The Companion Page 21

  “It seems you have fallen in with excellent people, Lizzy. I will attempt to convey this when I write to your father to inform him of your circumstances.” Mr. Gardiner paused and grinned. “I might put a word or two in for your mother too, for I suspect that if she discovers where you are staying, she will have no desire for your return.”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I doubt that very much, Uncle. She did not have a high opinion of Mr. Darcy when he was in Hertfordshire.”

  “Perhaps not. But as wealthy and well-connected as he is, I expect she will realize the possibility of your moving in higher circles and the possibility of snaring a husband from those circles. And the friendship of Miss Anne de Bourgh is also a boon, as I am certain you understand.”

  “I do,” replied Elizabeth simply. “I am unsure how Mama will take it. As for Papa, he might desire my return anyway.”

  “He might at that. I will do whatever I can to hold him off.”

  And with that, Mr. Gardiner stepped into his carriage, which drove out of sight. Elizabeth watched him go and was forced to think of her own desires in the matter. She enjoyed Anne’s company and had come to understand that Georgiana was a sweet girl. But some part of her wished to simply return to her home and her less complicated existence. In Meryton, she could keep a watchful eye on Mr. Wickham and ensure her sisters were not an object of prey for the man.

  But she would not disappoint her new friends, so she would stay for the present. Nevertheless, she still needed to decide what to do about Mr. Wickham and whether she should approach Mr. Darcy on the matter. She was beginning to think that Anne’s suggestion was not so inadvisable as she had first thought.

  Chapter XVII

  Being, as it was, the middle of April, it was also the height of the season in London. Having never attended any events herself, the thought that Mr. Darcy might receive invitations had never crossed Elizabeth’s mind. But that matter was brought to her mind in the days following her arrival at his house.

  “I would not wish you to decline invitations on my account, Cousin,” said Anne, overhearing a comment from Colonel Fitzwilliam. “You may attend any functions that you like. But I believe Elizabeth and I are not ready yet to accompany you and will stay at home.”

  This last was said with a raised eyebrow in Elizabeth’s direction. For herself, Elizabeth was not opposed to being in company—she had always felt at home in any social function and thought she would acquit herself well should she be thrust into a similar position here, even if Mr. Darcy associated with a higher level than that to which she was usually accustomed. But there were other considerations.

  “I am willing to be guided by you in this matter, Anne. Though I will own to some curiosity and have no objection to society, I can do without it just as easily.”

  “What, Miss Bennet?” asked Colonel Fitzwilliam, staring wide-eyed at her with mock astonishment. “You do not wish to be in company with the people with whom we usually associate? As an intelligent and unpretentious woman, you surprise me. I would have expected you to be anticipating the ridiculous behavior which permeates the first circles.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “I believe a little of such behavior goes a long way, Colonel.”

  “It is likely for the best,” said the colonel, grinning widely. “Darcy here would not be your best guide in society—not when he does whatever he can to avoid it himself.”

  “Is that so?” asked Elizabeth, turning an arch look on Mr. Darcy. “I should never have guessed, given how splendidly Mr. Darcy acquitted himself in Meryton.”

  “Darcy acquitted himself?” Colonel Fitzwilliam shot an amused glance at Mr. Darcy. “I would never have guessed. Do tell how he accomplished this?”

  By this time both Georgiana and Anne were giggling, and Mr. Darcy appeared uncomfortable at his cousin’s teasing. It seemed he decided, however, that nonchalance was his best option, and Elizabeth, already having taken the colonel’s measure, could only agree.

  “I do well enough in company when there is sufficient inducement,” said Mr. Darcy, though shortly. He turned to Anne and favored her with a smile. “I know you are but newly arrived, and I suspect you would appreciate a little time to adjust before attending any events.”

  “Given how I have never attended any events at all,” replied Anne, “I am quite happy to forgo them at present. I have no desire to be an object of curiosity to society.”

  “Or prey,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam, his joviality replaced by seriousness. “There will be many who will wish to win your dowry, Anne, which, as you know, consists of Rosings. You must be vigilant.”

  “We will be there to support you, of course,” added Mr. Darcy. “Few men will try anything underhanded with Fitzwilliam’s threat nearby to deter them.”

  “Perhaps I should resign my commission,” muttered Colonel Fitzwilliam. “I suspect safeguarding Anne will be an arduous task.”

  “I am not without intelligence,” said Anne primly. “And I shall have Elizabeth with me. I shall be well.”

  It seemed to Elizabeth that her hosts conveniently neglected to consider that she was not a permanent resident with them, but she decided there was little reason to revisit the matter.

  “Perhaps we should visit the dressmaker and assure we are attired properly,” said Anne. “I would not wish to embarrass the family by being unfashionable.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam guffawed, and Mr. Darcy allowed a smile at her quip. “I believe Georgiana would be more than willing to introduce you to her modiste.”

  “What fun!” exclaimed Anne. She turned to Elizabeth. “Let us go on the morrow, then. We shall make certain we are all presentable.”

  “Anne,” said Elizabeth, feeling a little uncomfortable, “I have no need of new clothes, and I have not sufficient funds for such purchases.”

  “I absolutely insist, Elizabeth,” replied Anne. It was not the first time Elizabeth had heard the steel in her friend’s voice. “I believe the style of dress you will find in London will be quite different from what it is in your home, or even in Kent. I would not wish for you to be made uncomfortable by it.”

  “Anne is correct,” added Mr. Darcy.

  “I did not realize you were so conversant with women’s fashions,” said Elizabeth.

  Mr. Darcy colored a little and his cousin laughed, but he soon recovered. “I must be to a certain extent, as I am guardian to my sister. I do not know the particulars, but I think those who attend events in our circles use costly materials and more elaborate styles.”

  “And you need not concern yourself for the expense, Elizabeth,” added Anne. “Given your unstinting friendship and unwavering support, I will be happy to do this for you. Please allow me.”

  There was little Elizabeth could say to her friend’s plea, so she allowed herself only a smile and a nod, after which Anne turned an arch look on Mr. Darcy.

  “Of course, since I am currently estranged from my mother and have no access to the de Bourgh funds, I will rely on my cousin’s kindness until I am able to repay him.”

  Once again Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed at his cousin, but Mr. Darcy only smiled. “I am quite happy to do it, Anne, and no repayment is necessary. Georgiana, if you will write a note to Madam Fournier, I am certain she will be able to find time for you.”

  And so, the letter was dispatched and the appointment, confirmed. Thereby, Elizabeth was to be treated to the styles and fabrics that only the very wealthy could afford. She continued to protest, as she was certain the expense was quite significant, but Anne was firm.

  “You are my friend, Elizabeth,” said she, “and I am grateful you have agreed to stand with me in the face of my mother’s actions. Please allow me to do this for you as my dearest friend.”

  When Anne spoke in this manner, Elizabeth felt she had no means of persuading her otherwise. Consequently, as Anne’s manner toward her was so earnest, she allowed her to have her way. They looked at Georgiana’s wardrobe for ideas of differen
t fashions. Although most of the girl’s dresses were those of a young girl still not out in society, her clothing was finely made, and the fabrics were obviously costly. But Elizabeth herself was not entirely without experience with respect to fine fabrics.

  “My uncle’s warehouses contain fabrics of this sort,” replied Elizabeth when Anne asked her about it. “Though we do not, of course, presume to help ourselves to all his stock, he often allows us to cut a length off the bolts that we like to have dresses made.”

  Anne and Georgiana shared a look. “Then I think our previous determination to visit your uncle’s warehouses should become a priority. I would very much like to sample what he has in his stock.”

  Clearly agreeing with her cousin, Georgiana nodded vigorously, and Elizabeth could only laugh. “Then I shall ask him the next time I see him. I am certain he will be happy to allow us to browse, as long as we promise not to pauper him in the process.”

  “I am not certain we can promise that,” was Anne’s arch reply, “but we shall do our best.”

  The day was spent in happy companionship with her two friends, and Elizabeth soon began to esteem Georgiana as much as she did Anne. The girl was quiet, and she tended to allow the more talkative Elizabeth and Anne to carry the burden of conversation, but she was sweet and gentle and reminded Elizabeth of Jane very much. Her sorrow the day before when Elizabeth had mentioned Mr. Wickham’s name had all but dissipated, as Anne and Elizabeth did their best to distract her from those thoughts. Furthermore, Elizabeth had an additional piece of advice for the girl and shared it as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

  “Think of the past only as it brings you pleasure,” said Elizabeth when she noticed Georgiana had descended to introspection. “If you allow Mr. Wickham power over your life, then he has won. Do not give him the satisfaction.”

  “But should I not remember my mistakes and learn from them?” asked the girl, deep in thought.

  “Of course, we should all learn from our mistakes,” replied Elizabeth. “But you would do better to remember the good times, rather than dwelling on the bad. Do you think Mr. Wickham remembers you with anything other than anger at not being able to obtain your fortune?”

  Georgiana’s countenance darkened. “I imagine not.”

  “Then remember the lessons you learned because of his improprieties, but forget about the man. Think of the good times you have had with your cousins or anything else which brings you pleasure. Let Mr. Wickham reside in the past where he belongs.”

  A grateful smile was Georgiana’s reply, and the subject was dropped.

  When Elizabeth had come to stay at Mr. Darcy’s house, she could never have imagined she might have come into contact with a member of high society. Of course, she was aware that Mr. Darcy was a member of that society, but considering how she had known him for some time and in Meryton, of all places, his stature had never seemed real. And Anne, though her own mother was the daughter of an earl, she had never required Elizabeth to acknowledge her own standing in society, though that standing had been affected by the de Bourghs’ absence from society for many years. But that day, in the late afternoon, Darcy house was visited by a man who could only be termed as high on society’s ladder.

  Hugh Fitzwilliam, the earl of Matlock and Colonel Fitzwilliam’s father, was a tall man of about five and fifty, and within moments of his entrance, Elizabeth could see the resemblance between father and son. Not only was there a definite physical similarity, but it seemed like the colonel had his irreverent and playful manners from his father. Lord Matlock greeted them with expansive delight and sat among them, and Elizabeth could detect no hint of superiority in his manner.

  “Anne, my dear,” said he, catching his niece into a quick embrace, “I am so happy to see you here in London.”

  “I am happy to be here,” was Anne’s simple reply.

  “You have waited long enough for it. In fact, I cannot help but wonder if your family has failed you.” The earl shook his head. “I should have intervened long ago, I am afraid.”

  “Do not castigate yourself, Uncle,” replied Anne. “In all truth, I did not even know myself that I wished to escape until Elizabeth showed me what it was to live.”

  Elizabeth could not help but blush at the praise, which was made worse when the earl turned his attention to her. “Ah, yes, the intrepid young lady who had the fortitude to stand up to my sister. I thank you very much for your assistance, Miss Bennet. You have done more for Anne than her family has, and for that I can only be grateful.”

  “I am certain it was nothing,” said Elizabeth. “I only provided friendship—Anne did the rest herself.”

  “Is that not what anyone truly worthy of their heroism claims?” asked the earl. He favored her with an outrageous wink, prompting both Anne and Georgiana to burst out into laughter.

  “Regardless, I believe it was not nothing,” continued the earl. “And whether you believe you deserve it, I still give you the family’s thanks.” The speculation with which the earl regarded Elizabeth quickly made her uncomfortable. “Anthony was correct about you, Miss Bennet. I do not know how long you mean to stay with Darcy, but I believe you will bring much to our family party. I suspect there are those who do not wish you to depart at all.”

  The earl turned a significant look on all the room, and then turned back to Anne. “You need not fear your mother’s interference, Anne. Tomorrow I shall journey to Rosings, and I will inform her she is not welcome to join us here until she has mended her ways. She is most difficult to control, but I have always found that informing her of my wishes in such a way as to leave no room for debate is the likeliest road to success.”

  “Thank you, Uncle. I wish . . .” Anne paused and she turned away in embarrassment. Elizabeth thought the earl did not miss the way she grasped Elizabeth’s hand tightly. “I do not want to remain at odds with my mother for the rest of my life, but she must accept that I am an adult and may do as I please.”

  “Of course, you are,” said the earl. “I will ensure she understands this before I leave her.”

  The subject was then changed, and they enjoyed a pleasant visit. When the earl rose to depart, he did so with affection for his family, and for Elizabeth, he displayed his unreserved approval by bowing over her hand. Elizabeth was certain her mother’s heart would stop if she knew that an earl had greeted her with such affability.

  “I believe my wife will wish to know you as well, Miss Bennet,” said he as he was preparing to leave. “I hope you will agree to be introduced to her when she returns to town.”

  “Aunt Susan is not in town at present?” asked Anne.

  “She is currently at Snowlock,” replied the earl. Then for Elizabeth’s benefit he added: “Snowlock is the family estate in Derbyshire, not far from Darcy’s estate. She will be returning to London within the next few weeks, at which time I will bring her by.”

  “Of course, sir,” said Elizabeth, amazed that an earl was asking her for permission to introduce his wife. “I would be happy to make her acquaintance.”

  “Excellent!” The earl then favored her with a mischievous wink. “If you will excuse me, I must return to my home. As you are aware, facing my sister requires fortitude, so I had best retire early tonight to shore up my strength.”

  The earl took his leave and was shown out by Mr. Darcy, leaving Elizabeth all bemused at his attention and words to her. Perhaps her uncle was correct—if her mother learned that Elizabeth had met an earl, she would give her father no rest until he agreed to allow her to stay as long as she wished. Perhaps that was the key to allow her to stay for some time in the company of her friends.

  There was another left preoccupied by the earl’s visit, but his reasons were entirely different. The longer Miss Bennet had been in his home, the more Darcy began thinking thoughts which should be forbidden. Perhaps it was their prohibited nature which drew them to his mind; perhaps it was the allure of the woman herself; perhaps it was nothing m
ore than the woman’s clear superiority over every other woman he had ever known. Darcy was not certain, but the distance he had achieved by leaving Hertfordshire, the welcome—though tenuous—peace of mind occasioned by being out of her company, was now completely undone, and his defenses seemed to have disappeared.

  It was evident that the earl approved of Miss Bennet as his performance that day had shown. But Darcy knew that for all his joviality and ease, his uncle was a jealous guardian of his family’s respectability, one of the foremost reasons for his journey to Rosings on the morrow. Accepting Miss Bennet as a woman who had assisted one of his nieces escape from her domineering mother was one thing—Darcy thought his approval would quickly vanish should Darcy do the unthinkable and propose to her.

  And what of Georgiana? Marrying Miss Bennet would materially damage her own prospects for marriage, as there were many who would not even consider her if her connections included the Bennets. It was a quandary he knew, but he was not certain how he could pull himself from the abyss. Miss Bennet was a siren, a veritable succubus sent to torment him, and he did not know how he could possibly resist her.

  That evening they gathered for dinner, much as they had done every night since their return from Kent, and Darcy watched, being the only man in attendance—Fitzwilliam was eating at his barracks that night due to some duties which required his attention. Darcy watched as the three ladies chatted and laughed, noting that not only was Anne’s behavior nothing like he had ever seen, but Georgiana had become close to her in only a few short days. It was nothing short of amazing that she had charmed the entire family, holding them all in the palm of her hands like some benevolent goddess. Or it was not only his family, for he had often seen her charm those about her with little more than her wit and vivacity.

  When they retired to the music room after dinner, they were treated to Georgiana and Miss Bennet’s talents on the pianoforte. With a laugh and a shooing motion, Anne rejected their entreaties to join them. “I do not play nearly so well as you two. I am quite comfortable being admitted to the pleasure of hearing you both play.”