In the Wilds of Derbyshire Page 33

  In some obscure way, Mr. Darcy’s account of Lady Emily’s belated conscience was comforting, though Elizabeth was still not sanguine about the matter. Perhaps the friendship they previously shared might be repaired, though it would be some time before she was willing to listen to the woman’s overtures. Then Elizabeth realized that she was not even certain that Lady Emily had ever been a true friend to her, and was thus uncertain if there was anything to restore.

  “Regardless,” Mr. Darcy continued speaking, “she has confessed herself to be completely in the wrong and has agreed to make her apology. If that is acceptable to you, of course.”

  “Had your account been different, I might have been otherwise inclined,” said Elizabeth.

  “And I would not have blamed you.”

  “As it is, however, if she will make one, I will listen to her. I do not think I will trust her for some time, but I will accept her apology.”

  Mr. Darcy nodded. “In addition to this, it seems she has had some expectation that we might come to an agreement.” Elizabeth was not at all surprised by this. “I have informed her of the fact that I have no intention of offering for her, and that she should not expect any attentions to be forthcoming.”

  “You did not inform her of our engagement?”

  “I did not. But the earl guessed our developing relationship, and he spoke to me about it.”

  Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. “To warn you away from the penniless daughter of a minor landowner in favor of his daughter?”

  A chuckle was his response. “You are far too erudite for your own good, Miss Bennet, but you also do him a disservice. His lordship was a close friend of my father’s. Along with my uncle, he provided a great deal of assistance in the days after my father passed. He did mention those things, but only to be certain that I had considered them myself. When I informed him of my intentions, he supported me, and he specifically praised you.”

  “Then I owe him an apology,” said Elizabeth with a shake of her head. “My father has sometimes told me that I am much too quick to make judgments, and this appears to be one of those times.”

  “Perhaps,” replied Mr. Darcy. “But you can hardly be blamed for them.”

  Elizabeth shook her head, but she allowed the comment to pass. They joined the general conversation in the room, and for a time it was carried on with the effortless ease of those who have long been comfortable in one another’s company. There was an indefinable quality in what Elizabeth was witnessing before her, as if those who were aware of the engagement had imparted their excitement to those who were not without even realizing it. This would be the scene of many family gatherings in the future, Elizabeth was certain, and she could only anticipate such events and inviting her family to her new home in turn.

  It was not long, however, before another party arrived, and the earl and his daughter stepped into the room. Earl Chesterfield held his head high and betrayed no hint of trepidation concerning the upcoming meeting, but the same could not be said of his daughter. For the first time in her acquaintance with Lady Emily, Elizabeth sensed her hesitation.

  They were welcomed and invited to sit, and they did, exchanging pleasantries. During this brief period, Elizabeth watched Lady Emily, attempting to take the lady’s measure anew. The woman darted several glances at her, and she appeared to not know what to make of Elizabeth’s silence, as if she expected Elizabeth to denounce her the moment she entered the room. There was nary a display of haughtiness or unwillingness—though it would not be unexpected, given the circumstances—leading Elizabeth to believe that her forthcoming apology was to be offered willingly. It made her feel a little better.

  “Miss Bennet,” said Lady Emily during a lull in the conversation, “I wonder if I might have a word with you.”

  “Perhaps we should retire to the other parlor?” said Elizabeth, speaking as much to her uncle as Lady Emily. “This is a private matter, after all.”

  The reactions of both Lady Emily and the earl bespoke their gratitude. Elizabeth had no desire to publicly humiliate anyone and wished for this episode to be behind her as soon as may be. The best way to do that was to accept her apology without witnesses.

  “I believe that would be best, Lizzy,” said her uncle, and he rose to lead them from the room.

  Mrs. Drummond, Edward, and Olivia’s eyes were all alight with curiosity, but Colonel Fitzwilliam immediately began to speak, distracting them. For her part, Georgiana looked at Elizabeth, but Elizabeth only smiled and shook her head, and the girl responded by nodding. Mr. Darcy and the earl both rose to accompany the principals of the situation, along with Mr. Drummond, from the room, and they repaired to the second parlor. It was a smallish sort of room, the furnishings old, but remarkably well-preserved, given the lack of use it received. They would not be disturbed here.

  “I thank you for your restraint, Miss Bennet,” said the earl.

  “I have no desire for this incident to be known to any more people than necessary. Only the five of us, your servants, and Colonel Fitzwilliam will ever know.”

  “Thank you, Miss Bennet,” said Lady Emily quietly. “I wish you to know that I am aware of how badly I behaved yesterday. It was wrong of me, and I confess it without hesitation. Great harm could have befallen you due to my actions, and I am heartily sorry for putting you in such danger. I humbly beg your forgiveness.”

  “I appreciate your apology, Lady Emily,” replied Elizabeth. “Though I will confess I was taken aback at what happened and could not understand it, no harm has been done and I offer my forgiveness readily. Let us put this incident behind us and think of it no more.”

  “You are very good,” replied Lady Emily. “I hope that in the future we may become friends again. I understand that it will be some time before I will be able to gain your trust, but I am willing to work to earn it.”

  “I hope so too,” said Elizabeth. It cost her nothing to say it, though she was not certain it was possible at present. But as Lady Emily lived just to the north of Pemberley and would be her neighbor for many years she hoped it would be. She well understood how important it was to have good relations with one’s neighbors.

  “And I add my sentiments to my daughter’s,” said Lord Chesterfield. “Though I know you only a little, I have been impressed with you, Miss Bennet. Your coming to Derbyshire has been accepted by all, especially the Darcys, and I do not wish you to think we are any exception.”

  “I am not naïve enough to think that I am universally liked, your lordship. But I have felt quite welcome and have made many friends. This is a wonderful corner of the kingdom, and I could not be happier that I have come.”

  “Excellent! Then we shall work to restore your trust and build our relationship again. I believe there are many years of association ahead of us.”

  The knowing look the earl directed at her confirmed his good information of at least the attraction between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, if not the full scope of their current situation. Elizabeth was forced to smile—he was not what Elizabeth might have thought to find in a peer of the realm, being both friendly and unpretentious. Elizabeth thought she might like knowing him better.

  The apology having been offered and accepted, they soon returned to the sitting-room where the others awaited them. The Teasdales sat with them for another quarter of an hour before they excused themselves, leaving the Darcy party behind. Mr. Darcy suggested a walk, to which Elizabeth immediately agreed, and Olivia, Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Edward all indicated their willingness to accompany them. Mr. Drummond waved them out with a smile and they left to prepare.

  But as Elizabeth was attempting to leave, she was arrested by the presence of her aunt, who was looking at her with curiosity, and for once, without disdain.

  “It is not every day an earl and his daughter visit my home and ask to speak with my niece. It is even rarer that she directs them from the room to speak in private. Do you care to explain?”

  “My apologies
, Aunt,” replied Elizabeth. “But I cannot satisfy your curiosity. Lady Emily wished to speak to me of a private matter. It must remain between us.”

  “Your uncle and Mr. Darcy accompanied you,” replied her aunt. “And for that matter, the earl went as well.”

  “That is because they were all aware of the contents of our discussion, Aunt. There is nothing underhanded happening. But what was discussed must remain confidential.”

  Mrs. Drummond nodded slowly. “I suppose I must be content, then. Are you certain you did nothing to offend Lady Emily?”

  “No, Aunt.” Quite the opposite, in fact. “It was a trifling matter.”

  “Very well.” Her aunt’s haughty mask once again slipped into place. “I suppose you had best join your friends before they depart without you.”

  The woman turned and walked away, leaving Elizabeth to watch, bemused, at her sudden mood shifts. She exited the house to where the others were waiting, and they turned toward the back park, walking as a group, speaking animatedly amongst themselves. Elizabeth felt herself to be happy—she had known none of these people only three months earlier, but now she felt as if she had been acquainted with them all her life. And she would marry one of them. It still felt surreal to think of herself as an engaged woman, but there it was.

  As they entered a path through the trees, the path narrowed so that they were forced to walk two abreast, but that worked well for Elizabeth, as she wished to make the communication to Olivia concerning her good fortune. Colonel Fitzwilliam understood what was about to happen, and he distracted Edward by speaking to him and walking down the path quickly, leaving the others to walk more slowly as they spoke. Olivia was not blind to the colonel’s actions, and as soon as she saw he was leading her brother away, she turned to Elizabeth.

  “Will you all now explain what has happened? I am quite confused by Georgiana’s behavior, and now by Elizabeth’s need to speak in private with Lady Emily.”

  “The two are not related, Olivia,” replied Elizabeth. She turned to her cousin, fairly bursting to tell her the news. “In fact, something of significance has happened, and I would like you to know.”

  “Then what is it?” asked Olivia. The girl’s eyes were alight with curiosity and anticipation.

  “Yesterday, Mr. Darcy made me an offer of marriage, and I have accepted. I am to live in Derbyshire forever, after all.”

  The shock in Olivia’s countenance left her speechless for several moments, but soon she let out a squeal and flew at Elizabeth, laughing and crying at the same time. “Is it true, Lizzy? Are you to stay in Derbyshire?”

  “It is,” said Elizabeth, crying right along with her cousin. “Though I will return home when the summer is complete like I always intended, Mr. Darcy will speak to Father at that time, and then I shall return as a married woman.”

  “Oh, I am so happy, Lizzy! Not only shall I continue to have your society, but you shall also be married to such a wealthy man!”

  The sight of Olivia covering her mouth in consternation brought giggles to Elizabeth’s lips, and she was joined by Georgiana, who was obviously enjoying her friend’s antics.

  “I am sorry!” squeaked Olivia. “I did not mean that how it sounded.”

  “We know you did not, dearest,” replied Elizabeth. “Only remember, for sometimes we say things which may be misconstrued, if we do not take the trouble to check our thoughts, so that our mouths do not ramble ahead of us.”

  “Georgiana and I did not take any offense,” added Mr. Darcy. “I know your genuine feelings of happiness for your cousin.”

  “I am happy, Mr. Darcy,” said Olivia, her initial shyness concerning Mr. Darcy returning. “Elizabeth has become a dear friend in addition to being a wonderful cousin. I am so happy for her. But I cannot be more ecstatic that she will continue to be here, that I may see her so often.”

  “No more than I will be, Olivia,” said Georgiana. “I shall be gaining a wonderful sister, and we shall both have our friend and mentor present always.”

  “Perhaps we can arrange invitations to town,” said Mr. Darcy. “Georgiana loves the theater, concerts, the menagerie, Kew Gardens, and many other attractions which can be found in London. I have no doubt that you will enjoy them and provide Georgiana company, for she will undoubtedly be bored living with two such old married people.”

  Georgiana and Olivia laughed together. “I would be very grateful for any such invitations,” said Olivia.

  “It will be so much fun!” exclaimed Georgiana.

  “Then you will have something to anticipate,” said Mr. Darcy. “Now, unless I am very much mistaken, Fitzwilliam and Edward will wonder what has become of us if we do not hurry to catch them. If you girls will go on ahead, I have something of which to speak with Miss Bennet.”

  Clearly the girls imagined some clandestine and highly improper actions between the engaged couple, for they giggled together and turned to walk down the path. Mr. Darcy watched them go with affection, before he turned to Elizabeth and offered his arm. She accepted, and soon they were walking behind the girls, the object of their scrutiny, as they several times looked back and laughed as they whispered together.

  “I believe I have said it before, Miss Bennet,” said Mr. Darcy, “but your friendship and that of Miss Drummond has been good for my sister.”

  “And hers has been good for us. Georgiana was the first young lady who accepted me when I came to Derbyshire. She is a delightful girl.”

  Darcy turned his attention toward Elizabeth. “I am happy to see you so well. I know many young ladies who would have been distressed by yesterday’s events even now.”

  “I like to think I am resilient, Mr. Darcy. I will not allow such poor memories to rule me.”

  “Exactly as I would have expected.” Mr. Darcy then sobered a little and turned his attentions to other matters. “I have a little more news to relate to you. Bingley and I have settled on a date for their arrival.”

  “I see,” said Elizabeth, that familiar blend of trepidation and anticipation welling up in her heart. “Can I assume it will be soon?”

  “Next week, Miss Bennet. They will arrive on Monday next, only three days after your birthday.”

  Elizabeth shot him a surprised smile. “How did you know of my birthday?”

  “Come, Miss Bennet—you did not think I would be complacent about such an important date. Should your father see fit to reject my proposal that is the first date when you will be free to accept me without his consent. Of course, I would wish to be cognizant of it.”

  A laugh met his declaration, and Elizabeth brought her fee hand up to place over his hand. “Are you certain that is all?”

  “Well, Georgiana might have mentioned it to me—it seems you told her some time ago?”

  “Only in passing. And it must have been several weeks ago.”

  “I believe it was. Georgiana has been planning to invite you to a special event that day, complete with a birthday cake. Our cook, you understand, makes heavenly creations on our birthdays and is eager to display his talents whenever the opportunity presents itself.”

  “Then I shall anticipate his masterpiece keenly, sir. Should I hold my peace about this matter? Has Georgiana intended to surprise me with it?”

  Mr. Darcy shook his head. “No, I believe one of her purposes today was to extend the invitation. It is, of course, open to Miss Drummond, and any of her family who wish to attend.”

  “Then let us keep it to just Olivia and me, and perhaps Edward,” said Elizabeth slowly. “A more intimate setting would be preferable.”

  “Then let us make a picnic of it. We can ride to a location I have wished to show you and eat our luncheon there.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Will you not destroy your cook’s wonderful creation?”

  “We will return to Pemberley to partake of the cake,” replied Mr. Darcy.

  “And the state of my riding skills? I recall someone promising to teach me to ride, yet
I have remained uninstructed.”

  Mr. Darcy chuckled and shook his head. “Of course, we must remedy that lack, Miss Bennet. I will ensure Georgiana invites you in the next week so that we can attend to it.”

  “Then I accept, sir.”

  “Excellent!”

  And they continued to walk and talk together. If Georgiana and Olivia still giggled and looked at them from time to time, Elizabeth could cheerfully ignore them. After all, she was walking with the best man she had ever known, and she was increasingly loath to turn her attention away from him.

  Chapter XXIV

  The days between Lady Emily’s apology to Miss Bennet and the coming of her sister were spent in an agreeable fashion. Darcy continued to call on her often, and those days when he did not, she could be found at Pemberley with Georgiana. It was clear she was more distracted, no doubt due to the imminent arrival of the Bingleys, but Darcy could not blame her.

  It was the day after the apology that he became aware of the true state of affairs which existed between Miss Bennet and her sister, and he could not be more confused. The reports she had given him of her sister’s character in no way suggested her to be a woman who would throw her family over due to an increase in wealth, nor did he think it likely that Bingley could be so deficient in understanding as to be entrapped by such a woman. He was easily led, at times, but Darcy knew he was not at all lacking in intelligence.

  But Darcy did not doubt Miss Bennet’s account either. The one thing of which he was wary of was the instinct to think poorly of Mrs. Bingley before he had ever met her for no more reason than the pain she had caused to Darcy’s beloved. It would not be useful to pre-judge her, for there may be some explanation for her behavior which did not result in his damning her character.

  The one item of which Darcy was curious was canvassed while she was a visitor at Pemberley. Georgiana and Miss Drummond were amusing each other, and Fitzwilliam was away somewhere, which allowed Darcy to speak with his betrothed alone, and he lost no time in asking her opinion.