His Uncle's Favorite (33 page)

With much excitement from Mr. Collins and his continuous praise in anticipation of the evening, they arrived at Rosings where they were directed to the dining room.

The colonel seemed glad to see them, and he did not hesitate to mention that their presence was a welcome and pleasant addition. Lady Catherine asked why they were five minutes late; Miss de Bourgh and her companion greeted them briefly and silently.

Mr. Darcy moved to them and bowed politely; his manners were not as open as his cousin’s, but he was friendlier than usual. He did not say more than a few words, but his eyes fixed upon Elizabeth and captured her own. She smiled and felt herself blushing, but she did not avert her eyes until the colonel asked her a direct question. He invited her to sit, and she sat by him; she cast a quick glance at Darcy, but he had already resumed his place by his aunt.

Lady Catherine began to talk with Mr. and Mrs. Collins and Sir William about various issues that demanded her ladyship’s wise opinion. The colonel engaged Elizabeth and Maria in a most agreeable conversation of Kent and Hertfordshire, of travelling and staying at home, and of new books and music. Elizabeth was as pleased as ever to speak with the colonel, and the uneasiness of noticing Darcy’s eyes turned repeatedly towards them made her more talkative than usual. They conversed with so much spirit and flow as to draw the attention not only of Mr. Darcy but of Lady Catherine herself, who did not scruple to call out,

“What is it that you are saying, Fitzwilliam? What is it you are talking of? What are you telling Miss Bennet? Let me hear what it is.”

“We are speaking of music, madam,” said he when no longer able to avoid a reply.

“Of music! I must have my share in the conversation if you are speaking of music. There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient. And so would Anne if her health had allowed her to apply. I am confident that she would have performed delightfully. How does Georgiana get on, Darcy?”

“Georgiana gets on wonderfully, ma’am. She is extremely gifted, and I enjoy seeing her daily progress. I am truly proud of her.”

“I am very glad to hear such a good account of her,” said Lady Catherine, “and pray tell her from me that she cannot expect to excel if she does not practise a great deal.”

“I assure you, madam, that she does not need such advice. She practises constantly.”

“So much the better. It cannot be done too much, and when I next write to her, I shall charge her not to neglect it on any account. I often tell young ladies that no excellence in music is to be acquired without constant practice. I have told Miss Bennet several times that she will never play really well unless she practises more, and though Mrs. Collins has no instrument, she is welcome to come to Rosings and play on the pianoforte in Mrs. Jenkinson’s room. She would be in nobody’s way in that part of the house.”

Elizabeth was more amused than offended, but she could see that Mr. Darcy was ashamed of his aunt’s ill breeding. She smiled at him as she thanked her ladyship politely.

When dinner was over, Colonel Fitzwilliam reminded Elizabeth of having promised to play for him, and she sat down directly to the instrument. He drew a chair near her. Lady Catherine listened to half a song and then talked to her other guests.

Mr. Darcy moved slowly to the pianoforte and stationed himself so as to command a full view of the fair performer’s countenance. Elizabeth was certain that her increased emotions and trembling fingers made her perform poorly, so she took the first convenient pause.

“Darcy, you interrupted Miss Bennet! Why on earth are you staring at us so seriously? You are quite scary, you know. I wonder if Miss Bennet will be able to play again. Take a seat; it will be more comfortable for all of us.”

“Do not worry, Colonel, I am not scared of Mr. Darcy.” She laughed, her eyes daringly holding Darcy’s gaze. “It is true that Mr. Darcy’s presence is intimidating, and it makes me nervous and sometimes uncomfortable. I always wonder what he thinks of me and whether he looks at me to find fault; I am never easy in his company, but I am not scared either.”

She spoke while their eyes remained fixed on each other, and a smile twisted his lips. The colonel was only inches away, but they seemed oblivious to his presence.

“I shall not say that you are mistaken,” Darcy replied, “because you could not really believe me to look at you to find fault. If I make you nervous, I heartily apologise; I shall do anything I can to make you more comfortable in my presence. Would taking a seat, as the colonel suggested, help?”

Elizabeth laughed heartily. “Taking a chair would be a good start—thank you.”

“Now, as my cousin is neither frightening nor intimidating, and he does not make you nervous, he might as well stand. Cousin, be so good as to allow me to sit by Miss Bennet; I shall turn the pages for her.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam stared at his cousin in disbelief. He had little time to react before Darcy gently but disarmingly grabbed his arm, removed him from the chair, and then seated himself. Elizabeth was as shocked as the colonel, blushing and barely concealing her laughter.

“So, Miss Bennet, what shall we play?” asked Darcy while the colonel, shaking his head in disapproval, moved to the other guests and was immediately claimed by Lady Catherine.

“Please forgive my aunt’s rudeness. Your performance is lovely as I have told you many times,” Darcy said, his voice a whisper.

“You are too kind as I have told you many times.” She smiled. “Lady Catherine is right; I should practice more if only I had a real interest to do it.”

“Perhaps you should do it. Perhaps you should come and practice every day as my aunt suggested. I would be delighted to follow your daily performance.”

She glanced at him, and her cheeks reddened while he continued.

“Or perhaps you could employ your time better. Walking is very beneficial, and this season is perfect for such activity. Practicing indoors can wait until the rainy, cold days.”

She suddenly stopped her song and tried to find another. Darcy offered her the music sheets, and she took them, her hand trembling slightly. Their fingers touched for a moment, and neither hurried to withdraw them; when he finally did, his fingers brushed against her in a gentle, tentative caress. Turning the pages became impossible for her.

“I have to tell you, sir, that you are not successful in making me less nervous.” He released a low rumble of laughter, though she could see he was also ill at ease.

Here they were interrupted by Lady Catherine, who called out to know what they were talking of. Elizabeth immediately began playing again. Lady Catherine approached and, after listening for a few minutes, said to Darcy:

“Miss Bennet would not play at all amiss, if she practised more and could have the advantage of a London master. She has a very good notion of fingering though her taste is not equal to Anne’s. Anne would have been a delightful performer had her health allowed her to learn.”

“I heartily agree with you, Aunt, with regard to both matters. I have no doubt about Anne’s exquisite taste, and yes, Miss Bennet has a very good notion of fingering. She only has to practice more under the close guidance of a master.”

While Lady Catherine demanded that her nephew take her back to the couch, Elizabeth stopped her playing and watched after them in disbelief. What had Mr. Darcy just said?

***

The rest of their stay in Kent passed with little event. Three more days it had rained; the three dry days, as in mutual understanding, Elizabeth and Darcy spent the entire morning on long walks, discussing such varied subjects as music, books, weather, Georgiana, Bingley, Longbourn, and Pemberley. Nothing more personal was attempted between them, but each day made them more familiar with each other. Elizabeth did not dare to ask about his plans after leaving Kent; it was only decided that she would remain a few days in London with her aunt Gardiner while Sir William and Maria returned home.

Lady Catherine was very displeased that her nephews decided to leave so soon; she insisted that at least Elizabeth should stay longer and was highly displeased to receive a rejection. Her ladyship insisted on knowing all their travel details. She showed surprise that her nephews would leave the same day as the other guests; she insisted several times that their carriage was too small and uncomfortable and it was fortunate that the gentlemen would ride back to London. As they took their farewells, her ladyship did not forget to mention that Darcy’s attachment to Rosings seemed to increase every year.

Elizabeth spent most of the journey watching through the window, admiring the beauty of the fields and the splendid posture of Thunder, who was riding proudly near the carriage under the gentle guidance of his master. In a few hours, they would be in London, and there would be no opportunities for long walks and private conversation. Suddenly, Elizabeth realised she did not like London quite as much as she did before.

Chapter 14

Elizabeth’s reception in Gracechurch Street was as warm as she expected. Her little cousins missed her exceedingly and did not hesitate to prove it. Their genuine love and demands for attention were most welcome distractions from her thoughts.

Sir William and Maria stayed long enough to enjoy tea and some refreshment then resumed their travel home.

“Dearest, do tell me all. How was your visit in Kent? How is Charlotte? What a lovely coincidence for Mr. Darcy and the colonel to visit Rosings at the same time…”

“Yes, lovely coincidence indeed. Charlotte is fine; she made herself a very comfortable home. She seems to be pleased with her present situation. I am happy for her.”

“I am glad to hear it; you will have to indulge me with a detailed report during dinner. In the meantime, I have some news, too. Next week we are all invited to Lord Matlock’s estate for a hunting party. The earl and Selina insisted so fervently that they left me little choice. I had to accept, though hunting is not my favourite amusement.”

“A hunting party? That is quite intriguing, I must say, but I am afraid I will not be able to join you. I should return home in a few days. I miss Longbourn, and I know they miss me, too.”

“Surely, you cannot hope to escape so easily, Missy. The earl also sent an invitation to Mr. Bingley and your father. As you might imagine, my brother Bennet refused to travel so long for a week of hunting, but he generously offered to send you and Jane. Jane will arrive the day after tomorrow in the afternoon. So you see—all is settled.”

Elizabeth was uncertain how she felt about the prospect of such a party, so she did not answer immediately. One question was particularly troubling, but she dared not ask it.

“The colonel did not seem aware of such a party,” she said.

“It was a hasty arrangement made by the earl, but the colonel will surely be there. I understand there will be quite a large party besides the family. Selina is very excited about it—and so is Miss Darcy.”

“Georgiana? I would never imagine her hunting.”

“She will most likely not hunt but enjoy her time at Matlock Manor. Miss Darcy said her brother is a skilful hunter. But again, if we were to take Miss Darcy’s word, Mr. Darcy is skilful at everything.” Mrs. Gardiner laughed and Elizabeth forced a smile.

“I hope you remember I do not ride. I would feel awkward to walk while others ride.”

Mrs. Gardiner laughed loudly. “Yes you would. I am afraid you will have to spend your time taking care of your cousins, dearest. I have every intention of taking advantage of this week; it has been so long since I last rode. And you cannot count on Jane to keep you company, either.

“So, unless you learn to ride quite well in the next few days, you will have to find a way to entertain yourself. Or perhaps one of the gentlemen will sacrifice himself and abandon the hunt in your favour.”

She blushed and laughed. “If my aunt and sister are prepared to abandon me without mercy, I dare not hope that a gentleman would prefer me to a hunt. It would be uncommonly strange.”

With such jokes, the rest of the day passed, and dinnertime arrived with the promised detailed report from Elizabeth. Every parcel of Mr. Collins’s garden was described, as well as the windows and rooms of Rosings. Lady Catherine was quoted at least five times, including the matter of proficiency through excessive practice. When they retired to their chambers, Mrs. Gardiner was exhausted from laughter and amusement. She had not been so entertained in many years, nor could she fail to notice the frequency of Mr. Darcy’s name being mentioned during her niece’s narrative.

***

Breakfast had just finished when a servant announced Miss Darcy. She hurried to embrace her friend, who received her with the warmest feelings.

“I am so happy to see you, Elizabeth! I wished to come yesterday, but William said I should let you rest after your trip. He was right, of course. He had some meetings fixed for this morning, and as soon he was gone, I came to see you. How are you? You look very well!”

“I missed you too, Georgiana. You should have come yesterday; no rest is as important as seeing you. How are you? Mr. Darcy and I spoke about you recently. I really missed you.”

“Oh, I am fine. Before I forget—Selina asked me to tell you that tonight we will go to the theatre. All is settled. Selina will come to see you soon; she had to prepare the children first.”