Page 7 of Count the Cost (The Secrets of Elizabeth Bennet #2)

D arcy sighed. It might be the morning after the assembly, and have been a very late night, but the best part of the day was already gone.

None of the Bingley siblings had yet appeared, and Darcy did not see that it was in Bingley’s best interests for Darcy to see the steward and run this estate for his friend. Bingley needed to know that the owner of an estate did not have a life of idle ease.

Darcy had already ridden out, and inspected the western fences on his way back.

He had eaten a hearty breakfast and read the newspapers.

Part of him wished to call at Longbourn and engage in another delightfully impertinent but safe conversation with a young woman who was not in search of a husband.

But in all conscience, he could not do that. Not after singling the lady out by asking for the supper dance. He shivered, he ought not to have done so. He chuckled; it had been an interesting and enjoyable supper, despite the surroundings.

No, he could not go to Longbourn, especially alone.

Heaving a sigh, he went to the library. He always had plenty of letters to write.

Georgiana. He would write to his sister first and ask if she was still enjoying the shawl.

Perhaps he could tell her about Miss Elizabeth.

Carefully, of course; he did not want Georgiana nurturing any ideas about the subject of a young lady and her brother.

I hope, dear sister, that you are still enjoying the shawl you purchased at Gardiner’s. It becomes you very well, and I am thinking of you wearing it while taking tea with Aunt Alice.

Perhaps Richard might call when he is off duty; he will certainly admire it.

I am pleased you said it made you feel special, and hope it continues to give you much pleasure.

I saw a local young lady at the assembly last night, and it was obvious to me that the gown was of a fabric from Gardiner’s. I have never seen such a deep crimson before.

I engaged her in conversation, and she revealed the fabric had been a gift from her aunt.

When she explained why it was important to be able to feel special, I understood more deeply how much you liked the shawl, Georgiana, and I am even happier that I now comprehend this better and was able to purchase it for you.

He put his pen down, and gazed out of the window.

Might it have made a difference in Ramsgate if Georgiana had been more confident, had felt more special before going there?

She had revealed that Wickham’s attentions had made her feel important to him, and that he cared for her, when she had thought no one did.

His ire rose as he thought of that reprobate. Georgiana must never again be left without protection. But perhaps she needed more than a shawl to feel confident in herself.

He sighed, and turned back to the desk. She needed friends. But school had not been the right place for her. He smirked; Miss Elizabeth had younger sisters. She would probably take Georgiana under her wing — although she would undoubtedly give his sister rather unconventional ideas.

Not seeking a husband, indeed! All young ladies were in the market for a husband. Although — that colour silk was eye-catching and suited her dark curls very well. He must be careful.

He shook himself, and sat back down to finish his letter. Then he would drop Richard a note, encouraging him to call on Georgiana, and if she was wearing a jade silk shawl, to admire it. He smiled as he picked up his pen.

The next morning, he found himself riding beside Bingley and following the coach to Longbourn. He wasn’t quite sure what this call would involve, and especially how Miss Elizabeth would treat Miss Bingley. He attempted to temper his amusement at the thought.

“I say, Darcy, you’ve been rather quiet this last day or two.” Bingley trotted up beside him. “I hope you’re not offended at my taking you to the assembly.”

“Not at all.” Darcy shrugged. “It was not as bad as some I have attended.”

“I was surprised you danced quite so much. Especially the supper dance. Miss Bennet was quite delighted for her sister.”

Darcy shrugged. “And I suppose you were quite delighted with Miss Bennet?” His distraction worked; for the rest of the distance Bingley extolled his newest angel.

Darcy wondered whether to warn Miss Elizabeth to ensure her sister guarded her heart.

For the first time, he felt a frisson of unease at his friend’s careless affections and attentions.

Now wasn’t the time, but he must speak to him tonight and ensure he understood that raising expectations in the country was very different to that in town.

He attempted to put that thought away and lighten his expression as he entered Longbourn behind his friend.

He was not really looking forward to the noise that six lively ladies might make, especially as one of them was Mrs. Bennet, whose loud voice had overpowered the assembly rooms two nights before.

He smiled to himself, she would quite make up for the quiet and well-mannered Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. Neither could be said to be excitable. After a few minutes in the room, he realised Miss Mary was not, either. No, the noise came entirely from the two youngest and their mother.

He was exceptionally relieved when the lady approved of Miss Elizabeth’s suggestion that he and Bingley walk out with the eldest two daughters. It was, however, unfortunate that Miss Bingley and her sister decided to walk with them.

Miss Bennet kindly accepted Mrs. Hurst into their little group, and Miss Bingley attached herself to Darcy’s other arm. He clenched his jaw.

Miss Elizabeth’s amusement raised his ire a little at first, until he realised it was all aimed at his friend’s sister and not against him.

He smiled when she began talking of her difficulty the previous day in understanding that part of The Odyssey she was reading, and her request for his observations on that passage.

They conversed on that topic for a few minutes, and Miss Bingley’s fingers tightened on his arm — he was quite sure he would have bruises. Her grip was in stark contrast to Miss Elizabeth’s hand on his other arm, light and fleeting. She fitted beautifully, and he relaxed a little.

“My dear Miss Eliza,” Miss Bingley interrupted with a faint smile, “you speak with such candour of your studies — quite diverting! But do you never worry that gentlemen may find too much learning… a little formidable in a young lady?”

“Miss Bingley,” Miss Elizabeth responded.

“May I make several observations? Firstly, no one, apart from my dearest friend and her family have my consent to call me by that diminutive. Society considers it the height of bad manners to assume that right without permission. Secondly, I am aware that Mr. Darcy enjoys intellectual conversations and is not an adherent of fashion. Thirdly, he also knows that I am not in need of a husband.”

“Not in need of a husband!” Miss Bingley latched on to the last comment, ignoring Miss Elizabeth’s repetition of her words. “But I heard that Longbourn is entailed. What will you do after the death of your father?”

“I will mourn him when that sad time comes, but I am convinced — and hope — it will be far into the future. I am very attached to my father.”

“As everyone should be,” Darcy murmured, and was gratified by the appreciative look she gave him.

Miss Bingley sniffed and changed the subject. “Mr. Darcy is always attentive to my costumes. But then, they are fully fashionable and I use quality modistes.”

“I am well able to see that, Miss Bingley.” Miss Elizabeth smiled mischievously. “Your gown at the assembly was truly remarkable.”

Darcy tried to keep his face impassive. “Your gown was exceptionally beautiful and distinctive, Miss Elizabeth.” He found himself not caring about the possible repercussions of his intervention.

Miss Bingley had obviously taken an instant dislike to Miss Elizabeth, probably because he had taken the supper dance with her.

It was therefore his duty to protect her from this dreadful woman.

Miss Elizabeth, however, did not seem to need his protection.

“Thank you. Of course it is important to know which styles and colours suit one best, and not only be a slave to fashion.” She paused theatrically.

“However, I believe Mr. Darcy is definitely not enthralled by talk of fashion.” She turned her attention to him.

“Sir, are you able to tell me a little about the news? Papa takes an inordinately long time to peruse the Times, so I do not get the opportunity to catch up until the afternoon.”

He smiled at her neat set down of Miss Bingley and the attempt to cut her out of the conversation. That lady was totally uninterested in the news.

“I can, Miss Elizabeth. My cousin was telling me about how the war is going in the Peninsula, as he is just back from there. So I was interested to read today that they are sending many more horses as well as troops. It is of course, a difficult thing.”

“I had wondered about that, Mr. Darcy. How on earth do the grooms keep the horses calm and fit while on board ship for such a long time, especially if the weather is inclement?”

He was surprised. “I had not given it a lot of thought, I am afraid, madam. But I will write to my cousin this afternoon and ask him to give us the benefit of his experience.”