Page 22 of Darcy's Guarded Heart
“I think not. Not yet,” Darcy replied. “It may well be that he will tire of Miss Bennet or come to see how inappropriate her family is. For the time being, let us ensure we share our apprehensions in a subtle manner and see if we can lead him to the right conclusion naturally.”
“I thought you would be more proactive on the matter,” Caroline remarked. “Given what you said before.”
Darcy shifted in his seat. He knew precisely what she was referring to—the assembly where Miss Elizabeth had overheardtheir discourse. He still felt uncomfortable considering it and wondered if she had perhaps confided her views to her sister. Nonetheless, nothing had been said on the subject thus far.
“I believe a more subtle approach is warranted. Otherwise, he may resent us for urging him to break with the young woman. It would be better if he were to come to his senses of his own accord. However, there is no reason we should not gently guide him.”
“I agree,” Louisa said. “Mr Darcy’s approach is wise. Let us see if we cannot nudge our dear brother towards recognising the error of his ways. If this fails, we can speak to him more directly. In the meantime, Mr Hurst shall gather evidence regarding the entailment, should we need to utilise it.”
“And information on the Bennet family’s connections and financial standing,” Mr Hurst added with an air of self-importance. Darcy disliked it whenever Mr Hurst involved himself in any matter, as he had a habit of making himself sound integral to the plan, while mostly being a hindrance.
Alas, this was the plan to which the group agreed, and Darcy found himself relieved that there was at least some course of action. For he knew he could not allow Bingley to continue down this path—an association with a garrulous Mrs Bennet, a bride with scant prospects, and the errant ward of unknown heritage were not companions his friend needed while striving to elevate himself.
***
Darcy spent the remainder of the afternoon engrossed in reading, while outside, the weather took an unpleasant turn. The sky shifted from bright blue to grey and eventually nearly black. Thunderclaps resounded, and lightning flashed as therain drummed incessantly against the windows. It was an ill day to match his mood.
Yet, when he descended once more for tea, he found that the inclement weather had immensely lifted the spirits of Bingley’s sisters.
“With such weather, I doubt Miss Bennet shall arrive. And who could fault her? She might catch her death coming here in this,” Caroline remarked, peering out towards the dreariness.
“I am certain she has a carriage at her disposal,” Bingley contested, his tone hopeful, yet laced with an undercurrent of doubt.
“Any sensible woman would elect not to venture forth in this weather and would send word,” Caroline asserted confidently. However, Darcy glimpsed movement on the horizon and felt that Miss Bingley might be quite mistaken.
“Someone is approaching,” he announced as he drew nearer to the window beside her. Caroline narrowed her eyes, lifting her hand as if to shield herself against the non-existent sun.
“Goodness,” she muttered under her breath, while Bingley moved from his window—which overlooked the road leading to London—to hers, where a carriage was indeed approaching.
It would be a stretch to describe the vehicle lumbering up the road as stately. It was not in terrible condition, yet it appeared old and worn. The rain pouring upon it did not enhance its grandeur.
Seated at the front was none other than Thomas, while a figure was discernible within.
“The ward is driving the carriage—how extraordinary,” Louisa remarked as she leaned closer to the window.
Darcy would not characterise it as quite that. In truth, he found it almost admirable that he had taken it upon himself to ensure his guardian’s daughter arrived safely and soundly, even if it would have been more appropriate—and welcomed—had the tea been cancelled altogether. He did not care for Thomas but credit had to be given where it was due.
“Surely he does not intend to stay,” Caroline said as the carriage came to a halt.
“Of course he should stay, he is a member of the Bennet family,” Bingley declared, and with a spring in his step, he made his way to the front door.
“Who does not intend to stay?” Georgiana called as she entered the room.
“The Bennet ward. He has brought Miss Bennet for tea, but now he is vacating the premises,” Caroline commented, but then fell silent as a surprised sound escaped her.
“Well, would you look at that? They are not alone. It seems Miss Eliza has invited herself for tea. How… unexpected.”
Darcy, who had turned away from the window to follow Bingley into the hall to greet the guests, stepped hastily back to the window. Indeed, there, sitting in the carriage, was none other than Elizabeth.
Chapter Eleven
Elizabeth
Elizabeth followed Thomas and Jane out of the carriage and to the front door when Mr Bingley appeared. He was as affable as ever, greeting them all warmly.
“Miss Bennet, we have looked forward to your visit. And Thomas and Miss Elizabeth, shall you be joining us for tea as well?”
At once, Thomas shook his head. “We would not wish to impose, Mr Bingley. Miss Elizabeth and I merely escorted Jane here so she need not walk in the rain. We are travelling on to Meryton now.”
