Page 64 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Though her tone was lighthearted, her worrying at her lower lip made him think Miss Elizabeth also felt concern, and he felt desperate to put her at ease.
“I can assure you I am quite satisfied with the acquaintance.” Darcy motioned at the blanket where their younger sisters sat together. “She is laughing. I had never thought to see her so joyous. There are no words I can think of that express—”
It felt natural when Miss Elizabeth placed a hand on his arm. Once she had removed it, Darcy lowered his forearm out of sight below the table to rub away the tingling sensation that came with the lack of her touch—so much less pleasant than was the sensation when her fingers were upon his person.
“Perhaps you will not need to seek a position after all,” Miss Lucas posited, not being shy to hint that the two of them were a possible match.
Damn, but Miss Lucas could see what he thought he concealed. Though he blushed, Darcy did not lower his head. He observed Miss Elizabeth, whose eyes were so expressive, to glean her thoughts on that very idea.
“I cannot think why you say so, Charlotte. I have great hope that we will both find work in the same house or, perhaps, at the same school. You are the sister of my heart.”
“I wonder if one can have too many sisters?”
“Never. Though I would not trade any of our sisters or you as my friend so close as one, I would have liked a brother. Then, we could keep Longbourn. Our mother would never know such anxiety.”
“I may not be able to grant you a brother, but that does not mean I cannot aid your intentions,” said Darcy. “I patron a school near Pemberley in Derbyshire. If you find this path necessary, I shall hand the running of the school and its instructions to you. Of course, you would live at Pemberley, and a coach would be at your disposal. The estate provides the supplies, and the structure is in good repair. It was important to my mother that all children close to our estate learn to read, no matter their social standing.”
Darcy prayed he had not overstepped or pushed too hard. He found he was unable to reconcile himself to the thought of Miss Elizabeth being somewhere adrift, working for a man who did not treat those whom he employed well, or worse…how significantly worse, dangerous even.
“That is a very generous offer,” Miss Lucas said.
Darcy knew great relief in having Miss Lucas take his part. Maybe this was the path to make certain Miss Elizabeth did not slip away before he knew what he wanted their future to be, or if it even was to be a future they might together claim.
Darcy met Miss Lucas’s eyes, hoping to convey his appreciation. He saw her glance at Miss Elizabeth. The question of whether or not he had intentions toward her friend was obvious. But it was too soon to claim anything beyond the need to secure her safety.
In seeing Miss Lucas’s satisfaction, Darcy recognized the significance ofnotdenying his having intentions toward Miss Elizabeth. To those who knew him, his silence would have spoken volumes. He had made no conscious decision to pursueMiss Elizabeth, but he was inordinately pleased that Miss Lucas recognized his consideration of the possibility.
It seemed to him he had a co-conspirator, someone who would help him with his cause. He could tell Miss Lucas wanted Miss Elizabeth in service even less than he did, though they both understood the practicality of Miss Elizabeth’s plan. He suspected Miss Lucas did not consider a marriage herself, but he would not do her such a disservice. He found Miss Lucas no less a surprise than Miss Elizabeth. He also had a staid disposition, and he suspected Miss Lucas would be better paired with someone like Bingley.
“I do not believe it will come to that. My sister will soon have her first Season. I cannot but think she would dread it less with you beside her. Should you agree, you would enjoy the same events as Georgiana. If you find a husband, Miss Lucas, nothing would please me more, so long as he is a man of good character and would endeavor to deserve you.”
“My days of husband-catching are long behind me. But I do thank you for my share of the favor, Mr. Darcy,” Miss Lucas said with just the merest hint of bitterness.
“I think any man would be lucky to claim you as his wife,” Miss Elizabeth said, her indignation over Miss Lucas’s denial quick to the fore.
Darcy agreed with Miss Elizabeth, though he kept those thoughts to himself. His first moment in company with Miss Lucas was when she assisted him through his visceral response to the sight of Miss Elizabeth. She had done so without being obtrusive, helping him collect himself when so many others would not have noticed his disorientation.
“You would do me a great favor. I would, of course, purchase you a wardrobe of such expense that you will fit amongst the ladies at every event we attend. I am certain I would know the envy ofthe tonin escorting the three of you. A brotheroverseeing his sister’s debut season is at a disadvantage. He cannot go everywhere a lady might. Knowing the lengths men go to in their efforts to wed an heiress? Your being in the company of my sister would have me in your debt.”
Darcy named more reasons, unable to stop adding how gratified he would be for this instance and that one. Harder was keeping all his selfish reasons to himself.
“I will answer for us both and accept. I prefer to see our Eliza happily wed rather than a spinster. I, however, will be pleased to take the position of a school matron after your sister is betrothed,” Miss Lucas said.
“Perhaps, rather than what is improbable or impossible, we might instead discuss what our sisters plot,” Miss Elizabeth said, speaking with some elevation of tone so the four could hear, then watched them giggle themselves into raucous laughter.
“Why, we speak of you marrying my brother, Miss Elizabeth. Then I can have my friends with me often at Pemberley. To have Miss Kitty, Miss Mary, Miss Maria, and Miss Lydia beside me when I come out,” Georgiana said with an air of nonchalance.
Darcy’s cheeks burned, but he liked his sister’s plan, even if she said it in jest.
“I am now quite sympathetic to a gentleman’s plight when others plan his life, Mr. Darcy,” Miss Elizabeth said with a droll glance his way.
Lydia’s Boldness is to Miss Bingley’s Advantage
“La, Miss Bingley, I have held my tongue just so long as I am able. I must demand you tell me what led you to choose thisghastlycolor,” Lydia exclaimed.
“Pardon?” Miss Bingley spluttered.
“Your wardrobe wears you, the choice too bold and wrong in color for you.”
