Page 35 of Count the Cost (The Secrets of Elizabeth Bennet #2)

E lizabeth listened to Miss Beresford talk about her father’s estate in Leicestershire and asked enough questions to interest herself in learning more about the area.

She could see Mildred curled up miserably in her little group; most of them were ignoring her, although Miss Standish was trying to engage her in conversation.

She stifled a sigh; if Lady Bedford was against their friendship, she did not see how she could help her new friend.

It was obvious why the lady did not wish her to be here; Elizabeth was taking the attention of too many gentlemen.

It was not just Mr. Darcy. Both Mr. Talbot and Mr. Cunningham seemed to gravitate to her when they could — and as for the languid heir to Lord Bedford, why he looked her up and down with disdainful amusement, yet he could not seem to stay away.

She knew why, of course. She was new to society, her previously unknown fortune and connections seemed to mark her out. And her behaviour was rather too forward to be fashionable. But it had attracted them and she wasn’t quite sure how to signal her indifference.

Perhaps Lady Palmer would be able to make a suggestion or two.

Elizabeth had now received three requests for the supper dance, and suspected a fourth may come soon, given the way the young viscount was leering at her.

Her relief that Mr. Darcy had asked first made her wonder why she felt that way.

She was not looking for a match with him or anyone.

Although she did think that he understood and would not be too forward with her. And he, at least, knew her true circumstances and background well enough.

The next morning she was displeased to see Mr. Talbot had risen early. He looked rather less than immaculate, but approached her enthusiastically. “Might I walk with you, Miss Bennet? We have much to say to each other.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Do we? I must tell you, Mr. Talbot, I do like to step out, rather than stroll slowly, so I hope you are willing to accommodate me.”

“Of course I am, Miss Bennet. It is so refreshing to hear that.” He reached for her hand and placed it possessively on his arm.

Then he began to stroll as slowly as if she were Lady Palmer herself, and began chattering about his dogs and his horses.

She barely had to say a word, he did not ask her anything about herself, and failed to respond to her attempting to lengthen her stride.

She looked away. At least her bonnet would hide her irritated expression from him.

Should she interrupt him, ask if he was able to walk faster?

For a moment the rudeness of it amused her and she wished that she could do so.

But it would not be right and she would not offend Lady Palmer, or give her hostess any reason to dislike her even more.

But his endless conversation about himself was freeing her to think of other things; what her aunt had said in their private sitting room last night about the gentlemen, and about Mr. Darcy in particular.

But she ought not to permit herself to allow the affections of that gentleman to grow, it would be very unfair to him.

Lady Palmer seemed to think that as she was so young — twenty wasn’t young !

— she might change her mind and she had made an astute observation that the right gentleman might appear at the wrong moment, or not appear when — when?

— if she had changed her mind. Elizabeth must take the time to consider that.

But she was not going to change her mind! She was quite determined on her course. A husband could steal away from her all she had achieved. And he would disdain and belittle her efforts. No. She was determined.

Her arm jerked, and she looked up, startled, as Mr. Talbot sneered, laughing. “Look, Darcy looks like he has eaten a lemon!”

Sure enough, Mr. Darcy had appeared on the terrace nearby, still very close, despite the length of time she had been walking. She looked at him — he was so very discomfited — and gave him a bright and pleading smile.

She was pleased when he straightened up and crossed down to the path to them, and bowed. “Talbot.” Then he turned to her.

“Miss Bennet. You look delightful this morning. Might I join your perambulations?”

He had noticed that she was not happy at their pace or her company. She smiled with relief.

“I would be delighted, sir.”

“I saw you walking with Miss Bennet yesterday, Darcy. Why can I not be permitted such conversation today?”

Mr. Darcy raised an eyebrow. “House parties are for all, Talbot. You did hear Miss Bennet say that she did not object to a larger group?”

He turned and moved to walk beside her, silently. It had to be silent, for Mr. Talbot continued his praise of himself and his horses.

Elizabeth could feel Mr. Darcy’s amusement and warm support, even when he said nothing. And then he began speaking to the other man, taking all the obligation of the conversation on himself. Elizabeth was able to return to her thoughts, although the pace remained wearyingly slow.

She must acknowledge that she was grateful to Mr. Darcy for his support this morning, and was reminded again of what Lady Palmer had said. Was she being fair to him if she did not wish for a husband?

The next day was tortuous. All the gentlemen seemed to converge on her at every opportunity, and Lady Bedford’s face became sterner and sterner.

Her aunt merely looked amused, until the evening where Elizabeth finally confronted her in their chambers. “What would you say if I asked to go home now?”

The lady raised her eyebrows. “I would say it is far too dark to leave now.”

Elizabeth huffed and dropped into the chair opposite her aunt. “I have decided that this society is not what I want. You say you have the information your son wished for; so what is keeping us here?”

“Elizabeth.” Her aunt shook her head. “I am sorry we cannot leave now, but there are a number of reasons. Firstly, I will not risk causing offence to Lord Bedford while my son wishes his continued support. Secondly, Mr. Darcy has remained here against his better judgement, just on your behalf. Thirdly, there is young Lady Mildred, whom I have told to come to these chambers tonight so that you may further your friendship in peace. Fourthly and most importantly, you cannot run away. Why should Lady Bedford think she has won? — and she would have won, would she not?”

Elizabeth straightened up. “You are right as always, my lady. I cannot be seen to be slinking away like a dog kicked into the gutter.”

Three more days until the ball, and then they would be going back to London. Elizabeth could scarcely wait.

The next morning Elizabeth sat in her chamber, writing to Jane. It was a pity she could not explain what she was doing here or why, but she had managed to pass it off that Lady Palmer had taken a liking to her, and asked her along as a friend for company. That should be all right.

She enjoyed describing the characters of those around her, although she omitted to say that Mr. Darcy was here. Putting down her pen, she leaned her chin on her hand and stared out of the window. Why had she not mentioned him? Was she trying to hide something from herself?

No. Surely it was because she would then have to explain how he had behaved, that he had asked for the supper dance, and walked with her in the mornings. Jane would be sure to ask her what her feelings for him were.