Again and again, she had ordered herself to ignore the problem. Did it matter if he had additional motivations that he had not revealed? She had refused Mr. Darcy and was confident in her decision. Of course, it had been the best choice. Even if she regarded him in a different light, she could not possibly consider a different answer to his question.
Of course not.
However, as she mused about the day’s events, the questions surrounding Mr. Darcy only multiplied and grew more difficult to ignore. She considered that Mr. Darcy’s bizarre behavior might indicate some deeper emotional attachment, although it was difficult to credit. But for a moment, she allowed herself the indulgence of imagining he did have romantic feelings for her. How would she feel about him?
Her relationship with Richard had been simple and effortless. It had always been easy to discern his thoughts and sentiments. They thought alike in so many matters and had established an easy camaraderie. And Richard had been a soldier: straightforward, holding nothing back. She had appreciated these qualities in him.
In many ways, his cousin was Richard’s opposite. Silent and brooding, he rarely revealed his thoughts and never his feelings. He seemed to dislike assemblies of people, particularly large groups. But now that she thought on it, he always seemed to seek her out, even as he seemed uncomfortable in her presence. Perhaps he did value her company; he simply demonstrated it in a very different way than Richard had.
The walk had resulted in two hours of thinking in circles, which reached no conclusions. Finally, Elizabeth decided she could only enjoy peace of mind if she spoke with Mr. Darcy in person.
As she stared at the smooth cherry wood of the Darcy House’s front door, however, her resolve wavered. How could she even initiate a conversation on such a delicate subject? Would he judge her too forward for visiting him?
No. Elizabeth straightened her shoulders. Mr. Darcy had set these events in motion, and she must understand what had transpired—and why. Some of her earlier anger flared. Instinctually, she knew he had concealed something from her, something which concerned her. And she was tired of being vexed and perplexed by this man!
Resolutely, she grabbed the knocker and banged it. The butler opened the door and nodded. “Miss Bennet, I will tell Miss Darcy you are visiting.”
“No, I—”
Before Elizabeth could say another word, the butler disappeared down the hallway, while a footman helped remove her cloak. Elizabeth fussed with her gloves and her reticule, silently berating herself for not immediately speaking up.
“Elizabeth! You arrived in time for tea.” With a welcoming smile, Georgiana glided down the hallway and ushered her friend into the drawing room. Elizabeth followed Georgiana and seated herself in one of the beautifully embroidered chairs.
As she poured out the tea, Georgiana chatted about the latest piece she was learning on the pianoforte and about her aunt’s insistence on a white dress for the next ball she was to attend. After a few minutes, Miss Darcy noticed her friend’s uncharacteristic silence. “Are you quite well?”
“Yes, I thank you. I am very well.” Feeling unequal to the needs of subtlety, Elizabeth asked, “Will your brother be joining us for tea?”
Georgiana’s eyebrows rose, but she was too polite to comment. She turned to the maid who had brought in a tray of biscuits. “Mary, has Mr. Darcy been alerted to Miss Bennet’s visit?” The maid indicated that she did not know but would inform him.
Elizabeth immediately had misgivings. Now she had ensured she would encounter Mr. Darcy! Her anger surged through her again. No, it was for the best. She must have some answers from him.
Georgiana regarded Elizabeth curiously as they spoke of the frequent rain. But feeling unequal to meeting her friend’s gaze, Elizabeth fixed her eyes on her teacup. She would be mortified if Georgiana made assumptions about her feelings toward Mr. Darcy.
They soon heard a quick step outside the door, and Mr. Darcy entered. His cravat was askew and his coat rumpled as if donned in haste. He looked as discomposed as Elizabeth felt. His eyes found h
er face immediately with a questioning look, but she could not allow her expression to betray anything in Georgiana’s presence.
Meeting a blank look, he glanced away as he bowed. “Miss Bennet.” The words were directed more toward the floor than toward her. Mr. Darcy seated himself and received the cup of tea Georgiana proffered.
The conversation ranged from the weather to the health of the inhabitants of Hertfordshire to the wellbeing of the Darcys’ various relations. Once these topics had run their course, the three seemed to have exhausted every available subject. Elizabeth’s mind was too full of questions that she dared not ask Mr. Darcy to fix her thoughts on more trivial matters.
Georgiana found herself in the unusual position of making most of the conversation. She bravely essayed several subjects; however, trapped in their separate discomforts, the others were unable to sustain her efforts. Mr. Darcy barely made an attempt, as he alternately glowered at the floor and directed puzzled glances at Elizabeth.
This is ridiculous, thought Elizabeth finally. Someone must end this impasse—despite Georgiana’s presence. “Lord Kirkwood came to visit today,” she mentioned during the next lull in the conversation.
Mr. Darcy’s head shot up, and he regarded her with a piercing glare. “Indeed?”
She regarded him steadily. “Imagine my surprise at learning you knew he intended to visit me.”
Several expressions passed over Mr. Darcy’s features: discomfort, guilt, and perhaps a bit of embarrassment. However, he did not seem angry she had raised the subject. His eyes slid to Georgiana. Elizabeth could not help gazing at her as well.
“Why?” Georgiana looked bewildered. “Was his visit of particular significance?” Suddenly, she seemed to intuit if not the subject of Elizabeth’s visit, then its sensitivity. Her hand flew up to cover her mouth. “Oh!” Her eyes darted from Darcy to Elizabeth, immobile, with tension emanating from their bodies.
“Dear heart, I believe Miss Bennet and I have something we must discuss privately,” Darcy said gently.
Georgiana’s dilemma was written plainly on her face. Unmarried men and women were never left alone, except for one purpose. Could it be that? But her brother would visit Elizabeth to make an offer of marriage, not the other way around. And Elizabeth did not appear eager to accept a proposal.
Georgiana clearly could not penetrate the oddness of the situation; however, she was too obedient to question her brother. She nodded and swiftly exited the room, closing the door softly behind her.