Chapter Two

While Fitzwilliam Darcy dressed for dinner, he attempted to determine how to handle Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Now confident she was the one from his past, he remained conflicted about what to do. Here in his room, away from Caroline's prying eyes, he was able to spend time reliving that night and attempting to draw conclusions. She had definitely been much younger than he. Seeing her again this morning, proved she had probably been no more than seventeen. And yet one of his strongest recollections from that evening was her presence of mind and determination to protect him. Such generosity from her had not been what he expected. He laughed as he remembered her telling him to be a rational creature and leave… and to forgo any need to be honourable. Doing as she commanded, he had put quite a bit of distance between them before her uncle arrived.

Before going downstairs, he took a few minutes to lie on the bed, close his eyes, and allow a particularly fond memory to flood his senses. As he had hurried away from her, he had removed his handkerchief from his pocket to wipe any traces of white and gold from his face. Despite his intentions toward Isabelle, he had never had it laundered. He had kept it in his desk drawer in Darcy House as a keep sake. Over the years, he would occasionally take it out and enjoy the memory of their encounter.

She had been adamant he owed her nothing, which was why he felt so conflicted. If she had been scheming to take advantage, as so many were, he would not care a fig. As he prepared to face her, a niggling fear he had ruined her life threatened to overwhelm him. Determining what was the truth of her mysterious situation was his first responsibility as a gentleman.

Elizabeth had spent much of the afternoon while her sister slept pondering both the cast of characters she would dine with and the drastic change in her sister. Jane had little hope, or even much desire, for matrimony with any of the three gentlemen. The only one of them she thought suited her was Colonel Fitzwilliam—and she accepted without much ado his being unavailable. Again, Lizzy realized while listening to her character sketches, she had ceased finding the good in everyone-still thoughtful of others but so much less naïve.

As they indulged in their sisterly talk, that oh so precious occurrence which had been forbidden them for almost two years took precedence. Lizzy realized her parent's unfair treatment of her appeared to have been the stimulus for Jane observing weaknesses as well as strengths in people. Her dearest friend from birth spoke with passion how much she despised Mama's penchant for always comparing them. Jane imitated their mother perfectly as she proclaimed. "Why can you not be like your sister? I believe you were born to vex me, Elizabeth. It is your father's fault you are so contrary. He so wanted a boy; he treated you as one by encouraging your obstinate ways."

The anger with her father refused to be suppressed. He should not be allowed to escape responsibility. The derisive comments about his daughters he so often made were equally destructive to their ability to learn how to navigate the world. She put her own considerable skills of mimicry to use as she delivered one of Papa's favourite quips. "None of my daughters have much to recommend them, They are all silly and ignorant, like other girls, but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters."

"And yet he did nothing to protect me from being married to a man of unknown character."

"Yes, he preferred to stay in his bookroom and read rather than keep our mother from destroying your life."

"Lucky was the day George Wickham decided not to appear at St Mary-le-Bow to marry me. Besides, there is little about marriage that is me. None I know are particularly happy. Aunt and Uncle Gardiner appeared to have achieved felicity until they disagreed over what to do about me. At the time, I hoped being wed would allow me to be in charge of my life at the same time praying he was not planning to kill me. It is my opinion Shakespeare's 'marriage of true minds' does not exist."

"But yet, you want me to marry."

"Dearest, you are the exception. You are so beautiful and kindhearted. I am certain you will one day attract the most perfect of men. Besides, kissing is quite nice, and children seems a desirable situation."

"Lizzy, I am weary of being told how lovely I am, and I as I told you, I no longer find the good in all. To my point, Mr Bingley seems to be quite taken by my beauty and calm demeanour, but he talks to me of nothing substantial. Despite his supposed interest in purchasing Netherfield, he has yet to ask me a question about it. Mr Darcy who is here to help him with his endeavour has asked me several."

"About him. Does he ever smile?"

"Once while dancing with Kitty. That prompted Mama to immediately decide he meant to marry her. Such a curious evening that was. He asked each of us for a set, and specifically asked Papa to introduce him to his daughters. She was the only one of us he favoured with a smile."

"What had she done to win his approval?"

"I believe he was just trying to make her stop trembling from fear."

"What did the two of you talk about?"

"He asked me a few questions about Meryton and Longbourn, and why the owner of Netherfield was absent. He seemed genuinely interested in my knowledge of the wild plants which grew in the area. The strangest thing was he asked me if I spoke French and played the pianoforte. Mary told me he asked her as well. Perhaps, he found Kitty's answer to such a question pleasing because he is searching for a young lady devoid of any accomplishments."

What he needed was time alone with her, but how could he make that happen. Miss Bingley said she was to join them for dinner. Even if he was seated near her, the questions he needed to ask would be overheard. Still, something was not as it should be, and he had a duty to find out what had happened to her since their encounter in Vauxhall. He feared he was responsible.

Bingley stood and greeted her as she entered the room. "Miss Elizabeth, how is your sister?"

"She is resting more comfortably, and has taken some fortifying broth your kitchen has provided. I predict she will be able to return home soon."

As Caroline had pointed out, she appeared less fashionable than her sisters, who were not particularly stylish. He agreed with her observation about Miss Elizabeth. She reminded him of poor relations he had encountered.

Bingley, asked, "do you suppose she may be able to spend some time with us tomorrow? I for one would enjoy getting to know her better."

Richard added, "Yes, Miss Elizabeth, my cousin and I enjoyed making your sister's acquaintance at both the recent assembly and the party at Lucas Lodge."

"She told me about your pleasant conversations. I was sorry to hear about your injury. I hope you are healing well."

Darcy noted her eyes were much more inquisitive than any of her sisters. He felt certain she was taking the measure of the company. He must find a way to learn some things about her, despite it calling unwanted attention to him.

Bingley took Miss Elizabeth's arm as Caroline took his to usher their party to the dining room. Though not seated beside her, they were a small enough group to allow him to hear responses to any questions she was asked. It seemed prudent to delay his inquiries until after dinner. His cousin was seated beside her and his first question was one he would have sought to know.

"How long have you been residing in London?"

She hesitated slightly before answering. "Over two years."

"Do you enjoy it, as opposed to Hertfordshire?"

"Sometimes. There is much to do, but I miss my sisters, particularly Jane."

"I am living at my cousin's London house currently. He has been very generous to allow me to recover from my wounds there. I walk in Hyde Park most days, to try to strengthen my leg. Do you ever indulge?"

"I would love to and have suggested taking my cousins there to watch the spectacle in Rotten Row, but my uncle thinks it better we stay close to his home in Cheapside."

"Darcy heard a quiet sneer emanate from Caroline. He assumed it was for his benefit alone as he was sitting next to her. She was determined to find any excuse to dismiss Miss Bennet as a potential wife for her brother. Suddenly he felt remorse for giving her plenty of encouragement when it came to demeaning those beneath him."

"Besides, I am not long for London. I am to depart in a month for another part of England."

"Do you know where?" Darcy could not resist asking. Caroline gave him a dubious look. Miss Elizabeth appeared amused with her hostess's reaction.

"I do not. I am quite certain it will not be south, or west. It is my suspicion it will either be the midlands or possibly Ireland."

Thankfully, Richard asked the most important question. "Why is it not known to you?"

Her tongue licked those well remembered lips in response to so many eyes upon her. She seemed to be weighing certain things before she spoke. "I believe it is because the details of the position I will fill have not yet been fixed."

Caroline's whisper only he could hear was filled with disdain. "Her family must be forcing her to work."

The weight of his responsibility for her lowered status caused him to feel shame. His drunken reckless kiss had caused her family to keep her from returning home, and now even London was too close and too comfortable.

The conversation between Richard and Miss Elizabeth became less about her, and more about her sister and the colonel's health. Both seemed to prefer the topics. When Miss Bennet's health was discussed, he noticed his cousin was genuinely solicitous of her recovery. His dinner companion was equally attentive to the Colonel's prognosis. She was not at all squeamish to learn the gruesome facts of his injury and seemed genuinely pleased his leg had been saved. Finally, toward the end of dinner, he learned Miss Bennet would probably spend time in London after Miss Elizabeth left her aunt and uncle's home. The thought seemed to leave a smile on his cousin's face.

Miss Elizabeth excused herself after dinner, telling her companions she must check on her sister. The hour she was away seemed interminable. With each minute he waited, Darcy became more determined to position himself next to her when she returned. Caroline would be annoyed, but his time to attempt to understand her situation was limited. It was likely she would be back in London within two days. Finally, she arrived and he was required to do nothing because she chose to sit near both him and his cousin. During the preceding hour, he had been pretending to read. As she sat, he put his book down and greeted her presence with a smile—which she promptly returned with a touch of mischief in her eyes.

"Mr Darcy, I understand you are interested in whether Mr Bennet's daughters speak French and play the pianoforte. I am the only one who has those specific accomplishments."

Her response wiped the smile from his face, to be replaced by a look of panic.

Dawn was breaking, and Jane had slept quietly. A touch to her head told Elizabeth her fever was down. The cloudless sky she observed from the window was an enticement to take in a walk before the rest of the house was awake. It had been her habit before in Hertfordshire, so why not indulge. She had been denied the pleasure while in London and knew not what she would be allowed where she was being sent. Within minutes she was taking the familiar path toward Meryton. She would have loved to take in the view from Oakham Mount, but that privilege had been taken from her along with so many other things. She wrote a note to her uncle with the intention to slip it under the door of his office. He would appreciate hearing news of Jane's condition and she would also be able to assure him she would return the following morning in enough time to sign whatever papers were required before she returned to London.

As she approached the town, she saw a group of men in red uniforms. Assuming they were from the militia Jane had mentioned being quartered nearby, she cautiously stopped to observe their course. Three of the four who seemed the most inebriated stumbled off in the direction of their camp. The fourth had seen her, and began walking in her direction. She recognized him by his height and swagger. As he drew near, she stood defiantly to greet him and said, "how were you able to determine my identity?"

"The cape you are wearing is distinctive. Remember I was wearing one quite similar when first we met."

"Yes, so you were. Though hardly what fashionable ladies are wearing, it keeps me warm in weather such as this."

"I sold mine to a used clothes merchant in Petticoat Lane."

She noted his bravado attempted to hide anxiety. Her presence had unnerved him. "By what you are currently wearing, I would say you have joined the militia since our encounter."

"Yes, it seemed the prudent thing to do. Are you now living in Meryton?"

"No, I am only visiting." Elizabeth noted the look of concern lessened slightly with her answer. He was definitely calculating whether his past transgression would be an issue to curtail his actions.

"Where are you going so early?"

"I have an errand to accomplish."

"Are you in service?"

"No." He obviously wanted more information, but she determined it would not be coming from her.

His fear of being exposed was put away as he offered her his arm. She decided to play a role in his deception. "Allow me to escort you to your destination."

She could see the signs of early morning activity in the town. Her decision to accept his offer was prompted by a need to draw as little attention to herself as possible. Hopefully, he would deliver her to Uncle Philips's office where she would induce him to part company. Mr Wickham had obviously been out all night, and she would caution him about being missed back at the militia camp.

Looking behind her to ensure they were not drawing undue attention, she saw Mr Darcy, astride a beautiful horse, glaring in their direction. She wondered what was the source of his obvious animosity. What had she done to anger him so?

Darcy had given up his attempt to sleep several hours before dawn. His mind would not stop trying to understand what was happening. Yesterday had been such a confusing day. Just when he was certain he had not found the family of the mysterious young woman he had kissed, out of nowhere she had arrived before him—flushed from walking, wearing that unfashionable refurbished cape, and telling of her mission to care for her sister with those oh so enticing lips.

Then there was Bingley saying things so very out of character—as had his cousin. They both seemed uncharacteristically intrigued by the unknown Bennet sister. The only one who was as she had always been was Miss Bingley. Her focus remained as before, attempting to appear the perfect marriage prospect. To that purpose, her time was spent attempting to belittle their visitor in his eyes. He felt a pang of remorse as he acknowledged how willing he had been previously to collaborate in her denigration of others. He realized he had been sending the wrong message to both her and her brother about his intentions. Still, her arrogant observations about others often reflected his own opinions.

Upon her arrival, it became the mysterious Miss Elizabeth whose words and actions befuddled him the most. Unlike her sisters, her hair and clothes were less cared for in appearance. If she had passed him by on the streets of London, he would have assumed her status to be far below his. In fact, he probably would not have noticed her at all—and yet, when she spoke, she was superior to most young ladies of his acquaintance. Her presence had only been acknowledged by his companions because she was assumed to be the daughter of a gentleman known to them. His mind wandered to her mischievous mention of his questioning her sisters about their ability to speak French and play the pianoforte. It had been an awkward moment, but it seemed she did not deduce why he had been curious.

After hours of trying to understand his dilemma, he had decided to indulge in an early morning gallop to clear his head. Surely, exercise was just what he needed to prepare his faculties for the day ahead. He still had no idea what had happened to her since their encounter. Learning her fate must be his first priority. As he headed toward the meadow where he and Bingley usually rode, he saw Miss Elizabeth wearing her refurbished cape, walking toward Meryton. He remembered her speaking of her love of walking, but this early and unaccompanied seemed both curious and dangerous. Certainly, he detected purpose in her stride. Was she meeting someone?

He followed her discreetly as she made her way to town. Suddenly he saw a group of men from the militia. He had met their commanding officer a few days before. He felt apprehensive for her. One broke away and began walking toward her. His greeting and her reaction indicated they knew each other—and Darcy realized so did he. It was Wickham. He was uncertain whether he detected any apprehension in her posture, but he readied himself to protect her if need be. Their discussion appeared amiable. After a few minutes, the unthinkable happened, she took his arm as they made their way into Meryton. She looked back and saw him. Her action prompted her companion to do the same. His anger with so many things in his life exploded in that moment. George seemed to find his presence humourous and returned his rage with a sneer.

The three of them remained frozen wallowing in their individual emotions—Mr Darcy's anger, her uncertainty, and Lieutenant Wickham's contempt—for what was probably only a few seconds but seemed much longer to Lizzy. The one on horseback turned and rode away. She wished it was not necessary to understand what the exchange had meant, but she had a duty to her sisters.

"Do you know Mr Darcy?"

"Yes, we grew up together." He seemed about to tell her a story of their relationship, but paused to choose his words carefully.

"I was the steward's son. Mr Darcy senior preferred me to him, and I have had to deal with his jealousy for years. He thinks himself above most people he meets, and it is rumoured, since his father died, his pride has led him to dishonourable behaviour toward some."

His words did not explain the fury she had seen on Mr Darcy's face. There was truth in his words about the man's pride and disdain for those beneath him, but this was something more. She knew Mr Wickham was not above jilting her, so what right had he to talk about Mr Darcy's honour. "I only met him yesterday, but I did observe the arrogance you mentioned."

"What is he doing in the neighbourhood?"

"He is helping a friend, determine whether an estate in the area is a worthwhile purchase." Her instincts told her to give only a bit of information. She would tell Jane to alert her sisters, particularly Kitty and Lydia, to be wary of the handsome charming lieutenant they were definitely soon to meet. She wondered whether Jane would alert Papa—or whether he would do anything if he knew?

"Yes, among those he accepts as equals he can be quite generous."

Hoping her nod of agreement would be enough to allow her to change the subject. "I have arrived at my destination." She stooped to slip the letter under the door. "Mr Wickham, I have accomplished my errand. It is time I was returning. You too must be off to the militia camp, I presume."

"Will I see you again?"

"I doubt it. I leave this neighbourhood tomorrow."

"Will you tell those you are visiting about me?"

"Maybe, but it is possible the subject might not arise. I am not in the habit of bragging about your rejection." With that, she turned back toward the path to Netherfield. Luck was with her. He did not follow.