“I, too, prefer the country to Town, Miss Tilden, but this is where my sister resides, and business does call me here from time to time. How do you spend your time in the country?”
Elizabeth enjoyed nothing better than being out of doors. Although he knew she spent time in Town with her aunt, he was secure in the knowledge that she had never lived anywhere but at Longbourn. All she had ever known was the country and its simplicity, and he . . .
“ . . . and paint in the morning when the sun first rises, giving an early light to the countryside. The grounds around Tilden Manor are beautiful.”
Darcy’s mind had once again traveled the distance to Longbourn. She was in the middle of a speech, and he made every effort to appear attentive and interested in what she had to say.
“Mr. Darcy,” said Mr. Tilden, “if you will follow me, I can show you examples of Clara’s painting.”
“Thank you. It would be a pleasure.”
Darcy followed the father and daughter out of the room, giving him a chance to examine Miss Tilden more closely. She was tall and slender with beautiful blonde hair pulled back in a braid that crowned her head. She moved gracefully and her figure was well formed. She spoke gently and with respect and deference towards him. He recalled another woman that had not treated him with such deference but considered him to be her equal. Perhaps his opinion of Miss Tilden would improve once he knew her better, but then Elizabeth had not required any improvement. No part of his feelings for her were learned.
Darcy admired Miss Tilden’s art, much to the lady’s satisfaction. He was willing to concede that she painted well. Her father was quite obviously proud of her achievements, and he deserved to be. Her landscapes were exquisite. Mr. Darcy thought of another young woman who did not draw or paint, but who seemed to be gifted in the art of loving and caring for others, an accomplishment he doubted Miss Tilden possessed.
After examining Miss Tilden’s art, they returned to the drawing room, where she began the conversation.
“I believe that your estate is in the country. Please tell me about your home, Mr. Darcy.”
“Pemberley is the name of my estate in Derbyshire. It was built in 1627. The central section was attacked by Cromwell’s men, but it was rebuilt in the same style. There is a stream, a lake, and extensive grounds, and the tenants are all pleasant fellows. I have refurnished a room for my sister that she will see for the first time when she returns to Pemberley. It is to be a surprise for her. I have never had to worry about new furniture before. Our home is lovely, but it certainly lacks a woman’s touch.”
“I am sure your sister will be pleased with what you have done for her.”
Miss Tilden was an only child and had no experience with the love and affection of a brother or sister. She could only imagine the feelings Mr. Darcy had for his sister. Miss Darcy wanted for nothing, she was certain. There was little she would not do to secure the attention and affection of such a generous man as Mr. Darcy.
Darcy smoothed an imaginary wrinkle in his waistcoat. “Please tell me about your home in the country.”
“Tilden Manor is not as grand as Pemberley, but I dearly love it. My grandfather had it built during his lifetime and removed his family there on its completion. The manor possesses several natural streams that are well-stocked, and the library is superior to any I know.”
Darcy had no doubt that if the streams were not stocked and the library not filled with books, all it would take would be a little interest from him and they certainly would be.
“How long will you be in Town?”
“For a few months. My father has some business to transact. He has enclosed the commons around Tilden Manor and is going to make agreements with new and current tenants and wants his solicitor to prepare the documents. He is also in negotiations for a small farm near Tilden Manor to which his old steward, a longtime friend of the family, will retire.”
“You seem to be conversant in the issues surrounding Tilden Manor.”
“It is to be mine someday, so I feel that it is important to know what is going on, and my father agrees.”
“He is quite right. Of course, when you marry, your husband can assume those duties.”
“Yes,” she smiled at him, “he will.”
* * * * *
THE NEXT MORNING, DARCY WAS reading the newspaper when he was accosted by his sister. She was full of curiosity to know how his evening had passed.
“Did you enjoy your time with the Tildens?”
There was no question in her mind that Mr. and Miss Tilden hoped for an alliance with the Darcys. From what Georgiana knew of Miss Tilden, she was certain that her brother could never love her. She was convinced that he was in love with Miss Elizabeth and so felt no qualms in warning her brother about the intentions of the Tildens. Her brother was a troubled man, and she felt a need to protect him.
“It was pleasant enough.”
Glancing up, he met Georgiana’s eyes and felt himself grow uncomfortable under her scrutiny, and when she asked how he found Miss Tilden’s company, he avoided her eyes altogether.
“She is a pleasing young woman.”
Georgiana frowned. Their opinion of Miss Tilden did not coincide. “I am sure you had ample opportunity to converse with her. Of what did you speak?”
“She told me about her home and of her stay in London. Like me, she enjoys the quiet and seclusion of the country.”
“Strange that Miss Tilden should call on me earlier this week. She asked many questions, all of which concerned you. In my opinion, my dear brother, she is courting you. How would you feel about a match with Miss Tilden?”
Darcy pondered the question for a moment, and then coolly responded. “I am not certain that this is a conversation I would like to have with my sister, but if you must know, she is an accomplished woman, blessed with many advantages. The man who marries her should consider himself fortunate.”
“In other words, she is everything Miss Elizabeth is not, except that you do not love Miss Tilden, and you do love Miss Elizabeth.”
“Perhaps you should return to your studies.” His lips had not closed before he regretted his words, but it was too late, she had left the room.
* * * * *
NOT LONG AFTER HER FAMILY had departed for Netherfield, Elizabeth realized that she did not wish to be alone. She was disgusted with what she felt was her weakness in refusing to go, but she could not bear to enter that house again and be surrounded by his memory.
Why would Mr. Darcy leave just when she had opened her heart to him? He had kissed her, and she now felt violated. She loved him, and the pain of his leaving her without a word after all they had shared hurt deeply.
Maybe it was better that she was alone. She could cry undisturbed.
* * * * *
DARCY THOUGHT IT A GREAT contradiction to be back in Hertfordshire. He had gone to get away from Elizabeth, to free his heart from the hold she had over him, and now he was going back. In a letter, Bingley urgently pressed for his return. He felt that Darcy had been unjust to both himself and Miss Elizabeth when he left Netherfield without a word. Darcy resolved not to allow the slight to injure their years of shared friendship, so when Bingley issued him an invitation to return, Darcy agreed.
To be honest, he could no longer resist the temptation to be near Elizabeth. It had been several weeks since he left, and he had begun to wonder if he had imagined the degree of their attachment. Perhaps she had never loved him as he thought she had. If he could just see her and know he was no longer important to her, to know that she did not care for him after all, perhaps then he could find peace.
The carriage ride seemed interminable. The usual sounds and motions of a traveling carriage, to which he had become inured with practice, seemed to overwhelm his patience. He could neither read nor sleep nor entertain himself with pleasant thoughts.
The carriage pulled up in front of Netherfield, and Darcy was immediately welcomed by Bingley.
“Darcy, you are here
, at last! Welcome!”
“Thank you, Bingley.” Darcy was exhausted and not equal to his friend’s energetic welcome.
“How was your trip?”
“It was much more tiresome than I remember.”
As they turned and walked into the house, Bingley hoped that Darcy’s ill humor could be attributed solely to being weary from traveling.
“I will have your things carried to your room at once. Perhaps you would like to rest a bit after your journey.”
“Yes, thank you.” Darcy was relieved by the prospect of quiet and solitude. It would allow him to gather his thoughts and tame the chaos in his mind.
As Darcy walked up the staircase, he remembered the visits he had made to Elizabeth. Instead of going to his bedchamber, he walked to her room and took his usual place in the chair next to the bed. He remembered talking to her as she slept, not knowing when or if she would wake up. He had been captivated by the fullness of her lips and recalled how her dark hair fell down around her face. He could see her hands clasped together and remembered his relief when he learned that she had finally awakened. He would never forget the laughing sound of her voice or her soft touch. In that short time with Elizabeth, he had learned what it was to love and be loved.
* * * * *
BINGLEY ANTICIPATED WITH PLEASURE SHARING the news of his understanding with Miss Bennet, and unable to wait any longer, he went in search of his friend. Bingley did not find him in his room, and after the pause of a moment, acted on suspicion and walked down the hall towards Miss Elizabeth’s former bedchamber. He looked in to see Darcy sitting by the bed deep in thought.
“Do you wish to have your things moved to this room?”
Darcy was startled to hear Bingley’s voice. “No. I . . . ” There was an uncomfortable hesitation, a feeling of uncertainty. “I thank you, no.” Darcy rose and walked past Bingley and down the hall to his usual room.
Bingley watched Darcy’s retreating form and then turned to the object of Darcy’s attention, Miss Elizabeth’s bed. Knowing full well Darcy’s feelings for her, he could not say he was surprised to have found him there. Despite his absence, it was clear that Darcy’s feelings for her were unabated.
Bingley decided he would inform Darcy of his new understanding with Miss Bennet at a later time.
* * * * *
DARCY CHANGED HIS CLOTHES AND wrote a note to Georgiana announcing his safe arrival in Hertfordshire. Later, Bingley heard him enter the library.
“Please sit down, Darcy, and tell me how you are feeling. You do not appear to be well.”
If Bingley had to describe Darcy, he would call him stricken. Darcy was not a man given to mirth, and what liveliness he had displayed in the past had given way to a depression of spirits. He was a man in distress.
“I am tired, that is all. The trip seemed to be particularly trying this time.” Darcy collapsed into a chair opposite Bingley.
“And why is that?”
“My mind is not at peace . . . but I do not wish to talk of that now. I have missed you, my friend. How are you? Are you well?”
Bingley doubted his sincerity. He knew that Darcy was always uncomfortable in any discussion that concerned him, and today he seemed more agitated than usual.
“Is there anything I can do to help ease your mind?”
“I think not.”
“Please, remember that I am always at your disposal. You know you may come to me with whatever concerns you.” They continued a moment in silence until Bingley spoke. “I have something to tell you.”
“What is your news?” Darcy picked up a newspaper from a table and began to peruse the first page.
“I have asked for and received permission to court Miss Jane Bennet.”
The room became silent. Darcy returned the newspaper to the table. “I do not know what to say.”
“You do not have to say anything. Just be happy for me. I love her.”
Darcy could not let his statement go unchallenged. “But do you know her well enough to take such a bold step?”
“I saw much of her while Miss Elizabeth was here, and even more since you left, and I am certain of my feelings for her.” He felt a little suspicious of Darcy’s motives, sat back in his chair and crossed his legs.
Darcy took a deep breath. “You have known her for only a short while, Bingley.” He arose and began to pace the floor.
“Yes, and by securing her consent to court her, I can seek to know her more fully and in an open manner above speculation and public examination. I will not hide my intentions. If she refuses me later, then so be it, but I shall not lose the opportunity to win her hand.”
“Are you certain you are making a wise decision? What did your sisters say?”
“I did not consult with them. They will not approve my choice, but that is nothing to me. I am seeking my own happiness and that of Miss Bennet.”
“Why do you not think they would approve of Miss Bennet? She seems pleasant enough.”
“They do not believe the Bennets are fashionable or wealthy, and they despise their connections.”
Darcy continued his walk up and down the room. “There is truth to that. Do you not think it worth considering?”
“What is that to me? I love Miss Bennet, and I want to be with her.” Bingley was growing more upset every moment, and Darcy’s incessant pacing of the room was irritating.
“A man in your position should have no problem finding a wife who is the daughter of a wealthy, landed gentleman and can provide you with a proper dowry. That kind of marriage will remove, once and for all, any doubts others may have about you being a gentleman.”
Darcy eyed Bingley carefully, not knowing how far he dare press the point. He knew Bingley was much less concerned with appearances than he. “The stigma of having acquired your wealth through trade will be gone forever. Your income will increase, and you will be able to move easily in society, respected by those whom you will call your peers.”
Darcy spoke deliberately, not wanting to raise Bingley’s ire, but hoping to persuade him that his choice was not advantageous. It was a relief for Darcy to speak openly of his objections. If he could convince Bingley that Miss Bennet was not worthy of his love and affection, perhaps he could be more reconciled to his belief that Elizabeth was not an appropriate match for him.
“Miss Bennet is the daughter of a gentleman, and though she has no dowry, she does have an estate. We will immediately have property to give to an heir.”
“Perhaps, but the estate is a poor one, and it comes with four unmarried daughters and an unpleasant widow who would immediately become your responsibility. On your marriage, it would become your estate, but do you really think Miss Bennet will turn out her mother and sisters? They will be with you forever. There will be no place for a son to inherit for many years. The two youngest daughters are quite ill-mannered. Their marriage prospects are extremely low. Do you really want to have the care of them for the rest of your life should they live to be old women?”
“Darcy! You are heartless! No, I do not expect that Miss Bennet would turn out her own family nor would I ask it of her. I am happy to care for them as long as they require it. The daughters will come into one thousand pounds each on the death of their mother. They are not that poor.”
“Think about it. It is wrong!”
“Darcy!”
Bingley was cut to the heart. Darcy’s arguments were superficial, and he had never thought his friend so shallow. Bingley had come to love all the Bennets. The income from Longbourn would continue to support the family. He would not have to spend three-pence, but none of that mattered, for he would do anything to have Jane and would marry her if she had nothing at all.
With a look of hurt and dismay, Bingley left the room.
* * * * *
BINGLEY RETIRED TO THE PRIVACY of his dressing room where his thoughts turned to Miss Bennet. He reflected with pleasure on the time he spent with her at the Meryton assembly and concluded that he would like to give
a ball at Netherfield. While it would offer entertainment for everyone invited, the sole purpose of the evening would be to provide an opportunity for him to be with Miss Bennet. He longed to dance with her again. Such a ball would give Darcy a chance to see how lovely she truly was. Every grace that a woman possessed was enhanced as she moved down the dance. Darcy would be forced to admit that he was wrong about Miss Bennet.
Happy with his decision, Bingley sought out his housekeeper, informed her of his plan, and requested her help in planning the ball.
“When would you care to hold it, sir?”
“Tuesday week.”
“I am certain that you would not care to be bothered with all the mundane tasks and activities associated with planning a ball; therefore, please leave everything to me. I will consult with you when decisions need to be made.”
“I cannot imagine being of any assistance to you, so I leave it all in your hands. I completely trust your judgment.”
“Shall I send round your invitations?”
“Thank you, yes, though I will deliver one myself to the Longbourn family.”
“Very good, Mr. Bingley.”
* * * * *
THE RIDE WAS PLEASANT, THE air refreshing, and birds and animals abounded on the road to Longbourn. Bingley had invited Darcy to accompany him, but he refused. Bingley was uncomfortable without Darcy’s approval of his relationship with Miss Bennet, for he had always relied on his advice. Feelings of uncertainty clouded his happiness the closer he came to Longbourn.
Chapter 9
“HILL! WHO IS AT THE door?” cried Mrs. Bennet.
“It is Mr. Bingley, ma’am. He desires to call on you and Miss Bennet.”
The thought that he had come expressly to call upon Jane gave Mrs. Bennet a great deal of satisfaction.
Hill brought Mr. Bingley to the sitting room, where all the Longbourn ladies were at their work. They stood on his entering the room.
“Mr. Bingley, you are very welcome. Do sit down, sir.” Mrs. Bennet gestured to a place on the sofa where Jane was sitting. “We are very pleased that you have come.”
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