Darcy told himself he ought not to speak. Miss Elizabeth Bennet was entirely too easy to talk to. And was it entirely a coincidence that he found they had quite a bit in common each time they spoke? It would have been an unsettling degree of contrivance to figure out his opinions and echo them deliberately, but such things had been done before. In her quest to catch his interest, Bingley’s sister was rather fond of the tactic, professing to love the countryside when he knew her to prefer London or reading when she would much rather go to the theatre. He said nothing for a long while, and then she smiled, turning to walk backward before she went off to join his sister.
“I should like to introduce Miss Darcy to some of my friends, if you’ll excuse me?” In response to his nod, Elizabeth walked off with only a backwards wave. Soon Mrs Younge fell in beside him.
“She is a persistent one, isn’t she?” the older woman asked.
Darcy was not entirely sure he agreed with her, especially as he watched her warm smile when greeting Georgiana. The young woman seemed so very genuine in all her attentions. Whenever they met an acquaintance or friend, Elizabeth was sure to introduce Georgiana and praise her in the warmest light. Nor did her friendship seem put on. In watching them together, Darcy would have sworn that she genuinely liked Georgiana.
They went through town, weaving in and amongst the people crowded throughout to greet their brave warriors, whowould no doubt soon be off to fight off Napoleon’s advance. Each time they stopped and spoke to some acquaintance of the Bennets, Darcy was not sure what impressed him more — the friendly wit with which Elizabeth spoke to everyone, or the dedication with which she presented Georgiana to all as a most charming friend. Perhaps it did not matter whether she was quite sincere. She was helping Georgiana, and that was enough. If she expected anything from him in return, she would be sorely disappointed.
When they reached the end of the street, she had introduced Georgiana to at least half a dozen groups. Each had begun in reluctance, but quickly warmed upon Elizabeth presenting Georgiana as her friend and showcasing some of her best qualities. He tried not to notice that Elizabeth looked particularly beautiful, smiling in triumph at the success of her campaign.
“Well, you look as if you successfully met everyone in Meryton, sister.”
“All thanks to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I was afraid I would never be accepted here after the blunder I made at the assembly that first night. But you have smoothed the way for me,” Georgiana said, turning to her friend. “I cannot thank you enough.”
Darcy could not quite suppress a smile at seeing Elizabeth flush slightly under the praise. “They deserve to know what a wonderful person you are, Miss Darcy. I assure you, I only made the introductions. It is your sweet and unassuming nature that won them over.”
Darcy looked away. He must not put too much stock in her words. He would notplace too much weight on them, or allow himself to imagine how congenial a companion ElizabethBennet would be in daily life, how charmingly her cheeks might flush in a kiss. It was folly for him to consider anything of the kind.
It was not long before their visit came to a close. As they walked back to their rented house, Georgiana repeated over and over her thanks and gratitude for the service Elizabeth had done her. As soon as they entered the house, Georgiana went to her room to freshen up for tea. Several of the people they had met on their walk had promised to come calling, and she wanted to be at her best to receive their guests.
Mrs Younge cleared her throat when Georgiana had gone. “Mr Darcy. Do you have a moment?” she asked. She waved her hand toward the drawing room and he followed her. She closed the doors behind them. Darcy looked at her in surprise.
“How do you feel that went?” she asked.
“For an impromptu visit, I believe it went well. It was kind of Miss Elizabeth Bennet to take Georgiana around to her friends like that. The introductions seemed to have worked a considerable change.”
Mrs Younge clasped her hands and sank into a chair near the window. Upon observing the look of concern on her face, Darcy felt the peace that had come over him during their walk abruptly vanish. “What is it, Mrs Younge? You know you may speak freely with me.”
She seemed hesitant to go on but nodded once in decision. “I have heard a rumour, Mr Darcy. One I fear will anger you.”
Darcy’s blood began to pound in his head. “What rumour is that, Mrs Younge?” He tried to keep his tone steady and calm, as his father had taught him.Do not let emotion rule over you,Fitzwilliam. A man who cannot control himself is a slave to his feelings.He had worked hard over the years to be worthy of his father’s legacy. In Mrs Younge’s company, it was often difficult to remain steady. The lady was not at fault, of course, and would doubtless have been horrified if she knew of his disquiet. It was likely only his lack of ease in society that caused the reaction.
“I have heard a rumour this very day, from Mrs Bennet’s own mouth. She was bragging to one of her friends that her second daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, thinks she has been very clever in winning you over by befriending your sister. She believes that if she can pretend to help Georgiana, she can secure a proposal from you by the end of the winter.” Mrs Younge stood then and paced, looking appalled. “I hate to see our dear Georgiana used in this way. I do not think it is right, no matter how charming the young woman.”
Darcy frowned. “I do not think she is charming.”
Mrs Younge stilled, looking him up and down as if she could see right through the lie. “Hmm,” was all she uttered. “Even so, I wanted to warn you so you can be on your guard around her. A young woman like that has everyone fooled into believing she is proper and upright. But I know the type. They put on an angelic face until they are married and then all their hidden qualities come to the surface. Have you not seen the defects in her mother’s character? Miss Elizabeth Bennet will likely revert to the example she had had on display her whole life and become a silly woman who is only concerned with herself.”
Darcy could not seem to find a fitting argument. Mrs Younge was not wrong in saying that women often followed in their mother’s footsteps. But it did not seem the case with Elizabeth Bennet. Whenever Mrs Bennet’s words or actions had shown a want of propriety, Elizabeth had shown by her reactionand sometimes by gentle attempts to redirect her mother that she did not agree.
There was no need to dispute the point. He looked up at Mrs Younge. “I thank you for the warning, Mrs Younge. You may be assured that I will be on my guard. And now, I have some letters to see to.” He dismissed her, and after she had gone from the room, he retreated to the small study that overlooked the garden at the rear of the house. He sat down at the small desk and looked out the window nestled nearby. The garden was starting to wilt and die in preparation for the winter ahead. Even so, there was beauty in death–the leaves turning a golden hue, the hillsides barren after a plentiful harvest. Yet the quiet beauty of the scene could do nothing to alleviate his disgust.
Darcy was not one to be trifled with. He was heartsore, and not just because Elizabeth Bennet had endeavoured to use him for her own selfish pursuits. He had begun to believe she could not really be as charming and witty as she was if she were playing a part. Some of that could be feigned, but there was a naturalness to her speech, an easiness that could not be contrived. Yet perhaps he might be wrong. She might simply be more skilled an actress than any he had yet encountered. The two possibilities seemed impossibly opposite — the innocent, sincere young woman, or the jaded and self-seeking fortune hunter willing to trifle with Georgiana’s affectionate heart to get what she wanted. It hurt him to the quick that he did not know which she was.
Perhaps it was too optimistic to believe her disinterested in her offered friendship. Surely, she would not be interested in him for anything other than his money, awkward and shy as he was. Miss Elizabeth Bennet was beautiful, witty, utterlycharming. It was surely too much to ask for her to be altruistic and disinterested with regard to fortune as well.
To distract himself, he retrieved a letter that had come from his good friend Bingley that morning. He broke the seal and unfolded the missive, leaning back in his chair to read.
∞∞∞
Dear Darcy,
It was good to hear from you, and I am glad to hear you are both doing well as of your last letter. We have missed seeing you and Miss Darcy these last weeks we have been in London, and pray you will indulge us in spending an evening at the opera in our box when you and your sister come. Caroline bids me to write that she hopes Miss Darcy is settling in nicely at Meryton, and hopes we may all come to see her come spring. I should not mind taking a house there myself, if you find it as pleasant as Mrs Younge described to you.
I tire of London already. You know I enjoy the excitement of balls and galas, but I find as I get older that the crowds, incessant noise, and filth make each trip to London more of a burden than a joy. Perhaps you might favour me with your advice. I think more and more that I should like to find an estate outside of London where I might spend the warm seasons of the year.
May it not be too long before we meet again, old friend. I shall look forward to your gaining your company amid all the bustle of Town.
