Chapter XXVI

H enry Bennet knew his daughters like he knew no others. All excellent women raised by his sweet wife, they were ladies to make any man proud. Since his wife's early passing and their coming closer together as a family in comfort, he had developed a sensitivity to their feelings, could often see when they succumbed to inevitable times of depressed spirits.

? Proud though he was of his ability to connect with them on a deeper level, it would have taken a simpleton to remain ignorant of Elizabeth's reaction to Darcy's departure. Not a woman made for melancholy, she showed a cheery face to the family, chattering with the other ladies as they prepared to depart for Netherfield Park the next morning and their activity with the Bingley sisters. Bennet was not blind to the benefit of having sensible male companionship during the time his daughters would be away from his house; no matter how much he loved them, at times he grew a little tired of the talk in which the ladies indulged. It would only be a day or two, but Bennet was already anticipating Bingley's stay.

? As for Elizabeth, he knew she would wait for Darcy's return, attend to the duties of the house and tenants, walk the paths as was her wont, and enjoy the company of her sisters and friends. Bennet did not think it would be long after Darcy's reappearance that they would formalize their relationship. Wistful though he was about the inevitability, it was all Bennet had ever wished for them, and he could not be more ecstatic at the closer connection they would forge between their families.

? "Well, Lizzy," said Bennet late that day, noting his daughter's introspection, "I dare say I know of what—or whom—you are thinking."

? Elizabeth offered a warm smile. "If you did not, I might think you daft."

? "I might never have thought a man of Darcy's acumen would pay such attention to one of my daughters, but I am not unhappy with the prospect."

? "Do you suggest that Mr. Darcy is above his company?" asked Elizabeth with an arched brow.

? Bennet chuckled and shook his head. "No, he is perfectly amiable. His father, you understand, was much more the haughty noble than the son, though even he was not supercilious. When you first come to know Darcy, he seems like a man who has no care at all for the world." Bennet shrugged. "Yet he is as warm a man as I know, the appearance he gives to society more a consequence of his reticent character than any false sense of worth."

? "Yes, I suppose you must be correct," said Elizabeth, likely thinking of what she had seen of him in local society.

? "Can I suppose you are well on your way to an understanding?"

? Elizabeth ducked her head, but Bennet did not miss her shy smile. "For my part, I believe I am well on the way to being in love with him, and I suspect he feels the same. We spoke yesterday before he left, and he all but promised to propose upon his return."

? "And you are not concerned about his family?" asked Bennet. "What of the dragon, Lady Catherine de Bourgh? Do you not suppose she will scale the walls of Longbourn to fight for her claim to his honor for her daughter?"

? Laughing, Elizabeth shook her head. "Lady Catherine will be an impediment, I suppose, but there is little she can do. I doubt Mr. Darcy will allow her to direct him in the manner of which he accomplishes his happiness."

? "No, I cannot suppose it. What of his position in high society?"

? "With all this talk," cried Elizabeth, "I might suspect you of trying to warn me against accepting him!"

? "What would you do if I did?"

? "Follow my heart."

? There it was, the indomitable will his middle daughter had always possessed, her assurance given all the more strongly because she could not believe him of attempting to persuade her. Bennet fixed his fond gaze at her, betraying every iota of his regard, an esteem Elizabeth returned in every particular.

? "As I have taught you to do all these years," approved Bennet. "Society, as you know, is a different kettle of fish in London than it is in Woodborough or Meryton. If you show the cats of society that you will not allow them to intimidate you, I have no doubt you will be successful."

? "Mr. Darcy has also informed me that his aunt will assist." Elizabeth grinned and added: "His other aunt."

? "I dare say she will," agreed Bennet.

? Elizabeth sighed and looked out the window. "If I can confess to one regret, it is that I have not had time to come to love Longbourn in the short time of our residence here. Had I six more months to explore it as a lover, I believe it would become dear to me."

? "Yes, I dare say it would," replied Bennet, sitting back in the sofa and following Elizabeth's gaze out the window, noting the setting sun in the west. "Your future home is so much more than Longbourn ever could be, and I say that though I have only seen it once. You have seen it before when you were young, but I wager you do not remember it."

? Elizabeth shook her head.

? "Then you will understand when your husband takes you there for the first time."

? Bennet grinned. "Darcy will take great pride in not only showing the place to you, but in the mistress he will introduce to the venerable house. Even if you had ten years to learn to love Longbourn, in the end I suspect it would always be second in your affections."

? "I suppose you must be correct," said Elizabeth, looking at her father. "Can you tell me something of Pemberley?"

? "A little," said Bennet. "My visits were all of short duration, yet it is the sort of place that leaves an impression."

? For the rest of the evening, Bennet shared what he knew of Elizabeth's future home, and when Georgiana understood the subject of their discussion, she interjected her opinions, providing detail that only one who had lived there for many years could provide. In this pleasant fashion, they occupied themselves until it was time to retire.

Darcy's state was much like Miss Elizabeth's. Following his plan, he accomplished the journey to Pemberley without delay, arriving late in the evening the day after his departure. After a brief meeting with his steward where he learned the details he could not include in a letter, he retired to his room and rode out early the next morning to survey the problem for himself. The steward was an excellent man and had already taken what steps he could, which allowed Darcy to develop a further plan to deal with the issue. Having completed the initial steps, he returned to the house to find a visitor he had not expected to see.

? "Fitzwilliam!" exclaimed Darcy, catching sight of his grinning cousin. "I had no word of your coming."

? "Nor did I suppose you would," said his cousin, catching Darcy in an embrace. "The last I heard you were in Hertfordshire; as I was traveling south from an assignment in Newcastle, I thought to spend the night here before continuing on my journey."

? "You know you are welcome whenever convenient."

? "Yes, and I thank you for your hospitality." Fitzwilliam regarded him curiously. "What brings you here, Darcy? In your last letter I was certain you declared your intention to remain in the south until at least the end of summer."

? "A collapsed embankment in the north of the estate," said Darcy, leading his cousin to the sitting-room. "My steward called me here to deal with the problem."

? Darcy explained what he had found when he investigated that morning and the first steps taken to rectify the issue. Fitzwilliam was a second son and an army man, having risen to the rank of colonel on his own merits, but his father was not such a man as to withhold education from his sons. As such, Fitzwilliam was conversant with the operation and management of an estate, though he was not practiced, having never managed one of his own.

? "Then you mean to be here for some days," said Fitzwilliam. At Darcy's nod, he said: "Then if you are amenable, I will stay until you are ready to travel again."

? "Oh?" asked Darcy. "You do not need to report to your regiment?"

? Fitzwilliam shrugged. "I have some freedom at present, for my general has not assigned me anything, now that my business in Newcastle is complete. When I return to London, I had intended nothing more stimulating than sitting in my father's house in London drinking his brandy. Your brandy is as fine as my father's so I might as well do it here in your company as do it alone in my father's house."

? With a chuckle, Darcy shook his head at his cousin's irreverence. "As you wish. If I am honest, a little distraction would not go amiss."

? "Distraction, you say," said Fitzwilliam, watching Darcy. "Is not the work of the estate a distraction enough or is there something you are not telling me? Perhaps you left something of import behind in Hertfordshire?"

? "Yes, Cousin, you have the right of it," agreed Darcy. "If not for the situation here, I would not have allowed a team of wild horses to draw me away from Hertfordshire."

? "Oh ho!" exclaimed Fitzwilliam, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Do I detect the influence of a woman in your pining for the south? If so, the news will please my mother." Then Fitzwilliam fixed him with a mock scowl. "But it will not please me, for that will leave me to endure my mother's raptures about the need to find a wife alone."

? "Lady Susan is not so fearsome as that," laughed Darcy.

? "No, but if I remain the only unmarried man in the family, her attention will be no less than onerous. Now, Darcy, enough stalling. I am eager to hear just what you have been getting up to while visiting your friend. Will you not tell me?"

? Speaking of Miss Elizabeth was no trouble for Darcy, so he commenced his tale, speaking of Bennet and his daughters, the wonders the ladies had worked on Georgiana's spirits, the particular charms of the middle daughter, and Darcy's growing interest in her. Everything from Darcy's arrival to Bingley's leasing of Netherfield and their doings he related to his cousin, not holding anything back from the man who was his closest friend. When he was finished with his account, Fitzwilliam was shaking his head in amazement.

? "This woman has changed you, Darcy, for I do not recall you ever speaking this openly, even with me." His eyes narrowed and he considered Darcy for a moment before speaking again. "This wondrous creature of whom you speak—you mentioned she has sisters, did you not?"

? Darcy could not suppress his laughter. "You now feel the urge to protect yourself from your mother's machinations, do you?"

? "If this woman of whom you speak with such praise is good enough for you, then I must suppose a sister would take my breath away!"

? "Perhaps they would," said Darcy with a shake of his head. "Miss Jane Bennet, the eldest, is beautiful, poised, graceful, and would make any man proud; she is, however, Bingley's current interest, so much that I suspect she has captured him."

? "Any woman would prefer a military man over your milksop friend," jested Fitzwilliam.

? "You may try your hand," said Darcy, "but I doubt she will look twice in your direction. Miss Mary, her younger sister, is yet unattached, though at nineteen, she may be a little young for you."

? "If she is as beautiful and lively as your Miss Elizabeth, I have little doubt she would suit."

? "There is also the problem of fortune, Fitzwilliam," said Darcy. "As you so often drone about your need to attach yourself to a woman of fortune, Miss Mary does not have sufficient means to allow you to marry her."

? "Such considerations may be put to the side," said Fitzwilliam. "If the woman is admirable enough, I might decide to forgo the riches of a highborn yet insipid heiress."

? "Then I shall introduce you when we arrive in Hertfordshire," said Darcy. "Should she restrain herself from running away in abject terror, perhaps you may have a chance with her."

? "Just introduce us, Darcy," said Fitzwilliam. "I shall do the rest."

? Fitzwilliam paused in consideration. "You say Georgiana is staying with the Bennets now?"

? "At present, I suspect she is at Netherfield Park," replied Darcy. "The day I announced my need to depart, the ladies were planning a gathering at Netherfield." Darcy grinned. "They relegated Bingley to Longbourn with nary a by your leave."

? A nod was Fitzwilliam's response. "I am happy to hear of this improvement of her spirits and her friendship with these ladies. When you rescued her from that millstone you refuse to deal with, I feared for her peace of mind."

? The reminder of Wickham and his actions toward Georgiana was not at all palatable to Darcy's feelings. The memory of his sister's tears was still enough to render him eager to hunt Wickham down and treat him like the cur he was. Fortunately for the libertine, Darcy had heard nothing of him since his footmen had run him from the house in Ramsgate.

? "You know nothing of his whereabouts I assume?" asked Fitzwilliam, his tone mild, though deceptively so.

? "I do not," replied Darcy. "The next time he intrudes upon my notice, it will not go well with him."

? "Oh?" asked Fitzwilliam with interest. "As I recall, I suggested it would be best to deal with him after Ramsgate, but you advocated for letting him be."

? Darcy grimaced. "As you know, I was concerned about Georgiana's reputation. Months have passed and there is no whisper of it in society. Should Wickham make a nuisance of himself again, there should be little danger in dealing with him."

? "Georgiana has stayed with your friends the last several months," agreed Fitzwilliam. "If Wickham tried to sink her character some might listen, but the more sensible would laugh it off as a fabrication."

? "And your mother's support will do the rest," said Darcy. "Georgiana is far more confident now, such that I would expect her to laugh at him if he attempted it."

? Fitzwilliam nodded. "I am pleased to hear it, Darcy. If you are not opposed, I will do a little discrete investigation to determine Wickham's whereabouts. Should the opportunity to lance that boil arise, I think it would benefit us all."

? "I have no objection," replied Darcy. "Wickham has betrayed my father's memory too many times. I would see him in the deepest, darkest dungeon I can find or taken away from these shores forever."

? "Leave it to me, Darcy," said Fitzwilliam. "I will handle it."

? The promise to handle the matter was, Darcy knew, a fond wish of his cousin, who had never truly liked Wickham. It also likely involved a bit of retribution for all Wickham had done to Darcy's family over the years. While it might be proper to pity the man, Darcy could find nothing in his heart but disdain, for Wickham combined the worst traits a man could possess all in one contemptible specimen. Whatever justice he received was nothing less than his due, and Darcy would not shed one tear for his coming just deserts.

? When Fitzwilliam took some time later that evening to write some letters, which he entrusted to the butler's care, Darcy knew he was setting the groundwork for locating Wickham. His cousin presented an affable front to all and sundry, but those with whom he was intimate knew he was also driven, and single-minded in pursuing his goals. Fitzwilliam meant to ensure when he returned to London, all would be in place to support his efforts to locate the libertine. Darcy had no notion that Wickham was in London at present, but Fitzwilliam's contacts would ensure a good chance of discovering him wherever he was. Darcy would not involve himself at present, but he looked forward to the time when Fitzwilliam would tell him of Wickham's neutralization.

The ladies enjoyed their time together at Netherfield so much that they extended their party for several days, much to the amusement of the gentlemen.

? "See, Bingley?" said Mr. Bennet the morning three days after Mr. Darcy's departure, the gentlemen visiting for the first time that morning. "Your ladies have assumed control of your house. I am afraid there is nothing to be done but endure it, for they will not be gainsaid."

? Mr. Bingley grinned at his host. "So long as you will host me, I am of a mind to indulge them."

? "We shall relent before long, Mr. Bennet," said Miss Bingley. "After all, a party of this kind can only continue so long before we tire of each other's company."

? "That will not happen for some time yet," said Mr. Bennet. "Why, I declare I have never seen such a picture of beauty and harmony as you ladies present. Bingley and I will be well, so it is no trouble if you wish to continue your little party."

? Elizabeth looked on with interest, for she had noted something of her father's preference for Louisa's company. They were subtle about it, and she did not think anyone else in the family had noticed, but Elizabeth was not the most like her father for no reason.

? Of Louisa, she thought nothing but the best, for she was a beautiful woman, and one, when she thought on the matter, suited her father. The sisters had spoken several times about the drawback of leaving their father's home for that of their future husbands and rendering their father alone in the house. If her father's interest in Louisa was indicative of future possibilities, it would ease their concern. It would also give her father the chance of producing a son and heir; Elizabeth knew he regretted the lack of a son, especially since he had now regained the family property.

? "How have you occupied yourselves?" asked Mr. Bingley.

? "Perhaps that is a question you should not ask, my friend," quipped Mr. Bennet. "Mortal men are not meant to understand the ways of ladies."

? "Oh, without a doubt," said Miss Bingley, matching his jesting. "You would not wish to flee in terror, Brother."

? Mr. Bingley offered a hearty laugh. "Yes, I suppose you are correct. Then I shall keep my own counsel and enjoy this brief visit before I must return to Longbourn and our dreary existence there."

? So saying, Mr. Bingley turned his attention to Jane and focused on her for the rest of the visit. At length, the gentlemen said their farewells and departed, leaving the ladies to their devices.

? There was no reason to suppose that the ladies would become fatigued with each other's company despite Louisa's witticism. They got on well in fact, laughter ringing through the halls of the estate a testament to their enjoyment of each other's company. Even Caroline contributed without hesitation, though Elizabeth could own she had noticed Caroline's softer manners and a more open demeanor. Like Jane, she would always be reserved, though she was showing she could be far more genial in company with whom she was comfortable.

? She even endured a little gentle teasing when Charlotte appeared with her sister and brother in tow not long after Mr. Bingley and Mr. Bennet departed. One might suppose that Mr. Lucas, as the only man present, would find himself in uncomfortable circumstances, but if he was, he gave no sign of it. His greetings were cheerful, but soon after he confined his attention to Caroline, much as Mr. Bingley had done with Jane before him. When the visitors left, Louisa fixed her sister with a playful smile.

? "It appears Mr. Lucas's ardency has not diminished a jot."

? "He is quite attentive," said Caroline, a classic understatement.

? "He is as attentive as William is to Elizabeth," said Georgiana with a giggle.

? Given the tales the Darcys had told of Caroline before her coming, it was interesting to see how comfortable with the other woman Georgiana had become. Caroline agreed, it seemed, for when she regarded Georgiana it was with open affection.

? "I cannot imagine anyone being that attentive." Caroline shot Elizabeth a knowing glance. "It is most interesting, for I have always considered Mr. Darcy among the most reticent of men."

? "It is a testament to my sister's appeal," laughed Mary. "I could see his interest within minutes of his arrival."

? "Well, this is a fine to do," exclaimed Georgiana. "There are three among us who appear to be the focus of a man's attention. I am too young, but we must find someone for Louisa and Mary too!"

? "I thank you for my part," said Mary, "but I believe I am quite content the way I am at present. After all, with my sisters marrying, you will need a close—and single! —confidante, will you not?"

? "I should be happy to oblige you," said Georgiana.

? "I am also not interested at present," said Louisa. "For the moment, I am also content."

? The way Caroline regarded her sister, Elizabeth had some notion that she was not blind to Louisa's recent closer relationship with Elizabeth's father. Then Caroline turned to regard Elizabeth, and each knew the mind of the other. They shared a grin but gave no other clue that each was aware of it, and as Louisa was speaking with Jane, Elizabeth was certain she had not noticed the shattering of her secret.

? And so, they continued, enjoying each other's company through that day and for several days after, predictions of their impending weariness for each other's company notwithstanding. Though Mr. Bennet and Mr. Bingley visited and grumbled at the continued separation, the ladies laughed and shooed them away, eager to return to their fun. A few days later, a little after luncheon that day, the ladies determined to go to Meryton for a time to stretch their legs. Georgiana pointed out that the carriage would be a tight squeeze for six ladies, which prompted Elizabeth to suggest walking.

? "Oh, Lizzy," said Jane, shaking her head. "We are not all excellent walkers as you are."

? "It is only two miles, Jane, only a mile longer than the distance from Longbourn to Meryton. I think it would do us all good."

? None of the ladies opposed the scheme, so they gathered their bonnets and departed from the house, taking the lane to Meryton. While rolling hills characterized the land south of the house, the road meandered between them such that they could walk with little climbing. At Louisa's insistence, the carriage was to follow them there thirty minutes later so that anyone who wished to ride back to the estate may do so, and Elizabeth was certain several of her companions would avail themselves of that opportunity.

? In the town, the ladies found all the amusement a tiny, dusty market town with a few quaint shops could offer. More than once, Elizabeth exchanged bemused glances as Caroline used that exact word—quaint—to describe the establishments they patronaged. She had proven far more amiable than Elizabeth might have suspected, but her behavior proved that she still fancied herself a lady of some consequence, though Elizabeth could detect no meanness in her comments.

? The other item of some interest was the number of red-coated militia that dotted the streets of the town. Having seen their like in Woodborough, it was not a surprise to see them mingling with the denizens of the neighborhood. On one street corner, Elizabeth could see a pair of them speaking to one of the local gentlemen, while several others swaggered their way down the street, drawing the appreciative glances of several silly girls.

? When the ladies had their fill of what the town offered, they consulted between themselves, and Mary, Georgiana, Jane, and Caroline elected to avail themselves of the carriage, while Louisa agreed to walk back to Netherfield with Elizabeth. Soon thereafter, the four ladies entered the carriage, and it trundled through the town on the brief journey to Mr. Bingley's estate. Elizabeth and Louisa moved to follow them when Elizabeth noticed a pair of officers speaking on a nearby corner with Maria Lucas.

? "She is a little too young to be speaking with them alone," observed Louisa.

? "Aye, that she is," agreed Elizabeth. "If you do not mind the delay, we should step in and provide a little support."

? Louisa agreed and they turned their steps toward the trio, Elizabeth noting with some disquiet when one of the pair leaned forward to whisper in Maria's ear, provoking a giggle from the girl. She caught sight of Elizabeth and Louisa and welcomed them with a wide smile, thinking nothing of the impropriety of the officer's actions.

? "Lizzy!" exclaimed Maria, beckoning them forward. "Come here and I will introduce you to the officers."

? "Hello, Maria," said Elizabeth. "How do you do today?"

? "I am very well, and especially pleased to welcome you."

? Elizabeth turned to regard the officers, noting they were both tall with brown hair, the shorter appearing genial while the taller was watchful. The taller was also quite handsome with his dark eyes and chiseled jaw, and while the other was not quite so appealing, he was not deficient.

? "Very well, Maria," said Elizabeth with a smile. "If you would introduce us?"

? The girl grinned and turned to the two men. "These are my new friends, Lizzy. This is Lieutenant Denny, and with him is Lieutenant Wickham."