CHAPTER SIXTEEN
When Darcy first discovered that Elizabeth was in town, Fitzwilliam was off in the North. Darcy had hoped to talk to his cousin about it before Georgiana told him, but it was not to be. As they were about to depart to Grosvenor Square for dinner with their family, Georgiana revealed that Fitzwilliam had unexpectedly called earlier, during Darcy’s absence. No doubt she had mentioned Elizabeth to their cousin.
Fitzwilliam will have a thing or two to say about it,Darcy reflected. Frustration and anger coursed through him at the thought.
Nothing of note happened during the meal, which suggested to Darcy that the earl and countess had not yet heard that Elizabeth was staying with the Bingleys. As far as he knew, only he and Bramwell were aware that she and he had been at the same dinner party and ball and that he had danced with her. The way gossip spread, especially when it involved encounters between an eligible gentleman such ashimself and unmarried ladies, soon others in his family would hear about him seeing Elizabeth.
Fitzwilliam kept a steady, steely gaze on him, but they said no more than a few inconsequential words to each other, and Darcy hoped to escape the house unscathed; there would be another occasion to listen to his cousin recount all the reasons he must avoid Elizabeth.
As soon after dinner as he deemed polite, Darcy announced that he and Georgiana would leave. “The days are still rather short, and?—”
“Good idea, Darcy,” Fitzwilliam said. “You will not object to me keeping you company. There is a small matter I would like to discuss with you.”
“What an excellent notion. I am at liberty, and I believe I have a thing or two to contribute to the conversation.” Bramwell grinned at his brother, who looked irritated.
“I wish you boys would not be mysterious.” Lady Romsley regarded them each in turn, her brow arched.
“Leave them be, my dear, unless you want to hear about whatever mischief they are planning. I trust it is nothing to worry your mother, is it?” The earl fixed his gaze on first Bramwell then Fitzwilliam.
“No, sir, not on my part. I dare not answer for him.” Bramwell poked a finger in Fitzwilliam’s direction.
Lady Romsley fussed over Georgiana for several minutes, going so far as to wave away the servant and help her with her coat. She then patted Darcy’s cheek and said, “You are looking thin. I do not like it. Perhaps my sons can help you enjoy yourself a little more—cheer you up.”
“Do not worry yourself, Mother. I shall keep an eye on him, now that I am back,” Fitzwilliam said, again giving Darcy a pointed look.
His cousin and he had come to blows while arguing about Elizabeth in the autumn. Darcy wondered whether they would repeat the performance.
Georgiana went to her apartment immediately upon their arrival at Berkeley Square. She had been quiet all evening, and Darcy assumed it was because she expected Fitzwilliam to speak to him, perhaps even berate him, for making her visit Mrs Bingley and inadvertently see Elizabeth. Darcy had no intention of apologising for it. The ladies already knew each other, they had been well on their way to becoming close friends in Derbyshire, and Darcy had been entirely unaware Elizabeth was in town.
Once the three men were alone in the drawing room, Fitzwilliam said, “Were you intending to tell me Elizabeth Bennet is in London?”
They sat across from each other on matching sofas. Bramwell poured them all glasses of wine, then sat in a chair that allowed him to view both his brother and cousin easily.
“When exactly would I have had the opportunity to inform you?”
“You might have written to me,” Fitzwilliam insisted.
Darcy took a slow sip, which helped to keep his temper even. “It did not occur to me. It has been only a week since I learnt she was staying with the Bingleys.” He hated the note of defence in his voice and took a larger mouthful of wine, if only to stop himself from saying something he would later regret. His anger at the situation simmered beneath the surface of his being, ready to erupt at any moment.
“Have you seen her elsewhere, not just at Bingley’s?” Fitzwilliam’s tone was demanding.
“Tell me, why do you believe you have the right to question what I do, especially in such an accusatory manner?” Darcy asked.
“He is acting as though he were your father, is he not? I find it quite amusing.” Bramwell guffawed.
“Your interference is making the situation worse!” Fitzwilliam hissed at his brother.
“Interesting. I rather believe thatyoursis,” the viscount said.
Not wanting to listen to them bicker further, Darcy said, “Let us be clear. It ismybusiness whom I speak to or even dance with. And yes, I have seen Elizabeth twice beyond the day Georgiana and I called on Mrs Bingley.”
Fitzwilliam ran his hands over his face. “Darcy…”
“I agreed not to propose to her, did I not?” Darcy interjected. “I never said I would cut her every time we happened to be in the same place.”
“I for one see no harm in you exchanging a few pleasant words with her,” Bramwell said. “Spending even a short time with a pretty, charming young woman certainly improves the usual ball or dinner party. I would never attend one again if I could not do so.”
Fitzwilliam gave him a contemptuous look, and he let out an exasperated breath. Darcy used his glass to hide a chuckle. Usually it was Bramwell who irritated him and Fitzwilliam who acted as the reasonable one. It was amusing the see the situation reversed, and he appreciated Bramwell attempting to calm the situation. Perhaps he would even speak in favour of Elizabeth. She had mentioned them meeting, and Darcy was certain his cousin would like her. How he wanted to speak tohim of her, ask his impressions and what they had said to each other! Yet, Darcy was also unwilling to talk of her with anyone who might remind him that he could not pursue her—as Fitzwilliam obviously intended to do.
