Page 34

“She cannot go out, Charles,” Mrs. Hurst said as they went to their rooms to prepare for the evening. “Her head aches, and she has lost her voice due to coughing.”

Darcy thought the evening would be much more enjoyable without Miss Bingley’s pointed barbs and haughty behavior, but he wished her a quick recovery, nonetheless.

The carriage ride to Longbourn was blessedly quick. The bitterly cold air was only slightly warmer inside the carriage. Hot bricks and lap rugs kept the worst of the chill away, but Darcy longed to be inside Longbourn, where a cheery fire and pleasant company awaited his arrival.

Bingley fiddled with something in his pocket. Darcy knew his friend intended to propose to Miss Bennet that evening. He had sent for an engagement present from London. The weather had delayed its arrival, and thus his proposal, too. Darcy had promised his friend he would help him secure a moment alone with his lady.

Longbourn’s lights greeted them, and they hurried inside. Darcy and the others found the Bennets and the Gardiners in the large drawing room. The fire crackled merrily. Candles lit the room, and a general air of excitement filled it.

Miss Elizabeth waited for him on one side of the room. She wore a deep green gown. It was trimmed with cream lace, and a matching piece of lace was woven through her hair. Darcy pictured his mother’s emerald and diamond pendant—it would look perfect with her gown.

Four little children pushed past him and raced to Elizabeth’s side. She cast him an apologetic glance as she crouched down before them. The maternal scene made Darcy’s heart beat frantically.

They scampered off, and he approached.

“You were staring.”

“How could I not? Never have I seen a more entrancing sight. Do your cousins visit often?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “Not as often as I would like. The Gardiner children are an excitable bunch, but behave better than my younger sisters at times.”

“It has been many years since I spent the festive season with children. Georgiana is too old to be called a child, now.”

“It is a shame. Though adults enjoy this time of year, I believe children feel something we have lost. When I am with my young cousins, I feel as though I am able to relive those magical days.” Elizabeth’s serene countenance showed pleasure. “Have you any memories from your childhood Christmases, sir?”

“Christmas was my mother’s favorite time of year. Pemberley was always festooned with greenery and ribbons. We had holly and ivy everywhere. Kissing bows dotted the rooms.” Darcy sighed. “The festive season became far less festive after her death.”

“Loss can make memories painful.” She gestured to the greenery on the mantel near her. “As you can see, we decorate generously. Lydia and Kitty spent the morning tying boughs to the stair rails. Mary helped Jane make a few kissing boughs as well. And I have added holly and ivy everywhere I can imagine.”

“It is lovely.” It reminded Darcy of his mother taking him by the hand to search for greenery for Pemberley.

He reached out and adjusted a piece of greenery that was sliding off the side of the mantel.

“Not perfect enough for you, sir?”

He could hear the teasing in her tone and did not take offense. “I merely observed that this décor appears to be eager to escape the mantel.”

“It does, indeed. I have often informed my mother that years of wear have made this mantel slightly sloped on this side. Perhaps now she will believe me.”

Darcy paused. “I may need your help this evening, Miss Elizabeth.”

“Is that so?” She reached out and adjusted a bit of holly.

“Indeed. Bingley wishes to spirit your sister away for a…private discussion.”

She brightened instantly. “How delightful! Mama was just lamenting that she was wrong and Mr. Bingley would not propose by Christmas.”

“He intends to enter the new year an engaged man,” he assured her. “Now, how are we to help them sneak away? Is the meal to be served soon?”

“Not for half an hour. There is a door to the small breakfast room just there. It is empty. I shall take Jane there now. My aunt is speaking to Mr. Bingley. Spirit him away when I have Jane removed from this room.”

They worked together, and Darcy noted when Miss Elizabeth returned. She nodded, and he stepped forward.

“Pardon me, Mrs. Gardiner, but I must have a word with Bingley.” His apologetic smile easily placated the lady, and she waved them away.

“What is it, Darcy?” Bingley asked, confused.

“I have conspired with Miss Elizabeth to get you your interview with Miss Bennet. The lady awaits.”