Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
An excursion to Birkstead Castle should have been a cause for joy for Elizabeth; she dearly longed to be away from Meryton, if only for a day.
Yet the fates continued to conspire against her.
It was her mother’s fault, for talking in such jubilant tones in front of Lady Lucas.
Mrs Bennet had been so busy crowing with anticipation at seeing two daughters happily married, that she had missed the calculating look in Lady Lucas’s eyes.
Elizabeth did not, however, and it was of no surprise to her when Lady Lucas suggested that dear Frederick and Charlotte make them a party of six.
Mrs Bennet turned a worrying shade of crimson at this suggestion.
Her protests fell onto if not deaf, then certainly wilfully ignorant, ears.
Lady Lucas resolved that her son and daughter should feel the benefit of a trip to ancient ruins.
Consequently, Elizabeth was now stuck in the Lucas’s modest four-in-hand opposite Mr Lucas who was obviously under strict instructions from his mother not to allow Mr Darcy to thwart his chances.
Fortunately, Jane and Charlotte were also in the carriage thereby diluting Mr Lucas’s overbearing company.
It was arranged that Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley would meet them there, much to Mrs Bennet’s annoyance.
She told anyone who would listen of her dashed hopes that the gentlemen might have escorted her daughters by curricle.
Despite this setback, Jane’s enthusiasm for their trip remained undiminished.
She had not spoken much of Mr Bingley since their dinner together last week, but Elizabeth saw the excitement in her sister’s eyes at the mere mention of her beloved’s name, and her heart rejoiced.
As for Mr Darcy, Elizabeth could not be sure of her own feelings, nor of what to expect.
All of Elizabeth’s acquaintance believed him to be interested in her, and this excursion must be proof of his growing attachment.
His manner towards her had been civil, and lately he was a far cry from the haughty Mr Darcy who turned up his nose at everything connected to Meryton, but there was no understanding between them.
They were on friendly terms, nothing more.
She told herself this many times, yet she could not deny there was something pleasing in his address that she was only just beginning to see.
She glanced at Mr Lucas who was extolling the virtues of his newest method of tying a cravat, still oblivious to the fact that she was not responding.
At last, they reached their destination, and Elizabeth was relieved to escape the confines of the carriage.
She took a deep breath, filling her lungs with fresh air and drawing tranquillity from her beautiful surroundings.
The day was fine, even though it was early December.
Ahead of them was another carriage, and a thrill of anticipation ran through her as she saw Mr Darcy descend from it.
He caught her eye, but did not smile in greeting.
Instead, his lips tightened, and he turned his attention to another occupant inside.
A woman’s gloved hand appeared, reaching out for Mr Darcy to assist her.
“I was not aware that Miss Bingley intended to join us.” Charlotte came to stand by Elizabeth.
“I did not know it either,” said Elizabeth flatly, an unexpected heaviness in the pit of her stomach. She watched Miss Bingley place her arm into Mr Darcy’s and lead him away. “Where is Jane? I hope she is not too disappointed.”
“My brother has insisted upon helping her from the carriage, as the Bennet daughter he had been instructed to help had already bolted.”
Elizabeth coloured. “I was anxious for some air. I meant no offence.”
Charlotte squeezed her arm gently. “I know you do not wish for his attention. I shall endeavour to keep Fred from pestering you.”
“I am grateful.”
Mr Bingley had seen them now, and he was walking down the slope to greet them.
Miss Bingley had stopped and was calling for her brother’s attention, but Mr Bingley either did not hear or was taking no notice.
Elizabeth muttered to Charlotte, “Hopeful as I am that Miss Bingley admires the work of Norman masons, I suspect she has her own motivations for attending.”
“She is not alone in that quarter.” A mischievous gleam flashed in her friend’s eye. “You had your own reasons for agreeing to come—do not deny it.”
“My only motivation was to ensure my sister’s happiness. We must leave Jane and Mr Bingley in peace at every opportunity.”
From the carriage came an outraged shriek. “Heavens! What mud! I had no notion it would be so dirty.” Mr Lucas’s attempt to assist Jane was hampered by his reluctance to place his vigorously polished Hessians less than five inches from a puddle.
“Good day to you all!” Bingley greeted them with his infectious enthusiasm, walking straight to Jane with his hand outstretched. “Let me spare your boots, Mr Lucas. Mine are already ruined. It would be an honour to be of help.”
Jane took his hand gladly, blinking back a shy smile. Elizabeth’s heart warmed at this tender exchange.
Charlotte linked Elizabeth’s arm, and they began to climb the path in the same direction as Mr Darcy and Miss Bingley.
Under her breath she said, “Mama has commanded Fred to spend the day with you. She disapproves of your friendship with a certain distinguished gentleman from Derbyshire. Even she accepts that Mr Darcy is worthy competition for her adored Frederick.”
“But there is no understanding between Mr Darcy and me.”
“He certainly looks at you a great deal.”
“Only as an object of curiosity.” Elizabeth did not wish to admit to Charlotte how much she had enjoyed the conversations she had shared with Mr Darcy.
“I am not sure I agree.”
“I cannot speak for anyone else’s opinion save my own.”
“And what do you think of Mr Darcy?” Charlotte gave Elizabeth a sly smile.
Elizabeth slowed her pace, speaking so quietly that only Charlotte could hear. “He is not nearly as loathsome as when I first met him and will likely continue to improve in my estimation until he leaves Hertfordshire. No doubt he will be eager to return to a world of sensible conversation.”
“You do like him then?”
Elizabeth glanced up at the shadowy profile of Mr Darcy, whose stiff posture and grave expression clearly signalled his lack of desire to escort Miss Bingley. She caught Charlotte’s eye and grinned. “He is tolerable, I suppose.”