Page 48 of Elizabeth in Scotland (Elizabeth and Darcy Abroad #2)

Darcy found himself enjoying his time in Hertfordshire prodigiously, not least because hardly a day passed without a visit between Netherfield and Longbourn.

Rarely in his life had he known such joy as he found in each meeting with Elizabeth.

They said nothing that could not be said before all their friends and relations, but her eyes were eloquent.

In them, he saw reason to believe her heart beat with the same wishes and desires as his.

The season of their courtship was sweet indeed.

But his time at Netherfield Park could not be taken up exclusively with Elizabeth.

One morning, Darcy and Bingley set off early to ride, since there would be little time later in the day.

They came up the crest of a hill at a gallop, then stopped to look over the surrounding countryside awash with the golden light of early morning.

It was a wonder to him he had never paid much attention to sunrises and sunsets until he had met Elizabeth.

At least, he had not noticed them since he had become the master of Pemberley.

He had had much too much to burden his mind since taking over the estate when his father passed.

For a time, his eyes had been closed to beauty — until Elizabeth had opened them again, and shown him how lovely the world could be.

Bingley sighed and looked over at him as the horses stamped their feet, eager to be off again.

Heedless of the lively steeds’ wishes, they reined in their mounts and continued down the slight incline at a walking pace.

“It is good to be out of the house,” Bingley said with a wry grin, “and away from Caroline’s biting commentary.

I do not know why, but your Miss Elizabeth causes a reaction in my sisters that I can only describe as distressing. ”

Darcy knew the reason, but did not wish to speak it aloud. “Miss Bingley has been in rare form as of late,” was all he chose to say in agreement.

“I have noticed you are almost giddy as of late, and I think it has everything to do with Miss Elizabeth,” Bingley pointed out. “It is no wonder my sister is all out of sorts.”

Darcy had been dreading this conversation for some time, for to tell his closest friend that the idea of marrying his sister was utterly abhorrent must be painfully awkward at best. Much as he would have liked to have Bingley as a brother-in-law, he knew that Miss Bingley was not the woman for him.

Her character was sadly flawed, for she might justly be described as self-absorbed, condescending, and petty, even vicious.

He could never imagine himself with a woman who was so prone to backbiting and gossip.

Darcy chose a softer approach. “I know your sister has long fostered hopes we would end as a match, but I am certain we would not suit each other. No offence to you, my friend.”

“Absolutely none taken,” Bingley said. “Caroline can be insufferable at times. I hate how she eviscerates people with that sharp tongue of hers. She is just as bad as Louisa. I feel sorry for Mr Hurst. It is unfortunate that he married my sister for her dowry. I believe he regrets his choice, even if my father’s money was a motivator when they first became interested in each other.

Money and position are not all they are cracked up to be, hmm? ” Bingley shook his head.

“No, I suppose they are not,” Darcy said. “Surely there is no more important decision to be made in one’s lifetime than the choice of a wife.”

“Indeed. I have always been wont to be too impulsive in love, I believe — too quick to see everything in a woman, simply because she is beautiful. But if I do not at last choose my wife with more care, I shall regret it all my days.” He hung his head, and Darcy knew he was thinking of Miss Bennet.

Jane Bennet looked like an angel, but Bingley had been sadly deceived in her character.

“I am sorry, my friend, for the disappointment you have endured,” he offered gently.

Bingley raised his brows, then quickly put on a mask of cheerfulness. “I am well out of it. But speaking of marriage, I see how you look at Miss Elizabeth. And fortunately for you, I do not think she has a duplicitous bone in her body.”

“I am inclined to agree most heartily,” Darcy said.

“And?” Bingley pressed.

Darcy tugged on the reins and brought his horse to a halt.

Bingley did the same, waiting with an amused smile.

“It is true — I am in love with Miss Elizabeth. I did not know I could have such depth of feeling, but I do. For some time, I have been wrestling with the expectation that I will marry for wealth and connections. My father told me many times what was expected of me. And those are both things that Miss Elizabeth does not possess.”

“No,” Bingley agreed simply, though judging by the look on his face, he did not seem to think it of very great matter.

Darcy smiled crookedly. “I suppose it does not matter, for I cannot deny the way I feel about her. My father is no longer here to raise objections, although I know I will hear an earful from at least one of my aunts.” Lady Catherine de Bourgh would be livid when she found out he was not to marry her daughter, the sickly Anne de Bourgh.

He loved his cousin, of course, but with nothing but a familial love.

More importantly, he could not imagine sharing his life with anyone but Elizabeth.

“The countess will not object, I think. I was quite intimidated when you introduced me to your aunt, but she showed no sign of disdaining the son of a merchant,” Bingley offered.

“That is true.” Darcy nodded, sighing as he thought over the obstacles that might stand in their way.

No objections could really matter to him but Georgiana’s, and she would make none.

Quite the contrary. She would be ecstatic when she learned of his feelings for Elizabeth, if she did not know already.

“Well, it is not as if you need more wealth or connections, Darcy. You have enough money to supply both of your comforts ten times over for the rest of your lives. Nor have you any need of more consequence, for the master of Pemberley needs none,” Bingley said with a chuckle.

“Besides, I am convinced that Miss Elizabeth is in love with you. She is a very fine woman. Unlike her eldest sister.”

Darcy wished he could take away some of the bitterness Bingley felt.

“I am disturbed by Miss Bennet’s treatment of her sister.

Miss Elizabeth was taken entirely aback.

She spoke of Miss Jane Bennet to me with great affection in Scotland.

Her sister must have once been very different from what she is now. ”

“Or she always was like this, and she was only keeping it to herself until she was securely wed. I have heard Caroline say such things to our sister when she thought I was not listening. Are all women so conniving?” Bingley asked. He spurred his horse on, and Darcy followed suit.

Bingley reined in his horse at the crest of the next hill and turned to speak again.

“It is a shame when family relations suffer a breach. I had it on good authority that Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth were very close when we first moved to the area. I hate to think I have brought out the worst in her in some way.”

“Miss Bennet has made her own decision to be spiteful,” Darcy said.

“There was nothing you could have done to prevent that. Indeed, it was for the best that you found out sooner rather than later.” He hated to think of the miserable position his friend would be in later in life if he had married Miss Bennet, only for her to show her true colours once he was tied to her for life.

“Well, the good news is that if you marry Miss Elizabeth, she will not only gain a husband who will cherish her all her days, but she will also gain a sister who adores her. I was glad to see that Miss Darcy had found a friend in her. They seem to be kindred spirits.” Bingley’s face brightened as he spoke about Georgiana. Darcy suppressed a smile.

“I agree. Georgiana would be thrilled to have her as a sister-in-law. I am still astonished at the change that Miss Elizabeth was able to work in Georgiana. Well, you remember what she was like when she was younger. She is so much more confident now, and carries herself with a far more elegant air, do not you agree?”

“I do,” Bingley replied. However, he seemed a little uncomfortable. He shifted in the saddle and looked out over the landscape. “It is a beautiful morning.”

“Yes, it is.”

It was quiet for a long while before Bingley spoke again. “Your sister was always sweet, of course, and intelligent. But she has suddenly blossomed into a beautiful, elegant young lady.” He glanced over at Darcy, as if he were afraid that he would be called out for complimenting Georgiana.

Darcy gave a wry smile. “I thought I was beginning to see some interest on your part.” Bingley would barely look at him now. “She has caught your eye, has she not?”

Bingley loosened his cravat as if he were growing over-warm.

“It would be difficult to be a man and not notice her beauty,” he admitted.

He kept his eyes trained ahead, as though afraid to look at Darcy.

As though at a sudden thought, he looked at his friend in alarm.

“I would never dream of considering myself worthy of Georgiana, I hope you know that,” he said.

“Caroline may dream of advantageous matches, but I know better. It is your friendship I want, Darcy, not your connections — or Georgiana’s dowry. ”