Goodbyes were said—with Georgiana and Bingley being the most effusive about the sorrow of parting and the necessity of meeting again soon.
“I shall not lament overlong,” Georgiana sighed dramatically, grasping Elizabeth’s hands. “I know I shall see you the day after tomorrow for our ride.”
“Capital,” Bingley declared before immediately enquiring if Miss Bennet would join.
“I am afraid I cannot. I promised my aunt I would accompany her on her calls that day,” Jane said. “But I believe you all shall be invited to Barlow Hall for dinner next week. My aunt does not let visitors to the neighbourhood go too long before entertaining them.”
“We are always delighted to visit Barlow Hall,” Darcy offered his first comment. Though he saiddelighted, his tone was the formal indifferent one Elizabeth disliked. Regardless, she offered him a smile and then accepted Mr. Bingley’s hand up into the carriage. When she saw the colonel perform the same office for Jane, she wondered how he had outmanoeuvred Bingley. Then she remembered he had been recognised in the military for his strategic prowess, so it was probably an easy accomplishment.
She was laughing to herself about this when she caught a glimpse of Darcy out the window. He stood apart from the others, and his gaze was fixed on the carriage, on the window, on her? His expression was not one she liked at all. He was looking at her as if she were a puzzle that he needed to solve, and this did not please him. It did not please her either. She wanted herfriend back, wanted to be his friend once again. She wondered what had caused this distance between them.
Two days later, Elizabeth arrived at Pemberley once again, eager to see her friend and take their horses out. Mrs. Reynolds ushered her into the front parlour, indicating Miss Darcy would be there presently. Before her arrival, another lady swept into the room.
“Miss Elizabeth,” she said. “It seems like you just left and here you are back again.”
“Miss Darcy and I are to ride this afternoon,” she answered, trying to maintain her equanimity. It was clear that Miss Bingley did not like her, and she knew it was likely because Elizabeth was an intimate with the family and Miss Bingley desired this for herself. But what did she think would be accomplished by her rudeness?
“Are you having a pleasant visit?”
“Oh, yes,” Miss Bingley enthused. “Mr. Darcy is the perfect host, and Pemberley is beyond compare.”
“Pemberley is quite special,” Elizabeth agreed, glad they had found common ground. “And I know Miss Darcy is delighted to host you all. Though she is young, she is already a wonderful mistress, is she not?”
“Certainly,” Miss Bingley agreed. “She is doing as well as can be expected, although I am certain Mr. Darcy longs for a wife to fulfil that role. It is natural Miss Darcy, being full young, does not know all that is required.”
This critique surprised Elizabeth, as she was ready to bond with Miss Bingley in their mutual admiration of all things Pemberley and Darcy.
“I thank you for the compliment, Miss Bingley,” Georgiana said from the doorway. “Hello, Lizzy.”
“Good morning, Georgiana,” Elizabeth said, wondering at her friend’s formal tone. “Miss Bingley, would you excuse us?”
“Yes, of course. Enjoy your ride, and perhaps when your friend has gone and it is just the intimate party once again, I could assist you in planning the menus for the remainder of our visit.”
“That is so kind of you, but I must decline. I have already set the menus and Mrs. Reynolds has arranged the procurement of the ingredients needed for the planned meals, so I would not want to make any changes at this time. It would be a great inconvenience to the staff.”
“You mustn’t be so concerned with such things,” Miss Bingley advised with a wave of her hand. “Your staff are here to please you and—”
“Thank you for so generously and persistently offering your opinions, but I must insist that the menus are set. Will you excuse us now? I do not wish to detain Lizzy any longer when I know she is longing to set out.”
Miss Bingley gave a regal nod of her head, and Georgiana practically dragged Elizabeth from the room. When they had reached the path to the stable, and her friend had not slowed down or offered a word of explanation, Elizabeth asked, “What was that? Why were you so curt with Miss Bingley?”
“I am sorry, Lizzy,” Georgiana said, throwing her hands in the air. “I cannot cope with her anymore!”
“She has been difficult?”
“You have no idea, but let us not waste time on her. Her party is to depart tomorrow week. I can survive until then.”
They had reached the stables, and Pemberley’s stablemaster led Neptune and Zeus out to where they stood.
“Thank you, Branson,” they said at the same time.
“Miss Darcy, Miss Elizabeth.” He nodded to them. “Enjoy your ride. Adam will be here when you return and can take charge of their care.”
They mounted and set out side by side. After a few minutes, Georgiana spoke.
“Shall we ride hard through the fields and then go to the pond?” she asked.
They had almost reached the edge of the fields, but going all the way to the pond on the far side of Pemberley would take them at least another hour. It was not a route they took often because of the distance, but it was one of Elizabeth’s favourites. There were several jumps, and the path wound through the woods for about half of the journey. It meant a slower pace, but the scenery was beautiful and unique. After she agreed to the plan, Georgiana spurred Zeus on, leaving Elizabeth behind. But not for long.
