The clock on the mantelpiece chimed the hour and Georgiana started. “Goodness, we have been absent a long time. We should return or my brother will worry. You were good to listen to me, Miss Bennet,” she added, quietly.
Instinctively, Elizabeth reached for the younger girl’s hand, giving her fingers a gentle squeeze. “It was my pleasure, Miss Darcy. And you can rest assured—I shall not say a word.”
***
The foursome spent another agreeable half hour over tea, until Mrs. Gardiner glanced at the long-case clock, indicating that it was time to go.
Darcy stood, leaning lightly on his cane. “Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, allow me to have my carriage drop you at home. It is late and much too cold to walk.”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “Do not trouble yourself. We are only going to Gracechurch Street and I am certain a hackney will be available.”
Darcy frowned. It was bad enough to think of Elizabeth venturing into Cheapside in the approaching darkness, he certainly was not about to have her riding in a hack when he had a perfectly good carriage to transport her. “Truly, madam, it is no trouble.”
While Darcy gave instructions to have his carriage brought around, Elizabeth folded Georgiana in a warm embrace, before turning to Darcy and dropping a brief curtsy. She had almost reached the door when he called out behind her.
“Miss Bennet, you must not forget your book.”
Elizabeth paused, a light flush sweeping across her cheeks, but she walked slowly back to the table to retrieve the volume.
Addressing Mrs. Gardiner, Darcy continued, “It is a book I borrowed from Miss Bennet some time ago. I have been remiss in not returning it sooner. Again, you have my apologies, Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth glanced up at him, and Darcy noticed the mischievous smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
“Not at all, Mr. Darcy. Indeed, I must endeavor to lend out Papa’s books more often. They do seem to return in better condition than when they left.”
Chapter 8
DARCY GOT VERY little rest that night, and when he did sleep, his dreams were of Elizabeth. He awoke later than was his custom, still warmed by the memories of the previous afternoon. How fortuitous that Georgiana should have run into Elizabeth and her aunt in that dress shop! And to think, he had almost refused to accompany his sister. If this was the result, he was going to take a much more active role in chaperoning Georgiana from now on.
Shaking his head, his thoughts drifted back to Elizabeth, seated in his drawing room. He could hardly believe that it had actually happened. And her behavior towards him had been everything that was kind and courteous. Could her opinion of him be changing? He scarcely dared to hope… and yet it appeared it might be so.
The mere thought set his heart racing, and he swung his legs eagerly out of bed.
“Pierce!”
His valet instantly appeared in the doorway to his dressing room. “Good morning, Mr. Darcy. Would you like me to prepare a bath, sir?”
The broad smile that lit Darcy’s countenance seemed to take the valet by surprise, causing Darcy to chuckle softly. “Yes. Thank you, Pierce. And then if you would send word to my sister that if she has not yet broken her fast, I will join her in the small dining parlor in three quarters of an hour.”
***
“William, it is so good to see you up and around. Is your leg giving you less discomfort today?”
Darcy looked up from his plate, smiling at his sister across the table. He could see the genuine pleasure in her eyes and immediately felt badly for his neglect of her over the past couple of months. Since the accident, he had been woefully out of sorts, due in part to the discomfort he was in, but also, he knew, due to the feeling of despair that had settled over him since parting with Elizabeth in Kent. Unwilling to subject his sister to his foul mood, he had chosen to spend most of his time alone—taking breakfast in his sitting room and whiling away the afternoons closeted in his library or his study. He had made a point to dine with Georgiana once or twice a week, and would often seek her out in the music room to listen to her play, but more often than not he left her in Mrs. Annesley’s capable hands.
“Yes, Georgiana, I am feeling better today. I apologize for being so inattentive to you in recent weeks. I shall attempt to remedy that in the future.”
Georgiana flushed a soft pink. “It is no matter. I know you have been feeling unwell.” She continued to eat her breakfast for some moments before glancing shyly in Darcy’s direction. “Though I was wondering if your improved disposition might have something to do with our visitors yesterday?”
Darcy struggled to keep his expression neutral as he slowly stirred his coffee. “Yes, well, it was a nice change to have guests in the house,” he said carefully.
“Indeed, it was. I liked Miss Bennet very much. And her aunt as well.”
“I am of the same mind. They are good people.”
“William… might we pay a call on them this afternoon? That is, if you feel up to traveling?”
Darcy lifted his gaze, surprise overtaking his features. He could not remember the last time his sister had suggested calling upon an acquaintance. Even with their own relations, she was generally reticent and would only join him on social calls at his insistence.
“I would be happy to pay a visit with you, sweetling, but I believe we must wait a few days. It would not look well for us to call immediately.”
“Oh. Yes, I am certain you are correct.” Georgiana paused, and then her eyes lit. “Perhaps we could go early next week?”
The thought of seeing Elizabeth again sent Darcy’s pulse racing, and he could feel a boyish smile stretching his lips. “It would be my pleasure to escort you.”
As far as he was concerned, the next few days could not pass quickly enough.
***
Elizabeth sat in the Gardiners’ front-parlor, the new edition of Gulliver’s Travels resting lightly in her lap. Running her fingers down the page, she stared at the printed words, but her attention was not on the tale. Her mind was more agreeably engaged, as she once again relived the time she had spent in Mr. Darcy’s company. Although she was still coming to terms with her changing feelings for the gentleman, there was no denying that the proud and disagreeable man she had met over a year ago in Hertfordshire seemed to no longer exist. As a matter of fact, when she was in his home, she had found him almost charming in his attention to both herself and her aunt.
And then there was his gift. While Elizabeth knew it had been improper to accept the book, she still marveled at the easy manner with which he had convinced her to do so. But was the gesture simply the considerate replacement of her damaged property, or did it signify something more?
A knocking at the door pulled Elizabeth from her musings as the Gardiners’ butler entered with the post. Her aunt thanked him, setting aside her embroidery and taking up the stack of correspondence. Elizabeth returned to her book but was soon interrupted by her aunt’s voice.
“Oh, Lizzy, there is one for you. I believe it is from Jane.”
Accepting the letter, Elizabeth eagerly broke the seal. It had been almost a week since she had last had word from her sister and she was anxious for news from home. Her enthusiasm rapidly dissipated however, for as soon as she began to read, she could tell something was not as it should be. For one thing, the letter was startlingly brief—filling only a quarter of the page. For another, her sister’s usually impeccable handwriting was cramped and uneven, causing Elizabeth to have to squint to make out some of the words.
Fine lines furrowed Elizabeth’s brow, and Mrs. Gardiner came to sit beside her niece. “It is not bad news, I hope?”
Elizabeth looked up. “I am not certain. Here, perhaps you should read it for yourself.” Silently she passed the note to Mrs. Gardiner who skimmed the page.
My dearest Lizzy,
Pray, forgive the hasty nature of this letter, but something has occurred which requires your immediate presence at Longbourn. Be not alarmed, as we are all in
good health—however our parents are both desirous of your company as soon as may be. My dear husband has offered to send his carriage, which will arrive on Thursday afternoon. I will explain all when I see you.
Your loving sister,
Jane
Mrs. Gardiner finished reading and Elizabeth caught her eye. “What do you think it means?”
“I have no idea. I suppose we will have to wait until Thursday to find out.”
***
Darcy woke early, hurrying through his morning routine and making his way to the breakfast parlor as fast as he was able. Today was the day he would see Elizabeth! He wondered if it would be possible to call immediately following their morning meal… No, that would look too forward. And besides, he still needed to obtain her aunt and uncle’s address. He had planned on sending one of his footmen to Gracechurch Street first thing this morning to seek out the Gardiners’ residence.
Darcy entered the room to find Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley already seated at the table. His sister rose to greet him and Darcy was quick to note her wan pallor and the dark circles beneath her eyes.
“Sweetling, you do not look well,” he said with concern. “Did you sleep poorly last night?”
Georgiana sank back into her chair, staring down at her barely-touched plate of food. “No, not very well. I believe I shall go back upstairs and rest after breakfast.”
Darcy’s gaze darted to Mrs. Annesley, but from what he could observe, she did not seem overly alarmed.
“Yes, of course,” he answered. “Is there anything I can do for your comfort? Shall I fetch the doctor?”
“Oh, no. I am certain I will be well after some rest. I am only sorry to spoil your plans for the day. I know you wished to call on Miss Bennet.”
Darcy waved his hand, even though the mention of Elizabeth made his insides quiver. He would not make his sister feel worse than she already did. “Nonsense, you are not spoiling anything. We can go as easily tomorrow or even later in the week. My only concern is for your health.”
“Thank you, William,” Georgiana said quietly, and he watched with some concern as she slowly rose and quit the room.
Darcy spent the remainder of the morning attending to business matters in his study, but when his afternoon meal was concluded, he made his way along the third-floor passageway, stopping to knock softly at the entrance to his sister’s chambers. After several moments, the door was opened by Mrs. Annesley.
“How is she?” he asked.
“Miss Darcy is resting, sir. I am certain she will be much improved tomorrow.”
Darcy stepped into Georgiana’s sitting room, turning towards the windows and running a hand through his hair. He did not like seeing his sister unwell. It conjured up too many unhappy memories from his boyhood when his mother remained closeted in her chambers, too weak even to allow him to visit. “Should I not send for the doctor?” he finally asked.
His sister’s companion offered him a gentle smile. “I do not think it necessary, sir. I believe Miss Darcy is only… indisposed. It is a common enough occurrence for girls her age.”
Suddenly taking the woman’s meaning, Darcy colored. “Ah, yes. I see. Well, if you are certain…”
“Pray, do not worry, Mr. Darcy. I will stay with her and if anything changes, I shall inform you immediately. However, I am confident that Miss Darcy will be well enough in a matter of days.”
Nodding uncertainly, Darcy bid the woman a good afternoon and returned to his study. He could only hope his sister’s companion was not mistaken in her optimism.
***
The steady beat of horses’ hooves drew Elizabeth to the nearby window. Peering down into the street, she was just in time to see the familiar outline of Mr. Bingley’s carriage drawing up to the low iron gate. Turning away from the glass, she scanned the bedchamber for any remaining items before moving to the wardrobe to collect her pelisse. A knock sounded and Elizabeth gathered the ribbons of her bonnet, calling out for her aunt to enter. But when the door opened, it was not Mrs. Gardiner who stood before Elizabeth in the corridor.
“Jane!” Elizabeth cried, hurrying to embrace her eldest sister. “Whatever are you doing here? When you wrote to expect Mr. Bingley’s carriage, I did not realize you would be accompanying it!”
“I had not anticipated it myself,” her sister answered, stepping across the threshold. “But Charles did not like the idea of you traveling with only a footman, and he had some business in Town…” Her voice tapered off but her lips soon lifted into a sweet smile. “In any case, I could not resist the opportunity to keep him company, as this way I could see my dear sister that much sooner.”
“Well, I am very glad to see you,” Elizabeth answered happily. “Come, let us go downstairs. You and Mr. Bingley must be in want of some refreshment after your journey.”
She moved to the door, but Jane did not follow. Elizabeth turned back to face her sister.
“Lizzy, Charles is not here. He has gone to see his solicitor and will return for us later this afternoon. But I would like to speak with you and I… I think it would be better for us to do so privately, before joining our aunt and uncle.”
Elizabeth’s brow crinkled but she nodded her agreement, taking her sister’s hands and leading her to a small sitting area in the corner of her chambers. “Come, sit here by the fire and tell me what this is all about. I confess, I was most anxious when I received your letter, although you stated that no one was ill.”
Elizabeth broke off as Jane stared at her lap, twisting her handkerchief. Finally, Jane raised her eyes to meet her sister’s concerned expression. “No. No one is ill. It is… It is Lydia. She is to be married.”
“Married!” Elizabeth gasped. “To whom? I had no notion…” Suddenly, realization dawned and Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “Jane! What has happened? Has she…”
“Oh, no! Nothing like that.”
Elizabeth regarded her sister whose countenance bore the telltale signs of her discomfort. She knew both of her sisters well enough to quickly realize that there was more to the story. “Jane, you must tell me everything. What has Lydia done?”
Jane sat still for a moment, her lower lip caught between her teeth. “It appears that she was… seen… with one of the officers. Behind the village hall, during a recent assembly.”
Elizabeth sucked in a breath. “Good heavens! And now she is to marry him?”
Jane nodded and Elizabeth’s gaze sharpened.
“Jane, what are you not telling me?”
Her sister’s chin quivered before her usually serene expression crumbled. “Oh, Lizzy, it was in every way horrible! I have never seen Papa so angry. Of course, he demanded the lieutenant offer for her… and the gentleman… he refused! He said that while he cared for Lydia, he was obligated to marry a woman of means, and of course you know Lydia has no dowry to speak of. Mamma took to her bed in a fit of nerves, and Papa… truly I was afraid for his health.” Jane broke down, sobbing softly into her handkerchief.
Elizabeth leapt to her feet, stalking to the window. “What was Lydia thinking?” she spat. “Allowing a gentleman to take liberties when no formal agreement had been reached? And Papa has no one but himself to blame. I always said he was far too lenient with her.”
Jane dabbed at her eyes, her expression pained. “I think Lydia must have believed there was an understanding in place, otherwise she could never have behaved as she did.”
“Oh, Jane! You always think the best of everyone. But Lydia has never shown good sense and you know it. I am certain she thought of nothing beyond her own enjoyment.” Elizabeth fixed her sister with a steady gaze. “But, I do not understand. You said they were betrothed. How was Papa able to change the gentleman’s mind?”
Jane’s cheeks once again flushed crimson and she turned away before glancing back at her sister. “Charles… Charles offered to settle a sum of money on Lydia.” Elizabeth’s mouth dropped open and Jane hurried on, “At first Papa refused, but truly there was no other way. It woul
d have been very bad for Lydia, indeed for all of you, if the lieutenant had not married her.”
“Jane! How much did Mr. Bingley give her?”
Jane was silent for a moment before answering. “Five thousand pounds,” her sister said softly.
Elizabeth gasped.
“He is at his solicitor’s offices even as we speak, settling the details.”
Elizabeth studied her sister’s face, seeing that Jane’s eyes glistened with unshed tears.
“My husband truly is the best of men, is he not? He said it was of no significance… But I feel so ashamed that he should have to do such a thing on our sister’s behalf.”
“And what does Lydia have to say about all of this?”
“Oh! She does not know. And she cannot, Lizzy! No one knows, save Papa and myself, and now you.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, you are quite right. Lydia would tell all of Meryton and Papa would be mortified. Not to mention the whole of our acquaintance knowing the gentleman had to be forced to take her.” She was quiet for a moment. “When is the wedding?”
Jane sighed. “In three weeks’ time—as soon as the banns can be read. Papa was of a mind to force an immediate marriage and Charles even offered to obtain a special license, but Lydia would not have it. She wants as long a betrothal as possible so she may show herself off to all our neighbors. She even petitioned for an engagement ball, but of course Papa refused. He is only granting her the three weeks because we all agreed a rushed marriage might give the wrong impression.” Jane smiled tremulously. “My poor Lizzy, forgive me for burdening you with all of this, and for cutting short your stay in Town.”
Elizabeth squeezed her sister’s hands before pulling Jane into a fierce embrace. “You have nothing to apologize for. And it will be good to be home. Well, at least it will be good to be near you again,” she added and her sister responded with a weak laugh. “Now, let us go and find our aunt and uncle. At the very least, we should notify them there will be another wedding in the family.”
To Conquer Pride Page 9
