The Lost Heir

by Harriet Knowles

  “I would be glad to research that, Your Grace,” Darcy said. “However, I feel the ladies may have other things in mind for me — at least for a month or two.”

  Elizabeth. Surely they would be able to join the ladies now?

  72

  Elizabeth looked disbelievingly at her reflection in the glass. Who was this person?

  Behind her, Georgiana sighed romantically. “You’re so lovely, Elizabeth. You must be the most beautiful bride ever.”

  Elizabeth looked at the reflection of her elder sister, sitting on the bed behind her. “No, Georgiana. I was there, and can assert Jane was certainly far more beautiful.”

  Jane smiled serenely, somehow already altered and different from the elder sister she had been. “Don’t be silly, Lizzy. You can see as well as we can that you’re perfectly lovely.”

  Elizabeth swung round to look at the back of her gown over her shoulder. The long row of tiny pearl buttons gave enough interest for those in the church who’d be looking at her back.

  She shivered. William would be looking at her. And in a few hours, this would all be over and they’d be able to be alone together at last.

  “I’m beginning to regret wearing this colour so often.” She made a face at her reflection. “William must be so bored with it.”

  “You know that’s not true. Uncle Gardiner told us Mr. Darcy had spoken to him particularly about which fabric he wanted to recommend to the modiste.” Jane looked puzzled. “You know he chose it.”

  “Elizabeth, it’s beautiful.” Georgiana came and traced her fingers down the embroidered flowers cascading down the bodice. “I think the stitching looks lovely in the same colour as the gown. When he’s close up, my brother will be able to see that all this detail is just for him and the family.”

  Elizabeth embraced her. “Thank you. And I’m looking forward to having you both stand up with me today.” She laughed. “I’m very anxious. Why could Her Grace think we’d like this?”

  “I think it’s very gracious of her.” Jane sounded reproving.

  Elizabeth sat down suddenly, noticing her maid waiting patiently to attend to her hair. “I’m sorry, Emily. Do continue.”

  “Yes, Miss Bennet.” The young woman picked up the tiny hothouse blossoms, and began threading them through Elizabeth’s hair, her face creased in concentration.

  Jane picked up her sister’s bouquet. “It’s lovely to have flowers so late in the year.” She sighed contentedly. “It’s going to be a lovely day.” But she seemed nervous.

  Elizabeth glanced at her through the mirror. “Jane, please don’t be worried — it’s about Mama, isn’t it? You know Kitty and Mary are with her, and so is Aunt Gardiner.”

  Jane sighed. “I hope she behaves herself. Sitting right at the front, she will enjoy the attention.”

  Elizabeth was anxious, too. But she must not show it. “I think Mama will be rather overawed with all the titled guests that have stated they’ll attend.” She watched Emily working. “I’m hoping she’ll be quite lost for words.”

  Georgiana giggled a little. “Knowing you, Elizabeth, and having met you again, Mrs. Bingley, I was surprised when I met Mrs. Bennet at dinner yesterday.”

  Elizabeth closed her eyes in mortification. “Please do not remind me!” Only the steadfast support of William had stopped her pleading with him to take her to Scotland.

  He’d leaned towards her. “Don’t be uneasy, Elizabeth. Here, at Gracechurch Street, she’s in her element. I’m prepared to guarantee that she will be quite overawed, both at the church and at Durdar House.”

  Elizabeth agreed with him — although there was enough doubt in her mind to cause her a little concern. But she turned and smiled at Jane and Georgiana. “I am not worried. Be easy, and let us enjoy the day.”

  Jane’s expression told her that her sister, at least, wasn’t taken in by her confident manner. But Georgiana was.

  “Oh, Elizabeth. You know, you always seem to be quite in control of everything. That’s what was so good about … about that terrible time. Somehow, I knew, deep down, that you’d make everything all right.”

  Elizabeth glanced at her through the mirror. “I’m pleased you think that, Georgiana. Now you can enjoy today.”

  Her sister-to-be grimaced. “But you haven’t met my Aunt Catherine yet. If she wants to be, she can be even louder than your mother, and much more disagreeable. And she is not overawed by those with titles.”

  “Excuse me, Emily.” Elizabeth ducked out from under the maid’s hands and crossed the room. “Georgiana, please don’t be uneasy. William tells me your uncle has made certain she will behave.”

  “But how could he?” Georgiana stared at her miserably. “She never listens to him, and she always wanted William to marry Cousin Anne. Now he has returned, she has been writing to Uncle every week, demanding he insist on it.”

  Elizabeth sat on the bed. “William told me all about it, Georgiana, because your father had told me about her, and William could see I was concerned.” She smiled mischievously. “Don’t share this news, but apparently your uncle has told Lady Catherine he has found the perfect gentleman to marry Cousin Anne, but if she does not behave well at the wedding, he will not facilitate the introductions.”

  Georgiana brightened. “Who is it? It will intrigue my aunt.” She bit her lip. “It might work.”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “He has not made that known to anyone. I believe he thinks she will be so curious as to behave well.”

  And now it was time. Elizabeth stared up at the great entrance of St Martin-in-the-Fields as it dominated the Square.

  Smart coaches, emblazoned with coats of arms, rested nearby, the elevated occupants disgorged into the church ready for the wedding. Her wedding!

  “Oh, my goodness!”

  Papa leaned over. “Courage, Lizzy! You are not the sort of person to be overawed by august personages, I know. Just see how you obtained the patronage of the duchess.” He patted her hand. “They are ordinary people, like our friends.” He chuckled comfortably. “If you want to worry, think of your poor Papa. I haven’t moved in such exalted circles.”

  Elizabeth laughed, despite herself. “Papa! You are my rock! I cannot conceive of you being the slightest concerned about your part in this day.”

  “Well, maybe I am not.” He became solemn. “My only regret is that I saw so little of you for many years. And now it is my duty to give your hand to another in marriage.” He gave a heavy sigh. “I very much regret losing you, my dear.”

  “But you approve of him, don’t you, Papa?” She felt anxious.

  “Certainly.” Papa nodded. “I believe he will suit you very well, Lizzy. I was impressed with him when your uncle first wrote to me about him as an apprentice. A man who is prepared to accept the slings and arrows of life without resentment, and work to make things better, is a far better man than I.” He watched as the coachman opened the door. “But I’m happy he has found his birthright, and made things safe for you both.”

  Elizabeth felt her eyes misting up. “Thank you, Papa,” she whispered.

  She entered the great nave on her father’s arm, an impression of all the fluttering society ladies turning to observe her.

  Her hand was on her father’s arm, and he patted it with his hand. “Don’t think about them, Lizzy. Look ahead. Concentrate on your future with the man standing waiting for you.” His murmur was for her, and she lifted her gaze the length of the aisle.

  William was there. He had turned and was looking for her, his tall, lean figure perfectly at one with the company he was in. Only she knew how much becoming Darcy had cost him. His cousin Richard was beside him as groomsman, and Jane and Georgiana were walking behind her, standing up together, uniting the families as sisters.

  She smiled. Nothing else mattered any more. She would enjoy her day, especially knowing that afterwards, she could spend the rest of her life with the man she loved, and be done with the strictures of time and privacy they’d both found increasi
ngly irksome.

  His gaze on hers was warm and loving as she took her place beside him. She returned his smile, knowing her own expression was probably slightly dazed, and the warmth of his comforting presence wrapped around her even without his touch. Together they turned to face the bishop, as the murmuring of the congregation quieted behind them.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this Congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy Matrimony … .”

  As the words rang out, echoing along the nave, Elizabeth smiled. She’d read the service, heard it at Jane’s ceremony, rehearsed it here with the bishop and William. But now was the time. She stored it all up in her mind.

  When it got to Papa’s part, she sensed his sadness.

  “Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?” the bishop asked, and Papa took her hand and passed it to William.

  “Thank you, Papa,” she whispered, and William leaned forward to murmur to him.

  “I will not betray your trust, sir.”

  Then Papa was gone, joining his wife in the front pew, and she stood with William, together to make their vows, certain of his love and constancy.

  It was almost over, far too quickly, and the bishop joined their hands, and wrapped his stole over them in a symbolic knot.

  “Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.”

  “Never,” William whispered, and Elizabeth allowed the warmth of his love to envelop her.

  His pride in her was evident as she walked on his arm down the aisle, smiling at those she recognised and those she didn’t. These were all people who’d be important to William’s life in the future, and she would never risk offending them.

  Society wasn’t as reverent as the Meryton townsfolk of two se’ennight ago, and she could hear the whispers all round them.

  “Beautiful.” “Wonderful sermon.” “Very elegant.” But they were accompanied by the odd disdainful sniff, and Elizabeth felt William’s arm tightening on her hand.

  She leaned closer. “Lady Catherine, perhaps?” and was rewarded by a quiet chuckle.

  “We shall see at the wedding breakfast, no doubt.”

  She knew the sound of the swelling organ music meant they couldn’t be heard. “Not at all. I am convinced I can tame this fearsome lady.”

  His smothered chuckle amused her. “I will be interested to observe it, Mrs. Darcy.”

  Her heart gave a funny little jolt at the name. “Very well, Mr. Darcy, I will demonstrate — if Jane manages to keep Mama away for a few moments.”

  She stood demurely beside William in the receiving line at the wedding breakfast. Many of the guests had arrived, passed along the line, and gravitated to the great dining and drawing rooms. “Goodness!” she whispered to him. “I cannot imagine the amount of preparation all this entailed.”

  He nodded, his eyes ranging ahead. “I agree.” His brow furrowed a little. “I would have been happier if I had met many of these people before now, but I think the tall lady approaching, with the feathers on her hat, has some similarity to my uncle. It might be Lady Catherine.”

  “Thank you for the warning.” Elizabeth glanced over. The haughty, disdainful expression informed her that she would need to charm the lady, whoever it might be.

  “Lady Catherine de Bourgh!” announced the butler, just in time for her to prepare herself.

  William bowed. “I am happy to meet you at last, Lady Catherine.”

  The older woman gave a sniff and looked him up and down. “It would have been better for you to have called on me in Kent before this, Darcy! We might have changed what has happened.” She turned to Elizabeth and looked her up and down.

  “I’m honoured to introduce my wife, Lady Catherine.” Elizabeth was glad to hear the amusement in his voice. At least he was not apprehensive, although she sensed several family members standing nearby, seemingly ready to intervene.

  She curtsied low and pasted on her most demure smile. “Lady Catherine. It is an honour to be able to meet you. I’m very much hoping you will be able to spare me a little time to assist me in learning how to properly support your nephew to take his rightful place in the family.”

  Whatever the lady had been about to say seemed to drain back from her tongue. “Oh!” she seemed to struggle to think of an appropriate response. “Well … well, I’m glad you seem to acknowledge that there is much to learn.” She looked her up and down along the length of her aristocratic nose. “And, I dare say, you look rather well.”

  Elizabeth curtsied again. “You’re very kind, madam. I deeply appreciate you taking the time to attend and wish us joy.”

  As the lady moved away, she saw Colonel Fitzwilliam raising his eyebrows and turning to Georgiana with amusement; and the earl turned to Lady Matlock and shook his head.

  “Bravo, Elizabeth!” William’s voice in her ear turned her attention to him. “I think a lot of people were half-hoping for a scene to pick apart and gossip about.” His hand tightened in hers. “You were wonderful.”

  73

  Darcy sat in the coach, his hand in Elizabeth’s. At last, they were alone together. The wedding had been magnificent; nothing could have been grander, even royalty might not have had as much. But he was glad it was over, and they had embarked on a short tour. Nothing would be asked of them now for several weeks, and he had longed for this moment to come.

  Elizabeth rested her head on his shoulder, and his world suddenly seemed to spin. “Are you well, Elizabeth?”

  She laughed softly. “I’m very well, William. I know you have wanted this day to be over so we can rest without the outside world intruding. Now it is here. Thank you for being patient.”

  He was finally able to touch her. And they were alone. He drew her hand to his lap, and gently removed her glove, before lifting the back of her delicate hand to his lips. His lips pulsed with the warmth of her soft skin against them, and he groaned.

  “Dearest Elizabeth!”

  She gasped and he lifted his face and looked at her, before daring to extend his hand and trace her lips with his finger. “I have longed to be able to do this, Elizabeth. For many months, it has been tempting beyond measure.”

  She smiled. “I have known it, William.” Her hand covered his, pressing it to her face. “You cannot know how often I’ve had to prevent myself from encouraging you to behave in an un-gentlemanlike manner.” Her smothered amusement allowed him to smile.

  “I’m glad we are now able to stay close.” He put his arm around her, his heart pounding.

  She was looking up at him, her lips slightly parted, moist, full, and inviting. With another groan, he lowered his face to hers, and touched her lips.

  She murmured, and her body leaned closer to his, her heart fluttering against his chest. His arm tightened convulsively, pulling her closer.

  “Elizabeth.” The word a breath between their lips, and time seemed to stop.

  Eventually, she pulled away a little, and he watched her, his eyes following her every movement.

  She patted her hair. “I don’t wish to be too dishevelled when we arrive wherever it is!” she remarked, and glanced at the deepening dusk. “It’ll too be too dark soon to go further.” She settled back against him. “Where are we going, William?”

  He chuckled slightly, his arm around her, and his hand tracing the warm flesh of her arm. He shivered, and sat up straighter. He must not discompose her.

  “You’re right, we’re nearly there.” He glanced out of the window. “We’re spending the night at the White Hart, at Richmond. I have it on good authority it is the best place within reach.”

  “I think your good authority was right, William.” Elizabeth dabbed at her mouth with the linen napkin. “I believe this was one of the best meals I have ever eaten.” Her eyes danced as if she knew he had not been referring to the meals, and he was hard-put to it not to laugh.

  “Home.” He leaned across and covered her hand with his. “Wherever you
are, I feel perfectly at home.”

  A slight flush graced her cheeks, and his desire rose. He was grateful there was not long now before they might retire, and the slight constraint which had fallen during the meal might be lifted. Perhaps she was a little anxious, and he searched her features, before reassuring himself with a sip of wine.

  One of the servants from the inn proffered her the fruit bowl, and she shook her head. “No, thank you. I have had sufficient.”

  Darcy smiled. “Would you care to go through to the other parlour and have some tea?”

  Her eyes met his. “Thank you.”

  He rose and offered her his arm, happy his new-found wealth could offer her luxury previously beyond his means. Reserving both parlours meant they might have privacy now, and no servants bustling around to clear away the remains of the meal. But Elizabeth would have been pleased with whatever he could offer, she would not have despised a meaner ceremony, or quieter, more rustic inn.

  She sounded amused. “What are you thinking, William? I cannot imagine you have anything to criticise with regard to the service we have here.”

  He shook his head. “Nothing at all. I was merely thinking neither of us would have minded a simpler occasion, had I still been Mr. Stoke.”

  He felt her check slightly on his arm. “William?” He stopped and looked down.

  “Elizabeth?” he smiled, slightly anxious.

  “I don’t think I want to take tea — unless you do, of course.” She rushed out the words. “I think I’d like to retire, if you have no objections.”

  He searched her features. “I have no objection, Elizabeth, if it is what you want — not what you think I wish for.”

  They had two adjoining chambers reserved, and he left her at the door to the larger room, seeing her maid preparing to receive her. He lifted her hand to his mouth. “I will join you shortly, Elizabeth.”

  She nodded, her eyes dark and inviting. He stifled a groan as he watched the door close behind her, and hurried downstairs to speak briefly to Reed.