In the Wilds of Derbyshire Page 25

  At length, the game before them finished, and Darcy and Miss Russell stepped forward to play their own. Darcy graciously motioned for her to throw the jack, resisting the urge to sigh and roll his eyes when she giggled and obliged him. The jack rolled to a stop several feet away, and Darcy threw his first ball, stood aside while she threw hers, and then threw his second. It was when she stepped forward to throw her second that she began to speak again and the conversation became objectionable.

  “I must say, Mr. Darcy,” said she as she stepped up to the line and hefted her ball, “I was surprised at the society those of the neighborhood have been keeping lately.”

  Darcy regarded her. Clearly the woman thought she was being clever by not mentioning any names, but it was clear of whom she was speaking.

  “I rather think that new additions to society cannot be anything but welcome,” replied Darcy as he stepped forward to take his turn. “The presence of beloved friends who are known to us is agreeable, but is there not something admirable to discover in new acquaintances?”

  “If those new acquaintances are of estimable characters,” said Miss Russell, a hint of annoyance seeping into her voice.

  “There is no one who could be considered new in our society who is not of an estimable character, Miss Russell,” said Darcy.

  As she had thrown, Darcy stepped up to take his final throw, and when he had delivered it, he turned and bowed to her. “Thank you for this game, Miss Russell. If you will excuse me.”

  Bowing, Darcy turned and walked away toward Miss Bennet, who, noticing his approach, greeted him with pleasure. They began to speak, and though their conversation was about nothing important, Darcy felt that it was the most stimulating in which he had ever participated. But that was the influence of Miss Bennet. She had that talent.

  Contrary to the attempts of such women as Miss Russell, Fitzwilliam saw Lady Emily as a true threat to Darcy’s happiness and intentions to woo Miss Bennet. Fitzwilliam was aware that if pressed, Darcy would deny any such intention, but his cousin’s feelings were as clear to him as if he had taken the time to write them out on a piece of paper. And though Miss Russell simpered and threw herself in his path, hoping to garner his attention, and made veiled—but obvious—disparaging statements concerning other ladies whom she deemed her rivals, Darcy handled her with aplomb. But Lady Emily . . . That lady was no less determined to have him for herself, though her methods were different.

  That was not quite true, mused Fitzwilliam. Though he was certain Lady Emily was no friend of Darcy’s pursuit of Miss Bennet, she did not behave as a woman who wished to steal a man’s attentions for herself. Or at least she did not behave like most other ladies of her ilk would. From Fitzwilliam’s observations and a few carefully oblique questions he had asked of Darcy, it did not appear like the lady threw herself in his path. Rather, she watched and considered and unless he missed his guess, she plotted. The endeavor to capture a man’s eye was usually undertaken by the lady putting herself in his path, drawing attention to herself. But Lady Emily did none of those things—or if she did, she did them so subtly that Darcy did not even recognize them. Even Fitzwilliam, who was watching for them, was hard pressed to identify them.

  Still, Fitzwilliam was ever dutiful and determined to see that his cousin was not interrupted, and he played his part to the best of his abilities. When luncheon was served—consisting of the trout the gentlemen had caught, accompanied by various fruits of the season and a selection of salads—Darcy was obliged to escort Lady Emily into the room as the highest-ranking lady present. It was then that Fitzwilliam saw the first indication of her interest in him.

  “I thank you for inviting me today, Mr. Darcy,” said she as they entered the dining room.

  “You are welcome, Lady Emily. Our families have been friends for many years. I would not wish to exclude you.”

  The woman turned a level look on him, but Darcy, who was now seated at the head of the table, was already distracted by the sight of Miss Bennet, who was seated several places down the table next to Smallwood. Fitzwilliam chuckled into his hand—there would be no trouble from Smallwood, he was certain, regardless of the man’s stated interest in Miss Bennet. Darcy did not know it himself, but Smallwood had always been intimidated by his tall and imposing cousin.

  “I would hope that you would include me in your invitation because you wish for my company, not due to any obligation for our family’s association.”

  It appeared Darcy was caught off guard by her words, though Fitzwilliam did not know how he could have been otherwise, given the lack of attention directed at the lady. “Of course not, Lady Emily. My sister and I are quite happy to see you at any time. You bring much to our company.”

  “I am happy to hear it, Mr. Darcy. I hope that our intimacy continues to grow, for Pemberley has always been our closest neighbor.”

  “I agree,” replied Darcy, though his mind was clearly already back on Miss Bennet.

  A spasm of annoyance flashed over her face, though it was gone in an instant. “It seems we are dinner partners, Mr. Darcy. What shall we discuss?”

  Thus began the game of cat and mouse, though in this instance the mouse was not even aware of the cat stalking him. Lady Emily would make some attempt at conversation, and though it was obviously not Darcy’s intention to slight his guest, he would often respond with naught but banal comments, quite different from the result Lady Emily intended. Fitzwilliam, seated as he was to Darcy’s right, saw that his eyes did not often stray from the person of Miss Bennet. Before long, it was evident that Lady Emily was becoming more than a little perturbed.

  “I understand that your father has purchased a new stallion for his breeding program,” said Fitzwilliam, drawing the lady’s attention to himself. “Shall you tell me about it?”

  Lady Emily turned a long level look at Fitzwilliam, and for a moment he thought she would rebuff him. It might be considered an inappropriate topic of conversation, but Fitzwilliam knew that she was as proud of the horses her estate produced as was her father, and after a quick glance at Mr. Darcy, noting his continued observation of Miss Bennet, she sighed and responded. They discussed the subject until the end of the meal, and Fitzwilliam found that he quite enjoyed it, though Lady Emily’s enjoyment was debatable. If Darcy had not been so intent upon Miss Bennet, he could have done a lot worse than to marry her, for she was intelligent and would be the mother of a future earl.

  After luncheon, the company retired to the music room where they were treated to the talents of several ladies’ efforts on the pianoforte, not the least of which was Georgiana playing while Miss Bennet sang. Fitzwilliam did not consider himself a good judge of talent, but she sang like an angel, he thought, and he could find no flaws in her performance. Darcy was apparently of the same mind, for Fitzwilliam did not think his eyes left her the whole time she sang.

  “What is your purpose in deflecting me, Colonel Fitzwilliam?”

  The quietly spoken words were almost an accusation, though Lady Emily betrayed no outward emotion. Her eyes, however, flashed as he turned to respond to her.

  “Deflecting you?” asked Fitzwilliam. “I have no notion of your meaning.”

  “I believe you do. You were careful in keeping me from conversing with Mr. Darcy at luncheon.”

  “Actually, I believe Darcy was managing that task rather splendidly himself.”

  Her brows furrowed, which indicated to Fitzwilliam that she would have been scowling had they not been in company.

  “I do wonder,” said Fitzwilliam, speaking before the lady could respond. “Why do you dislike Miss Bennet?”

  “I do not dislike Miss Bennet. She is an interesting sort of woman, though perhaps possessing a level impertinence usual for one of her status.”

  Fitzwilliam laughed quietly, prompting a level look from the lady. “Darcy prefers to refer to her manners as lively.”

  Lady Emily’s eyes darted to Miss Bennet’s face and then just as q
uickly back to Fitzwilliam. “That is one way to describe her.”

  “Let me be clear, Lady Emily,” said Fitzwilliam, “Darcy will not be coerced. I am certain you are intelligent enough to see where his affections lie. I would ask you to give up this doomed pursuit of him.”

  Her gaze never wavered. “What makes you think that I wish to pursue him?”

  “You have been quite transparent.”

  A hint of exasperation crossed her features and was as quickly extinguished. “You have no need to fear, Colonel Fitzwilliam. I am no danger to Miss Bennet.”

  And Lady Emily turned away to listen to the rest of the song. But Fitzwilliam did not miss the glances she threw between Miss Bennet and Darcy, nor did he miss the expression of absolute adoration on Darcy’s face as he watched her sing. Neither did Lady Emily, and though her countenance was as closed as ever, her displeasure was clear.

  Lady Emily would require continued scrutiny.

  When the time had come to depart, Elizabeth noted how Mr. Darcy approached her and bowed, offering his arm with a warm smile. “Shall I walk you to the carriage, Miss Bennet?”

  “Thank you, sir,” replied Elizabeth, resting her hand on his arm, though with no more pressure than a feather.

  “I wished to thank you for the assistance you rendered to my sister in preparation for this day.”

  “She had no need of it,” replied Miss Bennet. “She had everything quite well in hand. But what assistance I was able to provide, I was happy to do it.”

  “I think you underestimate your own contributions.” Mr. Darcy paused and seemed to be thinking intently on something. At length, his eyes once again found hers. “You would not be aware of it, Miss Bennet, but this is the first time since my mother died that we have hosted any sort of event at Pemberley.” He smiled. “Of course, my family has visited and I have hosted the gentlemen for hunting or fishing, but an event to which we have invited those of the neighborhood at large has not been held at Pemberley in over fifteen years.”

  “No, I was not aware,” was all Elizabeth could think to say.

  “Thus, you can understand why Georgiana was more than a little nervous, wishing to make a good impression on our neighbors. I have the fullest confidence in her abilities, but that little extra encouragement you provided, even if you did nothing more, was worth more than any encouragement I could have given her. And for that I thank you.”

  They had reached the waiting coach, and Darcy stopped and turned to look at her. “So, again, I say thank you, Miss Bennet. I appreciate, more than I can say, the friendship you and Miss Drummond have offered my sister. I am so grateful you have come into our lives.”

  “Thank you for your returning friendship,” said Elizabeth. “It is partly due to your actions that I have felt so welcome in Derbyshire.”

  “Until next time, then.”

  Mr. Darcy extended his hand and helped her up and soon they were off. But Elizabeth looked back at him, noting his constant gaze at her as the carriage moved away. And she could not help but think that his regard was now clear as a bright summer day.

  Chapter XVIII

  The next few days saw a return to a more sedate pace in the neighborhood. Elizabeth did not mind the change—she was at home in society and enjoyed it, but if the situation demanded that she stay closer to home, she was happy to do that as well. There was much to do at Kingsdown, and she set to it with the rest of the family with a will. The fields had been sown and the green shoots of their crops were showing themselves, a promise of what was certain to be a fine autumn bounty. And though the men Mr. Darcy had sent continued to provide their assistance, there was still much work to be done on the estate and around the house.

  Mr. Darcy was still a regular visitor in those days and it was becoming clearer on every visit that his attentions were becoming ever more ardent. He continued to walk with her around the pathways of the estate with the faithful Olivia following behind, giving them time and space to become more truly acquainted. Elizabeth esteemed him greatly by this time, and though she was not certain he would ever be induced to propose to her, she was coming to understand that she would welcome a proposal should he choose to make it.

  The situation at Kingsdown was much the same as it ever was. Mr. Drummond was industrious and kind, his wife disapproving, the elder children hopeful, and the younger, growing and learning. The two younger boys still tried the adults’ patience with their antics, while Leah continued to become closer to Elizabeth, charming her with her innocence and childish intelligence.

  “I have mentioned this before, Lizzy,” said her uncle one morning after breakfast, “but I am quite happy you have come to Derbyshire.”

  “I am happy you invited me,” replied Elizabeth.

  Her uncle directed a long look at her. “You were not in the best of spirits when you came. Can I assume, from what I am seeing now, that you have recovered?”

  Elizabeth smiled. “I have, Uncle. Many of the things weighing down on my mind when I was in Hertfordshire have faded to the back of my mind, and though I know they still exist, I believe I have learned to accept them. And the welcome I have received—not the least of all from you, Olivia, and Leah—has restored my equanimity.”

  “I am glad to hear it. It is clear to me that I made the right choice, for your ability to move in society has assisted my daughter to be more confident herself. I do not know what the future holds for Olivia, but I am hopeful she will find contentment and joy in life, however she chooses to live it.”

  “Olivia is a sweet girl. I am happy to have come to know her.”

  In this manner Elizabeth was gratified that her uncle thought so well of her, and she assured him that she had no thought whatsoever of leaving Derbyshire at present. That would be required eventually, but for now she was content to stay where she was happy.

  The other member of the family who seemed to have grown was Edward. He had struck her as taciturn and angry when she had come, but his outlook on life seemed to have matured and he now went about his tasks with a more hopeful demeanor, his cheerful expression infectious, making them all glad. Elizabeth thought it was, to a large extent, due to the friendship offered by Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, and she could not be more grateful to them.

  “I believe I told you once before that I had some thought of whether we might be compatible,” said he to Elizabeth one day when the family was together after dinner. His words were quietly spoken, but his countenance was no less earnest for that fact.

  “You did, but we agreed it was for the best we did not pursue such thoughts.”

  “We did,” replied Edward. “I have been thinking on it for some time now, and I have concluded that I have erred greatly, Cousin. It has become clear to me that you will make an excellent wife.”

  He must have noticed a hint of the consternation Elizabeth felt upon hearing him speak in such a way, for he laughed and shook his head. “My intention was not to make you uncomfortable or to press my suit.”

  “Then what do you mean by it?”

  “Only to inform you that I think much more highly of you now than I did when you came.” The wry smile with which he favored her was returned by Elizabeth, though with less enthusiasm. “I have come to see you as a rare gem, Cousin, but I shall not attempt to gain your affections. It is more than clear where they lie, and I know any chance I had has vanished.”

  Elizabeth could not help the warmth which spread over her cheeks.

  “Do not attempt to deny it,” said Edward, waving away any protests she had yet to make. “I cannot imagine anyone who would make you a better husband than Darcy, and for his part, it seems to me he could search high and low and not find a woman better suited to him than you. I just wished to say that I believe you will do well together, should he choose to offer for you, which I am almost certain he will. I find that I am happy with the prospect that you will stay close by, for I have come to enjoy your company.”

  “Thank you,
Edward,” replied Elizabeth. “I have also grown fond of you and your entire family. I could not be happier that I have come into Derbyshire.”

  It was a conversation she could not have imagined having with Edward, so discontented had he appeared when she had come. It was the wonders of the friendship of a pair of good men which made it so, Elizabeth was certain, and she was certain to thank Mr. Darcy once again the next day he came.

  But Mr. Darcy had a more serious subject he wished to discuss. Elizabeth supposed she should not have been surprised—she had been in Derbyshire for some time, and as he had become an intimate of her family, some mention of her situation in Hertfordshire must have reached his ears. When he brought the subject up with Elizabeth, he did so with the greatest gentleness, for which she was grateful, as she was not quite certain how she felt about his news.

  As was their custom, they had stepped out of the house to walk, but they confined their steps to the lawn, eschewing any of the longer paths due to Mr. Darcy’s statement that he was unable to stay long that day.

  “You did not need to come if you are occupied with other matters,” said Elizabeth.

  Mr. Darcy smiled. “And give up a chance to converse with you, Miss Bennet?”

  Elizabeth blushed but Mr. Darcy only chuckled. “I will own that the lure of your society is part of the reason which has drawn me hither, but it is not the only reason. In fact, I bring tidings which will be of interest to you.”

  “Oh?” asked Elizabeth. “I hope everything is well at Pemberley.”

  “Yes, we are all well. The news I bring has to do with your family. You see, I have been corresponding with Bingley, and we confirmed that he and his family will visit Pemberley.”

  The situation with Jane had been pushed to the back of Elizabeth’s mind of a purpose, as she had not wished to make herself unhappy. As a result, she had not even thought of Jane’s visit to the neighborhood in recent weeks and found herself unable to immediately reply to Mr. Darcy’s words.