Chapter 8 #2
Distress made him behave nervously, and he picked up a cup on the table, pouring some coffee to keep his hands busy.
“No, not yet. I admit that we feared you would refuse, and I wished to avoid any distress or disappointment that could affect Elizabeth. She already has enough to worry about.”
“What should I worry about?” Elizabeth’s voice from the doorway startled them, and all turned to stare at her. She stepped inside hesitantly, her eyes fixed on Darcy’s.
Her face coloured while his paled. She came closer, frowning.
“Mr Darcy? How… I did not expect to find you here. Why… Did something happen?” she rambled, her distress apparent, addressing herself more to Lady Kendal than to the unexpected guest.
Lady Kendal took her hand.
“No, my dear. All is well. Do not worry. Why did you arrive so early? I did not expect you until after noon.”
“My uncle had some business in this part of the town and so he brought me. I shall go to Jane but I wished to greet you first.” She kept glancing at Darcy, whose eyes remained on her.
“Bingley has asked Mr Darcy to help us to appraise our estates. He was kind enough to accept.”
“Was he?” she whispered, catching his eyes for a moment.
“If you approve of it,” Darcy answered, their eyes locking again. “If you believe my assistance may be of service to you.”
“Yes, of course. Very helpful. I mean, if it is not too much trouble for you. We do not want to interfere with your plans,” she said hesitantly.
“No trouble at all, I assure you.” Darcy bowed politely. His gesture—so very proper—made Elizabeth shiver. Both could see the other was distressed by the encounter.
And both recollected Darcy’s admission very clearly. “I do not hate you, Miss Bennet. Quite the opposite…”
“And here is another surprise,” Bingley said hastily. “Georgiana and Miss de Bourgh will be staying in Brighton for the summer too. Darcy will take them there! How wonderful is this? Jane will be thrilled!”
Elizabeth blushed again, stealing a quick look at Darcy. His face was stern.
“Wonderful indeed,” Elizabeth replied. “This is quite unexpected…”
“Until then, I will gladly assist you and Lady Kendal with anything that is in my power,” Darcy said.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Mr Darcy was concerned that we have unreasonable expectations of you and that you will be overwhelmed and overcome by all the duties falling on your shoulders,” Lady Kendal confessed.
“I still am. I shall not conceal that. In fact, I am certain that it would be impossible for anyone to learn to manage such a vast and complex fortune in just a few weeks. It is my opinion, and I am standing by it. Miss Bennet already knows that disguise of any sort is my abhorrence.”
He cursed himself for saying those words the moment he said them.
Elizabeth suddenly averted her eyes and sat down in a nearby chair. Ice enveloped Darcy’s chest, while he persisted in rebuking his own thoughtlessness. What on earth had happened to him? Had he lost his self-control entirely?
“I appreciate your concern, Mr Darcy, but I assure you it is not needed. I am perfectly aware of the enormity of my future,” she said.
“I am relieved to hear that, Miss Bennet. I was only worried that your generosity and your consideration for the feelings of others would induce you to take too much upon yourself.”
“You are too kind, sir. I do know how daunting my responsibilities will be. I feel honoured to be part of this family and to have gained Lady Kendal’s trust. If the effort was not too much for her ladyship, it will not be for me,” Elizabeth declared.
“Very well then. I wish you much happiness and the best of luck. Please let me know when I can start reviewing the books.”
“We will. Thank you again, sir,” Lady Kendal said.
“Please send Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh my best regards,” Elizabeth added in a trembling voice.
“I will,” he answered in a lighter tone. “Yes, both my sister and my cousin are well. Busy preparing for Brighton. Good day.”
He bowed then exited the library in some haste to escape into the fresh air so he could finally breathe.
How could he have agreed to destroy his fragile peace by committing himself to stay in Elizabeth’s company? He knew he was incapable of bearing so much turmoil! His mind was already so full of her image that he could not possibly concentrate on any business.
Furthermore, he was tormented by the nature of the arrangement Elizabeth had accepted.
She seemed fond of Lady Kendal and willing to be a part of the family.
She had declared as much. But what were the conditions imposed on her?
Did she willingly accept or had she no choice?
She might well be doing it for the benefit of her family, but obviously it was at Lady Kendal’s request.
How much was Lord Alveston involved? He appeared completely enchanted by Elizabeth—of the man’s affection Darcy had little doubt—but he had not even been at the meeting. As for Elizabeth’s feelings, he was puzzled and more distressed than he had a right to be.
He could not escape the sensation that he had to protect her, even against her own determination.
∞∞∞
Elizabeth stared at the closed library door. It had never crossed her mind that she might see him again so soon and even less so in Lady Kendal’s house. They had asked for his help! It was dangerous and presumptuous of Bingley to do so without asking her opinion!
But if he had, what would she have said? Would she have rejected the suggestion? On what grounds? Surely his experience and knowledge could not be doubted. So a rejection would have been based on her feelings only. But if so, were her sentiments such as to decline his support? Or the contrary?
“Elizabeth, my dear, what is it? What troubles you?”
She startled and turned to Lady Kendal.
“Forgive me…I was lost in my thoughts. I did not sleep well last night.”
“Are you well? Would you like to rest?” Her ladyship enquired.
“No…I mean, I am well. I would like to speak to Philip for a few minutes, then I shall go to Jane.”
“I will keep you company,” Bingley declared. “I only came to introduce Darcy and Lady Kendal to each other.”
“Let us hope Mr Darcy will not change his mind. He did seem reluctant,” Lady Kendal said.
“He gave his word. He will not change his mind. And he already admitted he was reluctant due to some concerns that I can understand,” Bingley said.
“I would have preferred to be informed that you intended to ask for Mr Darcy’s assistance,” Elizabeth finally said.
“Do you disapprove of our idea? We may withdraw it at any time,” Lady Kendal offered.
Elizabeth cheeks flushed. “No,” she said briefly. “If you will excuse me, I shall find Philip. I will speak to you later, my lady.”
“Philip is eager to see you. You know, I noticed something rather strange. Mr Darcy always refers to Miss de Bourgh as ‘his cousin’. Never as his betrothed or future wife. Do you not find that rather peculiar?”
“I did not notice it,” Bingley responded. “I have spent so little time in his company lately that I have rarely heard him speak at all.”
Elizabeth had noticed. She said nothing, struggling to concentrate on her own betrothed.