Page 152 of The Mistress of All & Torn

The guests prepared to leave, and Elizabeth had not exchanged a single word with Darcy. He only bowed to them and left, leaving her distressed and heavy-hearted, wondering why he came if he was determined not to speak to her—or anyone.

When Philip eventually returned to the house, he was informed of the visit and the plan that the ladies would be sea bathing the following morning. His acceptance was readily expressed, especially after his grandmother spoke most approvingly about both Anne and Georgiana.

Before changing for dinner, Elizabeth took another stroll on the beach. To her surprise, Lady Kendal joined her.

“It was lovely to receive our guests today,” Lady Kendal said. “And very considerate of them to come all this way to greet us so soon after their arrival in town.”

“Yes, very considerate.”

“You and Colonel Fitzwilliam appear to be good friends. He seems to admire you,” her ladyship continued.

“The colonel is one of the most amiable men I know and always pleasant company. He is the sort of person whose presence everybody favours.”

“I imagine he is. It is unfortunate, as a second son, he does not have the freedom to marry where he chooses,” Lady Kendal said.

Elizabeth laughed. “Indeed. I have heard him complain about that on occasion. The second son of an earl cannot possibly suffer too many restrictions though. He surely does not deserve commiseration.”

To Elizabeth’s surprise, Lady Kendal looked at her somehow discomposed. She waited for her ladyship to continue, but she said nothing, only walked further, then took Elizabeth’s arm and held it until they returned home.

∞∞∞

The following morning, soon after breakfast, the three ladies arrived in a phaeton.

Elizabeth was surprised to see Darcy riding beside them on his black stallion. He dismounted but seemed reluctant to enter the house.

“I shall not stay long. I only wished to be certain the ladies arrived safely. One of us will come in the afternoon to accompany them back,” he explained, avoiding Elizabeth’s eyes.

“Do not worry, sir, we shall take good care of them,” Lord Alveston said. “We have an army of servants who will attend to their comfort.”

Darcy bowed and replied politely, “We do not doubt the care. We wished to be sure they arrived here safely, since they refused to take a servant. My sister and Mrs Bingley both claimed to be proficient at driving a carriage.”

“We are,” Georgiana answered. “We surely do not need an escort, but we could not possibly convince my brother or Charles to allow us to come by ourselves.”

Elizabeth smiled with delight, seeing how Georgiana was growing more and more at ease, more open, more confident.

“Mr Darcy, you are more than welcome to join us,” Lord Alveston offered. “I apologise that I was not here yesterday to greet you.”

“Do not worry. We arrived unexpectedly. Unfortunately, I cannot stay today.”

Darcy’s instant rejection sounded like an understandable excuse to the others, but Elizabeth did not miss his meaning. He had no intention of staying in her company. She briefly wondered whether he would attend the dinner the next day or find a reason to decline.

“I have other business to attend to. I cannot stay unless my service is required,” Darcy continued to explain, his voice slightly softer.

“Not at all. We would simply have enjoyed your company,” the earl said.

Darcy bowed to him. “I appreciate your invitation, but as I said, I already have fixed engagements today. Thank you again for being so kind to my sister and cousin. Good day.”

Then he left, leaving Elizabeth to wonder what important engagements he might have. She followed him with her eyes as he rode off at a gallop along the beach, until he disappeared from sight through the strip of trees.

∞∞∞

The day Elizabeth spent with her two sisters and two friends was a delight, and all looked forward to repeating it. Charles arrived to fetch them later in the afternoon and, together with Jane, he repeated the invitation to dinner the following day.

“My dears, Philip and I shall be unable to attend. But I am sure Elizabeth and Mary will have a lovely time,” Lady Kendal said over refreshments.

“I hope you do not take offence,” the earl said.

“You will be dearly missed,” Jane assured them, “but of course we do not mind.”