Elizabeth sat in the dark for some time, thinking. It was time for an honest self-examination. She was attracted to Mr. Darcy. She had been from the first. Initially, though, this attraction had been overshadowed by her dislike of him. However, since they had cleared the air, it had been easy to see what a good man he was. He was also quite charming. Nevertheless, Elizabeth needed to be careful. She found herself thinking of him far too often as it was. Now, they were to be in such close quarters. She did not want to develop deeper feelings for him. Even though he was a gentleman and she a gentleman’s daughter, she did not come from a wealthy family, nor did she inhabit the same sphere of society he did. Elizabeth did not feel this made her inferior to him, but she was sure he thought so. She was also sure he would not mean to insult her by having such a view, but he would have it all the same.
Of course, Elizabeth did not expect Mr. Darcy to pursue her anyway. He was probably aware that she had no dowry. He knew her mother had close connections to trade and probably also knew that she encouraged frivolity and flirtatiousness in her daughters. Her father saw his wife and youngest daughters lacked discipline and good sense, but did nothing to correct them. Mr. Darcy had no doubt seen this as well. No, he would never pursue her. Indeed, it was for the best. Because, although Elizabeth was repeatedly ashamed of the behavior of her mother and youngest sisters, she could never be ashamed of such an intelligent and successful man as her Uncle Edward. He was also devoted to his family, and she would not allow anyone to look down on him.
Darcy had bathed and was relaxing in a chair by the window. He was just raising his glass of brandy to his lips when there was a knock at the door.
He went to the door and opened it. As he suspected, it was Bingley.
“Come in, Bingley, have a seat.”
“Thank you, Darcy," Bingley said as he settled into a chair with his drink in hand. "What a day!"
“Indeed.”
“What are your thoughts in regard to returning to London?” Bingley asked.
“Well, of course we should try to leave as soon as possible, but it will depend on the state of the roads. There could be debris and felled trees along the route. We may have to allow a day or two for the roads to be cleared. I will send a man tomorrow morning to find out the situation.”
Bingley nodded. “I will go ahead and coordinate with Mr. James to check on the tenants as planned. I would like to make sure no one is in urgent need of assistance.”
“They will appreciate it. I hate things had to end this way, Bingley. You have made excellent progress in learning estate management,” Darcy said, sipping his brandy.
“Thank you, Darcy. I know I have much to learn still, but my time at Netherfield was enjoyable. The Olivers managed the house and servants superbly. The steward and I had developed a good rapport. And the neighborhood welcomed me in right away. Perhaps I can find another estate to lease. Though I doubt I will find one so close to town.”
“I agree; it is unlikely. Netherfield Park was a fortunate find in regard to its proximity to London.”
“It was indeed,” Bingley said with a smile. “I am glad we spent time getting to know the Bennets more. Since we are now in this position, it helps make the situation less awkward. And, sinceMiss Darcy enjoys spending time with the ladies, our being here will be very agreeable to her.”
“Yes, I am sure it will be. Perhaps we may also be of aid to them somehow,” Darcy said, pondering over what the day would likely bring tomorrow and how he could assist them.
“Indeed.” Bingley threw back the rest of his drink and stood. “I shall say goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Bingley.”
After Bingley left the room, Darcy continued to think things over as he sipped his brandy. He was surprised to hear Bingley say this situation was less awkward for having gotten to know the Bennets. Was it not just two days ago that Bingley expressed concern about the difference he perceived in Miss Bennet’s interactions with him? Darcy supposed that since he had allayed Bingley’s worry of having possibly offended her, he had decided to not let it trouble him further. Darcy was glad he was able to convince his friend early on to not single her out so if he did not plan on doing anything about it. Had he not convinced him, this situation would indeed be uncomfortable.
As it was, Darcy would have his own challenges while they were guests at Longbourn. He was drawn to Miss Elizabeth, and that was a problem. He could not have designs on her. Darcy knew what kind of match he was expected to make, and she did not fit the requirements. He thought very highly of Miss Elizabeth, but that was where his thoughts of her must end.
Darcy knew that he and the young woman he married probably would not have many interests in common, but he hoped she would at least have Georgiana’s best interests at heart as well as the interests of Pemberley and its people. And even if she would not be a true partner, he absolutely required they have trust between them. It was not lost on him that he had experienced little to no difficulty in trusting Miss Elizabeth. Was it because he knew she was not the type to try to ensnare him,or was it simply that since they had cleared the air between them, he had become comfortable with the young woman he was coming to know?
Chapter 11
The next morning, Elizabeth got up and did her morning routine. From her window she could see leaves and branches everywhere. No doubt, there were more strewn about the grounds. Both the house and the servants' cottage would need to be assessed for damage. Mr. Anderson would probably assess the stables first thing. She would need to check on the tenants as well. Elizabeth thought over all these details as she made her way downstairs. When she entered the dining room, she found Mr. Darcy there alone. He was standing at the window, looking outside and drinking a cup of coffee.
“Good morning, Mr. Darcy.”
He turned from the window at her greeting. “Good morning, Miss Elizabeth.”
“I hope you slept well,” Elizabeth said as she walked to another window.
“I did, thank you.”
“My goodness!” she exclaimed at the sight of all the debris outside.
“Indeed.”
She looked at him and asked, “Do you have the time?”
He reached for his pocket watch. “It is a quarter to eight,” he said, looking at her.
