With All Her Heart Page 3

  “I always value honesty over empty flattery. What good are pretty words if they are false? “Parried Mr. Darcy.

  “A fair point, but then how would a man go about courting a woman without the use of pretty words?” Elizabeth parried back.

  “Well I guess he would argue and debate with her, engage her mind not her ego,” Darcy’s eyes sparkled as he dazzled Elizabeth with his winsome smile.

  Elizabeth blushed but carried on, “And who’s to say a woman could not be flattered by a suitor valuing her mind?” She raised an eyebrow.

  “Touché, however, I can think of several insipid women who wouldn’t understand the value of intelligent conversation outside of the latest fashions and gossip,” said Darcy.

  “Oh! There you are, Mr. Darcy! I wondered where you’d gone,” Miss Bingley said breathlessly, practically running up the stairs.

  “Case in point,” Darcy murmured as Elizabeth hid her grin behind her hand.

  “Miss Eliza, what do you do here? In an empty corridor with Mr. Darcy?” Miss Bingley inquired looking suspiciously between the two of them.

  “I assure you we happened upon one another quite by accident, in the main corridor, where there are servants all about doing their duties, where any occupant of the house may pass on the way to their room—“started Elizabeth.

  “Which is exactly where I was going,” interrupted Mr. Darcy.

  “Yes, I was on my way to retrieve a book from the library,” said Elizabeth backing off.

  “Ah, yes, Miss Eliza. I heard you were a great reader and delight in nothing else!” Miss Bingley said amused at her insinuation of Elizabeth’s being a blue stocking.

  “I think it wonderful a woman should improve her mind by extensive reading. It makes for most stimulating conversation,” said Mr. Darcy giving Elizabeth a knowing glance. They smiled at each other in shared amusement. Miss Bingley looked between the two of them annoyed.

  “Well I am rather fatigued and think I may rest before dinner,” said Miss Bingley taking Darcy’s arm. “Will you escort me to my room?” She glanced up at him blinking flirtatiously.

  “I think not, Miss Bingley. What would the servants say?” He said before extracting his arm and bowing to the ladies. They watched him retreat to his chamber. Elizabeth curtsied and headed toward the library, leaving Miss Bingley quite alone and disappointed.

  ***

  Elizabeth joined the household for dinner, prepared to be entertained by Miss Bingley’s machinations and Mr. Darcy’s witty repartee. She was not disappointed. Miss Bingley fawned shamelessly over Mr. Darcy from complimenting his elegantly tied cravat (“I will let Frazier, my valet, know you appreciate his efforts,” he replied) to how elegant and incomparable the dining room and chambers were at Pemberley when she was last there (I will let Mrs. Reynolds know you enjoyed the fruits of her labor,” he answered.). Elizabeth sat quietly, thoroughly entertained and equally gratified by Mr. Bingley’s inquiries into Jane’s health and comfort.

  Mr. Bingley, as always, did not stand on ceremony and saw no reason for a separation of the sexes after dinner as it was only his sisters and Elizabeth. The entire party retired to the parlor, Miss Bingley’s cloying grip and attentions on Mr. Darcy, leaving Mr. Bingley to escort Elizabeth and the Hursts bringing in the rear.

  Miss Bingley suddenly turned her focus to Elizabeth peppering her with questions smacking of impertinence.

  “Miss Eliza, have you NEVER traveled outside of Hertfordshire?” She asked snidely.

  “Oh, indeed, I go to London twice a year to visit my favorite aunt and uncle. I have also been to Scotland with my father to see his sister,” said Elizabeth undaunted by the woman who clearly viewed her as an adversary.

  “Oh, Scotland. Quite savage and untamed, isn’t it?” Said Miss Bingley smirking.

  “Derbyshire is often described as wild and untamed,” Mr. Darcy interjected. “I find I quite enjoy land that is untouched by man’s hand,” he continued staring at Elizabeth, a smile hidden at the corners of his lips.

  “I also adore wild and untamed land; the unpredictability of it. One never knows what one might discover,” Elizabeth quipped charmingly. Miss Bingley frowned, yet continued in the same vein.

  “You said you visit relatives in London twice a year? Where about? Perhaps I know them?” She said.

  “They reside in Gracechurch Street. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner,” said Elizabeth, her good humor unwavering. She had nothing to be ashamed of. Though her uncle was in trade he was worth 9,000 a year and even helped her father with some successful investments, adding to Longbourn’s coffers, a fact only Elizabeth knew.

  “Gracechurch Street? Isn’t that in Cheapside?” Miss Bingley said delighted to have shade to throw on Elizabeth.

  “Oh, Caroline, you know very well Gracechurch Street is only near Cheapside having grown up there ourselves,” Mr. Bingley said exasperated as Miss Bingley turned beet red.

  “Would your uncle’s name be Edward Gardiner of Gardiner & Bee Textiles?” Mr. Bingley asked excitedly.

  “The very same! Do you know him?” Asked Elizabeth.

  “Very well! He and my father started their business together before my father sold his shares to him five years ago so we could join the gentry. Unfortunately my father passed on before purchasing an estate, leaving that task to me,” Bingley explained with no shame. Miss Bingley looked as if she would die of mortification.

  “Bee!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “For Bingley. I always wondered,” Elizabeth giggled. Bingley laughed with her.

  “I think I will retire,” Miss Bingley said rising suddenly and looking at her sister meaningfully. Mrs. Hurst rose and left the room with her sister. Mr. Bingley stared after her shocked.

  “Forgive my sister. She likes to pretend we didn't make our fortune in trade,” Bingley shrugged. Elizabeth rose preparing to leave, unable to stay in a room full of gentlemen.

  “Perhaps she follows my philosophy, ‘Think of the past only as its remembrance gives you pleasure’” Elizabeth curtsied and prepared to leave, but found Mr. Darcy curiously blocking her path.

  He stammered trying to find something to say. “Um, sleep well, Miss Elizabeth,” she gave him her hand which he kissed reverently.

  “You as well,” she said shyly, trying to ignore Mr. Bingley’s grinning face in her peripherals. She left floating on a cloud to Mr. Bingley’s stifled chuckle.

  “I say, Darcy, perhaps we will be brothers soon?” She heard him tease. Elizabeth couldn’t help the ember of hope that lit in her heart.

  Chapter 6: Catty

  “That rat-faced little country nobody! I know what she’s trying to do, Louisa. She’s trying to take my Mr. Darcy. Well, she’s not going to win! Mr. Darcy knows his duty and he will not marry a little country nobody,” Caroline ranted as she stomped her way up the stairs. Elizabeth waited in the hall just beneath, unwilling to have the lady’s vitriol spill directly out at her. She grimaced as Miss Bingley continued to besmirch her name, spouting the circulated gossip about the Bennett family. How they have no dowry and their estate was entailed away, the usual. But for some reason this made Elizabeth livid. Due to her father’s economizing and investing with Mr. Gardiner each daughter had a dowry of 15,000 pounds. Mr. Bennett, though well known for his indolence, knew his duty by his daughters once he realized he would not be getting his heir. Elizabeth was the only daughter privy to this information as Mr. Bennett didn’t want it bandied about Meryton, as Mrs. Bennett was sure to do. Any man willing to marry his daughters thinking they had little dowry, Mr. Bennett knew the man would be marrying his daughter for herself and not money.

  At that moment, Elizabeth was finding it very difficult not to correct Miss Bingley on her false information. Finally, Elizabeth loudly took to the stairs in order to alert Miss Bingley of her presence. Miss Bingley looked startled as Elizabeth climbed the stairs towards them.

  “Ah, here we meet again on the public staircase where everyone travels to get to various parts of the house,” Elizab
eth began.

  “Um, yes,” Miss Bingley said lamely.

  “You know Netherfield’s halls have great acoustics,” said Elizabeth brightly as she passed the sisters and entered Jane’s room, leaving them quite chastised.

  ***

  “Ugh! That horrid woman! Talking about our family as though she were any authority on the Bennetts. If she thinks Mr. Darcy would want such a conniving shrew then she is no authority on him either!” Elizabeth growled as Jane listened with concern watching her sister pace.

  “Poor Mr. Darcy having to endure such unwanted and insincere attention,” Elizabeth continued. “And she’s the worst hostess ever! Leaving her guest alone in a room with single men and then denigrating her guest in the middle of a public corridor! If she is trying to pass herself off as a gentlewoman she needs to learn how a gentlewoman behaves,” Elizabeth continued to rant to Jane.

  “So, do you like Mr. Darcy then?” Asked Jane. Lizzy stopped pacing and smiled at Jane dreamily. “Yes, I confess, I like him a great deal.” Jane smiled. “Miss Bingley is no fool, she must be able to sense the attraction between you two which is why she feels threatened,” Jane conjectured.

  “I suppose. But I cannot force Mr. Darcy to like her especially because I want him to like me!” Elizabeth confessed with pink cheeks. Jane joined Elizabeth in her mirth.

  “I think things will work out as they aught,” said Jane yawning.

  “Sleep now, dearest. I will retire to my room and check on you before I go to sleep,” Elizabeth said tucking the coverlet around Jane. She was breathing deeply before Lizzy left the room.

  ***

  Chapter 7: Falling

  Elizabeth made her way to the library to return Macbeth and find another book to entertain her. She couldn’t help but hope for a glimpse of Mr. Darcy while she was there. The library door was ajar when Elizabeth arrived.

  “She is the most beautiful woman I have ever beheld. I hope she gets well soon and will be able to join us for a while before she must return home,” Elizabeth heard Mr. Bingley say.

  “Miss Bennett is quite beautiful if you like traditional English beauty,” replied Mr. Darcy.

  “She is an angel!” Bingley exclaimed. Elizabeth quietly giggled.

  “Now, Miss Elizabeth has undefinable beauty. She has the most bewitching eyes I have ever beheld!” Darcy admitted. Elizabeth blushed furiously. She knew she shouldn’t be eavesdropping but she couldn’t help listening to such a flattering conversation. Mr. Darcy thought her eyes bewitching!

  She quietly began making her way back down the hallway to the stairs. She couldn’t wipe the silly grin off her face if she wanted to. She heard someone coming up the stairs behind her and quickened her pace before she was caught.

  She has just reached her room when she heard Darcy’s deep baritone behind her. “Miss Elizabeth!” Elizabeth turned toward him and gave a quick curtsey.

  “Mr. Darcy, I was just going to head down to the library for a book,” Elizabeth said quickly.

  “Oh, may I escort you. I am very fond of books that are not Macbeth,” Darcy smiled. Elizabeth returned his smile and took his arm as they both made their way back down the stairs.

  “What is your favorite genre?” She asked.

  “I enjoy reading history, but occasionally I enjoy poetry—Wordsworth and Coleridge are my favorite,” shared Mr. Darcy.

  “Ah, so you do like pretty words,” she teased. Darcy chuckled quietly.

  “Touché, Miss Elizabeth.” Elizabeth’s laughter joined his.

  “‘In life’s noisiest hour, there whispers still the ceaseless Love of Thee, The heart’s self-solace and soliloquy,” Darcy said quietly. Elizabeth stopped and turned to look at him.

  “You are intent on proving to me you like pretty words,” Elizabeth whispered.

  “Ah, I never said that I didn’t like them. I said I value honesty,” he said taking her hand and placing it on his heart. His eyes holding hers hostage.

  “Oh,” was all she could say.

  “Miss Elizabeth would you like to take a turn about the garden with me tomorrow after you break your fast?” Asked Mr. Darcy.

  “I would like that very much, sir,” Elizabeth answered still mesmerized. He smiled and kissed her hand and continued on toward the library.

  Elizabeth’s heart raced in anticipation. Darcy kept looking down at her, adoration on his face. Elizabeth blushed as she murmured, “You mould my Hopes, you fashion me within; And, to the leading love—throb in the Heart. Thro’ all my Being, thro’ my pulses beat.”

  “You lie in all my many Thoughts, like Light, like the fair light of Dawn, or summer eve…” Darcy finished pressing a kiss in her palm. Elizabeth sighed.

  They had stopped in front of the library doors. “Shall I see you at supper?” Asked Elizabeth. “Until then,” Darcy kissed her hand before departing. Elizabeth entered the library and nearly swooned. She sighed deeply and walked to an armchair, sinking deep into the velvety cushions. She replayed her walk with Mr. Darcy in her mind. She sighed contented, her eyes fluttering close in remembrance, unknowingly falling asleep before the crackling fire.

  ***

  Chapter 8: A Plot Afoot

  “I haven’t seen Darcy all day!” Miss Bingley’s shrill voice echoed against the library walls, startling Elizabeth awake. Miss Bingley paced just inside the library door.

  “Shhh, Caroline. Keep your voice down,” Mrs. Hurst scolded, shutting the library doors. Elizabeth sank deeper into the armchair tucking her feet under her.

  “I have to do something before that little nobody gets her clutches into him. My maid, Belle, said she saw them talking in the corridors again and that he kissed her hand! No, Louisa, it’s time to do something big. Drastic measures must be taken and it must be tonight! I can’t waste any more time,” Caroline said resolutely.

  “Don’t be a fool, Caroline. Think of your reputation,” warned Mrs. Hurst.

  “What’s a reputation if I end up with a husband?” Miss Bingley said sharply. Elizabeth heard a swish of skirts and the library doors creak back open as the sisters’ conversation continued, getting quieter as they moved further down the corridor.

  Elizabeth let out a sigh of relief that the sisters left without walking deeper into the library. She counted to one hundred before leaving the room. She headed up to see Jane, needing her sister’s calm presence of mind to think of what her next move should be. Flustered she didn’t see Mr. Darcy before running head first into his broad chest.

  “Whoa! Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Darcy said with a laugh before noticing her troubled expression. “What’s wrong, Miss Elizabeth? Can I get you something to ease your distress?” He offered.

  “No, no. I merely heard something that I wasn’t meant to hear and I’m not sure what to do,” she admitted, not able to meet Mr. Darcy’s eyes.

  “Perhaps I could be of some assistance?” Said Darcy. When Elizabeth wouldn’t look at him, he lifted her chin until her eyes met his. “Anything you need assistance with you only need to ask and I would do it,” Darcy said meaningfully. Lost in his eyes a moment, Elizabeth came to her senses.

  “I’m afraid it may be you who may need my assistance,” she admitted. Darcy straightened up confused.

  “What do you mean?” He asked. Elizabeth glanced up and down the corridor before pulling Darcy into a window seat. Once she felt secure no ears would hear her tale, she began to describe to him what she heard in the library.

  “Sir, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I had fallen asleep in the library when I was awoken by a shrill, angry voice. I was going to announce my presence but the conversation I was hearing was most unsettling and a little disturbing,” she paused to look about again. “Miss Bingley implied she would take drastic measures tonight to ensure that you and she would be married, even as far as to cause a compromise! She felt most keenly that she was running out of time before...other young ladies in the area distracted you from her,” Elizabeth finished embarrassed, looking at her hands.


  Darcy was outraged but simmered inwardly, not wanting Elizabeth to think his anger was toward her. “Miss Bingley may think whatever she like but she is not the only one with loyal servants to help her,” Darcy said raising an eyebrow. “I will make sure my man, Frazier, keeps my door locked every night,” Darcy announced.

  “Sir, I don’t think that will be enough,” Elizabeth said, her concerns not alleviated.

  “Hmm, you might be right. Perhaps I should tell Bingley what you overheard,” Darcy suggested.

  “Oh, I would hate to come between you and your friends or Mr. Bingley and his sister,” Elizabeth said feeling badly.

  “Miss Bingley is no friend of mine, only someone I must be polite to for the sake of Bingley’s and my friendship.” Elizabeth nodded her understanding. They were quiet for a moment.

  “I should be getting back to Jane,” Elizabeth finally said. “She’s showing great improvement and I believe we will be able to travel home soon,” Elizabeth admitted reluctantly, omitting to him how much she would miss her conversations with Darcy. She rose and curtsied to Darcy’s bow and headed back upstairs. Darcy sat back in the window seat for a while mulling over what to do about Miss Bingley.

  ***

  Back in Jane’s room, Elizabeth dismissed Daisy and immediately began to tell Jane what had happened, from Darcy asking her to take a turn about the garden to Miss Bingley’s plot to her conversation with Darcy in the hall a few minutes ago. Jane sat back in shock, her mouth agape with a loss for words. “Compromise? Oh, heaven forbid, what could she be thinking to be planning such a thing? It is not sound! She must truly be desperate,” Jane said solemnly.

  “No, she is spoiled, vain, and greedy. The only desperation she feels is for the position she would gain in society by being Mrs. Darcy, “Elizabeth said angrily.

  “Lizzy, calm down. I am sure Mr. Darcy and Frazier are capable of thwarting any plot by Miss Bingley. Do not fret so,” Jane soothed.

  Elizabeth stopped pacing and looked at Jane smiling. “I’m sure you’re right, darling,” she agreed coming close to the bed. “Your color looks good, you’re not all pale anymore,” she felt Jane’s head. “I think your fever is officially gone. Soon we can go home and get out of the middle of this muddle,” Elizabeth said with mixed feelings. She wanted to get away from the venomous Miss Bingley, not the charming Mr. Darcy.