“I thank you,” said Elizabeth, hiding her grin behind her teacup.
“Miss Elizabeth, are you acquainted with Netherfield?” asked Mr. Bingley.
“Why, yes. I was quite close with the daughter of the former resident, Miss Bell. I was very sad when they moved to Essex,” Elizabeth answered.
“Yes, Netherfield is very grand but not as grand as Pemberley. There is no equal to Mr. Darcy’s grand estate in Derbyshire. I know, I know of no home more fine, is what I thought when I visited last summer,” Miss Bingley drawled, her eyes never leaving Darcy’s face.
“Of course, I will agree with you, Miss Bingley, as I am partial to my own home. But Netherfield is a very fine estate, Bingley. The grounds are quite beautiful,” stated Mr. Darcy.
“Oh, but the grounds around Pemberley are astonishing! Ten miles around!” Miss Bingley continued in the same vein, unaware she was annoying the very person she was trying to impress.
“We are all partial, I think, to our homes,” replied Miss Elizabeth. “I love to walk the paths around my father’s lands, just as he did when he was a lad. Do you enjoy walking, Miss Bingley?” asked Elizabeth affecting a look of innocence. Mr. Darcy’s lips twitched as though he might laugh but controlled it as the last second. So he has a sense of humor, Elizabeth thought.
Mr. Bingley laughed, “Caroline? Walk? No. Besides, we have no ancestral grounds to walk about--” “Music! Miss Eliza do you play?” interrupted Mrs. Hurst as Miss Bingley sat stewing, a look of mortification on her beet red face.
“Only when forced,” Elizabeth replied turning her attention to Mrs. Hurst.
“Oh, well, Caroline perhaps you will oblige us?” Mrs. Hurst walked Caroline toward the pianoforte. Caroline walked with all the dignity she could muster, her willowy body clad in blue chiffon and strawberry-blond locks coiffed to perfection. She sat elegantly on the bench, her back ramrod straight and began to play a complexed piece, Elizabeth vaguely recognized as Bach. Mrs. Hurst smiled with pride at her sister. The room clapped for Miss Bingley upon her completion of the final movement.
“Well, I should be getting back to my sister, I think” said Elizabeth rising.
“Please let us know if there is anything you or Miss Bennett need at all,” said Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth curtsied and the men bowed.
“Sleep well, Miss Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy.
“Thank you,” said Elizabeth as she took her leave. She smiled to herself as she climbed the steps to her sister’s room. “Very intriguing,” she whispered to herself as she pictured Mr. Darcy’s fine eyes following her from the room.
***
Chapter 3: Meeting
Jane slept fitfully through the night. Mr. Bingley assigned a maid to attend the sisters for the duration of their stay to relieve Elizabeth when she needed rest. The maid was with Jane now as Elizabeth sat in her room staring at the moonlit garden below. She couldn’t sleep for worrying about Jane, as well as Mary and her Mr. Collins and Kitty and her megrim. Elizabeth sighed. “Perhaps a book,” she murmured to the moon.
She rose and adorned her dressing gown. After checking to see if the coast was clear, she stepped into the hall and headed toward the library with her candle. The house was still, the only sound was the whistle of a strong wind blowing against the windows. Elizabeth easily found the library and was happy to find that a small fire still blazed in the hearth both warming the room and providing her light to see. Elizabeth set down her candle and began searching for something to bore her to sleep. It was slim pickings but she continued to scour the shelves for something appropriate.
“Perhaps I could be of some assistance?” a deep voice said behind her, startling her out of her wits. Elizabeth covered her scream with both hands, calming when she realized it was Mr. Darcy. “You gave me a fright!” she said annoyed.
“I apologize madam. I thought you saw me when you entered,” he pointed to where he was sitting. She turned to where he pointed embarrassed by her obliviousness. She turned back to find him staring at her, his eyes dark and unwavering. Elizabeth blushed at her state of undress.
“No, sorry. I-I came looking for a book,” she said lamely.
“Well I hope you are not too particular, as there is not much here,” Mr. Darcy smiled, walking toward the shelves where she stood.
“I noticed,” she said smiling back. Were they flirting? She wondered.
“And how does Miss Bennett fair this evening?” he asked.
“She sleeps fitfully. Daisy, our borrowed maid, is with her now. She was to relieve me so I could rest but I could not sleep.”
“And so you came looking for a book,” Mr. Darcy nodded in understanding. He reached behind her grabbing a book off the shelf. “Perhaps Macbeth? It always does the trick for me,” Darcy offered her the dusty tome.
“And what reason keeps you up late, Mr. Darcy?” She asked flashing her dimple.
Darcy visibly swallowed. “Oh, many reasons,” he stared at her causing her heart to flutter. Elizabeth broke eye contact first.
“And how are you enjoying our little corner of England, sir? “She smiled.
“Very well, as I said earlier. Netherfield is a fine estate with beautiful grounds. Though perhaps I could use a guide to help me find all the paths. Do you know anyone knowledgeable?” He asked flashing a crooked smile.
“I might know someone who has lived in these parts all her life who might be willing to help you.”
“Perhaps once she is done nursing her sister?” He asked.
Perhaps,” Elizabeth flashed her incorrigible dimple. Darcy’s eyes were drawn to the endearing indent in her cheek. Elizabeth saw something in his eyes that entranced her. She was attracted, that she couldn’t deny. She was not surprised Miss Bingley set her cap at him. Mr. Darcy was well over six feet tall with a trim waist leading to long legs accentuated by well-tailored pantaloons. He had a strong chin and fine green eyes framed by thick lashes. Atop his head sat thick, dark curly hair Elizabeth could see herself running her fingers through. She stared up at him from under her lashes.
He smiled and struck up a conversation explaining how he had an adorable younger sister currently residing in Matlock with his aunt and uncle, excitedly preparing for her come out in the next year. He asked for details of the small market town of Meryton as he had not yet had a chance to visit. She happily told him about Bingley’s new neighbors for a few moments before the clock chimed twice. Elizabeth stopped mid-sentence and blushed as she realized the predicament she was in. “Perhaps I should be heading back to my room now. I wouldn’t want to compromise you,” she joked.
“Perhaps you are right, it is quite late,” Darcy sounded reluctant.
“Well then,” Elizabeth said attempting to step around him. When he didn’t move she stopped and looked up at him questioningly.
“Um, would you mind showing me the way back to the guest wing? I’m not quite sure I could find it in the low light,” Mr. Darcy contrived.
“Oh, sure,” Elizabeth said, biting her lip in an attempt not to smile. He moved to let her pass. She grabbed her candle and led the way out of the library.
“This way, stay close. I wouldn’t want you to get lost,” she said over her shoulder. Mr. Darcy fell into step beside her. He walked so close occasionally their hands grazed, each time causing a frisson of some emotion Elizabeth had never felt before to tickle her low in her stomach. They quietly made their way up the stairs by the light of the candle. “The men’s wing should be that way. My stop is here,” she pointed.
“Yes this does seem familiar,” Darcy said, his eyes only looking at her.
“Well good night,” Elizabeth whispered.
“Sleep well, Miss Elizabeth,” said Darcy placing a lingering kiss on her knuckles before heading toward his room. Elizabeth entered her room, her stomach a flutter and a goofy grin plastered on her face. She kissed her hand where Darcy’s lips touched it, imagining his kiss. She sighed and flopped on her bed content to think about Mr. Darcy’s strong chin and u
nfathomably deep green eyes, neglecting Macbeth.
***
Chapter 4: Barbs
Elizabeth relieved Daisy before dawn. Jane’s fever had finally broken and she was resting peacefully. Elizabeth ordered a tray to be sent to their room with tea, toast, and a thin broth for Jane as Mr. Smith instructed. “Thank you, Lizzy. I hate to be so much trouble,” Jane said hoarsely.
“Oh, Jane, you are much too sweet to cause any trouble. How could anyone not wish to care for a sweet creature such as yourself?” Lizzy teased. Jane smiled. Elizabeth carefully fed Jane her broth before giving her the tonic prescribed by Mr. Smith. Once Jane was resting peacefully again, Lizzy went downstairs for her own meal.
“Ah, good morning, Miss Elizabeth. How is our patient today?” Mr. Bingley asked his mood buoyant. Elizabeth smiled. “Good morning, Jane does much better today. She’s sleeping restfully now. A great improvement.”
“I despise being ill,” said Miss Bingley a look of disgust on her face. “So unladylike,” she shuddered.
“But surely, Miss Bingley, one cannot help being ill. And we all must have our due of illness in our lifetime,” Mr. Darcy said with a raised eyebrow. Elizabeth struggled not to smile.
“Oh, of course, my dear Mr. Darcy. I only meant I feel for poor Jane, being so ill and I wish her a speedy recovery,” she directed a look toward Elizabeth.
“I thank you,” said Elizabeth before sipping her tea.
“But really, how unladylike one must feel when one is sick,” Miss Bingley continued.
“Come, now Caroline, leave off. Speaking of being ill is not good for one’s digestion,” Mr. Hurst spoke up.
Miss Bingley moved on annoyed, directing her attention to Mr. Darcy. “And how does Georgiana fair in Matlock?” she asked him.
“She does very well, I thank you,” answered Darcy.
“How I long to see her, again. It’s been above two months since the last I saw her. She must be fully grown by now,” said Miss Bingley.
“I’d say she is rather near Miss Elizabeth’s height by now,” Mr. Darcy said looking at Elizabeth before turning his attention back to Miss Bingley.
“Oh,” was all she could say to that comment. “Miss Georgiana is so accomplished on the pianoforte and I just admired her drawing of a little table. She is so talented!” Miss Bingley droned on.
“Well, Miss Darcy sounds like a paragon of perfection,” Elizabeth said, lips quirking in amusement at Miss Bingley.
“Oh, I dare say Miss Darcy is a true example of an elegant female if I ever saw one,” said Miss Bingley.
“Oh. Is she out yet?” Elizabeth turned her attention to Darcy.
“Georgiana is not yet seventeen. She happily awaits her coming out next year. I’m sure it’s all she and my aunt talk about,” said Darcy drolly. Elizabeth’s eyebrow rose, knowing Darcy had explained his sister’s excitement to her the previous evening.
“Oh, how I enjoyed my come out. Please let Miss Georgiana know she can come to me with any questions if she needs advising,” Miss Bingley said haughtily.
“Indeed,” Darcy said suddenly interested in his toast.
***
After breakfast, Elizabeth sat in the parlor with quill and ink to let her family know Jane was on the mend. Mr. Darcy sat at a writing table near the window and quietly set to writing a letter himself. Mrs. Hurst sat by the fire entertaining herself with her bracelets while Mr. Hurst and Bingley were playing a game of gin rummy. Miss Bingley contented herself with walking in, what she must’ve considered, a seductive manner around the room.
Elizabeth sanded and sealed her letter and set it on the outgoing tray to be sent on to Longbourn. “Miss Eliza, come take a turn about the room with me. It can be so refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude,” Miss Bingley stood in front of Elizabeth, an insincere expression on her face. Elizabeth knew she couldn’t say no without appearing rude, so she rose elegantly to walk with Miss Bingley, who immediately locked arms with her and led her around the room.
Mr. Darcy watched them, a slight smirk on his face. “Would you care to join us, Mr. Darcy?” Miss Bingley asked coquettishly.
“I’d rather not,” said Mr. Darcy.
“Why ever not?” she cast back.
“Well because I can admire you much better from here,” Mr. Darcy answered staring at Elizabeth.
“How shocking! How should we punish him for such a speech?” Miss Bingley said preening, unaware Mr. Darcy only had eyes for Elizabeth.
“Punish him? I’d imagine Mr. Darcy feels we should be honored by the compliment he pays us by admiring our figures,” Elizabeth smiled flirtatiously. Miss Bingley actually giggled. Darcy locked eyes with Elizabeth meaningfully. Miss Bingley finally realizing she wasn’t the focus of Mr. Darcy’s comments strutted to an armchair and sat down, ensuring Elizabeth had to sit as well.
“Mr. Darcy are you in the habit of complimenting ladies on their figures?” Elizabeth continued.
“Well surely you aren’t suggesting Mr. Darcy is a rake?” Miss Bingley feigned astonishment.
“Darcy a rake? I think not. I know of no one more serious at a ball or party than Darcy,” Mr. Bingley chimed in.
“Now that I find shocking,” Elizabeth said raising an eyebrow.
“Mr. Darcy is perfectly amiable with his close acquaintances,” said Miss Bingley trying to hint a deeper intimacy between her and Darcy.
“This is true. I also extend courtesy to the family of my intimate friends as well. Such is my character as a gentleman,” said Darcy, causing Miss Bingley’s cheeks to pink at the slight set down. Elizabeth looked down to hide her grin.
“How very gentlemanly of you,” she said when she had composed herself. He answered with a raised brow.
“Miss Eliza shouldn’t you be getting back to nursing Miss Bennett?” Asked Miss Bingley annoyed.
“Caroline! I’m sure Daisy has everything under control,” Mr. Bingley said shocked by his sister’s rudeness. Elizabeth smiled to reassure Mr. Bingley all was well.
“No, no sir. Your sister is right. I must be getting back to Jane.” She rose to exit.
“I shall escort you,” Mr. Darcy rose and offered his arm to a surprised Elizabeth. Miss Bingley’s face turned a violent shade of red. Elizabeth imagined steam pouring out of her ears.
“How gentlemanly of you,” she repeated before taking his arm. Mr. Darcy escorted Elizabeth out of the parlor.
“I say, I’ve never seen Darcy attend a lady this way,” Bingley said with a grin. “Perhaps we will be brothers in the near future.” Caroline’s jaw dropped.
“Brother! You can’t be serious. The Bennetts are far beneath us in every way and Mr. Darcy? Mr. Darcy’s sphere is insurmountable for the grasping Eliza Bennett to reach.”
“If Miss Elizabeth is not high enough for Darcy then how are you? The Bennetts have been gentry for centuries, we are from trade. Miss Bennett is higher than me and you. You best remember that before the next time you spew such rot,” Bingley said uncharacteristically angry before he quit the room.
Louisa looked up, “Well, looks like someone is finally growing a spine,” she smirked. Caroline screamed and threw a pillow across the room.
***
“Thank you for escorting me. You didn’t have to,” Elizabeth smiled up at Darcy as they neared Jane’s room.
“It’s my pleasure. I find you much better company than the simpering Miss Bingley,” Darcy smiled back.
“I can easily imagine. She does come on quite strong,” said Elizabeth.
“Quite,” said Darcy.
“Well, here we are,” said Elizabeth finding herself reluctant to leave his side. Darcy ran his thumb over her knuckles in a gentle caress. Elizabeth shivered.
“I will see you at dinner?” He asked hopefully.
She smiled, her dimple on display. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Until then, Miss Elizabeth,” he said bowing and kissing her hand the way he had the night before. Elizabeth blushed and entered Jan
e’s room, unable to take her eyes off of him even as she closed the door. She sighed leaning heavily on the door. If she wasn’t careful she could easily see Mr. Darcy stealing her heart.
***
The ladies were ensconced at Netherfield for about a week before Jane finally turned a corner.
“Look who’s up,” said Daisy after Elizabeth came to visit after breakfast and entered the room. “Jane!” Elizabeth approached and felt her sister’s head.
“I think we are officially out of the woods,” Elizabeth said happily. Jane smiled weakly. “I feel so tired, Lizzy,” said Jane.
“We must get some sustenance in you. Daisy will you please fetch a tray with some tea and light refreshments?”
“Right away, Miss Lizzy,” Daisy curtsied and left to get the tray.
“How are you faring, Lizzy? Jane asked concerned.
“I fare pretty well, despite Miss Bingley’s best efforts to make me feel unwelcome. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy more than make up for her incivility,” Elizabeth smiled.
“That is well. I am sorry to put you in this position,” Jane coughed.
“I would do anything for you, dearest,” Elizabeth said rising to get Jane a glass of water. Daisy entered with a tray laden with a light repast for Jane.
“Mr. Bingley asks after you,” Elizabeth said when Daisy left.
Jane smiled behind her teacup. “Has he?”
“Most ardently,” Lizzy teased.
The sisters spent the rest of the afternoon dissecting the conversations had at meals and tea. When Jane fell asleep, Lizzy left to go to her chamber. Mr. Darcy happened to be coming up the stairs as Elizabeth walked to her room.
“Fancy seeing you here,” Lizzy teased as Mr. Darcy stepped on to the landing. Mr. Darcy smiled as he bowed to her.
“I find myself quite lucky to see you here,” he greeted her as her cheeks pinked.
“How is Miss Bennett?” He asked.
“She is much better. We have spent our afternoon discussing the merits of flattery or honesty,” she smiled mischievously.
With All Her Heart Page 2
