With My Whole Heart Forever Page 20

  As the young ladies’ spirits settled down, two maids entered with a tea service. Mrs. Annesley nodded slightly, prompting Ana to serve. Finally, with most of their mouths full, the room quieted.

  “Thank you all for coming,” Ana said softly. “It is such a welcome surprise.”

  “We hoped you would not mind,” said Jane. “We realise in London, it is not the usual habit to visit those with whom we spent the previous evening.”

  “That is true,” Elizabeth said, “but in our small community here in Hertfordshire, we have relaxed those rules.”

  “Though we always wait until the afternoon,” Lydia inserted, “since Mama allows us to sleep in when we have been out late the night before.”

  Kitty chimed in, “Only the threat of rain would keep us from coming together today to discuss all the new gowns the ladies were wearing at the ball. There are always such beautiful new lace patterns at every event.”

  “Oh, that is not the most important part, Kitty.” Lydia leaned forward as if she were to whisper to Ana, even though she spoke more loudly than before. “It is really to gossip about how everyone behaved — and misbehaved — the night before and share whatever news we heard from others.” Lydia giggled.

  Mary pinned Lydia with a stern expression, then turned to Ana to say, “Of course, even though you have just arrived, we wished to include you in our gathering, Miss Darcy.”

  Maria Lucas nodded. “You are quite one of us now. Any friend of Lizzy’s is automatically included in… well, in everything.”

  Ana’s eyes were a little too shiny. She was tearing up? Elizabeth realised the joy displayed on her face also hinted these were happy tears, not ones of sorrow or fear.

  Jane must have seen it, too, and did not want Ana to feel self-conscious. She suddenly turned all attention towards herself. “I was quite astonished by the news that Mrs. Barnaby told me. She said she overheard Mr. Barnaby tell Mr. Jones that a new coach was to be constructed as a surprise for his family.”

  The conversation continued until the clock struck the appointed hour that the young ladies were required to return the coach to Longbourn for Lady Lucas’s use.

  Elizabeth slowed her steps to be the last one to leave the room. “We are a lively bunch. I hope we did not overwhelm you.”

  Ana smiled. “Not at all. I greatly enjoyed the visit, Lizzy. Thank you again for coming.”

  “We will be walking into Meryton tomorrow morning. The milliner always receives a shipment on Thursdays, but the new items are not displayed until Friday morning.” She turned to Mrs. Annesley and back to Ana. “Would you both like to come along?”

  Ana answered, “When my brother returns from riding the estate with Mr. Bingley, I will ask his permission and send a note with my answer.”

  “Perfect.”

  Lydia called from the corridor. “Hurry, Lizzy. Maria says we must be off at once, or her mother will be quite cross!”

  Elizabeth sighed, and then, trying to make light of her sister’s bad manners, looked at the ceiling and smiled. “I hope to see you in the morning, then.”

  She squeezed Ana’s hand and followed the other girls down the stairs.

  CHAPTER 22

  Cheerful music drifted towards Darcy in the staircase. He separated from Bingley at the second level to stop at the music room to check on Ana before his bath.

  As he stood at the doorway, listening to the end of the piece, he was thankful to have thought of sending a man out ahead of their arrival to clean and tune the instrument.

  His sister’s talent was making great strides again, this time in the right direction.

  His applause put his sister in motion. Rushing towards him, she threw herself into his arms.

  “You may regret this later, Dove.” He chuckled. “I am filthy.”

  She looked up at him, her smile a mile wide. “I am too happy to care.”

  “What composer was that? If this is the result of playing his songs, I shall buy you every available piece of his sheet music.”

  Ana giggled. “It is not the music. It is Lizzy,” she hesitated, “and her family and friends. They came for a visit while you were out.”

  Darcy felt a pang of… something. Regret for having been out? Disappointment for having missed her?

  He really needed to take hold of himself. “You enjoyed yourself?”

  “Yes, very much so. The ladies made me feel welcome in the neighbourhood. Wanted.”

  A hint of sadness passed through her eyes, but it was chased away by another smile.

  He pushed aside the old guilt from his having tried to convince Ana to return to school before she admitted what had happened there. It had been the same for him, but he had assumed young ladies would be different than boys. They had not been. If anything, they had been worse. He should have realised it would be so.

  Bingley had been the first person to accept him for who he was without expecting anything in return. Although certain members of Bingley’s family did try to take advantage of Darcy, he did his best to put up with Bingley’s sisters for his friend’s sake. Most of the time, anyway. He was not doing so now, though when he invited Bingley, his sisters had hinted that Darcy should ask them, too. He did not.

  Suddenly it dawned on him that, in a way, Elizabeth was to Ana what Bingley had always been to him.

  “Lizzy asked if Mrs. Annesley and I would like to accompany the group for a walk into the village tomorrow morning. May I?”

  “I do not see why not. You and Mrs. Annesley can take the coach to Longbourn, and you all can walk from there.”

  She moved up onto her toes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Brother. I will send a note to Lizzy accepting the invitation.”

  He almost told her to send his regards but thought it would be better if he did not. He had not made any decisions as of yet. Furthermore, he would see her tomorrow evening at Lucas Lodge.

  ~ The next day, 4 October 1811

  Pretending to inspect a pair of gloves, Wickham quickly glanced out the shop window, his attention fully absorbed by the blonde girl standing amongst a half a dozen others.

  Since it was his first day in public wearing his uniform, he had set out to display himself quite thoroughly to see which of the village’s fair maidens could be put under his spell.

  No need to fight over me, ladies. I’m quite available to you all.

  About a quarter of an hour ago, the moment he set foot outside the camp, he found that the rumours were true. Girls of all stations in these parts flocked to a red coat.

  Being in the militia might definitely have its advantages, after all.

  After making his purchase, on account, of course, since he gambled away his last coin the previous evening, Wickham approached the door.

  That was when he had first seen her. In fact, his eye almost skipped right over the one young lady he assumed he would never meet with again.

  Georgiana Darcy.

  Immediately upon noticing her, he turned back to the clerk with the excuse that he suddenly remembered the need for a new pair of gloves.

  So now, here he was, staring at a selection of gloves while trying to take in as much as he could through his peripheral vision.

  What was Georgiana Darcy doing here, in the backwards village of Meryton?

  Wickham tried on a pair, which were so comfortable that he decided it would be a good idea to buy them, after all. But he needed more time.

  “May I see those cuff links, as well?”

  The clerk reached for them.

  Really, it was of no matter why she was here. Having Georgiana Darcy in the same village was a stroke of luck he could not dismiss.

  “Drake,” Denny said, addressing Wickham by his alias, “The ladies…”

  Can’t even think about going without me, my little toady? Do they frighten you?

  Wickham had only been here a short time, and already half the camp could not do a thing during their off-time without gaining his approval first.

  Born to lead,
one of his superiors had said about him.

  Ha! A master charmer, he had already convinced one man to do some of his work for him. If he could persuade others to help, he would seem so efficient, he would be promoted before long.

  Wickham pointed across the street. “I recognise the other ladies from our previous encounter, but who is the new one?”

  “The blonde?”

  Wickham nodded.

  “I’ve no idea, but she is very pretty.” Denny, the younger son of a nobleman and the most naïve member of the regiment, couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her.

  Oh, no, Denny. She is mine.

  “Don’t know the family name,” Hughes said. “I heard she’s stayin’ at Netherfield.”

  Hughes was not a gentleman, but he was an officer who had moved up through the ranks through his own merit. It was amazing that there were still some of that sort out there. Hughes was solid enough to be of use, so Wickham was keeping him close. After all, it was always a good idea to have a little brawn by your side.

  “Is Netherfield an estate or a village?” Wickham asked.

  “Estate,” said Hughes. “It’s said her brother’s visitin’ his friend. Brought her along.”

  Darcy was a complication, but not necessarily a problem.

  Georgiana suddenly froze and looked around, as if she could feel that someone was watching her.

  Instinct made him look down at the glass case before him. A revealing move, and therefore a stupid one, but he did not think any of the officers, the clerk, or the shopkeeper noticed his mistake.

  Just in case, he asked, “Does that pin match these?”

  The clerk nodded and pulled the pin from the case.

  It had been idiotic to react in such a way and perhaps throw suspicion upon himself. The ladies could not see him here. The sun’s glare on the window was precisely the reason he had chosen to duck into a store on this side of the street earlier with every intention of avoiding being spotted by the barmaid he had made promises to last night.

  Wickham pushed the pin through his cravat and looked in the hand-mirror the clerk gave him. He angled himself and the mirror so that, in the reflection, he could see Georgiana. She said something to the one he had recognised the other day. The one Darcy had danced with. The one who had defied him at Pemberley.

  Elizabeth Bennet.

  He’d never forget that name or that face.

  Rage stewed in his chest as he thought of her evading him outside the Harvest Ball.

  Nobody bested him. Nobody.

  At least it was satisfying that his assumptions the night of the Harvest Ball proved absolutely correct. It was no coincidence that Elizabeth Bennet was spending the day with Georgiana in this awful village. Darcy must care for this woman.

  That made her fair game.

  Although the excitement to act quickly was almost irresistible, he would need to calm down and plan this out carefully. Then, in just a few days, he should have enough Darcy money to keep him in style for years — and in the process, he would be able to strike a devastating double-blow to his good friend by ruining the lives of both Darcy’s sister and Darcy’s woman.

  “If you do not hurry, Drake, we will miss them,” said Denny. “They seem about ready to move on.”

  “By all means, go ahead without me, mates. If I make the ladies wait another day or two to see my red coat, it can only heighten their anticipation.”

  Denny and Hughes laughed as they practically tripped over each other, getting out the door.

  Besides, revealing myself now would ruin my surprise.

  ~ That evening at Lucas Lodge

  “Charlotte!” Elizabeth embraced her good friend.

  “Lizzy! Oh, it is so good to see you again.”

  Charlotte was glowing, and Elizabeth suspected it was from more than just the happiness of being at her former home. She glanced at Charlotte’s abdomen, then back up to her face.

  Charlotte blushed considerably and placed a hand on her stomach, then took it away quickly. “How did you guess?

  Elizabeth chuckled and hugged her again, whispering, “Congratulations! I am exceedingly happy for you.”

  “But I have not told a soul. Even Mr. Collins does not know yet.”

  “I saw it in your eyes the moment I saw you. I know you too well.”

  Charlotte spoke softly. “It is why I wished to come for a visit now, even though we only can stay the week…” She paused as someone passed near enough to hear her. “I am not certain when I will be able to travel again.”

  Jane approached, so Elizabeth only nodded. She would allow Charlotte to tell everyone in her own time.

  They greeted each other, then Charlotte said, “I hear Mr. and Miss Darcy are at Netherfield?” When Jane confirmed it, Charlotte continued, “My husband is extremely excited to see Lady Catherine’s nephew again and to meet her niece.”

  Poor Ana and Mr. Darcy! She knew Mr. Darcy had met her cousin at Rosings, so he would know what to expect once he realised Mr. Collins was here, but Ana had not yet become acquainted with him.

  A ripple of excitement passed through those gathered, and Elizabeth suspected the Netherfield party had arrived.

  After greeting Sir William and Lady Lucas, Mr. Bingley’s gaze caught Jane’s. He headed straight for her. The Darcys followed. Ana came up beside Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy remained a step behind. Elizabeth introduced Charlotte to Ana and Mr. Bingley. Mr. Darcy seemed genuinely pleased to become re-acquainted with Charlotte.

  Following a few annoyed exclamations, one could hear Mr. Collins’s voice saying, “Pardon me. Excuse me.” It was repeated several times before the man himself appeared, tripping as if someone had pushed him out of the crowd. He righted himself and scurried around the little group in which Elizabeth stood, coming to a stop at Mr. Darcy’s side.

  Bowing low enough that one would think the Darcys were royalty, Mr. Collins missed Mr. Darcy’s eyes turning towards the heavens.

  It was just as Elizabeth covered her mouth to hide her smile that she noticed Mr. Collins had a bit of pâté smeared just below his bottom lip.

  Catching Charlotte’s eye, she moved her fingers as if she were wiping her own lip, then glanced at Mr. Collins. Charlotte tried her best to gain her husband’s attention, to no avail. She gave up and introduced Ana instead.

  Judging by the look on Ana’s face, it was taking a great amount of effort for her not to stare at the food spread across Mr. Collins’s chin.

  Meanwhile, Mr. Collins gave the longest speech Elizabeth had yet heard about the grandeur of Rosings Park and the magnificence and condescension of its inhabitants, and of course, the Darcy relations.

  The moment Charlotte could get a word in, she asked if Elizabeth would play for them.

  Mr. Collins said, “I do hope you will decline if you have not practiced lately, Cousin, as Lady Catherine so kindly suggested.”

  Charlotte said, “Husband, it matters not if Lizzy has practiced, she is my father’s favourite performer. He specifically asked me to request that she play this evening.”

  “That may be, dear wife. However, I am sure you do remember that my patroness, the noble and benevolent Lady Catherine de Bourgh, was quite adamant about Miss Elizabeth’s efforts on the pianoforte not being accomplished and that she should especially refrain from playing for an audience that is used to the best performers, such as the Darcys would be. In contrast, if Miss Darcy were to display her talent for this audience, the recital would, I am sure, pleasantly stun us all, as well as teach us a few things about excellent taste, for I am told she is the very best —excluding Miss de Bourgh, of course, who would have distinguished herself if only she had been well enough to learn.”

  Ana’s frightened expression probably told Charlotte enough, but the young lady also shook her head — adamantly.

  Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy’s mouth had dropped open during Mr. Collins’s speech. He closed it and said, “Mr. Collins, I have heard Miss Elizabeth play and sing on numerous occasions, and
I must say that I have never enjoyed a performance more, second only to my sister’s.” He turned to her and bowed slightly.

  Elizabeth was well aware of the blush creeping up her cheeks. “I thank you, sir.”

  Mr. Darcy said, “Therefore, I, too, request that you play for us, Miss Elizabeth.”

  “Well then, that settles it,” said Charlotte. “Shall I open the pianoforte, Lizzy?”

  Elizabeth chuckled. “It appears I cannot refuse, even if I wished to.”

  “May I turn the pages for you?” Ana asked.

  She smiled at her young friend. “Of course. Thank you.”

  Throughout her song, Elizabeth could feel Mr. Darcy’s gaze upon her. Every time she looked up, he was wearing that hint of a smile he had worn whenever she performed at Pemberley.

  She knew he was acting out of mere politeness, and perhaps he even enjoyed the music, but she wanted so much for it to mean more.

  At least he had defended her against Mr. Collins’s and his own aunt’s criticism. That was something.

  ~ Two weeks later, 18 October 1811

  “Oh, it is Papilio!” Elizabeth exclaimed. She removed her glove and stroked the mare’s velvety nose, then smoothed the butterfly-shaped white star on her forehead. “She was brought all the way from Pemberley?”

  “My brother thought you might wish to ride her again since you liked her so much during our outing.” Ana nodded.

  “How thoughtful of him.”

  Goodness! There was no doubt about it this time, Mr. Darcy had done this for her. However, she had visited Ana at Netherfield almost every day these past two weeks and had not seen much of him. She knew he was busy with the renovations of the tenant houses, for she had visited several with Ana and had seen the improvements herself. But if he did care for her, he would have made more of an effort to spend time with her, would he not?

  Again, her thoughts had taken a ridiculous turn. No matter how much she wished for it, she was in no way necessary to him. Mr. Darcy was considerate of everyone.