Chapter Five
Over the next few days, Elizabeth purposely avoided speaking again of her qualms regarding Jane’s match to the gentleman, though in Elizabeth’s opinion, Jane’s countenance spoke of her eldest sister’s lack of enthusiasm for the proposed match.
“An express has come this morning,” their father had said as he took his place at the breakfast table. “Mr. Darcy should arrive around noon today.”
Elizabeth surreptitiously watched her eldest sister, but Jane’s smile remained equally as staid as it had been for the last three days. So she might better know her sister’s feelings, Elizabeth was sorry she had not claimed a place in Jane’s quarters ratherthan in Mary’s. However, she assumed if Jane was excited by the match, such would make Elizabeth angry, for she had not only been shunned by the gentleman, but she had always stood “second” to her sister. Not only in birth order, but also being considered less graceful. Less sweet natured. Less comely. Less desirable.
“Mr. Darcy also confirmed,” Mr. Bennet shared. “That his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, will accompany Jane’s betrothed to Hertfordshire. The gentleman prays that such is not an inconvenience.”
Mrs. Bennet told Mrs. Hill. “ We should know assurances that the linens and the candles are fresh and a small bouquet of flowers is added to both the rooms. However, we already prepared for the gentleman for Mary was confident Mr. Darcy would ask his cousin to accompany him. Apparently, according to Mr. Ericks, the two have always been quite inseparable. ”
“Yes, ma’am,” Mrs. Hill said and rushed away to present the maid with her orders.
“Fitzwilliam?” Kitty asked. “Is that not the family name Mary mentioned?”
“The younger son of the Earl of Matlock,” Elizabeth explained. “The elder son holds his father’s minor title of ‘Lord Lindale.’ The viscountcy is seated in Lincolnshire and the earldom in Derbyshire at, naturally, Matlock.” She had purposely sought out not only her father’s copy of Debrett’s but several other family listings after Mrs. Bennet had said she wished to know more of Mr. Darcy’s family, having preferred to “blame” her own curiosity upon her mother’s request.
“Mr. Ericks says Colonel Fitzwilliam is quite amiable,” Mary shared. “He is two years Mr. Darcy’s senior.”
Elizabeth wondered why no one ever questioned why Samuel Ericks always wrote to Mary rather than their father, especially as no official proposal had occurred between the pair. Like the rest of the table, Elizabeth swallowed her observation. Instead, she returned to her study of Jane’s reaction to the news of Mr. Darcy’s imminent arrival. As Elizabeth suspected, there was no obvious anticipation upon Jane’s countenance. No smile of satisfaction. Nothing but Jane’s comment that they would all adore Colonel Fitzwilliam. “He is quite intelligent and very amiable.” Elizabeth thought her sister’s comments very telling, for such was more than Jane had said of Mr. Darcy, who Jane determined to be “quite handsome” and “from a most excellent family.”
Though he knew some shame in cutting Bingley from the list of hopefuls for Miss Bennet’s hand, privately, Darcy had originally hoped Mr. Bingley would accompany him to Hertfordshire. As Darcy had promised, though Mr. Bingley had not totally agreed, to support his friend, Darcy had, without being asked, inquired about the Netherfield Park property in Hertfordshire and the larger one suggested by Mr. Hurst in Buckinghamshire and been informed the one Miss Bingley and the Hurts had insisted upon was in poor shape, for it had sat empty for a decade, whereas the previous landowner in Hertfordshire had passed only two years prior. Moreover, Darcy thought Bingley might also become interested in one of Miss Bennet’s sisters, for Bingley often changed his mind about first one young lady and then another, and Darcy could claim his “friend” as a “relation,” if such proved true. Darcy still felt a bit guilty for having swept Miss Bennet out of Bingley’s grasp. If what his betrothed said was true, Miss Bennet had three other comely sisters at home, though she seemed to think that Darcy’s rector, Mr. Samuel Ericks, was interested in Miss Mary Bennet.
Perhaps it might have been better if Darcy had not called upon Bingley at his friend’s place of business, instead waiting to call upon his friend at home, but he had much to do to arrange this journey to Hertfordshire, and so he had made his way to Bingley’s offices at his friend’s warehouses. “I do not believe you have ever called upon me in my warehouses,” Bingley said as he shook Darcy’s hand.
“I, normally, would not wish to disturb you. Yet, I am to travel to Hertfordshire to settle matters with Miss Bennet’s father. However, I have taken the liberty to ask around about the estate Miss Bennet mentioned to you, as well as the one Miss Bingley and Mr. Hurst have suggested. From what my man of business has learned Netherfield Park would be the more sensible choice.”
“Perhaps for you,” Bingley said as he stiffened.
Darcy’s own hackles came to life. “I apologize if I have overstepped my boundaries,” he said in equally cold tones. “You did, initially, ask for my advice. I had thought you might wish to join me in Hertfordshire. You found Miss Bennet cordial. I am assuming her sisters would be equally as pleasant.”
“Though such could be likely,” Bingley said, “I cannot be traipsing off to Hertfordshire, even to please a friend. Therefore, I must decline.”
Darcy felt as if he had been slapped in the face. Assuredly, he had initially recognized Bingley’s interest in Miss Bennet, but Bingley was, generally, of the nature to claim to be “in love” this week with one fetching young lady and with another next week. Such was how his friend traveled through the world, but had evidently Darcy had misjudged somehow. He studied Bingley’s expression for several elongated seconds before he said, “Then I apologize for detaining you.” With a bow and without another word to his friend, he had turned on his heels and left the warehouse.
Such was the reason he had asked his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam to accompany him. Naturally, Fitzwilliam teased Darcy about fearing the prospect of taking the acquaintance of Miss Bennet’s family.
“You know I am never at my best when I am among strangers,” Darcy countered.
Fitzwilliam agreed, but he said, “We may not stay more than a week. I must report to my superiors by then.”
Since they had learned of the anticipated arrival of Jane’s betrothed, the house had been in an uproar in preparation. Elizabeth had taken on much of the household chores, as Mrs. Bennet and her Sister Phillips had been too “overwhelmed” to be of much use to the household staff.
“Everything looks delightfully fresh,” Jane had said earlier, as she stepped up beside Elizabeth. Even with her sister’s praise, Elizabeth looked at the well-worn drapes and rug and the missing buttons on the upholstered chair and imagined the slight snarl of Mr. Darcy’s disapproval.
“They are here,” Kitty announced from the top of the stairs. Catherine had been watching for the coach from the upstairs window, the one overlooking the drive from the hallway to the family wing.
“My dear Jane,” Mrs. Bennet burst through the door to the main sitting room and came up short when she realized Jane was not there. “Where is she?” Mrs. Bennet demanded.
“Jane wished to change her sash,” Mary responded as she placed her sewing away.
“She should be here,” Mrs. Bennet declared. “We agreed we would receive Mr. Darcy in this room.”
When neither Elizabeth nor Mary responded, their mother rushed away. Seconds later, Mrs. Bennet could be heard calling, “Sarah, come to Miss Bennet this moment and assist her with the sash on her gown.”
“You have done a most excellent job of arranging the house,” Mary told her as they stood together in the room in which they were all to meet for this event. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how one saw it, they were the only ones in place despite being the two who had executed the most effort. “I have never seen Longbourn look so picturesque. The family owes it all to you.”
There was no time for Elizabeth to declare what she had executed had been more for her sake than Jane’s, for Mrs. Hill was already showing two gentlemen—the one Elizabeth recognized immediately, along with a man in uniform—into the sitting room. Mr. Darcy frowned. Meanwhile, Mary took the lead, which was so uncharacteristic of her, Elizabeth was jolted from her malaise.
“Good day, gentlemen, I am Miss Mary Bennet. Welcome to Longbourn,” her sister pronounced formally. “Mrs. Hill, would you tell both Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet that our company has arrived?”
“No need,” their father said as he strolled casually into the room. “I have sent our Catherine to fetch Mrs. Bennet and Jane. If you would see to the tea and cakes instead, Mrs. Hill, I would be most appreciative.”
“Yes, sir.” The housekeeper disappeared quickly.
Elizabeth had not yet moved or spoken, for Mr. Darcy’s eyes had again swept over her and, as before, dismissed her as not worthy of his notice.
“I am, as you must have assumed, Mr. Bennet.” Her father bowed to both gentlemen. “While we wait, sirs, permit me to give you the acquaintance of two of my daughters. First, is our Elizabeth.” Both Mr. Darcy and the colonel bowed, while Elizabeth managed a curtsey. “Mary is the third of our daughters.”
While Mary curtsied, the colonel said, “It is a true pleasure, ladies.”
Mr. Darcy had yet to say a word beyond, “Pleasure,” which was directed to her father.
As if on cue, Jane entered in the heartbeat which was meant to be a disastrous lull, but had lost its opportunity. “I apologize, Mr. Darcy. Colonel. I earlier spilled a splash of tea on my sash. I pray you are not disappointed by my delay.”
Mr. Darcy bowed to Jane, as did the colonel. Yet, while the latter smiled forgivingly, for the briefest of seconds, Mr. Darcy’s whole body frowned, as if he considered that Jane was executing some sort of scheme against him. The idea of his disdain irritated Elizabeth further. Soon all were together in the sitting room.
While Elizabeth’s evaluation of Mr. Darcy had not changed, her family was quickly enamored by the man, as well as by his cousin. When they were told to sit, Elizabeth had thought to sit with Mary, but Mary had tugged Kitty down beside her, leaving Elizabeth to sit on the settee alone until Colonel Fitzwilliam crossed to stand before her. “Might I join you, Miss Elizabeth?” he asked with a bow.
“Assuredly, sir.”
The gentleman settled his sword to the side and joined her on the padded bench seat. “Thank you for accepting my company,” he said softly.
“I am pleased to permit the others to become more fully acquainted,” she said.
“Your sister is quite lovely,” he stated, “and it was quite providential when my elder brother, Lord Lindale, and Darcy and I reclaimed Mrs. Gardiner’s acquaintance and, therefore, your sister’s.”
“It was providential indeed,” Elizabeth responded while attempting to disguise her contempt for Mr. Darcy.
“Although we generally travel through Hertfordshire as we journey from our home estate in Matlock to London and back, I do not believe I have ever been in this part of your home shire. I found it to be very pleasant.”
“We are closer to the border of Bedfordshire than even to Cambridgeshire or Essex. I, generally, prefer not to be on the main roads to and from London, though it is a great bother when the side roads are washed out from a storm and there are goods to be delivered.”
“What type of goods?” the colonel asked.
Elizabeth’s defenses rose quickly, but she attempted to keep them from her tone. “Mostly what one would expect in the southern shires.”
His eyebrow rose, whether in offense or admiration, she could not say. “Such was my error in asking, Miss Elizabeth. I truly do not know what to expect in the southern shires. I foolishly thought asking a woman might be less embarrassing than asking a man. You see, my father, the earl, is pressing me to sell out my commission. I am to inherit a smallish estate in Oxfordshire from a cousin on my mother’s side of the family. When Darcy and I call upon our aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh . . .”
“Lady Catherine?” Elizabeth asked. “Of Rosings Park?”
“You know the estate?” the colonel inquired.
“Not personally,” she explained. “I was to visit . . .” She did not wish to discuss Lydia’s elopement, especially with not knowing whether either Jane or Aunt Gardiner had mentioned it to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth seriously doubted such had occurred. Therefore, she explained in simpler terms. “My father’s cousin, a Mr. William Collins, holds the living at Hunsford, which was presented by Lady Catherine de Bourgh of Rosings Park.”
“Darcy never mentioned the coincidence,” the colonel explained.
“Most likely, Jane did not think it important to discuss a cousin we have never met until recently, and even that was a brief encounter,” she said in explanation.
With a slight nod, the colonel appeared to accept her response. “As I was saying, when Darcy and I visit our Aunt Catherine to settle her estate books for tax purposes, I attempt to engage some of her cottagers to learn more of the land, but I am not assured what I have learned would be appropriate for Oxfordshire.”
“Hertfordshire is not so far removed from Kent,” she argued with a smile.
“True, but if what Miss Bennet said of your assisting your father is accurate, I thought you might share your knowledge easier than a man who thinks I will report him to my aunt.”
Elizabeth eyed him suspiciously. “Quite a plan,” she remarked. “Did you also ask my sister how much I knew of the land?”
He winked at her. “Found me out quickly. I am quite impressed, Miss Elizabeth.”
She chuckled. “As Miss Bennet likely explained, I customarily call on the estate tenants early before they are too busy with their own labors to ‘brag’ upon their advancements. You may join me if you do not mind rising early.”
“I am accustomed to rising early,” he said with what could be called admiration. “I would be honored to accompany you.”
“Leave the sword in your quarters,” she instructed.
“Of what are you speaking, Lizzy?” Mrs. Bennet called from across the room, likely wondering if she could palm off another daughter on an earl’s son.
“Crops, ma’am,” the colonel responded for Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth has agreed to provide me with a tour of your husband’s estate.”
“Should . . .” Mrs. Bennet began her objection, but Elizabeth recognized her mother’s “there’s an eligible gentleman” expression. Instead, Mrs. Bennet said, “Our Elizabeth is very knowledgeable about the estate.”
With Mrs. Bennet’s remark and his interest suddenly piqued, Darcy said, “Miss Bennet shared something similar regarding her sister.” He instinctively took another look at the second Bennet daughter. She was not as obviously beautiful as was her elder sister, but her features were compelling. Her eyes spoke a language Darcy had never encountered. Which was not true. Once before, a young woman had held him accountable, and he had failed her miserably. He was accustomed to ignoring young women who meant to entrap him in marriage. Still was, for that matter. But never had he encountered a young woman who did not appear interested in him, at least, not for his fortune. Rather, for simply holding a conversation.
Mrs. Bennet continued her adulations. “I am confident all within are pleased and honored by your calling upon Longbourn.” Darcy politely commented on the sixth such compliment the woman had uttered. Thankfully, Hertfordshire and Derbyshire would be several days’ travel apart. He would not be required to entertain the woman often.
“And I am equally as pleased to be here, ma’am,” he said when the woman paused to take a breath.
“Our Jane has always been our dearest child. Of an excellent nature. She will make a lovely mistress for your estate.”
“Please, Mama,” Miss Bennet said softly.
“I speak the truth, Jane,” Mrs. Bennet insisted.
Miss Elizabeth instinctively came to Miss Bennet’s defense. He liked that in a family member, for a family should always stand together. He hoped Miss Bennet would be so kind to Georgiana. “Mr. Darcy and Papa have yet to sign the settlements, Mama,” she warned.
Mrs. Bennet meant to be correct. “Signatures are nothing compared to the heart having its say.”
Darcy knew his heart had nothing to do with this arrangement. It was a matter of keeping his beloved Pemberley intact. “You have the right of it, ma’am,” he said dutifully.
Elizabeth recognized Mr. Darcy’s continued arrogance. She wished she could convince the others there was some sort of sham being executed against them, but, now that she had confided in Mary about Elizabeth’s prior encounter with Jane’s betrothed, Mary would think otherwise, and the others would follow her younger sister’s suit.
Though Elizabeth could not speak to her qualms regarding this joining between her beloved sister and a man so full of arrogance one could nearly smell it, she could watch and be in a position to prevent a disaster if one showed its ugly head.