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When Darcy stepped through the doors of Pemberley, the butler greeted him with a worried look.
“Is everything well, Jeffers? Is Georgiana all right?” Darcy asked.
Respectfully keeping his eyes averted, the man replied, “I believe Mr. and Miss Bingley have had a disagreement, sir. Mr. Bingley is in the billiard room, I believe. Miss Darcy is currently in the library, as it is a place Miss Bingley rarely frequents. I believe Mrs. Annesley is with her. Miss Bingley is currently in the gardens, but if she saw you return, I am sure she will arrive here shortly.”
“Thank you for the warning, Jeffers, and for watching over Georgiana in my absence. Would you please escort Miss Darcy to my study and wait with her until I arrive there? I must speak to both Mr. Bingley and my sister.”
“Certainly, sir.” Jeffers moved towards the library as quickly as his arthritic knee would carry him. Darcy watched the old family retainer until he was out of sight, a small smile on his face.
Darcy moved quickly to find Bingley. As he opened the door to the billiard room, he heard the crack of the balls. Bingley was bent over to take another shot. “Perhaps you should take out your frustration on something that will not break,” chuckled Darcy.
Bingley straightened and looked at his friend. “Would you care to fence?”
“In your present state of mind, I would fear for my continued well-being.” Darcy gave his friend a wry grin. “Would you care to tell me what is bothering you?” Darcy sat on the edge of the billiards table and picked up the cue ball, tossing it from hand to hand as he waited for Bingley to speak.
“I had a row with Caroline. I confronted her about her knowledge of Miss Bennet’s presence in town. She gave so many excuses, even going so far as to say she had told me, and I did not seem to care or that I must have forgotten. Caroline claims I can do better than a poor girl from an insignificant county. She says it is my duty as head of the family to advance us as far in society as possible and that Jane cannot help to do so. I reminded her that Jane, as a gentleman’s daughter, is already above us socially. I asked if my happiness was meaningless in the finding of a wife. Caroline said if I would just forget Jane, in no time at all I would become enamored of someone more suitable. At that point, I stormed from the room with her harping still ringing in my ears. I was afraid I might shake her or worse. I needed some separation from her.”
“I believe I may be able to help with that. I have something I wish to discuss with you. Would you join me in my study?”
“Certainly.” Bingley lay down his cue and followed Darcy from the room. When Darcy opened the door to the study, he found Georgiana already waiting there.
“Brother, how was your visit with Miss Elizabeth? Did you make plans for her to visit again?”
Darcy smiled broadly at his sister and best friend. “My visit began very well. I will ask that you say nothing to anyone else at present, but Miss Elizabeth Bennet has agreed to be my wife.”
Georgiana threw herself at her brother, wrapping her arms around his neck as she squealed in pleasure. “Oh, William! I am so happy for you and for me!”
Darcy chuckled as he took hold of Georgiana’s upper arms, pushing her back so he could see her face. “What about my engagement makes you happy for yourself?”
“I am gaining the most wonderful sister I could ever imagine, of course!” All three of the study’s occupants laughed. “Have you set a date yet? Will we go to London to be closer to her?”
Darcy held up his hands, his palms facing Georgiana as though to ward off her questions. “No, there is no date, and we will not be able to set one until we deal with a troubling situation facing Elizabeth’s family.”
“What has happened, Darcy? Is Miss Bennet well?”
“That is what I wished to talk about with you both. I know this will be difficult for you to hear, Georgiana, but I believe you have a right to know.” Darcy told his companions about the content of the letter and his plans to go to London in the morning with the Gardiners and Elizabeth.
“Poor Miss Lydia,” came the soft voice of a pale Georgiana.
“Let me come with you, Darcy. I would be happy to be of assistance to Miss Bennet and her family.”
“I believe I have a way you can help both the Bennets and me. I was hoping that you would accompany Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley to London in my carriage. Then you can pick up your vehicle in town to proceed to Netherfield. I am sure Miss Bennet would appreciate your presence since Miss Elizabeth will accompany the group to London rather than return to Longbourn to assist Miss Bennet. If you send your sisters and Hurst on from here to visit your relations as planned, it will give you the separation you mentioned you desired.”
“I would be happy to do that. When would you like us to arrive?”
“I would recommend you leave in three days. With any luck, Mr. Gardiner and I will have located the runaway Miss Bennet by that time and handled things to protect her. I hope whenever I conclude my business you will welcome Georgiana and me to visit at Netherfield. I must, of course, obtain Mr. Bennet’s approval of our engagement and I would not wish to be far from Elizabeth for any length of time.” The expression of happiness on Darcy’s face when he spoke of Elizabeth made both his companions smile.
“Of course, you would be welcome to stay at Netherfield for as long as you like. I shall write to the housekeeper immediately to have the house prepared.”
Darcy smiled at his friend’s enthusiasm. “Georgiana, I am sorry to leave you to play hostess alone. I hope you understand why I must go.”
“Of course, William, you need not worry about anything. I believe we should tell the others that an emergency requires you to leave for London and that you may have to stay for some time. As a result, we must cut their visit short, as I will be joining you in Town.”
“That is an excellent idea, Miss Darcy,” said Bingley. “We shall not mention, however, that I will be escorting you to London. I shall hand Caroline into the coach and have the coachman depart immediately. Once it is moving, she shall not be able to make a fuss about going with me to London.”
Darcy fought to contain his grin at the pleased, mischievous expression his friend wore. “Well then, if you two will excuse me, I must send an express to Colonel Forster, as well as meet with my steward and send out notes about our travel. I will include information for your travel dates as well. I will see the two of you at dinner.” Just before his companions reached the study door, Darcy called out, “Georgie, will you ask my valet to pack for a fortnight’s stay? He can pack the rest to come with you when you travel.”
“Of course. William, will you please tell Miss Elizabeth that I will pray for her family and that I look forward to seeing her in London?”
“I will, Georgie.”
Darcy was already busy scratching out letters before the others had left the room. When he had finished the express, he rang for Jeffers.
“I must have this sent express immediately. There will be several others that must go the same way as soon as I have them finished. I wish my messenger to take the others. He can await me at Darcy House, as I will likely have further need of him. As I prepare the other letters, have the messenger make ready to depart. Also, please ask the steward to join me here in half an hour.”
“I shall attend to it immediately, Mr. Darcy,” replied Jeffers as he accepted the first letter.
As the butler departed, Darcy quickly reached for another sheet of paper. He was pressing his signet ring in the wax of the last letter when the steward knocked on the door.
“Come,” called Darcy.
The door opened and Jeffers entered with Mr. Moore. Darcy handed the letters to his butler.
“Is there anything else I can assist you with, sir?” Jeffers asked.
“No, that will—actually, yes. Jeffers, I am away at first light. Please let Henry know to have a vehicle prepared to transport me and my luggage to the inn in Lambton. I will be journeying from there with friends. Also, let him know that Miss Georgiana, Mrs. Annesley, and Mr. Bingley will be traveling to London in the traveling coach in three days’ time. I have already made arrangements for them to stay in our usual inns. I am trusting him to ensure they make the journey safely. I am uncertain when I will be returning but will notify you when my plans are firm.”
“Yes, sir. Everything will be in readiness, and we shall ensure the comfort of Miss Georgiana and your visitors until they depart. Safe travels, Mr. Darcy.”
Jeffers cast a brief glance back at his master, already shuffling through papers on his desk as he spoke to the steward; he exited the study, closing the door quietly after him.
Darcy diligently worked all afternoon to ensure all was in readiness for his unexpected absence from the estate. He had not seen Miss Bingley all day and was not sure what to expect. She had addressed very few remarks to him since their conversation before dinner the previous evening.
The others had just seated themselves when Darcy rushed through the dining room door.
“Well, there you are, Mr. Darcy. In spite of the fact we are sharing a residence, I have not seen my host all day.” Miss Bingley eyed him, speculating on where he had been.
“I am afraid it was necessary. After a morning ride, I received information regarding an emergency that requires my immediate presence in London. I will be leaving in the morning and do not know when I will return. I am afraid it will demand your visit be cut short. I wish for Georgiana to join me in London in a few days.
Caroline looked extremely displeased. In spite of her anger of the previous evening, she had hoped to make one last attempt to gain his attention or to cause a compromise. Caroline could not lose what could be her last opportunity to gain the position she desired. She would see what she could accomplish this evening.
“Oh, that is too bad. I had so looked forward to this visit. First you were forced to entertain those who can barely claim an acquaintance with you, and now you must be away to London. It has been so long since we could enjoy the company of our closest friends in peace.” Caroline cast a pouty look in his direction as she fluttered her lashes. “Perhaps your business will end more quickly than you expect and we can meet here again after our visit to our family in the north.”
Darcy had to turn away and stop himself from rolling his eyes. He knew that she was begging for another invitation to Pemberley, but he did not know if he would allow that after the way she had treated Elizabeth. He would never allow in his home anyone who would not treat his wife with all the respect she deserved—and that included Aunt Catherine.
“I may not be back until just before the holidays, Miss Bingley, so I am afraid that will not be possible.”
“The holidays! That would be the perfect thing. We have not seen Pemberley in the winter.”
“As I said, that would not be possible; I will be hosting family for Christmas this year.”
Caroline, who was finally seated next to Darcy at the table, looked down to hide her annoyance. She had long desired to meet Darcy’s aunt and uncle, the Earl and Countess of Matlock. An acquaintance with them would do much for her social standing. It would also bring her into company with the viscount. She hoped that if she could not gain Darcy’s attention, she might have an opportunity to attract the attention of his titled cousin.
“Then we will see you in town for the little season, sir. Perhaps you will then have time for your closest friends.”
Charles directed a question to Georgiana to prevent Caroline from saying anything further. The remainder of the meal passed pleasantly enough. Caroline attempted to monopolize Darcy’s attention but was unsuccessful. Following the meal, the gentlemen did not separate from the ladies, instead going to the music room. Georgiana entertained them with several pieces, at the close of which Darcy rose.
“If you will excuse me, I must retire, as I have an early start in the morning. Again, I am sorry for the disruption of your visit and I wish you all safe travels. Georgie, I will see you in London soon. Good night, all.”
“Please come say good-bye in the morning, William,” Georgiana said.
He raised a brow at her in question, and she gave him an almost imperceptible nod in return.
“If you wish it, of course I shall.” With a bow to those present, Darcy quit the room. After preparing for the night, he settled before the fire with a small glass of brandy. As he completed the necessary business before for the trip, he had managed to keep thoughts of Elizabeth at bay, but now that he was at leisure, she filled his mind. Thinking of their time together earlier in the day, he recalled every word and look that had passed between them. While riding out that morning, he had hoped she was not totally opposed to a relationship with him any longer. Though he had always dreamed of receiving her love, he had not expected the overwhelming sensation that had filled him with her declarations. Darcy thought his heart would burst from his chest. Then he had kissed her. Darcy had kissed her in his dreams many times, but that could not hold a candle to the actual softness of her lips or her sweet taste. Her skin had been softer than silk, and she had enveloped him in the sweet scent of lilac that always filled his senses when he was near her. He hoped that sleep would come easily and morning quickly, for he could not wait to see her again. In spite of the fact that they traveled on an urgent matter, he greatly looked forward to the days he would spend in the carriage in close company with his beloved Elizabeth.
With thoughts of his betrothed and their future, Darcy must have dozed off in the chair before the fire, for a curious sound woke him. He heard a gentle scratching at his chamber door. Darcy moved to the door and called softly, “Who is there?”
“It is Fields, sir,” replied one of the Pemberley footmen. I am sorry to disturb you, sir, but felt you might wish to know. Miss Bingley attempted to enter the family wing. She did not see me originally, but as she tried to pass, I called her name and asked if she needed directions to the guest wing. Miss Bingley pretended to startle and then looked around as though confused as to where she was. Miss Bingley said she often walked in her sleep and claimed it must have been happening again. However, I previously observed her looking stealthily around as she proceeded from the guest wing towards the one housing the family, sir.”
“Thank you, Fields, you have done well. I was afraid she might attempt something, as I am leaving in the morning. I appreciate your diligence in protecting my privacy.”
“If you will forgive me for saying so, sir, it is a pleasure to prevent Miss Bingley from succeeding. Most of the staff does not believe Miss Bingley would make Pemberley a happy home should she become the mistress.”
“I could not agree more, Fields. Good night, and thank you again.”
“Good night, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy closed his chamber door and climbed into the massive poster bed, where dreams of Elizabeth soon overtook him.
