by Kate Speck
Jane did appear very ill and Mr. Bingley kindly agreed to host Elizabeth for as long as she was needed by her sister’s side, and Miss Bingley, who was the acting mistress of Netherfield, reluctantly set up the next room for Elizabeth. After writing to her mother to update her of Jane’s condition and to specifically request for her diary and the volume of Wordsworth to be delivered amongst other necessary items, Mr. Bingley promptly sent a servant to fetch the bags for the Bennet sisters and Elizabeth only waited for a good time to be able to give Mr. Darcy his letter.
Chapter 7
“Oh, pardon me,” Elizabeth blushed, as she entered the wrong room on the ground floor of Netherfield while looking for the library. She was tired of her book and had wished to find something else to read, but had accidentally entered the billiards room instead, where Mr. Darcy had been playing alone.
“It is no trouble, Miss Bennet,” Mr. Darcy answered. He walked towards her after putting down the cue stick on the table with his usual intense stare and stood in front of her. “Are you looking for something or someone?”
Elizabeth avoided his eyes and looked at his chest, realising that he had divested his jacket and was standing only in his lawnshirt and waistcoat with his sleeves rolled up. She could not help but notice multiple scars on his arms and stared at them for several moments until Mr. Darcy hurriedly pulled down his sleeves to cover them. Alerted back to the gentleman standing before her, she answered, “I was looking for something to read, sir. I am sorry to disturb you.” She turned to leave in embarrassment when he reached for her elbow and ceased her movement.
Mr. Darcy asked courteously, “What types of books do you enjoy? Romantic novels and fashion magazines?”
Elizabeth laughed as she replied, “I enjoy every topic but poetry and histories are my favourite. I have not had many chances to read fashion magazines or novels since my time is filled with other interests and one simply does not have enough time to read everything in the world.”
Mr. Darcy lifted up a corner of his mouth in amusement at her reply and enquired, “Have you found my sister’s letter to your liking? She should be receiving all of her correspondences from Derbyshire this week.”
Elizabeth turned to face him fully now and smiled, “Oh, yes, Georgie was ecstatic to be able to locate me in Hertfordshire and I plan on writing her as soon as I return home. I am very happy to connect with her again, even if only through letters.”
“Good. It has been pleasant to gain your acquaintance here in this corner of the country.” Mr. Darcy’s eyes brightened as he spoke to her, “I hope your sister is faring better.”
Elizabeth nodded, surprised at his amiability once again, “She is, sir. Oh, I have something of yo...” she was interrupted when Mr. Hurst came down the stairs with a loud groan.
“I am ready now, Mr. Darcy!” Mr. Hurst shouted as he entered the room. “I do apologise for the delay in taking longer than expected. My stomach is... Oh, Miss Bennet, did you need something?”
“The library is across the hall, Miss Bennet,” Mr. Darcy curtly stated before Elizabeth could answer, his face becoming expressionless once again. He turned around and resumed his attention to his billiards game without another word.
Elizabeth walked across the hallway in confusion, as Mr. Darcy appeared to wish to converse with her but then returned to his cold manners as soon as Mr. Hurst had joined them. She shook her head in perplexity and resumed her original task to look for something to read, to which she was unsuccessful due to the bare shelves in the library.
~*~
It was not until the next evening that Jane felt well enough for Elizabeth to leave her sister’s side for half an hour and join the other residents in the drawing room. Seeing that Mr. and Mrs. Hurst were playing loo with Mr. and Miss Bingley and likely playing high stakes, Elizabeth declined to join them at the card table and sat down to read her book again instead. She had taken the Wordsworth volume with her and snuck a glance at Mr. Darcy, and she could see that he was reading Lord Byron’s newest book, which had sold out immediately after its release and had been impossible to find in Hertfordshire.
“How ever did you manage to get a copy of Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage?” Elizabeth asked in wonder, quickly realising that with all of his wealth in the world, he could obtain anything he wanted at any price, without having to wait one minute more than he wished.
Mr. Darcy looked directly at the young lady, “Lord Byron is a personal friend and he advanced me the copy prior to its release. Contrary to what you might think, I did not purchase it for more than it is worth and likely would have waited for the next publication like everyone else if I were not a friend, Miss Bennet.”
Miss Bingley, hearing them in conversation, jumped in to have her say. “Mr. Darcy knows everyone who is worth knowing. The Earl of Matlock boasts of his nephew’s connections to many important people in Parliament and talk is rampant that General Well...” She ceased her speech abruptly when Mr. Darcy coughed loudly. She returned her focus to her cards with a bright blush and did not speak for several minutes.
“Have you had a chance to read Lord Byron’s book?” Mr. Darcy returned to the topic of conversation with Elizabeth. “I see that you are reading Wordsworth and his descriptions of nature are based on Derbyshire, my home county, and I am quite proud of how he had written of my favourite place in the world.”
Elizabeth responded, “I had not yet seen the cover of the new book until today, sir, nonetheless read it, but I am hopeful for a copy in Meryton in the new year.” She then smiled, “But Derbyshire sounds wonderful. I have read it described with peaks and valleys for miles out and cannot imagine how marvellous the sight must be compared to the plain, rolling fields of Hertfordshire. My aunt is actually from the area and had left Lambton when she married several years ago. You might not remember him but my uncle Mr. Edward Gardiner has told me of meeting you before.”
She could hear Miss Bingley snort then comment, “Is that the uncle in Cheapside? The one in trade?”
Elizabeth quickly became defensive but as a guest of this house, decided to be gracious. “He lives near Cheapside, but yes, my uncle’s wife lived in Lambton for years and they now have a very prosperous business in London which has lately thrived and he is planning on retiring to become a landowner after the war ends.”
Mr. Darcy spoke out after glaring at Miss Bingley for a moment, “I am well-acquainted with Mr. Gardiner and have seen him several times in town before arriving here at Hertfordshire. He actually recommended Netherfield and is a very respectable man.”
“Oh? He had not said anything about meeting you, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth frowned in confusion. “I only received a letter from my aunt two days ago...”
“Our meeting was business-related and certainly nothing of import to put in her letters. I am not acquainted with Mrs. Gardiner.” Mr. Darcy sternly interrupted and stood up. “I will retire now. Good night.” He strode to the door quickly and left the room after a nod to his companions.
Elizabeth also stood, “I did not realise how late it has become. I will return to Jane. Good night.” She walked out of the drawing room after Mr. Darcy had already departed but was surprised to find him waiting for her outside the drawing room to walk upstairs together.
“Miss Bennet, I...” Mr. Darcy began, “I hope you do not think... I have the highest opinion of Mr. Gardiner and enjoyed his company very much during our meetings. I have yet to be introduced to your aunt but your uncle is a good business partner and Miss Bingley has no right to look down on your relations.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. That lady is the most arrog...” Elizabeth took a deep breath, “I am unsurprised of her behaviour and will not think on it further.” She saw the corner of his lips lift slightly. “Oh, I have something to give to you. I nearly forgot.” Elizabeth pulled out the lost letter from between her book and held it out.
Immediately, Mr. Darcy grabbed it out of her hand without a word and forcefully clutched her upper arm to pull her into the
nearest room. “Where did you find this? Tell me now!” He roared, with rage in his eyes. “Are you spying on me? Who the hell are you?”
Elizabeth was fearful of the man standing over her, his eyes full of furore and his nares flared as if fire would come out from them. “I found it!” She exclaimed hastily while attempting to shake his hand from her arm, “I found it and did not read it! It is still sealed and once I realised it belonged to you, I returned it to you the first chance I could.”
Mr. Darcy rapidly released her and stepped backwards to inspect at the letter and check the seal. He breathed in deeply and exhaled before speaking. “How did you know it belonged to me? My name is not on it.” He quickly pocketed the letter into his waistcoat pocket and stared at the petite woman.
“I studied the seal and saw the same emblem on your watch when I first arrived here. I found it last week on Oakham Mount and had been searching for its owner but I did not wish to intrude and did not open it.” Elizabeth stood straighter, “It appeared like an old letter and I thought it might be important. I swear I did not open it.” She rubbed her arm where he had gripped her with his strong hand, wondering if he had bruised her. He was incredibly strong and she was but a petite woman in comparison.
Mr. Darcy’s face became expressionless once again, “My apologies. I... I should not have lost my temper and I am sorry.” He stepped closer with his eyes watching her intently, “It seems my debts to you are mounting and I will need to make my restitutions soon.” He drew even closer to stand inches from her and gently touched her arm where he had grabbed her before, “I... I am... sorry.”
Before Elizabeth could finish blinking, he walked away and was gone from the room instantly. Elizabeth could not understand this confusing man, who seemed amiable one minute but merciless and proud the next. Remembering his sweet sister, Elizabeth was determined to avoid the man for the rest of the stay and think no longer of him. She cared not for whatever debt he thought he owed; she only wished to be away from the haughty gentleman, who seemed to believe he had a right to rule over anyone near his proximity.
Chapter 8
The next day, while Jane was resting more comfortably, Elizabeth looked outside the window to see the beautiful garden below and desired to take some fresh air. After her sister insisted several times that she would be perfectly well alone for half an hour, Elizabeth walked outside and breathed in some of the fresh flowers. She loved being out of doors, especially away from the prying eyes of the ladies in this house, who were congenial enough when the gentlemen were out, but overbearing and flaunting their talents when Mr. Darcy was present.
She sprinted across the walking path for several yards and took a seat on a hidden bench behind the hedgerows to watch the birds in the sky, when she heard Mr. Darcy’s voice on the other side of the shrubbery speaking with another gentleman, of whom she did not recognise the voice.
“And the spy rumour?” Mr. Darcy asked, “All is as planned? I expect him here by next week if the lieutenant is successful.”
“Yes,” the stranger responded, “We will be able to follow him to discover his source and the trap will work. You worry too much, Darcy, and you must trust that we meagre officers can do something right in this little village here. And your recent... distraction, as you call it... Have you decided if she...?”
Elizabeth did not wish to be rude and stood up to walk away from their conversation, not understanding what they were speaking of but wishing to give them privacy. Unfortunately, there was a gust of breeze which caused her to sneeze at that very moment and she knew she had been found out when Mr. Darcy hastily ran around the hedgerow.
Elizabeth blushed to be caught once again, as Mr. Darcy had accused her of being a spy already and wondered how angry he would be this time. She saw him nod to the unknown man in a military uniform and the officer quickly ran off without acknowledging her, while Mr. Darcy drew closer to her with an indifferent countenance.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” he reached for her hand to wrap it around his arm and began to walk her to the far side of the gardens, “you have the propensity to catch me completely unawares and I trust that you are not following me in an attempt to...” He did not finish his line. “Tell me how much of the conversation you just heard.”
“I heard nothing!” Elizabeth exclaimed, as she tried to pull her hand away from the conceited man, but he held it tightly and would not let go. “Only something about a spy and the trap would work, but I walked away so that I would not hear more. I have no idea of what you were speaking and I will not say anything.”
Mr. Darcy turned her to face her while still holding her hand and glared down, “Promise me! Promise me on your sister’s life that you will not say a word to another living soul, Elizabeth. I do not wish for any danger to you nor my sister and you will say nothing. Promise me.”
Elizabeth was stunned at his forcefulness but comprehended that it must be a serious secret that he needed to keep. She nodded her head in agreement when there were voices at a near distance of two ladies. She was further shocked when Mr. Darcy drew her closer and pushed her between two hedge corners where it made for a great hideaway. He tucked her within and covered her body with his to shield themselves from Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley who were walking on the opposite side.
“I swear I heard him around here just a moment ago, Louisa!” Miss Bingley whined, “I must find him and keep him away from that chit. She is out here somewhere and he finds her and her fine eyes more entertaining than my superior conversations of the topics which I am most proficient.”
“Perhaps he went down to the stream,” Mrs. Hurst added. Elizabeth could hear them walking away and looked up to see Mr. Darcy’s dark eyes on her.
Elizabeth’s heart beat wildly at the closeness, as he was embracing her, his body touching hers and his arms wrapped around her back, with her own hands resting on his chest and she could smell the masculine cologne on his body. She instinctively kept quiet after the promise that he had made her make but felt faint with the closeness with his tall form enveloping her. She could feel his soft breaths on her face and as soon as the other ladies were far enough, he straightened but continued to stare into her eyes. She licked her lips nervously and he immediately released her then stepped back.
Mr. Darcy avoided looking at her but quietly commanded, “Speak to no one of what you heard. I must leave for Meryton now.” He turned and was gone within seconds.
Elizabeth could not forgive her treacherous heart for beating so fast for the gentleman whom she had vowed to dislike. He was imposing and rude and tall and severe, and yet he was the handsomest man she had ever met and mysteriously fascinating. She fixed her appearance to return indoors and declared to herself that she would not think of him again, only to fail miserably and remembered how warm his hands were around her waist.
~*~
Elizabeth continued to write in her journal but there was nothing from Anne to direct her next steps. Still curious if her diary’s Anne could be related to Mr. Darcy’s letter, Elizabeth tried to think of a way to ask the gentleman about it, but being determined to avoid the man, she decided to write to Georgiana as soon as she was able, in order to find out more about the Darcy Family. As her young friend had hoped to join her brother to visit Hertfordshire, Elizabeth planned on enquiring about his sister during the next evening while the other guests were present, in the hopes that he would answer her with witnesses around so that he would not become angry.
Jane felt well enough to venture out of her rooms the following evening and joined the group after dinner in the drawing room. While Jane and Mr. Bingley were quietly conversing near the fireplace, Miss Bingley, with her decided opinion about every topic, from the value of a woman’s accomplishments to the importance of taking a turn about the room every hour, continued to interrupt whatever small conversations between the group while Mr. Darcy wrote to his sister at the desk. Elizabeth had been surprised to see Lord Byron’s volume on her bedside table last night after tending t
o Jane and had brought it downstairs to comment on it, but hearing Miss Bingley speak of Georgiana, she set to ask him about her friend’s plans to travel to Hertfordshire now.
“I had wished to ask you about Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth began. “When I finally received her letter last week, she was eager to join you here in...”
“How well do you know Georgiana?!” Miss Bingley rudely interjected. “You said you met her before but how? I cannot believe that you are so close to her that she would correspond with you!”
Mr. Darcy spoke rigidly, “My sister met Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth last summer and as I have explained before, I have met Miss Elizabeth more than once before seeing her again at the town assembly.” He scowled at the vulgar woman, “You do not know of all of my sister’s acquaintances and Miss Darcy considers Miss Elizabeth to be a very dear friend.”
Miss Bingley quickly shut her lips in embarrassment and Elizabeth nearly laughed loudly to see the crass lady being put in her place, then she continued to address the gentleman. “I had hoped to hear of her arrival soon. I am most eager to see her again in person and I know she would enjoy our little town here.”
Mr. Darcy remained silent for a moment, making Elizabeth wonder at his strange behaviour. At last, he spoke out as he stood up and commanded the room. “Leave us.”
Elizabeth sat in shock as the Hursts and the Bingleys immediately stood up and obeyed, with Mr. Bingley gently walking Jane out of doors with a smile on his face, leaving Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth alone in the drawing room.
“I do not understand...” Elizabeth began but could not continue when Mr. Darcy took a seat next to her and voiced his intent.
“My sister cannot join me here, not now and not for some time, Miss Elizabeth, and I will ask you to not mention your friendship with her again in front of company. Bingley and his family know a little of my responsibilities while I am here in Hertfordshire but I cannot reveal more to you than that I wish to keep her unknown from the people in this town. And although you are corresponding with her, I request that you send letters to her through me next time you write to her. I know you have not written to her after her last letter and I can ensure that she promptly receives your reply.” Mr. Darcy calmly informed her, “Georgiana does not know the reason for my visit here and believes that I am to help Bingley learn the tasks of being a landowner and that I will be here for another month complete if all is successful. Bingley may stay longer if he wishes and Netherfield’s new owner will agree to however long Bingley wishes to continue his lease, since my friend has decided on an important choice for himself.” He leaned his body towards her for a moment before straightening and sitting up taller. “Perhaps I will make one myself as soon as I am able.”
