Elizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary (2 page)

“My respect for the girl increased when she admitted she knew you ‘a little’ and that she found you ‘very handsome,’” Mrs. Reynolds continued.

Darcy’s eyebrow rose with curiosity. He hoped perhaps Mrs. Reynolds described Elizabeth Bennet, but he could not imagine Miss Elizabeth’s declaring him handsome: The woman abhorred him.

“And how did this conversation come about?”

Mrs. Reynolds blushed, but she did not avoid his unspoken accusation, a sign of her long-standing position in his household.

“Do not look to place blame, Master William. I respect the late master’s kind heart and his benevolence toward his godson, but I see no reason to display George Wickham’s image in this house. Even the late Mr. Darcy could peer down from Heaven and see Mr. Wickham turned out very wild.”

“We will discuss the future of Mr. Wickham’s likeness upon another occasion. Speak to me of your conversation with the young lady.”

It was Mrs. Reynolds’ turn to raise an eyebrow in interest; however, she swallowed her questions.

“Mrs. Gardiner remarked of your fine countenance when she looked upon the miniature, and then the lady asked her niece whether it was an accurate likeness. I then inquired if the young lady held an acquaintance with you. When she admitted as such, I asked if she found you a handsome man.”

“Then, it was Mrs. Gardiner and you who placed words in the lady’s mouth,” he reasoned. Darcy felt the female likely agreed only to be rid of the conversation.

Mrs. Reynolds blustered.

“The girl’s aunt and I stated the obvious,” she declared with a tone commonly found among upper servants. “But neither Mrs. Gardiner nor I instructed the young lady to search out your portrait in the gallery nor did we lead her to it again and again.”

Darcy’s heart hitched higher.

“I count no one named Gardiner among my acquaintances. Did you overhear the young lady’s name?”

“Her aunt called her ‘Lizzy’ several times so I would assume it is Miss Elizabeth or Lady Elizabeth.”

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” Darcy corrected. Remorse at not having met her today filled his chest. A glance to his housekeeper said Mrs. Reynolds wished an explanation. “The young lady’s parents are neighbors of Mr. Bingley’s estate in Hertfordshire. If it is truly Miss Elizabeth, we met upon several occasions. I believe I stood up with her at the Netherfield’s ball.”

“Then perhaps you might renew the acquaintance,” Mrs. Reynolds suggested. “Mrs. Gardiner was to dine with friends before the family moved on to Matlock. I am certain Mr. Bingley would wish to behold Miss Elizabeth again.”

An invisible hand squeezed Darcy’s heart. Should he risk an encounter with Elizabeth Bennet? Had his letter softened the lady’s disdain for him?

“Miss Bingley took a dislike for the Bennets,” Darcy offered in explanation. “Mr. Bingley developed a regard for Miss Bennet. His leaving Netherfield was poorly done.”

“I am sad to hear it, Sir, but your confidence explains the halfhearted air, which follows Mr. Bingley about.”

Darcy nodded his acceptance: His housekeeper gave voice to what Darcy’s pride denied. Darcy sorely wounded his friend by acting in partnership with Miss Bingley in separating Bingley from Miss Bennet. With a second nod, he excused his servant. For several long minutes, Darcy stared off into the emptiness, which marked his life.

“I cannot seek out Miss Elizabeth,” he told the rise of expectation climbing up his chest. “Even if the lady might offer her forgiveness, Miss Elizabeth holds no interest in renewing our acquaintance. Furthermore, I do not deserve happiness when I robbed my friend of an opportunity to know it.”

* * *

“You are very quiet this evening, Lizzy.” Her aunt’s friends invited them to dine in the evening, but once they returned to their let rooms, Elizabeth preferred to spend time alone with her thoughts of Mr. Darcy.

“Just a bit tired.” Elizabeth made herself smile at her dearest aunt.

“Then you should retire early,” her Uncle Edward declared.

Her aunt ignored her husband’s lack of intuitiveness.

“Are you certain what the Pemberley housekeeper said of Mr. Wickham did not upset you? I would venture the woman’s loyalty to the Master of Pemberley colored her opinions.”

Elizabeth expected her aunt to ask of Mr. Darcy, not of Mr. Wickham.

“Not in the least,” Elizabeth assured. “While in Kent, I learned more of what occurred between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham, enough so to acquit the former of any ill doing.”

Aunt Gardiner’s interest piqued.

“Would you care to elaborate?”

“I promised my source secrecy.” Elizabeth would like to confide in her aunt and uncle for she wished someone would give her permission to beg Mr. Darcy’s forgiveness, but she dug the pit of regret in which she wallowed. “As I explained in my letter before I departed for Kent, Mr. Wickham bestowed his affections upon Miss King, and I held no loyalty for the man when I arrived on Charlotte’s threshold; therefore, I was free to accept other versions of the events.” Hers was an exaggeration of what occurred, but it held some truth. “Although I still believe handsome young men must have something to live on, I pity whoever accepts Mr. Wickham’s hand.
”
If only I did not previously express my opinions to the contrar
y
, Elizabeth thought.

“That is quite a transformation,” her uncle observed.

“I am only aggrieved that I behaved with foolish disregard for Mr. Darcy. I treated the gentleman poorly.”

Her aunt’s question came quickly.

“Is this revelation the source of your reluctance in viewing Mr. Darcy’s home?”

Elizabeth swallowed the bile rushing to her throat.

“I rejoiced today when Mr. Darcy’s housekeeper informed us that we missed his return to Derbyshire by a day. I would not wish to encounter the gentleman. Our last exchange of words was far from pleasant.”

“If I knew…” her uncle began.

Elizabeth shook off his regrets.

“I asked the inn’s staff of Mr. Darcy’s being at Pemberley before we came to the place.”

“We should be on to Matlock the day after tomorrow,” her aunt declared. “Even with Mr. Darcy’s presence at Pemberley we are not likely to encounter him. My friends do not travel in the same circles as Mr. Darcy. We shall be gone soon, and the gentleman will know nothing of our coming into his part of the shire.

Elizabeth strolled along the narrow road, which claimed the center of Lambton. Her aunt and uncle called at the church for Aunt Margaret wished to check the church records to verify the baptism of her late brother. Aunt Margaret had it her mind to create a sampler remembering James Montgomery, as a gift for the man’s widow and children. Elizabeth begged off the task to say she required a bit of exercise.

After all the talk of Mr. Darcy and of Pemberley, Elizabeth slept little. She hoped after a bit of air, she could slip back to her quarters for a nap before supper plans with another of her aunt’s former acquaintances.

“Tomorrow,” she whispered to her reflection in the glass of what passed as a mercantile in Lambton. “Tomorrow, we shall be gone from this place, and Mr. Darcy shall be a distant memory.”

The sound of a driver shouting to his team of horses had Elizabeth spinning around to view the spectacle. Ignoring the dangers to pedestrians and the strictures of good breeding, a chaise and four sped through the village streets. The driver’s disregard for safety brought a quick frown to Elizabeth’s features, and she thought to add her voice to those upon the street in condemnation of the man’s actions, but the appearance of a familiar face through the carriage window clamped Elizabeth’s jaw shut
.
Caroline Bingle
y
. Wishing not to be noticed, Elizabeth dropped her head so her bonnet might disguise her features.

“What else could one expect from those who claim an entitlement not theirs,” Elizabeth murmured.

A young assistant to the shopkeeper spoke from beside her. He leaned upon the broom he used to sweep the wooden walkway.

“I see the Darcys host company again.” He wiped the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief. “Darcy’s tenants pray that one will not become a permanent fixture at Pemberley.” Realizing he spoke from turn, the young man bowed to Elizabeth. “Forgive me, Miss. I should keep my opinions private. Speaking poorly of ones betters is not acceptable.”

Elizabeth blushed. Had she not possessed similar thoughts of Miss Bingley?

“I shall not relay your sentiments to others if you will promise me likewise.” The young man nodded his agreement. “My aunt and uncle and I toured Mr. Darcy’s estate yesterday, and we heard the housekeeper’s praise of the gentleman toward his tenants and servants.” Elizabeth held no idea why she punished herself with learning more of Mr. Darcy, but she could not seem to control her curiosity.

The youth appeared willing to share his opinions with her, so Elizabeth left the remark open.

“Those who serve Mr. Darcy give him a good name, and he treats my father fair. Pays his accounts regularly.” The fellow gestured toward the store. “I heard some call him ‘proud,’ but I observed none of it.”

Before Elizabeth could ask more of the young man’s knowledge of Mr. Darcy, someone called her name. She spun again to observe Mr. Bingley striding in her direction.

“Miss Elizabeth.” Bingley beamed with delight. “It is you. I thought my eyes played tricks upon me.” He bowed and then accepted the hands she offered him. “I am so pleased to encounter you again.”

“Mr. Bingley.” She curtsied. “I thought…” Elizabeth glanced behind her where the shopkeeper eyed her with curiosity. Mustering her composure, she continued, “I saw a carriage pass through the village a few moments earlier. I thought Miss Bingley one of the passengers, and encountering you I find myself correct.”

Mr. Bingley frowned.

“My brother Hurst’s carriage. My coach out distanced his. Likely, Caroline fears she would offend Darcy if she arrives after me.”

Elizabeth ignored Bingley’s reference to Mr. Darcy.

“The driver appeared set upon reaching his destination,” she admitted.

Again, Mr. Bingley scowled before schooling his features.

“Tell me what brings you to Derbyshire.” Bingley had yet to release her fingertips.

“I am on holiday with my aunt and uncle.” Elizabeth’s eyebrow rose with the approach of a young lady.

Bingley turned with a welcoming smile.

“Mrs. Annesley and I thought you deserted us.” The girl slipped her hand about Bingley’s elbow, and Elizabeth cringed inside. Had the gentleman truly abandoned her sister Jane?

“Nothing of the kind.” Bingley patted the back of the girl’s gloved hand. “Permit me to make the proper introductions. Miss Darcy, this is a dear acquaintance and one of my neighbors in Hertfordshire, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Elizabeth, I present Mr. Darcy’s sister.”

Georgian
a
, Elizabeth’s mind filled in the blank. She curtsied in greeting.

“Miss Elizabeth!” The girl said with approval in her tone. “I long wished for your acquaintance. My brother spoke of you often in his letters from Derbyshire.”

A bit of satisfaction shot through Elizabeth: Mr. Darcy spoke of her to his sister. Miss Darcy was tall, and on a larger scale than Elizabeth; and, though little more than sixteen, her figure was formed, and her appearance womanly and graceful. Although less handsome than her brother, Miss Darcy’s face displayed sense and good humor, and her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle.

“Something very ill I would assume,” Elizabeth responded with her customary tongue-in-cheek tartness.

However. Miss Darcy’s features crunched up in confusion. Elizabeth, who expected to find in the girl as acute and unembarrassed an observer as ever Mr. Darcy showed, knew relief by discerning such different feelings.

Mr. Bingley patted the back of the girl’s hand and chuckled.

“Miss Elizabeth holds an odd sense of humor, one your brother often challenged. Their conversations were quite entertaining. A sort of verbal swordplay,” Bingley explained. Turning to Elizabeth, he asked, “How long will you be in Lambton?”

“Not long. We leave tomorrow.”

“So soon?” Mr. Bingley appeared disappointed. “I hoped we might speak of Hertfordshire. It has been a very long time since I had the pleasure of seeing you. And you have yet to share whether all your sisters remain at Longbourn.” Something of real regret laced Bingley’s tone, and before Elizabeth could reply, he added, “It is above eight months. We have not met since the 26
th
of November, when we were all dancing together at Netherfield.”

It pleased Elizabeth to discover the gentleman’s memory so exact. There was not much in Bingley’s remarks, but there was a look and a manner, which gave them meaning.

“I fear there is little I may do. I am at the disposal of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.” Elizabeth would love to know more of Mr. Bingley’s feelings for Jane, but she could not face Mr. Darcy again: She unjustly abused Darcy in Kent.

Miss Darcy offered, “Why do you not join us for supper at Pemberley? I am certain my brother would welcome your presence at his table.”

The meal that Elizabeth earlier prayed not to attend with her relations now proved her salvation.

“My aunt holds long-time acquaintances in the area. I fear we are previously engaged for the evening.”

Discontent crossed Mr. Bingley’s countenance.

“Perhaps I might call upon your party after supper. I would be pleased to have the acquaintance of your aunt and uncle.”

Elizabeth quickly analyzed the possibility of Mr. Darcy accompanying his friend. With a houseful of guests, Pemberley’s master would not give offense by leaving them to their own entertainments.

“If you like, Sir. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner would know delight in accepting you. We stay at the Rose and Crown.”

“Mr. Bingley,” Miss Darcy interrupted. “Mrs. Annesley returned to the coach. My brother will be anxious as we are so far behind Mr. Hurst’s coach.”

Bingley nodded his agreement.

“Darcy will be thankful I took such tender care of his sister.” He bowed to Elizabeth. “Until this evening then.”

Elizabeth curtsied.

“Thank you for the acquaintance, Miss Darcy. Deliver my family’s well wishes to your brother.” With that, they were gone. Elizabeth watched as Mr. Bingley assisted Mr. Darcy’s sister to his carriage.

From behind Elizabeth, the shopkeeper said, “They would make a handsome couple.”

Elizabeth swallowed the tears welling her eyes. All along, she thought that Miss Bingley spread untruths when the woman swore Bingley would choose Miss Darcy to wife. Her dearest Jane’s heart would break with the news.

“Yes. Yes, they would,” she murmured. Elizabeth wished she could despise Mr. Bingley for considering an alliance to the Darcy family. Yet, if she could forgive Mr. Wickham’s desertion of herself for Miss King’s ten thousand pounds, how could she criticize Mr. Bingley’s looking upon Miss Darcy’s thirty thousand pounds with favor?

* * *

“I thought to send out men,” Darcy remarked as he assisted Mrs. Annesley and Georgiana to the ground.

“Mrs. Annesley needed to call upon the apothecary,” Georgiana explained, “and then Mr. Bingley spotted an acquaintance in Lambton.”

Darcy’s heart stuttered, and he schooled his countenance.

“Miss Bingley spoke of no encounters,” he said through tight lips.

Bingley stepped down from the coach.

“I doubt if either Caroline or Louisa saw much of Lambton,” his friend grumbled. “As usual, Hurst ordered his driver to exercise speed over safety.”

“Thank you for tending to Georgiana’s sensibilities, Bingley.” Darcy did not like the idea of the Hursts putting Lambton residents in danger. He would speak privately to the man. Darcy held a responsibility to the villages, which depended upon Pemberley for their survival.

Bingley shook off Darcy’s gratitude.

“Your sister and Mrs. Annesley are excellent traveling companions. Did Mr. Sheffield arrive safely?”

“My valet and coach knew no difficulties,” Darcy noted. “Now, why do you not speak of your fortuitous encounter upon Lambton’s streets?”

Bingley glanced to the house.

“Caroline will not be pleased with my news, but perhaps you will be.” Darcy knew what would come next. He hoped Elizabeth Bennt would be gone from Lambton before anyone discovered her presence and his connection to her. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her aunt and uncle are on holiday. After supper, I mean to call upon their party. The Gardiners will leave tomorrow.”

“I extended an invitation for Miss Elizabeth and her relations to join us for supper, but the lady’s aunt held previous plans,” Georgiana added.

Darcy thought
,
Very convenien
t
.

“I will be sorry to miss them. Now come along. I have a special gift for my favorite sister.”

Georgiana wrapped her hands about Darcy’s arm.

“As I am you
r
onl
y
sister, what may I expect?” she said with a girlish giggle.

Darcy smiled down upon her. His sister survived the lies of a scheming scoundrel, and he was thankful to see new life in Georgiana’s eyes.

“No hints,” he teased. “This is to be a surprise.”

* * *

Although she dreaded seeing Mr. Darcy again, Elizabeth knew disappointment when Mr. Bingley arrived without his friend. She quickly made the introductions to permit her aunt and uncle their say. Instinctively, Elizabeth knew her relations would not conceal their disapproval of Mr. Bingley’s treatment of Jane.

“Do you plan to return to Netherfield soon, Mr. Bingley?” her uncle asked in what sounded of casual conversation, but Elizabeth recognized Uncle Gardiner leading Bingley into admitting what her relations wished to know: Had Mr. Bingley deserted Jane? “It seems a foolish waste of money to let an estate and never use it.”

Elizabeth watched as Mr. Bingley squirmed in his seat, and she stifled the giggle springing to her lips.

“I hoped to do so. I found the company most agreeable,” Bingley responded.

“We were of the understanding you had no intention of returning to Hertfordshire,” Aunt Margaret observed.

Mr. Bingley glanced to Elizabeth, but she pretended ignorance of her aunt’s assertion. She knew Jane’s despondency after Mr. Bingley’s withdrawal would not set well with the Gardiners.

“I assure you, Mrs. Gardiner, no such decision has been made.”

“Really?” Her aunt’s eyebrow rose in challenge. “Then your sister must have erred for when our dear Jane called upon Miss Bingley in London, she led Miss Bennet to believe you would not be returning to Netherfield.”

“Miss Bennet was in London?” Mr. Bingley stammered.

Aunt Gardiner smiled knowingly.

“Yes, for some three months. Lizzy encouraged Miss Bennet to call upon your sister, but it was weeks before Miss Bingley returned the call, and then she stayed but the necessary quarter hour. I suppose calling in Cheapside made Miss Bingley uncomfortable.”

Mr. Bingley turned to Elizabeth for affirmation.

“Caroline provided Miss Bennet a direct cut?” he demanded.

“I am afraid so, Sir,” Elizabeth whispered. “I was sorry to play a part in bringing censure to my dearest sister. As you must be aware, your leaving Netherfield so soon after the ball took the entire neighborhood by surprise.” Although she knew Mr. Darcy played a role in Miss Bingley’s ploy to separate her brother from Jane, Elizabeth thought it best for Mr. Bingley’s relationship with Mr. Darcy that Darcy disclosed his participation in the deception, rather than she.