Chapter 14
Several days had passed since the ball at Matlock House and Mrs Gardiner was concerned for her niece. Elizabeth was pale and out of sorts. More alarming, she has stayed close to home, not even venturing out for a walk.
“Lizzy, I believe going outside will do you good. You have not been for a walk since the ball. It is very unlike you, especially with the weather holding so fine. I begin to think we should call for a doctor.”
“I am well, Aunt. I am simply having trouble sleeping.”
“Then fresh air is exactly what you need. You always say it improves your mood.” Mrs Gardiner took Elizabeth’s hand and pulled her up, giving her a push toward the door. “Go on now, the children are busy with their lessons, and not a cloud can be seen in the sky.”
Elizabeth was dressed and out the door within minutes, a maid accompanying her. With a shrug, she walked towards the park, though at a slower pace than was her wont.
Once inside the park she paid no attention to her direction or where she placed her feet. The maid remained alert and touched Elizabeth’s elbow several times to prevent her from stumbling.
Elizabeth kept her head bowed, her eyes unfocused on the path. The sudden appearance of a fine pair of Hessian boots directly in front of her forced her to stop. Her head shot up and a quiet gasp passed her lips. Hesitating a moment, she curtseyed, whispering, “Mr Darcy.”
Darcy bowed and solemnly replied to her greeting, “Miss Bennet.” He noted her red rimmed eyes and frowned fearing he had contributed to her distress.
Taking a deep breath, he began quickly, “Miss Bennet–”
“Mr Darcy–”
They exchanged embarrassed smiles. “Miss Bennet, may I go first?”
She nodded, “But, pray let us continue walking.”
Elizabeth moved forward and Darcy fell into step beside her, his arms clasped behind his back.
“I owe you an apology, Miss Bennet. The truth is, I am ashamed to say, I owe you many apologies. From the first night we were introduced, I have behaved abominably. I sent a note of apology to Mr and Mrs Gardiner, but I fear my behaviour has never truly been corrected. I have behaved in a most ungentlemanlike manner and am heartily ashamed of myself.”
An uncomfortable silence rested between them, until he cleared his throat, “I, uh, I overheard your words to Anne… at the ball.”
“I should not have berated you to Anne.” Elizabeth sighed, “I was upset by what you said to your friends. Although I should not have been, my mother has called me a nobody my whole life. But overhearing you–”
His face blanched, “I did not mean it! They were asking about you, and would not leave me be. I am afraid I just blurted it out to put them off. I am most heartily sorry.” He had stopped walking and touched her arm to gain her attention.
She turned to face him. Sincerity was evident in his expression and in his intent gaze.
She shook her head slowly, “That was the first thing you could think of to get them to cease their taunts?” He could see a faint twinkle in her eyes, and relief flooded him that she could still tease him.
He smiled ruefully. “I think when the angels were handing out the blessings of articulation, they decidedly passed me over.”
Huffing a soft laugh, Elizabeth contemplated his words. “It seems neither of us were at our best that evening.” She faced forward again and continued walking. “Do you think we might be able to start over, and perhaps, try to be friends?”
“Friends?”
She looked around the brim of her bonnet to see his face, “Do you not wish it?”
“O-Of course I do!”
“Very well.” She stopped and curtseyed, “I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn, in Hertfordshire. I am staying in town with my wonderful relations, who are in trade.” She looked up at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Darcy gave her a regal bow, “Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, in Derbyshire. I too have a wonderful family, but I, unfortunately, possess the unique talent of misspeaking at the worst possible moment.”
She laughed gaily, a smile lighting up her face. Darcy’s breath caught. It would be a privilege indeed to be the man who sees that smile gracing her lovely face every day. It was a heady thought, but one he clamped down immediately. It was far too soon for either of them to know their hearts.
While his thoughts were distracted, hers suddenly focused on something he had said. “My aunt mentioned you sent a note.”
His eyes closed, “Yes…” He opened them but could not look at her, scuffing a toe of one boot into the ground. “My Mother forbade me to speak with them, so I wrote.”
A question was on the tip of her tongue, wanting to know why and if he really meant his unkind words from that night. But the newness of their friendship kept the words from passing beyond her lips.
They walked in silence until it was broken by Darcy, “Miss Bennet, I must say you are far from nobody, your mother is quite wrong. In fact, you are quite the opposite,” he paused, “you are lovely in every way that matters.”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks burn, too overcome to offer a response.
“I have one more task to complete here today.” Darcy gestured for them to continue walking. “I am afraid Georgiana is fretting.”
Elizabeth found her voice. “That would be due to my silence. Please tell her I shall send a note to inquire when she and Anne can meet.”
He coughed, a pink flush colouring his cheeks. “Anne is at the Matlock’s for a time.”
Her brows rose but she made no response, for which he was grateful.
“I will tell Georgiana to expect your note.” He took Elizabeth’s hand and bowed low over it, before straightening and walking away.
~ / ~
With the new understanding between them, their comfort in each other’s company increased. Georgiana was ecstatic to see Elizabeth on the days she had available, and William frequently kept them company. Eventually, Lady Catherine and Anne returned to Darcy House.
The evening events Elizabeth attended held further pleasure, knowing Darcy would be present.
He never failed to ask her for a set if there was dancing, the supper set being his first choice.
Having overcome resentment and miscommunication they now found much in common.
Conversation between them was all ease and comfortable rapport.
While differences of opinions arose, all it took was a lift of Elizabeth’s eyebrow to quell Darcy’s hauteur.
It was a habit he did not immediately conquer, but he was in a fair way of discerning when he became overbearing.
His mask still made an appearance, particularly when ladies of the Ton proved to be tenacious in their efforts to capture his attention.
Elizabeth took great pleasure in knowing a gentleman who welcomed her thoughts and opinions, even when they contradicted his own. Only Mr Bennet had ever encouraged the liveliness of her mind. Her love of debate was sharpened upon the whetstone of Darcy’s intellect.
One morning Elizabeth and Georgiana were alone in the music room, practicing duets. Anne had yet to join them and Darcy had gone out.
“Lizzy,” Georgiana was twirling a strand of her hair. “Do you like my brother?”
Elizabeth started. Her feelings for young Darcy were in utter disorder, and she certainly did not mean to discuss them with his sister. “Why do you ask?”
“You spend a great deal of time together.”
“I spend time with you. And your brother accompanies us.” She trilled a chord on the piano.
“Yeesss…” Georgiana stated in a singsong manner. “But you and he talk to one another, ever so much.” Georgiana had abandoned all pretence of playing the piano.
“Georgiana, have I been neglecting you?” Elizabeth smirked at the young girl.
“Oh no, Lizzy, not at all.” She rushed to assure her friend. “It is just…” Georgiana gushed out, “I would be so very happy to have you as my sister.”
“Georgiana!” Elizabeth laughed, pushing the young girl with her shoulder.
“It is not appropriate to speak of such things. Your brother and I are friends. That is all. I would not wish to become fodder for rumours in Town,” she gave the younger girl a firm look, “and I do not think your family would appreciate it either.”
Georgiana hung her head to hide her heated cheeks.
“Come now, none of that. You honour me to feel so. Regardless of my friendship with your brother, it would please me to have you as a sister of the heart.”
“Really?” Georgiana’s countenance lit up with joy.
“Really! Foolish child... Are we not good friends? You are as dear to me as any of my sisters, and Anne is not far behind. However,” Elizabeth lowered her voice to a whisper, “I would not wish to rile your aunt by saying so.”
This elicited a laugh, which Elizabeth intended. She leaned closer, saying softly, “No more talk of this, I beg you. Agreed?”
Georgiana nodded and laid her head on Elizabeth’s shoulder.
This was not the only uncomfortable conversation Elizabeth would have to endure. The very next day Mrs Gardiner sat her down for a little chat.
“Lizzy, it seems you are enjoying the time with your friends.”
“I am, Aunt. Since Mr Darcy and I have settled our differences, it has been wonderful being with him– them.”
Mrs Gardiner searched her niece’s face, “And, what of the young man?”
Elizabeth inelegantly shrugged one shoulder. “We share many of the same interests. I find the time disappears once we begin to converse. He even describes to me the estate work he is learning with his father.
“It does sound as if you have grown fond of him.”
“He is a friend,” Elizabeth replied simply.
Mrs Gardiner could see her niece was reticent. “Very well, but know you can speak with me anytime.”
Elizabeth raised her eyes to meet her aunt’s, “I understand. I–” She stopped. “I do not believe there will be anything to discuss.”
Mrs Gardiner let the subject drop, yet a nagging fear for her niece remained lodged in her heart.
~ / ~
Not all who noticed the new friendship viewed it with a kind eye.
One evening attending the theatre with a large party, Anne and Elizabeth exited the retiring room only to be accosted by a young woman around their own age.