Murder & Misjudgment

by Abbey North

  His gaze followed, and he seemed to intuit at least part of the situation, though he had no knowledge of the background. “In that case, I cannot regret my part in the situation. Indeed, I cannot regret inviting you anyway, for spending time with you is intoxicating, Miss Bennet.”

  Alerted by the smoky turn of his voice, she was afraid he was starting to form more than friendship for her. She averted her gaze quickly, unexpectedly locking eyes with Darcy, who stood at the corner of the dance floor. It was hardly surprising he wasn’t dancing, but his cold expression and clear anger bore down upon her even across the distance separating them.

  Hastily, she looked away, her gaze once more clashing with Adam’s. It was full of earnest hope, and she felt a sinking sensation in her chest. As much as she wanted to like Adam, she was certain she never could in that way. All it had taken was one angry glance shared with Fitzwilliam Darcy to recall just how he made her feel.

  He enraged her to no end, and he was as prideful and prejudicial as he’d ever been, and far too prone to meddling with other people’s emotions and relationships, but Lizzy couldn’t deny she was drawn to him. It could never work, for how could she love a man who considered her inferior, and who blatantly regarded her sister as a fortune seeker? Still, how she felt about Darcy was enough to underscore how she didn’t feel about Adam and was certain she never would.

  When the dance ended, she stepped back. “Perhaps we could get some fresh air instead of a second dance for now, Lord Aumley?”

  He nodded, appearing eager to assist her. “You do look flushed.”

  No doubt she was, having had the unexpected epiphany right in the middle of the dance floor. She strove to collect her composure as she followed him close to the balcony. They did not step out, but the door was open and allowed a cool breeze to come in, which took some of the heat from her face. Adam thoughtfully hovered nearby, and Lizzy searched for a way to make it clear she wasn’t interested in him in a romantic way.

  “Do you remember Miss Darcy from the museum?” Her gaze sought out the young woman in the crowd.

  “I do, though I have not had a chance to speak with her beyond that limited exchange. This is her first Season, is it not?”

  She nodded. “She is on the shy side, and I have no doubt it would be a confidence boost to her if you would seek her out to request a dance or two.”

  Adam frowned slightly. “You wish for me to dance with another woman?”

  She smiled at him. “I could hardly expect you to content yourself with just two dances, and we all know propriety dictates that is all I can allot you. I do believe you would have quite a bit in common with Miss Darcy. She is a sweet young woman, though she does not seem to prefer the museum.”

  He smiled, though he still looked vaguely troubled. “I would much prefer to spend my time with a woman who appreciates history.”

  “It is never a good idea to tie yourself to one friend, Lord Aumley. You are likely to end up disappointed if that friend does not give you everything you want. I always find it advisable to maintain a wider circle of acquaintances.” Lizzy admired how confident she sounded and sure of the knowledge she was imparting. It was a complete ruse, but she hoped it was subtle enough to convey the message she wanted to send—she would be unable to give Adam what he seemed to want from her.

  He looked crestfallen for a moment, but then he rallied. “If you are up to being left alone, I shall seek out Miss Darcy. I will claim my second dance later, if that is acceptable?”

  “Of course.” She smiled at him. “I do find myself feeling much better. You can safely leave me.”

  “As you wish, Miss Bennet.” He returned to the ballroom, soon seeking out Georgiana.

  Lizzy had barely stepped back into the room when Tristan was there, asking, “May I have this dance, Miss Bennet?”

  She nodded at him as she accepted his arm before she curtsied to him, as was part of the start of the dance, and they began moving together. He was eyeing her with admiration, and she wondered if she was going to have a similar problem with him.

  Fortunately, his words were not at all flirtatious when he said, “You remind me of my mother, Miss Bennet.”

  Her eyes widened. “I do?”

  He nodded. “I lost her when I was young, only eleven, but she was so graceful. There were many times I would sneak to the top of the stairs and watch her and Papa entertain, and she always danced with such lively elegance.”

  Lizzy flushed with the compliment. “I would hardly call myself graceful, but I thank you. I will certainly not argue if you see a resemblance between your mother and myself. I find that most flattering.”

  “She was indeed a special woman.” He cleared his throat after a moment. “Now, for less maudlin talk, how was your trip to Mr. Bingley’s home?”

  “The ride was without remarkability. And you?”

  He grinned. “My townhouse is nearby, so it was a brief walk for me. Most invigorating, though I did consider taking a sedan chair to save my shoes.”

  “The weather has been fine for this time of year,” said Lizzy. “We have not seen much snow yet.”

  “I fear that will change soon, having seen the gray clouds and a little bit of pink in the sky earlier.”

  Lizzy nodded, having made the same observation. “It will be nice to have some snow again, but not too much.”

  They passed the rest of the dance discussing mundane topics, and he did not request a second one. Lizzy returned to her aunt and uncle, who were busy speaking with people she didn’t know, but they clearly recognized. After sharing introductions, she contributed here and there, spending the next few dances in conversation when no one had asked her to accompany them to the dance floor.

  Lizzy was fine with that. After having reached the unwelcome realization she cared more about Darcy than she wanted to, she was in no state of mind to handle meaningless flirtation or try to sort out the motives of men who might want to dance with her. Was it benign and a bit of fun, or did they have something more serious in mind? It was all exhausting to think about.

  She was dismayed when Mr. Darcy escorted Caroline onto the dancefloor a few moments later. There was nothing improper in how they faced each other, but she still resented how close Caroline was to Darcy, and how she looked up at him with clear adoration. Determined to ignore the spectacle, and her reaction to it, she deliberately turned away.

  She was pleased to see Miss Georgiana dancing with the viscount two dances in a row, and shortly after that, Georgiana found her by the punch bowl. She poured herself a cup of ratafia, and Lizzy refilled her own.

  “The viscount hinted you might have suggested he ask me to dance,” said Georgiana, her eyes sparkling. “I thank you for the attention, dear friend.” She smiled. “He is a charming fellow, is he not?”

  Lizzy nodded. “He is, though I fear you might have some interests that might not converge with his. He is quite engrossed in history and religion.”

  Georgiana grimaced slightly. “And he does not know much about music, yet he is still a charming companion.”

  Before Lizzy could respond, Darcy approached then, standing near them. He was giving his sister an indulgent smile, though it melted from his face when he looked at Lizzy. His words were shocking when he said, “I would like to request a dance with you, Miss Bennet.”

  She was on the verge of refusing, but how could she do so? If she did, it would consign her to being unable to dance with anyone else for the rest of the evening, and Georgiana would question why she was refusing to dance with her brother. She suspected he had timed it thusly on purpose, and she gritted her teeth as she nodded. “I would be pleased,” she said in a tone that lacked any conviction.

  If Georgiana noticed her lack of enthusiasm, she didn’t say anything as she gestured for them to go on to the dance floor, assuring her brother she would be fine. Darcy had clearly realized her lack of willingness though, because he was stiff beside her as he took her arm to lead her to the dance floor.

&n
bsp; They hovered for a few minutes, waiting for the current set to end, and she half-expected him to say something to irritate her, but he must’ve decided to maintain his silence. She truly couldn’t divine his strategy for dancing with her, but it soon became obvious when they fell into step together, and they were facing each other. “I see you chose not to heed my warning about Aumley.”

  “Adam is a nice young man, and you have misjudged him. Your sister thinks he is nice as well.”

  His lips tightened. “I want you to stay away from him. You cannot trust him.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Because you say so?”

  He nodded firmly and seemed utterly convinced.

  Lizzy shook her head slightly. “As you know my opinion on your ability to judge others, I shall not be lending it much weight. In fact, one could accuse you of being jealous.” As she uttered the accusation, she expected him to rebuff it decisively.

  Instead, he stared at her for a long moment, his face serious. “I am, but I still have a bad feeling about the young man. We know nothing about him, and I do not wish to see you risk your reputation.”

  Her eyes widened at his admission, and she stumbled to a halt. Darcy kept her from falling, and they stared at each other for a long moment. It was only when she heard someone clear their throat behind them that she realized they were holding up the dance procession, and she started moving again.

  “You admit to being jealous?” She tried to phrase it academically, but there was the slightest bit of pleasure bleeding through her tone. It was a ridiculous reaction, for she should be dismayed that he still had any sort of emotion for her, not pleased about it.

  “I admit to it,” he said in a starched tone.

  “I admit to some jealousy seeing you with Caroline Bingley,” said Lizzy with unanticipated honesty. She hadn’t planned to reveal that to him, but now that the words were out, she couldn’t bring herself to regret uttering them.

  His gaze locked on hers again, and though they managed to keep moving, it felt like her entire world was at a standstill. “I find that information interesting,” he said in an almost bland tone. “It is a wonder you so firmly rejected my offer if you feel such a way.”

  Lizzy couldn’t deny feeling a hint of regret at having to do so, but she kept her tone gentle when she said, “You insulted me with your proposal, Mr. Darcy, which I could forgive. If I had given serious thought to entertaining the idea, I could have overcome your phrasing. After all, you said nothing but what you perceive as the truth, and there is a great deal of truth to what you said.”

  “Yet you still refused me.” He sounded as though the matter was a topic of general conversation and nothing important to him.

  She nodded. As he spun her around, she saw Jane and Charles and pointed to them discreetly. “Have you revised your opinion of Jane?”

  He hesitated for a moment, but then he shook his head. He seemed reluctant to be honest, but he didn’t have it in him to lie. “I have not. I still think she is a lovely young woman, but I do not see that she has any real regard for Charles.”

  Lizzy couldn’t imagine how he could be so blind. Her sister was smiling up at Charles with such an open expression, and her eyes gleamed with pleasure. Mr. Darcy must be willfully blinding himself to the proof of her sister’s affection, so he didn’t have to question his judgment.

  “That is why I could never say yes to you, Mr. Darcy. You go out of your way to deliberately thwart Jane’s happiness, and you refuse to reconsider.” To her relief, the music ended then, and she took a step back. “Thank you for the dance.”

  When she turned around, Adam was waiting for her, clearly intent on claiming his second dance. She accepted it as she fell into line with him, and he soon invited her to go on a ride through Hyde Park at four o’clock the next afternoon. Lizzy agreed, catching Tristan’s eye over Adam’s shoulder. His friend was smiling benevolently at them, and she was afraid he might be a matchmaking sort too. Perhaps while she was out riding with Adam tomorrow, she would have another opportunity to make it clear she wanted only friendship with the young viscount.

  7

  Fitzwilliam clenched his hands into fists as he shamelessly eavesdropped on Lizzy’s conversation with Lord Aumley. She was planning to ride with him tomorrow in the park, and he had a hard time controlling his rage. She could flirt so carelessly with a man whom Fitzwilliam distrusted, but she could ignore how she felt for him? He did not understand her at all, but that was generally the way of it. Women were often complex and perplexing, and Lizzy Bennet was no exception.

  With a sigh, he started to turn away, but Caroline Bingley’s hand fell on his shoulder then, and he stiffened slightly as he turned to look at her. “How are you this evening, Miss Caroline?” He had danced with her previously, having managed to escape after just one dance, and there had been little opportunity for conversation, since it had been one of the livelier quadrilles. He had timed it perfectly when he asked her to dance, hoping to share such an enthusiastic dance with her to minimize both conversation opportunities and girlish fantasies on her part. It was clear she was here for a second one, and if he walked away, it would be incomparably rude, especially since her brother was the host. “Would you like to dance again?”

  She smiled, her lips softening, and she had a dewy glow about her complexion. She was indeed a lovely woman, but he could feel nothing for her as she accepted his invitation, and he swept her onto the dance floor. It was a slower song, and the configuration allowed for more face-to-face interaction, so they were able to converse more.

  She chatted on about inconsequential things to start with, but then her voice lowered. “I have done everything I can to keep the Bennet woman away from my brother, but I am at a loss. What would you suggest we do next, Mr. Darcy?”

  The note of intimacy in her tone worried him, and he realized Caroline thought they were conspiring against the situation together. She likely took it as encouragement that he was prepared to work with her again on other matters, and that would lead her to expect something more from him.

  He had never had interest in marrying Caroline Bingley, and that hadn’t changed. Even if he hadn’t met Lizzy Bennet and lost his heart, he was certain he never could’ve accepted Caroline. He kept his voice gentle when he said, “I think we have done all we can, Miss Bingley. The rest is up to Charles now. If he cannot see the truth, we can do nothing to save him.”

  She frowned. “I cannot tolerate that. You should come to tea tomorrow afternoon, and we shall form a plan together.”

  He shook his head. “Regretfully, I am committed to other activities tomorrow afternoon. I do not believe it is wise to continue meddling. We have tried to save Charles, but ultimately, it is Charles’s decision, and we risk our relationships with him if we persist.”

  Caroline clearly disliked his words. “You are saying I should just meekly accept that woman into the family? You have seen her relations. Her family has no breeding. For goodness sake, Miss Eliza is perhaps the second best of the lot, and you know how low she is.”

  “Miss Elizabeth has impeccable manners,” said Darcy stiffly.

  Caroline’s eyes narrowed. “That is quite a contrary opinion from what you used to have, Mr. Darcy.” Her tone was tart.

  He shrugged a shoulder. “Perhaps I have reconsidered my stance.”

  She seemed genuinely shocked. “You never change your estimation, Mr. Darcy. Once someone has lost your good opinion, it is lost forever.”

  He looked at her repressively. “Perhaps I am attempting to change, Miss Bingley. Maybe I have been wrong about certain assumptions.”

  She appeared frozen in shock for a moment, and she missed a step. He carried her through it, and she seemed impatient for the dance to end then. He wondered if he had finally found a way to ward off Caroline Bingley’s interest.

  Deciding he might have, he said, “I have come to know Miss Elizabeth better, and I admire a lot about her. Perhaps she is correct in her assessment that Miss Jane loves Bi
ngley. I suggest we should both reevaluate our opinions and try to keep an open mind, Miss Bingley.”

  She glared at him, and it was obvious from her body language she was rejecting the thought without any serious consideration. “Indeed, what a turnabout from you.” She sounded somewhere between angry and betrayed as she stepped back from him when the music ended. He bowed to her, but she didn’t bother with the cursory curtsey as expected when she turned on her heel and stormed away. He couldn’t regret having alienated her, because it finally seemed like she might be accepting he would never marry her.

  Having overheard her plans to ride with Aumley the next afternoon, Darcy took Goliath for a ride at the opportune time, soon picking out Elizabeth’s glossy head of hair ahead of him. She said on a phaeton beside Aumley, who wore his top hat, but Lizzy’s bonnet was pushed back in a haphazard fashion, and he found it charming rather than irritating that she wasn’t a stickler for wearing it this time of day.

  Likely, she was appreciating the sunlight beaming down on them, and since it was a rare sunny afternoon in the insipid gray of a typical London January day, he could appreciate it himself. Impulsively, he removed his top hat in solidarity, ignoring the wide eyes of the two women beside him in their own phaeton. He nodded to them in a respectful fashion and urged Goliath forward.

  He wanted to be nearer to observe Lizzy’s interactions with the viscount should he need to intercede. Once he got close enough to overhear their conversation while maintaining discretion, he was surprised to find their topics of conversation were almost mind-numbingly mundane.

  His attention wavered when he heard a cry. He turned in that direction, though it was difficult to make any progress with the crush of fashionables on the promenade, as he heard someone shout out, “There is a body in the pond.”