“When did they give up the lease?”
“Let me see…” she paused, concentrating as she counted. “That would be around four years ago. I was not yet out, but Mama allowed me to come with her when she called here so that Coraline—that was her name—and I could spend time together. Lady Lucas brings Mariah to Longbourn in the same manner so she can visit with Kitty and Lydia.”
“What an odd coincidence that Bingley’s sister is Caroline! I wonder what you will make of her.” Darcy looked speculative as he regarded her, hands clasped behind his back as they strolled.
“I understand she will be here in December and brings her betrothed.” She had not known Miss Bingley’s given name. Hearing Darcy say it sent an inexplicable shiver up her spine.
“Sir James is a good man. He will make her a fine, caring husband. They are very fond of each other.”
She made a noncommittal noise and fell silent. The hush that settled between them did not feel oppressive, but was companionable and easy.
“Mrs. Hurst differs greatly from her brother,” she observed after a time. “She does not seem pleased to be here.”
“Mr. Hurst wished to come; his wife wanted to stay in town. Mrs. Hurst has lived most of her life in London and dislikes being away from the diversions found there.” Darcy frowned. “It is rather ironic. She married an estate owner who spends the summer at his estate. Though I do not know how active Hurst is as a landlord.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “He is very attentive to some privileges of owning property,” she said teasingly. He laughed along with her, and she felt a thrill at having made him laugh.
“Will you tell me more of your sister?” she asked. “I am aware she loves to ride, and that her favorite Christmas tradition is to exchange gifts. What else interests her?”
Darcy seemed to be considering her question carefully. “She loves music,” he said. “She plays the pianoforte very well, though not as well as Miss Mary. In three years, when she is your sister’s age, she will have more experience.”
“Not many can match Mary in dedication. My sister is zealous when she sets out to accomplish something. Sir William would call her the most accomplished lady in the county, and I shall eagerly second his sentiments.”
“Your dedication to your sister does you credit,” he said admiringly. “I hope I inspire similar devotion in mine. Georgiana has recently become a mystery to me, however. When she returned home from school in the early spring, she seemed to be an entirely different creature. Her moods shifted wildly—one moment she laughed and sang and then she would descend into tears.”
“She is sixteen?” At his nod, she continued. “She is at the most trying age. Her humors are unbalanced—a common occurrence young ladies experience at this time of their life.”
“Georgiana is the same in essentials, I suppose.” He frowned in concentration. “She seems happier at home studying with the masters rather than at school.”
“I am afraid I cannot comment on schooling. As you know, I never had more than a governess. My father oversaw my education and does the same for my youngest sisters now.”
“And I know from our past debates that he taught you far more than the typical young lady learns in her life.”
Something incomprehensible in his expression perplexed her. “Do you disapprove?”
He turned sharply and looked at her in surprise. “Not at all!” he cried. “Why would you think so?”
“I find it difficult to decipher your thoughts when I have only your countenance to use for a basis. I cannot tell what you are thinking much of the time.”
“Habit, I suppose.” He shrugged. “If one is too easy to read, one becomes a target for unsavory people. I keep my own counsel and protect those I love. If people know what I love, then they know how to hurt me.”
She shook her head. “That is a rather depressing way to look at the world.”
“It has proven necessary. I inherited at a very young age—only two-and-twenty. Many considered me an easy mark, someone they could fleece due to inexperience. I was approached by at least four gentlemen in the first months following my father’s death, each with absurd investment opportunities. My request to thoroughly research each project before investing surprised them.”
“Your father prepared you well, then. That is good.”
“He was the best of men. I miss him very much.” Darcy appeared downcast and fell silent.
They rounded a bend and arrived at a walled garden. “Roses cover this entire space in the warmer months,” Elizabeth said, pushing open an iron gate and walking inside. “The gardeners arrange trellises so the roses may climb and arch above the paths. It is quite lovely.”
“It is similar to what my mother did at Pemberley.” He spent the next ten minutes detailing every aspect of Lady Anne Darcy’s favorite garden. Descriptions of climbing roses in a rainbow of colors entranced her, as did the account of the Italianate fountain she had commissioned for the center, its soft trickle audible above the rustle of blooms. With each word, she could picture a veritable haven, and longed to see it.
As they walked back to the house some time later, Elizabeth knew that if she did not guard her heart, she would soon be in love with Mr. Darcy.He is not for me,she told herself.Even if he were to propose, he would rescind his offer the moment he knew the truth. And I would never start a life with him based on a lie.
After they had refreshed themselves following their walk, breakfast awaited them in the formal dining room. Elizabeth wondered at the change—they had dined in the breakfast parlor when she first arrived.
“Good morning!” Mr. Bingley stood, grinning from ear to ear. “Come, join me. I have informed Mrs. Nicholls that I wish breakfast to be ready earlier than Louisa prefers. I cannot abide being a slug-a-bed. She can call for a tray when she wakes. We shall return to the breakfast room tomorrow.”
