Page 10 of More Than You Know (The Love Conquers Pride #3)

Chapter Nine

T he fortnight that followed was marked by fair weather and lively activity in Hertfordshire.

Bingley grew ever more frequent in his visits to Longbourn, often accompanied by Colonel Fitzwilliam, and on occasion, Walsh or Miss Bingley. However, despite repeated invitations, Darcy declined to join in any of these calls, choosing instead to remain at Netherfield to focus on estate matters with the new steward Bingley had recently hired.

The proposed riding expedition took place, with Bingley and Richard escorting the two eldest Bennet sisters to a park near Hertford, where they admired the picturesque scenery and paused to view the ruins of a medieval priory. The party returned in high spirits, with Bingley declaring it the most delightful excursion of the season.

As the days wore on, Bingley’s fondness for Elizabeth became ever more apparent. His sentiments, voiced with unrestrained enthusiasm, left no one in doubt—but Darcy, for his part, was quietly thankful he need not bear constant witness to their every encounter. Finally, after twice delaying his departure, Colonel Fitzwilliam was at last compelled to return to his regiment. Bingley, eager to keep the remainder of the party at Netherfield, was quick to offer the colonel the use of a mount from his stables to carry him to his destination of Northampton—an offer that was gratefully accepted.

So it was that on a bright morning, three days before Fitzwilliam’s intended removal, Darcy sat in Netherfield’s sparsely stocked library, attempting to immerse himself in a study on agricultural innovation. The quiet hum of the house provided a reprieve from the increasingly chaotic atmosphere of Bingley’s plans and the lingering tension of his own conflicted thoughts. But Darcy’s concentration was broken when his host bounded into the room some moments later, with his characteristic enthusiasm on full display and his countenance alight.

“Ah, Darcy! Just the man I have been looking for,” Bingley began without preamble. “I have just returned from Longbourn, and I thought you should be among the first to know—I have heeded your counsel regarding Miss Elizabeth, and I could not be happier! You have my deepest gratitude.”

Darcy slowly lowered the thin volume, gazing back at his friend with mild perplexity. “Forgive me, Bingley,” he began cautiously, “but to what do you refer? I cannot recall offering any particular counsel to do with Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Indeed, Darcy could not remember speaking of Elizabeth for some time. If anything, he had made a determined effort to avoid participating in any conversations that centred around the object of Bingley’s affections—chiefly because those discussions had grown increasingly difficult to endure.

“Oh, come now, Darcy,” Bingley replied with an easy laugh. “Surely you cannot have forgotten how you chastised me for raising expectations with Miss Elizabeth before being sure of my own mind? Well, I have taken your words to heart and acted accordingly. And now”—his expression grew almost bashful—“I have just spoken to Mr Bennet, and all is settled. I hope you will congratulate me on my good fortune.”

The words struck Darcy like a physical blow, though he fought to keep the sense of dread that immediately washed over him from showing in his expression. Lowering his gaze, he busied himself with adjusting his cuffs before saying carefully, “Ah, I see. So you have made Miss Elizabeth an offer of marriage, then?”

For a moment, Bingley was silent, and Darcy looked up, noticing that his friend’s animation had faltered slightly.

“Well, no,” Bingley replied, “not as such. I thought that might be a bit precipitous, given the recent nature of our acquaintance. But I did feel it important to state my intentions plainly, so I have made it clear to Miss Elizabeth—and her father as well—that I wish for this courtship to end in marriage, and they both seemed to share my desire.”

A rush of conflicting emotions swept over Darcy, and it was all he could do to keep the tremor from his voice as he answered, “Well then, you have my best wishes.” He hesitated briefly before adding, “I assume this means you have conquered your feelings for Miss Jane Bennet?”

At Darcy’s question, a faint flush crept up Bingley’s cheeks, though his tone remained even as he answered. “Miss Bennet is lovely, of course. And perhaps if circumstances had been different…” He fell silent, his gaze growing distant. Then, with a brisk shake of his head, he seemed to collect himself, saying, “In any case, it does not signify. I have thought on all you said, and you were right—my loyalty must be to Miss Elizabeth. Besides,” he added with a sheepish grin, “we are well suited, I think. And Caroline seems to have grown rather fond of her. I hope she will be pleased with my choice.”

Darcy grunted in reply, suppressing a grimace. He doubted Miss Bingley’s professed fondness for Elizabeth extended beyond ensuring that the lady was not a threat to her own romantic ambitions.

Rising to his feet, Darcy extended his hand and Bingley clasped it eagerly. “I am happy for you, Bingley. Truly. I do not think you could have chosen a worthier woman.”

His friend’s face lit up at the words, his obvious delight causing Darcy to avert his gaze. Clearing his throat, Darcy added, “Also, I am glad we have found a moment to speak, as I wished to inform you that you need not trouble yourself over my cousin’s departure. I have received a letter from my steward, and my immediate presence is required at Pemberley. So, I shall be able to carry Fitzwilliam as far as Northampton. We shall depart in two days’ time.”

Bingley’s expression immediately fell. “Must you go so soon? Of course, I understand you have many demands upon your time, but… Well, I have come to rely upon your guidance in the running of the estate. There is still so much I do not know.”

“I am afraid it cannot be helped. Besides, the new steward is fully apprised, and I shall, of course, be happy to continue to advise you. All you need do is write.” He drew a breath before concluding, “Now, if you will excuse me, I must make the necessary arrangements for our journey.”

With that, Darcy strode from the room, his measured pace belying the tumult of his feelings. He did not dare look back, knowing full well the dejected expression he had left on Bingley’s face. It was better this way, he told himself. Better to leave now before his resolve weakened further.

But as he climbed the stairs to his chambers, Darcy could not shake the image of Elizabeth Bennet from his mind, nor the nagging thought that he would be surrendering something infinitely precious when he went.

“Leaving?” Richard repeated, incredulity plain in his voice as Darcy stepped into the small sitting room that adjoined their chambers. “What has prompted this sudden change of plans? You have mentioned nothing of it until now. And before you attempt to lay the blame at my door, I shall remind you that Bingley was only too delighted to offer me transport to my destination, so I shall not be your scapegoat.”

Darcy frowned, folding his arms across his chest. “I do not have to justify my decision. I simply see no point in lingering. Bingley’s steward is more than capable of managing the estate, and I have pressing business at Pemberley.”

“Ah, yes. Pemberley,” Fitzwilliam drawled, his tone laden with disbelief. “So, this abrupt departure has nothing at all to do with Bingley finally reaching a decision regarding Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”

Darcy stiffened despite himself, an instinctive response that elicited a knowing grin from his cousin.

“I ran into Bingley at the stables as I returned from my morning ride,” Fitzwilliam supplied. “He seemed positively euphoric.”

“As well he should be,” said Darcy, his voice clipped. “He appears to have secured the affections of one of the most estimable women in the kingdom. I am happy for them both.”

And he was—for the most part. But that did not mean he could bear to stand by and watch his friend lay claim to the woman he loved. Leaving Hertfordshire was not only prudent—it was necessary. If it could have been managed, he would have departed that very afternoon.

Fitzwilliam studied him for a moment, his expression uncharacteristically sober. “Very well,” he said at last, his tone quieter. “I can see your mind is made up. I only hope you are not making a decision you will one day come to regret.”

The morning after Mr Bingley shared his wishes for the future, Elizabeth and Jane were sitting alone in Longbourn’s front parlour when the sound of an approaching carriage drew their attention.

Glancing up from her book, Elizabeth peered out of the nearest window, immediately recognizing the landau as one of Mr Bingley’s, and felt a smile instantly coming to her lips.

Noticing Elizabeth’s diversion and the rhythmic clatter of wheels upon the drive, Jane rose and stepped into the entrance hall to summon Mrs Hill, requesting that a tea tray be brought up. She had scarcely returned to the parlour when the knocker sounded, and moments later, three of the gentlemen from Netherfield were announced.

The ladies stood to greet their visitors. Elizabeth welcomed Mr Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam with gracious affection, but her expression faltered for the briefest moment when her gaze fell on Mr Darcy standing at the back of the group. Their eyes met fleetingly before Elizabeth, quickly recovering herself, turned to usher everyone into the sunlit parlour.

“I am afraid you find us on our own this morning,” she began lightly once everyone was seated. Mr Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam responded with cheerful politeness, lamenting the absence of the other ladies, while Mr Darcy remained silent, his manner subdued.

Mr Bingley soon steered the conversation towards plans for renovating Netherfield’s library, and the topic was thoroughly canvassed as the tea tray arrived. Jane stepped up to pour, her movements graceful and assured. Mr Darcy, however, remained taciturn, idly fiddling with his teacup and casting disinterested glances about the room. After several moments, he abruptly cleared his throat.

“Colonel Fitzwilliam and I have come to take our leave of you,” he announced, his tone clipped. “We shall depart Netherfield on the morrow.”

Elizabeth blinked at the unexpectedness of his declaration, momentarily at a loss for words. Even Mr Bingley looked mildly surprised by his friend’s brusque statement. At length, it was Jane who recovered first.

“So soon?” she asked, her tone tinged with genuine remorse. “But it feels as though you have only just arrived.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam offered a low laugh. “I am afraid I must shoulder the blame for our abrupt departure. I am due back at my regiment within the week, and my cousin has kindly offered to convey me to my destination.” He paused for a moment before adding, “Walsh, I am certain, will be here later to pay his respects. He was with the steward this morning, else he would have accompanied us.”

The ladies murmured their understanding before Jane turned once again towards Mr Darcy and the colonel.

“Well, you will all be greatly missed, though we wish you a safe journey.”

Mr Darcy nodded curtly, saying, “Walsh and I have already been away from Pemberley longer than anticipated. It is prudent for us to go now, before the weather worsens.”

Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed slightly at his tone, but she replied with calm composure, “Of your duty to Pemberley, sir, I would not presume to speak. But if the state of the roads is your chief concern, I should think you have ample time before conditions become severe.”

Mr Darcy frowned. “While it is true that the climate remains temperate here, the same cannot necessarily be said of Derbyshire. Autumn rains can make the roads impassable, and by midwinter, the hills about Pemberley are often thick with snow.”

“Well, I envy you that,” Elizabeth replied easily. “I adore the snow. I hope to experience a great deal of it when Jane and I travel northwards for Christmastide.”

“Ah,” cried Mr Bingley, clearly eager to lighten the mood, “I had not realized you were planning to remove from Longbourn for the festive season, Miss Elizabeth. Will your entire family be travelling?”

“No,” Elizabeth answered, her smile softening. “Only Jane and I. My aunt Gardiner has a brother in Yorkshire, and they have arranged a reunion of sorts. She and my uncle have graciously invited us to join their party.”

“You are travelling to Yorkshire in the dead of winter?” Mr Darcy interjected, fixing Elizabeth with a disapproving gaze. “What can your relations be thinking? The roads will be abominable. You will be lucky to make the journey in less than a fortnight.”

Despite her best efforts, Elizabeth bristled. For someone who had made it clear he had no intentions towards her, Mr Darcy certainly seemed determined to offer unsolicited opinions. But then again, he was precisely the sort of man who likely never hesitated to impose his will on those around him.

Attempting to moderate her tone, she replied coolly, “I am afraid, Mr Darcy, that we are not all at liberty to come and go as we might wish. My uncle Gardiner finds it increasingly difficult to leave his business, and my uncle Harper is a physician rarely able to abandon his patients. In any event, we are to go no farther north than Derbyshire. My aunt and her brother have arranged to meet in a village called Lambton, where they passed much of their youth.”

At the mention of their intended destination, Mr Darcy’s eyes widened ever so slightly, and Colonel Fitzwilliam exclaimed, “Lambton! Why, that is not five miles from Pemberley! I had no idea your relations were from Derbyshire, Miss Elizabeth. Does your aunt still have family in the area?”

A warmth crept up Elizabeth’s neck as she turned towards the colonel. “No, sir. I believe she and my uncle have some acquaintances there, though they have not seen them in some time. We are to stay at an inn in the village.”

“An inn? At Christmas?” the colonel echoed in mock horror. “Surely not?”

He then shot a pointed look at Mr Darcy, which immediately caused Elizabeth distress. Oh, why had she mentioned the village by name? Now it would appear as though she had deliberately spoken of their plans in the hopes of securing an invitation to Pemberley! And while she could not deny her curiosity about the estate, she would sooner rip out her fingernails than have Mr Darcy think her so ill-mannered as to solicit his hospitality—especially after he had made it abundantly clear that he harboured no interest in furthering their acquaintance.

Lost in her musings, Elizabeth did not realize the conversation had continued without her until Jane’s gentle touch brought her back to the present. Her sister’s measured tones filled the room, saying, “That is very considerate of you, Mr Darcy, but we would not wish to intrude upon your family, especially at Christmas. I am certain we shall be quite content at the inn.”

“Nonsense,” Colonel Fitzwilliam interjected. “If the inn in question is the Queen Anne, I hear the place is fairly crawling with bedbugs. You will be lucky to escape unscathed. No, you will be far more comfortable at Pemberley.”

Elizabeth darted a glance at Mr Darcy, but his expression, as always, remained unreadable. Turning back to the colonel, she replied, “It is an exceedingly generous offer, but I believe my sister and I must apply to our relations, as we are at their disposal.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam opened his mouth, no doubt to press the matter further, but to Elizabeth’s surprise, it was Mr Darcy who spoke with quiet civility. “I hope you will tell them that they would be most welcome. I assure you, it will be no inconvenience. The house is large, and we expect no other guests. We shall be a small family party for Christmas, consisting only of myself, Walsh, and my younger sister, Georgiana, who is not yet out.”

At the mention of Mr Walsh, Elizabeth felt an unwelcome pang of recollection as Miss Bingley’s insinuations about Darcy’s private affairs flitted briefly through her mind. Quickly, she looked away, determined to banish such thoughts.

“We shall certainly pass on your kind request,” Elizabeth replied, meeting Mr Darcy’s steady gaze. “Might my uncle write to you, should he have any questions?”

“Of course. Bingley can provide my direction.”

“Gladly!” Mr Bingley immediately interjected, clearly pleased to assist. Elizabeth turned to him with a pleasant smile, eager to shift the conversation.

“And what of you, sir? Will you remain at Netherfield, or have you made other arrangements for yourself and your sister?”

The gentleman’s lips curled in mild amusement. “Truth be told, I had not given the matter much thought, though Caroline will likely insist upon returning to town. She is not particularly fond of the country, and I imagine she will wish to spend Christmas with our eldest sister, who is recently married.”

He paused, regarding her with a thoughtful expression. “I suppose I shall join her, though now that I think of it, I do have an aunt near Leeds whom I have been meaning to visit…”

His words faded into silence, and Mr Darcy stared back at him with a lifted brow. “An aunt near Leeds? I do not recall you ever mentioning any relations in that area.”

Mr Bingley flushed under his friend’s steady gaze. “Ah, well, she is my great-aunt, really, on my mother’s side. We have never been particularly close, but she has written recently. She is getting on in years and is not in the best of health. Perhaps I ought to visit her for Christmastide.”

“If she is so unwell, perhaps you should not wait,” Mr Darcy replied drily.

Mr Bingley began to stammer an explanation, but Mr Darcy appeared to relent, tempering his tone. “Of course, if you do decide to make the journey, you are more than welcome to break your trip at Pemberley, along with the Miss Bennets and their relations.”

Mr Bingley’s face brightened, and he cast an enthusiastic glance in Elizabeth’s direction. “Perhaps we might all travel together? I should very much enjoy becoming better acquainted with your aunt and uncle.”

Elizabeth smiled gently. “I am certain they would enjoy that as well,” she replied. While their stay at Pemberley was by no means assured, the prospect seemed far less daunting if Mr Bingley were to accompany them.

As if buoyed by her response, Mr Bingley sprang to his feet, his enthusiasm palpable. “Then it is settled! I shall write to my aunt without delay!”

“Jane! Lizzy! Was that Mr Bingley’s carriage I just saw turning onto the lane?”

Mrs Bennet swept into the parlour, Mary trailing behind her, barely pausing to draw breath as she continued, “I told Mary it must be his, lacquered to a shine as it was and with such a fine team of horses.” She paused for a moment before saying thoughtfully, “It was not the barouche we rode in when we dined at Netherfield, of course, but a gentleman of Mr Bingley’s means must have several carriages at his disposal, I am sure!”

Elizabeth cast Jane a glance of silent exasperation, but her sister, ever composed, answered gently, “Yes, Mama. He came with Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, who wished to take their leave of us. They depart Netherfield tomorrow.”

“Leave?” Mrs Bennet exclaimed, her voice rising an octave. “But they have only just arrived! Oh, why did I choose today to visit my sister Philips? If I had been here, I am certain I would have thought of some way to detain them!”

“That seems unlikely, Mama,” Elizabeth interjected with measured calm. “Colonel Fitzwilliam must return to his regiment, so you could hardly?—”

But Mrs Bennet’s attention had already shifted to the tea service laid out on the low table. “Oh, Jane! I hope you had the sense to serve the good tea and did not stint on the sugar. Ah! And I see you offered them biscuits, at least. How fortunate they are fresh as today is Dobson’s baking day.”

“Yes, Mama,” Jane replied with quiet patience.

Mrs Bennet’s mind darted to the next pressing matter. “And what of Mr Bingley? He is not leaving the neighbourhood as well, I hope?”

“No, Mama,” Jane assured her. “He intends to stay at Netherfield at least until mid-December.”

“Well, thank heavens for that. Lizzy, that gives you ample time to secure an offer! Why the gentleman has not come to the point yet I shall never know… Oh, but I did have my heart set on Mr Darcy for Jane! And Colonel Fitzwilliam! How often does one have the son of an earl sitting in their parlour—and an unmarried gentleman at that!”

She paused briefly, as if to catch her breath, before continuing, “Of course, I do not suppose Mary is handsome enough to tempt him, but Kitty or Lydia might have done well. Lydia would so enjoy being escorted to balls by a man in uniform…”

Elizabeth seized the opportunity presented by her mother’s brief silence, saying hurriedly, “Mama, where are my younger sisters?”

With a distracted wave of her handkerchief, Mrs Bennet replied, “They remained in Meryton to visit the shops with Maria Lucas. But Lizzy, you must listen to me.” Her tone grew urgent. “You must use all your feminine wiles to elicit a proposal from Mr Bingley as soon as may be. Once you are married, you will be able to introduce Jane to all manner of wealthy gentlemen. Perhaps you might even secure an invitation to Pemberwood! I am quite certain Mr Darcy would fall hopelessly in love with Jane, if only he spent more time in her company.”

“ Pemberley , Mama,” Elizabeth corrected with a sigh. “Mr Darcy’s estate is called Pemberley, and it appears I need not marry Mr Bingley to secure an invitation. Mr Darcy has already extended his hospitality when we travel to Lambton with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner this winter.”

Mrs Bennet let out a delighted shriek, causing Elizabeth’s heart to sink. As was often the case, she had spoken in haste and realized too late that she had only made everything worse.

“Oh, Lizzy! Jane! Why did you not tell me this at once?” cried Mrs Bennet. “This could not be better if I had planned it myself! To think, my own daughters, guests of Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy—and during the festive season, no less! You must stay until Twelfth Night at least. Perhaps Mr Darcy will host a ball…”

“Mama, please!” Elizabeth replied, her voice laced with frustration. “I should not have mentioned it. Nothing is decided. I told Mr Darcy that we must apply to Uncle Gardiner for his approbation.”

“Nonsense!” Mrs Bennet declared with a gleam in her eye. “Of course you will stay at Pemberley. I shall see to it.”

With that, the matron swept out of the room, her mind clearly spinning with schemes. Elizabeth watched her mother’s retreating form with resignation. It was clear there would be no avoiding it now. To Pemberley, they would most assuredly go.