A Rare Ability: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation (A Pemberley Romance Book 10)

by Harriet Knowles

  “Oh, my dear, you cannot think that! He might be young, but a single gentleman is in need of a wife to manage his home for him. And if we do not place you forward, Lady Lucas or Mrs. Long certainly will for their girls!”

  Elizabeth laughed. “A single gentleman of large fortune is especially in need of a wife!”

  She glanced at her mother. “Do not excite yourself so, Mama. Would you like me to ring for tea, and you can tell me how you have heard the news?”

  “Yes, yes!” Mama waved her into the chair beside her, and Elizabeth rang the bell and sat down, giving Jane a little smile.

  She decided Jane might yet not be sent to London to look for a husband.

  Chapter 3

  Darcy leaned against the mantel in his room at Netherfield Park. Why had he come here?

  And now he had to attend a country assembly in this little town of no importance. As if he had not yet served his penance during the season in London. He smiled grimly at Mr. Maunder’s back as his valet carefully laid out his dress clothes on the bed and began brushing the shoulders of his coat.

  “Very well, let’s be about it.” Darcy was resigned now, crossed the room, and sat in the chair for Maunder to shave him. He leaned back and closed his eyes, thinking.

  He knew why he’d come to Hertfordshire, of course he did. Having discovered Georgiana’s intended elopement with that scoundrel, Wickham; and having recovered her to London, he’d needed to get away, to leave her in the care of Richard and his family.

  Her tears and sorrow at having caused so much embarrassment and inconvenience to him had made him feel even more impatient, and when he had received an invitation from Bingley to visit him at his new residence, Darcy had welcomed the opportunity to escape.

  But it had soon dawned on him that he might have preferred to go to Pemberley. Although Bingley was affability itself, his sisters were insufferable. Darcy was almost inclined to invent an emergency that might summon him back to London.

  But he had not thought of it soon enough, and this assembly had been thrust upon him with little warning.

  Another suffocating evening of isolation, of watching people talking and laughing, and enjoying themselves. There must be something missing in himself which meant he had no idea why anyone would find it enjoyable.

  “I have finished, thank you, sir.”

  Darcy opened his eyes and took the towel proffered by Mr. Maunder. He sat forward, and wiped his face. “Very well.”

  * * *

  Downstairs, he prowled around the hall, waiting for the rest of the party to be ready. He hoped very much that Miss Bingley wouldn’t be the first, and to his relief, he saw Bingley bounding down the stairs.

  “Come into the library, Darcy! We can wait for the others there.” The man was confoundedly cheerful, and Darcy merely grunted. But he followed his friend willingly enough and watched as he poured whisky into two glasses.

  “You must be more cheerful, Darcy! I can assure you that you will enjoy the evening much more if you decide to appear amiable.”

  Darcy nodded his thanks as he took the drink Bingley handed him. “I suppose so, although I am not inclined to think a country affair is going to be any more pleasant than those in town.”

  “I have been reluctant to ask you how you got on over the season, Darcy.” Bingley glanced at him. “I know your family had quite decided you should settle down and marry. When you spent so much time in London, I thought you were quite resigned to it.” He smiled engagingly. “Yet here you are, still single. Probably the most eligible bachelor ever seen in Meryton.”

  Darcy shuddered slightly. He knew what that meant.

  “I am sure you must know already how I found the season, Bingley. But I saw no success, and doubt I will see any here.” He couldn’t tell him about the difficulties of his sister, difficulties that had led to him abandoning his reluctant pursuit of Lady Louise Beresford and hurrying to Ramsgate during the summer.

  He wondered fleetingly how Lady Louise had received the note he had sent to her father, regretting that he had to leave town immediately on urgent business.

  His lips tightened, she must, however, undoubtedly have heard of his return to London and he had not called again on her. He sighed, she must be very angry. He turned to Bingley.

  “I have not met one lady who seems to see me as a person, and not an eligible man.”

  Bingley glanced at him. “I think I understand how you feel, Darcy. You do find it difficult to make friends — I count myself very fortunate to be one of those few you do count as such.” He raised his glass. “Might I suggest that you treat this evening as light entertainment? Do not, under any circumstances, look at any young lady as a potential wife, just as someone with whom to dance and never see again.” He smiled slowly.

  “What?” Darcy shook his head. “Even if I were to think that, how can dancing be considered entertainment?”

  Bingley laughed, and clapped him on the shoulder. “If you cannot think of it as entertainment, then think of it merely as a form of exercise, Darcy. Just be polite to the ladies concerned, and do nothing to get their hopes too high.”

  Darcy grunted. “I suppose I might …”

  “Charles! Charles!” Miss Bingley’s strident tones cut through from the hall. “The carriage is ready!”

  Darcy winced. He would have to dance with her, he knew, and the thought depressed him. He put down his glass, and followed his host into the hall to join Miss Bingley and the Hursts.

  * * *

  Fortunately, the three gentlemen sat opposite the ladies in the carriage, and Darcy climbed down after Bingley and looked gloomily at the assembly room. Already he could hear the dance music through the open windows, along with the sound of chattering and laughing.

  He took a deep breath and followed the rest of the party into the room. Everybody looked at them and he bitterly wished himself far away.

  A plump gentleman in silk pantaloons hurried up and bowed deeply. “Mr. Bingley! Thank you for gracing our humble assembly!”

  This must be the Sir William Lucas that Bingley had talked of. Darcy managed to prevent his lip curling as Bingley introduced the party.

  He could hear whispering spreading away from the group, circling the room. He knew what it was saying. Ten thousand a year! A great estate in Derbyshire! He managed to stop himself scowling as Sir William drew a smiling lady to his side.

  “And this is my dear wife.” His arm was protectively around her, and he looked down at her with such evident pride and love that Darcy had to look away, almost embarrassed.

  He had rarely seen such an affectionate glance, especially not in a public place, and it felt strangely uncomfortable. In fact, he realised that he had never seen either of his parents look at each other like that.

  He was conscious of the eyes of many upon him, but his attention was drawn to a particular inquisitive glance. The owner of that gaze seemed very slightly puzzled, and after a cursory glance, Darcy hastily turned away. That young lady might discover him if he returned her gaze, and he would not permit it.

  Bingley was already halfway across the room, being introduced to a florid lady in an overblown gown. Darcy stood mute and faintly hostile as he watched his friend’s good humour gaining pleasant responses and smiles. Not for the first time, he wondered what it must be like to be welcomed with such sincere pleasure.

  He saw his friend gaze at the fair-haired young lady standing beside the older woman. If she was a daughter, then her poise had come from elsewhere, for the lady herself looked quite frightful.

  The fair girl flushed and curtsied. Bingley looked delighted and extended his hand. As he watched his friend lead the young lady to the dance floor, Darcy shook his head wonderingly.

  “I think Charles dances too much with those below his station.” Miss Bingley’s voice beside him made him jump, and he took a hasty pace away from her.

  “Bingley may dance with who he wishes.” He did not want to agree with her, neither did he wish to dance wit
h her, and he kept his gaze studiedly away until Hurst appeared beside her to claim her for a dance.

  He was free, then, to prowl the edges of the room and watch the local people. Some were adequately mannered, he supposed, but others, especially some of the younger girls, were completely out of control.

  He saw the pretty young lady of the inquisitive eyes go to the side of Bingley’s partner when the dance finished. She was as dark as the other was fair, and they seemed very close; as he watched their happiness in each other’s company, he found himself envying their friendship.

  Chapter 4

  Elizabeth could see that Jane was quite taken with Mr. Bingley, even after just that one dance. Her eyes were luminous and her expression rapt. Elizabeth drew her away.

  “Come, Jane, let us get some punch, and find somewhere to sit down.”

  “Oh, I think …” her sister demurred, looking back towards Mr. Bingley.

  Elizabeth shook her head, and leaned towards Jane. “Let him pursue you,” she whispered in her ear, and Jane capitulated.

  Elizabeth tried to concentrate on Jane and listen to her pleasure at the dance with Mr. Bingley. She needed to, so that she could stop thinking about his proud-looking friend. Mr. Darcy. She had heard his name being whispered among all the seated ladies.

  His expression reminded her so much of John Lucas. Of course, they weren’t alike in appearance at all. Mr. Darcy was taller, and his features and whole demeanour showed his breeding. But his closed-off countenance, and the blankness behind his eyes — she’d seen that before, whenever John had had to face those he did not know. And he’d suffered so much from that. Charlotte’s parents had wanted him to learn to get along with people, so had sent him to sea at the age of twelve, a frightened midshipman.

  Elizabeth had seen him retreat even more into himself, build a wall around his heart to protect himself. She had despaired that his parents hadn’t seen his torment, and she’d exerted herself to become comfortable for him to be around, someone he could relax with.

  It had worked. John had enjoyed her company, she knew. She didn’t demand sociability from him, and so, he’d been able to speak to her, divulge his feelings. She wondered now how things would have been had he lived.

  And she wondered if this Mr. Darcy, shielded as he was by his wealth, might still be suffering the same anguish of not understanding the requirements of good manners and affection between family and friends.

  As she had promised Jane, Mr. Bingley soon approached them, the beam on his face causing Jane to flush with happiness. But he had his friend with him, and Elizabeth glanced at him out of the corner of her eye as Mr. Bingley bowed to Jane.

  “Miss Bennet, may I introduce my friend, Mr. Darcy?” He turned to his friend.

  “Darcy, this is Miss Bennet, from the nearby estate of Longbourn.” He looked enquiringly at Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, might you introduce me to your friend?”

  Jane looked startled. “Oh, of course. This is my sister, Elizabeth.” She looked at her. “Lizzy, Mr. Bingley has recently come to Netherfield Park.”

  Elizabeth smiled cheerfully at Mr. Bingley. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, sir. I hope you find Netherfield comfortable?”

  His amiable expression and beaming smile won her over. She thought him an excellent prospect for Jane, and was certain she detected his partiality already.

  But she was even more aware of the gaze of Mr. Darcy. She chanced another glance at him, but he had turned his eyes away after the formal greeting. She knew she held his attention, though. She listened quietly while Jane spoke to Mr. Bingley, and happened to look down just as she saw that gentleman’s foot tread heavily upon that of his friend.

  She hid a smile as Mr. Darcy scowled, then looked at her.

  “Miss Elizabeth, I wonder if you would do me the honour of the next dance — unless you are already engaged for it?” He sounded hopeful.

  Elizabeth could not prevent a smile. Was he hopeful for the dance, or that she might be engaged for it, so that he be relieved of the obligation? She thought the latter, and she forced her smile to be more polite.

  “Thank you, sir. I would be delighted.” She accepted his hand, and they followed Jane and Mr. Bingley to the dance floor.

  They danced the first part in silence. Elizabeth reminded herself of how John Lucas had been, and was not dismayed. She cheerfully watched the couples as they danced down the line, enjoying herself. She fancied Mr. Darcy to be somewhat relieved, and thought he had become more relaxed.

  She knew they were being watched as they took their own turn down the line, and determined that she would give no cause for critical observation. Her partner might be silent, but he certainly danced well, and she exerted herself to perform.

  As they stepped back into the line again, she smiled at him. “I think we have acquitted ourselves well, Mr. Darcy. Thank you.” She glanced at the next dancers down the line. “The next couple are Colonel Forster and his wife. I don’t know yet to whom you have been introduced.”

  Mr. Darcy glanced at her. “I have not made the acquaintance of many people in Meryton, having only arrived here a few days ago.” He gave a small smile, which pleased her immensely. “I am grateful for your observations on the company.”

  “Then I shall give you a comprehensive description of everyone,” Elizabeth laughed. “Except those of your party, for I know that you are already acquainted.” She looked around. “The young lady standing by the window is Sir William’s eldest daughter, Miss Charlotte Lucas, and a great friend of mine.” She wondered if, after the dance, he might wish for an introduction, and, if so, she would be delighted for her friend. Charlotte would know how to deal with aloofness, he was so very like John.

  “And, sitting with my mother, over by the door, is Mrs. Long, who lives in Meryton. Her nieces are also in this dance and I will point them out to you when they go down the line.”

  She continued with little illuminations of the characters of the local patrons of the assembly for a short while, until she divined that he was withdrawing from the rather one-sided little conversation.

  “I think that is enough for now, Mr. Darcy. Perhaps we need to save our breath for our next foray down the line.” She sensed his gratitude, although he made no mention of the fact that she had done almost all of the talking.

  As he took her hand, and they stepped out in the dance, she could sense his distaste at being the object of attention and she was glad for him when they stepped back into the line.

  “I like the countryside very much, Mr. Darcy. But one of my younger sisters is quite certain that she would enjoy the coastal towns much better — although I think it is the social life that is more of an attraction than the surroundings.” Elizabeth had to think of something to say. “But I think I would prefer the wilder coastlines. If I cannot visit those, then the rolling hills of Hertfordshire are very pleasing.”

  The movements of the dance intervened and she wondered if he felt more confident that she would make no demands of him to respond.

  “I think I agree with you, Miss Bennet.” His voice was well-modulated, and quiet. “But I enjoy the moorlands and crags of Derbyshire.”

  She smiled, he must be feeling more comfortable. “I think the place where a person passes their childhood is always thought of with the greatest affection.”

  “Indeed.” He bowed politely as the dance came to a close and escorted Elizabeth to the spot where he had found her.

  Jane joined her a few minutes later, flushed and excited. Elizabeth squeezed her arm.

  “Let’s sit down for a little while, Jane.” Her sister was breathless from the dance, but also with happiness, and Elizabeth went to get them each a glass of the fruit punch.

  Mr. Bingley joined them very soon, and his partiality was clear. Elizabeth excused herself and went to join her mother.

  “Well, Mama, are you enjoying yourself? I think you were right; Mr. Bingley coming to Netherfield is a great benefit to the town.”

  Mrs.
Bennet fanned herself extravagantly with her excitement. “Oh, Lizzy! Everything is perfect! Just think, he has danced two dances with Jane, and you — why, you have caught the attention of Mr. Darcy!” She took Elizabeth’s hand. “It is so exciting! I might see two daughters married!”

  “Hush, Mama.” Elizabeth hurried to quieten her mother’s conjectures. “You do not want Mr. Bingley to hear you and take fright just yet.”

  She was very glad her mother took heed, but she was sure Mr. Darcy had already heard the comment. She flushed with vexation, having worked so hard to try and make him feel easier in his mind.

  “And, anyway, Mama, Mr. Darcy is too far above us to consider marrying a country girl. He must move in the top levels of society. I cannot think of marrying to such a level.” She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “But I do think, if we are careful not to seem too eager, that Mr. Bingley is very attentive to Jane.”

  She stood as her aunt came toward them. “Aunt Philips, do take my chair. I was just going to speak to Charlotte.” She was dismayed. Aunt Philips was so vulgar. She hoped Mr. Darcy might move away soon, she did not want him to hear anything which might make him even less comfortable with being here.

  She glanced at the clock as she went to find Charlotte, feeling that the evening could not end soon enough.

  She smiled, she was sure Papa would hear all about the evening from Mama — and she knew how he would react!

  Chapter 5

  Darcy stared out at the darkness beyond the window, his glass in his hand. He was very pleased to be back at Netherfield, and even more content to be alone finally in his guest bedchamber.

  His valet had left him for the night, and the room was dim now, just the embers from the dying fire to match his mood. The evening had been as bad as he had anticipated. He shuddered. Those local mothers and aunts — he had not even begun to imagine how coarse and vulgar they were.

  It had completely spoiled his satisfied thoughts about his dance with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He’d been standing near the door after leaving her at her seat to await her sister, and he was thinking about how comfortable he’d felt as they danced. She demanded nothing of him, cheerfully made remarks without any necessity that he reply and showed no sign of eager pursuit. He’d found it very restful and was wondering how Miss Elizabeth knew the way he felt.