Only Mr. Darcy Will Do (18 page)

Elizabeth quietly stepped into the hall. Darcy looked up at her, exasperation and exhaustion etched in his features.

Looking back down at Rosalyn, he said, “While that may be true, my presence will speak more to them of my concern and give them more reassurance than any of my servants would give.”

“But certainly…”

Elizabeth came alongside her and gently placed her hand on Miss Matthews’s arm, giving it a soft squeeze. “We understand your concern for your tenants. Please be careful out there, Mr. Darcy.”

His eyes met hers, and he let out a soft sigh. “Thank you, Miss Bennet. I shall make every endeavour to keep life and limb—my own and those of my tenants—safe.” With a quick bow, he quickly turned to the door and stepped out.

Rosalyn let out a soft huff, but before she could express her frustration to Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy’s cousin and friend approached. Noticing the two young ladies, Mr. Hamilton looked at them with a playful smile. “Has old man Noah come this way yet?”

Rosalyn narrowed her eyes at him. “Who?”

Elizabeth chuckled. “He means Mr. Darcy, I believe, who is going to lead his tenants two by two into the ark—Pemberley—to save them from the flood!”

Mr. Hamilton acknowledged her with a nod of his head. “You know your Bible stories, Miss Bennet.”

“Yes,” she replied. “Noah—
Mr. Darcy
—just stepped out.”

With the briefest of bows, the two men then left.

“I know the story of Noah’s Ark,” Rosalyn protested, her arms folded tightly in front of her. “I just did not know what he was talking about.”

Elizabeth sighed softly. “Mr. Hamilton is one who enjoys making light of even a difficult situation.”

“Whereas Mr. Darcy can be so very serious.” Rosalyn let out a mournful sigh. “And so very stubborn!”

“About certain things I am sure he is.”

“I do not understand what is taking him so long to give me assurances of his affection. He has certainly had sufficient opportunity. Goodness, we only have two weeks here. What is he waiting for? Certainly he cannot doubt my regard for him and my devotion to his sister.”

“Roslyn, he is his own master as well as Pemberley’s Master. If that is his design, he will do it in his own time.”

“Well, I am getting quite impatient with the man.”

Elizabeth suddenly had an image in her mind of Caroline Bingley and wondered if this was what always happened to a woman who pursued a man like Mr. Darcy. She could only hope it would not happen to her!

The two ladies each went their own separate ways. Elizabeth retrieved her book of Cowper’s poems, bringing it back to the playroom. She looked forward to reading more of this great poet’s verse.

Throughout the morning, Elizabeth stepped out from the playroom and looked down the hall. They were just down from the north wing, where the tenants were going to be housed. On several occasions she saw servants going through the large door that cordoned off that wing, carrying linens and supplies for the tenants who would be coming.

Elizabeth wondered how Miss Darcy was faring in the midst of this. On one of those occasions when she stepped out, she encountered the young girl herself, dissolved in a pool of tears.

“Miss Darcy!” Elizabeth rushed over to her and put her arm about her. “What has happened? What is wrong?”

Miss Darcy shook her head, unable to say anything.

“May I help you with something?” Elizabeth asked.

Miss Darcy took several deep breaths and finally, in a whimpering voice, said, “I am trying to do my best, and I am making every attempt to like her for my brother’s sake, but she is questioning everything I do.”

“Who is?” asked Elizabeth.

Miss Darcy wiped her eyes. “I know she is only trying to help me, but I think I know what is best!”

Elizabeth shook her head in confusion. “Are you speaking of Mrs. Willstone?”

Miss Darcy waved her hand in the air. “No, no. It is Miss Matthews. I just came from the sitting room upstairs, telling her all that I… we… have done.” A look of pained distress filled her eyes. “I am sorry. I should not have said anything.”

Elizabeth closed her eyes in compassion at what the young girl must have experienced. Not only had Rosalyn challenged Mr. Darcy’s decision to go himself to assist his tenants, she now had distressed his sister. “Miss Darcy, you know Pemberley and you know your tenants. Miss Matthews may be trying to be of assistance, but you must do what
you
believe is right.”

After a few shaky breaths, Miss Darcy said, “I confess that I have a difficult time saying
no
to people. When Miss Matthews tells me what she thinks I ought to do, even though I know it is not prudent, I still cannot say
no
to her.”

“Perhaps,” Elizabeth gently suggested, “you can merely thank Miss Matthews for any advice she offers and tell her that you will consider it. Then you may proceed in any manner you deem best. That way you do not have to actually say
no
to her.”

Miss Darcy looked up at Elizabeth and said very softly, “That is very sound advice. Thank you.” She wiped her eyes with her handkerchief. “Many times I feel as though I will hurt someone’s feelings if I say no. I once found myself in a very… perilous situation because I could not say
no
.”

Elizabeth’s heart lurched in understanding, more than the young girl could even comprehend. She knew Miss Darcy likely was referring to the time she came so very close to eloping with George Wickham.

Elizabeth wrapped an arm about Miss Darcy’s shoulders with tender affection. “We all learn from our mistakes, do we not? And hopefully our weaknesses will develop into positive strengths.”

That prompted an appreciative smile from Miss Darcy.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Elizabeth asked. She then laughed as she added, “And I promise not to give you any unwanted advice.”

“You are very kind, Miss Bennet. I know that Mrs. Reynolds is working with our staff to address their physical needs, but many of these tenants are emotionally weary. Mrs. Goldsmith is down there now, but would you…” She paused and nervously fingered the handkerchief she held, casting her eyes down. She then looked up and continued, “Would you be able to visit with some of our tenants later this afternoon?”

Elizabeth’s eyes lit up. “I would be most happy to. I will come down when Emily is napping later today.”

“Thank you. I think you would be a good listener,” Miss Darcy replied.

“I will do what I can,” Elizabeth assured her.

Elizabeth began to walk away, but she stopped and turned to the girl. “To own the truth, Miss Darcy, I suffer from something very similar to what you have shared with me, although it is actually quite the opposite. You see, I have a tendency to say
no
to people far too readily, even when a
yes
would have been much more sensible and in my best interest.” With a smile she added, “Perhaps we can learn from each other and find the perfect balance!”

Miss Darcy nodded with appreciation. “I think I would like that very much.”

Later, Elizabeth and Emily went upstairs to the music room to allow the young girl some practice. Emily sat down at the pianoforte, and Elizabeth pulled out the easy pieces of music that the young girl had been working on.

As Emily played, Elizabeth thought back to her conversation with Miss Darcy. In addition to all Miss Darcy shared about her difficulties with Rosalyn—her struggle with saying
no
to people and her warm acceptance of Elizabeth’s offer to be of assistance—Elizabeth also pondered Miss Darcy’s statement that she was making every attempt to like Miss Matthews for her brother’s sake. That meant that Miss Darcy was still under the impression that her brother had feelings of affection for Rosalyn. Elizabeth wondered whether it was founded on something more than just conjecture.

After a suitable length of time at practicing both the pianoforte and singing, Emily was ready for rest. Elizabeth took her to her room and then returned downstairs, going straight to the north wing. She opened one of the large double doors that separated it from the rest of the house and walked through.

As she walked down the hall, she followed the sound of the voices, which brought her to a sitting room. It appeared this had become the gathering place for those who wished to visit with one another. Several children were scattered about reading or colouring or playing with a toy they brought along. There were several ladies and an older gentleman. Elizabeth surmised that all the able men were out trying to protect their homes from the rising waters. Everyone seemed to be acquainted, and from Elizabeth’s viewpoint, they seemed fairly content in their circumstances. Who would not in a place such as this?

The sound of a child crying drew Elizabeth’s attention, and she walked farther down the hall. She came to a large dining room and looked in, noticing a little girl at the window looking out.

Servants bustled in and out, readying the room for the evening meal. They scurried around the girl, occasionally patting her on the head or whispering something to her. The girl kept gazing out, her little fingers pressed against the pane. A few sniffles and short gasps accompanied her soft cries. Looking about the room, Elizabeth saw no one else there who would be her family, so she walked up to her.

“Hello, there. You are not very happy, are you?”

The little girl shook her head, keeping her eyes on the window. Elizabeth looked out with her at the courtyard.

“What is your name?”

The girl muttered a very soft, “Rachel.”

“That is a very nice name,” Elizabeth replied. “Is your family here?”

The girl nodded. “Mamma is feeding the baby, and Pappa is out there somewhere.”

“It can be a little frightening when things like this happen. You have nothing to worry about. I am very certain your father will return shortly.” Elizabeth stooped down so she could talk more easily with her. “I have been here all week and have been fed the most delicious food and have been very well taken care of. I am sure you will be, too.”

Elizabeth placed her finger under Rachel’s chin and turned her face to look at her. “Can I see a little smile?”

Rachel responded with sniffling and a fervent shaking of her head. “Misty is missing, and I know she will drown!”

Elizabeth leaned in toward her, concern gripping her. “Who is Misty?”

“My kitty. Misty cannot swim and will drown.”

Elizabeth pursed her lips together and then asked, “Is Misty very special to you?”

With a nod, Rachel turned her eyes back out the window. “I wish we could have found her before we left. Mamma said we didn’t have time to look for her.”

“I would guess that if your father finds her, he will bring her back directly.”

Tears filled Rachel’s eyes as she said weakly, “He said Mr. Darcy would not allow us to bring a cat with us here.”

Elizabeth’s heart ached for the little girl. Of course he would likely have set down rules for their coming and staying at Pemberley. She turned her eyes out the window, knowing that there was little chance of Misty being found. She let out a quick breath. The men were most likely busy with other more important things.

She decided to let Rachel talk about her cat. “Rachel, tell me, what does Misty look like? What colour is she?”

“Grey,” Rachel answered. “With just a little white above her nose.” Her finger touched her nose as she said this.

“She must be very pretty.”

Rachel nodded. They were silent for a few moments, and then Rachel whispered, “And sweet.”

“I imagine you know just how to make her purr.”

Rachel turned and looked at Elizabeth. Her lower lip trembled as she said, “She likes to have the top of her head scratched.”

Elizabeth reached out and took her hand. “You know, I saw some other children playing down the hall. Sometimes it helps me to think about other things when I am afraid or worried. I would guess that if you joined them, you would feel better directly.”

Rachel quickly turned back to look again out the window. “But I would not want to miss Pappa in case he finds Misty.”

“Why do you not go and play with your friends, and I will come and get you as soon as he returns.”

Rachel turned as if to do as Elizabeth suggested, but then stopped. Elizabeth gave her an encouraging nod. “I will let you know if Misty… or your father… returns.”

Elizabeth guided Rachel to the door and then watched as she slowly walked away. One of the maids, who had been preparing the dining room, spoke up. “You sure have a way with the young ’uns. We tried everything to console her. She is terribly worried about her cat!”

Elizabeth nodded silently in agreement and walked back to the sitting room. When she came to the door, she peeked in. Rachel was sitting next to another young girl about her age, and they were talking. She seemed distracted, at least for now. Chances were, however, that she would worry about her cat as long as they were here.

Elizabeth walked down the length of the hall to see if there was anyone else who looked like they needed someone to talk to. There was no one in the hallway, and as most of the doors were closed, she did not feel that she should disturb the occupants. She reached the end of the hallway and was just about to turn around when the doors to the courtyard burst open. She stepped back quickly as a tall figure, drenched from the rain, strode in.

The man was looking down, holding his coat tightly about him, a cape covering his head. He glanced up just as he was about to collide into Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet!”

Elizabeth could not prevent a laugh from escaping as she found herself looking into Mr. Darcy’s dark eyes. “Mr. Darcy?”

He pulled the cape down with one hand, keeping his other secured across the front of his coat. Water ran down his face and dripped from his hair. “How is everyone faring?” he asked.

“I have only just arrived, but I believe Mrs. Reynolds and the servants have everyone well settled.”

At that moment a sound came from underneath Mr. Darcy’s coat.

“Why, Mr. Darcy!” Elizabeth laughed as she looked up at him with wide eyes. “I do believe your coat just meowed!”

The look of fatigue and concern melted into a smile. “And because of that, I need a little help,” he said as he struggled to unbutton his coat with his free hand. As his coat fell open, Elizabeth saw that he held a cat, wrapped snugly in a scarf so she would not scratch him. The poor thing was frantically trying to wiggle out. “There is a little girl here, a Miss Weber…”

Without thinking, Elizabeth gently reached in to pet the cat’s head. “Hello, Misty. Be still now, will you?” She looked up at him, her eyes warm with appreciation. “I spoke with little Rachel, and she told me about Misty.” She reached in and wrapped her hands around the cat, becoming suddenly mindful of what she was doing. Her cheeks warmed in a blush. For a brief moment she lost all ability to think what she ought to do, and allowed her hands to linger in the warmth of his chest.

A sharp intake of breath drew her eyes up to Mr. Darcy’s face. Dark eyes and lowered brows met her.

She had to will her hands to leave their place of sanctuary in order to retrieve the cat. To disguise the feelings that his presence stirred within her, she looked back at the cat and asked with a nervous laugh, “Are you Misty? I certainly hope so!”

She could only see the cat’s face, but readily saw that she was grey with a little white around her nose.

Casting her eyes down as she felt a blush stain her cheeks, she told him, “Rachel has been terribly worried.”

“Well, this better be Misty,” Darcy answered in a somewhat stilted voice. “Otherwise I climbed that tree for nothing!”

“You climbed a tree?” she asked incredulously, looking back up and meeting a contented grin. She was grateful that the awkward moment had passed. “Certainly you did no such thing!”

“I most certainly did! That girl practically refused to leave until we found the cat. The waters were rapidly approaching her house, and they could delay no longer. After they departed, I was trying to keep my horse to higher, dry ground and heard a meow. It was coming from a tree down an embankment whose base was about five inches in water. The poor thing would have been stranded until the waters receded. If she tried to come down, she would surely have drowned. So I jumped off my horse and climbed up to get her. I think she was more than anxious to get down, but in order to bring her back here, it was necessary for me to wrap her up securely in a scarf so she would not scratch me.” He reached over and scratched the cat’s head. “For reasons beyond my comprehension, she did not like being stuffed under my coat!”

Elizabeth tilted her head and laughed, not sure whether to believe him. It was so unlike what she would have expected from Mr. Darcy, yet his face revealed genuine sincerity.

He gave her a hopeful smile. “I certainly hope this is Misty.”

Elizabeth was able to reassure him. “Rachel told me she is a grey cat with a white nose, just like this one. I do believe, Mr. Darcy, that you shall be her hero.” She brought her hand up again to scratch the cat’s forehead. Misty soon began purring. “Do you mind if I take her to Rachel? I promised her I would.”

“Certainly, but do not let Mrs. Reynolds see you with it. When she gets too close to cats her eyes and nose run, and she becomes completely bad-tempered. She thinks it is an offence to even entertain the thought of keeping an animal in the house. Make certain Miss Weber keeps the cat locked in her room. I do not want it roaming the halls. I will see to it that they get what they need for the cat.” He spoke with resolute brusqueness.

“Yes, sir,” Elizabeth said. “Is there anything else?”

Darcy closed his eyes and shook his head. “Pray forgive me, Miss Bennet. I have been barking orders all morning to ensure a smooth transition. I did not mean to…”

“You have no need to apologize, sir. You have done so much.”

She turned to leave, but Mr. Darcy called to her. “A moment, Miss Bennet. There is something else, if you would bear with me.”

“Yes?”

His eyes darkened. “You did not come to the drawing room last night.”

Elizabeth bit her lip as she determined what to say. “No, sir. I was unable to.”

“Why?” His question was uttered with the same fervency as his earlier demands had been.

Elizabeth swallowed to moisten her mouth. She could not bring herself to look up at him. “I cannot say.”

His brows lowered at this. “You will be there tonight?”

Elizabeth cast her eyes down, shaking her head slowly. “I am sorry, sir, but I cannot.”

She heard him take several breaths. “Tell me why.”

She looked up into pleading eyes. “I am… I am the Willstones’ governess. They do not deem it proper.” She saw his lips press tightly together and his jaw clench.

After a moment he said, “You are my guest, and I have invited you to join us in the drawing room.”

Elizabeth smiled, more out of unease than pleasure. “I beg to differ, sir. I am not your guest. The Willstones and Miss Matthews are your guests. I am employed as a governess to the Willstones’ daughter, and therefore I answer to them and their wishes.”

Her quick curtsey was met with a scowl. Elizabeth turned to find Rachel and return her cat to her, her heart wishing fervently that her circumstances were different.

***

The rains continued for the remainder of the day and night, letting up only intermittently. The next day was spent as the others had been, allowing Emily time with the Goldsmith girls and then Elizabeth working with her on her studies and music.

Throughout the day, however, a fluttering deep within intruded as Elizabeth pondered whether she would see Mr. Darcy in the north wing when she went down again today. The Willstones may have forbidden her to join the others in the drawing room in the evening, but as they were not inclined to associate with Pemberley’s tenants, she felt this was the one place she could encounter Mr. Darcy and not risk anyone’s censure if she conversed with him. But would he be there?

At length while Emily napped, Elizabeth again went down to the north wing and walked in to find very few people about. She greeted some that were in the sitting room, asking how they were faring. She looked for Rachel, but did not see her and assumed she was inside their room playing with her cat.

She spoke with a few more people and, upon discerning that there was nothing else she could do, reluctantly decided to leave. She saw neither Georgiana nor Mrs. Reynolds, but her greatest disappointment was that Mr. Darcy did not stop in.

She walked through the doors that took her to the main house and heard a commotion coming from the far end of the south hall. As she walked closer, she saw two men walk into the infirmary. Mr. Darcy walked toward her with a rather harried look upon his face. He stopped, breathing heavily from exertion.

“Mr. Darcy, is something wrong?” Elizabeth asked.

He placed his two hands firmly on her shoulders. Looking at her intently, he asked, “Do you faint at the sight of blood?”

She did not interpret his gesture as a sign of affection or his feelings. From the intense look on his face, she deemed it more a response to something that had happened. “I never have before,” she answered. “What is it?”