An Old Friend Page 3

  Elizabeth inwardly sighed. She loved Fitzwilliam but there were times when he could be exceedingly thoughtless. In many ways he still viewed Georgiana as a child, but she was not. She was a young woman with deep feelings and a great capacity for love.

  “It is but Wickham was her first experience of love and to be disappointed wounded her deeply.”

  Mr. Darcy tapped his foot impatiently on the floor. “It was all nonsense, she was too young to be in love. We must find a suitable husband this season.”

  “Fitzwilliam, I would not be so quick to dismiss Georgiana’s feelings. Was Miss Dearborn someone you had feelings for?” she asked as she sipped on her drink.

  Elizabeth saw her husband was startled by her question.

  “I thought we were talking about Georgiana. Why would you ask such a thing?” he asked.

  It was not the answer she had expected. “Curiosity, sir. I have never heard of Miss Dearborn until today. As Georgiana said, she seemed surprised that you were married.”

  “I expect she was,” said Mr. Darcy mildly. “It is five years since I have seen her. A great deal has changed for all of us in that time.”

  Elizabeth felt a wave of irritation. She had a feeling that Mr. Darcy was reluctant to talk about Miss Dearborn and she didn’t understand why.

  “Where has she been living?” she asked.

  “Mrs. Darcy, why are you so interested? The past is of no consequence. I am far more concerned with the present and our time in London.”

  Elizabeth knew when he called her Mrs. Darcy while they were alone, she had incurred his displeasure. Why did he not understand that she would be curious about a woman as beautiful as Adeline Dearborn, especially when she had described herself as an old friend? If Miss Dearborn was making more of their friendship than there had been, he should say so at once. It was unfair of him to stay silent on the matter.

  She was about to ask more when Mr. Darcy quickly finished his wine, and putting down his glass, rose to his feet. “My dear, I regret I must leave you. I have some papers I must read before I retire.”

  “Can they not wait?” she asked.

  “Alas not,” said Mr. Darcy, going to the door. “I will see you in the morning.”

  Elizabeth was not sure she believed him, but she could hardly say so. “Goodnight,” she said.

  Left alone, she wondered what to do. She did not want to read, and her embroidery rarely held her interest and yet she was not ready to retire. Feeing restless she left her unfinished drink on the table and went upstairs to her room and sat down at the small table, with paper and quill and started to write a letter to her elder sister Jane Bingley. There was no one else she could trust to discuss Adeline Dearborn with and she knew Jane with her more serene nature would offer her some sound advice.

  Although happy in her marriage, Elizabeth missed her sister greatly. When they were both first married, they had written to each other daily, but now that Jane was the mother of a beautiful son and another child on the way, her letters were less frequent. Elizabeth only hoped that Jane would find time to reply.

  After asking about young Charles and his father Charles Bingley, Elizabeth swiftly moved onto the reason for her letter and she told Jane about meeting Adeline Dearborn at Conklin and Brightingley.

  Jane, do you not think it is odd that until today I have never heard of this woman, particularly if she is an old friend?

  Elizabeth paused for a moment. Was she making too much of this one encounter? Would she have been quite so worried if Miss Dearborn was not so beautiful?

  I only spoke to her very briefly, but I was struck by her beauty. She is tall, even taller than Miss Bingley, and she has a voice that sounds as if she is laughing, and quite the bluest eyes I have ever seen.

  Elizabeth tickled her nose with the end of the quill. She had always been an observer of people, but it seemed that Miss Dearborn had made a very strong impression on her in a short space of time.

  Georgiana mentioned that she thought Miss Dearborn wanted to marry Mr. Darcy. I would like to know if it is true. I asked him if he had feelings for her, but he did not reply.

  She looked at what she had written and sighed to herself. She wondered what Jane would make of what she had written. Jane, who had grown very fond of Mr. Darcy, would be shocked, she was sure, and would not like to hear her doubts about him. She sighed once more. She was being foolish and causing herself unhappiness. Mr. Darcy had never given her any reason not to trust him. She took the paper and tore it in two and then tore it again and again into tiny places. She then rose, dropped the pieces into the grate and fetched a candle and lit the already prepared fire. She would write to Jane in the morning when she was of a more sensible mind. She loved her husband deeply and she wanted nothing to come between them, least of all a woman who until that day she had never heard of.

  She put her writing materials away and decided to prepare for bed. Sitting down at the dressing table, she removed her earrings and necklace and then started to unpin her hair. She could easily have summoned a maid, but in truth she rather enjoyed doing it herself. There was something very soothing about brushing out her long hair and fastening it into a plait. It was a task she had performed for herself many times in the past.

  In her childhood home in Hertfordshire there had only been two maids and with many calls upon their time, the sisters had often undertaken tasks for themselves. Now she was the mistress of two houses with her own maid to carry out her every wish and many more servants ready to do her bidding, but it was something she was not entirely comfortable with. With her hair done, she reluctantly pulled on the bell pull to summon Maisie, her maid. She did not want to cause offence by not using her at all and Maisie could at least help her change into her night attire.

  HALF AN HOUR later Elizabeth was sitting up in bed reading a book, when a noise made her jump. The door was opening between her room and her dressing room. She waited as her husband suddenly appeared, a candle in hand. Her heart took a joyful leap.

  “I hope I am not disturbing you,” said Mr. Darcy.

  She happily closed her book. “Not at all, Mr. Darcy.”

  Mr. Darcy was soon by her side and after putting down the candle, he cast aside his robe, flinging it down on the bed before slipping into the bed and pulling her into his arms.

  “Have I told you how much I love you, Mrs. Darcy,” he whispered as her heart beat painfully.

  Elizabeth gazed up into the deep brown eyes. “I do not believe you have today, sir,” she told him.

  He chuckled. “Then I think I will have to show you.”

  And Elizabeth willingly gave her mind and her body up to the pleasure of her husband.

  WHEN ELIZABETH WOKE in the early hours of the morning, something felt heavy across her waist. For a moment, she couldn’t think what it was, but suddenly realised it was Mr. Darcy’s arm. It was most unusual he was still with her. After a glorious coupling he usually returned to his own bed before she woke. She quivered with pleasure at the memory of the hours they had spent together. Once again, he had shown her the utter delights that could be experienced between a loving husband and wife, and she never wanted to be parted from him. As she pushed herself back against him, Mr. Darcy moved slightly, but he did not awaken. She closed her eyes, feeling very content and was about to drift back to sleep when she thought she heard her husband speak.

  She eased herself away from his arm and rolled over to face him. “Did you say something, my dear?”

  She could just see in the gloom that her husband’s lips were moving, as if in conversation and yet she could not hear him.

  She moved a little closer.

  “Adeline…”

  Elizabeth recoiled in shock. She wondered if she’d misheard.

  Darcy’s lips were still moving, but his eyes remained closed. His voice sounded a little louder. “Adeline… I am sorry.”

  No, she had not misheard.

  Elizabeth sat up, not knowing what to do. She clung on to the sheet, hu
gging it tightly around her. How could he? It was a betrayal. Hours before she had been sated by his desire and she thought he had been too, but now she knew he had been thinking of another woman. Tears stung her eyes. It seemed her fears about Adeline Dearborn were not as misplaced as she had thought.

  5

  Elizabeth was grateful when she finally rose that she had the distraction of a visit to her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner to stem the turmoil within her. After hearing Mr. Darcy speaking in his sleep, she had laid down again, gripping onto the side of the bed so they were not touching and willed herself to sleep. It had taken some time, but eventually she had drifted into an uneasy sleep punctuated by some disturbing dreams. When she had woken again, Mr. Darcy was gone and when she came down to breakfast, she was relieved to learn that he had left the house for a meeting with his solicitor.

  Georgiana too was absent, having woken with a slight headache and decided to stay in her room until Mr. Walters, her music teacher, called. Elizabeth ate alone and was able to leave the house and travel to Cheapside where her aunt and uncle lived with no one to notice she did not quite look herself.

  Mrs. Gardiner, however, noticed at once. “Lizzy, you look a little tired,” she said as she welcomed her niece. “Have you been unwell?”

  “No, I have not, dear Aunt. I do believe it is the difference in the London air. I miss the fresh air of Pemberley,” explained Elizabeth, quickly hoping her answer would satisfy her aunt. She certainly had no intention of mentioning Miss Dearborn or the cause of her restless night. Her aunt and uncle would be distressed if they thought anything was amiss between herself and Mr. Darcy.

  “So how long are you going to be in London?” asked Mr. Gardiner as they sat down in the parlour.

  “Our plans are uncertain,” said Elizabeth, “but we expect to be here for the entire season. Georgiana is very much hoping she might find herself a husband.”

  “She is a delightful young woman,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “I have no doubt she will quickly find a suitor and be the toast of London.”

  “Well, let us hope he is not someone who will not have designs on her fortune such as Mr. Wickham,” said Mr. Gardiner bluntly.

  Mrs. Gardiner looked disapprovingly at her husband. “Mr. Gardiner, that business is in the past and nothing to do with us. I do not think you should speak of it.”

  Mr. Gardiner looked chagrined at her criticism, though being a sensible man quickly recovered himself. “You are right, my dear. I will not mention it again. Now, Lizzy, I must leave soon as I have business that needs my urgent attention, but I shall return later, hopefully before you leave.”

  Elizabeth was sorry to see him go. “I cannot stay too long today, uncle, as we have a ball to attend tonight, but Mr. Darcy is eager that you should dine with us as soon as possible.”

  Mr. Gardiner beamed with pleasure as he stood up. “A dinner invitation will be most welcome, but for now I must go. Lizzy, my dear, it is lovely to see you. Mrs. Gardiner, I will see you later.”

  Mrs. Gardiner rose too. “I will be back in a moment, Lizzy,” she said as she followed her husband out of the room.

  Elizabeth looked around her. The room was not large, but it was warm, welcoming and familiar, and she had spent many happy hours here in the past. She had always enjoyed visiting the Gardiners and being welcomed into their home. Now she was a married woman, with two homes of her own, but she was still pleased to be back. After her husband and Georgiana, there was no one she would rather spend some time with.

  She was just admiring a cross-stitch sampler that Mrs. Gardiner was working on, when her aunt returned with a maid bearing a tray with coffee and pastries. As it was not long since breakfast Elizabeth was not hungry, though a drink was welcome.

  Mrs. Gardiner dismissed the maid and set about pouring her a cup of hot bitter coffee. “Lizzy, I hope you are staying long enough to see the children. They have been asking over and over again when you would call.”

  “I would not go without seeing them,” said Elizabeth, “and I have brought them all a gift.”

  “Lizzy, you spoil them,” said Mrs. Gardiner, “Eloise and Millicent were delighted with the ribbons you sent them, and William insists on keeping your book on birds by his bed.”

  “I am glad they liked them,” said Elizabeth, who was very fond of her young cousins. “They are all growing up so quickly. No doubt I will see much change in them.”

  “You will,” admitted Mrs. Gardiner, passing a cup of steaming coffee to her. “And they have been preparing a play for you. You must come back again and see it.”

  “I will,” promised Elizabeth. She took a grateful sip of her coffee before putting down her cup and saying to her aunt, “In truth I would rather be with you this evening than attend a ball.”

  “But Lizzy, why?” asked Mrs. Gardiner as she paused, coffee pot in hand. “You have always loved dancing.”

  “Yes, I do but…” Elizabeth paused. She hadn’t meant to say anything.

  “But what?” Mrs. Gardiner’s kind face was wreathed with concern. “Is something troubling you?”

  Elizabeth sighed. It sounded so foolish to be worrying about her appearance, but she was. Yesterday it had not mattered, but now all the doubts that had been secreted at the back of her mind had come flooding back to her. She could not help remembering that Miss Dearborn was a picture of elegance. Mr. Darcy had mentioned her in his sleep. She did not know why, but it had exacerbated her fears.

  Mrs. Gardiner put down the pot. “Lizzy tell me what is wrong. You are worrying me. I have rarely seen you look so serious.”

  Elizabeth hastened to reassure her. “I’m sorry aunt. I have been wondering whether I might let Mr. Darcy down in some way. Georgiana mentioned something about me not being fashionable enough.”

  “That does not sound like Georgiana.” Mrs. Gardiner sat back in her chair. “And what prompted such a remark?”

  We were at Conklin and Brightingley yesterday buying fabric. Georgiana was trying to persuade me to buy some. I thought it unnecessary, but it seems Mr. Darcy wanted me to purchase some for a new dress. Georgiana said it was important I looked fashionable in London and that it was different from being at Pemberley.”

  She looked at her aunt waiting for a response. Mrs. Gardiner picked up the coffee pot once more and poured herself a cup, faint smile on her lips. “This is so unlike you, Lizzy. You have never worried about your appearance much in the past.”

  Elizabeth found a blush creeping into her cheeks. “I have never had to worry. Jane was always so much more beautiful than I and I never tried to compete.”

  “I never knew such foolishness was in your head,” admonished Mrs. Gardiner lightly. “Your colouring is different from Jane’s, but you are every bit as beautiful as your sister, and I am certain Mr. Darcy thinks you are more so. But your outward beauty is not nearly as important as your inner goodness. Lizzy, you are one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I know.”

  Elizabeth held her hands over her cheeks. She was sure they were fiery red as they felt hot to touch. “You flatter me, aunt, and I know it is undeserved. I am often horrified by my unworthy thoughts and occasionally by my deeds.”

  “Lizzy, that is utter nonsense.” Mrs. Gardiner’s tone was surprisingly sharp. “If you insist in talking in such a manner, I will be forced to summon a doctor to see if you are coming down with a fever.”

  The idea appalled Lizzy. She only hoped her aunt was teasing her. “I assure you, a doctor is unnecessary,” she said quickly.

  Mrs. Gardiner smiled at her. “Good, then go to the ball tonight and enjoy yourself. I have no doubt Mr. Darcy will be immensely proud to have one of the most beautiful and intelligent women in the room on his arm.”

  Elizabeth’s cheeks were still flaming. She knew her aunt was fond of her, but she had been unaware how highly she seemed to think of her character. She was not entirely convinced by her words. She knew herself too well to accept everything Mrs. Gardiner said, but it was nice that her aunt tho
ught her a good person. “Very well. I shall endeavour to enjoy myself,” she said, “though I think it is all the unattached young women who will be of interest, not myself.”

  ELIZABETH SPENT the early part of her visit talking to Mrs. Gardiner and later went upstairs to greet her younger cousins, who were in the care of their governess. She was given a rapturous welcome and requests to examine their work before reading them a story. She laughingly sought the permission of Miss Uppington, who was caring for them, before agreeing to do so and she spent a couple of hours in their company before insisting she had to leave. The children clung onto her, but Mrs. Gardiner came to see where she was and insisted they had to let her go. “Cousin Elizabeth will be back another day,” she told them firmly.

  “And I look forward to seeing your play,” said Elizabeth, who felt almost as sad at having to leave them. They really were delightful company and it was hard for her to tear herself away. She only hoped when her time came, and she had a family of her own that she was able to raise children as nice as her cousins

  Hoping to distract them from the sadness of her departure, she handed out a small parcel to each child, telling them to open them after she had left. Eager to know what was inside, they politely said farewell and she was able to leave with none of the tears which had been about to fall.

  ELIZABETH FOUND it almost as difficult to say goodbye to Mrs. Gardiner, though was grateful to know they would meet again soon.

  “Now remember to enjoy yourself tonight,” said Mrs. Gardiner, as she escorted Elizabeth to the front door. “Mr. Darcy is very proud of you.”

  Elizabeth gave a small smile. “I will. Do apologise to uncle that I could not wait to see him again.”

  “We will see you next week,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “Now go…”

  Elizabeth was sad to leave the loving home at Cheapside. For a few hours she had forgotten about her worries and she had enjoyed being with her aunt and young cousins. Now she had the evening ahead to deal with and all the doubts she had about Mr. Darcy and Adeline Dearborn. She could not help wishing she was escorting Georgiana to the ball alone, so she did not have to spend time with her husband.