Chapter 15
The sun filtered into the music room, where three girls were alternating between laughing and playing the piano.
Elizabeth started tinkling a sweet melody on the keys, then began adding chords. The other girls quieted, their attention caught by the playful tune. Then, Elizabeth began to sing.
He learnt to play when he was young.
The only tunes that he could play was,
Over the hills and far away.
Over the hills and a long way off,
The wind shall blow my top knot off.
Now Tom with his pipe made such a noise,
That he pleased both the girls and boys.
And they did dance when he did play,
Over the hills and far away.
Over the hills and a long way off,
The wind shall blow my top knot off.
Now Tom did play with such a skill,
That those nearby could not stand still.
And over Ireland they did dance,
Down to England, Spain and France.
Over the hills and a long way off,
The wind shall blow my top knot off. * *
When the sounds of the final notes dissipated, loud applause startled them. Darcy was standing just inside the door, clapping his hands. Behind him, Elizabeth could see several servants hurrying away, to continue their chores.
Darcy came further into the room, “Miss Bennet, that was delightful. Where do you find these pieces?”
She looked up to answer him, then froze. Standing tall, the sunlight streaming through the window behind him, he resembled an Adonis. The little smile he always smiled at her was tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Georgiana used her elbow to nudge Elizabeth.
“Well, I…,” she coughed to clear her throat.
“My uncle began purchasing sheet music for me when I was younger. I did not have the patience for longer pieces, and I did so love to sing. It became a joke and a challenge for him to find new treasures. This is an old nursery rhyme, I believe, originating from Scotland.”
“How charming. It is very clear your uncle and aunt Gardiner esteem you very much.”
He was still looking at her in that particular way. She swallowed, “It is mutual, I assure you.”
“Indeed. The Gardiners consider her quite as one of their own.” Everyone turned to see Mr Darcy and Lady Anne entering the room. He bowed slightly to Elizabeth, “That was a lovely performance. We could hear you as we came down the corridor.”
She blushed. “I thank you, sir.”
His gaze alternated between Elizabeth and his son, “Fitzwilliam, were you aware Elizabeth played chess?”
Before their friendship, she would have taken offense at his look of surprise. Now, she was cognizant of his delight. “No. I am amazed it has not come up yet in our conversations. Miss Bennet, should you like to play a game?”
She looked between Georgiana and Anne, hopefully, “Do you mind?” Elizabeth very much wanted to play chess with Darcy, but in no way did she want to make Georgiana feel pushed aside.
“Not at all, Lizzy. Anne and I shall work on her fingering. She will be dreaming of scales by the time we are finished.” The girls all smiled and Elizabeth squeezed their hands, “I thank you both.” Elizabeth left them to join Darcy, missing the knowing look shared between the cousins.
Mr Darcy and Lady Anne watched the young people, indulgently. It warmed Lady Anne’s heart to witness the joy shared between her children, Anne, and Elizabeth.
“Father,” Darcy had set up a table with two chairs placed on either side, but now frowned at the sounds of music emitting from the piano. “May we use the one in the library?”
His father’s eyes narrowed. “I think it best to have the smaller set brought in here. The arrangement you prepared should answer all proprieties.”
“Very well.” Darcy instructed a footman to retrieve the small set, and shortly, the couple was seated across from one another. The sounds of music and soft laughter accompanied their game.
After a few moves, Elizabeth realised her opponent was the stronger player. Aware that he might attempt to take it easy on her, she admonished him, “You must play to the best of your ability, sir. Win or lose, I wish to do so on my own merit.”
Darcy looked at her in that intense manner of his and nodded. He eventually won, but it was a hard-fought game. “I am impressed, Miss Bennet. You play well and I look forward to meeting you across the battlefield again.” One side of his mouth lifted in a smile giving her a glimpse of one dimple.
“Papa taught me when I was a child.” She tilted her head. “Fair warning, sir. I will learn your strategies, and perhaps one day be victorious.” Her crooked smile teased him in return, her eyes sparkling with delight.
“Then I look forward to that day.” He leaned in a little closer as his voice grew deeper. “For it shall mean we have met many times over the chessboard, and I cannot think of a more pleasant way or with a more beguiling partner with whom to spend an afternoon.”
His eyes were soft and warm. And she was spell-bound. His smile widened, in a slow lazy manner, as if he knew the effect he was having on her. Her breath hitched, and her tongue flicked out to moisten her dry lips.
A cough nearby startled them and Darcy looked around, to find his father standing nearby. They both startled back, flushing bright pink in embarrassment. Elizabeth looked down to stare at her clasped hands in her lap.
Darcy stood abruptly. “Excuse me, I had not realised the time.” He offered a jerky bow and spun, his long legs swiftly removing him from the room.
Elizabeth was desperate to regain her composure. She could not lift her eyes from her hands, so she did not see Mr Darcy slowly shake his head, pursing his lips to hide a smile.
~ / ~
Alone in her room after readying for bed was the first moment Elizabeth had to ponder their chess game.
She sat before the desk with paper and ink, intending to compose a letter to Jane. However, with her feelings in such turmoil, words refused to come. She pulled her feet up to the chair and clasped her arms around her legs, resting her chin on her knees.
Darcy had become a friend, despite their rough beginning. Her heart whispered it held more than friendship for him. He is exactly what a young man ought to be, handsome, intelligent, and charming–when he puts his mind to it. Darcy has shown himself to be worthy of respect and admiration.
She rubbed at her chest, feeling that tightness again. Dismayed over her heart’s betrayal.
How could she have gone and fallen in love with him? However much he had changed, he was still far above her sphere. There was no way to cross that social divide. She knew she must lock her feelings away and pray to overcome them some day. Fitzwilliam Darcy could only ever be a friend.
Giving herself a shake, Elizabeth sat straight and picked up her pen.
May, 1808, Gardiner residence, London
Dear Jane,
I hope you are all well.
Despite the fear of Mama’s laments, I believe it is time I return to Longbourn.
The season is beginning to wind down and the time for my return will arrive soon enough, in any case.
I was not as successful as you in catching myself a husband, not that I was seeking one, as you know.
I fear a long summer awaits me, enduring Mama’s loud complaints.
But I have a plan, dear Jane. I shall linger outside all day, using the pretext of assisting our steward.
I have learned much about estate management from a friend.
A ready excuse, but sadly, one which would make Mama even more impatient with me.
Might you have you any suggestions for your favourite sister?
I love you, and miss you dearly,
Lizzy
Elizabeth put down the pen and leaned back in the chair. Apprehensive of the return home, she dreaded the future even more. Longbourn would surely prove to be a cold, lonely place. One where her heart no longer resided.
Elizabeth blew out her candle and crawled into bed. When the tears came, she smothered her sobs into her pillow, eventually crying herself to sleep.
~ / ~
Elizabeth began decreasing the amount of time she spent at Darcy House. At first, it was merely once or twice. She easily attributed her work at Foundling House as an excuse.
Next, she made a point of attending outings with Abigail Mansfield and Lady Rosamund. Depending on the activity, Anne joined them if possible.
At one outing Anne extended her gratitude, “Rosamund, thank you for introducing me to your friends. I am happy to get to know you, too.”
“Indeed, Anne. It was about time your mother realised you needed to take your place in Society. I am sure we will find you a beau, if not this Season, then the next.” Suddenly she gasped.
“I have the most wonderful idea. We shall throw a house party at Rosings this summer! The warm weather shall show Rosings at its finest.”
Horrified, Anne exclaimed, “Oh, but…”
Lady Rosamund grabbed Anne’s hands. “Do you not see, Anne? You shall feel more comfortable in your own home. Your mother cannot object if we limit the guest list to those most suitable. It is a capital idea!”
“Elizabeth, you shall come, too.” Lady Rosamund commanded her, but Elizabeth demurred. She agreed it was a fine idea for Anne, but had no plans to join them if it meant putting herself in Darcy’s company.
~ / ~
Darcy walked briskly into the music room where Georgiana was playing a mournful tune. “Georgie, I have not seen Eli- Miss Bennet here these many days.”
Georgiana sighed, “She has been busy with her volunteering, and she has also been spending more time with Rosamund and Anne.”
She looked forlorn, and he did not blame her. Everyone at Darcy House was feeling the lack of Elizabeth’s presence.
A similar conversation was taking place in the Gardiner’s home. “Edward, have you noticed aught amiss with Lizzy?”
“Hmm? No. Why do you ask?” Mr Gardiner looked up from his paper.
Mrs Gardiner regarded her husband in exasperation. “She is quieter. Although her schedule is still full, her activities have been more diverse, and she barely visits Darcy House anymore.”
“Well, that certainly makes sense. Miss Darcy is a lovely girl, but Elizabeth would want to spend time with people her age.”