by Leenie Brown
Darcy carefully took his place at the table. He was slowly learning how to sit down gracefully without causing his ankle too much discomfort. He was still a bit awkward, but not so awkward as he had been just yesterday morning.
“I saw Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth while I was riding today,” Bingley began as he poured tea for himself and Darcy.
“You did?” Darcy asked in surprise.
The left side of Bingley’s lips tipped up, and his brows flicked upward and back down quickly. “I did. They were waiting for me.”
Darcy added sugar to his cup. “It was not an accidental meeting?”
Bingley shook his head. “No, Miss Elizabeth wished to speak to me and arranged it so that she could. I am not entirely certain how she knew I would be riding where I was, but she and her sister were waiting and called to me to join them.”
“Her brother must not know of this meeting,” Darcy grumbled.
“You are correct. He does not.” Bingley took a bite of his scone, following it with a bit of tea. “She asked about you.”
“Who asked about me?”
“Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy could not help the small smile that crept onto his lips. Whether or not he had a hope of ever discovering if they would suit, he still found the information that she had inquired after him to be pleasing.
“She wanted to know if you are well enough for callers.”
Darcy held his cup suspended in the air almost to his lips. “Is she thinking of calling on me?” What sort of lady called on a gentleman? It was supposed to be the other way around.
“She wishes to apologize.”
Bingley’s brows rose over an accusatory look, and Darcy sighed. “You are right, again. She is not the one who should apologize.”
“I should say not,” Bingley replied.
“Have you forgiven me?”
Bingley shrugged and nodded. “Tentatively, yes. However, if I never succeed with Miss Bennet, I retain my right to be put out with you.” He held up a finger. “Which will mean that I will push you and Caroline together as much as necessary to have my regret somewhat mollified by your discomfort.”
Darcy chuckled. “You are an evil man.”
Bingley smiled broadly. “Far more evil than you imagine since I know that there is a pretty young lady to whom you need to apologize who would like nothing better than to have you call on her.”
The sounds of the house, the ticking of a clock, the footsteps that scurried through the corridors, the nattering of the Bingley sisters as they descended the grand staircase faded into nothingness as the sound of the rhythmic thumping of Darcy’s heart resounded in his ears. Miss Elizabeth wished for him to call on her? It could not be. He had been rude to her. She was not supposed to welcome him after he behaved as he had. If he were she, he would not wish to see him. He took two swallows of his tea and slowly returned his cup to the table as the sound of his heart diminished, and the room and Bingley came back into his consciousness.
“I do not deserve her,” Darcy whispered. “She is too good.”
No matter who might be associated with her brother, Darcy had not been able to talk himself out of wishing to know more about Elizabeth. She drew him as none other had ever done. That fact, mixed with not wishing to be confined to a house with Bingley’s sisters and not wanting to remain where he was unwelcome, had been part of why he had planned to leave. To be near to someone so fascinating yet denied access to her presence for more than a few moments, if at all, was too torturous to contemplate. However, if he were in London, at least then, she would be too far away for him to regret not being able to call oh her as he wished with the intentions he could never make known or have accepted.
“You are correct,” Bingley replied rather harshly. “She wished for me to convey her sorrow in having caused you discomfort. She said she should have considered your comfort of spirit – or some such thing.” He placed his cup on the table and leaned toward Darcy. “You must pursue her even if you are not at this moment worthy of her.” He held Darcy’s gaze. “She understands you.”
Darcy shook his head. No one understood him. Not at first. Sometimes not even after a long acquaintance.
“I know of what I speak,” Bingley retorted. “When I told her you were not betrothed – because Miss Bennet had asked — and that you were likely never to become betrothed, Miss Bennet asked the reason. I told her that one of your many talents is in offending.”
Darcy scowled at Bingley, but sadly, he was right. Darcy often found himself offending someone.
“While I was attempting to explain that you were not a heartless beast who offends because he gains pleasure from it, Miss Elizabeth suggested it was because you were ill-at-ease.” Bingley’s brows rose as he gave Darcy a pointed look. “Who, besides me, Richard, and Georgiana, realize that truth about you?”
“No one. Maybe my uncle.”
Bingley nodded. “And Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” He took a sip from his cup. “Marry her. There is likely not another woman in all of England who will understand that about you and still wish to have you call on her after you have been rude.”
“That is a bit harsh,” Darcy muttered. “True, but harsh.”
Bingley popped the last of his scone in his mouth. “I am calling at Longbourn today. May I tell her that you will be riding tomorrow near the knoll?”
Darcy shrugged and nodded. “Yes?” He could risk the loss of a boot for such a reason, could he not?
“Capital decision,” Bingley replied. “Shall I inform the staff that you are not departing?”
“Right. Yes.” Darcy moved to stand up, but Bingley stopped him.
“Allow me to pull the bell. I told them some about Wickham,” he added after ringing the bell.
“You did what?” Darcy asked.
“I told them about Wickham and the living he refused. Apparently, Mr. William Bennet has heard Wickham’s tale of how he was mistreated by you. Miss Elizabeth, however, had deciphered that there must be a reason for the will to be ignored.” Bingley looked at Darcy pointedly once again. “I repeat. Marry her.”
Darcy chuckled and shook his head. “Did you tell them anything further about him?”
“I told them that he is given to vice and not to be trusted,” Bingley replied. “But I did not tell them about Georgiana.” He sighed. “Their brother is as protective of them as you are of your sister. He would not allow Wickham near them, nor will he welcome any gentleman who would disrespect his family in any way. Likewise, he will not accept the friend of such a gentleman. Therefore, it is imperative that we find a way to demonstrate to him that you are not the sort of gentleman to treat any of Bennet’s family meanly. And that is why Miss Elizabeth was adamant that I call and do my part to show myself worthy of Miss Bennet – who, by the by, said she would welcome my attention.”
“Congratulations,” Darcy replied, and then after a moment to ponder Bingley’s words, during which he considered his friend married to the sister of the only lady who had, to this point in his life, captured his attention as none other had ever done, he added, “Do not play with her emotions.”
Bingley scowled at him. “I would not.”
“No, I do not think you would, but you must appear to be above such since if you are found wanting, then I shall also be found wanting, seeing as I am your friend. That is, of course, if we can prove to the younger Mr. Bennet that I am not as reprehensible as my actions have accused me of being.”
Bingley grinned. “You do not wish to be found wanting?”
Darcy shook his head. “I think your advice is excellent. I believe I must marry Miss Elizabeth.”
Bingley laughed heartily at that. “I was beginning to wonder if there would ever be a day when I would hear you single out a lady.” He filled his cup again. “No need to rush,” he said. “We must attempt to come up with a way to secure the affections of the lady’s brother, so that you and I will be free to pursue our happiness with his sisters.”
~*~
*~
Later that day, Darcy looked up from his book when Bingley entered the drawing room at Netherfield after his call at Longbourn.
“Caroline is not allowed to call at Longbourn in the future,” he said, dropping into a chair next to Darcy.
“I do not see why I cannot,” Caroline said with a smirk.
“Because you were rude, and I am attempting to make a good impression on Miss Bennet and her family. Telling Mrs. Bennet how her room is only half the size of some drawing room you sat in once to drink tea with some…” he pressed his lips together, obviously changing his mind on the word he was about to use, “ladies from the ton is not how one ingratiates herself to her neighbors. Nor should one tell a young lady such as Miss Lydia that the ribbon she is using to trim her hat is just like the one you saw last season.” He glowered at his sister. “She seemed very flattered to have your attention until you condemned her fashion sense as already been done!”
“The call did not go well?” Darcy asked, attempting to thwart the upcoming argument, but it was to no avail. Caroline would have her say.
“I have no desire to become friends with these people, and you could do much better than Miss Bennet. Oh, she is a sweet girl to be sure and so pretty, but seriously Charles, what can she do for you?”
“Run my home! She is a gentleman’s daughter and as such has first-hand knowledge about the workings of an estate and how one who is mistress of an estate should behave.”
Caroline snorted. “I doubt her mother has taught her very well.” She shared a look with Louisa. “Mrs. Bennet is not, how shall I say it?” She waved her hand in a circular fashion. “She is no wit.”
Louisa bit her lip and looked at Bingley uneasily. “She does not seem to be, but we have only just met her.”
Caroline huffed. “You know as well as I that she is not a glowing example of a gentlewoman, but then, she was not born to be one.”
“Neither were you,” Darcy said sharply, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. He never enjoyed one of Caroline’s arguments with her brother. However, hearing her condemn the Bennets provoked him to the point that he could not remain silent.
“I may have been wrong before when I said there was no deficit in you which would cause me to reject you. You know very well how I regard ladies of the ton who are catty and cruel. I apparently did not realize that you were one of them.”
Caroline gasped.
“You could be mistress of Longbourn,” Charles inserted. “Then you could show Mrs. Bennet how a tradesman’s daughter is supposed to run an estate. The young Mr. Bennet had a difficult time looking at anything else in the room save you. You could do far worse.”
“And I could do better!” Caroline cried.
Bingley shrugged. “Perhaps.”
“I could,” Caroline insisted.
“You could,” Darcy agreed. “However, I do not see how you will ever be happy with such a mean spirit. A gentleman of any status will have to interact with those who are not of his sphere as well as those just entering his sphere. He cannot afford to be petty and demeaning if he truly wishes to establish himself well and be respected. And if a gentleman cannot afford such behaviour, neither can his wife. You have seen just as many troubled marriages as I have. Being a demanding sort of lady and prone to the ridicule of others does not bode well for a peaceful marriage.”
“Well said,” Mr. Hurst said.
“Longbourn is not a horrid estate,” Louisa added. “Everything was tidy. That sitting room did get excellent light, and from what I could see of the garden, it must be spectacular when in full bloom.”
“I did not like it,” Caroline replied.
“You are well within your rights to not like what others might,” Mr. Hurst said. “However, those opinions should be kept to one’s self and only delved into with caution when necessary to disclose them. For instance, I found the drapery to be too garish, but I am not the one deciding on the décor, and to be truthful, they were not out of place.”
Charles expelled a great breath. “I know you are not pleased to be here, Caroline, but could you please be reasonable and accept the fact that I like it here and I like Miss Bennet? There is no need to demonstrate your superior fashion sense or schooling. It will be evident and better appreciated if you do not point it out.”
“Miss Bennet?” There was a pleading tone to Caroline’s voice.
“Yes, I prefer Miss Bennet to Miss Darcy — or to any other lady for that matter.”
“You will not be moved?” Caroline asked.
The shake of Bingley’s head was met by a resigned sigh. How many times had Darcy witnessed these two argue over something? Caroline would petulantly pursue her brother to change his mind until it became clear that he would not be moved. Then, and only then, did she resign herself to the idea – albeit unhappily.
“I will not be marrying Georgiana, and Darcy will not be marrying you. Therefore, you should begin searching for another, and you could start with Mr. William Bennet. He seems very upstanding.”
“I have no hope?” The question to Darcy was small and quiet.
“I am sorry, but no,” Darcy replied.
Caroline sighed again and pushed up from her chair. “Then, I see no need to stay here if I can neither move Charles or impress you. I am a very accomplished lady.”
“I know,” Darcy replied. “And some gentleman will be happy to have you for his wife, but that gentleman is not me.”
She shrugged and moved to the door of the drawing room where she stopped and turned toward them once again. “I apologize for being less than civil, Charles. I shall attempt to display myself to better advantage and make our sojourn in this backwater as pleasant as possible.”
“I am happy to hear it, but Darcy’ll not marry you even if you are pleasant.”
She huffed. “I was not attempting to sway him.”
“You were not?” Hurst asked with a laugh.
Caroline paused a moment too long before replying in the negative to Mr. Hurst for either him or her brother to believe her answer.
“Give him up,” Charles said.
Caroline lifted her chin and shot him a hateful look before saying, “I already have,” and leaving the room.
“Miss Elizabeth will be walking near the knoll tomorrow morning,” Bingley said to Darcy.
“Oh ho!” Mr. Hurst cried. “You’ll want to prepare your sister for that disappointment,” he said to his wife.
Darcy shook his head and glared at Bingley. “We are even,” he growled.
Bingley laughed. “As long as I succeed with Miss Bennet.”
“No, even if you do not,” Darcy retorted. Then, he turned to Mrs. Hurst. “It is as your husband suspects, so it would be best for Caroline to treat Miss Elizabeth with respect and kindness should she wish to keep my acquaintance.”
Chapter 12
Elizabeth paced along the fence from the stile to the bottom of the knoll just down and to the right of the tree she liked to sit under. She glanced up at the sky. The sun was shining, and the clouds were nearly white. There was only a hint of grey in them. The day should be a dry one.
She opened her book and attempted to make her mind focus on the words. She had brought it with her even though she had not intended to read today. To leave without it and go toward her favorite reading place might have caused some to be curious – William in particular. He had been just leaving for the stables when she had descended the stairs with her pelisse and bonnet on.
She snapped the book closed. It was no use. All she could think about was Mr. Darcy. He had plagued her dreams all night. Hopefully, he would be receptive to her apology and willing to help her convince her brother that neither he nor Mr. Bingley was reprehensible.
“Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth spun from her contemplation of the trees and her dreams, where the man presently calling to her had at one point forgiven her and another, ridiculed her for her demanding nature. Her heart thumped loudly as she moved towa
rd the stile.
“Good morning!” she called to him. “I am delighted to see you are able to ride. Mr. Bingley said you had found your confinement to be trying.” She kept a smile on her face and her tone light. Even as her stomach tumbled nervously.
“It was excessively trying,” he said as he swung down from his horse.
Elizabeth bit her lip to keep from telling him to be careful as he winced while putting weight on his ankle. “Can you make it over the stile? We can sit in the shade.” She motioned to her right.
“I think I can manage it,” he replied. “It cannot be any more difficult than descending a set of stairs or mounting a horse. It is amazing the movements upon which we rely and about which we do not think until some portion of our person is incapacitated in some fashion.”
“You can lean on me if you need.” Elizabeth pressed her lips together. She had told herself she would not try to direct him in any fashion today, but it was much harder than she had imagined it would be. And she had considered that it would be difficult.
He smiled. “It is healing, so I think I can manage. However, when we must rise from our places later, I may require assistance.”
Elizabeth expelled the breath she has been holding.
“Before you say what I suspect you are going to say,” Darcy said as they walked the few feet to where she and Jane had sat with Bingley just the other day. “I must insist that it is not you who needs to beg forgiveness. My behavior was reprehensible.”
“You were injured,” she replied. “We can all become cantankerous when in pain. We can sit here. Do you need help?”
He shook his head. “No, I think I can drop onto the ground under my own power, though it will not be gracefully done.” And it was not.
