Why, then, could he hardly bring himself to look away? Why did she seem lovelier each time he saw her?
“I cannot express how grateful I am that you came to warn me,” Darcy said, his voice softening in humility. “You have risked your own reputation, your own safety, all to save Georgiana. I am infinitely in your debt — and I would count it a great mark of favour if you would allow me to escort you home to Longbourn and help explain anything that your father might require.”
He waited with bated breath. If she refused once more, he would let the matter lie. But he sincerely hoped she wouldn’t refuse. It would be at least a small repayment of the great debt he owed her. Not to mention that the ride back to Meryton would give him a chance to get to know her better, without the clouds of Mrs Younge’s lies hanging over them.
“Very well. I will go with you,” she finally agreed.
“Thank you, Miss Bennet.” He breathed a sigh of relief, then turned to ring for his housekeeper. When she arrived, things were set in motion for them to depart almost immediately. “Please have some refreshments sent up for Miss Bennet. I assume you have not had the chance to break your fast yet this morning?”
Elizabeth’s cheek flushed. Darcy suppressed a grin. The colour was remarkably pretty on her, but he ought not to notice anything of the kind.
“I had a plum from the orchard when I was leaving Longbourn this morning.”
“Oh, my dear, you must be famished. Please follow me to the dining room and I will have something prepared for you right away.” The housekeeper took her away while Darcy climbed the stairs to the second floor where his suite of rooms was located and instructed his valet to pack for a journey.
A half-hour later, Elizabeth had replenished her strength with a cup of tea, a piece of buttered toast, and some fruit from the kitchen. A young maid was waiting at the front door when Darcy came to collect Elizabeth from the dining room and let her know that the carriage was ready to depart. Sarah was a very good girl, the housekeeper had informed him, and would look after Georgiana once they had reached Meryton. She looked vastly proud at being asked to provide chaperonage for their guest.
“Right this way, Miss Bennet,” Darcy said, gesturing her outside. The butler opened the door and a pair of footmen stowed their things on top of the carriage while they climbed in and made themselves as comfortable as they could. Elizabeth looked tired. No doubt the weary hours of travel weighed heavily on her. And yet she had not objected against immediately climbing back into a coach except in concern for propriety, had not had a thought for her own comfort.
“You were very brave to come here and tell me about Georgiana. I must once again offer my deepest thanks.” Darcy looked at her intently, feeling how inadequate words were to convey his thanks.
Elizabeth gave him a small smile. “I did what any other friend would do under the circumstances, Mr Darcy.”
A few moments of silence passed, and Elizabeth seemed in danger of nodding off when Darcy spoke up again. “You have a great love of books, do you not? I remember my sister saying you were a great reader.”
Elizabeth’s brows went up. “That is too generous, perhaps. But I must own I am fond of books.”
He dug in his leather pouch and brought out three books. “I believe she said you liked the novels of Mrs Radcliffe? I had my butler find a few of her works before we left.”
He handed her the novels, and she looked up at him in surprise. “That was very kind of you, Mr Darcy.”
Darcy watched her choose one of the books and start to read. Yes, he was sure now that he had misjudged her. She had shown extraordinary courage in coming to him. Far from being self-serving as Mrs Younge had said, she had been a better friend to his dear sister than the one who had been her companion. Anger welled up inside him and he looked out the window at the passing scenery to try and hide his foul temper from the ladies. When they arrived in Meryton, Mr Wickham would see just how unreasonable he could be.
∞∞∞
Elizabeth stole a glance over the top of her novel as they drove. She was relieved to have exited the bustling city and be out on the road again. It was strange how different everything looked. That morning, she had been a bundle of nerves, wondering how she would be received at Mr Darcy’s abode. And indeed, her imaginings had not been far from the truth. But Mr Darcy’s attitude toward her had changed from night to day in a matter of minutes. No doubt her revelation that Mr Wickham was the culprit in the plot was what had convinced him she spoke true. He seemed to sense her eyes on him, and looked her way, giving a small smile.
She glanced away, pretending to read her book. Her heart thundered in her chest at having been caught staring at him.From what she had seen displayed over the last hour, Elizabeth was now sure that all the discord between them had been only misunderstandings and the result of Mrs Younge’s malice. Surely he was every bit the gallant, protective brother Miss Darcy had originally described. Even now, she was unable to stop the subtle change that was coming over her heart. Mr Darcy was surely one who could be trusted, and ten times the man Wickham was.
Chapter 22
“Georgiana, wake up!” Mrs Younge hissed, and shook her charge harshly awake.
Georgiana sat up, wiping her bleary eyes and nearly tumbling out of bed at seeing Mrs Younge beside her. “Get up,” Mrs Younge said again impatiently.
“Whatever is the matter?” Georgiana asked as she scrambled out of bed and came around to join Mrs Younge near the door. “Has something happened to my brother?”
“No, nothing as simple as that,” Mrs Younge snapped. “Somehow, Elizabeth Bennet has found out about your plan to elope with Mr Wickham. We have to be quick in our preparations today. He has sent a note that we should be ready to depart by the early stage.” Mrs Younge helped her don a dressing gown, and they went down to the dining room together. Neither of them could eat as they worried over what was to be done.
“Is not all lost? If Elizabeth knows of our plans, then won’t she try to tell someone?” Georgiana asked.
“Yes, I am sure she shall,” Mrs Younge said. “It will all be well in the end, Georgiana. We must simply move up our plans. If you leave for Scotland without delay, she will not be able to interfere.”
“Please, let me go to London and speak with my brother. If I can reason with him, I am sure he will come round. He is —”
“No, we cannot go to London,” Mrs Younge snapped. Georgiana looked at her in surprise at the harshness of her tone. And was there not something almost akin to contempt in Mrs Younge’s gaze?
The expression vanished — or Georgiana told herself, perhaps it had never been there at all. Surely she was only imagining things.
