“No, I am afraid not. As soon as my business is concluded I must rejoin my unit. Rumor has it we will be returning to the peninsula before long.”
Darcy frowned. “I wish you would consider selling your commission, Richard. You know I would happily host you at Pemberley indefinitely. Or if you would prefer, we might look into acquiring a smaller property in the vicinity. Georgiana worries about you, and quite frankly, so do I. We would both like to have you settled and out of danger.”
Richard stared into the fire, sipping his drink. “I appreciate the offer, Darcy, you know I do. But I could never hang about at Pemberley like some sort of charity case, and I know next to nothing about running an estate.” He held up his hand. “And before you say you would teach me, I am afraid I would not be suited to it. Besides, I like soldiering. It is one of the few things I excel at. The military gives me a sense of purpose—training my men, seeing them succeed.”
“But don’t you ever get tired of it all? Constantly fighting the same enemy with no end in sight? Honestly, I do not know how you stand it.”
Richard shrugged. “It is what they pay me to do.”
Darcy swirled the amber liquid in his glass. The color reminded him of the flecks of gold that sparkled in Elizabeth’s eyes. Stifling a groan, he tipped his head against the back of his chair, closing his eyes. How was he ever to endure a lifetime spent without her? How does one find the strength to carry on when all seems lost…
Darcy did not realize he had spoken those last words aloud until his cousin’s deep laugh wrenched him from his thoughts.
“Ah,” said Richard. “Well that I can answer in one word: Hope. For even in times of despair, there is always reason for hope. As I tell my men, it matters little if we lose the battle, so long as we win the war.”
Darcy lowered his gaze, letting his cousin’s words sink in. Hope. When had he given up the hope that Elizabeth might one day be his? Despite how things appeared, had he done all he could to change her opinion of him? Had he made every effort to be a man worthy of her regard? Or had he relinquished her too quickly? She was not betrothed, after all. Bingley had told him as much. And if anyone was worth fighting for, surely it was she?
Perhaps it was not too late.
Setting his glass upon the table with a clatter, Darcy rose to his feet. “Pray, forgive me, Richard, but I have just remembered an urgent matter that requires my attention. You are most welcome to stay at Darcy House for as long as you like, but I am afraid Georgiana and I are for Hertfordshire in the morning.”
Chapter 13
ELIZABETH WATCHED AS Jane rushed down the steps of Netherfield Park, the hem of her gown fluttering about her ankles. Behind her, Elizabeth followed at a more subdued pace, a small smile lifting her cheeks. Despite her low spirits, it was difficult to remain unaffected by the sight of her usually sedate sister all aquiver at the return of her husband after an absence of only two days’ time.
At the foot of the steps, the Bingley carriage coasted to a stop and the footman jumped from his perch. In a matter of seconds, Bingley had scrambled out, pulling his wife into a tender embrace and kissing her sweetly on the cheek.
Not wanting to intrude, Elizabeth hung back, happy to bask in the reflected glow of her sister’s happiness. Attempting to give the couple a modicum of privacy, Elizabeth turned, her gaze drifting to the coach which was still parked in the drive. Expecting to see the footman latch the door, her brows drew together as the liveried servant stepped to one side and a tall figure exited the compartment. As Elizabeth watched, the gentleman reached back to hand down a fashionably dressed lady. Odd, Jane had said nothing about expecting guests. Curiosity pulled Elizabeth forward but she had not gone more than a handful of steps when the man turned, and Elizabeth froze. Mr. Darcy! Astonishment and apprehension drew the breath from her body and she could feel a warm flush creeping up her neck. Fighting to regain her composure, Elizabeth swallowed. The moment she had dreaded had arrived.
***
Stepping forward to greet the mistress of the house, Darcy sketched a bow, as Bingley turned to Georgiana, stammering through a hasty introduction. Shifting his attention from Bingley to his wife, Darcy frowned.
“Mrs. Bingley, I hope you will excuse our unexpected arrival. I was under the impression that your husband sent an express informing you of our visit, but I can see by your expression that he did not.”
A contrite Bingley glanced in his wife’s direction. “Er, yes, forgive me, dearest. It was only when I arrived in London and found Darcy and his sister at loose ends that I thought to have them join us for Easter. I did mean to send word first thing this morning, but in my haste to be off, I am afraid I quite forgot.”
Jane offered her husband a sweet smile before turning back to her guests. “I assure you, Mr. Darcy, it is of no consequence. We are delighted to have you both.”
Observing the warm look Mrs. Bingley gave her husband, Darcy suddenly felt ashamed of his previous efforts to separate the pair. Clearly, the two were made for one another, and he could only thank providence that Bingley had forgiven Darcy’s meddling and returned to Hertfordshire to pursue his happiness.
Not wishing to intrude upon his friend’s reunion, Darcy stepped aside, directing his attention to the house, and the hairs at the back of his neck immediately stood on end. At his slight intake of breath, Georgiana followed his gaze and a girlish laugh slid from her lips as she hurried to greet her friend.
“Ah, I see you ladies are already acquainted,” said Bingley, taking his wife’s arm as Darcy slowly followed behind the rest of his party.
“Indeed,” Elizabeth answered. “I had the pleasure of making Miss Darcy’s acquaintance some time ago, in Town.” Her gaze drifted in Darcy’s direction and her smile wavered. “Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy offered her a shallow bow. “Miss Bennet.”
Bingley glanced nervously from one to the other as Jane began ushering everyone into the front hall. Leading the way to the drawing room, Mrs. Bingley turned to her guests.
“Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy, you must be fatigued from your journey. I will call for a maid to show you to your rooms.”
“I thank you,” Darcy answered. “That would be much appreciated. I am certain my sister would wish to rest before dinner.”
Darcy watched as Elizabeth approached her own sister, saying something softly in her ear.
“Oh, Lizzy! Must you?” Jane answered. “There really is no need... ”
Elizabeth ventured a glance in Darcy’s direction and their eyes caught. “Yes, I am afraid I must. I have monopolized your attention long enough and will now leave you to your guests.”
Before Jane could reply, a commotion in the front hall diverted everyone’s attention as a shrill voice reverberated off the marble floors.
“Really, Smithers! I do not need to be announced. Just tell me where I might find my brother and… Oh! There you are, Charles.”
Caroline Bingley halted at the threshold and Darcy frowned. He fixed Bingley with a questioning glare, but his friend appeared just as astonished as the rest of the party.
“Caroline! What on earth are you doing here? I thought you were in Suffolk.” Peering over his sister’s shoulder, his mouth fell open in obvious confusion. “And where are the Hursts?”
Miss Bingley sailed through the open door, waving her fingers dismissively. “They are still at Kennelworth. But I could not tolerate one more day in that dusty mausoleum. You know how I abhor the country.”
Bingley’s eyes bulged, his expression rapidly turning from surprise to alarm. “But… I… Why did you not write to inform us of your plans? Surely you did not travel here on your own?” he stammered.
“Certainly, I did not travel on my own. My maid is with me, as well as two footmen.” Suddenly her gaze shifted to where the rest of the party stood, frozen in place, and a small gasp escaped her throat. “Why, Mr. Darcy! And dearest Georgiana! I had no notion you would be at Netherfield.”
Caroline moved further into
the room and Darcy instinctively stepped back, his frown deepening. “It was a last-minute decision,” he answered stiffly. “As a matter of fact, we have only just arrived.”
“Well! How lucky it is that I decided to alter my plans, else you would have had no suitable company at all.” Tearing her eyes away from Darcy, she finally turned to acknowledge her brother’s wife. “Jane, dear, you look lovely, as always… Oh! And Eliza. I did not see you standing there.”
The thin smile Caroline offered Elizabeth did nothing to mask her disdain, and Darcy felt his jaw tighten.
“Do not concern yourself, Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth answered, sweetly. “I was just leaving.”
Barely acknowledging Caroline, Jane turned to face her sister. “Are you quite certain you will not reconsider Lizzy?” she asked in a strained whisper, but Elizabeth shook her head. “Very well. If you will excuse me, Caroline, I will see my sister out. When I return, I shall inform Mrs. Bridges that you have arrived unexpectedly and will require a room.”
The two women turned to go, but before they could reach the hall, Darcy called out. “Miss Bennet, I trust we will have the pleasure of your company on Easter Sunday?”
Slowly, Elizabeth turned, and he was surprised to see that an arch smile played across her features.
“Yes, sir. Indeed, you shall have the pleasure of being surrounded by the entire Bennet family, as Jane has invited us all to spend the day.”
Behind him, Darcy could hear Caroline Bingley smother a gasp, but his eyes remained locked on Elizabeth’s face.
“I shall look forward to that, Miss Bennet,” he answered.
***
The Easter services had scarcely reached their conclusion when Elizabeth’s youngest sisters were on their feet, bursting through the doors at the back of the parish church and clattering down the wooden steps.
“La!” trilled Lydia, as soon as they had reached the churchyard. “I thought that rector would never cease speaking! He has grown as long-winded as Mr. Collins!” Pulling her sister Kitty towards the village green, she leaned in to continue in a loud whisper, “Kitty, did you take note of Emma Winthrop’s hideous new bonnet? I declare, she looked as if she had walked straight into one of Mrs. Doyle’s fruit salads. And I heard Mrs. Long say that Emma sent all the way to London for it, too. As if there are not enough ugly bonnets to be had right here in Hertfordshire!”
Kitty giggled behind her hand as Mary and Elizabeth walked up to them, a disapproving frown marking Mary’s face.
“Oh, come Mary,” said Lydia. “Even you must have noticed it, as Emma was sitting directly in front of you.”
“I noticed nothing of the sort,” Mary replied primly. “I was busy listening to the sermon, as you should have been also. And you would do well not to speak so unkindly about one of our neighbors, especially on such a holy day, and in a churchyard, no less.”
Elizabeth trailed her squabbling sisters, attempting to hide her embarrassment as Mr. and Miss Darcy joined them on the green. They were presently met by the rest of their party, and plans were soon underway to adjourn to Netherfield.
At the arrival of Bingley’s coach, Lydia clutched at her husband’s arm, dragging him to the front of the group. “Henry and I shall ride in Mr. Bingley’s carriage,” she declared with a girlish giggle. “It is ever so much finer than Papa’s.”
“Certainly,” Bingley answered. “It would be our pleasure.”
Jane flushed crimson and Caroline looked as if she might be ill.
“Come, Lizzy!” called Mrs. Bennet, as their own conveyance drew up behind the Bingleys’ black lacquered chaise and four. “There will not be space for you in Mr. Bingley’s coach, and you must sit in the middle as you know Kitty will be unwell if she cannot look out of the window.”
Casting a brief glance in Darcy’s direction, Elizabeth’s stomach twisted. “Mamma, it is such a fine day, I believe I shall walk to Netherfield.”
A look of annoyance flickered across Mrs. Bennet’s features as she regarded her second daughter. “In your best gown and slippers? Certainly not. It is out of the question.”
“Mamma, please! I will take care not to over-exert myself and I shall stick to the lanes. Besides, I have worn sturdier shoes for this very purpose,” Elizabeth added, lifting the bottom of her skirt to reveal walking boots.
Frowning at Elizabeth’s footwear, Mrs. Bennet opened her mouth to protest further, but Kitty interjected, taking her mother’s arm. “Oh, let her walk, Mamma. You know she will be in a poor temper if you do not, and this way there will be more room in the carriage for the rest of us.”
Mrs. Bennet continued to pout, but eventually muttered her consent and Elizabeth hastened to take her leave. As she passed Mr. Bingley’s coach, her gaze was drawn to Mr. Darcy, who appeared to be studying her with an enigmatic expression. Elizabeth’s cheeks warmed, and she quickly turned away, glad she would have at least a half an hour alone before once again surrendering herself to the gentleman’s company.
***
Darcy leaned back in his chair, stretching out his long legs and tilting his face up to the sun. The entire party was gathered on Netherfield’s stone terrace, having just finished an extravagant luncheon served in the unseasonably warm April sunshine.
The conversation during the meal had been pleasant enough, with talk of the weather, the current London fashions, and the upcoming May Day ball. Mr. Bennet had been cordial to Darcy, but every now and then the younger man looked up to see Elizabeth’s father regarding him with a watchful eye. As for Elizabeth, while Darcy was grateful to see the kind attention she paid his sister, he noted that she had seated herself as far away from him as possible, curtailing any chance at private conversation.
In truth, Darcy had considered offering to accompany Elizabeth on her walk to Netherfield after the morning services, but given the precarious position he was in with Mr. Bennet, he knew such a gesture would not be prudent. As a matter of fact, he had been most concerned about being in the company of Elizabeth’s father again after their conversation in London; but Bingley had assured him that due to the continued concealment of Darcy’s interlude with Elizabeth in Kent, Mr. Bennet’s temper had cooled. Still, it would not be wise for Darcy to put himself in the position of being once again in Elizabeth’s sole company.
The midday meal now complete, Mr. Bennet stood, expressing his desire to avail himself of Bingley’s library, while Kitty and Lydia, along with Mr. Hughes, set off to call upon Colonel Forster, who was having an informal gathering for the local militiamen.
When those members of the party had gone, Bingley turned to the remainder of the group, dusting his hands together, his expression eager. “Well, what shall the rest of us do? Perhaps a walk around the park? I know Miss Darcy has not had a chance to see much beyond the formal gardens, and it is an exceedingly pretty day.”
Elizabeth and Georgiana both consented to the plan, and Darcy was just about to echo his agreement when Mrs. Bennet called out from across the terrace.
“A walk! Goodness, after all that rich food! And Lizzy, have you not walked quite enough for one day? What will Mr. Bingley think with you always traipsing about?”
“Oh, I think it is delightful that Miss Elizabeth enjoys the exercise,” Bingley put in hastily, but Mrs. Bennet hardly seemed to be listening.
“Jane, dear, you may go if you wish, but I shall require a rest. I am sure one of the guest chambers must be available.”
Jane hurried to her feet. “Certainly Mamma, I will show you upstairs.”
As the two women moved towards the house, Darcy quickly voiced his agreement to the proposed outing—Caroline immediately echoing his sentiments; but Mary Bennet rose, indicating that she was not inclined to walk, and would instead join her father in the library.
In due course, the party of six set off through the gardens in the direction of a small pond at the edge of the property. Bingley led the way with Jane and Elizabeth by his side, followed by Darcy and Georgiana. But it was not long befo
re Caroline appeared to stumble, catching Darcy’s arm in a vice-like grip. “Oh! Forgive me, Mr. Darcy. The ground here is dreadfully uneven. I hope you do not mind if I impose upon you for your support?”
Breathing in the overwhelming scent of Caroline’s thick perfume, Darcy stifled a grimace. “Not at all.” In front of them, Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder and Darcy noted the twinkle in her eye and the half-smile that touched her lips.
The party soon cleared the small formal gardens, and the group was able to spread out, with Georgiana ambling ahead to view the pond with the Bingleys. And although he was unable to extract his arm from Caroline’s clutches, Darcy lengthened his stride, pulling his unwelcome companion along. Finally, he reached the spot where Elizabeth stood beneath a flowering blackthorn tree. Studying her serious expression, Darcy held back a sigh. There must be a way for the two of them to have a few moments alone! They had not had an opportunity for confidential discourse since Mr. Bennet’s visit to London, and Darcy was unable to gauge Elizabeth’s feelings. Perhaps she was concerned about his reaction to her father’s ultimatum? If only he could reassure her that he had no intention of forcing her into marriage…
Affording him a brief glance, Elizabeth turned to stare across the water. It was clear she had been avoiding him prior to their walk, and with Caroline pasted to his side and Georgiana, Jane, and Bingley only a few paces away, he was at a loss as to how to begin a private conversation.
Clearing his voice, Darcy fixed his gaze on the little he could see of Elizabeth’s countenance. “It is warm for April,” he offered.
Elizabeth’s eyes slid briefly in his direction, but she did not comment.
At his other side, Caroline snapped open her parasol—a hideous burnt-orange contraption—swiping at the air in front of her face with an exaggerated frown. “I quite agree. It is utterly stifling. And the warm weather has brought out the insects.”
Elizabeth seemed to be fighting a smile, but she continued to stare into the distance.
To Conquer Pride Page 14
