Chapter 6
Elizabeth wondered what Mr. Darcy was talking to Papa about. Nobody else seemed to have seen him ride in, and she had nudged Jane. “Don’t tell anyone, Jane, but Mr. Darcy has just gone to Papa’s library. It proves Miss Bingley is wrong about the whole party having gone to town.”
Hope dawned in her sister’s eyes and Elizabeth leaned closer. “Let us wait and see what transpires, dearest. You were not expecting to see Mr. Bingley for a few days anyway, so we will keep ourselves occupied and wait with what patience we can muster!”
Jane’s voice was merely a murmur. “But if he doesn’t return, I will be the subject of much conjecture and gossip around the town.”
“Let us not concern ourselves with that, it might not come to pass. We must take a day at a time.”
“Cousin Elizabeth!” Mr. Collins blithely cut across their discussion. “We must have some conversation. Perhaps we could take a turn around the gardens, and I may tell you of the changes I am making in the garden at Hunsford, as suggested by her ladyship.”
Elizabeth gritted her jaw. Papa had made it abundantly clear she must give Mr. Collins some civility, and she dare not disobey. But she did wonder how to do so without giving him any hope that his addresses would be welcome.
“Yes, Lizzy!” Her mother’s voice was shrill. “Mary can sit in the garden with her book.”
Elizabeth saw Mary rolling her eyes, and tried not to smile. “Very well, Mr. Collins. I will fetch my pelisse.”
“Perhaps I could walk with you both, Lizzy.” Jane interjected. “I would be interested to hear of your gardens, sir.”
“But Jane! I need you here!” Mama cast around for an excuse, but Jane, thankfully, came up with a reason to join them.
“I have the beginnings of a headache, Mama; the fresh air will do me good.”
Soon they were outside with their cousin between them, puffed up with self-importance. Elizabeth tried to listen to him, she really did — but how could she be serious when everything was so ridiculous?
“And, of course, we cannot open the window in the dining room now the beehives are so much closer to the parsonage,” he said. “But Lady Catherine was adamant that I should move them there so they would be closer to the orchard.”
A muffled snort behind them, and Elizabeth whirled round. Mr. Darcy was striding towards them; he had obviously heard what was said.
Mr. Collins turned and bowed deeply. “Mr. Darcy! I had not known you were gracing this humble estate with your presence. If I had, I would have greeted you sooner.”
“I have been enjoying an excellent game of chess with Mr. Bennet.” Mr. Darcy nodded coolly at him and bowed to the ladies. “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth. I hope you fare well.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth dipped a slight curtsy. “I expect Papa told you what an annoying player he finds me.”
The man smiled at her — goodness, it made a great difference to his face; her heart squeezed within her. “You know your father very well, I think, Miss Elizabeth. I believe he was happy to be able to beat me soundly.”
She raised her eyebrows, feeling Jane sliding between her and Mr. Collins and beginning to ease him away. “I would imagine you do not lose at chess very often, and dislike the experience.”
His face softened. “I have missed the spirited debates we had at Netherfield, madam. But I confess when my cousin is in town, he wins most of our encounters. I have never known a player like him for strategy, and he says I am too predictable.”
Mr. Collins proved he knew nothing about strategy when he took a deep breath. “I was explaining to my fair cousins, sir, that your revered aunt has advised me how to arrange the garden — and the parsonage — to best effect.” He turned a possessive eye on Elizabeth. “I am sure you will very much appreciate the arrangement, cousin.”
“I am sure any woman would be surprised at the extent and depth of her ladyship’s advice, Mr. Collins,” Elizabeth said dryly, certain the man would not hear the slight in her words.
Mr. Darcy didn’t miss her underlying meaning, of course, and she found herself in charity with his smile.
“Indeed. Mr. Collins, Miss Bennet, I wonder if you would excuse Miss Elizabeth for a moment? I would appreciate a brief word with her.” Without waiting for a reply, he offered Elizabeth his arm, and she complied readily. Any man must be an improvement on Mr. Collins.
As they walked further away, she looked up at his face. “I must not be too long, sir. My sister valiantly came outside so I did not have to be alone with him. I can do no less for her.”
“I understand, Miss Elizabeth.” And he actually seemed to; she couldn’t believe the difference in him. She swallowed; knowing he had asked Papa if he might offer for her had changed something in her. She must be careful not to show it, though.
“What did you wish to say to me, sir?” She was curious, otherwise she might try to walk away.
He looked quite distracted, she thought, running his hand through his hair. “There are several things, madam, but firstly, I wish to apologise to you most sincerely for my unforgivable insult at the assembly. It was palpably untrue, and my only excuse is that I had come from town where every young woman was in pursuit of me — not for myself, but for my fortune and my estate.” He drew a deep breath. “But you had not been like that, and I was most ungentlemanly to even think you might be. To utter such an insult was reprehensible.”
She put her head on one side and regarded him. He did look sorry, she thought, although it had taken too long to apologise to her.
She looked away and shrugged. “You only confirmed what my mother constantly says; I am not so beautiful as Jane, and that I …” she looked away, blinking. What was she thinking of, saying such a thing to him, of all people!
Having finally connected Mama’s opinion with what had been said made her understand why she had brought herself to such dislike of him so quickly.
“Miss Elizabeth.” His voice sounded pained. “I would not have hurt you for the world. When your father told me that you had heard me, I was mortified, and devastated that I had injured you so.”
Elizabeth drew a deep breath. She must move this conversation on, and lick her wounds in private tonight. She raised her chin. “I accept your apology, Mr. Darcy. What else did you wish to discuss?”
She glanced over at Jane and Mr. Collins. Her sister seemed to be steering him further away from them.
“The other matter is too lengthy to discuss fully today, Miss Elizabeth. I have sent to my cousin, and asked him to bring the evidence of what I wish to tell you. Then I may prove to you that I am not the one lying to you in an attempt to deceive.” He bowed his head, and she looked at him thoughtfully.
“This is about Mr. Wickham, is it not?”
He nodded silently, and she took a deep breath.
“Very well, I shall wait for the evidence. Was there anything else?”
He looked up then, and attempted a smile. “I am hoping you will agree to play chess with me. Your father has intimated to me that you are an unorthodox player, and I very much enjoyed the verbal equivalent of the unexpected cannonballs you launched at me during our debates at Netherfield. A different way to be confounded by your individual ways would be fascinating.”
“You enjoyed our arguments?”
“Debates,” he said firmly. “Did you not enjoy them? I was captivated.” He grimaced. “I was sure it meant you were seeking my attention.”
“No, Mr. Darcy, it was never my intention.” Elizabeth let her voice cool. “Now I think I should rejoin my sister.”
He bowed. “Of course. But I hope you will permit me to call upon you again and you may thoroughly beat me at chess.”
She found her mouth curving upward. “You think I may beat you?”
His smile reappeared. “I am certain of it, Miss Elizabeth.” He lowered his voice. “I am hopeful Bingley will return to Netherfield soon. I have written to him.”
He extended his arm. “Let me return you to your sister.”