Page 36 of Hidden Desires

DARCY FOLLOWED THE PATH behind the stable, his gaze sweeping the fields as he walked.

He observed the tidy rows of flourishing crops, clear evidence of careful attention from both the Bennet family and Longbourn’s tenants.

In truth, they differed but little from the appearance of Pemberley’s own lands.

At the edge of the orchard, he paused to admire the trees, their branches heavy with ripening fruit soon ready for harvest, destined to become jams, jellies, and sundry sweetmeats.

Finding no one nearby, he reached overhead and picked one of the apples that beckoned, its skin warm from the sun.

He lifted it to his nose, catching the faintest hint of sweetness before taking a bite.

“A wise choice,” came a familiar voice behind him, startling him.

Darcy turned quickly, a sheepish grin on his face. “Forgive me, but the chance to taste one of these beautiful apples was too much of a temptation to resist.”

“There is nothing to forgive,” Bennet chuckled, “and you are not the first to answer its call. Elizabeth offered one to your sister yesterday and often takes one with her on her morning walk.”

“I must compliment you on its quality,” Darcy said, after swallowing his bite. “This is delicious.”

“Netherfield has the same trees,” Bennet replied, waving Darcy forward as he turned toward the manor.

“The difference is that I have cared for mine, while Netherfield’s were neglected for years.

I make sure this orchard is pruned twice a year, the weeds removed, and any dead branches cut away.

My gardener keeps vines from choking the roots or clinging to the trunks.

With competent care, the Netherfield orchard would rival Longbourn’s. ”

“Was that part of your reason for offering support?” Darcy asked, his curiosity rising.

Bennet shrugged. “Bingley’s determination to improve the estate impressed me; he seemed so resolute that I feared he might ignore the apothecary’s instructions to rest.”

“The man is tenacious once he makes a decision,” Darcy agreed. “He would have tried to work regardless of the instructions.”

“That thought compelled me to step in and help. I could not, in good conscience, allow him to aggravate his ankle, especially as the injury happened on my estate.”

Darcy nodded. “As I said before, Bingley does not hold you responsible for his mishap. He is embarrassed and feels guilty for ruining a perfectly good hunt through his own clumsiness.”

“That does not matter. It happened on my land, so I cannot let him endure further hardship.”

“As far as he is concerned, you have more than repaid a debt that never existed. He believes he owes you and worries how he might repay your kindness.”

“There is nothing to repay,” Bennet said, his tone leaving no room for dispute. “Tell him I consider the account settled between friends, and I would be pleased to see him purchase the estate; Mr. Tattershall’s agent would welcome a fair offer.”

“He may be willing to make a reasonable offer.”

“When I told him it was impractical to spend money if he gained nothing from it, he changed the subject.”

“Leave it with me,” Darcy said. “Though he is slow to share his views, I doubt he would refuse to answer me.”

“Good luck,” Bennet replied, leading the way into the house.

“We can talk in the library,” he added as they crossed the hall. “It is more private.”

Darcy drew a chair to Mr. Bennet’s oak desk and made himself comfortable.

“Thank Miss Elizabeth for the kindness she gave Georgiana. I had hoped she would not feel like an intruder, but the greeting she received put my fears to rest. Georgiana was happy when we left, an emotion I had not seen in months.”

“Elizabeth is good-natured,” Bennet replied. “It amazes me how strangers feel as though they have known her forever. She is honest and sincere, unlike so many people today.”

“Georgiana enjoyed their time together and asked to see Miss Elizabeth again. She even wore walking shoes this morning in hopes of another outing.”

“To my Elizabeth, a morning walk is the perfect start. She has roamed Hertfordshire from end to end, or so it seems. I am past surprise when I hear tales of her reaching corners farther from Longbourn than I would think possible in a few hours.”

“Your daughter made a favorable impression.” A smile stretched Darcy’s lips. “Her gift for making friends and her ability to manage herself are traits I seldom see in the women of my acquaintance.”

“She has been that way since birth. As a child, she could take the measure of a problem and find a solution while others were still grasping what was wrong.”

“That is an uncommon talent. I commend you for encouraging it.”

Bennet shook his head. “Lizzie needed no encouragement; it was simply part of her nature, and I accepted it. Though her advice is not always welcome, she bears the lack of gratitude with grace.”

She was unlike anyone he had met, clever, composed, and undeniably lovely. He had not meant to dwell on her, yet she remained in his thoughts, impossible to ignore.

A knock on the library door interrupted his thoughts and brought his attention back to the present.

“Enter,” Bennet called, rising with a smile as his daughter’s head appeared around the door.

“We have returned,” she said, nodding to both men.

“I trust you enjoyed yourself,” her father said, a smile teasing the corners of his mouth as he acknowledged Elizabeth’s greeting.

“We followed one or two paths. Before long, Georgiana will be as familiar with them as I am.”

Bennet motioned them into the room. “Let me guess. The paths you chose took you beyond the estate. I hope you paid attention to Miss Darcy’s welfare.”

Darcy glanced at his sister. Her cheeks, flushed from the sun, bore little resemblance to the pallor she had shown that morning.

“Did you enjoy your day?” he asked.

Georgiana gave a small nod, as though speaking took more energy than she could spare.

“It seems my sister has overtaxed herself,” he said, stepping closer to examine her. “I believe it is time to return to Netherfield so she can rest.”

“But I am not tired,” she protested, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Pardon me?” Darcy bent toward her. “I did not hear you.”

“I am not tired,” she repeated, loud enough for all to hear. “Elizabeth and I spent a wonderful day walking and exploring the neighborhood. She showed me the nearby estates, and we went as far as Netherfield. I had no idea Mr. Bingley lived so close. I can visit without you, William!”

Darcy listened in silence, pleased by the ease of her words and the warmth behind them. He could not recall another instance when Georgiana had taken to someone so quickly.

As she spoke, his eyes strayed to Elizabeth.

The fine lines of her face held his gaze longer than he intended.

Hers was not the beauty men wrote poetry about, but her features pleased him.

That slender, straight nose and those full lips gave her an engaging expression, but it was her eyes that captivated him most. Hazel in shade, they suited her open manner, and the light scatter of freckles only enhanced their charm.

Time in the sun had given her a vitality he rarely saw in London women.

He drew a quiet breath and returned his attention to his sister.

“It might not be wise to walk here alone,” he said. “Even if Miss Bennet extends the invitation, you are unfamiliar with Hertfordshire. A wrong turn could lead you astray.”

“My advice as well,” Elizabeth said. “I worried for her safety and suggested she ask your permission first.”

“Miss Bennet is right. I am glad you have become friends and wish to see each other often, but your safety comes first. Promise me you will not walk here alone without speaking to me first.”

The brightness in Georgiana’s expression faded. Her smile slipped, and her gaze dropped to the floor.

“Do not mistake my concern for disapproval. I do not forbid you to call, nor will I stand in the way of your growing friendship with Miss Elizabeth. But if anything happened to you because of my carelessness, I could never forgive myself. That is the only reason I said anything.”

Georgiana gave a quiet nod, but the disappointment remained, and the sight of it troubled him more than he let show.

He took her hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. “A friend is a treasure, someone who offers support in times of trouble. They should not be taken for granted. May I count on your cooperation in this matter?”

“As I said yesterday,” Elizabeth added, “your company is always welcome. But I agree with Mr. Darcy. If you decide to walk rather than take the carriage, send word, and I will meet you.”

Georgiana’s downcast expression brightened, easing Darcy’s regret at insisting on caution. She raised her head and met his gaze, an impish smile forming on her lips.

“I will obey,” she said, “but I expect permission to call on Elizabeth often, if she will accept my company.”

“I will look forward to your visits,” Elizabeth said with a laugh, “and I would enjoy them.”

“Can you come to Netherfield?” Georgiana asked, her eyes wide, a tentative smile returning. “I would love to show you Mr. Bingley’s estate.”

“Yes, I can,” Elizabeth answered, “if Mr. Darcy believes my appearance would not offend your host.”

“I rather doubt that is possible,” he said, shaking his head. “He is the most amiable fellow I know.”

“In that case, I accept your invitation. Which day were you thinking of?”

“Tomorrow?” Georgiana’s voice softened, as if bracing for refusal.

“That was the day I had in mind,” Elizabeth replied.

Georgiana let out a delighted cry and clapped her hands. Darcy smiled at the sight.

“We have taken enough of your time.” He placed a hand at his sister’s back and turned her toward the door. “Before we go, Bingley asked me to speak with you about dinner a week from Wednesday.”

“Perhaps we should wait until he recovers,” Bennet said, tilting his head. “After all, he is still an invalid.”