Page 18 of Unwillingly Mrs. Darcy
“Nor should she. He treated her badly. To disappear as he did—it was shameful. She would be foolish to take him back.”
“Although,” Elizabeth said gently, “it would not be terrible for our family if she did.”
Mary said nothing, her expression unreadable as they walked in silence until the sound of carriage wheels against the dusty lane drew their attention.
Elizabeth turned to see a stately carriage approaching. Its polished wood gleamed in the afternoon sun, and the horses’ glossy coats betrayed breeding far superior to what most local families could boast. As the carriage drew nearer, she recognised the intricate crest on the door—a design she had seen somewhere before but could not place.
When the carriage slowed to a halt and the door opened, Elizabeth hesitated, setting her basket down. She half-expected Mr Bingley to emerge, his warm, affable demeanourunmistakable. Instead, it was Mr Darcy who stepped down, cutting an imposing figure as ever.
“Mr Darcy,” Mary muttered under her breath. “What’s he doing here?”
“I cannot say,” Elizabeth replied.
Mr Darcy inclined his head politely. “Miss Bennet. Miss Mary. I trust you are well.”
“Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth said, struggling to mask her bewilderment. “I didn’t expect to see you.”
“I was on my way to Longbourn,” he explained. “May I offer you a ride? The baskets look rather burdensome.”
Elizabeth blinked. He had intended to visit Longbourn? Why? It made no sense. But then it struck her—had Mr Bingley sent him on his behalf to plead his case? That would be foolish. It was Mr Darcy, after all, who had put a stop to the courtship. Still, the situation puzzled her. Why had Mr Darcy called upon the Gardiners in the first place? She hadn’t spent much time pondering it but had arrived at one possibility—he felt guilty. And well he should. But to come all the way to Hertfordshire seemed rather strange.
“I do not think…” she began, but Mary was quicker.
“That would be lovely. These baskets are rather heavy,” she said, picking up hers again and making her way towards Mr Darcy. Elizabeth could not protest.
Mr Darcy bent over to pick up Elizabeth’s basket, and she saw the momentary strain in his eyes at the unexpected weight.Still, to his credit, he managed to carry it with apparent ease while handing her in.
The carriage’s interior was lavish, the upholstery rich velvet in shades of burgundy and gold, offset by polished mahogany panelling. Silk curtains framed the small windows, granting an illusion of privacy even as sunlight filtered through.
She took her seat beside Mary, while Mr Darcy sat with his back to the driver, as propriety dictated.
“May I ask—” Elizabeth started, but Mr Darcy spoke at the same time, enquiring after her father. She folded her hands in her lap and motioned for him to continue.
“I do beg your pardon. I did not mean to interrupt you, but I wondered how your father is. When Bingley and I called upon your aunt she explained the situation.”
Elizabeth pressed her lips together while Mary spoke up.
“He is not well. A specialist has come from Edinburgh. He examined him and suggested treatments he has had success with. We are applying the less costly ones as the very best treatment is beyond our reach.”
“Mary,” Elizabeth hissed. It wasn’t proper to discuss finances in public, especially not with a man like Mr Darcy.
“He asked,” her sister replied.
“We will manage,” Elizabeth said firmly. “We always do.”
“Of course,” Mr Darcy said. “I was sorry to hear of your father’s misfortune.”
“Is Mr Bingley coming, then?” Mary asked, and Elizabeth stared at her sister. When had Mary become so forward?
“Bingley may yet call upon the family. He did not wish to intrude during this difficult time, but he asked me to extend his best regards.”
By then, they had arrived at Longbourn, since it was only a short distance by horse and carriage. Mr Darcy exited first and handed them both down. When his hand curled around Elizabeth’s, he held her back for a moment. She looked at him, puzzled.
“I wondered if I might have a moment of your time,” he said as Mary made her way to the house. Her sister paused briefly, tilting her head slightly to one side, before turning and disappearing inside.
“I do not know what we have to discuss, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth said.
“Believe me, there is much to be said.” He picked up the basket again and carried it to the door, leaving it for Hill, who had appeared to take it inside. He then returned to Elizabeth’s side and offered his arm. She narrowed her eyes, looked at his arm, and then at his face until he dropped it, clearing his throat awkwardly.
