Chapter 12 - A Second Meeting
AN: I must humbly apologise for the long delay. RL got in the way. Moving house took up more of my time and energy than I anticipated. However, on with the show.
"I have to say," Colonel Fitzwilliam teased as they mounted their horses to leave Hunsford parsonage, "I am prodigiously proud of you, Darcy."
For Darcy's part, he offered a scowl in answer. When Colonel Fitzwilliam refused to elucidate, he almost barked, "why!" before awaiting his cousin's witty reply.
"I have seen you with many a young lady before, my friend," Richard smirked ironically. "You either cut them to ribbons or become shy around those you do not know very well. On both occasions, you take on a formidable façade leaving only the battle-hardened to attempt taking your likeness. Even they are cautious when attempting to form any sort of attachment."
"And this is your assessment of my current situation," Darcy asked sardonically.
"Not at all," Richard stated, sobering to give his cousin a long, calculating look. "You took my advice and managed to place two sentences together on more than one occasion. I believed Miss Bennet's astonishment at this feat to be complete. You even managed to invite her party to tea or dine at Pemberley when they venture to the North Country, all without ceremony. You might just be truly worthy of the young lady for she is everything you stated and very possibly much more besides."
"Thank you," Darcy growled, digging his heal into his horse.
The animal took off at a canter with his master's sudden need to expunge the emotions roiling within him. Unfortunately, Darcy didn't count on his cousin's superb horsemanship. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam had as good a seat as any man, especially under trying situations. Easily catching up, the military officer kept the grin on his face but said nothing. Finally, Darcy slowed his horse to a walk and started back towards the stables at Rosings.
"What," Darcy's tempter erupted at the continued amusement the Colonel displayed. He couldn't understand either his emotions or Fitzwilliam's laughter, after all the meeting with Miss Elizabeth had gone better than he'd hoped. Darcy also noted that Mrs. Collins seemed far too sensible woman for her imprudent husband. Mrs. Collins, much to Darcy's delight, ensured he and Colonel Fitzwilliam had uninterrupted time with Miss Elizabeth. Indeed, Charlotte appeared to encourage the acquaintance. The party became so lost in conversation about Derbyshire, the gentlemen almost stayed beyond the socially acceptable half hour. At the end, even Miss Bennet relaxed enough to regain her sparkling eyes and wit.
"You tell me," Richard shrugged his shoulder. They had played together as boys and he knew this to be the best way to combat Darcy's over inflated sense of propriety.
Glowering, the Master of Pemberley decided to ignore the state of affairs with Miss Elizabeth for the moment. He needed to think about his next move. Hopefully by the morrow he would have some idea of what to do in regard to that situation. Usually, Darcy found sleeping on a problem served him well.
"We are here to survey Rosings Park," Darcy told his cousin curtly. "Did you notice the lack of drainage in the southeast paddock? Something must be done before the next rains."
"So, we are playing this game," Richard smirked. "Back to the devils lair it is then."
~ooOOoo~~
"My Dear," Charlotte pounced the moment the gentlemen left and the tea tray had been removed. Allowing an expression of concern to cover her face she glanced at the clock. "Look at the time. You have a meeting with Lady Catherine at three O'clock. You scarce have time to walk to Rosings!" As the man hurried out of the room, Mrs. Collin's called, "do not forget your sermon for Sunday. Your esteemed patroness will be most displeased."
"So, Lizzy," Charlotte came to sit in the place Colonel Fitzwilliam occupied until a few minutes previously. She had waited until her husband's backside disappeared down the lane and Maria left the room before interrogating Elizabeth. "What do you think of Mr. Darcy now?"
"I am all astonishment," Elizabeth commented, still unsure how to take this open, artless Mr. Darcy. I am so astounded my usual wit and ability to tease quite abandoned me. Why did he invite my relatives to visit Pemberley? I do not understand the man or what he hopes to achieve by a closer acquaintance.
"What can be the meaning of this visit?" Charlotte remarked with a sly smile. Surely Elizabeth knew or at least suspected Mr. Darcy's regard for her. Mrs. Collins continued her inquisition in a way her friend might begin to consider her point of view. "My dear Eliza, he must be in love with you or he would never have called on us in this familiar way. Did you not notice Colonel Fitzwilliam's behaviour? He aided his cousin in his object. I believe he does not oppose an attachment."
"No, Charlotte," pursing her lips, Elizabeth couldn't credit her friend's assertions, "you must be mistaken. Why would a man of wealth and consequence, who could attract any woman, prefer an unconnected, penniless country girl? Besides, Mr. Darcy is to marry Miss de Bourgh. Should you assume I encourage his attentions, nothing could be further from the truth."
"Then let us observe the gentlemen's behaviour while they are in Kent. I believe we shall enjoy any number of visits," Charlotte said with determination. She knew when to leave a subject alone and let that be the end of it, for the time being.
"Do you mind if I go for a walk," Lizzy asked, needing to be alone with her thoughts. Much of what occurred in the last half hour unsettled her.
"Dinner will be served at five O'clock," Charlotte stated, picking up her embroidery carelessly.
The next afternoon brought the gentleman callers once again, just as Charlotte suspected. Determined to be more herself, Elizabeth prepared to speak to Mr. Darcy despite the unease she still felt. While she'd admired Mr. Wickham before discovering his true character, that acquaintance been the closest she'd ever come to believing herself capable of love. Oh, there had been several eligible gentlemen in Hertfordshire but she'd known them all her life. In that respect, her society was indeed confined and unvarying. It also became the reason neither she nor Jane had the inclination to marry.
"Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam," Lizzy curtseyed. "What brings you back so soon? Did you miss Mr. Collins praise on the amount of work your Aunt Catherine has done to the parsonage?"
Wild eyed, Darcy's nasal passages flared. Glaring, his gaze could wound with its hardness. Opening his mouth, Miss Bennet could almost see the cutting rebuke about to pour forth. Understanding she'd gone too far, only the smiling eyes of Colonel Fitzwilliam gave her the courage to continue.
"Oh, you must not mistake me, Sir. My cousin is a most appreciative recipient of Lady Catherine's condescension," Elizabeth added quickly, but with a sparkle in her deep brown orbs to lighten the unintentional insult. "I believe she could not have bestowed her kindness on a more welcoming individual."
"Yes," Richard found it difficult to hold back his amusement, or the wide smile that graced his lips, "I believe they are well matched in many respects."
"I am afraid we will have to do without Mr. Collins conversation," Charlotte interrupted. She'd returned from ordering tea and only caught the last exchange. "He has gone to speak with one of the parishioners and will not return for some time."
"I understand we are invited to dine at Rosing tonight," Lizzy commented, her eyes straying to Mr. Darcy for his reaction. Although she did not know what she hoped to achieve by the action.
"I hope you are correct," Richard replied, "for I shall enjoy the evening prodigiously if that is the case."
"May we hear you play, Miss Bennet," Darcy finally found his voice.
While he might agree with Miss Bennet's summation of both his aunt and her rector, he would never make fun of either. The thought reminded Darcy of the poker and where his cousin stated it sat within his person. He also recalled what he should be doing with said instrument. It was time to actually speak with the object of his affections and engage her wit, for that was what attracted his attention as they came to know each other in Hertfordshire.
"That," Lizzy smiled brightly, glad the serious demeanour dropped from Mr. Darcy, "will depend on your Aunt. I believe little escapes her notice or is achieved without her permission."
"Indeed, Miss Bennet," Darcy frowned, suddenly seeing Lady Catherine thought another's eyes and not liking the result, "then we will have to bring it to her attention after dinner."
"Indeed, we will," Richard agreed. "Do you or your sister play Mrs. Collins?"
Maria appeared terrified and unable to utter a word. Smiling to put the young lady at ease, Colonel Fitzwilliam moved further into the room. Sitting by Charlotte he gave Darcy free reign to engage Elizabeth in a private tête-à-tête. The slight grin on Mrs. Collins lips stated she understood and appreciated his interference.
"Are you enjoying your stay in Kent, Miss Bennet?" Darcy asked, deliberately moving the conversation away from his Aunt.
"Yes, very much," Lizzy looked at the man curiously. Wanting him to show the easy conversationalist of yesterday, she waited for his next words.
"My cousin and I come for a month over Easter each year," Darcy explained, not quite able to meet her twinkling eyes. He knew she played with him, almost demanding he carry the conversation. Once again Richard's advice on the way to Rosing entered his mind. How is Miss Elizabeth to know me if I do not show myself.
"Oh," Lizzy encouraged.
"My Uncle, Sir Lewis, passed twelve years ago, leaving the management of the estate in the guardianship of my esteemed father," Darcy commented.
"And now you," Lizzy's eyes softened at the thought of all that responsibility, "by default."
"Yes," Darcy stated his expression hardening. He did not want her to feel sorry for him.
"I had not realised the extent of your duties, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth bit her lip. "Pemberley, I understood from our conversation yesterday, is a very large estate. I have walked many of the paths through the woods and hills in my time here. Rosings appears to be quite grand. To all this you also have the care and education of your much younger sister. It must be quite a burden."
"That is not all," he commented, feeling her soft eyes on him. Elizabeth did not expect an answer; indeed, she did not pry into his wealth or connections with her words. The woman before him saw instead, the constraints on his time and energy. Few bothered to look beneath the outward show of societies trappings to the man beneath. "I do not advertise my patronage of trade. I am a partner in many businesses both here and in the colonies."
"I have only just learnt of the amount of trade from those far-flung nations," Elizabeth commented, thankful for Mrs. Woodward's tutelage. "I had not realised England's dependence on the colonies. I find myself intrigued by the situation and wishing to learn more about the world."
"Oh," Darcy looked surprised a woman would know or care about where her cloth and other goods came from.
"Have you been to the continent, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth asked, both amused by his expression and confession. "Or further afield? I understand many young Gentlemen take a tour after completing their education."
"I am afraid not," Darcy's arrogance returned. He had to work to curb his normal behaviour. "I entrust much of my estates daily running to my stewards under my direction. Yet, there are many matters that require personal attention, if my lands are to prosper. So far, such attention has served me well. I confess, I did not feel the need for a tour after graduating from Cambridge as many of my peers did."
What he could not bring himself to say, his esteemed father took ill in Darcy's last year at Cambridge. After completing his studies, he'd returned to Pemberley. Less than one year later, Fitzwilliam Darcy took over the management of the estate as the new master. It had been a dark time in his life, learning to cope with his new responsibilities while grieving for the loss of his only parent.
"With the current situation in France," Lizzy allowed her sparkling eyes to demonstrate her teasing, "a tour would be rather difficult."
"You are laughing at me!" Darcy declared, infuriated yet, conversely, charmed that she dared to do so.
"In deed I am, Mr. Darcy and I cannot say I am sorry. We once discussed this very topic at Netherfield," Elizabeth reminded him, tongue in cheek. Yet, in the back of his eyes she noted a new expression. It puzzled and intrigued her. Lizzy determined to get to the bottom of it.
"I well remember," he glowered, attempting to rein in his temper. Darcy wondered how to continue the conversation as Miss Bennet's wit often tended to initiate his ill humour. They had been discussing far flung nations, which prompted him to enquire, "are you interested in traveling the world, Miss Bennet, or just touring England?'
"I am interested in a great many things, Mr. Darcy," Lizzy answered, a furrow in her brow as she finally worked out the emotions lurking in the back of his mind, "but I see this conversation distresses you.'
"I believe I would have enjoyed a tour after my studies, Miss Bennet," Darcy found his lips moving of their own accord. "Circumstances…"
Then Elizabeth remembered much of the gossip. Hertfordshire had abounded with news of Mr. Darcy in the moments after he entered the Meryton Assembly rooms last September. His worth, his connections and his single status were openly discussed by matchmaking mamas. Mr. Darcy was the master of his estate at such a young age, making him eminently eligible.
"You loved your father very much," Elizabeth almost whispered as she realised the memories her words evoked. "I am sorry for your loss, Mr. Darcy. I cannot imagine life without my Papa."
"Thank you," he stated, a flint like expression clouding his eyes. Emotions still assaulted him to this day forcing his mind to retreat behind a stoic façade so others would not witness his sense of loss and grief.
"Let us talk of pleasanter things. After you left Netherfield," Elizabeth's cheeks coloured at the reminder of his rapid and still unexplained departure, "Mr. Wickham also left, although how is still under conjecture. I must thank you for your warning and exposing his character. All of Hertfordshire is talking of his misdeeds which would not have come to light for some time without your timely advice."
"I am glad I could be of service," Mr. Darcy gave her a curious look.
"Apart from my dear friend Charlotte marrying, there have been several changes in the neighbourhood. My father decided we needed a companion," Elisabeth continued "and hired a gentlewoman. Mrs. Woodward came to us before Christmas. She travelled the world before settling in England. She told me many tales of her voyages at the side of her husband and the unfortunate events leading to her tenure at Longbourn. Captain Woodward was lost at sea last September."
"Would that be Captain Benjamin Woodward" Darcy looked shocked.
"I believe so," Lizzy replied. "Do you know of Captain Woodward?"
"He is Fitzwilliam's cousin once removed," Darcy responded. "I have never met Mrs. Woodward, but the match was considered eligible for the youngest son forced to take up an occupation. Her husband was a very good man."
They fell into an awkward silence. Elizabeth, for her part, suddenly felt the comment sting. As a daughter of a gentleman with his estate entailed on Mr. Collins, she might end up in a worse situation than Mrs. Woodward. A notion that was becoming clearer as Lizzy learnt about the world around her.
Noticing the sudden stiffness between Darcy and Elizabeth, Richard finished his conversation Mrs. Collins. Standing, he prepared to leave. Signalling to his cousin, Darcy delivered his Aunt's official invitation.
"Lady Catherine requests the pleasure of your company tonight," Darcy stated as he bowed.
"Please tell Lady Catherine we would be honoured," Charlotte curtseyed.
"Until tonight, Mrs. Collins, Miss Bennet, Miss Lucas," Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled at each woman in turn.
Without the time to walk and settle her mind before going above stairs to dress, Lizzy didn't want to endure an evening in Lady Catherine's company. Somehow Elizabeth Bennet knew her previous association with Mr. Darcy wouldn't escape the older woman's notice. After his morning call, she didn't know how to act around that particular gentleman. The feeling of unease only intensified with each meeting.
"One moment you are just as infuriating as on first meeting at the Meryton Assembly," Elizabeth told her reflection as she previewed her attire, unwilling to suppose why she took so much trouble. "All haughty pride and disdain for the condition of others. The next you converse with me as though we had been acquaintances of some duration. Never have I felt so affected and exasperated by a man in the course of a half hour."
"So, you know my nephew do you," Lady Catherine challenged a quarter hour into their visit just as Elizabeth suspected. She'd allowed the party from Hunsford to settle and tea served before pouncing.
Lady Catherin de Bourgh deliberately cultivated an air of superiority and condescension. Indeed, she surrounded herself with those willing and able to do her work at the least bidding. Stupid people often let their mouths run away with them and dropped information unaware of the cunning mind receiving the intelligence.
At this very moment, Lady Catherine looked down upon Elizabeth with a raised eyebrow. Knowing of her nephew's previous acquaintance changed her estimation of the girl. As if her pert opinions and outspokenness weren't enough, she'd somehow managed to infiltrate Darcy's inner circle. One look at the body language, no matter how Darcy tried to hide it, Lady Catherine knew the danger to her daughter's chances of securing Pemberley.
"Yes," Lizzy smiled without intention of telling the older lady when or where they met.
"How did you become acquainted?" Lady Catherine demanded, glaring at the girl now to be considered an interloper.
"My friend," Mr. Darcy broke into the conversation, explaining shortly, "Mr. Bingley took possession of the estate boarding Mr. Bennet's. The neighbourhood is small enough that all the families dine together."
Raising an eyebrow, Lady Catherine waited for more information. Her pause didn't elicit further details, much to her displeasure. Glaring at Elizabeth, the great lady decided to leave it for now. By no means a silly woman, Catherine de Bourgh had sources beyond her estate. Maintaining acquaintances in London and Matlock, she regularly corresponded. Many of the letters contained little but gossip. However, Lady Catherine knew a kernel of truth lay at the heart of any good rumour.
Since November, she'd heard whispers of her nephew strange behaviour in London. Whispers circulated of Darcy's uncertain temper, his stricter than usual antisocial disposition and his hiding at Pemberley since Christmas. In truth, Lady Catherine expected to hear of his engagement to Miss Bingley. She could only rejoice at her nephew's single status on arriving at Rosing's.
I must force an engagement between Darcy and Ann before he leaves, Lady Catherine's eyes darted between her nephew and Miss Elizabeth. Let me start with the unsuitability of any other woman in this room.
"Then," she drew the conversation to the Bennet's situation in life, "you would have met Mr. Collins, upon whom Mr. Bennet's estate in entailed."
"I believe so," Darcy frowned, recalling the odious man introducing himself at Bingley's ball.
Triumph shone from Lady Catherine's eyes. Darcy placed his cup on the occasional table and took the only remaining seat beside her daughter. The young woman smiled shyly at her cousin. When a servant came in to announce dinner, Darcy took Ann's arm. Lady Catherine demanded Colonel Fitzwilliam attend her. That left Mr. Collins to accompany his wife and sister.
All is as it should be, the embittered older woman observed. Miss Bennet goes to dinner alone. That is fitting. Now she must accept her station, as the most lowly at my table. Even that mousey sister of Mrs. Collins is above that interloper.