Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman (22 page)

“Mrs. Bennet, I hear you were shopping today. I hope you were able to find what you needed?”

As Mrs. Bennet talked merrily on about the difficulties of finding quality lace in Meryton, Elizabeth eyed John Lucas. It was not completely out of character for him to call, but she could not believe he wanted to discuss fashion with her mother. At any other time, she might have found his feigned interest in her mother's conversation worthy of examination, especially as they delved into the finer minutiae of judging the quality of a fabric, but she was anxious to set out for a walk. Even if she did not see Mr. Darcy on her way, the exercise would settle her anxiety.

She was jarred into the present by her name being spoken by John Lucas.

“Oh, yes, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Elizabeth had relayed that story to me. It was quite amusing.” He then smiled toward Elizabeth in a most ingratiating manner. “But as you well know, her wit is unsurpassed.”

Unaware of the subject being discussed and somewhat muddled by his praise, Elizabeth replied, “Sir, you are too kind.”

Bowing his head in response, he cooed, “Not at all,” then added, “Miss Elizabeth, I recently received a missive from my sister in Kent. She inquired as to your state of well-being. May I respond on your behalf?”

“Certainly, tell her I am quite well and that I know I am a letter in her debt. I will endeavor to write to her tomorrow. And is she in good health?”

“Quite so,” he replied, adding in a conspiratorial tone, “although she tells me her husband suffers from some indigestion, but she believes that it can be remedied by moderation.”

Attempting to hide her amusement, Elizabeth asked in a dry manner, “He is otherwise well, then?”

Nodding at her knowingly, he said, “Oh, yes, I believe so. Marriage seems to suit them both. From the outside, some would wonder at their match, but I think their felicity is a testament to the state of matrimony itself. It transcends and transforms those who enter it. I envy my sister the stability, and I think Mr. Collins values the companionship.”

Mrs. Bennet's ears perked up at this statement, as she found nothing so pleasing as a marriageable-age man lauding the state of matrimony while admiring one of her daughters. “You are quite right, Mr. Lucas. A man is incomplete without a wife, and at a certain age, every man must consider its advantages and act accordingly.”

Smiling easily at Mrs. Bennet, he replied, “I think you are correct, madam, although most men might shy away from the idea being stated so succinctly. It is, of course, the inevitable conclusion to one's boyhood.”

“Yes,” beamed Mrs. Bennet, “and the sooner it is realized the better.”

Laughing, Mr. Lucas replied good-naturedly, “Yes, Mum, I have already crossed that threshold and reached that conclusion.”

Having witnessed her mother's brashness on this subject before, Elizabeth sought to flee before she was made any more uncomfortable. Seizing her prearranged excuse, she said, “Mama, may I be excused? I should take my walk before it gets any later.”

Before Mrs. Bennet could answer, John Lucas stood and turned his gaze significantly to Elizabeth, “What a lovely idea, Miss Elizabeth. It is a beautiful day for a walk. May I accompany you? I think the fresh air would do me wonders.”

“What a splendid idea!” exclaimed Mrs. Bennet, “I know Lizzy would love the company, and then perhaps you could stay for dinner?”

Keeping his gaze on Elizabeth, he replied, “Unfortunately, I have an obligation already this evening, but maybe I could call again tomorrow? Miss Elizabeth, will you be available in the morning?”

Stunned by his response and his desire to walk out with her, Elizabeth could only respond, “Yes, I do not believe we have any prior engagements tomorrow.”

With another ingratiating smile at Elizabeth, he replied, “Then I will make a point of it.” Turning to Mrs. Bennet, he bowed to her as he added, “Thank you again for the invitation to dine this evening. If I had known, I never would have dreamed of accepting another request.”

“Oh, Mr. Lucas, you are too kind, but I have your promise that you will stay another day. I will keep you to it. Now, you young people should go before the weather changes.”

At this, Elizabeth spoke up, “Mr. Lucas, I hope I have not excited your anticipation unduly. I only intended to take a short stroll in the garden.”

“No, that will be fine. I know I will enjoy the company more than the scenery.”

As Elizabeth put on her bonnet and awaited her escort in the front hall, she wondered at his forward behavior. She hoped it was her imagination. She could hardly fathom what he was up to, but she knew her mother would misinterpret his interest, and as a result, she would have no peace.

They had not traveled long down the path before she saw a rider approaching. Her heart both soared and sank as she recognized his broad shoulders. From his position on his horse, she saw Mr. Darcy slow his pace as he searched out her face. As she smiled to welcome him, he smiled broadly in return. She then saw him turn ever so slightly to examine her companion. As he eyed Mr. Lucas, he took on a stern countenance.

Once Mr. Darcy was directly before them, he greeted them in a formal tone, “Miss Bennet, Mr. Lucas, good day.”

Lucas responded first. “Mr. Darcy, how nice to see you again. I hope you are well.”

Darcy replied stiffly, “Thank you, I am quite well.”

“I am glad to hear it. I did not realize you intended to stay on in the neighborhood for so long.”

“Yes, I… Mr. Bingley has been kind enough to extend the invitation.”

“It must be quite pleasant for him to have your company as he prepares for his wedding.”

Frowning, Darcy replied more briskly than he had hoped. “Yes, I am sure.” He then looked to Elizabeth, who had been silent since his arrival. “Miss Bennet, Mr. Bingley wanted to extend his compliments to your sister.”

Trying to convey some of her own happiness at seeing him, she replied, “Thank you, sir, I will relay the message. I know she is eager to see him this evening at dinner.”

As they looked at each other, each unsure of the other's reaction, Mr. Lucas interrupted, “Well, Mr. Darcy, unless we can be of some other service, it was a pleasure to see you again. Miss Bennet has agreed to talk a stroll with me, and I would be remiss if we did not begin.” He then smiled at Elizabeth as he offered her his arm. She had no other option but to take it as Mr. Lucas turned to continue their walk.

Before they had taken a second step, Darcy impulsively spoke up. “Actually, Miss Bennet, I came to return your book.”

Turning in relief, she asked, “My book, Mr. Darcy?”

Looking at her intently, he replied, “Yes, the one Mr. Bingley suggested you borrow from his library. I saw you did not have the opportunity to take it with you the other day, and I thought you might like to have it sooner rather than later.”

Masking her surprise, she replied demurely, “Thank you, sir, it is very kind of you.”

“Not at all… May I leave it for you at your house? I would not want you to have to carry it with you on your walk. Do you intend to go far?”

At this, Lucas replied in a jovial manner, “No, unfortunately not. I had hoped to talk her into a longer stroll but she would not hear of it. We will remain in the garden.” He then extended his arm again and said to her in a playful tone that Darcy could not miss, “I think we have agreed that we are not so much interested in the exercise as the company.”

Seeing his position was untenable, Darcy crisply replied, “I am sorry to have delayed you. I will leave the book with your housekeeper.” He then directed his horse toward Longbourn. As he approached the front door, the absurdity of the situation suddenly struck him. He had been hoping to court a woman who had already rejected him. He had misread her willingness to forgive his prior mistakes as a warming of her regard, when the only evidence he had of it was his own wishful thinking. All of his self-doubt returned. He had once again misjudged her feelings for him. While it was true that she had been easy in his company, it was because she was comfortable and vivacious with everyone. It was one of the things he admired about her. He had mistaken her friendship for something more and then made the unpardonable mistake of forcing himself on her. She had been unable to react because they were interrupted. She was probably mortified in his presence and had been spending all of her time since then contemplating how to let him know that he had once again presumed too much. Throughout his time in Hertfordshire, John Lucas had been ever present in her company, yet he had never understood the relationship until now. He felt so very foolish. He had been hoping that she might have been seeking an opportunity to meet him at Oakham Mount, when she was more than content to stroll the garden with John Lucas.

He briefly contemplated trying to excuse himself from dinner to avoid the torture of seeing her again, but he knew he could not. If nothing else, he needed to apologize to her for his unacceptable behavior before he could say good-bye. After watching Lucas lead her around to the side of the house, he spurred his horse to leave as a wave of jealousy overwhelmed him.

After enduring John Lucas's small talk for almost an hour, Elizabeth anxiously returned to the house. She immediately asked Hill whether a book had been left for her, but was told that there had been no deliveries or visitors in her absence. Seeing she would be late for dinner if she did not begin to prepare, she put the issue aside for the moment. Despite the fact that she dressed very quickly, her progress was nonetheless delayed. Her younger sisters usually dressed at the last minute and monopolized their only maid during the process. Her late entrance into the schedule meant that she had to wait until they were finished. To her embarrassment, she arrived downstairs after the Bingley party had arrived.

As she surveyed the parlor, she saw Mr. Darcy standing apart from the other inhabitants of the room, staring out the window. He had arrived hoping to speak with her alone, in order to apologize for his inappropriate behavior. As more time passed, he had begun to suspect that her absence was by design and that it was evidence that she was uncomfortable in his company. He once again vowed to seek her pardon for his unwanted forwardness and then leave her in peace. As she began to walk toward him, Mr. Bingley approached her and said, “Miss Elizabeth, you are looking lovely tonight. I was worried you were not going to join us.”

Smiling at his easy manner, she replied, “You are too kind, sir. I apologize for my tardiness. I was unfortunately delayed.”

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Bennet chimed in, “Yes, Mr. Lucas was visiting. He is such a charming man. Mr. Bingley, have you had much opportunity to get to know him? You should. I am sure you would like him very well, and it would be good for you to have a close friend in the area. Your dispositions seem so very similar: easy in company and always eager to join in. You are both my ideal of the perfect gentlemen.”

Elizabeth momentarily closed her eyes in embarrassment at her mother's slight of Mr. Darcy. Unsure how to respond, Mr. Bingley simply said, “Thank you. I have met him before. He seems very friendly.”

Darcy turned back to the window as his countenance grew darker. Elizabeth was relieved to see her mother's next sentence interrupted by Hill as she informed her that dinner was ready.

As the party took their seats, Darcy cautiously smiled as he held out the chair beside him for Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, I have not had the opportunity to greet you earlier. I hope you are well?”

She smiled generously as she took her seat and said, “Thank you, sir. I am.”

Moved by her welcoming countenance, he could not help but say, “It is quite a pleasant to be seated beside you again at dinner. It seems that I was utterly wrong about seating arrangements. I now find the system quite worthwhile.”

She gave him an impish look and replied, “It seems, sir, that you are not the only one who likes to profess opinions that are not your own.”

He looked at her, unsure how to continue. She seemed so open to him, and he longed to resume their familiarity. As he debated what he should do, Elizabeth spoke first. “Mr. Darcy, I was a little concerned earlier this evening. I was unable to find the volume that you brought me. Did its delivery go astray?”

He found the topic unnerving. He felt foolish telling her that he had left her house in a jealous rage when he realized that John Lucas was courting her. He had no actual claim on her, and he would betray the extent of his arrogance if he let her know that he had assumed that she had no other callers, when he had never called himself. Should he simply tell her that the book was designed to convey a personal message and it now seemed inappropriate? That seemed just as presumptuous, given that he was, in essence, seeking to take another liberty without ever having apologized for his first transgression or having ascertained her reaction to it. In the end, he simply replied, “Actually, I did not want to trouble your housekeeper. I still have it.”

“But you came all this way. It would have been no trouble at all to leave it.”

“Yes, well… perhaps I acted too rashly. I thought there would be another opportunity. I am sorry for any inconvenience that I may have caused.”

Sincerely puzzled by his behavior, she replied in a distracted tone, “No, there is no inconvenience. I hope I have not unnecessarily troubled you.”

“Not at all.” As a prolonged silence overtook them, Darcy cursed himself for his inability to express his feelings. He felt too exposed to explain further.

Before they could continue any further, Caroline Bingley spoke in a voice clearly meant for the whole of the table. “Mrs. Bennet, earlier tonight you and I were discussing one of our neighbors, Sir William's son, Mr. Lucas. I want to thank you for your kindly suggestion that my brother call on him. We do so want to become more at home in the area. I believe you mentioned that he is the oldest son and therefore destined to inherit Lucas Lodge. Is that correct?” As she finished speaking, she gave Elizabeth a self-satisfied smile before resuming her attention to Mrs. Bennet. In that moment, Elizabeth suddenly realized what her mother's previous talk about John Lucas entailed and Miss Bingley's delight in having it exposed to the whole of the table.