Scotch and Sirens

Chapter Thirty

 

Vian rose early hoping for some conversation with Miss Tournier before he would go to Clyne. However, when he entered the breakfast parlour it appeared that Holly had had her breakfast already and left home early. Thankfully, his meal was not a lonely one, as Miss Bennet soon joined him. They left together and conversed for a while before their paths parted. He ascended his horse and took the rest of his way in a lazy manner, still having a lot of time for musing over the expected outcome of the day.

 

 

Darcy awoke as early as usual and was quite surprised to meet Brougham already in the parlour having his breakfast. The gentlemen talked a little, both of them being immersed in the morning press. Brougham finished his coffee first and relayed that he could be found in the stables, where Darcy joined him ten minutes later. It seemed premature, as it was not very likely that Mr. Vian would join them so soon, but having nothing better to do they started to ready their horses.

Mr. McLaughlin was quietly preparing the satchels and hunting bags as Darcy and Brougham began to kick their heels around, anxious to leave. Brougham seemed particularly restless and could not refrain from taking turns out in the yard for short intervals. On one of those turns he finally saw Monsieur Vian leisurely directing his horse into the courtyard, and Brougham strode up to meet him.

“Monsieur! A good morning to you! I trust you have no objection to setting out immediately? We want to catch the best of the day, and that is not always easy around these parts.”

“Bon jour, Messieurs. No, indeed, I am very eager to go at once.”

The gentlemen started out, Brougham being their guide. Vian had perused Darcy’s horse until he assured himself that it was the same one he had spotted in the forest the other day. He had not expected anything else, but he liked to be absolutely positive about facts instead of jumping to hasty conclusions.

“Mr. Darcy, do you know where I could borrow a saddle that would be suitable for Mademoiselle Bennet?”

Darcy clenched his teeth. “No, indeed, I do not.”

“O, c’est dommage! Mademoiselle Bennet is so eager to be actively engaged. I am afraid that morning walks and gardening are not enough to spend all the energy she possesses. I have been under the impression that you, Sir, were taking care of her amusement before I came, and since it seems you do not have as much time as before, and she is quite left to herself, I would be glad to make amends.”

“Mr. Vian, I do not know what are you speaking about. Miss Bennet is my old acquaintance and her well-being is certainly not indifferent to me. If she wished to ask something of me, I am sure she would. You do not need, Sir, to take such an obligation upon yourself, I assure you.”

“I am certain she is an old and good amie of yours. However, I understand that a man of your means and consequence cannot adjust all of his plans as he wishes. I am a guest at Rosefarm and I regard it as my duty to see to the ladies’ comfort. I am certain you do not wish to object to that.”

“No, indeed, I do not.”

“Very well, Sir.” He grinned, and turned to Lord Brougham. “Pray, maybe you could advise me about where such a saddle could be obtained?”

His Lordship reflected on the glorious day as they set out. The wind was just right, it was not too sunny or hot, and although there was a distinct chill in the air signalling that autumn was on its way, surely a fine late summer day was infinitely preferable to a hot, stuffy midsummer's day! Yes, a good day, he mused, and hopefully some good game was to be had. He thought it curious how the shape of that glen seemed to alter with the time of day. It seemed quite majestic this early in the morning but quite forbidding when returning after a long day, and sometimes when one looked down the river to the east it seemed as if...

“Eh? I beg you pardon! A saddle? For Miss Bennet? Well, I am sorry to say I do not know. I do not think I have ever found it necessary to procure a lady’s saddle. Certainly not at Clyne. You could ask Mr. McLaughlin, but I would advise against it while we are out here. The man hates talking when out shooting. Says it quite destroys his concentration and appreciation of the chase. Or maybe it is just I who has that effect on him. I dare say he would never complain about Darcy.

“But why would Miss Bennet need a saddle? I understand her passion is walking. Now, gentlemen, over that fell there is the best plot for birds. I suggest we leave the horses here.”

Vian followed Lord Brougham, addressing him loudly enough to be heard by Darcy.

“Well, Sir, if you think Mademoiselle Bennet does not find her pleasure in riding, it only means that you know very little of her passions. I would be truly glad to help her develop her other interests as well. But worry not, the lack of a suitable saddle will only be a good pretext to offer her a petit gift.”

Lord Brougham’s lips twitched and he had great difficulty keeping his countenance straight. Darcy, on the other hand, seemed to have fallen under a dark cloud and was demonstratively looking in the opposite direction.

“Ah, well, no. Miss Bennet’s passions would be quite unknown to me and, of course, all the blame of that must be put squarely at my own shoulders.

“I do think, however, that I must recommend you try to procure two saddles if you mean to keep the peace. The charming ladies of Rosefarm are what Mr. Darcy likes to refer to as spirited women, and only one saddle between them and their…um, passions would surely put you in a most delicate diplomatic dilemma. Unless, of course, you mean to bestow your condescension on Mrs. Tournier as well,” he said, while intently concentrating on shouldering his rifle and keeping his laughing eyes promptly on the ground.

“Milord, as much as I would appreciate your help with the saddle, I believe I do not need a similar favour with the ladies. As far as Mademoiselle Bennet is concerned I would hope to develop my intercourses with her only as far as Monsieur Darcy has done. I do not think, however, I desire any assistance with that.”

Darcy, who was trying hard to fake his interest with the sport of shooting, pulled the trigger and missed. The bullet ricocheted off a rock. Vian smiled and casually put his bullet precisely into his target.

“It is definitely a different matter with Mesdames Tourniers. I am certain, Sir, that you are aware of Mrs. Tournier’s dislike for outdoor activities, so you cannot seriously suggest that I extend such an offer to her. However, I hope to be able to propose any assistance to Miss Tournier she might welcome.”

Brougham eyed him closely after he had admired the expert shot. He slowly aimed his gun and brought down a bird himself.

He pursed his lips and fixed his attention on another prey.

“I take it then you have much experience with assisting females in their various passions?” Brougham continued. “You seem quite ambitious on that score, and one might wonder why you see fit to strategise in advance after such a short time of acquaintance and without surely being familiar with the wishes and sentiments of the females in question. Is that not a trifle… mercenary or even disrespectful, Monsieur?”

Vian made two more accurate shots before giving his reply. “As you see, Sir, I have no problem with being a real proficient in my favourite pursuits.” He looked at Darcy standing aside. “Yes, Mr. Darcy, that includes fencing as well, I am sure it was a matter of some speculation of yours.”

He addressed Brougham again.

“I am afraid you misunderstood my intentions, Milord. I do know women’s wishes very well. Indeed, I consider myself a proficient in discerning them. Can I be wrong? Of course I can. However, it has yet to occur. So as you see, the eventual failure is still worth the risk.

“I do not trifle with women. On the contrary, I cultivate their passions and spirits. Disrespectful? How can I be disrespectful in helping them to fulfilling their will? Mercenary? I derive much pleasure from my pursuits of course, but I succeed only by recognising the needs of the ladies in question. My main object is to please. My own satisfaction originates from the look of gratitude in their eyes. I never disregard a lady’s wishes, I follow them.”

“Well, I am certainly glad to hear that, Monsieur”, Brougham muttered as he reloaded his gun and turned around to follow another bird across the sky. “One would not want to see the ladies displeased, now would one? With that in mind, am I right in concluding you have no wish to permanently displease a lot of ladies by, in fact, being on the quest for a wife, Sir?”

“On the contrary, Milord, I desire to marry in the near future.”

“And would one be presumptuous if one gathered this visit was part of that future desire?”

Vian grinned, “One may be as presumptuous as one wishes. It is nothing to me.”

Brougham raised one eyebrow in surprise and looked around for his friend. Darcy was standing a little apart from them, seemingly concentrated on the hunt.

“Monsieur?” asked Brougham in a smooth voice. “Shall we go and fetch our quarry now?”

Darcy, upon hearing his friend’s offer, stepped ahead to collect his chase before the others would overtake him. Vian had crossed a line. That was certain. However, there was still not much he could do about it, and that was what was the most difficult to bear.

The mood was decidedly sombre as the gentlemen wandered the fell in search of the killed birds, although the number and size of their quarry was impressive. They reconvened, compared their shooting prowess, and decided it would be a good time to head for home.

Darcy tried to cover his uneasiness by informing Mr. Vian of his recent encounter with Lord Downshire. The Frenchman thanked him for the intelligence, but without revealing any willingness to meet with his old acquaintance soon, thereby refusing to indicate when he might be leaving the neighbourhood.

Once they were on their way again they found nothing to say to each other and each sank into his own thoughts.

When the gentlemen reached Clyne Darcy offered to join Vian on his way to Rosefarm. He entered the house only to fetch the music books that Riemann had brought back from London for him. Darcy’s mood did not alter, and Vian was also not as willing to speak as before, thus they passed their journey without any conversation. When they turned onto the path to Rosefarm, Darcy finally broke the silence that stood between them.

“Mr. Vian, I will let you know that Miss Bennet, as well as the members of her family, are close acquaintances of mine. She is a gentlewoman and by no means friendless. Your performance today was not as much amusing as improper. I will watch you, Sir. If you ever forget yourself and cross the line I will have you answer for your deeds.”

Vian listened to Darcy patiently. He had expected this sermon and now awaited his turn.

“Monsieur Darcy, are you engaged to Mademoiselle Bennet?”

Darcy sent Vian a stern look. “No, I am not.”

Vian continued his questioning in a light tone, “And has Mademoiselle Bennet, or maybe her father, given you permission to court her?”

Darcy’s irritation grew. “Mr. Vian, may I ask to what these questions tend?”

Vian burst out with laughter. “Neither of them did. Am I right? You have never asked, have you? You are not honest with the lady, and yet you think you can judge me. Come now, Sir, I really do not think I desire your advice.”

Darcy eyed Vian with genuine anger. “Mr. Vian, whatever you imagine, I hold Miss Bennet in the highest esteem, and I have every right to guard her honour.”

Vian looked into Darcy’s eyes and calmly said, “Her honour or your exclusivity? Are you familiar with the expression gardener’s dog*?

“Mr. Darcy, I think you should understand that you have no right to Mademoiselle Bennet unless she decides otherwise. If her honour is in danger, you are free to call on me. However, if she prefers my company to yours you will have to live with it.”

They were slowly approaching Rosefarm at this point. Darcy spotted Elizabeth from afar. Seeing she was occupied in the garden he strove to calm himself.

“Mr. Vian, you have said enough, Sir. I think our respective opinions are mutually known. I wish to talk to Miss Bennet now, and I would ask you not to join us.”

Vian smiled derisively, “Very well, Sir. Please take your time. I have plenty of it myself.”

 

 

Vian went to his room and began to slowly shed his hunting attire. He washed his face in the basin and put on a fresh change of cloths. When he was finished he looked outside the window and followed the couple with his eyes.

“What will you tell her, Darcy? That I might enjoy her company more than you might like? Or will you warn her against enjoying my company more than you would approve of? Not an easy task, ah? Claiming something that is not yours?”

Vian’s grin testified to his amusement. Even from here he could sense Darcy’s uneasiness.

“I am afraid, old pal, that without my cooperation you will not find any evidence to support your words, and be assured that Mademoiselle Bennet will not find my behaviour lacking.”

 

 

Darcy tied his horse to the gate and slowly approached Elizabeth.

“Miss Bennet, good afternoon. The music books were just delivered from London. I wanted to bring them to you at once.”

Lizzy had been kneeling down in front of the daisies, gathering the bouquet to place in the parlour that would remind her of Mr. Darcy, when she heard his voice. She had been daydreaming of him, and at first it did not register that he was actually there in the flesh, but the fact that he had mentioned the music books made her realise that he was indeed real, especially since she had been thinking about their last breakfast together by the river and not music. She smiled to herself before turning to greet him.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Darcy, and a lovely day it is too!”

She stood and took a step forward to close the distance between them just a little.

“It was so kind of you to send for it. I cannot wait to see what you have chosen for me to play. I hope my skills will do the pieces justice.”

Darcy, still not feeling as calm as he wished, smiled slightly and tried to keep his voice steady.

“These are some of my favourites. Pachelbel and Purcell… I would love to hear them in your rendition.”

She felt something did not seem quite right with him. Maybe it was only because he had not kissed her hand in greeting as he usually did, and she had become accustomed to it. Silly girl, she thought, that was not something she should come to expect at all.

“Then I will play them for you at your leisure. I could make the attempt even now if you wish it.”

“Thank you, Miss Bennet, but I believe you should be given at least some time to practice. Although I would be happy to be privy to the practicing as well.”

Darcy stopped himself from saying more, feeling that he was speaking nonsense.

“Miss Bennet, pray, may I ask if you and your family will be coming to the picnic tomorrow? I would be glad to send my carriage... Lord Brougham's carriage that is.”

“I have spoken with Mrs. Tournier and the others. They all agree that it is a fine plan, although I did have to convince my aunt that eating out of doors was indeed a good idea. It seems that the outdoors is not a place she likes to visit very often,” she replied. “We would very much appreciate the use of the carriage, I am sure, if Monsieur Vian did not have one already.” She looked away toward the house and then back again. “He has already suggested its use. However, his is not very large. If we shall all ride together, Lord Brougham's would be more suitable.”

“We can take two carriages for your comfort. You with Mrs. Tournier and Miss Tournier could join Lord Brougham’s carriage. I will go with Mr. Vian.”

Lizzy was disappointed that he would suggest such an arrangement, but she understood it.

“Perhaps we could all simply ride in Lord Brougham's carriage. I am sure it will be comfortable for us all, and I would hate for any of us to be separated, even if only for a little while.” She smiled at the look on his face. “I insist upon it, and since you are such a gentleman and always seek to ensure my comfort, I am sure I shall have it my way!”

She was happy to at last see a genuine smile light his face. She longed to reach out and put her hand on his cheek.

“That is more like it, Mr. Darcy. I was afraid I would not see your smile today at all. You seemed so serious when you first began. Did the hunting go well, or were all the birds in hiding?”

“Miss Bennet, it is difficult not to smile when you tease me so. However, as much as I dislike refusing you anything I cannot allow for any discomfort to you and your family. Lord Brougham’s carriage is much more comfortable, I am sure, but not when it is crowded.”

“Well in that case it might be wiser for me to take Monsieur Vian's carriage also. That would make each carriage contain the same number and also keep you two men from becoming bored without the presence of a third to help entertain you.”

Darcy smiled to her.

“Miss Bennet, I would be very glad to have your company during the sojourn. I am only sorry that I cannot offer you anything more comfortable.”

“I am sure I will be comfortable enough. Now that that is settled, would you like to come inside for some refreshment, or would you rather take a tour around the gardens perhaps?”

“A walk, if you do not mind, would be preferable.”

They began to stroll along in silence. Darcy’s thoughts, still focused on the morning’s event, did not let him feel at ease enough to think of anything to say.

Lizzy did not feel it as an uncomfortable silence. she enjoyed just being near him, but she felt that he was somehow unsettled today and not his usual self that she had come to know in their quiet moments together.

They wandered a little way and took a path that skirted a small wooded area, the house still in sight. She stopped to on the pretext of admiring a particularly pretty view on a small rise in the path.

“Mr. Darcy, are you well? You seem distracted, but perhaps I am wrong in thinking this?”

Darcy looked away, searching for the proper words.

“Miss Bennet, may I ask how are you getting on with Mr. Vian? I remember you were once confused about some things he had said to you.”

She found his response rather odd considering her question to him and it rather perplexed her.

“Mr. Darcy, I am embarrassed to admit that it must have been me who was in error when I found some of his conversation confusing. I find I have no trouble comprehending him now.”

“Miss Bennet, I… I do not want you to think me presumptuous. I know that you have every right to doubt my good judgement, but I am afraid Mr. Vian may not be the kind of gentleman you are used to having as your acquaintance. He may behave differently than you might normally expect, and your own behaviour… your lively remarks might be mistakenly read by him.”

He saw the confusion on her face.

“Miss Bennet, please do understand. I just would not like you to be hurt.”

She was clearly confused by this warning. He was obviously sincere in what he had said, but she did not really understand his meaning. And then she was suddenly horrified by the thought that Mr. Darcy might think she was in danger of losing her heart to that Frenchman, and he warned her for that reason. He could not know it was an impossibility for her – that her heart already belonged to him alone. She felt it urgent that she somehow convey to him that she cared nothing for Mr. Vian.

“Mr. Darcy, I am sensible of your good judgement. I would not think to question it, but I find I am confused by your words. Monsieur Vian is perfectly harmless. There is nothing to worry about from that quarter. He is only here for a short while. I assure you that there is nothing to worry about on my behalf. I am in no danger from him. He is family and considers me as such as well. Rather like a sister, I am sure. You must trust me on this. Mr. Vian could not mistake me, or I him.”

Darcy looked at her with concern. “Miss Bennet, we both know my judgement has not always been proper. I do hope that you are right this time as well and that my apprehension is premature. But please, will you promise to tell me if something happens… something that you might find not to your liking?”

“Mr. Darcy, since we both cannot say that my own opinions have been flawless concerning all matters between us in the past, I think we can safely assume that neither of us possesses perfect judgement.”

She could see the anxiety he was feeling in his every movement. He obviously felt this strongly. She could deny him nothing at the moment.

“I promise to tell you if something were to happen that is not to my liking, but I wish to assure you that I know nothing will. There is nothing to worry about from Monsieur Vian. Really, there is not.”

Even in his present state of mind he could not help but notice that she seemed to forgive him his ill assumptions from the past. He smiled at her, looking into her eyes, however, her strong defence of Vian also did not escape him.

“Thank you, Miss Bennet, for your understanding and for your confidence.”

He took her hand to kiss it, “I shall leave you now. Please give my regards to the ladies. I am looking forward to our meeting tomorrow.”

Lizzy bid farewell to Mr. Darcy and watched him walk back the short distance to the house and his horse. She turned and moved into the orchard. Picking an apple from a tree, she shined it on her apron and contemplated what had just occurred and what could have made Mr. Darcy worry so much about Monsieur Vian.

It had seemed obvious to her from the beginning that he perhaps had not taken an instant liking to the Frenchman. Nothing that she could put her finger on exactly, but if one excluded his wish to duel the man from almost the first moment he had met him, there seemed to be a general dislike that she had felt based on their interactions. If she were to be fair, she would have to admit that he had proposed the duel as a way to assure her comfort, and not because of his own feelings about the man he had just met. So she could not use that as evidence that Mr. Darcy did not like Mr. Vian.

But today the two had spent more time together. Did Monsieur Vian say something that Mr. Darcy misinterpreted, something that had started him on this course to warn her? Surely if he thought Monsieur Vian had expressed an interest in her he would not care if he only felt the friendship that they had both professed to each other. Other than harbouring a general dislike for the man, he certainly would not intervene in any possible affairs of her heart unless he had some interest there himself? And she was suddenly curious no longer about whatever Monsieur Vain may have said or not said, because a very small ember of hope was kindled deep inside. Did she dare interpret his warning in such a way? Was it possible that he still cared for her in the way he had proclaimed so long ago?

She tossed the apple into the air and caught it. Was she only fooling herself by thinking such thoughts? Setting herself up for more disappointment in the end when she should be trying to prepare for the inevitable separation from him she knew had to eventually come? She shook herself from her wishful thinking.

He had proposed twice now. The first time it had been against his own better judgment and the second had been against his own will but for noble reasons. She was foolish to think that he would ever offer for the reasons that would allow her to accept, because he would never feel that way about her, and he would never offer again. What man would ask three times?

No, he was just being kind in speaking to her of his concerns, whatever they were exactly. She should not, and could not, allow herself to believe that it was anything more. She would only set herself up for a bigger fall if she went down that path and she knew it.

But no matter what she told herself was right or wise, she could not stop the small doubt that began to eat away at her resolve almost the instant that she had made it – a doubt so minuscule as to be hardly noticed at all. She walked back to the garden to pick up the music he had brought her with her heart a smidgen lighter, and she herself was not really aware of why it was so. Such is the workings of hope.

 

 

*A gardener’s dog guards vegetables so that they wouldn’t be stolen. However, dogs don’t eat vegetables themselves, so the expression refers to someone who will not use something themselves yet will not allow others to either, thereby wasting it altogether.

 

 

This story is written by Laura and Sylwia, and they own full © copyrights to it.

We do appreciate your feedback.
Comment on the story here!