Darcy's Voyage: A Tale of Uncharted Love on the Open Seas (22 page)

“Excuse me?” Darcy asked.

“Oh, except for you, Mr. Darcy, who had to go over there to return with your sister. How kind of you that was!”

“Did she say anything else about her?”

“Anything else?” Caroline mulled over his question. “Only that she expected her home any day now.”

Darcy eyed Miss Bingley with suspicion. She did not seem to be finished with her scrutiny of this unknown fourth sister.

“If you ask me,” she said in a hushed whisper, “the only reason I can fathom for a young, single woman to travel to America and back to visit an aunt and uncle, would be to take care of some impropriety on her part.”

Louisa again nodded her agreement.

“It would not surprise me if she found herself in a most unseemly way and travelled abroad so no one here would find out she was…”

“Miss Bingley!” Darcy stood up, affronted at her insinuations against Elizabeth.

She looked up at him in surprise, silenced by his anger.

Darcy took in a breath as he attempted to calm himself. “Miss Bingley, you have no reason and no right to assume any such thing, and I, for one, will not allow you to spread rumours of that nature.”

A wave of regret crossed her face. She regretted that she had caused him such indignation and that it was directed toward her. “I am sorry, Mr. Darcy. It was… it was… thoughtless of me.” She had never seen such a look of anger on his face before, and could not, for the life of her, understand why he was so determined to defend Miss Bennet’s family.

Darcy stood up abruptly. “If you will excuse me…” Without saying any more, he left the room.

***

The next morning the sun broke through the lingering clouds, and the kind of freshness that only a recent rain can produce filled the air.

Darcy awoke eager to engage in a day of hunting. He loved the thrill of the hunt, the challenge and skill that was required, and being out-of-doors.

As he prepared to go downstairs, his thoughts went to Miss Bennet. Perhaps if she was feeling improved, she would join them for breakfast. Then he might have a chance to subtly bring up the subject of Elizabeth. He was unsettled by Caroline’s inclination to jump to the most abhorrent conclusions about the Bennets.

Joining the others downstairs in the breakfast parlour, he was disappointed to find Miss Bennet missing. He greeted the others and inquired after her.

“Has anyone seen after Miss Bennet this morning?”

Caroline answered. “Yes, I stopped by her room this morning to see how she was faring. Apparently she did not sleep well at all. She is very feverish and drowsy. All she wants to do is sleep, which is perhaps the best thing for her.”

“I am sorry to hear that she is feeling so poorly.” Darcy was served a plate of sliced ham topped with eggs and poured a cup of coffee. “It is probably wise that she not be moved just yet.”

The conversation around the table remained on Miss Bennet, spurred on by Bingley’s continued interest and concern for her. Darcy noticed the spiteful looks between Caroline and Louisa, which spoke much louder than any of their words, and yet were a truer indication to him that they had heard enough of Miss Bennet and their concern for her comfort was merely an outward show.

When he had finished eating, Darcy walked over to the window with his coffee, glancing outside as he took the last sips from the cup. Hurst was anxious to get out on the grounds and begin hunting, but Bingley desired to wait for Mr. Jones to come so he could ascertain how Miss Bennet was faring. Mr. Jones was expected at any moment, and Bingley had to repeat to Hurst several times that he would be the poorest sportsman if he set out before hearing something of her condition.

The door to the parlour opened and a servant stepped in. “A visitor for Miss Bennet.” He stepped aside to allow the visitor to step in.

As Darcy was just bringing his cup of coffee up to take a sip, he looked up and suddenly froze in his movement. There, appearing in the doorway with weary ankles, dirty stockings, and a face glowing with the warmth of exercise, stood Elizabeth!

The clanging of Darcy’s coffee cup back into his saucer brought all eyes to himself, including the woman at the door. She turned her head and their eyes instantly met; Elizabeth’s cheeks overspread with the deepest blush. Her mouth dropped in shock and surprise, and, without thinking, she cried out, “Will…” The rest of his name was swallowed under her breath as she realized what she was about to say.

Elizabeth was rendered immoveable from surprise, and Darcy took a step toward her, propelled, not by perfect composure, but by perfect astonishment and overwhelming pleasure at seeing her. Elizabeth paled, feeling quite close to fainting, wondering if the man she saw before her was a vision. In a final steeling of her nerves, she turned back to the others in the room and asked in a trembling voice that betrayed her discomfiture, “Will… will someone be so kind as to tell me how my sister is?”

Silence settled upon the group in the breakfast parlour as all eyes turned upon the lady at the door. Darcy was rendered mute just by the beautiful, long-awaited sight of her; Bingley was in awe of this fourth sister of Jane’s about whom he had heard so much; and his sisters could not believe her appearance. The state of the lady before them rivalled her sister’s appearance the day previous. Mr. Hurst was, of course, completely absorbed with the plates of food before him.

Darcy was grateful the eyes were no longer turned to him, as the blood had all but drained from his face, and he took the cup and saucer in both hands to prevent them from shaking and rattling the china.

Bingley, after being momentarily stunned, jumped up and rushed over to her, introducing himself. “Good morning! I am Charles Bingley!”

“I am Jane’s sister, Elizabeth Bennet.”

“I have heard so much about you! It is good to finally meet you!”

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said softly, her voice still quavering, stealing a nervous, questioning glance at Darcy.

“And this is my sister, Caroline Bingley, and my other sister Louisa Hurst, and her husband Mr. Hurst.” Everyone nodded in acknowledgement.

Elizabeth’s gaze was directed at the lady dressed in a most abhorrent orange.
Caroline!
The name William had called out the night of the storm. Upon scrutiny of the table she could readily see that the empty place beside hers was where he had been seated. A stiffening chill coursed through her as she wondered just what sort of relationship the two had.

“And this is my good friend, Mr. Darcy.”

Elizabeth tentatively turned to him and looked down, her heart pounding. She winced as she noticed the mud that encased her shoes and left trails up her ankles up onto her petticoat. Being so anxious to get out and see Jane, she had carelessly skipped across a large field along the way and had landed in some fairly large mud puddles. She closed her eyes as she imagined how he would consider her in this state. It took all her strength to look upon him calmly when he was the last person she had expected to see, especially in such a dishevelled condition.

“A pleasure, Miss… Bennet,” Darcy quickly interjected, a nervous smile settling across his face, and he bowed. Elizabeth sensed his awkwardness as greatly as she felt her own.

Elizabeth discreetly curtseyed, feeling a sense of unsteadiness threaten to overwhelm her. She could not bring her mind to understand why he, of all people, would be here, of all places.

Caroline stood up and walked over to her as her gaze swept up and down her clothing. She obliged herself to take her hand. “Unfortunately, your sister did not sleep well, Miss Elizabeth. She is still very feverish and not able to leave her room. Mr. Jones has been sent for, and he should be here any moment.” She urgently turned Elizabeth toward the door. “Come, I will take you to her.”

Elizabeth was glad to be ushered out of the room. Her mind and heart swirled in conflicting sensations. As she followed Miss Bingley, she found it difficult to comprehend finding him here so close to her home. She barely returned to Longbourn last night with the Gardiners, had only just caught up with her family, had not even seen Jane, and now she encountered the man who had so frequently occupied her thoughts and settled into her heart these past several months.

Following Miss Bingley up the stairs, Elizabeth tried in vain to fathom his presence in this house. She concentrated on taking each step as Caroline Bingley guided her to her sister. She seemed to be chatting on about something, but Elizabeth was too unsettled to hear and appreciate her words.

When she walked into Jane’s room, her sister’s eyes were closed and she appeared asleep. Elizabeth was suddenly overwhelmed with how much she had missed Jane and how grateful she was to see her again.

She looked back to Miss Bingley and offered up a hurried thank you to her and asked to be alone. She sat down on Jane’s bed as the ache within gave way to a release of tears.

The stirring of the bed awakened Jane, and as she looked upon Elizabeth, she was not sure whether she was dreaming.

“Lizzy?”

“Yes, Jane. I am here. I have come home.”

Jane could not have been more delighted, and she joined her sister in a tearful reunion and fervent embrace.

“Oh, Lizzy! When did you return?”

“Just last night, Jane. Oh, it is so good to see you!” They clung to each other.

“I have felt so downcast, Lizzy, feeling sorry for myself. I wished so much that you were here, and now, here you are!”

“I am so sorry you are unwell, Jane. Are they treating you kindly?” She pulled away, looking closely at Jane’s face and noticing how tired and weak she appeared.

“Oh yes. They have been very kind.”

“I am glad.” Elizabeth took her hand and held it tightly, gaining a modicum of composure. “Mama told us last night about how you had taken ill,
and
about you and Mr. Bingley.” Elizabeth smiled. “She claims that he danced several dances with you at the Meryton Assembly, and spent almost his whole time with you at Lucas Lodge. Is this true, Jane, or just another one of Mother’s exaggerations?”

As she saw Jane blush, Elizabeth realized her mother was probably correct in her assessment of the attachment between Jane and this gentleman. “You know how Mama is.”

“So, tell me, Jane. What is your Charles Bingley like?” she asked as she drew out a handkerchief and wiped the tears from Jane’s eyes and then her own. “I only briefly met him downstairs.”

“Oh, Lizzy, he is not
my
Mr. Bingley!”

Elizabeth drew closer to her and whispered, “Is he everything a young man ought to be?”

Jane smiled. “He is, Lizzy. He is.”

Jane’s sigh gave Lizzy the deep conviction that Jane held him in the highest esteem.

“And do you think, dear Jane, that he shall pass my critical scrutiny when I get to know him better?”

Jane turned to her and grasped both her hands in hers. “I do hope so. He is extremely agreeable, is lively, and exhibits such pleasing manners.”

Elizabeth smiled. “That is all well and good, Jane. But do you think him handsome?”

Jane looked down and a blush tinged her cheeks. “Yes, Lizzy, I think him most handsome!”

Elizabeth leaned over and hugged her. “Good! Then I give you leave to like him!” The two women laughed, Elizabeth grateful for the diversion from her thoughts.

Jane, fighting fatigue and the effects of her illness, inquired of her sister, “I am so anxious to hear about your trip. Will the Gardiners be at Longbourn very long?”

“They had to depart this morning. Mr. Gardiner is needed back at his business in a few days. They asked me to send you their love and were so sorry to have missed you. And as for the trip, it was wonderful, but we have plenty of time to talk about it when you are feeling better.”

Jane smiled and closed her eyes.

“I fear I have made you weary, dear Jane, but answer me one more question if you will.” Elizabeth took in a deep breath and took one of Jane’s hands in her own. “What do you know of Mr. Bingley’s friend, Mr. Darcy?”

“Hmmm,” Jane sighed. “I am afraid I do not know much. I met him just once at Lucas Lodge the other night. He danced one set with me. He seems very kind, but quiet. He kept pretty much to himself the whole evening, except when in Miss Bingley’s company. I did see him dance once with Miss Bingley, but none other.”

Elizabeth’s brows pinched together. “That is
Caroline
Bingley?”

Jane nodded. “Why do you ask?”

“He… he seems familiar, that is all.”

“Mr. Bingley said Mr. Darcy just returned from America as you did. Perhaps you saw him over there.”

“Perhaps.”

Elizabeth set her mind to straightening out the blankets as Jane closed her eyes. Elizabeth thought it best to postpone further conversation. Jane quickly fell asleep, and Elizabeth stood up and walked to the window. Looking out on the furthest horizon, she contemplated with great pain what this would mean, being again in the presence of Mr. Darcy, in this same house with him, along with Caroline Bingley.

***

After Caroline returned from taking Elizabeth to Jane, Mr. Jones arrived, and she took him to attend to her, while Bingley anxiously awaited downstairs for him to return with news of her condition.

Mr. Jones spent a good half hour with her, and when he returned, he confirmed that she had caught a violent cold and advised that she remain in bed. Her feverish symptoms had increased, and Bingley was concerned. It was only through Elizabeth’s reassurance that she would stay by her sister’s side throughout the day that he decided to go ahead with his plans and spend the day out on the grounds hunting with the other gentlemen.

Returning to the breakfast parlour after the men set out, Caroline could not wait to make her feelings about Miss Elizabeth known to her sister.

“Did you notice, Louisa, how Miss Elizabeth simply
gaped
at Mr. Darcy when she walked in this morning? I found it positively shocking!”

“She did seem quite overt in her admiration.”

“I do not know if I like her, Louisa, or like her being here! If she went to America for the reason I suspect, who is to say
what
she will do to try to capture Mr. Darcy’s attention!”

Louisa was not quite as sure as her sister that there had ever been any impropriety on Miss Elizabeth’s part, but nevertheless she nodded in agreement.

Caroline felt strongly that it would be her sole responsibility, and in Mr. Darcy’s best interest, to keep an eye on this fourth sister who was most decidedly deficient in manners, shirking all propriety, and more than likely eager to employ some improper enticements against him.

The day warmed up nicely for the men to go out hunting, but the woods and fields abounded in mud. This would not usually be enough to discourage men who are ardent hunters, but Bingley was surprised to see that Darcy’s heart was not in it. Whereas he normally took down two or three birds quite easily, today he had not hit one. It appeared to Bingley that Darcy’s steadiness was not quite what it usually was. Much to Hurst’s disappointment, Bingley decided to call it an afternoon with a good three hours still remaining of daylight.

As the men returned to the house, Darcy walked with determined strides, propelled by the anxious hope of seeing Elizabeth again soon. He knew it had been her unexpected appearance this morning that had so disconcerted him both in the breakfast parlour and while out on the grounds. He was anxious to get back, anxious to know what she was thinking about him being there, and anxious to talk to her.

When the men walked in, they discovered Elizabeth speaking with Caroline about arrangements for her to take the carriage home.

Darcy caught Elizabeth’s eye as he walked in and, feeling a little more disposed to encounter her, allowed a heartfelt smile to grace his lips as he nodded at Elizabeth. As she attended to Caroline’s conversation, she perceived his tender acknowledgement of her and a warm smile crept across her face.

Miss Bingley spoke in her most accommodating voice. “I am sure, Miss Elizabeth, that your sister will fare most adequately here for the night. Perhaps by tomorrow she will be ready to return home. There is really no need for you to remain here; you just barely returned home yourself. I am sure you are anxious to spend some time with your family.”

“I admit I worry too much,” Elizabeth replied. “I am sure she will do quite well without me.” Although Elizabeth wished to remain with her sister and her sister desired the same, she wondered whether Darcy would prefer she not remain here for the night, and the sisters unquestionably seemed disinclined to extend the invitation.

“Now there is no need to worry, Miss Elizabeth. She is in very good hands. We will take exceedingly good care of her.”

Darcy’s voice interrupted their discussion. “Perhaps Miss Elizabeth prefers to remain here at Netherfield for the night with her sister. If that is acceptable to you of course, Miss Bingley.”

Both women looked at Darcy in surprise.

“I would not wish to impose,” Elizabeth offered nervously.

Caroline waved her hands in artificial protest. “Why, Miss Elizabeth, it would not be an imposition! I was just about to suggest that myself!”

Elizabeth looked suspiciously back at Miss Bingley. “That is very kind of you. If you do not mind, I shall return to Jane and inform her of my staying. I appreciate this immensely. Thank you. Please advise me when supper is served.”

“Yes, well, it is no trouble. I shall dispatch a note to Longbourn; acquaint them with your stay and ask for some clothes to be sent over for you.”

“You are too kind, Miss Bingley.”

Elizabeth promptly returned to Jane, and Caroline was more than pleased that Darcy witnessed her close attention to this matter, sending the note and asking for a change of clothes.

Darcy took the opportunity while Elizabeth was with Jane to go up to his room and clean up in a hot bath. When his bath was prepared, he slipped in, leaning his head back as he finally had the freedom to dwell on Elizabeth. Not that he had neglected to think of her today. But he had been engaged in other things that required his attention, and although he knew his success out hunting today had been gravely affected by unremitting thoughts of her, he now enjoyed the prospect of giving her his undivided attention.

He certainly had noticed her awkwardness in encountering him this morning. He was taken by surprise, as well. He wondered, however, whether she was angry or pleased in seeing him here. But there was something that pressed on him even more. What would be her response to the news that he had not annulled their marriage?

Pulling himself out from the bath and wrapping himself in a towel, he walked over to the window and looked out, watching as rain began to pelt the glass again. It ran down in rivulets, blurring the view beyond. He thought of the storm on the ship and how pleasant it had been to have Elizabeth in his arms that night. Would he ever have that opportunity again?

After he dressed, Darcy stood before the mirror, looking at his reflection, wondering if the clothing Durnham laid out for him after the bath would be the best in which to see Elizabeth tonight. Taking his hand and running it through his hair, he realized he had not concerned himself with his appearance since that last day on the ship.