In the Wilds of Derbyshire Page 15

  “I teased her about being my future sister,” said Georgiana with blithe unconcern.

  “Why would you do such a thing?” demanded Darcy. On the other side of the table, Fitzwilliam was chortling at the scene, and though Darcy glared at him, it had little effect. “That is not proper, Georgiana.”

  “As I told her at the time,” said Mrs. Annesley, her countenance set with displeasure.

  “I do not think you need to concern yourself with propriety, Mrs. Annesley,” said Fitzwilliam. “Miss Bennet strikes me as the kind of woman who would be diverted by such silliness.”

  “Perhaps she would. But there are many reasons why such statements should not be made.”

  “I agree,” said Darcy, feeling more than a little cross with his sister.

  Georgiana, however, only rolled her eyes. “I know Lizzy well enough to know that she was not offended. She was surprised, but she recovered quickly.”

  “Still, that is not the kind of statement you should make.”

  “I will guard my tongue, Brother. You may be assured of it.”

  Her manner was anything but contrite, but Darcy decided against reprimanding her any further. It truly had been a minor misstep, after all, one between young ladies who were, by all accounts, becoming fast friends. Georgiana’s behavior had never been a problem before, so there was little reason to make an issue of it now.

  “But now that you mention it,” said Georgiana, a mischievous glint in her eye, “I believe I would like to have Lizzy as a sister very well, indeed. When were you planning on paying court to her?”

  By this time Fitzwilliam was almost falling off his seat, he was laughing so hard. Mrs. Annesley still watched her charge with disapproval, though Darcy could easily sense a hint of amusement in her manner as well. For his part, Darcy was wondering what had happened to his sister.

  “Are you truly Georgiana?” asked he, though not without a teasing hint in his tone. “My shy little sister, who would barely speak to me only a few months ago?”

  Georgiana shrugged. “I have fallen in with young ladies who are much more confident. I would think you would be happy that they have imparted to me a little of their assurance.”

  “The confidence I can accept. It is the impertinence that has me struggling.”

  “I believe Miss Bennet is to blame for that,” interjected Fitzwilliam. “Miss Drummond can hardly be called impertinent.”

  “Neither is Lizzy,” said Georgiana, frowning at them both. “She is merely lively, and I will not have you censuring her.”

  “We do not,” Darcy was quick to say. “I have nothing but praise for the way she comports herself. But you must own that you have made a startling change. You must allow your cousin and me a little time to accustom ourselves to it.”

  “You have not answered my question, Brother.”

  “No, I have not,” replied Darcy. This time his pointed look caused her to subside, though not with much grace. She was chastened, but Darcy could easily tell that she was not about to allow him to remain silent.

  “I do find that Miss Bennet interests me, Georgiana,” said Darcy at length, surrendering as much as he was willing. “But I have not decided what to do about it yet. She is everything that is good and amiable, but I do not know if we would suit or if she is equipped to be the mistress of Pemberley.”

  Georgiana looked skyward. “Of course, she is capable, Brother. She is intelligent. She is capable of anything she chooses to do, I am absolutely certain.”

  “Mrs. Reynolds will help her,” said Fitzwilliam. “In your excellent housekeeper, you have the perfect situation for a young woman who has been raised in a smaller household. I am certain she will have no difficulty in training Miss Bennet.”

  “I believe that is quite enough, from both of you,” said Darcy, bestowing his disapproval on each of them in turn. “I think very highly of Miss Bennet, but I have not known her long enough to come to any conclusions. I will not have either of you embarrass her with such talk.”

  “I believe we are well able to hold our tongues when in company,” said Fitzwilliam, though his amusement never lessened.

  “Be that as it may, I do not wish to hear of it again. Whatever happens between Miss Bennet and myself will happen at a pace comfortable to us both. There is nothing more you need to know.”

  Having said as much, Darcy turned back to his breakfast, intent upon ignoring his overbearing relations. He did not miss the glance of amusement which passed between them, but since no more was said, he decided to be content with that.”

  At Kingsdown, Elizabeth was experiencing the same frustration as Mr. Darcy, but in her case it was at the instigation of her cousin. With four sisters, it could hardly be assumed that she had no experience with the teasing of others. As none of her sisters was nearby to provide the service, it appeared Olivia took it upon herself to do it in their stead.

  “You seem to be a little distracted today, Lizzy,” said she the next day while they were working in the gardens. “I have not known you to be this quiet since you arrived in Derbyshire.”

  Elizabeth grasped at a small weed and pulled it free, tossing it to the side where the weeds they had pulled were accumulating. “This work tends to allow for introspection. Jane and I would often work in the gardens of Longbourn for some time without exchanging any words at all.”

  A giggle was Olivia’s response. “I might almost believe you, had you not been quiet since our return from Pemberley yesterday. It is not surprising since a handsome gentleman may take many a maiden’s breath away.”

  “Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy are handsome, indeed,” said Elizabeth, hoping that her cheeks were not coloring. “But it does not necessarily follow that my thoughts were focused on them.”

  “If they are not, I must think you a simpleton.”

  “To what do these comments tend?” asked Elizabeth, beginning to feel a little cross.

  “Only that you seem to like Mr. Darcy very well, indeed,” replied Olivia. Her casual response and hidden grin suggested that she had not heard the warning note in Elizabeth’s tone. “And why should you not? He is eligible, handsome, tall, and ever so attentive.”

  “And he is of a level of society much higher than the one I can boast,” said Elizabeth.

  Olivia finally seemed to sense that Elizabeth was a little annoyed at the teasing, for she looked at Elizabeth, a question written upon her brow. Elizabeth felt her irritation drain away; even she and Jane had sometimes exchanged such teases. There was no reason to now feel defensive because Olivia had taken up Jane’s standard.

  “I do like Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth with a sigh. “But I am also realistic. Men of his level of society and wealth do not focus their attentions on penniless country misses.”

  “I am certain Mr. Darcy thinks of more than just those things.” Olivia’s tone was reproving.

  “Perhaps he does,” replied Elizabeth. “But it would not do to hope for such attentions, knowing that the likelihood of them ever being offered is so low. I do not wish to make myself unhappy.”

  These words seemed to sober Olivia. “I understand.” The girl sighed. “But would it not be wonderful if he did offer them?”

  “I believe it would, as long as the man is not odious or of suspect hygiene.” Elizabeth giggled. “I have been wooed by such a gentleman, and it is in no way agreeable, I assure you.”

  “You have been courted?” asked Olivia, wide-eyed.

  “If you can call it that,” replied Elizabeth, shaking her head at the memory. “I believe I mentioned that my father’s cousin visited Longbourn last autumn?” At Olivia’s nodded head, Elizabeth continued: “He came with the intention of extending my family an ‘olive branch’ to heal the breach between our respective families. My father and his, you see, had argued many years ago and become estranged because of it.”

  “He was not agreeable?”

  Elizabeth shook her head, laughing. “He is tall, but
portly, his shoulders hunched due to an overly submissive nature, his hair is lanky and thinning at the top of his head, and he is perhaps the most obsequious man I have ever met. Furthermore, I believe he subscribes to a faction of the church which believes bathing to be immoral, for I could not walk downwind from him without gagging.”

  By the time she finished her description, Olivia was laughing with abandon. “Did you not say that your younger sister married this man?”

  “Aye, she did. Mr. Collins was devastated by my refusal and waited all of a day to offer his hand to Mary, and her acceptance was given with equal swiftness. I dare say they are well suited for each other. Mr. Collins’s peculiar mixture of sycophancy and arrogance are easily a match for my sister’s moralistic tendencies and haughty disapproval of anything that brings one joy in life. I have no doubt that they read Fordyce’s sermons together every night before they retire, and they spend several hours each day convincing themselves that the attention of a notorious busybody, whose feet my cousin kisses at every opportunity, is a blessing, rather than a curse.”

  “No, Lizzy!” exclaimed Olivia, gasping with laughter. “Surely you are exaggerating.”

  “Perhaps,” replied Elizabeth, with only a hint of a smile. “But it is not far from the truth. They may be rather well suited, but for my part, I would prefer to be courted by a man who has spent more than a single day admiring me, and whose devotion is more than the work of a moment.”

  Olivia shook her head, her manner once again serious. “Then I hope you find it. Mr. Darcy is not the kind of man to bestow his attentions on a lady frivolously, I dare say.”

  “No, but thus far no such attentions have been offered, Olivia.”

  A snort nearby startled the girls, and they looked up to see Mrs. Drummond looking down on them, contempt in her air. She said nothing beyond that look and turned away, but Elizabeth could not help but be mortified that she had overheard them speaking.

  “Do not listen to my mother,” said Olivia, as she watched her mother’s retreat. “I have teased you this morning, but I truly believe I have seen some measure of admiration in Mr. Darcy’s manner toward you. I know not if he will act upon it, but I do not think he is indifferent.”

  “I am also not indifferent to him,” replied Elizabeth, speaking more to herself than her cousin. “But as I have stated, I have no desire to make myself unhappy over him. If he does pay his compliments to me, I shall receive them in the spirit in which they are intended. I have nothing else to say and no expectations beyond friendship.”

  “I understand, Lizzy. But as you have told me, anything is possible. I will pray for this for you, for I believe he is the kind of man who can make you happy.”

  “And I shall pray for it for you, dearest,” replied Elizabeth. “I would see you as happy.”

  They returned to their tasks in silence, and Elizabeth’s mind was a riot of conflicting emotions. She had spoken the truth—she was not indifferent to Mr. Darcy. At times, he gave the impression of being far too sober and severe, but Elizabeth understood he was a very good man and master, a man who would answer all her desires of intelligence, companionship, and love, should he only love her in return. But something Olivia had said also rang true: she was certain that Mr. Darcy was the kind of man who could make her happy. One did not meet such men every day.

  Later that same week brought another sojourn to Lambton. The bulk of the dresses they had ordered for Olivia were due to be completed, and she was to return for a final fitting. At the same time, they had decided to accept Lady Emily’s invitation to call on her. Thus, after a conversation with Mr. Drummond, wherein they confirmed the availability of the carriage and the driver, they set out.

  The business at the dressmaker was completed quickly. As Elizabeth had noted previously, Mrs. Richards was competent at her craft, and there was relatively little to be done to the dresses she had completed. Elizabeth wondered what Miss Bingley would say if she saw them purchasing dresses from a dressmaker in a country town. No doubt she would sneer and exclaim as to their country manners, insinuate that such dresses were more than good enough for those of such a low status. But then what a shock she would receive to learn that Georgiana Darcy was also a patron of Mrs. Richards’s! Elizabeth almost hoped to be able to see her face should such intelligence be revealed. Surely the woman would expire from horror!

  When they had completed their tasks at the dressmaker, they stepped out into the streets of Lambton once again, intending to be on their way to visit Lady Emily. It was a glorious spring day, the sun shining brightly, lending its warmth to the land below. The streets of Lambton were alive with activity, townsfolk hurrying this way and that, some going about their daily tasks, while others appeared to be engaged in nothing more urgent than a leisurely stroll. Interspersed with the townsfolk a few top hats and bonnets of gentlemen and their ladies could be seen. A tall man detached himself from the press and approached them, doffing his hat and bowing to them. It was Mr. Darcy.

  “Good morning Miss Bennet, Miss Drummond,” said he. “I see you are once again taking advantage of the amenities this fair town offers.”

  Olivia stifled a giggle and shot Elizabeth a meaningful look, but Elizabeth ignored her, concentrating on this man before them. “We were actually at the dressmaker’s for Olivia’s final fitting for her new gowns. A lady must have new clothes if she is to join society.”

  “And often when she is not joining society,” replied Mr. Darcy, “as my sister often informs me. But Mrs. Richards seems to be more than competent at her work. I hope you enjoy your new finery, Miss Drummond.”

  Elizabeth could not help but smile at Mr. Darcy’s endorsement, especially in light of her speculations concerning one Caroline Bingley. If the Bingleys were to come to Derbyshire, she would have to find some way to make Georgiana’s patronage known to the insufferable woman.

  “Thank you, sir,” replied Olivia. “Elizabeth also purchased a new dress, you know. Perhaps she will wear it to the next assembly.”

  It was clear that Mr. Darcy did not quite know how to take Olivia’s statement. A feeling of mortification stole over Elizabeth at such brazen coquetry, and she hurried to say:

  “How is your sister this morning?”

  “Georgiana is well,” replied Mr. Darcy, seeming grateful for the change of subject. “When I left Pemberley this morning, she was engaged at the pianoforte with Mrs. Annesley.”

  “It seems to me your sister is almost always to be found at the pianoforte,” said Elizabeth. “Have you had much luck in guiding her to other studies, or does she defy you at every turn?”

  Mr. Darcy laughed. “Indeed, at times it is difficult. Georgiana loves her music and takes every opportunity to indulge in it. Fortunately, Mrs. Annesley, though not a strict taskmistress, will not allow Georgiana to spend all her time in such pursuits and insists on other studies as well.”

  “Well, it is to her credit that she is so diligent. Would that I could be half so industrious. There are far too many activities I enjoy to spend as much time practicing as I obviously should.”

  They spent some few moments talking on the street before Mr. Darcy excused himself, citing the business for which he had come to Lambton. Elizabeth and Olivia curtseyed and said their farewells, after which they returned to the Drummond carriage for the short drive to Lady Emily’s estate.

  “Surely you did not miss the way Mr. Darcy was paying attention to you,” said Olivia when they had set out. “I might as well have been invisible, for all the attention he paid me.”

  “Perhaps he might have paid more attention to you if not for your comment,” said Elizabeth, turning a pointed look at her cousin.

  Olivia had the grace to appear ashamed. “I should not have said that, should I?”

  “No, you should not.” Elizabeth sighed and turned a wan smile on her cousin. “Olivia, you must understand that there is a time for teasing and a time to be silent. With such comments, Mr. Darcy might think tha
t I am trying to throw myself at him.”

  “Surely not!”

  “I do not believe he did,” soothed Elizabeth, “but fortune hunters are rife in our society, and I am certain Mr. Darcy has had to endure them as long as he has been master of his estate. I would not wish him to think that of me.”

  “I am sorry, Elizabeth,” said a truly contrite Olivia. “I had not thought of it in such a way.”

  “I know you did not,” replied Elizabeth, grasping her cousin’s hand and squeezing it, showing her forgiveness. “I know you esteem me highly and believe that Mr. Darcy would benefit from having me as a wife, and I thank you for your regard. But you must understand the way society works. I am naught but a country gentleman’s daughter, and I have very little in the way of dowry. I am hopeful that I will find a man who will look past such disadvantages and offer for me, but I must also be wary of setting my sights too high. Mr. Darcy possesses high connections and a handsome estate—he can aspire to much more than I can offer in a wife.”

  “If you will have difficulty marrying, then what hope do I have?” asked Olivia, a hint of petulance in her voice.

  “You always have hope, my dear cousin. There are many good men in the world. I am trying to teach you how to behave in society and to value yourself appropriately. Your chances of marrying well are as good as mine, I dare say, but I cannot promise you the hand of a duke. Instead, I would have you search for a good man, one who complements you, who will love you for who you are, rather than what you can bring to him. It matters not whether he is a parson or a gentleman. All that matters is that you are happy.

  “And let me reiterate now that should Mr. Darcy turn his attentions to me, I will accept them with pleasure and gratitude, but I will not marry him unless I am convinced I am in love with him and he with me. I would rather remain unmarried than bind myself to a man with whom I will be miserable. And I most assuredly will not give him the impression that I am attempting to provoke his interest through underhanded means.”