AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Darcy could not recall ever being so aware of another person being in the same place as him. Netherfield was a substantial property with dozens of rooms and yards and yards of corridors, and yet Darcy was convinced that he knew where Elliot Bennet was at any given time. The whole situation was puzzling in the extreme and Darcy was not quite sure how he should respond to it. This in itself was an issue as Darcy was always clear about how he should behave—it was one of his defining characteristics.
It was mid-morning, breakfast long since over, though Elliot had not joined them and had instead taken his meal with his brother, and Darcy found himself pacing around the drawing room. He was alone, Charles having disappeared to talk to the head gardener, and the Bingley sisters having taken a post breakfast walk—on the insistence of Eleanor who seemed to walk almost as much as Darcy did. Darcy was trying to decide what he should do with himself given his current situation of almost unlimited leisure time. When at Pemberley he had some responsibilities, though most were handled by a competent staff who oversaw his properties and his holdings, but he was required to review them when at home and he enjoyed doing so, as it gave him purpose. When travelling he endeavoured to explore new areas and learn what he could about the history and sciences of the area and took pleasure and satisfaction from that. He did not feel like leaving the house today to look for new flora or fauna or interesting geographical features, so instead had taken to pacing.
Eventually, tired of thinking about what Elliot might be doing—he was surely still upstairs with his brother so why was he so concerned about it—Darcy took a seat at the desk beneath the bay window and began a series of letters, including one to his sister. He missed Georgiana greatly when away, but after a difficult summer last year, she was settled and content at Pemberley for now, and Darcy did not want to interfere with that just yet. He had left her in the capable hands of her companions, but she insisted he keep her up to date with any news and gossip and so Darcy began her letter just as the Bingley sisters entered the room.
“Darcy,” Miss Bingley proclaimed. “Had we known you were ensconced in here we would have come sooner!”
Darcy could only be grateful that their knowledge had been lacking. “You enjoyed your walk?” he asked.
“Indeed, we met up with Charles on the way. He will be here directly.”
Charles arrived a moment later, looking quite satisfied with himself. With his newfound awareness Darcy had a moment’s notice before Elliot Bennet came into view. The other man was dressed as plainly as ever but there was something about his appearance which Darcy found quite delightful.
What was it, damn it?
And why should it make him feel this way?
“Jack is resting,” Bingley explained as he ushered Elliot into the room. “I have therefore convinced Elliot to take in some fresh air and company.”
“The air in Jack’s room is very fresh now you have delivered dozens of flowers,” Elliot said, smiling up at Bingley.
Bingley grinned. “The advantages of a hot house!”
Abruptly, Darcy found himself envying Bingley’s charm and ease of manner. It was not the first time he had felt such envy, but he knew it to be due entirely to Elliot’s smile and that irritated him.
“Are we interrupting you?” Charles asked when he noticed the writing materials.
“A letter to Georgiana,” Darcy said. “I am very nearly finished.”
“How delighted Miss Darcy will be to receive such a letter!” Caroline Bingley said.
Darcy made no answer, as he was aware now that Elliot had taken a seat at one of the chaises next to the bay window. It gave an uncommonly good view of the front aspect of Netherfield and the columns of trees that flanked the sweeping driveway.
Miss Bingley did not sit but came and stood next to the desk. “You write uncommonly fast,” she said.
Darcy held back a sigh. He did not dislike Caroline Bingley exactly, but it was true to say that were she not related to Charles, and such a friend to his sister, that they would not be spending time together with any regularity.
“You are mistaken. I write rather slowly.”
“How many letters you must have occasion to write in the course of a year!” she said. “Letters of business, too! How odious I should think them!”
“It is fortunate, then, that they fall to my lot instead of to yours.”
“Pray tell your sister that I long to see her.”
“I have already told her so once, by your desire in my last letter.”
Miss Bingley nodded at that and leaned over the desk where Darcy was attempting to finish up his letter. “How can you contrive to write so even?”
Darcy decided it best not to answer her and encourage further comments. He was mistaken though if he thought that his silence would have that effect.
“Tell your sister I am delighted to hear of her improvement on the harp, and pray let her know that I am quite in raptures with her beautiful little design for a table, though I am sure she could have commissioned one of the local omegas to design it for her!”
“Will you give me leave to defer your raptures till I write again?” Darcy asked. “At present I have not room to do them justice.”
“Oh, it is of no consequence. I shall see her soon. But do you always write such charming long letters to her, Mr. Darcy?”
“They are generally long,” Darcy said. “But whether always charming, it is not for me to determine.”
