Page 50 of Her Whole Heart
He helped her to sit and then took the chair across from her, absorbing her frank declaration before dipping his chin. “You are most discerning,Miss Elizabeth. Indeed, I came to you in hopes that we might move to mitigate any undue speculation about the incident.”
“Undue speculation?” she inquired, arching one brow.
Mr. Darcy’s mouth took on a familiar grim line as he regarded her.
“My sister is bearing up admirably, but you can well imagine that the gossips are portraying matters in a rather unflattering way. I do not believe your reputation or that of my sister has been tarnished yet, but there is talk about the way I assisted you from the street as well as Georgiana’s state of mind.”
Elizabeth was mildly amused that Mr. Darcy did not mention his own reputation. Gossip so very rarely blamed the man for anything. “I see.” Absently, she worried her bottom lip. “And you believe that by solidifying a connection between our families, we might counter the meanest of the slander? That if the families are known to be friends, it would not be so scandalous that I rushed to Georgiana’s aid or that you came to mine?”
The slight canting of his brow told her that she had understood his purpose.
“We have already made strides there, Mr. Darcy,” Lady Carlisle interjected as she examined her embroidery perhaps too closely. “To protect Elizabeth, she must be made untouchable. We shall simply include your sister in the scheme. Elizabeth has already mentioned wishing to invite Miss Darcy to tea with her friends. Although she is not out, it would be best if she attended.”
For all Elizabeth’s initial trepidation about living with an earl and a countess, the Carlisles had proven to be true allies. They might have made a fuss about Mr. Bingley, as he was not a gentleman in the literal sense of owning property, but they saw how much Jane liked him and, after making some subtle inquiries about him, had offered their quiet support. She didnot believe a Mr. Bingley would otherwise be allowed to enter Carlisle House for a social call, and yet he was a regular visitor now.
Elizabeth chuckled a little under her breath as she toyed with her sleeve. “As you see, Mr. Darcy, Lady Carlisle has everything well in hand. I suppose I ought to begin speaking of Mr. Darcy as my closest confidante and dearest friend?”
“Really, Elizabeth,” Lady Carlisle chastised. But she smiled as she said it. She appeared to be enjoying herself. “Elevating the association between the Darcy and Carlisle families will effectively counter any malicious gossip, particularly when we mention Lord Carlisle’s friendship with Lord Matlock. I was also a friend of Mr. Darcy’s mother Lady Anne, and that ought to be enough to fix the idea of a deep connection in the ton’s imaginations.”
“And how shall we explain the insult away?” Elizabeth asked. “Would my dearest friend lay such a charge at my feet?”
“He was concerned you were taking advantage of us. Lord Carlisle simply informed Mr. Darcy that he was wrong.”
Elizabeth tipped her head in confirmation. Lady Carlisle had thought of everything. “Very well, then. I shall endeavour to explain the Carlisle family’s long friendship with the Darcy scion.” Her mouth tugged up at one corner. “Mr. Darcy, I have counted you among my very dearest and most valued friends from almost the moment we met.”
“That is doing it a bit brown,” Amelia said with a laugh, her head still bent to her work.
“Language, Amelia,” Lady Carlisle warned.
“Yes, Aunt.”
“Our association,” Mr. Darcy said with a smile, “shall be reckoned among my most cherished, Miss Elizabeth.”
Her own smile widened. “The Carlisles and the Darcys have long had an accord, after all. It would be remiss of me to hold a grudge for a few careless words in the face of this ancient and worthy relationship.”
Even Lady Carlisle had to smother a little laugh.
Mr. Darcy regarded her for a time in thoughtful silence. “I would be pleased, more than I can properly convey, to call you my friend, Miss Elizabeth.”
He did not sound as though he was joking now. Despite everything, Elizabeth was not built for acrimony or sorrow. She inclined her head with a gracious warmth and said truthfully, “As would I, Mr. Darcy.”
Chapter Sixteen
Darcy’s carriage came to a halt near a set of large, heavy, wrought iron gates, which two men inside were already opening. As they waited, Fitz drummed his fingers against the bench, and Georgiana gazed out her window at the edifice and stifled a gasp. And well she should, for Carlisle House was not merely grand, it was enormous. Through Darcy’s connection with his Fitzwilliam family, he had visited the residences of several dukes, and this building was only slightly less impressive in both craftsmanship and sheer size. Because it was so old, both the house and the land belonged to the earldom, a rarity in London, even for peers.
They passed through the open gates and arrived before the house. Fitz remained inside, and Darcy descended with a studied grace, schooling his features into a mask of polite reserve. He had always worked to maintain a polished veneer, at least, and he hoped that the tension in his shoulders did not give him away.
He assisted Georgiana as she stepped out of the coach, her bottom lip caught between her teeth as she cast him an apprehensive look from beneath her bonnet’s brim.
“Brother, I am not certain I wish to be in company today,” she whispered. “What will I do if the other ladies are not as kind as the Miss Bennets and Miss Hamilton? I would not wish to humiliate myself again.”
Darcy had the same concern. He wished to take his sister home, where he could be certain she was safe, but that would not help her. Instead, he attempted nonchalance. “There is a substantial yard and a gate between the house and the road, Georgiana. You will not get far.”
His sister’s eyes widened, and for a moment he was afraid she would burst into tears. But instead, a hand flew up to her mouth and she laughed.
It was a cheering sound, and Darcy took her gloved hands between his, giving them a reassuring squeeze. “I trust Miss Elizabeth, Georgiana. She will help you along, and I have every confidence that you will find both acceptance and friendship here.”
His sister hesitated before she managed a tremulous smile. “I shall endeavour to comport myself with all the grace and dignity you and Mrs. Ketterman have instilled in me. I promise.”
