Seven Days With Mr Darcy

by Rose Fairbanks

  “Papa,” Elizabeth said sternly. “I genuinely love him — not out of gratitude or quickly ignited passion — but we will speak on this later. I have been considering Lydia’s situation. Even before this latest news of Kitty, she had refused to marry him.”

  Darcy squeezed Elizabeth’s hand after such a speech. Bennet looked at them in wonder for a moment or two before Mr. Gardiner cleared his throat.

  “She had better marry someone,” he said.

  “Why must her fate be sealed forever at such a young age?” Elizabeth asked. “There have been stories of ladies who were sent away discreetly and returned with no one the wiser.”

  “And then what?” Bennet shook his head. “Who do we know that could take the child and keep their tongue? We would forever be prone to blackmail. Jane and Mary’s circumstances would be reduced at the least.”

  “My mother is not beyond the age of bearing,” Elizabeth said. “Who better to keep our secrets? Mrs. Hill and my aunt could act as midwife and nurse.”

  Bennet stroked his chin. “Clever, Lizzy, clever. Then what becomes of Lydia?”

  “Anything she wishes,” Elizabeth shrugged. “I do not see any of the men in this room suggesting we find a way to punish Wickham for his sins, unless you mean to say marriage to one of my sisters is a punishment, so why must Lydia bear more shame in the matter?”

  “Hear, hear,” Darcy agreed. “When it was my sister he attempted such things on, I would have moved heaven and earth to prevent their marriage and borne any pain to ensure her happiness.”

  “But surely—”

  “What were you doing at fifteen, sir?” Darcy narrowed his eyes. “The picture of morality?”

  “I concede your point,” Mr. Bennet said at last.

  “Thank you, but I believe it was Miss Elizabeth’s,” Darcy said and squeezed her hand. “If you would like me to make inquiries of Mrs. Younge, I can begin in the morning. Gardiner has the details of my estimation of what Wickham will require to wed but, again, I would suggest you convince Miss Kitty to break the attachment.”

  “Very well, thank you,” Bennet said, at last duly humbled.

  Darcy glanced at the clock. “The hour grows late, and I should take my sister home. I will send word as soon as I know anything.”

  “I am to invite you and Miss Darcy to dine with us tomorrow,” Mr. Gardiner said rubbing his brow as though his head ached.

  “We would be delighted to accept and allow me to invite you all to our house the following evening. I believe Miss Elizabeth should like to meet some of my other family, the Earl and Countess, and I expect my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam to have returned by then.”

  Mr. Gardiner gave his assent as did Mr. Bennet, although he frowned.

  “Allow me to escort you to the door,” Elizabeth said and stood.

  When they reached the hall, a servant was notified to hail a new hackney and alert Georgiana to their impending departure. “Thank you,” Elizabeth said as she gathered near Darcy.

  She still wore her gown from the evening and light sparkled off the diamonds of her jewellery. Despite the worry that marred her face, Darcy could not contain his admiration for her. He would not have her last memories of him this evening be regulated to distress over her family. “You never need thank me for caring for you.” He raised her hand to his lips. “Did you enjoy the play?”

  Elizabeth gave him a weak smile. “I confess I was distracted for much of it. I wonder about the Duke’s attention to Jane.”

  Darcy frowned as well. If they ever had daughters, he hoped it would be a deal less troublesome than they were currently finding dealing with their sisters was. He no longer wondered at fairy-tale fathers who locked their daughters in towers, or men of centuries ago who sent them to convents where they could be safe in the bosom of women and away from the evil clutches of men.

  “You have heard of the licentiousness of his father, I presume?” he asked.

  “Yes…and well, the sculpture of his lover remains near the grand staircase. I suppose it might be too heavy to move, but I wonder at the Duchess not destroying it.” She met his eyes and determination filled them. “I would not tolerate such.”

  “Have no fear, my darling,” he said and kissed her hand again. “I could never treat a woman with such disrespect, least of all one I loved as ardently as I do you.”

  “I am frightened,” Elizabeth whispered.

  “Of my love for you?”

  She shook her head. “No, I worry about my family ruining yours.”

  “Love, my family has their own scandals and bore them. Either they were kept entirely secret, which you have read from my mother’s letters were not the case, or they weathered them.”

  “Yes, but—”

  Darcy silenced her protestations with a swift kiss. “We will overcome this. Would you allow it to steal your happiness?”

  “No.”

  “Allow me to be your support, my love. Do not shut me out. Life is full of tempests. We will weather these and, later, life will give more. What good practice for a happy marriage!”

  Elizabeth finally smiled. “Yes, I like that. We shall be the happiest couple in the world regardless of the troubles around us.”

  They heard footsteps on the stairs and glanced up to see Georgiana descending them. Her eyes were red and swollen. “Are you well?” Elizabeth asked.

  “Oh, yes,” Georgiana dabbed at her eyes. “Excuse my appearance. I was speaking with Lydia about my own transgressions.”

  “You did not need to,” Elizabeth said as Georgiana reached her side. “I would not have you distress yourself for her sake.” Elizabeth squeezed her future sister around the shoulders.

  “I was happy to share if it spared her some of the months of misery I felt. I spoke with Jane too,” Georgiana bowed her head. “Brother, Mr. Bingley is not as gentlemanly as you believed.”

  “Indeed?” What had been said? He exchanged a look with Elizabeth, but the servant announced that a hack had arrived. “We will discuss it later.”

  As Georgiana turned to have her coat put on, Darcy gave Elizabeth a swift kiss. “Soon, I will collect more,” he promised.

  Upon returning to his home, Georgiana went directly to bed. However, Darcy stayed in his library penning letters to inquire about Mrs. Younge as well as reading letters from Richard and Lady Catherine in differing states of agitation. The former had, at last, secured a transfer for Wickham — which might soon need to be rescinded — the latter refused to believe the letter that had been sent her, even if it was in her deceased sister’s hand. She vowed to speak with Lady Darcy directly and put an end to the foolishness. Finally, a short letter from Anne was discovered. Although disliking London, she feared for her mother and had determined to come as well. As luck would have it, they would be in town the night of his dinner party, and so Darcy left instructions with the housekeeper to include three more guests.

  ******

  Elizabeth sat with Jane in the drawing room of the Gardiner house awaiting the arrival of the Duke of Dorset. After Georgiana and Darcy had left the night before, the three sisters had a very frank discussion regarding men and their sometimes foul intentions. Elizabeth was hesitant to say that Bingley fit into that category, however tempting it was. Knowing Darcy better had taught her the complexity of some characters, even if she had thought she understood Bingley’s after a few weeks’ acquaintance. The fact remained that while Jane had felt intense love for him after their brief friendship, he had long since ceased to behave like a suitor or gentleman worthy of the name. A part of Jane might forever love Bingley, as the first man to touch her heart, but she would not pin her hopes and happiness for her future on such a fickle character. Whatever his reasons for his behaviour towards both Jane and Georgiana were, and Elizabeth had little doubt they must seem good ones to him, they were not Jane’s concern. Elizabeth applauded her sister’s new mind-set.

  “Tell me more about Mr. Darcy’s bluestockings,” Jane said as they waited.

 
“A few of them are the descendants of members of the original club.” She paused remembering the pinched expression of Lady Charlotte Leveson-Gower the day before. “Others his aunt had suggested he invite to join.” She smiled to herself. “I understand he had some difficulty selecting ladies on his own, too many were interested in only marriage.”

  “He selected you,” Jane said, and Elizabeth nodded in acceptance, attempting to keep her grin in check. “And what is required of members?”

  “The primary purpose is to be patrons of the arts and sciences with preference given to women. All the new members have a skill of their own. The hope is to give greater respectability to intelligent and skilled women.”

  “I see,” Jane said. “Is anyone connected to Dorset, a member?”

  “I believe the latest addition was Dorset’s aunt by marriage, Julia Jenkinson. Her father was the astronomer Sir George Shuckburgh-Evelyn.”

  “Do you think…” Jane trailed off and twisted her hands. “Do you think I might join? I would enjoy the stimulating conversation from educated ladies.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “I will discuss it with Darcy. His aunt is too ill to make decisions, and I do not quite understand if it is his club or belongs to the ladies, in which case, I am uncertain who would preside over it.”

  “Of course, you, silly,” Lydia said from the desk where she scribbled what she had declared would be an instant masterpiece.

  “Me?” Elizabeth cried in shock. “I cannot think why.”

  “Why not?” Jane asked. “You will be wife to the baron who began the club.”

  “Yes, but I would hardly be the eldest or most experienced. I do not know artistic people to invite, nor how to host a salon. Nor would I be the highest ranking or richest. I sketch architecture for my own enjoyment. It is not as though I am hired to design them for others. It is not the same as the other ladies who write and publish, or sing and perform.”

  “All the more reason for you to be the leader,” Jane said.

  Elizabeth chewed her bottom lip. Darcy had never mentioned that she was expected to lead the club in addition to tasks regarding becoming mistress to his estates and houses. She did not even know if the Baroness had an estate of her own. Before she voiced her concerns, the Duke was announced.

  “Good day, ladies,” he greeted them and elegantly bowed. They returned the civility.

  “Outstanding performance last night,” the Duke said. “I am excessively fond of the theatre. What luck it was to run into Darcy there. I wonder that I have not seen you there before, Miss Bennet. I most certainly would not forget your beautiful face,” he raised her hand to his lips, causing her to blush.

  From her station, Lydia giggled, and Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

  “I am not often in London, nor am I often at the theatre,” Jane said with an honesty that shocked Elizabeth.

  “But do you enjoy going?”

  “I do,” Jane admitted, and the Duke smiled. “I find enjoyment in anything that allows me to gather with friends and family. I have missed my sisters dreadfully.”

  “I have two, myself,” he admitted. “Although, I cannot say that I miss them very much.”

  Jane laughed. “That is perhaps because you are a gentleman.”

  “Thank you ever so much for noticing,” he grinned.

  Elizabeth felt her lips tug despite herself.

  “What I meant,” Jane said with amusement in her voice, “was that men have more freedom to carry about their lives than ladies do. You may order your horse and go wherever you like.”

  “Wherever we like?” the Duke cried. “Perhaps some have such freedom, yes.”

  “Forgive me,” Jane murmured. “I should not make such generalisations without knowing your circumstances. It has always seemed that way to me with the gentlemen I have known.” She fiddled with her tea. “Nor are they likely to remember the ones they leave behind.”

  “I am sorry you think so,” Dorset said. “I cannot speak for all gentlemen but, for my own experience, I cannot miss my sisters when we are apart because we are hardly ever together. We were separated even in the nursery. I had different tutors than my sisters’ governess. Next came school for us all. My eldest sister has married, and she is as much a stranger to me as any other lady. Beth, my younger sister, is now restless and eager to wed.”

  “Does your elder sister live near you?” Jane asked. “It is not too late to begin a closer kinship.”

  “Her husband’s estate is in Worcestershire. However, they spend much of their time in London. Until recently, I spent much of my time at Oxford.”

  “I did not take you for a scholar,” Elizabeth said.

  “Because of my prowess on the cricket field?” he laughed. “A family passion passed from generation to generation. However, it has been the study of my life to avoid the failings of the generations before me. I found education to be the best way to reform my natural impulses.”

  “Is there a particular field of study that interested you?” Jane asked.

  “It is misleading to consider that University would be my first choice.” He sighed. “If I were not a Duke and destined for a different role, I would be a naturalist, botanist, horticulturist, and explorer. In short, I am enamoured with new discoveries of the natural world. I have great plans for improving the gardens at Knole, Miss Elizabeth,” he said.

  Their conversation continued for several minutes, and Elizabeth was surprised to hear Jane’s insights regarding which plants she liked best and some recent articles regarding new breeds. Elizabeth had never known Jane had such a serious interest in the natural world. As much as Elizabeth enjoyed walking outdoors, to her, the enjoyment would be ruined if she were bent over a book learning the scientific names for each species of flora. The more they talked, the more Elizabeth saw proof of the Duke’s true nature. He was not as amiable as Bingley or as charming as Wickham but instead spoke with an unflinching honesty that she suspected came from inheriting a dukedom in his youth.

  Soon, his visit was over, and the ladies retired to separate activities. Elizabeth sat near the drawing room window which overlooked the street. She knew not whether to wish Darcy to arrive early or be late in coming. She only wished when he did arrive, he had news regarding Wickham. To her relief, a note came before him. He begged pardon for an expected late arrival to dinner, but he had been held in meetings all day and would convey more information when he arrived.

  Elizabeth dressed for dinner faster than usual, and although she had been assured Darcy would not be early, she vexed herself all the more by wishing him speed. After a hundred frustrated sighs and disappointed glances at the slow-moving clock, at last, he arrived. The meal required polite conversation with servants hovering about. When the ladies separated afterwards, the men removed to Mr. Gardiner’s library and Elizabeth was invited as well, to her great pleasure.

  Darcy began with the easiest piece of business. He provided her wedding settlement for Mr. Gardiner and her father to look over. Elizabeth was given a copy as well. Although it was not legal for her to sign, he had wanted her to know the particulars. She could hardly guess who was more astounded at the sum he laid aside for her pin money. While her uncle and father were impressed with the jointure he provided if he should pre-decease her, the thought brought tears to her eyes. Elizabeth was conscious, too, of her father watching her reaction to the proceedings.

  “While I had my solicitor moving funds for the wedding, I also opened an account for Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia. I hope you will forgive the presumption,” Darcy said to Mr. Bennet. “I had thought this would allow us the freedom to use it at our discretion for whatever is decided.”

  “And are you any closer to finding Wickham?” her father asked.

  “I visited Mrs. Younge’s boarding house today and now have the address of Wickham’s location. It seems when he first arrived in Town he had approached her for lodging, but she had no openings and directed him to another place. We may visit tomorrow. The only question is deciding wh
o should go.”

  “I am her father,” Mr. Bennet said in a steely voice.

  “I do not argue with that, sir,” Darcy said. “However, we must consider our approach. Should you wish to convince her to leave Wickham, that is one matter. If you think she will not and we hope to convince him to agree to our terms of marriage, we must not appear desperate.”

  “You think it would be better if her father not go?” Mr. Gardiner asked in wonder.

  “He can wait in the carriage. I would suggest Mrs. Gardiner or Elizabeth come and be sure she has been treated well. At the very least, we do wish her to return here, correct?”

  “Yes,” they all agreed.

  “Sir, you know your daughter better than I. Would she be susceptible to quitting Wickham if she saw how it hurt her family? Will she fear your wrath? Would she stubbornly ignore all anyone has to say?”

  Elizabeth could not determine which he thought Kitty likely to do. Her father looked at her, indecision warring in his eyes. “While it is impossible to know what Kitty may be thinking,” she began, “I do not believe my sister would agree to an elopement without the intent of marriage. Additionally, she will delight in triumphing over Lydia. Attempt to convince her to quit the whole thing if you can, but I would not be surprised if she remained resolved.”

  “And Wickham already knows he has ruined Lydia,” Darcy added. “However, he does not know that we are aware. If he believes he has the trump card, then he will be very demanding.”

  “Have you heard from his creditors, then?” Gardiner asked.

  “I have,” Darcy nodded. “Added to his debts from Lambton, he owes ten thousand pounds. He will ask for an estate, to live like a gentleman.”

  “Will you give it to them?” Bennet asked.

  Darcy shook his head. “Your daughter will always be welcome at Pemberley, and I will assist her however I can so all her needs are met, but Wickham would only find a way to destroy an estate and ruin the lives of innocent tenants, in addition to all the others he has ruined. I will not have that on my head.”