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“I spoke to the blacksmith myself, and I trust he will complete his task in the time requested,” Mr Darcy said with the same stern countenance and peculiar attention to his plate.
The end of breakfast brought Elizabeth significant relief; unlike the previous day, when she had been delighted to talk to the Dunnroys, now she wished to avoid both of them. Whether they would keep their promise to call at Longbourn would be discovered later. For the time being, she would not mention the possibility of guests to her family to avoid them being disappointed.
Back in their room, Elizabeth and Jane were gathering the last of their possessions when a knock at the door interrupted them.
A maid informed them Lady Cecilia had asked for a short private conversation with Elizabeth. The news surprised Jane but shocked Elizabeth, and she briefly considered refusing the request. But could she really afford to deny her ladyship without causing more damage to her reputation?
“I shall return shortly,” she told Jane, then followed the maid.
“Lady Cecilia is in her room,” the servant explained, increasing Elizabeth’s astonishment. A private conversation in the lady’s personal chamber sounded concerning.
The maid announced her, then left. Lady Cecilia was standing in front of the window and turned to face her.
“Please come in, Miss Bennet. What a lovely view, would you not agree? The autumn colours are simply breathtaking.”
“I certainly agree,” Elizabeth replied.
“I apologise for summoning you here. I assume you are eager to return home and are in no disposition for such a conversation.”
“Your ladyship is correct.”
“I am sure you imagine the subject.”
“I do, though I assure you there is absolutely no reason to discuss it.”
“Miss Bennet, I do not want to be rude, but my husband informed me he found you and Darcy alone in the library, in the middle of the night, both dressed only in your night attire. I believe that is a good reason for a private conversation, especially since I feel responsible for the situation. I was the one to insist you stay another night. If I had allowed you to return home, the encounter would not have happened. Unless it was not the first time.”
Elizabeth needed a moment to control her growing frustration and anger and to comprehend the lady’s meaning properly. Then she needed a further moment to settle her temper before she answered with clear determination, “Lady Cecilia, I deserve neither your concern nor your censure. Let us clarify the matter once and for all. During my stay at Netherfield, I have visited the library many times, as Mr Bingley invited me to do. Last evening I went to search for a book as I was struggling to sleep and had finished the previous one that morning. I should not have left my room in my nightgown and robe, but I did not expect to meet anyone. I happened upon Mr Darcy, who was peacefully reading in the library, and I disturbed his tranquillity — for which I apologised. I was in the room only a few moments, but just as I was about to leave, Lord Dunnroy appeared. Also in his night clothes, if I may say so, but I know the rules are different for men.”
Elizabeth stopped to catch her breath; Lady Cecilia appeared to be struggling to crush a smile between her lips.
“It was the first and only time Mr Darcy and I have been alone, in the library or any other place in the house or outside it. I am quite certain neither of us wished for such an encounter, as we are not particularly friendly towards each other.”
“I am glad we clarified that,” Lady Cecilia said.
“Lord Dunnroy was appalled — as any honourable gentleman would be if he was not acquainted with the people involved. Your husband hardly knows me at all, but he must have known Mr Darcy his entire life, so I found his suspicion offensive and disrespectful to his cousin more than to me.”
She realised her tone had become accusatory, and she paused to calm herself.
“Upon my word, you express your opinion most decidedly, Miss Bennet.”
“I do have that tendency, especially when I know I am right. It is one of my faults.”
“My statement was not a rebuke. I understand your anger, but you must, however, consider my husband’s and my point of view. What would you have said if you happened upon Darcy and Caroline Bingley in the library, at that hour, in their night clothes?” The lady’s voice had lost most of its initial harshness.
“First of all, I would have been shocked to see Miss Bingley in the library, carrying a book, at any hour and in any attire.”
Lady Cecilia looked momentarily disconcerted by that answer, then she began to laugh, while Elizabeth continued.
“Other than that, I hope I would have taken the time to not assume more without any evidence. I would properly consider whether either of them was the kind of person to act improperly in a house full of their family and friends.”
“That is a fair statement, I grant you that. However, you must consider my husband had perhaps imbibed too much liquor last night, and he was shocked to find you there. I probably would have responded in the same way, had I been in his place.”
“As I said, I do understand. I am exceedingly ashamed of myself for acting so foolishly and leaving my room in such improper attire. But, even on such a recent acquaintance, I do value your good opinion, and I would not want you to presume I lack decency as much as I lack thoughtfulness.”
“I do enjoy your open manners and your wit, Miss Bennet,” the lady confessed. “But it is not unknown for even the brightest young women to find themselves in unsuitable situations, especially with men of consequence. Some of them become involved with the worst sort of men, but that is another matter entirely.”
“While I understand your ladyship’s meaning, I assure you the mere thought of me and Mr Darcy, of all people, involved in a clandestine meeting is amusing to say the least,” Elizabeth replied with an open smile.
