Chapter 14
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“And this is the famous monument?” Miss Bingley’s mouth twisted into an ugly line as she squinted at what was left of the castle’s motte.
Admittedly, several crumbling walls atop a large mound of earth did not strike Elizabeth as being particularly noteworthy either, but she had no wish to reveal this to Miss Bingley, whose sole objective appeared to be finding fault with anything connected to Hertfordshire, Meryton, or the Bennet family.
Elizabeth glanced up the path towards her fellow travellers who had wandered ahead of herself, Mr Darcy, and Miss Bingley.
At least they would be spared Miss Bingley’s disparaging remarks.
“I should not say famous,” she willed herself to reply lightly.
“But it is well-loved in these parts. I am grateful that our little corner of England is not widely known, for it means we can enjoy its beauty uninterrupted.”
“But to claim it worthy of a day’s trip! Why, there is more to see in St Albans.” Miss Bingley turned to Mr Darcy, whose arm she had not relinquished. “What do you think Mr Darcy? I cannot fathom why Mrs Bennet would suggest that we all visit.”
Mrs Bennet had not, in fact, invited Miss Bingley, but Elizabeth was determined that nothing should stand in the path of Jane’s happiness. She would not rise to Miss Bingley’s unparalleled rudeness and duly swallowed the retort she longed to give.
“My parents have always encouraged us to appreciate the wonders of history and nature,” she replied with forced politeness. This was only a half-lie; her father took an interest even if her mother did not.
Miss Bingley gave a disbelieving huff. To his credit, Mr Darcy did not look at Miss Bingley, rather over her shoulder to Elizabeth. Their eyes met and for a brief, fleeting moment, she detected a glimmer of rebellion.
“Do you know, these ruins remind me of some that my parents took me to as a child. Please convey my gratitude to your mother for her suggestion. History and the natural world have long been two interests of mine. That your parents believe them to be important speaks of their excellent taste.” Mr Darcy spoke courteously, but there could be no denying that his remarks were a snub to Miss Bingley’s.
Elizabeth’s heart leapt at the speed with which he came to her aid, and she smiled widely. “I shall let her know—she will be delighted to hear it.”
Miss Bingley snorted. “Yes indeed. And I am sure she will let everyone know.”
Mr Darcy frowned, and for a moment Elizabeth fancied he might make some angry reply. Instead, he collected himself and looked Miss Bingley in the eye. “I, for one, hope that she does.”
If Miss Bingley had not detected Mr Darcy’s irritation before, there was no mistaking it now. Her mouth shut abruptly and all that could be heard was the distant chatter of the others who had walked on ahead. Elizabeth might have felt sorry for Miss Bingley had she not been so uncivil.
Mr Darcy stopped and gestured towards a large tower of grey stones jutting out from over the brow of a hill. “My curiosity is stoked by this structure, Miss Elizabeth. What can you tell me of it?”
“I believe it is the site of the chapel.” Elizabeth understood that he was changing the subject and was grateful for his intervention. “It is one of the better-preserved parts of the castle.”
“Are we able to take a closer look? I fear it may be too waterlogged.”
“We can if we take this path, but you are correct, it is rather wet. However, as you know, I am not afraid of a little mud.”
“I am beginning to doubt that anything frightens you.” His voice was serious, but there was an amused glint in his eye. “But I should not wish for you to suffer an injury to satisfy my curiosity.”
“My feet ache,” Miss Bingley interjected.
“I do not wish to walk any farther. You may continue your exploration Miss Eliza, for you are accustomed to countryside traipses. I require a moment of repose.” She squeezed Mr Darcy’s arm with one hand and gestured towards a large solitary rock with the other.
Her expectation was obvious; she desired him to accompany her and leave Elizabeth to continue alone.
Before Elizabeth could make an indignant reply, Mr Darcy wordlessly escorted Miss Bingley to the stone and helped her settle on to it.
They exchanged a few words that Elizabeth could not hear, and Miss Bingley tossed her head impatiently.
Mr Darcy bowed low and turned quickly, taking long strides back to where he had left Elizabeth.
Over his shoulder, Elizabeth caught sight of Miss Bingley’s furious expression.
“Whatever did you say to her?”
“That I hoped she would be better for the rest, and I would come back for her shortly.” He tucked her hand under his arm, and she blushed as she felt its warm strength. “Forgive me the presumption, but I thought you might wish to enjoy the castle without that woman’s rudeness.”
Although she had long suspected his aversion to Miss Bingley, Elizabeth had never expected to hear him speak of it in front of her.
He was always so serious and formal. Swallowing her surprise, she replied, “I cannot criticise another woman’s impertinence for I am in possession of an unruly tongue myself.
However, I must thank you for the reprieve.
Any more of her observations and I do not want to think about what I might have said in return. ”
Mr Darcy’s mouth twitched. “I almost regret having prevented it.”