In the Wilds of Derbyshire Page 17

  But to dislike a woman for nothing more than hearsay and rumor was not logical either, and Darcy firmly decided to defer making an opinion on her until he was introduced to her. It may be that it was nothing more than a misunderstanding. Surely Bingley would not marry a mean-spirited and proud woman—though his friend had often fallen in love in the past, Darcy was certain he possessed more discernment than that.

  While he was immersed in these thoughts, the house came into view and soon they had reached it. There was no one in evidence in the immediate vicinity, and though Darcy strained to catch a glimpse of Miss Bennet, she did not appear. He hid his disappointment and turned to his companion to wish him a good day.

  “Thank you for dealing fairly with me, Darcy,” said Mr. Drummond, extending his hand. “I am glad we were able to work the matter out to our mutual benefit.”

  “Of course, Drummond. I appreciate your own actions in the matter.”

  “Shall you not stay for dinner tonight? We would be pleased to have you.”

  Though Darcy was tempted, he did not wish to impose on such short notice. Of more importance, he did not wish to appear eager to once again be in Miss Bennet’s company.

  “I am expected back at Pemberley tonight, so I shall have to decline. But I thank you for the offer.”

  “Very well. Perhaps some other night? We would be happy if your cousin and sister could also attend.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Drummond. We shall be pleased to accept.”

  They spoke a few more moments, confirming the date and then Darcy departed. Though he had not met Miss Bennet that day, he was pleased with the outcome. He would see her at dinner, and it was likely they would cross paths during the coming week.

  Though Darcy thought the ladies were not present, he was, in fact, incorrect, as the ladies—or lady—in question were watching him and Mr. Drummond from the window of the lady’s bedroom. And though he could not know the content of their conversation, he would have been highly gratified to know that the she in question was no more unaffected by him as he was by her.

  “Mr. Darcy is very handsome,” said Olivia with a sigh as she watched as he spoke with her father for a few moments. “I can see why you like him so.”

  “I cannot think any young woman would not be affected by such an eligible man,” replied Elizabeth.

  The two girls watched as the two men shook hands and Mr. Darcy turned his horse and began to ride away. His bearing was erect, and his hands on the reins, casual, as if he was well accustomed to his current position atop the great beast. He truly was a fine figure of a man.

  “Be serious, Lizzy,” said Olivia as she turned away from the window. “I am not attempting to tease you, and I would not wish you to own to anything you do not feel. But I have watched you together with Mr. Darcy, and I am certain you like him very well, indeed. Can you claim otherwise?”

  Sighing, Elizabeth turned away from the window, where Mr. Darcy was naught but a speck in the distance. “I do not deny it, Olivia. As I said, I cannot imagine there is any young lady who cannot admire him. But that does not mean that I will do something so gauche as to throw myself at him or attempt to capture him. No matter how much I esteem a man, I will not remove his freedom of choice. I am not Miss Bingley.”

  “Miss Bingley?” asked Olivia, confused. “Your new brother’s sister?”

  Elizabeth could not stifle her giggle. She had not intended to make the comment, but as it had slipped out, she supposed there was no harm in telling Olivia about her new sister-in-law.

  “Indeed,” said Elizabeth. “She is one of the most disagreeable young ladies I have ever had the misfortune to meet. She is haughty and proud; she disdained Hertfordshire society and was particularly opposed to my sister’s marriage to her brother.”

  “How do you know this?”

  “Come now, Olivia,” said Elizabeth, rolling her eyes. “I am perfectly capable of observing a person’s reactions, and Miss Bingley is far easier to understand than most.”

  “But her background,” sputtered Olivia. “Her father’s fortune was made in trade, was it not?”

  “It was,” said Elizabeth, “not that I hold that against her—my mother’s brother is a tradesman, as I am certain you know. She is an oddity. In company, she behaves as if she is Queen Charlotte herself. Though she was initially looked on with awe when she and her brother came to the neighborhood, most soon learned to recognize her disgust, and she quickly gained the reputation of being disagreeable, not that she would care.”

  “Your poor sister,” said Olivia with feeling. “I should not like to be burdened with so disagreeable a sister.”

  “I cannot but agree,” replied Elizabeth.

  Olivia turned a severe frown on Elizabeth. “You changed the subject, Lizzy.”

  “I believe it was you who changed the subject, Olivia,” replied Elizabeth. “You asked me about Miss Bingley.”

  “But you commented on her, expecting that I would ask.”

  “Perhaps I did.”

  “So, what do you think of Mr. Darcy?”

  Sighing, Elizabeth shook her head at her cousin’s single-mindedness. “I esteem him very much. He is a good man and quite handsome. If he should deign to pay his addresses to me, I would be happy to accept them, hoping to understand him better and determine if my feelings could be engaged. But at present, that is all I think of Mr. Darcy. Will that do?”

  The hint of warning in Elizabeth’s tone suggested that Olivia had best drop the subject, and to the girl’s credit, she did so, after a fashion.

  “I will not push you, Lizzy. I understand your reprimand. But I will say that I think his interest in you is greater than you believe at present.”

  “It may be. Only time will tell.”

  “Dinner at Kingsdown?”

  The snicker which accompanied Fitzwilliam’s words was roundly ignored by Darcy. His sister’s response took his attention in any case.

  “That is good news, indeed, Brother! I am so happy you accepted, for I am eager to see my friends again!”

  “By my count you have seen them frequently already,” replied Darcy.

  “Yes, I have!” exclaimed Georgiana. “But I cannot have enough of their society! Olivia is so quiet and thoughtful, like me in character. And Elizabeth is funny and happy. I cannot but think that I would learn much by watching her.”

  “I believe you are correct, Georgiana,” interjected Fitzwilliam. “Miss Bennet is as confident a young lady as I have ever seen. She would be an uncommonly good mentor for you.”

  Georgiana beamed at Fitzwilliam happily, but Darcy noted the sly look Fitzwilliam directed at him, and it was all he could do to refrain from rolling his eyes. Fortunately for Darcy’s peace of mind, Fitzwilliam did not seem inclined to continue in that line of conversation, though as he listened to Georgiana’s continuing commentary on the virtues of her new friends, his smiles suggested continued amusement.

  When Georgiana finally exhausted her store of words, she excused herself for the evening, leaving Darcy in the company of his cousin. Then, of course, Fitzwilliam’s wit would not be restrained.

  “So, dinner at the Drummond’s with the exquisite Miss Bennet in attendance. I suppose that makes up for the fact that you did not catch a glimpse of her today when you attended Mr. Drummond.”

  “How do you know I did not meet her?” asked Darcy with a frown. He did not think he had mentioned it.

  “For the simple reason that you did not speak of her,” replied Fitzwilliam, taking a sip from the glass he held in his hand. “You usually have some comment or other to make when you have spoken to her. I have found some of her observations to be rather droll.”

  Darcy decided any response would open himself up to further teasing, so he remained silent.

  “Have you decided on a course of action?” asked Fitzwilliam, all traces of teasing absent from his voice.

  “I have not,” replied Darcy. “As you have so eloquently
pointed out more than once, I find her intriguing and wish to know more of her. I assume our interactions in the coming days and weeks will tell me what I wish to know.”

  “And Lady Emily?”

  Darcy was confused. “What of her?”

  “She is eligible, single, beautiful, possesses a fine dowry, and should you marry her, your eldest son would be a future earl.”

  “I have never paid a hint of attention to her. Why would you think that I have an interest in her, especially considering the teasing you have subjected me to regarding Miss Bennet?”

  “No reason. In fact, you have only confirmed my suspicions. Most men would jump at the chance to engage such a woman, especially when she makes her interest so well known.”

  “You have me completely perplexed, Fitzwilliam. I know not of any interest Lady Emily has expressed in me.”

  “It is of no matter, Darcy. Miss Elizabeth is a fine choice. I wish you well in your endeavor to catch her eye.”

  Once again Darcy thought that Fitzwilliam was overstating the matter, but he decided against making any further comment. His cousin was in an odd mood tonight, and Darcy was not certain he would receive a straight answer should he inquire. They spent some little more time in each other’s company until Darcy announced his intention to retire. Fitzwilliam bid him good night, but Darcy sensed that he was still distracted. Shaking his head, he left the room to seek his bed.

  Fitzwilliam watched his cousin and shook his head as Darcy retreated. Darcy was a good and intelligent man, and Fitzwilliam thought more highly of him than he did of any other man of his acquaintance.

  But for all Darcy’s erudition, his ability to spot a fortune hunter and turn their efforts aside, Darcy had not a hint of sense when it came to a woman who was not a fortune hunter, but every bit as predatory as any mercenary. Lady Emily was determined to have Darcy—Fitzwilliam was absolutely certain of the fact. But she presented an opponent with the likes of whom Darcy had never crossed swords. She was rich and titled and she meant to have him for a husband, whereas most of those Darcy had fended off in the past had been more concerned about his ability to keep them in comfort.

  Ah, the work of a cousin is never done, thought Fitzwilliam, indulging in an amused chuckle at Darcy’s expense.

  In fact, Fitzwilliam was certain Miss Bennet would be perfect for Darcy, and though Lady Emily would also make him an excellent wife, his continuing professed admiration for Miss Bennet took Lady Emily out of the picture. Fitzwilliam’s esteem of his cousin would not allow him to sit idly by while Darcy ignored the viper coiled nearby, prepared to strike.

  The thought caused a frown to crease Fitzwilliam’s brow. It was a disservice to the lady, he thought—she might wish for Darcy to court her, but Fitzwilliam did not think she would stoop to anything underhanded to achieve her aims. Darcy’s courtship would be much smoother should Lady Emily’s machinations be blunted. And Fitzwilliam was just as determined that she would not interfere.

  Satisfied with what he had decided, Fitzwilliam tossed the rest of his drink back and set the glass down on the table. He was certain he would need his wits about him to ensure Lady Emily was well and truly diverted from Darcy and Miss Bennet.

  Chapter XIII

  It was clear that Mrs. Drummond was far from pleased with her husband’s invitation to the Darcy party, but just as evident that she was reluctant to protest openly. The communication was made that evening at dinner, and though her mouth was set in a firm line, her brow furrowed, Mrs. Drummond did not make any comment. Mr. Drummond, who had been watching his wife closely, nodded once in approval and turned back to the conversation.

  “They are amiable people,” said Olivia, sensing the discord between her parents. She must have seen it so many times—much like Elizabeth had with her parents—that it was easily recognizable.

  “The closer connection can only do us good,” added Edward. He looked down the table at his mother, his gaze almost commiserating. Mrs. Drummond nodded slowly and acceptance seemed to fall over her.

  “Will our simple fare suffice for Mr. Darcy and his party?” asked Mrs. Drummond.

  “You ascribe far too much pride to the gentleman,” said Mr. Drummond. “Darcy is a very wealthy man, and he can afford the best money can buy. But I do not believe his tastes are overly extravagant. I am certain they will be quite happy with what we can produce, and Marie is quite skilled in the kitchen.”

  Mrs. Drummond nodded slowly. “Then I will plan a menu with Marie’s help. We will ensure there is nothing of our hospitality to criticize.”

  “I am certain all will be well. You will see.”

  The subject was dropped, and the conversation turned to other matters.

  In the intervening days, however, there was not a dearth of society. Elizabeth and Olivia visited Georgiana, and Elizabeth often had the opportunity meet with other friends that she had met in the area. Furthermore, the day after the invitation to the Darcys had been offered and accepted, Elizabeth and Olivia received an invitation of their own.

  “Lady Emily is inviting us to her home,” said Elizabeth after she had read the note. “It seems she has invited many in the area, and it is to be a large party on the grounds of Teasdale Manor. There is to be a picnic lunch with games, and other amusements.”

  “When?” asked Olivia. She seemed a little too fretful for such an outing.

  “The day after tomorrow,” replied Elizabeth. “Do not worry, dear. I am certain it will be a diverting outing.”

  Permission to attend was sought and given, but an alteration was soon made to their plans. Olivia, Elizabeth discovered, was unaccountably a little intimidated by the thought of so many people in such an informal setting. A quick flurry of letters between Kingsdown and Pemberley soon revealed that Georgiana would not be attending, though both her brother and cousin had accepted the invitation. When it became clear that Olivia was not eager to attend, Georgiana invited her to Pemberley for the time the others would be at Teasdale Manor, and it was quickly—and with some relief—accepted. The Darcys offered to convey Elizabeth and Olivia to Pemberley and from thence it was determined that Elizabeth would continue to the picnic in the company of Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, with a maid in attendance for propriety’s sake.

  On the appointed day, Elizabeth found herself in the carriage on the way to Teasdale Manor with the two gentlemen. Olivia had been delivered to Pemberley to both her and Georgiana’s excitement, her position in the carriage taken by Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, as well as the promised maid. The young maid was introduced to Elizabeth, and after they exchanged a few words, the carriage departed and they settled in for the journey. They were a lively party, and their wit and conversation flowed freely.

  “You must ready yourself for a treat, Miss Bennet,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam. “I doubt you have seen any house the likes of Teasdale Manor.”

  “It is quite unique, indeed,” said Mr. Darcy.

  “Unusual architecture can be quite diverting,” replied Elizabeth. “But in this case, you shall be disappointed, for I have already visited Teasdale Manor.”

  “You have?” asked Colonel Fitzwilliam. When Elizabeth confirmed her experience with the place, he stayed silent, apparently contemplating something known only to him. Elizabeth was not certain why a visit to someone in the area would be a subject of such interest, but she put it from her mind in favor of Mr. Darcy’s next words.

  “I am not certain of the origin of the towers at the front of the house,” said he, “as the earl would not be explicit. It is apparently some family secret which they will not share. I do have it on good authority that they are locked tight and no one is allowed into them.”

  “That is strange,” replied Elizabeth. “One would think that they would provide a location for storage, if nothing else.”

  “I made that same observation to his lordship,” said Mr. Darcy. “But he refused to be explicit.”

  “Is this one of the great
mysteries of the neighborhood, Mr. Darcy?” asked Elizabeth, archly raising an eyebrow.

  “I hardly think most of us are engaged in investigating the mystery, Miss Bennet. But on occasion, it has been a matter of some curiosity.”

  “I would not mention it, though,” replied Colonel Fitzwilliam. “The family does not even like to acknowledge it, let alone answer any questions.”

  “Then I will keep my curiosity in check.”

  The carriage rolled along the same avenue that Elizabeth remembered from her previous visit, though today was not the perfect day that one had been. The air held a hint of coolness she had found to be common to the area at this time of year, and though the sun shone, isolated islands of puffy white clouds flew west in the breeze, making the chill feel even more pronounced when they passed overhead and blotted out the sun. Elizabeth observed that the day was, perhaps, a little cool for an outdoor entertainment such as a picnic, to which Mr. Darcy nodded.

  “It is, but we Derbyshire folk have long learned to be hardy. You have been fortunate this year, Miss Bennet, as we have not had the sudden rainstorms and even late snow which are common.”

  “In Hertfordshire, we never see snow this late in the season,” said Elizabeth, sparing a wistful thought for her home. “The paths near my home are almost certainly clear of any impediments, allowing for the enjoyment of walking, as long as there is no rain.”

  “You enjoy walking, do you?”

  Elizabeth nodded. “It is one of my favorite pastimes. I enjoy the beauty of nature, and one can best see it where there is little sign of man’s encroachment to spoil it.”

  “You should definitely not be introduced to our Aunt Catherine,” replied Colonel Fitzwilliam. “She has never met a wilderness she did not wish to tame with a perfectly trimmed lawn or a few gaudy topiaries.”