Falling for Elizabeth Bennet Page 16
Richard sighs and mumbles under his breath. Darcy asks, “Richard, where is everyone?”
Richard replies, “Bingley and Miss Bennet are in the drawing room, Mr. Bennet is in the library, and Georgie is in the music room with Mrs. Annesley.”
Darcy replies, “Thank you, Richard. I must catch Mrs. Reynolds. I appreciate your help.”
Darcy encounters Mrs. Reynolds as he is entering the house, saying, “Mrs. Reynolds, I need your assistance. Bingley’s sisters have arrived earlier than planned. I need you to move Mrs. Darcy’s most favored gowns and anything you think she might need back to her old guest chambers. We do not want Miss Bingley to know about the marriage yet. Also, would you please arrange a tea tray with pastries in the drawing room in half an hour?”
Mrs. Reynolds replies, “Sir, I will set a couple of maids to move Mrs. Darcy’s belongings right away. Fortunately, Miss Bingley is not staying too close to the family rooms this visit, so she should not be aware of the move. I will arrange the tea tray, and Miss Bingley’s and the Hursts’ rooms are prepared for them. I just finished checking them.”
Darcy replies, “Thank you so much, Mrs. Reynolds. You are a godsend!”
Darcy is rushing through the hallway when he encounters Georgiana. Darcy gives Georgiana a quick kiss and urgently asks, “Georgie, did Richard tell you where to find Elizabeth?”
Georgiana replies, “Yes, Brother. I am on my way to meet her on the wooden trail now.”
Darcy says, “Thank you, Georgie. Please take your time coming back—the sooner you are back, the sooner you will be in Miss Bingley’s company again. But please do not be too long. I want to be sure Elizabeth is well, and I believe by that time, Richard and I will need to be rescued.”
Georgiana laughs. “We will come as quickly as we can. It is good to see you so happy, Will.”
With that Darcy watches Georgiana skip out the door.
Darcy heads to the drawing room and sees Bingley and Miss Bennet sitting close together with their heads nearly touching, speaking softly to each other. Darcy clears his throat and says, “Bingley, my apologies for interrupting, but I wanted to let you know that your sisters and Hurst will be arriving in the next few minutes.” Darcy watches as Miss Bennet gets an anxious expression on her face. Darcy says, “Miss Bennet, Elizabeth and I saw the carriage. We were not in the open, so they did not see us. Elizabeth sent me back to prepare everyone in the house. Georgie is on her way to meet Elizabeth now. They are going to make it appear like they are still getting to know one another. Please remember that neither of you can mention that Elizabeth and I are married. We are planning on waiting to announce the marriage.”
Bingley says, “If there are any slips, we can use my engagement to Jane as a cover. My sisters are not yet aware of my engagement.”
Darcy replies, “Thank you both. I am sorry for the deception, but I will do what I must to protect Elizabeth.”
Just then, the group in the drawing room hears Miss Bingley’s shrill voice entering the foyer. Darcy steps out to greet Miss Bingley and the Hursts and welcomes them to Pemberley. Darcy says, “I hope you all had a safe trip. Your rooms are prepared. If you would like to refresh yourselves, tea will be served in the drawing room in half an hour.”
Miss Bingley replies, “Mr. Darcy, you take such good care of us. We would be happy to join you and your lovely sister for tea. We will see you in a half hour.”
With that, the new arrivals follow the maid upstairs to their rooms. When Darcy reenters the drawing room, Bingley says, “Darcy, I am so sorry for my sisters. They were not supposed to arrive for another two days.”
Darcy says, “Bingley, it is fine. There is nothing we can do about it now.” Darcy takes out his pocket watch and glances at the time, then closes it. Darcy is standing there, twisting his signet ring when Darcy feels a soft hand touch his arm, causing him to jump. Darcy turns to Miss Bennet and says, “My apologies, Miss Bennet. I did not mean to ignore you.”
Miss Bennet smiles at Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, I understand better than you think.”
Darcy looks at Miss Bennet in confusion. Miss Bennet explains, “Mr. Darcy, you have taken my place in Lizzy’s life—you have become her protector. I was usually the one who worried about Lizzy when she was out on one of her walks. I understood Lizzy’s need to be away from the house, especially our mother.”
Darcy looks at Miss Bennet in concern. He picks up her hand as Bingley watches the exchange in confusion as Darcy says, “Miss Bennet, I do not want you to think that I am trying to usurp you position in Elizabeth’s life. I believe that Elizabeth needs all the people to love and protect that she can get.”
Miss Bennet gives Darcy a watery smile and says, “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy replies, “Miss Bennet, would you please call me William or Darcy? We are now family. Just make sure Bingley’s sister does not hear you.”
Miss Bennet replies, “I would be happy to call you William, but only if you would please call me Jane.”
Miss Bingley and the Hursts return as Mrs. Reynolds and a footman arrive with tea. Darcy turns to Jane and asks, “Miss Bennet, would you please serve as hostess for me in Georgie’s absence?”
Miss Bingley turns to Darcy and simpers, “Mr. Darcy, I should really be the lady to serve as your hostess in dear Georgiana’s absence. I have experience serving as Charles’s hostess.”
Darcy smirks as he says, “Well, Miss Bingley, while you may have the experience, Miss Bennet also has experience as a hostess, and she is going to be your sister and, therefore, has more of a right to act as my hostess.” Darcy watches as Miss Bingley looks from Darcy to Bingley in confusion.
Bingley stands and demands, “Caroline, Louisa, Hurst, congratulate me. Jane has done me the honor of accepting my hand in marriage.”
Miss Bingley lets out a small shriek, and the Hursts offer their congratulations. Bingley turns to his sister and says, “Caroline, control yourself. You are not behaving well.”
Miss Bingley replies, “Charles, you were supposed to marry Georgiana, not Miss Bennet. What can Miss Bennet do for you?”
Bingley laughs and replies, “Caroline, I see Miss Darcy as a little sister, and honestly, Darcy would kill me if I even looked at his sister in that manner.”
Jane quietly pours the tea and hands out the pastries, ignoring the insults that Miss Bingley is spewing. Miss Bingley turns back to Darcy and inquires, “Mr. Darcy, surely you will allow dear Georgiana to join us for tea. I am sure she can be spared from her studies to visit with me.”
Darcy replies, “Miss Bingley, my sister is walking the grounds with Miss Elizabeth. They should be joining us shortly.”
Miss Bingley sneers at this. “I bet that when Miss Elizabeth returns, her petticoat will be six inches deep in mud.”
Darcy starts laughing. From the doorway, Elizabeth says, “I believe I only have dirtied my petticoats with about three inches of mud. Miss Bingley, I thank you for your concern.”
Darcy stands and crosses the room to kiss Georgiana on the cheek and offers a quick bow to Elizabeth. Darcy says, “Georgie, I see you and Miss Elizabeth had fun on your walk today, judging by your matching petticoats.”
Georgiana grins mischievously. “We did, Brother.”
Elizabeth pleads, “Mr. Darcy, if you will excuse us, Georgie and I will change and return. We do not wish to dirty the furniture.”
Darcy responds, “Miss Elizabeth, Georgie, please be seated. Your petticoats are fine. Please join us.”
Jane calls Elizabeth’s name and then hands Elizabeth and Georgiana a cup of tea. Bingley looks to Elizabeth and Georgiana and says, “I have just told my family of my engagement.”
Georgiana replies, “I am so happy for you and Miss Bennet. You will be happy together.”
Miss Bingley turns to Darcy and complains, “Mr. Darcy, I must say that your staff is slipping. I am not in my normal room. The room I have been given is totally unacceptable.”
Bingley hisses, “Caroline, b
e quiet!” and everyone else gasps in surprise.
Darcy is astonished when Georgiana says, “Miss Bingley, the room that you normally stay in is being redone into a sitting room for me to receive guests in until such time as my brother takes a wife. I had selected your current room based on your tastes, and I hope that room will be sufficient. All the other rooms have been shut down for the winter months, and any changes at this point would cause our staff unnecessary work.”
Darcy cannot tell who is more shocked by the speech, but Darcy is thrilled to hear Georgie speak up like that, especially since he saw Elizabeth squeeze Georgie’s hand in encouragement. Darcy listens while Miss Bingley apologizes to Georgie and fawns all over his sister all the while Georgie is rolling her eyes. When tea is over, Elizabeth and Georgiana excuse themselves to change, and Darcy leaves to check on his other guests.
Darcy enters the library to find Mr. Bennet reading. Darcy says, “Good day, Bennet. I just wanted to let you know that you just missed all the fun. Bingley’s sisters have arrived early, and Miss Bingley was not happy to hear that Bingley is engaged to your daughter, Jane.”
Mr. Bennet chuckles and says, “Good day, William. Are you well? How is my Lizzy?”
Darcy replies, “We are both well. It was actually Elizabeth’s quick thinking that kept Miss Bingley from discovering that we have married. Even my normally timid sister stood up to Miss Bingley. Elizabeth and Georgie are good for one another. You might want to hide in the library, but then again, you might miss out on the fireworks that are sure to continue. Please do not feel obligated to join us if you do not wish to.” Darcy bows and departs.
Darcy heads toward the billiards room, searching for Richard. When Darcy enters the room, Richard is standing at the window, looking out. Darcy crosses the room and puts a hand on Richard’s shoulder, gently calling his name, “Richard? Are you well?”
Richard nods. “My apologies, Darcy. I was not fit company to join you. I just received word that I must rejoin my regiment sooner than originally planned. I must leave tomorrow.”
Concerned Darcy asks, “Richard, are you off to battle again?”
Richard shakes his head, “No. Not yet, Darcy. There still is that chance but not yet.”
Darcy warns, “Elizabeth will want to say goodbye in private tonight. Will you wait for us here after dinner?”
Richard replies, “Yes, Darcy. I will wait for you and your wife here after dinner.”
Darcy gives Richard’s shoulder a squeeze and leaves.
Dinner is a cheerful event as everyone except Miss Bingley celebrates Bingley and Jane’s engagement. Darcy enjoys watching Elizabeth and Georgiana play duets on the pianoforte after dinner. When Georgiana and Elizabeth have finished their duet, Georgiana turns to Miss Bingley and asks, “Miss Bingley, would you play something for us? You are such an accomplished player.”
Miss Bingley condescendingly answers, “I would be honored to show you what an accomplished lady can do.”
Elizabeth and Georgiana smother their giggles, and Darcy coughs to hide his amusement. While Miss Bingley is playing, Richard stands and says, “I wanted to take this opportunity to bid you all a farewell. I must leave in the morning to rejoin my regiment.”
Darcy catches Elizabeth’s eye to wait. Richard receives farewells and best wishes from everyone. Shortly thereafter, everyone turns in for the night. Once Darcy is sure that Miss Bingley is safely in her room, Darcy escorts Elizabeth to the billiards room to join Richard. Darcy watches in amazement as Elizabeth hugs Richard and kisses his cheek, pleading, “Richard, please be careful. Please make sure to write so that we know you are well.”
Richard blushes to Darcy’s amusement. “I will be well, Mrs. Darcy. I promise.”
Elizabeth responds, “Richard, no Mrs. Darcy from you. Please call me Elizabeth or Lizzy.” Turning to face both men, Elizabeth says, “I must retire before anyone gets suspicious. Take care of yourself, Richard. Husband, I love you and will see you in the morning.” With that, Elizabeth gives Darcy a kiss and departs. Darcy watches as Richard shakes his head.
Richard says, “Darcy, I have never met someone so caring and forgiving. How did I get lucky enough to join that group of people that Lizzy cares about? After everything I have said and done, she still cares about me.”
Darcy smiles. “That is easy, Richard. You accept Elizabeth with her condition and do not treat her any differently and you guard the cousins that you love, just as Elizabeth does.”
Richard replies, “Darcy, you are one lucky devil.”
Darcy clasps Richard on the shoulder. “Godspeed, Richard. Please stay in touch. We care about you.”
Richard nods and retires.
Richard departs the next morning. Darcy and his guests spend the next several days on walks, rides, and picnics. Unfortunately, Miss Bingley manages to get on everyone’s nerves. Bingley has tried speaking with her, but nothing seems to be getting through. Darcy is tired of having to ignore Elizabeth—he misses his wife. Darcy cannot wait for Bingley’s sisters to depart. One day about a week after Richard departed, Darcy and his guest are finishing up from a picnic, and everyone is wandering the grounds—a few have ventured into the maze. Darcy finally gets a moment alone with Elizabeth and steals a kiss—unaware that Miss Bingley has seen them. No one knew that a simple kiss would have such an impact on their lives.
Dinner that night is a pleasant event. Much to everyone’s surprise, Miss Bingley is actually pleasant company. The ladies take turns on the pianoforte, and Bingley asks, “So, Darcy, what are your plans for tomorrow?”
Darcy replies, “Bingley, I was going to suggest you and Hurst join me for a small shooting party.”
Bingley replies, “Capital!”
Darcy turns to Georgiana and asks, “Georgie, are you comfortable entertaining the ladies tomorrow morning? You do not have to have any set plans if you do not wish.”
Georgiana replies, “Brother, I was going to see if the ladies would like to rest or entertain themselves. I thought that Jane and Lizzy might like some time to themselves since Jane will soon be married and living away from Lizzy.”
Darcy replies, “Georgie, you are a sweet sister to think of them. I am sure the ladies will not mind amusing themselves.” With these plans set, everyone retires for the evening.
The men enjoy a good morning of shooting. Bingley turns to Darcy informing him, “Darcy, I will be returning to Netherfield Park soon so that Jane and I can start planning our wedding.”
Hurst says, “I will be departing soon as well. I will be taking Caroline with me. I am sorry that she has been so difficult.”
Darcy replies, “Bingley, I am happy for you. Please let me know when the wedding will be.” Turning to Hurst, Darcy says, “Hurst, it has been my pleasure to have you here. Miss Bingley is always a little challenging to have visit, but it is no problem.”
The men are entering the house to change when Mrs. Reynolds and Georgiana come up to Darcy, asking anxiously, “Excuse me, sir, have you seen Miss Elizabeth during the course of your morning? We cannot find her.”
Darcy inquires, “Mrs. Reynolds, when was the last time anyone saw her?”
Georgiana replies, “Brother, I have not seen her at all this morning. Jane is searching the park for her, and Lizzy’s puppy Fitz is also missing.”
Darcy turns to Mrs. Reynolds and orders, “Mrs. Reynolds, please gather as many servants as you can spare to conduct a search. Georgie, I want you to stay here in case Miss Elizabeth returns. We all know that Miss Elizabeth likes to walk. Perhaps she merely lost track of time.” Darcy turns to Mrs. Reynolds and asks, “Mrs. Reynolds, can you tell me where the other ladies are?”
Mrs. Reynolds replies, “Miss Bingley is lying down with a headache, and Miss Bennet and Mrs. Hurst are searching the park for Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy turns to Bingley and Hurst and asks, “Gentlemen, would you see if you can round up any help to find my missing guest?”
Bingley and Hurst nod and depart.
Jane turns to Darcy and says, “William, I found Fitz lying on the ground. Who could do this? Where is my sister?”
Darcy asks Jane, “Jane, may I have Fitz? Why do you not take a break? Mrs. Reynolds, Hurst, and Bingley are bringing help to find Elizabeth.”
Jane agrees and departs. Darcy gently runs his hands over Fitz and is furious that someone would hurt an innocent puppy. Darcy notices a piece of lace caught in Fitz’s mouth. Darcy carefully removes the lace and tucks it into his pocket. Darcy looks around, and as he is turning around, Darcy looks down and notices signs of a struggle. Darcy follows the trail until the trail vanishes and all that is left are wagon tracks that lead away from Pemberley. Darcy sees Bingley, who is addressing the volunteers and asks, “Bingley, would you please ask the volunteers to check for any wagons or charts in and around Pemberley and Lambton? When you are finished here, would you please meet me in the library?”
Bingley replies, “Of course, Darcy. I will be there shortly.”
Darcy walks back to the house and encounters Mrs. Reynolds. Darcy says, “Mrs. Reynolds, would you please find Miss Bennet, Mr. Bennet, and Georgiana, and ask them to meet me in the library? Also, would you please send the head groomsman to the library as well with some towels and hot water?”
Darcy carefully shows Mrs. Reynolds the injured puppy. Mrs. Reynolds chokingly replies, “Of course, sir. Is there anything else you need?”
Darcy shakes his head no.
By the time everyone is gathered in Darcy’s library, the head groomsman has looked Fitz over and declared that she is fine—a little battered and bruised. Darcy sends Richard an express asking him to visit him at Darcy House in about three days’ time and explains that Elizabeth is missing. Darcy addresses the group as he cuddles Fitz, saying, “Jane found Fitz here injured on the ground. I have had her checked out, and she is battered and bruised but fine. I found signs of a struggle and wagon tracks. I believe that Elizabeth was taken from Pemberley. I do not know why for sure—just suspicions. Mr. Bennet, I suggest that we provide a cover story so that no one knows that Elizabeth is really missing. I was going to suggest that we say that Elizabeth is visiting nearby family and we forgot about her visit. I believe that you should all plan to leave tomorrow as you had originally intended. Georgie and I will be leaving for London, and I have sent an express to Richard requesting his assistance as well. I know this is difficult for you all, but please return home, and I will keep you posted with anything I discover. I plan on announcing the miscommunication at dinner.”