Colour flooded Elizabeth’s cheeks, and he was thankful she had her back to the room. Heaven knows what her father would think if he could perceive her countenance!
Silence swelled between them for a moment, and he held his breath.
‘Mr Darcy, I—‘ she stopped, drew in a shallow breath. What she had been about to say, Darcy was not to know, however, for the door to the orangery opened and Mrs Reynolds came hurrying towards them.
‘Forgive me, sir, could I speak to you for a moment?’
Disbelief at such ill timing swept through Darcy, but sensing the housekeeper’s need for haste, he turned to Elizabeth.
‘Please excuse me, ma’am. I shall return directly.’
He walked with Mrs Reynolds towards the door as she said quietly, ‘There is an Express rider sent up from The Grange, sir; he is in the kitchen but is adamant he must put his letter into Mr Bennet’s own hand and await a reply.’
Darcy pulled his wits about him. ‘I will take Mr Bennet to my study. Would you be so kind as to send the man there directly and also arrange for some tea?’
He looked over at Elizabeth, who remained where he had left her, and she smiled faintly at him as he walked to her father at the other end of the room. Whatever it was she had wanted to say, it would have to wait until he had established Mr Bennet in his study with pen, ink and paper!
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Mr Bennet’s countenance was troubled as Darcy accompanied him along the hall to his study. He knew not what to say, for it was evident the gentleman was deeply disturbed by the arrival of the Express. Their urgent nature could oft be of concern, of course, but Mr Bennet’s uneasy air spoke of more than this, and he hoped nothing was amiss at the school where Elizabeth’s other sisters presently resided.
On reaching the study, he led Mr Bennet to his desk and provided him with the necessary items to pen a response, before inviting the messenger into the room. One look at the gentleman’s face on perceiving the sender was sufficient to accentuate Darcy’s concern, and instructing the man to wait outside, he closed the door behind him and turned to face Mr Bennet.
He had paled even further, dropping the now open letter onto the blotter, his head falling into his hands.
‘May I get something for you, sir? You are not well; a glass of wine, perhaps?’
It seemed Mr Bennet had forgotten Darcy’s presence, for he raised his head and stared at him, a look of confusion on his face. Then, he shook his head, picking the letter back up.
‘Not at all, sir. I must think...’ he stopped, his gaze falling to the letter again. ‘I need to determine the best course of action.’
‘I shall leave you to consider your response, Mr Bennet. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to ask it of me. I am at your service.’ There was no response, and Darcy cleared his throat. ‘I- er, I shall await you in the library.’ He gestured towards the bell pull by the mantel as the gentleman looked up. ‘A footman will show you where to come.’
A maid entered the room with a tray of tea as Darcy left and Mr Bennet, whose colour had begun to return, had already pulled a blank piece of paper onto the blotter. Trying to curb his curiosity, Darcy walked to the library to await him, where he stood at one of the windows, looking out across the grounds. What was happening with the party in the orangery? Was Elizabeth awaiting his return with any interest?
Darcy turned his back on the window. What had Elizabeth been going to say to him? He walked over and dropped into a chair, running a hand through his hair. What more was there to be done? He was, after all, acting as he had promised his cousin he would, but there was only so much he could attempt to convey to Elizabeth until he had settled matters with Latimer. Lord only knew what assumptions the man had made, and Darcy only had himself to blame. Besides, though it now seemed Elizabeth was not indifferent to him, he had yet to have faith in the depth of her interest. There was nothing to be done but continue as he was and hope for a favourable outcome.
There was a rap on the door then, and a footman opened it to admit Mr Bennet. He looked determined, and Darcy got to his feet as he walked across to join him.
‘Forgive my earlier distraction, sir. A matter of some urgency has arisen, as you no doubt realise. I was momentarily taken by surprise.’
Darcy could appreciate the man’s desire for privacy in whatever had occurred, but nonetheless his concern was for Elizabeth. All he could hope was that whatever it was, it would not impact upon her. ‘I trust it is a matter you are confident of resolving, Mr Bennet?
The gentleman grunted, then walked over to one of the tall windows. Darcy stared at his back for a moment before he turned around to face him.
‘Do you have secrets, Mr Darcy? Within your family, or merely those you keep to yourself?’
Thinking instinctively of his love for the gentleman’s daughter, Darcy swallowed quickly. ‘Er...’ he cleared his throat.
‘I see.’ Mr Bennet eyed him thoughtfully. ‘I have no propensity for drama, sir. That was my late wife's passion and though I have now assumed the mantle of both parents, it is something I have chosen to forego. Yet I can well comprehend it may seem otherwise. My need for secrecy in this is genuine, for the sake of my daughters.’
‘You can trust to my discretion, sir, but I will not press you for a confidence you consider essential to keep.’ Darcy paused, his sister at the forefront of his mind now. ‘I am not unfamiliar with such a need.’
Mr Bennet nodded. ‘What I can tell you is that I have sent my response; now I must make some arrangements. Your offer of assistance I shall presume to be genuine and not a mere platitude?’
‘Your assumption is correct, sir.’
Mr Bennet nodded. ‘Good; good. Well, then, Mr Darcy, let me put before you my request.’
~o0o~
Elizabeth had joined Georgiana and the twins after Mr Darcy’s departure from the orangery, though she paid little attention to the conversation, her gaze drifting repeatedly towards the door. Surely Mrs Reynolds’ urgency was connected to Mr Darcy’s need to speak to her father? But how could that be? And what of Mr Darcy? What had he meant by his words?
Was she still dear to him, despite all that lay between them, not least his plans to marry another? Elizabeth longed for time to consider it all, to calm the feelings whirling around inside her, but most of all, she needed—
‘Lizzy?’
With a start, she turned to her sister who had come to her side. ‘We are to walk outside, now the day is so warm.’
The doors to the gardens had been opened and the party was making its way out into the sunlight. Though the grass sparkled yet with droplets of rainwater, the gravel pathways were sound, and picking up her shawl, Elizabeth hurried to join everyone.
Before her thoughts could return yet again to Mr Darcy, she found Colonel Fitzwilliam walking by her side.
‘I was sorry to hear of your loss last year, Miss Elizabeth.’
He spoke solemnly, and Elizabeth smiled softly. ‘Thank you, sir. It was difficult for a while, but I believe we are beginning to heal as time passes.’ She met his gaze, her smile widening. ‘And I believe we have you to thank for placing a tribute upon the graves.’
The colonel shrugged lightly. ‘It was the least I could do.’ Then, he laughed. ‘My cousin is well intentioned, but he had no notion of how to ensure such a gesture brought the solace he had hoped for. I trust you and your sister will forgive me for stepping in.’
‘Most certainly, Colonel.’ Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder. There was still no sign of Mr Darcy or her father, and she turned back to face the colonel. ‘I believe you take prodigious care of your cousin, sir.’
‘Darcy is more than a cousin to me, Miss Elizabeth. He is my closest friend, and I would do anything for him.’ He grunted. ‘Though he is stubborn and my assistance is not always welcomed!’
Elizabeth laughed. ‘Indeed. I can imagine it may be so.’
‘Colonel Fitzwilliam!’ They both turned about as O
livia came hurrying to join them. ‘Would you come and sit for Viola? She wishes to sketch you.’
With a grin, the colonel bowed to Elizabeth. ‘Would you excuse me, ma’am?’
Elizabeth responded with a curtsey. ‘I trust you will not have to maintain a pose for too long.’
‘I suspect I shall be the less challenged; the young miss has not had me as a subject before!’
Olivia almost dragged the colonel to where her sister sat on a bench near the orangery, the colonel soon assuming an extravagant pose; Viola was giggling so much she could barely make a beginning, but Elizabeth’s smile faded as her gaze roamed over the beautiful gardens. Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, she walked back towards the orangery.
As she had half expected, Mrs Reynolds was there, busily directing the footmen as they restored order and returned the room to its former purpose. The lady smiled as she looked up and saw Elizabeth.
‘Mrs Reynolds, have you seen my father?’
‘I believe he is with the master, Miss Bennet; on a matter of business.’
Elizabeth frowned. She could make no possible business connection between the two men other than that of Pemberley, of one being a landlord and the other a tenant. What of urgency could have arisen in relation to such a matter?
‘I see.’ Elizabeth summoned a smile for the housekeeper. ‘Then I must curb my patience! I shall await Papa in the garden.’ She turned away, conscious of a little guilt. Her words had pertained to Mr Darcy more than her father; it was he she wished to await more than any other.
Standing at one of the open doors, Elizabeth drew in a breath of air. Her heightened awareness around Mr Darcy, her keen interest in him in all respects, was no longer new to her. She comprehended her danger, understood the futility of becoming attached to him, and regretted above all else her blindness to his good character.
This reflection, however, was a release, for her heart protested against his former demeanour and how it had concealed from her the man he was. If only Mr Darcy had not so effectively hidden his true nature; if only the man he had revealed to her through his letter and now at his home had made himself known back in the year twelve.
Consumed by her regret, she stepped out onto the gravel path once more. She wished she could get away from here, not just to The Grange, but far away. How could she bear to watch Mr Darcy courting the faceless Miss Latimer? It would be too much. She would just have to avoid Mr Darcy at all costs, for nothing of her unsettled feelings must be revealed to him, and—
‘Elizabeth!’
She turned about. ‘Papa.’
‘I must speak to you and Jane without delay. Where is your sister?’
‘Just coming, Papa.’ Elizabeth gestured towards the path along which Jane was now walking in conversation with Mr Bingley. ‘I shall fetch her directly.’
They both soon re-joined their father in the orangery, who led them through the hallways to a room Elizabeth had never seen before, a splendid library. Mr Darcy was there, and as he closed the door and turned to face them, he met her gaze. His countenance was inscrutable, and she bit her lip.
‘Jane; Lizzy.’
Mr Bennet took each of his daughters by the hand. The look he bestowed upon them was serious, and Elizabeth gave him her full attention.
‘I have received an Express, and I must act on its content without delay. I shall be leaving directly we return home.’
‘It is not Mary or Kitty, Papa?’ Jane voiced the question on Elizabeth’s lips.
‘No, my dear. They remain well and safely at school. But I am afraid I must go away for a few days—possibly longer. I cannot say, but will send word once I know more of my plans.’
‘But where, Papa? Where must you go?’
Mr Bennet squeezed Elizabeth’s hand lightly. ‘That I cannot say either, Lizzy, for I may have to travel about a little.’ He paused and looked from Elizabeth to Jane, then sighed. ‘I know not how long my business will take to conclude. I cannot leave you alone and unprotected at The Grange, especially with a stranger at bay. Mr Darcy believes it to be a poacher in the woods, and though you will not be his target, I am certain you understand my reservations.’
A sense of foreboding overcame Elizabeth. ‘But, Papa...’
Mr Bennet shook his head. ‘I trespassed on Mr Darcy’s kindness and requested a strong manservant from here to remain at The Grange with you until I could arrange for your Uncle’s carriage to fetch you to Gracechurch Street.’
Jane and Elizabeth exchanged a look, and a sense of despair consumed the latter, surprising her in its intensity. The distance she had craved had not been for this. The notion of being taken so far from... Derbyshire was devastating! Desperately, she addressed her father.
‘But Papa! We have Alice, and Higgins as well as the other servants. Please may we stay?’
Mr Bennet shook his head. ‘Higgins is in his dotage, and though Alice is a formidable presence, she is not adequate as your only protector. However, Mr Darcy offers an alternative solution, which I am more than inclined to favour.’ Their father gestured towards their host, and both Jane and Elizabeth turned to face him.
Still struggling to come to terms with her father’s words, Elizabeth studied Mr Darcy’s countenance, but it remained unreadable as her father continued:
‘Mr Darcy has offered to place you both under his protection, for which I am exceedingly grateful. It will bring me great solace to know you are safe in my absence.’
Mr Darcy cleared his throat. ‘I have agreed with your father you should both remain here at Pemberley rather than make the journey to Town. Mr Bennet is unsure of the duration of his absence, but as it may only be a matter of days, he might return before you even reach your destination, rendering such a long journey unnecessary.’
Her heart lurching, Elizabeth wrapped her arms about her body, her eyes widening in surprise and trepidation. Stay in such close proximity with him, when Miss Latimer was soon to join them?
‘No; oh no!’ She began to shake her head, then caught her breath at the bleak look crossing Mr Darcy’s features.
Mr Bennet placed a hand on her shoulder, and she turned to look at him in dismay. Relieved as she had been to find she could remain in Derbyshire, how could this constitute keeping her distance?
‘You will do as I instruct, my dear; I insist.’ He turned to the other gentleman, who nodded. ‘As does Mr Darcy. For now, Pemberley shall be your home.’
Chapter Thirty-Nine
The picnic party had drawn to its own natural conclusion, and thus the departure of the Bennets in their carriage drew no untoward attention. Summoning Mrs Reynolds to his study, Darcy explained the need for the Miss Bennets to make some stay at Pemberley in the uncertain absence of their father, trying not to think about the implications of having Elizabeth in such close proximity each day.
‘Oh, and Mrs Reynolds?’ He hailed his housekeeper as she turned for the door. ‘Would you be so kind as to arrange for a carriage to collect the Miss Bennets and their luggage from The Grange within the next hour?’
‘Of course, sir. Those poor girls! They are certain to feel most unsettled, and barely nine months after the disruption of moving here.’ Mrs Reynolds shook her head as she left the room.
Darcy leaned back in his chair and sighed. Could this be the reason for Elizabeth’s blatant dismay at the solution on offer? Her words had cut him, yet should he be quite so surprised? Though they seemed to be making some way forward in their renewed acquaintance, becoming a guest at Pemberley would never have been something she had considered—or desired. Further, Mrs Reynolds had the right of it; this abrupt departure of Mr Bennet for an undetermined length of time may have disconcerted his daughters far more than Darcy could appreciate.
Sitting forward, Darcy turned his attention to his desk, attempting to focus on some outstanding matters of business, but his efforts were futile. His present situation was sufficiently intricate; how would having Elizabeth staying at Pemberley impact it? Was he not exp
eriencing anticipation, despite these complications? Would it not give him the chance to observe Elizabeth more closely; perhaps to begin to comprehend more of her opinion of him? And once he had cleared his way with Latimer, there could be no finer opportunity for making his own feelings clearer.
It all seemed perfectly logical, but Darcy’s head dropped into his hands, his elbows resting on the desk. Simple to assume, perhaps, but nothing of this nature came naturally to him!
‘Brother, why did the Bennets leave so precipitously?’ With a start, Darcy raised his head. Georgiana was peering around the study door, and he leaned back in his chair and beckoned her into the room.
‘A pressing matter of business arose for Mr Bennet. Come, take a seat.’ Darcy stood and walked over to the hearth, and they both settled in a chair either side of it.
‘The picnic went well, did it not?’ Georgiana smiled widely. ‘Olivia and Viola seem quite delighted with it all. They are even now talking of arranging another gathering, much to Mrs Marchant’s dismay!’
‘It seems to have met with their guests’ approval.’
‘I hope they intend to invite Miss Elizabeth Bennet, as I am unlikely to see her for a while, am I not?’ Georgiana sighed. ‘With such a full household from Monday, and the Hansens to arrive a week later I am unlikely to be able to continue my walks with her.’
Darcy smiled. ‘On the contrary. You will be seeing far more of both Miss Bennets.’ His smile widened at the curious look crossing Georgiana’s face. ‘Mr Bennet’s business means he has to leave Derbyshire for an unspecified duration, and the young ladies are thus to stay here with us at Pemberley.’
Georgiana released a small whoop somewhat reminiscent of the twins, and Darcy stared at her in disbelief.
‘Forgive me, Fitz!’ She smiled rather sheepishly at him. ‘What I meant to say was, what pleasing intelligence you have shared.’
With a rueful laugh, Darcy shook his head. ‘All I would ask is that you try to refrain from such a reaction in company!’
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