Love Unfeigned (Timeless Love: Darcy and Lizzy variations)

21. Chapter 21

Chapter twenty-one

February 1812 Bond Street Elizabeth

T heir excursion to Bond Street ended in a manner that had become tradition. Aunt Gardiner, Jane, and Elizabeth took their usual table, a larger one in the center of the shop with a view of the doorway. Mr. Bingley would join them soon after he finished business with his solicitor. Jane's gaze drifted to the door every few minutes, and Elizabeth smothered a laugh as her sister's foot tapped the ground impatiently. He arrived twenty minutes later, looking harried and irritated. "Caroline is out at the shops," he said. "She called my name, but I pretended I did not hear and took a less direct path. I rode my horse, and I believe I managed to get away from her."

The bell at the door rang, and Miss Bingley walked through the door.

"I am afraid not, sir," Aunt Gardiner said in low tones, nodding in that direction. Mr. Bingley turned around and groaned as he noted his sister. "Maybe she will not see me."

"Do not depend upon it," Elizabeth murmured. "She has already noted Jane." Only a blind man would miss Jane in a crowded room. The eldest Miss Bennet was lovely even after weeping.

Miss Bingley drew closer. Her hands were in a fur muff, and her fur-lined cloak billowed out behind her as she walked. "Charles!" she cried. "You told me you were off to your club."

"And so I will be, right after I have a vanilla ice." He shrugged. "Do you not have a shop to visit?"

Miss Bingley frowned. "No. I believe I shall join you. You would not mind giving up your seat, would you, Miss Eliza?" She batted her eyes, her gaze scornful as she looked the Bennet sisters up and down.

"I think not, Miss Bingley. There is room at the table. Pray, move a chair and join us." Elizabeth tried to be kind—for Jane's sake, but the lady irritated her.

She seemed to war with the indignity of picking up her own chair and moving it, and leaving the store altogether. If the first, she would lower herself in front of a tradesman. If the second, then her brother would be as good as alone with Miss Bennet. Elizabeth snickered under her breath. That seemed to spur Miss Bingley into action, and she picked up a chair. She sat next to her brother, moving her chair as far away from Aunt Gardiner as possible. Her eyes glinted with ill intent, and she turned her calculating gaze upon the Bennet sisters.

"How very…surprising…to see you all here. Together. Charles, when did you learn Miss Bennet was in town?" Her words were sickly sweet. "Mr. Darcy tried to keep you too busy to discover her presence."

The entire table went silent. Mr. Bingley looked furious, and Jane looked hurt. Elizabeth struggled to keep her expression neutral, even as her heart squeezed painfully. She had once suspected Mr. Darcy played a role in keeping Mr. Bingley in town, but after their letters, she had absolved him of the crime, believing him to be too romantic to destroy another's happiness in such a way.

"I do not know what you are babbling about, Caroline," Bingley said woodenly. He reached out and took Jane's hand. "If you wish to spit venom, please leave. Your vitriolic words should not spoil our afternoon."

Miss Bingley looked triumphant, no doubt pleased to have upset Jane. She stood regally, nodding her head at each member of the party before turning to leave.

"If she meant to infuriate me, she succeeded," Mr. Bingley said sullenly. "Now, shall we order ices?"

"Does she know you proposed yet?" Aunt Gardiner asked slyly.

"No. And I have no intention of informing her until after the wedding." Mr. Bingley scooped up Jane's hand and kissed it. "She will not be able to interfere then."

The other ladies chuckled, but Elizabeth said nothing. She drank her hot chocolate without tasting a thing. The betrayal stung, and her mind tried to reason through everything. Too numb to process any thoughts, she resolved to think on the matter later. Maybe then it would all make sense.

In the past, her usual response would be to act immediately. She longed to pen a letter to Mr. Darcy, spewing vitriol and accusations. Her mind screamed at her, declaring him a liar and a prevaricating fraud. Her heart was not so easily persuaded. Its cries were louder than the thoughts in her head. Trust him, it implored. Read the evidence. He is worthy of your love!

Still, confusion and turmoil filled her. By the time they returned to the Gardiner residence, her head ached, and she begged to be excused. Sally waylaid her on the way to her chamber.

"If you please, miss, this came for you." She extended the letter in her hand, and Elizabeth took it automatically. Instead of a thrill of anticipation, her heart sank. She was in no way ready to face Mr. Darcy—in written word or in person.

If only I had waited one more day to propose a meeting! She did not know how to proceed. Should she cry off? I need to think. Yes, contemplation would be just the thing. Elizabeth continued to her chamber. She tugged the drapes closed and lay down on the bed. The letter from Mr. Darcy she tucked into her pocket. Head pounding, she allowed her eyes to drift closed, welcoming the blissful relief of sleep.

When she awoke, it was still light out. Her head hurt less, and after a moment of disorientation, she recalled why she had taken to her bed in the middle of the day. No closer to an answer than before she went to sleep, Elizabeth sat up. The letter in her pocket rustled, and she pulled it out. Curiosity begged to be satisfied, but she instead tucked it into her writing case. You will have to wait until I clear my head, she told the letter. She could not have her reasoning clouded.