Jane took her sister’s hands. “And what of you, Lizzy? Are you well? That woman was stunning in her dark green riding habit, the jaunty hat, and wielding a whip. Everything about her was designed to please a man.”
Elizabeth inhaled long and slow. “Yes, she was dressed for the hunt. But Mr. Darcy does not care for her, and he assured me he was uncomfortable in her presence. She came uninvited and sought him out. He will speak with her father and ask to have her sent away before she brings scandal down on her house and ours. Clearly, she knows not how to comport herself as a gentlewoman.”
Jane wrapped her arm through Elizabeth’s as they walked into the house. “Lizzy, as your elder sister, I think the wisest thing you can do is learn to ride. Ask Mr. Darcy to teach you, and perhaps someday he will invite you on his early-morning rides. It makes no sense that he should be out alone while that woman is on the prowl.”
“My dear, the workings of your mind astonish me, but I believe you are right. I will ask him tonight to teach me. And if he ever invites me to ride with him, I will go.”
Elizabeth left her sister at the front entrance. “I need to think. My mind is very unsettled with that woman residing so near to Pemberley. I shall be in the tree house, in contemplation, surrounded by nature. If I am needed, pray send Peter for me.”
Then she breathed deeply of the fresh air and walked along the meadow path that followed the stream. She welcomed the quiet and the occasional bird song. She took in the wild flowers thatgrew in profusion about her, and lifted her face to the speckled sunshine that filtered through the canopy of leaves overhead. And very soon, she felt that all was right in the world.
Darcy rode to the range and left Rowan with the footman, who led the horse to water and began to rub him down. He stood for a moment watching his friend. Bingley was entirely absorbed with his new rifle, giving no thought to the fact that his marriage prospects were on the verge of failing.
Darcy strode forward. “Charles, might I have a moment of your time? I know you drive out later this morning, and I must speak with you before you leave.”
Bingley held out his rifle, his face alight with satisfaction. “Darcy, this is the finest firearm I have ever owned. I am glad Dudley had enough on hand for me to purchase one.”
“Yes,” Darcy said evenly. “I am satisfied with mine as well. Come, my friend, let us walk to the stream.”
The two men walked about five hundred feet away. Darcy stopped and regarded his friend in silence. After a moment, Bingley shifted uneasily, glancing down at his jacket and then his breeches. “What is it, Darcy? Have I got a rent or a stain that has escaped me?”
Darcy shook his head with sympathy. “No, Charles, nothing so mundane as that. I was studying your face to see how you were bearing up under your great disappointment.”
Bingley flushed. “Disappointment? Do you mean there were not enough rifles to go around, and I must give mine up?”
Darcy’s tone remained calm. “No, my friend, I know nothing about the rifles. As far as I am aware, there are plenty to goaround. I was speaking of your broken betrothal. I truly believed you would be more affected by it.”
“Broken betrothal?” Bingley stared at him. “I know not of what you speak, Darcy. Jane and I breakfasted together this morning. She was perfectly amiable, as always.”
Darcy regarded him steadily, one brow lifting.
Bingley looked away toward the trees. “Or at least I believe she was as serene as ever.”
Both Darcy’s brows rose now, and Bingley grew uneasy. “What is it, Darcy? What do you know?”
Darcy asked quietly, “How is Caroline?”
Bingley’s face reddened. “Oh, you speak of her winter visit?”
“I do,” Darcy said. “Did you ask Miss Bennet if she approved of hosting a guest two months after her wedding? She will still be a newlywed, Charles. I would imagine that newlyweds prefer each other’s company to that of an interfering sister who knows not how to conduct herself at balls and soirees that are overflowing with single, handsome gentlemen. Am I mistaken, my friend? Perhaps you would rather spend your evenings at your sister’s side than with your wife. If that is so, I shall invite Miss Bennet to stay with us, and I will look about for a suitable husband for her.”
Bingley was struck dumb. “What are you saying, Darcy?”
Darcy said nothing. He merely studied his friend’s countenance, waiting to see if his words would take root. Would Bingley be wise enough to choose the love of his life, strong enough to oppose a married sister who already had a husband to govern her?
At last, Darcy exhaled. “Well, Charles, I believe I have said enough. I hope, my friend, that you are both wise and strong enough to fight for your future happiness. I must go. I have a meeting with my steward.”
He turned and walked away. Bingley watched him go, his heart pounding, his face flushed. A sick heaviness settled in his stomach as the enormity of his mistake struck him. Excusing himself to the other men, he went at once to seek out his betrothed.
Chapter 43: Richard and Isabella Marry
Richard handed Isabella into the carriage and then took his seat beside her. Their trunks were packed and secured, and the carriage was one he had borrowed from Darcy. The week had dragged by, but now they were at last on their way to the Lambton church. Darcy and Elizabeth rode in Darcy’s carriage a short distance ahead. It was a fine summer morning, and years of waiting were about to end. Isabella would soon be his wife, and their new life together would begin.
He had given notice to his tenant, and the estate would be vacated by late September. They would need to view the house, refurbish the kitchens, paper the walls, and likely repair the stable. After the wedding, they would remove to Matlock. The Earl was in London, frequenting his club and gambling with his companions, and Phillip was at a house party in Surrey until early November. The couple would have Matlock House to themselves, along with his mother, whom Isabella already loved.
Richard smiled to himself. Isabella had been watching him. “What do you smile about, sir?”
His eyes danced. “Darling, we have waited a long time, but we shall be married at last. We have succeeded in keeping it from your brother, and now there is nothing to stop us.”
