“If it made you angry, why did you escort the ladies home, Darcy?”
“What do you mean, Bingley?”
“You were glaring into the distance as you spoke to Miss Bennet. I hope she did not notice your expression.”
“I was not glaring into the darkness; I was glaring at your sister.”
Bingley started at the anger in his voice, but then, with a resigned sigh, said, “What did Caroline do now?”
“She deliberately shoved me when I was holding two cups of punch. They spilled all over Miss Elizabeth, dowsing her and completely ruining her gown.”
“Are you sure it was not an accident?”
“If you mean did I see her? No. However, her comments about the family having to go home were clear enough, as were the comments from those standing close enough to observe the incident.”
Bingley shook his head. “Her dress was ruined?”
“Caroline said it was, with a rather gleeful expression.”
“Well, then, I will have Louisa order a new one and deduct the cost from Caroline’s allowance.”
“I do not believe that is necessary. Besides, I do not think Mrs. Hurst and Miss Elizabeth have similar taste. If Miss Bingley gave her input, I am sure they would choose something that would only embarrass Miss Elizabeth.”
“You may be right there,” agreed Charles.
The Bingley carriage moved past them. The gentlemen stood behind the others of the party, allowing Mr. Hurst to assist the two women into the carriage. Darcy and Charles sat opposite the others as the vehicle pulled away.
“What a dreadful neighborhood you selected, Charles,” came Miss Bingley’s whiney voice.
“I do not know what you mean, Caroline. I found the company to be quite welcoming and friendly.”
“Hardly, Charles. I am sure that Mr. Darcy would agree with me.”
Darcy turned from the window to glare at her for bringing him into the conversation. He did not hesitate to agree with Charles before turning to stare out the carriage window again.
Caroline frowned at Darcy’s response but did not speak for the remainder of the ride to Netherfield.
A Visit to Longbourn
Darcy began the next day with a brisk morning ride across the sparkling fields around Netherfield. He noted what, in the distance, appeared to be the most significant hill in the area. As he studied the view around him, Darcy saw a form standing at the edge, silhouetted by the sunrise. A sudden gust of wind whipped her skirts around her, outlining her beautiful shape and blowing a mass of curls behind her. Mesmerized by the sight, Darcy could not help but wonder if it might be Miss Elizabeth, as the mount appeared to be located between Netherfield and Longbourn. He was thoughtful as he rode back to Netherfield. The evening he’d shared with Miss Bennet was unlike any experience he could recall in a ballroom.
Darcy’s thoughts were abruptly interrupted upon his approach of the breakfast room, as the sound of Miss Bingley’s grating voice reached his ears. Darcy frowned when he realized that she was continuing her complaints about the previous evening. He entered quietly, without acknowledging anyone, and filled a plate from the sideboard before sitting next to Charles. In the background, Miss Bingley’s words droned on like the annoying buzz of an insect.
“Really, Charles, there is no one in this backward community of our level of society. The men barely deserve to be called gentlemen. The ladies’ fashions are at least two years out of date. The music was dreadful and the dancing no better than that of the savages in Africa.” Darcy and Bingley looked at one another and rolled their eyes at her turn of phrase. “I think you should close the house immediately. We should return to town before any of our acquaintances discover us in such an unfashionable locale. It may damage our acceptance in the ton.”
As Caroline’s complaints had begun the moment he had sat down to break his fast some thirty minutes earlier, Charles grumpily spoke when she paused for breath. “Caroline, if you wish to return to town, please do so with my blessing. I, however, will be staying right here. I leased this property with the intention of learning to manage an estate of my own, just as our father wished. If you choose to not return to town, I insist that you cease with these complaints forthwith. I may wish to entertain my neighbors at some point in the future and I will not risk you insulting them. If you do not feel up to the task, I shall ask Louisa to be my hostess. Which do you choose?”
As her brother spoke, several shades of red passed through Miss Bingley’s face. “But Charles–”
“No buts, Caroline. Do you wish to return to London, or will you cease your criticisms of our neighbors and act as my hostess?”
Miss Bingley glared at her brother as she deliberated, then turned a look of loathing on Mr. Hurst as she heard him chuckle. He only laughed harder.
“I am waiting, Caroline.”
“I shall be happy to remain as your hostess, Charles. Miss Jane Bennet seemed like a pleasant young lady; perhaps if I cultivate her friendship, I will better enjoy my time in Hertfordshire.” The words were forced out between grated teeth and the downturn of her lips gave the lie to those words. Bingley decided to accept her word for now, but knowing his sister as he did, he suspected this would not be their last conversation on the topic.
Darcy, who had stayed silent throughout the conversation between the siblings, spoke. “Bingley, why do you not show me around the estate this morning, so that I can see if there are areas that need improvement?”
“That is an excellent idea, Darcy. How long before you can be ready?”
“Will fifteen minutes be soon enough?”
“I shall meet you at the stables.” At that, the two men departed the room while Miss Bingley stared after them.
Arriving back at the house at half past one, the gentlemen requested trays in their rooms as they cleaned up in preparation of paying a call on Longbourn.
Having just argued with her younger sister, Kitty flounced away from the table where they sat retrimming their bonnets. She stared out the window, her arms folded across her chest and a pout on her face. Suddenly, Kitty emitted a small squeak that turned into a coughing fit.
“Really, Kitty, must you cough so? You know how it affects my nerves.”
Coughing her last, Kitty said, “But, Mama, two men on horses are coming up the drive.”
Lydia and Mrs. Bennet both squealed as they rushed to the window. Lydia pushed her sister out of the way to get a better view.
“Oh, Jane, I knew you could not be so beautiful for nothing. It is Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Darcy appears to accompany him. He was so rude at the assembly, but if he is Mr. Bingley’s friend, we shall have to tolerate him.”
“Mama!” cried Jane.
“He danced with me, Mama,” added Mary.
“Mr. Darcy is just shy in new company, Mama.” Elizabeth’s voice was the loudest in the gentleman’s defense.
“Do not be ridiculous, Lizzy! Why would a man such as Mr. Darcy be shy when he is so rich?” Elizabeth shook her head at her mother’s reasoning. “Quick, girls, tidy up the room before the gentlemen enter. Kitty and Lydia, return to your table. Mary, you and Elizabeth sit on the larger sofa. Jane, you sit on the small sofa. I will encourage Mr. Bingley to sit beside you.”
“Mama, please do not push the gentleman towards me. I should prefer it to be his choice.” Mrs. Bennet frowned and looked as though she would speak again, but Jane quickly continued. “Besides, you would not wish to frighten him away.” Mrs. Bennet did not have time to reply, as Mr. Hill appeared in the doorway.
The girls scrambled to take their seats as Mr. Hill announced, “Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Hill moved aside to allow the gentlemen to enter.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy. How lovely to see you again,” gushed Mrs. Bennet, though her tone was a bit cold when she spoke the second gentleman’s name. Elizabeth blushed at her mother’s rudeness. However, the worse was to come as her mother continued. “Does not
my Jane look lovely today? Why do you not sit beside her, Mr. Bingley?” Now Jane, too, was blushing, but Mr. Bingley moved with alacrity to sit beside her.
Before Mrs. Bennet could further embarrass her daughters, Darcy seated himself in a chair beside the sofa on which Miss Elizabeth sat. He smiled in her direction, but she failed to observe it, as her eyes were cast down at the hands folded in her lap. Mrs. Bennet began to badger Bingley with questions that prevented him enjoying the quiet conversation he hoped to have with Miss Bennet. Fortunately, this left Darcy and Elizabeth free to converse uninterrupted.
Darcy spoke quietly. “How are you today, Miss Elizabeth? I hope no worse for the misfortune that befell you last evening.”
Elizabeth looked up at his gentle voice and gave him a timid smile. “I am well, sir, I thank you. Did you wish to walk today and discuss your sister or would you prefer to go into Meryton and look for a gift for her?”
Darcy thought for a moment as he studied Elizabeth’s upturned face. There was still a hint of embarrassment in her eyes, but her smile grew more confident.
“Perhaps we should remain here this afternoon. I should endeavor to improve your mother’s impression of me.”
Elizabeth blushed at his words. “If you wish.”
“May I ask you a question, Miss Elizabeth?” She nodded. “Did you enjoy your walk to Oakham Mount this morning?”
Startled at Darcy’s question, she blurted, “How did you know I walked there this morning?”
“I was out riding and you made a lovely silhouette against the beautiful sunrise.” Elizabeth flushed at his words, and Darcy smiled widely.
Abruptly, their conversation was interrupted by Mrs. Bennet’s shrill voice. “Tell us about your estate, Mr. Darcy. It is in Derbyshire, is it not?”
“Yes, madam. It is a largish estate near the Peak District. Along with the crops, we raise sheep and breed horses. It is near the town of Lambton.”
“Lambton?” questioned Elizabeth. Darcy nodded. “My Aunt Gardiner grew up in that village and often speaks of it with fond memories.”
“Is Gardiner her married name? Do you recall her maiden name? Perhaps I am acquainted with her family.”
“It was Thompson. Her father still owns the bookshop there.”
“Mr. Thompson is well known to me, as I am a frequent customer of his.”
At that moment, Mrs. Hill appeared with the tea tray, which was loaded with scones, jam, and fresh clotted cream. “Jane, will you serve please?” asked her mother. Mr. Bingley could not take his eyes from her graceful actions as she went about her task.
Once Jane had served everyone, Darcy again spoke to Elizabeth. “Might you be induced to show me Oakham Mount tomorrow morning? I believe the privacy to be found there might be the perfect place for me to discuss my sister with you.”
“I would be delighted to show you one of the most beautiful locations in the area. Do you remember which path to take from Netherfield?” Darcy answered with a nod. “Provided the weather cooperates, I will leave about 6:30. I should be at the spot where the paths meet by 6:50. That will allow us to reach the summit before the sun rises, if that suits you?”
“That sounds delightful. Is the path longer from Netherfield?”
“A little bit, but with your long strides, you should be able to cover the distance in about the same amount of time.”
At that moment, Mr. Bingley rose to take his leave. “Thank you for the tea and company this morning, ladies. It was delightful to see you again.” Though he spoke to all those in attendance, his eyes never left Jane’s face.
“Jane, you and Lizzy walk the gentlemen to the door.” The ladies both blushed at their mother’s obviousness but rose to do as she requested.
At the door, Mr. Bingley bowed over Jane’s hand, stopping just short of kissing it. Darcy followed suit, but he kept his eyes on Elizabeth and softly said, “Until tomorrow.”
Secrets Shared on Oakham Mount
Excited for the opportunity to meet with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth awoke early the next morning. In the kitchen, she pilfered two rolls that she filled with small slices of ham before wrapping them and putting them in her pocket. Elizabeth also grabbed two apples before escaping the house and making for the path to Oakham Mount.
Despite the fact that she’d arisen early, Mr. Darcy was waiting for her when she arrived at the spot where the paths converged. The gentleman removed his hat and made a sweeping bow.
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. How are you on this fine day?”
“Good morning to you as well, Mr. Darcy. I am well, thank you, and you?”
“I am hale and hardy. Shall we begin our climb?” asked Mr. Darcy as he offered his arm.
Elizabeth placed her hand in the crook of his arm and turned him towards the path that climbed up Oakham Mount. They ascended the steep trail in silence, but when they reached the summit, Elizabeth led the gentleman to a large, flat rock. Taking her seat, she waved at Mr. Darcy to do the same. Once he sat beside her, she pulled the cloth from her pocket and offered one of the rolls and one of the apples to her companion.
Quietly chewing the bite she had taken, Elizabeth waited for Darcy to begin. When he did not, she said, “As we were both early to the meeting point this morning, there is time for you to tell me more about your sister before the beauty of the day distracts us.”
Darcy sat, thoughtful, as he swallowed the bite in his mouth. “I believe I must give you some background before I speak of Georgiana’s current difficulties.” Elizabeth nodded her consent and kept her eyes on the gentleman beside her. “My father, who passed away five years ago, was an excellent master and father. He had a dedicated steward named Mr. Wickham. Mr. Wickham had a son, George, who is near my age. As children, we were the best of friends. The elder Mr. Wickham died when George was ten and four, so my father, who was George’s godfather, sent him to school with me and then later to Cambridge when I began my studies at university.
“During our time at school, I began to notice a change in George. You see, at Pemberley, he considered himself my equal. However, at school, the other students saw him only as the son of a servant. He did not receive the acceptance I did.” Elizabeth gave another nod but did not interrupt as she continued to study the handsome face before her. “I tried my best to include George, but he became bitter and eventually fell in with a crowd that constantly got into trouble–though most of it seemed harmless while we were at Eton. However, by the time we reached university, his presence had become intolerable.”
Again, Elizabeth nodded. The topic was obviously difficult for Darcy to discuss, so she maintained her silence.
“George Wickham’s behavior at university is not appropriate for a gentlewoman’s ears, but suffice it to say that he began to live a more dissolute lifestyle. I used my allowance to clean up after George. However, due to illness, I could not bring myself to disillusion my father about his cherished godson.
“When my father passed away, he left George a gift of one thousand pounds and a living in the church when it became available and provided that George took orders. Wickham told me he did not desire to be ordained and preferred to study the law. I must admit my relief, for he was certainly not someone who should watch over the spiritual welfare of anyone. I had some papers prepared and paid him three thousand pounds, in addition to the one thousand my father had gifted him. By signing the paperwork, he resigned all rights to the living.
“Two years later, the living became available and Wickham contacted me, demanding to receive it. I reminded him of the funds he had accepted in exchange for any claim on the position. He railed at me, telling me the seriousness of his position. Apparently, he had frittered away almost all of the four thousand pounds and now had debts in excess of his remaining funds. However, I remained firm in my refusal.
“Since that time, I know not how he lived, but the rumors he spreads wherever he goes often reach my ears. You see, he tells a very different version of the
events surrounding the living. He claims that I denied it to him. Then, a few months ago, he reentered my life in a most despicable manner.” Darcy paused to breathe deeply several times before he forced himself to continue. Though she did not speak, Elizabeth reached out her hand to cover his beside her on the rock. She squeezed his fingers gently before removing her hand and giving him an encouraging smile.
“This past summer, I removed Georgiana from school and, in company with her companion, took a house for her in Ramsgate to allow her to study with a painting master. After I left her there, George Wickham appeared. He dedicated himself to gaining her affection. Georgiana did not know about the break in our friendship, for it did not seem appropriate to subject her to a summary of Wickham’s misdeeds. Between Wickham and her companion, Georgiana soon believed that she was in love with him. They pressured her to elope with Wickham. I discovered that George had a past connection to Mrs. Younge, Georgiana’s companion.”
A gasp escaped Elizabeth’s lips. “Oh, your poor sister! Were you able to prevent her elopement, or is she doomed to a marriage with such a monster?”
Pleased at her reaction and concern for his sister, Darcy now covered her hand and squeezed it as he said, “Yes, I returned to Ramsgate earlier than expected and Georgiana confessed everything. Being the last of the Darcys, we have always had a close connection and she did not wish to disappoint such a beloved relation.”
“Thank goodness for that! Please forgive my interruption and continue your tale.”
Darcy smiled wearily. “As I said, I arrived early and found her in the parlor alone with Wickham. She indicated that Mrs. Younge, her companion at the time, would return momentarily. Several minutes passed but the companion did not return. I did not speak while we waited; I only stared at Wickham. I assume that my lack of speech unnerved Georgiana, for she jumped up and rushed into my arms, exclaiming, “I am so glad you arrived, William. Now we will not need to elope and you can give me away when I wed your dearest friend, George.’
A Turn in Their Dance Page 3
