Miss Darcy's Companion: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (5 page)

Darcy’s eyes widened. Given the man’s self-centredness, so readily apparent at Rosings as well as Netherfield, he felt he could safely say that Collins had not made the offer out of Christian generosity of spirit, but merely sought to buy himself a grateful and obedient wife.

That he had not attempted to force her hand after her father’s passing might have spoken in his favour, and yet in equal measure not. Once Longbourn was rightfully his, he had no further need to ingratiate himself with that branch of the family, and their fate was his concern no longer, as his subsequent conduct showed. The slimy toad! By all accounts, Miss Bennet’s escape had been a narrow one.

From her own seat across the small parlour, Georgiana lent voice to similar thoughts.

“I am most grateful you were not faced with this conundrum, Lizzy, and not just for my own sake. It must be dreadful to marry out of obligation. Besides, I doubt that such a union would have been agreeable. Perhaps I should not pass judgement without a proper acquaintance, but it seems to me that the gentleman was most unkind – why, I could nearly say spiteful – to cast you out of your home as soon as he was within his rights to do so.”

Pleased as he might have been with his sister’s sound judgement, Darcy could not help feeling that the conversation had become rather too forthright. Miss Bennet seemed to share his views, for she sought to change the subject.

“Well, what was done was done. To my good fortune, I was rewarded with your acquaintance, Georgiana,” she smiled and stood, but before she could excuse herself her friend clapped in sudden excitement.

“I just had the very best of notions, Lizzy. For a man of the cloth Mr Collins might be sadly lacking in proper feeling, but I know of another clergyman who does justice to that office. Why, you could marry Mr Bradden. He is kind and thoughtful and I would be assured of your company forever. I dearly hope neither of us would settle too far from dear Pemberley.”

“Are you not rather too young for matchmaking, Georgiana, and indeed for thoughts of matrimony for yourself or anybody else?” Darcy observed sternly and at the sudden change of tone and manner both ladies looked abashed.

“The fault is mine, Sir,” Miss Bennet swiftly intervened, and Georgiana cast her a brief grateful glance. “I should not have shared my history with Mr Collins. Perhaps now might be the best time for me to retire,” she added softly and, bidding them goodnight, did so. Not long afterwards, Georgiana quietly followed suit.

For his part, Darcy felt rather like an ogre for ending the pleasant evening on a reprimand but, dash it, he would not take full responsibility for it. Georgiana truly had no business to think of matrimony, much less for herself, and likewise Miss Bennet would have been better advised to keep a discreet silence with regard to her history with Mr Collins. His impressionable sister was a great deal too young for frank discussions on marriages of convenience.

Of course, one day he would have to address the thorny issue of finding a suitable life companion for himself and, more daunting still, for his sister. But, thank goodness, not for a few years yet.

* * * *

Little as he had appreciated the drift towards that topic of conversation, the following morning Darcy felt compelled to make amends for the display of temper and, over breakfast, he congenially offered:

“Your wish is my command today, young ladies. What would you care to do? Go for a long ride, perhaps?”

Georgiana beamed with undisguised excitement, but instantly sobered.

“A lovely thought, Brother, but unfortunately Lizzy does not ride. If we are to spend the day together, should we drive to Lambton instead?”

“Oh, do not let me spoil your fun,” Miss Bennet promptly interjected. “You must have missed riding, Georgiana. Pray go and do not mind me, I will easily find an occupation.”

Clearly torn between affection for her friend and the great temptation of riding with her brother, a long-missed delight, Georgiana hesitated.

“Are you quite certain?”

“Absolutely.”

“Have you not learned to ride, Miss Bennet, or do you have a particular aversion for it?” Darcy inquired, and the young lady laughed.

“A little of both, Sir. My father sought to teach me when I was very young, but after I took one tumble too many we both agreed that our horses and I would get on far better from a distance.”

“There are two very patient geldings and a mild-tempered mare in Pemberley’s stables, should you wish to learn that skill,” he offered. “I highly recommend it. In the long run, it might serve you well. This hilly country of ours is much better suited for riding than travelling in a carriage.”

“I thank you for your kind offer, Mr Darcy, but for now I would rather keep my feet on the ground. Your beautiful woods offer plenty of scope for exploration.”

“I can vouch for that,” Georgiana interjected. “You will find that I have become quite the walker, Brother. Lizzy and I have ventured further than I have ever gone before.”

“Escorted, I hope,” Darcy frowned in expectation, and Miss Bennet promptly reassured him.

“Of course, Sir. I have not seen the need in my Hertfordshire rambles, but here it was a different matter. The paths were unknown to me, and besides I had your sister’s welfare to consider.”

“I appreciate your diligence, Miss Bennet. And I expect this good practice to continue even when you have grown familiar with the area, regardless of whether Georgiana accompanies you or not.”

At that, Miss Bennet’s eyes flashed briefly towards him.

“I am quite accustomed to looking after myself, Sir,” she replied, but for all her civility of manner, Darcy could not fail to detect the mutinous undertones.

Riled in no small measure, he shot back:

“Are you now! Pray tell me, how would you fare if you were to come across ruffians or simply twist your ankle? Self-sufficiency is one thing, Miss Bennet. Recklessness is quite another. You will not leave the formal gardens unescorted, and that is the end of the matter,” he said flatly and reached for his cup of tea.

A heavy silence fell. Miss Bennet’s eyes were trained upon her plate, and Darcy could only wonder if they hid distress, remorse or further rebellion. Across from him Georgiana fidgeted, casting uncomfortable glances from her companion to her brother. This riled him too. For the second time since his arrival he had been cast into the part of the unbending ogre, and he did not appreciate it in the slightest. Which was one of the reasons why he morosely observed:

“If we are to go riding, Georgiana, perhaps you ought to go and change.”

His sister required no further prompting and stood to do as bid. Her glance still averted, her companion dabbed her lips in readiness to follow, presumably thinking herself likewise dismissed, but Darcy was quick to disabuse her of that notion.

“Miss Bennet, a word, if you please.”

She kept her seat and her back stiffened, but still did not look up when she was spoken to. This sort of conduct bordered not merely on a level of insubordination he was not accustomed to, but was beginning to skirt the edges of downright incivility.

Darcy took a deep breath to calm himself. In living memory he had not lost his temper with one of his people and, by Jove, a slip of a girl would not provoke him into it today. Lady Stretton might have been a nuisance in so many ways, but perhaps she had the right of the matter in one respect at least. He would have known where he stood with an experienced companion for Georgiana – much more so than with a young lady freshly out of the schoolroom and scarcely accustomed to working for a living. Most certainly he would not have had this sort of trouble from the likes of Mrs Younge. He might have to remedy that error and reconsider Miss Bennet’s employment.

But that was for another day. For now, he sought to regulate his voice to deliver sensibly and calmly:

“If we get to know each other better, you will see that I do not seek to rule my household with an iron fist, Miss Bennet. However, I do expect my people to obey sensible requests. And also to look at me when spoken to.”

She did as bid at last, only to shock him into momentary silence. Unshed tears glimmered in her eyes and it was Darcy’s turn to look away, caught between embarrassment and exasperation. Heavens, what now? Was she distressed by his forceful manner or were they tears of indignation at being ordered about? She must have reflected, with either sadness or vexation, that she would not have had to bend to a stranger’s will, had her father been alive.

The notion struck a chord, because of Georgiana. How would she have fared, had she found herself dislodged from her place in the world, deprived of protection, forced to earn her keep? It did not bear thinking and, thank goodness, it would never happen; the Darcy name and fortune would always be her shelter, come what may.

The young woman before him had none of those advantages. And only the likes of Lady Stretton would blame her if she still struggled to adjust to a very different way of life.

Darcy cleared his voice.

“Forgive me for distressing you with my forthrightness, Miss Bennet. I only had your safety in mind. I should not wish to be forced to write to your pa–… your relations that you have been harmed whilst your welfare was my responsibility,” he offered mildly, and was pleased to see that the altered manner had the desired effect and her strained countenance softened.

“‘Tis I who should beg your pardon, Mr Darcy. I fear that my upbringing has had a major flaw, in that it has not taught me the virtues of unquestioning obedience, but rather the opposite. It does not serve me well under the circumstances,” she concluded with a conscious smile, which Darcy mirrored.

“I suppose I should find it in me to be grateful for the practice. A time might come when Georgiana’s mind is different from my own. But let us not hasten that day if we could help it and, for the sake of household harmony, pray do not make a habit of questioning my requests. With some degree of effort, I might be able to disguise some of them as suggestions, but that would not apply to all by any means,” he added, only partly in jest.

Her earnest reply showed she had grasped his meaning: not just light-hearted repartee, but a structuring for the future.

“I thank you for your understanding patience. All I can say, and it is not in my defence, quite the contrary, is that in your welcoming household I found it all too easy to remember how it felt to be my father’s daughter. Lady Stretton had never allowed such licence. Not everyone would.”

“Not everyone has a young sister whom they would not wish to imagine in trying circumstances,” Darcy owned candidly, then stood. “Speaking of which, I should not keep Georgiana waiting any longer. Pray find yourself a cheerful way to pass the time, Miss Bennet, and I urge you to consider allowing one of my grooms to help you overcome your reservations about riding. Derbyshire is best seen on horseback and someday you might find pleasure in joining us.”

“I would only slow you down, I fear. In my most sanguine hopes I cannot imagine mastering anything faster than a canter. Enjoy your ride, Mr Darcy and, once again, I thank you,” she added softly and was gone, leaving him in a far better frame of mind than he had been but a half-hour ago.

So much so that when he found Georgiana by the stables, already in her riding habit and waiting for him, he met her troubled glance with a light chuckle.

“Do not look so concerned, sweetling, I have not devoured your Miss Lizzy for breakfast. She is safe and well, awaiting your return.”

Georgiana’s brows shot up at the uncharacteristic levity but she made no reply, presumably because a groom was by then approaching with their mounts. With a nod of thanks to the man, Darcy helped his sister into the saddle, then leisurely swung into his.

“So… all is well?” Georgiana tentatively asked as they took to the road together.

“All is well. But pray tell me, is she always so wilful?”

“Not that I have noticed,” his sister laughed lightly in response. “But then I am nowhere near as strong-willed as you, so there was little risk of our tempers clashing.”

He conceded her the point, although that brought a different reason for concern. Of course, Georgiana could benefit from the good example of a more outgoing nature, but if she was led by a stronger character, all manner of mischief could brew should she be led in the wrong direction.

Darcy snorted. He had hoped to share the responsibility of his sister’s welfare with a female companion engaged for the purpose, yet there he was instead, in charge of not one but two young ladies of a trying age. His aunt Malvern might have had the right of it. Everything would be a great deal easier if he married.

He snorted again, less audibly this time, lest he should attract Georgiana’s notice. The matchmaking matrons of the
ton
would laugh themselves into a stupor if he, who had so far resisted all their concerted efforts, should be brought down by a couple of young lasses. Heaven help him if Georgiana and her companion should try his patience enough to goad him into matrimony!

CHAPTER 5

The lengthy ride was thoroughly enjoyable and refreshing. It was a great relief to be home again and canter along familiar tracks or leave them to cut across the lush green pastures that sloped around them as far as the eye could see.

He had missed Pemberley. He always did, whenever various pursuits and duties kept him away. He had missed his sister and it was a delight to see her sweet countenance beside him, glowing with the exertion and the pleasure it afforded her. She loved to ride, although not in town. Sedate progressions along the Rotten Row did not suit her taste anywhere near as much as the freedom of a gallop.

Knowing her penchant for the latter, Darcy gladly indulged her. It was a long time since he had learned to watch her speed away from him with affectionate pride at her horsemanship, rather than in terror of seeing her thrown from the saddle. So they tore over the fields together whenever the lie of the land allowed it, the shared joy exhilarating, until the sun was all the way up into the sky and it was time to turn their mounts about and make their way home.

The more leisurely journey back from the southernmost boundary of the great estate gave Darcy the perfect opportunity for the minute inquiries he had wished to make into Georgiana’s latest pursuits and her views on her new companion.

Just as her letters had led him to expect, a glowing account followed which, for all his past and more recent reservations, could not fail to reassure him. If nothing else, Georgiana was not only at ease, but happy to spend time with Miss Bennet. Whether or not the overall result of their association was what he had hoped for would still have to be determined with careful observation.

It was unfortunate that Rosings had claimed him when it did. It was his duty to assess the young lady’s suitability as his sister’s companion, and he had not discharged it well by sending them away from him without adequate supervision. But it could not be helped and at least they had been left unsupervised in the safe haven that was Pemberley. Nevertheless, it was imperative to learn more about Miss Bennet and her ways.

The best place to start was with a private interview, similar to the one he had just had with Georgiana. A firm believer in the adage claiming there was no time like the present for addressing a significant task, Darcy set to it as soon as they had returned to Pemberley and his sister had repaired to her chambers to divest herself of her riding habit. Rather than following her example, he inquired into Miss Bennet’s whereabouts, only to be told by a footman that she was last seen reading on a bench in the rose garden.

“Should I inform her that you wish to see her, Sir?” the footman obligingly offered and Darcy was about to send him on that very errand when, upon reflection, he decided otherwise.

A conversation in the garden might suit his purpose better than a formal summons to his study. She might feel more at ease and thus more likely to speak freely. The same, however, could not be said of himself. He would have certainly preferred the study. This was where his steward or Mrs Reynolds were uniformly summoned whenever he had business with them. It would not have crossed his mind to seek them in the steward’s office, the housekeeper’s parlour or goodness knows where else. Unfortunately, he was as unaccustomed to dealing with a lady’s companion as Miss Bennet was with being one, and both of them would have to learn their respective skills as best they could.

Firmly determined to acquire his own, Darcy made his way to the rose garden in search of Miss Bennet. He eventually spotted her in a small alcove by the orangery, her dark attire of no assistance in the matter, for it made her blend into the shadows cast by the latticework and the surrounding greenery. Engrossed in her book, she failed to notice his approach until he was but a few steps away. She looked up then, but did not start, although she must have been surprised to see him. She closed her book in readiness to stand.

“Good afternoon, Sir. I did not know you had returned. Does Miss Darcy need me?”

Darcy suppressed an indulgent smile at this new reminder that she came from a much smaller household. Clearly it had not crossed her mind that at Pemberley, had she been required indoors, a footman – and not he – would have been sent to convey the message. Nevertheless, he merely said:

“Not yet. She has just retired to change.” Joining her in the alcove was not an option worthy of consideration, so he added, “I was hoping to speak to you about your time at Pemberley to date. Would you care to take a turn with me?”

At that, she stood.

“Of course. What should you wish to know?”

Darcy chose his words as they fell into step together. Belatedly, it occurred to him that he might have done her the courtesy of offering his arm. After all, she was not a lady’s maid, nor his housekeeper. Yet she did not appear to expect it, but ambled alongside him holding her book, so he kept his hands behind his back and spoke with some deliberation.

“I believe I should start by thanking you. During our morning ride I had a lengthy chat with Georgiana and she declared she had spent some very happy weeks with you. I appreciate your efforts in that regard.”

“I am thrilled to hear it, Sir, but no thanks are needed. There was no effort on my part, quite the contrary. Your sister is a delightful young lady. I should be the one to thank her, and you, for the kind welcome.”

“I take it then that you are comfortable in your current position.”

“I cannot imagine anyone who would not be.”

“I suppose that, after your last, anything would appear to advantage,” he observed, allowing himself an encouraging smile, and saw her fleetingly return it.

“Indeed, I have not been required to contend with either St George or the Dragon,” she airily replied, making Darcy chuckle as he wondered in passing if by the latter she meant Lady Stretton, rather than Hetty’s poor beleaguered doll.

“I should imagine not. Neither of them have been seen for quite some time at Pemberley,” he replied in the same light-hearted vein, then sobered. “As I have mentioned once before, Miss Bennet, my sister’s happiness and comfort are my prime object. Should you harbour any concerns regarding Georgiana’s welfare and, by extension, your own role in the matter, I trust you would discuss them with me.”

“Do
you
have any such concerns, Sir?” she tentatively asked.

“Not at all. I am reassured to find her in such excellent spirits. I was also pleased to learn that her summer was well spent. Among other things, she mentioned an extensive reading list that you have put together.”

“Do you approve of it?”

“I have not seen it yet. Georgiana quoted a fair number of titles from memory, some she has already applied herself to, as well as others she intends to address shortly. A good selection, I would say, from the little I have heard of it. I would like to consult the compilation in detail. Just out of interest, is this a list you have used before, for your benefit or perhaps your sisters’?”

“No, Sir. I have not recommended reading matter to any of my sisters,” she replied and something in her tone showed that she found the notion entertaining, for reasons he could not begin to fathom.

“Why is that?”

“The youngest were too young indeed for such serious topics. The other two consulted their own tastes and made their own decisions.”

“What about yourself? Have you read all the books you listed?”

“Oh, far from it. Over half, perhaps. I recommended those and a few others I have long aimed to peruse, and then Miss Darcy and I searched the library together for items of interest. It is a remarkable collection.”

“I thank you. It ought to be. It has been the work of many generations.”

“Is there a catalogue of its contents?”

“There is. Pray remind me to show you it after dinner. It might be of assistance in completing your reading list. Although, from what Georgiana told me, you have already selected enough titles to keep you occupied till Christmas.”

“True,” Miss Bennet smiled. “Besides, she will have plenty of other occupations.”

“Such as her music practice. I was very impressed with her performance yesterday.”

“I fear I can take no credit for that,” Miss Bennet candidly owned. “Miss Darcy is very diligent in all her efforts and plays delightfully. If anything, her proficiency and good example served to complete my own education.”

“Doubtlessly the hours dedicated to the task have been to the advantage of both,” he civilly replied. “Any pursuit of the kind is preferable to idle dissipation.”

She cast him a brief questioning glance at that, before replying:

“I hope you would not be severely disappointed to hear we have had times of idle dissipation too. One could not and indeed ought not dedicate every waking hour to study.”

“Perhaps,” he conceded. “So, might I ask, how did you fill the hours of idle dissipation?”

“With strolls in the garden, long walks, lengthy conversations…”

“The topic of them being?”

“Yourself, in great part,” she candidly retorted. “She speaks of you often, with the greatest affection, and has longed for your return. It would do her a world of good to spend more time in your company.”

Darcy looked up sharply. Surely she had not just taken him to task as regards his lengthy absence. What would a slip of a girl know about the duties and the time constraints imposed upon one of his station in life?

Blissfully unaware of his vague displeasure, Miss Bennet resumed:

“I hope I am not betraying her confidence if I disclose that she also speaks quite often of another matter that gives her a great deal of unease,” she began with some hesitation, and at that Darcy’s thoughts were promptly redirected to what she had to say about his sister.

“Which matter would that be?” he inquired, but when no reply seemed to be forthcoming his countenance grew solemn as he drew to a halt and spun around to face her. “Miss Bennet, let us be rightly understood,” he enunciated, his diction precise. “No misplaced sense of loyalty should confuse the matter. Your first and foremost allegiance is to
me
, and nothing that troubles Georgiana could ever be deemed confidential,” he concluded firmly, only to note that her brows rose and her lips thinned at his pronouncement.

For once the very picture of a remonstrating governess, she evenly replied:

“Let me assure you I perfectly understand my duties, Sir. But pray allow me to observe that Miss Darcy is fast approaching the age when gentleness and patience go much further than stern edicts. When it comes to delicate matters, it would be preferable to inspire your sister with the confidence that she could safely disclose her own concerns to you. Demanding that I relate them regardless of her wishes would only ensure she henceforth keeps them to herself.”

To say that Darcy was offended would have been an understatement. He was stunned. In living memory as master of Pemberley he had not been spoken thus. Well, Fitzwilliam had often allowed himself the licence, but that was beside the point. There was a world of difference between what he was prepared to allow from an older cousin – and what from a wisp of a girl in his employ.

“Upon my word, Miss Bennet, you give your opinions very decidedly for so young a person,” Darcy exclaimed with manifest pique at her presumption to not only censure him, but also direct him in his dealings with his own sister. “Pray, what is your age?”

The words had barely left his lips when it occurred to Darcy that Fitzwilliam would say this sort of speech befitted Lady Catherine, and not him. Unacquainted as she was with the chatelaine of Rosings, Miss Bennet could not observe the same, but he saw her smarting at the question. Doubtlessly she was neither accustomed nor best pleased to find herself thus interpellated.

True enough, such a direct inquiry would have been an unthinkable impertinence to Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn. But someone in her present situation should learn to expect it. He was entirely within his rights to ask. Moreover, he should have done so at their first formal interview, as he had intended, when she was considered for her present position. A great deal more should have been ascertained on that fateful day. Such as the fact that she was decidedly too prone to challenge her betters.

As though intent to prove that very point, which frankly did not require further proof, Miss Bennet replied coolly, with a touch of resentment:

“I have turned twenty a few months ago, although I fail to see what bearing this has on the present conversation. You have asked me to voice any concerns I might have regarding Miss Darcy’s welfare. If you have reconsidered and you would much rather I did not, you only need to say so.”

He frowned, still too riled to acknowledge the justness of the implied reproach. Yet his righteous indignation swiftly paled before the need to learn what was troubling his sister, so he retorted crisply:

“No, Madam, I have not. If you would be so kind to share that information, I would be exceedingly obliged.”

She glanced up again at the cold sarcasm of the comment but thankfully for all concerned she forbore from taking up the part of the remonstrating governess and did not censure him again. Instead, she offered quietly:

“Your sister speaks with great unease about her launch into society. She does not relish the attention, nor the prospect of extensive company. Since there is no avoiding any of the above, she might look upon them with less trepidation if she is given the opportunity to practise. We have kept ourselves to ourselves here, just as you have requested upon our leaving town, but now that she is restored to your protection it might do her good to mix in society more, in preparation for the future. That is all.”