Chapter 1 #2
“I would rather have a drink stronger than tea,” he declared. “May I interest you gentlemen in joining me in the study? There will likely be some cigars too, if you care for them. And I shall request a fresh pot of tea for the ladies as well.”
“I must beg you to excuse me,” Miss Darcy said shyly in a little, lost voice but standing up to show her determination.
“I am sorry if it prevents the gentlemen from withdrawing, but I am a little tired, and I would rather retire now. Miss Bennet, Mrs Gardiner, Mr Gardiner, I hope to see you again tomorrow?”
“We would be delighted,” Mrs Gardiner answered.
Without thinking about it, Elizabeth rose too and grasped the young girl’s arm as she would her own sister.
“Miss Darcy, you look a little pale. Are you unwell? May I help you to your room?”
“Oh no, Miss Bennet. You are very kind, but that will not be necessary. I am not unwell, I only need to rest.”
“Miss Eliza,” Miss Bingley interjected again, “I understand Pemberley is different from anything you have seen so far, but surely you can imagine there are over thirty servants in the household. There are enough maids to escort dear Georgiana to her room, there is no need for you to take on their responsibilities.”
The insolent remark was too much even for Elizabeth, and she was prepared to fight back when Darcy’s cold voice intervened.
“It is a privilege for me and Georgiana to welcome Miss Bennet, as well as Mr and Mrs Gardiner, to Pemberley. And I am certain Miss Bennet offered to assist my sister with genuine intentions, because of her generous heart, regardless of the number of servants.”
Elizabeth blushed at the praise, while Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst became red faced from anger.
“I am grateful for your care and concern, Miss Bennet,” Miss Darcy added to her brother’s praise. “And thank you for playing and singing with me.”
“I thank you for patiently bearing my lack of musical skills and accomplishments,” Elizabeth teased her gently. “And for delighting us with your wonderful performance.”
“In truth, there is nothing Miss Darcy does not excel at,” Mr Bingley declared with warm enthusiasm. “From playing to science and to riding, she is perfectly accomplished!”
“You are too kind to me, Mr Bingley,” the girl answered. “If I am accomplished in anything, it is only to my brother’s credit, and I am very grateful to him.”
“The only credit I can claim is to be fortunate enough to have you as my sister, dearest,” Darcy said affectionately. “Please allow me to escort you to the door and ask for Mrs Annesley to join you,” he whispered as they walked out of the room together.
The affection and bond between the Darcys were obvious and touching, but there was also a palpable tension that Elizabeth could easily understand.
The shadow of the previous year’s events in Ramsgate had clearly not dissipated yet, and the pain caused by the vicious scoundrel Wickham still seemed to grieve them.
“Will you stay in Derbyshire long, Mrs Gardiner?” Miss Bingley enquired.
“Our plans are not fixed,” the lady responded. “It depends on how much we enjoy our time here.”
The short answer displeased Mr Bingley’s sisters and satisfied Elizabeth.
It was a little mischief from Mrs Gardiner, and a small act of revenge for the lack of civility she and Jane had been forced to endure from Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst a few months ago in London when the arrogant and uncivil sisters had belatedly returned Jane’s visit.
Irritated and resentful of Miss Bingley’s incessant discourtesy, Elizabeth was tempted to mention Jane’s presence in town, being certain Mr Bingley was still oblivious to it.
But she restrained herself, fearing it might expose Mr Darcy to another unpleasant argument.
His comfort, she realised, a bit surprised, was more important to her than retaliation.
The master of Pemberley returned a few moments later, in obvious ill spirits. His efforts to behave amiably were apparent, and he concentrated his attention upon the Gardiners and Elizabeth, purposely ignoring the Bingley sisters.
“Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet, I know Mr Gardiner will join us again for a fishing party tomorrow. If you wished to tour Pemberley Park, I would suggest and gladly provide you with a small phaeton. I am sure my sister will be happy to drive you.”
“That would be wonderful, Mr Darcy! I mean, if it is not too much trouble,” Mrs Gardiner replied, overwhelmed by such generosity.
“I confess I have always dreamt of admiring the park in its entire splendour, and on foot it simply is not possible, even for such an accomplished walker as yourself, Lizzy. Dearest, I promise you will be enchanted!”
“From the little I have already seen, I am sure the whole estate is beautiful. I look forward to enjoying the views,” Elizabeth said, then blushed again, fearing her praises might be misunderstood.
“We have toured the park more often than I can remember, which is understandable since we visit Pemberley every year,” Miss Bingley interjected again.
“That is precisely why I addressed the invitation only to Miss Bennet and Mrs Gardiner,” Darcy replied sternly.
“Besides, neither you nor Louisa enjoy such rides,” Mr Bingley added.
“The last time we took a tour of the park, you declared it dull and demanded to return to the house rather quickly. But I know Miss Bennet is rather fond of outdoor activities. I still remember how she walked three miles from Longbourn to Netherfield, only to enquire after her sister. It was brave and kind-hearted!”
“I do not deserve such praise,” Elizabeth replied, her cheeks still crimson. “I acted just as any caring and affectionate sister would have done.”
“I agree with Bingley, Miss Bennet,” Darcy said, and their eyes locked briefly. “It was truly brave and kind-hearted on your part, as was your concern for my sister just now. And I hope you will enjoy Pemberley’s grounds as much as those in Hertfordshire.”
“I have no doubt that I will, Mr Darcy. And I look forward to it,” Elizabeth replied, wondering that she had never noticed before how warm and tender his dark gaze could be.
An hour later, the visit ended, and the guests were offered a carriage to return to the inn in Lambton where they had taken rooms. There would have been more regrets on both parts if not for the certainty that they would meet again the following day.
Darcy helped the ladies into the carriage, his eyes, as well as his fingers, meeting Elizabeth’s again. His heart was full, pounding stronger than ever before, and he stared after the party until they disappeared from his sight.
Only then did he return to the house, just in time to hear the Bingley sisters abusing Elizabeth while Hurst was filling his glass once more.
He was in no disposition to bear such company, so he ended any conversation with a simple request.
“Bingley, before we retire for the night, I need to speak to you briefly. There is something that I must tell you regarding Miss Bennet. Miss Jane Bennet, who stayed in London throughout the spring.”
Bingley stared at him, bewildered, while Caroline Bingley spilled her tea and Louisa Hurst gasped loudly.