Page 8 of The Bennet Heir
Chapter Seven
W hen Darcy arrived at Netherfield, the house was dark. He sighed heavily and stepped out of the carriage, speaking to both the driver and the footman. The footman knocked on the front door, but when that went unanswered, he walked around to the back of the house and the servant’s entrance, which was also locked.
After about fifteen minutes, Darcy’s valet appeared at the rear door. Why he was in this part of the house, Darcy did not immediately understand. “Sir, I was beginning to wonder what had happened to you and was about to head to the stables to see what I could discover. The Bingleys returned early, and when you did not appear, I went to find Mr. Bingley. He said he did not know where you had gone or when you would return. He seemed quite agitated by it. Additionally, Miss Bingley was particularly upset to learn you had not returned to Netherfield and was complaining about your uncharacteristic behaviour this evening. She also accused her brother of ‘ruining her chances’ with you, shouting several times that she would do whatever it took to become the mistress of Pemberley. Many of the servants overheard her, including those from the local area.”
Darcy sighed heavily at hearing this. “Howard, it seems I will need to accept Mrs. Bennet’s offer to stay at Longbourn for a few days. We will leave Netherfield in the morning after I speak with my host.” He turned to the driver and footman, who had not yet departed. “Will you inform your mistress that I will arrive at Longbourn earlier tomorrow than I might have expected otherwise and that I will accept her offer to stay for a few days? After arranging for my things to be transported to Longbourn with my carriage and speaking to my host, I will ride over to Longbourn on my horse. Does Bennet have room in his stables for him and the carriage horses?”
The servants nodded their agreement and informed Darcy that there were several empty stalls. Darcy thanked them before following his valet into the house. “Interesting night?” Howard asked with a raised brow as the two made their way towards the servants’ stairs leading to Darcy’s room.
Darcy’s lips twisted into a wry smirk. “You might say that,” he drawled, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “At the assembly we attended shortly after our arrival, I met a young lady, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and I danced with her twice. That night, Miss Bingley took it upon herself to hint that we are engaged or soon to be. Naturally, her claim is untrue, and I said as much to the young lady and her family. I have also been calling upon the family, for I know of them through a business associate in town, and, in truth, I find myself rather drawn to Miss Elizabeth. Tonight, however, it seems the situation has escalated.” He paused, his expression tightening with irritation.
“It appears I have further upset Bingley by not aligning with his hopes that I eventually marry his sister. Of course, I might be reading too much into the situation, but his displeasure was clear when he dumped not one, but two cups of punch on the young lady in question. I offered my assistance to her and escorted her home along with her brother.”
Howard nodded, pausing for a moment as he weighed how much to reveal from his own eventful evening. “I overheard some things, sir. Before you left tonight, Miss Bingley was quite upset when she asked the housekeeper, Mrs. Nichols, for a master key that would unlock every room in the house. Mrs. Nichols refused her request, explaining that her chatelaine held the only copies of several keys for the house and, therefore, she could not lend it to Miss Bingley for fear of losing it, especially since the family was only leasing the house at this time.”
Lowering his tone further, Howard hesitated before continuing. “Miss Bingley was not pleased with the answer, sir. She... Well, she made some unkind remarks about the housekeeper’s loyalty and threatened her job, citing her ‘unwillingness to help those who could improve her standing.’ I thought it best to report it to you, since Miss Bingley seemed quite persistent in the matter, and her frustration was evident to everyone in the room. Her brother heard the whole argument and did nothing to stop her, nor did he step in on the housekeeper’s behalf.”
Darcy grimaced as he watched his valet use his key to unlock the door in the servants’ hallway and then the two entered his dressing room to begin the task of preparing him for bed. “I was afraid of something like that. We will not be remaining in the area much longer, Howard. I am sorry to have to ask, but please sleep in my dressing room tonight. We will go to Longbourn on the morrow, and I will decide what to do after that. I intended to help Bingley as he learns to manage an estate, but if he is contriving with his sister to force me to marry her, I will not hesitate to retract my promise. However, I am unwilling to completely leave the area, at least not until I have spoken with the Bennets again.”
“I admit that I expected this to be your response and had already begun to pack your things,” his valet responded. “I will send word to the stables to have your horse saddled early in the morning.”
“There is no need to rush. I will ride to Longbourn after breakfast, and you might bring my things along later. The Bennets are very fine people and have offered me a room until I return to London,” Darcy said. He hesitated briefly before continuing.
“Howard, this young lady… she fascinates me. More than mere interest, I am truly intrigued by her and wish to know her better. My intention had been to continue calling on her from Netherfield, but Miss Bingley has clearly taken notice of my attentions towards her. That, I believe, is the reason behind her actions tonight and her renewed interest in trapping me into a marriage. Despite telling her brother multiple times that I would never marry the shrew, my interest in Miss Bennet appears to have pushed her to even more aggressive measures.”
The valet did not speak, merely raised his brow in question as if encouraging Darcy to go on.
“I understand that my interest in Miss Elizabeth may seem sudden,” he explained earnestly, “but my admiration did not begin at the assembly. That night, I recognised her as the same lady I had glimpsed at Gardiner’s warehouse in the spring. She caught my attention then—not only because she is lovely, but because Mr. Gardiner often spoke highly of her and her abilities.
“When I first met Bennet, he reminded me of our prior acquaintance—we met years ago at Gardiner’s warehouse in London. I later learned that his stepmother is Gardiner’s sister. During one of our conversations at his home, Bennet spoke warmly of his sister, and together they painted a picture of an exceptional woman I hoped to meet. But it is not just her family who holds her in high regard. A few days ago, when Bingley and I visited the Netherfield tenants, they, too, spoke of her with great respect and affection. It seems Miss Bennet and the current Mrs. Bennet make it a point to visit both their own tenants and those here.
“Now that I have spent more time in her company, I am eager to know her better. That was my reason for requesting to call on her. Of course, it may lead nowhere, but having learned more about her, I find myself reluctant to abandon the connection. She has affected me in a way no other woman ever has,” Darcy admitted, his voice softening, his gaze momentarily distant as though lost in thought. Then his expression darkened. “Still, there remains the matter of my host.” His frown deepened as he considered the complication.
Howard had long been Darcy’s trusted confidant, a steady presence in his life since he left Pemberley for Cambridge. That period of uncertainty and solitude, with his father’s failing health and few companions apart from Richard Fitzwilliam, had made Howard’s discretion and understanding invaluable. Over time, their relationship grew beyond the typical bounds of master and servant. Howard’s attentiveness and subtle guidance often encouraged Darcy towards self-reflection, forging a bond of mutual respect and quiet loyalty, and Darcy allowed the man more freedom than might be typical of a servant.
Although Darcy had cultivated a few meaningful friendships during his schooling, their paths rarely crossed nowadays with most gentlemen preoccupied by estate management. He maintained correspondence with several of them, and they occasionally met when they were all in London, but these meetings were infrequent. Bingley, while amiable and well-meaning, lacked the maturity and depth for Darcy’s more introspective confidences. This night illustrated the point well: Darcy had informed Bingley of his early departure from the dinner, yet Bingley had failed to assert his authority as host, allowing his sister’s interference to escalate the situation unnecessarily, resulting in Darcy being locked out.
Darcy was not blind to his own role in the evening’s awkwardness, yet he could not ignore his growing unease over Bingley’s inability—or unwillingness—to exert control where it mattered most. Such reflections, though sharp, often solidified Darcy’s reliance on those he could truly trust.
At the moment, however, Darcy debated whether he would maintain his friendship with his host after this evening. It was entirely possible that a break was inevitable at this point. He would hear his friend out in the morning, but it seemed unlikely that they could ever be restored to their previous closeness.
With that thought in his mind, Darcy retired to his bed. He lit the candle on his bedside table, meaning to read for a time, but his thoughts were full of that evening, particularly of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
A sudden noise jolted him awake from a light doze. The room was dim, illuminated only by the soft glow of the candle he had neglected to extinguish. Shadows flickered across the walls, but it was the sound that held his attention—a faint but deliberate rattle at the door handle. He froze, his senses sharpening as he discerned what had disturbed him.
The firm lock on the door held fast, thwarting the intruder’s efforts. His breath slowed as realisation dawned—there could be little question as to who was on the other side. No words were spoken, the attempt alone was damning enough. He stared at the door, half-expecting it to swing open despite the lock, but the rattling ceased, and silence descended once more.
His jaw tightened, and a new wave of resolve settled over him. While he might have preferred tangible proof to present to her brother, he knew in his heart it would make little difference. This intrusion was evidence enough of her brazen disregard for decency, and it confirmed what he had already decided: he would not remain under this roof another night. Pushing himself upright, he extinguished the candle, plunging the room into darkness. Morning could not come soon enough.
Darcy rose early the next morning, anxious to put this day behind him. Upon remembering how unlikely it was that his host would join him before breakfast, he elected to go for a ride instead of waiting in his rooms. This morning, he would ride as fast and as far as he could before confronting Bingley. Previous days’ rides had been cut short because his host was unfamiliar with country riding. Without him, Darcy could explore the area as he chose and still be back for breakfast.
He had heard Miss Elizabeth mention a small hill in the area called Oakham Mount and headed in that direction after obtaining directions from a groom. Although insignificant compared to Pemberley’s nearby peaks, it dominated the local landscape, its view eclipsing any he had seen in Hertfordshire. Yet, even that view could not compare to the sight of the lovely, dark-haired lady standing atop the hill.
“Miss Bennet,” Darcy called as he approached, careful not to startle her. While Miss Elizabeth was surprised to see him, she was not startled at his approach as she turned to view who was intruding upon her solitude. She held firmly to the collar of the large dog who whined softly beside her.
“Mr. Darcy,” she responded, watching him as he dismounted from his horse. He held his horse’s reins in his hands as he took a few cautious steps towards her, keeping an appropriate distance from her to maintain propriety. “How are you this morning, sir? I did think we agreed that you would address me as Miss Elizabeth. Have you forgotten so soon?” she asked, a tease in her voice. “This fearsome beast beside me is Horace. We heard your horse on the path.” The dog squirmed happily upon hearing his name.
He exhaled slowly, smiling at her as he stepped closer, extending his hand palm up for the dog to sniff. Seeing this, Elizabeth released her hold on Horace’s collar. Darcy was careful to leave enough distance between them so no one might mistake this for a different sort of interlude. “At the moment, I am well, but I am afraid that this contentment will not last. Have you spoken to your brother this morning?” he asked. At her nod, he continued. “I am afraid that my absence from my host’s home last night was not welcomed. After speaking to Bingley later this morning, I expect I will spend the next few nights at Longbourn before returning to London.”
Elizabeth grimaced. “Was he very angry with you?”
“I cannot say for certain,” Darcy replied. “The front door was locked when I returned, leaving me no choice but to wait at the kitchen door until my valet found me standing outside. My hosts were conspicuously absent, and I have yet to speak to any of them this morning. Once I have finished here, I intend to have a very candid conversation with Bingley. I confess I am unsure of the outcome. Frankly, I would be surprised if our friendship survives this. Regardless, my valet has prepared my belongings for my departure.”
“Have you been friends for long?” Elizabeth asked, her curiosity piqued.
“We have been on friendly terms for several years,” Darcy admitted, “but it is only recently that our acquaintance deepened into something more, at least on his side. Last season, he began inviting me to join him at the club more frequently and to accompany him to events. Eventually, he persuaded me to promise that I would assist him when he purchased or leased an estate, to help him learn its management.”
Darcy’s expression grew sombre as he reflected further. A frown settled on his brow. “Yet, his actions since my arrival here have cast doubt on his motives. I cannot help but wonder if the sole reason he invited me was to manoeuvre me into marrying his sister. It is one reason I have tended to be distant in society, for many would take advantage of a relationship with me in this manner. On several occasions, those I have called friends have attempted to entrap me into marrying a sister or a dependent.”
Elizabeth’s brow furrowed at that thought. “That is terrible,” she exclaimed. “I cannot imagine ever acting so. I would not want a husband who would resent me for trapping him into a marriage he did not want. If a woman were to force a compromise, her reputation would be far more affected than his, and I would expect that he would write the settlement in a manner that would benefit him far more than it would benefit her. It seems too dangerous to attempt.”
Darcy’s hardened expression softened at her words. “You have expressed the matter more clearly than I could have managed. Yet I believe you are right. A wife forced upon me would find me unyielding and far less generous than one I chose freely. I mentioned this to Bingley recently, although I am not certain he took me seriously.”
“It is hardly fair to expect a man to act otherwise,” Elizabeth agreed. “But come, let us speak of more pleasant topics. I have rarely travelled beyond London, though I have often desired to see more of England, even going as far as Scotland or Ireland. Did you take a tour?”
“I took an abbreviated tour,” Darcy replied, “mostly staying in Scotland and seeing a bit of Ireland.” The two then spent an enjoyable half hour discussing his travels. Darcy explained how the conflict on the continent had initially constrained his plans and how, not long after, his father’s illness had further shortened the journey.
“My uncle promised to take me to Edinburgh someday, but he has not had to travel there in several years. I would like to see the continent when it is once again safe to do so.”
She paused for a moment, as though considering if she ought to continue, but in the end, decided to push forward. “A few years ago, Jonathan showed me some articles about Richard Trevithick and his endeavours in creating a contraption capable of transporting goods and people much more quickly than in a horse-drawn carriage. I asked if I might invest with him, but both my brother and uncle suggested it was too risky. The last I heard, they were correct to have been concerned,” Elizabeth said, shrugging as she recalled what they had said about his business failing. She had listened and participated in several conversations with her brother and uncle about the benefits of steam-powered travel in the future, and she looked forward to the day when it became a reality.
“Your uncle permits you to invest with him?” Darcy asked.
“While my dowry is technically under my brother’s control, he has allowed me to have some say over a small portion of the funds. I invested in one of my uncle’s ships several years ago and saw a substantial return. Since then, he has allowed me a little more say than might be typical,” Elizabeth admitted. “I was fortunate with that first investment, and my successes have been more frequent than the failures. However, both he and my uncle have ensured that I have never faced any significant loss.”
Darcy regarded her with quiet admiration. “It is uncommon for a lady to be so involved in these matters.”
Elizabeth smiled. “My uncle believes that understanding commerce is essential, even for a woman. He has ensured I am well-educated in it.”
“It appears your uncle is a man of wisdom. Your brother, as well, to trust your judgement.”
Elizabeth’s cheeks flushed faintly. “They have been patient teachers. I confess, I find discussions of innovation and industry fascinating.” She stopped and looked around and noticed the sun was far higher than she realised.
“Oh, I am afraid my family will have missed me at breakfast and wondered what has kept me away from home so long. I look forward to seeing you at Longbourn later this morning, Mr. Darcy, and I apologise for keeping you,” Elizabeth said in a rush.
Darcy looked around before pulling out his watch to confirm her fear. “It is half past eight. Do not let me keep you any longer, Miss Elizabeth,” he said, smiling brightly at her. “I will see you later this morning.”
Elizabeth performed a perfunctory curtsey, calling Horace back to her side before rushing away. It was less than a mile across the fields, and she would hurry back. It was possible the family would be later to breakfast than usual because of the dinner the night before, but unlikely.