In the Wilds of Derbyshire Read online

  “Of course, I do, sir. My father, having had no sons, found in me a kindred spirit, and he taught me the proper way to do things. I would never do anything so uncouth as to use a snake.”

  They all joined into the laughter, and Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed the hardest. “Then I shall be guided by you, should I have the opportunity to prank again. I had not known you had such an expert in your sitting-room, Darcy. Miss Bennet is a lady of uncommon talents, it would seem.”

  “Well do I know it,” replied Mr. Darcy. His gaze upon her never wavered, and Elizabeth felt her cheeks heat up in response. But rather than make her feel uncomfortable, his scrutiny made Elizabeth feel warm all over. He nodded to her, and they both turned their attentions back to the conversation.

  By the time the date for the return engagement to dinner at Pemberley arrived, Miss Drummond and Miss Bennet were regular visitors to Pemberley. When they led their family into the room, Darcy noted that they did so with ease and no pretentions, which was further exhibited by their easy greetings to Fitzwilliam and Georgiana. It was so unlike Bingley’s sister, thought Darcy as he bowed to the Drummonds and welcomed them to his home—though Miss Bingley was not so crass as to act as if she were already Pemberley’s mistress, her coveting gaze would roam over every detail, every item in the room, and then her gaze would alight on him. Darcy would then be able to detect the cunning, feel the determination to have him at all costs. She was one of the few people in the world he forced himself to abide—others of her ilk were firmly rejected. It was only due to his friendship with Bingley that he associated with her at all.

  “Pemberley is quite a grand estate,” said Edward Drummond as they sat down to visit while waiting for dinner to be announced. “I have heard my father speak of it, but I could not have imagined that it was this fine.”

  It was clear that the young man was awed, not avaricious. “My sister and I only think of it as our home, Mr. Drummond. I would be happy if you would feel welcome, not overwhelmed.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” said the young man, relaxing a little. “I can see that it is a beloved home in every detail.”

  “That is the work of my dearly departed mother. Relatively little has been changed since she was mistress of this house.”

  The conversation proceeded from there, Drummond sharing his memories of Darcy’s mother and father, and Darcy responding with some of his own observations. Such subjects could not continue without becoming maudlin, and after a few moments they began to speak of other things.

  When they were called in to dinner a few moments later, Darcy escorted Mrs. Drummond as the highest ranking female guest, but though the woman took his arm with no comment other than a quietly spoken thanks, he rather wished that he had been able to escort Miss Bennet to the table. He was fortunate in that the table was small enough that he could look down and see her smiling countenance, witness the sparkling joy in her eyes as she conversed with his sister and his cousin, though he was not close enough to speak with her himself. Mrs. Drummond was not voluble herself, so Darcy’s main source of conversation was Miss Drummond, who he found to be a pleasant girl, though not utterly captivating like her elder cousin.

  When dinner had been eaten and the appropriate thanks and compliments had been given, Georgiana led the ladies from the dining room, leaving Darcy alone with the other three men. There were no important conversations or questions regarding his intentions like there had been during the dinner at Kingsdown, and Darcy was happy to enjoy pleasant conversation until it was time to rejoin the ladies.

  When they arrived back in the music room, to where Georgiana had led them after dinner, it was to see the younger ladies in earnest conversation, the subject of which was the upcoming event the Darcys had decided to host.

  “You shall be the hostess for your first event, Georgiana,” Miss Bennet was saying as the gentlemen entered the room. “What a fine thing, indeed!”

  As was her wont, Georgiana looked at her friend, her timidity shining through the additional confidence she had gained of late. “Mistress? I am not sure . . .”

  “Nonsense, my dear,” said Miss Bennet, grasping her hand. “You are your brother’s sister, and even if you are not out, there is nothing wrong with acting as the hostess in your own home.”

  “Especially as this will be an informal event,” added Darcy. He turned his attention to Miss Bennet. “I see Georgiana has informed you of our tentative plans.”

  “She did, and I believe it is a marvelous plan, sir.” Miss Bennet turned her expressive gaze on Edward. “You enjoy fishing, do you not? The gentlemen are to fish, while the ladies are to enjoy games on Pemberley’s lawn.”

  “I would very much like to attend,” said Edward. He paused and looked at Mr. Darcy apologetically. “If I can be spared from the farm, of course.”

  “We will wait for your invitation, Mr. Darcy,” said Drummond. “I am certain Edward would be happy to attend.”

  Edward beamed at his father’s words and looked at him with gratitude, while Mrs. Drummond rolled her eyes in exasperation. She did not say anything, however, for which Darcy was grateful.

  “Perhaps you and Miss Olivia would like to assist my sister in the preparations?” asked Darcy of Miss Bennet.

  “I am certain what she has planned will be lovely, sir,” said Miss Bennet.

  “Oh, I would so appreciate your assistance, Lizzy!” exclaimed Georgiana, her expression pleading. “I have never planned anything like this before.”

  “And you suppose I have?” asked Miss Bennet, fixing an arch look on his sister. “I believe you have me mistaken for someone with years of experience.”

  “Of course not,” replied Georgiana. “But I believe you may do anything you set out to do.”

  “Do you not remember our conversation already, Miss Bennet?” asked Fitzwilliam in a teasing tone.

  “Very well,” said Miss Bennet. “I would be happy to help.”

  “And perhaps you would also agree to perform a duet with me?” asked Georgiana slyly. “I could play while you sing?”

  Darcy was shocked. Never would he have thought his sister would suggest that she perform in front of an audience. In fact, the last time she had been in Miss Bingley’s company, the lady had attempted to induce her to do so, but Georgiana had resisted, other than a short piece. Miss Bingley had praised it to the heavens, nonetheless, never seeing how uncomfortable she made Georgiana with such excessive flattery.

  “Very well,” said Miss Bennet with a laugh. She turned an amused eye on Darcy. “I can see that your sister likes to have her own way, sir. Could this be a trait common to your family?”

  “I believe we all prefer to have our way, Miss Bennet.”

  “Perhaps. But there is something about you Darcys which seems to ensure you have yours more often than most others.”

  “That may be so. But as long as my sister is happy—and I believe your generosity in assisting her makes her happy—I can have no cause to repine. I am quite eager to make certain Georgiana is as happy as I can make her.”

  “You make me quite envious, sir. I have no brothers to look after my interests in such a manner.”

  “I cannot imagine your family is any less adept at ensuring your pleasure, Miss Bennet.”

  For a moment, there was no one else in the room other than they two. Darcy fancied that he could hear something in her voice which suggested that she too wished for the protection of another and to guard his heart in return. Darcy’s feelings were becoming clearer every moment. He was becoming convinced that should he know of the sublimity of her love, it would make his life complete. Then she would be convinced to agree to obtain the protection of a lover and husband and no longer repine that absence of a brother.

  “Then let us choose a piece of music,” said Georgiana, breaking the spell.

  She rose and led Miss Bennet to the pianoforte, Miss Drummond following close behind. Darcy was left to watch them as they spoke among themse
lves, laughing and discussing the merits of this piece or that. Darcy found himself insensible to the rest of those in the room, so focused was he on the person of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Something significant had passed between them, and Darcy contemplated it much of the remaining time their guests were present.

  As the planned event at Pemberley was only a few days away, Elizabeth and Olivia found themselves at Pemberley often, ostensibly assisting Georgiana in her preparations for her guests, but in reality, they only provided moral support—Georgiana had matters well in hand. In addition, they spent some time practicing the song they had chosen, and though Elizabeth had no fear of Georgiana’s abilities, the practice assured Elizabeth that she would not embarrass herself before the guests.

  As always, Elizabeth was happy to see her friend as often as their schedule at Kingsdown would allow. Her uncle, eager as he was to see them accepted by their neighbors, ensured that they were able to attend Georgiana as often as possible and, seeing that his eldest son was becoming more interested in society, cheerfully shouldered his son’s work so that he could also experience more freedom.

  Perhaps the most surprising development, however, was the men sent by Mr. Darcy to ease her uncle’s burden. These men were, Elizabeth discovered, young men whose fathers farmed Pemberley’s land, but were largely idle due to an abundance of available labor. Mr. Drummond had, predictably, in Elizabeth’s opinion, protested that he had no need of Mr. Darcy’s charity, but a discussion between the two men had resulted in his acceptance and the lessening of his burdens. Elizabeth was happy for her uncle, knowing how hard he worked. She also admired Mr. Darcy for his compassion and kindness. The gentleman was rising in her estimation.

  And so it happened that Elizabeth and Olivia were at Pemberley the day before the event, once again practicing for the following day. They had just completed the song when the door to the music room opened and the housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, entered the room, leading Lady Emily.

  Lady Emily started as the housekeeper announced her, but she quickly recovered and stepped forward to greet them all. “Miss Darcy, Miss Bennet, Miss Drummond. I am sorry for intruding.”

  “You are always welcome, Lady Emily,” said Georgiana. “Please sit with us. I shall ring for tea.”

  Lady Emily smiled and did as she was bid. While Georgiana was attending to a request for tea, Lady Emily turned her attention to Elizabeth and Olivia. “I am sorry, Miss Bennet, but I did not expect to find you here today.”

  Feeling a little hesitant, considering her impression of Lady Emily’s state of mind the last time they had met, Elizabeth nevertheless answered. “Miss Darcy is quickly becoming a dear friend.”

  “Oh, Lizzy!” exclaimed Georgiana, as she approached. “You do have a gift for understatement. Miss Drummond, Miss Bennet, and I have become the best of friends.”

  “Is that so?” asked the lady, seemingly interested in her assertion. “I was not aware you had become so intimate. I am also surprised I have not seen you here before.”

  “I am very happy that we have,” replied Georgiana. “I suppose it is a surprise, considering how often they visit. A pair of better friends one could not find. In fact, Elizabeth was just practicing a duet we have planned for tomorrow. I am so happy that she has consented to perform with me, for it gives me so much confidence in my abilities.”

  “I hope that someday I am able to perform like Lizzy and Georgiana,” said Olivia. “I have only been practicing for a short time.”

  “I am certain you will be a delightful performer,” said Lady Emily, sharing a smile with the girl. “You simply require a little confidence. And, of course, lots of practice!”

  Olivia beamed, no doubt as much due to who had praised her as what had been said. As for Lady Emily, though she had just complimented Olivia, her smile soon faded from her face and she watched the interaction. As was usual with her, Elizabeth could not quite make out whether the woman was pleased with what she was seeing, or if she viewed them all with severity and disapproval. They spoke for some little time, Lady Emily and Georgiana—surprisingly—carrying the conversation while Olivia inserted a few opinions on occasion. Elizabeth observed them, saying little herself, wondering at the woman’s behavior.

  They had been situated in this attitude for only a few moments when the gentlemen entered the room, Mr. Darcy following Colonel Fitzwilliam. They greeted the company pleasantly and joined them, and Elizabeth was surprised to see Colonel Fitzwilliam sit close to Lady Emily, though Mr. Darcy’s approach to Elizabeth was nothing out of the ordinary.

  “Miss Bennet,” said he as he bowed and sat close by, “I am happy Fitzwilliam and I returned before you and your cousin departed.”

  “Come, Mr. Darcy,” replied Elizabeth, slipping into her teasing without thought, “one might have thought you were eager to see me.”

  Mr. Darcy grinned. “If I was not quite so transparent, I might have thought you were adept at reading my intentions.”

  Before Elizabeth could reply with another teasing reply, she caught sight of Lady Emily, who was watching them, and though she was as inscrutable as usual, Elizabeth thought she notice a hardening around the woman’s mouth and an iciness in her gaze.

  It was fortunate that Mr. Darcy did not notice her sudden silence, for Elizabeth did not wish to explain what she saw, especially when she did not know for certain she had seen anything at all. She did her best to respond to Mr. Darcy’s conversation with her usual liveliness, and she thought she must have been successful, for he gave no indication of sensing anything amiss. But Elizabeth’s mind was quite divided, for though Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed to be paying rather close attention to Lady Emily, the lady’s eyes seemed to be firmly fixed on Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. And for the first time, she wondered if the lady was looking on them with a friendly eye.

  Chapter XVII

  The deliberations which dominated Elizabeth’s mind during the visit to the Darcys’ continued with her throughout the evening at Kingsdown and again the next day before they were to return to Pemberley. She attempted to distract herself with the doings of the estate, but inevitably her mind would return to the mystery.

  In all fairness to Lady Emily, Elizabeth was not certain of what her eyes were telling her, and even if she was correct in detecting the woman’s disapproval, there was more than one explanation of why. It was possible that Lady Emily admired Mr. Darcy and was offended that she, a woman from a different neighborhood, had come into their lives and stolen the attention of the most eligible man. It was uncomfortably like Miss Russell and her ilk, but it was possible.

  But Lady Emily’s behavior in all other ways seemed to give a lie to that assumption. Lady Emily never, in Elizabeth’s sight, behaved as if she admired Mr. Darcy. She was polite but distant, and there was nothing which suggested esteem or possessiveness. In fact, Elizabeth could not tell that Lady Emily behaved any differently with Mr. Darcy than she did with Colonel Fitzwilliam.

  The more she thought about it, the more she realized that continuing to obsess about it was doing no good. Even if Lady Emily was expecting Mr. Darcy’s attention, the fact was that Elizabeth was the one who was receiving it. There was nothing the woman could do, but attempt to redirect him, which Elizabeth thought was as likely as the sun not rising the following morning. Either that or she could attempt a compromise, a thought which made Elizabeth shake her head. She could not imagine the woman engineering such a situation—it was completely ludicrous. Thus, Elizabeth put it out of her mind.

  When Elizabeth and Olivia, in Edward’s company, arrived at Pemberley that day, they were welcomed by their hosts and led into the house. There were already several guests in attendance, and additional guests continued to arrive for some time after. In all, the Darcys had invited approximately twenty people, about half of whom were ladies, half gentlemen, and among their number were included not only Elizabeth’s new circle of friends and Lady Emily, but also Misses Russell and Campbell. Elizabeth would prefer not to be
forced to endure their presence, but she was not about to tell her hosts whom they could invite, and she had no desire to inform them of what had happened with the two ladies. Their greetings were given perfunctorily, which suited Elizabeth, as hers were no friendlier.

  Soon, when all the guests were gathered, the Darcys led them from the interior of the estate out toward the lake, where the fishing rods and tackle awaited the gentlemen and games of different sorts were gathered for the ladies.

  “Lizzy!” exclaimed Georgiana as they stepped outside. “Might I claim you as a partner for horseshoes? I am certain you must be very skilled at the game.”

  “And why do you think that?” asked Elizabeth, entertained by her friend’s enthusiasm. “I might be the worst player you have ever seen.”

  “Yes, indeed, she is correct,” said Miss Russell. Georgiana and Elizabeth turned as one to see the woman approaching with Miss Campbell in tow. “Perhaps you should partner with me, instead.”

  “Perhaps we could play against you,” said Georgiana, completely missing the disdain in Miss Russell’s voice. “You and Miss Campbell could partner against Lizzy and I.”

  Though frustrated by Georgiana’s insistence on pairing with Elizabeth, Miss Russell readily agreed, seconded by Miss Campbell. The ladies took their places in front of the stake and grasped their horseshoes, two each, and proceeded to play. Miss Campbell, who threw first, completely missed the target by several feet, showing that she, at least, had rarely played.

  “I understand that you quite fancy yourself a friend of Miss Bennet,” said Miss Russell as Elizabeth was taking her position. Elizabeth, who expected something like this, shook her head with exasperation, wishing that the woman would not involve Georgiana in this dispute.

  “Oh, we certainly are good friends,” replied Georgiana with unmistakable enthusiasm. “Very good friends, in fact. Lizzy has been ever so kind to me, and I simply adore Olivia too.”

  “And so soon after Miss Bennet’s arrival!” cried Miss Russell as Elizabeth threw her horseshoe, missing the target, but coming much closer than Miss Campbell’s had been.