The Houseguest A Pride and Prejudice Vagary (28 page)

Chapter
26

Late Monday morning, Elizabeth sat in the drawing room next to Jane, across
from Sir Malcolm. He was genial and kind and perfectly mannered. At first they
talked of the weather and eventually she asked him to tell her about growing up
in Staffordshire. He described the county in detail, and Elizabeth listened
interestedly. Eventually, they moved on to books and had a lively discussion
about poetry. The half hour passed quickly, and Sir Malcolm was on his way.
Elizabeth retired to her room, needing to sort through her thoughts. She did
not wish to lead Sir Malcolm on, but she also did not want to be silly and push
away a perfectly good suitor whom she actually liked and who was in a position
to marry her. 
She found herself wishing the Darcys were already returned from Rosings so she
might better decide on a course of action. Tomorrow was the seventh, and she
eagerly anticipated their return. Oddly, she wished she could discuss her
thoughts with Mr. Darcy. It was not the sort of thing one talked about with
one's friends of the male persuasion, so she quickly ceased wondering about it
as she pondered over what to do about Sir Malcolm. 

~

Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy, and Georgiana returned on
the seventh as planned, and Georgiana called on Elizabeth at Matlock House the
next day.
“So how was the ball last night? You must tell me everything!” Georgiana gushed.
Elizabeth sipped her tea and replied, “It was as I expected. Your aunt
introduced me to nearly every person in the room, half of whom I am sure I will
never see again, and I danced nearly every dance. Mostly with nephews or
younger sons of Lady Matlock’s friends.”
“Was Sir Malcolm there?”
“Yes, he was.”
“Did you dance with him?”
“Yes, the fourth set and the last.”
“Ohhhh. What about the others? Were any of them handsome?”
Elizabeth was extremely tired and had only had a few hours of sleep, and
Georgiana was entirely too excited about last night’s ball. However, she put
her cynicism aside and humored her young friend. 
I am becoming entirely too grumpy
. “Well,
there were a few handsome ones. Mr. Hargrove was there again.”
“The parson from Nottinghamshire?”
“I believe it’s Northamptonshire, or is it Buckinghamshire? Anyhow, he will be
at the concert tonight and has asked to sit next to me.”
Georgiana giggled. “Oh! He must like you very much. What did you tell him?”
“I told him yes, of course. I didn’t want to be rude. Apparently his family is
old friends with your aunt’s family.”
“Lady Matlock is a Capshaw. Her father was the Earl of Rockingham. Her brother
holds the title now, of course. Apparently they are a large family, but I
rarely see them. Colonel Fitzwilliam could tell you more if you are curious.”
“Is the colonel staying here or at the barracks?”
“He usually stays at the barracks, but when he has leave he stays here or with
us.”
“If I see him, I shall have to ask him about Mr. Hargrove, although I can’t
really see it going anywhere.”
“Why ever not? Is it Sir Malcolm?” She tilted her head and leaned forward in
anticipation of her friend's answer.
“No, it is not Sir Malcolm. I simply am not interested, that’s all. And I don’t
really know that I would make a good parson’s wife.”
“What’s wrong with being a parson’s wife?”
“Nothing at all, I simply don’t know if it’s right for me. Somehow, I do not
think I am virtuous enough for the job,” she said with a smile.
Georgiana laughed. “What kind of wife would you like to be?”
“Hopefully a good one, and a happy one!” 
“You must tell me everything that happens at the concert.”
“I will try to remember each detail and relay it faithfully.”
They talked of everything under the sun, spending nearly an hour on Lady
Catherine’s behavior at Rosings. The most informative part was when Georgiana
told her how she had overheard an argument between Lady Catherine and her
brother. 
It was late one evening and she was about to retire for the night. However,
that evening Darcy requested a meeting with Lady Catherine, and Colonel
Fitzwilliam ensured they heard all of it. 
Georgiana sat forward and told Elizabeth, “Prepare yourself for something very
dreadful.”
Elizabeth tried not to smile at her seriousness and nodded for Georgiana to
continue. She began in a low voice, as if she were afraid of being overheard.
“Brother informed Lady Catherine that her behavior towards you was
unacceptable. He said you were not her guest to send away, and that you were a
close friend of mine, as well as his and Colonel Fitzwilliam’s, and as such
deserved respect. Lady Catherine said that she could behave how ever she wanted
and that as her parson, Mr. Collins was bound to do as she bid.”
Georgiana continued to tell her friend about the argument. 
“Brother said he knew her little secret,” Georgiana added, nodding with a
serious expression.
“What happened next?” Elizabeth asked, knowing she shouldn't be gossiping but
too curious to care.
“She said that if George Darcy had known what was good for him, he would have
married her instead of her weak little sister, who had the audacity to die
after producing only two children in fourteen years of marriage,” Georgiana
replied, clearly appalled at her aunt's speech.
Elizabeth put her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide at such unfeeling words,
and from a sister, no less. After expressing how sorry she was that Georgiana
had to hear such things about her own mother, her friend continued to tell her
about the argument between her brother and aunt.
“I have never heard him speak so! His voice was so still – it was so unlike
him. I've only ever heard him like that one other time – when he spoke of Mr.
Wickham at Ramsgate,” she added softly, tucking her head down.
Elizabeth squeezed her hand in support. “You do not have to tell me more if you
don't want to.”
“No, I'm alright.”
Georgiana went on to tell her how Lady Catherine had stomped through the house,
screaming at servants and shouting that Darcy would rue the day he crossed Lady
Catherine de Bourgh.
Elizabeth listened enraptured, not sure if she should believe what she was
hearing. 
Georgiana went on to tell her that the next day, Lady Catherine had dressed
Anne up in a frock with an incredibly low neckline, and had forced her to speak
at breakfast, desperately trying to show Darcy what he was missing and equally
hoping he would change his mind. 
“It was all very awkward for everyone but Lady Catherine. Poor Anne was
shivering and every time she pulled a shawl around her shoulders, Lady
Catherine ripped it back, saying she would never get well if she continued to
coddle herself.” Georgiana shuddered at the memory.
Elizabeth shook her head and wondered at Lady Catherine's bizarre behavior.
Georgiana continued telling her friend of her last days at Rosings.
Darcy and Fitzwilliam spent most of their time with the steward while Georgiana
overcame her shyness and visited with Charlotte and Maria – anything to get
away from Lady Catherine. When they rode out to look at the estate, Georgiana
accompanied them. 
A secretary was hired and the steward was given instructions to pass on all
pertinent information and any questions he had to Lord Matlock. 
It was with a joyful heart that the three left Rosings on Tuesday morning.
Darcy looked back at the house, wondering if he would ever return.
Surprisingly, he didn’t mind the idea of not coming back.
Georgiana told her story with flair, and Elizabeth wondered if this was
something she was picking up from Colonel Fitzwilliam. Georgiana apologized for
her aunt’s horrid behavior and said she knew Elizabeth would never do the
things Lady Catherine had accused her of. Elizabeth thanked her and they
embraced, glad to have the awkwardness out of the way.
Elizabeth couldn’t wait to see Darcy. She wasn’t sure if his fight with his
aunt was because of her personally or simply the overt rudeness of the whole
affair, which had then spiraled out of control. She began to wonder about his
motives, which led to curiosity about his feelings, which led to difficult
questions she did not want to think about. She wasn't ready to admit it, but a
tiny bud of hope had begun to grow in her heart.
She called on Georgiana Thursday morning, only to find Darcy not at home. Lady
Matlock was hosting a dinner the next night, so she would have to wait until
then to see him. She desperately wanted to know what this all meant, and the
waiting was torture. In the meantime, she took tea with Georgiana and told her
about the concert the previous evening.
“Did Mr. Hargrove sit next to you?” she asked eagerly.
“Yes, just as he promised. He was very kind and solicitous. He spoke of music
and told me of his favorite pieces and asked intelligent questions.”
“Are you changing your mind about him?”
“Hmm, I think not.”
“Elizabeth! You just said you had a pleasant evening with him!”
“I did not say pleasant! It was not 
un
pleasant,
but during the intermission, he asked me many questions that seemed strange to
me.”
“Like what?”
“Well, he frequently quoted Fordyce, which I must admit concerns me greatly,
but he also asked me about living in a village, and how I felt about the duties
of a parson’s wife and whether I thought I could live on limited means. It was
all so formal, like I was being interviewed.”
“That does seem strange. Does he not care whether or not you love him?”
“I think he cares more whether I respect him and his position than for love. I
suppose I should keep looking!” she said gaily.
“Do not worry. There is still Sir Malcolm.”
“Yes, Sir Malcolm,” she said thoughtfully. 

~

Friday evening came round and Elizabeth dressed carefully in one of the new
dresses that had been delivered that morning. Her hair was carefully pinned up
by a maid, and Lady Matlock loaned her a pretty jade necklace with matching
earrings to compliment her pale green dress. She wore a similar green ribbon
round her waist and long white satin gloves, a band of matching green ribbon
around her head, and rosette tipped pins in her coiffure. Her cheeks were
flushed with excitement and her eyes sparkled in anticipation.
Bingley was the first guest to arrive. Of course, he immediately sat next to
Jane and the two were nearly inseparable the rest of the night. Next was Sir
Malcolm, who sat near Elizabeth, followed by a few others Elizabeth did not
know. 
Darcy arrived alone and walked directly to Elizabeth where she was speaking
with Sir Malcolm. The gentlemen exchanged greetings and he bowed to Elizabeth
before taking a chair nearby. Colonel Fitzwilliam came in and sat next to
Malcolm, drawing him into conversation. Eventually the colonel said he wished
to show him something in the library, and led Sir Malcolm out of the
room. 
As soon as they were gone, Darcy scooted his chair closer and looked into
Elizabeth’s eyes. “Miss Elizabeth.” He drank her in, desperately wishing to
tell her how he had needed her presence near him over the past week.
“Mr. Darcy.”
They looked at each other silently for several moments, his eyes glowing with
love, hers sparkling in anticipation and hope. Finally, he broke the silence.
“Have you enjoyed your time with my aunt?”
“Yes, she is very kind.”
“She is. She was a close friend of my mother’s.”
“Yes, she told me.”
“Has she?”
“Mr. Darcy, I hope I have not caused any trouble with your family. Please
accept my apologies for upsetting your aunt,” she said quietly.
Darcy stared at her incredulously for a moment, not believing she could really
think herself to blame for anything that had happened. Then he realized what
she was referring to.
“Ah, I see. You’ve spoken to Georgiana.”
Elizabeth looked down. “She told me you’ve had a falling out.”
“Miss Elizabeth, it was bound to happen at some time. Lady Catherine wishes
everyone to do her bidding and obey her every command. I am not one to be told
how to make decisions that are solely mine. We would have clashed at some
point, you were merely the catalyst.” 
She didn’t like the sound of that until she saw the smile lurking at the
corners of his mouth. 
“I believe you are teasing me, Mr. Darcy!”
“How can I resist when you make it so easy?” He smiled kindly. “Now, no more
talk of my aunt. How have you been spending your time in town?”
“I have spent an inordinate amount of time shopping. I never thought I could
shop so much in so few days!”
“I thought most ladies enjoyed a day of shopping.”
“A day, yes, but every day but Sunday? I may never go again!”
He laughed lightly. “Miss Elizabeth, would you like to spend the afternoon with
Georgiana and me tomorrow? I haven’t had a proper cup of tea since you left.”
It was her turn to laugh. “I would like to Mr. Darcy, but I am engaged to spend
the day with my aunt and uncle tomorrow. But I am free Sunday afternoon.”
“Sunday it is. Shall I pick you up at two o’clock?”
“I shall look forward to it.”
Dinner was announced and he offered her his arm, which she took readily. They
walked into the dining room and he settled her into her chair, which was
conveniently located next to his. She looked at him quizzically as he sat, and
he returned her look with a smile. 
She did not catch Colonel Fitzwilliam watching them from the other side of the
table, grinning slyly at Darcy, or see Mr. Darcy’s small nod in response. She
looked to her right to see Sir Malcolm sitting in the chair on her other side.
He smiled brightly and apologized for not returning to the drawing room before
dinner - Colonel Fitzwilliam had been showing him a saber in the library. 
She looked toward the Colonel and he winked at her. She smiled and shook her
head, glad to once again be in the company of friends.
Sir Malcolm asked her a question and they spoke for a few minutes, Elizabeth
acutely aware of Darcy’s presence on her other side. 
After the first course was served, Darcy took the opportunity to capture
Elizabeth’s attention and began asking her about her sister’s wedding, how the
plans were going, and when she intended to return to Hertfordshire.
At a break in the conversation, Sir Malcolm interrupted, telling her all about
a mare he had that he thought would be perfect for her to learn to ride with.
The first course was removed and Darcy took the chance to engage
Elizabeth. 
“Miss Elizabeth, I know this isn’t the best place for such a discussion, but I
wanted to suggest something.”
“Yes, Mr. Darcy?”
“We were intending to return to Pemberley in June, as you know, but Bingley has
just asked if he can change the arrangements. He and your sister will be in
Scarborough in June and would like to come directly to Pemberley from there
instead of waiting till the end of July. It is not a long distance and makes
more sense than returning to Netherfield for two weeks time, only to spend
three days in a carriage back north. And I had wanted to be home a few weeks
before visitors arrived.”
“So what are your plans now?” she asked.
“I had thought to go on to Pemberley shortly after the wedding. I have spring
planting to oversee and Georgiana is anxious to return. Then I may complete my
business and have some time to relax before Bingley arrives in mid-June.”
“I am sure I can travel north with my aunt and uncle. They will be leaving at
the end of June, so I would likely arrive shortly after Jane and Mr. Bingley.
Would that be better?”
This was not what he was hoping for. He had hoped to prolong his time with her,
not shorten it.
“Actually, Miss Elizabeth, I was hoping you would consent to leave with us
after the wedding.” Her eyes widened. “I know it is a month sooner than
planned, but would that suit you?” 
He looked earnestly into her face and she quietly replied, “I must write to my
father.”
“Of course. I hope it can be arranged, Miss Elizabeth. Pemberley is
particularly beautiful in late spring.”
“I will do my best, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth couldn’t explain it, but she was
beginning to feel breathless. The way he had looked into her eyes and the easy
way he was speaking to her, as if she were a member of his family, was making
her feel warm and a little nervous. In combination with the wine, she was
feeling quite heady. 
In an attempt to regain her equilibrium, she gave her attention to Sir Malcolm,
occasionally answering a question from Darcy until dessert was served.
“Have you ever tried this, Miss Elizabeth?”
“I do not believe I have, Mr. Darcy.” She looked at the torte on her plate,
drizzled in a red fruit sauce.
“It is a mixture of raspberries and liqueur. My aunt refuses to let anyone see
the recipe. Supposedly it was a secret of her mother’s cook’s, and she only
serves it to very important guests.”
“Then I am flattered,” she teased.
“As you should be, Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth looked at the torte in front of her, enjoying the pungent aroma of
the raspberries and the delicacy of the cream dolloped on top of them. She took
a small bite and an almost inaudible sigh escaped her. Darcy watched her,
enchanted, fighting the overpowering urge to feed her himself. 
“What do you think?” he asked in a low voice.
“It is incredible. I see why she keeps it secret.” 
Darcy watched her eat in small bites, knowing he should look away, but not able
to make his eyes obey his head. He had an overwhelming desire to touch her. Without
considering her reaction, he reached his leg out under the table and touched
her foot with his. 
Elizabeth was about to swallow a bite of torte when she felt Darcy’s foot press
deliberately against hers. She startled and shifted reflexively in the other
direction, her foot reaching out in front of her. Sir Malcolm’s legs were long,
and as she soon realized, he liked to sit stretched out. When her right leg
jolted out and slightly to the side, she accidentally bumped into Sir Malcolm’s
foot with hers. 
She couldn’t speak with a mouthful of food and she could feel the blush
spreading up her neck as she drew her foot back slowly. She demurely wiped her
mouth with her napkin, took a sip of wine to restore her composure, and looked
to her right to ascertain Sir Malcolm’s reaction.
Malcolm, of course, thought she had touched his foot on purpose and took it as
a sign that she liked him; it wasn’t the first time a woman had flirted with
him in such a way. He smiled slightly at her and returned to the conversation
on his other side, moving his leg closer to hers so that their feet were
touching under the table without her having to stretch out. 
At least he is considerate,
 Elizabeth
thought dryly.
Meanwhile, Darcy knew he had startled her, but he also knew it would not do to
not follow through, and he enjoyed the blush his action had created. He
extended his leg once again and touched her left foot gently with his. This
time Elizabeth didn’t jump, but her face quickly flamed bright pink and he
smirked in satisfaction.
Elizabeth did not know what to do. How had this happened? She’d been sitting
calmly, trying to eat her dessert in peace, and now she was suddenly playing
footsie under the table with two different men! 
Oh, no!
 Sir Malcolm
adjusted his position so that his entire lower leg, from knee to ankle, was
pressed against hers. To make matters worse, Darcy had started rubbing her foot
with his under the table. She remained completely still, trying not to move an
inch – she did not want to encourage them. 
She was shocked at their boldness, but then she remembered that she had made
the first move with Sir Malcolm, or at least he thought she had. She briefly
wondered if it would be considered rude to pull her leg away. Realizing it was
an absurd question and that she would not find the answer to this dilemma in a
book of manners, she looked helplessly down the table. 
Jane was in conversation with Mr. Bingley, of course, and no matter how much
Elizabeth willed her to, she would not look her way. Colonel Fitzwilliam caught
her eye, and seeing her distress and embarrassment, he looked at her
quizzically. She did not want to alarm him, so she smiled at him lightly and
prayed for the meal to be over soon, before she died of mortification. 
Elizabeth knew she should look at Darcy, but she could not bring herself to
face him. She could feel his eyes boring into her, practically demanding she
look at him, but she would not remove her eyes from her plate. 
Finally, Lady Matlock stood and asked the ladies to join her in the drawing
room. Elizabeth nearly leapt out of her chair in relief. The men stood as well
and she was released from her awkward position. 
As she turned to go, Sir Malcolm gave her a meaningful look and told her he
would see her soon. She turned to Darcy, her eyes planted firmly on his cravat.
She finally looked up when he said her name. She looked at him briefly, nodded
at his promise to return to her shortly, and quickly made her way out of the
dining room. 
The gentlemen did not tarry long and soon joined the ladies in the drawing
room. Elizabeth desperately wished to escape upstairs to her chambers, but she
knew it was the coward’s way out, and she resolved to find a solution to her
predicament. She secured a chair near Jane, hoping that none would be available
for the gentlemen and they would be forced to sit on the other side of the
room. 
She was not that lucky. Mrs. Humphreys had been on her right, but just before
the gentlemen returned, she moved next to Mrs. Larkton and began chatting about
their daughters. 
Upon entering, Darcy quickly made his way to Elizabeth’s side, taking the now
empty seat at her right. Elizabeth cringed internally, but smiled politely. Sir
Malcolm was not far behind, and when she saw him enter, Lady Matlock called to
Jane to come and sit near her, saying she had a question about her upcoming
wedding. Now the chair on her left was free and Sir Malcolm sat down
comfortably. 
Elizabeth took a deep breath to steady herself and gathered her courage.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy and Malcolm both spoke at once, and Elizabeth looked
from one to the other. 
“Go ahead, Sir Malcolm,” Darcy said. He turned his chair slightly so he was
visible to both Elizabeth and his friend.
“Do you plan to play for us tonight, Miss Elizabeth?”
“I think not, Sir Malcolm. I’m afraid I am rather tired.”
“I hope you are not unwell.”
“No, not at all, Sir. I am merely tired. It has been an exhausting week.”
“Do you still believe you will never shop again, Miss Elizabeth?’ Darcy asked.
“I cannot say for certain, Mr. Darcy. But I can tell you I do not look forward
to doing it again come Monday.” 
“When is your sister’s wedding?” asked Malcolm.
“The fourth of May. I cannot believe it is so soon!”
“It is a big change, Miss Bennet. I know I felt it keenly when my sister
married.”
“Thank you, Sir Malcolm. I am really very happy for Jane and I have never seen
her more content, but  I will miss her terribly.”
“At least you will see her over the summer, so you will not be too long
parted,” Darcy added.
“Yes. How long are they planning to stay at Pemberley?” she asked.
“I am not sure. Bingley usually stays six weeks or more, but I do not know
about this particular trip. With you there, Miss Bennet may wish to stay
longer.”
“But I will not be there overlong, Mr. Darcy! I shall be back at Longbourn in
August.”
Darcy looked down and Sir Malcolm interjected. “Where does Bingley live? He
told me he had leased an estate. Is it near your home, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Yes, Sir, it is in Hertfordshire. It is a lovely place, but I am not sure if
he will buy it. He is only leasing it for the moment.”
“Surely, with her family so nearby, Miss Bennet may wish him to buy it.”
Elizabeth pursed her lips slightly. “Perhaps. I believe Jane’s disposition
would allow her to be happy in many places, though.”
“Hertfordshire cannot have such a hold on you, Miss Elizabeth. I can’t imagine
you wishing to be settled as close as Netherfield is to Longbourn,” Mr. Darcy
said seriously.