Page 70 of A Different Impression

Upon returning to Darcy House, the party enjoyed a light supper. Darcy noticed Elizabeth watching Richard and Charlotte with a small, satisfied smile. When she caught his eye, she raised one brow, silently inviting him to acknowledge what appeared to be developing between them.

Darcy took the seat beside her and stroked his thumb lightly across her hand as they observed the rest of the company. She soon leant against him, and for several pleasant minutes he nearly forgot that anyone else was present. When he looked down again, he discovered that she had fallen asleep against his shoulder.

Catching Richard’s eye, Darcy indicated that it was time for him to depart, as he could not remain beneath the same roof as so many unmarried ladies without courting gossip. Richard’s lingering glance towards Charlotte betrayed his reluctance, but he rose without protest. Darcy made their excuses before lifting his sleeping wife into his arms. Mrs Annesley understood his nod and undertook to see Richard out before guiding the ladies upstairs.

Charlotte and Jane invited Anne to join them in Charlotte’s bedchamber for a private conversation, but Anne confessed that she was too tired to remain awake much longer.

Before retiring, however, she gave Charlotte a knowing look. “Richard is not usually so reluctant to leave Darcy House. I hope he is given sufficient reason to return soon.”

Heat rushed into Charlotte’s cheeks, but Anne merely smiled and wished them goodnight.

Jane followed Charlotte into her bedchamber and remained after the maid had withdrawn. Although she did not immediately mention Anne’s observation, the amusement in her expression warned Charlotte that the subject had merely been postponed.

“Do you think Lizzy is quite well?” Jane asked instead. “She has been sleeping later than usual, and I have seen her fall asleep against Mr Darcy several times—even whilst in company. She has never done such a thing before.”

Charlotte had noticed the same changes and suspected their cause, but if she was correct, the news belonged to Elizabeth and Darcy.

“She has had a tiring winter, followed by a difficult journey and an unpleasant visit with your mother,” Charlotte said. “Perhaps we ought to persuade her to attend fewer engagements and allow us to assist with some of her responsibilities.”

Jane appeared somewhat reassured, and they discussed several ways they might ease Elizabeth’s burdens whilst in London. After a brief pause, however, Jane’s expression became teasing once more.

“And now,” she said, “what do you think of Colonel Fitzwilliam?”

Charlotte’s hands stilled in her lap. “I think he is very agreeable.”

Jane smiled. “Only agreeable?”

“A great deal more than agreeable, perhaps,” Charlotte admitted, feeling warmth rise into her cheeks once more. “He is kind and interesting—and he appears to enjoy my company.”

She had seen the colonel in Hertfordshire during the autumn, but he had then been occupied with the trouble concerning Wickham and had spent little time in society and she had missed being introduced to him. That evening, however, he had sought her conversation repeatedly. He was not so strikingly handsome as Mr Darcy, perhaps, but the warmth of his manner and the humour in his eyes made him far more approachable.

Charlotte was neither young nor foolish enough to mistake one evening’s attention for serious intention. Colonel Fitzwilliam was the son of an earl, whilst she possessed little beauty, consequence, or fortune. Nevertheless, his interest had appeared genuine, and she could not deny how deeply it had pleased her.

By the time Jane finally wished her goodnight, it was quite late. Charlotte settled into bed, but sleep did not come immediately. Against her better judgement, she found herself wondering whether Colonel Fitzwilliam would seek her company again.

CHAPTER 30

An Easter Visit to Rosings

As Easter approached, Darcy’s attention turned increasingly towards Rosings. Letters from Mr Shaw concerning the spring planting and several matters involving the tenants convinced him that his presence was required.

Ordinarily, Darcy would already have arranged his Easter visit to Kent, but Elizabeth’s condition made him hesitate. Although he briefly considered travelling alone, he had no desire to spend a se’nnight apart from her.

Lord Matlock was soon to depart for his Derbyshire estate before making the final arrangements for Lady Catherine’s removal to Ireland. Before his uncle left London, Darcy met with him to discuss Rosings.

“According to Mr Shaw, the estate is generally prospering, but several matters require my personal attention,” Darcy explained. “I intend to travel there soon, although I am uncomfortable leaving five unmarried ladies beneath my roof whilst I am away. Anne does not wish to go, and I have no intention of leaving Elizabeth in London.”

“You have Georgiana’s companion, and two of the ladies are more than five and twenty,” Matlock replied. “Your household is amply staffed, and your aunt and I can watch over them. Surely your wife would not insist upon accompanying you if the journey is unnecessary.”

“I am the one who does not wish to be parted from her,” Darcy said. “Particularly whilst she is in her present condition.”

His uncle gave him an amused look. “You have only been married a few months, so I shall forgive you. Take your wife to Rosings. Your aunt and I will ensure that the ladies at Darcy House are properly chaperoned. I do not doubt my wife will escort the elder three to every ball and party in Town whilst you are away.”

Upon returning home, Darcy explained the situation to Elizabeth. As he had hoped, she wished to accompany him, and they agreed to depart within a few days.

Later that evening, Elizabeth suggested that her father might be invited to stay at Darcy House during their absence. Jane and Kitty were both beneath their roof, and although Lord and Lady Matlock had offered to oversee the household, she thought her father ought to be present while two of his daughters remained in Town.

Darcy readily agreed, and an invitation was sent by express, informing Mr Bennet that the Darcy carriage would arrive the following morning if he was able to travel.