Page 39 of Elizabeth in Scotland (Elizabeth and Darcy Abroad #2)
“Come now, Miss Elizabeth. Surely you cannot believe in such children’s fairytales?” Caroline said.
Darcy watched with concern. Miss Bennet seemed bent on tearing her sister down rather than protecting her.
It did not match up with the descriptions Elizabeth had given of Miss Bennet when they had been back in Scotland.
He had been under the impression that they were very close, but he saw no evidence of any closeness now.
To witness such behaviour was alarming to the greatest degree.
“People who believe there is nothing left to discover, no mystery or adventure left in the world, are apt to miss out on a great deal of joy,” Elizabeth said, aiming the comment not only at Miss Bingley, but at her sister.
Both of the older ladies scowled at Elizabeth.
However, they had no chance to say anything more, as Elizabeth rose elegantly from her seat and went over to the window with her teacup.
With an effort, he waited a few moments before following her.
It would not do to have his action seem too pointed a rebuke.
She smiled up at him. “Oh, Mr Darcy. You did not have to leave the others. I just needed a moment,” she explained. But he knew exactly why she had felt the need to come to the window. She took a steadying breath. “How is Georgiana? I have missed her terribly over the last few weeks.”
“She has missed you, too. I am sorry I did not think of it until after you and your father had left, but we should have tried to travel together, so the two of you could have passed the trip together, either in your father’s carriage, or mine.”
“That would have been lovely,” Elizabeth smiled. “If ever we have occasion to travel to Scotland at the same time again, I shall suggest the plan to my father. Of course, I believe he means to take Mary along with him next time.”
“Yes, I recall your benevolent intention of Mr Campbell and Miss Mary beginning an acquaintance. I am glad Mr Bennet means to take her,” Darcy said.
He longed to ask her how she was, and if he could be of any service in protecting her from Miss Bingley.
At the very least, he could mention something to Charles to stop her sniping.
With a grimace, he dismissed the idea. It was laughable to imagine that Miss Bingley would stop making unkind comments simply because her brother told her to.
“I am glad to hear that Georgiana has found a companion,” Elizabeth remarked, neatly turning the subject. “I hope they are getting along well?”
“They are. It will be vital for her to have some company when we return to Pemberley. It is a secluded place, and it can get very lonely. I am not always at home, since I have matters of business to which I must attend. Mrs Annesley will be here with Georgiana before much longer. You can tell me what you think of her when she arrives.”
“I am sure she is splendid, if you chose her and if Georgiana is happy with her,” Elizabeth said.
“I — thank you,” Darcy said, a little taken aback. How can a simple compliment from her mean so much?
She took a sip of her tea and then screwed up her nose, setting the cup on the little side table near them. “I must confess, I am having trouble getting used to the weak tea here in England. I long for a good cup of that malted tea from Scotland.”
“I agree,” he said. “It seems we make our tea much too mild here, now that I am used to the way it was served in the Highlands.”
“Perhaps another jaunt to Strathalt House is in order?” she laughed. “No — much as I love tea, that is simply too much. If I am fortunate, Mr Campbell may be willing to write down the instructions for me, and send the necessary supplies.”
“I am sure he would.”
Darcy felt that tea was over far too quickly. It had been so wonderful to be near Elizabeth for the remainder of the Bennets’ visit that the time had flown by. When the Bennets were gone, Caroline Bingley stood and began parading about the room, giving a derisive sneer.
“Well, what did you think of them?” Bingley asked. “You seemed quite pleased to resume your acquaintance with Mr Bennet and Miss Elizabeth.”
“Indeed, I was. We found out that they lived quite close to Netherfield when we were in Scotland. As you know, Mr Bennet is the heir to the Strathalt Estate. If I could not inherit myself, I am pleased that he will be the next master of Strathalt House instead,” Darcy said.
“Oh, Mr Darcy, you are far too generous and forbearing!” Miss Bingley exclaimed.
“Surely even you cannot be so charitable. I think the Bennets are a vulgar lot. Except for Miss Jane Bennet, of course. The younger daughters are out of control, and Mrs Bennet did not cease to speak in her high-pitched tone from the moment they stepped through the door.” Miss Bingley sank into a chair and huffed.
“Are you sure we must have all of them to the ball? Could we not just have Miss Bennet?”
Bingley frowned at his sister. “You jest, surely. We could not invite only one sister from the family, and in any case, the invitations have already been sent out. Besides, I think them a charming family. They do not stand on pretence or insist on unnecessary formality.”
Miss Bingley laughed again, but no light of genuine gaiety reached her eyes. “That is an understatement if I ever heard one.” She rolled her eyes heavenward.
“Surely you cannot complain of Miss Elizabeth’s manners, Caroline.
She will be a charming addition to the Netherfield Ball,” Charles said.
Darcy was glad he had stood up to his older sister, who had a way of tearing people down with her sharp tongue.
“Do not you agree that Miss Elizabeth had good manners?”
“I do, beyond a doubt,” Darcy agreed. If anything, her family’s coarse manners were a compliment to Elizabeth’s character and good sense, for to have achieved such polish and good principles with guidance that could only be called lacking was no small achievement.
Seeing her again had been like finding water in a desert.
If he had ever doubted the strength of her hold on him, he need do so no more.
His feelings had not waned over the weeks of separation. They had only grown.
How magnificent she had been that day! She had handled herself with grace and poise, even when Caroline had been sniping at her and her own sister had joined in the attacks.
He knew of very few women who could defend themselves, yet still remain kind and courteous.
“She is a very great lover of dancing as well.”
“Splendid!” Charles said. “See, Caroline, she will be a great addition to our circle of friends. If Darcy likes her, then I shall like her, too, I know. Not to mention that she is the sister of Miss Bennet, whom I respect very highly.”
Darcy was convinced it was more than respect he felt for the young lady. But he could not approve of such a connection so whole-heartedly as he would have wished. If only Miss Jane Bennet were the angel Elizabeth had described in Scotland, he could have thought of no better bride for his friend.
But to judge by Jane Bennet’s recent behaviour to her sister, Elizabeth had been sadly deceived.