visibility. Elizabeth laughed as she jumped over several puddles to avoid soaking her shoes and garments. Darcy was seized with the urge to lift her in his arms and carry her to safety.
“Take care, Miss Elizabeth,” he called over the roar as the rain slapped the cobbled streets filled with the noise of people and carriages.
Elizabeth laughed again, pulling a smile from Darcy’s lips. Her carriage was only a few steps away when a flash of black caught the corner of his eye. A man ran up the street, his hat crammed over his eyes. Heedless of where he went, he crashed into Elizabeth. Darcy dashed several steps and lunged to reach her, saving her from just falling entirely in a puddle. As it was, her gown hung in it, and his movements sloshed water around them. As Darcy settled Elizabeth into an upright position, Marshall jumped from his coach which he shared with Bingley.
“You there!” He shouted at the reckless man and ran after him.
Darcy imagined he had him by the collar, but he could not take his eyes off
Elizabeth.
“You harmed a lady! You good-for-nothing-drunk, apologise!” Marshall continued to berate and argue with the man.
Finding his voice, Darcy asked, “Are you well?” He scanned Elizabeth’s features as the rain slowed.
A variety of emotion crossed her face. She was unhurt and found the whole thing ridiculous, she did not like Marshall’s treatment of the man…and a final expression Darcy could not name but her eyes did not leave him.
“I am well,” she answered. “I am well,” she said again in a stronger voice.
Darcy realised she repeated herself for his benefit. His hands still gripped her arm, and he had felt terror seize him as he watched her begin to fall. It was too much like his disturbing dream. “You are certain?”
Elizabeth nodded, and as Darcy let go of Elizabeth, he heard Marshall approach.
“I am sorry I could not get the worthless lizard to face you and apologise directly,” Marshall said with a bow.
“I am uninjured. Mr. Darcy’s aid was most timely,” Elizabeth said with a blush.
“Thank God for that,” Marshall winked at Darcy then stepped forward to hand Elizabeth into the carriage.
He heard her reassure her aunt and sister of her well-being before it rolled away.
“To your club?” Marshall asked.
“I must return Georgiana home.”
“She went with the ladies.”
Darcy scoffed. A bloody proper chaperone he was. Still, before she lived with him, she and Mrs. Annesley came and went as they pleased. Actually, that would solve Darcy’s need to see less of Elizabeth.
“Then I should go to the Hospital. The boys will not be able to play today, and Mr. Evans will need assistance in redirecting their energies.”
Marshall grinned. “Then we must go with you. Send your carriage back.”
Darcy rolled his eyes but laughed to consider Bingley and Marshall hoping to help at the Hospital. They had no idea what they signed up for. After speaking to his coachman, he followed his friend and lumbered into the carriage, feeling it dip and sway with his movements.
“I hope you left a message with your man about guests for dinner,” Bingley grinned.
“My cook knows to keep extra supplies on hand the first she hears of your presence in town,” Darcy smirked.
Marshall laughed, “Good man, Darcy. Good man.”
The three friends joined in laughter and discussed various games to play with the children. They could involve the girls, as well.
Darcy had noted many of them watching their football exercises with longing in their eyes. With as much energy as Georgiana had to shop and visit, he firmly believed females had the skill to engage in any number of sporting activities. If only he could convince the Hospital staff of the same thing. He needed an ally amongst the women volunteers who spent their time with the girls. Darcy mentally noted to seek one out at his next visit.
Chapter Nineteen
For the remainder of the week, Georgiana dragged poor Mrs. Annesley, who was re-hired, to Gracechurch Street or all over London for daily visits with Jane and Elizabeth. Darcy supposed Mrs. Gardiner enjoyed the company of the older lady. He distracted himself with new investments and business meetings. They took more time than he had anticipated and thus almost a week elapsed before he could return to the Foundling Hospital. Evans agreed to his request to speak with an influential lady of the female volunteers, seemingly resigned to humour him. Darcy grinned when he heard how Tom and Freddie asked about him, no doubt sparking a new rivalry.
Shown into one of the sitting rooms, Darcy’s eyes immediately fell upon a familiar looking young lady sitting regally in a chair while surrounded by girls. The woman’s blonde hair shined in the sunlight. Her expensive clothing and jewellery made her fairly glow with beauty. Her even features sat upon a perfectly graceful neck. Bingley had called Jane Bennet an angel and declared her the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, and Darcy could well understand why even as he soon preferred her sister’s earthy looks. This lady came a close second to Jane Bennet.
“Lady Aurora,” Evans called from the door.
As the woman came closer, Darcy recognised her as the Duke of Wiltshire’s eldest daughter. Rumour had it her parents could not contain their anger at her unwed stage given her two and twenty years. Over the years, the Duke had often hinted at Darcy at least dancing with her, but he always had some excuse. Darcy did not think he had ever even been introduced to her before but saw enough of her father in her face.
“Mr. Darcy has requested a few minutes of your time,” Evans said then finished the introduction and excused himself.
“Is that your beau?” a child asked, causing the others to giggle and Lady Aurora to blush.
“Sally, you know better. Proper manners only, please.” Lady Aurora shook her head. “Mr. Darcy and I have only just met, but he needs to speak to me about you all so excuse us a few minutes. All of you are to continue your stitching.”
Darcy raised his brows. “I applaud your firm but affectionate hand with them.” Darcy nodded in the direction the girls now sat with their heads bent over needlework. “I aim to do the same with the lads.”
Lady Aurora blushed again, adding to her beauty. “What did you wish to speak to me about?”
“I have noticed the girls do not participate in the sports with the boys.”
“You can hardly blame them,” she said. “Broken bones are a regular occurrence.”
“I endeavour to reduce those, but at any rate, I would not suggest they join leagues.” Darcy scanned the girls. Very few had a hint of frailness. They had come from strong stock before their abandonment. “Exercise is healthy for them; rules of organised sports enforce self-discipline which will assist them in their eventual employment and character for life.”
Lady Aurora cocked her head as she considered his words. “If you think only of their future then I wonder at their reason for enjoying sports. Grown men might continue, but women of any class are discouraged.”
“Indeed, that is a fair point, but as they age, they might adjust their activities to walking. Training their bodies to physical endurance may very well be the difference between life and death for many of them. You, as well as I, know too many of the upper classes who are pampered but weak.” Darcy paused as he could see his arguments made sense to the lady. “Additionally, there is the concern of their free time and encouraging it in the proper direction.”
Lady Aurora nodded and smiled. “How perfectly officious, but sensible, of you.”
Darcy smiled at her wit. “I readily admit my fault and take no umbrage because I can see you agree.”
“Oh, do I?” she placed her hands on her hips.
“Yes. You are no green miss. I can see by the girls’ behaviour you have been visiting for a long time, and you know this is as needed as I do.”
Letting out a long sigh, Lady Aurora lowered her hands. “I do, and you will permit me for being jealous that old Evans listened to you when he would not hear of it from me.” She lowered her voice. “I meant only to test your resolve, sir.”
Darcy had always admired a woman who would not back down from a debate. “Have I met with your approval?”
Quickly scanning her eyes over him, a small smile played on her lips. “Indeed.”
Darcy felt heat creep under his collar. He had not intended to allude to anything other than the topic at hand. Good Lord, had he managed to unintentionally flirt? After years of ineptness and months of actively attempting to do so with Elizabeth, he had said just enough to point this lady’s thoughts in another quarter.
He cleared his throat. “I suppose you do not have much experience in sports.”
Lady Aurora chuckled. “I ride, and I’m a fine archer.” Leaning forward, she lowered her voice again. “My brothers taught me billiards.” Then she returned to her normal range of speech but remained close. “But I’ve never played cricket or football.”
“My friends and I can surely instruct, bu
t it would help to have a feminine influence. You are not averse to learning new things?”
“I greatly enjoy new experiences,” Lady Aurora said then cast her eyes down. “I am surprised you do not ask your wife or sweetheart to help you, though.”
“I have no wife,” Darcy answered. Had she moved slightly closer?
“And no sweetheart?”
In another life, yes, he should have. If he had met Elizabeth and had learned to be more open, then she would perfectly fit in a role like this. Lady Aurora might be game for the novelty, but any husband of hers would never allow her to continue volunteering here let alone run over fields. If Darcy read her cues correctly, she would not mind a closer relationship than co-mentors, but truthfully, she was too high-born for him. Had he thought Elizabeth’s family too lowly?
Avoiding the question, Darcy looked past her beautiful and silently pleading face. “We may begin practice tomorrow. I would like games to start next week.”
“Certainly.” Lady Aurora stuck out her hand. “I look forward to working with you. I believe we will make a wonderful team.”
When Darcy’s fingers touched hers, there was no thrill or excitement. Keeping his eyes on Lady Aurora’s she did not gasp or blush in awareness, there was no tremble or sigh. Here was an entirely intelligent, kind, witty, beautiful, responsive lady of rank and wealth and yet Darcy remained unmoved. She could never take the place of Elizabeth. As she re-joined the assembled children and cast a smile on her face, Darcy felt his heart revolt. His duty to his name and estate mocked his vow to remain single and yet, he could not resign himself to a loveless marriage. He and Lady Aurora—or a dozen other ladies—might have pleasant evenings of shared interests, and get along perfectly with hardly a quarrel between them, but there would be no passion and no intensity. He had lived his entire life in such a way and was through settling for less. His parents had attempted a marriage without love, and it ended disastrously.
Elizabeth might never be by his side as his wife, and yet after visiting the boys, Darcy directed his coach to Gracechurch Street.
Seven Days With Mr Darcy Page 68
