An Unexpected Merry Gentleman Read online

  Mrs. Taylor tittered at the statement, setting her cup of tea on the side table. “Yes, that sounds like Mr. Darcy. I am sure,” she whispered, leaning into Mrs. Bennet, “my niece Caroline was never far from his side?”

  “She was not,” came the reply.

  “Well, I will say therein lies the problem. Caroline has put that poor dear man on edge, like a mouse stalked by a barn cat. She believes she is to be the next mistress of Pemberley, forgetting she is not the daughter of a gentleman.”

  Mrs. Bennet drew a deep breath and raised her chin. “I am also not the daughter of a gentleman, yet married the master of Longbourn.”

  “Yes, you did, Mrs. Bennet. But that is where the difference lies. Mr. Bennet made a wise choice and wished to marry you. If Mr. Darcy wished to marry my niece, he would have made her an offer years ago. No,” Mrs. Taylor said, picking up her cup and taking a sip, “some young women cannot see the truth in front of them, even when all hope is lost.”

  Recognizing there had been no slight on herself or any of her daughters, Mrs. Bennet bobbed her head and agreed.

  After a moment, the older woman set down her biscuit. “I encourage you to see Mr. Darcy with fresh eyes while he is here with his sister. Miss Darcy will soften his mood as he is a doting brother. I guarantee you will see a man you did not know existed before.”

  “I will take your word for it, Mrs. Taylor, as I have always thought Mr. Darcy a handsome man. And if he were to take an interest in any of my girls while he was in the county, I would not discourage him if what you say is true.”

  Elizabeth rolled her eyes and went to the sofa to sit with her young cousins. Mr. Darcy, a kind man? The same man who not only committed all the ungentlemanly acts Mrs. Bennet mentioned within minutes of being introduced to Meryton society, but also the greatest sin of all? Calling a woman, and not just any woman—namely Elizabeth Bennet, merely tolerable and not worthy of standing up to dance with?

  We shall see.

  Chapter 3

  Oh Tidings

  Thursday

  They had arrived later than expected the previous evening as one of their horses had thrown a shoe, and the farrier was away from home. It had been well upon midnight after he had seen Georgiana to her room, when Darcy finally laid his head on his own pillow. But sleep had not come quickly. His thoughts were wandering across the Hertfordshire countryside toward a certain estate with two-thousand pounds a year and no connections. I am merely three miles from her. Three miles, and yet, I cannot think on that. I must remember my duty and not give false hope to her.

  He tried desperately to sleep, reminding himself he never had to be in company with her if he did not wish it. He counted the beams in the ceiling, the folds of fabric in the curtains, the hooting of the owls in Netherfield’s woods…anything and everything to try and lessen the agitation of his mind.

  Sleep continued to elude him, as did the comfort of the certainty of his convictions. All he kept imagining was her: her teasing him as she and Miss Bingley walked around the room during her stay at Netherfield in the autumn; her tapping toe while they sat in the library together, silently repressing their feelings for one another; her smile when he danced with her at the Netherfield ball, eyes shining for no one but him.

  “Elizabeth. How can I live without you?” he whispered to the empty room as the hallway clock struck three chimes. “I cannot,” he replied miserably, “but I must.” After another moment, a traitorous idea forced its way into his mind. Why? Why must I? Is she not everything lovely? She is intelligent, practical, and modest, has perfect manners, and is charming.

  He sat up in bed, threw off the counterpane, and began to pace. I dread her rejection by my family, yet surely her vivacity would win them over—well, those worthy of being won. His thoughts gained momentum, quickening his pacing across the floor. I must not do anything rash. I will call upon Longbourn tomorrow and extend my wishes for their health. He pulled the curtain open, willing the sun to rise faster.

  He was a man of action and decisiveness. Once his course had been determined, he found his mind settling down and preparing for slumber. Yes, yes. That is what I shall do. Today will be a new beginning.

  Friday

  “You are to dine at Netherfield this evening?” Mr. Wickham asked as he clasped his hands behind his back.

  The weather had held off well for another day, and Elizabeth was pleased the changing season had not forced her to stay inside. She and Jane were tending their young cousins while their aunt and uncle were in Meryton visiting some friends.

  “Yes, we are.”

  “I believe,” he continued, “this is a compliment to Miss Bennet as well as your aunt and uncle.”

  Elizabeth was pleased her friend’s words mirrored her own thoughts. He was a handsome man—tall, charming, and blessed with pleasant manners. If only Mr. Darcy had not stolen Mr. Wickham’s living from him, he would be well on his way to a happy life. As it was, Mr. Wickham’s childhood friend had gone against his own father’s wishes for his godson and instead relegated his playmate to a life in the militia.

  “What will you and the officers do for the Christmas holiday?” she asked as Emily and Victoria skipped toward them from across the garden.

  “I have been given leave and will be in London. Captain Carter’s family has invited a number of us to dine. It should be a jolly time.”

  Out of breath, Victoria exclaimed, “Oh, Lizzy, you will never believe what we have seen. Mr. Bingley! Descending from a most grand carriage.”

  “Yes, Lizzy. It is quite lovely,” Emily interrupted. “He has brought friends. Nanny said they are Mr. and Miss Darcy.”

  Elizabeth heard Wickham’s intake of breath.

  “Miss Darcy?” he asked in an unusual tone. “Are you certain, Miss Gardiner?”

  “Yes, that is what Nanny said. She is quite pretty, and her dress is very fine.”

  “That she is,” he replied, more to himself. “Miss Elizabeth, with the arrival of your current guests, I believe it would be best if I return to the regiment.”

  Elizabeth raised a brow. “I believed you were not intimidated by the gentleman from Derbyshire?” she teased. “Is it, as you said before, his sister’s haughty nature which frightens you?”

  “Certainly not!” His words came out as a growl, which startled Elizabeth and her young cousins. “Forgive me. I must report to my commanding officer. If you will excuse me. Miss Elizabeth, Miss Gardiner, Miss Emily.” He bowed and rapidly walked to the stables, where he mounted his horse and was off in less than a minute.

  “Well, that was odd,” Elizabeth said under her breath as she turned to walk toward the house. Elizabeth heard little feet behind her, then Emily Gardiner tucked her hand in hers.

  “I do not like him, Lizzy. There’s something about him which scares me.”

  “Emily Elizabeth Gardiner! Why would you say such a thing?”

  Victoria reached up and put her own hand in Elizabeth’s other. “But it is true, Lizzy. He has twice come upon our nanny when she has gone into town with your maid Sarah and said things to her he ought not.”

  “Such as?”

  Victoria whispered. “It was nothing a gentleman should say to a lady.”

  Lizzy felt her ire rise. “I will speak with Sarah and Rose about telling lurid tales to children.”

  “They did not,” Victoria stated with eyes wide. “Emmy and I pretended to sleep yesterday, and we listened to them talk. Please do not punish them, Lizzy. They are so kind to us.”

  “And besides,” Emily said, raising her chin, “they did nothing wrong. It was Mr. Wickham who should be scolded!”

  “I agree, Lizzy. Please tell him to stop coming to Longbourn.”

  She looked down at both girls and squeezed their hands. “Let us not think on Mr. Wickham. We have guests. I will speak on this later with Father.”

  “Thank you, Lizzy.”

  Pulling Elizabeth toward the house, Emily said, “Do you believe we might meet Mr. and Miss
Darcy? They are also staying at Netherfield with us. I so wish to be thought of as a lady.”

  “If you can promise to not speak unless spoken to and be on your best behavior, I will bring you into the drawing room with me now.”

  “I promise, Lizzy.”

  “As do I,” Emily echoed.

  Elizabeth’s thoughts were wrapped in the allegations they had made about the amiable gentleman who had just departed. There must be some mistake. They must not have understood the conversation, especially when they know it is inappropriate for them to be eavesdropping. But, I will discuss the matter with Sarah. She hurried as she heard her mother’s effusions as she entered the house. Until then, I shall offer glad tidings and holiday cheer to a man who considers me ‘tolerable,’ I suppose.

  Darcy hid his disappointment at Miss Elizabeth’s absence. The introductions to family had gone better than anticipated. Mrs. Bennet was welcoming (but brash) and the Gardiners were as genteel and fashionable as the Matlocks proclaimed.

  “You must excuse my aunt, Mrs. Bennet,” Bingley said, interrupting his thoughts. “She remained at Netherfield to prepare for this evening.”

  "Of course, Mr. Bingley. I am only glad you waited upon us. We had never thought to see you when we will have the pleasure later today.”

  “Darcy wanted to introduce you to his sister, and I wished to be in company with friends.”

  “And how was your journey, Miss Darcy?” Miss Bennet asked, turning to Georgiana.

  “It was well, thank you.” After a quiet pause, she said, “My brother tells me the Meryton bookseller is well stocked for one outside of London.”

  The door opened, and Darcy straightened his shoulders. He rose to welcome a lovely Miss Elizabeth with two miniatures of herself and Miss Jane Bennet at her side.

  “Mr. Darcy,” she said, dropping into a curtsey. “Welcome back to Hertfordshire, sir.”

  “Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. Might I present my sister. Miss Georgiana Darcy, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

  As both curtseyed, Jane said, “Lizzy, Miss Darcy was just saying how she was interested in seeing Woods’ bookshop.”

  “Do you enjoy reading, Miss Darcy?”

  Georgiana looked at her brother, who nodded his encouragement. “I do, Miss Elizabeth. However, my tastes are quite opposite to my brother’s. I do enjoy poetry and the like but am an unabashed novel reader.”

  Elizabeth grinned. “I too enjoy a good novel. Your brother and I had a regrettable discussion once of books….”

  A slow smile spread across his lips before he could stop it. “There is nothing we have discussed which I have regretted, Miss Elizabeth. Conversations offer clarity.”

  She was looking at him intently, and Darcy felt his face begin to warm. “Miss Elizabeth, would you do me the honor of introducing your young friends?”

  Her eyes widened as she looked at her two cousins sitting silently next to her. “Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, might I present my cousins Miss Victoria Gardiner and Miss Emily Gardiner. They and their parents will be Mr. Bingley’s guests at Netherfield beginning tomorrow.”

  “Ladies, it is a pleasure to meet you,” he said, bowing over each of their hands.

  Georgiana said, “As I am the youngest on both the Darcy and Fitzwilliam side, it will be delightful to have younger girls to share the holiday with.”

  He could tell the girls were attempting not to bubble over with enthusiasm, especially the younger who most resembled Elizabeth. And with her chocolate curls, she could be a childhood portrait come to life. Miss Mary asked his sister about her music preferences and he noticed Elizabeth’s curious eyes on him.

  “What are you looking forward to the most during this holiday season, Miss Emily?” he asked.

  “Oh, to be sure, the stairs at Netherfield.”

  “The stairs?”

  “Oh, yes,” she said with eyes that mirrored Miss Elizabeth's. “Cousin Jane tells us Netherfield is such a beautiful home and there are two sets of long stairs. I have never slid down banisters before.”

  “Emily,” Elizabeth said, gently reproaching the girl.

  “But it is true, Lizzy,” she whispered back. “We only have one banister, and Longbourn’s banisters are not long enough. I’m sure it is a jolly time.”

  Her innocent face looked up at him, and it was all he could do to not tussle her hair. “If I might make a confession, Miss Emily,” he said, leaning in and lowering his voice, “my home, Pemberley, has four banisters.”

  “Four banisters?”

  “Yes.” He glanced at Miss Elizabeth and winked. Watching her start, he continued, “And I have slid down all of them.”

  “All of them?” the young girl asked with adoration in her eyes. “Would you slide down them with me at Netherfield?”

  “Emily!” Elizabeth said, reaching for her hand to stifle the eagerness of her cousin. “I believe it is time you and Tory return to the nursery.”

  “That was not ladylike, was it?” she whispered to Mr. Darcy.

  A small smile edged at the corners of his mouth. “My sister and I look forward to becoming better acquainted with you and Miss Gardiner.”

  “Thank you.” She curtsied and ran out of the room, little Miss Gardiner following at a demure pace.

  “Oh, that child,” Mrs. Gardiner said. “She is so much like Lizzy when she was that age, wouldn’t you say, Sister?” she asked, smiling at her sister Bennet.

  “Yes, just like Lizzy. That girl!” Elizabeth stiffened. “Did you know that she rejected Mr. Collins? We might be ensconced at Rosings right now for the holidays, is what I told her just the other day. But she paid me no mind. It’s as if—”

  “Madam,” Darcy said, standing abruptly. All eyes were upon him, and he knew not what to say. “The time is late and we must take our leave to prepare to welcome you to Netherfield.”

  “If you are certain,” Mrs. Bennet asked, glancing at Bingley.

  “I am afraid Darcy is correct,” Bingley said, standing. “However, I anticipate our evening with lively conversation and good company.”

  “Until, this evening,” Darcy said, bowing to the room. He turned to Miss Elizabeth and reached for her hand before bowing over it. “Miss Elizabeth.” And he walked from the room, escaping from his tumult of emotions.

  “I found it odd Mr. Darcy rose to leave so abruptly, Lizzy. Did you not?”

  The room grew silent as the two eldest Bennet sisters were finishing their preparations for dining at Netherfield.

  “I am beginning to believe everything Mr. Darcy does is odd, Jane.” Elizabeth pinned a curl in place before turning to her sister. “And what did he mean by talking to Emily about sliding down the bannisters in his youth? I almost forgot he was the taciturn Mr. Darcy.”

  “Did you notice,” Jane continued, “how agitated he became when Mama mentioned Mr. Collins and your rejection of his suit? Quite possibly Mr. Darcy was offended for you.”

  “For me? Oh, Jane. He is not offended for me, only by me.” Her joke which once would have caused great mirth now brought a sad smile to her lips.

  “And little Emily seemed quite taken with him,” Jane said.

  “Yes, she is.” Elizabeth stood and turned for Jane to tie her sash. “And what did he mean by that?” Lizzy asked, laughing. “Where did this amiable man come from?”

  “Lizzy. You are too harsh. Your views were shaped by others’ opinions, not your own.”

  “Ha! He called me tolerable. My opinion was shaped by my own experiences. Besides, we know of his treatment of Mr. Wickham. That man would have no reason to give false information.”

  At the clatter behind them, both Jane and Elizabeth turned quickly to find their maid Sarah had dropped a small box of hairpins.

  “Forgive me,” she said, her hands shaking.

  “Sarah, are you well?” Jane asked.

  “Yes, Miss Bennet. Pardon my clumsiness.” The girl picked up the pins and stood. “Will you excuse me, miss. I will get your sprigs of dried lavender.�
�� And she turned to rush out the door.

  “Sarah, if you please?” Elizabeth called to the retreating girl.

  “Yes, Miss Lizzy?”

  “I would like to speak to you on a matter which has recently come to my attention.”

  Sarah returned to the room, eyes lowered. “Please do not dismiss me, miss. I asked him to stop and pushed him away as best I could. Rose can tell you. She was there.”

  Elizabeth sensed Jane’s shock and moved to stem the fear of both women in the room. Closing the door, she said, “Please tell us what occurred with Mr. Wickham.”

  “It was nothing, miss. I should not be carrying on so.” The girl began to wipe tears from her cheeks.” Rose and I were just coming from Meryton, and it was getting dark. We were passing the inn, and a group of militia spilled out, some of them in their cups. Mr. Wickham was one of them. He bumped into me, and then held me so I would not fall.” Here she began to falter and her words were mixed with hiccupping sobs.

  “Sarah, shall we get our father?” Jane asked.

  “No. Please Miss Bennet!” she said, fear quickly sobering her. “I do not wish to lose my position.”

  “You will not, but if you do not wish us to call him, we will not. Please continue,” Elizabeth said with a sickening feeling in her stomach.

  “When he realized he still held me, his smile was one which a gentleman should not use on a lady. I know I am not a lady but…” She sniffed. “He said, ‘Look men, my prayers have been answered. I have wanted a woman for the night, and here she is in my arms!’ And then…and then…he kissed me and pressed himself upon me!”

  Her sobs began anew, and Jane encircled the girl in her arms. Elizabeth was dumbfounded. How could this be true of Mr. Wickham? Why would he do such a thing?

  “How did you get away?” Jane asked, smoothing Sarah’s hair.

  “He pushed me away and said, ‘I was wrong, boys. This is a mouse of a girl.’ I know I am not a gentleman’s daughter, Miss Bennet, but I did not like to be treated so.”