Hmmmm this lack of being able to see reviews is soooo frustrating. i can see the story has loads more than yesterday, but nowt from chapter 21. which is upsetting cuz i know it was a little controversial of me to put in a fist fight. not terribly common back then, at least among the gentry. (I doubt it was uncommon, but thats just IMo of human nature. but it wasnt written about much).
anyway, with a lack of insight to your opinion I cant say much. wanted to advance Henry and darcy a little. so this is what my plot bunny bounced up to!
anyway, shall we see how it goes?
if i havent said it lately. you guys rock. thanks for supporting my efforts at writing. those less impressed, you will be glad to hear it is not my day job! ;)
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Chapter 22 - Sisters are troublesome creatures sometimes.
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Henry found himself appreciating Darcy house much more on this occasion. His last visit had been overshadowed by his concern for his sister, comparatively much more worrying than concern for himself. The imposing facade had made him feel small and his mission on that occasion felt presumptuous.
This time he was an invited guest, albeit somewhat less than formally attired. He appreciated the architecture and beauty of the house. It had stood for more than a hundred years and would likely stand for over a hundred more. The location, right on the corner of Hyde park, was desirable but Henry could now appreciate that was not the main appeal for one such as Darcy.
The butler was clearly well trained! He barely showed a flicker of consternation when his master turned up with a bloodied, strange, young man. Henry limped along behind Darcy towards the study, listening in amusement mingled with awe as Darcy barked orders for tea, wine, clean water, fresh bandages and ice.
When he arrived in the study he tried to rebuff any extra help but Darcy merely pointed him towards a looking glass.
Henry looked at himself and grimaced. His left eye was swollen and puffy. A cut above the eyebrow, whilst small, clearly had bled profusely. His other injuries were no less visible but were starting to cause some pain. He winced as he felt his side, likely a bruise across his abdomen. He had been kicked in the shin also and he found himself wincing in pain whenever he put weight upon it.
He sighed, he hated fighting.
There was a knock at the door and an array of footmen brought in the various items that had been requested. After they left there was a light knock and a lady entered.
Henry startled at the vision in front of him, automatically bowing as he had been taught. The unknown lady was fair haired and had delicate features. She was tall and womanly but she moved with graceful light movements.
"Brother, What is the matter? Why are the footmen saying someone is injured..."
She trailed off as she noticed Henry, her face first flushing with embarrassment before noting the blood.
"Oh my goodness." She rushed forward and ushered Henry in to the wingback chair in-front of the fire.
She shot a look of censure at her brother "what have you been getting up to?" Whilst she reached for some cloths and began cleaning Henry's face, Darcy suddenly recollected his manners.
"Mr Bennet, might I introduce my sister, Miss Darcy? Georgiana, this is Henry Bennet. We met in Hertfordshire."
"Oh!" She beamed at Henry and his breath caught, she had been pretty before but a smile made her pulchritudinous. "You are Miss Elizabeth's brother." He frowned, shooting a look at Darcy and seeing a reciprocating dark look being shot his way.
Georgiana seemed suddenly to become sensible to the impropriety she was displaying and jumped up, hurriedly thrusting the, now bloodied, piece of linen at Henry.
"Forgive me sir, I should not be tending to your... Ah..." she whirled towards Darcy. "I am sorry for intruding, I heard about an injury and was concerned for your welfare..." she trailed off.
Henry's heart went out to her, she suddenly looked very young and uncertain. He rose and picked up a fresh piece of linen from the supply the footman had brought. "I thank you, Moss Darcy, for your care. As you can see your brother is quite well, I assure you my injuries look worse than they are. Your brother was kind enough to offer me hospitality before I must return and face my sister's concern which would likely rival yours. Except I have two at home to worry over me."
Georgiana relaxed marginally but still bobbed a quick curtesy and withdrew.
"I apologise if she seemed impetuous. She is usually very shy around strangers but seems to be roused to determination when she thinks someone is hurt."
Henry waved away Darcy's apology. "No apology needed." He looked in the mirror, most of the blood was now gone. He looked at the two pieces of linen and realised the first was a handkerchief with the initials GD embroidered. "I look much restored, I thank you."
Darcy handed him the ice, which had been wrapped. "This will help with the swelling."
Henry could not deny that the cooled bundle felt wondrous against the soreness of the bruise. When he looked up he caught Darcy looking at him intently before handing him a glass of port.
Henry took it gratefully and took a healthy gulp, the compress not leaving his face as he did so.
"I take it this is not how Angelo's club usually operates?"
Darcy smiled ruefully. "No indeed, I wonder if either of us will be welcome again."
Henry looked down "I am sorry, I should not have fought Kenton, I knew I could best him and I should have anticipated how he would react."
Darcy dropped in to the other chair "it is not for you to anticipate the reactions of others. You handled yourself well, it was him who behaved as a scoundrel."
Henry's gaze was on the window, watching the bustle of carriages passing along Mayfair.
"Will you miss town?" Darcy asked.
Henry smiled "A little. I enjoy certain aspects of town, but on the whole I suppose I am like my father. I prefer the country life." Henry frowned as he looked down "I will, no doubt, spend more time here if Jane does. Which would be no bad thing."
"Bingley often stays with me when in town, he does not own a house here, yet. Once he marries I suspect he would rather purchase an estate first. He and the future Mrs Bingley would always be welcome. The same hospitality would extend to yourself, although I appreciate your aunt and uncle may wish for your company."
Henry looked up, a little startled. "I thank you, sir." Was all he could think to say. He wondered if the offer was just the impulse of the moment, and the cynical part of him thought it likely he was trying to curry favour. His pursuit of Lizzie, however perplexing, still seemed to be ongoing. He had not missed the happy countenance of his sister on her return from the park.
"You seem to be on better terms with Elizabeth." He commented and Darcy stiffened, wondering if he was going to get another dressing down.
Henry chuckled "I see what you are thinking. My sister is perfectly capable of defending herself. If she should chuse to spend her time with you, I will not argue. My words the other night were more driven by the impression you and her were at odds."
Darcy grimaced "'Tis true, we were at odds. I am trying to improve matters."
Henry nodded, not wishing for details.
"Is it just you and your sister in your family? I am afraid I know very little of you, although I am certain my mother will have mentioned your income at one point or another."
Darcy chuckled "yes. My mother passed when I was twelve, my father about five years ago."
Henry frowned, taking another sip of his drink. "I am sorry, you would have been what two and twenty? I assume you took over the estate as well as your sister's care?"
Darcy nodded, a far-away look in his eye "Indeed, it was a difficult time."
Henry smiled "I cannot imagine. My father has been grooming me to take over the estate for many years, but he is still there to ask."
Even if he didn't feel a certain degree of gratitude, Henry was coming to realise Darcy had hidden facets to his character that were admirable. He had never given much thought to the man's responsibilities, knowing that many gentlemen did not really take them seriously. But having spent some time with him in the preceding few days, he could acknowledge that Darcy seemed to take them very seriously.
He also had to acknowledge that, without the reserve so frequently displayed in Hertfordshire, he was a very entertaining gentleman. He was knowledgable and clever and yet happy to discuss differing points of view with spirit. He would still support his sister, should she wish to discourage him, but he could not help but think he would be a good match for Lizzie. He marvelled at his own change of opinion, in such a short space of time.
On that thought he said that he should be making his way home.
"You are welcome for dinner." Darcy's immediate response.
"No, I thank you. This bruise will only deepen in colour and I might as well face the music. No doubt both Lizzie and Jane will wish to nurse me back to health, like a lad in short pants with a skinned knee."
Darcy flushed, a sudden image of Lizzie tending to his wounds in the privacy of their bedchamber flashing in front of his eyes. He turned his head, hoping the colour in his cheeks was not noticeable.
Henry rose "I thank you for your hospitality, I would comment on keeping your thoughts to yourself, but I suppose you did that." He shook his head and Darcy could have sworn he muttered something about wishing his sisters were ill favoured.
"Good luck Master Bennet." Darcy rose also
Henry sighed "Henry, please."
He grinned and clapped him on the back. "Fitzwilliam. Although my friends usually call me Darcy, or Darce."
"It's no wonder, with that mouthful as your first name!"
Darcy chuckled "Come, let us call the carriage."
The gentlemen made their way to the door.
"Are you recovered Mr Bennet?"
Henry turned, Georgiana was stood halfway up the stairs. He grinned, only sparing half a thought for how silly he likely looked. "Completely, as you can see."
Georgiana looked a little skeptical but smiled shyly at his encouragement.
Henry bowed "I thank you for your care, Miss Darcy."
Georgiana blushed and Henry grinned again.
Darcy narrowed his eyes and muttered "I can see why you wished for ill favoured sisters."
Henry chuckled and took his leave.