Page 72 of The Heroic Mr Darcy's Bad Manners
Elizabeth’s favourite place in Limerick House was the window seat facing the square. With the warm weather, plenty of people were out and about, but Mr Darcy was never among them…
She had not always thought so well of him as she did now, but time and distance had allowed for deeper reflections. It had been a long time since she had admitted that he was the recipient of her affections, but now she comprehended that he was exactly the man who suited her most in disposition and talents.
Elizabeth was readying herself for bed when someone scratched at her door, and she called, “Enter.” The soft sound could only be Jane’s, and her informal apparel would not disgrace her in the eyes of her sister. Jane took the brush from her hand and continued to work her curls with a gentle hand.
“I wish to invite you to join me on my bridal trip.”
Elizabeth gazed at her sister in the mirror. She knew it was commonly done to bring a sister on a wedding trip, but why Jane would want her to impose upon her and the colonel was unfathomable. She had always surmised that those who did were not best pleased with their choice of husband… To think the colonel would agree to the scheme for any other reason than to please his wife was even less plausible. If she ever were so fortunate as to secure Mr Darcy, she would wish to be quite alone with him. Mortified by her thoughts she regarded herself in the mirror, studying the redness blooming on her cheeks.
“Where are you travelling?” she asked with trepidation.
“North,” was Jane’s short reply, and Elizabeth saw that her sister was as abashed as herself. Jane developed a spot of redness on her neck when she was apprehensive, and it struck her that her sister and the colonel might be visiting his relations. If that was the case, she had no problem understanding why Jane needed the fortification of a sister.
“To Matlock?” Elizabeth enquired with a raised brow.
“No!” Jane cried, aghast. “Richard’s father has not forgiven him for marrying a Glentworth… We are planning a visit to the Lake District.”
That was unfortunate. Elizabeth could easily imagine lazy days languishing by a romantic lake, holding hands and exchanging clandestine kisses. A sister, even one who was as pleasant company as herself, did not belong in that picture. If, on the other hand, they were going to Pemberley, she might be tempted to accept regardless of the inconvenience to the bride and groom.
“Are you stopping in Lambton?” Elizabeth asked as indifferently as she could muster. Pemberley was quite close. It was to be hoped that she might accidentally happen upon Mr Darcy in the village and show him every civility.
“No, we have no such intentions,” her sister refuted in a comforting voice.
Jane must still believe that I dislike Mr Darcy, Elizabeth mused. Yet, she could not muster the courage to relate the change in her sentiments towards the gentleman.
“Very well!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “I shall consider it.”
“Oh! Very good. I am very much anticipating the trip, and having you with me would make it even more pleasant. I dare say the colonel would be very pleased should you decide to join us. He is as eager as I. I promise we would not tax you too much and will have a very pleasant journey. Imagine the sights we would see and what lovely nature we would pass. I dare say it would satisfy even your hankering for adventure and rambling through the countryside.”
Jane was prattling, which was uncommon. There were too manyverysfor her sister’s subtle nature. She must be dissembling to some degree or other. Perhaps she was inviting her out of a misguided form of obligation.
“If I am to be honest, Jane, I do not think it is a very good idea…”
Her sister looked crestfallen, so Elizabeth gave her a quick hug, assured her she would be most content remaining in London, and shooed her out of her room.
Elizabeth approached her grandmother the next morning and asked for a word in private, so they adjourned to Mrs Bennet’s sitting room.
“Jane invited me to join her on her bridal trip.”
“How wonderful!” her grandmother exclaimed. “But you do not look happy,” she added, modifying her exhilaration. “I cannot see why not.”
“They are going to the Lake District…”
“I thought you wanted to see the Lakes. I am certain I have heard you mention as much on several occasions.”
“I have been so wretchedly blind…”
“DearLeanbh.I do not believe a change of mind regarding the Lake District can be deemed wretched,” her grandmother mused.
“I am not speaking about the Lakes,” Elizabeth clarified.
“Oh!” her grandmother cried as if she had experienced a sudden epiphany. “What can I do to help you?”
“You can take me to Pemberley under the disguise of a trip north. No one would be any the wiser if we go no farther than the Midlands.”
“Why?” her grandmother asked plainly.
“To show my gratitude for the mortification and sacrifices Mr Darcy has suffered on behalf of my family,” Elizabeth dissembled.
