“There was no offense, Miss Elizabeth. However, I would not force your obligation to stay and talk to me if you did not wish it.”But I hope you do!Her smile was disarming, and he felt an unexpected tightening in his chest. “If I may, might I make a suggestion? Would you find yourself willing to bring your sister Miss Katherine Bennet to Netherfield for tea in two days if my sister were to extend the invitation?” Hoping to not appear too eager, he continued. “I believe Georgiana would benefit from the company. And if you feel your sister is attempting to practice more genteel decorum, I believe both would benefit from the acquaintance.”
“Sir, I believe that is a wonderful plan. When Miss Darcy extends the invitation, I am sure Kitty will be overjoyed at our machinations.” Miss Elizabeth laughed, and Darcy smiled at the sound of it.
He leaned against the balustrade as they continued to speak in the chill evening air. Firelight from the torches sparkled in her eyes that expressed so much and yet so little. Darcy was impressed with the list of books which she had most recently finished, as she seemed fascinated with his propensity for Shakespeare. They were comparing each other’s favorite poems when their discourse was interrupted.
“Miss Elizabeth. There you are. I have been quite concerned not knowing where you had run off.”
“Mr. Hamilton, I beg your pardon. May I present mister…”
“Darcy!”
“Hamilton. How are you, old man?”
Miss Elizabeth’s mouth was agape before Mr. Hamilton turned to her. “Beg pardon, Miss Elizabeth. Darcy was a few of years ahead of me when I was at Cambridge and belonged to some of the same societies on campus. He and I were in different circles socially, but academically, I was his superior. Isn’t that right, Old Man?”
“Now, James, I do not know if I would go that far!” Darcy smirked at his younger friend. “We definitely shared some interesting times, though. What are you doing in Hertfordshire?”
“My estate, Ashby Park, is on the outskirts of the county. I am here checking on the tenants before I leave for London tomorrow to try and finalize my aunt’s will. She’s been gone almost a year and I am trying to get it in proper order to move on with my future plans.”
Darcy noticed Hamilton look openly at Miss Elizabeth as she turned her head away from his watchful eyes. A sickening feeling turned in Darcy’s stomach when he realized he could never have the joy of marrying someone like Miss Elizabeth. She was from a small estate, he had been witness to that himself on the visit with her father; she did not dress in the newest fashion, nor did she follow the behavior of most ladies in the ton.What do I care of her small estate or fashion sense? Her lack of simpering discussions of lace and balls—how refreshing! I am Fitzwilliam Darcy, the master of Pemberley. I can choose my own bride.
Anne is your bride!said a voice in his mind, which sounded uncommonly like his aunt Catherine.Remember your duty and obligations to this family, Fitzwilliam! Above all else comes loyalty!the voice continued.
How much easier the idea would be if he were away from Miss Elizabeth’s presence. Her artless vivacity was rarely encountered in any young woman of his acquaintance. Her archness and wit made him anticipate every word from her mouth, even on this brief acquaintance.
“Tomorrow, eh? Bingley is getting a hunting party together on the ‘morrow, and I am sure you would be welcome.”
“Charles Bingley? I have heard of him but have never met him.” He cleared his throat and looked over Miss Elizabeth’s head toward the ballroom. “I might be able to delay my trip a day or two, as Sir William also extended an invitation for his gathering in two days’ time. However, who else would join us? Not a certain gentleman I saw dancing with Miss Lydia Bennet…?” His eyebrows were raised in question.
“Absolutely not!” Darcy bristled at the idea and Hamilton put a hand on his shoulder to calm him.
“Sorry, old friend. I had not known for sure if you had seen him.”
“He approached me. I would never have come into the country if I had known he would be here, but I also presume we will associate in much different circles. With his presence, I might alter our travel plans and leave sooner than expected.”
“Well, on that revelation, I am displeased and feel I must postpone my trip if you introduce me to Mr. Bingley.”
“Of course, I see him talking to Miss Bennet. Shall we go in now?” Darcy instinctively raised his arm to offer it to Miss Elizabeth. He put it down quickly before she accepted Mr. Hamilton’s arm—but she had noticed his blunder. He felt his face color, but his embarrassment turned to a very different emotion as she looked up at him through her feathery lashes and smiled.
“Thank you, sir,” she mouthed to him as Mr. Hamilton whisked her back into the assembly room.
Why is what we cannot have what we most desire?he asked himself, following her with his eyes.
Chapter 5
It had beenmany years since she had been inside Netherfield, yet she had not expected to see the house as altered as it was from when her childhood friends, the Carltons, had lived there.It feels like a museum, Lizzy mused while taking in the stately surroundings.
Although the Bingleys had only been in residence a short time, Lizzy recognized but a few pieces of Carlton furniture, and the art which had hung in the library, painted by Lady Carlton’s mother, had been replaced with landscapes of exotic lands. The numerous candelabra lighting the sitting room, as well as the impeccably liveried servants in wigs, was so unlike the Netherfield she remembered as a child. Caroline Bingley obviously knew what she was about as mistress of the estate and Lizzy’s surprise at a person her age having so much wealth astounded her. However, she quickly shook off her discomfiture and politely continued her conversation with Miss Darcy.
Lizzy and Jane had received a written invitation the morning after the Meryton assembly from Miss Bingley asking them to dine at Netherfield after the men returned from their day of sport. Mrs. Bennet was in raptures and the girls were not ignorant of the honor being shown. Great care was taken with their preparations for the evening.
In guarded amazement, Lizzy noticed Miss Bingley studying her from across the room. Lizzy had not minded though.This is not a test for me but for my sister. I am only grateful Mr. Hamilton was included in the party so that by obligation, I would be able to accompany Jane.
However, it was increasingly apparent that Miss Bingley did not look favorably on her sister’s friendship with Charles Bingley.
“And your uncle’s home is in Cheapside?” asked Miss Bingley.
Lizzy stirred from her own private musings to keep a protective watch over Jane as the men had not yet returned from their after-dinner port in the library.
