Page 30 of Count the Cost (The Secrets of Elizabeth Bennet #2)

D arcy really didn’t want to get close to Lady Palmer at this moment. What had possessed him to tell her so much of himself? But she was beckoning him over, as if she wanted his escort into luncheon, and Miss Bennet was walking with Lady Mildred.

He sighed and offered to escort Lady Palmer. Happily, they arrived in time to find seats beside Miss Bennet, and he held the chair one away from her for the lady, and took the chair between them.

Miss Bennet was conversing with Lady Mildred, and although he could not hear her words, even the sound of her voice lightened him somehow.

But he must not ignore her great aunt, and turned courteously to her. “My lady, may I ask for you to be served some wine?”

She looked sharply at him. “No need, Mr. Darcy. The staff here know that I prefer water during the day.”

He swallowed. He had told her far too much about himself, and would wish to be beside anyone else at this moment.

But perhaps he could take advantage of her presence.

“I hope I may ask a favour of you, madam, that you not repeat what I have told you this morning. I believe I may have been too indiscreet, especially that some things may be embarrassing to my sister if they become widely known.”

She smiled, rather too knowingly, and patted his arm. “Do not be concerned, Mr. Darcy. Your sister will have no cause to repine.”

His jaw tightened; she had — apparently carefully — not promised to keep his words confidential, but he could hardly ask again, and he felt the back of his neck heat in a flush as he thought of Miss Bennet being told about his past.

The old lady leaned forward. “You have said nothing to be embarrassed about, but if it makes you feel better, then I promise not to repeat any of what you have told me today.”

Darcy’s shoulders sagged in relief. “You have my gratitude, my lady.”

He heard a quiet chuckle on the other side of him, and turned to Miss Bennet. She leaned slightly closer. “I am glad you seem relieved at her promise, and I can assure you of her trustworthiness.” Her eyes were dancing, and he felt his heart lighten.

She leaned backwards, and drew Lady Mildred into the conversation. “I believe you told me, sir, that your sister is very musical and plays the harp as well as the pianoforte. Lady Mildred also enjoys the harp.”

Darcy nodded, grateful for the information. “And do you prefer it to the pianoforte, my lady?”

She blushed scarlet, and dropped her gaze into her lap. “Yes, sir, I do.”

He was pleased at the information; it would give him a topic of conversation when dancing on Friday, but he did not know how to speak with a strange young lady who could not converse with any degree of comfort.

But Miss Bennet saved them both. “Mildred has been telling me how different it is to the pianoforte and yet does not find it confusing to learn both simultaneously.”

“That is interesting. My sister has also said the same, and has had me purchase the same works arranged for each instrument.” He would make the effort to converse. “Do you find that helpful, Lady Mildred? My sister tells me that some works seem better suited to different instruments.”

He could feel the approval and warmth flowing to him from Miss Bennet, and heat suffused him.

“Oh, yes, Mr. Darcy!” The girl sounded quite animated. “And I have had my music master assist me to adapt some orchestral and choral works to bring the melody to the harp.” She suddenly seemed to shrink back into herself and her next words were whispers. “Has your sister attempted the same?”

“I do not believe so. With your consent, my lady, I may ask her in my next letter.”

She had lost the confidence and merely nodded, looking back down to her lap.

Darcy glanced at Miss Bennet enquiringly, and she shook her head smilingly, and took over the conversation seamlessly. He could relax.

Soon after lunch, Darcy took a few moments in his chamber, and washed his face in the cold water to bring himself to his senses.

He was enjoying his time here far too much!

Miss Bennet was the cause of it all; and he thought he was the only guest, apart from her aunt, who knew her background.

And on reconsidering her position, it was no better than it had been before.

It was as well she had this new connection — although he still did not know how it had come about.

And how much was a satisfactory inheritance ?

He could hardly ask her, and if he asked Lady Palmer, she would think he wished to pursue Elizabeth.

But there was still that dreadful family. Her mother — loud, vulgar, unendurable! And the youngest girls! How could he even think of allying himself to her? Georgiana’s chances would be destroyed in an instant should the ton ever get to hear of them.

He could not even imagine their visits to Pemberley or Darcy House in town. He shuddered at the thought of Miss Lydia importuning Richard — although Richard would only laugh.

He shook his head violently; Richard could never approve of his ward being exposed to such a family.

Darcy leaned his arms on the table by the window, and dropped his head down, breathing in deep draughts of cold fresh air.

Why was he even thinking of her? He could not. She might be all that was lovely, all that was understanding and kind. She might be able to assist Georgiana as she was encouraging Lady Mildred; but she could never escape her past, never leave behind that family.

Even the uncle and aunt may be very wealthy, but they still lived in Cheapside.

And he was brother to Mrs. Bennet, raised in that same vulgar household; he could hardly be better.

However did they hide that from the Emporium, so that the highest of the first circles were willing to visit?

After all, he had been there with Aunt Alice and Georgiana, and never suspected the vulgarity that might lie behind it.

No, he must distance himself from Miss Bennet, and at the thought, his heart twisted within him.

He should never have requested the supper dance.