With My Whole Heart Forever Page 18

  “You did a wonderful job of it. I have never been more pleasantly astonished,” Elizabeth said. “Are you staying at the inn?”

  Ana shook her head. “At Netherfield Park.”

  Elizabeth cocked her head to the side. “Are you guests of Mr. Bingley?”

  Suddenly, Darcy did not want her to know he owned Netherfield. All throughout the negotiations, he had kept telling himself he was purchasing the estate to ease the burden of his cousin’s tenants and to protect the Darcy name. However, now standing before Elizabeth, he knew he had done it, first and foremost, for her. The thought frightened him. Additionally, he did not want Elizabeth to think he was purchasing her gratitude.

  As Ana opened her mouth to respond, he interrupted a bit too loudly, “Yes.”

  Ana looked up at him with shock. “I, er…,” she stuttered.

  He caught her eye, trying to indicate that he would explain later, but she seemed nothing but puzzled. He would also have to tell Bingley as soon as possible, but at the moment, it was only polite that he should introduce Elizabeth to Bingley.

  CHAPTER 20

  Elizabeth smiled at Ana and squeezed her hand. She could barely believe that Ana and Mr. Darcy were here and staying at Netherfield Park!

  “Bingley?” Mr. Darcy called to his friend, who was speaking to Sir William.

  Mr. Bingley excused himself and moved towards them.

  Darcy said, “Bingley, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the lady we have told you about. Miss Bennet, this is Mr. Charles Bingley, lately of Netherfield Park.”

  First confusion, but then, strangely enough, relief spread across Mr. Bingley’s features, and he smiled. Darcy wondered what that was about. They went through the usual pleasantries said during an introduction.

  Elizabeth looked away from Mr. Bingley and surprise once again overtook her features. “Mrs. Annesley!”

  Mrs. Annesley replied, “It is so nice to see you again, Miss Elizabeth.”

  Elizabeth looked from Ana to Mrs. Annesley. “Oh! When you told me you had found a new position, I did not realise it was with Ana.”

  “You know each other?” Ana asked.

  Mrs. Annesley nodded. “I would have mentioned it earlier had I known you were acquainted. Whenever you referred to Miss Elizabeth, you only spoke of Lizzy. Since you did not mention her surname, I did not put the name together with the lady I know.”

  Elizabeth said, “Mrs. Annesley was companion to an old friend of Jane’s and mine, Miss Beatrice Trent, now Mrs. Powell, of course. She moved from Meryton to London several years ago. Jane and I had stayed with the Trents for a few weeks one autumn before Beatrice married. Mrs. Annesley chaperoned us whenever we went to London.”

  Elizabeth turned to glance at her family. She knew her father was here, somewhere, but he was nowhere in sight. Her mother looked like she would have a fit of nerves if Elizabeth did not usher Mr. Bingley and the Darcys to meet her soon. “May I introduce you all to my family?”

  Their party moved towards the Bennets. She made the introductions.

  Everyone, especially Jane, seemed happy to meet Ana, about whom they had heard so much, though Jane was a little distracted by Mr. Bingley, who was staring at her with what came close to reverence. So beautiful was Jane, Elizabeth could not fault him. After a few moments, Jane, too, seemed in a trance, but she tore her gaze away from the gentleman when Elizabeth mentioned Mrs. Annesley’s name.

  A minute later, Mr. Bingley and Jane began conversing, and Elizabeth heard him ask Jane to dance. She noticed Jane was actually trembling as she accepted.

  She tried not to look at Mr. Darcy, for she knew the expectation she felt that he should request a set from her would show in her eyes.

  Mr. Darcy’s voice came from her left. “If you are not engaged for the first set, Miss Elizabeth, may I claim that honour?”

  Had he actually asked for a dance, or had she heard what she wanted to hear? And specifically the first set, no less?

  She had never danced the first pair of dances at any ball because they were usually saved for someone special, and she never had anyone she thought that highly of — until now. However, she knew he could not feel the same way. It was inconceivable.

  A gentleman of his breeding must know what requesting the first set implied. She knew full well it had the same meaning at a private ball in Derbyshire, but perhaps their public balls were different?

  Nonetheless, Ana had sworn he usually never asked any ladies to dance at all because he did not enjoy the activity. Even Wickham had commented on the novelty of his dancing with her at the Harvest Ball. And here he was requesting another set with her at yet another ball.

  Was she special to him, after all?

  Her thoughts were becoming nonsensical again.

  I am his sister’s friend, and that is all.

  She was also the only lady he knew at this event. He probably felt an obligation to ask her.

  But then why did he request the first set?

  Confusion reigned within her mind, so she consulted her heart. Although she had promised herself if she ever saw Mr. Darcy again, she would spend as little time with him as possible to protect her heart, she wanted so much to dance with him again. She found she could not refuse.

  “I am not engaged, sir. I thank you.”

  He seemed so relieved to hear her speak that she had to wonder how long she had been distracted while thinking it over.

  Ana gave them both a brilliant smile.

  Mr. Bingley set a hand on Mr. Darcy’s shoulder. “Darcy, Sir William Lucas would like to introduce us to the remainder of y…eh…the neighbours before the dancing begins.”

  “May I stay here with Lizzy, Brother?”

  Mrs. Annesley whispered, “It is proper that you should accompany your brother for introductions, Miss Darcy.”

  Ana looked quite terrified. To be honest, Mr. Darcy did not seem to be any more at ease than his sister. Mr. Bingley was the only one of their party who appeared comfortable with the idea, though his gaze kept returning to Jane. It was as if he would rather stay and get to know her better instead. Surprisingly, Jane was welcoming his attentions.

  “I can tag along with you, if you would like,” Elizabeth suggested.

  “Jane should come with you,” said her mother. “It will save Mr. Bingley from the trouble of having to look for her when the music begins.”

  Jane blushed deeply, and Elizabeth felt her face heat, as well. Their mother’s intentions were obvious. Elizabeth’s goal in making the offer was to stay close to Ana and act as a buffer between her friends and her neighbours, but Mr. Bingley would now feel it necessary to offer Jane his arm, and that would look to everyone else as if she were claiming him.

  For Jane’s sake, Elizabeth could not allow that to happen.

  None of the Netherfield party seemed to be upset about the idea of their accompanying them in the least. In fact, Mr. Bingley’s smile widened. Mr. Darcy, at first, offered his arm to Ana, and he almost provided his other arm for Elizabeth’s use, but then he stopped himself.

  Trying to communicate that she should walk with the ladies, Elizabeth glanced at Mr. Bingley and again at Mr. Darcy, then she looked at Ana, Jane, and Mrs. Annesley, hesitated, then her gaze again came to rest on Mr. Darcy.

  Mr. Darcy raised his eyebrows slightly, patted his sister’s hand, and let go, turning to say something to Mr. Bingley.

  A sense of accomplishment washed over her. Without her having to say a word, Mr. Darcy understood her wishes, and though they were inconsistent with his own desires, he deferred to what she thought was best.

  That had to mean something, did it not?

  Mrs. Annesley caught her eye and smiled slightly. It was a gesture she recognised from when the companion had accompanied Jane and herself during their visit to Beatrice two years ago. She had noticed what Elizabeth had done and approved.

  It was strange how Mrs. Annesley was not acting as chaperone to her anymore, but Elizabeth felt gratified when she commended
her actions. An old habit? She supposed so.

  The gentlemen followed Sir William. Elizabeth and Ana fell into step behind them, while Jane walked with Mrs. Annesley.

  “So tell me, how long have you been planning to surprise me here?” Elizabeth asked Ana. “You gave nothing away in your letters.”

  “Fitzwilliam told me the day you left Pemberley, as we were watching your carriage leave.”

  Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. “At such an early date, he had already arranged it with his cousin that Mr. Bingley would purchase Netherfield?”

  Ana blinked several times and furrowed her brow. “You are the third person in the past few minutes who has assumed Mr. Bingley is the owner of Netherfield.”

  “Why does that unsettle you? Is he not?”

  Ana shook her head. “Fitzwilliam was already in the process of purchasing Netherfield while you were at Pemberley.”

  Elizabeth took in a quick breath.

  She looked at Mr. Darcy, who was now listening to Sir William say something she could not make out. The gentleman’s mien was not as expressive as when the three of them had been alone at Pemberley — instead, he was wearing the cold, stiff mask he had worn when in company at the Harvest Ball, except when he had spoken to Ana or herself.

  He purchased Netherfield almost immediately after she told him what a horrible landlord his cousin was?

  What did that mean? She would have to puzzle it out later.

  It took a few moments for Elizabeth to recover her senses. “Your brother has not corrected anyone’s misconceptions.”

  Elizabeth knew that if he had, the news would have flown around the ballroom more quickly than the bird that slipped in through an open window here last year, causing all kinds of havoc. They would have been hearing bits and pieces of such conversations as they passed.

  “It is not his way… he dislikes bringing attention to himself and may allow it to continue forever, but I thought you should know the truth, at least, Lizzy.” Ana looked at her from the corner of her eye.

  They followed the gentlemen around the room, stopping briefly at each familial cluster.

  She examined the two gentlemen. They could not be more different, really.

  Mr. Bingley had blue eyes and straight, golden hair — even lighter than Jane’s. Oddly enough, that thought triggered the hint of a memory that she could not quite grasp at the moment. Mr. Darcy’s eyes and hair were dark brown. Mr. Bingley was about average height; Mr. Darcy was well above six feet. Although Mr. Bingley did not give the impression of being weak, it was quite apparent that Mr. Darcy was muscular and strong.

  However, it was not just in looks that they differed. In fact, Elizabeth might wonder how they could be friends at all if she had not already known Mr. Darcy under different circumstances.

  Mr. Bingley was chatty and cheerful with everyone he met. Mr. Darcy’s behaviour was taciturn to the point of being almost unapproachable. If there were young ladies in the family, Mr. Bingley asked them to dance. Mr. Darcy asked none.

  After a few minutes, she could see Ana was correct. Mr. Darcy did not like attention. She suspected it was not his intention to insult the people around him, he only wanted to become less interesting, blend into the background, and turn their heads away from him towards Mr. Bingley instead. But the downside of this was that while it might work in other parts of society, it was not working here in Hertfordshire.

  Although she did not usually like to listen to others’ conversations, after seeing a few glances his way, the case warranted it. Her neighbours could recognise that although Ana was timid, she was a pleasant young lady, but Mr. Darcy? They thought him haughty and egotistical.

  Emergency measures were necessary.

  The next time they halted, it was before the Skinner family, which she realised was a perfect opportunity for Mr. Darcy to show that he was not as arrogant as they thought he was. She had heard many of the tenants at Pemberley mention that Mr. Darcy was interested in innovative irrigation systems, and he seemed to genuinely enjoy teaching others about what he had come up with.

  Elizabeth turned to her sister. “Jane, did you know that Miss Darcy embroiders pillows and material for gowns similar to how you do? You are both so talented, I could not say which of your designs I like best.”

  Jane asked Ana where she found her patterns, and their conversation continued from there. Elizabeth angled her body so that, in a way, she was standing next to both Mr. Darcy and Ana at the same time.

  When a lull in the conversation between Sir William, Mr. Skinner, and Mr. Bingley produced itself, Elizabeth asked, “Mr. Skinner, I was away during the harvest, and after hearing all about your inventive irrigation system during the growing season, I have been wondering… what were the results of your experiment in the south field?”

  Mr. Skinner smiled warmly. “You are so kind, Miss Elizabeth, always showing an interest in the ramblings of an old man.” Then he frowned. “The yield was not as high as I expected, though I cannot understand why.”

  She gestured to Mr. Darcy. “I visited at Mr. Darcy’s estate in the north recently and noticed his tenants are using an irrigation system that is similar to what your trial involved, but at the same time, it is also a bit different. When I saw the magnificent results at Pemberley, I thought of you and dearly wished you could see Mr. Darcy’s methods for yourself. Of course, now that Mr. Darcy is here in Hertfordshire, you have the perfect opportunity to discuss your ideas with him directly.”

  Mr. Darcy widened his eyes a little. “I would be happy to have that discussion, Mr. Skinner, but Miss Elizabeth… I am surprised you noticed Pemberley’s irrigation techniques at all.”

  “It is as I said, Mr. Darcy.”

  “I have every confidence in your word, Miss Elizabeth, but it is also extraordinary,” he said.

  “That may be, sir,” said Mr. Skinner, “but Miss Elizabeth is quite attentive to everything that goes on around her. She has shown a great interest in my plans. She has even introduced some ideas of her own, which I must say did nothing but improve the configuration.”

  “Quite remarkable,” Mr. Darcy said, staring at her.

  All attention was on her.

  Oh, bother. This was not the outcome she had expected at all.

  She tried again. “Will your techniques be implemented at Netherfield Park, Mr. Darcy?”

  Mr. Darcy’s left eyebrow twitched. Yes, Ana was correct; he honestly did not want anyone to know he was the owner of the estate. It was so odd. However, she was convinced she had not given that fact away against his wishes.

  “Absolutely.” Mr. Darcy turned to Mr. Skinner. “If you, or any of your neighbours, would like to take a look at the plans I brought with me from Pemberley, I would be happy to share them with you.”

  Mr. Bingley’s hand came down on Mr. Darcy’s shoulder. “In fact, work has already begun at one of the farms. Perhaps we can make a day of it late next week. You know the landowners better than we do, Mr. Skinner. Feel free to invite whomever you think would benefit. We can examine the plans, have luncheon, and then we shall all take a ride out to see the work that is in progress.”

  “Mayhap, you both would like to come out to Hallow Hills on Tuesday to look over what I have done in the south field?” Mr. Skinner suggested.

  “An excellent plan, Mr. Skinner,” Mr. Bingley accepted for them both.

  There! With Mr. Bingley’s amiable assistance, perhaps the gentlemen of Hertfordshire would not think so poorly of their new neighbour.

  The orchestra played the first notes of a tune, signalling that the dancing was to begin.

  Mr. Darcy turned to her and bowed. “I believe this is my dance, Miss Elizabeth.”

  She curtsied. “It is as you say, sir.”

  Couples began assembling on the dance floor. They followed as Mr. Bingley escorted Jane and took their place in line.

  During the first dance of the set, she and Mr. Darcy crossed paths several times in silence.

  Eventually, during the
second dance, he said, “Why did you do it?”

  “Sir?”

  “Earlier, with Mr. Skinner.” He raised his eyebrows and lowered his chin as if he were saying she knew exactly what he was talking about. “Miss Elizabeth, I know very well that I have not the talent that some possess of easily falling into conversation with those I have never met before.” They were separated for a few moments. When he approached again, he said, “You found a topic which I was comfortable discussing with the gentleman.”

  She feigned innocence.

  He tilted his head in a way that said, you have been found out.

  As she skipped around Jane, she blew out a long breath and met up with Mr. Darcy again. “I simply gave you a little push in the right direction, sir, pointing out an interest that has been the topic of conversation between most of the gentlemen in this area for the past year, at least.”

  The only subject that had been more popular was their having to handle urgent matters at Netherfield. Mr. Bingley would get all the credit for mending that situation if Mr. Darcy refused to admit who was truly responsible.

  “Your friend did the rest,” she said. “This meeting will benefit all. Do you not think?”

  “I am sure it will.” He seemed annoyed now. “I did not ask you what you did, but why you did it.”

  She blinked several times as she returned to her place. It was Jane’s turn to circle her, then the lady on her other side did the same, giving her a chance to think.

  How could she say this in a way that would not be demeaning?

  “As you have admitted, you do not perform well to strangers, Mr. Darcy. I could plainly see they all misunderstood you. Meanwhile, I know from experience that your character is not at all what they assumed. I felt it my duty, in a way, to help you put your best foot forward.” She chuckled. “To put it simply, it would be nice if all my friends got along.”

  They grasped hands, swung to change places, and moved up the line to the beginning. All the while, Mr. Darcy stared at her with an expression that stretched her nerves raw since she could not read it at all. As the dance required, they separated and walked around the back of the other dancers to the end of the line, where they changed places again, ending up in the same spot they had left. When they stood across from each other again, his mood seemed much improved.