Page 20 of Rumours & Recklessness (Sweet Escapes Collection #1)

Chapter 18

“C olonel, I hope you are not leaving us so soon!” Caroline Bingley floated down the elegant staircase, her fingers trailing the polished walnut balustrade. She had lingered above stairs a great part of the morning, hoping to catch Mr Darcy, but she had finally concluded that he must have arisen far earlier, and she was losing time with him.

Fitzwilliam, having just received his outercoat from a footman, turned to face her. He straightened upon seeing her, then, as an afterthought, gave her a strictly correct bow. “I am, Miss Bingley. I am to return to my regiment by this evening.”

“I am indeed sorry to hear it. Poor Georgiana will miss you greatly.” She smiled smoothly, coming to stand uncomfortably close to him.

“My cousin prefers her brother’s company to mine, I assure you, Miss Bingley. She is most pleased to be staying behind.” He finished buttoning his coat and began to turn when she put out a hand to stop him.

“Pray… stay a moment, Colonel.”

He turned back, arching a quizzical brow. “Something I can do for you, Miss Bingley?”

“I wondered, sir… have you any concerns for the course our Mr Darcy has embarked upon?”

“Such as…?”

“Well, sir, of course, by now, you must be aware that the Bennet family are hardly presentable in the better circles. They are certainly not of the same calibre as your illustrious family, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Do you foresee any troubles for him among your extended relations? I should think that, to begin with, obtaining the approval of the Earl for the marriage of his distinguished nephew to the daughter of a mere country squire might prove... trying. I only wish,” she put on a convincingly mournful face, “to spare our mutual friend any grief and regret in the future.”

Fitzwilliam began to smile slowly. “Darcy will indeed be glad to hear of your concern. I shall be sure to let him know that you wished to pave the way between himself and my father.” He felt a swell of satisfaction as alarm grew on her face.

“In fact,… now that you mention it, I believe I shall see what can be done to prepare Miss Elizabeth for her first meeting with my father. He is an old tyrant, you know, Miss Bingley. You have met him yourself, have you not? That was an unpleasant meeting for one of you, as I recall. Sure to rake the novice Miss Elizabeth over the coals, he is—until, of course, he falls victim to that rapier wit of hers for the first time. I have no doubt she will leave him vanquished on the field! The countess, now that is another matter, and I am very glad you bring it up.”

He stroked his chin thoughtfully, then, his face brightening, snapped his fingers. “Aha! Mater has always been a soft mark for a young lass in the most fashionable attire—thinks it a mark of respectability or something of the kind. I shall mention to Georgiana that she should take her future sister to her own modiste in London before she meets my mother.

“Better yet... yes, that will do nicely. She and Miss Elizabeth are of much the same build, and William had just ordered Georgie a very generous winter wardrobe—more than she can ever wear, you understand—and she brought a good bit of it with her. You will make that recommendation to Georgiana for me, will you not, Miss Bingley? Your concern for your future sisters is truly touching.” He performed a chivalrous half-bow, favouring her with a suave smile.

Caroline did her best to swallow her dismay and consternation, swiftly replacing them with her mask of fond distress. Her facade cracked just at the end when the colonel referred to Eliza Bennet as her future sister. Impossible! Charles had gone and proposed to that ninny Jane Bennet over all her protestations! Pull it together, Caroline! You are worthy of Pemberley itself! Surely you can handle the insinuations of this clown! She forced her rumpled sentiments back into order.

“Fine feathers, Colonel, that is all. There are any number of young ladies in the latest fashions,” she squared her shoulders ever so slightly to make certain he noticed her rather generous bustline, accented so perfectly by her gold taffeta. “I highly doubt if Eliza Bennet should feel comfortable in a borrowed wardrobe… and in such attire as Miss Darcy owns! It is so far above that to which she has been used, do you see. Surely you must have noticed that she goes about rather… simply.” She let the word linger with a faint sneer.

“Hmm, indeed, Miss Elizabeth needs very little enhancement,” he stroked his chin in agreement. “Perhaps you are right. The woman is a natural beauty. Of course, as Darcy’s wife, she will come into the finest wardrobe money can buy, but I quite agree with you. There are any number of primped and powdered belles in London. Miss Elizabeth’s native radiance should be allowed to shine when she is first introduced to her new relatives.”

“ Natural beauty! ” Caroline’s nostrils distended indignantly. “Why, the girl is half wild, the way she traipses about! I should not be surprised if she is at this very moment climbing trees or slopping the pigs! The countess would be rightly affronted to be introduced to such a—a slatternly farm girl !”

Richard Fitzwilliam, well-practised at keeping his cool on the battlefield, began to laugh heartily. “I shall repeat your comments to Mater. She will be so highly amused!” He continued to laugh a little longer, enjoying the lady’s fuming visage. “I can speak with some authority on this though; the Earl and the Countess had all but given up on my cousin. Pater was threatening to import some Indian princess if Georgiana married before William.”

He wiped an imaginary tear of laughter from his eye. “Quite seriously, I think they will, in the end, agree that a… a ‘farm girl,’ as you say, is exactly what my antisocial cousin needs. He can retire peacefully to Pemberley and never be seen in Town again. She is of hardy stock too; my father will quite approve. ‘Pemberley needs an heir!’ he will say in that imperious way of his. Not that it will matter what their opinion is. Darcy is rather accustomed to having his way, regardless of the opinions of others.”

Caroline’s face was now beet red, fury seething from her dilated eyes. “I trust, Colonel, that you are correct, and he will be happy with that... that chit! I would hate to see our dear friend at odds with his family!” she hissed in desperate reprisal. Balling her elegant hands into tight fists, she screwed her mouth shut and fled the foyer, taking the stairs so quickly she nearly stumbled.

Fitzwilliam was left chuckling to himself. “It is safe to come out now, William!” he called.

A very amused Darcy stepped from behind the study door, his face still suffused with mirth. “I hope you enjoyed yourself, Richard!”

“I did, rather.” Smilingly, he pulled his gloves from his pockets and slowly began to tug them on.

“That bit about the Indian princess was a stroke of genius.”

Richard guffawed loudly. “Yes, it was, if I do say so myself. Imagine you with a mail-order bride like some Colonist! You would have to build her her own house. You’d be too terrified to talk to her! Then again, if she spoke Hindi, maybe you would fare better.”

Darcy chuckled. “No, thank you! I have enough women in my life to keep my hands full.” He frowned and sighed heavily. “I am exceedingly troubled by Miss Bingley’s actions. I shall have to speak to Charles.”

“I heard enough of it,” Bingley hopped off the bottom stair and approached. “I was just coming down the stairs when I heard her speaking to you, and I shamelessly eavesdropped on the entire conversation. I should have stopped it, I know, but I wanted to find out if she was sensible to correction. I am sorry to learn the opposite. I just stopped her on the landing and requested that she pack her bags this instant. I am sending her back to London this very afternoon.”

Extending his hand to Fitzwilliam, he said, “I am very sorry, Colonel, for my sister’s behaviour. And to you, Darcy,” he turned to his old friend. “I must apologize. Caroline will not trouble you again.”

Darcy heaved a long breath. “It is of no consequence, Bingley. She can change nothing, but I admit, it will be a relief to have her out of our hair for a time.” Bingley nodded his full assent.

“Well, gents,” Fitzwilliam donned his hat with a flourish. “The carriage awaits, and duty and honour call me away. You will send me a wedding invitation, will you not, William? And you, Bingley,” he reached to shake the other’s hand, “I thank you for your hospitality. My very best wishes for your felicity. You both have found rare gems, I daresay.”

“I know not how to thank you, Richard.” Darcy took his hand next, gazing sincerely into his cousin’s eyes.

“Oh, I wager there will be many a broken heart after news of your engagement gets out. I’ve been waiting for that, you know, and you have tried my patience to the maximum, I tell you! I intend to scour the balls this spring and find myself a rich young debutante to comfort. An earl’s son still fetches a respectable price on the open market.” He winked jauntily and turned to the door, leaving his companions chortling in his wake.

“Colonel, I have a brilliant idea!” Bingley called as Fitzwilliam reached the door. “My sister has a dowry of twenty thousand. I would be most obliged if you would take her off my hands. I would even set you up with your own residence in Town! It is not a bad offer, and you and she get along so well, you know.” Bingley sounded as if he were only half joking.

Fitzwilliam paused long enough to fire a scandalized glare over his shoulder. “Bingley, I hope to retire from combat, not plunge forever into the fray. Good day, gentlemen.” He jerked the door open himself and scurried to the waiting carriage as if he were afraid Bingley might think to ask him to take Caroline as a passenger.

“Well, Darcy?” Bingley turned to his companion. “We ought to be off as well. You promised Miss Elizabeth we would arrive by ten.” He paused, making a face. “Perhaps you ought to go on your own, as I will have to make some arrangements for Caroline.”

Darcy nodded in resignation. He would have preferred Bingley’s company, but if doing without it for the morning meant that Caroline Bingley would not be waiting like a spider in her lair when he returned, it was worth it. “Perhaps you will give me a few moments of your time before I leave.”

“Certainly. In my study?”

“Yes, I already had some documents out.”

“I say, you have been getting a little ahead of things, have you not? I presume you are still on the subject of Miss Elizabeth’s present concerns?”

“Yes, and no.” They gained the study door, and Darcy rang for the butler. “Would you please have Nancy and Sarah come to the study? Then if you please, I would like you to wait just outside with the door open.”

“I beg your pardon, sirs, but Nancy is no longer employed here.”

Darcy straightened. “Excuse me? Did you know of this, Bingley?”

Bingley shook his head, mystified. “I have no idea what you are talking about. I have dismissed no one. Is Nancy not the maid assigned to Georgiana?”

“If you please, sir, Nancy was dismissed by Miss Bingley yesterday.”

Bingley stiffened, setting his mouth into a grim line. “Dawson, please send for Nancy, wherever she may be. My sister has no authority here any longer. Nancy is to be reinstated as of this moment, and I will add an extra week’s pay for her trouble.”

The butler bowed stiffly and went out, a most unprofessional look of satisfaction lighting his features. Bingley shook his head in awe and turned to his friend. “What is this all about, Darcy?”

Darcy picked up his pen, pointing with it to a few papers on the desk. “I had a rather revealing conversation with one your maids—Sarah, it was—yesterday morning. I inadvertently frightened the wits out of her, I’m afraid.” He related the details of the pre-dawn conversation with the young maid to Bingley’s amazed ears.

“The scoundrel!” Bingley spat. “I did not know Benson was so low. What do you propose?”

“Nothing, as yet. I have made inquiries. That is all so far. I am considering a way to provide a suitable dowry for Nancy to allow her to settle respectably. As for the other family—you have no vacant farms at present. Neither have I. I wish to know more of the circumstances to see if a good fit can be found.”

He dropped his pen, draping his arm over the back of a chair. “This concern of Miss Elizabeth’s may, in fact, turn out for the best. I hope to gather information from all parties concerned today and will apprise you of my findings.”

Bingley stroked his chin thoughtfully. “You will not score any marks with Miss Elizabeth by kicking out her tenant in favour of an inexperienced lad with few prospects.”

“I do not intend to ‘kick’ anyone out. I am only seeking information.”

“Well, you have my support in your endeavour, whatever you discover. You ought to go. I can interview the maids when they arrive, and I will be certain to post someone at the door for propriety’s sake. You must not keep your lovely lady waiting.”

Darcy nodded. “Right, then. Will you come later to call on Miss Bennet?”

“Yes, I shall. Caroline will not ruin my entire day.” Bingley scowled. “Stay a moment. Would you carry her a note?” He leafed through the papers on top of his desk until he found a blank one.

Darcy left to grant him some privacy. He stepped outside to see if his horse was ready and once again nearly bumped into Sarah as she hurried to the door of the study.

“I’m sorry, Sir!” she squeaked timidly.

He gave her a quick greeting. “Do not be afraid, Sarah. Mr Bingley will see you in a moment. Thank you, Mr Dawson,” he acknowledged the butler. “Please wait with her.”

Bingley emerged almost immediately to hand Darcy his illegible note for his beloved—and fortunately very patient—angel. “Oh! Dawson, you are quick, man. Come in, come in. Good luck, Darcy!” he called to his friend as the latter turned to go.

E lizabeth was, once again, spending the morning in her father’s room. Mr Jones had come and gone already this morning, and Mrs Cooper had finished Mr Bennet’s morning breakfast. “Miss Elizabeth, would you help me to change the linens?” she asked.

Elizabeth frowned. “How are we to do it? We cannot move him, can we?”

“Oh,” the lady chuckled, “there are ways. Come, I will lift the lower sheet under his body, and you can slide the fresh one beneath.” Thanks to Mrs Cooper’s deft, practised fingers, they had the bed linens changed in good order. Elizabeth settled in her chair to read aloud again.

She was so engaged when there came a light knock upon the door. Mrs Gardiner opened it to Elizabeth’s summons. “Lizzy, Mr Darcy is here to see you.” She opened the door fully to reveal the tall man behind her, causing Elizabeth to start. “He expressed a wish to inquire after your father directly. I see no harm, do you?”

Elizabeth rose awkwardly. She had expected him to wait for her in the drawing-room. She could not hide her surprise that he had come upstairs to see her—she had not expected such meek informality on his part. Darcy bowed his thanks to Mrs Gardiner, who cast a firm look to her niece. She stood back, allowing him room to pass by her. Darcy stood still a little hesitantly in the doorway, his fingers twitching at his sides. Elizabeth sighed, resolving to make herself amenable. “Would you care to come in, Mr Darcy?”

Mrs Gardiner abandoned him there, retreating back down the hall. He bowed and entered the modest room, his inquisitive gaze finding Mr Bennet’s pale face. It was a reminder of the very real uncertainty which still lingered over his new friend and the instability wrought upon his beloved’s family.

“Mr Darcy, may I introduce you to Mrs Cooper?”

His attention rose back to the ladies facing him. Elizabeth’s expression was warmly welcoming. His eyes lingered on her, drinking in his first taste of her favour, for the space of an extra breath before he turned to greet Mrs Cooper. He found her very agreeable, with a competent air and a comfortable demeanour.

“I am right pleased to meet you, Mr Darcy, sir,” she curtseyed and met his gaze boldly. Though she had spent a great deal of her time shut away in this small room, the talk of Mr Darcy drifted through the door and permeated the servant’s kitchen where she took her meals. This, she knew, was her silent employer de facto , and it was clear to her at first glance that he had taken quite a fancy to her favourite of the Bennet girls. A very sensible man indeed, she decided.

Darcy smiled at the woman’s forthright manner. A servant from a great house—such as Pemberley, for instance—would not dare take such freedom in addressing him. Mrs Cooper, however, was a rustic sort of professional and thus an independent of sorts. He had a feeling that she greeted him exactly as she would the family or friend of any of her patients, and he found that thought somehow liberating.

Elizabeth was turning to the woman now. “Mrs Cooper, would you care to refresh yourself? Mr Darcy can help me keep watch over Papa for a while.”

Mrs Cooper hid a knowing smile, murmured her thanks, and slipped past him, discreetly leaving the door ajar.

Darcy turned back to Elizabeth in complete surprise. “You do not wish for her company as a chaperone?”

Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled impishly. “Mr Darcy, is not my father’s presence enough chaperonage? You would not accost a woman in her own father’s sickroom, surely!”

His mouth dropped open, drawing a peal of delighted laughter from Elizabeth. Did she know how alluring she was when she laughed and teased him so? “I am beginning to understand something about you, Miss Elizabeth.”

She arched a brow, her smile unflagging. “Oh? Pray tell, what is that?”

He moved more deeply into the room, poising himself near a chair but not taking it until invited to do so. “Why, that you seem to find the greatest delight in provoking me. If that is true, I beg you would not stop. I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours!”

Her smile broadened, and she took a seat with a gesture toward the chair he had intended to claim. He sat near her, leaning close so as not to miss a drop of whatever saucy remark she might make.

“Ah, but Mr Darcy, I thought it was impossible to laugh at you. We have established before that you have no faults but pride, and at that, I cannot laugh. However am I to amuse myself if I do not have any foibles or weaknesses in your character to exploit?”

He felt his face warming and stretching into an uncharacteristically droll expression. “I beg you would not take another’s opinion of me but form your own. I trust your judgement of my character as infinitely more accurate.”

She pursed her lips thoughtfully, her eyes still twinkling as she appraised him. “Perhaps I will begin my assessment by listing what I know of you. I might thereby identify some folly by which I may entertain myself.”

“By all means,” he sat back with a patient smile, preparing for her examination. Never before had he been nervous that he might be found wanting in another’s eyes. Surprisingly, he found that actually wanted her to identify his flaws. He was well aware that he had them, and if she were to agree to be his wife, she would live with them daily. More vital to the moment, however, was the swaying of her opinion. Elizabeth was intelligent enough to be suspicious of the appearance of perfection because she would know it to be artificial. He wanted to be real and authentic with her, of all people. He could only hope his flaws, when discovered, were not ones of such gravity as to make her turn from him.

“Very well,” Elizabeth began after a nail-biting moment of reflection. “You are a kind brother, you have a loyal cousin and friend, you are a man of duty, very concerned with your estate. You are well travelled, exceedingly well-read, and you care little for foolishness.” She lifted one eyebrow, waiting for his answering smile in confirmation before she went on.

“You take your coffee with cream and two lumps of sugar, your tea you take without cream. You have a very fine carriage which I think seldom sees mud on its polished spokes, and you must pay a great deal for your valet, as that is the most exquisitely knotted cravat it has been my pleasure to admire in some while.” She paused, enjoying his entertained expression. He dipped his head in acknowledgement and invitation for her to continue.

“You enjoy riding tremendously, which I find inconvenient, and the other day I noticed a small quantity of hair on your breeches, by which I assumed you must have tended your own animal. By all accounts, you are a splendid hunter and an avid outdoorsman. You do not enjoy balls, but I cannot fathom why, as you are always impeccably dressed—thanks, I think, to that wonderful valet—not to mention the fact that you are a superior dancer.” She placed an unmistakable inflexion on her last phrase, reminiscent of Sir William Lucas.

Darcy could not help laughing out loud. Even at that awkward moment, she could look back and find a source of amusement. She tilted her head challengingly, daring him to answer her unspoken question.

“I cannot refute any of your findings. I am very blessed in my family, small as it is, and you are quite precise as to my tastes and experiences. I did, in fact, tend my own horse the day before yesterday, much to my valet’s chagrin. He has not yet forgiven me, but as you so astutely surmised, I make it well worth his trouble to tolerate my whims.

“I do not enjoy balls, I am sorry to say. I have not the talent for speaking easily to people I do not know. You, Miss Elizabeth, are rather skilled at catching the conversations of others and adding clever witticisms of your own. I have never yet learnt the knack.”

“It is a matter of practice, Mr Darcy. I imagine that had I practised my riding and my piano with as much enthusiasm as I honed my tongue, I might be accomplished at both and not nearly so liable to saying aloud the things which I will later come to regret.”

His mouth twitched merrily. “So, you are saying that to make myself invulnerable to your teasing, I ought to practice my conversation skills? I bow to your sage advice. I should enjoy such practice; however, I am not altogether certain I wish to be rendered impervious to such a charming wit as yours.” He paused, admiring the light filtering through the small window and bouncing off her luscious curls.

She smiled archly at him, waiting for him to continue. “I recall at the Meryton Assembly you stated your belief that dancing provides an agreeable situation for people to become acquainted. Perhaps if the opportunity presents itself, you could be persuaded to help me to practice those skills I seem to lack? As I recall, my performance of a few evenings ago was not one of which to boast.”

Elizabeth affected an air of resigned disappointment. “Oh dear, Mr Darcy, I should be happy to oblige, but alas, I fear it may be impossible to find a woman in these parts handsome enough to tempt you to the floor. Perhaps in London, you will have better luck.” She grinned challengingly, delighting in her ability to pull the rug from under his feet.

Darcy’s mouth fell open again. He was silent for a moment as Elizabeth began to laugh. “You heard that?”

“I was seated rather nearby, and as I had no dance partner at the moment, I had no other amusement but to divert myself by observing those around me.” She tilted her head and pursed her lips, pointedly smirking at his discomfiture.

“Oh.” His eyes wandered to the window, seeking some excuse, then returned to her face. Observing her playful expression still in place, he furrowed his brow thoughtfully. “You have been waiting some while to say that to me, have you not?”

Her eyes sparkled more brightly, and she laughed again. “I confess I have! What will you think then, sir, when I admit to sporting with your remarks in public and amusing myself at your expense?”

“Surely, I must have given offence! You are too generous. I was wrong to speak so and have no doubt wounded your sensibilities. It is little wonder you began our acquaintance prejudiced against me!”

Elizabeth sighed, her smile fading somewhat. “Mr Darcy, since we are confessing all, it must be apparent to you that I have more than my share of vanity. Rather than loudly taking offence, I gave vent to my feelings by jesting with my neighbours. I am afraid, sir, that you have me to blame in part for the generally poor opinion many here have of your character.”

“No,” he interjected firmly. “That blame is mine alone. I was brought up with proper manners, though I understand now I have not always employed them in company. I should have judged better to ask for an introduction, I know. I doubt you will believe me when I say my comments truly had nothing to do with your person. I primarily wished to avoid dancing with a stranger and to discourage Bingley from urging me to. You cannot know how I have regretted that decision!”

He reached cautiously for her hand, heat creeping into his voice. “I had scarcely even looked at you, locked as I was in my own selfish pride. It was within mere moments, I believe, that I began to wish for the opportunity again. I distinctly remember you passing by me with that bewitching twinkle in your lovely eyes, as though you were thoroughly amused with something. Now I know that to be my own folly, and I justly deserved your scorn! I believe I spent the rest of the evening, and nearly every meeting since, helplessly staring at you.”

Elizabeth released a tight little laugh and dropped her eyes to hide her swell of feelings. Darcy’s fingertips were tracing the top of her hand in a most distracting way. Her body filled with tension. He sensed it and stilled his fingers, contenting himself with simply clasping her small hand.

Elizabeth smiled faintly down at his fingers, curling round hers. He was not backward in expressing his wishes, but his concern for her comfort was touching. She found her opinions of this man improving remarkably every time they spoke. There was a simple sincerity to his manner, and hiding very deeply beneath it that spark of playfulness she had detected the evening before.

There was more, though… her eyes searched his carefully before dropping again, finally confessing to herself that what she saw was a consuming tenderness, the like of which she had never experienced. The imperturbable, consequential, perfectly poised Mr Darcy, ruled by a blindingly deep emotion… for her! Could Jane have been right all along? She had always enjoyed debating his keen mind, but always for her own momentary amusement, delighting in besting such a man. Never before had she considered there to be any true affinity.

His confession of such early feelings for her was quite surprising. Not even Elizabeth, spirited and independent as she was, could be immune to such a powerful, persistent admiration expressed by a handsome and honourable man. She swallowed.

Honourable he was, she could see that now. There was something delightfully pleasing in his openness with her. It was as if he dealt with her on an entirely different level than other men as if he respected her well enough to hand her the keys to his private thoughts.

Warmth spreading upon her cheeks, she raised her gaze shyly to his. Those intense dark eyes arrested and bound her speechless. Boldly she held his regard, studying his face freely. That tiny dimple, only in evidence when he smiled deeply, caught her eyes. From there, she traced a line to his mouth, shivering when she recalled his gentle kiss. She could not really be falling for him… could she?

Well, what matter if I am? she asked herself impatiently. It seemed impossible now to avoid a marriage. Caution would do her little good in this case. She may as well let her fancy run freely! She found herself fully enjoying her new understanding of this man and regretting even more profoundly her previous errors. How could she have been so mistaken? Could he really be one and the same man with whom she had thought herself more than sufficiently acquainted? He had appeared so aloof before!

He seemed so warm and compassionate now, so unlike his previous chilly address. Jane was right, she affirmed. Georgiana was clearly suffering from painful shyness, and Jane was the first to recognize that the brother, too, was terribly uncomfortable. A man in his position would be forced to appear in public often, always at the head over his peers and a prime target for the offers of countless women, whether he liked it or not. Lacking the ease of his less affluent friend Mr Bingley, Darcy would naturally appear haughty and proud.

Darcy let his eyes rove over her lovely face as she contemplated him. Once before, he would have grown uncomfortable under such serious scrutiny, but the opportunity to openly drink in her graceful presence was too delicious. If she wished to study him, and if such familiarity would grant her ease, he was more than willing to bask in her company. He lightly stroked the back of her hand with his thumb again, daring to press her for greater allowances. Her blush deepened, but she did not shift away from him.

A step creaked outside the door, and both quickly drew back their hands. Mrs Cooper’s happy face appeared in the doorway, and she stopped. She was carrying a little tray for herself, but she had rather expected by now that this interview would have been brought to a close or removed downstairs. Her practised eye was quick to discern embarrassment on both faces, but she was too cagey to make her observation known. Rather, she settled for distraction. “Excuse me, Miss Elizabeth, Mr Darcy, sir. Mrs Hill asks if you would like some tea?”

Both quickly rose to their feet. “No—no, thank you,” stammered Elizabeth. “That will not be necessary, Mrs Cooper. We have business in Father’s study….” Her eyes shifted nervously to her companion, whose tender expression of a moment ago had been wiped clean by his usual composed manner.

Darcy moved to allow Mrs Cooper to enter the room. He bowed politely, eliciting a thrilled little grin from the middle-aged nurse by his gentlemanly attention and that winsome dimple. Elizabeth smiled privately. She catalogued it as yet another insight into Mr Darcy that she had not expected—he was unfailingly polite to everyone in her household, treating all with respectful dignity and even friendliness. She began to imagine that his own staff might regard him very highly. It would be a telling caricature of the man, she decided. Who would know his qualities and flaws better than they?

In some wonder, she watched as he helped Mrs Cooper settle into one of the chairs, solicitously taking her tray and placing it near her for her convenience. Mrs Cooper beamed, catching Elizabeth’s eye. It was clear that Mr Darcy had won her good opinion by his simple gestures. Elizabeth sighed and shook her head in cheerful resignation. Tally one more of her confidantes, swayed to Darcy’s favour.