Grant sprang from his seat, a euphoric smile transforming his features. Grasping Darcy’s hand, he pumped it enthusiastically. “I thank you, sir. Very much.”
“There is no need to thank me. It will be up to Georgiana to determine how things progress from here,” Darcy answered.
But despite his best intentions, his mouth curved into a smile.
***
For the second time in as many weeks, Darcy stood atop Pemberley’s stone landing as the Gardiner carriage trundled up the drive. Turning his head, he smiled down at Elizabeth, who waited by his side. He longed to take her hand, or at least offer her his arm, but he had already determined that this would not be the wisest course. Instead he merely inclined his head, and the two walked side by side to the carriage, which had just come to a halt at the base of the steps. In a matter of moments the entire party had exited the chaise, rejoicing at the sight of one another.
Darcy stepped forward, offering Elizabeth’s uncle his hand. “Mr. Gardiner, welcome back.”
“I thank you, sir. I trust you received my express? I hope it is not too much of an inconvenience to have us return so soon?”
“Not at all. My sister and I are happy to receive you.”
Mrs. Gardiner turned from where she and Mary had been speaking with Elizabeth a few steps away. “Pray, how is Miss Darcy? She has been in our thoughts.”
“That is very kind, madam. And I am happy to report that my sister is much recovered. She has been resting in her rooms these past few days, but I am hopeful that she will be well enough to dine with us this evening.”
Before the Gardiners could respond, the steady clip of horse’s hooves drew everyone’s attention and all turned to see another carriage rapidly approaching. The vehicle drew closer and Darcy’s smile widened. Beside him, he heard Elizabeth’s sharp intake of breath and watched as she lifted her skirts and hurried to meet the slowing coach. Darcy strode after her, arriving just in time to clap Bingley on the back as his old friend jumped to the ground, his wife following in a more dignified fashion.
After a flurry of greetings, the group began making their way towards the house, Bingley falling into step beside his friend as Mr. Gardiner followed with the ladies.
“I hope you will forgive our delayed arrival, Darcy. We had anticipated a speedier journey but Jane has been feeling a bit fatigued, so we limited our travel to only a few hours each day.” For a moment Darcy thought he saw Bingley color, but his friend had already turned to look back at his wife.
Glancing over his shoulder, Darcy noted that Jane Bingley did appear somewhat weary, but she was presently arm in arm with Elizabeth and a happy smile lit her features.
“Of course, do not concern yourself,” Darcy answered. “I believe your usual rooms have been prepared, unless you and Mrs. Bingley would prefer separate chambers? The Gardiners are in the Rose Rooms, but there are several other apartments available.”
To Darcy’s surprise, Bingley’s flush deepened. “Oh, no, no… do not trouble yourself. Jane and I will be most comfortable… That is to say, my usual chambers will do very well.”
Darcy turned away to hide his amusement. “I had thought as much. I will leave it to you to show your wife the way. We dine at half past five.”
***
The dining room was awash with candlelight as the extended party gathered for the evening meal.
Entering the parlor with Elizabeth on one arm and Georgiana on the other, Darcy noted that his sister still looked tired, but her eyes sparkled in a way he had not seen in many weeks. His gaze drifted to Grant who stood awkwardly to one side, briefly wondering if the doctor’s presence had anything to do with his sister’s heightened spirits. It had been Elizabeth’s idea to extend the invitation to the physician, and Darcy was glad he had taken her advice. To see his sister well and happy was something he would always go to great lengths to accomplish.
Settling Georgiana into her seat at the head of the table, Darcy moved to his usual place at the opposite end, his hand resting possessively on the small of Elizabeth’s back. As he pulled out her chair, he noticed that Mr. Gardiner followed his movements with keen interest, and Darcy quickly turned away. Propriety be damned! This was one meal where he would have the woman he loved by his side.
Out of the corner of his vision he took in Grant standing uncertainly to his sister’s left. Lifting his head, Darcy offered a brief nod—surprised at the warmth that washed over him at the look of happiness he saw reflected in Georgiana’s expression.
When the entire party had been seated, Darcy once again rose to his feet, immediately garnering everyone’s attention. “If you would indulge me for a moment, I would like to propose a toast.” All eyes were fixed upon him as Darcy raised his glass. “I hope you will join me in drinking to my sister’s good health, and to Dr. Grant, for his expert care.” He turned to face the physician, swallowing down the knot that tightened his throat. “I will be forever in your debt.”
Georgiana and Grant both colored as everyone around the table murmured their good wishes, but when the footman approached, Darcy waved him away.
“Before we commence with the meal, I have one other brief announcement. Yesterday, I made an offer of marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and to my delight and, quite frankly, my amazement, she has accepted me.” Darcy rested one hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder, and she smiled up at him. “As we have not yet had the opportunity to obtain Mr. Bennet’s blessing, I hope you will respect our wish to keep this a private matter for the time being, but we wanted you all to share our joy.”
There was a moment of stunned silence, and then the table erupted, with everyone present seeming to speak at once.
“Oh, William, what wonderful news,” Georgiana gasped. “I had hoped this would come to pass! I could not wish for a better sister,” she added, her gaze falling on Elizabeth, who was at that moment being enveloped in a tight hug by Jane, who had leapt from her place farther down the table.
“Lizzy, I am so happy for you,” Jane breathed, laying a hand lightly on the swell of her waist. “I believe we will have many things to celebrate over the coming months.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened at the light flush creeping up her sister’s cheeks, before Jane said softly, “We shall speak later.”
On Darcy’s wave, the footmen finally began making the rounds with the first course, as Mary surprised everyone by remarking, “And here I was feeling sorry about you missing the Lakes, Lizzy. But it seems you had plenty here to occupy your attention.”
Darcy choked on a swallow of wine, as Mr. Gardiner regarded him from across the table.
“Yes, I look forward to hearing all about it, Mr. Darcy.”
***
The party did not separate after the meal, instead repairing to the music room where Mary, Elizabeth, and Georgiana took turns exhibiting on the pianoforte, much to everyone’s delight. However, it was not long before Jane expressed fatigue, and Elizabeth offered to accompany her sister to the Bingleys’ rooms.
The door had barely closed behind them when Elizabeth swept her beloved sister into a light embrace. “Oh, Jane, you are positively glowing!” Pulling back slightly, she studied her sister’s face. “But are you certain you should be traveling? I would hate to think that you have put your health in jeopardy on my account.”
Jane flushed, loosening herself from her sister’s gentle hold. “No, I am well. Charles has been taking very good care of me, and I still have some months to go before my confinement. But come, I wish to hear all about you and Mr. Darcy. I am so happy for you, Lizzy! Charles and I have long thought the two of you were remarkably well-suited.”
Elizabeth could not suppress the smile that lifted her cheeks as she led her sister over to a small sofa by the window. “Yes, I believe we are. Although it took me some time to come to that conclusion.”
“Oh, won’t Mamma be pleased,” cried Jane. “A babe on the way and three daughters married!”
To Jane’s obvious confusion, Elizabeth�
��s smile faded.
“Lizzy? What is it? Are you not happy with your decision? Tell me what is amiss, for I can see something is not as it should be.”
Settling into the seat beside her sister, Elizabeth sighed. “You know me too well. There is something I would speak to you about, though it is nothing to do with Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth studied her reflection in the darkened glass before reaching to smooth the fabric of her skirt. “Actually, it is about Lydia.”
“Lydia?” echoed Jane, her brow lifting in surprise.
Elizabeth nodded. “I trust you have heard the news about the lieutenant’s new commission and their subsequent removal to Newcastle?”
Jane returned her sister’s nod. “Of course. Lydia wasted no time in notifying us of her good fortune. Mamma took to her bed for two days, but was soon persuaded that the event was to be celebrated, even if it did mean her youngest daughter would now reside at the opposite end of the kingdom. But what is troubling you, Lizzy? I know you cannot be regretting having our dear sister settled so far from home.”
Elizabeth pursed her lips. “No, in that you are correct. What does concern me is the manner in which Mr. Hughes came to purchase his commission.”
“Yes, I had wondered about that…” At the expression on Elizabeth’s face, Jane’s eyes grew round. “Oh! You think Charles was responsible?” When Elizabeth did not speak, Jane continued, “I cannot say I blame you for thinking so, but I must assure you that he was not.”
“But… how can you be so certain? You know better than anyone Mr. Hughes had no fortune when he and Lydia wed. And Mr. Bingley has stepped in before…”
Jane flushed. “You are correct, of course. But Charles swears it was not him. And I know he would not lie to me, Lizzy.”
“No, of course not. But that is so strange. If it was not Mr. Bingley, and it could not have been Papa, then who was it?”
To Elizabeth’s surprise, Jane’s flush deepened and she pressed her lips together, as if to keep herself from speaking.
“Jane? What is it?”
“Well, of course, there is no way to be certain… but Charles thinks… well, Charles guessed that perhaps it was Mr. Darcy.”
“Mr. Darcy! But he is in no way connected with Mr. Hughes. Why would he do such a thing?”
Jane’s eyebrows lifted, and it was Elizabeth’s turn to blush. “Certainly not! We had not even reached an understanding when this occurred.”
To Elizabeth’s dismay, Jane just smiled.
“But how would he have known…”
“Why, from Lydia’s own lips, of course. Do you not remember her going on about it when we dined together at Netherfield? Charles reminded me that Mr. Darcy intervened, saying he was certain that an opportunity would present itself.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “No, he was only trying to turn the conversation—to keep Lydia from further embarrassing herself.”
“Perhaps. But Charles says it is just the type of thing Mr. Darcy would do to please you.”
Elizabeth shook her head, as if to better make sense of what her sister was suggesting. “But… then why would he not tell me of it?” Suddenly Elizabeth’s jaw dropped as she remembered she had conversed with Mr. Darcy on this very topic the day Lydia’s letter arrived. Searching back, Elizabeth struggled to remember Mr. Darcy’s exact words. Had he not agreed with her that it was most likely Mr. Bingley who had purchased the commission? No, he had not agreed exactly, he had only said that whoever had done so was likely able to afford it. Elizabeth felt her face pale as her sister’s worried eyes fixed on hers.
“What is it, Lizzy? Are you unwell?”
Before Elizabeth could answer, a sharp rap sounded at the door and Mr. Bingley poked his head inside the room. “Ah! My apologies,” he said, moving to withdraw. “I can see you are still conversing…”
Elizabeth hurried to her feet. “No, pray, come in. It is late and Jane needs her rest. Have the others retired?”
Charles entered the room, coming to kiss Jane sweetly on the cheek before turning to face his newest sister.
“Yes. Grant took his leave some time ago. The rest of us have only just come up.” Lifting his hand to affectionately rub his wife’s shoulder he continued, “I must say, I enjoyed making the doctor’s acquaintance. He is a fine fellow. I wonder… Do you think he might be a suitable match for Caroline?”
Elizabeth pulled in a quick breath, struggling to hide her alarm. She could not imagine a more unlikely pairing and was fairly certain Caroline Bingley would never consider the physician as a potential suitor, even if the gentleman could be persuaded. It was bad enough to imagine Miss Bingley’s reaction when she realized Mr. Darcy was no longer on the market.
“I do not believe it would be wise to raise your sister’s expectations,” Elizabeth answered cautiously, “as it would appear Mr. Grant’s affections are already engaged... elsewhere.”
“Oh?” Bingley studied Elizabeth for a moment before his eyes grew wide. “Oh! You cannot mean…? And Darcy has agreed to the match?”
Again, Elizabeth chose her words with care. “He has agreed to the possibility of a courtship, if his sister desires it. Although nothing will transpire until next season when Miss Darcy is out.”
Bingley released a low whistle. “Well, I’ll be! I never thought I’d see the day… A physician! I believe you are a good influence on him, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth smiled, leaning down to kiss her sister good night.
“I take very little credit for it, sir. I believe Mr. Darcy’s feelings on such matters shifted some time ago. And as we all know, for a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.”
With a last glance at Mr. Bingley’s puzzled expression, Elizabeth left the room.
Chapter 28
REACHING THE OUTER corridor, Elizabeth hesitated. She knew she should return to her chambers, but her mind was still reeling from her conversation with Jane, and the desire to speak to Mr. Darcy was strong. Chewing the inside of her cheek, Elizabeth glanced down the passageway. Surely it was too soon for him to be asleep, and they were betrothed, after all. Besides, her aunt and uncle would wish to depart early on the morrow, so if she did not seek him out now, she would likely have little opportunity before they met again in Hertfordshire.
Squaring her shoulders, Elizabeth turned away from her rooms and began walking in the opposite direction. Passing Georgiana’s chambers, she continued on until she reached the last door at the end of the corridor, the one she knew led to Mr. Darcy’s apartment. For a moment her courage wavered, but before she could lose her nerve she lifted her hand, tapping softly upon the burnished wood. When there was no response, Elizabeth stepped back, unsure if she should knock again or submit to her reservations and turn back. But the decision was taken out of her hands when the knob twisted, and the door opened.
Mr. Darcy stared back at her, his eyes wide. Taking a step forward, his gaze swept up and down the corridor, before settling on Elizabeth’s face. “Elizabeth! Is anything the matter? You are not unwell, I hope?”
“No; I beg your pardon, I know I should have waited until morning. I… I only wished to speak to you… That is, to ask you…” Her voice faltered and she was certain her cheeks must be the brightest shade of scarlet.
She made to step away, but Darcy reached out, capturing her hand and gently guiding her across the threshold.
Entering the expansive chamber, Elizabeth’s eyes instantly fixed upon the enormous four-poster bed in the center of the room and her face burned.
Closing the door, Darcy briefly held a finger to his lips. “Wait here. I will return in a moment,” he murmured, and Elizabeth watched as he moved to the far corner of the room. Reaching the entrance to an adjoining chamber, he stopped, and to Elizabeth’s horror, addressed someone inside.
“Pierce, you may go down. I have decided to answer some correspondence before retiring.”
A gasp slipped from Elizabeth’s throat. Mr. Darcy’s valet, of course! How could she hav
e been stupid enough to think he would be alone? Her eyes widened as a man’s voice answered from the next room.
“I can wait, if you would like, sir.”
“No, that will not be necessary,” Darcy answered evenly.
“Very well. I bid you a good evening then.”
Panic forced the breath from Elizabeth’s lungs, and she leapt for the door, wrenching it open. But before she could make her way into the corridor she heard the sound of another door closing and Darcy’s hand was on her shoulder.
***
“Don’t go.”
Darcy reached out, closing the door with a soft click. Elizabeth’s gaze lifted for a fleeting moment before flitting across the room. When she finally spoke, her eyes were on the carpet. “Pray, forgive me, Mr. Darcy. I used very poor judgment in coming here.”
Lightly touching his fingers to Elizabeth’s chin, Darcy tipped up her gaze. “Elizabeth, I wish you would call me by my given name, especially here. I would prefer not to be Mr. Darcy in my bedchamber.”
Elizabeth’s eyes grew round and a deep flush colored her cheeks. “Oh, God! Whatever was I thinking? It did not even occur to me that your valet… Do you think he heard me at the door?”
Darcy tilted his head, a grin tugging at his lips. “I do not believe so. You knocked very quietly. And even if he did, he would have assumed it was Georgiana coming to bid me a good night, as she often does.” His smile deepened. “Although I will say, we are both lucky that I happened to be closest to the door. If Pierce had been the one to answer, I am quite certain you would have given the poor man an apoplexy.”
Elizabeth’s hands flew to her cheeks and her eyes closed in abject mortification. “Mamma has always said my wild ways would get me into trouble one day, and now I can see she was correct.”
As Darcy watched, tears formed along her dark lashes and his heart melted. Gently wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he guided her into the adjoining parlor, settling her on a leather sofa in front of the hearth.
To Conquer Pride Page 28
