Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman (18 page)

As Elizabeth laughed, she also sensed the danger and replied impertinently, “Perhaps it would be best if I went first.” After a pause, she asked, “I suppose I have been wondering whether, given the length of your stay here in Hertfordshire, you miss your home at Pemberley?”

Darcy understood, though maybe Elizabeth did not, the fuller implications of her question, but decided it was yet too early to discuss the real reason for his extended stay in the neighborhood. Instead, he decided to answer her more direct inquiry. “I would have to say both yes and no. Pemberley is my home in every sense of the word. I only feel totally comfortable there. But I have learned of late that a house is only a home to the extent it contains the people whom you care about. At present, my sister is not residing there and… my closest friend, Mr. Bingley, is here. I would not want to miss his engagement, so while I do miss the comforts of my home, I would rather remain here to share in his and your sister's joy.”

“Are there comforts there, then, that are not available here?”

“Not anything in the material sense. Just the familiarity of my surroundings, my memories, my sense of family, and, I suppose, the land itself.”

“Yes, I have heard from Miss Bingley that your landholdings are quite extensive. Do you find Netherfield too confining, then?”

“I was not referring to the extent of the surrounding lands, as much as to their character. The countryside around Pemberley is quite wild, and I spend a good deal of my time outdoors. The land here is lovely, but I am afraid I have become so partial to the more rugged beauty of Derbyshire, that other terrains pale in comparison.”

“Then Pemberley's surrounding park is materially different from Netherfield's, or say, Rosings'? I have always had an interest in nature in all its forms and the different manners in which the countryside is utilized.”

Smiling, he retorted, “Miss Bennet, your question is quite astute. I think the best way to describe Pemberley is by reference to Rosings.”

Trying to mask her true opinion of Rosings, she simply added, “Oh, is that so?”

“Yes, I think it is useful because we are both familiar with that estate, and sometimes comparison is the best manner of description. Pemberley is much older than Rosings, and as such, its gardens and park were designed long before the formal French fashion that so characterizes Rosings. The Darcys, as a lot, are a stubborn breed and, consequently, never deviated from the early style of the English rustic garden. The park therefore can barely be considered a garden at all. The natural landscaping that has developed over hundreds of years has, for the most part, remained intact. It is more accurate to say that the house is surrounded by a forest and a lake, rather than by a park, as that term is now used. I find the variety of its natural beauty quite breathtaking, but some, such as my aunt for instance, find it an untamed wilderness. In some ways, the beauty of Pemberley is truly in the eye of the beholder. Most people either love it or find it wanting—although few people actually say so to me directly.”

“Then how do you know it is true?”

“From the comments of certain guests who are always suggesting that I obtain the services of a French master gardener or ask if I have ever visited some nearby garden that employs a more formalized design. I think they believe I am unaware of what could be done and hope to direct me toward what they believe to be a more civilized approach.”

“Am I wrong to wonder, sir, if many of these guests are women?”

Laughing, he replied, “It seems, Miss Bennet, that all of your questions tonight are quite astute. But I do not want you to get the wrong idea. While some aspects of Pemberley might only appeal to a select type of woman, there are also more formalized gardens that I believe have universal appeal. My mother cultivated a very fine rose garden that produces a dazzling array of species in great abundance. I think it one of the finer examples of a formal garden. My mother's tastes, however, on the whole tended to a more naturalistic approach. She executed a very exacting planting design around the lake that employs a wide variety of local and rare wildflowers. Her success in that regard cannot be understated. The lake is an integral part of the house, visible from most vantage points within it, and her plantings surrounding the lake enhance its natural beauty in a most dramatic way. I think one would be surprised to find that the flowers were planted by design, as they blend into the natural order of the landscape so wonderfully, but, at the same time, the variety of color, height, and texture is glorious.” Suddenly, Darcy stopped, cleared his throat in embarrassment, and added in a subdued tone, “I fear I have gone on too long.”

“Not at all, Mr. Darcy. Your passion has made your descriptions so clear that I can almost imagine the views. I have found it most interesting.”

Darcy, however, hardly heard her words. He had felt so comfortable talking to her about Pemberley, and he thought her interested. But, as he realized he had been speaking at length, he sudden wondered how his glowing descriptions of Pemberley sounded to someone else. In trying to judge her reaction, he suddenly recalled all of the times that he had misread her mood and was drained of his former assurance. He quietly replied, “If you are sure. I know I have released you from any obligation as my instructor, but I do hope you will stop me if I am trying your patience.”

Elizabeth was struck by his sudden tentative demeanor and his lack of confidence. When she had disliked him, she imagined him haughty, cold, recalcitrant, and demanding. Since getting to know him better, she had found him witty, honest, and sincere. She had never before understood that he was also somewhat shy and, at moments, oddly uncertain of himself. Desiring to put him at ease once again, she asked, “And how would you describe the house?”

To her surprise, in attempting to formulate an answer, his cheeks blushed scarlet. After a pause, he simply replied, “I would like to think it is comfortable and inviting.”

She immediately sensed her mistake. After having previously accused him of vanity and excessive pride, he hardly felt comfortable extolling the virtues of his furnishings. She tried another tack. “The lake near your home sounds delightful. Do you utilize it much in the summer?”

“Yes, we do. It is large enough to swim in, and there is also fishing, although the stream that flows into it is better suited for that endeavor. We actually use the lake more in the winter. It almost always freezes over, and we skate upon the ice.” In the hope of taking the focus off himself, Darcy then added in a hurried manner, “Do you skate, Miss Bennet?”

“Actually, no, I have never tried. There is not much opportunity in this area for it.”

‘Well, you must learn; you cannot be at Pemberley in the winter without partaking in the exercise… I mean, that is to say, anyone who visits the area would find that it is a much-favored winter pastime.”

With her brow raised in challenge, she replied, “That and, apparently, billiards.”

Heartened by her response, he smiled back. “That reminds me; you never did tell me if you play.”

As their eyes locked, she detected movement at her elbow. Leaning in even closer, she whispered in a conspiratorial tone, “I am afraid, Mr. Darcy… that the main course is being served.” At that, she leaned back in a fluid motion to give the server room to exchange her plate. She did so while smiling broadly at Mr. Darcy and without breaking eye contact. After a moment, she turned her attention to Caroline Bingley. “Miss Bingley, the meal looks superb. I must extend my compliments.”

Darcy continued to stare at her with a faint smile on his lips as the server attended to his needs and the others began to eat. It was only after a few more minutes that he looked down at his food. He then addressed Charles and, by unwanted extension, Miss Bingley about the wedding plans. It was only after the main course was coming to a close that he saw the opportunity to again engage Elizabeth in intimate conversation.

“Miss Bennet, I have told you a great deal about my preferences for the outdoors, but you have not told me yours. Do you prefer Hertfordshire to the exclusion of other locations, or are you more at home in town?”

“I have not traveled extensively, but I would say that I prefer the country to the city. And while Hertfordshire is quite beautiful, I have a general desire to see as much of the rest of the country as possible. Until I do, I cannot say that I have a decided preference.”

“By your response, should I gather that you do not enjoy London?”

“I think my answer might mirror one you recently gave. I do enjoy London, but mostly because it contains within it people whom I love. My aunt and uncle reside there, and my time with them has always been pleasurable. As a result, town has a special appeal for me.”

“Are they your maternal or paternal relations?”

“I am afraid only Mr. Collins bears the distinction of a relationship on my father's side of the family. My uncle Gardiner is my mother's brother, although he is several years her junior and bears no other striking resemblance, either physically or by disposition. My aunt is closer to my age than not, and as a result, she is both a friend and a role model for my sister Jane and me.”

“Then she must be quite an extraordinary woman. Do you have the opportunity to visit them often?”

“Only on occasion. When I do, there is the added benefit that my uncle enjoys the theater and always takes us. The lure of that, added to the felicity of seeing my dearest family members, makes London a destination I would never willingly forgo. But my heart mostly resides in the countryside. Later this summer, I hope to have the best of both worlds. My aunt and uncle are planning to travel to the Lakes region and have invited me to join them. I am greatly anticipating that area's beauty.”

“I have visited the Lakes on several occasions, and I think you will be justifiably impressed. But in the meantime, hopefully the beauty of Hertfordshire will be sufficient to entertain you. I remember from Kent that you enjoyed daily walks. Is that your custom at home?”

“Yes, I do try to walk out whenever I am able.”

“And where do you find the most pleasant vistas?”

“The walk to Oakham Mount is quite nice.”

Hoping he was not being too obvious, he then asked, “And when is it best to view?”

“I would say it is lovely at any time of the day, but as with the majority of elevations, it is most dramatic either early in the morning or before sunset.”

After an awkward silence befell them, Elizabeth was the first to speak. “Mr. Darcy, you said your sister is not at Pemberley. Is she in London?”

“No, actually, she is visiting Bath, but I expect her in London soon. She has expressed an interest in attending the wedding here. I am presently considering whether she should come.”

“And what have you decided?”

“Nothing at present. I need to give it more consideration.”

Puzzled by his behavior, she stated, “I would think the request is a simple one. What other factors need be considered?”

“In the past, I have learned that my responsibility to my sister is great. As a result, I endeavor to mediate with great seriousness any action that concerns her.”

Elizabeth's reply was interrupted by the sound of Caroline clearing her throat. She stated that the ladies should retire, but before that occurred, she would be remiss in letting the announcement of her brother's betrothals go by without acknowledgment. Caroline then said, “In honor of the occasion, I would ask Mr. Hurst to speak for our family.”

That gentleman's surprise could not have been greater. He had barely been listening, and even the most disinterested observer could see his obvious confusion. It was clear to Elizabeth that Caroline had not notified Mr. Hurst of the honor she had assigned him. After several uncomfortable minutes, Mr. Hurst stated, “Yes, er, Charles, now that your engagement has been announced, may you be happy, and Miss… Bennet too.”

Elizabeth thought she heard an audible sigh of relief from Louisa Hurst when her husband correctly remembered Jane's name. Seeing Caroline's smug expression, Elizabeth knew that this had been accomplished by design and wondered at the other surprises she had in store for Jane during their long engagement.

To their added embarrassment, Elizabeth then heard her mother whispering to her father, in a voice clearly discernible in the foyer, that he should say something for their family as well. Her father's voice was then clearly heard to say, “Fanny, that is enough. I will, but only if you promise to be quiet for the rest of the evening.” Elizabeth could feel the hot color rising to her face. Her father then said, “I believe that someone once said, that ‘Marriage is an evil that most men welcome.' Given Mr. Bingley's obvious enthusiasm for the affair, let us wish the couple every happiness.”

As everyone murmured their agreement, Elizabeth could not help but be mortified by her parents' performance. But more than that, she was deeply grieved that the joy surrounding her sister's impending wedding had not been recognized with the respect or reverence it warranted. Jane deserved better. To her surprise, she was roused from her sad reverie by Mr. Darcy's voice. “Miss Bingley, I would hope that you would forgive my forwardness, but with your leave, I would like to add my wishes for Miss Bennet and Mr. Bingley's happiness. I know that I am not actually a part of either of the two families represented here tonight, but I feel moved to add my own sentiments to what has been said.”

With a shocked expression upon her face, Caroline managed a perfunctory, “By all means.”

Darcy looked to Jane at one end of the table, and then to Charles. “I wish you both the joy you deserve. Charles, while I have not always warranted your friendship, I have always required its steadfast support. I count myself lucky to call you my friend, and nothing could give me greater pleasure than to see you happy. I know that with Miss Bennet as your wife, your contentment is guaranteed. While Petrarch warned that ‘rarely do beauty and great virtue dwell together,' Charles, you have found the exception that proves the rule. I have seldom seen a couple more suited to each other. Your even temperaments and genial dispositions make you ideal partners, and your obvious affection and regard seem destined to secure your happiness. I am doubly blessed to know you both, because through Charles's great fortune, I have undeservingly acquired a most gracious friend as well. My wishes for a long and happy life together.”