by Dana R. Lynn
“I am happy you could join me, Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth began softly. “I thought you might appreciate knowing I am well. I do not blame you for my injury.”
Miss Bingley sniffed. “I can see you are well. As for the accident, well, how was I to know you would be so clumsy that the slightest movement of a horse would upset your balance?”
Elizabeth blinked, taken aback. Did the woman not understand she was being given a reprieve? Elizabeth decided to make the facts clear.
“It would hardly matter how graceful one was when the horse completely reared up on its hind legs, causing the other to move as well. Would it?” She fused her steely stare with Miss Bingley’s pale blue eyes. “I hear you are preparing to move to Scotland, or am I mistaken?”
Miss Bingley’s face grew pinched.
“What is it you want with me, Miss Eliza Bennet?” she almost growled.
Elizabeth ignored the nickname, knowing that Miss Bingley only used the name because she was aware Elizabeth hated it.
“I want us to make an attempt to get along.” Elizabeth didn’t feel the need to mention she was doing this for her sister. Miss Bingley had never held any of the Bennet family in affection.
The red headed woman looked away, biting her lip. “Why would you desire that?”
“Miss Bingley, surely you realize that it cannot benefit you at all to continue on in this manner? Your brother has put his foot down, and he is not likely to be swayed by you again. Your sister has adopted your duties as hostess and seems willing to remain in that position as long as you are removed from company. And even your guests are weary of your behavior.”
“Do you mean Mr. Darcy?” Miss Bingley flared. “Who are you to come into my home with your impertinence and steal him away from me? I have known him for years. I was sure he was almost ready to propose until you stepped in and distracted him!”
“I would never have proposed to you, Miss Bingley.” Both women flashed their eyes up to see the men who had joined them. Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and a very angry Mr. Bingley filled the entrance.
“You might have, if she had not gotten in the way!” Miss Bingley was shaking with suppressed rage. “I have spent years trying to attract your attention. What has she ever done but argue with you and walk through the mud as no proper lady would dream of doing?”
“Caroline, enough!” Bingley almost shouted. “It is only because Miss Elizabeth implored me to forgive you that you are not now packing to go stay with our aunt. But I warn you, if you cannot control yourself, I will order your bags packed in a heartbeat. Don’t think I won’t do it.” Bingley turned and stalked out, followed by the colonel. Darcy hesitated, glancing searchingly at Elizabeth.
“Go,” she said softly. “We need to talk.”
Reluctantly, he nodded. He fixed one last steely glance on Miss Bingley before following after the other men. Elizabeth saw a servant take up watch in the hall, and knew Mr. Bingley was taking her father’s threat seriously.
Elizabeth and Miss Bingley watched each other warily for a moment. Suddenly, Miss Bingley’s shoulders slumped, and she sat heavily in defeat. The eyes she lifted to Elizabeth’s face were filled with tears.
“I did not intend to hurt you,” she whispered finally. “I just wanted you to be gone.”
“Why are you so determined to marry Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth ventured to ask. “I have never been of the impression that you loved him.”
Miss Bingley scoffed. “Love! Of course I do not love him. He is far too fond of books and quiet for me. I would prefer to be able to spend my time at parties and the theatre.”
Elizabeth nodded. She had suspected as much. “Then marriage to Mr. Darcy would hardly be ideal for you.”
“What else am I to do, Miss Eliza?” Miss Bingley demanded. “I have a substantial dowry, but no worthy suitors. My father was in trade, so the only men who have paid me any heed thus far are other tradesmen. Oh, my brother, he will be considered a first generation gentleman, and he will be able to marry as he chooses. But me? The only way for me to continue living as I choose is to marry well. It is dreadfully unfair, but that is my lot in life. I don’t want to have to settle like Louisa. She married a gentleman, but one riddled with his father’s debts. She will never have the fancy home or the high life we dreamed about.”
“Miss Bingley, I understand your frustration. My sisters and I are a gentleman’s daughters, but our estate is entailed away. And we have a limited dowry. I very well might spend my life working as a governess.”
Miss Bingley tilted her head as she observed her companion. “You don’t expect to marry?”
Elizabeth sighed. “I refuse to attach myself to a man without love or respect. I have seen far too many unhappy marriages which were made for monetary reasons. I want no part of that. My father has agreed to never force me to accept a man. My mother will probably disown me if I ever refuse a proposal, but I will not be persuaded from my course.”
“What of Mr. Darcy?”
“We have no understanding, nor would I presume to expect one.”
Miss Bingley nodded slowly. “I do not like you, Miss Eliza Bennett, but it seems we must call a truce if I am to remain with my brother.”
Elizabeth smiled archly. “I will accept your offer on one condition.”
Miss Bingley raised her eyebrow in query. “Yes? What condition is that?”
“Stop calling me Eliza. I suspect you only do so because you are aware of how much I dislike the name.”
Miss Bingley surprised Elizabeth by chuckling. “That is precisely why I do it. In the name of peace, however, I will cease. Although I might slip from time to time.”
Chapter Nine
Darcy waited as long as he was able to before heading back towards the library. He had been reluctant to leave Miss Elizabeth alone with that scheming woman, but he could see no alternative. He now lamented all the time he lost in the ridiculous attempt to free himself from her snare. Reflecting upon his behavior in the past few weeks, he was ashamed. He might have reached an understanding with her by now if not for his stubbornness.
“Brother,” Georgiana called as she walked swiftly to his side. “Where are you off to?”
Darcy greeted his sister with a kiss upon her head. “Nowhere, dear one. I left Miss Elizabeth in the library with Miss Bingley, and I was now going to rescue her.”
Georgiana let out a decidedly unladylike snort. Darcy raised his eyebrows at the sound. “If you are going to be in the library with Elizabeth, then I will join you. That way no one can accuse you of being improper.”
Darcy nodded his acquiescence. In his mind, he was rebuking himself for his petty jealousy that his sister was allowed to address the lady by her first name, but he, who had known her longer, could not.
The pair arrived at the library to find Miss Elizabeth alone, her head leaning back against the settee, eyes closed. Her face was peaceful. A small smile hovered about her lips. Darcy wanted to remain in the doorway a moment, merely to memorize the delightful picture she made. That was not to be. As they stood at the entrance, she opened her eyes and smiled at them.
“You have found me out,” she murmured.
“Miss Elizabeth, are you well?” Darcy asked in concern.
“Well enough. My head is beginning to ache, but I do not relish the thought of returning to my room. I was hoping if I sat still and closed my eyes, I could enjoy the novelty of being downstairs a little longer.”
Ah, conversation was out of the question if her head ached. Yet Darcy was unwilling to leave her presence. Georgiana came to the rescue.
“Would it disturb you if we entered, Elizabeth? I am weary of all the noise, and I thought I would just sit quietly and read.”
Elizabeth waved a hand at Georgiana, indicating that she should make herself comfortable. “And what would you read, Georgiana? Poetry? A novel?” She teased the younger girl.
“I have a book by Mrs. Radcliff. I thought I would pass the time with that.”
&nb
sp; Elizabeth flicked her glance to Mr. Darcy. “And you, sir? Will you read, too?”
Darcy shook his head. “I have some business letters I need to write. If it would not disturb you?”
“Please,” Elizabeth assented. “I welcome company, as long as it is quiet company.”
Darcy seated himself behind the desk while Georgiana seated herself near the fireplace. Soon the room was filled with the slight scratching sound of Darcy’s pen and the soft, even breathing of Elizabeth. Realizing she was asleep, Darcy put down his pen and enjoyed a few minutes simply watching her. He adored the way a slight dimple appeared in her left cheek when she smiled and the chestnut curls that insisted on escaping from their pins. He longed to reach out and brush them off her face. He sat thus for a few minutes before realizing he himself was being observed. He looked up to find Mr. Bennet watching him.
“Sir,” Darcy began, standing.
Mr. Bennet waved him down. “How is she?”
“Her head was starting to ache, but she refused to remove to her room.” Darcy replied in a near whisper. Secretly, he was relieved the man was not angry to find him watching his daughter.
Mr. Bennet chuckled. “Yes, that sounds like my Lizzy. She hates being cooped up. Prefers to be out of doors, walking and skipping. And, I suspect, climbing trees.”
Somehow the information did not surprise Mr. Darcy.
“Should we wake her, do you think, and help her back upstairs?” Darcy was unsure just what to do in this situation. As much as he enjoyed being in Elizabeth’s presence, he worried about her condition worsening.
A frown gathered between Mr. Bennet’s brows as he considered the peaceful countenance of his sleeping daughter. Finally, he seemed to come to a decision. He turned and smiled at the younger man. His smile was relaxed and warm. Darcy felt the tension leaving his shoulders.
“No, I would prefer not to disturb her. I know this goes against propriety, Mr. Darcy, but I think it would be best if you were to carry her to her room, as I am no longer strong enough.” As Mr. Darcy’s mouth fell open in shock, he chuckled. “I think my presence will be sufficient to protect both your reputations.”
Darcy swallowed. The trust Mr. Bennet was showing him was incredible. Darcy was humbled. He had begun to develop a healthy respect for the man. He may have been a very casual parent up to this point, but it was clear that Thomas Bennet was the reason Elizabeth had developed such a keen sense of humor and a sharp intelligence. While these characteristics were not popular with the ton, Darcy had fallen in love with them in Elizabeth.
“My presence will help, as well.” The men turned to see Georgiana moving towards them. Darcy realized he had forgotten she was even in the room. Her expression said it was no use arguing. She intended to help her friend as much as she was able.
With the greatest care, Darcy leaned over the settee and gently lifted the woman he had grown to love into his arms. He held her close, feeling his heart beat quicken as the floral scent of her hair drifted up to tease his nostrils. He followed Mr. Bennet out of the library, Georgiana at his heels.
The rest of the party was in the music room. As they passed the door, the piano abruptly stopped playing and the sound of footsteps made the group consisting of the Darcy siblings, Mr. Bennet and Miss Elizabeth stop.
“Has she had a relapse?” Miss Bingley all but shrieked, her face pale as she approached them at a near run. Darcy wondered if she were worried because she was genuinely concerned, or if she were afraid of the consequences to herself if Elizabeth were to decline. “Will she be all right?”
In his arms, the still sleeping Elizabeth flinched violently as the wail sounded close to her. Darcy clasped Elizabeth closer and bent his lips to her ear. Her curls tickled his nose. “Shh, Elizabeth. Be still. All is well. You are safe.” He was unaware that in his need to comfort her, he had used her Christian name in front of the others.
Elizabeth stirred, murmuring. Finally she snuggled in closer to his shoulder. “Safe,” she breathed. Entranced, Darcy closed his eyes. In her sleep at least she trusted him.
He opened his eyes to find himself the center of attention. Ignoring the stares, he focused on the figure of Dr. Taylor, who approached with his no nonsense military stride. The doctor’s intelligent eyes swept over Elizabeth, seeking any signs of trouble.
“Was she in distress, sir?” the doctor inquired of Mr. Bennet.
“I do not believe so. Mr. Darcy?”
“She was resting and fell asleep. Her head was beginning to ache again,” Darcy took careful note of the doctor’s demeanor. When the physician showed no real concern, he allowed himself to relax.
“Perfectly natural,” the doctor declared. “I would recommend she be returned to her room, without disturbing her if possible.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam snickered. “If we haven’t awakened her yet, I think it’s safe to carry her the rest of the way up.”
“I think I can promise that my sister will not wake up,” Jane entered the conversation. “She sleeps more soundly than anyone I know.”
Mr. Darcy smiled at Jane and nodded to the rest of the company. He preceded Mr. Bennet up to the guest quarters. Georgiana went in and turned down the covers and then stood back as her brother gently deposited Elizabeth on the bed. Jane entered the room and went to sit in the chair near the window. Reluctantly, Mr. Darcy retreated from the room, closing the door as he exited. Mr. Bennet was waiting for him in the hallway.
“Mr. Darcy, I thank you for the care you have shown my daughter during her stay. I hope she will recover enough for us to return to Longbourn soon.”
That was not exactly what Darcy wanted to hear. He would not let this opportunity pass him by, though.
“Mr. Bennet, when Miss Elizabeth is once again herself, I would like to call on her.”
Mr. Bennet nodded. “I thought you might, son. As for myself, I would be only too happy for my daughter to have a suitor of your character. But,” he held up his hand to forestall Darcy’s thanks, “but, I must warn you that you made a pretty poor first impression with my Lizzy. She may not be as open to you calling on her as you might think. And I can assure you that your wealth and status will mean nothing to her. I refuse to coerce her into accepting a man she cannot respect. I know only too well how it feels to be caught in a marriage like that.”
Darcy frowned. “Sir, both you and Miss Bennet have alluded to my past behavior. I will try to rectify whatever difficulties I might have inadvertently caused. Indeed, I know I do not always appear in the best light in ballrooms. Crowds make me tense.”
Mr. Bennet laughed. “I feel the same way, son. Unfortunately, having five daughters, there is always a crowd at Longbourn. I have no doubt you will do well, young man. My Elizabeth might jump to conclusions too quickly, but she is also open to admitting when she is mistaken.”
Chapter Ten
Over the course of the next few days, Elizabeth continued to heal. Her headaches lessoned, and she was able to spend longer amounts of time downstairs. Although her head still felt a little tender, the swelling had disappeared. She joined the rest of the household for breakfast each morning, then spent several quiet hours in the library. Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy usually joined her there, as did her father. The first morning her father invited her to join him in a game of chess. She quickly agreed. The chance to use her mind to form strategies was a relief after spending so much time idly. It was a tense game, but in the end, she defeated her father. As she lay down his king, she looked up into Mr. Darcy’s fascinated eyes.
“Your strategy was impeccable, Miss Elizabeth,” he praised her.
Mr. Bennet stood. “I wish to catch up on my reading. Mr. Darcy, if you would be so kind to take my place, sir?”
Darcy accepted with alacrity, and another fierce battle ensued. Mr. Darcy defeated Elizabeth, but it was a hard won victory.
As they were clearing the board, he coughed nervously. Elizabeth glanced up at him, her brow raised in a question. She was surprised to find him look
ing unsure of himself. Curious, she gave him an encouraging smile.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he began, “it has been brought to my attention that on the night we were first introduced, I somehow offended you. Is that an accurate statement?”
Elizabeth lowered her eyes and bit her lip. That night seemed so long ago. She had almost let herself forget it. But now he had brought it up, with the apparent intention of clearing the air between them. The resentment she had felt at that first meeting threatened to flare up in her heart again, but she resisted it. The Mr. Darcy sitting across from her was so different from the man she met the first night. Surely, she should give him the chance to explain his remarks?
“Mr. Darcy, it sounds so petty now. On the night we met, you refused to dance with me because I was only ’tolerable,’ and you felt it was beneath you to dance with someone that other men had rejected.”
She watched him closely, waiting to see if his former hauteur would descend upon his handsome face. It would break her heart if he were to reject her now. She had allowed herself to become vulnerable to his charms, she saw. Instead of disdain, however, she saw confusion, as if he did not recall the moment in question. She nudged his memory further.
“You were speaking with Mr. Bingley, who was most insistent that you dance, if I remember correctly.” And of course she did remember. Clearly.
His brow cleared and comprehension dawned in his eyes.
“You heard me. I beg your pardon, Miss Elizabeth. Although my words were cruel, they were not the truth. I have recently acknowledged within myself and to my friends that you are the loveliest woman I know.” She blushed at the praise, mostly because she could tell he was sincere. “I must confess that I should not have gone to that party that evening. Some family concerns troubled my mind greatly, and all I wanted was to be by myself. I had promised Bingley my support, though, and could not think of how to disengage myself from going without wounding him. Please forgive me.”
“Of course I forgive you, sir.” She reached across the table as if to touch his hand, but did not complete the motion. “I hope, Mr. Darcy, that whatever troubled you that night has been resolved.”
