In the Wilds of Derbyshire Read online

  In the end, Elizabeth decided to force the matter from her mind, for though she was still confused, there was no hope of relief at present. Her father, though he was a negligent correspondent, would respond eventually, and Elizabeth hoped he would address the matter with at least a partial explanation.

  There was a little more society in those days—often consisting of teas or lunches, but nothing on the scale of the games at Pemberley or the picnic at Teasdale Manor—but it was more than enough to satisfy Elizabeth. She and Olivia were often at Pemberley, and at times Georgiana would return their visits by coming to Kingsdown. Mr. Darcy was ever present, and his attentions seemed to grow more ardent as time progressed. It was becoming clear that it was not a matter of whether he would offer for her, but when. Elizabeth often found herself breathless with anticipation, only to remind herself to wait and be patient. He was a deliberate and careful man, and he would propose at a time of his own choosing, when he was convinced of not only his feelings, but hers.

  It was evident that whatever Lady Emily’s intentions were, she had not given up on them, for she often appeared at Pemberley when Elizabeth and Olivia were there—and likely when they were not, Elizabeth suspected, though Georgiana did not confirm that suspicion. But her purpose was still opaque, and she remained as maddeningly inscrutable as ever.

  “Hello, Lady Emily,” said Georgiana cheerfully when she called on them one day. “How nice it is to see you again.”

  Elizabeth smiled fondly at her young friend—Georgiana was growing in confidence by leaps and bounds, and Elizabeth could not be happier for her. She also seemed to be completely unaware of the possibility of ulterior motives in Lady Emily’s visits, welcoming and conversing with her with the same friendliness she displayed to Elizabeth or Olivia.

  “Miss Darcy,” said Lady Emily in response. “Miss Bennet, Miss Drummond. How do you do today?”

  “Very well,” replied Elizabeth, which Olivia echoed.

  The ladies settled down to speak, and for a time all was well, and Elizabeth had noticed a pattern in this. When they first came together, Lady Emily was amiable and pleasant, conversing with them all with little animation, but with perfect civility. That day was no different.

  “How is your practice of the new sonata, Miss Darcy?” asked Lady Emily, turning the subject to one in which they could all participate.

  “I am making progress,” said Georgiana. “There are a few passages which still give me a little trouble, but I am improving. Lizzy plays it beautifully, though.”

  “Not very beautifully at all!” exclaimed Elizabeth. “You know you are much more technically proficient than I. I can muddle my way through, but your playing is superior.”

  “It seems to me this conversation is one which has been repeated often,” said Lady Emily. Though she did not often display her emotions on her face, on this occasion her mirth was unmistakable.

  “Yes, it is,” said Olivia. “They constantly argue about which of them is the more accomplished.”

  “We do not argue, Olivia, for there is nothing to dispute,” said Elizabeth. “It is clear Georgiana has a greater technical proficiency than I possess.”

  “And you play with greater feeling,” rejoined Georgiana.

  They laughed together, Lady Emily watching with the indulgence of an older sister. “Perhaps you should allow me to judge. If you both play the same sonata, I might be able to give some advice or lay to rest your dispute altogether.”

  “It is not a dispute!” said Elizabeth and Georgiana together. Then they giggled at their own silliness and were joined by the other two ladies.

  Thereafter they moved to the pianoforte, and there they enjoyed themselves without reserve. Lady Emily confirmed Elizabeth’s opinion that Georgiana was the greater proficient, but she stubbornly agreed with Georgiana that Elizabeth played with greater feeling. When Lady Emily took her own turn, it became quickly clear that she was the one who took both qualities and mixed them together. Her playing truly was exquisite and clearly closer to what Georgiana was aspiring in her own.

  “I wonder that we have not heard you play more often, Lady Emily,” said Elizabeth as the final notes of the sonata faded away. “I have rarely heard someone with as much talent as you.”

  “I simply have more experience,” replied Lady Emily, though she appeared truly pleased with the praise. “I believe you all have the same potential, should you dedicate yourselves to it.”

  “And that is where I tend to fail!” exclaimed Elizabeth. “There are far too many activities which bring me pleasure to sit and do scales in front of the pianoforte all day long.”

  “Only an hour or two is required, Lizzy,” replied Georgiana. “I believe your playing has improved since you came to Derbyshire, so perhaps you are finding more opportunity to practice here?”

  “I believe I have. But I still will never be your equal.”

  The door opened and in walked the two gentlemen in residence, with Edward, who had accompanied them that day, in tow. “Ladies,” said Mr. Darcy with a bow, mimicked by his cousin and friend. “How do you do today?”

  And that was when the transformation of Lady Emily’s manners usually took place. When the gentlemen entered the room, the lady seemed to have little time to speak to the other women, choosing instead to focus her attention on the approaching men. But though Elizabeth thought that Edward had developed a hint of infatuation for her, and Colonel Fitzwilliam looked at her as if he was privy to some joke, Mr. Darcy’s attention was fixed on Elizabeth as usual when in her company. Elizabeth was gratified by it, though she was concerned at the way Lady Emily’s contentment would erode.

  The ladies removed from the pianoforte and sat on the sofas nearby with the gentlemen, and for a time all was well. The conversation was carried by the more vocal of those present—meaning Elizabeth, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Olivia, to a certain extent—but all were able to express their opinions and contribute. The largest change in Lady Emily’s demeanor came when the activity changed.

  “Shall we not all walk in the gardens?” asked Georgiana. “It is such a fine day—I believe we would all benefit from the exercise.”

  Elizabeth, to whom this last comment was directed, laughed. “I shall certainly not dispute your words. If everyone agrees, I would be happy to go as well.”

  It was decided and they all rose to follow their hosts through the house and out through the back doors into the garden. Pemberley’s gardens were as fine as anything Elizabeth had ever seen. There was a hedge maze, though it was not very large, and delightful pathways filled with flowers of all kinds, a lovely rose garden which had been the pride and joy of Lady Anne Darcy, and even a few topiaries. But it was also not too large, and much of the park had been left to its original wildness, a circumstance which Elizabeth appreciated greatly. The hands of man could never compete with the wonders of nature, in her opinion.

  When they stepped out, Elizabeth hung back, walking with Georgiana and Olivia, with Edward watching over them with indulgent pleasure. Ahead of them, Elizabeth could see Mr. Darcy escorting Lady Emily with Colonel Fitzwilliam at her other side. The partners were a little fluid, as the walkers changed positions as they went, and Mr. Darcy and Georgiana pointed out interesting sights or explained what they knew of certain flowers which bloomed at the sides of the paths.

  But while Elizabeth did not walk next to Mr. Darcy for the first part of their excursion, she could often feel his eyes upon her, though as her eyes were on him nearly as much, she supposed they were equal in that regard. The others also saw the same thing, for Elizabeth heard many stifled giggles and knowing looks. But from Lady Emily’s part, she saw what she took to be a growing exasperation, for though she kept her position beside Mr. Darcy, she could see his eyes often turn to Elizabeth as much as any of the others. And, thus, the transformation took place.

  “I also tend to the rose gardens at Teasdale Manor,” said she, as they walked. Elizabeth, who at that time was clo
se behind them, could hear every word they spoke.

  “And lovely gardens they are,” replied Mr. Darcy. “I understand you have added certain additional varieties to your collection.”

  If it had been any other woman—and certainly Miss Bingley—Elizabeth would have thought her to be preening at the praise. “Yes. My father acquired a cutting from an acquaintance in Shropshire and he brought it back to me. His acquaintance had it from a friend in Cornwall. I was concerned that it might not thrive in our colder climate, but it has grown wonderfully.”

  “No doubt because you have lovingly tended it,” said Mr. Darcy.

  Lady Emily nodded graciously, apparently pleased with how the conversation had proceeded. Her complacency was not to last, however, for Mr. Darcy turned and spoke to Elizabeth.

  “You have also mentioned the rose garden at your home, Miss Bennet. Do you have many varieties there?”

  “We have several,” replied Elizabeth, noting as the smile ran away from Lady Emily’s face. Mr. Darcy remained oblivious. “Before her marriage, my elder sister often tended to them, though I often helped. Now that we are both gone, I believe our gardener has taken over their primary care. My younger sisters are not interested in botany, you understand.”

  “Neither is Georgiana,” said Mr. Darcy with a laugh.

  “I love to look at them, but I have little skill in caring for them,” interjected Georgiana.

  “You simply need a little practice,” replied Lady Emily, Elizabeth thought in an attempt to regain control of the conversation. “If you speak with your gardener, I am certain he would be able to instruct you. I would also be happy to come at any time and share whatever I know with you.”

  “Thank you, Lady Emily,” replied Georgiana. “But I believe for the time being I will content myself with simply admiring them.”

  “To be honest, I much prefer admiring them myself,” said Elizabeth. “It is my sister who is the true gardener of the family, though I assisted her.”

  At that moment, their positions changed, and had Elizabeth not known better, she might almost have thought it was choreographed. Mr. Darcy dropped back to where Elizabeth was walking, prompting Georgiana and Olivia, with Edward in attendance, to pull back themselves. At the same time, Colonel Fitzwilliam stepped toward Lady Emily and directed her attention to some view down the valley behind the house. And all this happened as if they were actors in an opera, having practiced the steps innumerable times.

  “Do you miss your home, Miss Bennet?” asked Mr. Darcy, preventing Elizabeth from considering the situation any further.

  “Perhaps a little,” replied Elizabeth. “When I left I was quite ready for a change in my life, so I have not repined my time here. But I have longed for my family on occasion, especially my father, with whom I have always been close.”

  “I believe you have spoken of him at times,” said Mr. Darcy. “I understand he is a bibliophile?”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Ah, yes, Papa would be miserable without his beloved books. I believe you may have difficulty ejecting him from your library, should he ever see it.”

  “I am happy to host him at any time.”

  “You may wish to reconsider that, Mr. Darcy. I was not exaggerating.”

  The look Mr. Darcy bestowed on her took her breath away, in its tenderness and depth of feeling. “I believe nothing you say will change my mind, Miss Bennet. I am happy when you are here, for you bring such a lightness to our lives and happiness to our hearts. You, your father, and anyone else in your family are welcome at Pemberley at any time.”

  It could not have been clearer had he stated his love for her. As it was, the look in his eyes, the way he leaned over slightly, speaking directly to her, the caress of his free hand on hers, which rested on his arm—all these things shouted his regard for all to see. And it was clear that no one else in the party missed it.

  “What a wonderful place this is!” interrupted a voice.

  Though neither Elizabeth nor Darcy had been behaving inappropriately, they jerked apart as if they had been caught in a compromising position, and startled, Elizabeth looked up to see Lady Emily watching them. Though she still put forward the veneer of complacency, her gaze boring into Elizabeth and her slightly bared teeth spoke to her displeasure.

  “You have a heavenly estate, Mr. Darcy,” continued she, her gaze sliding from Elizabeth to rest upon Mr. Darcy, possessive and determined. “Though my father’s estate adjoins it, I believe you have the superior beauty inherent in Pemberley.”

  “Thank you, Lady Emily,” replied Mr. Darcy. “Teasdale Manor—and, indeed, all of the estates in this vicinity—are not devoid of their own beauty.”

  “Yes, but there is something about Pemberley which defies all description.”

  “I must agree with Mr. Darcy,” interjected Elizabeth. By this time, she was almost amused, though the lady’s obvious displeasure tempered it. But such obvious flattery, accompanied by her flirtatious tone was something Elizabeth might almost have expected from Miss Bingley. “Teasdale Manor is beautiful. I must also agree that Pemberley is one of the finest estates I have ever seen.”

  Lady Emily’s eyes fell on Elizabeth like a branch falling from a tree, and Elizabeth decided it might be best to simply be silent. Mr. Darcy, however, appeared not to see the woman’s annoyance, for he turned back to Elizabeth.

  “Your home also has many beauties, I imagine? Bingley has written to me several times about how agreeable he finds the neighborhood.”

  “Yes, I do find it beautiful,” replied Elizabeth, keeping a wary eye on Lady Emily. “But that is not precisely surprising, given it is my home and the place I know best.”

  “It will not be your home forever,” inserted Georgiana, throwing more fuel on the conflagration that was Lady Emily’s temper. “I believe I would like you to stay in Derbyshire forever. You once told me you would be happy to do so.”

  Feeling the heat of Lady Emily’s contempt upon her, Elizabeth only forced a smile at the girl and said: “That was said in jest, Georgiana. Though I have come to love Derbyshire and enjoy the company here, I know that eventually I will need to return to my father’s home.”

  “Mayhap you will,” said Georgiana. “But I doubt you will be there long.”

  Then she began to walk again, forging ahead of the rest of the group with Olivia by her side, the two girls giggling between themselves and shooting looks back over their shoulders at Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth was mortified—the girl’s words had made her appear mercenary to Lady Emily, a circumstance she wished to avoid at all costs.

  Mr. Darcy watched the girls walk away, Edward once again in tow, and he turned a grin on Elizabeth. “It seems my sister has acquired a hint of impertinence in her manner, Miss Bennet. I will own to some surprise, for she has always been shy and hesitant to speak up, even with her family.”

  “Perhaps it is the company she keeps,” said Lady Emily, though in a soft tone.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam immediately directed her away, though it appeared like Mr. Darcy did not hear or had ignored her comment, for he looked at Elizabeth, expectation in his gaze and a slight upturn to his lips.

  “You agree with Lady Emily?” asked Elizabeth, attempting to determine whether he had noticed the lady’s comment.

  “I do,” replied Mr. Darcy. “She has seen to the core of the situation. Before you and Olivia came into Georgiana’s life, she was exactly as I described. Your friendship has been invaluable. I cannot be happier with how you have influenced her.”

  And there it was. Elizabeth had always known that Mr. Darcy approved of her and appreciated her friendship with his sister, but in that short statement, he had turned Lady Emily’s criticism into a compliment.

  “As I have said before myself, Mr. Darcy, I do not consider befriending your sister to be a virtue. She is a lovely young woman, and Olivia and I have been fortunate to make her acquaintance.”

  “Then all have benefited, myself included.
”

  Mr. Darcy took her hand and placed it on his arm, and he began walking after the others. Georgiana, Olivia, and Edward were already some distance ahead of them, and Lady Emily and Colonel Fitzwilliam had gone some distance as well. A glance at Lady Emily’s form showed her back stiff and her head high, and though Colonel Fitzwilliam appeared to be speaking to her in an attempt at distraction. Elizabeth doubted it was successful.

  They continued walking and Mr. Darcy kept making comments, to which Elizabeth responded, but her mind was not truly on his words. Lady Emily had made her displeasure with his attentions to Elizabeth clear, but it seemed that Mr. Darcy had not truly noted it. She was flattered that he was so firmly fixed upon her that he could not see how Lady Emily tried to insert herself into his notice. But she could not help but think that one day the lady’s frustrations would boil over, leading to a scene none of them wished to witness.

  Elizabeth thought of pointing it out to Mr. Darcy, but she rejected the notion out of hand. It was not proper to do so, after all, and she had not the slightest notion of how to go about it. Hopefully, even when that explosion occurred, Lady Emily would retain enough of her reason and dignity to avoid making a terrible scene.

  Chapter XX

  Though he supposed he should not find the situation so diverting, in truth Fitzwilliam was enjoying himself immensely. It was a farce, pure and simple, something Shakespeare himself might have designed for a comedy to be presented on stage. Fitzwilliam watched carefully, ready to insert himself at any moment, but the urge to laugh was nigh overpowering at times.

  Darcy, for all his keen intellect and power of observation, was utterly ignorant of Lady Emily’s efforts in his direction, though the woman had almost thrown her interest in his face. And Lady Emily, for all her own intelligence and superior breeding as the daughter of an earl, had begun to throw flirtatious comments at the man like a common barmaid on the hunt for a man to warm her bed at night. Georgiana and Olivia were oblivious, which Fitzwilliam could only count a blessing; should Georgiana become aware of Lady Emily’s designs on her brother, it might induce her to say something she ought not. She was clearly determined to have Miss Bennet as a sister.