Chapter Eleven

November 12, 1811

Hertfordshire

Elizabeth

On a blustery morning in mid-November, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst invited Jane to dine at Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet, always spirited and mindful of Mr. Bingley being a possible match for one of her girls, demanded that Jane go on horseback rather than ordering the carriage. Papa did nothing to stop her, and so Elizabeth intervened on her sister's behalf.

The dark gathering clouds warned of rain before the day was out. Determined to thwart her mother's machinations, Elizabeth hastily penned a note to Mr. Darcy, and fervently hoped he could assist in the matter.

Dear Sir,

I am taking advantage of our newfound freedom to correspond with each other. Whilst I would rather fill this missive with sentiment, I write for a different purpose. My sister, Jane, received an invitation to dine at Netherfield Park this afternoon. My mother has refused her the carriage, insisting that she ride instead, and my father has done nothing to intervene.

We have spoken of Mrs. Bennet's eccentricities, and I fear in her efforts to see my sister well settled, Jane will arrive at Netherfield Park drenched. Not only will arriving in such a state mortify my dear sister, but I also worry she could become ill after being caught in an autumn rain.

I understand the gentlemen are to dine with the officers this afternoon, which may render you unable to assist. Nonetheless, I am compelled to inquire. Please, if you have the means to spare my sister from my mother's foolishness, I plead with you for your aid.

Yours, etc.,

EB

She sent Sally to deliver the note to Mr. Darcy, praying the girl could make the journey before the rain began. Elizabeth was confident Sally would discreetly deliver her missive into Darcy's hands. Now she sat, eagerly awaiting his reply.

Sometime later, just before Jane set out for Netherfield, Sally arrived in Mr. Darcy's carriage. She handed his return missive to Elizabeth, and she impatiently tore it open.

Dear Madam,

It is my pleasure to extend the use of my carriage to your beloved sister. I cannot imagine what disaster would befall her if she were to venture out into inclement weather. I will have my equipage made available to convey her to and from her dinner engagement since I am content to travel to Meryton in Mr. Bingley's conveyance.

I fear the coming rain will keep us from meeting tomorrow. Should the weather improve, you may rest assured that I will keep our usual appointment.

Yours,

FD

When Elizabeth thwarted Mrs. Bennet's plan to keep Jane at Netherfield Park overnight, she was quite put out, but the thought of her daughter being seen traveling through Meryton in so fine a carriage pacified her. Thankfully, the Bennet matron did not question how Mr. Darcy had come to offer the use of his carriage. Mr. Bennet simply eyed his second daughter knowingly, causing her to blush.

Sally accompanied Jane in the carriage, carrying a heartfelt note of thanks from Elizabeth to Mr. Darcy for saving her sister from arriving at dinner in an unpresentable state. The skies unleashed their torrents just twenty minutes after Jane departed. Elizabeth stood at the parlor window, watching the droplets cascade down the windowpane. She traced the patterns they made, contemplating the intriguing gentleman who was courting her. Thoughts of him warded off the chill, and she set about occupying her time with idle projects that would allow her thoughts to wander.

Jane returned from Netherfield, discomposed. She patiently answered their mother's many questions about the meal, the décor, and Miss Bingley's gown before she pulled Elizabeth away to another room for a private conversation.

"Did you have an enjoyable afternoon?" Elizabeth asked when they were alone.

"Yes, the meal was lovely," Jane said. Elizabeth narrowed her eyes; her sister had never been a gifted liar.

"What occurred to make you… out of sorts?" she asked.

Jane shrugged indifferently. "There was nothing… untoward that occurred. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley treated me with kindness."

"But?"

Jane shifted uncomfortably. "They were polite," she said hesitantly, "but their questions felt rather intrusive and personal."

Elizabeth knew this confession must have been difficult for Jane, who loathed to see anything but the best in those with whom she associated. That Mr. Bingley's sisters might not see Jane in the same light she saw them was most certainly a hard truth to acknowledge.

"What did they wish to know?" Elizabeth asked, though she was certain she could guess.

"I had thought they wished to know me better," Jane admitted. "I imagined they would ask after my likes and dislikes, my passions and pursuits. Instead, they inquired after our relatives and our connections. Lizzy, they even inquired about the size of my dowry! Their tone was so condescending; I felt humiliated."

"Such behavior is insupportable," Elizabeth said, commiserating with her dear sister. "They ought not to have behaved in such a manner. Sadly, those of their ilk often feel that they are better than others, even when the accident of their birth places them naturally lower than another." She bit her lip, considering her words before speaking again. "Shall I tell you a secret that will make you feel better?" Poor Jane looked so dejected. Perhaps her news would buoy her sister's spirits.

Jane smiled a dull smile and indicated her desire to hear it.

"You must not tell," Elizabeth warned her.

Jane agreed, and Elizabeth went to the door to confirm her younger sisters were not listening. After assuring herself that all was clear, she pulled Jane to the farthest corner of the room and told her everything.

"Mr. Darcy!" Jane whispered in shock. "He has been everything polite to everyone . And now you tell me you have been secretly meeting for weeks ?"

"Is that what you choose to focus on?" Elizabeth laughed merrily. "Not the bit about some nefarious person seeking to ruin his life and his happiness?"

"Well, that is rather dreadful," Jane admitted. "I can understand why you would wish to keep your courtship a secret. I am relieved to know that Papa is aware."

"Mr. Darcy is polite and correct," Elizabeth told her sister succinctly. "If our courtship reaches its natural conclusion, we shall likely be forced to marry in secret as well, if we, or Mr. Darcy's investigators cannot discover the culprit behind this travesty."

"Promise me I shall be there," Jane begged. "I could not bear it if I was not present for such an auspicious occasion."

"Of course you will!" Elizabeth said forcefully. "I could never marry without standing up with my favorite sister. Pray, join me on my walk tomorrow. I want you to know Mr. Darcy as I do, not just as the pleasant, yet distant man he appears to be around others. Will you?" She donned an expression she knew would convince her sister and clasped her hands before her in a pleading gesture.

Jane groaned and pulled away from Elizabeth. "I detest rising early," she huffed playfully. "And you will already have Sally as a chaperone. But, to please you, I shall."

"Excellent," Elizabeth said smugly. Jane departed then, wanting to rest before the evening meal, while Elizabeth went to the writing desk and drew forth a fresh sheet of paper. She dipped her quill into the inkwell, considering the words she wished to write.

Dear Sir,

I apologize for once again importuning you with a letter. I confess, the freedom to write to a gentleman unrelated to me is intoxicating and I can scarcely contain my eagerness to pen missive after missive.

Putting aside my teasing nature for a moment, I write to you to propose an intrigue of our own. As you know, my sister Jane dined with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley today. By her account, it did not go well. The two ladies interrogated my dear sister thoroughly; even Jane could not deny that they behaved badly. It seems they are fearful that their brother will resolve to marry ‘beneath himself' and wished to take my sister's measure.

I believe it would be in both Mr. Bingley's and Jane's best interests if we assisted them in coming to know each other in the same manner that we have. It would be no trouble to share our morning. I am quite certain that my sister and your friend will distance themselves from our conversation to engage in one of their own. Our faithful chaperone will, as always, accompany us.

I shall send this note along with Sally directly. Your carriage and coachman are still here; the latter invited in to warm himself before making the return journey. I would send the missive with him if I did not fear discovery. To explain her presence, I have instructed Sally to say she is searching for something her mistress has misplaced.

Pray write to me in return, confirming our little scheme.

Until tomorrow,

EB

Elizabeth sanded and sealed the missive, then located Sally. She gave the girl her instructions and bid her wait for Darcy's driver, who was enjoying a warming tea in the kitchen so that she would have a comfortable journey back to Netherfield. Her work done, Elizabeth took a seat near the fire and discreetly began embroidering a handkerchief for her Fitzwilliam . She hummed to herself, pleased with her brilliance. Why should she not assist Jane in coming to know the man her sister admired? It was perfect.

~

The morning was cool, and Elizabeth breathed the autumn air deeply. She loved this time of year when the air was brisk, but not yet unbearable. There was an entirely different feel about the outdoors in the autumn; something that hinted at the long winter nights ahead. However, she still glared at the cloud that appeared when she breathed out, for it foretold the coming cold. The leaves crunched under her feet as she walked; she rubbed her hands together to warm them. Jane walked alongside her, trying to disguise her yawns behind a gloved hand. Sally, too, did not look pleased to be out of doors, but she kept pace with her mistresses.

"You will wake up more as we walk," Elizabeth promised her sister.

"I would be far happier warm in my bed," Jane grumbled. "It is far too cold to be out and about!"

Elizabeth smiled but said nothing. She knew it was futile to reason with Jane; her sister did not like mornings and usually slept much later.

She climbed to the top of Oakham Mount with the longest strides possible for her petite stature, appreciating the exercise. Behind her, Jane huffed a little, and when they crested the summit, Elizabeth threw her arms wide open and spun in a circle. Her cloak billowed out around her, the hood falling back as she turned.

"Is it not glorious?" she asked her sister, stopping before her. "The last vestiges of autumn are before us, and the winter winds are impatient for their turn." Spying two approaching horses, she pulled on Jane's arm.

"Come and see the view with me, dearest," she excitedly cried. She tugged her sister forward and turned her toward the approaching horsemen.

Jane's grumbles ceased instantly when she noted the approaching riders, and she immediately began fidgeting with her gown and gloves. She patted the simple knot at the back of her neck and grimaced.

"You did not tell me that Mr. Bingley would be here! I must look a fright!" she hissed at Elizabeth. "What will he think of me?"

"It was to be a surprise. You have nothing to fear; he will think you look absolutely delightful with your complexion glowing from the exercise," she replied cheerily. The gentlemen were almost upon them now; Elizabeth anticipated their arrival with excitement.

The two riders came to a halt and dismounted, leaving the horses to graze. They approached the ladies, removed their hats, and bowed.

"Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth!" Bingley cried happily. "How lovely to encounter you both here this morning. Perhaps I have found a new reason to rise early. Darcy would not leave me be until I agreed to join him, and I find that I am far less annoyed with him now than I was twenty minutes ago."

"Jane was just saying she would rather be in her warm bed, but I do wonder if her opinion is now more aligned with yours," Elizabeth teased.

"I should hope so," Bingley said. "Shall we walk, Miss Bennet? Darcy says the view from over there is impressive."

Jane and Bingley moved away, and Darcy approached, smiling at Elizabeth.

"How are you this morning, my dear?" he asked, looping her arm through his.

"I am thrilled that our little scheme has met with such excellent results," Elizabeth replied, gesturing to the other couple. "Jane felt unsettled after dining with the ladies at Netherfield. I knew she would, for I have both seen much myself, and heard plenty from you, to suspect they meant to measure her against their list of requirements for a sister-in-law. Needless to say, Jane now feels her lack."

"Your suppositions are correct. They found her wanting, I am afraid," Darcy said, irritation lacing his tone. "Miss Bingley was irate at dinner, speaking at length about your unsuitable connections in Cheapside. You will be happy to learn that Bingley fiercely stated his opinion. He does not care if you have uncles to fill all of Cheapside and says that such would not make the Bennets one jot less agreeable."

Elizabeth's heart soared at his words. "My uncle lives near Cheapside," she said in exasperation. "He chooses to be in sight of his warehouses, and it is practical for his family at this time."

"Your uncle has a warehouse in Cheapside?" Darcy asked curiously. Once she might have wondered if he disdained her connections to trade. She knew enough about him now to know he was not seeking to find fault but held a genuine interest in her reply.

"Yes, he does. His name is Edward Gardiner, and his warehouse is among the most fascinating places I have ever visited in London."

"He is a fine man, and his emporium is, indeed, fascinating," Darcy replied, fondness for the jovial proprietor in his tone.

Elizabeth was all astonishment. "You have met him? How wonderful!"

"I found him to be amiable and gentlemanly," Darcy said. "Is he your mother's brother, then?"

Elizabeth was quick to confirm it was so. "He is. They are truly different, are they not?" Mama and her brother were as opposite as a pair of siblings could be in temperament.

Darcy nodded in agreement. "As night and day, though I can see a family resemblance, if I think on it."

"Yes, they have a similar look about their eyes," Elizabeth remarked, "though Mama's have taken on a rather desperate look the last few years."

"She shall surely faint in shock when she learns of our…" Darcy trailed off awkwardly.

Elizabeth adopted a teasing tone. "Our what, Mr. Darcy?" She smiled cheekily at him.

"It is too soon," he replied, looking out into the distance.

She touched his arm comfortingly. "If you say so, then I shall agree. But I assure you, that should things continue apace, you need not fear an unfavorable answer when it is time." Heavens, what was she thinking? They had only settled their courtship ten days ago!

Darcy's response calmed any anxieties she had about speaking too soon. He turned to look at her again, smiling widely, eyes twinkling, but he made no reply.

Elizabeth looped her arm through his and led him away in a different direction than Jane and Mr. Bingley had gone. Sally had wrapped herself in her tattered cloak and taken up her position on her favorite log. I really must do something about that , Elizabeth mused. It would not do to have our faithful chaperone catch a chill.

"Tell me of your sister," she asked when they had moved far enough from the others. "You speak of her tenderly, yet I know from your recitals that she is suffering from her misadventures last summer."

Darcy sighed. "I hardly know how my sister fares," he confessed. "She does not write to me, though I send a letter faithfully twice a week. My aunt and her companion tell me of her improvement in their missives, but I find myself unable to accept their words without evidence."

Elizabeth's heart went out to the poor girl. No one deserved to be treated so infamously. "What became of the man who hurt her?" she inquired. "I do not believe you ever told me."

"George Wickham," Darcy spat bitterly. "I do not know what mischief he got up to after Ramsgate. My investigators tracked his movements, but he has disappeared. The man is a thorn in my side."

"George Wickham," Elizabeth said, repeating the name. "How came he to your sister's notice? By your words, I surmise you have known him for some time."

Darcy sighed. "Aye, his relationship with my family is of some duration. His father was steward to mine, and in consequence, George and I spent our childhood together. My father stood as his godfather, and George enjoyed many luxuries that would have been out of his reach but for the patronage he received. He obtained a good education, having attended Eton and university with me, but he is a liar, a spendthrift, and a libertine."

"So, he used his prior acquaintance to win your sister's heart?"

"Worse than that. Wickham conspired with Georgiana's companion, a woman we knew as Mrs. Younge. We learned only after Ramsgate that she forged her letters of reference in order to gain employment in my house. Together, they convinced my sister she was in love and persuaded her to elope."

Elizabeth gasped. The story was much worse than she had first thought, and she could sense the deep hurt this betrayal had caused in Mr. Darcy. "I am sorry you have both been so notoriously abused," she murmured.

"I wish to tell her of you," he said. "But I cannot. Should I put your name to paper, I fear I could lose you. Instead, I write of the social engagements we attend, never mentioning your name amidst my words. Instead, I speak of others; Miss Lucas, your sisters, or Miss Bingley."

"Such subterfuge must take its toll," she observed. "I am certain you could find a way to tell her of our courtship without risking it."

"Disguise of every sort is my abhorrence. To debase myself by hiding my motives is beneath me; yet I am forced to do so to protect those around me. I shall think on what you said."

Elizabeth squeezed the arm she held and leaned her head on his shoulder. "In time, we will make everything right. Secrets do not remain so forever."

"And if you are wrong?"

She smiled. "I am not." She felt the truth of it in her breast and her heart soared with hope and confidence.

"I shall have to trust your opinion on the matter." He patted her hand and changed the subject.

"Bingley speaks of holding a ball," he said. "Miss Bingley is, naturally, entirely against it and has raised her voice in protest unceasingly since her brother mentioned the idea a few days ago. I do not think Bingley will be convinced to relinquish the idea. Miss Bingley will, of course, be ‘forced' to do his bidding."

She laughed. "I cannot imagine the prospect pleases her, as she disdains everyone in the shire."

"Her standards are exacting, to be sure. I do not think even my aunt would meet her approval."

"Is your aunt someone of importance?"

Darcy grimaced. "I have not told you?"

"You spoke of your family briefly but have yet to provide many details."

He patted her hand. "In my eagerness to know more of you, I imagine that their existence wholly slipped my mind."

"By all means, rectify this oversight!"

Darcy gazed over the fields between the mount and Netherfield Park, deep in thought. Finally, he began. "My family is not large. There are only two Darcys: my sister Georgiana and me. Father was an only child, as was his father before him.

"My late mother was Lady Anne, née Fitzwilliam. My uncle, the Earl of Matlock, is her brother. He is married to Lady Matilda Matlock. They have two sons. The elder is Viscount Morton. He is married, but given our disparate ages, I rarely keep company with him and his wife. The Matlocks' second son is Richard, whom I have briefly mentioned to you. He is currently serving in His Majesty's army as a colonel in the regulars. We are very close—he is also a guardian to my sister and is one of the best men I have ever known."

Darcy paused for a moment, again in thought, then furrowed his brow and continued. "Mother's elder sister is Lady Catherine de Bourgh, whose husband, Sir Lewis, was a baronet. He died some years ago. They had only one child, a daughter named Anne, after my mother. It has long been Lady Catherine's fervent wish that Anne and I unite our two estates through marriage, but I have disabused her of that notion for years."

"An earl?" Elizabeth squeaked. "I knew you had notable connections, but this! I had no notion."

"I do not seek to boast of my connections."

"You are all modesty, Mr. Darcy," she teased. "Tell me, will your august relations approve of the lowly woman you are courting?"

"My aunt and uncle Matlock will not raise any objections," he said firmly. "They are privy to all the gossip in Town concerning ‘the curse' and will approve if I court a lady without bringing her to some sort of calamity. Lady Catherine, on the other hand, will never approve of anyone I court—or marry—other than her daughter; I am well prepared to face her disapprobation."

They spoke of other topics for a time as the sky lightened. An hour later, once the sun was well and truly risen, Elizabeth and Jane regretfully left their gentlemen and returned to Longbourn. As they walked down the hill, Jane suddenly turned and threw her arms around her sister.

"Thank you!" she said enthusiastically. "It is so nice to have a genuine conversation, one that is not overheard and is meaningful. Mr. Bingley has promised to come again tomorrow!"

"Are you certain you can rise early two days in a row?" Elizabeth laughed.

Jane nodded firmly. "The reward for doing so makes it worth the effort. I shall have to devise a grand gesture of my own, you know, to repay your sisterly kindness."

"If you like," Elizabeth said. "Mr. Darcy and I merely thought you and Mr. Bingley might appreciate the same opportunity to become acquainted that we enjoyed."

Jane embraced her again, this time kissing her cheek. "Yes, indeed. I am much obliged to you."