But Darcy was in no mood to be refused or humoured.
“Miss Bennet, I don’t wish to appear indelicate, and Lord knows, I have tried to convey my meaning to you politely, but now I find I must speak even plainer. I need assistance from a male member of the household… quite urgently,” he insisted.
“Oh, I see…yes of course.” Elizabeth blushed crimson as the meaning of his words became clear. She quickly exited the room and summoned William to tend to Mr Darcy’s needs.
After almost an hour, Mr William returned downstairs and went directly to find Elizabeth.
“Mr Darcy asked me to inform you that he desires you to return to your nursing duties at your earliest convenience, Miss Elizabeth.” And with his message delivered, Mr Bennet’s valet returned to cleaning his master's boots.
Elizabeth could not help but feel a little self-conscious as she made her way back up to the guest room. She should have realised that after such an extended period of incapacity, he would need to attend to his toilette. Forcing him to ask for assistance was an embarrassment to them both.
Taking a deep breath before she knocked, Elizabeth then entered with a smile, half genuine, and half forced.
The first thing to strike her was that the room had a cooler, fresher feel. No longer stuffy and overburdened by the roaring fire. Apparently, Mr Darcy had elected to ignore the doctor’s advice about keeping the windows shut, as they were now flung wide open. The bed linen had been changed, and Darcy was wearing a clean nightshirt. His face was smooth and bristle-free, and his hair looked slightly damp. Only a single curl had dared to stray out of place and now hung down his forehead.
Elizabeth’s eyes were strangely drawn to this rich, dark coil.
Unaccustomed to such intense scrutiny, Darcy began to feel uncomfortable.
“Miss Elizabeth, I would like to offer you my sincere gratitude for your ministrations these past few days.”
Elizabeth was still mesmerised by the hanging ringlet. This single curl had changed his façade completely. It softened his features, making him appear a little less perfect and austere. Somehow, he seemed more approachable, more…human.
Only when Darcy called her name, did his words finally penetrated her reverie.
“Elizabeth, I said thank you for sitting with me. It may not have appeared that I was aware of your presence, but I was grateful for it anyway.”
“Truthfully, Mamma insisted upon it, but I was easily persuaded,” Elizabeth replied lightly, “My mother possesses a character that needs much attention. Occasionally I prefer to occupy myself with a less demanding pastime,” she said with a growing smile.
Darcy returned her smile.
Hoping to extend their comfortable exchange, he asked,
“Such as?”
“I enjoy walking or visiting my friends, especially Charlotte Lucas. When the weather is inclement, I might play chess or backgammon with Jane. And I read, a lot. Fortunately, Papa encourages reading, and on a variety of subjects, even some that others would deem inappropriate for a single young woman. Does that shock you, Mr Darcy?” she said with a glint of mischief in her eye.
Darcy smiled. Apparently, she was trying to shock him, yet it had done quite the opposite.
“Not at all, Miss Elizabeth. In fact, I am quite intrigued. I too read a great deal, and Pemberley boasts a comprehensive library. I hope it is something we can enjoy together, once we are married. I admire anyone who improves their mind with extensive reading. And as for walking, Pemberley has many pleasant paths to explore, appropriately accompanied of course. Perhaps we could find pleasure in doing these activities together?” he ventured to ask.
“Perhaps,” Elizabeth replied, reluctant to admit she would soon be spending time at his ancestral home.
Aware that the conversation had taken an intimate turn, Elizabeth asked if he would like to play a game of chess or backgammon?
Darcy selected chess and revealed he always enjoyed a challenge.
It had taken dozens of moves and long moments of contemplation, but Elizabeth finally said,
“Checkmate, I think?” and she laughed gaily.
Darcy studied the board. He was indeed checkmated. How, when he had more pieces on the board than her, had she managed to manoeuvre his king into a corner? He could only surmise his attention was not wholly focused on the game.
With an inward laugh, Darcy compared his defeat in the game to the capture of his heart. Whether wittingly, or unwittingly, she had conquered him in both realms.
Savouring this intimate time together, he asked Elizabeth if she would consider a rematch.
She declined. And looked towards the door for her escape. The game had lasted two hours, and in that time, they had exchanged ideas on gardening and horses, and even shared a joke about the Prince Regent. She hadn’t realised it at first, but she had felt completely at ease in his company. Neither could she deny that she had enjoyed herself. Darcy was a worthy opponent, much more so than any of her siblings. It was only as the game neared its conclusion that she had felt panicked. She had not bargained on liking Mr Darcy.
“Mamma gave me strict instructions not to tire you, so I will leave you now,” she said, all the while moving towards her exit.
Darcy glanced at the door and instinctively knew she was planning to flee. But he had yet to tell her why he had broken his promise, and this might be his only opportunity to explain in private. He could not have her think him capricious.
“Elizabeth, before you leave, I must talk to you about the newspaper announcement. Will you not let me unburden myself?” he pleaded.
Facing him, Elizabeth remained at a distance but nodded her agreement.
“I came to talk to you about Aunt Catherine’s announcement, but my illness prevented it. You do understand that I could see no other way of deflating her brash attempt to force my hand? If there had been a moment for me to consult with you beforehand, I would have done so. But believe me, time was of the essence.”
Elizabeth had had two days to contemplate his actions and had also come to the same conclusion. Unless he intended to marry Anne De Bourgh, something needed to be done and done quickly. In Darcy’s eyes, changing the announcement was the only option available to him. Although it now trapped her in an unwelcome engagement, she did understand it was the rational thing for him to do.
“I cannot be happy about the situation, Mr Darcy, not yet anyway. But I understand the reasoning behind your actions. Though I am sure, Lady Catherine will not concede defeat so easily. She strikes me as the type of woman whom no one would dare cross!”
“You are quite right,” he agreed. “Her ladyship may act upon her threat and encourage others to ostracise us from society. Would that bother you excessively, Elizabeth?” Darcy asked quietly.
Elizabeth took only a moment to ponder his words. There were many shops to visit in London, and new plays and operas to see. However, there were only so many bonnets and gowns one needed, and while the theatre was often entertaining, it could also be exhausting and repetitive. Whenever she went to visit her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, she enjoyed herself immensely, but she was always glad to return to Longbourn and the country.
“The distractions in town can be diverting for a while, but I would not want to live there permanently. No, I do not believe it would bother me overly, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth replied honestly. “But I believe you have a younger sister; would that not hinder her prospects of making a good match?”
“I believe not,” he said. “The Darcy name carries as much, if not more consequence than that of de Bourgh. Perhaps when my uncle was alive, it would have been different, but Aunt Catherine is practically a recluse now and rarely ventures to town. No, I am convinced Georgiana will have more than enough suitors to choose from.”
Before they could discuss it further, a gentle tap on the door took their attention.
“Tis only I, Mrs Bennet. May I come in?” Mrs Bennet asked after she was halfway through the door.
“Willia
m said you were feeling much better, Mr Darcy, and that you had requested a carriage be made available to you later this morning? Surely you cannot be thinking of returning to Netherfield so soon! I distinctly remember the doctor saying plenty of rest,” she gushed without pause.
Darcy felt the colour rise to his neck as Mrs Bennet made her way to his bedside. As a gentleman of seven and twenty, he was not accustomed to having matronly ladies in his bedchamber. Indeed, the last female he had entertained in his room was considerably younger and there for quite another reason.
This thought only heightened his embarrassment, and the blush now rose to cover his cheeks.
“I assure you, madam, I am all but recovered. Your excellent care has guaranteed my speedy recovery, and while I am loathed to relinquish this most comfortable room, I fear that I must,” Darcy’s words tumbled out.
“Won’t you stay another day or two? Elizabeth is more than happy to read to you, is that not so, Lizzy?” Mrs Bennet raised her eyebrows and tossed her head in Elizabeth’s direction.
Elizabeth wanted to ignore her mother’s covert signal, instructing her to confirm her words, but Elizabeth knew if she did, there was every likelihood her mother would become even more obvious.
Giving an inward sigh, she replied,
“I am quite content to read to Mr Darcy for as long as he wishes, Mamma.”
“There, you see; Lizzy is happy to keep you company.”
“I thank you, Mrs Bennet, but I can trespass on your hospitality no longer. I will take my leave after lunch as planned,” Darcy said in a final tone.
Reluctantly, Mrs Bennet conceded that she was beaten, and accepted that he would indeed, be leaving after lunch.
Sitting in the carriage on the journey back to Netherfield, Darcy recalled the moment he had touched Elizabeth’s hand. He had raised his arm with every intention of capturing her hand. And when their finger’s had connected, Darcy had felt a jolt of pleasure course its way down to the pit of his stomach. The look on her face told him she had felt it too. Another time, he might have risked her wrath and pulled her into his arms, but it was not the right time, and definitely not the right place to act upon their undeniable attraction. Nevertheless, he felt satisfied with the progress they had made, and although Elizabeth was a long way from being in love with him, he suspected she no longer despised him.
Chapter Seven
Over the next few days, the Bennet household returned to normality much to Mr Bennet’s relief.
Mrs Bennet, on the other hand, made no secret of the fact that she was upset with Mr Darcy. He had not called to see Elizabeth once since the day of his departure. Indeed, she declared, it was all very nice that Mr Bingley called on Jane every day, but where was Mr Darcy?
“I blame you for his neglect, Elizabeth,” Mrs Bennet scolded. “I am sure you did not encourage him sufficiently. If you had, he would be at your side now, as Bingley is Janes.”
Elizabeth averted her face, turning to look out of the window instead. It had only been two days since Mr Darcy had left Longbourn. Hardly enough time for him to regain his strength, never mind venturing out in such inclement weather.
The biting wind had meant the snow had yet to thaw, although most of the main roads seemed passable. Mr Hill, who oversaw the running of the estate farm, was adamant there was worse to come. Elizabeth hoped not. Being cooped up inside made her restless.
After yet more reproofs from her Mamma, Elizabeth decided she had been scolded quite enough for one day. Smiling sweetly, she excused herself and went to join her sister in the parlour.
Lydia had been sent to sit with Jane and Mr Bingley, and under no circumstances was she to engage them in conversation. Mrs Bennet instructions had been quite specific. For propriety’s sake, they must have a chaperone, but in no way were the young lovers to be obstructed from getting acquainted.
Elizabeth entered with an easy smile on her lips, ready to relieve Lydia, but Jane immediately caught her attention and rolled her eyes skywards.
Looking at the three people present, Elizabeth was not surprised that the usually pleasant and forgiving Jane was feeling a little exasperated.
Jane and Charles were seated on the divan by the fire, the perfect spot for young lovers to speak quietly to one another. However, firmly entrenched between them, was Lydia. Either she was overzealous in guarding Jane’s virtue, or more likely, she had gotten bored and decided to make herself the centre of attention. Elizabeth suspected it was the latter.
Lydia thrust a garishly decorated bonnet under Mr Bingley’s nose.
“I purchased it some days ago. It’s hideous, I know, but I thought I might as well have it as not. Should I add some ribbons or feather? What do you say, Mr Bingley?”
“Err…I think it quite charming, Miss Lydia, but if you think it will benefit from a different coloured ribbon or a few feathers, then, by all means, change it. I am sure whatever you decide, it will turn out splendidly,” he replied congenially.
Elizabeth now understood Jane’s silent plea and set about extracting Lydia from the situation.
“Lydia, Mamma, is asking for you in the parlour,” Elizabeth informed her.
“But I am keeping Jane and Mr Bingley company,” she pouted
“I believe Mr Hill collected a new book of patterns when he was in town this morning,” Elizabeth added as a final inducement.
The temptation was too great, and Lydia hurried out of the room with a squeal of delight.
Elizabeth smiled, picked up her needlepoint, and then moved to sit in the window seat.
It was not long before Jane and Charles were exchanging tender words, coupled with shy glances of both love and affection.
The unwelcome pang of jealousy returned as Elizabeth overheard their conversation.
“Dear Jane, you grow lovelier every time I see you. If our children have your looks and sweet temperament, then I will feel truly blessed,” Bingley cooed.
“Oh Charles, I hope they have your happy disposition, though I fear neither of us has the temperament to scold them.” They laughed quietly together.
“I will never leave your side for more than a day, for to be gone any longer would be a punishment I could not bear,” he said with passion.
“You honour me with your devotion, Charles,” Jane replied modestly.
Elizabeth wished the room was bigger so she could put even more distance between herself and the lovers. Instead, she had to be content with turning further towards the window.
No man had ever spoken such tender endearments to her, and now she wondered if anyone ever would. Mr Collins’s proposal had been instigated by Lady Catherine’s desire for her Parson to be married so he might lead by example, not because he really loved her. Besides, she could never have tolerated marriage to such a weak man. And Mr Darcy’s proposal? Well, he had hinted that she had found a place in his heart, but it had been overshadowed by the insults that had followed.
Thrusting the needle into her embroidery, Elizabeth mentally chided herself. She must let go of this childish notion of marrying for love. For centuries, women had accepted arranged marriages; it was not unusual. Why should she expect more?
At that moment, a movement in the garden caught Elizabeth’s attention. Contrasting against the white snow, was a dark figure. They appeared to be making their way from the front of the house.
Elizabeth instantly recognised the Netherfield livery.
Hurrying to the parlour door, Elizabeth pulled it open. On the other side stood Mr Bennet. He was holding a letter, but Mrs Bennet was demanding to see it.
“You read too slow, Mr Bennet.”
Suddenly, up went a shout from Mrs Bennet, who pushed passed Elizabeth and hurried into the parlour.
“Oh thank goodness, we are saved. Lizzy, hurry upstairs and change into your pink dress. Get Cissy to dress your hair with my ruby pin, the one your father gave me, hurry now,” Mrs Bennet bellowed. Then, as if to make her point, she took hold of Elizabeth's hand and jostled her a f
ew steps along the hallway.
Elizabeth, who could see no reason for changing out of her perfectly good day dress and turned to her mother.
“Why must I change Mamma? Who was the letter from?”
“It is from Mr Darcy, girl. He has invited you to dine at Netherfield Hall, tonight,” she said in an exasperated tone.
“Then you must write and decline, Mamma,” Elizabeth said.
“I will do no such thing; why should I do such a thing? Decline Mr Darcy’s kind invitation to dine? Indeed I will not!” stated Mrs Bennet firmly.
“You must see that I cannot go, Mamma, not alone. With Mr Bingley here, and his sisters in town it would be entirely inappropriate,” Elizabeth emphasised.
Mrs Bennet turned to Elizabeth with a look of annoyed frustration. Of course, Elizabeth was right; she could not dine alone with a single gentleman.
Not one to be thwarted, Mrs Bennet then declared with smug satisfaction,
“Jane will go with you.”
Jane protested.
“Mamma, I cannot! I have not been invited!”
Mr Bingley, who had so far watched this exchange in silence, seized the unexpected opportunity to see Jane away from Longbourn and all her relations.
“I would be most happy if you would both join Darcy and me for dinner. I will ride ahead and inform him you accept, Miss Elizabeth, and that Jane and I will also be joining you.”
Elizabeth did not need to look at her mother to know she wore an expression of smug self-satisfaction. At least she would have Jane with her.
As the carriage pulled up at the bottom of Netherfield steps, Mr Bingley, who was watching from the drawing-room window, rushed downstairs to greet his guests.
“Quick, man, open the door,” he said not unkindly to the approaching footman.
The man increased his speed and opened the door as the Bennet sisters reached the top step. Elizabeth waited to thank the coachman, then averted her gaze as Charles places a brief, yet tender kiss on Jane’s cheek,
To Love Mr Darcy Page 5
