Darcy's Passions (22 page)

After a pause, he continued, “There is also one other person in the party who more particularly wishes to be known to you.Will you allow me, or do I ask too much, to introduce my sister to your acquaintance during your stay at Lambton?”

Although her voice came out in not much more than a whisper, Elizabeth acceded to his request, “Mr. Darcy, I would be honored to meet Miss Darcy.” Whether she realized it or not, Elizabeth agreed to be in his company again; Darcy's happiness could barely be contained.

Silence prevailed with each of them deep in thought. Elizabeth still did not appear to be comfortable, but the tension eased.There was so much he wanted to tell her, but he simply had to find a way to extend her stay in Derbyshire so the words could all be spoken. At the moment, it was enough that he would see her again, and, finally, Georgiana would meet Elizabeth. They soon outstripped the others, and when they reached the carriage, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were nearly a quarter of a mile behind. “Would you care to step in the house, Miss Elizabeth, for some refreshments?” he offered, trying to prolong their time together.

“I am not tired, Mr. Darcy,” she started. “I hope it will not offend you if I ask we remain here and enjoy the view.”

“Not at all,” he responded, finally getting a long look in her eyes. They both wanted to talk about their relationship, but neither knew what the other was thinking; therefore, she, finally began a discourse of her travels, telling him about Matlock and Dove Dale and also of Oxford, Blenheim,Warwick, Kenelworth, and Birmingham.

Shortly, her aunt and uncle appeared. “Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner,” Darcy offered, “may I persuade you to join me in the house for some refreshments before returning to Lambton?”

“We thank you, Mr. Darcy,” her uncle began, “but my wife made arrangements for us to dine with friends in the area.”

“I was unaware of your knowing others in the area. How good it will be for you to renew acquaintances,” he said, hoping Elizabeth understood his double meaning. He chanced a quick glance and saw her suppressing a smile.

“I grew up in Lambton, Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Gardiner stated, bringing his attention from her niece.

Again a bit surprised, he never showed it to his guests. “It is a delightful village.”

“I am afraid I filled Elizabeth with tales of Derbyshire before our trip. I find it to be the finest county in England,” Mrs. Gardiner beamed.

“You will find no contention on my part,” Darcy guarded his words.“Derbyshire offers the best of everything.”

Elizabeth and Mr. Gardiner chuckled at this cordial exchange. “The two of you have something in common,” Mr. Gardiner offered. When it was time for them to leave, Darcy helped the ladies into the carriage, taking the liberty to hold Elizabeth's hand momentarily.

“Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner,” he acknowledged them with a bow. He bowed separately to their niece.“Miss Elizabeth.”

“Mr. Darcy,” she nodded to him, but her stare bolted him in place.

“I look forward to presenting my sister to you,” his voice was hoarse.

“And I to meeting her,” she mouthed as the carriage pulled away.They watched each other for a few brief fleeting seconds, and then Darcy turned and walked slowly toward the house.

 

Entering his home, Darcy knew he should send for Mr. Howard as he promised, but he also knew he would not be able to do so.
Exhilaration overwhelmed his ability to concentrate on mundane matters right now. He entered his study, closed the door, and sank into one of the more comfortable chairs.The chaotic condition of his mind sent sensations flashing through his body; he ran his fingers through his hair and realized his hands were trembling.

Not knowing how long he sat in isolation, a light knock on the door roused Darcy. “Come,” he called, automatically adjusting his posture.

He was a bit surprised to see Mrs. Reynolds bringing him tea and biscuits; normally, she was too busy overseeing the house to serve him personally.“I thought you might enjoy some tea, Sir,” she began as she set the tray on a low table. “Would you like me to pour, Mr. Darcy?”

He acceded with a flick of his wrist. Mrs. Reynolds handed him a cup, but after he took it, she remained waiting his recognition. “Mrs. Reynolds, is there something else?”

“Mr. Darcy,” she vocally stumbled, “I hope you are not angry with my behavior with your visitors. If I offended the family in any way, I am most apologetic.”

So becharmed with the memory of Elizabeth's being at Pemberley, for a few seconds, he did not comprehend what his housekeeper said. He looked stunned and then said,“Mrs. Reynolds, you have been a part of the Pemberley household for nearly five and twenty years; I trust you implicitly. I assume you said no more to Miss Bennet than you would to other visitors.”

“Yes, Sir, I have only praise for the Darcy family; yet, sometimes I may show too much pride in being chosen to oversee Pemberley, I fear.”

At the mention of the word “pride,” the master actually chuckled with the irony of what she said. He looked to the woman he entrusted with maintaining his household and saw the discomfort in her face.“Do not concern yourself, Mrs. Reynolds,” he said softly.“I found no offense.”

“Yes, Sir,” she said as she curtsied to leave.“Thank you, Sir.”

The woman was nearly to the door when he called to her, “Mrs. Reynolds.”

“Yes, Mr. Darcy,” she turned from the door.

“Would you come sit with me for a few minutes?” he uttered his request.“Please join me with some tea.”Although most uncharacteristic of Darcy, she consented.When she was settled in the chair directly across from him, he anxiously took a deep breath and nearly pleaded, “Would you please tell me everything said by Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner or their niece Miss Bennet? It is important I know the words and the tone they used in speaking them.” Mrs. Reynolds realized these were more than just travelers interested in the beauty of Pemberley; Mr. Darcy's keen interest in the recitation of the household tour renewed his gratitude for her loyalty and a sense of peace.

 

Darcy busied himself first with checking on the delivery of the pianoforte he ordered for Georgiana.A surprise gift, it spurred him to return to Pemberley early. He also called in Mr. Howard to conduct the estate's business and only occasionally did not focus on the task at hand. Mr. Howard repeated when the master's attention became distracted and waited patiently when Darcy's mind replayed the scenes of the day. With the financial books approved, Mr. Howard left Darcy alone once more. He leaned back in the chair, interlaced his fingers, and closed his eyes. Elizabeth's staring back from the carriage filled his wonder; the words, the elation, the marvel, and the anticipation jostled for dominance; he felt sweet agony.

With Elizabeth only five miles away, he could not divorce himself from thoughts of the woman. He wandered into the garden and took a seat; he took off his jacket and enjoyed the late summer breeze. How he wished to know her sentiment! Could he be mistaken? Was he looking for more than was there? Elizabeth apologized for being found at Pemberley, but Darcy did not believe her disliking the place; his finding her here simply made her uncomfortable. In fact, she offered compliments on the estate. Elizabeth
accepted his trepidation over mentioning Bingley; she also accepted his request to meet Georgiana. No, he did not make a mistake; Elizabeth no longer felt disdain for him, but what did she feel?

Georgiana would finally be able to meet Elizabeth; Georgiana deserved someone such as Elizabeth in her life. So many times his sister expressed a desire to meet Miss Elizabeth Bennet; now, she would be able to establish that acquaintance; the prospect overjoyed him. How often he imagined the three of them at Pemberley. Such thoughts led him to another plan. Elizabeth would not expect Georgiana to call until Thursday, but maybe he could convince his sister to call on Elizabeth tomorrow; then they could invite her party to Pemberley for dinner on Friday. Darcy wanted her to be relaxed and to enjoy Pemberley and to see him in his element as its master. Any chance of her feelings for him changing would happen at Pemberley. Encountering her outside his estate would mean having to share her attention, but at Pemberley he could shower Elizabeth with his attentions, and he cared not who saw. Mr. Gardiner confided as they walked the park today that he, his wife, and his niece would return to Longbourn soon. Darcy had only a few days before Elizabeth would be gone again.

 

The morning seemed to crawl by with Darcy checking the clock repeatedly, anticipating his sister's return. When the carriages appeared, he nearly sprang from his chair, meeting the party in the courtyard. Hurst lumbered out of his coach, groaning from having to move his indolence; he turned and helped Mrs. Hurst and Caroline Bingley to alight.

“Ladies,” Darcy bowed in acknowledgment.

“Mr. Darcy,” Caroline intoned. “Finally, we have reached Pemberley. Of course, one would suffer much to spend time here.”

“I am sorry you have suffered, Caroline. Perhaps you need time to rest and recoup your energies. Mrs. Reynolds will show you to your usual rooms,” he said as he stepped by her and sought his
sister's company.

“Bingley,” he said,“I see you survived the journey!”

“In the comfort of your coach and in your sister's company, the journey was far from insufferable,” Bingley beamed.

“Your chambers are ready, and there is something to wash away the road dirt.” Darcy shook Charles's hand.“Would you be so kind as to escort Mrs.Annesley into the house?”

“Gladly, Darcy.”

Darcy then turned to help his sister from the coach. He literally lifted her from the coach's steps and set her down several feet away.

“Fitzwilliam,” she giggled, “you are certainly in a good mood. What brings such a smile to your face?”

“Is it that apparent?”

“You have a secret.This is just what you used to do when I was a child. Oh, please tell me now.”

“You will just have to wait until we are in the house,” he feigned innocence.

“Come then,” she pulled on his hand in anticipation, her laughter contagious.

Once inside, he said,“I actually have more than one surprise.”

“Brother, please stop teasing me. I can wait no longer,” she pleaded.

“If you will look in the music room, something may take your notice.”

Georgiana grasped the lapels of his jacket, pulled him toward her, and kissed his cheek. Then she nearly skipped through the hallway to the music room. She came quickly to a halt, and he heard her gasp as he strode into the room behind her. “Well, what do you think of your first surprise, Dearest One?” he asked as if he expected her to object.

“Fitzwilliam,” her voice was breathy,“it is magnificent.” She ran her fingers lightly along the keys of the new pianoforte.“When . . . I mean, I do not deserve this.”

He came forward to embrace her; tears misted her eyes. “Do you not know it gives me pleasure to see you happy?” he whispered
as he stroked her face. “Now you know why I left you in Charles's care yesterday.”

“I should rebuke you, Sir, for deserting me, but I believe you are absolved of guilt,” she picked up on his mirth. “But you said there were two surprises.”

“You are a greedy girl, are you not?” he tapped her on the chin with his finger. Georgiana laughed as he pulled her to the settee. He took her hands in his, looked into her face in earnest, and took a slow, deep breath. “The second surprise,” he began, “is actually one for both of us.” Georgiana giggled as she watched his apprehension. “How would you like to meet Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”

“Oh, yes . . .” she started and then checked her enthusiasm. “I always wanted to make Miss Bennet's acquaintance but not if it hurts you, Fitzwilliam.”

“I appreciate your concern, my Dearest One,” he continued the smile, “but even if there was no hope for my regard, I would still wish you to meet Miss Elizabeth. She is the kind of person you should have as a friend.” He thought
sister
rather than
friend,
but he would not voice such hopes.

“How may I meet Miss Elizabeth? Do we travel to Hertfordshire?”

“She is here,” he blurted out. “Actually, Miss Elizabeth is in Lambton at the Royal Crown.”

“How?” she tried to comprehend the incoherency of his explanation.

“Let me start at the beginning,” he unraveled the details. “Miss Elizabeth travels through Derbyshire with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. When I returned to Pemberley yesterday, they were here visiting the estate.”

“Oh, Fitzwilliam,” she consoled him. “How awkward for both of you!”

“There were moments of disbelief for both of us,” he recalled. “I stumbled through inquiries, often repeating myself, trying to engage her in conversation. She blushed often, but she was civil, and there was none of the disdain from before. I was a mess, covered in road dirt, so I left her on the lawn.”

“Is that all you said to her? Please, Brother, tell me there is more.”

“There is more,” he reassured her.“I sent servants scattering as I hastened to make myself presentable. Then I went to find her on the park's pathway.We spoke again, and I was more composed. Her aunt is from Lambton; her aunt and uncle, I found, were people of taste and fashion. I, finally, got enough nerve to ask her permission to present you to her.”

“What did Miss Elizabeth say?” Georgiana doubted her own worth.

“Miss Bennet is looking forward to forming an acquaintance.” His sister squeezed his hand with joy.

“When shall we meet?”

“I hoped,” he began more slowly, “you would agree to go as soon as you freshen your clothes.”