A Happy Accident Read online

  “We are enduring it as best we can, Miss Bingley,” said Elizabeth. “Miss Darcy, your brother tells me you are very fond of music. I am no musician, I am afraid, but I would be delighted if we might play together sometime soon. If that is agreeable to you.”

  Before Georgiana could answer, Miss Bingley cut in again.

  “I think there is one among the party who broke many hearts when he left, was there not?” she said in a sparkling tone. “I think every lady fell madly in love with George Wickham. I believe he was even a favourite of yours at one time.”

  She beamed at Darcy, feeling sure this would strike home. How could he seriously soften towards a lady who would consider the son of his father’s servant as an ideal match? Especially a rogue who had cost him so very much. What it had cost him, Miss Bingley was not sure, but no doubt it was substantial.

  Darcy’s face whitened. He stared at Miss Bingley with a steady gaze that quelled her. A gasp came from the other side of Elizabeth. Miss Darcy glanced away and her colour was high. Miss Bingley frowned. What on earth was wrong with her? She was too young to know Wickham in any significant capacity. Perhaps she was merely upset for her brother.

  Elizabeth had gone very still. She gave Miss Bingley such a look of disdain that Miss Bingley did not know whether to be afraid or furious. Deliberately she turned away from her towards Miss Darcy.

  “Shall we play now, Miss Darcy? I do not often have an opportunity to see the newest music. If I could look at your, I would be much obliged.”

  Miss Darcy rose eagerly and hurried to the other side of the room. Elizabeth followed.

  “Miss Bingley talks a great deal, does she not?” she murmured softly to the younger girl as Miss Darcy read through the sheets with trembling hands.

  “She does,” Miss Darcy replied in a quiet voice.

  “And does not always consider the effects of her words. I think she sometimes fancies she understands a situation more than she does. She should take care. From my own experience of such people, they talk so much and say so little that it leads to others paying them no mind and not having the smallest respect for their words,” said Elizabeth. “Miss Bingley will be in the unhappy situation of having no one who listens to her or takes her seriously. But it will be entirely her own fault.”

  Georgiana slowed down her frantic scuffling through the pages. She raised her eyes to meet Elizabeth’s.

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  Elizabeth smiled and squeezed her hand. Across the room, Darcy watched them. When he saw the gesture between the two, he smiled.

  16

  It was too much! Caroline Bingley could not endure being in the drawing room a moment longer. The way Darcy and that scheming Miss Eliza smiled at one another. Why could Darcy not see what a little adventuress she was? Caroline would never for a moment believe it was just a coincidence that Elizabeth happened to be at Pemberley just as Darcy arrived. No, she knew what she was doing. Somehow, she had learned that Darcy was drawn to her and was now determined to have him for a husband.

  But why should she have him? Eliza Bennet was nothing. She had no fortune or connections to offer a man of Mr Darcy’s station. She had no style or deportment. She would embarrass him in front of all good society. Why could Darcy not see what a disaster it would be? Somehow, Caroline would have to open his eyes to it because if she did not, Darcy would find himself bound forever to a woman who brought him nothing but shame and disgrace.

  Talking about Wickham had clearly not worked. Caroline had the uncomfortable sensation that she had not endeared herself to Darcy with that little escapade. She did not see why he should think badly of her when she was not the one who had thrown herself at a dishonourable cad. Men really were such fools.

  Caroline walked down the hall and noticed the footman carrying a tray of letters. She stopped him.

  “Nothing for you, I am afraid, Miss Bingley,” he said politely. He looked at a spot over her head. Caroline had never cared for the Pemberley servants. If she were to marry Darcy, which in all justice she should, she would soon put an end to their insolence and make them fit to be seen.

  Caroline glanced down at the letters again and saw one addressed to Elizabeth. Who would write to her?

  “Ah! Miss Eliza has been concerned that she has not heard from home. She will be overjoyed to receive this letter. I shall bring it to her at once.”

  “I do not know if…”

  “Do not concern yourself. I can take it to her directly.” Caroline fixed the footman with a piercing stare. He shifted uncomfortably but he could not refuse her without making it clear he did not trust her. He had no other choice but to bow.

  Caroline turned the letter over and looked with disgust when she recognised Jane’s handwriting. The foolish girl had written the address very badly, directed to the inn at Lambton. No doubt the letter would contain nothing of interest and would just contain dull accounts of life at Longbourn but if there was something in it that might help Caroline save Darcy, she was not about to allow it to pass her by. She glanced behind her to be sure the footman had gone on his way, then slipped into an empty parlour.

  Jane had clearly been in a great hurry when she wrote the letter. Not only had she been careless about the address but she had also not sealed the latter properly. It was so loose that it would only take a little help from Caroline to release the contents. Caroline frowned. Now that she thought about it, it was rather strange from Jane to write so carelessly. She always had an elegant hand. Her heart pounded faster. Perhaps she sent news to her sister that would require her to come home at once. Elizabeth could be on the road and out of her and Darcy’s lives by the evening.

  With trembling hands, Caroline opened the seal. She pulled the letter apart and scanned the contents.

  The first page was boring titbits about who had said what in Meryton, as if anyone cared. Such self-importance about such nothing people. Leaving that dreary little place had been the best thing their party ever did. As if anyone cared what Mrs Long’s niece wore to the assembly last week. And it was not possible that the girl looked well with her thin little face. Jane Bennet was too nice to be true. Caroline hated the affectation of candour more than anything.

  She was about to fold it back up in disgust when something caught her eye.

  “Rest assured we are all well, Lizzy…”

  Jane went on to write that their sister, the youngest one, had eloped with George Wickham. Caroline rose to her feet, her eyes shining. There was no way Darcy would marry the sister of Wickham. He would not out aside his disdain for that man for anything. Once Darcy knew about the wedding, his passion of Eliza would fade in a moment. She could hug the letter with glee.

  Caroline glanced over the rest of the pages when she caught something that made her even more joyful.

  Lydia had not married Wickham at all. She had run away with him and now the pair were hiding somewhere to avoid detection. Better and better. Lydia and Eliza’s whole family disgraced. Darcy would turn Eliza from the house at once.

  Caroline carefully folded the letter again and sealed it. She composed herself to look as indifferent as always and hurried outside to find Elizabeth.

  17

  “This was my parents favourite walk,” said Darcy. He looked up at the line of oaks and smiled. “My great great grandfather planted them. My parents loved it here. They would come to be alone and read together and talk. Coming here makes me feel closer to them.”

  “Do you come here often?” Elizabeth asked.

  Darcy looked down at her.

  “Not as often as I have done before. I suppose coming here was rather painful. It reminded me of how I had lost them. But now I find I am happy to be here. I feel more contentment than I have done in years.”

  Elizabeth’s heart pounded. He spoke as though she were still dear to him. Was it possible? Could she really have such a hold over him that even after her rejection he could still love her and wish to be with her? It was hard to believe.

>   Darcy slowed his walk.

  “Miss Bennet,” he began. “You are too generous…”

  “Ah, Miss Eliza,” a cheerful voice called. Darcy stiffened and turned to look at the intruder. Caroline Bingley hurried down the walk with an enormous smile on her face.

  “I am sorry if I am interrupting,” she said. “I do hope I am not. But I know you were concerned you had not heard from your family yet so when I saw this, I knew I had to come to you at once so you could be put out of your suspense. I hope this letter will ease your mind. I recognise dear Jane’s handwriting.”

  “You did not have to go to all that trouble, Miss Bingley,” said Elizabeth in a cool voice. “You are too good but really, there was no need.”

  “Are you not keen to hear from your sister? I so thought you would be. Forgive me, shall I return it to the house…”

  “Thank you,” said Elizabeth. She held out her hand for the letter. She looked at Darcy.

  “If you will excuse me, sir, it has been several weeks since I heard from Jane. I shall require some privacy to read it.”

  “Of course,” said Darcy. His face fell but he bowed. Elizabeth gave him a last reluctant look then offered Caroline a curt nod and swept away.

  Caroline smiled at Darcy. “Shall we continue your walk?” she said.

  Darcy looked at her in a manner that suggested he was searching for a way to refuse her. Evidently he did not find one because he reluctantly offered her his arm and they walked along the path together.

  Elizabeth’s eyes were red with tears when she emerged from her room.

  “Please send for my aunt and uncle,” she instructed the first servant she saw in a choked voice. The servant looked at her in alarm and obliged.

  “How could she have been so foolish?” Elizabeth demanded. Her aunt and uncle watched as she paced the room.

  “You should calm yourself, my dear. There is no need to despair just yet. They might already be married by the time we find them. Why would Wickham take Lydia otherwise? She has nothing to offer him and she is by no means alone and friendless in the world. She is not the sort of girl a rogue would seek out.”

  “They would not need to,” said Elizabeth with clenched teeth. “Lydia is more than happy to hand herself over to anyone who flatters her vanity. Oh, do not look so shocked, Aunt. You know it is true.”

  “Sit down, Lizzy,” said Aunt Gardiner. “Remember, it is not that long since your accident. You will not help your family by doing them an injury. You must be calm.”

  “You must tell me how to do that because I cannot fathom a way. Not when our lives have been ruined by the behaviour of the most selfish girl who ever lived.”

  She turned to face them.

  “We must leave at once. I cannot be easy here.”

  “The physician said you should not travel.”

  “That was a few days ago. And he said I must be calm, did he not? The only way for me to be calm is to know I will soon be with my family. Please, Aunt and Uncle. Make arrangements for us to leave at once. I am begging you.”

  Mr and Mrs Gardiner exchanged looks. Mr Gardiner sighed.

  “I think it is for the best,” he admitted. “I cannot be easy knowing my brother is searching for Lydia alone. I can be with him in London and assist him. And Lizzy has been well, my dear. If you are uneasy, we can stop at various towns and a physician can see her.”

  “Exactly. Not that we will need it. I feel perfectly well,” said Elizabeth.

  Mrs Gardiner looked at her reluctantly as though taking the measure of her determination. Whatever she saw there made her sigh.

  “Very well. But if you feel any discomfort, Lizzy, any headaches, you are to tell us at once. Do you agree?”

  “I agree. Thank you, Aunt.” Elizabeth sighed. “I shall have to inform Mr Darcy.”

  “I can do that if you prefer,” said Mr Gardiner.

  Elizabeth considered it for a moment but she shook her head. “It should come from me. He saved my life, after all. He deserves that much at least.”

  As she turned to go, Aunt Gardiner stood up and put an arm around her.

  “You will see him again,” she promised. “This is only temporary.”

  Elizabeth turned to her aunt. She saw the understanding and sympathy in her eyes. Elizabeth found she could not bring herself to argue with her and deny her feelings. She merely nodded and left the room.

  “Miss Bennet.” Darcy rose at once from his chair behind his desk in his study when Elizabeth was shown in. “Is all well with you? I did not see you at dinner. I was told you wished to be alone with your aunt and uncle. Is it your head? Can I get you anything? I was about to come to your room.”

  Elizabeth smiled and shook her head.

  “You are too good, sir. More than I deserved, considering…” She drew a breath. “Well, there is no point in going in to all that now.” She raised her eyes to look at him. “Sir, I am afraid we must leave at once for Longbourn.”

  Darcy stared at her as though he did not comprehend her words. He came around from behind his desk and raised his hands. Elizabeth’s breath caught. For a moment she thought he was going to reach for her. But his hands fell to his side.

  “Have you received bad news from home?” he asked. “If you have, I will do all in my power to help you. You must be assured of that.”

  Elizabeth gave a wry, sad little smile. “You should perhaps consider what the trouble is before you make such an offer, sir,” she said. She bit her lip as she felt the rush of emotion threaten to overpower her again. When she had composed herself, she saw Darcy was looking at her with such tender concern it almost threatened to undo her. Perhaps she should have allowed her uncle to take care of this.

  “My youngest sister has eloped. She has left her family and betrayed us all. And she has done it for none other than George Wickham.”

  Elizabeth stared at the floor as she spoke. Darcy said nothing. She raised her eyes enough to see his shirt but that gave no clues to how he responded. She raised her eyes even more to see him white as a sheet.

  “You are certain?” he asked.

  Elizabeth nodded. “Quite certain. Colonel Forster wrote to my parents. They cannot find her anywhere.”

  “And what is being done to recover her?”

  “My father is in London but what can he do alone? My uncle needs to go to him to help him. But we know they are not married. They did not go to Gretna Green. You know better than anyone what sort of man Wickham is. Neither of us can believe he will marry her.”

  Darcy did not respond but she saw the small nod of his head.

  “I will not delay you,” he said. “I am sure you will wish to be on your way as early as possible in the morning. If there is anything you need, I will provide it for you.”

  “Thank you,” said Elizabeth faintly. Darcy was walking away from her towards his desk. His face was grave and remote. His actions made it very clear. He wished to remove himself from her presence. Well, she could not blame him.

  “And thank you for all you have done for me and my family,” she added.

  Darcy looked up at her. He gave a curt nod.

  “There is no need to thank me.”

  Elizabeth paused. Her heart felt like lead within her. How terrible that she should feel like she had never loved him more now that they were parting and would never see one another again.

  “Goodbye, Mr Darcy,” she said. The words had a dreadful finality to them.

  “Goodbye, Miss Bennet.”

  His felt even worse.

  18

  Caroline Bingley pressed herself into the alcove as Elizabeth left Darcy’s study. The door had been left open slightly for the sake of propriety and it had allowed her to hear just enough of what was said. She hugged herself with glee. Even she had not expected Darcy to be so cold and formal with Eliza. He clearly had not loved her as much as he believed. And in the end, she had not had to do anything at all. Elizabeth’s terrible family and Darcy’s weak feelings had done all t
he work for her.

  Caroline was about to leave to rejoin her sister and Georgiana in the drawing room when another set of footsteps came down the hall. Caroline pressed herself back into the alcove again just as her brother passed her by. He entered Darcy’s study. The door was slightly ajar. Caroline crept forward to listen.

  “Why are you hiding down here all alone, Darcy? I thought you had put all that nonsense behind you,” said Charles cheerfully. “What is it? You don’t look like yourself.”

  “I am afraid Miss Bennet has received bad news about her family,” said Darcy.

  Charles gasped. “Not Miss Jane Bennet? Tell me she is well?”

  “It does not concern Miss Jane Bennet,” said Darcy in a terse voice. “The matter concerns another of her sisters. Miss Bennet and her aunt and uncle will leave for Hertfordshire at once.”

  “I am terribly sorry to hear that. I was enjoying their company. Is there anything I can do to help them?”

  “Not at all, but I will ask you to help me. I must go away at once. Can you stay here in my stead with your sisters and mine? I promised Georgiana she could stay here for the month. I will return but I do not know when it will be.”

  Caroline tensed at that. Where was he going?

  “Of course. I am happy to help. You have not received news of your own?”

  “It is not about me. I think I may have the means to assist Miss Bennet but it requires my presence in London. I will not be satisfied until I have done all in my power to help her.”

  There was a long silence. When Charles spoke again, there was a warm note in his voice.

  “I always suspected you had feelings for her, you know. I saw how often you looked at her. Do you love her?”

  Though Caroline strained her ears, Darcy did not respond. After some silence, he said something about leaving instructions for the care of Pemberley for Bingley to see to in his absence.