9. Chapter 9

Georgiana wrung her hands nervously as the carriage left Netherfield. Miss Lydia had sent an invitation that morning, and Georgiana knew instantly what it meant. Fitzwilliam had, at first, seemed curious as to the source of the invitation, but Georgiana informed him that she had bonded with the youngest Bennets the day before. He looked troubled by this.

“We shall be trimming bonnets,” she said, sure that her guilt was obvious for all to see. “Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth will surely be present.”

“Very well,” her brother said. Georgiana’s guilt had been almost unbearable as she climbed into the carriage. She felt torn between what she felt was her duty to George, and the distaste she felt at the mere idea of deceiving her brother. She had spent a restless night running over everything in her mind, and was still uneasy about the whole affair.

But she had done it, and was now nearing Longbourn. Her agitation soon had a different source - nervousness. Lydia greeted her in the passage.

“It is such a lovely morning,” she said after they had exchanged greetings, “I thought a walk would be just the thing before we begin our bonnets.” She linked arms with Georgiana, and led her out of the house.

“He called with the other officers this morning,” Lydia informed her in a low voice as they made their way across the gardens. “He has agreed to come back about now. I am glad you are come. Jane is with Mama, and Lizzy mentioned walking all the way to Oakham Mount - to avoid Mr Collins, I suppose - so anyway, we shall be quite safe.”

Georgiana nodded, trying to calm herself before she was to see George. He waited in the same place as before, and smiled brightly when they rounded the corner.

“Ladies,” he said, smiling brightly and lifting his hat. “I am glad you could join us, Miss Darcy.”

“As am I,” she replied, smiling nervously.

“Miss Bennet, would you mind terribly if we walked on once more?”

“Not at all,” she replied. “I shall keep watch again, and will signal if you must return.”

And so Georgiana was once again being led through the wilderness. She was nervous today, unlike the day before.

“Are you well?” George asked, laying a hand on her arm. She felt a flutter inside her, and her cheeks flushed.

“Yes,” she said, “Perfectly.”

Wickham smiled warmly. “Excellent. As much as I enjoy our meetings, I have no desire to risk your health. I would not have you harmed.”

Georgiana smiled. “I am well,” she assured him.

“Good. Now, tell me of Pemberley. Has much changed since I last visited? I wish to know every detail, however small.”

For the rest of their walk, they spoke of Pemberley and what little changes had occurred within the house and staff; of goings-on in Lambton; and reminisced over memories they shared. Georgiana was mesmerised by his laughs and smiles, and the small, affectionate gestures he made. A brush of fingers against her gloved hand; his hand on her arm as he recalled a new detail about some person or place they were both familiar with. Her shawl slipped at one point, and he caught the end before it hit the ground. She blushed as she arranged it again, and looked up to find him gazing at her in a way that made her cheeks flush even further.

He was the first to look away, and seemed rather flushed himself.

“We should return to Miss Bennet,” he said. “I do hate to impose on her in such a manner. Perhaps, the next time we meet, I could come to Netherfield?”

Georgiana paled at the thought of being discovered by her brother, which seemed far more likely in the environs of Netherfield.

George seemed to have noticed this. “I would not wish to put you in an uncomfortable position. I have walked in that direction, and I have discovered a copse not terribly far from the house. It would, I believe, be close enough for you to walk to without suspicion, and would provide ample concealment.”

Georgiana nodded. She had to concede that walking the grounds of Netherfield would be less suspicious than frequent visits to Longbourn. And she did not know how to refuse George, not when he asked with such earnestness. “Yes,” she said. “I believe that would be convenient.”

He smiled, leaning down to brush a kiss against her gloved knuckles. “Dear Georgiana,” he said. “Thank you for going to such trouble for me. You cannot know what it means to me.”

She blushed again. “It is nothing,” she lied.

He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “We must return,” he said, with a little sigh. Georgiana nodded, but could not bring herself to say more as they walked back to Lydia.

*****

A morning ride was not unusual for Darcy, but he did not often take the same route several days in a row. Even when not at Pemberley, he varied his course as often as he could. But for the third time this week, he was drawn to the woods that bordered a particular lane. Each morning he would resolve to ride in the opposite direction, but he found it impossible to follow through on his plan.

And so here he was, securing his horse to a tree and making his way out to the lane. He attempted to look casual as he walked along, though he was aware he probably seemed the exact opposite. He sighed, scarcely able to comprehend how matters had come to this. Little had he suspected that a visit to Bingley’s new home would result in his present situation.

He was walking slowly, ears tuned for the sound of approaching footsteps. He was unable to deny it any longer, he was waiting for Elizabeth Bennet, the woman he found himself thinking about during his every waking hour. (And not merely his waking hours, but it would not do to remember that at the present moment.)

“Mr Darcy.”

He turned to see her approaching, a bright smile lighting up her face.

“Miss Bennet,” he greeted.

“I was not expecting to see you here this morning,” she said, with an arch look and a small, knowing smile.

He glanced down, slightly embarrassed by how obvious he had been.

“I was planning on walking to Oakham Mount today,” she announced. “Had you planned to walk that distance?”

Darcy looked up at her. “I had no plans, but if you would not object to the company, I would like to venture that far.”

She smiled. “I do not object,” she said warmly. They started out, and fell into step easily. Silence fell over them for some minutes, but it was not an uncomfortable silence. No, nothing about her presence was uncomfortable. He had never experienced such ease in the presence of another, and especially not one of such short acquaintance.

“Your sister enjoyed her visit yesterday, I take it?” Elizabeth asked, at length.

“Indeed,” Darcy replied, though in truth he had barely noticed Georgiana’s mood the evening before. They had indeed called to Longbourn to escort Georgiana home, but it had been rather a hurried and hectic visit. Mrs Bennet was her usual garrulous self, though her attention was, as usual, focused on Jane and Bingley. His attention had been fixed on Elizabeth, though she had been deep in conversation with Georgiana.

“And Miss Julia?”

“She has taken to hiding in a certain place on the third floor, which she refuses to reveal how she discovered,” Darcy said.

Elizabeth smiled knowingly.

His eyes met hers. “You would not know who could have shared such intelligence with the girl, would you?” he asked, casually.

“No,” she replied, seriously. “Though if one is searching for hiding places in that house, it is bound to be discovered sooner or later.”

“Indeed,” he replied, smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled as she replied. “And I am sure Sally, being such a fine nurse, knew exactly where her charge was the entire time.”

“Indeed she did,” Darcy replied. It had been Sally who had told him how Julia discovered her new favoured hiding place, as Elizabeth had also informed the nurse of where she was likely to find her charge. “It is puzzling how one would know that such a place exists.”

She smiled. “Ah, I know several neighbourhood children have enjoyed that particular spot,” she said. “A family used to live at Netherfield, many years ago now, and they had several children.”

“I see,” he replied. “And would you and your sisters visit the family often?”

“Yes, of course, but three miles separates the houses, and my mother prides herself on being an attentive neighbour. My sisters and I would often venture alone, when we were old enough.”

“Would you walk there?” he asked, teasingly.

She gave him an arch smile. “Oh, no, Mr Darcy, I was much more shocking than that. I ran.”

Darcy laughed, struck by the brightness in her eyes, and her cheeks pink from the cool air. She looked away, glancing down as her cheeks flushed deeper, and he realised he had been staring. He looked away quickly, attempting to compose himself.

It was some time before he spoke again. “I trust everyone at Longbourn is well?” he asked.

“Yes, they are all well,” Elizabeth replied.

“Would the length of your walk this morning have something to do with a certain visitor?” he enquired.

Elizabeth looked slightly guilty. “Indeed, I confess it does. Though, Lydia has been in such high spirits these past days, as has Kitty, and that did add to my desire to walk considerably.”

“Miss Lydia has invited my sister to visit this morning and trim bonnets,” Darcy said.

Elizabeth gave him a curious look. “Has she? She did not mention such a plan to me.”

“My sister received the note just as I was preparing to depart,” he said. “She did not mention it to you?”

“No, but I confess I have been hiding in my room all morning,” she replied, smiling slightly. “And Lydia was visiting with the officers. It has not been a quiet morning at Longbourn. I am sorry to have missed Miss Darcy, though.”

“I am sure she will be equally sorry to have missed you.” As much as Darcy knew Georgiana would like to see her friend, he was glad Elizabeth had not suggested returning home. He was quite enjoying her company.

“I am sure Lydia and Kitty shall keep her amused. And Jane will be there, to provide some sense,” she added, with a smile. “My sisters are much preoccupied with plans for Mr Bingley’s ball at present. I hope Georgiana will not feel left out.”

He was touched by her concern for his sister. “I do not think she will. I fear she has been too much influenced by my feelings on such matters, and she will not wish to attend.”

“What a pity,” Elizabeth said. “She will be out in a year or so, and is bound to have to attend some balls and parties. Perhaps she should be exposed to some enthusiasm for them now.”

He could not help but smile. “Perhaps. She will not be attending Bingley’s ball, however. She is young, yet.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, a wise decision. I do not think my youngest sister is ready to be out, but Mama was insistent.”

“Were you all out so young?”

“Yes, at fifteen,” she replied, with a wry smile. “None of us were truly ready. Jane was nervous and uncomfortable with the attention. Mary, of course, has no time for balls and dances, even now. Kitty was happy for the attention she received, but Lydia is by far the most enthusiastic of all of us.”

“And you?” he asked, before he had time to stop himself. “How did you feel upon first coming out?”

“I was happy for the opportunity for new chances to study all the follies and inconsistencies of the neighbourhood’s four and twenty families,” she said, teasingly.

He laughed. “Of course.”

She looked ahead. “We are nearing Oakham Mount.”

Darcy had not realised they had walked so far already. He looked ahead, allowing himself to pay attention to his surroundings instead of his companion. It was a beautiful area, of that there was no doubt. They soon reached the top of the hill, and were rewarded with a stunning view of the surrounding area.

Elizabeth sighed happily as she looked around, and Darcy’s attention was once more drawn from his surroundings. She looked delighted to be here.

“Is this a favourite spot of yours?” he asked.

“Indeed,” Elizabeth said, almost wistfully. “The walk is beautiful, as is the view. I have spent many happy afternoons here.”

“You would be sorry, I think, to leave Hertfordshire,” he said, though he realised instantly he had spoken too hastily.

She turned to look at him, surprise evident in her eyes. “Well, it has always been my home,” she said carefully. “It is hard, I would believe, for anyone to imagine leaving somewhere so familiar to them. Would you be sorry to leave Derbyshire permanently?”

He nodded. “Indeed. I miss it greatly, and am much anticipating returning in the new year. It has been many months since I have been home. Not that I am not enjoying my time in Hertfordshire,” he added hastily, “but it is quite different from Derbyshire.”

Elizabeth nodded. “My Aunt Gardiner has told me many times of the beauty of that area. She is fond of saying it is the best of counties.”

He was surprised by this revelation. “Your aunt is familiar with the area?”

“Yes, she spent many years in a little village named Lambton, I believe.”

“That is but five miles from Pemberley!” he said, astonished by this connection.

“What a coincidence,” Elizabeth said, smiling. “She is most fond of the area. It has been many years since she has visited there; she lives in London presently.”

The relations near Cheapside. The tone of her voice seemed to be challenging him somehow, the reference a veiled attempt at reminding him of her connections. He glanced at her, her flushed cheeks and challenging expression, and could instantly see days filled with walks over the grounds at Pemberley. How she would surely love the natural beauty of the Peaks. He was, in that moment, inclined to agree with Bingley - that had she relations enough to fill all of Cheapside, it would not make her one jot less agreeable.

Yes, he was every bit as smitten as Bingley. Heaven help him.