by Lory Lilian
“Then perhaps a longer visit or a second one was required, Caroline,” said Mr. Bingley with a sharp tone and an unflinching glare at his sister.
“Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, would you like a short tour of the house until dinner is ready? I would be happy to accompany you.” Mr. Darcy’s intervention was sudden but welcome. Besides being genuinely interested in seeing as much of Pemberley as possible, Elizabeth was also anxious to take a short break from Miss Bingley’s company.
“Georgiana, you may go, too, if you like. I will remain here with Mr. Bingley and his relatives.” Lady Cassandra settled things with a determination that admitted no opposition, and Elizabeth noticed that Mr. Darcy thanked his friend with a small smile of gratitude.
Mr. Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth, and she took it with confidence.
The tour was brief as they visited only the rooms opened for guests, but it gave them immense pleasure.
At one point, an enormous window displayed the beauty of the landscape around the house, and Elizabeth unconsciously released Mr. Darcy’s arm and walked near the window to admire the prospect. The hill, crowned with wood from which they had descended and receiving increased abruptness from the distance, was a beautiful object. Every disposition of the ground was good, and she looked on the whole scene—the river, the trees scattered on its banks, and the winding of the valley as far as she could trace it—with delight, a deep sigh of admiration escaping her lips.
“It is beautiful, is it not?” She heard the master’s soft whisper just behind her as he gazed over her shoulder, admiring the same sight. She could feel the heat of his body close to her and his breath warming the nape of her neck. She only nodded without turning to him; in a moment, his hand gently touched her arm. “We should go and catch the others; I think Georgiana already directed them to the music room.”
Indeed, her relatives and Miss Darcy were in the music room where the young lady was showing them the piano her brother had just presented to her for her sixteenth birthday. It was at that moment that Mrs. Reynolds entered to announce that dinner was ready.
“Miss Bennet, have you decided about your schedule tomorrow?” asked Mr. Darcy in a low voice as they returned to the dining room.
“Yes, we have, sir. My uncle will come to Pemberley to join you for fishing in the morning, and then my aunt and I will come to meet Miss Darcy around noon. Afterwards, my aunt and uncle will return to Lambton as they have a few calls to pay.”
“And will you return with them?” His voice became deeper as his head slightly lowered to her.
“It depends on Miss Darcy. If she wants me to remain, I may stay until late afternoon.” She felt herself blushing and did not dare to meet his eyes.
“I am sure she will want you to stay as long as possible, as will I.” She stopped breathing; yes—he had said it, aloud and quite clearly.
Elizabeth was certain her cheeks were crimson when they entered the dining room, and she felt all eyes on her. Yet again, she cared little for the others’ opinions. Only one opinion mattered to her—his opinion—and it was clearly in her favour.
The dinner was a mostly pleasant affair until Lady Cassandra, in the middle of a casual conversation, unexpectedly addressed Elizabeth.
“Miss Bennet, I was talking to Mr. Bingley about Hertfordshire a few days ago, and he mentioned to me he would like to return there but was uncertain whether that would be wise of him. Is it not so, Mr. Bingley?”
“Yes—we were talking of that very subject! Indeed, I have considered returning to Netherfield if…I mean, I was wondering whether I should.”
Elizabeth, incredulous, gaped at him, and then her gaze moved to Lady Cassandra, who had initiated the conversation.
“So, Miss Bennet, as you are obviously the one in possession of the most pertinent information—what would you advise Mr. Bingley? Should he return, do you think?”
Elizabeth’s head was spinning as she was still afraid to hope or presume too much. She breathed deeply, looking once more at Lady Cassandra, who was watching her with an unreadable expression on her face, and then to Mr. Bingley, whose eagerness was apparent. Well, he had asked for her opinion, so she would give it to him—straight and honest.
“Mr. Bingley, I think your return to Netherfield would be welcomed by all your neighbours if your intentions are clear and you plan to remain longer than a few months. However, if you intend to return for a brief time, then perhaps it would be better for the estate to be left in the care of a gentleman who would give it the required care and attention.”
She knew she had said too much; it was not proper to give such a direct answer. However, to her utter relief, Mr. Bingley’s face lightened instantly. “Thank you, Miss Bennet. I shall write to my steward to prepare the house for my return as soon as may be. And this time I intend to remain as long as necessary.”
“Well, well. I have always admired a determined gentleman.” Lady Cassandra laughed, and Elizabeth joined her. Then Elizabeth lowered her head imperceptibly toward her ladyship and whispered a barely audible, “Thank you.” Her ladyship nodded slightly then changed the topic instantly, asking Elizabeth what she liked most of all the places she had seen during her tour.
The rest of the evening passed in pleasant conversation. Miss Darcy and Elizabeth planned a ride in the carriage through the grounds, and Lady Cassandra mentioned that she might join them at some point on horseback. Mr. Bingley’s sisters would never consider such a way of amusing themselves, and nobody tried to change their opinion.
An hour later, the guests took their leave. Mr. Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth, and they walked at a slow pace a little behind the others through the impressive halls. The sky was dark, and Pemberley’s yard was lit by numerous torches; a brisk breeze cooled the warm air of the July night and played with a lock of hair on her neck. Elizabeth shuddered as she breathed deeply and closed her eyes to enjoy the moment.
“Miss Bennet, are you cold?”
“No, I am not cold at all, sir. I am just happy,” she answered impetuously. She felt him growing steadily tense, and he stopped. Mortified, she stopped as well, as did her breath. Her eyes remained fixed somewhere in front of them where her relatives were chatting animatedly. He was silent.
Trembling, Elizabeth felt his hand taking hers from his arm and lifting it briefly to his lips. She was not certain whether his lips actually touched her gloved fingers or she merely dreamt it. However, of two things she was absolutely certain: his hand remained upon hers until they reached the others, and his touch was still burning her hours later in her small room at the inn.
Chapter 6
Darcy followed the carriage with a yearning gaze long after it disappeared from view. The night became cold. He felt cold when she was gone.
Now that she had been there and left, he became more certain than ever of his need for her presence. Fortunately, he finally had reason to hope: she told him she was happy to be at Pemberley—perhaps happy to be with him, too. Indeed, she looked delighted, especially when she spent time in front of the window simply admiring the grounds.
When he entered the drawing room, the first thing that crossed his mind was to find an excuse and retire to his apartment. He wanted simply to lie in his bed and think of Elizabeth. He wondered where Georgiana planned to take Elizabeth for their walk; his sister had been quite secretive as she confessed she wanted to spend some undisturbed time with Elizabeth, and he knew well which the possible disturbances were.
“How very ill Eliza Bennet looked this morning, Mr. Darcy,” cried Miss Bingley the moment he poured himself a glass of wine and took a seat.
Speaking of disturbances, he thought, unconsciously rolling his eyes.
Miss Bingley continued impassively: “I never in my life saw anyone so much altered as she is since the winter. She has grown so brown and coarse! Louisa and I were agreeing that we should not have known her again.”
However little Darcy liked her ridiculous statement, he remained calm, conten
t with coolly replying that he perceived no other alteration than her being rather tanned—no miraculous consequence of travelling in the summer.
“I think Miss Bennet has looked quite well every time I have met her,” Lady Cassandra interjected. “She is indeed one of those ladies whose natural charm needs little adjustment to be very agreeable. I can understand why both Darcy and Georgiana seem to approve of her so much.”
“Oh, Mr. Darcy did not approve so of Miss Bennet in the past, as I well remember. He shared his opinion of her long ago when we were at Netherfield,” said Miss Bingley, looking at the named gentleman. She saw him somewhat nettled, and she considered she had all the success she expected. Darcy remained resolutely silent, however, and she continued: “I remember, when we first knew her in Hertfordshire, how amazed we all were to find that she was a reputed beauty, and I particularly recollect your saying one night, Mr. Darcy, after they had been dining at Netherfield, ‘She a beauty! I should as soon call her mother a wit.’ But afterwards she seemed to improve on you, and I believe you thought her rather pretty at one time.”
“Yes,” replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, “but that was only when I first knew Miss Elizabeth; for it is many months since I have considered her one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.”
Miss Bingley blinked repeatedly as she could not believe the gentleman’s words. Allowing no misunderstanding, he continued. “It is also many months since I understood how wrong I was in hastily judging not only Miss Elizabeth but many other things during our stay in Hertfordshire. I will make sure never to repeat such a grave mistake again.”
His last words were spoken in a severe tone that admitted no reply, while his gaze, which lay upon Miss Bingley for a moment, showed no warmth or cordiality. Miss Bingley remained strangely silent for the rest of the evening. His response gave no one any pain but herself—pain, rage and the strongest desire of never seeing Miss Bennet again, even at the risk of having Mr. Darcy married to Lady Cassandra. After all, being defeated by her ladyship was considerably less humiliating than being defeated by Eliza Bennet.
***
It was a little before noon that Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner descended in front of Pemberley. A strange sensation of peaceful bliss brought a smile to Elizabeth’s face as she admired the beauties around her.
A servant showed them in to where the other ladies were expecting them. Half an hour was spent in pleasant conversation—mostly between Lady Cassandra and Mrs. Gardiner. Miss Darcy whispered to Elizabeth a couple of times about how anxious she was to spend the afternoon together. It was not difficult for Elizabeth to notice that Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were even less friendly than the previous day, and they seemed unpleasantly impressed by the obvious closeness between her and Georgiana.
Less than half an hour later, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner departed as they were expected to make a few calls. Mr. Darcy promised to take care of Elizabeth’s being sent under proper escort to the inn later that day; he expressed his hopes of their all being reunited at Pemberley in the evening.
Elizabeth knew little about how Miss Darcy intended to spend their day together or who else would attend them; so, when her hostess invited her on a long walk around the grounds, she accepted with pleasure. She only hoped neither Miss Bingley nor Mrs. Hurst would be tempted to join them.
Miss Bingley clearly expressed her disapproval at the mere idea of walking a great distance rather than taking a phaeton, especially considering the sky was cloudy and there was the possibility of rain. Mr. Bingley quickly contradicted his sister, insisting the beauties of Pemberley were better enjoyed on foot, and he expressed his hope that the young ladies would have a wonderful time. His sisters, however, seemed to ignore what little he said.
“Dear Georgiana, you should be careful how far you go. As for Miss Bennet, she is well known to be an excellent walker, despite the weather. I remember how surprised we were when she appeared one morning at Netherfield after walking three miles on a muddy road. I have always wondered how she managed to walk so far with all that mud on her shoes and petticoat. Mr. Darcy, you remember that, I am sure.”
Elizabeth blushed lightly at the obvious offense. She cast a quick glance at the others, noticing Mrs. Hurst’s satisfied smirk and Lady Cassandra’s frown of displeasure. Miss Darcy’s face was crimson; Mr. Darcy’s countenance darkened.
“Indeed, Miss Bingley. I vividly remember how impressed I was with Miss Bennet’s courage and concern for her sister’s well being.”
“Perhaps,” insisted Miss Bingley, with a sharp voice and a meaningful look to Mrs. Hurst, “but you also agreed you would not want to see Miss Darcy in such a state.”
Caroline Bingley’s attempt to show Elizabeth in an unfavourable light began to irritate her; before saying anything, though, she looked again at Mr. Darcy. His face, vaguely pale, made it clear to her that Miss Bingley’s recollections were likely true.
Trying to put aside any doubts, the gentleman answered soundly, “You are correct, Miss Bingley. I did unwisely declare that I would not want to see Georgiana in such a state. However, what I did not declare at that time was that I would wish for Georgiana to have a sister who cared for her as much as Miss Elizabeth cared for Miss Bennet.”
Elizabeth felt all the blood drain from her face. Did he realise what he was saying in front of all these people? She dared look at him only a moment; his slightly embarrassed expression and the uncertainty in his eyes proved to her that he knew very well the meaning of his words. She became dizzy.
“Miss Bennet, so—how did you come to walk three miles with your shoes and petticoat full of mud?” asked Lady Cassandra, and then she suddenly turned to Miss Bingley, adding, “By the by, Miss Bingley, as I told you last night, your perception amazes me again. I never look at a lady’s shoes or petticoats, no matter the situation. I must be more attentive in the future.”
Elizabeth could barely contain a chuckle as she struggled to regain her composure and answer her ladyship coherently.
“My sister Jane, who was visiting Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, was caught in the rain and fell ill; she sent me a note saying she needed my presence, and since I am not much of a horsewoman and our carriage was not available at the moment, I had no other option.”
“I see. I have to agree with Darcy; that seems very courageous and caring of you. I am sure the goodness of your reason can excuse the poor state of your gown. And I dare say you would walk three miles for Georgiana, too, if necessary.” Her words shocked Elizabeth as they were an obvious extension of the idea of Georgiana having a sister. While she desperately sought a proper answer, Lady Cassandra rose from her seat.
“Now, if you will excuse me, I should go and prepare myself for riding. Darcy, please do not leave without me. I shall be ready in half an hour.”
She walked to the door, but after only a few steps, Miss Bingley’s voice stopped her.
“Lady Cassandra, do you plan to go riding with Mr. Darcy?”
“Yes, I do. Why do you ask, Miss Bingley?”
“I…but I thought—I remember Mr. Darcy mentioning it would be a full hour of riding.”
“And? What is your point?” Lady Cassandra was growing impatient; it was obvious that she was close to the edge of her tolerance.
“I was only wondering whether it would be wise for you to ride such a long way alone with Mr. Darcy. I mean people could talk and…”
Lady Cassandra cast a quick glance at Darcy and then at Elizabeth and Georgiana before she turned to Miss Bingley, smiling with apparent warmth.
“Miss Bingley, I thank you for your considerate care, but I am an excellent rider. As for the impropriety of riding alone with Darcy, what harm can there be? In the worst case scenario, he would have to marry me, which is not at all an unpleasant prospect, would you not agree?”
She left the room without further delay while Miss Bingley stared at the door, so pale that Elizabeth was certain she might faint. Obviously sharing the same impression, Mr. Bingley
offered his sister a glass of water or wine, but she, again, did not hear him.
***
Miss Darcy seemed happier than Elizabeth had ever seen her. A servant brought them a basket with some cold refreshment and a rolled blanket, so Elizabeth understood her friend had also planned a little picnic. Miss Darcy’s exuberance was contagious, and Elizabeth made every effort to match her delight.
“I see you are ready to leave.” Mr. Darcy’s voice startled Elizabeth, and she forced a weak smile, trying to regain her composure.
“Yes, we are, brother,” replied Georgiana.
“I also see you are prepared for a picnic. May I inquire where you plan to go?”
Miss Darcy hesitated a moment, and her expression changed vaguely as she looked soundly at her brother. “I was planning to take Elizabeth to Sunny Grove. I hope you approve.”
Mr. Darcy’s expression changed in an instant. The siblings silently looked at one another intently, and Elizabeth began to worry that a simple walk could affect them so.
Then the gentleman’s face lit up, and a smile spread over it, warming his features. “I do approve; I think it is an excellent idea. In fact, as I have not visited that area in a great while, would you allow me to accompany you until Lady Cassandra is ready for our ride?”
“Oh, brother, that would be wonderful! Thank you!” She had regained all her enthusiasm while her beautiful eyes brightened with happiness. Then she remembered her manners and turned to Elizabeth. “Elizabeth, forgive me for not asking you. I hope you do not mind.”
Elizabeth did not mind at all—quite the opposite. To hide her nervousness, she tried to reply in jest with a light tone. “Dear Georgiana, how could I mind that the master of the house offers to carry our baskets? And even if I did mind, how could I dare admit it while I am on his grounds?”
Georgiana laughed, and Elizabeth glanced at the gentleman to see how her teasing affected him. He was smiling—not an open smile but a barely noticeable one—as his eyes fixed on hers; however, he said nothing, only took the basket and the blanket and motioned for them to precede him.
