Chapter 24

24

D arcy rode beside Bingley towards Longbourn once again. He could not stay away, and that troubled him. Neither was he teaching Bingley enough of estate management. The ladies of the party — well, Miss Bingley, really — were becoming more and more demanding of his time and attention. And he did not like the way she demeaned Miss Bennet and her sister.

"Bingley," he said suddenly, and his friend looked startled.

"What is the matter, Darcy?"

"I am concerned for Miss Bennet."

"You are? Why?"

"Your sister seems to be determined to make you think less of her. I believe she will try to prevent any closer attachment. Your attention has raised expectations throughout the area, and if your sister succeeds, then Miss Bennet's reputation will suffer much."

Bingley had drawn his horse to a standstill, but he was smiling. "I appreciate your advice, Darcy, but I wish to reassure you, although I hope you keep this to yourself for the time being." He beamed. "I had wanted to hold a ball on the twenty-sixth of November, but we have decided to move it closer to Christmas. Then we will announce our betrothal to the world."

Darcy leaned over and shook his friend's hand. "Congratulations, my friend. I wish you both joy." He frowned. "Does Bennet know?"

"Of course. He has agreed to keep the news to himself until then."

"I am happy for you both." Darcy grinned. "You had better pay more attention to learning estate management to made your lady secure." He had an idea. "And ensure that your sister does not live with you. She will make Miss Bennet — Mrs. Bingley — exceedingly unhappy with the way she disdains her."

Bingley frowned. "You are right. I will consider the matter, and you may prepare yourself for a scene this evening."

Darcy shuddered. "I will stand by you, whatever you decide."

"You are a good friend, Darcy. But now I am impatient to arrive at Longbourn."

Darcy smiled. He would not admit he was as impatient as Bingley. He hoped that today Miss Elizabeth would be at home to callers.

He was fortunate. And unfortunate. Miss Elizabeth was trapped in the sitting room between her mother and Collins, her expression resigned, but her eyes showing her mind was far away. How long had she been there?

Darcy soon rose to his feet and addressed his hostess. "Please excuse me, madam, I would like to speak to Mr. Bennet."

Almost as soon as he was announced, he bowed. "Mr. Bennet, I apologise for my haste, but Miss Elizabeth looks unhappy, seated between her mother and your cousin. I wondered if you would permit an invasion of your library and permit me to challenge her to a game of chess in here?"

Bennet grinned mischievously. "A fine idea, Mr. Darcy. I had better go and retrieve her, and ensure my wife does not get the wrong idea for me calling her through."

A few minutes later, Miss Elizabeth sank into the seat opposite Darcy with a sigh of relief. "I thank you, sir, for saving me."

"I am glad to be of service to you, Miss Elizabeth." He hesitated. "I also wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for taking the time to copy out the Santorio music for my sister." He glanced at the clock. "I believe she will have received it by now, and I know she will be ecstatic."

Miss Elizabeth nodded quietly. "I imagine I know what she will be doing today."

"Partly," Darcy chuckled. "But she will also write to me, begging me to thank you again for such a generous gift." He hesitated again, and her eyebrow arched quizzically.

He swallowed, and changed his mind as to what he would say. "I will try to concentrate better today than last time, but I hope you will agree to a game of chess. I believe you are safer here from your putative suitor than if we took a turn in the gardens."

She smiled wryly. "Thank you, sir. I would like a game of chess."

They played in a companionable silence for a time. Bennet had moved from behind his desk to one of the comfortable armchairs beside the fire, and was reading a book, looking up at them occasionally.

Darcy glanced at Miss Elizabeth. She seemed to be content, playing in a leisurely fashion as if finally relaxing. He wondered if they might have some conversation, then smiled wryly. Conversation or no, he must keep his wits about him for the game, or risk an ignominious defeat.

Her eyebrow arched, as if wondering what he was thinking. But she didn't wait for him to speak.

"I must thank you again, Mr. Darcy. Being in here is infinitely preferable to where I was before."

He huffed a laugh. "I can imagine so, Miss Elizabeth. Might you share what nuggets of information Mr. Collins was sharing about my aunt's condescension?"

She shivered. "Is she as difficult as she sounds? And why would anyone give a living to someone quite so sycophantic?"

Darcy smiled sympathetically. "My aunt loves to dispense advice, whether or not it is asked for, or even needed. She also enjoys being flattered and revered."

"And worshipped," Miss Elizabeth added lightly.

"Indeed." Darcy cautiously moved his knight. This game seemed too easy, and he was suspicious.

She leaned forward and moved her bishop across the open board, threatening his knight. Darcy sighed; now he would have to move it further. He reached forward, then hesitated, and groaned in frustration. Her piece was also threatening his rook on the other diagonal, and he could not risk losing that. Which one could he sacrifice? He ran his hand through his hair, trying to ignore the slight huff of amusement from the direction of Bennet's chair.

He thought through the way the game could go if he sacrificed the rook, and then at the possibility of giving up the knight. Neither was appealing. He glanced up, and saw her intent expression, and her gaze roaming the board, her lower lip caught in her teeth.

He had to turn his eyes away, lest she see him. But the memory of her was in his mind; she was beautiful. Beautiful and enticing — and entirely unaware of her hold upon him. He must try to keep it that way. He turned his attention back to the board, and tightened his jaw. Losing his knight or his rook; neither was a good thing. Eventually, he moved the rook away, looking back at the knight as she moved her bishop to take it.

"I am sorry, Mr. Darcy." She did sound apologetic, and he huffed a laugh.

"It is my fault for moving to an undefended square. I would not wish you to play anything other than your best, in the same way that I believe you would not wish to be so patronised as to be given an easier time."

Indeed not," she smiled slightly. "But I have never had anyone try being patronising a second time. I make sure they know they have a fight on their hands."

Darcy chuckled. "I can imagine nothing else, Miss Elizabeth. You are a formidable player."

"I thank you." She sounded surprised.

He looked at her questioningly, but she shook her head. "It is of no import, sir."

He felt the need to tease her. "You are also formidable in making me curious, madam!"

She laughed softly. "Oh, very well. It is only that nobody praises anything about me apart from my music. I was just surprised at it."

He met her eyes. "There is much about you that is admirable, Miss Elizabeth. Your music is extraordinary, but it is only a part of you."

Now she was staring at him, partly in wonder, and partly with a slight suspicion. He turned back to the board; it was far too disconcerting to keep looking at her face. And he was concerned that Bennet's attention had also sharpened.

He forced his scrutiny to the board. She'd taken his knight, and he had to think up a new strategy as quickly as he could.

"One day I will bring my cousin here, Miss Elizabeth," he threatened. "I have never seen him beaten at chess."

"Really?" Bennet intervened. "I will take him on first, Lizzy!"

Darcy laughed. "I am hoping he may be due some leave soon, Mr. Bennet. He is fighting on the continent at present, but I would like to see him home safely."

Miss Elizabeth had her head on one side. "You worry about him while he is there."

Darcy nodded heavily. "I do." His gaze flickered to her face. "You are very astute, madam."

She blushed and looked down at the board. It seemed the conversation was over for the time being. He knew the game was nearly over; he could see no way of winning, but he did not wish to give in too soon, as she must be allowed her triumph.

But everything he thought of would lead to a crushing defeat. Eventually, he moved the least-worst option with a sigh. "I believe I am rather wasting your time fighting on, but I will see how long I may prolong this."

"Oh, please do, Mr. Darcy. I do not wish to go back to the sitting room."

"Very well." Darcy concentrated hard as she moved her queen into full play.

Finally, there was nothing for it. He tipped his king in defeat. "That was an excellent game, madam. It was one of the most challenging games I have ever played."

She dimpled. "I thank you, Mr. Darcy. It was exceedingly enjoyable to play such a good player who is not my father."

Darcy and Bennet watched Miss Elizabeth slip out of the door after she said her farewell, and he heard her tripping lightly up the stairs.

"I thank you, Mr. Darcy," Bennet said quietly. "She needed some congenial company after that of my cousin."

"The pleasure was all mine," Darcy said formally. And it was true. But there was something Bennet was not telling him. He met the man's eyes. "Is there something wrong?"

"Not at all," Bennet shook his head. "But I will tell you I have decided to send Lizzy to London tomorrow — I will not tell her mother or my cousin yet, so please do not reveal it. But her life here is uncomfortable, and she will be better with my brother in town and will be able to access the masters she knows, as well as be quiet for a time."

"It must be difficult to find a master who can teach her anything," Darcy murmured. Did he dare ask Bennet for Miss Elizabeth's direction in town? Ought he to even consider it? Perhaps it was time to take Georgiana to Pemberley, and consider if or even how, he ought to go back to the pattern he had planned for his life — it seemed a long time ago.