by Leenie Brown
Not only was he too serious, but he was also dour? How else was he to be in the presence of Lady Catherine? Richard might not mind their aunt’s reprimands, but Darcy did not relish to endure them. Anne was correct, at least, about his favouring Miss Bennet.
You will be doing my heart a great service should you be successful in gaining her acceptance. I will do my part to keep my mother occupied, so that if even a whisper of your intentions reaches her ears, she will be unable to cause you any trouble.
Remember, you must be married in one month. Please, do not dawdle in doing your duty.
I shall be indebted to you forever.
Your grateful cousin,
Anne
Darcy chuckled and shook his head in disbelief. How Anne intended to keep her mother from being able to interfere if word of his courting Elizabeth should reach her piqued his curiosity. He should very much like to hear of her plans, but he was not so curious as to write and ask. No, he would not write at all, for if he did, he knew his letter would pass through his aunt’s hands before it ever reached Anne.
One month? He rubbed his chin as he studied the letter before him. He was not certain a month would be long enough, but he thought, as a smile crept to his lips, that it would be his pleasure to attempt such a feat.
He tucked the letter into the top drawer of his desk as he heard the soft tap at his study door, indicating it was time for him to accompany his sister to a few shops.
Three hours later, Georgiana had purchased perfume, gloves, and a fan. She had ordered two dresses, and she, along with her brother, had enjoyed a few sweets. Now, when all Darcy really wished to do was return home, Georgiana was asking to stop at yet another store.
“Please, Brother? If I am to spend the whole of tomorrow afternoon sitting with Grandmama, might I not have a bit of new ribbon or lace in my work basket.” Georgiana peered out the window of the carriage as they travelled the streets of London. “It would make the task ever so much more enjoyable.”
Darcy chuckled. “Spending time with Lady Margaret is hardly a thing to be endured.” He noted the small pout that formed instinctively on his sister’s lips. It was not an attempt to procure his favour, but rather a small twinge of disappointment which would soon be replaced by a smile and accompanied by a ‘very well.’
“However,” he continued, “if a bit of lace will make both you and her happy, we shall stop and procure the magical bit of froth.”
A smile lit Georgiana’s face. “Oh, thank you, Fitzwilliam! Lady Margaret loves a bit of finery with which to work.” She looked out the window once more.
Darcy knew it to be true. His sister and their grandmother were a lot alike in that way. Both found great pleasure in adorning a hat or dress with a bit of finery. And as much as he wished to be home and did not relish the idea of having to give his opinion on which bit of lace would be best, he could not deny either his sister or his grandmother such a small pleasure when it was well within his power to do so. He sighed quietly. Perhaps he was too indulgent.
“That store. There.” Georgiana pointed to a small establishment just up the street. “They have the best and finest selection.”
Darcy frowned, just a bit. The storefront was neat in appearance, but it was small. “Are you sure you would not prefer a shop closer to home in a finer neighbourhood?”
She swatted his knee. “Do not be such a dolt, Brother. Ladies of quality frequent this store regularly, which is how I know about it. Many of my friends and their mothers have made mention of it.” She turned pleading eyes upon him. “I have always longed to shop here.”
He shook his head at how easily he was acquiescing to her request and tapped the roof of the carriage with his walking stick. “Very well. Though your language in reference to me leaves something to be desired.” He raised a brow and affected a scolding look. “You shall have your wish today, Sweetling.”
Her eyes narrowed at his use of his pet name for her.
As if reading her thoughts, he answered, “I know you are about to be presented to society and that you are indeed no longer a mere child. However, you are now and will always remain my baby sister — even when you are as old and hard of hearing and short of sight as Lady Margaret.”
She giggled. “Lady Margaret would be shocked to hear you speak of her so. She is none of those things!”
“I know, but she is not young — no matter what she might claim — and therein lies my point.”
Georgiana tipped her head, her smile was soft. “I love you, too, Brother.”
He gave her knee a pat as the carriage drew to a stop. “How shall I ever give you away?” he asked. It was something he often found himself wondering. He could not imagine there was a man worthy of his sister, and he dreaded the day that she insisted there was.
“Once you do, you shall no longer have to accompany me to buy lace nor will the bills be yours to pay.”
He chuckled. “Then find a suitable gentleman quickly,” he teased as the door to the carriage was opened, and he climbed out before assisting her. “How much longer shall I have to play the part of the solicitous brother today? You do know these shops are not my favourite establishments.”
She giggled. “I shall endeavour to make our foray amongst the frills and your discomfort as short as possible.”
He carefully watched where her feet were stepping, guiding her safely to the door of the store. Stepping through the doorway, he took in his surroundings. It was indeed a shop of quality, well-kept and holding an air of dignity. He chuckled to himself. How could a store be dignified? Perhaps it was the elegant furnishings and the impeccably dressed assistants standing at the ready behind the counters along the artfully arranged displays evidencing the obvious care the shopkeeper gave to his establishment which lent to the atmosphere.
He turned to speak once more to his sister. “Where shall we begin, Sweet…” His words died on his lips as he beheld the lady standing behind his sister. “Miss Elizabeth.” He bowed slightly.
Georgiana noted the slight flush to her brother’s face and the smile he bestowed upon the lady named Miss Elizabeth. She looked at the young woman and noted a similar pink tinge to her cheeks. Elbowing her brother in the side, she waited for him to notice that there was anyone else within the store. She wanted to giggle at his startled expression as he turned to her. She tilted her head toward Miss Elizabeth and blinked at him, waiting for him to remember his duty in introducing her.
His brows drew together slightly as he looked at his sister before recognition dawned in his eyes. “Right,” he muttered with a nod. “Miss Elizabeth, may I present my sister, Miss Darcy. Georgiana, this is Miss Elizabeth.”
Georgiana extended her hand in greeting to the lady. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“As it is likewise a pleasure for me. I have heard somewhat about you.”
“You have?” Georgiana looked in confusion toward her brother. She had not heard of Miss Elizabeth.
“Indeed, I have, for your brother has spoken of you but not so much as either Lady Catherine or Miss Bingley. However, you may rest assured, they only speak of you in terms of highest praise.” She studied the young girl before her. Wickham’s description of Miss Darcy played in her mind. This was not a proud young lady. There was nothing cold in the way that Miss Darcy had greeted her, nor was there any air of pretension in Miss Darcy’s manners.
Georgiana smiled at Miss Elizabeth and raised an eyebrow in her brother’s direction. “You have met both my aunt and Miss Bingley?”
Elizabeth nodded. “I have just returned from a stay in Kent. My particular friend is married to my cousin, who happens to be your aunt’s parson. It is through his position I met your aunt.”
“And Miss Bingley?”
Elizabeth could not help feeling amused at how Miss Darcy avoided looking at her brother, who was scowling at her. “Mr. Bingley let the estate which neighbours my father’s estate in Hertfordshire.”
“You live near Netherfield?” This time Ge
orgiana grimaced slightly as her brother cleared his throat.
It seemed to Elizabeth that Mr. Darcy was not without some experience when it came to curious younger sisters. “Indeed, I do,” she replied. Then, noting how the young girl’s brows drew together as she tried to reconcile some bit of information with another, Elizabeth added, “My aunt and uncle own this store and a few others. I am visiting them, along with my sister Jane, before we return to Longbourn.”
“Oh.” Georgiana brow remained furrowed for a moment longer before her features relaxed, and she regained her smile. “So you met my brother while he was at Netherfield with Mr. Bingley?”
“Georgiana,” Darcy scolded softly.
“I do not mind,” Elizabeth assured him with a smile.
“But I might,” he said with a sheepish smile. “There are portions of my stay…” He found himself unable to complete his sentence as she raised a teasing brow, her eyes sparkling with impertinence. How her eyes captivated him. They were so expressive.
“We first met at an assembly,” she said, turning her eyes back to Georgiana.
Georgiana’s brows rose in surprise. “An assembly?”
Elizabeth nodded.
“Did my brother dance?”
Elizabeth laughed. “Only with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.”
Georgiana’s mouth dropped open for a brief moment before pursing her lips and directing a displeased look at her brother.
“Suffice it to say that our first meeting did not go well,” Darcy replied hastily.
“And yet we are friends,” Elizabeth added.
“Was there not a reason for coming into this store, Georgiana?” Darcy asked in hopes of changing the subject. “Did you not wish to find a bit of lace for Lady Margaret?”
“Mr. Darcy,” Jane Bennet greeted as she joined her sister.
“Miss Bennet.” Darcy bowed. “May I present my sister, Miss Darcy. Georgiana, this is Miss Bennet.”
“My sister,” Elizabeth added softly.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bennet.” As she spoke, Georgiana’s eyes fell on the trim Jane held in her hands. Then, darting a look at her brother, whose eyes still remained fixed on Miss Elizabeth, she continued. “Miss Bennet, you have just the thing for which I am looking. That trim with a bit of lace is exactly what I need for my blue muslin. Would you mind showing me where you found it?”
Jane hesitated for a moment.
“I do not wish to inconvenience you, but it shall shorten my brother’s torment if you were to assist me.” Georgiana leaned forward and spoke softly as a customer brushed past her. “He is not fond of shopping in general and for lace in particular.”
Jane smiled. “I imagine shopping for lace is not any gentleman’s favourite pastime.” She motioned toward the back of the store. “This is part of my uncle’s newest shipment, so it is in the case back here. We will ask Mr. Greenwood to see the full tray. There are a few pieces that are similar to this and might interest you more.”
Darcy watched as his sister followed Jane. “My sister wished for some trim to add to her work-basket when she goes to visit our grandmother tomorrow.” He was not sure why he felt a need to explain his presence to Elizabeth. “She had heard of this establishment and had never been here before, so I indulged her.”
“An indulgent brother?” Elizabeth teased.
“Perhaps too indulgent.”
“I cannot believe it to be true,” said Elizabeth firmly. “Your sister seems lovely and not at all spoilt as some do who are overly indulged. ”
“True,” Darcy agreed. “She is not like some I have seen.”
“Such as my sisters,” Elizabeth said.
“That is not what I meant.” He shook his head at his own stupidity. “There are those of the ton…”
“It is true, and I am not offended,” Elizabeth interrupted. “My youngest sisters are indulged and spoiled.” She had considered his criticisms over the last week and had come to realize that, as much as it stung, he had been correct about her family.
“My uncle has a small sitting room over here.” She motioned to an open door on her right. “There are those among his clientele who prefer to sit and read the paper while their wives shop. You may find it more pleasant to wait for your sister there. Jane will see that she is returned to you safely.”
Darcy looked toward the door to the sitting room and then back to where his sister was exclaiming over some piece of material. “Will you join me as I wait, Miss Elizabeth?”
“I should like that very much.”
He motioned for her to precede him into the unoccupied room and waited for her to be seated before taking a seat himself. The room was not large, but it was well laid out with three groups of two chairs with a table between them evenly spaced around the room. On each table, lay a neatly folded paper. Everything was bright and clean. It was a very relaxing environment. In fact, as he considered the lady next to him, his sister could shop at this store exclusively from now on if she wished.
“Did you have a pleasant trip?” he asked as he arranged himself in his chair.
“It was very pleasant, thank you. There was not a drop of rain to be seen anywhere along the journey and between Maria’s constant chatter about Rosings and a book of poetry, I was well entertained for the entirety of the journey.”
“Will you be staying in town for an extended time? Or is your sojourn only of a short duration?”
“I shall be here a fortnight, though my aunt has asked me to extend my stay.”
“And will you?” He held his breath as he waited for her response. How he wished for her to stay, but if not, he would petition Bingley for the use of Netherfield if she would welcome him in Hertfordshire.
“I have been considering it.” She averted her eyes, and her cheeks grew rosy. “There may be diversions in town to entice me to stay. However, Jane has been away from home for so long, and I must consider her wishes as well.”
“My friend may call on her.” Darcy offered. “Would she welcome such a diversion?”
Elizabeth smiled. “I believe she would, no matter how much she attempts to protest that she is no longer affected by him.”
“I am sorry.”
“For what?” Elizabeth asked in surprise.
“Have you forgotten the part I played in her sadness?” He settled more deeply in his chair but did not wait for her to respond. “I have made Bingley aware of your sister’s presence in town and confessed my stupidity. He left my house in quite a state.”
Darcy straightened his sleeves. “This may be the only time you see me unscathed during your visit to town as I am to meet him tonight at our club for a bit of a joust.”
Elizabeth could not hide her surprise. “And you are going to allow him to expend his anger upon your person?”
“I shall not have to allow it. He is, as my aunt would say, quite the proficient with sword and fist.” He shrugged at her look of shock. “When you are trying to cross social boundaries, there is ample opportunity to practice defending yourself and any friend who might find himself at odds with his peers.”
“He defended you?” Elizabeth was incredulous. “I should think, with your advantage in height and standing, it would be the reverse.”
“Things are not always as they seem, Miss Elizabeth.”
She stared at him for a moment, her brows drawn together. Would she ever have the full measure of the man in front of her? He knew first-hand the difficulties which might arise should she agree to marry him. There were those, perhaps even in his own family, who would react vehemently to any union which would bring direct ties to trade. Yet, he had chosen…her.
She shook her head and cursed her abominable pride which had kept her from seeing him for who he was, a man, who, in disposition and talents, would best suit her. But it was more than that. She knew it was. How often after he had left Netherfield had she replayed their exchanges in her mind. Oh, she had told herself it was to find fault and to prove that her assessments of him
were correct. And when she had, on a few occasions, found her heart longing to sit with him and discuss various topics, she had assured herself it was to prove her superiority. How nonsensical she had been! Things most definitely were not as they first seemed. Even in her blindness, her heart had called out for him.
“Are you attempting to sketch my character again?” There was a look of amusement on his face.
She shook her head. “I have given up all hope of succeeding. You shall ever remain an enigma to me.”
“Then why the scrutiny?”
She bit her lower lip unsure if she should ask. “You love me?” she whispered.
He nodded. “Most ardently.” His voice was equally as soft.
“How?” There was so much she did not know about love. It was not something one could read about in books, and it was not a topic she wished to canvas with her mother — or her father. She and Jane had surmised many things about it and discussed it at length. Yet, she felt completely unprepared to understand such a subject.
He shrugged. “You may as well ask how one continues to draw breath. For just as surely as the Almighty places life in my body, he has placed a love for you in my heart which shall never be removed even after my last breath is drawn.” He took both her hands in his. “Please, Elizabeth, tell me I might, in time, have some hope of success.”
Happiness, deeper than any she had ever felt, fluttered in her heart, and joy suffused her features. Without thought, she lifted his hands to her lips and placed a small kiss on each of them. Then, with an impertinent grin and a raised eyebrow, she said three words which made his heart soar. “Perhaps you might.”
Chapter 6
Perhaps you might. Remembering Elizabeth’s words from yesterday made Darcy smile as he accepted a cup of tea from his aunt, Lady Matlock. He shrugged in response to the questioning look Richard shot him and turned his attention to his tea.
“I hear Mrs. Anderson’s daughter has refused another suitor,” said Lady Matlock, peering over the teapot and looking at Darcy with a raised brow. “She is a pretty thing. Her taste in gowns is exquisite, and she dances very well.”
