Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner (34 page)

“You say this happened earlier this year? But Georgiana is so young.”

“Her youth must be her excuse for believing herself in love and trusting her adult companion. But she has suffered greatly, mainly from guilt. Please know I blame her not — others were at fault — but my sister is of a sensitive and trusting nature. Her confidence and self-worth were deeply harmed. It is only by daily intercourse with your family that she has shown improvement. I have my dear Georgie back, and I owe it to the Bennets.”

“I will accept your thanks on behalf of my family, but in truth, who could do less for dear Georgiana? If we have been of any help at all, we are happy.” Elizabeth then frowned. “But that
rogue
! I admit when I heard that Mr. Wickham was to go to prison for debt, I felt pity for him. But now — gaol is too good for him! He must be severely punished!”

“He will be punished enough. It is exile and Canada for him.”

“It is better than he deserves! At this moment, I regret these times. Is there no chance of persuading the Regent to break out the rack in the Tower? At least Wickham will be far away from Georgiana. If we are fortunate, he may be eaten by a bear!”

Darcy laughed. “This is a new side to you, Miss Elizabeth — such a doom for George Wickham!”

Her chin jutted out. “I defend my friends, sir!”

The gentleman sobered. “You have been a better friend to me than I deserve, especially after insulting you so abominably at the assembly in September.”

“I admit that my pride was hurt at the — Wait! Your sister’s troubles, did they happen shortly before your journey here to Hertfordshire?”

“They occurred not three months before.”

“Oh! No wonder you were so reserved! You could not have wished to be in society so soon after that!”

Darcy allowed a small smile. “You know me well. I am never at my best in a ballroom in any case, but my mind was still full of Georgiana’s pain. Bingley was badgering me, and I wanted him to leave off. I should not have said such a wicked falsehood.”

“Falsehood?”

Darcy’s eyes grew dark. “Miss Elizabeth, surely you know that you are exceedingly handsome, and . . . remarkably tempting.”

Elizabeth flushed and modestly looked away. “You should not say such things.” Of course, she meant not a word of what she said. No captivated young lady would. And Elizabeth was truly and completely captivated by Mr. Darcy. She longed to hear more expressions of love from him.

However, Darcy drew back and looked towards the house. “Quite right. I apologize, Miss Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth was frustrated. First he hinted at admiring her, but when given the chance to expand upon that surprising and delightful condition, he withdrew. Teasing, teasing man! She changed the subject.

“You say that you are not at your best in a ballroom. How is that? Do you not like to dance?”

“Dancing is not a favorite occupation of mine, that is true, but the real reason is that I am ill qualified to recommend myself to strangers. I am very reserved and am only comfortable with those whom I know and know well.”

Elizabeth could hardly believe his explanation. “Sir, you are a man of sense and education who has lived in the world. Why do you feel ill at ease around new acquaintances?”

“I certainly have not the talent which some people possess,” said Darcy, “of conversing easily with those I have never met before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation or appear interested in their concerns as I often see done.”

“That, perhaps, is the case. If you say so, it must be true. However, you seem to be able to overcome this affliction. Look how you have charmed the entire Bennet family!”

Very earnest was his reply. “I did not do it a-purpose, save to — how shall I put it? Take the trouble of practicing. To show I have taken your rebuffs seriously and have tried to improve myself.”

“Rebuffs? What do you mean? Our argument was but an hour ago. Your kindness to my family began long before that.”

“Oh!” Darcy sighed. “You have found me out. I shall be honest, as I said. I am afraid I overhead you justly berating me several weeks ago.”

“When was that? I do not recall — ”

“It was in this very garden. You were with Miss Lucas.”

Elizabeth gasped. “I am mortified! I recall that unjust conversation.”

“You were right.”

“No, I was not!” Elizabeth insisted. “I was blind and spiteful! I foolishly held your comments at the assembly against you. I have lately come to understand your character, and I am heartily ashamed of myself. You are not the only one who had their shortcomings pointed out to them. My sisters defended you most strenuously. I know now I jumped to an unjust conclusion about Sally, and I am thankful my family has reproached me for it. Until then, I did not truly know myself.” Elizabeth smiled. “Mr. Darcy, when a young lady takes the trouble of apologizing, you should be a gentleman and permit it, if but for form’s sake.”

“I am a better man for your criticisms.”

His compliments were too much for her if he did not mean to act upon them. “Why do you say such things?”

“Were I not in this chair, I would say more.”

Elizabeth looked upon him. “I . . . I cannot understand what you mean.”

“Can you not?” he growled as he sat up in the Bath chair. “Elizabeth, I cannot court you from a wheel-chair! I said I would be plain, and plain I will be. I am an invalid, and I will not take advantage of your pity. But once I return, will you allow me a private interview?”

Her joy at his declaration was tempered by one word. “Return?”

“Yes. I am glad we have had this conversation. You cannot know of the depths of my appreciation. It allows me to leave Longbourn, not in the bitterness of spirits I owned this morning, but with a heart lightened by hope.” He reached over and took Elizabeth’s gloved hands. “Georgiana and I will return to London tomorrow. Too much has been done to alter our plans, but our reasons have changed. It is for the best, after all. In Town, I can be better cared for by Mr. Macmillan. I am determined to be on my own two feet in time for Bingley’s wedding.”

“But you cannot leave! Your leg — ”

“Shall be fine. Your Mr. Jones has declared he has never seen a leg knit itself with more speed. In any case, my cousin and sister shall see to it that I am immobilized with blankets and pillows. The roads are in good condition, my coach is well-sprung, and I should be in my townhouse before nightfall without incident.” He smiled. “When I return, I shall
not
be in a chair.”

Elizabeth smiled in return, her heart racing. “Shall my friend dance with me?”

“I shall probably stumble about the room, but nothing shall prevent me from claiming my set.” Darcy’s warm look sent the most delightful shivers through Elizabeth’s body. “But you have not answered my question.”

Elizabeth’s mouth was dry. “I should be delighted to speak with you.”

Darcy’s entire face seemed to glow with happiness. “You do me great honor.” He gripped Elizabeth’s hands tightly, and she knew he planned to kiss them.

“Mr. Darcy — no!” Elizabeth whispered as she pulled her hands away. Her eyes gestured towards the house. “We are being watched!”

Sure enough, several female faces could be seen looking out the parlor window. Lydia was even waving.

“Can one die of mortification?” cried Elizabeth.

Darcy barked with laughter. “I do think it time we returned indoors. Will you summon Bartholomew?”

Elizabeth got to her feet. “That will not be necessary, sir. I believe we can manage.” She went to the rear of the Bath chair.

Darcy was scandalized. “Miss Elizabeth! Do you mean to push me inside? You should not!”

With a mock-serious tone, Elizabeth leaned over his shoulder. “Did we not just have a conversation about allowing a lady her way?”

* * *

The next morning the carriages were packed, and the Darcys were joined by the party from Netherfield. Mr. Bingley had business in Town; his solicitor’s name was mentioned, causing Miss Bennet to blush. His relations decided to accompany him and partake of Christmastide in London, and Colonel Fitzwilliam declared he would help Mr. Darcy and Georgiana. Therefore, Netherfield would be empty until the New Year.

The talk around the table centered on the upcoming nuptials between Mr. Bingley and Jane. Miss Bingley seemed to take pains in conversing amicably with her future sister, an occurrence that had Darcy wondering whether Mr. Bingley had demanded more cordiality from his relations towards his intended.

Darcy paid little attention to his friend. His mind was more agreeably engaged. He had been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow, particularly when she looked upon him with what he hoped was favor. He had let himself believe that Elizabeth was partial to him while her sister was indisposed at Netherfield. Her saucy looks then were as nothing compared to her affectionate glances now. She had called him her friend, and he was determined that when he returned from London, she would call him something much more dear. Bingley would certainly beat him to the altar, but Darcy was encouraged he would not lag far behind.

The time for departure was upon them, and Bartholomew wheeled him outside to the carriages. There were three standing by the front door: The Bingley coach was behind two that bore the Darcy crest. A tearful Georgiana took her leave of her new friends, and Darcy overheard Caroline insisting that Jane journey to London so that they could shop for her
trousseau
in shops apparently approved of by the Sisters Bingley.

Lydia approached him, a glum look on her face. “Goodbye, Mr. Darcy. I am sad you are leaving. Thank you for letting me ride Miranda. You were very kind, and I will miss her — I mean, I will miss you and your sister.”

Bingley overhead and interjected, “Oh, I should not worry about that, Miss Lydia. I will be in London for only a few days, and I have your father’s permission to stable the horse I have provided for Miss Bennet.”

“That is nice of you. I am sure Jane will appreciate it.”

Bingley laughed. “But I have not told you the rest! Darcy tells me that Miranda is quite happy here in Mr. Bennet’s stable, as she has made friends with my horse, and Darcy has no desire to reclaim her for the next few months.”

It took a moment for Lydia to understand fully Mr. Bingley’s meaning, but when she did, she squealed and threw her arms around Darcy’s neck. “Oh, Mr. Darcy! You
are
the nicest man in all the world!”

Once Darcy extracted himself, to everyone’s amusement, he took his leave of the rest of the Bennet family. Mary promised to practice every day, and Mr. Bennet declared that Darcy and his family were always welcome to Longbourn. “But perhaps not on my couch,” he added with a twinkle.

Kitty presented him with a portfolio. “Here is your commission, Mr. Darcy. I hope you like it.”

“I am sure I shall,” Darcy returned.

The girl blushed. “I added something to it,” she whispered, her eyes flicking at Elizabeth.

Darcy glanced at the closed package. Part of him wished to open it right away to see if she did enclose her study of Elizabeth along with Georgiana’s portrait, as she seemed to hint. But that would never do. He would have to enjoy it in the privacy of his carriage. “I thank you, Miss Kitty.”

The girl nervously giggled and gave way to her mother.

“Oh, Mr. Darcy,” cried that worthy woman, “we have enjoyed having you and your delightful sister here at Longbourn! I expect it has not been too unpleasant,” she looked pointedly at Elizabeth, “as we have attractions not found in even the grandest houses in England! But I suppose you know that! We do look forward to your return and that of Miss Darcy, too. Is that not right, Lizzy?”

Elizabeth turned beet-red, and Darcy felt he should feel sorry for her. But he was enjoying himself too much.

“You are quite right, Mama,” the embarrassed girl managed. “Mr. and Miss Darcy are very welcome at Longbourn.”

Mrs. Bennet smirked at Darcy. “I know
some
of us will count the minutes until your return for dear Jane’s wedding.” Darcy almost laughed as Elizabeth covered her face. “You are returning for the event, are you not?”

“That is up to Bingley, madam. I speak for my sister and me when I say it is our earnest hope we should meet again soon.”

“Do not worry about Miranda,” cried Lydia. “I shall ride her every day!”

“Of course, you shall, my dear,” said Mrs. Bennet. “You are a very generous man, Mr. Darcy. So good to my girls. I insist that when you return we have the honor of hosting you and your sister! Is that not right, Mr. Bennet?”

“I have no objection to the notion, my dear” — Mr. Bennet directed a very knowing look towards his second eldest — “but I am of the mind that such a thing might prove to be impractical. Time will tell.”

Darcy decided the teasing of Elizabeth had gone far enough. “I thank you for the offer, but I believe my friend Bingley has other plans.” He turned to the other man, who was engrossed in making his farewell to his intended. “What say you, Bingley?”