To Conquer Pride

by Jennifer Altman

  Ignoring Miss Bingley, Darcy tried again. “I imagine you are enjoying the countryside after your winter in Town, Miss Bennet. Will you be spending the whole of the summer at Longbourn?”

  Confronted with a direct question, Elizabeth clearly felt that she could no longer ignore his presence and she turned in Darcy’s direction. “Mainly, yes. Although I plan on touring the Lakes with my aunt and uncle in June.”

  Darcy eagerly grasped onto the proffered topic of conversation. “Ah, yes. The trip you were to have taken last summer. And… will you be stopping in Derbyshire?” he continued, his words hesitant.

  Elizabeth’s brow lifted a fraction of an inch. “I do not believe our plans are fixed at this time, sir.”

  Before Darcy could reply, Caroline burst forth, “Oh, how I love Derbyshire! Mr. Darcy, I hope we shall have the pleasure of visiting your estate once again this summer?”

  Reluctantly pulling his attention away from Elizabeth, Darcy responded tersely, “I do not believe your brother has any desire to leave Netherfield, Miss Bingley.”

  “Oh, I am certain he would make an exception for a trip to Pemberley. He cannot wish to remain in Hertfordshire all summer. If it is this warm in April, the heat during July and August would be positively oppressive.”

  Once again, Darcy fought for control of his emotions. This walk was not turning out at all as he had hoped. He was desperate for a few minutes alone with Elizabeth, but could not see how such a thing would ever be accomplished.

  As if sensing his dilemma, Bingley turned around, waving in their direction. “Caroline! Pray, come over for a moment,” he called. “I wish to have a word.”

  Caroline let out an exasperated huff before recollecting herself and peeling her fingers from Darcy’s sleeve. “Forgive me Mr. Darcy, it seems my brother has need of me. I shall return in a trice,” she simpered, batting her lashes.

  Darcy nodded, hoping his relief was not evident in his expression. As soon as Miss Bingley had gone, he turned towards Elizabeth; but before he could collect his scattered thoughts enough to speak, his sister approached from the opposite direction. “Miss Bennet, did I hear you say you would be visiting Derbyshire this summer?” Georgiana asked.

  “I do not believe anything is settled yet, Miss Darcy, but yes, I expect my aunt may wish to spend some time in Lambton.”

  “Oh! But then you must stay at Pemberley! My brother and I would be pleased to host your entire party, wouldn’t we William?”

  Elizabeth lifted her gaze, a doubtful expression in her eyes.

  “Certainly,” Darcy heard himself respond stiffly. “You would be most welcome.”

  “Please, say you will come?” Georgiana replied, clearly unaware of the battle her brother was waging with his frayed emotions.

  Elizabeth hesitated, slowly beginning to walk in the direction of the others with Darcy and his sister following. “I thank you for the gracious offer,” she answered carefully, “but I shall have to discuss it with my relations, as they may have already made other arrangements.”

  “Of course,” Darcy murmured.

  The threesome met up with the Bingleys near a small cluster of benches. They had no sooner come to a halt when Caroline sighed, dropping onto the nearest seat. “Charles, I cannot walk another step. I must rest for a while before we return to the house.”

  Bingley nodded his agreement, settling down with somewhat less flourish on an adjacent bench with Jane by his side. “A fine idea. I think we could all use a rest.”

  Elizabeth remained standing. “If nobody objects, I should like to walk for a while longer,” she said.

  Jane smiled, knowing it was not in her sister’s nature to be sedentary, especially when out-of-doors. “Of course, Lizzy, go right ahead. We shan’t return for at least half an hour.”

  Elizabeth nodded, making her way towards a small path that circled the water; but it wasn’t long before Darcy’s voice arrested her steps.

  “Miss Bennet, would you mind if I accompanied you?”

  Elizabeth paused, but finally offered him a cursory nod.

  Darcy turned to face his sister. “Georgie, would you like to join us?” he asked, but the young girl shook her head.

  “No, I think I am also rather tired,” she stated, removing herself to one of the benches just as Caroline stood, her eyes fixed on Mr. Darcy.

  “Perhaps a stroll would be beneficial after all…” Miss Bingley began, but her brother’s voice stopped her in her tracks.

  “Nonsense, Caroline. You just claimed to be exhausted and it is still a long walk back to the house. Besides, were you not saying only recently that you longed for Miss Darcy’s companionship?”

  ***

  Darcy took several ground-eating strides, quickly catching up to Elizabeth on the winding path. He wondered if he should offer his arm, but he had the distinct impression that she would not accept it. The two walked for several moments in silence and Darcy began to feel a sense of hopelessness settle over him.

  It was obvious Elizabeth did not desire his company, but this might be his only chance to speak with her privately. After tonight they would not be in one another’s company for months—and only then if Elizabeth acquiesced to his sister’s invitation to visit Pemberley. Thinking back to Georgiana’s request, Darcy once again felt the sudden rush of shock and longing. In truth, his sister’s words had been so unexpected, they had rendered him virtually speechless, and he had struggled to keep his countenance.

  Realizing he and Elizabeth had been walking for some time, he once again peered in her direction. Her bonnet obscured most of her face, but it was clear that she was not best pleased. However, whether her unhappiness was merely the result of his presence or whether it stemmed from some unknown slight, he could not determine.

  “Miss Bennet, have I offended you in some manner?” he finally asked.

  He could almost feel Elizabeth’s body stiffen, but when she turned to look at him, her features gave no hint to her feelings. “No, sir. You have not.”

  The pair continued on, but after several moments, Darcy let his breath out in a frustrated sigh.

  “Miss Bennet, I can see you are upset. But I cannot rectify my mistakes if you will not tell me what I have done.”

  Elizabeth slowed her steps. “You have done nothing, Mr. Darcy. You have made me no promises and therefore owe me no explanations.”

  Darcy stopped walking, forcing Elizabeth to draw up beside him. “Miss Bennet… has this to do with the visit your father paid to me in Town?”

  Elizabeth’s eyes widened. Turning away, she wrapped her arms tightly around her body.

  “Forgive me,” Darcy continued. “I regret that I have not yet had the opportunity to—”

  Elizabeth’s raised voice interrupted his sentence. “Mr. Darcy, I assure you, I understand perfectly. However, if you do not mind, I would prefer not to speak further on this topic.”

  Darcy nodded uncertainly and Elizabeth turned away, lifting her fingers to her temple.

  “Forgive me, but I feel the beginnings of a headache. Perhaps I have walked too far today.”

  Darcy frowned. Now he was certain something was wrong. The Elizabeth Bennet he knew was not prone to sudden headaches, nor would a walk of such a short duration cause her fatigue.

  “I would be happy to return with you if that is your wish,” he answered.

  Elizabeth nodded, but did not take the arm he offered, instead setting off alone in the direction from which they had come, leaving Darcy no choice but to follow after her.

  Chapter 14

  WHEN THE EVENING meal was announced, Mrs. Bennet was the first to reach the dining parlor. Brushing past her eldest daughter, she immediately proceeded to the top of the table, calling out instructions in an authoritative tone.

  “Jane, you shall sit at the head of the table, of course, and Mr. Bingley you will sit there, at the other end. Mr. Bennet you must take the place on Jane’s right, and I will be here, at her left. Lydia shall sit next to me.” Ca
tching a glimpse of Mary out of the corner of her vision, Mrs. Bennet huffed in an exasperated manner. “Mary! What are you doing over there? That is Kitty’s seat. You know we will be discussing the upcoming ball and you have no interest in such things. You may go and sit near Mr. Bingley.”

  Mary’s countenance paled and Elizabeth’s own cheeks burned as she darted a glance in Mr. Darcy’s direction. “Mamma!” Elizabeth hissed, but before she could say anything further, Mr. Darcy moved past her, coming to a halt at Mary’s side.

  “Miss Mary, would you do me the honor of sitting next to me? I have not yet had the pleasure of spending time in your company, and I am certain my sister would also enjoy the opportunity to become better acquainted. I believe the two of you have much in common.”

  Elizabeth stepped back, blinking rapidly, as she watched Mr. Darcy escort a now flushing Mary to the opposite end of the table. Pulling out her sister’s chair, he settled her alongside Georgiana before seating himself.

  In a flash, Caroline Bingley was across the room, nearly tripping over the hem of her gown in her haste to secure the vacant seat on Mr. Darcy’s left. Attempting to conceal her amazement, Elizabeth made her way to the empty chair beside Mr. Hughes.

  Once everyone was situated, the footmen began appearing with the first course and conversation flowed in an easy manner. In between bites, Elizabeth continued to glance furtively across the table. She assumed that having done his duty, Mr. Darcy would leave Mary to converse with his sister, but to Elizabeth’s surprise, he was animatedly engaged in the two ladies’ discourse. Despite her best intentions, Elizabeth found herself drawn to the conversation, and it did not take long for her to overhear Mr. Darcy describing the difficult fingering of one of his favorite piano concertos. Before she knew what she was about, Elizabeth spoke.

  “Mr. Darcy, did I hear you correctly? Do you play the pianoforte?”

  Darcy’s head snapped up at the sound of her voice, and he slowly lowered his fork until it came to rest on the edge of his plate. “I do, Miss Bennet, though not in company. My mother wished me to learn, so I had lessons as a boy, but I have not practiced sufficiently for many years.”

  Elizabeth watched as Caroline Bingley stilled.

  Alerted to Miss Bingley’s interest, Darcy redirected his attention to his plate.

  “Pray, do not listen to him, Miss Bennet,” Georgiana interjected softly. “My brother plays exceptionally well.”

  “Certainly, he does!” agreed Miss Bingley, and Elizabeth lifted her napkin to cover her smile. Honestly, the woman was ridiculous! Continuing to regard Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth noticed that the gentleman was still studying his dinner, though she thought she detected a slight reddening around his ears.

  Taking in the young girl seated across the table, Elizabeth replied kindly, “I am certain you are correct, Miss Darcy.”

  Ignoring Miss Bingley, Mr. Darcy turned back to Elizabeth’s middle sister, broaching the topic of books, and the two soon entered into a lively discussion on what they had read recently, the merits of poetry as compared to prose, and the selection to be found at the local bookshop. Elizabeth continued to eat her meal, but her attention was repeatedly drawn to Mr. Darcy. Was this truly the same gentleman who normally spent his time standing about on the periphery of the room, or with his back turned altogether, gazing out of windowpanes?

  Elizabeth sliced into her roast beef, taking a small bite and chewing thoughtfully. What could have precipitated such a transformation? He had certainly made his feelings about her family clear at Hunsford, and yet being in their company now, he did not seem at all disapproving. Stealing another glance in the gentleman’s direction, she examined his expression. If she did not know better, she would have almost said that he looked like he was enjoying himself.

  Before Elizabeth could reflect any more on the matter, the voice of the newly-minted Mrs. Hughes began rising in volume, pulling Elizabeth from her deliberations and all but silencing the other conversations at the table.

  “But I do so wish you could join the regulars!” Lydia whined, addressing her husband. “I am quite certain that were you to take a captaincy, we would have the funds for a proper house like this one, and not have to reside in such cramped quarters.”

  “Lydia!” Jane cried, while Lieutenant Hughes lifted his glass of wine, draining it in one hurried gulp as Lydia faced her eldest sister.

  “Oh, do not be so ill-tempered, Jane. Why should you be the only one to live on a grand estate? My darling Hughes is every bit as clever as your Mr. Bingley.” Leaning across Kitty to address her husband, Lydia continued, “I do not see why you cannot purchase a commission like Lieutenant Saunders. Mrs. Forster told me there are balls for the officers all year round when one is in the regulars.”

  Silence descended, and Elizabeth watched as Mr. Darcy carefully set down his glass. “Mrs. Hughes, I am certain you are correct. My cousin is a colonel in His Majesty’s Army and often complains about the many social obligations he must endure. But then, he does not have a charming wife at his side to make them more tolerable.”

  At Darcy’s words, Lydia beamed, while Elizabeth’s mouth fell open in absolute astonishment as Darcy continued, “I have also heard the militia is the single best training ground for a position in the regulars. No doubt the lieutenant will find his time here has been well spent.”

  “There,” cried Mrs. Bennet. “You see Lydia, your dear husband will be a fine officer one day and you will both move in the first circles, I am sure!”

  Before anyone could comment further, Bingley rubbed his hands together, waving over a footman to commence with the next remove; but Elizabeth’s thoughts had already returned to Mr. Darcy’s unprecedented defense of her youngest sister. She could not account for it at all!

  Suddenly, her mind drifted back to their solitary ramble that afternoon, and she instantly felt a pang of remorse. Clearly Mr. Darcy had wished to assuage his conscience for his refusal to offer for her… She should not have rebuffed his attentions. But she had simply been unable to bear the thought of standing there while he enlightened her as to the precise grounds for his dismissal. For to hear him say that he was attached to another would have been beyond her powers of endurance.

  Looking across the table at him now, a sad smile captured her lips. Surely, Mr. Darcy could see the only way forward was for them to bury the past?

  ***

  The sun had not yet risen when Darcy woke the following morning, his mind overflowing with thoughts of the woman he loved. He and Georgiana would be returning to London later that day, and although he felt he had succeeded in winning back a little of Elizabeth’s goodwill the previous evening, he knew he still stood on shaky ground.

  Elizabeth had not yet responded to his sister’s invitation to come to Pemberley, and while he might encourage Georgiana to write to her and repeat the offer, he was beginning to think it would ultimately be refused.

  Darcy sighed, extracting himself from the bedclothes and retreating into his dressing room. It was too early to bother his valet, so he quickly donned a simple ensemble suitable for riding and headed out of doors. He needed time to think and had always found that was best accomplished in the fresh air.

  His feet crunched along the gravel walk as he turned in the direction of the stables. When he reached his destination, he waved away the young groom, preferring to saddle one of Bingley’s horses himself as he often did at Pemberley. Something about using his hands, which moved by instinct, always helped calm him and he swung easily into the saddle when he had completed his task. Urging the mare into a slow canter, he headed across Netherfield’s west pasture. He had not given any thought to his destination, but as if guided by unseen hands, he soon found himself approaching Longbourn. Pulling back on the reins, he brought his mount to a standstill on a small rise overlooking the house. He was not certain how long he sat there, quietly contemplating the darkened manor, when a door opened and a lone figure emerged. Darcy sat up straighter, straining to see, but he already knew
only one inhabitant was likely to be out this early. His heart raced as the caped figure began walking in his direction.

  ***

  Elizabeth kept her eyes on the path, careful to avoid the ruts left by the recent rains. It was barely daylight and her breath created soft white puffs in the cool air.

  Once again, she had spent a restless night, consumed with thoughts of Mr. Darcy. Of course, when she left London, she was well aware their paths would likely continue to cross. But she had been completely unprepared for the feelings that had swelled within her upon seeing him step from the carriage at Netherfield. And while she had initially found herself uneasy in his company, she could not deny that she had been captivated by his cordial attention to her family the previous evening. Not only had her sister Mary, who was always awkward in company, fairly blossomed under his care, but he had been attentive to the rest of her relations as well: flattering Lydia at dinner, complimenting Kitty on her singing when she had joined Mary at the pianoforte, and even handing Mrs. Bennet into their carriage at the end of the evening. But through it all, it was the intense scrutiny he paid to her that sent Elizabeth’s pulse racing and kept her awake late into the night.

  Intent on both her thoughts and the uneven ground, Elizabeth did not raise her eyes until she was almost at the top of the knoll. When she finally lifted her gaze, her feet stumbled as she took in the black beast directly in her path.

  Swiftly dismounting, Mr. Darcy offered her a hurried bow. “Miss Bennet, I must beg your pardon. I did not mean to frighten you. I was riding past when I happened to see you leave the house.”

  Elizabeth flushed at having the man who had so recently consumed her thoughts now standing before her. “No, the fault is mine. I was not attending.” A slim smile lifted her lips. “Or rather, I was too busy attending to the condition of the path to be fully aware of my surroundings.”