by Wendi Sotis
God help him, the seventeen days since she left Pemberley had been difficult. He missed her more than he had ever missed any person in his life.
However, after riding hard for hours to get here from London, he probably smelled worse than a stable.
“Walk on,” he said to his horse. Bingley followed.
Besides, if he were to meet with Elizabeth today, it would spoil Ana’s surprise. No, it was better if he did not see her. Their time today would be best spent checking the house and grounds instead so that they could move in on the first of the month, as planned.
A twig cracked in the woods running along the road. His head snapped in that direction, and he reigned in his horse. A red squirrel hopped into the road and scurried away.
“What is wrong with you, Darcy? I have never seen you so skittish.”
“Nothing, I am fine. Let us continue.”
He sighed. I only thought it might be Elizabeth.
After leaving the Smiths’, Elizabeth stood at the crest of Oakham Mount, watching two gentlemen ride across the field. Both sat a horse very well. One was blond, the other was taller and with dark hair.
She blinked several times in quick succession. Even from a distance, he reminded her of Mr. Darcy.
Was the early afternoon light playing tricks with her eyes? Or did she miss that gentleman so much that she imagined seeing him?
There was no other possible explanation.
Actually, yes, there was. Her mother had heard there were servants at Netherfield readying the manor house for its master’s arrival. The man must be Mr. Huxley Darcy. After all, he was a cousin to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. It would not be odd if they resembled each other, at least from a distance.
Elizabeth smiled. I am sane, after all.
Mr. Darcy’s efforts on behalf of Netherfield’s tenants warmed her heart once more. She was sure all the problems on the estate would be resolved as soon as possible now that he had contacted his cousin.
“Please remember, if anyone asks, just tell them Netherfield will soon be occupied,” Darcy said to Mr. and Mrs. Curtis. “No name.”
“Yes, sir,” they answered together.
Darcy pulled on his riding gloves. “Mr. Bingley and I, along with my sister, shall see you again Tuesday.”
“Very good, sir,” Mrs. Curtis said.
As he exited the house, he saw Bingley was ready and waiting. Darcy came down the stairs and mounted his own horse. If they did not leave right away, they would never make it to London before dark.
“The house is in good condition. All should be ready for our arrival next week.”
“Yes,” said Bingley, “but the tenant houses…” He shook his head.
“That is the reason I purchased this estate, Bingley. I am ashamed of what my cousin has done here — or I should say, what he has not done. The condition of the estate is why I thought it a good idea for you to accompany me throughout the renovations, as well. You will gain a great deal of experience in seeing what is involved with being a landlord.”
“I appreciate your thinking of me.”
“Do not allow the condition of this property to frighten you. Keep in mind that what the workmen will do at Netherfield over the next few weeks would normally need to be accomplished over many years.”
“I certainly hope so!” Bingley said. “This is going to be quite an expense for you.”
Darcy shrugged. “The timing is good — you heard as did I that with the crops already brought in, many the farmers and their sons volunteered to help. It instills goodwill to hire locally. They have been maintaining their buildings themselves, but only on the off months when farming chores do not take up as much of their time. Some of their repairs are not sound — they will need guidance from an experienced carpenter. I already planned for a few of my men and Pemberley’s carpenter to arrive on Monday. Clarke can oversee all work while one of my men will be assigned to each farm to supervise the labourers. Which reminds me, we should stop at the blacksmith on our way through the village to see if there are any other local men for hire. If there are not enough men, I will look into engaging some from London before we return.”
“As always, your plan is an excellent one, Darcy.”
He nodded his thanks. With five years’ experience running an estate the size of Pemberley, and helping his aunt with Rosings, he had learned a thing or two from his successes and his mistakes.
As they approached Longbourn’s drive, Darcy was distracted by movement at the front door. His breath caught, and he stopped his horse short. The horse fidgeted a couple of steps sideways.
A servant stepped through the door with a broom and started sweeping.
Darcy shook his head. Ridiculousness had taken over his senses once again.
Gesturing for his horse to continue, a noise made him turn towards Bingley. His shoulders were shaking.
“What?” Darcy asked.
“You.” Bingley slowed his horse to allow Darcy to catch up. “Does a lady live there, by any chance?”
“The estate is Longbourn, where Ana’s friend lives.”
“Your sister’s friend?” Bingley laughed out loud.
“Just what is so amusing?”
Bingley winked at him. “Are you certain she is only Miss Darcy’s friend?”
“Yes. Of course, Miss Bennet is an acquaintance of mine, as well, but she and Ana became quite close after we met her last month in Derbyshire while she was travelling with her relations.”
“Right.” Bingley looked ahead at the road. “Go ahead and be that way if you like, but you cannot hide it from me.”
“Be what way? Hide what? You are speaking in riddles, Bingley.”
Bingley met his gaze again. “Both times we have passed that house today, you tried to catch a glimpse of someone. A pretty girl, perhaps? I have been in that position more times than I can count, so I recognise it."
“Miss Bennet is Ana’s friend.”
Bingley smiled. “I am certain she is.”
Darcy sighed. He should give more of an explanation. “I was only worried she might see me. We decided not to tell anyone that I purchased Netherfield Park so that Ana can surprise Miss Bennet with a visit next week.”
“Yes, yes. And since you wish to keep your presence here today a secret, you came to a full stop both times you were in view of the house instead of moving more quickly as you passed.” Bingley’s smile widened.
Darcy frowned. Bingley was right, but Darcy would never admit it. He could not. “My only interest in Miss Bennet is that she is my sister’s friend.”
Bingley forced his smile away, but Darcy could still see the mirth in his eyes. “I really do understand.”
Darcy rolled his eyes. “You misinterpret.”
Bingley chuckled and said under his breath, “I do not think so.”
Unwilling to continue the conversation, Darcy urged his horse to move a little faster to put some space between himself and Bingley.
Upon entering the village, they found the blacksmith without any trouble. Their inquiries were made and satisfied. At this time of year, the blacksmith knew plenty of able-bodied men willing to take on work of this sort. He would make up a list before Darcy would contact him again next week. They shook on it.
As Darcy was finishing his business with the blacksmith, he heard Bingley’s laughter outside and another man’s voice, but by the time Darcy joined him, Bingley was alone. They mounted their horses and headed for the London road.
“While you were inside, I spoke to the local country squire, Sir William Lucas. He invited us to an assembly ball next Wednesday afternoon. I hope you do not mind that I accepted. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for you to meet your neighbours.”
Darcy suppressed a smile. He would dance with Elizabeth in only a few days. “Did you tell him my name?”
Bingley frowned. “He assumed I was the owner of Netherfield, and though I felt rather uncomfortable about it, since you said you were trying to keep your presence
a surprise, I did not correct him.”
Darcy nodded.
Bingley continued, “Sir William said that twice a year they include all family members, even children, and this is one of those events. That is why they are holding this ball earlier in the day than usual. Miss Darcy may attend with us.”
Now he did smile. Perhaps that is where Ana should surprise Elizabeth.
“That is perfect, Bingley.”
CHAPTER 19
Elizabeth’s mother came rushing into the dining room, where the rest of the family were already gathered. She had been called away from the table a few minutes ago by Lady Lucas, who, upon her arrival, had told Mrs. Hill that their meal must be interrupted for it was an urgent matter.
“Is everything well with the Lucas family, Mama?” Jane asked.
“It must have been about a serious issue for Lady Lucas to interrupt our meal,” their father said with a touch of reproach in his voice.
“Oh, yes, indeed. All is better than well. Lady Lucas had some important news.” She hesitated dramatically, slowly spreading her napkin on her lap. “We all knew lately there have been servants at Netherfield, but Sir William actually spoke to the master of the estate today. He and his party will arrive to stay at Netherfield on Tuesday, and they will attend the assembly ball on Wednesday!” Her mother pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and fluttered it before her. “You all must take extra care dressing for the ball — especially you, Jane.”
Her father’s back stiffened. “Mrs. Bennet, are you certain? For as long as the current owner of Netherfield has owned the place, he has never once stepped foot in the county of Hertfordshire, let alone has he attended an assembly ball. I cannot believe it.”
“Oh, I am sure of it, Mr. Bennet. I have just heard it from Lady Lucas, who heard it from her husband. It is not the same gentleman as the horrid one who has ignored his responsibilities, you see. Sir William says his name is Bingley.” She smirked. “And, she told me something else that Sir William said you would especially like to hear, Husband. The blacksmith told Sir William that a gentleman was in asking about employing men to work on all the tenant farm buildings, even before they make improvements to the main house. They arrive at Netherfield on Tuesday, and the work shall begin as soon as possible.”
Her father’s mouth dropped open.
Elizabeth smiled. Mr. Darcy’s efforts had certainly paid off. Huxley Darcy must have sold the estate to a gentleman who actually cared about his tenants. She would write to Ana this evening and ask her to express Elizabeth’s most profound appreciation to her brother.
“Well, then,” her father said. “If there is a new owner of Netherfield and he is attending our little ball, I will be coming with you.”
Her mother clapped her hands. “That would be perfect, Mr. Bennet. Once you speak to him, you can introduce him to us all. I am certain if you do, he will fall in love with one of our beautiful daughters before long.”
Her father raised his eyebrows. “And what if he is already married? Your plans will come to nothing.”
She displayed a satisfied grin. “That is the most important news. Sir William asked if he was to meet Mrs. Bingley at the ball, and Mr. Bingley answered that he was not married. If he can afford to take on the expense of improving Netherfield from the reduced state it is in, he must be very wealthy indeed.”
Elizabeth hid her smile behind her napkin and caught Jane’s eye. Her sister’s amusement twinkled in her blue eyes.
A few minutes later, Elizabeth realised that, even though she had never met the man, she felt a bit sorry for Mr. Bingley. It mattered not whether he was the most handsome or the plainest gentleman in all of England, he would be highly sought after by every unmarried young lady in the area and their mothers.
She wondered if he knew what he was getting into by attending the ball.
~ Wednesday, 2 October 1811
As the coach pulled away from Netherfield, Mrs. Annesley, his sister’s new companion, caught Darcy’s eye, smiled, and glanced at Ana. His sister’s excitement practically came off her in waves. Bingley tried to speak to her to keep her mind occupied, but she was barely making her one-word answers coherent.
If he was honest with himself, Darcy was about ready to bounce in his seat, as well, though he thought he was doing a better job of hiding it than was his sister.
How could the anticipation of seeing one woman completely undo all the discipline drilled into them both from the day they were born?
Or perhaps it was the expectation of her surprise when she saw them stroll into the ballroom?
No, that was not it, though that would undoubtedly bring him pleasure. At least in his case, it was the eagerness to see Elizabeth again that was almost driving him mad. He held himself back from signalling to the driver to move faster.
“Tell me more about the lady you are so looking forward to meeting again today,” Bingley said.
Ah, good job! Ana happily chattered away about her days spent with Elizabeth, making the time it took to get to the village of Meryton pass a bit more quickly. There were some stories he had not heard before, and some were of Elizabeth’s family, recapping many of the reasons he should not be so enthusiastic about seeing her again.
Thoughts of Elizabeth’s family sobered his mood. Most likely, all of her close relations would be present today.
He decided he would greet her briefly, stand back, and leave the reunion of Ana and Elizabeth between themselves. While they were in Hertfordshire, he would allow Mrs. Annesley to do her job and accompany Ana on visits and walks and whatever the ladies were up to. He would be much too busy with estate business.
The coach pulled up to the inn where the assembly ball would be held. Darcy turned to see how many were ahead of them, but his gaze was arrested by sighting the loveliest creature to have ever walked the earth.
His breath caught, and his heart skipped a beat.
Impossibly, she was even more beautiful than he remembered her to be.
She was standing with someone he assumed was her sister Jane from how she described her in the past. The two ladies moved away just a little. A man, who must be her father, handed down other ladies from the coach. My father and a house full of women was how Elizabeth had described her immediate family. Mr. Bennet looked like a gander rounding up his geese. Darcy wondered how they had all fit into that coach. The group walked towards the entrance to the inn.
Elizabeth’s laughter tinkled, floating through the air like a favourite aroma that soothed all ills.
“I heard her! Can you see Lizzy out there?” Ana asked.
Her words made Darcy realise that, sitting in the backwards-riding seat, he had twisted most inappropriately to look out. He watched the tail of Elizabeth’s skirts disappear indoors before retaking his seat properly.
His face heated when he saw Bingley’s wide smile. Mrs. Annesley was looking away, but even she seemed amused.
Egad! He had been practically pressing his nose to the glass like a schoolboy, making quite the fool of himself.
Darcy cleared his throat. “Miss Bennet and her family have just entered the building.”
They waited for another coach-full of people to disembark, and a footman opened their door. The gentlemen got out first and handed down the ladies. Once inside, they ridded themselves of their outerwear and ascended to the ballroom.
Darcy restrained the urge to take the stairs two at a time. He looked down at Ana, who held tightly to his arm. She was glowing with anticipation.
When they walked through the doorway, all heads turned to look at them.
Darcy scanned the crowd for that one familiar face and found her still with her sister. She had not noticed them as of yet.
Bingley asked, “Which one is she?”
“By the open window,” he nodded in that direction.
The expression on Bingley’s face was odd. It was almost as if he was devastated. Strange.
“She does not seem to be your type at all, Darcy.”
Bingley shook his head.
Sir William Lucas approached Bingley, changing Darcy’s focus. Good. However, their conversation could not hold his interest for long. Darcy’s gaze found Elizabeth once again.
Elizabeth was speaking to the lady he assumed to be her sister Jane, and consequentially, was the only person not looking in their direction. She wore a gown he had not seen before. It was a pure white gown with an overlay of white lace. The ribbon at the neckline, waist, and hem added a little colour — the exact shade of green that he knew brought out the colour of her eyes most flatteringly. Her sister was looking at them, and apparently not paying any mind to what Elizabeth said. Elizabeth turned to see what her conversation partner was distracted by.
Elizabeth first displayed surprise, then like a sunrise, a smile of utter pleasure spread across her lovely face. Darcy anchored his feet to the floor, for his instinct was to rush to her side.
It seemed she excused herself from her present company, then she walked towards them. As she approached, she held out a hand.
He almost did the same in response but stopped himself when he realised she now looked at Ana.
A wave of envy passed through him as Ana grabbed hold of Elizabeth’s hand.
“Ana! Mr. Darcy! It is so good to see you.”
She curtsied, and they reciprocated.
As she rose, she raised both eyebrows as she looked between them. “Do not misunderstand me, but what are you doing here?”
Ana giggled. “We arrived yesterday. I would have written to you about it, but I wished to keep our arrival a surprise.”
