by P. O. Dixon
The untroubled silence continued as they rode along the winding path. Occasionally, one would look over at the other in quiet wonderment. Elizabeth was perfectly comfortable with Darcy. Their friendship, though platonic, was unfathomable. She could easily surmise the familiar nature of their relationship would raise eyebrows beyond the confines of Pemberley. They spent far more time alone than a single man and a young maiden ought, but therein existed the trust factor. She trusted him implicitly.
Darcy reflected upon the past few days in town with his cousin, and his incessant innuendos that he was using one woman as a substitute for the other. Preposterous, he thought. What he felt for Elizabeth was not mere lust. The feelings she inspired in him were impossible to describe. There was no comparison to what he felt when in her company and what he felt in the company of others. There could be no substitute for Elizabeth.
~ Chapter 6 ~
In Some Danger
In late September, Darcy took Georgiana and Elizabeth to Matlock for an extended visit. All the Fitzwilliams, as well as two other families, were in residence. In addition to Mr. and Mrs. Rupert and Miss Theresa, there were Lord and Lady Stafford, their eldest son and heir, young Lord Harry and their striking daughter Lady Harriette, who had also come out the past Season, to complete the guest list.
The Staffords were long-time friends of the Matlocks. In fact, Lord Stafford had always harboured the hope that Lord Harry and Georgiana Darcy might form an alliance that would unite the two distinguished families. From Lady Matlock’s perspective, the Staffords having an eligible daughter was a mere bonus.
Lady Matlock considered that while Miss Theresa was an ideal choice for Darcy, there might as well be another contender. Like Miss Theresa, Lady Harriette was quite accomplished. However, the two young beauties were decidedly different in physical appearance. Lady Harriette was strikingly tall and voluptuous, with facial features and hair colouring favouring those of Elizabeth. Richard could not help but laugh at the irony. He wondered if his mother had sensed Darcy’s preference for Miss Elizabeth. He thought, let the games begin.
Richard was profoundly disappointed. Darcy afforded both young ladies an equal share of civility. If not for the fact that young Lord Harry seemed fixated upon Georgiana, Darcy would have avoided the company of the other guests altogether. Whenever he was with Richard, there were always plenty of diversions to enjoy. Despite Richard’s many attempts to distract Darcy and engage him in fencing, riding, and hunting, Darcy remained steadfast. As long as Lord Harry was in Georgiana’s company, so was Darcy. Darcy had suspected the young man’s partiality to Georgiana from his frequent calls during her coming out Season. Now he was certain of it.
Darcy and Elizabeth exercised guarded formality towards each other, now beyond the intimate environs of Pemberley. It would not do for anyone to suspect the increased level of familiarity between the two of them, as it could easily be misinterpreted. Elizabeth was not in any way put-off; she was far more entertained by Lady Matlock’s persistent matchmaking. Elizabeth observed that Miss Theresa seemed to have changed her tactic with Darcy. She was no longer solicitous, in fact, she seemed rather disinterested. Is she a woman scorned? Elizabeth wondered. She witnessed behaviour in Miss Theresa reminiscent of her own impertinence towards him during their early days in Hertfordshire. Elizabeth thought the young lady might be on to something, as nothing else had worked. She knew Darcy could not resist a challenge. However, Darcy remained entirely unaffected by Miss Theresa. Whenever she attempted to spar verbally with him, he quickly conceded with no effort by saying, “Perhaps you are correct,” or words to that effect, before diverting his attention elsewhere.
Lady Harriette surely did not know what to make of Mr. Darcy. Knowing of his reputation, it disconcerted her when he barely acknowledged her upon their introduction. Though, he was cordial, she fully expected to garner far more of his attention than she had elicited. She also knew that Miss Theresa had her heart set upon winning Mr. Darcy and had spent significant time in his company during the past Season, with no better results than what she had observed over the last few days. Lady Harriette was as cunning as she was beautiful. She decided to wait and assess the situation before launching a strategy to capture Darcy’s interest.
When Miss Theresa learnt that the Staffords were among the Matlocks’ guests, she was far from pleased. She understood she was running out of time. Everyone in the ton knew of Lady Matlock’s determination to see Darcy well matched. She had worked hard to gain Lady Matlock’s good opinion, but now it seemed she preferred Lady Harriette. Miss Theresa soon realised the only reason her family was even there was because they had received the invitation earlier in the year, when Lady Matlock thought that Darcy fancied her.
Miss Theresa had grown quite frustrated in her attempts to win Darcy. Indeed, she needed a different tactic. Upon deliberation of the past months, she considered that nothing she had done to win Mr. Darcy had worked. She was a beautiful young lady and used to having her way. She was much admired by many gentlemen. Only none of them was Darcy. From the night of her introduction to him, when he had wooed her, he had captured her heart. She believed herself to be deeply in love with him, and she would not be easily persuaded to give him up. She determined that she would no longer appear solicitous of him, thinking that was her mistake. Instead, she would seem disinterested. Mr. Darcy was obviously a man who enjoyed a challenge, and she was just the person to give it to him.
However, after the first week, even that strategy failed her. She settled upon the ultimate ploy… to orchestrate a compromising situation with him. Miss Theresa learnt that Darcy was an early riser. She took to the habit of rising early, as well. She often observed him as he headed towards the stables. She also observed Georgiana’s impertinent companion set out for early morning strolls, but made no association with Mr. Darcy’s habits. She concocted what she thought was the perfect plan.
One morning, aware of when Darcy would be returning, she set out for a ride herself. She planned it so that upon his return, he would spot her lying upon the ground, thrown helplessly from her horse. True to her plan, Darcy soon rode along the path and spotted a young woman lying on the ground just ahead.
Darcy panicked as he raced towards her. He jumped from his horse, thinking it was Elizabeth, for who else would be about at that hour? Realising that it was not Elizabeth, but Miss Theresa, he slowed his approach. He knelt beside her and asked whether she was injured. Seeing the genuine concern in his beautiful eyes, she felt as if her plan had worked. Darcy would have no choice but to carry her back to the house, especially if she had badly injured her ankle. She pretended a terrific deal of pain, and suggested she suffered a sprain. She asked him to help her to the house.
Unbeknownst to Miss Theresa, Richard had joined Darcy on his ride. He approached them at that precise moment. Darcy stood to explain Miss Theresa’s predicament. Knowing Darcy as he did, Richard concluded there was no chance of Darcy subjecting himself to a compromising situation with Miss Theresa, even in the act of coming to her aid as a gentleman. Richard took over. He approached Miss Theresa and decided to take a look at her ankle to assess her injury. When she protested that she was sure it was a sprain, as she had suffered the supposed malady as a child, Richard simply picked her up and placed her side-saddled on his stallion. Richard took the reins of his horse and led it along the path to the house, whilst Darcy trailed along slowly on his own horse, relieved to have dodged that bullet. From what he had heard of Miss Theresa’s horsemanship abilities, he seriously doubted she had taken a fall. Nevertheless, with her having instigated the subterfuge, he was thankful that it would be a day or two before he would see her again, as she recovered from her injury.
Unfortunately, for poor Mr. Darcy, Lady Harriette chose that same day to launch her strategy to win his affections. Like Miss Theresa, she also became an early riser. She too began to note the early morning comings and goings. She was quite amused to see Miss Theresa arriving at the house in the arms of Col
onel Fitzwilliam whilst Darcy walked along behind them; she could only imagine the cause of that turn of events. Lady Harriette was much too clever to attempt such a lame ruse. She decided upon a direct assault. However, the first order of business was to pay a courtesy call on Miss Theresa.
Lady Harriette visited Miss Theresa in her room to inquire after her injury. Their conversation began on a light and cordial note, but soon took an unpleasant turn.
“There is another matter I wish to discuss with you. I think it is only fair to let you know I have every intention of pursuing and winning Mr. Darcy’s affections. I am telling you this because it is no secret that you have your heart set on winning him for yourself. In fact, you have had the entire Season to do just that, and you have failed miserably. It is time for you to bow out, gracefully or not,” Lady Harriette said with a straightforwardness that left Miss Theresa dumbfounded.
Amidst Miss Theresa’s fierce protests, Lady Harriette calmly stated, “Please, you had your chance and look at how it ended. Perhaps others might be interested to know whose arms you were in just this morning.” As she stood to leave the room, she turned to Miss Theresa and smugly said, “Good day, Miss Theresa. You have my most sincere wishes for a speedy recovery.”
~ ~ ~
Lady Harriette was extremely close to her brother growing up. Therefore, she was no stranger to masculine leisurely activities. She thought of herself as a formidable opponent for anyone, male or female. She began to join Darcy on his early morning rides, despite having no invitation. It did not go unnoticed by Darcy that her stallion was large and menacing, like his own. She finagled him into escorting her to dinner each night and invited him to turn the pages for her as she exhibited on the pianoforte, refusing to take no for an answer as she attached herself to his arm. The last straw for Darcy was when she showed up one afternoon, fully suited with foil in hand to interrupt a fencing match between Richard and himself, and challenged the winner. This, after she had barged into the billiard room earlier, to watch them play.
Darcy observed that, for a young woman of nineteen, Lady Harriette was particularly bold. He genuinely believed that he might be in some danger from the young woman, physical danger. There was only one thing to do. He made up an excuse to return to Pemberley on urgent business with his steward. He would return to accompany Georgiana and Elizabeth back to Pemberley in one week.
~ ~ ~
The evening before Darcy’s departure, Richard and he were in Lord Matlock’s study engrossed in an intense game of chess. Richard was far from pleased with his cousin. Lady Ellen had obviously doubled her attempts at playing matchmaker. Instead of having a bit of fun, it seemed that Darcy had elected to withdraw from the battlefield.
“Old man, I must say I am quite disappointed in you.”
Darcy responded nonchalantly, “I suppose I have no choice but to hear the cause of your disappointment.”
“Indeed, you do not. What has gotten into you? It was bad enough, your attitude in town, but now you seem eager to flee the lovely Lady Harriette’s presence, rather than give her the famous Darcy treatment.”
“It is quite simple. She does not deserve such treatment. It would be adolescent and cruel. It is far better not to encourage her hopes at all.”
“That sounds like the voice of the would-be mistress of Pemberley,” Richard chided. “Just whose companion is she, that she should have such influence over you?”
Darcy ignored Richard’s taunt and rather focused upon his next move. He saw no point in either denying or giving credence to his cousin’s sentiments. No one knew Darcy better than Richard. By the same token, no one better understood Darcy’s sense of obligation to his family. So what if Richard suspected his overwhelming desire and deep longing for Elizabeth? Both men understood that nothing would ever become of it. Darcy decided to let his cousin have his fun, even if at his own expense. Besides, for once he was on the verge of besting his cousin at chess.
Before they parted company that evening, Darcy asked Richard to keep an eye on his sister in his absence, due to the blossoming relationship with Lord Harry. He also cautioned Richard to stay away from Elizabeth. He had noticed his cousin becoming a little too friendly with her.
Undoubtedly, Richard was spending time with Elizabeth to annoy Darcy. With Darcy so obsessed with watching over Georgiana, and avoiding Miss Theresa and Lady Harriette, Richard had an ample opportunity to get to know her better. While Elizabeth remained somewhat distrustful of him, Richard became quite captivated by her. As Darcy’s closest friend, he began to understand why Darcy preferred her to all other women of his acquaintance. She was different from anyone else he had ever known.
Upon Darcy’s return to Matlock a week later, Lord Harry approached him to ask permission to court Georgiana. Thinking as he did, that Darcy did not look upon him favourably, Lord Harry had already gained Richard as an ally in his quest. Reluctantly, but at Richard’s strong encouragement, Darcy granted his permission, but only on the condition that Georgiana be allowed one more Season before becoming attached. Lord Harry and Georgiana had previously discussed Darcy’s wish for her to have at least two Seasons. Lord Harry and she had already reached an understanding, it seemed. Darcy did not need to know that just yet.
~ Chapter 7 ~
Much Brighter Hope
Elizabeth received a letter from her sister Mary. Written over three weeks earlier, it had been rerouted from London, to Pemberley, to Matlock, and back to Pemberley. Mary related that Charlotte Collins née Lucas died in labour along with her child. Mary’s retelling of that fateful day caused Elizabeth considerable distress. Poor dear Charlotte, married to my hideous cousin for nearly a year, now tragically departed. After a bout of sad reflection, she continued to read the letter clutched tightly in her hand.
Mary wrote that whilst she attempted to offer condolences to Mr. Collins during his time of need, he confessed he could not bear to live alone. They had reached an understanding. They planned to marry in three weeks; a full month after Charlotte’s passing. By now my sister is Mr. Collins’s wife, Elizabeth considered. She had always known that Mary held a favourable opinion of their cousin. It came as no great surprise that she should marry him, but the timing… Elizabeth considered the irony of her family’s situation and her own rejection of her cousin’s proposal. How different things would be had Mr. Collins offered for Mary, instead of herself, in the first place.
Mary stated in her letter that she understood if Elizabeth could not attend the wedding, especially in light of the disaster that was Mr. Collins’s proposal less than a year earlier. Mary expressed her fondest wish that the Bennet family would soon be reunited. Mrs. Bennet and Kitty would return to Longbourn on the eve of her wedding to Mr. Collins, thereby reclaiming their rightful place at Longbourn. Nothing would make her happier than to have Elizabeth and Jane return, as well. Elizabeth smiled as she read her sister’s sentiments. Indeed, it truly would be a wonderful blessing if Jane returned from Scotland, but it is impossible that I should consent to live under Mr. Collins’s authority.
Elizabeth was glad for her sister. She immediately set out to write to Mary of her joy for her and the rest of the family. She also wrote a heartfelt letter to the Lucas family to express her condolences.
~ ~ ~
Three days later, Darcy summoned Elizabeth to his study. With Georgiana’s courtship formally under way, he had reached a decision about her supervision. He needed to discuss it with Elizabeth.
“Miss Elizabeth, I have decided to hire a chaperon for Georgiana.”
“A chaperon, sir; as her companion, is that not one of my duties?”
“I never intended you to watch over her, Miss Elizabeth. I imagine Lord Harry will be here often, now that he has permission to court her. I want them supervised carefully at all times. I do not expect that of you.”
“Sir, are you dissatisfied with my work? Do you believe I am an unsuitable companion?” Elizabeth asked with uncertainty.
“You know that it ple
ases both Georgiana and me to have you here. However, you are a maiden yourself, as well as Georgiana’s closest friend,” Darcy responded, trying his best to put her at ease.
“Perhaps you think I will allow the couple too much freedom because I am young and inexperienced, myself. If that is the case, let me assure you, I take my responsibilities very seriously,” she affirmed.
“Miss Elizabeth, I am aware of how committed you are to Georgiana, and I trust your care over her, implicitly. You must trust me when I say this is for the best. You should continue to spend as much time with Georgiana as you wish, but you should not feel obligated to attend to her when she is with Lord Harry. That will be the job of the chaperon. This is as much for me as it is for you. I cannot spend all my time watching the young couple. I do not expect you to have to either, even if you do think it is your responsibility.”
Darcy continued, “I have arranged an interview with an old friend of the family, a middle-aged, recently widowed woman. Her name is Mrs. Pearce. I invite you to take part, should you wish.”
“That is not necessary, sir. Am I excused?”
Sensing her apprehension, Darcy approached Elizabeth and gently placed his reassuring hand on her slender arm. Attempting once more to put her at ease, he took her hand. “Please do not worry, Miss Elizabeth. It will be for the best. You trust me, do you not?”
“Yes, of course I trust you, sir. If you will excuse me, I think I will go out for a walk before dinner.” Elizabeth curtseyed and quickly left the room. Darcy stood in awe. He wondered what he might have said to make that go smoother. It was disquieting for him, seeing her reaction to his news. She is completely unaware that I would do anything for her.
