Darcy, Knight Errant (Elizabeth and Darcy True Love Multiverse)

15. Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen

While it couldn’t compare to the Peak District, the little hill that he had been directed to offered quite a view of Meryton. Darcy got off his horse and wrapped his reins around a branch before sitting down on one of the large stones nearby to watch the sunrise. The golden light painting the rooftops of the buildings that dotted the landscape captivated Darcy as he looked out at the valley.

A feminine voice from behind him cut into his contemplation when it said, “I have always enjoyed watching the sunrise from Oakham Mount.”

Turning, it startled Darcy to see Miss Elizabeth standing beside him, watching the view. Her face glowed with an inner light as she reveled in the awe-inspiring view. Something about seeing her made the breath catch in Darcy’s throat. She completely captivated him, drawn in by the mesmerizing sparkle in her emerald eyes and the enchanting curve of her smile.

Swallowing, Darcy found himself saying, “It is certainly a marvelous sight to behold.”

Turning, Miss Elizabeth said, “I have been coming up here for years and it never ceases to take my breath away. It is never exactly the same. There is always something new to see.”

“This is the first time I have enjoyed the view, but I cannot but agree with you.” Looking past Miss Elizabeth, he saw a footman standing at a discreet distance, but no horses, so he asked, “Did you come a foot?”

Laughing, Miss Elizabeth said, “When I was at Netherfield, I know I told you I prefer walking. It is not so far from Longbourn as to make it impossible, surely closer than Netherfield. Though I see you came not on your own two feet, but four.”

With a chuckle, Darcy replied, “Yes, I relied on Thunder to aid me.”

Walking over to his horse, Miss Elizabeth held her hand out for him to sniff it. “He is a magnificent beast, Mr. Darcy, almost something out of an Arthurian legend. He seems ready to ride off on an adventure to fight a dragon.”

“Yes, Thunder is one of the larger horses to come from my family’s stables.” Smoothing his hand down Thunder’s golden mane, Darcy added, “I find it humorous that you describe him as if he belongs in an Arthurian tale, as it brings back memories of my youth when I would ride my pony and indulge in fantasies of embarking on heroic adventures to fight dragons and rescue maidens.”

Miss Elizabeth gazed at him, her head tilted, before saying, “I suppose I can picture you thus. Did you ever have any friends that went on these quests with you?”

Darcy sighed, not eager to explain but also not wanting to lie. Eventually, he said, “Though I enjoyed spending time with my cousin Richard whenever he would visit, I spent most of my free time with a boy named Wickham.”

“It is a pity that you lost a friendship that started out so well.”

Shocked at her response, Darcy croaked, “What do you know of Wickham?”

Grimacing, Miss Elizabeth said, “While I would have known something had soured in your relationship from your expression. Your sister confided in me about being betrayed by a man who she had thought was a friend named Wickham.”

Darcy bit back a groan. His sister’s unexpected revelation about her near disaster caught him off guard, prompting him to consider either escaping or minimizing the potential damage to her reputation. Then he looked into Miss Elizabeth’s kind eyes, and his panic ebbed.

Reaching out, Miss Elizabeth lay her hand on his clenched fist and explained, “Miss Darcy is my friend. I would never betray her confidence or do anything to hurt her. More than that, I would like to believe that we are becoming friends and that you can learn to trust me.”

Darcy could only nod as he found his throat too clogged to say anything. How was it that his sister had found such a remarkable person? “Miss Bennet, I find I like the idea of us becoming friends. I always seem to enjoy our conversations, even if they leave me pondering the ramifications of your words.”

“It brings me joy to hear that you feel that way. I have also enjoyed our conversations. Though I have a question, if you will forgive my intrusion. Can you tell me what happened to the dastard?” Miss Elizabeth anxiously demanded, “Please tell me you have dealt with him.”

Laughing mirthlessly, Darcy reassured her. “My cousin Richard found a very poetic punishment for Wickham. The scoundrel found himself press-ganged and will likely never see the shores of England again.”

“It seems appropriate for him to realize that he must work hard or face consequences.” Looking over his shoulder at the position of the sun, Miss Elizabeth sighed. “Alas, our conversation must come to an end for now, Mr. Darcy. If I do not begin my journey back home, my sisters will miss me, and I would not want Jane to worry.”

Nodding in understanding, Darcy was quick to ask, “Would it be permissible for me to walk back with you?”

“As long as Thunder does not mind trailing after us like a well-trained dog, I would be happy to continue our conversation,” answered Miss Elizabeth with a laugh.

Darcy reached out to take hold of Thunder’s reins, ready to follow Miss Elizabeth on the trail. However, the footman accompanying her kindly offered to lead the horse instead. With a grateful thank you, Darcy hurried to catch up with Miss Elizabeth’s swift progress and asked, “Are you hurrying back home because you are eager to participate in something? I would hate to think that you are regretting your permission to accompany you.”

Chuckling, Elizabeth shook her head and said, “No, with what is waiting for me back at Longbourn, I am in no great hurry. However, you will find that I have become accustomed to walking swiftly wherever I go. How else would I make up for not riding a horse? I have places I must be and not the time to dally.”

Darcy found himself intrigued by Miss Elizabeth’s brisk, purposeful steps, a striking contrast to the affected, mincing steps of high-society women. However, he overlooked that to ask, “What is it that is waiting for you back at Longbourn? Nothing bad, I hope.”

Sighing, Miss Elizabeth hopped gracefully over a small log that blocked the trail before answering, “My father’s heir, a Mr. Collins, has come for a visit. In order to find the connection between us and him, one must delve four generations into the past. Our involvement with him is due to our estate being entailed to the male line, and unfortunately, with the devastating loss of my brother in infancy, Mr. Collins has become my father’s rightful inheritor.”

Darcy could only imagine the devastation. Not only had her family lost a son and brother, but they had also lost all hope of remaining in their home when Mr. Bennet passed. “You have my condolences on the loss of your brother,” murmured Darcy.

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I was only five when my baby brother died, but I can remember his faint smile.” Miss Elizabeth, eyes turned misty as she remembered before turning to him to explain, “He was Lydia’s twin brother, but regrettably, he was never healthy. When he passed away, my mother’s grief turned into anger towards Lydia, unable to understand why her daughter lived while her son did not. In the end, Jane and I did all we could to care for her with the aid of the nursemaid, as mother would have nothing to do with her. It has only been recently when she recognized Lydia’s burgeoning beauty that she put Lydia out, saying that she could at least be useful and find a husband that would care for her mother.”

Darcy was at first outraged and then astounded at Miss Elizabeth’s story. He could not understand a mother being angry at a baby for something so out of their control. Then he latched on to the fact that Miss Bennet had become a mother figure at possibly six or seven years of age, Miss Elizabeth at only five helping as much as she could. The more he learned about Miss Elizabeth and, by extension, her sisters, the more he was in awe of her.

Attempting to turn the subject to one less depressing, he asked, “What have you learned of this heir that is visiting? Is there a chance he will take care of Longbourn and any of your family in need when the time comes?”

Elizabeth considered for a moment what she might say in response to Mr. Darcy’s understandable question. At first, she considered dissembling, but their conversation thus far had been so open that she did not want to taint it with lies. So, taking a deep breath, she answered, “Mr. Collins is a fool, and I fear very much for the future of Longbourn.”

Elizabeth did not look up into Mr. Darcy’s face but she her concern in his voice when he said, “I am sorry to hear that, Miss Elizabeth. What concerns you about this, Mr. Collins?”

Chucking bitterly, Elizabeth said, “What doesn’t concern me? Within five minutes of his arrival at Longbourn, I realized he was not only a heretic, but also possessed a lecherous and foolish nature.”

Gasping, Mr. Darcy said, “I do not know what part of that sentence has me more concerned, Miss Elizabeth.”

As Elizabeth mustered the courage to glance at him, she observed his subtle tilt towards her and the sincere worry etched on his face. This gave her enough reassurance to say, “Only imagine how I feel. My father’s heir only stops staring at my person when he wishes to extol the virtues of his grand patroness, Lay Catherine de Bourgh and her sickly daughter, the rose of Kent.”

Coming to an abrupt halt, Mr. Darcy’s hand swiftly extended to lightly grasp Elizabeth’s arm, his voice carrying a tone of shock as he asked, “Your father’s heir is Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s vicar?”

Studying him with concern, Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, he said that she chose him as her rector about seven months ago.”

Shaking his head, Mr. Darcy let go of her arm and ran his hand through his hair. Turning back to her, he exclaimed, “It is inexplicable. Lady Catherine de Bourgh is my aunt on my mother’s side.”

Eyes widening, Elizabeth said, “That is inexplicable.” Then, frowning, she added, “Mr. Darcy, I apologize, but the information I have gathered about Mr. Collins and his remarks about her lead me to believe that she is not effectively handling her estate. It seems like she is overseeing everything as if she were a lord in a feudal system. She has him saying that her dictates are the will of God. His enthusiasm for her leads him to break canon law without hesitation.”

Wincing, Mr. Darcy offered her his arm, and they resumed walking down the trail. It was not long before he said, “That is sad to hear Miss Elizabeth. At one time I would visit my aunt once a year to help review the books and advise her on various aspects of running the estate, but two years ago she attempted to force me to wed her daughter, and I swore to never return. So it has been some time since I have been there. It is sad to hear that she has fallen so far.”

Walking with Mr. Darcy down the trail, Elizabeth said, “Mostly, I fear for the tenants. Mr. Collins speaks of her demanding them to pay obeisance to her and pay her the tithes that are justly owed to the church. At the very least, they receive no benefit from his role of vicar. He is proud to preach the sermons she writes for him from the pulpit.”

“When I get the chance, I will consult with my uncle, her brother, and see if there is anything to be done.” Darcy halted, aiding Elizabeth over a fallen branch, and then questioned, “Is Mr. Collins conducting himself appropriately when he’s with your family?”

Smiling at Mr. Darcy’s consideration, Elizabeth answered, “While he is not overt in his actions, I would call none of his actions correct. For example, he moves about the house, evaluating everything we own and commenting on how he is glad that it will be in his possession when he takes control of the property.”

“Is he unaware that the entailment doesn’t cover your belongings, only the estate and specific items mentioned in the original entailment?” asked Mr. Darcy.

Shaking her head, Elizabeth sighed. “I do not think he understands much anything about the entail. Mr. Collins does not understand anything about anything. Despite my best efforts to explain the nuances of estate management, he stubbornly rejected my input, asserting that my gender rendered me incapable of comprehending matters of such significance. To make matters worse, he spent the entire conversation with his gaze decidedly below my face.”

Elizabeth’s eyes met Mr. Darcy’s as he emitted a disgusted sound, his furrowed brows revealing his disapproval. He questioned, “Has your father taken any measures to shield you and your sisters from his inappropriate conduct?”

Frowning, she said, “My father finds the whole situation comical and is most often pretending to read a book while enjoying Mr. Collins’s foolishness and his daughter’s discomfort. Really, I have always known that my father was indolent and uninterested in exerting himself for any reason, but Mr. Collins’s visit has opened my eyes to just how little he cares for his family.”

They only walked a few paces before Mr. Darcy asked, “Has your mother been able to help the situation at all?”

Elizabeth snorted in a very unladylike way, retorting, “My mother is so desperate to secure a comfortable future she is throwing all of her daughters in his path except Jane, hoping he will ask to marry one of us. I was the one who assigned two footmen to him so that at the very least he cannot importune one of us. I have also encouraged Kitty and Lydia to spend time in the schoolroom studying, to escape his presence as much as they can.”

They walked for quite some time before Mr. Darcy responded to her comment. In fact, they had almost reached the gate where she would enter Longbourn’s back garden. He looked down at her, his expression strangely kind in some way, and he said, “You are a very remarkable woman, Miss Elizabeth. Your character goes beyond kindness and compassion; you have consistently showed strength and dedication in caring for your sisters, even when others shirk their responsibilities. That you have done so since you were young amazes me. I am grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to know you better.”

Concerned by the struggles of Miss Elizabeth and her sisters, Darcy had suggested to Bingley that they call on the Bennet family. Not only could they check on Miss Bennet’s recovery, but he could also check out Mr. Collins. They arrived just at the start of visiting hours and even with Miss Elizabeth’s warning, Mr. Collins’s absurdity surprised Darcy.

Upon being announced, Mr. Collins interrupted Mrs. Bennet’s greeting by loudly proclaiming, “How grand of you to come to pay your respects to the future master of Longbourn gentleman! It is very magnanimous of you both.”

The gentleman in question was surprisingly short. Shorter, in fact, than anyone else in the room by a good few inches. He had a decided paunch and his eyes, to Darcy’s view, were beady and avaricious. Still, he would have given the man a chance had he been amiable, but even the first sentience put Darcy off. Then, too, he already knew of Miss Elizabeth’s concerns.

Darcy glanced at Bingley, who, for the most part, was willing to overlook the faux pas of others and saw that he was just as startled by Mr. Collins’s presumption. What did one say to such a comment, exactly? Bingley shrugged before moving to Miss Bennet’s side where she sat near the fire, a colorful shawl wrapped around her shoulders. He smiled in greeting before asking, “Miss Bennet, are you full recovered from your earlier illness?”

Looking up at him warmly, she answered, “I am much recovered, Mr. Bingley, thank you. Please sit down.” Bingley quickly sat in the nearby seat and took up a quiet conversation with Miss Bennet.

Turning his attention back to the group, his eyes searching out Miss Elizabeth when Mr. Collins huffed, “Yes, I suppose you should sit down.”

Darcy wondered if Mr. Collins arrogantly presumed that it was his prerogative to invite the guests to take a seat. Choosing to overlook the conundrum that was Mr. Collins, he chose a near to Miss Elizabeth, who shared a settee with Miss Mary. Focusing on Miss Elizabeth, he said, “I am glad to hear that Miss Bennet’s health has improved. I know Bingley has been concerned for her wellbeing.”

Miss Elizabeth opened her mouth to say something, but Mr. Collins interrupted her. “Truly, it was unwise for Cousin Jane to become ill. It is not at all comely for a young lady to have a weak constitution. My blessed patroness herself is rarely ill and condemns those who do not do as they should to remain healthy. She sees it as a moral failing to fall ill.” Looking across the room at Miss Bennet, he sighed. “Truly, Cousin Jane would have been my first choice of bride. Her beauty would have been a compliment to my position as vicar and heir to an estate, but Lady Catherine would never approve of her with such a weakness of character.”

Darcy knew his mouth must be hanging agape, but truly, he could not have imagined such a man as his aunt’s vicar. Miss Elizabeth’s furrowed brow and Miss Mary’s tight-lipped expression made it clear that they were both displeased with Mr. Collins’s pontification. He couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw their mother, completely unfazed by Mr. Collins’s speech, casually flipping through a fashion magazine and humming a tune. When Miss Elizabeth had said that her mother was encouraging a match with the weasel of a man, Darcy had not known what to think. The woman’s situation was rather desperate, but such an indifference to his insults to her daughters was inexcusable.

“I seem to recall, Mr. Collins, that you once remarked on the delicate health of your patroness’ daughter, and yet praise her as someone to aspire to while you deride my sister for becoming ill. I must admit to some confusion over the contradiction,” questioned Miss Mary.

Glancing at Mary with a look of disdain, he explained, “As I have said before, Cousin Mary, you are only a female, so you cannot understand the intricacies of the world at large. Though Miss de Bourgh is of a weak constitution, she is of the nobility and so is in a different class than you and your sisters. Where she is lauded for her delicacy, you will never be. Your common standing requires you to be hardy. To be less is an insult to your betters.”

Miss Mary and Miss Elizabeth looked at each other before looking back at Mr. Collins. Darcy understood their silence. There really was not much you could say to counter such outright stupidity. Darcy had been trying to come up with something to contribute to a more convivial discussion, but Miss Elizabeth beat him to it. “Mr. Collins, I know you had the opportunity to meet the steward yesterday. Tell me, did you enjoy the tour of the property?”

Mr. Collins looked at Miss Elizabeth with an oily smile, his gaze not quite making it to her face and instead remaining on her chest. Darcy found himself becoming decidedly nauseous and could only imagine what Miss Elizabeth must feel about Mr. Collins’s perusal of her person. Leaning closer, Mr. Collins purred, “Your solicitude is too kind, Cousin Elizabeth. I met with the man, but I did not partake of the tour. It is the steward’s responsibility to see to the lands, not the master of the estate. And as for the tenants, they will need to come to me, not the other way around. Waiting for them to pay me homage is my right, just as it is my duty to assess their requests for aid and decide whether to show my benevolence or offer them advice on how to do better.” Reaching out, he grasped Miss Elizabeth’s hand, adding, “I know you have not learned the proper course, but do not worry, you will find that I am a kind, if firm teacher and it will be my pleasure to show you the way a true lady behaves.”

From her spot pursing the fashion magazine Mrs. Bennet said, “You will find Mr. Collins that my Elizabeth loves to learn.”

Darcy found himself astounded that the woman was paying enough attention to the goings on to encourage a match between her daughter and the idiot heir, but had not lifted a finger when he had insulted them all. He was glad that Miss Elizabeth was intelligent and determined enough not to fall for her mother’s manipulations. Such a match would be a degradation.

Eager to divert the man’s unwanted attention away from Miss Elizabeth, Darcy said, “Mr. Collins, I find that I must correct your presumption of how the master of an estate interacts with his tenants and steward. We are no longer in medieval England, and you will not be a lord ruling over surfs tied to the land. Successfully managing an estate in today’s world requires a conscientious approach, ensuring that tenants are well taken care of and treated with respect. Tenants are no longer required to pay homage to their liege lord. Then too, it is always wise to investigate the word of your steward else you run the risk of being swindled.”

Enraged, Mr. Collins shifted his attention from Miss Elizabeth to face Darcy. Darcy was happy to see Miss Elizabeth use the distraction to remove her hand from Mr. Collins’s grasp and wipe it surreptitiously on her skirt. Meanwhile, Mr. Collins said, “I have learned how to manage an estate from my patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh, whose excellence is a veritable gift from God. You, sir, may do as you wish in whatever small estate you manage, but I will do as I see fit, and God will bless me for doing as he wants.”

Darcy and Bingley, having stayed as long as was proper, soon left Longbourn. As he rode Thunder back towards Netherfield, anxiety consumed Darcy’s thoughts, both for Miss Elizabeth’s well-being and the dire circumstances that awaited Longbourn at the hands of such a despicable individual. He was glad at least that there were a few events upcoming that he could see Miss Elizabeth at and be able to assure himself that she was well. They were friends, after all.