by Kate Jensen
“Well, Lizzy, what did you think of Mr. Darcy?” asked Mr. Gardiner when their visitors had left.
Elizabeth took a moment to consider her impressions of the man. “He seemed uncomfortable at first, almost shy, but as we conversed he seemed more at ease. He was perfectly polite and was considerate enough to share what information he could to help me fill in the blanks of the past year.”
“I am pleased that you approve of him, Lizzy. I do not believe you thought so well of him when you first met, but from what we have seen of him since our arrival he seems to be a good man. He has been very attentive to us, which he had no reason to be.”
“I did not think well of him?” Elizabeth wished that she could remember anything from their previous acquaintance. “Why did I disapprove of him?”
Mrs. Gardiner realized that she had said more than she should have and wished that she could take her words back. “You did not write much about Mr. Darcy. It was only a general impression that I had. I believe you found him to be a proud sort of man.”
Chapter Six
“What did you think of Miss Elizabeth?” Mr. Darcy asked his sister as they left the guest room to return downstairs.
“She is very pretty and her courage impressed me. I can see why you admire her.” Miss Darcy watched her brother’s face as she spoke and was not disappointed. He jumped and gave her a sharp look.
“I had not realized that I was so obvious in my feelings for Miss Elizabeth, but I am glad to hear that you approve of her,” he said.
“I like her very much. May I ask why you have not made an offer to her if you admire her so much?”
Mr. Darcy sighed. “It’s a very long story, Georgiana. I did not make a good first impression when we met last Fall. You know how much I dislike making new acquaintances. I did not want to admire Miss Elizabeth. Her family has no fortune or connections, not to mention that her mother and younger sisters are silly. By the time I realized that I desired to marry her, Miss Elizabeth had already determined that I was proud and selfish.”
“Perhaps you will have a second chance with her now that she is staying here and has another opportunity to get to know your character.”
Mr. Darcy gave a small smile. “That is my hope as well, Georgie. I plan to do all that I can to take advantage of this new beginning with Miss Elizabeth.”
That evening Elizabeth and the Gardiners joined the others in the dining room for supper. Elizabeth’s head ached but she had grown bored in her room and she desired a change of scene. She was also very curious about her hosts, and their guests.
“Miss Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to see you so much recovered that you are able to join us for supper.”
“Thank you, Miss Darcy. I must confess that it feels good to be up and about again. I am afraid I am not a very good patient. I prefer to be active and have no patience for lying in bed all day.”
“Miss Eliza, how good to see you again,” said Miss Bingley as she joined Elizabeth and Miss Darcy’s conversation.
At Elizabeth’s blank look Miss Darcy quickly stepped in and said, “Miss Elizabeth, this is Miss Caroline Bingley. Her brother leased Netherfield Park and the two of you formed an acquaintance last Fall while she was staying with her brother.”
Elizabeth blushed at the awkwardness of having forgotten so many things. “Forgive me, Miss Bingley.”
“Not at all, Miss Eliza. I understand that you have forgotten much, and our acquaintance was only the work of a few weeks.”
“Did you enjoy your time in Hertfordshire?” asked Elizabeth trying to figure out Miss Bingley’s cold tone of voice that belied her friendly words.
“I confess that I prefer London society.”
Elizabeth merely nodded. Miss Darcy felt all the awkwardness of the situation and decided to change the subject. “Miss Bingley, I hope Mrs. Hurst is feeling better. Has she decided to take a tray in her room this evening?”
“Yes, dear Georgiana. I believe she will soon be quite recovered.”
Darcy watched the interaction between Elizabeth and Miss Bingley from the other end of the table, frustrated that he was not closer and able to hear what was being said. A strong sense of protectiveness overwhelmed him. He was not unused to feeling protective of those he cared for but had never felt that Elizabeth had needed his protection before. She had always proven herself strong enough to defend against anyone. He fondly remembered her witty defenses against both Miss Bingley and Lady Catherine. In this instance he was worried about her though. With no memory of Miss Bingley, she might find it difficult to defend herself. Darcy determined to speak with Georgiana about what Miss Bingley had said to Elizabeth during supper and to find a way to remove her from Pemberley if she could not be civil to Elizabeth.
“I imagine you will be continuing on your tour of Derbyshire, now that you are recovered from your fall?” asked Miss Bingley as the women sat in the drawing room after supper before the gentlemen joined them.
“Oh! William wouldn’t dream of having them leave yet. Miss Elizabeth is not well enough to go. William has sent for his physician. He feels responsible for her accident and intends to do all he can to see her well and happy before she leaves. I am sure that my brother won’t hear of her leaving before Mr. Bingley returns with word from her family,” said Miss Darcy.
“Mr. Darcy is all politeness,” said Miss Bingley. “Not many men would feel responsible for someone who injured themselves while touring their estate.”
“Miss Elizabeth is hardly a stranger. They have known each other for the better part of a year. And William thinks very highly of her.”
Elizabeth felt a little dizzy watching the two women go back and forth. It was obvious that Miss Bingley was not fond of her and Elizabeth found herself wondering again about all that had happened in the past year.
The gentlemen rejoined the group shortly afterwards and Miss Bingley instantly made her way over to Mr. Darcy and attached herself to his arm. She attempted to start a conversation with him but Mr. Darcy quickly excused himself to see to the comfort of his other guests.
“How are you feeling, Miss Elizabeth?” he asked as he joined her. “I hope dinner has not been too taxing on you?”
“I am well, Mr. Darcy. Perhaps a little dizzy but I am relieved to be out of bed and able to join the other guests downstairs.”
“I can easily believe that. You are not one for sitting around,” said Mr. Darcy with a smile.
“Indeed not,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam as he joined Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. “How often did we stumble upon you walking the grounds around Rosings Park, last Spring? I’ve never known a lady more inclined to be out in nature.”
Elizabeth smiled and said, “My mother has often lamented my wild ways but I confess that I do prefer being out in nature to being cooped up inside.”
“No one doubts that, Miss Eliza,” sniffed Miss Bingley as she also joined the group forming around Elizabeth. “You are quite famous in Hertfordshire for taking any excuse to walk around the countryside no matter the weather or the conditions of the roads.”
Elizabeth looked at Miss Bingley in confusion, unsure of what she was referring to. Mr. Darcy quickly defended her. “I hardly think that walking from Longbourn to Netherfield in order to nurse Miss Bennet qualifies as taking any excuse to walk around the countryside.” Turning to Elizabeth, he explained. “Last Fall Miss Bennet was caught in a rainstorm on her way to Netherfield to dine with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. She caught a violent cold and you walked to Netherfield the next day to nurse her back to health.” Miss Bingley shrugged and walked away. Elizabeth gave Mr. Darcy a smile full of gratitude for his defense of her actions.
Elizabeth did not stay long in the drawing room after supper. Her head began to ache too much and she needed to rest. She retired to her room but found that sleep eluded her. Her thoughts were too occupied with Mr. Darcy, Miss Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam to allow her to fall asleep. She wished that she could remember her previous acquaintance with them. She felt a
s if she was missing something, some secret that was just on the edge of her memories but refused to be recalled and that everyone else knew but refused to share.
Chapter Seven
The next morning Elizabeth took a tray in her room for breakfast. Mrs. Gardiner had insisted that she rest, stating that she did not want Elizabeth trying to do too much too soon after such a serious injury.
“I know that you dislike being an invalid, and I will be happy to allow you downstairs later in the day, but for my sake will you promise to rest this morning? You gave us quite a scare with your accident and I do not want you to set back your recovery by not taking enough time to rest.”
“Of course, Aunt.”
After eating Elizabeth sat at a window enjoying her view of Pemberley’s grounds. She longed to be outdoors exploring the various paths. A knock at her door interrupted her thoughts.
“May I join you?” asked Miss Darcy.
“Certainly,” replied Elizabeth.
“I thought you might be bored and so I brought a book for you. My brother mentioned that you enjoy poetry. Shall I read to you for a bit?”
“Thank you,” said Elizabeth. “That is very thoughtful. I do enjoy poetry.”
“William is always very thoughtful and attentive. I could not ask for a better brother, although I do sometimes wish that I had a sister as well. There are some things that one cannot discuss with a brother, no matter how wonderful he is.”
Elizabeth smiled at Miss Darcy. “I meant that it was thoughtful of you to offer to entertain me, but I suppose it was thoughtful of Mr. Darcy to suggest a book of poetry. He does seem to be an excellent brother.”
“He truly is. I was little more than a baby when our mother died and I was still a young girl when our father died. William has been my only family for the past five years. I am very lucky to have a brother who takes such excellent care of me. He treats me better than I deserve most of the time.”
“I’m sure that no one could treat you better than you deserve. Mr. Darcy is the fortunate one to have such a sweet and caring sister.”
Miss Darcy blushed at the compliment. They enjoyed a morning of reading poetry together and Elizabeth was thankful for the company. The morning might have been unbearable without Miss Darcy’s visit and Elizabeth felt that she had made a new friend that she could become close to. Miss Darcy’s sweetness and thoughtfulness reminded Elizabeth of her sister, Jane.
“Tea will be served in an hour. Would you like to take a walk in the gardens before we join the others? It is such a lovely day.”
“I cannot imagine anything more to my liking,” said Elizabeth. “I had been admiring the gardens before you joined me and anticipating an opportunity to see them for myself.”
“I will invite William to join us if you do not mind. He spends too much time in his study working.”
“Of course.”
The ladies found Mr. Darcy in his study and invited him to join them on a walk before tea. He was quick to accept their invitation and the group was just stepping through the door to the gardens when they were joined by Miss Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
“Where are you three going?” asked the colonel.
“We thought we’d take a walk before tea.”
“That sounds delightful,” answered Miss Bingley as she stepped up to Mr. Darcy’s side and took his arm. “The gardens at Pemberley are so charming. I’ve never seen such beautiful gardens at any other estate.”
Miss Darcy turned and took Colonel Fitzwilliam’s arm. She started a conversation with him about his family and left Elizabeth to take Mr. Darcy’s other arm. The two groups wandered around the gardens admiring the summer blooms. When the two groups were separated by a little distance Colonel Fitzwilliam turned to Miss Darcy and said, “You have turned into quite the strategist, Georgie. Tell me, if Miss Bingley and myself had not joined in the walk what plans did you have for your brother and Miss Elizabeth?”
Miss Darcy smiled and answered, “My plan was to snag my skirts on a rosebush and return inside to attend to it.”
“And if Miss Elizabeth had offered to accompany you?”
“I would have told her that I would feel terrible cutting her walk short when she had been stuck inside so much lately.”
“It’s a pity that women cannot serve in the military. I often think they are much better strategists than us men.” Miss Darcy giggled at her cousin’s teasing. A few moments later the colonel continued, “What shall we do to give them a few moments alone together? I’ve got a ready excuse for myself but how shall we get Miss Bingley away from them? I do not believe she will be easily pried from Darcy’s arm.”
“Make your own excuses, Richard, and leave Miss Bingley to me. We will join you for tea time.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled at his young cousin. “I am so proud of the young woman you have become, Georgie. You will do well when you come out in a couple of years with your excellent abilities to read others motives and protect yourself and those you care for.”
Georgiana blushed at the compliment. “I suppose if that is the case, the last year has brought about a few positive changes and not just misery.”
“It was perhaps a difficult way to learn, but the lessons will serve you well throughout your life.”
“Thank you, Richard. Let us see about William’s happiness now.”
“Of course.” Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana caught up to the others and Colonel Fitzwilliam addressed Darcy. “I need to leave Georgiana in your care, cousin. I must write to my commanding officer before tea if I hope to have it sent out with the afternoon post.”
“Certainly, Richard,” answered Mr. Darcy. Colonel Fitzwilliam returned to the house and the remaining group looked awkward for a moment. The path was not wide enough to admit four. Mr. Darcy was trying to determine how to keep Miss Elizabeth on his arm without being discourteous to the others. Miss Bingley was determined to remain on Mr. Darcy’s arm and was wishing that Miss Elizabeth would walk with Miss Darcy. Elizabeth moved as if to release Mr. Darcy’s arm to join Miss Darcy but Georgiana spoke up quickly.
“Miss Bingley, will you walk with me? I am desirous to tell you about the new pianoforte that my brother has recently given me.”
Miss Bingley hesitated but could hardly refuse, especially after all she had done to try to establish an intimate connection with Miss Darcy. She released Mr. Darcy’s arm to join Georgiana but determined to stay as near the others as possible.
Miss Darcy began speaking of her new pianoforte but Miss Bingley hardly paid any attention to what she was saying. Instead she attempted to listen to any conversation between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. What could he possibly admire about such an unfashionable, impertinent country girl? She has nothing to recommend her, and yet he is clearly fascinated with her. It is insupportable!
“Miss Bingley?” asked Miss Darcy. Miss Bingley realized that Miss Darcy had asked her something but she had been distracted by her thoughts and completely missed it.
“Pardon me, Miss Darcy. My thoughts wandered.”
“Forgive me for boring you, Miss Bingley. I know that I am not accomplished on the pianoforte, but I do love to play and was hoping that you would come listen to me practice the new piece of music William bought for me and offer your opinion. I am hoping to find the courage to perform it for our guests this evening. That is, if you think I’ve mastered it enough to not embarrass myself before the others.” Miss Darcy purposely made herself sound unsure about her abilities. She knew she played well, although she did not truly enjoy playing before others. But for my dear brother I shall exert myself. He will be pleased to have a few moments alone with Miss Elizabeth and to hear me play before others this evening.
“Dear Miss Darcy, I am sure you have mastered the new piece. You are a very accomplished musician and I have never listened to anyone with your abilities. I am sure that you need no practice before performing this evening.” Miss Bingley was unwilling to leave Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth alone in the gard
ens.
“Thank you, Miss Bingley, but you know how much I fear performing before others. And I do so wish to play well tonight. William has spoken of how much he enjoys listening to Miss Elizabeth perform and I feel nervous about performing in front of her and the Gardiners. Some practice and your advice would be appreciated.”
“You need not fear performing before Miss Eliza or her relations. She is no great proficient. I am surprised your brother spoke of her abilities. I assure you that she is a very mediocre musician. And I am certain that the Gardiners know nothing of music.”
Georgiana grew frustrated that Miss Bingley was not cooperating with her plans. Considering her options for a moment she continued. “William does think highly of Miss Elizabeth’s abilities. Perhaps after tea if she is not too tired she would be willing to practice with me. I am sure that someone as accomplished and confident as Miss Elizabeth will be able to ease my fears of performing.”
Miss Bingley grew jealous of Miss Darcy’s description of Elizabeth and spoke before considering her words. “I would be delighted to return to the house and practice with you, Miss Darcy. You do not want to solicit Miss Eliza’s help. She truly is an indifferent player. She has never had the benefit of studying with the masters in London as we have.”
Miss Darcy smiled at her success and thanked Miss Bingley for her assistance. “William, Miss Bingley and I are returning to the house now. She has agreed to help me practice a piece of music that I hope to perform this evening. We will see you at tea.”
“Perhaps we should all return together,” suggested Miss Bingley seeing an opportunity to please Miss Darcy without surrendering her own desires.
“Oh, I am sure that listening to me practice the same song over and over could not be good for Miss Elizabeth’s headache. Fresh air will revive her before an afternoon of visiting together.” With that Georgiana turned Miss Bingley towards the house and headed towards the music room speaking of the piece she had chosen to perform.
