Flirtation and Folly

by Anna Harlow

  Elizabeth paused, laughing at herself for such thoughts. Surely, he had not come just for her, but for the companionship of the whole party. She could not know what was in his mind, nor whether or not the feelings she had in his company were the same as those experienced by him. Her butterflies were so rapid as to make her stomach hurt, but for now they would simply have to be ignored. She resolutely marched out her door and followed Jane to rejoin the others.

  Darcy’s eyes brightened when they entered the room, zeroing in on Elizabeth as he smiled. “There you are, Miss Elizabeth. I began to despair that you would remain abovestairs.”

  “Well, your coming here has indeed hastened my return, sir,” she said, smiling back at him and taking a seat at his side. “Good morning, Fitzwilliam. How are you?”

  “Most deprived, madam, to see where you have gone,” he teased. “So, is this the way it shall be now that you have had a good look at Pemberley?”

  “It would be so even if Pemberley were but a hovel, sir,” she replied, laughing.

  The others laughed as well, even though only part of what they were saying was obvious enough to understand. Jane was grinning at Aunt Gardiner, and Mr. Gardiner was grinning at everyone in general, which made all of Elizabeth’s boldness disappear in favor of a deep embarrassment. She folded her hands in her lap and gazed downward until her emotions were under better regulation—which was not an easy task since beneath the table Darcy’s foot bumped into hers, getting her to look at him again.

  “So, Jane, what can you tell us of Mrs. Fisher before we visit her?” asked Mrs. Gardiner curiously. “Is she amiable?”

  “She reminds me very much of Mr. Bingley,” Jane replied. “All that is affable and kind.”

  “A most agreeable sort of woman,” Bingley readily agreed.

  “Yes, you may well think so,” said Mr. Darcy. “It was the father who was so stringent about propriety, and instilled such morals into both of his daughters, if not his son. Bingley’s mother was fun and very indulgent. It is only lately that she has been less open, but certainly she cannot be blamed for a bit of melancholy, as she is about to lay her second husband into a grave.”

  “Oh yes, poor Mr. Fisher,” Jane sympathized. “It is quite unfortunate that he shall not be able to attend the wedding. He shall be lucky if he remains alive while his wife is in Hertfordshire, yet he insists that she must go and be there for her son. Such a tragedy. I do hope he will not die until she can return to his side!”

  “Mrs. Fisher shall certainly be all right,” Darcy reassured her. “Though, once Mr. Fisher has gone, I would not be surprised if that lady will wish to reside at Netherfield for a time. She shall not wish to be alone during her mourning.”

  “I should not care to leave her alone at any time,” said Jane. “She will be welcome to stay with us as long as she likes.”

  “Though, since you are to take over the housekeeping at Netherfield, perhaps you ought to have Caroline reside with her mother,” Elizabeth suggested with a sly smile. “The two would be sure to get on quite well in such a situation.”

  “And live quite near to Pemberley,” Darcy reminded her.

  Elizabeth shuddered slightly. “Oh, I should not think you’d like to have her about throughout the year, sir. She is best taken in smaller doses, to be sure.”

  “Lizzy! What a terrible thing to say!” her aunt chastised her. “Though I must say, I quite agree. Jane, you and Bingley will want to find her someone to marry right away. That will be the best remedy.”

  Jane smirked. “I believe the lady has someone in mind already.”

  “A wish which shall never see fruition, I think,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam, smiling. “Not when the gentleman’s tastes do not favor such a union in any way.”

  “Caroline can be…difficult at times,” said Bingley gravely. “But I am determined to do right by her just the same. Whatever gentleman does marry her, he shall need the patience of a saint to endure all of her sass and caprice.”

  Mr. Gardiner cleared his throat. “I hate to interrupt the gossiping, but I believe the hour has finally come. We must now be off. Pray, I do hope once we are at the home of the Fishers that you shall rein in the greater part of your easy manners in favor of propriety?”

  They arrived at a stately old house of about the same size as Longbourn. As Elizabeth looked it over, she was certain that while the excuse of Mr. Fisher’s illness may well be valid, the wing where he was likely to be was nowhere close to where they would likely be dining. She was convinced that Caroline must have convinced her mother that the Gardiners were far too common to reside there.

  “I see your thoughts mirror my own, my dear,” said Darcy beside her ear after he helped her down.

  “I do not think it signifies. For whatever reason we are not wanted as guests here, the inn will do just fine.”

  “Yes, and it is much easier to see you there,” he added, so close now that she was positive his bottom lip had just grazed her earlobe. The reaction of her body, whether it did or not, was the same in either case. She wished he had not done it, however, since she was now about to meet Mrs. Fisher wearing a deep blush. And since he was standing so close to her, the woman would easily guess at the cause.

  “Darcy, is it your aim to fluster or to embarrass me?”

  “Neither. My aim is to be close to you whenever possible,” he replied, ensuring she blushed even more. “But if it is your wish for me to stop, I shall subside.”

  “I do not recall saying anything of the kind,” she whispered in return, but he had no opportunity to reply, as Caroline and her mother had now stepped outside.

  “Welcome to my home, everyone,” said Mrs. Fisher with an easy smile. “I hope you do not mind, but I have asked Cook to serve our meal out in the garden, so that Morris shall not have a chance of being disturbed tonight.”

  “What a wonderful idea,” said Jane as she came to kiss the woman’s cheek. “For I am quite sure that this party is incapable of circumspection, from what I have observed.”

  Mrs. Fisher glanced directly over to Darcy and Elizabeth with a knowing look, and the two adopted their composures into something more formal in manner. Caroline, who had noticed their behavior as well, looked quite put out as she stared down her nose at Elizabeth and moved to take Darcy’s arm.

  “I declare, Mr. Darcy, I am quite surprised by your easy manner,” she said as they all walked toward the garden together. “I do not think I have ever seen you smile that way before.”

  “Perhaps not,” he agreed, looking back over at Elizabeth and drawing her hand onto his other arm so the three might walk together. “I do not think I’ve ever had a cause for it ere this.”

  “Indeed?” Caroline asked, smirking. “What a curious statement. I wonder what has elicited such happiness in you.”

  “I do not feel any great desire to explain,” he replied. “I had thought it was quite obvious.”

  She smirked at this. “How very interesting. Perhaps I should go and pester your cousin and leave the two of you alone?”

  Before either could say another word, Caroline let go of Darcy’s arm and was gone. They were by no means truly alone, however, and though Elizabeth would have liked to continue the discussion of Darcy’s desires, there was no opportunity.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  It had been decided that due to the urgency of Mrs. Fisher’s desire to return to her husband after the wedding, that perhaps it should happen sooner rather than later, so that she would not long be away from his side. The entire party, including the Darcys, would therefore be setting out for Meryton on the following day, and with any luck they would reach their destination in just two or three days.

  While Elizabeth was somewhat annoyed that she and Mr. Darcy never managed to find time alone as a result, she was well pleased with the idea that they would now be returning to Meryton. There, she was never told she could not walk out wherever she pleased, and she and the gentleman should soon be able to settle things.

 
Colonel Fitzwilliam, Bingley, and Mr. Darcy rode ahead on horseback, which meant they would likely be at Netherfield much sooner than Mrs. Fisher or Caroline, who were quite content to include Jane in their coach, while Elizabeth was once again ensconced comfortably in with her aunt and uncle.

  “Lizzy, I am quite amazed by your interactions with Mr. Darcy,” her aunt admitted with a smile that spread all across her face. “He seems quite enamored of you, if you ask me. I should not think it would take much more effort on your part to get an offer from him.”

  Elizabeth blushed at this, of course, since she’d already received such an offer and turned it down. But her hopes that the gentleman would try again with her while they were in Meryton had defied her reasonable nature and were now soaring higher than ever. Darcy wished to be close to her whenever possible. And there was only one way that could happen, she thought with a sly satisfaction.

  “If only,” she responded to Mrs. Gardiner with a dreamy sigh. “But, Aunt, how can that be, when as yet we have still had no opportunity even to apologize?”

  “I know that it has been a rough few days, dearest, but I am certain once we get to Meryton and Jane’s wedding is accomplished, Mr. Darcy shall surely make his wishes known,” she replied.

  “Though I must caution you on it, Lizzy,” Mr. Gardiner added. “When feelings are running high, and certain words are spoken, the temptation to put the cart before the horse in some matters can be quite severe. You must take care.”

  Elizabeth scoffed at this. “I am perfectly able to control my urgings, sir, you can be sure. Though if you would also deny me a meeting of the lips at such a time, I shall dare to tell you such circumspection is not even in my mind. And why should it be, after so long waiting?”

  “A sensible kiss would be quite fine,” he said, winking at her. “It is more his hands you must watch with care.”

  “Sir, you go too far!” she exclaimed, though she was laughing. “I do not think Mr. Darcy would indulge in such things until after a wedding had occurred. And I also believe talk of a wedding is somewhat premature, since there is no understanding.”

  Mrs. Gardiner laughed at this. “But I am certain there shall be, Lizzy. It only wants a chance for the two of you to discuss the thing. Sir, only see how much our niece is blushing! We must desist in such conversation, or the poor girl might burst before we ever get there!”

  “I pray you will stop,” Elizabeth agreed. “Only since I have known Mr. Darcy have I begun to understand my mother better. If this is what it feels like to endure her nerves, I shall never be annoyed when she complains of them again.”

  “Well, my darling, you have brought along a good book, and your uncle and I can certainly allow you to read. I am certain we can talk of other things.”

  The men did not stay at the inn for the night, but pressed onward to sooner reach Netherfield. On the following day, Jane joined Elizabeth and their aunt and uncle since their coach was going to Longbourn, while Caroline and Mrs. Fisher’s continued on to Netherfield.

  Elizabeth wished both coaches would reunite at Netherfield first, so she and Jane might spend time there before returning home, but it was not to be so.

  Chaos seemed to be the order of the day as the travelers stepped through the door. The Gardiner children could only be the cause, and it was certain that Mary must have been placed in charge.

  “Where is your Aunt Bennet, child?” Mrs. Gardiner wanted to know.

  Stamping his feet, her son explained, “Her head is very ill.”

  “I will go have a look at her,” Elizabeth volunteered.

  “I wish you would,” Mary complained. “I cannot care for her and four children all at the same time. I am only one person.”

  “Well, Mary, at least you may have the satisfaction of knowing we have come back early, so you need not be troubled to care for them longer still,” said Mr. Gardiner sympathetically. “I know the boys can be quite the handful, but I trust that Emily did not trouble you?”

  “Indeed not,” she confirmed. “She is a most agreeable little girl. I believe, sir, that she wishes to learn how to play the piano.”

  “She is but five years old,” he said, his brow furrowing.

  “I was but four when I began,” Mary persisted. “True excellence can best be achieved in such early beginnings. If you would wish, I can come with you to Cheapside and begin the process for a time. All of my sisters have managed to visit London but me, and I confess I am growing quite curious about the appeal.”

  “You, Mary?” her aunt chuckled. “That is hardly circumspect, my dear.”

  “My mother has begun to focus on my nuptials excessively, as I have been the only one home,” she admitted ruefully. “I believe I would be safer with you.”

  Everyone laughed at this observation, and then Elizabeth peeled off her gloves, set her bonnet aside, and headed for the stairs. She found her mother lying in her bed with a cloth covering her eyes.

  “Mama, we have returned early,” she called in a gentle voice. “You are saved, and must soon awaken to help with preparing Jane. Her wedding day will be only three days hence by the design of Bingley’s mother, who is needed at home.”

  “Lizzy!” she gasped, sitting up. “Oh, thank heavens you have come! They are little monsters, all! You have no notion how glad I am right now that I never had a son!”

  Elizabeth giggled. “I am sure they cannot seem so bad when they are your own. It is simply that you are not used to their antics, Mama. But do not worry, the Gardiners have said they will not linger overlong, and when they go, the children shall go with them.”

  “Perhaps I am too used to my children being grown. I am sure even Lydia, who was quite wild, did not give me so much trouble.”

  Pursing her lips, Elizabeth replied, “Madam, Lydia gave you trouble right up to the day of her elopement. How soon you have forgotten this.”

  “Oh, my head is so very ill,” she complained. “How shall I be of any help in such a state as this?”

  “Perhaps I might prevail upon Mr. Darcy to bring you an elixir,” Elizabeth suggested thoughtfully. “I am quite amazed by the efficacy of the concoction he gave me. You might benefit from the recipe if he would part with it, I think.”

  “Mr. Darcy?” she scoffed. “I want nothing from such an odious, proud. Certainly not!”

  “Oh, Mama, if you will not like him, this shall be a most terrible beginning. For I am certain that he shall be very much in evidence thanks to Jane and Bingley.”

  “Do not remind me, I do not wish to know it.”

  Elizabeth laughed at this, for she knew full well how much her mother’s attitude might change if she should manage to receive another offer from the gentleman. Which her heart told her was sure to happen soon.

  “Mama, Mr. Darcy does improve upon closer acquaintance, I assure you. But if you will not allow me to help you, then I shall certainly return below and begin to help Jane instead. Has the dressmaker completed her gown in our absence?”

  “Yes, it is here, but needs a final fitting,” said Mrs. Bennet. “I pray you will put her in it and fit it to her this very afternoon.”

  “That was indeed my intention,” Elizabeth replied. “Get some rest, Mama. I will see to everything.”

  “Yes, dear Lizzy, you are my most dependable child,” she agreed as she lay down once again. “I am certain you will do the job admirably. And now that Jane shall be secure, you know that our next task must be to find a suitable match for you.”

  “I would not wish to do so until after she is well and truly situated at Netherfield,” said Elizabeth decisively. “I would not wish to take any attention away from her day.”

  There was a knock on the door, and then Mr. Gardiner came inside. “Oh, you look quite indisposed, sister. I hope you will soon recover, however, for we have guests below. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy have come to call.”

  “Mr. Darcy? Oh, why must he always be coming here? I know why Bingley comes around, since he is engaged to my daughter. But w
hat can his friend be thinking, to always be darkening the door? Elizabeth, you must take him out for a walk so he is out of the way. I can hardly countenance the notion of seeing him today.”

  “You wish me to take a walk with Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked, hiding her smirk so that only her uncle could see it. “That sounds like an excellent plan.”

  “Well, I am sorry to force your endurance of it, my dear, but I believe it shall work out to the benefit of everyone if you will.”

  “I believe you may be right,” Elizabeth agreed. “I shall go downstairs straightaway and enact your scheme. But if I return later in an altered mood, you shall have only yourself to blame.”