Page 65 of The Briar Bargain
Miss Bennet's cheeks coloured prettily as she accepted the impromptu bouquet and Bingley's face fairly glowed with pleasure at her evident delight. Their happiness was so apparent, so uncomplicated, that it seemed to cast its own golden light upon the morning.
"They make a handsome picture," Miss Elizabeth said softly, following his gaze.
"Indeed. Your sister appears content."
"She is. I have not seen her so animated since . . ." Miss Elizabeth paused, as though catching herself. “Forgive me.”
“There is no need,” Darcy said quietly. “But if you wish to speak of it, I can assure you of my discretion.”
Miss Elizabeth was silent for several paces, but then she spoke. “Two years ago, Jane was being visited by a young clergyman of modest fortune but excellent character. Unfortunately, my mother seized upon his visits with her characteristic lack of subtlety. Upon learning of his circumstances, a living worth five hundred pounds per year with prospects of eventual advancement, she pronounced him ‘not eligible enough for dear Jane’ and attempted to steer him to Mary instead. Mary was only just sixteen, and I believe she was as mortified as Jane.”
“And the young clergyman?”
“He was so appalled that he ceased his visits entirely within the fortnight. Jane was not yet attached to him, but she did like him, and it hurt her when he departed. She has not really trusted herself or another suitor until now. Your friend suits her admirably, Mr. Darcy.”
They walked on, drawing gradually closer to the rest of the party. As they approached, Darcy became aware of voices raised in what appeared to be some sort of discussion or perhaps disagreement.
"—perfectly safe, I am sure," Mrs. Hurst was saying, though her tone suggested anything but certainty.
"But the path is so uneven," Miss Bingley protested. "I fear I have developed the most dreadful headache, and the footing here is so unsure . . ."
"Perhaps you should return to the house," Bingley suggested with his usual good nature. "We should not wish you to overexert yourself."
"Oh, but I could not bear to spoil everyone's enjoyment," Miss Bingley replied, her voice taking on a martyred quality that made Darcy's jaw tighten. "If only someone might assist me, steady me should I falter . . ."
Her gaze moved meaningfully to Darcy, who had the distinct impression that this entire scene had been staged for his benefit.
It was Elizabeth who responded, her voice warm with apparent concern. "Miss Bingley, how distressing for you. Perhaps you might take my arm? I am very sure-footed."
Miss Bingley’s eyes narrowed. “Yes, Miss Eliza, thereissomething almost caprine in your step.”
Darcy almost laughed. “You left the door open for that one,” he murmured to Miss Elizabeth, and she chuckled.
“I shall take it as a compliment, Miss Bingley. Goats are, after all, both nimble and difficult to unseat.”
Darcy had been prepared to intervene, but evidently there was no need. Miss Bingley's eyes darted between him and Elizabeth, clearly waiting for him to offer.
He did not.
With no graceful way to retreat, she was forced to accept Miss Elizabeth’s arm with as much dignity as she could muster.
"Thank you," she said stiffly. And, as Darcy anticipated, within a few minutes of walking with Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bingley excused herself and made her way back to the house on her own, her posture rigid with thwarted ambition.
Miss Elizabeth had handled the situation with skill, deftly extricating him from the unwelcome prospect of Miss Bingley's prolonged attentions. He had come downstairs with the intention of protecting her, yet it appeared the protection had proven mutual, a circumstance that pleased him a great deal.
"Shall we continue?" Miss Elizabeth asked pleasantly, as though nothing of significance had occurred.
Darcy offered her his arm, noting the slight smile that played about her lips. "Indeed. And Miss Elizabeth?"
"Yes?"
"Masterfully done."
Her smile deepened.
As they continued along the path, Miss Bingley now safely out of sight and the morning stretching bright before them, Darcy allowed himself to believe that whatever schemes awaited them, they would prove no match for the alliance he and Miss Elizabeth had forged. And perhaps, if he were very careful and very fortunate, that alliance might in time become something even more precious.
Chapter Twenty-Two
