‘I understood you to not be identical, yet you are also very similar.’
Both the girls nodded, their curls bouncing, and Georgiana smiled. ‘I felt the same, Miss Elizabeth. They are not easy to tell when apart, but side by side—‘
‘Olivia is a little taller than I.’ Viola waved a hand at their heads.
‘And Viola has freckles.’ Olivia pointed to her sister’s nose, which bore a very light dusting, and Viola wrinkled it, then laughed.
Before more could be said, though, a further disturbance came as refreshments were brought in and placed on a long table at the far end of the room and, with an encouraging nod from Darcy, Georgiana invited their guests to partake of the fare. Quite unsure as to why he felt so tense, Darcy walked over to the hearth; to his surprise, Elizabeth did not follow the others but walked over to join him.
‘The twins are delightful, sir. They are not what I expected.’
‘No, they are refreshing, are they not?’
Elizabeth smiled. ‘I am certain they will keep you on your toes. Miss Darcy seems quite taken with them.’
Darcy looked over to where his sister stood by the table, laughing at something one of the twins had just done. It cannot have been too worrying, for even Mr Bennet seemed amused by it.
‘I think they will be good for her; she has been so little in the company of young women. Though the twins are full young, in temperament as well as years, they will, I am certain, do us all good.’
‘Miss Darcy seems quietly confident around them. I do not perceive her to be too overwhelmed.’
Darcy was relieved to hear Elizabeth’s assessment. He felt ill equipped to judge, being so close to his sister.
‘Mr Darcy?’
He looked down at Elizabeth; she looked less at ease than when first she had joined him, and he frowned.
‘I would never have trespassed on your home had my aunt and uncle not been so persistent.’ She spoke urgently, as though the words could not be said soon enough. ‘I could give no reasonable excuse for not joining them. I hope you will forgive me; such an intrusion felt out of turn.’
Darcy shook his head. ‘Not at all. It is unfortunate I was unable to receive you personally.’
Elizabeth looked a little conscious at this, but then she gestured towards the hallway. ‘I could not help noticing earlier, the likeness of a certain mutual acquaintance no longer lies amongst those of the family.’
‘It was long overdue. I do not know what sentiment led me to retain it after what he attempted with Georgiana; upon learning of his part in your sister’s fate, it was an easy decision.’ He paused, unsure if he ought to share more. ‘I will own to having taken much pleasure in personally taking charge of its disposal.’
‘I am thankful for its removal, not only for myself but for you also, sir. You do not deserve to have a reminder of such a man within these walls.’
A silence descended on them, and they both looked over towards the rest of the party. Georgiana and Jane were seated with the twins once more, and Mr Bennet was studying some of the paintings and occasionally taking a sip from his cup.
Darcy was struggling for something to speak of and trying—yet again, trying—not to be so aware of Elizabeth. After all these months of denying her any purchase in his mind, it was as though his thirst for her could not be sated. If he was not on his guard, he—
‘May I enquire after your friend?’ Darcy started at Elizabeth’s quiet words, then turned to look at her. ‘His absence is notable; he did not wish to see Jane, I fear.’
‘Not at all; he is quite oblivious to your call.’ He smiled. ‘Did you imagine him high-tailing it from the window upon announcement of your arrival?’
Elizabeth laughed. ‘No, I did not; I fully anticipated his being here.’ She looked over to where her sister sat. ‘Jane seems quite at ease over it all.’
‘I wish Bingley were!’
Elizabeth turned back to face him. ‘I am so sorry; did you—have you spoken, then?’
‘I have told him everything I should never have disguised from him: both of my unfathomable interference in his affairs and of the concealment of Miss Bennet’s being in Town during the winter following his departure from Hertfordshire.’
‘And he did not take it well?’
‘It could have been worse. You will note I am not sporting a bruised eye for my trouble.’ To Darcy’s surprise, Elizabeth said nothing. Was that compassion writ across her countenance? ‘He wished for a moment to consider all I had told him. I know not where he has gone or when he may return.’
Silence swelled between them once more, but Elizabeth did not move away, nor did she remove her gaze from his, and he watched with interest as soft colour began to invade her cheeks.
‘I believe, sir, you must let go of the past now. Neither you nor I find you faultless in this, yet I fear you take too much on yourself. You have confessed your part and expressed your apologies. Do not overlook the other culpable being in all of this.’
Darcy frowned. Did she mean Caroline Bingley?
‘I refer to your friend.’
‘Bingley?’
‘Indeed.’ Elizabeth almost rolled her eyes at him. ‘Come now, Mr Darcy. You have owned interference, but what of Mr Bingley himself? If his attachment was truly as fixed as we all believed, why did he concede so easily, not stand his ground? How was it he was so easily persuaded away from his interest in my sister?’ She bit her lip. ‘Forgive me; I speak out of turn.’
‘No—not at all.’ Darcy could not help but smile. ‘You have always had the ability to see the world differently.’ He hesitated then said, almost against his volition: ‘It is something I have long admired in you.’ The lady’s eyes widened, and he added quickly. ‘What I mean is, you are not afraid to express your thoughts, whether or not they are to the liking of the hearer.’
Elizabeth laughed. ‘Aye, you would comprehend that much about me, would you not?’
‘Miss Elizabeth!’
Viola approached them, smiling widely.
‘We wish to plan a walking excursion; will you come? Georgiana is keen to include you and your sister.’ She held out a hand towards Elizabeth who took it as she excused herself from Darcy.
He watched Viola almost drag Elizabeth across the room, such was her haste, then turned and re-joined Mr Bennet and was soon engrossed in answering his many questions about the works of art he beheld.
The visitors stayed as long as it took to finish their tea, but once the hour chimed, Mr Bennet indicated to his daughters they must take their leave. It was as they all stood to prepare for the guests’ departure that the door was flung open and Bingley, his cheeks flushed from his hurry, came rapidly into the room.
‘Darcy! I am come to a decision; I mean to call upon the...’ he stopped, the colour in his face deepening as he realised there were visitors and then, precisely who they were.
Darcy looked quickly to Jane Bennet, but she seemed, as her sister had indicated, perfectly at ease. Yet before anything further could be said, the same footman as earlier appeared in the open doorway.
‘Mr Wentworth has called, sir,’ and he stepped aside as the gentleman entered the room, smiling warmly as he looked around.
Instinctively, Darcy looked to where Elizabeth stood, only to find her gaze already upon him. It seemed the case of the most unfortunate timing was not done with him yet!
‘Ah, Bingley. There you are at last.’ A flurry of acknowledgements and ‘good mornings’ took place. ‘We—er—I was uncertain of the length of your... exercise.’
‘Brother; we have made some new friends, but we are told you are already acquainted!’ Olivia and Viola hurried to Bingley’s side, each taking one of his hands.
‘Yes—yes, indeed.’
He looked over to where Jane stood, but Darcy stepped forward.
‘Bingley—you recall Wentworth, do you not? He has the living of Kympton.’
Relieved to see the return of Bingley’s warm smile as the two gen
tlemen spoke and the twins were formally introduced, Darcy glanced in Elizabeth’s direction. She was watching her sister; colour had seeped into Jane Bennet’s cheeks, but was her consciousness for his friend, or was it for Wentworth, whom he had a suspicion she favoured?
Elizabeth looked from her sister to the two young gentlemen, as if unsure what to do next, but as the twins left to re-join Georgiana, both Bingley and Wentworth turned simultaneously in Jane’s direction. Before Darcy could move, however, Elizabeth stepped forward, greeting Bingley with a wide smile.
‘Mr Bingley! What a pleasure to see you again. We have just passed a pleasant hour with your sisters.’
‘What a delightful surprise it was, Miss Elizabeth, to hear of your now being in the neighbourhood.’ Bingley glanced over at Jane, but Wentworth had engaged her in conversation.
Elizabeth’s smile looked a little strained, and Darcy suspected she was trying to avoid any awkwardness for her sister. ‘Papa, look! It is Mr Bingley.’
Mr Bennet threw his daughter a wry look.
‘Good heavens. Can it be? I would never have known had you not pointed him out, Lizzy.’
‘Mr Bennet.’ The gentlemen shook hands. ‘Please accept my condolences on your losses last year.’
‘Thank you. I see you are gadding about the country again, sir. Shall you be long in the district on this occasion?’
Elizabeth’s discomfort at her father’s bluntness was apparent, and Darcy made haste to join them.
‘My friend is on his way to Yorkshire.’ Darcy gestured towards the twins. ‘His sisters are to attend school shortly in Harrogate, but then he will return, and I trust will make a lengthy stay with us.’
Bingley nodded. ‘Indeed. It is long overdue, for Darcy has been travelling for some duration.’ He smiled genially at Mr Bennet. ‘It is a pleasure to see you... all, once more.’ His glance slid to Jane, but her attention was fully upon the other gentleman, and he frowned. ‘I—er—as I was just saying, I hoped to pay a call upon you directly.’
‘Then we have saved you the trouble, sir.’ Mr Bennet turned to his girls. ‘Jane; Lizzy. Come; it is time we left Mr Darcy and his guests in peace.’
Bingley looked surprised. ‘Must you leave so soon?’
‘We have trespassed on Mr Darcy’s hospitality long enough. You are welcome to call at The Grange whenever the day suits you, sir.’
‘Then may I walk you to your carriage?’
‘A generous offer, sir, and I will take you up on it. Perhaps I should add that we came on foot, and our conveyance remains at home. But there, what is two miles when you are young and in good health?’
Darcy encouraged him. ‘Yes, walk with them, Bingley. You have barely had chance to renew your acquaintance. With your approval, Georgiana and I will take Olivia and Viola up to the stables. We can assess them for suitable mounts.’
Bingley willingly conceded, turning to follow the Bennets out of the room as Olivia and Viola rushed over to express their favourable opinion of Darcy’s suggestion.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Bingley walked with the Bennets as far as The Grange, but even though Mr Bennet offered for him to come in, he declined, saying he would call another day. Elizabeth was not certain if this was politeness or had anything to do with Jane walking by her sister’s side all the way home, ensuring any conversation remained of a general nature.
Alice greeted them as soon as they crossed the threshold.
‘The post is come, sir.’
She indicated the usual brown packet from Gracechurch Street on the side table, and Mr Bennet picked it up and headed straight for his library, breaking the seal as he went. Jane and Elizabeth exchanged a glance before turning for the drawing room.
‘Lizzy!’
Elizabeth spun about. Her father held out a letter. ‘This is come for you. It looks to bear Mrs Collins’ hand and is rather oddly marked from Meryton.’
Detecting the concern in her father’s face, Elizabeth hurried across to take the letter, studying it with a frown.
‘It is but a few days since her last. I cannot imagine why she might write so soon.’
‘Do me the service of letting me know if there is anything of significance, my dear,’ and with that, Mr Bennet closed the library door with a snap.
Elizabeth hurriedly broke the seal and read the short missive before joining her sister in the drawing room.
‘Jane, read this!’ she thrust the letter into her sister’s hand, and Jane perused it, raising a brow as she reached the end.
‘Good heavens! What can it mean?’
Elizabeth took the letter back. ‘Should I tell Papa? It is not truly anything of importance, leastways not with regard to where we are, which seems to be his main concern.’
‘I think it would be best to show him, Lizzy. I shall call for some tea for when you return.’
‘Yes, do!’ Elizabeth laughed as she met her sister’s eye. ‘I am keen to hear your thoughts on seeing a certain gentleman again.’
Jane shook her head at her sister, but smiled nonetheless, and Elizabeth left the room, tapping lightly on the library door before going in, and Mr Bennet looked up from the letter he held with a frown.
‘I am busy, Elizabeth.’
‘Papa, it is Charlotte’s letter. Something rather unusual has occurred.’
Mr Bennet grunted, then quickly folded up the letter he was reading and gestured for his daughter to take a seat, leaning back in his chair.
‘Charlotte has been unexpectedly at Lucas Lodge for a short stay, hence the postmark. She writes solely to inform me some flowers have appeared on the graves!’
Sitting up in his seat, her father frowned. ‘That is... singular. Lizzy,’ his tone held a note of warning. ‘You did not—‘
‘Papa! How could you think so? Though I had told her of my regret, I knew not of Charlotte’s visit to her family; besides, I would not put her in such a position.’
‘Hmmm. Carry on.’ He waved a hand and sat back in his chair again.
‘We are in between the dates of Lydia’s and Mama’s passing, are we not?’ Mr Bennet said nothing, and Elizabeth re-read again the last paragraph. ‘There was talk of—‘
‘Damn that place! Always there is talk. Do they have nothing else to do? Go on then, Lizzy. What is the talk of Meryton this time?’
‘It is said there were sightings of someone, around the time the flowers appeared on the graves. A man.’ Elizabeth bit her lip and raised her eyes to her father’s. ‘A man in regimentals.’
~o0o~
Wentworth stayed but a half hour beyond the departure of Darcy’s guests, but when the time came to walk to the stables, Georgiana pleaded for the chance to spend a little time with her instrument.
Sensing she was in need of a respite from their youthful charges, Darcy alone headed up to the stables with the twins, thankful for their lively discourse as it meant all the thoughts tumbling around in his head could wait.
Their purpose was soon concluded, with suitable mounts chosen for both girls, and a plan made to go riding on the morrow after church. As they turned their steps back towards the house, Darcy let the twins walk on ahead, their chattering voices and buoyant steps a clear indication of their pleasure in the visit. He had sufficient to fill his mind, and it was difficult to settle upon which matter took precedence: his relief over Bingley’s return and his manner towards Darcy or his discovery of Elizabeth’s having visited Pemberley in the previous year.
It was fortunate he had fallen far enough behind not to overhear the girls’ conversation; otherwise, he might well have realised where their current interest lay, and it was not with the prospect of a gallop across the fields on the following day.
‘The eldest Miss Bennet is so beautiful,’ sighed Viola. ‘Did you not see, Olivia, how delicate her complexion and how pretty the shape of her mouth?’
‘I declare, I have never seen her equal for prettiness!’
Viola nodded. ‘It is quite unfathomable how she remains
unwed. Her sister is not so pretty – not in the common way—but she is, for all that, most appealing.’
‘Indeed – and she is a great deal of fun!’ Olivia beamed at her sister. ‘I am certain we shall enjoy our stay in Derbyshire now we have such excellent new friends.’
‘Yes!’ Viola nodded again, her golden curls bouncing against her cheeks. ‘I will own I am quite delighted with our new acquaintances thus far, though they are quite old. They must be at least of an age with Caroline.’
Olivia pulled a face at the mention of their elder sister. ‘Oh, most assuredly, but thankfully they share nothing of her disposition!’
Viola giggled as she looped her arm through her sister’s and, having reached the gate into Pemberley’s gardens, they stopped and turned about to see where their escort was. Darcy, whose progress had slowed even further, was some distance away.
‘Come, let us walk on. Mr Darcy is too leisurely for us.’ They resumed their pace, almost skipping along the path where it skirted the ornate greenhouses and passing along the gravelled sweep running along the north side of the house.
‘Miss Elizabeth bears such a sparkle in her eye, does she not, and such happy manners?’ Viola smiled at her sister as they reached a stone bench and sat to await the gentleman. ‘She is sure of attracting attention wherever she goes, for all she is not as handsome as her sister. Miss Bennet seems much quieter – she is more studious, perhaps?’
Olivia was frowning as she sat, and Viola grabbed her hand. ‘What is wrong, ‘Livia?’
‘We must think carefully how we can aid them.’
It was Viola’s turn to furrow her brow. ‘Aid them? To what purpose?’
‘Why of course we must help them, silly!’ Olivia rolled her eyes. ‘Did you not hear what was said when we spoke of being motherless: us, Georgiana and both the Miss Bennets? We all have a brother; they do not! Two single and pleasant young women of marriageable age, with no protector should anything ail their father? They must be in want of a husband – and a rich one too, for I do not think them overly wealthy.’
‘But how can we help? We are not out. We cannot introduce anyone to their society, nor can we seek new acquaintance on their behalf.’
A Quest for Mr Darcy Page 14
