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Charles looked at Elizabeth apologetically.
“Please, Mr. Bingley, do not let me detain you. I shall be delighted to speak with you over the course of the evening.”
Before Charles could fashion a reply, his sister was leading him across the room in Darcy’s direction. He must have seen them coming, but for a reason Elizabeth could not discern, the gentleman turned on his heels and headed in the opposite direction.
Later, when the gentlemen joined the ladies in the drawing room after dinner, Elizabeth sat off in a quiet corner and observed Mr. Darcy’s tortured countenance while standing with Mr. Bingley’s sister. Mr. Darcy has shown himself to be someone I can trust with my most heartfelt secrets. The least I might do is intercede on his behalf and spare him an evening of torment from the likes of Caroline Bingley.
In a manner reminiscent of her friend Lucy’s wont of commanding Lord Holland’s undivided attention, Elizabeth walked to where Mr. Darcy and Caroline stood and laced her arm through his. “Mr. Darcy, you promised to turn the pages for me when it was my turn to exhibit this evening. Shall we proceed to the pianoforte?”
For the first time that evening, she observed his warm smile. It was enough to take her breath away.
With his other hand, Darcy brushed his thumb atop the back of her hand resting on his arm. “Indeed, Miss Bennet. Pardon me, Miss Bingley.” It was next to impossible for Elizabeth not to glance over her shoulder to gauge the other woman’s reaction as they were walking away. Apparently rendered speechless, the colour in Caroline’s face rivalled the hue of her gown.
When they were comfortably seated, Elizabeth commenced poring through the music sheets while Darcy said, “How can I thank you?”
“It was nothing, sir. I saw what must be done, and I did it.”
“You were very astute in coming to my service. I take it you know the Bingleys.”
“Yes, I made their acquaintance in Hertfordshire.”
“Ah, yes. I recall Bingley writing to tell me he had let an estate in Hertfordshire.”
“Indeed—Netherfield Park. Miss Bingley made quite an impression on everyone.”
“Please, I would much rather we discuss anything except Miss Caroline Bingley.”
“Then what shall we talk about, Mr. Darcy? We must have some conversation.”
“I would rather we speak on any number of subjects so long as there is no mention of Bingley’s sister. Perhaps we might discuss books, music, or even the weather.”
“I take it the lady is not one of your favourite people.”
“Indeed, your coming to my rescue was a godsend. You saved me from a torturous situation.” His smile spoke to his gratitude. Leaning in closer to Elizabeth, he said, “I owe you, and I insist upon paying my debt.”
There was but one thing Elizabeth wanted more than anything from Mr. Darcy, but did she dare ask it of this rich and powerful man? Biting her lip, she pondered how best to proceed. Hints of reservation crept into her voice. “In that case, I know what I would like.”
“What is it?”
“You will think I am being presumptuous—”
“Ask me anything. I am in your power.”
She ceased what she was doing and looked him straight in the eyes. “Teach me to ride horseback.”
He answered yes!
Elizabeth could almost feel the icy stares that came her way as she and Mr. Darcy continued their amiable discourse. Miss Bingley was more than a little dissatisfied by the events unfolding at the pianoforte. She was not the only one suffering displeasure. Lord Holland was vexed as well.
Despite arriving home late from Avondale, Elizabeth could not rest until she had captured the events of the evening on paper. Sitting at the desk in her dimly lighted room, she began.
Never once did I imagine myself crossing paths with Caroline Bingley here in Bosley. What I had supposed was disdain and condescension towards the people in Meryton is merely her way, for she displays that same annoyingly superior attitude here—at least towards me. Towards Mr. Darcy, she is another woman. I believe she holds the gentleman in the highest esteem. It is most unfortunate that he does not return her regard. On more than one occasion, I saw him quit the room altogether to avoid her. I never thought I would say this, but I will say it just the same: poor Caroline. I did not help matters. When she finally managed to secure him all to herself, after an evening of cat and mouse, where she was the former and he the latter, I interceded on Mr. Darcy’s behalf and stole him away from her. Now Caroline has even more reason to think poorly of me—something I supposed was impossible when last I saw of her in Hertfordshire.
It seems my sacrifice is to be handsomely rewarded, for Mr. Darcy has agreed to teach me to ride horseback. I know I always said that I shall never have a need to learn how to ride, preferring to enjoy the comfort of a carriage when walking is not an option, but I have been thinking about changing my stance for quite some time. Lucy and Lord Holland are particularly fond of riding, and they have suggested we do so on many occasions. As we are to be a foursome, it is only fitting that I learn to ride, and who better to teach me than the ‘master’ as I have no doubt he would proclaim himself. Still, I was exceedingly surprised he agreed to my request to teach me, for in asking such a favour, I had intended to be impertinent. The gentleman is full of surprises. Now I have but one question: what will Caroline do once she finds out?
CHAPTER 6
WITHOUT BEING VAIN
