Chapter 44 Mr. Darcy Leaves Hertfordshire
Darcy quitted Longbourn in considerable agitation. When he reached Netherfield, he entered through the back entrance in order to avoid the guests at the ball, who would remain until at least two in the morning.
As he passed the Blue Salon, Allen stepped out and called to him. “Did Miss Bennet accept your suit?”
Darcy turned to look at his rival but did not reply.
Allen scowled. “I have surprised you? Anyone with eyes can see that you have fallen hard for her. However, I believe Miss Bennet knew very well that you would never offer for a woman of her station. Your pride and arrogance are also made plain for anyone to read. But tell me, are you betrothed to Miss Bennet?”
Darcy’s countenance darkened. “You are impertinent, Allen.”
“I am gratified to learn that she is still unattached,” Allen said, and stepped back into the parlor where he had been smoking his cigar, awaiting Darcy’s return.
The following morning, after his ride, Darcy tapped upon Georgiana’s door.
When she saw him, her hand went to her mouth.
“What is it, Fitzwilliam. Has something happened to Phillip? Richard?”
He sighed. “No, dear. You have read Aunt Helen’s most recent letter. Our cousins are both well. I came to tell you that we are leaving today. Ask Jenny to pack your things.”
She studied his face. “Brother, something is very wrong. You look as though someone has passed away. What is it? Aunt Catherine?”
“No, dear. It is Miss Bennet. She refused to hear me last night. She does not wish to see me ever again. But I will arrange for Charles to take you to Longbourn so that you may take your leave of her. Perhaps she will consent to a correspondence with you.”
“But we were to remain another month complete. I have been very happy here, and now I am never to see my friends again. Fitzwilliam, what have you done? You have ruined a perfect holiday.” Tears glistened in her eyes, and she sat heavily on the edge of her bed.
Darcy entered the room and closed the door.
“Georgie, you and Miss Bennet have become very close. I cannot believe that she would ever turn her back upon you. Go to visit her this morning and ask whether, if you remain here another month, she would allow you to visit her and Kitty. If she is open to continuing your friendship, you may remain here at Netherfield. I shall go now and ask Mrs. Bingley whether she will allow you to remain as her guest.”
Georgiana dried her eyes. “You would permit me to remain here another month?”
“Yes, I would. I may return to Matlock to check on our cousins or remain in London, but if Mrs. Bingley will allow you to remain another month, or perhaps two, I shall not object, for she is a very gentle, trustworthy woman. I shall be leaving you in good hands.”
Georgiana said hopefully, “Perhaps Lizzy may visit here, and it will be as if we are sisters.”
Darcy sighed. “Yes, I am certain that Mrs. Bingley would permit Miss Bennet to visit you here.”
She rose with purpose. “Please, Fitzwilliam, will you ask her now? If she agrees, you may take me to Longbourn.”
His lips twisted briefly. “Miss Bennet does not wish ever to see me again, dear, so we must rely upon Charles to escort you.”
Georgiana frowned. “Brother, I was shocked when I heard you speak those words about my friend. She is the most courageous and kind woman I have ever known. Have you forgotten that she saved me from Mr. Wickham? How you could say such things about her is beyond my comprehension.”
He turned away from her lest she see his shame.
“I have discovered, my dear, that I am not always master over my tongue and that my pride does stand in my way at times. But if you remain here and if your friendship with Miss Bennet continues, then you shall not bear the consequence of your brother’s errors.”
She stood with purpose. “I shall change into my riding habit so that I may be ready when Mr. Bingley is available.”
Darcy remained where he stood, considering the matter. “Georgiana, perhaps Charles will not be at liberty to make visits today. His London guests have not yet left, and he must remain at Netherfield to bid them farewell.”
“So, you will escort me?”
“Yes. If I wait for you at the hermitage, Miss Elizabeth need not see me.”
“I shall be ready in fifteen minutes.”
Darcy went in search of his friend and found him in the breakfast parlor.
“Charles, I have decided to leave today to return to Matlock. Both of my cousins are still recovering, and I wish to offer my services to my uncle. Georgiana is hoping to complete her visit here if Mrs. Bingley approves.”
Jane answered him kindly. “Your sister is a delightful young lady, sir. If she wishes to remain with us, it will be my pleasure to have her as a guest.”
Miss Bingley remained silent.
She sat beside Mr. Balfour and appeared to be making an effort to attach him. Darcy restrained a smirk. Poor fellow. He had little notion of what he might be inviting upon himself.
Caroline’s dowry would certainly be a consideration for Balfour, for his father had gambled away most of the family fortune before he was struck with apoplexy and thus spared the family any further ruin. Yet twenty thousand pounds would tempt no man who truly understood Caroline’s character.
“Thank you, Mrs. Bingley. Georgiana will be delighted to learn that she may remain in the neighborhood. Both of your sisters are great favorites of hers.”
He studied Mrs. Bingley’s countenance and suspected that her civility toward him would not remain so agreeable if she learned how deeply he had wounded her beloved sister.
He waited at the front entrance with the two mounts when Georgiana came down. He lifted her into the saddle, then mounted his own horse, and they set off together.
“Fitzwilliam, I pray Lizzy will receive me. I do not know what I shall do if she turns her back on me.”
“You need not fear that, Georgiana. Miss Bennet is a kind woman, as you yourself have said. Now tell me, how do you intend to spend your time when I am gone?”
“I shall spend as much time as I can with the Bennet sisters. Lizzy has been instructing Kitty in household management, and they have been visiting the tenants. If I am very fortunate, she may teach me such things as well.”
Darcy felt his eyes grow moist. Miss Bennet was truly good. He began to understand how much he had lost. Not only a lovely consort, but a loving sister, a devoted mother to his children, and a woman who cared for the tenants.
He turned his thoughts lest his composure fail him.
“My dear, I shall depart after I take a light luncheon. I have decided to travel directly to Matlock. After I return to collect you, we will reside in London. I must take a wife this year, which will require my residence in London during the Season. Perhaps I shall find one who proves suitable.”
“Fitzwilliam, you do not appear to relish that prospect.”
“Most matches made within our circle are not formed from affection or love but are arranged to strengthen bloodlines or increase wealth. If I am fortunate, I may meet a woman whom I can respect.”
“That is a dreadful arrangement, and I hope you do not expect it of me.” Georgiana looked horrified by that prospect.
“No, my dear. I shall allow you to wait until you meet a man you can both love and respect, but that time is still some years away. Let us concern ourselves with the present for now.”
They arrived at Longbourn. He helped Georgiana dismount, then led the horses a little way from the entrance so he would not be seen.
He watched as his sister approached the door and sounded the knocker. He watched as Mrs. Hill opened the door and greeted her with kindness.
And then she was gone.
He led the horses to the hermitage to wait. When he arrived, he started. Elizabeth sat upon a wooden bench, writing in a journal. Ares neighed, and she rose quickly to her feet, her face flamed red, and she looked as though she might run.
Her eyes fell away from his. “Sir. I did not expect to see you again.”
“Do not be alarmed, Miss Bennet. I have not come to trouble you. I am leaving Hertfordshire today, but my sister has begged to see you. She wishes to remain for the final month of her visit, but she will return to Derbyshire with me if you do not wish to see her again.”
Elizabeth’s expression softened.
“Of course, I wish to continue our friendship. She is a darling girl and very well brought up.”
Her eyes narrowed as she glanced his way.
“Unlike her brother, you mean.”
She raised her chin. “Precisely. Is she in the house, sir?”
“Yes. I told her that I would wait here at the hermitage so that I would not intrude upon your privacy. She knows that you do not wish to ever see me again.”
Elizabeth flushed.
“Yes, indeed, sir. It is as you say. I believe that is the kindest thing I can do for myself.”
He spoke plainly.
“To never see me again? That is the kindest thing you can do for yourself?”
She inclined her head primly, then turned and walked away from him.
Georgiana remained an hour with the Bennets, and when she finally reappeared, Kitty walked with her to the hermitage where Darcy sat reading a book of poems. He placed it into his breast pocket and rose.
“Brother, it is all arranged. I shall join Kitty and Lizzy beginning tomorrow when they make their visits to the tenants. And see here. I shall set sleeves into this nightdress for an infant. Lizzy says that if I encounter any difficulty, Jane will help me set the sleeve.”
Kitty said, “Jane is an excellent seamstress, Georgiana. You will have no difficulty at all if you will only ask her for help.”
Darcy looked at the two girls, satisfied that his sister would be well in his absence.
“My dear, we must depart. I must finish packing and then be on my way.”
Kitty looked at Mr. Darcy, her hands clasped tightly before her.