Page 21 of What Comes Between Cousins

W INTER HAD, INDEED , always been a trial on Elizabeth’s patience. But in present circumstances, the season, perhaps, served as a check on Elizabeth’s impatience. It had long been her custom to seek solitude on the trails of her father’s estate, for a long walk with naught but the trees to provide company allowed her the time to work difficult matters out in her own mind.

At present, however, they could not be certain Mr. Collins had left the area, and though Elizabeth did not wish to ascribe any danger to the man, his behavior at the end of his stay at Longbourn had suggested prudence. And that did not even take into account what Lady Catherine might do.

Thus, Elizabeth remained close to home those days, and as frigid temperatures had descended over the land, and an inch or two of snow had even fallen, she found herself largely confined to the house. There was no society and the Bennet sisters were forced to be content with one another’s company. Even the officers did not visit, a circumstance which was lamented at length by Kitty and Lydia.

Three days after the ball, the gentlemen from Netherfield finally appeared at Longbourn, and while Elizabeth had always enjoyed their company, on this occasion she wondered if she could not more cheerfully do without it. Mr. Darcy was as friendly as he had ever been, but the feeling of rivalry between the two cousins was stronger than ever.

“Miss Elizabeth,” said Lord Chesterfield, hurrying to greet her as soon as they entered the room. “I am happy to see you again. I trust you have been well?”

“I have, thank you,” replied Elizabeth.

“We are all quite well, Lord Chesterfield,” said Mrs. Bennet. “We thank you for visiting and inquiring after us. My Lydia, in particular, has been quite desolate without you, for after being injured by Mr. Collins’s clumsiness, she has not had much company.”

“Ah, yes,” replied Lord Chesterfield, little though he appeared eager to greet Lydia. “I hope your injury is healing, Miss Lydia.”

Lydia, fractious as ever, only complained: “Not quickly enough to suit my tastes. I swear I shall never dance with another parson again!”

“Perhaps you would sit with her for a time, Lord Chesterfield,” said Mrs. Bennet. “I am certain she would appreciate your company.”

Left with no way to politely refuse, Lord Chesterfield sat in Lydia’s company, though he directed a long look at Elizabeth as he did. Elizabeth and Mary shared a look and each stifled their laughter. Regardless of whatever changes had come over Mrs. Bennet of late, she was still their mother and matchmaking was in her blood.

Elizabeth’s attention was caught, however, by the sight of Mr. Darcy directing a faintly victorious glance at his cousin, and she was annoyed all over again. When he sat by her and turned to her, whatever he was about to say died on his lips, for he could see her displeasure.

“I hope you are not descending to rivalry, sir,” said she in a soft voice.

Mr. Darcy was immediately chastened. “I apologize, Miss Elizabeth, but that was not my intent. It is only . . . Well, let us say that Fitzwilliam has been a trial on my patience of late. He has been making subtle statements these past few days concerning my cousin, Anne, and I cannot quite make him out.”

Then Mr. Darcy turned a penitent look on Elizabeth. “It seems, however, that I must apologize for my aunt yet again. I understand she came here the day after Bingley’s ball.”

“She did, but I will inform you once more that you are not required to apologize for her. My father dealt with her and warned her against returning. It is not your fault.”

“And Mr. Collins?” Mr. Darcy’s manner was probing and not a little apprehensive.

“Also departed.” Elizabeth paused, wondering what she should share. “Mr. Collins, in fact, proposed marriage to me, even after being expressly denied permission to do so. My father decided he had experienced enough of Mr. Collins’s foolishness and evicted him from the estate.

“He returned with Lady Catherine when she came to confront us, and my father evicted him once again, warning him that the magistrate would be called should he come here again.”

“Did he harm you?” This time Mr. Darcy’s hands flexed into fists, and Elizabeth might have feared for Mr. Collins’s life had he been present.

“No, though he did reach out for me. But he was prevented, so there is no need to worry.”

Mr. Darcy was silent for several moments, attempting to master his fury. While Elizabeth was not certain of this entire situation in which she found herself, she had never been more certain of his regard than she was now. He appeared almost ready to throttle Mr. Collins, should he see him again, for nothing more than the insult the man had given to Elizabeth.

“There was one other visitor that day,” said Elizabeth, her eyes darting to Jane, hoping her sister would not overhear.

“Oh?” asked Mr. Darcy.

“Miss Bingley came to Longbourn,” said Elizabeth, returning her attention to the man by her side. “She had some interesting things to say, though I am certain most of them were falsehoods.”

Mr. Darcy did not speak, but his countenance demanded her to explain. “She informed us that Mr. Bingley was ever-changing in his moods and would undoubtedly call you all to London before long. She also waxed eloquent of his attachment to your sister and how she expected them to make a match.”

To anyone with any wit, it was easy to see that Mr. Darcy was seriously displeased. “I hope you do not give credence to anything that woman says.”

“No. But Jane is not so ready to discount the words of one she sees as a friend. I understand that I am prying into your private affairs, Mr. Darcy, and that of your friend. I merely wish to spare my sister the heartache of believing the man she admires does not return her feelings.”

“Bingley has not confided in me to that extent,” replied Mr. Darcy. “But though he can be impulsive and has paid attention to pretty women in the past, he is not fickle. We have received no word of him asking us to attend him in London, and he was explicit in his intention to return. I expect him the day after tomorrow.

“Furthermore, Miss Bingley’s words concerning my sister are nothing more than those of a desperate woman wishing to ascend to the heights of society by any means possible. Georgiana is full young, and I will not be parted with her for some time yet. If Bingley was to fall in love with her, I would not prevent a match between them, regardless of any opinion of society. But he has shown no inclination toward her. In fact, he has informed me himself that he sees her as a much younger sister. I must also suppose that Miss Bingley spoke so in an attempt to dampen your sister’s enthusiasm for my friend, for she wishes Bingley to make a match of high society.”

“Much of that I told Miss Bingley myself, with my father and sister’s assistance.”

Mr. Darcy’s eyebrow rose. “Oh? Is that why she was in such high dudgeon that afternoon?”

“I can only suppose it must be,” replied Elizabeth. “After my father’s admonishment, she departed Longbourn without another word.”

“That is a sight I would have liked to see for myself, Miss Elizabeth.”

A laugh escaped Elizabeth’s lips, though she supposed there was little of humor to be found in the situation. “Then I shall tell you what happened, though I have no power to show you.”

And explain the matter she did, detailing Miss Bingley’s visit and what had transpired. The further she progressed in her tale the more displeased Mr. Darcy became. Elizabeth had no doubt that when he returned to Netherfield he would have words with the woman. In the end, however, he chose to focus on another facet of the confrontation.

“It seems your father’s dander was raised,” said he. “Mr. Bennet has always struck me as a quiet man, perhaps one who is more liable to laugh at the world than become offended by it.”

“In that, you would be correct, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth’s eyes found her father where he was watching the awkward interaction between Lord Chesterfield and Lydia. “But while Papa finds foolishness diverting, he will not suffer it when it pertains to his daughters. He will not allow us to be importuned by the unworthy. When Mr. Collins first came, my father enjoyed his absurdity. But that could not last long in the face of the man’s obvious stupidity. He also has little patience for those who look down on us for any reason.”

Mr. Darcy nodded. “It is good that you have such a protector, then.”

Elizabeth directed a long look at him. “Do you think Lady Catherine will still present herself as a problem?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Mr. Darcy shook his head. “I expect that now she has not been successful in intimidating you, she will turn all her energies on myself and perhaps Fitzwilliam’s father.” Mr. Darcy snorted. “She will receive little notice from him, for it is well known that the earl barely tolerates his sister and considers her a virago. Regardless, I suspect she has already been in London for several days, making his life miserable.”

“How unfortunate,” murmured Elizabeth. “But better one who has some measure of control over her. She was truly offensive, Mr. Darcy. I know not how you can withstand her as a relation.”

A sigh escaped the man’s lips and he attempted to force a smile. “She is difficult when her anger is aroused, and it is for that reason most of us attempt to avoid provoking her. She is also dictatorial and overbearing. We have all learned to simply listen to her pronouncements and ignore that which is nonsensical or intrusive.

“You must understand, Miss Elizabeth,” continued Mr. Darcy, “that she is my mother’s elder sister.” Mr. Darcy paused, some great emotion filling him such that he could not speak. When he finally did, it was evident in his tone. “My mother was an excellent woman. She was thoughtful and quiet, but she could also be forceful when the situation demanded. She was also very close to her sister, though they were not alike at all. I have always attempted to treat Lady Catherine as my mother would wish her to be treated, so as to honor her.”

Mr. Darcy shook his head. “It is unfortunate, for my aunt has become more irrational as the years pass. But this matter of her wishes with respect to my cousin and me are a wedge which is swiftly driving us apart. My mother may have discussed the matter with Lady Catherine, but she did not agree to it as Lady Catherine says, else she would have spoken to me. My father, after my mother’s passing, never gave any credence to Lady Catherine’s assertions, going so far on more than one occasion to accuse her of making it up from whole cloth.”

Elizabeth’s heart went out to this young man. “It speaks well of you to honor your mother’s memory in such a fashion, Mr. Darcy. I understand the difficulty of your situation. I would not wish to make it worse.”

The moment the words left her mouth, Mr. Darcy’s eyes darted to hers, his manner searching. After a moment of this, he addressed her, his manner hesitant.

“I hope you understand that you are not making it worse, as you say. My aunt does not rule my life, nor does she dictate what I may or may not do. She sees any young woman as a threat and acts accordingly.”

“But you must acknowledge that her displeasure would not be this spectacular if you were courting the daughter of a duke.”

Mr. Darcy chuckled and shook his head. “No, in that I must suppose you are correct. It is unlikely in the extreme that I would ever court a woman in such an exalted situation, but I doubt Lady Catherine would treat her as she as treated you. Regardless, now she has seen that you will not be cowed, I doubt she will attempt to work on you. In fact, she may even, in a strange sort of way, respect you for resisting her.”

“If she does, then she is a strange woman, indeed.”

“ That , my dear Miss Elizabeth, is beyond a doubt.”

They laughed together, and Elizabeth caught a glimpse of the viscount out of the corner of her eye. He did not appear amused, but as Lydia and Mrs. Bennet were still commanding his attention, he was not able to make his escape.

“I hope, Miss Elizabeth, you do not suspect me of anything but honest interest.”

Drawn back to Mr. Darcy by his heartfelt words, Elizabeth regarded him, wondering what she should say in response. In the end, she decided to be completely candid.

“At present, there does not seem to be anything else, sir. Regardless of Lady Catherine’s suspicions and Mr. Collins’s fears, you have made no declarations. I certainly would not hold you to such nebulous statements as those you have made.”

Mr. Darcy regarded her for a moment, and Elizabeth felt warmed by that gaze. If ever there was a man who could convey his feelings with nothing more than a look, it was Mr. Darcy. There was promise in his eyes, but also mystery. Elizabeth very much wished to solve that mystery, to understand what it was telling her.

In a deliberate motion, calculated to avoid startling her, he reached out and grasped her hand, raising it to his lips to bestow a kiss on it. Elizabeth’s hand had been kissed before, both in affection or simple gallantry. But never had she felt such pure emotion, such a promise of delights to come. Her hand tingled with feelings she had never experienced but wanted to. It was all too much, and she began to feel lightheaded.

“Let there be no mistake, Miss Elizabeth,” said he in a soft tone, almost too low for Elizabeth to hear, though he was by her side. “I wish to know you better. I wish for us to speak as old friends, as new lovers. I wish to know everything about you and make you aware of everything of me. I feel this will lead to more in the future, and I can hardly wait for it to come to pass. But most of all, I would know if you feel the same.”

“I do,” said Elizabeth. To hesitate was to risk pushing this man away. She had no power to do so, not when he spoke such exquisite words to her.

“Thank you,” said he. “I look forward to it.”

It seemed like the viscount had seen enough of their interactions, for he rose and approached them, his eyes fixed on Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth,” said he, his voice slightly strained. “How good it is to see you. Perhaps we might sit together and speak? I would love to hear your observations on anything about which you might wish to speak.”

At first, Elizabeth was inclined to anger for Lord Chesterfield’s interruption and for his continued interference. But then she realized that he had not imposed between them, for the feelings in her heart remained. One look at Mr. Darcy told her that he was similarly affected. They shared a grin which, she had no doubt, looked rather foolish to anyone who might be watching them.

For the rest of the gentlemen’s stay, Lord Chesterfield stayed close to them and dominated the conversation. Elizabeth attempted politeness, to respond to his overtures and converse as she ever had. But she thought her efforts were less than successful, for she was often lost in the depths of Mr. Darcy’s eyes. She thought he was lost along with her.

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T HERE WAS LITTLE OF conversation to be had on the return journey to Netherfield. Fitzwilliam watched Darcy with suspicion the entire way, but while he appeared several times to be working himself up to say something, he remained silent. Darcy would cheerfully bear his silence, for his mind was focused on other matters.

The first was, of course, the person of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, that glorious creature he had somehow managed to find in the hinterlands of the kingdom. Darcy had not often thought of marriage. The reason for this was simple—there had never been a woman who had impressed him enough to induce him to even consider making her an offer. But he had always known it was his duty to sire an heir for Pemberley, and while it had never seemed pressing, he had always thought he would end making a marriage of convenience, settling for a woman of fortune and pedigree to have heirs, while never experiencing the bliss of a connection of minds and hearts with a wife, such as his parents had.

He could not have credited the notion of finding such a gem in such a location as this, the daughter of a country squire, no less. He might have expected himself to sneer at her circumstances, feel disgusted because of her less than proper relations and lack of those things on which society put so much weight. He could not be happier that he had seen her for the prize she was. And she was a prize he meant to win—of that he was now certain. Fitzwilliam may act the pretender, but Darcy knew that he wished to have her because he was already half in love with her, not because of some challenge or infatuation. He anticipated the coming days with scarcely concealed eagerness.

The second matter which occupied his thoughts came to a head when they arrived at Netherfield. When Darcy exited the carriage, he immediately bounded up the stairs and entered in the front door, asking the butler where Miss Bingley and the Hursts may be found. When he had their location, he was about to turn away when the sound of his cousin’s voice arrested his going.

“Darcy, is there something amiss?”

“Yes,” replied Darcy, though with a shortness of manner. He had not missed his cousin’s behavior at Longbourn, and he was not pleased with what he saw. He wished for nothing more than to deal with the matter at hand and then sequester himself in the library again. Though he might not have credited it even two weeks earlier, the only people living in the house at present he found tolerable were the Hursts!

When he reached the sitting-room—Fitzwilliam following, though he had sensed it was best not to speak again—Darcy found the three other members of Bingley’s family present as the butler had informed him. The Hursts welcomed him as was their wont—Mrs. Hurst with a quiet word of welcome while Hurst merely grunted—but Miss Bingley regarded them as though they were a juicy haunch of pork. Or rather she regarded Fitzwilliam in such a way. After this conversation, Darcy did not intend that she would ever turn her attention on him again.

“Lord Chesterfield, Mr. Darcy,” cooed the woman, the coquettish batting of her eyelashes stoking Darcy’s ire. “I understand you went to Longbourn this morning. I hope it was not too dreadfully dull, though had you asked, I would have been happy to accompany you.”

“You would have?” asked Darcy before Fitzwilliam could muster a response. “From what I understand, I hardly think you would have been welcome there.”

Shock colored Miss Bingley’s features. The Hursts appeared no less astonished.

“I do not take your meaning, sir.” Miss Bingley laughed, a brittle sort of sound. “In fact, they should be happy to receive me , for it is not every day they are visited by someone who has been educated as I. The younger girls, in particular, would benefit from taking my example.” Miss Bennet sneered. “Unfortunately, I am of the opinion that there is little Eliza could ever do to improve herself.”

“And I have it on good authority that the last time you visited, you were called to order by Mr. Bennet for your pretensions to high society, and you left without a word. I would give you some advice, Miss Bingley—if you wish to be accepted in town, you should confine yourself to toadying to those who enjoy such groveling.”

Darcy turned to Hurst, who was watching Miss Bingley’s set down with a wide grin. “If you will excuse me for saying it, Hurst, Mrs. Hurst, your sister pretends to possess the lineage of a gentleman’s daughter. Your father was a fine man, but he was a tradesman. For Miss Bingley to lord her supposed position over the Bennet sisters is laughable.”

Almost purple with rage, Miss Bingley seemed to be casting about for something to say. Mrs. Hurst, however, only sighed.

“I do not take offense sir, as I know you do not look down on me because of my parentage.”

“I assure you, I do not. You have welcomed us and treated us like honored guests, and your brother is one of the best men I have ever known. Your goodness has nothing to do with your father’s profession.”

“I have informed my sister of this many times,” said Mrs. Hurst, shooting her sister a quelling glance. Miss Bingley was fuming, but she had the sense to hold her tongue.

“It was not for this purpose that I spoke thus,” continued Darcy. “You have my apologies for bringing up such an objectionable subject. What has angered me, however, is your sister’s attempt to use my sister to further her own ends and force Miss Bennet away from your brother.”

Mrs. Hurst gasped, and she turned a dark look on Miss Bingley. “What did you do, Caroline?”

When Miss Bingley did not speak, Darcy did so for her. “She informed Miss Bennet that not only was your brother fickle and unable to keep his attention on a woman, but that Bingley has always had a tender regard for Georgiana, even going so far as to imply that she expected them to eventually marry.”

“What?” demanded Fitzwilliam. “Are you daft, woman?”

“I merely said that Charles admires Georgiana,” said Miss Bingley, a superior sniff punctuating her words. “If the Bennets took my words to mean more than was intended, it is not my fault.”

“You must think us witless to believe such tripe!” exclaimed Fitzwilliam. “I think highly of Bingley, indeed. But Georgiana is naught but fifteen years of age. She will not be thinking of marriage for at least another four or five years.”

“And Miss Bingley,” said Darcy, “I have sure knowledge of the fact that Georgiana never gave you leave to address her by her Christian name. In the future, you will refer to her as ‘Miss Darcy’ when you refer to her at all.

“Let me be rightfully understood: you will never invoke my sister’s name to further your petty schemes again.” Darcy’s eyes bored into Miss Bingley’s, and though she gave a credible attempt at meeting his gaze without flinching, Darcy could see the fear in their depths. “Furthermore, I will inform you that I have long known of your ambitions with respect to me . Let me state here and now that they will never be realized. I will not ever offer for you, Miss Bingley, so you may cease to pay deference to me in the expectation I will. I hope I have made myself clear.”

Miss Bingley nodded, a jerky motion of one who was truly angry. Darcy did not care. Circumstances dictated that he share the house with her for the present, for his pursuit of Miss Elizabeth required him to be in Hertfordshire. Even his friendship with Bingley might not have persuaded him to stay here otherwise, for he had reached the point of not being able to tolerate her any further. Hopefully, she would make no more overtures in his direction.

“Then I hope we may exist in respect and civility for the remainder of my stay in Hertfordshire, Miss Bingley,” said Darcy. “I have no intention of chastising where it is not warranted. If you feel I have waited too long before making my sentiments known, then you have my apologies.”

“I believe, Mr. Darcy,” said Mrs. Hurst, “you are not the one who should apologize. Do you not agree, Caroline?”

The inference was clear. Miss Bingley, though she appeared to wish to do anything but offer an apology, opened her mouth most unwillingly.

“I apologize if I have offended in any way. I had not meant my words to be taken in such a way. The only objective I have ever had was to make you welcome in my brother’s home.”

“Apology accepted, Miss Bingley,” said Darcy with a tight nod. She did not mean a word of it he knew, but in this instance, he could afford to be magnanimous. “Now, if you will excuse me, I shall retire until dinner.”

And thus, Darcy left the room, not speaking another word. If he could emerge from this visit unscathed, he would be very well pleased. But he could not leave now. There was a beautiful woman who filled his senses, and Darcy was determined to pay her his addresses.

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T HE EXPECTED EXPLOSION of temper occurred only moments after Mr. Darcy’s departure, and only after Lord Chesterfield and her husband departed as well for the billiards room. Louisa was prepared to weather the storm of Caroline’s temper, but it was only made worse by the final few words the viscount had directed Caroline’s way before he left.

“Miss Bingley,” said he as the sound of his cousin’s boots echoed down the hall, “I must inform you that there is nothing more despicable than to use a young girl as an implement to hurt another. Even if your brother did look on my cousin with an amorous eye, that is no reason to cruelly destroy the dreams of another without thought for their feelings.

“I, also, have had the impression that you consider me a potential marriage partner during our time here. Let me disabuse you of that notion at once. You should no more expect an offer from me than you do Darcy.”

Then Lord Chesterfield turned to Hurst. “Do you care for a game of billiards, Hurst?”

“Of course, my lord,” replied her husband. He rose and winked at her, directing a smirk at Caroline, before exiting the sitting-room with Lord Chesterfield.

“Louisa!” hissed Caroline as soon as the door closed behind them. “I am most seriously displeased. I do not take kindly to how you required me to apologize to that odious man.”

“Now he is an odious man, is he?” asked Louisa. “Has he not been the focus of all your dreams these past years?”

Caroline huffed but did not speak.

“I required you to apologize because you misbehaved. I consider the eldest Bennet sisters dear friends, and now I must apologize for you when I see them next.”

“I have no notion why you think it necessary. They are nothing more than little adventuresses, trying to pass themselves off as gentility. When I am the wife of a viscount, you can expect no notice from me. Your betrayal will be repaid in kind.”

“Even you must now own that your machinations are at an end. Lord Chesterfield’s words just now must extinguish any hope which still remained.”

Caroline muttered and rose, stalking from the room in high dudgeon. Louisa had not been able to hear exactly what she said, but she thought it may have been “We shall see about that.” Caroline would bear watching. There was no telling what she might try now.