He laughed. “I found out about her in the most extraordinary way.” He settled back in the chair, preparing to talk about it.
Darcy hid his sigh, and sat back too, quite ready to listen.
That evening, Richard knocked on Darcy’s door, as he was dressing for dinner.
“Enter!” Darcy looked up. “Come in, Richard. I’m nearly ready. Pour yourself a drink.”
He looked down as his valet finished putting the final shine to his boots. “Thank you, Mr. Maunder. I can manage now.”
The valet eased himself to his feet. “Thank you, sir.” He shut the door quietly behind him.
Darcy took the whisky from his cousin. “Thanks, Richard.” He waved the glass at the chair opposite. “Have a seat.”
Richard flung himself down and took a gulp of his drink. “So, what did my dear Papa have to tell you?”
Darcy smiled slightly. “I heard of her background. Then he told me how he found out about her situation. Then Aunt told me what she thought of her when they met.”
Richard’s eyebrows vanished into his hairline. “And you’re all right with that are you?”
“No, of course not!” Darcy tried to hide his irritation. “We are all to go to dinner tomorrow. Uncle Henry has said he will make sure she is there.”
“Oh, I wasn’t aware she knew of the plan yet,” Richard sounded puzzled. “Has my father spoken to her about it?”
“No, she does not know.” Darcy shrugged. “It will be on the pretext of meeting Georgiana. She thinks we are looking for a companion for her.”
Richard shook his head. “I don’t like subterfuge.” He gave Darcy a look. “What if she refuses when she finally knows?”
Darcy hesitated. “I …” He frowned. “I was under the impression that she is as much in need of this arrangement as I am.”
“Well, I hope she knows about it.” Richard drained his drink. “Come on, let’s go.”
“I don't want to go out, Richard.” Darcy was tired, and wanted nothing more than to have a quiet dinner alone. But Georgiana was here, and so was Richard, so they might just as well go out, as he couldn’t dine alone. And the club was quiet and masculine. Darcy didn’t really feel he could face Georgiana tonight, his mind was too taken up with how this would affect his own life, not Georgiana’s.
“Yes, you do.” Richard heaved him to his feet and Darcy followed him downstairs.
8
Elizabeth bent over Peter in his bed. “Goodnight, Peter. I’m so glad you’re feeling better, and tomorrow, perhaps, you will be able to get up for a little while.”
The child flung his arms around her neck. “Stay longer with me, Miss Bennet, you’re so nice to me.”
“Just a little longer, then.” Elizabeth reached behind her for her chair and settled down beside him again, his hand tightly holding hers.
She was glad he was improving. It had been a short, but fierce fever, and she had at one point been quite unsure what the outcome might be. He had clung tightly to her and refused to accept his nurse taking over. Elizabeth was tired and dishevelled, although deep inside, she acknowledged that she was gratified at his devotion to her.
The door creaked open a little, and the maid peered in. “The mistress wishes to speak to you, Miss Bennet. I’m to sit with Peter.”
His complaining voice rose high above her words, and Elizabeth bent over him.
“It’s all right, Peter. I must speak to your mama. Then I’ll come straight back.”
She patted her hair as she slipped downstairs, smiling slightly to herself. It wouldn’t help her look much better, but never mind.
As she went into the drawing room and curtsied, her heart went cold. Both Mr. and Mrs. Adamson were there, looking uncomfortable. And all she could think about was that she had promised Peter she would go back.
She stood quietly by the door. She knew what this was now. Why should she make it easy for them?
After a long silence, Mr. Adamson cleared his throat. “Yes. Miss Bennet. Thank you for coming downstairs. Now, we have been thinking.” His hand was on his wife’s shoulder — for comfort, Elizabeth thought. She didn’t answer. They were no different to her, really. They had no more fortune than her father had had. She could have been like them, with servants and the power over them. But she’d be better than they, she thought.
She realised he was speaking again, and made herself concentrate.
“So, you see, it’s the best thing to do,” he tried to sound confident. “Peter won’t be well enough for a governess for a few weeks, so the nurse can manage him.”
Mrs. Adamson smiled nervously. “You could have a few weeks to rest — you’re looking so tired since Peter became unwell.” She glanced up at her husband. “And as soon as he’s better, we’ll be sure to call you back. We’ve been very pleased with your work.”
Elizabeth clenched her jaw. “I’m very sorry, Madam. I thought I could help with Peter while he’s ill. He’s often calling for me — in fact he’s waiting for me, now.”
The woman’s face hardened slightly and Elizabeth realised perhaps she’d said the wrong thing.
Mr. Adamson patted his wife’s shoulder. “No, we need you to leave here, Miss Bennet. We cannot afford to pay you while Peter doesn’t need teaching. As my wife said, we’ll let you know when we feel Peter is ready for a governess again.”
“Thank you, Mr. Adamson. I may be obliged to seek other employment, of course.” Elizabeth turned to go.
“Oh!” Mrs. Adamson sounded shocked.
“Don’t go to Peter,” Mr. Adamson was firm. “It will be better for him if we tell him in the morning.” He hesitated. “I’ve had the maid pack your bag — and because it’s late, I’ve taken the liberty of using some of your owing pay to hire a hansom cab to take you to your uncle’s house.”
“Oh, I can easily walk it!” Elizabeth needed that money.
“But not with your bag, Miss Bennet. No, it is done. Thank you for your assistance.” He nodded at her. “Goodnight.”
Poor Peter! Elizabeth wondered how the child would be without her, and her lips tightened. Would his mother say Elizabeth had walked out on him? She thought perhaps she’d been jealous that Peter didn’t call for her when he was ill. He’d only wanted Elizabeth.
She thought of her situation as the cab turned out of Moorgate. She knew she was welcome at Cheapside, but the lack of any savings frightened her. She leaned forward to the driver. Perhaps he’d drop her off here and pay her back the difference in the fare. Then she sat back again. His features were pinched and starved. He needed the money, too.
Tears started to her eyes. She didn’t know how her aunt and uncle would manage to keep her until she found somewhere — and she sensed that Peter was still calling for her. She hoped the nurse would be kind to him.
The dusk had deepened as they turned into Cheapside, and the cab deposited Elizabeth and her bag outside the door of number twenty-three. She looked up. Many of the rooms were dark, but the drawing room was still lit, and the welcoming light gave her courage.
The housemaid answered the door, and Elizabeth smiled at her. It was nice to be recognised and welcomed.
“Lizzy! What’s happened?” Aunt Gardiner hurried to embrace her, and Elizabeth rested her head on her aunt’s shoulder, drawing comfort from her nearness.
After a long few minutes, she straightened up. “I’m sorry, Aunt Gardiner. I have lost my situation. Mr. Adamson used the money they owe me for this week to pay for a cab to bring me here.”
Uncle Gardiner growled from his seat by the dark fireplace. “He could at least have paid for it himself!”
“I know.” Elizabeth nodded. “I was going to stop the man and ask for the money and say I would walk, but he was so thin and looked really hungry himself.” She turned back to her aunt.
“Poor Peter. He’s been so ill, and I know he’s calling for me. But they said they can’t pay me while he’s too ill to need a governess and they’ll take me back when he’s better.”
“What!” Aunt Gardiner looked incensed. “And in the meantime, how do they think you’ll live?”
Elizabeth found she could laugh a little. “I think they were trying not to think of it. I said I might need to seek another position, and she looked quite surprised.”
“As well she might,” Aunt Gardiner said decidedly. She gave Elizabeth a sharp look. “Do not worry any more about the child. His mother is responsible for his happiness, and you now have no more duty towards him.”
“It’s not as easy as that, Aunt. I’m sure you understand that.” Elizabeth felt her heart twist again. “He’s spent the last few days clinging to me, not wanting to let me go, and …”
“Well, there is your answer, Lizzy.” Her aunt looked sad. “I expect his mother was envious of your place in his affections. Anyway,” she turned briskly. “Let me arrange a little something to eat for you. You look thinner.”
“Come and talk to me, Lizzy.” Uncle Gardiner indicated the seat opposite him, and Elizabeth crossed the room.
“I’m sorry to have appeared here, Uncle. I hope not to presume upon your hospitality for too long.”
“You always have a place here when you need it, Lizzy. But today, especially, I’m glad you’re here. I had a note only this afternoon, from the Earl of Matlock, asking if I could take you to dine there tomorrow.” He chuckled. “So, I was going to come and ask for them to let you have the evening off anyway.”
Elizabeth turned surprised eyes to him. “Did he say what it was about?”
Uncle Gardiner hesitated. “I think some of the family will be there, including the young lady.”
Elizabeth nodded. She wouldn’t say anything, but she knew her uncle was not being completely open with her, and she felt even more anxious. Perhaps she could ask her aunt quietly later.
9
The club had very comfortable armchairs and Darcy sat with Richard opposite him, beside the roaring fire. Here, at least, there was calm and quiet. No intimation of any of the problems from outside this room. The dark wood-panelling, the shelves with their leather-bound books — it was all deeply relaxing.
But he was thinking of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He could not imagine ever being so desperate for money and security as to be willing to marry for expediency. Especially if she was as lively and bright as his aunt had intimated. He wondered what she was doing at this moment.
“So, how will you approach her?” Richard said idly. His eyes were bright, though, and Darcy knew his apparent calmness was feigned.
He shrugged. “I do not know, Richard. If she thinks she is there to meet Georgiana, I suppose I shall have to watch them together and see what opportunity arises.”
Richard shook his head. “I still think this subterfuge is wrong. It might yet ruin the whole arrangement.”
Darcy nodded heavily. “I think I agree. But you would not have me wed without having met her before?”
“No.” Richard sighed heavily. “I think Papa should not have made the stipulation that she should not know of the plan until after you have decided to accept her.”
Darcy took a sip of brandy. “I suppose he is right that this must not get out if I do not go ahead.”
“Well, yes!” Richard sounded impatient. “But you have to go ahead, Darcy. You know that, don’t you? You must marry. The Bingley woman can cause Georgiana irreparable harm if you do not.”
Darcy stared at the flames, taking another sip. He didn’t like what Richard was saying, he’d wanted to keep the semblance of choice. But it had been too long. If he’d wanted to find someone himself, he should have started looking immediately.
Now, the net was closing around him. The woman he was going to marry — the family had met her already and he had not. Tomorrow he would meet her at dinner. He knew the family would conspire to give them a little time together and then he would need to make her the offer.
If she was impossible, the only other choice was Cousin Anne. He smiled slightly. Aunt Catherine would be so delighted, she’d arrange it all within the week.
The thought calmed him. If this girl was better than Cousin Anne, he would marry her, if not, he had an escape route.
“You might think you have an expressionless face, Darcy, but I know what you are thinking.” Richard was watching him. “I am sure you would never be happy married to Cousin Anne.”
Darcy frowned. “What if I would never be happy married to this girl?”
Richard shrugged. “It is possible to make a certain happiness when you know you must.” He sighed. “Just be nice to her, Darcy. You feel resentful that you must marry to protect Georgiana. Just remember that she might feel resentful that she must marry to make her family secure.”
Darcy flicked a glance at him. “Your father — and then your mother — said the same thing to me. Am I so frightening as that?”
Richard chuckled. “You know the answer to that, Darcy. Just remember, it might come as a great shock to her if she thinks she is going to be offered the post of companion.”
“I suppose so.” Darcy thought of something else. “Will you come with me in the morning to see Bingley? I must ensure that he prevents Miss Bingley trying to disrupt the wedding.”
“That is important,” Richard nodded. “Is he at Hurst’s home? Will we encounter her?”
“No.” Darcy shook his head. “He said he was staying at his club. He’d left her in Hertfordshire without a coach, but she obviously hired one to get back to London. Her fortune is ample to do as she wishes.”
“Except secure your hand.” Richard laughed. He looked up. “Is he a member here?”
“White’s? No, not yet. He’s at Brooks’s, I believe.”
“Very well. We will go in the morning.” Richard put down his empty glass. “We had better go home, I suppose. Would you like me to stay at Darcy House another night, until we have been to Bingley? Then I can return home, so I am there before you all arrive for dinner.”
“If it is convenient for you, thank you.” Darcy drained his glass.
As they descended the steps to the coach, Richard turned to Darcy. “What does Georgiana know about this whole matter, and about tomorrow?”
“That’s something perhaps we could talk to her about in the morning, Richard. She must know something is happening — I have not been good company. But don’t think she knows anything else yet — unless you have told her.” He looked enquiringly at Richard, who shook his head.
“No, I have not said anything. I think she is going to be distressed at the position you find yourself in.”
10
Elizabeth dressed carefully for dinner the next night. She was at a loss, really, as regarded knowing what to wear. If she was to be interviewed for the position of governess, she would wear the drab work clothing. But the Earl — and the Countess — had already seen her wearing that outfit; and also it was unsuitable for a dinner engagement.
She had few suitable clothes for a formal dinner, and all were over two years old. She made a face at herself in the glass. They were all rather too big for her now. But this one would have to do. Why on earth she had to go to dinner, when they were just offering her a position as a companion, she didn’t know.
There was a knock at the door, and Aunt Gardiner came into her chamber. Elizabeth watched her reflection.
“You look lovely, Aunt,” she turned and smiled. “I do confess I am not sure how I am supposed to appear.” She was surprised when her aunt looked guarded.
“What do you mean, Lizzy?”
“Why, am I to appear how a companion would behave when other members of my lady’s family are present? That is, to be self-effacing and there only if I am needed. Or am I to shine and be a full member of the company, to prove that I can move comfortably in society with my lady and not appear to be just another paid servant?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “There is something strange about this whole business, and I know you know what it is and cannot say.”
Aunt Gardiner embraced her. “Dear
Lizzy! You are a clever and resourceful girl, and I have never been prouder of you. Of your questions, the answer is to show you are comfortable in company. The young lady concerned will be there. She is an orphan, and her brother and cousin are her guardians. It is those two gentlemen you need to impress. Just enjoy yourself as you always do when you meet new people, and you will be quite all right.”
“All right,” Elizabeth reached up and tugged her hair out of its tight constraints. She could redo her hair with ringlets and a decorative pin. She smiled, she’d feel better that way. And the most important thing was to gain the confidence of the shy young fifteen-year-old.
“Good girl,” her aunt kissed her. “The coach will be ready soon.”
They arrived at Matlock House as the light had finally faded. Elizabeth glanced at her uncle’s face. She knew he’d had to employ a couple of extra men to run before the coach with torches, and they’d have to wait and do the same on the return journey. It was an expense he should not have to shoulder. No wonder he looked rather anxious.
She stiffened. She must gain this employment, there was no other way she could repay him. She could do this, she was sure of it, but she was still uneasy as to what it was that she didn’t know.
The butler she remembered from her previous visit opened the door, and they were taken through to the drawing room and announced. Elizabeth stood slightly behind her uncle and aunt, but she was aware of the attention of those already in the room. There seemed a great number of people present, and she listened carefully. She must remember who they all were. The Earl and Countess she remembered, of course, and Lady Matlock greeted her warmly, to Elizabeth’s relief. She introduced her elder son, the Viscount Renham, and his wife, then she moved on to a tall, dark-haired man who regarded her gravely, but intently.
“This is Darcy, my nephew, and Colonel Fitzwilliam, my younger son,” she announced. “They are Georgiana’s guardians.” And she smiled, turning to the young girl, who was standing shyly beside her brother. The Countess took the girl’s hand and drew her forward a little. “Georgiana, meet Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Forever, Darcy Page 4
