Mr. Darcy chuckled and nodded before taking a drink of his coffee. “Mrs. Bennet sings Mr. Glidding’s praises. I hear he had a direct connection to a London warehouse?”
Mamma was very still, as though she was close to bolting from the room, and Mr. Darcy frowned before he glanced at Elizabeth. She lifted her shoulders slightly to indicate she did not understand what was happening.
Fortunately, Miss Darcy did not notice anyone’s confusion. “He does, brother, and do you know Mr. Glidding’s brother supplies the best modistes in town? Aunt Matlock is likely purchasing the same fabrics, only at a much higher cost! We are fortunate to have such a connection.”
“I have said it before,” Mr. Darcy replied impassively, “Derbyshire is the best of all counties.” The smile that accompanied his dry jest was fleeting, but Elizabeth caught it before it disappeared.
The rest of the meal continued as it had begun, and after Miss Darcy and her mother finished eating and returned to Miss Darcy’s sitting room, Elizabeth gazed across the table at Mr. Darcy. He appeared utterly bewildered.
“Have I done something to offend your mother, Miss Bennet?” he inquired, more directly than Elizabeth was used to from him. “The way she is behaving is almost as though she is afraid of me.”
“She has said nothing to me,” Elizabeth told him. “But this has been worsening ever since she returned from town. Do you think anyone there would have given you a bad name?”
“No.”
Elizabeth pinched her lips together, considering. “Perhaps someone said something about Pemberley? Or your family?”
Mr. Darcy rubbed the back of his neck in her presence. He must be deeply perturbed. “I cannot imagine what that might be. My father’s godson is the only one who might wish to blacken my name, but he has been in London for years now, and my family has always maintained good relations with the people of Lambton. Many of them have relatives who work on the estate.”
“It is most perplexing,” Elizabeth said, tracing the rim of her teacup. “Mamma was so pleased with your company before. This change is suspiciously sudden.”
“Miss Bennet, I assure you, I can think of nothing I have done to warrant such a response. If I have unknowingly caused offence . . .” His cheeks reddened. “I often do give offence when in town, but there is reason for that. Everyone there wants something from me.”
Elizabeth thought that Mamma wanted something from him, too—a groom for her most difficult- to-wed daughter—but that did not seem to be what Mr. Darcy was implying. “No,” she said, “I am certain you have not. It is only . . .” She paused, seeking the correct words. “She is fearful, but of what?”
An expression of concern crossed Mr. Darcy’s countenance. “Could it be related to the recent disturbances at Hollydale? Perhaps your mother suspects something is wrong.”
She considered this. “It is possible, I suppose. But why would that cause her to behave differently only towards you?”
“I cannot say.” Mr. Darcy’s words were grave. “It is clear something has changed, but I cannot fathom what it could be.”
“Nor I,” Elizabeth agreed, feeling both worried and frustrated. “Mamma has said nothing about it, which is also not like her.”
They sat in silence for a few minutes, lost in thought until Mr. Darcy spoke again. “Miss Bennet, I want to assure you, whatever the cause of your mother’s discomfort, the only intention of my presence here has been to assist you and your mother and to ensure your safety. I would depart for Pemberley at once, were it not for the situation here.”
His voice was firm, too firm, as though he felt the need to prove himself beyond question. For a moment, Elizabeth allowed herself to imagine that his reasons for remaining were not purely practical. She had seen flashes of something else in his eyes, in the way he looked at her when he thought her attention elsewhere—there was an intensity in them that stirred something deep within her. Something was keeping him from speaking, and she believed it was the difference in their stations. Even with Hollydale in trust for her, she knew that the master of Pemberley inhabited an entirely different sphere of society. Aunt Gardiner had once mentioned that the Darcys even had relations in the peerage, whereas she had an uncle in trade. It would not matter that Uncle Gardiner was an erudite man as well as being a successful one—he was not a gentleman.
“I believe you, Mr. Darcy,” she said at last—and she did. “But understanding my mother’s behaviour may prove challenging.”
“Then we must observe carefully to discover the cause of her unease, particularly you, who knows her better than either my sister or me.”
“Yes,” Elizabeth concurred. She was determined to discover the source of her mother’s disquiet, for she had been so different these past months, and Elizabeth had no desire to see Mammareturn to querulousness. “Your sister’s presence has been quite helpful in keeping Mamma’s spirits high.”
“Georgiana has also grown fond of your mother. It is not surprising, for she never knew her own, and your mother is so generous with her affection. We can use that to our advantage.”
Despite her confusion and worry, she was grateful for Mr. Darcy’s willingness to directly address Mamma’s fears to put her at ease. “Mr. Darcy, I want you to know how much I appreciate your help in all of this. The thefts, this mystery with my mother. You have been quite invaluable.”
He did not seem pleased to hear of her gratitude, but he nodded. “It is my pleasure, Miss Bennet, I assure you.”
And yourhonour, she thought wistfully.
Their eyes met and for a moment, the tension Elizabeth felt whenever he was near seemed to shift to something else entirely. But he had been clear he was only here because he had made a promise to her father, and Elizabeth would not allow herself to be fooled into believing Mr. Darcy felt it too. Before she could speak, a maid entered the room to clear the dishes.
“Well,” she said, rising from her seat, “let us continue our observations today.”
Mr. Darcy had stood as soon as she had. He offered her a solemn, resolute nod. “Indeed. The sooner we understand the situation, the better for all involved.”
It was a sterner response than she was used to receiving from him, but then, they were all a bit anxious.
