Page 18 of Rumours & Recklessness (Sweet Escapes Collection #1)
Chapter 16
B ingley stepped into the Bennets’ parlour, and immediately, his gaze sought his sweet Jane’s. Her eyes were already on him as he entered, and she favoured him with the most stunning smile he had ever seen. And this, the pleasure which will be mine every day! Nowhere did there exist a more beautiful woman, he assured himself. Jane’s beauty was not confined only to her lovely features but was magnified and enhanced by her gentle spirit and cheerful nature.
Bingley knew he did not possess a deep and intricate character, such as his friend Darcy, but he felt none the poorer for it. He never presumed to be a difficult man to understand or please, and in all truth, could have contented himself with any one of several women he had encountered. However, after meeting Jane Bennet, whose character was so very like his own, he began to understand the difference between blasé contentment and true belonging.
With her, he had discovered such an affinity of mind as he had never known possible. Within a very few moments after meeting her, he had found her to be kind and serene, not given to the manufacture of anxiety or strife. How refreshing her company was to him! He was hopelessly drawn to her beauty immediately, but the last weeks had afforded him an even better knowledge of her.
It was true that she was shy and little given to demonstrative expression of her feelings, but she had gradually unfurled her full radiance to his approving eyes. She owned the most generous, loving nature he had ever known. He never heard her speak ill of anyone, and within a short time, he discovered that was not disguise on her part but a true depiction of her shining character. She could express disapproval; she was not deficient in discernment, but never did slanderous speech cross her lips.
Bingley had grown up with a critical family and had seen the needless strife it caused. His father had been much like he himself was; open and carefree, a cheerful and engaging man who avoided conflict and unpleasantness whenever possible. He was not na?ve, could not have been a successful businessman had he been, but like his son, Steven Bingley had been an incurable optimist. A marriage of convenience brought him a sizeable dowry with which to expand his business, but it had not brought love.
Lucinda Bingley had desired wealth and connection and had never been able to forgive her older brother for marrying beneath himself and ruining her own chances for a better marriage. She endlessly picked at her husband, whose untroubled nature carelessly shrugged off his wife’s discontent. Charles, as the youngest, had come along at a time when his father had all but withdrawn to his work and the out of doors in self-defence. The son had spent most of his time following his father’s example.
Until he met Jane Bennet, he had only aspired to a marriage with a woman of beauty and some accomplishment. In addition to these qualities, which she possessed in abundance, Jane brought a genuine kindness he had never dared hope to find. His heart swelled with joyful appreciation as she performed her curtsey and gave him a secret smile. He returned it and had to stop himself from taking his rightful place by her side. Their engagement was not yet official, and he did not wish to cause her any distress.
He continued his greetings to the rest of the family, noting vaguely that an answering spark of intelligence flickered in Miss Elizabeth’s eyes. A little extra measure of warmth lit her expression and firmed her hand clasp. Perhaps her happiness over her sister’s engagement would make things easier on Darcy this evening! He smiled winsomely at his future sister and was introduced to their aunt with pleasure.
E lizabeth greeted Georgiana with genuine affection, taking great delight in introducing her to her Aunt Gardiner. The latter’s gentle ways quickly set the girl at her ease, and Elizabeth was at liberty to shift her eyes to the older brother.
Darcy’s expressive gaze lingered on her a little longer than strictly proper, but he met her aunt with perfect equanimity. His measured and controlled demeanour was firmly back in place, but she was surprised at the lack of officiousness in his attitude. Her eyebrows rose as she watched him taking pains to get to know her aunt, facilitating discourse between Mrs Gardiner and Georgiana.
As all settled into comfortable conversation, Elizabeth turned to find Caroline Bingley at her side. “My dear Eliza, I hear congratulations are in order,” she was sweetly intoning, with a larger-than-life smile plastered across her face.
Elizabeth fought an unaccustomed tremor of nervousness as she inclined her head politely. Of all the responses she had rehearsed for herself on this trying evening, she had not yet hit upon an honest way to answer Caroline Bingley. The best she could think of was a wordless acknowledgement of the statement. It was true the rumour was afoot, but she would not confess to more at this point.
That Miss Bingley was insanely jealous went without saying. Elizabeth could not help a miniscule flutter of victory at having unwittingly gained what Miss Bingley had been long angling for. That, she scolded herself, is uncharitable. I have done nothing to earn the distinction of a proposal by Mr Darcy. Surely, he only acted on a chivalrous impulse and likely regrets his actions by now! Caroline might yet gain the point in seeing her not wed to Mr Darcy, although it was doubtful she would ever find herself so honoured instead . Elizabeth forced her feelings into a cheerful facade, and tactfully turned the subject.
“I understand from Mr Bingley that you are presently organizing a reception for the tenants of Netherfield. Your party will be very well received indeed, as they have been largely without any sort of recognition from the Hall these three or four years.”
Miss Bingley’s expression cooled. “Yes, indeed. Charles feels it necessary to reward the farmers for… well, whatever it is they do. I am sure they will be most pleased by his condescension, as he has ordered a very generous gift for each family.”
Elizabeth’s eyes began to sparkle as she identified a weakness. “Oh, I am certain they will very much enjoy his gift! Mr Bingley is all that is gracious and good. Do you know, I find that regardless of whatever gifts we give our tenants, what they tend to look forward to the most is the fall festival here at Longbourn. It is most definitely the highlight of the harvest season!”
Miss Bingley’s eyes sharpened upon her companion. “Well, of course, Netherfield can afford to be more generous with the tenant gifts than a smaller estate such as yours.” She sniffed. “I am most certain that, though Charles chooses to host an event anyway, our tenants will need no further consolation than his rather well-stocked basket.”
“Indeed? When your Mrs Nicholls called on our own Mrs Hill today, she went away intending to include almost the very same items we always give. I declare you must have had some wonderful ideas of your own to add. I do hope you will share your thoughts?”
Caroline wavered between haughty disdain and mortification at discovery. “You cannot mean that you take a personal interest? A competent cook and housekeeper ought to be more than capable of assembling such a simple thing!”
Elizabeth smiled pertly. “Of course, I trust that I am in Mrs Hill’s way more often than not, but it is my good fortune that she tolerates my interference. I have come to care a great deal for our tenants, which permits me personal knowledge of each family’s needs.”
Caroline lifted her nose fractionally. “Indeed, you must spend a great deal of time on such pursuits. I commend you, Miss Eliza. It must be difficult to find time to tend your own affairs. It is fortunate that in a retiring, quiet community such as this, it is not so critical for ladies to always appear in the latest fashions. The gentlemen here cannot possibly have such discriminating taste as those in Town.”
Much to Caroline’s surprise, Elizabeth actually laughed. “It is true, Miss Bingley, that we mere country lasses do not dress so finely as the ladies of London! However, in my experience, it seems that the gentlemen of the countryside place a greater emphasis on a woman’s pleasing manners and robust health, a natural consequence of spending a great deal of time out of doors. Do you not agree, Colonel?” Elizabeth turned a devilish smirk to Fitzwilliam, who had been standing nearby with a fresh drink in his hand.
“I dare not contradict you, Miss Elizabeth,” he winked and raised his glass to her. “In fact, present company considered, I would say you have ample evidence to the proof of your theory.”
Elizabeth inclined her head graciously, enjoying the sight of Caroline Bingley fuming beside her. Darcy chose that moment to extricate himself from Mrs Gardiner and Georgiana, who were conversing pleasantly. He had overheard a good bit of their conversation and could not resist drawing near. He stepped to Elizabeth’s side with a quirked brow, and for a shared heartbeat, two pairs of eyes laughingly met one another. Elizabeth took a quick breath and returned her countenance to a carefully neutral expression.
“Miss Bingley,” Fitzwilliam bowed in that lady’s direction, “may I assist you to a drink before dinner? Mrs Bennet keeps an excellent sideboard.” He crooked his arm to an unwilling Caroline, and she found one of her own favourite ploys turned against her. Fitzwilliam led her reluctantly away, casting a brief glance of martyrdom over his shoulder.
Darcy could not help a light chuckle under his breath. Fitzwilliam might well play the martyr, for he was not only shepherding Caroline Bingley away from him, but he also was moving to engage Mrs Bennet, leaving Charles and his Jane free. Shaking his head, he determined that he would never, ever complain about Richard helping himself to his purse whenever he saw fit. Still smiling, he turned his gaze to his own lady, finding her bright eyes resting on him and full of sceptical curiosity. Darcy cleared his throat uncomfortably. “May I ask, Miss Elizabeth, how your father does today?”
“He is a little better, sir. Mrs Cooper’s opinion is that he is recovering rather well. I truly must thank you again,” she added with sincerity, “for thinking of sending for her. Her presence has been most welcome to us at this time.”
“I am very glad to hear it. I most earnestly wish to be of service to you and your family in any way I can.” He paused, admiring the modest blush and the lowered lashes as they shaded her cheeks.
Daringly, he proceeded again, his voice lowered for her ears alone. “Miss Elizabeth, I will be frank. I am not well-schooled in the arts of conversation, and you will likely find me too forward and blunt. However, I was hoping to secure an opportunity to speak with you in private for at least a few minutes at your earliest convenience. We left things rather… unsettled yesterday, and it is my fervent wish to come to a better understanding between us.”
Her eyes lifted again, an expression of wonder shining from them. Indeed, he is blunt! If anyone had told her to expect the staid and reserved Mr Darcy of her first acquaintance to consistently speak in such a forthright fashion, she would have laughed the notion off as ridiculous. Surely, he knew that private conversations between unmarried people must be delicately managed and discreetly chaperoned, yet he boldly asked again for that privilege.
Tilting her head, she considered his request for only an instant before responding. They had already shared more than one private conference, and in the eyes of others, her honour was already committed. In truth, she found his naked hope refreshing. Giving a slow nod of assent, she reflected on how much more efficiently their situation might be resolved without the pretence of bland, socially correct conversation.
A small breath of relief escaped him. “Thank you,” he managed. He was about to ask her when she would agree to meet with him when the dinner bell sounded in the parlour. Turning, he automatically proffered his arm. Elizabeth hesitated only a second, taking it with a shy smile and unconsciously fluttering lashes. My word, she is lovely! A broad smile lit his features, and his chest swelled proudly at the honour of escorting her.
Glancing over his shoulder, he suddenly remembered his manners. “Mrs Gardiner? May I escort you as well?” He glanced to Georgiana with the smallest look of apology, one he knew she would understand. She grinned encouragingly at him as she accepted Mr Hurst’s other arm and fell in behind them.
Mrs Gardiner graciously accepted his escort and the threesome followed Fitzwilliam with Mrs Bennet and Miss Bingley into the dining room. Mrs Gardiner carried herself with humble dignity, and Darcy was greatly impressed with her unassuming, amiable manner. What a genteel lady she is! I can easily see where Elizabeth learned much of her grace and comportment… sadly, it was not from her mother! Darcy reflected on his pleased acquaintanceship with this elegant lady and what a fine influence she might be for Georgiana. And this is the relation I once disdained for her situation in trade!
Not for the first time since meeting Elizabeth Bennet, he found all of his former notions of civility turned upside down. Not only was he perfectly delighted with this woman’s conversation and manners, but he also wished to know more of her and her family. She had mentioned to him when they were first introduced that she had grown up in Lambton and had even had the pleasure of meeting his mother once, many years ago. He appreciated that her information was given politely, with discretion, not as a blaring demand for recognition as many others might have done. He began to think that, perhaps, not all of Elizabeth’s relatives were embarrassing.
Once into the dining room, his confidence began to flag. Where should he sit? Would it be too audacious to assume a seat near Elizabeth? If he were to take Richard’s advice, he should seat himself near Mrs Bennet. A sudden nervousness caused him to tense until his eyes fell upon the table. Mrs Bennet had used place cards for the night! Stepping round the table, he was delighted to discover that his name appeared between Elizabeth’s and Mrs Gardiner’s. His happy gaze flew to Elizabeth’s face, noting her shrewd smile.
He helped Mrs Gardiner into her chair first, then Elizabeth. As he bent low over her, admiring the glossy curls frosting her alabaster neck, he murmured into her ear, “The cards are most helpful. Your handiwork, I presume?”
She tilted her head slightly, responding under her breath. “Jane’s, actually. You know Jane always wishes for peace and harmony. I, on the other hand, tend to enjoy a good row on occasion and might have seated you betwixt Miss Bingley and my mother!”
A look of horror crossed his face before he could quite squelch it, but the effect on Elizabeth was enchanting. She laughed merrily, with a small wink which he was quite certain she had never bestowed upon him before and may have even been unconsciously done.
He broke into a relaxed grin. “Then, Miss Bennet has my eternal gratitude. Not that I object to knowing your mother better, but I fear my meagre dialogue skills are woefully inadequate for her liking.”
Elizabeth laughed again, her dark eyes flashing, fully ensnaring him under her spell. “Mr Darcy, I believe you give yourself too little credit! I have had the pleasure of debating you on subjects of interest and have not found you deficient. Indeed, you ought very much to enjoy getting to know my father better once he is recovered, for he loves a spirited debate as dearly as I do.”
A flush of pleasure tingled through him. By her own admission, she had not only assured him that he had the capacity to please her but that she expected him to be around to spend time with her father. He wondered if her words had been intentionally chosen to grant him such confidence. By the sudden shift in demeanour he witnessed, he guessed it was not so, but her words thrilled him, nonetheless.
Elizabeth quickly hid her fading smile behind a glass of claret. Casting about for some way of retrieving her good humour, he returned to the subject of her father. “I have, in fact, had the opportunity to speak with your father at great length. I met him out riding the other morning before his unfortunate accident. I found him to be a wealth of knowledge, as a matter of fact. We talked for some time and with great pleasure before parting company.”
Elizabeth could not hide her surprise. “Truly? I had no idea. We knew very little of that morning’s events, and Papa is not normally inclined to morning rides. Was it very early?”
He gave a short, silent laugh. The sentiments of the desperate man who took that wild ride and the hopeful one who sat at dinner this evening were so radically different that it seemed an age ago. “Yes, we rode some time before we watched the sun rise over Oakham Mount together. It is a lovely place. Your father mentioned that you have a special attachment to it.”
She fixed him with a pensive little smile. “Yes,” she replied slowly. “I have. It is a lovely place, affording an excellent view of the brash young horsemen from Town galloping across Purvis Lodge’s fields.”
He started. She had seen him, even before they had ever met at the Assembly? Of course, the interest their arrival generated would have fixed his and Bingley’s identity in her memory as the future denizens of the vacant Hall nearby. He smiled at her confession of an early notice of him, enjoying her laughing eyes sparkling back at him.
With a tight yet emboldened smile, he turned his attention to the rest of the table. It would not do to ignore everyone else entirely! He noted that prudent Jane had seated herself and Charles on either side of Mrs Bennet, trusting in Charles’ affability to defuse any improper behaviour from the matron of the house. Mrs Gardiner sat between himself and Bingley, near enough to assist in diverting Mrs Bennet.
To the other side of Elizabeth was Georgiana, and beyond her Kitty, then Lydia Bennet. Next to Jane, opposite Mrs Gardiner and Darcy, were the Hursts. Richard found himself squarely between Mrs Hurst and Caroline, with silent Mary Bennet next to the latter. Richard appeared less than enthusiastic about the situation until he realized that Georgiana was nearby. Lydia Bennet also was not far away at the end of the table and more than welcomed his frivolous attentions. Darcy relaxed, fully appreciating Jane Bennet’s wisdom and looking forward to a pleasant evening.
D inner did indeed pass pleasantly. Elizabeth had approached the event with much trepidation, but all her worry was for nought. Darcy had proven a surprisingly conversant dinner companion, both with herself and her aunt. Still labouring under her earlier impressions of him, she had truly been expecting him to shun her wonderful aunt’s company. Instead, he had purposely engaged Mrs Gardiner, leaving Elizabeth free to get to know Georgiana better.
The girl appeared much recovered after her shock from the day before. Her spirits had returned, and she chattered delightfully with both Elizabeth and Kitty and even Lydia when the latter was ignored by the handsome colonel. The younger girls enthusiastically mined her for information on the latest London fashions. Georgiana, for her part, verily sparkled with glee at the rare opportunity to speak with such unpretentious girls of her own age.
Elizabeth remarked to herself that Kitty was more reserved than normal and that her hazel eyes flicked uncertainly between Georgiana and her own sister Lydia. Hope began to bud in Elizabeth’s breast. Perhaps all was not lost for Kitty if she was beginning to uncomfortably take note of the contrast between raucous Lydia and graceful Georgiana. She pursed her lips and decided to encourage that friendship.
Elizabeth’s gaze swept the table. Jane was taking pains to become better acquainted with Louisa Hurst, and her efforts were beginning to bear fruit. Mr Hurst even found himself capable of responding to Jane’s sweet cheer and thoughtful conversation. Elizabeth smothered a proud smile. Leave it to Jane to discover even in Mr Hurst a pleasant dinner companion!
Mary and Caroline Bingley had less than nothing to say to one another, ensuring quiet from that region of the table, although Mary gazed rather steadily at Georgiana. Caroline’s attempts to control the conversations of others nearby were diligently thwarted by Colonel Fitzwilliam at every turn. Elizabeth felt true regard for Darcy’s cousin as she observed his cool dismissal of Miss Bingley and his careful manipulation of Lydia from across the table. The man was masterful! Had he been the one to speak for me, I doubt I should have even objected!
Her thoughts seized. Perhaps… Colonel Fitzwilliam was not shy about his lack of wealth. As he had hinted once the day before, he would need to marry a woman of fortune to maintain the lifestyle to which he had been brought up. She did not fit that criteria, nor seemed the colonel capable of a violent enough attachment, as far as she could tell, to overcome such a difficulty. As she had once reflected to herself regarding Wickham, a marriage of only tolerable felicity could turn sour quickly if a couple had not the proper resources to live as they were accustomed. Darcy certainly had that, and then some.
A conviction began to turn in her bosom. It was not Darcy’s resources which began to improve her opinion of him. Though he was more recalcitrant than his cheerful cousin, there was a depth to Darcy that she felt she had only begun to plumb. As a student of characters, she had discovered early on that he was an interesting puzzle. How she could have misconstrued some of the most basic elements of his character, she still could not fathom, but the more she learned of him, the more fascinating he became.
He engaged her quite frequently over dinner in discussions of her favourite books and plays. She found they both favoured Milton, as well as Scott and Donne. She brought up the works of Byron, and Darcy made a face. Surprised, she asked, “Do you not like his works? I should have thought you might.”
“His work is, I grant you, superior enough. His character, I cannot abide. The man is a blackguard and a wastrel. A more unprincipled, hedonistic degenerate I never wish to encounter.”
Elizabeth arched her brows, surprised almost beyond words that Darcy would excoriate the celebrated poet with even stronger language than he used for Wickham. “You know him?”
“Of course. We were at Cambridge together briefly, though we did not frequent the same circles. He came to me once to ask sponsorship for the publication of English Bards , though I expect he knew I would turn him down.”
“May I ask, what is it about him you find so offensive?”
Darcy reddened, then lowered his voice. “I regret that I cannot relate more of my opinions in public, nor with an unmarried lady. It would be most unfitting, as there are some things I doubt your father would approve of me sharing with you.”
Elizabeth cracked a sly smile in sudden comprehension. “And what, may I ask, do you think of Henry Fielding? I found Tom Jones to be excessively diverting!”
Darcy’s face went ashen until he recognized her lilting drawl, a sure symptom of one of Elizabeth Bennet’s infamous teases. Darting a quick glance around to make sure they had not been overheard, he leaned a little nearer. “I sincerely hope, Miss Elizabeth, that… that particular novel has not been a part of your repertoire!”
She chuckled, enjoying his discomfiture. “No, but I believe Papa has a copy somewhere. Would you like to borrow it, or do you already have your own? You seem familiar enough with it.”
His eyes bulged, digesting this new side of the playful yet heretofore entirely modest Elizabeth Bennet. She lifted her glass, and sparkling eyes gazed at him contemplatively over the rim. Daring. Oh, sweet Elizabeth, how I would enjoy lifting your veil of innocence! I feel beyond it lies a very passionate woman indeed. A slow smile spread over his face. He could not disappoint her teasing provocation.
Not releasing her gaze for a second, he lowered his head, speaking nearly into her ear. “Indeed, I am familiar with the book. I have two copies: one in London and one at Pemberley—both gifts. I began to read it once but shelved it again, thinking it would be best to wait until I have an enchanting wife to read it with. It is rather comical, after all.” He drew back, grinning roguishly. He fully enjoyed the effect on her flushed countenance, the scandalized but laughing eyes.
Elizabeth quickly brought her napkin to her lips to hide her guilty amusement. Mr Darcy had a sense of humour! Quite a wicked one as well, if she could believe her ears. She watched him nonchalantly take a sip of wine, smirking playfully back at her as he caught her gaze. He lowered his glass, smiling a little more placidly, then turned to answer a question from Mrs Gardiner.
Elizabeth felt her heart fluttering queerly. What an enjoyable time she was having this night! Darcy had surpassed all her expectations as an agreeable companion. Why, the man could speak, and pleasantly, too! She had already known him to be well-read, but that their tastes should match so exactly was a welcome surprise. She had anticipated that her little joke would entirely discompose him, but he had risen admirably to the challenge, parrying her playful jabs with a teasing thrust of his own. He had made it clear that he counted honour and integrity as paramount even in his choices of entertainment, but he was no stuffy prude.
Wonder at her new discovery held her silent for a few moments. Glancing to her left, she saw, to her great satisfaction, that Georgiana and Kitty were still busily engaged in chatter, with occasional input from Lydia. She nervously tossed the remaining ragout about her dish with her fork, her eyes rising across the table as she did so. Her little interchange with Darcy had not gone unnoticed. Caroline Bingley glowered icily, but Colonel Fitzwilliam tossed her a jaunty grin of encouragement.
Elizabeth smiled back to her plate. If she were to take her own former advice to herself regarding the opinions of people she trusted, she would side with the colonel. He seemed an honourable man, and he was clearly in favour of improving relations between herself and his cousin. Elizabeth’s own rebellious nature revelled in the probability of perturbing Caroline Bingley with her efforts to warm to Darcy.
She glanced back to the tall gentleman by her side, who happened at that moment to be peeking at her. He flashed her yet another hopeful smile, revealing a tiny dimple she had somehow never noticed. In that moment, Elizabeth made up her mind. She would give Fitzwilliam Darcy a chance to win her heart.