Miss Darcy was more animated than she had been previously, though she confined her attention to her cousin. Bingley began to talk of his and Mr Darcy’s estate visit the next day, and the colonel evidently overheard something of it.
“Oh yes, I had heard you were looking for a new estate. I did not know it was in this county.”
Bingley nodded, but it was Jane who responded. “We did not choose Derbyshire particularly. We have seen half a dozen or more since leaving town. We are making our way to Scarborough, to see my husband’s family.”
“We were nearby when I received notice from my agent about two prospects close to Pemberley. I knew at once we had to see them, and I wrote to Darcy about staying with him. What a happy coincidence that the estate we like best is the one closest to his!” Bingley said.
Turning to Elizabeth, Colonel Fitzwilliam asked, “And you decided to accompany them rather than return to Hertfordshire?” His voice hinted at disapproval.
“I did.” Elizabeth sipped her wine, refusing to say more.
“We insisted, did we not, my dear?” Bingley said. Jane nodded, and he went on to explain that Elizabeth would live with them. “Until some fortunate gentleman takes her from us. I told you we had a very pleasant visit with Grey, did I not, Darcy? Do you know him, Colonel? We stayed a week with him. There is nothing to fault in his estate. The situation is just what it should be, the house and grounds lovely and well-maintained.” He laughed. “I have had my mind turned to purchasing a property for so long, I view them all by such measures now. If Graystone Manor had been on the list of possibilities, I would have put in an offer immediately. One could not help but be happy there. I am in no rush for Lizzy to marry, but I do not believe we shall have her with us for very long.” He winked at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth wished she could sink into the floor. She was too mortified to look at her companions, but she knew several sets of eyes were on her. Jane spoke, but her voice sounded remote.
“Bingley, you ought not to tease Lizzy. You know it might give people the wrong impression.”
“Is she engaged to Mr Grey?” Miss Darcy whispered to her cousin.
Elizabeth imagined she was not supposed to hear the remark; nevertheless, she looked at the girl and shook her head, not knowing whether Miss Darcy would take it as a response to her question but finding it difficult to give a firmer response.
I expect it disappoints her,she thought bitterly. She would not need to worry that her brother and I might marry if I had accepted another man’s proposal.
“The estate the Bingleys favour is not twenty miles from here. Bingley has asked me for my impression of it, thus our visit tomorrow.” Mr Darcy’s deep voice carried an edge of challenge.
Colonel Fitzwilliam kept his gaze fixed on him for a long moment before again attending to his dinner.
Elizabeth refused to listen to any more of the conversation. Instead, she ate as much of her meal as possible, afterwards retiring for the night, making a vague excuse. She doubted anyone believed her.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Elizabeth was not sure whether going to Larch Lane with Bingley and Mr Darcy would be better or worse than remaining at Pemberley with Miss Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. If Jane had wanted to accompany the gentlemen, Elizabeth would have gone, but Jane had made the decision to remain behind, clearly unaware how uncomfortable Elizabeth would be around the colonel. Elizabeth had not told her about her encounters with the gentleman in town, and Jane knew Viscount Bramwell was pleasant to her; thus she believed the same was true of his brother. The truth came out when the two ladies spoke before breakfast.
“I am glad not to spend so much time in the carriage today,” Jane confessed as the sisters took a slow stroll through the gardens. “Once we are done with our business in the neighbourhood, it will be a long journey still to Scarborough.”
“I am sure the day will pass agreeably. Miss Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have each other for company. Likely weshall not see them all morning, and I need not worry about talking to them.”
“What do you mean?”
The confusion in Jane’s voice warned Elizabeth that she had said more than she meant to. She made light of the matter but admitted that, “When the colonel and I first met, we had many engaging conversations, but when we saw each other in town, it was the exact opposite. He treats me with suspicion, though what he thinks I shall do, I have no notion.”
Jane made a noise suggesting she found that disappointing. “I do not understand why your situation with Mr Darcy should influence how anyone acts. You and he are not engaged, and there is no question of it. You have done nothing to make any of that family believe you will attempt to persuade him—or his sister—that he should marry you.”
Elizabeth linked her arm with her sister’s. “You need not convince me that I do not deserve his present disdain. I am content to avoid him and Miss Darcy. I hope Bingley can make a decision about Larch Lane today. Once he has, I believe it would be best if we leave. Do you think we could devise an excuse to satisfy your husband? Our presence is evidently worrying Miss Darcy.”
And I do not know how much more of this oppressive atmosphere I can bear!
“Yes, of course, Lizzy. Is it very difficult to be here?”
“No, not at all.” It was a prevarication; it was increasingly painful to see Mr Darcy and not remember how much she cared for him, but no good was served by telling Jane how she really felt. “Shall we return indoors? What will you do after breakfast? I am considering taking a long walk across the park, but I do not think you will want to go that far.”
Jane said she would not and indicated a desire to rest. “Imight sit with Mrs Annesley. You should take your walk. You have not had enough exercise to satisfy yourself of late, and you will regret it if you do not. Who knows when there will be another occasion once we leave Pemberley?”
Elizabeth was returning to the house from her walk when she came across Miss Darcy, who was sitting on a bench, ostensibly sketching. Elizabeth could not be certain, but from the glimpse she managed, the page looked empty. She was content to nod and continue into the house, but Miss Darcy virtually leapt to her feet and blocked her way.
“Will you marry Mr Grey?” She spoke quickly, as though she had been waiting to ask and was grasping at an opportunity that might not come again.
“I do not know. He has not asked me, and I would not like to assume he ever will.”
