His Uncle's Favorite (42 page)

A brief moment of disconcertion followed; then Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley declared it had been a lovely but tiring day. Consequently, they expressed their regret for not being able to stay longer. In a short while, Elizabeth, Jane and Georgiana found themselves happily alone in the large drawing room.

“I think Lady Sinclair is fatigued from chasing William too much,” Georgiana suddenly said sharply, and Elizabeth and Jane stared at her in disbelief.

“Please forgive me; I know I am being rude, but she was such a nuisance the entire day! I almost fell from Duke because of her! William was very upset.”

“Mr. Bingley and I were afraid you were hurt,” Jane said with kind understanding.

“You were hurt? What happened?” Elizabeth asked with equal worry and distress.

“Oh, nothing really; do not worry. But she is such a— Ahhhhh, I cannot stand her!”

“Come, dearest, do not let her bother you overmuch.” Elizabeth laughed. “She will leave in a few days, and fortunately, you will not see her much in the future.”

“I certainly hope not! But Miss Bingley just told her she was invited to Pemberley for the summer, and Lady Sinclair asked William why she did not receive an invitation! Can you imagine the nerve of the woman?”

“Will she be at Pemberley?” Elizabeth tried to appear less distressed than she was.

“No indeed! She will never receive such an invitation—of that I am certain.”

“Mr. Bingley was upset about Miss Bingley’s indiscretion,” Jane whispered.

“Mr. Bingley is so amiable; it is always a pleasure to have him around. William is fond of Mr. Bingley, and he speaks very highly of him.”

It was easy for Jane and Elizabeth to understand Miss Darcy’s statement: Mr. Bingley was the only reason his sisters were tolerated.

“What would you suggest we do now? Shall we wait for the gentlemen? It might be a while, though, considering their animated conversation.” Elizabeth laughed.

“I…I enjoy talking to you but…if you do not mind, I would like to retire, too. I did not sleep well the last few nights, and I am a little tired,” Jane said tentatively.

“Do not worry, dearest; you may go and sleep. I shall stay a little longer with Georgiana until she abandons me as well. I am certain she is also tired.”

“I am not tired at all,” Miss Darcy declared. “Last night I slept better than I have in a long time,” she said, meaningfully, and Elizabeth smiled at her. “So, what shall we do now?”

“What would you suggest—maybe play something?”

“That would be a lovely idea, but if the gentlemen return, I do not wish to… Elizabeth, would you like to go to my room? I have a small instrument there; my uncle bought it for me a couple of years ago. And we can speak without interruption.”

“Really? That would be a perfect arrangement,” Elizabeth approved, and Georgiana needed no other encouragement. She asked a maid to bring them a tray of refreshments upstairs then took Elizabeth’s arm and left the room. Inside Georgiana’s apartment, which was a little larger than hers, the small entrance room was dominated by a piano. Georgiana opened the windows and lit additional candles. The night was dark and cooled by a gentle breeze; heavy clouds covered the moon and the stars.

“It will rain,” Georgiana said. “Quite a storm, I’m afraid.”

“Well, it is fortunate that it did not rain last night; imagine how it would have been to ride through muddy fields.”

“Yes, fortunate indeed.” Georgiana laughed. “I am very pleased we can talk a little, Elizabeth. I have long wanted to tell you how happy I am that you and William…”

“Thank you, my dear. I cannot tell you how happy I am that you approve.”

“I most certainly do! I cannot wait. Did you fix a date yet? Oh, forgive me for asking; I know you have not informed Mr. Bennet yet.”

“Do not worry; you may ask anything you like. And no, we have not fixed a date. In fact, I still cannot believe this is truly happening. We have informed no one yet except you.”

Their conversation continued in the same manner for some time; they played the piano a little then returned to their discussion. Georgiana asked more about Elizabeth’s home and told Elizabeth about Pemberley. She seemed equally happy and self-confident with no trace in her countenance of the shy, insecure girl from previous months.

She asked Elizabeth to play a duet with her again. This time, their performance was more animated and less accomplished than it should have been, as their skills were adversely affected by their merriment. Elizabeth finally asked whether their playing at such an hour would not disturb the other guests who might be sleeping; they wisely stopped playing and continued to speak, finding amusement in every subject.

“We should play cards,” Elizabeth suggested.

“Playing cards? Only the two of us?”

“Well, we can ask Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst to join us if you wish. They seem fond of card playing. Besides, they are known to be your intimate friends.”

“You are very considerate, Miss Bennet. Thank you.”

“Forgive me; that was a mean remark. I think I still cannot forgive Miss Bingley for her ungenerous interference between Jane and Mr. Bingley.”

“I understand…but all is well now. Your family will be happy at the news of Miss Bennet’s engagement, I imagine.”

“Yes, very happy.” Elizabeth laughed.

“What about you? I mean, about your engagement. Will they approve of William?”

Elizabeth hesitated a moment and felt her cheeks blush in embarrassment.

“My mother’s approval will be difficult to temper, I am afraid. As for my father, I am happy to say that he and Mr. Darcy—William—built a strong relationship during our stay in London. My father came to know and greatly admire Mr. Darcy. I think he will be very happy with our engagement.”

“It must be nice to have a large family. Your house must be so lively. Silence can be difficult to bear sometimes…” Georgiana’s voice wore a trace of sadness, and Elizabeth felt the girl’s emotion.

She squeezed her hand gently and forced a laugh. “Dearest, if we all come to Pemberley, you will beg for silence, I warn you.”

“Oh, I cannot wait! Pemberley has been silent for too long, I am afraid—”

A thunderclap broke the stillness of the night and startled them; the wind gusted fiercely against the windows, and Georgiana hurried to close them.

The next moment, the sky seemed to erupt, and rain fell violently.

“I think the windows are open in my room, too. Excuse me for a moment; I must run to close them,” Elizabeth said and left the room immediately.

As she expected, the wind had extinguished all the candles, and she barely found her way in the darkness. She stepped carefully towards the windows; the rain had wet the carpet and the curtain. She closed the windows and looked around for something to light the candles then decided she would get a lighted one from Georgiana.

She was in her doorway when she noticed steps and movement in the hall. She remained still, hidden in the darkness, and the next moment she frowned. A woman’s figure—dressed in a nightgown and carrying a small candle, her hair falling about her shoulders—stopped at Mr. Darcy’s door, looked about, then blew out the candle and entered cautiously.

A cold shiver ran through Elizabeth; even in the dim candlelight, she easily recognised Lady Sinclair. What was she doing in Mr. Darcy’s room at that hour? She stood there, stunned, unable to decide what she should do. She expected to hear raised voices and witness Mr. Darcy’s forcible removal of Lady Sinclair from his room. Why would a woman put herself in such a situation? Suppose others should hear of it! How would Lord Sinclair react to this scandal? She looked along the hall, but no movement could be heard—only darkness, and the rain falling heavily, striking the windows. Why was she in his room so long?

Elizabeth startled violently when Georgiana called her name. The girl seemed worried and asked whether she was all right or needed help with the windows. Elizabeth needed time to reply; suddenly, she realised how embarrassing it would be for Georgiana to witness her brother arguing with a woman in the middle of the night.

“I am fine; I just need a lighted candle. Let us return to your room.”

They entered and closed the door behind them; Elizabeth poured herself a glass of water while her mind tried to comprehend and find appropriate answers.

Georgiana, preoccupied by her friend’s obvious change of spirit, attempted a few more questions but received only short answers. A few more minutes passed; Elizabeth said she felt tired and wished to retire to her room. Georgiana did not try to contradict her, but a tentative yet decided knock on the door interrupted them. They looked at each other with wonder; then Georgiana opened the door only to meet Mr. Darcy’s smiling appearance. Elizabeth turned pale and sat on the nearest chair.

“Forgive me for interrupting you, I was just… May I come in?” he asked, and Georgiana gladly invited him in.

“Miss Bennet…” he greeted her with a smile. She stared at him, speechless.

“I hope I am not intruding. I was walking around the grounds just before the rain began, and I heard the piano. I imagined it was Georgiana… So, what do you think of this storm? Were you doing anything special?”

He was smiling in obvious good humour, and Elizabeth could not take her eyes from him.

“We played the piano a little earlier…before the storm interrupted us…but Elizabeth is tired; she was just retiring to her room.”

“Really? I am sorry to hear that,” he said, and Elizabeth finally managed to answer.

“I was a little tired, but I can stay a little longer. I… We did not expect to see you here.”

“I did not expect to see you here, either.” He laughed. “May I keep you company for a few minutes? Perhaps card playing for three?”

“That would be lovely, Brother. Elizabeth just proposed we invite Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, but I dare say we would enjoy your presence much better.”

“Really? I must say, your sharp irony frightens me a little, dearest. I notice in you a dangerous resemblance to our uncle in the last few days!”

“I dare say she also resembles her brother.” Elizabeth laughed, more spirited as her distress began to subside.

“That would not be possible. Georgiana was always the kind, sweet, generous part of our family,” Darcy declared.

“As I said, very much like her brother,” Elizabeth repeated, her eyes fixed on his face; he seemed a little disconcerted by her compliment.

“You are very generous with your praise, though I know it is not entirely deserved.”

“Yes, it is,” Georgiana intervened, smiling at her brother. “We were talking about Elizabeth’s family. I cannot wait to be all together at Pemberley.”

Darcy glanced quickly at Elizabeth then to his sister again, and he did not reply for a moment. Elizabeth laughed. “Mr. Darcy seems more worried than anxious. I know he does not enjoy large parties, and he is already accustomed to my family’s…particularities.”

“I do look forward to having you at Pemberley, Elizabeth—and your family, too. I have great hopes that each of them will find something to employ their time as they please.”

“Thank you, sir. You are very generous,” Elizabeth said, becoming crimson.

Georgiana giggled. “So, what should we do? Oh dear, what a storm,” she said as thunder crashed and lightning again lit the sky.

“Could you play a little for me, dearest? Anything you wish,” Mr. Darcy pleaded.

“I will, but…will you play something for me and for Elizabeth?” Georgiana asked, and Elizabeth startled in surprise, staring at him. He turned red.

“So, you have betrayed me, dearest. I shall not forget that.” He smiled at Elizabeth while he tried to devise an explanation. “My mother loved music, and she was an exquisite performer. We used to spend quite some time together in the music room…”

“And William used to play to me when I was little…when I could not sleep or I was sad or frightened. He used to play for me, and I sat on the carpet at his feet, looking at him. I think I first learned to play only to be able to stay with him more.”

Elizabeth could hear Georgiana’s voice, but her eyes never left Darcy’s face; his countenance was a mix of embarrassment and anxiety, and he attempted a smile. Deep emotion overwhelmed the room, so Darcy spoke with forced lightness.

“Very well then… Make room, dearest,” he said and suddenly sat at the piano. He then turned to his sister. “I shall play one song, and then you will play for us. Elizabeth is excused for the moment, but her turn will come soon,” he added, glancing at Elizabeth. She made no reply as his gaze spread cold shivers through her.

Georgiana agreed, and he started to play while Elizabeth watched, mesmerised. Georgiana slowly sat on the carpet, her beautiful gown spreading across the floor unheeded. A smile lit Darcy’s countenance, and his eyes abandoned the music sheet to glance briefly at Elizabeth. As the music filled the chamber, Elizabeth followed Georgiana’s example and joined her on the carpet. The smile on Darcy’s face brightened.

By the time he ended the song, neither Elizabeth nor Georgiana could speak. He indicated to Georgiana that it was her turn, and she obeyed while he took her place on the floor near Elizabeth. Their backs leaned against the settee, and after briefly gazing at each other, he took her hand while Georgiana started to play.