Page 136 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“I understand it too. Mr Darcy, please do tell me if you are willing to help,” Lady Kendal said more conciliatorily. “I promise you I would never harm Miss Bennet. We have discussed her future responsibilities at length, and she has chosen to accept them. Most of her effort will be to the benefit of our charities. If only for me, I could live comfortably for the rest of my life with no trouble at all.”

“I am sure Bingley and Mr Gardiner will act with Miss Bennet’s best interest in mind. Perhaps I did cross a boundary with my enquiries. How may I assist you, Lady Kendal?”

The tension lowered in the library and Bingley breathed deeply in relief.

“Your concern was fair and commendable, Mr Darcy,” Lady Kendal agreed. “We would greatly appreciate it if you would study our ledgers and note any inconsistencies or offer suggestions. Would you be willing to do that?”

Darcy breathed with some relief. The task was neither daunting nor dangerous for his peace of mind, so he readily replied.

“Of course. You said Mr Gardiner will do something similar. You may call me when he is here, and I will join him. It might be even better if we can discuss and share opinions. It should not take me more than a day or two.”

“Excellent,” Bingley declared enthusiastically.

“Also, if you have a little time to spare afterwards, to share your observations with Elizabeth, it would be a great help. You may provide her with some useful advice. I hope you will not mind if she seeks your assistance from time to time.”

Darcy felt his face and his heart freezing at the same time, as his greatest fear became reality. Elizabeth’s presence was precisely what he intended to avoid. Having her in the same room, in the same house, talking to him, looking at him, so close to him that he could feel her breath—would be unbearable. He could not do that for the whole world.

“I am afraid that will not be possible. I mean, not personally. But of course your ladyship, Mr Gardiner, or Bingley may write to me at any time, ask me anything and I shall reply immediately.”

He felt his companions staring at him, puzzled and disappointed.

“We shall leave town in a few days. I am taking my sister and cousin to Brighton for the summer. Then in August, we shall move to Pemberley. I am uncertain when I shall return to London.”

“Oh, but this is perfect!” Bingley exclaimed joyfully. “We are going to Brighton too! All of us! What excellent news! And what better opportunity to spend more time together!”

Darcy looked at his friend, dumbfounded, then at Lady Kendal. He felt trapped. He wished to declare he would only stay in Brighton for a few days, but the words sounded like a poor excuse even in his mind. Too ashamed to say them aloud he remained silent, instinctively looking towards the door, as if seeking an escape. He should not have come. He should have listened to his instinct and his fears from the moment he received Bingley’s letter.

“Is Miss Bennet aware of this?” he heard himself ask. “Of you asking me to help her? Help you?”

Distress made him behave nervously, and he picked up a cup on the table, pouring some coffee to keep his hands busy.

“No, not yet. I admit that we feared you would refuse, and I wished to avoid any distress or disappointment that could affect Elizabeth. She already has enough to worry about.”

“What should I worry about?” Elizabeth’s voice from the doorway startled them, and all turned to stare at her. She stepped inside hesitantly, her eyes fixed on Darcy’s.

Her face coloured while his paled. She came closer, frowning.

“Mr Darcy? How… I did not expect to find you here. Why… Did something happen?” she rambled, her distress apparent, addressing herself more to Lady Kendal than to the unexpected guest.

Lady Kendal took her hand.

“No, my dear. All is well. Do not worry. Why did you arrive so early? I did not expect you until after noon.”

“My uncle had some business in this part of the town and so he brought me. I shall go to Jane but I wished to greet you first.” She kept glancing at Darcy, whose eyes remained on her.

“Bingley has asked Mr Darcy to help us to appraise our estates. He was kind enough to accept.”

“Was he?” she whispered, catching his eyes for a moment.

“If you approve of it,” Darcy answered, their eyes locking again. “If you believe my assistance may be of service to you.”

“Yes, of course. Very helpful. I mean, if it is not too much trouble for you. We do not want to interfere with your plans,” she said hesitantly.

“No trouble at all, I assure you.” Darcy bowed politely. His gesture—so very proper—made Elizabeth shiver. Both could see the other was distressed by the encounter.

And both recollected Darcy’s admission very clearly. “I do not hate you, Miss Bennet. Quite the opposite…”

“And here is another surprise,” Bingley said hastily. “Georgiana and Miss de Bourgh will be staying in Brighton for the summer too. Darcy will take them there! How wonderful is this? Jane will be thrilled!”