His Uncle's Favorite (10 page)

The door opened abruptly, but neither of them heard it as the wind blew their hair; a strong voice calling Georgiana diverted their attention, and both girls were shocked to see Mr. Darcy in the doorway, staring at them.

***

All the way to Cheapside, Darcy struggled to escape the feeling that he was making a mistake. He had no reason to be there, and his mind and common sense insisted that he should return and allow his cousins to take Georgiana home. Was it acceptable for Georgiana to stay at Mrs. Gardiner’s so long? He would fetch her and leave shortly; that was his decision. He had no reason to remain a moment longer than necessary. His sister had stayed too long already.

When the driver stopped and invited him to step out, Darcy’s first thought was to admire the house. The second was to take off his gloves; his hands felt unusually warm, though the air was freezing.

He entered and allowed the servant to introduce him, wondering whether the others would be pleased to see him. Did they know he would come?
The colonel probably informed them—that is if he remembered my request and is not preoccupied with his other companions,
Darcy thought as the door opened widely.

He glanced around the room, and the first thing he noticed was that
she
was not there. A moment later, while he was greeting his hostess, he noticed his own sister was not there either. Surely, it was expected of him to inquire about Georgiana. He was informed about the little accident and about Georgiana’s being in the music room with Miss Elizabeth and instantly replied, “I wish to see her—thank you.” As his steps took him closer to the music room, he felt worry and concern taking control; a cold shiver travelled along his spine, and his skin burned under his neck cloth.

The servant was dismissed, and Darcy stood a few moments before the closed door, breathed deeply, and finally entered—only to stand still again. Near the open window, leaning outside with hands and hair fully exposed to the falling snow and the cold wind chilling their brightened cheeks, were his sister and Elizabeth!

The surprise was so great that he did not know what to do. In fact, he did know, but he did not want to interrupt them—yet. His eyes locked on Elizabeth’s nape where the snow had turned into drops of water and slid down to her shoulder. He saw her shiver under the cold snow and heard her lively laughter. His sister was laughing too, and for a moment, he wondered how it was possible that he only heard Elizabeth’s voice, despite the fact that he should have been worried for his sister.“Georgiana!”

They both startled, and Elizabeth’s embarrassment was apparent. She properly greeted him, and he bowed to her then turned to his sister and asked whether she was well. Georgiana declared she was very well indeed. Only then did he observe her bandaged hand and become concerned, inquiring about her injury.

“Oh, nothing important; there is no need to worry. I dropped the teacup and burned my hand a little. Trust me, Mrs. Gardiner’s care was completely unneeded; do not be misled by the bandages. But, Brother, you know what I have discovered? Miss Elizabeth likes winter as much as we do! It is snowing so beautifully! We shall go for a ride in the sleigh tomorrow. I must make the arrangements!”

Georgiana’s cheerful answer and her excitement as she revealed that small piece of information made him smile in relief; she seemed very well, indeed.

“Dearest, I am pleased you are not hurt,” he said gently. “But I will only be able to join you for the ride after noon as I have some business in the morning.”

“I was speaking of Miss Elizabeth and me,” Georgiana replied. She saw her brother’s confusion and hurried to add, “But you are welcome to join us if you wish.”

That was astonishing, and Elizabeth was equally amazed, so he did not know what to answer except to say, “Thank you, we shall see tomorrow,” and to politely inform his sister that it was time to leave.

The insistence of the others convinced Darcy to stay a quarter hour—but no longer. He felt uncomfortable in the room full of people as his eyes kept turning to Elizabeth and her red cheeks and neck. He had to leave quickly as he intended.

When the carriage began to move, he suddenly felt safer— at least for the moment—but he would have to meet her again soon. Riding in a sleigh? Surely, he could not possibly consider joining them. The earl had invited all three ladies to the opera; yes, there he may go—he must go, for sure.

“William?” He startled and returned his attention to his sister while she spoke hesitantly. “My uncle was speaking with Miss Elizabeth about Mr. Wickham… That was why I foolishly dropped the cup of tea.”

They looked at each other for a moment then turned to the window. The wind was blowing, and the carriage suddenly became more chilled than the road.

Chapter 5

Fitzwilliam Darcy was a young boy when he first understood that he and his cousins must follow rules that were not imposed upon their friend. In truth, it seemed as though George Wickham had no rules at all.

Young master Darcy had the best tutors and a fixed schedule for study. George Wickham kept him company in class but only until he became bored, which happened frequently. It was understood that young Darcy must improve continuously to be worthy of his name and able to bear the responsibilities of his inheritance. George had no responsibilities, only the benevolence of his godfather and Lord Matlock.

Master Darcy was taught to enjoy success and strive to be the first in any challenge. If he failed at something, it was an opportunity to try harder. If George Wickham could not finish an assignment, however, he was excused and never forced to repeat it. Mr. Darcy and Lord Matlock were severe with their children occasionally but always indulgent with Wickham.

George Wickham came to understand that he could expect and demand to be treated leniently. It was a fact universally acknowledged that he was a charming and likeable boy—and young man. It was simply his nature, and he skilfully enhanced that quality over the years as he improved his ability to take advantage of his charm.

Though he was aware of Wickham’s true character, it took Darcy more than ten years of struggle to deny his requests for support. He might have continued to allow himself to be deceived by Wickham’s false promises had the scoundrel not tried to wound Georgiana’s innocent heart. He remembered the moment he discovered the appalling scheme Wickham and Mrs. Younge had planned. Darcy was so angry that his first thought was to punish Wickham in such a painful way that he would never deceive anyone again. Then he stood face to face with Wickham and listened as he claimed his only interest was to make Georgiana happy; he wanted nothing except the living he was promised so he could support himself. Darcy’s most powerful feeling was disgust for the person Wickham had become, and he blamed himself for not taking measures to prevent it when the signs were there for all to see.

Darcy was not surprised that Elizabeth was on friendly terms with Wickham; he knew that other women, more experienced than she, had surrendered to Wickham’s charms. He could not expect Elizabeth to understand Wickham’s faults after so short an acquaintance. Yet, he believed and trusted her to be wise and show prudence in everything that involved George Wickham.

On the other hand, Darcy knew Elizabeth did not dislike him. The earl was completely wrong about that! She smiled at him, teased him, and followed him with her eyes when they were together. She was not indifferent to him, and he struggled to keep a proper distance from her and conceal any preference for her. He could not allow himself to raise expectations that could never be fulfilled.

Fitzwilliam Darcy was certain of two things: he never had been as enchanted by any other woman, and he never would be able to propose marriage to Elizabeth Bennet. He thanked God for the disastrous situation of her family, or he would have been in real danger.

He remembered the first time he had seen Elizabeth—and yes, he refused to dance with her. Then she refused him—twice. When she finally accepted, he could still remember the feeling of her hand in his and the pleasure of speaking with her. Even then, she mentioned Wickham with obvious insistence and interest, clearly trying to imply something. Was it possible that Wickham shared some of their history with Elizabeth? Was there nothing Wickham would do or say to give him an advantage?

He looked at his sister again and called her name, smiling at her.

“So, dearest, did you have a pleasant time today?”

***

The house was silent again, especially silent after the departure of their guests. Suddenly, the ball—and the lack of proper gowns for the event—became the most important topic for all three ladies. While Mrs. Gardiner sent a quick note to the modiste asking for an urgent appointment the next morning, Jane paced the room in obvious preoccupation.

“Lizzy, do you think Mr. Bingley will return in time for the ball? It would be such a nice surprise to meet him again…”

“We cannot be certain, but I have no doubt that, had he known there would be a ball you would attend, he would return in an instant. But, dearest, if you expect to see him, it will not be a surprise anymore.” Elizabeth laughed.

“May I say you seem to be enjoying your time here, girls?” Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “And dare I presume you are not so opposed to the idea of a ball now, Jane?”

“I am glad to see
you
are not completely displeased with the ball, either, dear Aunt,” Elizabeth said. Mrs. Gardiner turned pale.

“You think I should not go, Lizzy? Would you agree to attend without me? Perhaps I should stay home. I am not very inclined to… I do not think I am yet prepared to…”

“Oh no, by no means! You must go even if you do not feel inclined to dance. We certainly will not go without you—and you surely cannot disappoint Lady Selina by your absence.”

Mrs. Gardiner tried to argue with them, but at that moment, the children entered the parlour, and the discussion ended. Only later at dinner did Jane and Elizabeth insist upon the subject again and force the promise that, without any doubt, they all would attend the ball.

***

They had been in town less than a week, and each day had brought revelations for Elizabeth, some proving her previous opinions, others changing them completely.

First, there was the conversation she had with Lord Matlock about Mr. Wickham and, partially, about Mr. Darcy. She recalled the expression on the earl’s face when he spoke of Mr. Wickham; it left no doubt that the earl was genuinely fond of the younger gentleman. Then how was it that he seemed not to worry about Wickham’s situation in life and the misfortune he suffered at the hands of Mr. Darcy?

Perhaps it was true that Mr. Wickham had made mistakes, but those had been severely and unfairly punished by Mr. Darcy as well as the earl’s sons—no doubt out of some obligation to support their cousin—by withdrawing their good opinion and their friendship. Also, Elizabeth remembered the earl’s statement that Mr. Wickham knew how to turn things in his favour. What could he possibly mean by that?

And last, but by no means least, she was surprised that Mr. Wickham had been incorrect in his description of Miss Darcy’s nature; the young lady had dropped the cup and burned her hand precisely when the earl spoke of Mr. Wickham. The entire story must by more complicated than she knew.

Lady Selina was a daily visitor, sometimes accompanied by her husband, her father or her brothers. In addition, she invited them to dine at her house, and it was apparent that Mrs. Gardiner was a familiar presence in her ladyship’s home.

Even more, Lady Selina’s mother-in-law, Lady Brightmore, had invited them all to dinner that evening. As Lady Selina said with delight—a gathering of almost 30 people “with great prospects of dancing and a lovely preparation for the ball I will host in two days’ time.”

Elizabeth was intrigued by the fact that, for some strange reason, Miss Darcy—by her own choice— had joined Lady Selina at Gracechurch Street every day. Even more shocking, her brother seemed aware of these visits, and instead of forbidding them as Elizabeth expected, he called once himself.

To both Elizabeth and Georgiana’s disappointment, the planned sleigh ride had to be postponed as the clouds dissipated unexpectedly that morning, and the weather warmed just enough for the snow to melt. But as Miss Darcy said, it was only delayed until the perfect moment came. Mr. Darcy himself had suggested that, if they really wished to enjoy such a ride, they should take a tour outside town, an idea the ladies appreciated.

“Oh dear, it is snowing again,” said Lady Selina, leaving the carriage in a great hurry, as they all returned from the modiste and were invited for tea at Gracechurch Street. Jane and Mrs. Gardiner followed her, while Georgiana and Elizabeth, in a customary gesture, lifted their faces to allow snow to caress their cheeks; Miss Darcy’s foot slid, and she almost fell, but fortunately, Elizabeth took hold of her arm. They laughed at each other under the reproachful gazes of the other ladies.

“I know all this white landscape is wonderful, but I confess I dislike what the snow is doing to my shoes, my gowns, and my hair,” Lady Selina continued, shivering.

“I enjoy walking in the snow!” Elizabeth replied, enthusiastically.

“Lizzy, you enjoy walking in any weather,” added Jane, and Mrs. Gardiner agreed.

“My brother told me you walked almost three miles to visit Miss Bennet when she was ill,” said Miss Darcy and both Elizabeth and Jane stared at her in utter surprise. That Mr. Darcy shared such a thing with his sister was difficult to believe, and Elizabeth attempted a joke.