Page 12 of Master of Himself

Henderson’s mouth fell agape, but he quickly recovered. “Of course,” he said, then retrieved a red striped waistcoat.

“God, no. Find something else.”

The valet finally offered green.

“I suppose that will do.”

Henderson assisted him into the garment. “I suspect you are in a dark mood today, Mr Bingley.”

Darcy bit back a stinging retort, knowing Charles would never rebuke his amiable valet. “I can’t precisely be cheerful with a sick guest in the house.”

Henderson released a weary sigh. “No, indeed. From what I’ve heard, Miss Bennet is quite unwell. Cook is worried that she hasn’t eaten enough to keep up her strength. Broth and tea are all she can manage.”

This gave Darcy pause. Although he abhorred kitchen gossip, it seemed that Miss Bennet’s health was quite poor indeed. Miss Elizabeth had spent the entire day in the sickroom and must also be worried about her sister’s condition. He hoped to have a better report at supper.

***

After playing billiards in the billiard room and winning back ten shillings from Henry, Charles withdrew to Darcy’s guest chamber to dress for supper. Eager to hear any news of Miss Bennet’s condition, he hurried through the process with Mr Hobbs, who remained resolutely silent, speaking only when necessary.

Once again, he asked the valet to tie his cravat, but if he were being honest, he ought to be able to manage such a simplistic design on his own. Hobbs would be sure to notice if he insisted on a drastic change to Darcy’s routine. Perhaps he ought to practice before he retired for the night.

After donning a blue plaid waistcoat, he reluctantly agreed to match it with a drab navy coat. Adding to his discontent, other than his plain watch fob, Darcy wore no other adornments, like seals, ribbons or chains. It was dashed dull, in Charles’s opinion, but he had no other choice. He must not risk discovery by altering Darcy’s appearance.

Unfortunately, by the time he had dressed, he had yet to hear of Miss Bennet’s condition. Mr Hobbs was an excellent valet, but annoyingly reserved in his manners and never spoke of anything unrelated to his grooming or attire. How did Darcy abide the man?

Once fully dressed, he met Darcy in the sitting parlour to wait for Henry and the ladies to join them for supper. “What have you heard about Miss Bennet?” he inquired, knowing Henderson would have shared that information.

“According to your valet, she’s still quite unwell.”

Grieved by this news, he sank into a chair. “I shall not be easy until I hear of her improvement.”

“I’ll discuss it further with Miss Elizabeth at supper.”

Charles studied his twin’s expression. “Do you admire Miss Elizabeth?”

His friend started at this. “What do you mean?”

“You nearly drooled when she arrived this morning.”

Darcy’s eyes flared with indignation. “I did no such thing,” he said stiffly, but then relaxed his shoulders. “She did look quite irresistible.”

Charles laughed at his friend’s sudden reversal. “I told you she was uncommonly pretty on the night of the assembly.”

“Perhaps, but I was in no mood to meet anyone at that event.”

He perfectly recalled Darcy’s surly behaviour that evening. “You claimed then that she wasn’t handsome enough to tempt you, but now, admit it; you admire her.” In their entire acquaintance, he had never witnessed Darcy show a decided preference for any woman.

“I can hardly be blamed for admiring a lady’s beauty, but even if I wanted to do anything so ill-advised as pursuing her, I couldn’t do so under these circumstances.”

Charles sadly shook his head in resignation. “No, indeed. I’ve shown my preference for Miss Bennet since the night we met, but to do so now would suggest that we both favour her.” Being seen as competing for her affections would be disastrous to both men’s reputations, to say nothing of Miss Bennet’s.

If he were to pass himself off as Darcy, he must remain perfectly indifferent to both Bennet sisters. That prospect gave him no pleasure whatsoever.

***

Once again, Darcy assumed the role of master by sitting at the head of the table. Unfortunately for Charles, Caroline insisted on forcing herself on his notice by asking him all manner of useless questions. Henry Hurst, of course, was content to eat his meal in silence.

This evening, however, Darcy had the good fortune of sitting beside Miss Elizabeth. Her hair had been restored to order, and she’d changed into a green muslin gown. Although she didn’t adorn herself in the first stare of fashion, he acknowledged that no one dressed formally in the country. Netherfield was far removed from the most notable drawing rooms in London, so he couldn’t fault her for her country attire. Despite her plain dress, she was lovely indeed.