Page 43 of Hidden Desires
She had watched her regard for Mr. Bingley grow from the simple friendship she professed at first to an affection that deepened with every visit to Netherfield.
Though she claimed her purpose in calling was to assist Miss Bingley with household duties during her brother’s recovery, Elizabeth had noticed the keen interest she displayed whenever the conversation turned to him.
When she teased that Jane was enamored of Mr. Bingley, her sister blushed and stammered a denial, which Elizabeth knew to be false.
I hope her feelings are reciprocated and not, as Miss Bingley claims, a passing infatuation that will fade when he returns to London.
Their arrival at Netherfield interrupted the reverie. Blinking to clear her thoughts, she waited for her father to step down and offer a hand to help her from the carriage.
“Welcome,” Darcy said, coming through the entrance. “Bingley asked me to greet you on his behalf and bring you to the garden.”
Elizabeth looked around for Georgiana. “Is your sister here? I hope she has not forgotten that I promised to call today.”
“It is your fault she is gone,” Darcy said with a laugh at Elizabeth’s confusion. “Because of your love of exploring and the daily walks you said you enjoy, she has started copying your habit, which she had not done before.”
“Then if you can tell me where she went, I will go find her so we can walk together.”
“Please wait,” Darcy said, glancing between father and daughter. “I have a private matter to discuss with you.”
Turning to Bennet, he said, “May I speak with Miss Elizabeth? We will stay in the garden, where you can see us.”
Bennet looked from one to the other, his brows raised in silent question. Elizabeth shrugged.
“Although it is unusual, I will allow it if Elizabeth agrees.”
“I see no problem, so long as we remain in your sight, as Mr. Darcy promised.”
“Thank you.” Darcy led the party through the house and into the garden, where Bingley sat with Jane, who looked content, and Miss Bingley, who seemed less pleased.
He guided Elizabeth along the path to a bench, within Bennet’s view but far enough away to allow for privacy.
“Thank you for speaking with me,” he said when she was comfortable.
“I want to express my gratitude again for the help your family gave Bingley.” He paused, shifting his stance before continuing.
“He has spoken often of the care he received, given without expecting payment. Miss Elizabeth, you and your family have done more than he feels he can repay.”
Elizabeth smiled, a chuckle accompanying the grin. “Everyone in Hertfordshire knows Jane is an angel of mercy who helps because she cares, not for the recognition.
“As for Papa, he wants to see Netherfield restored. According to him, it was once among the finest in the county and the envy of many, himself included. He was pleased with Mr. Bingley’s plans for improvement and happy that he welcomed his offer to help.”
“Your father is a fine gentleman and a good example.”
“Papa considers him a friend. He admires his sincerity and willingness to listen to suggestions.”
“Bingley seems to have a growing affection for Miss Bennet, and from what I can see, she feels the same.”
Elizabeth laughed and shook her head. “That is a subject you should raise with him. With all respect, I prefer not to offer an opinion on Jane’s thoughts.”
“A wise decision, and one I will remember the next time anyone asks for mine.”
He paused to study her before continuing. “I wanted a quiet moment so we could talk about Georgiana.”
“Is something amiss?” she asked, hoping she had not offended her new friend.
“Heavens, no.” He raised his hands. “I wanted to express my gratitude for your kindness. Since meeting you, she has lost much of the fear that controlled her. Thanks to your friendship, she is happy again.”
“She was guarded, almost fearful,” Elizabeth said, “but since I did not know the cause, I did not press her.”
Darcy heaved a sigh, his shoulders slumping as if under a great weight. “It is a recent problem, and one she refuses to discuss.
“Until a little more than two months ago, she was a cheerful girl, amiable and trusting. That trust led her to believe lies, disguised as vows of love, from a man she had known since birth.”
“What a despicable act,” Elizabeth cried. “To purposely mislead someone, and for what? What could he hope to gain from such vile behavior?”
“I suspect reward was only part of his motivation,” Darcy said. “Had I not returned early from London, he might have succeeded.”
“Was it shame that led to her hesitance? The day we met,” Elizabeth continued, “she seemed almost embarrassed to voice an opinion or ask a question. Her demeanor reminded me of your comment about recent difficulties, but I decided not to say anything.”
Darcy let out a breath and met her gaze, holding it a moment longer than usual. “Your kindness and friendship helped her break free of the isolation she placed around herself. Thanks to your warm welcome and genuine concern, she is letting go of her fear.”
“Although we have not known each other long, I already consider her a wonderful friend and a joy to be with,” Elizabeth said.
Darcy took a half-step toward her, then caught himself, his hand tightening briefly at his side.
“I hoped that removing Georgiana from our home, with its painful memories, would help her heal, but her progress has far exceeded my expectations. Miss Elizabeth, you have my deepest gratitude and respect.”
Elizabeth smiled at the praise. “I did nothing more than offer companionship, an easy decision regarding Georgiana, although I confess to a bit of selfishness.”
Darcy’s brows rose in unspoken question as Elizabeth became somber, tears appearing in the corners of her eyes. “I recently said goodbye to my closest friend, who married the rector of a parsonage near London. I had been missing her terribly and was feeling at loose ends.”
Taking a handkerchief from her reticule, she dabbed at her eyes before continuing.
“Meeting Georgiana came at just the right time and filled the emptiness I had been feeling. Her friendship has been a blessing, and her kind nature makes her easy to love. To be honest, Mr. Darcy, I am the one in your debt.”
“I want to thank you again for restoring Georgiana’s good humor; it had been missed,” Darcy said, nodding toward the house and his sister, who advanced with a hurried step and a tight expression.
“It is about time you returned,” he said as she neared. “Miss Elizabeth and I were about to form a search party, though we could not decide whether to beat the bushes or wander the paths around Netherfield. Bingley moved us to this bench so our disagreement would not disturb him and Bennet.”
“You were not,” Georgiana said, turning to Elizabeth. “William always claims some grand purpose when caught idle. Last time, he insisted he was dealing with estate business, though I am certain he never left the comfort of his chair. Was this your idea, or did he come up with it on his own?”
“I am innocent,” Elizabeth said with a laugh, “though I must admit I enjoy watching you take him to task.”
“In any case, Mr. Bingley wants us to join him.” Georgiana took each by the hand and led the way back to the house, giving them no choice but to follow.
Mr. Bennet, still in discussion with Bingley about several estate matters, looked up as they approached.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Bingley called as they neared, “it has been far too long since we spoke. You came to see Georgiana last time but left without saying a word to me. I was quite put out.”
Elizabeth gasped. “I left? And without a single word? How heartless of me. No wonder you looked so wounded. Can you ever forgive me?”
Bingley laughed. “No need. I knew you were here to visit Georgiana.” He turned and gestured to the couple beside him. “Allow me to introduce my sister, Mrs. Hurst, and her husband.”
The woman offered a shallow curtsy and a tight smile, her gaze drifting over Elizabeth’s gown before returning to her face.
Something in her expression suggested disapproval.
Whether it stemmed from Elizabeth’s manners, her position, or her family connection was unclear, but it left no doubt that she had formed an opinion.
“Caroline wrote after my injury and, fearing the worst, asked them to assist with my care. Their presence is appreciated, though not needed. Caroline and Miss Bennet have managed everything, and my recovery has gone well.”
Bingley finished with a look to Jane, whose cheeks flushed at his praise.
“I believe Mr. Darcy deserves the greatest credit for your improved condition,” Miss Bingley said, her gaze fixed on the gentleman. “It was generous of him to set aside his own affairs to be here when you needed him. His kindness has made all the difference.”
“My help was unnecessary. It was clear when I arrived that Bennet had everything well in hand. I simply allowed him to return to matters waiting for him at home.”
“And on that note,” Bennet said, “I believe it is time we took our leave. Jane, Elizabeth, will you accompany me, or would you rather take an afternoon walk together?”
“I am ready,” Elizabeth said, “but first I want to invite Georgiana to spend time with us tomorrow.”
“I would enjoy that,” she said. “Will you call on me, or do you want to spend the day at Longbourn?”
“Neither. I planned to walk to Meryton with my sisters and wondered if you might care to come with us. It is only a mile from Longbourn, and I go at least once a week when the weather allows.”
“That sounds like fun,” Georgiana said, her eyes brightening as she turned to her brother. “May I, William? Please?”
“You may, but take care not to tire yourself. I doubt she will appreciate you expecting her to carry you back to Netherfield.”
“Oh, William,” Georgiana said with a chuckle, “I promise Elizabeth will not have to rescue me. If I slow her down, she can leave me where I fall.”
Darcy’s eyes widened in alarm, which made Georgiana laugh aloud.
“I promise to be careful,” she said, once she caught her breath.
Elizabeth gave a small nod. “And I will return her unharmed.”
Bennet looked toward their host. “Miss Darcy can stay at Longbourn until we return. Remember, we are coming to supper tomorrow, and Mrs. Bennet is treating the occasion as though it were the social event of the season.”
“No chance of that,” Bingley said with a chuckle. “The evening promises to be a delight.”
“Until tomorrow,” Bennet said with a brief wave as he left the garden.
As the carriage pulled away from Netherfield, he said, “About your visit to town. Was there a reason?”
“I thought it might be nice to take Georgiana,” Elizabeth said.
“She has seen nothing but Longbourn since her arrival and might enjoy a walk through the shops or a look at the newer patterns on offer. I also plan to introduce her to our aunt and uncle. Lydia and Kitty are coming, and Mary said she would like to as well.”
Bennet made no immediate reply, his gaze fixed on the fields beyond the window.
“I will give it some thought,” he said at last. “We can speak more of it tomorrow, once I have considered who is going and how best to manage it.”
“Be sure to mind your sisters,” he added. “You know how Lydia can be.”
“If Mary comes,” Elizabeth said, “she can help me look after them.”
Bennet gave a small nod but said nothing more. After a brief silence, Elizabeth turned to Jane.
“It is good to see Mr. Bingley almost recovered,” she said. “I could not help but notice that you and he are getting along very well.”
“He is an easy man to like.” Jane smiled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Although I go to spend time with his sister, he is often there as well.”
“That is because you are calling upon his sister,” Elizabeth said, a quick giggle escaping. “From what I can tell, he appreciates your visits far more than Miss Bingley does.”
“I think you are mistaken,” Jane said, though Elizabeth saw the smile on her face grow, spreading almost from ear to ear.