Chapter 14

14

D arcy was irritated with Bingley taking up Miss Elizabeth's attention. There was much he wanted to ask her, and she was likely to vanish upstairs for the day as soon as they reached the house — he had not missed the tart tone in her voice.

He allowed his friend to spend some minutes rhapsodising over Miss Bennet's beauty and patience, before attempting to change the subject.

"I am aware, Miss Elizabeth, that you did not have the choice of what to pack for an extended stay here, and that you have not had the liberty to be shown around the house. But I am sure Bingley is happy to offer you the opportunity of selecting books from his library if you wish to read when sitting with your sister or downstairs. And there is also a practice room with another pianoforte upstairs. It would be a quiet place if you wish to play, and you would not be disturbed during the day."

Bingley broke in. "And, of course, at any time you are not required by Miss Bennet — when she is resting, perhaps — you are very welcome to join the party."

"I thank you both at making me feel welcome." Miss Elizabeth did not seem particularly happy. "I will take the opportunity of selecting a book or two before I go up to await Mr. Jones."

Darcy gritted his jaw. If she read up in her sister's chamber, then of course she would be unavailable to speak to. Perhaps she would avail herself of the practice room, if she thought no one was up there.

"Are you able to join the family at breakfast?" he enquired.

"Perhaps." She sounded a little more conciliatory. "I will see if my sister is still asleep when I have freshened up."

After they entered the house, Darcy hurried upstairs to change for breakfast. While his valet was assisting, he could speak to him, knowing the man was utterly discreet.

"Mr. Maunder, during the day, could you take the opportunity, every now and again, to walk along past the practice room? If you hear Miss Elizabeth in there, can you send me a discreet message if I am in the house?" He thought for a moment. "What could you say that would not raise any suspicion?"

"I presume it needs to appear as if I wish you to return to your chambers, sir?"

"Indeed." Darcy hoped he didn't colour.

"Then I could send a note that I have … hmm." Maunder stopped to think. "It is a difficult one, Mr. Darcy. I cannot think of anything that might be considered urgent enough for you to make your excuses and go upstairs."

As he shrugged on his coat, and his valet neatened his cravat, Darcy sighed. "I pray you can think of something if the occasion arises, though she might be too suspicious today to go to the instrument."

"Yes, sir. I will plan for if the event arises."

Darcy entered the breakfast room hoping that Miss Elizabeth would be downstairs — and that Bingley might be tardy with his change from riding clothes.

He was fortunate. Miss Elizabeth was sitting at the table, with a steaming cup of tea and the strawberry preserve beside her place. She looked up and rose to her feet to curtsy as he bowed.

"Pray do not disturb your repast, madam," he said hastily, and crossed to the sideboard to select some cuts. There was only half the bread roll left on her plate; she might not stay downstairs long.

Where should he sit? He hesitated, and then sat on the other side of the table, but not quite opposite. They would still be able to converse, but not have to have their eyes meet every time they looked up.

He wondered how to start the conversation, but she took pity on him, as she spread the preserve on the second half of her roll.

"Have you found Netherfield not in need of too much in the way of repairs, Mr. Darcy?"

"No," he said cautiously. "It appears to be a well-managed estate, especially considering that it has been empty for some time."

"I am glad it meets with your approval. The steward may appear young for the position, but I believe he was well-trained." Miss Elizabeth's gaze was amused.

"Indeed." Darcy was guarded. "It seems you know his history."

She laughed. "He is the son of our steward. He has been working with his father on managing Longbourn almost from the time he could walk."

"I am surprised he is not hoping to take over from his father when he retires, then." Darcy hoped she would not take offence at the comment.

"Oh, I have no doubt it is what he planned for the future, but Netherfield is a much larger estate, and the young Mr. Wallace is, I believe, very competent and quite ambitious."

"He certainly appears to be," Darcy agreed. "And that explains why he knows the Hertfordshire climate and soils so well."

Miss Elizabeth smiled acknowledgement and returned to her meal.

Darcy decided he needed to say what he wished to before Bingley appeared, or she decided to return to her sister. He cleared his throat.

"Miss Elizabeth, I hope you do not take offence at my question, but Sir William told us that you had a private presentation at court at the command of Her Majesty."

She lowered her eyes, looking chagrined, but he might not get another opportunity.

"May I ask — was the order given because of your outstanding abilities at playing and singing?"

She looked up, and nodded silently.

"And might you be willing to tell me how the queen heard of your talents?"

She looked very embarrassed. "I do not like to talk of the thing, sir. If I explain, I hope you will assist me by not spreading the story." She shrugged slightly. "It was a long time ago. The king was passing through this area, and Sir William gave a speech that pleased His Majesty, and that is when he was honoured with his knighthood. I was only ten years old, and I was one of the children who was asked to play and sing at that entertainment. He seemed pleased, and when I got the invitation to tea with the queen when I reached the age of eighteen, I presumed it was because he had told her and one of her ladies-in-waiting had written it down until I was old enough."

"Thank you. I will of course, keep your confidences." But Darcy doubted this could be true. Whoever would keep a record of some random talented child for ten years? But, of course, Miss Elizabeth was not a random talented child. Even then, she must have been extraordinary.

He nodded. "I hope you will feel able to take advantage of the practice room. You must miss the opportunity to play." She looked doubtful, and he hurried on. "I know my sister misses the instrument even when we are merely travelling to Pemberley."

She blushed slightly, and took a sip from her teacup although Darcy had noticed it was empty — perhaps she needed a distraction.

"I have never been permitted to spend many hours at the piano each day."

He stared at her in consternation. "Why ever not, Miss Elizabeth?"

She shrugged again. "My family believe a lady can never be truly accomplished unless she has worked at all the skills required by society," she murmured, a little resentfully. "And, of course, we have but one instrument at Longbourn and five sisters," she added as a careless aside.

At that moment, Bingley rushed in, effusively apologetic at his tardiness, and Darcy leaned back to signal to the footman to replenish Miss Elizabeth's tea.

He smiled at Bingley. The man would not take as long if he would but sit still long enough for his valet to assist him more easily. But his friend was asking Miss Elizabeth about the health of her sister, and Darcy took the time to consider what he had learned.

Soon enough, Miss Elizabeth rose to her feet and excused herself. He wondered if she might come down for luncheon, or if she might take a tray in her room, and he had to acknowledge he would be disappointed if he could not see her until this evening for dinner.

He forced his attention to Bingley. "Do you want to do the estate business this morning, rather than this afternoon? Or do you wish to pay some calls?" He knew very well that with his angel Miss Bennet here in this house, Bingley would not wish to go anywhere.

"This morning would be very good, Darcy, if you don't mind," Bingley exclaimed. "You heard Miss Elizabeth say that if Miss Bennet appears well enough, she may come down to sit beside the fire for an hour after lunch!"

Darcy hadn't been listening, but he couldn't say that. "That is very hopeful indeed, Bingley." He didn't like to think about how his own heart leaped at the thought.

Such a talent; such a voice. It was a great pity that she had not made the effort to enter the first circles of society. He could not marry a lady who would not be able to assist Georgiana with her come out.

He stopped dead halfway up the stairs. Marriage? Whatever had made him think that?