‘And your sister?’
Elizabeth sighed, shook her head. ‘My youngest sister was not so fortunate.’
‘I am sorry; truly, I am.’
‘Thank you.’ Elizabeth sat up straighter. ‘We believed Lydia had died—my father believed it too. When he discovered she was alive, he had to make a difficult decision, which included concealing the fact from me and my other sisters. We only learned the truth but a few days ago.’
Eleanor stirred in her seat. ‘I am not prone to indulging in rumour and tales and believe strongly in respecting the privacy of others... most specifically, of those I wish to call my friend.’ She swallowed quickly. ‘I have never considered myself to have them before now, Miss Bennet. But... we are friends, are we not?’
Touched beyond measure, Elizabeth reached out and took the lady’s hand in hers. ‘Most indubitably! Even had this...’ she gestured towards the gardens, ‘not happened.’
A smile slowly formed on Eleanor’s face. ‘I feel I have found myself since I came to Pemberley.’ Then, she sobered. ‘I do not wish to leave; I do not wish to return to my former existence, if it can even be called such.’
Elizabeth released her hand and turned more fully to face her. ‘What do you wish for?’
There was silence for a moment as Eleanor’s gaze roamed the room. Then, she met Elizabeth’s enquiring look with a small smile. ‘Mama says, when I was very small, I declared I would run off to join the army. I sought adventure at every turn. Though a lady could never do such a thing, I wish I could reawaken the desire to find pleasure in life, to anticipate the future with something more than weariness and trepidation.’ She shook her head. ‘Pay me no mind, Miss Bennet. My thoughts are meandering; but I do not wish to replicate my mother’s life. What I do not desire is to be passed from a controlling father to an equally controlling husband.’ She hesitated. ‘Would you think me mad if I said I envy the twins?’
Elizabeth smiled. ‘There are times when I envy them too. They have such a joy for life, such warmth and openness. I hope they never lose it, even after they are trained to be exemplary young ladies.’ Then, she frowned. ‘Miss Latimer, in the light of openness, and our declaring ourselves friends, may I ask you something?’
‘Of course.’
‘Do you... are you somewhat taken with Colonel Fitzwilliam?’
Colour rushed into Eleanor’s cheeks, and she raised her hands to her face. ‘Am I so obvious?’
‘Not at all.’ Elizabeth took her hand again. ‘I have seen no overt indication of interest, I assure you. It is merely an impertinent assumption.’ She laughed. ‘I have a suspicion both the twins enjoy the making of matches. Perchance they could assist, that you may escape your father at last.’
Eleanor looked quite embarrassed, and Elizabeth patted her hand. ‘I speak out of turn, for which I beg you to forgive me—as friends almost always do, do they not?’
Eleanor smiled tentatively. ‘So I am learning.’
‘The colonel is a good man, and I suspect he is in need of a wife as much as any other. To be certain, life would never be dull with him. Besides,’ Elizabeth hesitated, keen not to frighten the lady off, when she was unused to such open speaking. ‘I had a conversation with him once. He mentioned the disadvantage of his rank in life, being the second son of an earl. Used to a life of aristocracy, it is hard for him not to pay some attention to money when considering marriage.’
Expecting Eleanor to be even more discomfited by the nature of the conversation, Elizabeth was surprised when a thoughtful expression filled her countenance. ‘I have the necessary dowry. I have always seen it as a burden.’ She met Elizabeth’s gaze. ‘So... it is not a futile hope, then?’
Elizabeth smiled slowly. ‘I shall ask you again—have you developed feelings for Colonel Fitzwilliam?’
‘I hardly know. I have never met anyone like him!’ Eleanor almost laughed. ‘I feel as though I have stepped into a world peopled with those I could never have imagined making the acquaintance of. It is why I do not wish to leave.’
Elizabeth’s smile widened. ‘Then perhaps you should hint to the colonel of your interest?’
Eleanor bit her lip. ‘I thought I had.’
Remembering Mr Darcy’s conviction of having demonstrated his interest in Elizabeth back at Rosings, she hid a smile and got to her feet.
‘Come.’ She held out a hand to Eleanor, who took it willingly as she too rose from her seat. ‘I have learnt men are sometimes a little obtuse when it comes to such things. There are times when the lady must resolve to be the one who makes matters clear.’
~o0o~
Darcy had listened with growing anger to his sister’s account of the encounter with Wickham, to the point where he could no longer remain seated. When Georgiana spoke with a shaking voice of his threat to ruin her reputation by lying about what had happened between them, he slammed his fist into his desk. It was a good thing Wickham was dead, or he would seek him out and finish him with his own hand.
Seeing his sister’s distress over his flash of temper was sufficient, however, to calm him, and Darcy did his best to reassure her, though he felt somehow the person most likely to aid her in overcoming what had just happened would be Elizabeth. In her absence, however, he sent for Mrs Annesley, who took her young charge under her wing in her usual caring manner, ordering some tea and escorting her up the stairs to her small sitting room to regain her equilibrium.
Having accompanied them as far as the entrance hall, Darcy watched until they disappeared at the top of the stairs. The sound of low voices reached him, and he turned about to see the welcome sight of Elizabeth walking with Miss Latimer from the direction of the music room. They greeted him, but to his surprise, the first thing Elizabeth said was, ‘Do you know where Colonel Fitzwilliam might be?’
Darcy glanced over his shoulder, then lowered his voice. ‘He is gone to discuss the possible arrangements with Rivers for...’ he gestured helplessly with his arm. How did one say ‘the disposal of the body’ without it sounding gruesome?
‘Ah; of course.’ The ladies exchanged a fleeting glance, and Eleanor then excused herself, walking over to the drawing room, but as she entered, her father came out into the hall.
Darcy took Elizabeth’s arm. ‘Come with me. We have been engaged these four and twenty hours almost, yet I feel we have barely seen each other.’
‘Darcy! A moment of your time, if you will.’
Damn the man! Darcy turned to face Latimer, who walked over to join them.
‘Is it a pressing matter, sir?’
‘I believe so.’ Latimer’s gaze drifted to Elizabeth, then back to Darcy. ‘One for discussion in private.’
Though he knew he could have insisted upon speaking to Latimer later, Darcy preferred to get it over and done with, that he might spend some time with Elizabeth where he could think of nothing but her.
Elizabeth excused herself and turned to follow Eleanor into the drawing room, and Darcy led the way down the hall to his study, his mind grappling with how to prevaricate over what had happened earlier.
Latimer wasted no time upon entering; nor did he take the proffered seat, but his purpose came as a surprise.
‘This has to be the most preposterous place in which I have ever had the misfortune to be a guest, Darcy! As if giving a roof to the daughters of a tenant when you have important company coming to stay is not enough—a tenant, no less, whom we have already discussed as having suspect reasons for his relocation—you continue to tolerate those impudent young Bingley girls—did you hear what their latest prank was?’
Darcy fixed his jaw in an attempt not to smile; the sight of Latimer unable to push his hands through his sleeves and stepping into boots stuffed with soft fruit would have been worth a great deal.
‘Hmmph. And now I hear from Eleanor there was an intruder in the grounds who lies out there, dead!’ He glared at Darcy as if he alone were responsible for all these things. Latimer grunted. ‘This is not all. My daughter also infor
ms me you have committed yourself to Miss Elizabeth Bennet; a young woman of no dowry or connections and whose background is suspect.’ He shook his head. ‘It is an affront to Eleanor, Darcy, in every way.’
Darcy raised a brow. ‘I do not see how it can be. Besides, Miss Latimer was sincere in her congratulations, as I am sure she told you?’
Turning to pace up and down the room, Latimer threw Darcy an accusing look. ‘My daughter is not herself. The singular company you keep in this house has been a poor influence upon her. I propose taking her away from its effects at the earliest opportunity.’
Relief filled Darcy, but he schooled his features into inscrutability. ‘As you wish, sir.’
Latimer stopped pacing and turned to stare at Darcy. ‘I am not amused, sir, and I shall not be seeking a return invitation to this... this...’ he gestured wildly with his hand. ‘This house of ill repute!’
Darcy struggled to hide his amusement at this gross exaggeration, but such was his relief over Latimer deciding to take himself off before he was obliged to ask him to leave, he was willing to let it pass. The reality of his situation was beginning to consume his every thought now the trials of the morning were over. Elizabeth returned his affection, was soon to be his wife, and the threat of Wickham against her family was gone. It was hard not to smile at everything, especially the imminent loss of such unpleasant company!
Darcy cleared his throat. ‘It is unfortunate you did not find the Derbyshire air to your taste, Latimer. I wish you a safe journey back to Town.’ He paused. ‘When do you propose departing?’
Latimer strode over to the door. ‘On the morrow, as soon as the hour is reasonable.’
He exited the room, closing the door with a snap, and Darcy sank into his chair. Pemberley—a house of ill repute? What would his Aunt Catherine say? Then, he began to laugh.
Chapter Eighty-Three
The day was progressing far too rapidly for Darcy’s liking, despite beginning it so early, but he knew he must ensure Elizabeth was reunited with her family without much further delay. Not only had they endured the anxiety of her going missing on the previous night, but they had also had to sit and wait for news from Pemberley this morning.
As soon as Bingley returned from The Grange, Darcy spoke quietly to him about his concerns over what his sisters may have heard from Wickham, and his friend duly took them off for a walk in the gardens. Both Mrs Latimer and her daughter were engaged in their chambers, overseeing the packing of their belongings.
Georgiana remained upstairs with her companion, and it was left to his cousin—who had intimated, with the matter of Wickham resolved, he would have to leave on the morrow to take up his duties once more—to tolerate Latimer for the rest of the afternoon, for Darcy was determined to escort Elizabeth back to The Grange.
It took almost an hour to cover the two-mile distance, perchance because neither of them had any inclination for reaching their destination, but most likely because Darcy could not resist the occasional opportunity presented by a sturdy tree to pull Elizabeth behind its protection and kiss her soundly.
When they reached the gates to the house, Elizabeth turned to Darcy. ‘I do not wish to leave you.’
Warmed by the sentiment, he smiled. ‘Nor I you, but your father has not seen you since you went missing. You must go to him.’
Elizabeth’s gaze dropped to her feet. ‘I know; but it does not make parting any easier.’
‘Elizabeth.’ Darcy spoke softly, pulling her back into the lane and away from the gateway and thus out of view of the house. He placed a finger under her chin and raised it so their eyes met. ‘I am but two miles up the road.’
She smiled tremulously. ‘It is still too far, sir.’ She raised a hand to touch his face where the branch had scored it. ‘You need someone to care for you.’
‘Without question.’ Darcy took her hand and placed a kiss in her palm. ‘Thus the sooner you speak to your father the better. Once you have done so, there is nothing to prevent us setting a date.’
Elizabeth’s eyes brightened, and they walked up the driveway hand in hand, only to find the door opened before they reached it.
‘There you are, Miss Lizzy! Such a fright you did give us last night!’ Alice came bustling out onto the gravel sweep in front of the house and, much to Elizabeth’s surprise, hugged her.
Her eye met Darcy’s over Alice’s shoulder, and he could tell she was trying not to laugh at the unexpected display of affection from the normally brusque housekeeper.
‘Miss Elizabeth is perfectly well, Alice.’
She released Elizabeth and turned to Darcy, and he took a step backwards, wary she might repeat the gesture. ‘We are indebted to you, Mr Darcy. Thank you for finding Miss Lizzy and bringing her home safely.’
Recalling the outcome of their adventure on the previous evening in the rain, Darcy caught Elizabeth’s eye. ‘It was my pleasure, Alice, I assure you.’
Soft colour invaded Elizabeth’s cheeks, and he began to smile.
Alice looked between them and nodded. ‘It is as I said all along, Miss Lizzy. I knew he was your young man.’
Darcy raised a brow as Alice turned to go back into the house. ‘And when did she impart such words of wisdom?’
‘When you walked me home the other day—with the basket.’
He stepped closer to her and took her hands. ‘I had been back in Derbyshire but a few days, and I had already fallen under your spell again.’
A smile touched Elizabeth’s lips. ‘Spell, sir? Do you consider me a sorceress?’
‘Shall I show you what I consider you?’ He raised a hand to touch her cheek, then brushed aside a curl, but before he could lean in to claim a kiss a loud ‘ahem’ came from within the doorway, and they both dropped hands and turned to enter, Darcy’s eyes adjusting to the dim interior as Alice took their outdoor garments from them.
‘Well now, this is very fine.’ She held up the Spencer Elizabeth had borrowed from Georgiana.
‘Miss Darcy kindly leant me some clothes. I am afraid my own were beyond saving.’
Alice tsked and walked away. ‘Not for the first time. Mr Darcy will have his work cut out to keep up with you, Miss Lizzy.’
Exchanging a smile with Darcy, Elizabeth stepped over to the library door and tapped lightly on it. She peered around its edge. ‘Oh!’
She pulled it closed and turned about. ‘Papa is asleep in his chair, and Ly-Sarah is with him!’
‘Is she asleep too? I hear no breaking china!’
Elizabeth laughed quietly. ‘I do not know; she is curled up at his feet with her head on his lap. It is not something I have seen her do since she was a much younger child. They must have resolved their differences.’
‘Lizzy!’
They both turned as Jane came into the hallway, and she hurried over and swept Elizabeth into her embrace. ‘I have been worried about you. We were so relieved when the message came last night!’ She released her sister and turned to Darcy. ‘You are making quite the habit of finding my sisters for me, Mr Darcy.’
‘Let us hope this is the last time my endeavours are required, Miss Bennet.’
‘I believe I am to congratulate you both.’ Jane’s smile widened as her sister’s gaze flew to Darcy’s.
Then, Elizabeth took her hands. ‘I am disappointed Papa told you, Jane. I had hoped to be the one to share the news with you.’
Jane squeezed her hands and released them. ‘I knew it would be your wish, Lizzy, but I think Papa was in need of distraction once the gentlemen left, and it gave us plenty to talk about.’ She turned to Darcy. ‘You are most welcome as part of this family, sir.’ She hesitated. ‘Though I am uncertain of any benefit the connection will bring to yourself.’
Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and drew her to his side. ‘Thank you, Miss Bennet. I assure you, I am full aware of what I gain. I am happy to be a brother to all Elizabeth’s sisters.’ He glanced briefly at the library door. ‘And, of course, a cousin to Mrs Hawes. Please let her know
the distinction is no detriment. I value my own cousin, the colonel, as highly as I could any brother.’
‘Thank you, sir.’
‘I wished to speak to Papa, Jane, but he is asleep and Lyd...’ Elizabeth rolled her eyes. ‘When will I ever remember? Sarah is with him. They appear to be in harmony?’
‘I will explain all to you later, Lizzy.’
Darcy took this as his cue. ‘I must leave you now, Elizabeth. Not only is this the last evening for the Latimers and the Bingleys, but also for my cousin.’
Jane did not miss the sadness filling her sister’s countenance, and she took her farewell of Darcy and told Elizabeth she would await her upstairs.
As soon as they were alone, Darcy led Elizabeth back along the hallway towards the front door.
‘Will you come to Pemberley in the morning? The Latimers will be leaving early, and I suspect my cousin will not be long after them.’ He frowned, recalling the colonel’s preoccupation on the previous evening. ‘Something troubles him; I know not what. When I had a nightcap with him and Bingley the other night, his distraction was bordering on incivility.’
Elizabeth smiled. ‘I recall once saying the very same of Mr Bingley over his attentions to my sister. I considered it evidence of his attachment.’
‘Fitzwilliam? Attached to whom?’
Elizabeth opened the door. ’It is hardly for me to say, sir. But I would suggest you observe him more closely on your return and you will surely work it out.’
Darcy eyed her warily as he crossed the threshold. ‘Why is it women see so much more than men?’
Elizabeth joined him, raising a hand briefly to his face. ‘We are not infallible, sir. I did not perceive your affection for me when we were at Rosings.’
Taking her hands, Darcy drew her close. ‘I suspect the fault lay more with the foolish assumption I was making myself understood.’
A Quest for Mr Darcy Page 55
