Chapter 22 - London Bound
Richard stared out of his book room window. Rosings was, of course, an enormous estate. Indeed, large enough to host an estate office and library as well as the chamber he currently occupied. He'd turned it into his private domain as it afforded him a good view of the path between his home and the one that currently housed Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Half an hour past, perhaps a little more, his cousin strode confidently down the gravel drive towards the parsonage. A grin spread over Richard's face at the thought of what Darcy would ask of the lady. Anne determined Mrs. Collins would be away from home, while Richard ensured Mr. Collins daily agenda remained full. Resolved to wait, a very different individual returned. As Darcy came closer, Colonel Fitzwilliam noted his stern countenance and a deep frown. The sun behind him, the hour approached for the Collins and their guests to arrive to tea. From the sullen expression on Darcy's face, this might be the last time Miss Bennet visited Rosings Park.
Accosting Darcy in the entrance hall, Richard asked in a curious but careful tone, "am I to finally wish you joy?"
Darcy simply glowered. Not trusting himself to say anything, he preceded his cousin into the book room and poured himself a very large brandy. Although Richard thought it impossible, Darcy's posture became more austere. He then proceeded to down the fiery liquid in a single gulp. This behaviour odd in the extreme.
"She refused you?" Richard sounded aghast.
Once again Darcy levelled a solemn glare. Shaking his head in the negative, he did not see how that would convene Miss Bennet's wish to keep their engagement between them. After all, he had not told Richard anything. Allowing the man to guess after he'd been one of the instigators of this particular proposal seemed fair.
"Why won't you talk to me, Darcy," Richard almost shouted in agitation. "Do you not see I feel responsible for your current attitude? I know you planned to propose before leaving Rosings. Is that not why you went to Hunsford this very day?"
"I cannot speak of it," Darcy sounded angry and defeated. Pouring himself a much smaller glass, he filled a second for his cousin. Handing it off, he raised his glass and toasted, "to secrets."
"She has sworn you to secrecy? But you are engaged, are you not?" The glare stated all Richard needed to know. Now the disbelief set in. "But why? Oh, are you to gain her father's blessing before making a public announcement? No? For Goodness sake man, how long are we to play this game?"
"About six weeks," Darcy spat, "although I am allowed to call upon her at Mr. Edward Gardiner's residence in town. I see you know the name."
"Astute man," Richard grinned. "I do not see how you will keep such news from him when he sees the two of you together. Then again, if this is Miss Bennet's idea, perhaps we can make her regret her decision."
"Richard," Darcy warned.
"Do you not want Miss Bennet to be your wife?" Richard demanded. Once again a glare answered his question. "A woman likes to be crossed in love, Darcy. Before you protest, she may not realise it yet but the woman does love you, for all your many faults. Anne and I spoke of the increasing intimacy last night. We have both seen her admiration grow as you treat her with dignified respect."
"Is there anything you do not speak of with your wife?" Darcy challenged, hating his private life being discussed.
"Very little," Richard smirked. "Perhaps you should take a leaf from my book. It encourages felicity and respect. Miss Bennet strikes me as an independent, witty, intelligent woman who will not suffer fools easily. Her passions, once aroused will not be easily sated. If she has no one with whom to speak of your engagement, it will not be long before she regrets silencing you. I know how much it will cost you not to speak to Georgiana of this. Surely it must be the same for Miss Bennet."
"I believe," Darcy started to look thoughtful, "Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth's eldest sister is also her confident. They are to stay in town until traveling north with their relations."
"I have a suggestion," Richard smirked, "that will have the young lady begging you to release her from such a promise within a week."
The glare Darcy levelled at his cousin only brought forth laughter. "Sit, Darcy, we do not have much time and your task starts the moment Miss Bennet walks through the front door to take her leave of Rosings."
~~ooOOoo~~
"Richard," Anne sounded a little peeved as her husband finally entered the parlour with Darcy on his heels. The Collins's, Miss Bennet and Miss Lucas had arrived almost half an hour ago. They had been invited to remain well past a time considered socially acceptable in the hope the gentlemen would finally join them. So far, Mr. Collins had done most of the talking, much to the consternation of the ladies.
"I apologise, Anne," Richard sounded contrite and came to his wife's side immediately. She offered her hand which he kissed. "There is much business I wish to discuss with Darcy before he removes to town and then Derbyshire. We must make use of every moment." Turning to the room in general, Colonel Fitzwilliam announced, "I am sorry to have kept you waiting, but such is the lot of a landed gentleman."
"We will allow it only this once," Anne's eyebrow rose. She would permit them their flimsy excuse for the moment but would ensure her husband told her everything later. "Shall I pour you a cup?"
"Please," Richard grinned.
"Cousin?" Anne questioned while handing her husband his tea.
"Yes, thank you," Darcy offered distractedly, keeping to the edge of the room. The gentlemen's eyes lingered on Miss Bennet, all the while attempting to force his attention back to his host.
"So you are to remove to London in the morning," Richard stated, turning his attention toward Miss Bennet. She seemed disconcerted when her secretly betrothed acted so out of character.
"Yes," Lizzy answered, trying to capture Darcy's gaze.
Darcy, ignoring the pleading in Elizabeth's expression, strode to his sister and sat beside her. Georgiana gave him a curious gaze when he did not say a word. Miss Bennet, no less inquisitive, sat on the other side of Miss Darcy and frowned. Both Charlotte and Anne noticed the strained body language but could not account for it.
"I understand," Richard smiled, demanding Elizabeth's attention, "you find ample sources of delight here in Kent, Miss Bennet. When are we to have the pleasure of your company again?"
At this Lizzy's eyes rounded on the Colonel, as did his wife's. While Lizzy frowned and glared at Darcy, Anne's face hosted a slight smile. Charlotte did not miss the byplay and had a very good idea of what might have occurred.
Her courage rising, Lizzy squared her shoulders before answering. "I believe, Colonel, I shall see you at Pemberley in July before any chance of meeting again at Rosings."
"Oh, yes," Georgiana's eyes sparkled with happiness which neither combatant could fight. "I shall be happy to show you the park and stroll along the paths. I am sure you will fall as much in love with Pemberley as you have Rosings Park."
"Tell me of your home, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth requested, attempting to change the topic of conversation which she felt getting far too close for her comfort. "I have never been further north than my home in Hertfordshire."
For the next half hour they spoke of their travels. The good Colonel, having taken a tour of the continent prior to his service in France, shared his experiences in a light-hearted manner which amused everyone. Darcy listened intently but refused to offer his opinion. Before Elizabeth could find a break in the conversation, it was time to take leave of her hosts. She had not shared one word with her betrothed and it rankled. More so for Mr. Darcy had not acknowledged her in any respect.
What did you expect, Lizzy berated, a frown covering her face as they walked back to the parsonage. Your betrothal has not been sanctioned by your father nor publicly acknowledged. Mr. Darcy can hardly display affection towards you in a room filled with other people. It would be improper and the Darcy you have come to know and respect this past fortnight is nothing if not honourable.
I should not like it thought, her alter ego stated, if Mr. Darcy has returned to his proud attitude. I do not like that side of the man at all. Did he not understand, this is the entire reason why I asked that he continue his courtship, so I may come to know him and my own feelings!
The next morning, an empty carriage arrived. Two liveried footmen quickly loaded the trunks. Elizabeth and Maria climbed inside after a tearful goodbye with Charlotte. They proceeded to Rosings where Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley boarded under the watchful eye of Mrs. Fitzwilliam. After another round of farewells, the coach started to move off.
"Is you brother to stay and aid his cousin?" Lizzy requested of Georgiana. Without a public announcement, she could not ask personal questions in regard to Mr. Darcy. Therefore, Elizabeth had to rely on furthering the comments Richard offered last evening.
"William prefers to ride alongside the carriage whenever possible," Miss Darcy stated. "When we arrive in London, my brother will proceed directly to Leighwood House, our residence in town. It is often impossible for a horseman to continue beside with the number of coaches once we reach the streets of London."
Darcy kept pace with the carriage until Bromley, where they stopped to refresh and rested the horses. Going inside the small coaching station, he rented a private room for the ladies to take tea but did not join them. An hour later they climbed back aboard for the second half of their journey. So, far Elizabeth had not spoken a word to Mr. Darcy since he left Hunsford shortly after their engagement.
Insufferable man, she thought, forcing a smile to her lips and joining in the lively conversation within the coach. Yet, she took every opportunity to steal a glance in his direction. No easy task when he stayed on the opposite side of the carriage.
"Jane," Elizabeth jumped from the conveyance the moment it stopped before her uncle's house in Cheapside. Eager to see her sister, she hurried up the stairs two at a time, which was as fast as her skirts would allow her. Behind her, Maria looked stunned at the unladylike behaviour of her companion.
"Lizzy," Miss Bennet held out her hands, clasping those of her sister the moment she came in reach. "Oh, how I have missed you. I am glad you have come."
"I have so much to acquaint you with," declared Lizzy. Turning back to the carriage, she pulled Jane down to the street. "First, let me introduce you to Miss Darcy and her companion, Mrs. Annesley who have so generously shared their carriage from Kent."
"Uncle said Mr. Darcy offered his protection for your journey to London," Jane commented. The look she allowed to accompany the words stated they would talk of this later, in the privacy of their room. Glancing around Jane could not see the man. "Did Mr. Darcy accompany you?"
"Mr. Darcy rode beside the coach until we reached Mayfair," Lizzy offered, looking into the distance so Jane would not notice her reaction to his name.
"Then it is true," Jane tried to extract information from her sister, "that you have been much in his company?"
"Mr. Darcy comes to Rosings at Easter each year," Lizzy couldn't stop the blush creeping into her cheeks. How, she cried silently, am I to keep my engagement a secret from Jane? It is not possible yet I cannot say a word without gaining Mr. Darcy's justifiable wrath. He is not happy to honour my request as it goes against his very nature. Oh, why did I make him promise? If I am to have any hope of sorting out my emotions, I must speak of all that has occurred with my dearest Jane. I should have requested he court me properly and reapply for my hand before the Darcy's depart London.
"Then Mr. Darcy was at Rosings for the entirety of your visit?" Jane questioned in a whisper as they neared the parked coach.
"No," Lizzy sighed, realising this was to be much harder than she'd anticipated. Her mind awash with shame, Elizabeth managed to make the introductions.
"Will you stay for tea?" Jane asked politely. Behind her, Mr. Gardiner's man servant helped the livered footmen unload Lizzy's and Maria's trunks.
"We would not wish to inconvenience you," Miss Darcy said in a soft voice. All in attendance realised the ladies wished to arrive at Darcy's London home and refresh form the journey. "My brother returned directly to Leighwood House, our residence in town. William will become worried if we dally. However, I would be honoured if you will join me for tea tomorrow?"
"Thank you," Lizzy curtseyed and accepted the card with the directions to the Darcy's townhouse. "Shall we say two o'clock?"
The three young women stood on the sidewalk and watched the crested coach pull out into the street. Sighing, Maria placed a hand over her heart. A sad smile covered her face as she began to tell Jane of their adventures in Kent. Miss Bennet's eyes flicked between Maria and her sister as the tale unfolded. It appeared Lizzy became lost in thought as they entered the house. Upon reaching the parlour, Maria started again as Mrs. Gardiner and the two eldest children wanted to know everything that had occurred since they'd last seen their cousin.
"You are very quiet, Elizabeth," Aunt Gardiner frowned half way through the story. "Are you so dispirited to leave Hunsford?"
"I believe I am," the words slipped out before Lizzy could filter them. Hiding the blush once again threating to creep upon her cheeks, she lifted the cup to take a long sip.
"Has Charlotte invited you to visit again next year?" Maria questioned innocently, exuberated at the thought. "It shall be such a different prospect without Lady Catherine. Col. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam are so amiable."
"What happened to Lady Catherine?" Mr. Gardiner, hearing the ladies' voices moved to join them. Once again, the story was told, ending in time to dress for dinner.
"Lizzy," Jane demanded the moment the door to their shared room closed, "tell me all that you have not said?" When Elizabeth pursed her lips, Miss Bennet became cross. "Mr. Darcy would not have imparted his opinions of Mr. Bingley without some understanding between you. Pray tell me what it is?"
"Oh Jane," Lizzy, exhausted from keeping her secret only twenty-four hours, cried as she threw herself on the bed. "I beg you do not ask for I cannot tell you. I have hoisted myself by my own petard."
"What can you mean?" Jane began to look anxious. Going to sit beside her sister, she forced Elizabeth into her back. "My mind is racing with many thoughts, not all amiable. You must tell me, dearest Lizzy, for my imagination is a riot."
Lowering her gaze to her hands, Lizzy whispered, "I cannot."
"Have you been compromised?" Jane demanded. Watching her sister's reaction, her horror escalated. "Tell me, are you fallen through no fault of your own?"
That finally got Miss Elizabeth Bennet's attention. Letting out a chuckle at the absurdity, she replied, "no, Jane, my reputation is whole. Please," she begged, "do not ask more. I am not a liberty to answer your questions and I must confess," Lizzy frowned, "it is all my own doing."
The evening meal proved a trial. Attempting to smile and tell of her adventures in Kent, the humour never quite reached Elizabeth's eyes. Both Jane and her aunt noticed the dullness surrounding their relation. They also watched Lizzy push her meal around her plate. Retiring early, Lizzy needed time alone to think. Without her calm, sensible sister's words of wisdom, she would be forced to consider her actions and reactions alone. The long night proved insightful as Miss Elizabeth Bennet finally began to comprehend the very great pride she carried and how she continued to treat Mr. Darcy with prejudice.
Is that partly why I requested this engagement remain between us, Lizzy wondered, because all my nearest friends and neighbours think ill of him. They think ill of Mr. Darcy because I have been impetuous in my disapproval of his manners. Even when I knew better, when he told me the truth about Mr. Wickham, I did not take the trouble to correct the general feeling. At this very moment in time, no one would believe me. My father will be shocked, my relations questioning my motivations. What, she suddenly came to the abrupt realisation, are my motivations in accepting a man I do not love. If it were merely security, I would have accepted Mr. Collins. No, it must be more than that. Oh, how I wish I could speak with Jane.