Chapter 11 Unexpected Visitors
A note was delivered from Netherfield, Jane was ill having been caught in a downpour the previous day. Their positively occult mother had chanted for rain when Jane had been invited to Netherfield by the pernicious sisters while the gentlemen were away from home. The weather gods had answered her prayers and drenched poor Jane who had been forced my the aforementioned mother to travel on horseback...
Elizabeth bit her lip, the dreaded Mr Darcy who she had sworn to herself to avoid was residing at Netherfield but Jane was ill. A headache, fever and sore throat she had admitted to. Knowing Jane it might be worse. She always glossed over and painted everything in a favourable light.
She would have to go to Netherfield, she would just have to sneak in the kitchen door. Mrs Nichols was Mrs Hills sister, she would not mind her unorthodox entrance.
An hour later she entered the back garden of Netherfield. The circumvent route had not done her petticoat any services but she was there with the sole purpose of seeing Jane.
She kept her eyes on the ground to keep out of the slippery wet patches when her gaze was blocked by a pair of immaculate Hessian boots. She briefly considered fleeing but blew out her breath and raised her eyes to those stormy greys she was doing a lousy job at avoiding. She had no sooner decided on a cause of action when he started to emerge from thin air, everywhere she went.
A new strategy was necessary, as soon as she had seen her sister…
"Miss Bennet…"
She remembered to curtsy, a little late…
"Mr Darcy, I am here to see my sister."
"On foot?"
"As you can see… I am sorry to interrupt your stroll, Mr Darcy. I will see if I can find Mrs Nichols."
"I may escort you to your sister."
"Absolutely not, I mean, that will not be necessary. I would not dream of imposing myself upon your morning constitutional. I am familiar with Netherfield. Have a pleasant stroll, Mr Darcy!"
Elizabeth tried to hasten around his formidable figure and proceed along the trail towards the back entrance she had used to knock on when she was a child. Before she could continue her reminiscent of her childhood friend, Mrs Nichols daughter. Mr Darcy had caught up with her and offered her his arm.
"I insist! It is no inconvenience, I was heading back inside myself."
For some unexplainable reason, the encounter had made him think of his sister and the offer of his arm had come as lightning from a blue sky.
She looked stunned before she rested a dainty hand on his forearm. For a moment she had appeared like she was about to reject his second attempt.
Her hand felt like an icicle on his arm, he could feel the chill through his woollen coat. Without a thought, he lifts the cold appendix, rubs and blows on it to warm it up. Too late, he notices Elizabeth's bewildered expression. He should have remembered she is not his sister...
He releases her hand a bit abruptly and set a brisk pace towards the front entrance.
Mrs Nichols opened the door and relieved Mr Darcy's escorting duty to take her to Jane's bedroom upstairs. Unfortunately, the chamber was not empty of visitors. Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst stood at the far end of the room, lamenting on how unpleasant it was to be ill.
Elizabeth curtsied to the ladies and hastened to her sister's side while the ladies by the window exchanged horrified looks.
"Tell me, Miss Eliza, did you walk here?"
Elizabeth touched Jane's forehead, she was burning up while no one was doing anything to cool her down. There was a bowl of broth, it was cold to the touch, and a glass of water.
"I did! Miss Bingley, may I trouble you for a bowl of cold water and a cloth? My sister is very warm and needs to cool down."
"Certainly, come Louisa. Let us find a maid."
Elizabeth could have pointed out the bell pull in the chamber but she decided to let the sisters escape if they were so uncomfortable in a sickroom.
The maid they sent proved much more efficient as well. A warm bowl of broth and tea was delivered with the pitcher of cold water and the cloth.
Jane's red and glossy eyes were looking at her in gratefulness which would have to suffice. Her voice was hoarse and speaking sent her into coughing fits that made Elizabeth insist she did not attempt it.
Elizabeth spent all morning tending to her sister. At three o'clock Miss Bingley came for another visit, inquiring if Elizabeth wanted Mr Bingley's carriage to convey her home. It was decent of Miss Bingley to offer but Elizabeth politely refused. It was not her intention to inconvenience anyone with her impromptu visit. Jane, on the other hand, showed much distress at the thought of Elizabeth leaving. Miss Bingley had not much choice but to offer Miss Elizabeth to stay with her sister.
The adjoining chamber was aired and a dispatch was sent to Longbourn for the necessaries to prolong her stay.
Elizabeth expressed her gratitude, she was loathed to leave her sister in a condition much worse than the note she had written in the morning had suggested.
Miss Bingley mentioned that dinner was served at seven and left the two sisters to themselves.
Elizabeth was famished but had to wait a few hours more. She had had a light breakfast, many hours ago and had not wanted to inconvenience anyone but the maid that occasionally looked in on them had heard her stomach rumble and brought a cup of tea and a tray of biscuits. Elizabeth was mortified but ate the offerings, not too proud to starve…
Jane finally fell asleep around six. The tinctures provided by the apothecary, Mr Johnson, gave her relief enough to be comfortable. It had come with a messenger as Mr Johnson had not had any with him when he visited in the morning.
Elizabeth's fresh gowns had arrived as well. She was grateful she needed not to venture down to the dining room with muddy petticoats.
XxX
There were two dining rooms at Netherfield. One large one for formal dining and one smaller one referred to as the breakfast room that would suit the current numbers of guests. Elizabeth guessed they would soup in the latter. A more intimate setting among a small group of friends.
She was wrong, the breakfast room was not only empty of occupants but the room bore no indications of being in use. She turned and headed down the hallway, to the opposite wing of the house where the supper must surely commence. She passed the billiard room where angry voices travelled through the open door.
"Why have you come? You are not welcome here!"
"I know, I have no intention of staying. I have enlisted in the Derbyshire militia stationed here in Meryton. I have a friend there, Captain Denny, Sir Llewellyn's second son. They were in need of more men and I was in need of an occupation. I have not been able to find myself a living. You know as well as I that those are usually kept within the family and if there are no younger sons, they all have friends or more distant relations to provide for.
However, I had hoped you would welcome Georgiana, the Bingleys are her friends too. Miss Bingley seemed very pleased at the thought of entertaining Georgiana. I would not like for her to live at the encampment…"
"Neither would I which is why I had envisioned a very different husband for my sister or better yet, no husband at all."
"You would keep her at home with you forever? She is a woman, Darcy. No woman wants to be the spinster sister living at home tending for their taciturn brother. She deserves a home of her own, a husband and children."
"She could have had that had she waited until she was an adult."
"She is six and ten now, Darcy. Not exactly a child."
"Not exactly an adult either."
"What are you suggesting, Darcy? That I am a cradle robber? I could call you out for questioning my honour."
Elizabeth should really not be listening but afraid that her footfalls would alert them to her presence, she tiptoed away but not quickly enough to escape eavesdropping on their conversation. Both what they had confessed and what they were about to announce.
"You will never have one penny of her inheritance."
"I will never ask for it. Come now Darcy, I have some pride although not as much as you. I want to provide for my wife myself. She is an angel, never complaining but you must know I can never provide what she was used to from home. Very few men in England could."
"I do not believe you."
"Have I ever asked you for her rightful inheritance?"
"No, but I suspect that is part of your scheme to make me part with it. As I have mentioned before, her inheritance is tied up and out of reach."
"We both know that if her dowry is not paid out the funds will resort back to the estate. We also know that you could easily raise the money from somewhere else and pay Georgiana what is her due but I have no intention of quarrelling with you about finances. I wanted to know if Georgiana would be welcome to stay with her friends without you making it difficult for her. If I cannot have your word, I will bring her with me."
"That sounds like a threat."
"Perceive it any way you like, I have no authority over you."
Elizabeth rounded the corner and hastened the rest of the way to the formal dining room. None of the Netherfield residents was there yet but at least there were footmen milling about, readying the room for the dinner guests, proving she had come to the right location.
She stood indecisive on the threshold. The meal had become even more complicated with the arrival of the Wickhams. They had left her to fend for herself at Gretna Green, her feelings towards the both of them were not favourable but she acknowledged that with their greater knowledge of Mr Darcy, they probably knew he would not abandon her. Newlyweds generally did not want company on their honeymoon unless it was a particularly distasteful match where the bride preferred to be chaperoned by a sister or another close relative, even after she was wed...
Miss Bingley and Mrs Wickham must still be in the parlour but Elizabeth was not desirous of joining them. If she had not been so famished, she would have hastened back to Jane's room and hidden there until she could get a carriage from Longbourn. The chance of that was slim to none though, she begrudgingly acknowledged, with a matchmaking mother who had an illicit agenda…
What were the chances no one would notice her presence at dinner? Even less...
This was ridiculous! It would be an uncomfortable reunion of which she had experienced before. Neither of them mattered in her life. If they all despised her, she would think no more of it. She had made her excuses, repented her ill-judged actions and was moving forward. She entered the room and decided to wait on the other occupants. She walked to the window as not to get in the way of the busy footmen and gazed longingly into the darkened garden. Even a pitch-black picnic in the snippy autumn air sounded preferable. She immediately conjectured the horror that would have suffused Miss Bingley's countenance should she dare make such a suggestion. It lifted her spirit and put a smile back in her expression. The window was rather drafty, she hugged herself to keep warm.
XxX
Would this travesty never end? Darcy wanted nothing more than to toss the blaggard out on his sorry arse but it was not his place, unfortunately. Even Bingley might take umbrage against that kind of liberty taken with his responsibilities.
He regarded the man in front of him, half a head shorter with stubble shadowing his jaws. He never could get the hang of shaving himself.
His hair, curly and unruly hanging below his ears. He wore a gentleman's attire but it was not the most current fashion and his sleeves looked like they had been mended. Wickham met his gaze unflinchingly with a crevice between his brows. He always had this stubborn streak that would not let him obey at the will of others.
He was the exact opposite of what he had wanted from his sister husband.
He was too old, too low born, too reckless, too selfish and he took too little responsibility for his own actions.
Although he had received some shiners at Cambridge... For unpaid gambling debts, mostly. There had been the incident, kissing Lord Braithwaite's sister which had resulted in a thorough beating but usually, he got away with just about anything. People liked him because he was entertaining company and could charm his way out of the scrapes he obviously deserved.
Wickham took his watch out of his pocket, the one his father had given him on his eighteenth birthday. He was surprised it had not ended up in a pawn shop somewhere in town.
It was valuable and had been new and shiny when he got it. A solid gold watch made by Camerer Cuss and co on New Oxford Street in London. Darcy had received a watch as well when he turned eighteen. A Darcy heirloom after his grandfather. Not as shiny but made by the revered watchmaker Thomas Tompion with a case made by Nathaniel Delander. It was about a hundred and thirty years old.
"It seems we have exhausted our topic, shall we join the ladies?" Mr Wickham's countenance lit up at the mere thought of reuniting with his wife. No doubt eager to be relieved of his dreary company.
"After you," he gestured for Wickham to proceed him. He was not a man he preferred to turn his back on.
They continued down the hall and the busy footmen made it easy to locate the dining room for the unfamiliar Wickham. The room seemed empty at first, before he noticed a lady was standing quietly, gazing out the window. Wickham noticed her as well.
"Miss Bennet, what a surprise to see you here..."
The lady turned and let hands drop to her sides before she gave them a quick curtsy.
"Mr Wickham... Mr Darcy!"
Did he imagining it or was her tone softer whilst speaking his name? Of course, she must still be upset the Wickhams left her to fend for herself at Gretna Green.
The others were hot on their heels. Miss Bingley's voice was of a nature that carried. She entered with Georgiana and the rest of their party. Georgiana made an unladylike squeal and hastened across the room.
"Elizabeth!"
Elizabeth curtsied but did not quite reciprocate the hug Georgiana pulled her into. He took offence to that. It was not Georgiana's fault that she had been taken in by a practised seducer. She should aim her reservations towards the culprit rather than the victim.
"I had not expected to see you, what a delightful surprise," Georgiana gushed. Oblivious to a slightly chilly reception from Elizabeth.
"My sister has taken ill, I am here to nurse her back to health."
"Dear Georgiana, you must come here and sit by me at the dinner table. I cannot possibly survive the deprivation of your company so soon after we have reunited."
Miss Bingley linked her arm with Georgiana and practically dragged her to her end of the table. Elizabeth redeemed herself with giving Georgiana an assuring smile as she was led away. Mr Wickham was given the same fate as his wife. Miss Bingley's talons were long and efficient. He was promptly placed on her other side, opposite of Georgiana. Bingley sat at the other end and Darcy placed himself at his side with Louisa opposite him. Hurst sat next to his wife leaving Elizabeth in the middle of the table with no one opposite her and Mr Hurst for company. Wickham was quite a few places down the line and was being held captive by a very persistent Miss Bingley, tenacious to know all their goings-on. He listened with one ear and heard her insist that Georgiana should stay at Netherfield until Wickham had secured better accommodations for them which he knew would be never. He could have interjected but that would send his sister living in a tent with winter approaching. He could not do it... Instead, he kept silent and was relieved to hear Wickham refusing the same service. He needed to be with his soldiers. He had bought a captains commission since he had actual war experience and that was what the militia needed. Someone of understanding to train the young recruits. He had spent his last funds on securing it, now he needed to advance swiftly into a Colonel's rank which would yield enough to keep a wife...
Miss Elizabeth was awfully quiet he noticed. She sat ramrod straight, eating her soup but did not converse with anyone. She had not the most loquacious of table partners, not after the food had arrived, but he had not thought she had it in her. She seemed to always be on the move or at least putting her wit to test the wherewithal of her friends... Of course, she had no friends here, not apart from Georgiana and she was occupied with their hostess. It would be rude to interrupt.
"Pray, Miss Elizabeth. Are your sister any better?"
"I am afraid not, Mr Bingley. She was sleeping after Mr Johnson's tinctures arrived but her fever is still very high."
"Perhaps I should send for my physician in town..."
"You are very kind, Mr Bingley but I hope it will not be necessary. Perhaps, the fever will break during the night as it often does."
"Please, keep me informed, Miss Elizabeth. I will defer to your greater knowledge but do not hesitate to ask anything that may be needed. I and my staff are at your disposal."
Elizabeth smiled a grateful smile to Mr Bingley while his sister tried to send him an irritated look from across the table. Bingley did not notice though. He had fallen into uncharacteristically quiet contemplation, obviously thinking of his angel.
XxX
Elizabeth wanted to excuse herself as soon as propriety would allow. Though it would not be seemly to do so until she had spent a little time with her friend who had conveniently had forgotten the discord between them at Gretna Green where they had discovered that they saw several issues in very different lights.
The ladies had adjourned to the music room to leave the gentlemen to their port and cigars.
Georgiana had begged her for a duet they had used to practise at Ramsgate. Elizabeth acquiesced as she reckoned it as an adequate punishment for her folly, exhibiting her meagre talents in front of those who must be accustomed to the best performers town had to offer.
Unfortunately, it earned her the disapprobation of their hostess who did not willingly give up her exclusivity on Georgiana. She was quick to insinuate herself between them as soon as their duet hit the final note. Elizabeth did not mind, the gentlemen entered sans Mr Wickham, allowing her to seat herself in the background. A game of cards was agreed upon by all but Elizabeth who declined. She needed to see to Jane soon and settled with a book.
"Prefer reading to cards, do you? How singular..." Mr Hurst made his only comment of the evening.
"Miss Eliza is a great reader and prefers it over everything else. Hazards of being raised without a governess or any formal education. None of the Bennets was. Jane, told me before she took ill," Miss Bingley remarked none to subtly.
Elizabeth bit her lip to keep herself from retorting and tried valiantly to focus on the words floating on the pages in no distinguishable pattern. A fine education was simply not enough to turn you into a decent human being it would seem but she was not about to voice that opinion out loud.
Miss Bingley paid next to no attention to her cards. She was more concerned with telling everyone about Georgiana's many stellar accomplishments. It was not strictly necessary as there was no one present that did not know Georgiana and it made the object of her admiration uncomfortable.
A potent and unsettling ambience had descended upon the Netherfield party. When it erupted, Elizabeth would prefer not to be near. She closed her book and excused herself by her need to look in on her sister. Bingley sent his regards to Jane and Elizabeth smiled, nodded and left.
Hurried steps followed her progress towards the stairs. She halted and turned slowly to see who had followed her.
"Do not dare judge me, Elizabeth!"
"I am not, Georgiana, my judging days are over after I discovered how little I actually knew."
"You have been so quiet this evening. I thought you did not approve of me."
Elizabeth wanted to say that not everything revolved around her but she opted for a pardon.
"I am sorry you felt neglected, Georgiana. My mind is somewhat occupied by my sister's illness. I promise to be more attentive tomorrow but I have to see my sister now. I have been gone for too long already..."
"Yes, of course, I am glad we are still friends, Elizabeth. We had a lot of fun in Ramsgate, did we not?"
"Yes, it was a pleasant time. Excuse me..."
Elizabeth curtsied and hurried up the stairs. Jane was awake when she entered the room but not at all well. Elizabeth cursed herself for taking so long to return. The dinner had been far from pleasant with the Darcy siblings on tenterhooks. Not that she blamed them but Mr Darcy's clandestine glances in his sister's direction combined with Mrs Wickham's blatant ignorance had been painful to watch.
The fever was raging and Jane was burning up. She diligently applied the cold cloth to her brow for several hours, until early morning when the fever lost its fierce grip and Jane fell into a deep, restful sleep.
XxX
Georgiana was actively avoiding him, it could be no two minds about it. She had been up uncommonly early and breakfasted before him, it was practically unheard of. He could not remember it ever happening before. She was out, Bingley's footman had informed him, strolling the garden. Something in his gut told him she might not be alone.
With determined strides, he exited the French doors in the parlour, not bothering to fetch his greatcoat.
He was right, voices carried in the quiet October morning. By the direction of the voices, he guessed the rose garden which turned out to be correct.
Wickham was leaning casually upon an arbour while Georgiana stood before him, chatting away. Wickham lifted his hand and stroked her cheek. The look in his eyes gave Darcy pause.
Unfortunately, he trod on a twig. Alerting the newlyweds of his presence.
"I believe my cue for departing has just come upon us. Gooday, Georgiana, I will be back for supper."
"Must you?"
"Yes, I must."
Wickham gave Darcy a quick nod and smiled to Georgiana before he walked away.
Darcy was left, staring after him, conjecturing all the vile things he would like to do to the reprobate. Punch him, flog him, dip him in honey and tie him to an anthill...
If he thought Georgiana would ever speak to him again after he had performed all three, he would not hesitate. The certainty that it would drive his sister further away was the only thing holding him back. He needed her to see reason before he acted in any shape or form but how? Stealing a glance in her direction, he could see the firm set of her jaw. She was expecting an attack, he had to be wise or she would not listen to him but what to say? What could possibly convince a young woman in love to abandon the husband of her own choice?
How did one rescue someone who had no wish to be saved?
Lord Matlock could probably get Wickham to disappear but Mr Darcy wanted no blood on his hands, not even Wickham's.
Perhaps damage control was the best he could do...
"How did you enjoy London?"
"It was fine."
Great more than a monosyllabic answer. Perhaps he should just leave her be and wait until she came to him.
"I know Richard is back from Spain."
"Yes, he visited Pemberley."
"I thought he was in London."
"He is now, we travelled South together."
"Have you spoken to him about my dowry? Does he refuse to sign the settlement?"
"I do not know. I have not broached the subject. Uncle came as well, you can imagine his sentiments. He wants the marriage annulled."
"There is no ground for an annulment."
"There is, you did not have the consent of your guardians and the anvil marriage is difficult to prove. He has several options he is looking into, Georgiana. You could not possibly have thought you would encounter no resistance once the deed was done."
"I expected resistance but I did not believe a legal marriage, fully consummated could be made void."
"Not void exactly but you could choose separate bed and board or pretend the wedding did not happen at all."
"I thought you abhorred disguise."
"I do."
"You should know it is too late. We have been to the theatre and the Vauxhall gardens where we encountered several people known to you."
Darcy could not stifle the groan. She was right. Too much time had passed and too many people knew about the marriage. Georgiana could be with child.
He harboured no illusions she would agree to a swift clandestine journey to Scotland if that should be the case.
Utterly defeated, he turned back to the house and the sanctity of his chamber. He needed to think... Mayhap a hard ride on Swiftsilver would prove more productive than hiding in his room. He was too distraught to change his attire. Instead, he veered towards the stable and ordered his steed saddled.
XxX
Elizabeth was late for breakfast, only Georgiana was present when she entered.
The ambience between them was awkward at best. Elizabeth tried to think of something to say to break the ice. Chances were they would have to get along for a day or two more. Jane was a little bit better but by no means ready to be moved. She had frightened her the previous night, the brittle improvement she would not challenge by subjecting her sister to a cold ride in the carriage.
"How was London?" Elizabeth inquired nonchalantly whilst sipping her tea.
Georgiana looked at her strangely, like she had asked a particularly worrisome question.
"A bit boring, to be frank. George was out most of the day, trying to find employment. I had not thought it would be so much trouble finding a vacant rectory. We lived in Mrs Young's a boarding house on Edward street, not a fashionable area of town... Too close to Cheapside and the New Gate prison. I worried constantly that an escaped prisoner would come barging into my room and steal all my valuables."
"That must have been distressing," Elizabeth muttered while her mind riled with the information. "Did you say Mrs Young owns a boarding house?"
"Yes, but it is not much to boast about. It was rundown and the location, as I mentioned, left much to be desired."
"But... If she owns a boarding house, why would she need an occupation?" The words left Elizabeth's mouth before she had the wherewithal to stop them.
"I very much doubt she earns much. Perhaps she has debts, I do not know. By the state of the building and her other guests, I guess it cannot be much."
"I am sorry to hear you did not enjoy London."
"It was not all bad. We went to the theatre once and visited the Vauxhall pleasure garden but not much else. As I said, George was much occupied and did not have time for the more pleasurable pursuits. He was lucky to run into Captain Denny who offered him the position of Captain in the militia. Does he not look dashing in his red coat? He is so smart, he will rise to a Colonel in no time and then he will find us a home.
I have not given up hope to receive my dowry though. My brother has an ingrained sense of justice, he will come around when his ire has settled."
Elizabeth was not so sure... He had been angry at Gretna Green but she believed he felt more grieved at the moment. Not that she knew his thoughts or feeling but Mr Darcy did not come across as furious. Bereft was a more apt description.
"You have the superior knowledge of your brother. Speaking of siblings, I must get back to my sister. Have a pleasant day, Georgiana."
Elizabeth curtsied and hurried back to her sister with a lot on her mind.
XxX
Elizabeth contemplated sending for her mother but decided against it. Jane was not well enough to get out of bed to travel the short distance home and she was certain her mother would insist she should stay as long as possible to secure Mr Bingley.
There was enough tension in the house to spare the residents an even bigger onslaught of Bennets. She did not venture down again until it was time for supper. Her mother had been foresighted and added Elizabeth's best evening gown. It was the same gown she had worn to Dr Livingstone's dinner party. The irony did not escape her...
After ensuring Jane was comfortably settled with a maid, Elizabeth joined the other residents of Netherfield, in the parlour in anticipation of dinner.
Mr Wickham had joined his wife, sending Mr Darcy to a window to gaze unseeingly into the garden. His bearing was stiff and uncomfortable. How he must suffer...
Elizabeth felt her chest constricts just by the thought.
Dinner was announced, Miss Bingley had exhausted the topic of Georgiana and her new husband. She latched on to Mr Darcy's arm when they removed to the dining room. Bingley sensed the discord between the Darcy siblings and offered Georgiana his arm, urging Mr Wickham to join him on his other side. He offered his arm to Louisa, leaving it to Mr Hurst to escort Elizabeth.
Mr Wickham was universally charming man, he had Mr Bingley and Louisa eating out of the palm of his hand no matter how much Mr Bingley tried to resist. He felt some compassion towards his friend who had lost his sister to a man a lot sooner than he would have liked but Mr Wickham was delightfully entertaining. He regaled the entire table with the antics of the recruits he was training to become fearsome warriors. They sounded more like a litter of misbehaved puppies...
"How is your sister, Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy's deep baritone jolted Elizabeth out of her reveries and a lovely smile spread on her countenance.
"A little bit better, I believe. I hope she will be able to join our little party for a spell this evening after dinner."
"I am relieved to hear it," the gentleman replied.
"Mr Darcy, what good news. We shall soon have our house to our selves." Miss Bingley whispered loudly enough for the entire table to be made aware of her sentiments.
"It is hardly my house, Miss Bingley. Please, inform me if I have overstayed my welcome."
Miss Bingley used the rest of the meal to gush over Mr Darcy to inform him of how welcome his presence was at Netherfield. Elizabeth was left with the exact opposite impression. It was time to call for her mother but rather than ask her to send the carriage, she invited her to come and gauge Jane's condition for herself. That should make sure there was a carriage to convey them home on the morrow. Mrs Bennet had sent a note with her garments, instructing her to stay for at least a full week but Elizabeth had no such intentions.
"How intriguing, Mr Wickham. You must tell us about your experiences in the war."
"I hardly think that is a subject for delicate ladies, Mrs Hurst," Wickham demurred.
He managed to look contrite, bowing his head with a slightly crooked smile grazing his lips. He knew how to work the ladies, Elizabeth thought wryly. Unaware she was frowning.
As soon as the meal finished, Elizabeth collected her sister from her chamber. Wrapped in a shawl, Jane managed to reach the parlour and situate herself close to the fire. Bingley was there within a blink of an eye, making sure that Jane was a comfortable as possible. Mr and Mrs Hurst sat at the card table with the Wickham's. Darcy sat in a corner, reading his book with Miss Bingley hovering above him, trying to read over his shoulder. Mr Darcy tried to feign ignorance at her presence but the stiffness in his bearing belied his success. Had this been two months prior, Elizabeth would have rejoiced at his uncomfortable posture. Now, she took no pleasure in it and closed her book.
"Will you take a turn around the room with me, Miss Bingley. I find it refreshing after sitting so long in one altitude..."
Miss Bingley looked bewildered but noticing Mr Darcy's attentions had been alerted, she took Elizabeth's offered arm and sauntered beside her.
"Will you not join us, Mr Darcy?"
"No, I thank you. You can only have two motives and I will interfere with either."
"What can he mean, do you understand him?" Miss Bingley asked Elizabeth with a smirk on her countenance.
"By no means, Miss Bingley but I am certain he means to be severe on us. It would be best to ask him nothing about it."
"Oh, do tell us what you mean, Mr Darcy."
Elizabeth had smiled to take the edge of her words but Miss Bingley had not noticed. Mr Darcy had and a flash of mischief wracked his stoic mind. He could be charming and work the ladies when he set his mind to it. Wickham was not the only one with affable qualities.
"I am happy to oblige you, Miss Bingley. I believe that either you are in each other's confidence or... You are conscious of your figures appear to the greatest advantage by walking. If it is the first, and I will get in your way. If it is the second, I can admire you much better from here."
Mr Darcy regarded them steadily whilst Mr Bingley chuckled at his jest. Elizabeth thought that if had he known her treacherous thoughts, he would not have taunted her so. He must think as little of her as he did of Miss Bingley or worse if she was being honest.
"I am all astonishment! How shall we punish such a speech?"
"Punish, Miss Bingley? I am of no mind of ruining a flattering compliment by giving out penalties. He will be sufficiently aggrieved when we shower him with our undying devotion."
"Miss Elizabeth, he cannot possibly have meant you."
"I am inclined to agree with you, Miss Bingley. I have not your fashionable style, nor air and manner of walking."
Miss Bingley preened and smiled coquettishly at Mr Darcy who looked a tad red in his cheeks. Elizabeth was right, he was not one to throw thinly veiled bawdy remarks with any resemblance of equilibrium. Miss Bingley, however, chose to discern what flattered herself the most. Although Elizabeth by no means had paid her any compliments. Miss Bingley's ostentatious style, supercilious air and studied manner of walking was not something she strived to achieve for herself.