Page 19 of Rumours & Recklessness (Sweet Escapes Collection #1)

Chapter 17

A fter dinner, the entire party adjourned to the drawing-room together. It had seemed awkward for the ladies to separate from the gentlemen when the master of the house was unable to be in attendance. Mrs Bennet, who had been unable to shower her future son with her affections during dinner, shadowed Darcy as diligently as ever Caroline Bingley had. Caroline, at least, had discreetly distanced herself from Mrs Bennet, so he only had one challenging woman to cope with.

Elizabeth, who had been requested by her mother to serve the coffee, eyed him with some concern. She could not easily come to his rescue, nor was she quite certain she wished to. Though her sentiments had begun to sway in his favour, she honestly wanted to see how he conducted himself with her very trying mother.

Darcy was not insensitive to her attention as he attempted pleasantries with Mrs Bennet. The lady was enough in awe of him that she did not entirely monopolize the conversation, allowing him to distract her from her rather pointed questions about Bingley and her eldest daughter. His gaze occasionally returned to Elizabeth, finding her inscrutable eyes on him each time. After a decent interval, he bowed to Mrs Bennet, excusing himself.

He made his way to Elizabeth, extending his cup for her ministrations. She looked up to him with sly appraisal. Leaning fractionally closer, he murmured to her quietly, “How am I doing?”

Surprised conviction flashed across her face. “What can you mean, sir?”

“Come now, Miss Elizabeth, I know you are waiting for my horns to sprout! In truth, you have every reason to do so. I regret to admit that I have been less than amiable since we first met. I hope I can remedy your first impressions of me.”

She arched a brow, amused at his frankness. “I appreciate your candour, sir. However, if that be the case, and your sudden transformation is the result of a desire to improve my opinion of you, I wonder if the shift in your manner can be genuine?”

“And well you ought. I understand that you have little real knowledge of my character, and I respect your desire to remain circumspect for now. However,” he gazed deeply into her chocolate brown eyes, his expression intently sincere, “disguise of every sort is my abhorrence. I am as you see me. Unfortunately, the pride you noted before is also a part of my character—one that I thought was under good regulation. You have taught me otherwise. I look forward, Miss Elizabeth, to whatever new revelations I may discover about myself under your tutelage.”

Elizabeth stared back at him, her mouth slightly agape in astonishment. My goodness, I have never heard a man speak as he does! Her lips began to curl into a hesitant smile. The smile grew until it encompassed her whole expression, and a gentle laugh bubbled forth. She dropped her gaze, blushing furiously, and gave him a little nod of sweet surrender. Not sure of what to say in reply, she turned her attention to his cup—not allowing herself to flinch, however, when he let his fingers brush hers incidentally as she handed it back.

Darcy released a deep breath of satisfaction. His gamble had worked. He had spent the day pondering how best to approach her. He was not good with elaborate or subtle discourse. What he did possess was a blunt plainness, and he had hoped desperately that Elizabeth would be a woman who could appreciate fearless honesty. The surprised delight still glowing from her face assured him that his words had pleased her.

He dared not say more in the same vein while in company, but he no longer feared speaking to her. The thorns she had so carefully erected against him before seemed no longer in evidence. He was grateful he had spoken his peace quickly, for his attentions to Elizabeth could not go unremarked.

Caroline Bingley moved in their direction, making a great show of her empty coffee cup. She was followed doggedly by a very determined Georgiana. Intimidating Miss Bingley might be, but she was not about to allow her adored new friend and cherished brother’s pleasant interlude to be completely disrupted!

Conversation waned, consisting mostly of the neighbourhood gossip and the weather. Darcy remarked that, though he had heard from a reliable source to expect a light winter in Hertfordshire this year, snow seemed likely within the next day or two. He and Elizabeth had exchanged an amused little smirk, and Georgiana giggled behind her hand. Caroline appeared mystified for a moment but shifted the topics back to those in which she could take part. Her companions responded civilly to her comments, then gradually drifted away to other conversations as was suitable.

Darcy was keenly interested in learning more about Mrs Gardiner. Tactfully leaving Georgiana with Kitty and Mary Bennet, he moved in her direction. She was speaking animatedly to Bingley and the Hursts, and he stood where he could attend her words. A few moments later, Jane had a question for Louisa Hurst, and Darcy was left alone with Bingley and Mrs Gardiner.

For her part, Mrs Gardiner was pleased to have the two men who favoured her nieces to herself for a moment. She had begun to develop high opinions of both of them and was in the way of thinking that her cherished girls had done well—very well, indeed.

Darcy, in particular, impressed her. His open earnestness appealed to her, though he did not speak as freely or as eloquently as his friend. She did not detect the haughtiness in his manner which had at first repelled Lizzy, but she did sense that the man might default to that posture when confronted with absurdity or banality. Her eyes flicked uncomfortably to her sister, who was energetically regaling Colonel Fitzwilliam with the local gossip. Yes, it was indeed understandable if the neighbourhood had at first taken the wrong impression of Mr Darcy.

Mrs Gardiner had no particular prejudice against the very rich, but she was not intimidated into obsequiousness either. She took Darcy as she found him and decided that she agreed with what his reputation in Derbyshire had bespoken of him. He seemed a reasonable, sincere fellow, not given to flights of fancy or exaggeration.

He was clearly possessed of a keen mind and a thoughtful nature. She had the distinct impression that more went on in his head than he ever let on. I can see why he might like Lizzy; she is not as easily seen through as most other young ladies. As for her, she might do very well with such a man , she thought to herself. It was true he lacked Elizabeth’s inimitable zest, but he was far from boring, and his acumen was very sharp. He would be a man her quick-witted niece could respect.

A swift intuition inspired her to manoeuvre the conversation back to Elizabeth. Her opportunity was perfect. Her reflections on her youth in Lambton and her mutual acquaintances with Darcy among the shopkeepers led to talk of a difficulty with one of his tenant farmers. Bingley interjected with an expression of woe, as he was still learning all the intricacies of being a landlord. Darcy nodded in commiseration, observing that a landlord’s abilities at stewardship could make or break an entire community.

“That does remind me… I beg you would forgive my meddling, but Lizzy was mentioning to me some concerns they had. Unfortunately, Mr Bennet is unable to tend his affairs at present, and Lizzy is worried for one of the families in the neighbourhood. Would you gentlemen find it possible to advise her?”

Both men perked up, Darcy in particular. “Lead on, good lady!” Bingley encouraged. “Let us hear what troubles her. Then Darcy will save the day, and I will learn how it is done!” He winked cheerfully at his friend. Darcy coloured a little, but he was, in truth, deeply interested in the matter. Elizabeth’s potential as a mistress for Pemberley had of late become a subject of great curiosity for him. He was intrigued by her present situation, forcing her to manage affairs on her own, and he hoped fervently that he could be of help.

Mrs Gardiner conducted her little entourage across the room. Placing her hand gently on Lizzy’s, she explained their purpose and how the subject had arisen. Elizabeth flashed a quick look of betrayal, but her aunt parried it with a stern expression. Sighing, she turned to the gentlemen and explained the situation with Mr Brown.

Darcy stroked his chin thoughtfully, his eyes unfocused as he listened to the story. Bingley watched Darcy, taking his cues from his more experienced friend. “Hmm, Miss Elizabeth, I do have one or two ideas I should like to discuss with you. I would like to hear more particulars of the case and your opinions at length. Perhaps we could make a few suggestions to help you come to a decision. Would tomorrow morning, around ten, be convenient?”

Elizabeth blinked a little. A part of her had still anticipated the officious Master of Pemberley whom she had built up in her mind to expound on his condescending thoughts, taking the matter effectively out of her hands. Instead, she was pleasantly surprised to hear him carefully emphasizing his interest in her opinions and information. She nodded mutely, looking hesitantly to her aunt for her concurrence.

“Capital!” Bingley enthused. His own joy stemmed primarily from the very sound excuse for him and for Darcy to escape Netherfield without his sisters to visit his angel.

Darcy watched Elizabeth’s expression carefully. He sensed that clever Elizabeth had just been manipulated by her innocent-looking aunt, and he did not wish to be party to anything which might distress or offend her. A little later, he was able to find out. Bingley and Mrs Gardiner were drawn back into Mrs Bennet’s web, affording him a precious few seconds to lean close to her ear. “I hope I have not overstepped my bounds, Miss Elizabeth. If you do not wish for my interference, please tell me so at once. I am, however, happy to be of service if I may.”

She gazed up to him, fixing him with that meditative stare which she had worn much of the evening. She tilted her head, lips parted beguilingly. At length, after he had begun to shift his feet awkwardly, she made him an answer. “I thank you for your consideration, Mr Darcy. You have perplexed me greatly this night, I must say. I think it will do very well to have your thoughts on the matter. I yield to my aunt’s wisdom; it is of course right and proper to seek the advice of someone more experienced than myself when a family’s welfare is at stake, as is the case here. I look forward to your input.”

He bowed graciously, glad to have once again seemingly judged her rightly. “I shall see you tomorrow morning, then. Perhaps, if it is agreeable to you, we might walk out to meet the family in question, but I leave that to your discretion.” She agreed, rewarding him with a sweet, if hesitant smile and her thanks.

They had little opportunity for further discussion, and cards were out of the question, as Caroline, in a high dudgeon, had ordered the carriages unfortunately early. That lady blithely ignored the narrowed eyes and glowering expressions from many in her party.

She perfunctorily paid her compliments to her hostesses and propelled the Hursts to the first waiting carriage. She had been greatly snubbed by Eliza Bennet and largely ignored by the rest of the room, most especially Mr Darcy. In a silent huff, she vowed she would not remain a moment longer than strictly necessary. Not even attempting to finagle a way to ride with Mr Darcy, she ordered the driver to be off at once.

The remaining party from Netherfield shared frustrated expressions, but though they would have liked to have remained behind, it would have seemed awkward. Additionally, neither Darcy nor Bingley were in the habit of forcing their drivers to wait for them in the cold.

They made their polite farewells, with Bingley and Darcy lingering just a little behind the others in the foyer. Both wanted one last moment with their Bennet sister. Once her mother had retreated from sight, Jane shyly gave her hand to Bingley for a tender kiss. Elizabeth stiffened at witnessing the private moment. Despite her own discomfort, she was beyond pleased for her sister, and in truth, was glad to see Jane make such a daring move before others. Certainly, Mr Bingley was no longer in danger of persuasion from his sisters that Jane was indifferent to him!

Her eyes shifted uncomfortably to Darcy, fearing under the circumstances there might be some expectation for her to offer him some trifling farewell intimacy. She shrank back a fraction. Darcy solved the problem for her. He smiled, clicking his heels smartly, twirling his hat with a flourish, and offered her an exaggerated bow. “Until tomorrow, Fairest Miss Elizabeth!” he intoned gallantly.

He startled an endearing laugh out of her, and she returned the gesture in kind, curtsying deeply as if she were before the Prince Regent. “Yes, Fair Sir, until tomorrow!” Still dipping low, she touched her fingertips together and gave a mock courtly nod, her lips twitching all the while with mirth.

Darcy spluttered involuntarily, then bit his lip to keep from roaring with laughter. He itched to offer her his hand to help her rise, but she was quicker than he. It is enough, he cautioned himself. He smiled again, his eyes speaking volumes of his admiration. She held his gaze for a moment, and then the gentlemen stepped out into the night.

Jane turned to her sister in utter amazement. “Lizzy, what was that about?”

Elizabeth laughed out loud and shrugged. “I hardly know! But I think Mr Darcy improves upon closer acquaintance, do not you? Perhaps he is capable of pleasant manners after all!”

Jane, her eyes still wide, shook her head in wonder. “Do be careful, Lizzy. You will have the man so altered that even his close friends will fail to recognize him! It would be hardly convenient to have his own staff turn him out of Pemberley as an impostor. I did have my heart set on visiting you there at Christmas, you know.”

Elizabeth made a jeering face, then the giggling sisters returned, arm in arm, to the drawing-room.

B ingley stared pointedly at his friend all the way to the carriage. Darcy, glancing to the side with a sly little grin, attempted to ignore him. They mounted the steps and sat down inside, where Darcy was now subject to three impertinent stares.

“Was there something I could do for you all?” he queried, an unmistakable twinkle in his eye. He was completely satisfied with the evening. The temperature of Elizabeth’s address had warmed most pleasantly, and, with her blessing, he had an appointment to spend time with her again on the morrow. He could not have hoped for more. Indeed, he would have been optimistic about much less!

“Well, Cousin,” Richard drawled, “I was hoping to corner your enchanting lady once more this evening to, shall I say, add a little leaven to the lump. I never got the chance, however, as she seemed to spend much of the evening in close conversation with another gentleman of my party.”

Georgiana giggled gleefully, snuggling close to his arm. “Tell us all, Brother! I heard her laugh many times tonight when you two were speaking. She was smiling when we left, too. I told you she would come to love you!”

“Wait, Georgie!” he pleaded, holding his hands up. “We are yet a long way from talk of love. We had a pleasant evening. Let us leave it at that.”

“I say, what do you call that little scene at the door?” Bingley taunted from across the carriage. “Shameless flirtation, Colonel, that is what our Darcy has fallen to. Why, he was a regular Don Juan saying his farewells this evening.”

“Call the doctor, Bingley,” Fitzwilliam winked.

“I prefer rather Roland or Arthur of the Round,” Darcy remarked wryly, triggering a sly chortle out of his sister. “It is not my intention to seduce anyone.”

“Well, be that as it may,” Bingley grinned, “I believe the lady is looking forward to your visit tomorrow morning.”

“You are going again tomorrow?” Georgiana squealed. “I will have a sister soon! Is it not wonderful, Richard? It is your turn next, you know. Brother—” she returned to Darcy suddenly as her cousin began to sputter—“may I come with you tomorrow?”

“Our visit tomorrow is actually a business one, Georgie. Until Mr Bennet is well recovered or their uncle Gardiner is able to arrive, Miss Elizabeth has been left in charge of the estate. She had some concerns in which she thought Bingley and I might be able to advise her.”

“Say no more, Cousin,” Richard waved his hand. “I have no interest in such matters. My yearly visit to Rosings is enough taste for me. It is just as well,” he stretched his shoulders inside his tightly fitted red coat. “I only have leave through tomorrow, though I could have requested an extension. I know my mother would like me to stop for dinner at the townhouse, and as you seem to have your love life well in hand, I think I shall return in the morning.”

“And leave me to my own devices? You are no friend.”

“Just whom am I to entertain whilst the two of you are off rescuing damsels and wooing fair maidens?” Richard’s eyes widened suggestively—he may not have been willing to slight Caroline aloud in her brother’s presence, but no one could miss his implication.

“Richard, I will still be here,” Georgiana pouted innocently. “Remember, you were going to teach me that scandalous new dance from the continent next… the waltz, did you call it?”

Darcy arched a critical brow at his cousin. “Indeed, Richard! Perhaps, Georgie, we may find a friend for you amongst the Bennet sisters who would behave with more decorum than your guardian.”

Richard chuckled, shrugging helplessly. “Young people these days! They say the most confounded things! Now, remember, Georgie, you promised not to tell him everything. ” Richard leaned forward conspiratorially, wagging his eyebrows to exaggerate whatever secret they had concocted.

Georgiana laughed, an innocent, girlish sound. Despite his suspicions that his co-guardian was perhaps exerting a less-than-stellar influence, Darcy enjoyed her good spirits. The old Georgie was coming back to him! It was as though she had finally given herself permission to live again. Though he and Richard both had steadily poured love and support into her since her near-disaster, she had remained hesitant and insecure. He felt he could point to her new inspiration by Elizabeth Bennet as the turning point to a better tomorrow for his beloved sibling.

Bracing his arm around his little sister, he snuggled her close to keep her warm. Relief and satisfaction filled him. Had Georgie not begun to come round, Wickham would have still had his revenge, even unawares. He reflected with pleasure on his evening. Wickham had tried to taint and sully everything and everyone he cared about most, but now both the women who held his heart were immune to that scoundrel’s poison. By thunder, things were going to turn right! Ignoring the knowing smirks from his companions, he smiled vacantly, the image of a vivacious beauty dangling before him the rest of the way to Netherfield.