Chapter 53

53

E lizabeth sat in the sitting room with her family, listening to the rise and fall of the conversation. Jane was serene and calm, although Elizabeth could see tiny lines of strain around her eyes. Perhaps she would take her through to the stillroom when Mama stopped for breath. At least her sister had seen Mr. Bingley this morning.

Elizabeth missed Mr. Darcy. She must be honest with herself, although she hated admitting it.

She missed his calls on her at Gracechurch Street. She missed his grave expression and the occasionally tender look in his eyes that had surprised her. She missed his willingness to take a turn around the gardens and stride out at her pace. And she missed his interest in her life growing up at Longbourn, and his reminiscences about his own life and childhood.

She knew him very well now. She wondered how soon he might ask her for a courtship. Her heart tripped unevenly; what would she say to him? Did she love him? More to the point, could she trust him?

He had been so proud and disdainful at that first assembly, but had been better after that — but that was after he had heard her play and sing. Could she trust the apparent change in his character, or was it a ruse to trap her?

But then, he was a gentleman. He had apologised to her, very sincerely, the day after the assembly, and since then, he'd minded his manners. Even if it was a possession he wanted, he would be a gentleman to his wife, because he was that sort of man.

No. While that was all true, Elizabeth reminded herself that she and Jane had vowed they would only marry for the deepest love. If she loved him, she would wish for him to love her in return.

She jumped as the doorbell rang, and her needle pierced her finger. When Hill announced Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, she kept her eyes down as she curtsied with the rest of the family.

He was here! It seemed a long time since she had seen him.

As she raised her eyes to his, she had to swallow the huge lump in her throat. His darkened eyes showed not only the tenderness she had occasionally seen, but — was that passion?

It was hard to breathe. She must concentrate. In, out, in, out. There, breathing wasn't hard.

"Miss Elizabeth?" His low voice was concerned. "Are you well?"

She forced herself to look up, and smiled uncertainly. "I am well, Mr. Darcy. I was not expecting you this afternoon. Has your sister come with you to Hertfordshire?"

He seemed distracted. "No, she is pleased to be staying at Matlock House where her cousin's children will need much entertaining." He hesitated. "I hope your surprise at seeing me was not an unpleasant one?"

Pain hit her when she saw the dismay in his eyes — and she touched his hand. "Oh, not at all. I have missed your calls."

Something blazed in his gaze, and her legs went weak. He took her arm and solicitously encouraged her to sit down again, taking the chair beside her. On her other side, Jane was blushing and demure at seeing Mr. Bingley for the second time today.

Elizabeth drew a deep breath. She must not act like a silly little miss, blushing and speechless. "So have you only just arrived, Mr. Darcy? Mr. Bingley did not say this morning that you were expected today."

He smiled at her. "I was unexpectedly able to settle my sister yesterday afternoon at our aunt's, so could start at dawn." There was amusement in his expression and he leaned closer and lowered his voice. "And I was happy to have arrived and be able to begin my groomsman duties at once. Which is why Miss Bingley has not accompanied us. She was not amused at my taking her sister's side."

Elizabeth hid her snigger behind her hand. "Poor Mrs. Hurst. I am glad you were able to protect her, and I hope Mr. Bingley is able to check his younger sister."

Mr. Darcy glanced over at his friend. "He must certainly learn to check her. I would not wish that she is able to distress your sister."

"I am hopeful, sir, given that he sent her away before." Her lips twitched. "Once they leave for their tour on Thursday, I will begin a campaign that will end with Miss Bingley fleeing back to town!"

At his chuckle, Elizabeth felt warmth spread through her. Then her heart sank.

"What concerns you, Miss Elizabeth?" He sounded disturbed.

"Oh, it is just that with Netherfield closed up, I supposed you might be returning to town, too."

He leaned slightly closer, and whispered, "That is what I am letting everyone — particularly Miss Bingley, think!"

Her eyes widened, but she didn't have time to say anything, as he glanced round and continued. "I have reserved a room at the Swan Inn for Wednesday night — I would not wish to be in the way, but Bingley has requested I manage the estate for the month or so he will be away with Mrs. Bingley. I just do not intend that Miss Bingley will know of it."

A chuckle escaped her, and his gaze warmed. "Miss Elizabeth, have you been out for a walk today? I know it is cold, but a few minutes in the gardens would be welcome after several hours in the coach this morning."

"Of course." Elizabeth turned to Jane.

"How is your constitution, Jane? Mr. Darcy and I are taking a short turn in the garden, if you would like to join us?"

"Oh, Lizzy. Would you be all right to take Sarah? I would rather stay in the warm today."

Elizabeth shrugged. "Of course." She turned to Mr. Darcy.

"I will just arrange a maid to chaperone us and get my pelisse, and then I will be ready."

He bowed his head. "I will wait in the entrance hall, madam, but only if you are sure you wish to? I would not have you feel you must go outside."

She flickered a glance at him. "I never say no to an offer to go outside, Mr. Darcy, if you are willing."

He grinned. "Then I will await you."

As they strolled in the garden, Elizabeth thought with mixed contentment and nerves of the man beside her. Contentment that he had called upon her the very day of his arrival from town; nerves because her emotions seemed to be careening in quite a different direction to the path she had always believed she would take in life.

"Miss Elizabeth, I have a question for you." He sounded diffident and a little unsure of himself.

She squeezed his arm where her hand was resting, and heard his breath catch. But she didn't say anything, quite uncertain what he was going to say. Would he ask for a courtship, or would it be about his sister? No, she dare not say anything.

He drew her to a halt, and turned to face her. "Miss Elizabeth, you said earlier that you had missed my calls upon you in town. Would you — would you welcome their resumption here, in Hertfordshire, after the marriage of your sister? I believe I am gradually improving your opinion of me." His smile was apprehensive.

She smiled reassuringly. "I would indeed enjoy receiving your calls, Mr. Darcy, if you are feeling strong enough to withstand my mother." She smiled up at him as warmly as she dared, to attempt to allay any fears he might have. She would indeed be desolate if he returned to town.

His indrawn breath encouraged her a little, and her legs weakened.

"I wonder if …" he hesitated. "I wonder if you would do me the honour of allowing me to ask your father for permission to perhaps … if we might formalise our courtship? I … I would wish to prove myself worthy of you, my dear Elizabeth." His breathing was uneven, and Elizabeth knew hers matched his.

She swallowed, gazing into his eyes. "I would agree, Mr. Darcy, but might I ask that if you do so, we ask Papa not to make it public until after the marriage? It is only three days now, and I would not wish to upstage my sister."

His hands tightened around hers. "I knew you were the kindest of ladies. It shall be as you ask — unless you wish me to delay speaking to your father until after the ceremony?"

She shook her head. "I will leave that up to you, sir. Whichever you wish to do, I will agree to." She arched her eyebrow. "I wonder if people will guess at the wedding breakfast?"

He looked a little stern. "I must consider how to manage the antics of Miss Bingley."

Elizabeth laughed lightly. "The lady will be extraordinarily displeased with you, however you attempt to manage her!" The joy in her voice could not be contained, and he smiled gently down on her.

"It is cold, my dear, and I would not wish you to catch a chill. Perhaps we need to go inside and I will speak to your father while you change from your outdoor things."

Her spirits were high. "I see you intend to begin to manage me!"

He looked indulgently down on her. "I doubt very much that you will permit me to manage you in any way you do not agree with, dearest Elizabeth." His eyes met hers as he slowly raised her hand to his lips, and her heart hitched at his touch and his endearment, and she swallowed.

"Then let us go inside."