‘Miss Bennet.’ Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder. ‘I do not insist. It was a request, not an order.’
She turned back to face him, looking a little shame-faced. ‘Forgive me, sir. You have caught me in an ill humour.’
‘I am sorry to hear it.’ So, he was not the only person who could affect her in such a way. Or was the very sight of him the cause?
Elizabeth gave a small shake of her head. ‘Pay me no mind, Mr Darcy. I do not wish to return to the house yet, but propose to improve my spirits with a long ramble.’ She curtseyed. ‘Please excuse me. Alice will be happy to show you to my father.’
Darcy watched as she passed through the gate into the lane and moved out of sight. His impression from the previous evening was correct: Elizabeth was not inclined to look upon him with favour. Time may have passed since the unpleasantness of Kent, but little else had altered.
Then let this visit be over. Darcy turned back and walked to the door. For both their sakes, he would not be making a habit of calling at The Grange.
~o0o~
Darcy was shown into the drawing room as the housekeeper went in search of her master.
‘Forgive the intrusion, sir,’ Darcy bowed as Mr Bennet entered, a newspaper clutched in his hand.
‘Not at all, Mr Darcy. Do be seated.’ He waved a hand towards a chair before taking one himself, dropping the paper onto a nearby table. ‘To what do I owe this honour?’
Shifting awkwardly in his seat, Darcy met the elder gentleman’s gaze warily. ‘I – er – that is, I felt I owed you the courtesy of a more formal call. What took place last evening was inexcusable, and…’
Mr Bennet frowned. ‘Lizzy’s mistaking you for a predator? I quite agree.’
‘No – no, not at all! What I meant, sir, is my trespassing upon your property so late in the evening. I believe I received my due reward.’
With a harrumph, Mr Bennet got to his feet and tugged the bell near the fireplace. Then, he turned to study his visitor, and Darcy forced himself to remain still under his scrutiny.
‘Pemberley is your estate, Mr Darcy, and you have every right to… inspect whichever of your properties you desire at whatever time is convenient. Of course, a little notice is usually the order of the day, but if I am not mistaken, your presence here yesterday evening was less to do with this house and more to do with its occupants.’
The man was all too astute, damn him, but at least he had no idea which particular inhabitant had drawn him out so late in the day! Darcy shifted his position in his seat as Mr Bennet retook his own and then cleared his throat which felt strangely tight.
‘I will not deny it. I had learned recently of a new tenant here by name of Bennet; I apologise for being unable to quash my curiosity until a more civilised time of day.’
Mr Bennet waved a hand in the air. ‘Let us speak no more of it, Mr Darcy. I assure you I have chastised my daughter for her part in it. Though she generally means well, Lizzy is altogether too impetuous for her own good at times.’
Darcy was torn between gratitude for the gentleman’s forbearance and dread of what precisely he may have said to Elizabeth. It was no wonder the lady had been out of sorts at the sight of him this morning.
The door opened then, and Alice entered bearing a tray of tea, which she placed on a low table between the two gentlemen. Darcy’s stomach let out a protesting rumble as the smell of freshly baked scones reached him, and he eyed the laden platter keenly.
‘Come, sir, do not stand on ceremony. Alice will report to the cook if you do not show her offering adequate appreciation.’ Mr Bennet handed Darcy a cup of tea before pressing the plate of scones on him, and there was silence for a while as both men munched contentedly.
Conscious, however, that the main purpose of his call was to ascertain the whereabouts of Jane Bennet, Darcy surveyed the room as discreetly as he could over the rim of his cup, seeking some sign of who the other occupant of the house might be.
There was a workbasket on the floor beside a comfortable looking chair near the fire, over-spilling with colourful embroidery silks, but that could belong to any of the girls. There was a small stack of books on a table beside the chair opposite him, but he could not read the spines or determine their subject. Glancing to his right, he could see some prettily arranged flowers – not the hothouse variety, more of the nature to be found in a country garden such as The Grange possessed – but again, they could have been placed there by any hand, even a servant’s.
Darcy turned back to face his host; to his alarm, the gentleman was now watching him intently.
‘I trust you find all in order, Mr Darcy? We have made very few alterations.’
‘Forgive me. I must be honest with you, sir. I mentioned my curiosity over whether the Bennets in residence here were one and the same family I made the acquaintance of in Hertfordshire in the year eleven.’
‘Indeed. That has surely been satisfied.’
‘Yes – yes, of course. But,’ Darcy hesitated. He felt incredibly ill at ease.
‘Come now, sir. You know what befell us, what brought us to your fine county. I am not a man to air his business with all and sundry, but as you can claim a prior acquaintance with all of us, and we are now beholden to you as our landlord, I have no objection to answering your questions, should I feel they are of relevance.’
It was such an opening, and Darcy, who had not the highest opinion in the world of Mr Bennet from his past observations of him, felt grateful for the attempt to put him at ease.
‘I have one question, sir; the response will determine whether it leads to more.’ Darcy met the gentleman’s eye firmly, ‘My steward advised me of a widower, a Mr Bennet, taking over the lease of The Grange before I left Town. He referred to you as having two daughters. Whilst I understand the loss of your youngest, and I have seen Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I held some curiosity about the second daughter who remained at home. I assume your other two daughters are now happily settled and wish to offer my congratulations.’
Mr Bennet grunted and took a long draught from his cup before leaning forward to place it on the tray.
‘Congratulations, you say? There has been little opportunity for celebration this past year, sadly.’ Then, he sighed. ‘I do not resent the question and consider it perfectly justified, though I will own to some surprise at the depth of your interest in our family?’
Mr Bennet raised a questioning brow, but unable to answer this, Darcy said nothing, and the gentleman continued. ‘My eldest daughter remains at home with Lizzy. You recall Jane, do you not? I believe your friend had the misfortune to take her in as a guest when she fell ill at Netherfield.’
Darcy inclined his head. ‘I trust Miss Bennet, along with Miss Elizabeth, continue in good health, sir.’
‘Yes, yes, of course. And how is that curiosity now, Mr Darcy? Fully sated? Or do you wish to know the whereabouts of my other daughters? Perhaps, by way of exchange, I should challenge you to recall their given names before I tell you?’
Names? Darcy blinked. Was the gentleman serious? Before he could search his memory, however, Mr Bennet gave a short laugh.
‘I sport with you, Mr Darcy. Forgive me. My sole company is that of Jane and Lizzy, but most often my own, and I am enjoying having the chance to spar with another gentleman.’
‘I would not suspend any enjoyment of yours,’ Darcy said quietly.
‘Well, then – my two other daughters – Kitty, or Catherine, as she was christened and Mary – are gone away to be educated. Properly educated, sir. It is long overdue, and had I the resources or the inclination sooner, it might well have saved their sister from her fate.’
Darcy did not know what to say, but it seemed he had no need of words, for Mr Bennet continued, ‘You see the benefits of my decision, I trust? Longbourn, though entailed, is a valuable and extensive property, and being so conveniently located to Town, it commanded a premium in rental value. Derbyshire, though an admirable county, is rural and sparsely populated, some dist
ance from London, offering sufficient opportunity to lease a substantial property for a much lower cost. The difference permits me to provide for my daughters, who now attend finishing school where I hope they will learn how to comport themselves as young ladies should and where their talents – such as they are – will receive some polish.’
‘An admirable decision, sir. I trust – that is, the girls, are they well settled? It must be hard for them to be away from their sisters.’
‘Yes, well, what must be suffering for one is pleasure for another. I am relishing the peace and quiet.’
Unsure whether the gentleman was serious or not, Darcy refrained from smiling, but, having ascertained all he needed to know, he got to his feet.
‘I have trespassed on your good nature long enough, sir. I will take my leave.’
Again, Mr Bennet grunted. ‘My good nature has been sorely lacking of late.’ He got to his feet and shook Darcy’s proffered hand. ‘But I appreciate your calling, sir.’ He glanced over towards the clock on the mantel. ‘I am due to leave myself directly. I will set you company as far as Pemberley.’
Chapter Thirteen
Having parted with Mr Bennet where the lane to Pemberley forked in two directions, the elder gentleman continuing on his way towards the nearby town, Darcy hesitated. He had promised his sister a walk and the morning was already well progressed, but he felt the need for a moment to consider what he might do about his friend.
Mr Bennet was some distance along the lane to Lambton now and, turning on his heel, Darcy walked down an even narrower lane, signposted to Kympton. It would result in a two-mile detour, but the time afforded by the longer walk would be beneficial. Knowing Jane Bennet remained unmarried and living here on his estate, he was honour-bound to let Bingley know, though it would have to await his arrival. It was too late to send word and besides, what he must confess ought not to be communicated by letter.
This much he understood. What he did not fully comprehend was how Miss Bennet might feel about renewing her acquaintance with his friend. Could the lady still retain feelings for Bingley after all this time, especially in the light of his perceived neglect? If her affections had been as engaged as Elizabeth had implied, it might well be so. Yet it was a good deal of time, was it not, almost two years? Bingley and Miss Bennet had not been in company since the night of the Netherfield Ball, and their acquaintance had lasted but two months in its entirety. Surely there could not be such depth of feeling it inspired a lasting attachment?
Did not your own attachment, forged in the same amount of time, linger? So much so, you carried it with you into Kent?
Darcy increased his pace. That was in the past; his focus was upon his friend and Miss Bennet.
Engrossed as he walked, Darcy barely noticed as he passed through the village of Kympton, skirted the church and continued across the green. As he neared the other side, however, he heard the click of a gate latch, and raising his head, he saw Jane Bennet outside one of the cottages, an empty basket on her arm and a smile on her face as she came to meet him. To Darcy’s eye, the lady seemed much as he remembered her as she joined him, and they acknowledged each other cordially.
‘I trust you are in good health, Miss Bennet?’
‘I am, I thank you, sir; it is a pleasure to see you again, Mr Darcy.’
Was it? Darcy could not help but feel the entire Bennet family must rue the day their paths had crossed! The lady seemed perfectly sincere, however, and he smiled.
‘I have just called upon your father, and he is now on his way into town.’ The lady smiled in return, and Darcy racked his brains for something further to say, then gestured towards the basket on her arm. ‘Do you return home? May I assist you with your burden?’
Jane shook her head. ‘You are kind to offer, sir, but though my visits are complete, I have yet to speak with Mr Wentworth.’ She waved a hand in the general direction of the rectory, which stood beyond the church.
‘It is good of you to assist the parish.’
‘It is as I am accustomed.’ Jane glanced over towards the row of cottages. ‘I found myself at a loss when first we came to Derbyshire, for oft did I offer my services in such a manner on the Longbourn estate.’ She turned back to face him. ‘Mr Wentworth has been most supportive.’
Darcy nodded; since his return to Derbyshire, he had yet to see the young man who held the Kympton living, but he knew he had chosen well. In mutual agreement, they both turned and began to walk towards the church.
‘I trust you found my father well this morning, Mr Darcy? I understand you called on us yesterday evening as well, and I apologise for being absent on both occasions.’
‘There is nothing to regret, Miss Bennet.’ Darcy glanced at her as they walked. ‘Neither call was by invitation, and my first was... shall we say, unprecedented. I have no doubt your sister has shared the circumstances with you.’
Jane smiled ruefully. ‘It was not an auspicious reacquaintance; I trust you will not hold it against her.’
Darcy let out a short laugh. ‘I suspect it is more likely Miss Elizabeth Bennet will hold me far more accountable than the reverse.’
‘Oh dear.’ Jane looked uncomfortable. ‘It has not been easy for her, sir – for any of us. And this time in particular has become a difficult one, for ‘tis nigh on a year since we lost our mother and sister. Lizzy feels strongly we should visit the graves, pay our respects and leave a token. It has been hard enough to bear, knowing there has been no chance to place flowers this past year.’
‘I was saddened to hear the news and offer my condolences. Do you not have family in the vicinity to perform such a service?’ Darcy stopped abruptly, recalling instantly the suggestion of some sort of rift.
‘We are...’ Jane Bennet looked a little discomfited, and Darcy cursed himself silently for his error. ‘I regret to say we are no longer in contact; our Uncle and Aunt Philips have also left Meryton.’
‘I am sorry to hear it; but could a brief visit not be made by yourselves, so the desire is fulfilled?’
Jane shook her head. ‘Papa will not allow it. He and Lizzy exchanged words upon the subject yet again this morning. He says it will undo all the good of our absence in weakening people’s memories of events – indeed, of us. He says perhaps another year, but Lizzy is unhappy.’
Why did those words tug at Darcy’s heart, make him want to do something about it? He pushed aside the notion. ‘I am sorry to hear there has been an altercation. And are you – do you find you are comfortable in your new home, Miss Bennet? It must have been quite a wrench leaving Longbourn.’ He could not imagine how it would be to give up Pemberley, even temporarily.
‘We are perfectly content, sir.’ Jane smiled at him. ‘I must own to being quite taken with Derbyshire. Unlike my sister, I had never visited before we came to live here, so I did not know what to expect. But I am quite settled.’
Darcy frowned; he was unaware Elizabeth had any familiarity with the county. ‘I suspect your sister is not quite as reconciled to being here.’
‘No, Lizzy did not want to come at all, with all that had... Oh!’ Jane threw him a culpable look as colour stole into her cheeks.
She knew! Miss Bennet had been told of his rejection! Humiliation swept through Darcy but he straightened his shoulders. How could he be surprised? Had Elizabeth been tempted to confide in anyone, surely she would have turned to her sister? Miss Bennet must fully comprehend the entirety of his actions. If he could not render his own friend the service of a forewarning, then perchance the lady deserved to know of Bingley’s imminent arrival?
They had reached the gate to the rectory now.
‘Miss Bennet?’ The lady turned towards him, and before he could falter, he added, ‘May I take this opportunity of speaking to you of something... a little delicate?’
Jane looked surprised, but then nodded. ‘Of course.’
‘Miss Bennet! And Mr Darcy, sir!’
Coming towards them down the driveway was the Reverend Wentworth, an
d Darcy was unsure which feeling was prevalent: relief at the interruption or frustration over not achieving his purpose.
‘Good morning, sir. Miss Bennet.’ The gentleman bowed as he reached them and, with no protest from the lady, he relieved her of the empty basket with the air of his having rendered such a service before.
‘I had heard of your return, sir, but did not wish to trespass upon your time. Would it be convenient to call upon the morrow? There is much pertaining to the parish to update you on since last you were in the district.’
‘I shall be at my desk by ten o’clock – will that suffice?’
Wentworth nodded before turning to the lady to ask after one of the cottagers, and Darcy reflected anew on Miss Jane Bennet. He had long come to understand the error of his ways where she and his friend were concerned. His interference seemed absurd, intrusive and—yes, Elizabeth had the right of it—arrogance beyond measure. He must do what he could to—
‘Please forgive us, sir.’ Wentworth turned back to Darcy with an apologetic smile. ‘A case of sickness, but thankfully on the mend. Oh, and I meant to say, my brother has written of making your acquaintance in the summer.’
Recalling the good Captain and the service he had rendered them in bringing them home, Darcy smiled in return. ‘He gave us safe passage in some inclement conditions, for which he has my undying gratitude! He spoke most fondly of you, wished he might be ashore for sufficient time to journey to see you, but it was not to be.’
‘Indeed. He was called to action directly.’
‘I shall look forward to seeing him when next he visits the neighbourhood.’
Mr Wentworth looked gratified by this attention, and the gentlemen shook hands, before Darcy turned to the lady.
‘I bid you good day, Miss Bennet.’ Darcy tipped his hat to Jane and turned to continue his walk home. Did Wentworth seem rather partial to the lady he had now taken upon his arm? The soft blush upon her cheeks and the smile upon her lips did not hint at any aversion to such attention.
What now for his friend?
A Quest for Mr Darcy Page 8
